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CEDAR SPRINGS, MI – The Cedar Springs City Council has unanimously approved a new

Nestled in the heart of the Main Street business district, Cozy Reflections has

Raymond Alfred Bekins, age 74 of Cedar Springs, MI passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the comfort of home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 28, 1950, in Grand Rapids, MI and was the son of Elmer and Madeline (Scheidel) Bekins. Ray was loved by many: friends, family, work colleagues and hunting buddies alike. A lifelong Cedar Springs resident, Ray's life revolved around hard work, perseverance, and most importantly his family. Ray, the son of a butcher, followed in his father's footsteps before working in manufacturing for several decades prior to retirement. Ray's work didn't define him. It allowed him the time and resources to be a provider to his family, unknowingly teach life lessons, and to ultimately do the things he enjoyed in life. Ray's priority was his wife and children, and this often included coming to their rescue. He was a self-proclaimed Mr. Handyman. He always helped to fix anything even if sometimes he didn't know what he was doing! He was always present at his kid’s sporting events, family vacations, and most importantly taught us all discipline and hard work. We were lucky to have Ray as a father and will be forever grateful for the life lessons and support. Ray's biggest supporter and lifelong love was Diane who was by his side until the end. Ray and Diane created countless memories over the years, and they were the perfect pair. Hunting and fishing were Ray's favorite hobbies (the local deer population is probably breathing a sigh of relief!), but a close second was searching for the ultimate bargain at a garage sale. Ray and Diane were professional bargain hunters and spent decades enjoying this hobby together. Ray's sarcasm, quick wit, and willingness to give and help without expecting anything in return will forever be missed. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Interim Hospice for the loving care they gave to Ray. Surviving is his wife, Diane; children, Ryan (Lana) Bekins, Courtney (Roy) Ferguson; grandchildren, Jayden, Saylor, Nautica, Piper Ferguson; brothers, Dan (Anna), Todd (Erica), Alfred Bekins; sisters, Betty (Floyd) Calkins, Alice (Brian) Hayward, Sue Allen, Sally (Joe) Sagorski; mother-in-law, Florence Antor; in-laws, Gordon (Sharon) Cook, Roger (Janie) Kopenski, Doug (Sue) Stein, Denny (Liz) Antor, Ted (Jackie) Doorenbos. A Rosary will be offered 10:30 am Tuesday, August 26 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 3110 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. The family will greet friends at the luncheon following Mass. Rev. Fr. Lam Le, Celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, Interim Hospice, 1971 E. Beltline NE Ste 216 Grand Rapids, MI 49525, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Sarah Barnes (Sabinas) Kacprzyk, age 44 of Cedar Springs, Michigan, left behind her earthly body to rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord on Friday, August 15th, 2025. Sarah was a cherished daughter of Ted and Dianne Sabinas, born on July 16th, 1981. She was also the beloved wife of Ben. In 20 years of marriage, Sarah and Ben created a beautiful life, packed with precious memories, travel adventures, and what she loved most: navigating life's sweetest joy as parents to Breslyn, Elsie, and Macey. Sarah was a proud Red Hawk for life. After graduating from Cedar Springs High School, she earned her teaching degree. She returned home to Cedar Trails Elementary, where she left a lasting impact of kindness, patient love, and support on hundreds of kindergarteners and staff. Sarah also passed on many lessons to Red Hawk athletes as a volleyball and basketball coach. She loved teaching and coaching. But more than anything, Sarah's most cherished role was being a fierce, loving mama to her girls. She lived each and every day to be a mom. Her legacy of "family comes first" is woven into our hearts. Sarah's influence on the many who loved her is felt deeply in her absence. Those who spent time with Sarah came to love her spunk, her selfless compassion for others, and her infinite zest and love for the life she was living. Even in the most adverse moments, Sarah would find joy, create happiness, and appreciate all of the blessings her many circles of friends and family provided her. Her tenacity and spirit provided hope and light for many, lifting those around her who needed protection from life's storms. We will forever miss her classic, and sometimes snarky, one-liners that left us laughing until we cried, the beautiful smile that made us smile, and the genuine comfort she spread in our hearts. To honor Sarah's memory we commit to laugh and smile when we can enjoy the simple blessings of life that filled her soul; mowing the green grass, watering the flowers, a beautiful sunset, anything in the color purple, traveling with our loves, lake days and boat rides, cozy pj pants, hot coffee or an ice cold Coke, a giant dill pickle, Kenny Chesney songs on the radio, great concerts, Fourth of July and Christmas traditions, sitting on the sidelines and in bleachers cheering embarrassingly loud, but most of all loving God and finding strength and comfort in His pure love and loving our family, friends, and children wholeheartedly and without bounds or limit. Sarah is preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward Sabinas and Hazel (Sabinas) Kaplachinski, Leonard Kaplachinski, and Richard and Barbara Barnes, as well as uncles, Claude Malone, Larry Sabinas, Mark Sabinas, and aunt, Lynda (Barnes) Jones. She is survived by her husband, Ben; daughters, Breslyn, Elsie, and Macey; parents, Ted and Dianne Sabinas; sister, Jennifer (Sabinas) Kahler; mother and father-in-law, Hank and Sue Kacprzyk; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bryan Kahler, Nick and Andrea Kacprzyk, Joe and Laura Kacprzyk, Sarah Kacprzyk; nieces and nephews, Lela, Sam, Lola, Charlotte, Evan, Bethany, and Andrew.

CEDAR SPRINGS - In an effort to better serve local residents, Cedar Springs City Manager, Darla Falcon, has joined forces with North Kent Connect, bringing her expertise to the board's Finance Committee. A move she hopes will bring greater awareness and easier access to critical services for local families.

Photo Credit: Life Magazine, 1949 It's tempting to think the future is something that happens to us, delivered by time like the weather rolling in from the west. But here in Cedar Springs we know better. The future takes showing up. It takes neighbors talking to neighbors. It takes a little patience, a little courage, and a shared willingness to put our hopes into words. But what does it truly take to shape the future of our town? The answer is simple, yet true: it takes all of us. Over the past year, city officials, staff, and volunteers have dedicated their time, efforts, and expertise into crafting the City of Cedar Springs Master Plan. This document is a vision, a roadmap, and a promise. It will guide decisions on growth, development, parks, businesses, housing, and the very character of our town for the next decade and beyond. And now, they're asking for something only we can give: our feedback. A plan is only as strong as the voices behind it. If you rent an apartment over on a side street or own a home near the White Pine Trail or maybe down "Teacher's Alley;" if you're running a storefront, investing in a property, or dreaming of one: this is your moment. What do you want Cedar Springs to look and feel like in a year, five years, or ten? Do we need safer crossings and sidewalks for kids walking to school? More space for small businesses to start and stay? Thoughtful housing options that let grandparents live near grandkids? How do we balance the pulse of Main Street with the quiet peacefulness we love along Cedar Creek? What should we strive for, and what must we protect? Consensus isn't easy. We may never agree on every detail, in fact it is statistically unlikely that we will. That's okay. What matters is a genuine, broad consensus, a sense that a majority of us were heard and that the path forward reflects our shared values. Many voices would make this plan stronger. Read it. React to it. Offer a suggestion. Or, if you choose not to, understand that silence is a kind of consent to accept whatever happens. Remember, in the recent City Council primary election, turnout was just 7.8%. A silence that allowed a very small slice of our community to decide for everyone else. Let's not repeat that here. Here's how to get involved: Read the draft Master plan at https://cityofcedarsprings.org . On the homepage, look for the blue lettering that reads "Proposed Master Plan" and click the link. Prefer paper? Call City Hall, (616.696.1330) to request a printed copy for a small fee, or stop by during regular hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am - 5:30pm Share your ideas and suggestions with our City Manager, Darla Falcon, no later than Tuesday, August 26, at 5pm Attend the Public Hearing at City Hall on Thursday, September 2 at 7pm, listen to your neighbors and add your voice to the official record. The Master Plan itself says it plainly. On page 67, the vision requires a "commitment to implementation" and that "its success depends on the efforts put into action." And the last paragraph reminds us: "it is understood that many of these strategies are complex and long-term in nature, necessitating cooperation from multiple stakeholders." That "cooperation" isn't abstract. It's you. It's all of us. Cedar Springs has always been more than a dot on a map. We're a community that rolls up its sleeves, looks out for one another, and takes pride in where we're headed. The future won't arrive ready-made. We'll build it together, with care, with honesty, and with that practical Cedar Springs spirit. So, what does it take to shape the future? Well, if you ask this editor, it takes a willingness to take responsibility for the community in which you live, a couple hours to get involved, and the belief that our best days are the ones we design together. You can help shape the future of our town and community. So, let's begin. If you enjoy local news, hometown happenings, and articles like this, subscribe today!

SOLON TOWNSHIP — Solon Fire Department is preparing to replace their medic vehicle, and they’re offering a unique opportunity for the right buyer. The department is accepting sealed bids for their well- maintained 2003 Ford Excursion, a versatile vehicle they say has plenty of life left. Solon Fire's Current Medic - a 2003 Ford Excursion The move comes after the Solon Township Board approved the purchase of a new vehicle back in June this year. On June 17, the fire department acquired a 2024 Chevy Silverado, which has since been sent to Robinson’s Body Shop for decals. Once the Silverado is outfitted and ready for service, the Excursion will officially be retired and made available to the winning bidder. How to Bid: You can find all the information about the Excursion here . Sealed bids must be received no later than 5:00 PM on September 8, 2025. Bids can be dropped off or mailed to: Solon Township Clerk Excursion Bid 15185 Algoma Ave NE Cedar Springs, MI 49319 Solon Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Interested parties with questions or those wishing to see the vehicle in person are encouraged to contact the Solon Township Fire Department at 616-696-0020. This is a rare opportunity to pick up a well-maintained, multi-functional vehicle while helping Solon Fire transition to its next chapter with its newly purchased Silverado.

OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP, — Starting Monday, August 18, 2025, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin a $4 million project to resurface 5.5 miles of M-57 (14 Mile Road), stretching from just west of Ramsdell Road to Morgan Mills Avenue. The project also includes the addition of wider shoulders and mumble strips for improved safety. The project is set to be completed by Friday, October 31, 2025. During construction, lane closures will be in effect. Both directions of traffic will share a single lane, alternating with the help of traffic regulators. Additionally, short-term intersection closures will occur during paving.This project will provide a smoother ride for motorists, extend the service life of the roadway, and enhance safety by widening the shoulders and installing mumble strips to reduce the risk of accidents. The resurfacing will benefit travelers and residents near Greenville and throughout Kent County, ensuring safer and more efficient commutes on this heavily traveled route. Drivers are advised to plan for delays and exercise caution when traveling through the work zone. For more updates, visit the MDOT website.

Joanne “Jo” R. Furhoff, age 89, of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Mt. Pleasant. She was born March 9, 1936 in Detroit, the daughter of August and Ruth (Gobat) Furhoff. Jo was a member of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master’s in Education. She taught in country schools and in Sparta Public Schools for 32 years. She was very proud of being a teacher and cared for all her students. Jo was an avid reader and loved traveling the world with Shirley. She enjoyed stitchery projects, crocheting and collecting native artifacts. Jo will be missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her life partner, Shirley Neff; brother, Bob Furhoff; sister-in-law, Joyce Seeley; nephews, Greg (Tammy) Seeley, Todd (Michelle) Seeley; niece, Karen (Emmett) Purtill; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jo was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 at K.E Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson, officiating. Donations may be made to the Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry.