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Ronald C. Parker age 80 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Corewell Health Rehab and Nursing Home in Greenville. He was born on August 30, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Ora and Pauline (Flintoff) Parker. Ron was a devoted husband to Sharon K. (Miller) for 54 years and beloved Dad to Shannon and Shawn. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on a supply ship in the Mediterranean and as a Naval photographer. Ron had many hobbies, but photography was a true passion. He enjoyed volunteering his time taking photos at church or at the Rockford Sportsman’s Club for their cowboy action shoots and especially enjoyed nature photography. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Shannon (Benjamin) VanDonkelaar, Shawn Parker; grandchildren, Cody Reed and Zachary Butler (Jordan Ivey); brother, Tom (Linda) Parker; special bonus granddaughter Emily Reed; nieces and nephews. He is rejoicing in Heaven with his parents; granddaughter, Cassidy Reed; sister and brother-in-law, Diana & Arthur “Butch” Schultz; nephew, Brian Schultz. A Celebration of Life will be announced soon for spring. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Gloria Ann Stark age 65 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, January 8, 2026 at her home in her husband’s arms. She was born March 9, 1960 in Grant, MI the daughter of Herbert and Donna (Kloet) VanWylen. She enjoyed gardening and crafting and spending time with family and friends. She was a great person who was always willing to help and care for others. Surviving are her husband, David whom she married on February 25, 1995; siblings, Diane VanWylen, Howard VanWylen, Carl (Mary) VanWylen, Judy (Phil) Deur. She was preceded in death by her parents. The family will greet friends Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. M

Elizabeth Ann Havener age 91 of Cedar Springs died Friday, January 9, 2026 at New Haven Assisted Living. She was born July 2, 1934 in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of the late Warner and Mildred (Ingram) Parks. Elizabeth graduated from Spring Arbor High School at the age of 16 and attended Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois. She was highly intelligent and loved to learn. She was an avid reader, a creative writer and a very talented seamstress. Elizabeth had a quick sense of humor right up to the last days of her life. Elizabeth attended the Culinary Institute of New York and was an excellent cook. She loved to sing and sang with her church choir in Colorado. She worked for a number of years at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado as an administrative assistant. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and has been looking forward to meeting Him. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Anthony) Iarocci, Michael (Kim) Bowersox; daughter-in-law, Becky Powell; stepchildren, Michael Havener, Theresa Schumucker, Cynthia Bedsoul; grandson, Scott (Tia) Powell; two step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Vickie Parks; brothers-in-law, Doug Vollar, Daniel (Sherry) Bowersox; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Havener; son, Norman Powell; and granddaughter, Lindsey Powell; stepson, David Havener. Private burial will be held at a later date.

James L. Klein age 59 of Cedar Springs, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 at his home. He was born December 31, 1966 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Robert and Julia (Martin) Klein. He graduated from Portage Central High School, attended Northern Michigan University and graduated from DeVry University. Jim was an excellent athlete in High School playing football, baseball and hockey. He enjoyed hunting, Detroit sports teams, spending time on the lake and coaching his children’s sports teams. He was a scratch golfer and enjoyed time on the course. Surviving are his wife Maribeth, who he married on August 11, 1990; children, Lindsey (Kevin) McCoy, Robert (Brittany) Klein; grandchildren, Elliot, Leo; mother, Julia Klein; sister, Carol-Lynne (Craig) Mercer; brother, Timothy (Lisa) Klein; in-laws, Robert and Mary Anderson. He was preceded in death by his father. The family will greet friends Thursday, January 22 from 4 – 6 at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to House of Hutch.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Rotary Club is excited to announce that the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry will continue distributions in Cedar Springs thanks to the generosity of Display Pack, Cedar Springs Tool and Engineering, Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, Vanderhyde Ford, and Graaf Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. These organizations partnered with the Club to raise the money to offset funds lost from other sources. The Club also wants to thank ChrisAnn Lilley, Kerry Splitstone, their intrepid band of volunteers, and the Cedar Springs Fire Department for making the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry possible every month! Thanks to them between 80 and 100 families receive extra food during this period of rising prices and economic uncertainties. Distributions take place on the third Monday of each month at the Fire Station. Registration begins about 4:30 PM and distribution begins about 5 PM. These distributions are open to the public; no asset check is required. If you’d like to join ChrisAnn and Kerry’s volunteers, come at 4 PM.

CEDAR SPRINGS - A 45-year-old Cedar Springs woman was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday evening while walking along 17 Mile Road, authorities said. Sabrina Smith was struck about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, on 17 Mile Road between Ritchie Avenue and Shaner Avenue, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and the Cedar Springs Fire Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Her family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with funeral expenses. Smith is survived by two children. The link to the fundraiser can be found here The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the vehicle or driver involved, but said the driver is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Progress continues on Cedar Springs’ future City Hall at 130 W. Muskegon St., as the city’s conversion of the former Rowland’s Surplus building moves through major structural phases on schedule. The project is designed to consolidate city services and modernize workspaces inside a historic structure that originally served as a public works building. Construction Simplified remains in charge of the remodel, and the team says the job is on time as multiple trades coordinate in a tight, century old footprint.

More than 130 Solon Township residents and neighbors filled the township hall Monday night, Jan. 12, 2026, turning an otherwise routine meeting of the township board into a packed, standing room crowd that exceeded the building’s capacity. As latecomers pressed into the room, some residents gave up their seats so others could remain inside.

SOLON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Solon Township Board is considering a potential location for an AI data center along the 17 Mile Road corridor between U.S. 131 and Algoma, township officials said, as residents raise questions about what such a development could mean for local utilities and the area’s rural character.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Nearly 50 years after a one-room schoolhouse became its home, the Cedar Springs Historical Museum has continued to expand its role as the community’s keeper of stories, from railroad and lumbering heydays to family names traced across continents. The museum was born in 1975, when the Cedar Springs Historical Society was given the former Payne School in Morley Park. For about 25 years, the one-room schoolhouse served as the local museum, packed with artifacts and mementos of the town. With fundraising and donations from the community, the Historical Society was able to build a larger building next to the schoolhouse. It would only take about seven years to outgrow that space, however, so the museum began to raise funds once again. Today, visitors who walk through the doors of the museum get an overview of Cedar Springs’ past: its railroad and lumbering industries, its newspapers dating back to 1869, and its long tradition of military and public services. The museum’s main room honors the region’s farming roots and local public servants, highlighting the everyday people who shaped the community. The very same people who are honored in the annual Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce's "Celebration of Lights" ceremony. Although the museum moved into its newer building, the historical society did not leave its original home behind. Payne School was restored as a turn-of-the-century one-room schoolhouse, now offered as a teaching classroom for local schools who are encouraged to bring their students for a visit. The schoolhouse includes materials for teachers to help develop hands-on, historically themed lessons and activities, which affords the students an opportunity to have a session of their class right there in the historic building. Today, the historical society continues its operations, including a genealogy library that draws interest from well beyond Kent County. The collection holds histories from Cedar Springs and surrounding communities, county histories and extensive family genealogy resources, including a surname file. Volunteers regularly assist visitors with research and sometimes respond to requests from overseas. For museum Director, Sharon Jett, the site is more than a house of history. It's a "broad community resource, for genealogy but also for historical records, photographs, local school history, including sports and academic history, and more," she stated. "The museum has also played host to many community clubs and organizations," she continued. Once a hub of activity, many of the museum's programs and clubs were stifled by the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 through 2022. Now, with a few new faces and fresh ideas, the historical society is set on reengaging the community in 2026. Jett is already working to restart the Genealogy Club, which was established in 2020 but was affected by the pandemic. The club is intended for anyone interested in digging deeper than online ancestry websites typically allow. Additionally, the museum board is considering additional clubs, both previously held and new clubs. New programming and events, including an interactive Christmas walkthrough are also being planned to give the community more ways to engage in their local museum and the resources it provides. Community members who would like to join or help start a club are encouraged to contact the museum by email. The museum is also always seeking new volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering your time to the museum, you can contact Sharon Jett at cedarspringsmuseum@gmail.com . The museum is currently open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is free to visit. Additional operating hours will be communicated as they become needed to serve the public. It also opens for special events and by appointment for private tours.

After a nearly 90-degree Red Flannel Festival, many Cedar Springs residents joked that the town’s signature garments were more tradition than necessity. On New Year’s Eve, that joke flipped. With the temperature hovering near a chilling 10 degrees, those red flannels looked like the smartest outfit on Main Street.

CEDAR SPRINGS - By the time you realize someone’s heart has stopped, the clock is already running. In those first moments, when a teacher collapses in a hallway, when a student-athlete goes down at a game, when a neighbor slumps over at church, there isn’t time to “wait and see.” There is only time to act. And more often than not, the difference between a tragedy and a second chance comes down to two things being close at hand: a trained responder and an AED (automated external defibrillator). That is exactly why the School Emergency Response Coalition (SERC) exists. Based right here in Cedar Springs, SERC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a straightforward mission and a lifesaving impact: donate AEDs and teach CPR for free to local schools, childcare facilities, and shelters so that when the unthinkable happens, someone nearby is ready. A hometown nonprofit with a lifesaving purpose SERC was founded in 2015 by Kevin McGraw, who was driven by a simple belief: students and school staff can be empowered to save a life...if we give them the tools and the training. Through SERC’s Students United Prepared Emergency Responders (SUPER) CPR & AED Training Program, students learn how to respond effectively and properly when an emergency arises. They learn CPR. They learn how to use an AED. They learn that they are not helpless in a crisis, and that they can be the reason someone goes home. SERC’s work also brings the community together, partnering with public safety professionals: police, firefighters, and paramedics to teach these skills and help students see public service as a real, meaningful path. To date, SERC has taught over a thousand hours of CPR, including choking and stroke recognition. Locally, SERC has placed AEDs in Cedar Springs Public Schools, Creative Technologies Academy, as well as the Cedar Springs Community Library, American Legion Glen Hill Post 287, Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, and The Village Learning Center. According to a SERC spokesperson, pending city approval, the nonprofit is eyeing a few more defibrillators for the Cedar Springs community's public spaces beginning in 2026. “It’s not theoretical.” It’s happened more than once. It can be easy to read about CPR and AED training and think of it as “good to have.” But for Cedar Springs’ SERC, this isn’t abstract. Because of the AED equipment they’ve donated and the CPR training they’ve taught, there have been confirmed saves, not only in West Michigan schools, but also in Grand Rapids-area shelters. That means there are people walking around today, hugging their kids, showing up for work, and being present for the holidays because SERC’s training and equipment were in the right place at the right time, and someone had the courage and the knowledge to act. It’s hard to put a price on a life. But it’s not hard to imagine how different those stories could have ended. Why this matters is because most cardiac arrests happen close to home. National health organizations have long stressed what emergency responders already know: cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for an ambulance. The critical window is the first few minutes. Having CPR started immediately and an AED used quickly can dramatically improve the odds of survival. And the part that should stop all of us in our tracks: The next life saved could be yours. 100% volunteer-led. 100% donor-funded. 100% about the mission. SERC isn’t backed by a large corporate budget. It isn’t running on paid staff. It is 100% volunteer led and 100% donor funded. Neighbors helping neighbors, and even businesses kicking in, because the need is real and the stakes are life and death. Their impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, SERC was named the Wood TV8 “Connecting with the Community” award winner, and that same year was recognized by the State of Michigan for excellence in their field. But the truth is, their most meaningful recognition isn’t a plaque or a headline. It’s a heartbeat restored. A family kept whole. A classroom that doesn’t have to live with “what if.” How you can help If you’ve ever wondered what kind of donation truly makes a difference: this is it. Supporting SERC means supporting local. It means supporting training that equips students and staff to respond, and AEDs that can bring someone back when every second counts. Donate today at: www.sercmi.org Because the next life saved might be someone you love. And it might be the very person who donated.