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CEDAR SPRINGS - Creative Technologies Academy (CTA) hosted a heartfelt 9/11 memorial tribute on Monday morning, bringing them together with first responders and military personnel in remembrance of the lives lost 24 years ago and in gratitude to the first responders and military personnel who serve daily. The event began with a moving speech by CTA Superintendent Autumn Mattson. Flanked by students and local heroes, Mattson spoke to the crowd about the significance of the day, emphasizing the importance of teaching younger generations, many of whom were not yet born in 2001, about the impact 9/11 had on the country.

RED HAWK STADIUM - The Cedar Springs Red Hawks Varsity Football team earned a gritty 30-20 victory over the Harper Creek Beavers on Friday night. In a game filled with physicality, key plays, and high-energy moments, the Red Hawks proved they could rise to the occasion against a tough opponent.

The Cedar Springs Rotary Club would like to thank everyone that played, supported, and sponsored the outing. Cedar Springs Manufacturing fielded the winning team. From a financial standpoint, it was one of the most successful. We earned $4,400, which will be used to support other community activities such as the Cedar Springs Library’s summer reading program, Feeding America’s mobile food pantry, and leadership training for youth. If you’d like to learn more about Rotary and what it does, check out our website at cedarspringsrotary.org or our Facebook page at Cedar Springs Rotary Club.

In late July, the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church celebrated their 20th mission trip to Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand in Manistique as it was celebrating its 30th year. This year nine volunteers packed up for a week of installing and finishing drywall in two Habitat houses that will be put up for sale in the fall. On Thursday afternoon, we had off to explore. This year as our first stop, we chose to check out a new attraction in Germfask, which is located north and east of Manistique. Northland Outfitters commissioned Danish artist Thomas Dambo to construct one of his unique “scrap wood” trolls. Located right on the Manistique River in their campground, Dambo created the 14-foot tall “Benny the Beard Fisher” from about five tons of scrap wood. Benny’s beard of twigs and branches dips right into the Manistique River as he reclines on the banks. Dambo has constructed over 100 trolls worldwide with the largest 60-feet tall! He uses these installations to highlight the waste of wood products. According to Dambo, in the US 12 million tons of wood are sent to the landfill each year. Much of this wood could be repurposed or reused and not wasted. The Tahquamenon Logging Museum in Newberry was our next stop. The museum commemorates the Upper Peninsula’s logging heritage and the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The museum is spread out in a series of buildings that include a log cabin and number of preserved CCC buildings and outside exhibits. Two looped videos tell the logging and CCC stories. We could have used more time here. Our last stop was at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The parking lot was almost empty. On our previous visits, it was difficult to even find a parking place. We’d tried to eat at the Tahquamenon Brewery on earlier trips, but it would have closed before our number was called. With the parking lot baren, we thought we’d try again. This time we walked right in and sat down! After an enjoyable supper we walked to the upper falls. We couldn’t go down to the overlook as it is under construction, but the view is still beautiful. It was a great afternoon; we all learned some new things and had fun doing it!

Things are falling into place for fall at the Kent District Library Nelson Township Branch in Sand Lake! Come visit us for books, movies, video games and more, and check out some of our programs while you’re here!

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI — This September, Nikki Twichell and her staff at Nikki & Company Hair Design, celebrates a decade of serving the Cedar Springs community at her 171 Muskegon St. location. Over the past ten years, Nikki and her talented team of seven stylists have become a cornerstone of the community, known not only for their expert hair services but also for their commitment to local events and causes. With a history of participating in beloved traditions like the Red Flannel Festival, and contributing to fundraisers in support of Cedar Springs Public Schools, Nikki & Company has left a lasting mark on the town. If you’re going to be in town on September 6, come celebrate the salon’s milestone with a special “Buy a Bag, Fill a Bag Boutique Sale” on Saturday, September 6, from 11 AM to 1 PM. For just $45, shoppers can purchase a reusable bag and fill it with as many boutique items as they can, offering looks and accessories for every season. For more details, visit the salon’s Facebook page, or stop on in. But the fun doesn’t stop there! It wouldn’t be the “Red Flannel Town” without some red in town, so let Nikki and her talent help you get your hair ready for the big day: Stop in and get your Red Tinsel! In honor of the Red Flannel Festival, Nikki & Company Hair Design is helping the community get into the festive spirit with $5 red hair tinsel! This offer is available the week before the festival and spots will be filling fast, so call 616-696-3192 to schedule your appointment and show your Red Flannel pride.

CEDAR SPRINGS - Construction has begun on the remodeling of one of Cedar's historic buildings into the new City Hall. The building at 130 W. Muskegon St., originally home to the Kent County Road Commission and later Rowland’s Surplus, was purchased by the city on Nov. 12, 2024. The $3.15 million project, designed by Post Associates Architects and led by Construction Simplified, is expected to be completed by March 2026.

RED HAWK STADIUM - The Cedar Springs Varsity Football team stormed into the 2025 football season with an emphatic 57-6 victory over the Avondale Yellow Jackets. The boys took to Red Hawk Stadium ready to lay it all on the line in the season opener on Thursday, August 28th. From the opening whistle, the Red Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball, showcasing their strength, teamwork, and determination. The offense wasted no time finding the end zone, putting up quick points with explosive runs that blasted past the Jackets' D-Line. By halftime, the boys had already built a commanding lead of 49-0, and the Hawks never looked back. The second half proved to be more of the same, with Cedar Springs continuing to execute with discipline and determination, stacking another 8 points on top of their already dominate lead. The defense was just as impressive, with Spencer Rosenberger leading the way, making several drive-stopping tackles, holding Avondale to a single touchdown late in the fourth. But with only eleven seconds left in the game, it was too little, too late for the Jackets to make a comeback. The energy in the stands was electric as the hometown crowd cheered on their Red Hawks, who delivered a performance to remember. At the sound of the final whistle, the crowd went wild as they descended onto the field to celebrate a commanding victory with our High Flying Hawks. The decisive victory sets the tone for the rest of the season, as Cedar Springs looks to build on the momentum when they face Harper Creek next week. Coach Kapolka reminded his team after the game, "You didn't win tonight here on this field. You won it on the practice field after each drill, each night. This next team, they're going to want it. We're going to have to want it more." For now, the team and town can celebrate a triumphant start to the season. Go Hawks!

CEDAR SPRINGS -- On August 27, staff members at The Village Learning Center took part in a CPR and First Aid training session designed to improve safety and emergency preparedness. This training is part of the center’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who relies on its services. As both a childcare facility during the day and a senior center at other times, the center plays a dual role in the community. The training showcases its commitment to readiness and to safeguarding the well-being of children, seniors, and everyone in its care. “Every second counts in an emergency. Knowing first aid and CPR means being ready to protect a child’s life when it matters most,” stated The Village Learning Center owner, Jen Ruwersma.

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI – The City of Cedar Springs has initiated a comprehensive road repaving project first approved during the June City Council meeting, targeting key residential corridors, with work expected to continue for approximately three weeks. Crews from Michigan Paving and Materials began repairs this week on four critical segments:

This year we say goodbye and good luck as Mr. Willett moves on to teach at the Kent County Technical Center as the second Ag. teacher there! He fostered so much growth in our program and we look forward to seeing its continued growth under our new teacher Mrs. Jenna Myers!! “I am a 6th generation farmer who grew up in Ashley, MI, graduating from Fulton High School in the class of 2016. I attended Michigan State University obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science degree majoring in crop and soil science along with a minor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. I am eager to share my love of agriculture with students and launch my teaching career here at Cedar Springs High School as the new agricultural science teacher.”