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CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs City Council held public interviews on Thursday, May 7th where they appointed two residents to fill vacant seats on the council. The special meeting marked the very first official council meeting held in the city’s new City Hall, located at 130 W. Muskegon St.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Nearly 200 residents came and went Thursday evening, May 14, for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Cedar Springs’ new City Hall at 130 W. Muskegon St., to celebrate the transformation of a historic 1929 building into a modern civic center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grand Rapids, MI – Construction Simplified is proud to announce the completion of Cedar Springs' new City Hall and Department of Public Works, marking the successful transformation of a historic 1929 municipal building into a modern, functional civic facility. A public open house will be held Thursday, May 14, from 4:00–6:00 PM, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:00 PM and the first City Council meeting in the new facility at 7:00 PM, celebrating this milestone for the City of Cedar Springs and the community it serves. The approximately 9,000-square-foot project represents a thoughtful approach to adaptive reuse, preserving the building's historic character while delivering the modern infrastructure and functionality required for Cedar Springs' municipal operations. Construction Simplified served as Construction Manager, leading the Design-Build team alongside architect Post Associates to direct preconstruction planning, trade coordination, and schedule management from concept through completion. Jeff Wustman, Project Executive and Partner at Construction Simplified, reflected on the significance of the project. "Working on a historic civic building in the heart of Cedar Springs has been an honor for our team. This project required careful coordination to balance preservation with progress, maintaining the building's historic integrity while creating a space that serves the community's needs for decades to come. We're proud to have partnered with City leadership and our design and trade partners to deliver a facility that reflects Cedar Springs' values and vision." The project involved close collaboration with City leadership, design partner Post Associates, and trade partners to navigate the complexities of adaptive reuse. The team updated the building's core systems and modernized MEP infrastructure while preserving the historic character that defines the structure. Darla Falcon, City Manager for the City of Cedar Springs, shared her enthusiasm for the project's completion. “I’m incredibly grateful to play a role in this exciting new chapter for Cedar Springs. This city hall renovation represents more than a building – it reflects the pride, growth, and future of our community. Choosing Construction Simplified as the construction manager was a great decision. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to quality helped make this renovation a true success for the community!” The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the new City Hall and the completion of a project designed to serve Cedar Springs residents for years to come. Construction Simplified looks forward to celebrating this achievement alongside the City of Cedar Springs and the community.

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI — Creative Technologies Academy recently welcomed iUnderstand into its 4th grade classrooms for a meaningful visit centered around emotional wellness, connection, and support for students. During the visit, students met Hope, the iUndersantd’s pink heart mascot, who brought encouragement, smiles, hugs, and high fives to the classroom while helping to share their message of love and care. Founder Vonnie Woodrick led thoughtful conversations focused on emotions, kindness, asking for help, and reminding students that they are never alone in navigating difficult feelings. Each student also received a “Cloud Kit,” a collection of tools and resources designed to help children work through feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, and other big emotions in healthy ways. The experience created an opportunity for students to learn that emotions are normal; support is available, and they are deeply cared for by the adults and community around them. “At CTA, we believe supporting students goes beyond academics,” said Autumn Mattson, Superintendent of Creative Technologies Academy. “Creating environments where students feel safe, supported, seen, and valued is incredibly important to us. We are grateful to iUnderstand and Vonnie Woodrick for bringing such a meaningful message of love, hope, and emotional wellness to our students.” CTA continues to prioritize whole-child development by creating opportunities for students and families to engage in conversations surrounding mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. The school extends its gratitude to iUnderstand for investing in students and helping create a culture where care, compassion, and connection are encouraged every day. For more information about Creative Technologies Academy, visit https://www.ctachargers.org/ For more information about iUnderstand, visit https://www.iunderstandloveheals.org/ About Creative Technologies Academy Creative Technologies Academy is a K–12 public charter school located in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Since 1998, CTA has provided a personalized learning experience through small class sizes, strong relationships, and a focus on academic growth. The school partners closely with families to support student success and prepare learners for future opportunities.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Firefighters from four local departments gathered on the evening of May 11 at the Hilltop school building for a joint fire and rescue training designed to strengthen coordination and mutual aid response. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Participating departments included Cedar Springs, Solon Township, Sand Lake, and Courtland Township. The training focused on interior fire attack, VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search) operations, and controlled wall breaching techniques. Firefighters operated in smoke-simulated, low-visibility conditions while practicing hose deployment, thermal imaging camera (TIC) usage, coordinated search efforts, and victim removal. One scenario simulated a lower-level classroom fire in a school setting, where crews advanced a hose line to a basement stairwell before attacking the seat of the fire. Another evolution required firefighters to breach interior walls to access and remove a simulated victim when primary exits were obstructed. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Safety remained the top priority throughout the exercise, with full protective equipment required and instructors overseeing all operations. Cedar Springs Fire Captain Greg Seely said the training was valuable for all agencies involved. “We had a great turnout. It was a great training and experience for all our agencies. It helped to solidify and strengthen the bond between the fire departments in our area that we would be calling on for mutual aid. We are grateful to Cedar Springs Schools for letting us use the Hilltop building for this training.” The remaining departments also extended their thanks to Cedar Springs Public Schools for providing the facility. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Captain Seely went on to say joint trainings like this ensure firefighters are prepared to work seamlessly together when real emergencies occur, helping keep the community safe.

There was a time when being social required leaving the house. No, this is not a lecture or a walk down memory lane. Although, sometimes it helps to remember how we used to do things, if only to see what has changed. Leaving the house wasn't for an event necessarily, nor for something formal. Sometimes, it was just to stop by. People would visit in the evenings without much notice. A car in the driveway meant someone was home and likely willing to receive company. Generally, coffee was poured, chairs were pulled up, and conversation unfolded without anyone checking the time (or their phones) every few minutes. You remember those days, right?. I remember my mom and my grandma both always seeming ready for that kind of visit. There was usually a cake on the counter or something sweet tucked under a glass dome. This wasn't because someone had announced they were coming, but simply because someone might. Hospitality felt less scheduled then. It was less planned and more "open door." Somewhere along the way society shifted. We still connect, technically. We comment, we react, we message, we text. We even keep up with birthdays...mainly because Facebook doesn't let us forget. We even keep up with vacations and graduations, although mostly through a screen and squeezed between other tasks. Even phone calls have started to feel like an interruption instead of a welcome sound. According to a 2023 study, people now consider phone calls to be too time consuming, something that should be replaced with a quicker message. In an ever expedient world, even conversation, in many ways, has been streamlined. Efficient? Perhaps. But noticeably thinner and lacking depth. It used to be normal to sit across from someone and let a story take its time. To hear the pauses, the laughter, the change in tone. We would disagree gently and work through it in real time, knowing there is another human behind the argument. Now it often feels as though communication is something to get through rather than settle into. We answer when it is convenient. We ignore when it's not. This is, of course, not to point fingers. I'm every bit as guilty as any at conveniently "missing" a call. Social media promises connection, and in the most literal way, it delivers it. We know more about each other’s daily lives than previous generations ever did about theirs. But knowing about someone is not the same as sitting with them and getting to know them. A photograph of a birthday cake is not the same as sharing a slice at the kitchen table. I don't think this shift happened all at once, and I don't think it came from bad intentions. Life is busy. Schedules are full. Convenience has its appeal. It is easier to send a message than to make a call, easier to scroll than to knock on a door. In fact, showing up unannounced and knocking on a door would feel out of place these days. Still, I wonder what we have unintentionally given up. We have moved from a culture that felt ready to receive to one that often signals, gently but clearly, "keep your distance." A visit now requires notice. A call may need a text first to ask if it is a good time. Even our conversations seem to come with boundaries. And yet, I don't think the desire for real connection has disappeared. I think it has just been buried under habit. Maybe it starts small. Maybe it starts with a phone call that lasts longer than necessary. Or maybe coffee with a neighbor that isn't rushed. Maybe it means a cake baked not because someone confirmed they were coming, but because they might. Nevertheless, being social once meant being available. Not always, necessarily, but openly. Perhaps the most radical thing we could do now is open the door again.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Downtown Cedar Springs is gearing up to welcome shoppers tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, for the 3rd Annual Mother's Day Sip and Shop Hop. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises a full day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating moms throughout the downtown district. Billed as a celebration "for the love of Mom and Coffee," this year's Sip and Shop is taking on a fresh format. In previous years, organizers worked to include local restaurants with space for vendors, but the new approach shifts the focus directly to downtown's brick-and-mortar businesses. Participating retailers will be offering coffee, tea, and other beverages (depending on location) for shoppers to enjoy as they browse, along with Mother's Day sales, activities, and giveaways. Locally Crafted Coffee Takes Center Stage A highlight of this year's event is the lineup of locally roasted coffees being served at participating shops: The Cedar Chest Resale Shop, at 61 N. Main, will be serving locally crafted Red Flannel Coffee Co., featuring the return of their very popular Costa Rican single origin, The Old Hilltop. Named by the company's founder, who grew up playing in the Hilltop schoolyard, the blend is making a timely comeback as the historic school marks its centennial year ahead of its planned demolition. Perry's Place LLC at 90 N. Main will be pouring coffee from Hermann's Boy, in addition to offering a wide selection of tea. "It gives a 'fresh brewed' aspect on the event." said event organizer, Perry Hopkins. "Come out and do some sipping and shopping, then brew up some more excitement live on stage as the Koinonia Players present 'In His Steps' which will be performed at the historic Kent Theatre at 1pm and 7pm." The Rustic Roof at 6 S. Main will be featuring Hub Coffee for shoppers to sip while they browse. Participating Businesses Shoppers can look forward to visiting the following downtown businesses (and possibly more) during the event: - Cedar Chest Resale Shop - Cookies Collectible and Sundries - Cozy Reflections LLC - Daniel J Reynolds Jeweler - Fisher Law (including Broom Closet Art) - Found and Forged LLC - Perry's Place LLC - Quick Water Coffee - The Rustic Roof Plan Your Visit If you're shopping for the perfect Mother's Day gift, treating Mom to a day out, or just looking to enjoy a great cup of locally roasted coffee while supporting small businesses, the Mother's Day Sip and Shop has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and spend the day shopping and dining in Downtown Cedar Springs!

CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — The City of Cedar Springs has been awarded a $4,000 grant through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program to support the upcoming Cedar Creek Cleanup event scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026. The grant will help fund a volunteer cleanup effort focused on removing trash and non-natural debris from approximately 1.5 miles of Cedar Creek and surrounding banks within 50 feet of the water’s edge. The City of Cedar Springs partnered with the Community Building Development Team (CBDT), Cedar Springs Rotary Club, and Creative Technologies Academy to develop the successful grant proposal and coordinate the community cleanup effort. “We are incredibly grateful to Michigan Clean Water Corps for investing in our community and the many community partners that have dedicated their time and resources to ensure this project is successful. Cedar Creek is a defining part of our community, and this project gives residents an opportunity to come together to protect and enhance one of our most valued natural resources” said Rebecca Johnson, Assistant City Manager for the City of Cedar Springs. The cleanup event is expected to bring together volunteers from across the community, including students, civic organizations, local businesses, and residents. Volunteers will assist with removing litter, and debris from the creek and surrounding banks. Volunteers should meet at the Heart of Cedar Springs Park, located at 37 Maple Street, Cedar Springs, Michigan, 49319 from 9:00AM-Noon. As part of the event, volunteers will be provided with pizza and refreshments following the cleanup. In addition, the first 70 volunteers to arrive will receive a volunteer appreciation gift in recognition of their service to the community. Project goals for the Cedar Creek Cleanup include: • Recruiting at least 75 volunteers • Removing at least 50 pounds of trash and debris • Collecting at least 20 bags of litter • Properly disposing of all materials identified during the cleanup • Cleaning approximately 1.5 miles of creek and surrounding banks Funding for the Volunteer Stream cleanup program is provided in part by Water Quality License plate fees. For more information, contact: Sue Wolfe, CBDT (Project Coordinator) at (616)696-8432 or Rebecca Johnson, Assistant City Manager at (616)696-1330.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Cedar Springs Public Schools will honor past and present Red Hawks during the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Celebration on Tuesday, May 19 at Cedar Springs High School. The evening will recognize four new inductees: Norman “Norm” Hill, Autumn Mattson, Tyler Emmorey, and Nicholas “Nick” Wolfe. The celebration begins with a social hour and light snacks from 6 to 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The formal awards ceremony will follow at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, where the new inductees will be recognized alongside past Hall of Fame recipients. The event is open to all past and present Red Hawk athletes, coaches, staff and fans. Norman “Norm” Hill A true Red Hawk basketball legend, Hill made history as the first player in school history to score 1,000 career points, finishing his varsity career with an impressive 1,100 points. One of his most memorable performances came during the district finals against Coopersville, when Hill set both school and tournament records by scoring 54 points in a single game. Known for his scoring ability, leadership and humility, Hill’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Red Hawk athletes. Autumn Mattson Cedar Springs High School proudly recognizes Autumn Mattson for her outstanding contributions as both a coach and athletic administrator. Mattson served as the varsity girls basketball coach from 2003 to 2007, leading her teams to two district championships. A former Red Hawk athlete herself, she went on to compete in basketball at Lake Superior State University before returning to Cedar Springs. Mattson later served as Athletic Director for 10 years, helping to shape and strengthen the district’s athletic programs. During her tenure, she played a key role in developing initiatives such as the Athletic Leadership Council, Red Hawk Kids Club and Staff Appreciation programs, leaving a lasting impact on students, staff and the broader community. Nicholas “Nick” Wolfe Wolfe stands as one of the most accomplished basketball players in Cedar Springs history. From 1990 to 1994, he earned First Team All-State honors as both a junior and senior, averaging an extraordinary 31 points per game. He concluded his Red Hawk career with 1,711 points, ranking second among the program’s all-time leading scorers. Wolfe continued his success at Lake Superior State University, where he became the school’s career three-point leader, served as a two-time team captain, and helped lead his team to GLIAC league and tournament championships. He later played professionally overseas in Portugal. Celebrating Red Hawk Legacy Organizers say the Hall of Fame ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, leadership and lasting impact of individuals who have shaped Cedar Springs athletics. Nomination applications for future Hall of Fame recipients are available through the Cedar Springs Athletic Department and must be submitted by Dec. 1. The event is presented by the Cedar Springs Public Schools Athletic Department, the Athletic Leadership Council and the Red Hawk Legacy Club. Come on out and help celebrate the proud tradition of Red Hawk athletics. Let's go Red Hawks!

SAND LAKE — The Village of Sand Lake will remain incorporated after a two-thirds majority vote was failed to be made. Unofficial results show 499 voters, or 55.14 percent, voted yes to vacate the village’s incorporation, while 406 voters, or 44.86 percent, voted no. Although a majority supported disincorporation, the proposal required a two‑thirds majority to pass and did not meet that threshold. Though the majority supported disincorporation, the vote failed to meet a two-thirds majority. As a result, Sand Lake will continue operating as an incorporated village. Results remain unofficial until formally certified. Fire Millage Approved While the disincorporation measure failed, voters approved a separate proposal to levy a new additional 1.500 mills for township fire protection purposes. Unofficial totals show 552 voters, or 59.74 percent, voted yes on the four‑year millage, while 372 voters, or 40.26 percent, voted no. The millage will run from 2026 through 2029 and is intended to support fire department operations, equipment and facilities. The approval provides dedicated funding as Nelson Township continues its fire service agreement involving the Sand Lake Fire Department. How The Village Reached This Vote The election followed months of turbulence in village government. In March, the majority of the Village Council and several Planning Commission members resigned, leaving the village without a quorum and raising concerns about its ability to function. The departures came amid governance disputes and uncertainty surrounding fire protection services. Within days, new council members were appointed, including former Village President Dan Hula, which restored the village’s ability to conduct business. The reconstituted council approved a 10‑year agreement with Nelson Township to secure fire coverage and released previously budgeted funds for the fire department. What Happens Now Because the two‑thirds threshold was not met, Sand Lake will continue as an incorporated municipality. Village leadership will remain responsible for governance, public works and village‑specific services. Village bonds for roads, sewers and facilities remain in place, as do village‑specific property taxes and fees. With the fire millage approved and a long‑term fire agreement in place, one of the most pressing issues facing the village appears more settled. However, the underlying divisions revealed by the vote, with more than half of voters supporting dissolution, suggest ongoing conversations about local government transparency and long‑term stability are likely to continue. Final election results are expected to be certified in the coming days. **This is an ongoing story with updates to come as more information comes out.

SAND LAKE — Voters in Nelson Township and the Village of Sand Lake are casting ballots today in a decision that could reshape the future of the village. Polls opened today at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 18 W. Lake St. Because village residents are also electors of Nelson Township, all eligible voters are casting ballots at the same location. The primary question before voters asks whether the incorporation of the Village of Sand Lake should be vacated. The proposal requires a two thirds majority of yes votes to pass, with township and village ballots combined. If approved, the village would dissolve and Nelson Township would assume its governmental responsibilities. If the measure fails, the village would remain incorporated and continue operating under its current structure. Voters are also weighing a separate but related proposal to increase the township fire millage to 1.5 mills for four years, from 2026 through 2029, to support fire department operations, equipment and facilities. Today’s vote follows weeks of heightened community discussion about governance, fire protection and long term stability. Regardless of the outcome, the results will determine how local government and fire services are structured and funded moving forward. Unofficial results are expected after polls close this evening. The Bugle will continue its coverage as results come in.

CEDAR SPRINGS — City crews will begin routine hydrant flushing throughout the community starting May 11, with work expected to continue for approximately one week. The annual maintenance effort is designed to clean the city’s water system pipes, remove settled buildup and improve overall water quality for residents and businesses. Hydrant flushing plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the municipal water system. Flushing removes naturally occurring mineral deposits and sediment that accumulate inside water mains over time. Clearing out that buildup helps maintain water clarity, system performance and the quality of drinking water delivered to homes and businesses. To minimize disruption, flushing will take place overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. During the flushing period, residents may notice temporary brown or discolored water and occasional drops in water pressure. Officials emphasize that this is normal during the process. To reduce potential impacts, residents are encouraged to run sinks and flush toilets first thing each morning to clear household lines. Avoid washing white clothing if possible, and consider flushing water heaters. Running water briefly inside the home can also help clear any sediment that may enter private plumbing lines. City officials acknowledge the process can be frustrating but stress that the temporary inconvenience supports long term improvements to the community’s water quality. For questions or concerns, residents may contact the Cedar Springs Department of Public Works at 616 696 1330.