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Every now and then I’ll drive up to the north parking lot at Cedar Springs Baptist Church and just sit there for a few minutes. From up there you can look straight down Main Street. And if you get there early enough it's quiet most of the time. A few cars move through and sometimes you may see a person or two pass along. And I’ll catch myself wondering what that same view looked like a hundred years ago, or seventy, or even fifty years ago, which isn’t all that long ago when you think about it. There are still plenty of people here who remember it. I try to picture how folks interacted back then. What the storefronts looked like. How quickly or slowly news traveled. Who was sitting in which office when certain decisions were made. It’s easy to look at a building or even just the layout of town today and assume it simply landed there. But at some point someone had to decide something. Almost certainly someone had to say, "yes," and someone had to say "no." Sometimes I’ll go from that parking lot back to my desk at the museum and start flipping through old editions of The Post or The Clipper, or even The Weekly Journal. Remember that one from the early '90's? You can learn a lot that way. You start to see the conversations as they were happening. Not as we remember them now, but as the names and dates, and real-life discussions or debates that were taking place. And what I've realized is that what feels settled today once felt uncertain. That’s where the “why” starts to come into focus. A building went up because there was growth, or perhaps it's construction was denied because it wasn't suitable. An ordinance was passed to enhance this or discourage that. The reasoning is usually there if you’re willing to look for it. It may not always hold up the same way decades later, but it almost always existed. When one can understand the “why,” especially with something that may feel distasteful or unwanted, the natural urge to assume ill-intent makes less of an immediate case for itself. We stop seeing things as random or careless and start to see the chain of decisions that led there. And once we see that chain, it becomes a little easier to think about what comes next. Not because history hands us the answer, but because it reminds us that every generation stands where it does for a reason. And perhaps every generation stood where we stand now, having to make decisions. From that church parking lot, Main Street looks established. But underneath it are layers of choices made by people who were doing the best they could with what they had and what they knew at the time. That's not to say every decision was a good one. In fact, some good decisions are made out of learning from previous bad decisions. Knowing all this doesn’t settle every question we face now, and it doesn't necessarily justify every decision made before us. It just keeps us from assuming this moment appeared out of nowhere and gives a more clear vision of how to decide for the future. The “why” doesn’t always change our opinion, but it usually deepens our understanding. And that’s just enough to make the "why" matter.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Kent County is bringing the Community Fest back to Cedar Springs next month, promising an afternoon of family-friendly fun, free resources and opportunities to connect with local services. The Kent County North Community Fest will take place Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kent County North Campus, 4191 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs. The event is designed to give residents a chance to meet county departments and affiliates, explore available services and enjoy a relaxed summer celebration with neighbors. Organizers say attendees can look forward to: Local food trucks serving hometown favorites Free ice cream (while supplies last) Kids’ activities including face painting, balloon animals and more Big trucks on display, including fire engines from the City of Cedar Springs and road equipment from the Kent County Road Commission The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit and horses, along with live K-9 demonstrations Meet-and-greet tables offering helpful information, resources and support. Families with school-aged children can also pick up free backpacks and school supplies for students in grades K–12, while supplies last, a popular feature for many local households preparing for the upcoming school year. Last year’s Community Fest in Cedar Springs drew hundreds of attendees, filling the North Campus grounds with families, children and community members eager to connect with county officials and enjoy the festivities. The strong turnout highlighted the growing interest in events that combine fun with access to important local resources. With its mix of entertainment, education and community engagement, organizers hope this year’s event will build on that success and once again bring out a strong crowd. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to attend the Kent County North Community Fest on August 13.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education has accepted Superintendent Scott Smith’s letter of retirement, effective December 31, 2026, and has officially begun the search for the district’s next leader. During a recent meeting, the board chair moved to amend the agenda to include both the acceptance of Smith’s retirement and discussion of the superintendent’s evaluation status. Trustees voted to record Smith’s evaluation as “effective,” enabling the district to use an effective rating for a third consecutive year. Following that vote, trustees formally accepted Smith’s retirement letter. Board members offered thanks and congratulations during the discussion, recognizing his leadership and nearly nine years of service to the district. Smith was named superintendent in June 2018 after the Board of Education narrowed its search to a single finalist and voted unanimously to extend him the offer. At the time, he was serving as Assistant Superintendent for Hudsonville Public Schools. Before coming to Cedar Springs, Smith spent seven years in Hudsonville. He previously served six years as a middle school principal with Hamilton Community Schools and began his career in education as a science teacher with Holland Public Schools, where he taught for three years. He earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University and holds both a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Earth Science from Western Michigan University. Reflecting on his time in Cedar Springs, Smith was quick to shift credit to the community. “I may have put an idea on the table on occasion, but the success of the last eight years is a reflection of the incredibly stable and supportive community, a dedicated board of education,” Smith said. “The things that cause me to smile aren’t the big things, it’s the little things. It’s watching our drum majors at the Red Flannel marching band competition.” Smith said his path to district leadership is rooted in his calling to education. “It goes back to the why behind my reason why I got into education,” he said. “I truly felt called to this community.” Asked about challenges during his tenure, Smith described Cedar Springs as “a space ripe with opportunity,” particularly in his early days as superintendent. “Early on it was about listening and connecting,” he said. “I would ask my teachers, ‘How do you earn trust?’ And the answer is, you start by doing trustworthy things.” During Smith’s tenure, the district completed significant infrastructure upgrades to address aging facilities. While he acknowledged the improvements, he declined to take personal credit, instead pointing to the collective effort of staff, voters and board members. Conversations with students also shaped his leadership decisions. Smith recalled speaking with a high-achieving student, one with a GPA well above 4.0 who had taken numerous Advanced Placement classes, only to learn her true passion was in the arts. The conversation led him to reflect on whether the district was adequately preparing students for a variety of postsecondary paths. “You see these kids go thirteen years, from kindergarten, sometimes pre-K, to their senior year,” Smith said. “So, you have this clear starting line and this clear finish line. But you realize that the finish line is really just the starting line of something else.” He added, “Somewhere during those thirteen years, a student is going to be taking a path, and it’s going to be different for every student. We had to find a way to make sure when they got to that second starting line, they were going to be prepared and successful.” In response, Smith moved Ron Behrenwald into the role of Director of Secondary Academic Services & Post-Secondary Success, aimed at better aligning academic experiences with students’ interests and long-term goals. When asked what advice he would offer his successor, Smith said, “Your job is to create conditions in which each one of your students and staff, each family, each member of the community can thrive.” The superintendent position was officially posted July 21. Additional details regarding the search timeline and selection process are expected in the coming weeks.

CEDAR SPRINGS — After years of planning and months of construction, White Creek Flats Apartments officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 16 at 14300 White Creek Avenue NE. The new housing community is now open, accepting applications, and preparing to welcome its first residents on August 1. City officials, community members and representatives from Fusion Properties gathered to mark the completion of the first phase of the 168-unit development, which comes at a time of continued housing demand in Cedar Springs and the surrounding area. “We really need housing in Cedar Springs and this is going to bring us just that,” Cedar Springs Mayor Lisa Atchison said at the project’s groundbreaking last year. “A lot of these units also include open floor plans to help accommodate those with handicap needs.” Each building at White Creek Flats features one barrier free unit, offering accessible living options for residents with mobility needs. Developers also reached out to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to inform injured veterans about the availability of barrier-free units. White Creek Flats Project Manager Justin Johnson said the team is excited to see the project come to life. “We’re excited to welcome our first residents to White Creek Flats on August 1,” Johnson said. “It’s rewarding to see this project come to life and provide Cedar Springs with a high-quality housing option featuring modern finishes and thoughtfully designed amenities. Our second building, with an additional 24 apartment homes, is expected to open on October 1. When the community is complete, residents will enjoy a playground, fitness room, two pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a dog run. The property is a vast space with lots of sidewalks and room to enjoy the outdoors.” The development offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with modern finishes and community-focused amenities. In addition to recreational features, the property includes expansive green space and walkable areas designed to encourage outdoor enjoyment. Lindsay Jensen serves as the Property Manager for White Creek Flats. A furnished model unit is available on site for tours, and prospective residents can schedule a visit by calling 616-644-2846. Current office hours are: Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday: By appointment only Sunday: Closed White Creek Flats is currently accepting applications online, and application fees are being waived for a limited time. While the development has been welcomed by many as a needed housing solution, it has previously drawn some concerns from residents about potential traffic at the corner of White Creek Avenue and Solon Road. City officials have said they are working with Kent County and the Michigan Department of Transportation to address traffic planning and any issues that may arise. First proposed to the City Council approximately three years ago, White Creek Flats now stands as one of the most significant recent housing additions in Cedar Springs. With leasing underway and more units set to open this fall, the new community is poised to play an important role in meeting the city’s growing housing needs.

Michigan elementary teachers will be required to complete literacy training grounded in the “science of reading” under a new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The requirement must be fully implemented by the 2031–2032 school year. The law applies to kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers who teach reading or language arts. Teachers holding an interim teaching certificate are exempt from the requirement. The mandate will only take effect if the Legislature provides sufficient funding. Under the legislation, the Michigan Department of Education must select at least two vendors each year to provide the approved training programs. While the law does not name a specific provider, state leaders have publicly referenced LETRS, a literacy training program offered by Lexia, as a model aligned with the law’s goals. The training focuses on research-based methods commonly referred to as the “science of reading.” These approaches emphasize how children learn to read, often incorporating structured phonics instruction along with vocabulary, fluency and comprehension strategies. State officials have described literacy improvement as an urgent priority. According to state data, 38.9% of Michigan third graders, and 44.5% of Cedar Springs third graders, are currently proficient in reading. National assessments place Michigan 44th in fourth-grade reading performance compared to other states. The new law builds on earlier reforms that required districts to adopt evidence-based literacy instruction and begin screening students for dyslexia starting in the 2027–28 school year. However, the latest legislation goes further by specifying mandatory teacher training requirements. Whitmer signed the measure alongside House Bill 5646, which ties approval of teacher preparation programs and teacher certification standards to meeting literacy-focused criteria. The legislation is intended to align classroom instruction, teacher preparation and certification requirements around consistent reading practices. At an event in Southfield promoting the new education budget, Whitmer said improving literacy will require sustained effort. “We all want results for our kids,” Whitmer said. “And none of us is patient about it, nor should we be. We want those results fast. But here’s what we know: literacy is a marathon, it’s not a miracle. The steps we’re taking now are the first steps down a road ahead. It will take time, but if we give every child a strong early start, using proven methods, offering extra help, we can ensure that every child can read.” Michigan has already invested $44 million in LETRS training. The newly approved state education budget includes an additional $75 million designated specifically for LETRS. The training program typically takes about two years to complete. As of July 1, 5,684 educators were participating in LETRS training and 7,460 had completed the program, according to state figures. The state has also directed funding toward literacy coaches, approved curricula, instructional materials, student support resources and expanded access to pre-kindergarten programs. State leaders say the coordinated effort is designed to improve early reading outcomes over time, with the long-term goal of increasing literacy proficiency across Michigan’s elementary schools.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The countdown is on for the 87th Red Flannel Festival, and organizers are calling on the community to help make this year’s celebration bigger and better than ever. The Red Flannel Festival board is currently seeking volunteers to assist with a wide range of events and activities that bring thousands of visitors to Cedar Springs each year. Everything from helping coordinate events to supporting logistics behind the scenes, volunteers are the driving force behind one of Michigan’s most beloved fall traditions. “The Festival is a community affair,” organizers shared in a recent note. Partnering with community groups and volunteers, they say, is key to ensuring the success of the many events that take place throughout the weekend. As the festival continues to grow, so do the staffing needs. Organizers noted that volunteer demand has begun to outpace available helpers. That is why they are encouraging individuals, families and local organizations to step up and get involved. “The Red Flannel Festival is a true community effort, and we're grateful for the volunteers and Friends of the Festival who help make it happen each year,” said Festival President Matt Andres. “Every contribution, whether it's your time, your support, or your involvement, helps keep this tradition strong, and we'd love to welcome more people to be part of it.” Volunteers are not only the backbone of the festival, they are also part of a larger mission. The Red Flannel Festival board is a completely volunteer, independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Cedar Springs community. Through its Friend of the Festival program, the festival partners with local non-profits and has proudly donated more than $70,000 to area groups. By volunteering, residents are helping sustain an event that gives back year after year while celebrating Cedar Springs' unique heritage. If you have a few hours to spare or want to be part of the excitement all weekend long, there is a place for you in this year’s festival lineup. Those interested in volunteering or participating through a non-profit organization are encouraged to connect with Matt via his email president@redflannelfestival.org for more information. So fold out your flannels, button up your long johns, and help make the 87th Red Flannel Festival one to remember.

Every day at noon, the siren sounds across Cedar Springs. I remember being a kid, sitting out on the front porch on Muskegon St. waiting for it. I have to assume most of us no longer stop to think about it. The sound has worked its way into the background of our lives, as familiar as the festival we've been celebrating over the last 87 years. It has a funny effect, though, if you really pay attention. When it begins, conversations soften for a moment. It carries faintly through open windows and across a backyard where someone is halfway through mowing. Children who have grown up here rarely ask what it means. They accept it the way they accept winter arriving or the first day of school returning. Visitors sometimes notice it more than we do. Looking up, waiting for something to follow. Wondering what just happened when it fades away. Those who have been here longer just keep moving, because we know the pattern. The tone rises, holds steady, and then fades back into the ordinary sounds of the day. That same note has drifted over the town for decades, over seasons when the town felt especially settled and over seasons when it felt anything but. It has reached the edges of the new subdivision north of town and the porches of homes that have stood for generations, like the ones on Cherry and Ash streets, and on Muskegon and Seventh. It carries without asking who is listening. And I wonder if, perhaps, that is part of why it endures. The siren doesn't measure its importance by how loudly it's praised or how often it's mentioned. It has no need to defend itself. It just marks the hour, the same way it did when our grandparents were the ones standing on these porches, and the same way it will when today’s children are grown and telling their own stories about this place. In that way, the siren reflects the town itself. Cedar Springs has never been defined by flash or ornament. It has been defined by the people who build, who stay, and who tend to what was placed in their hands before them, welcoming others in to do the same. People who understand that belonging isn't measured only by how long you’ve lived here, but by the care you give to the place while you are here. Generations have stood within earshot of this siren, carrying different concerns and different hopes, yet sharing the same ground beneath their feet. The sound never required them to agree, only to belong. In its steady rise and fall is the quiet reminder that this town has always been larger than any single season, and steadier than any passing moment. Every day at noon, the siren rises over Cedar Springs and reminds us that we are living within reach of one another, tied together by history, responsibility, and by the long-held patterns that endure.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Museum is receiving renewed recognition for its work in genealogy, following a recent feature in Chronicle, a magazine that highlights prominent local museums and the impact they have within their communities. The publication spotlighted the museum’s ongoing efforts to organize and expand its genealogy and research library, as well as the volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to preserving local records. Among those featured was Barb Morris, a volunteer who has helped lead the reorganization of the museum’s genealogy collection over the past year and a half. The work includes building up the museum’s collection of local land abstracts, which document the names of individuals who once owned property in the area. The society has also created a nine-volume obituary collection and a corresponding index available for purchase by researchers, with proceeds supporting the museum’s continued operations. For Morris, the experience has been eye-opening. “Over the last year and a half at the Cedar Springs Museum, I mostly learned how little I really knew about genealogy,” Morris said. “As I continue working on these processes, I learn more and more each day.” This isn't the first time the museum has earned recognition outside of town. In 2024, the organization was commissioned by White House staffers to assist with genealogy research they were conducting that had led them to Cedar Springs, making it a notable acknowledgment of the depth and reliability of the museum’s records and expertise. The recent Chronicle feature adds to that recognition, highlighting the important role the Cedar Springs museum plays in helping families trace their roots and preserve community history. Through detailed record keeping, careful organization and the dedication of volunteers, the museum continues to serve as a vital resource for anyone seeking not only to better understand their family’s connection to Cedar Springs, but the area's history and the generations who helped shape it.

SOLON TOWNSHIP — In a move signaling a shift toward greater transparency, the Solon Township Board voted Monday, July 13, to approve a resolution opposing the use of nondisclosure agreements by township elected officials.

WASHINGTON (DC) — Americans may be one step closer to ending the twice-a-year clock change. The U.S. House voted 308-117 Tuesday, July 14, to approve the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which would make daylight saving time permanent across the country. The bill now goes to the Senate where the future of the bill is more uncertain. Supporters say the proposal would give people more daylight in the evening and end the inconvenience of changing clocks every spring and fall. The White House has backed the measure, and President Donald Trump has also voiced support. Backers of the bill say permanent daylight saving time could encourage more outdoor activity and help businesses, especially in tourism-heavy states such as Florida. Opponents, however, say the change could mean darker mornings during the winter months, raising concerns for children heading to school and for early-morning commuters. Public opinion appears to favor the proposal. A 2025 AP-NORC poll found that 56% of Americans would choose permanent daylight saving time if required to pick one system year-round. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2022 but did not become law. The current measure must still win Senate approval before it can be sent to the president.

Michiganders woke up to a statewide air quality alert that began the evening of July 15th, as smoke continues to move in from Canadian wildfires. Officials say elevated levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, may make conditions unhealthy for many residents over the next several days. Wildfire smoke contains extremely small particles, including PM2.5, which are roughly 30 times thinner than a human hair. Because these particles are so tiny, they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and may linger there. That can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irritation or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes. In more serious cases, wildfire smoke can provoke asthma flare-ups and worsen existing heart conditions. It may also contribute to increased emergency room visits and, in some instances, premature death. Certain groups are at higher risk, including people 60 and older, children and teens, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung disease (or other underlying health conditions). Outdoor workers are also more likely to be exposed. Even so, it’s important for everyone to take wildfire smoke seriously. If you exercise outside, such as running or biking, or work outdoors, your breathing rate increases, which can mean you inhale more of the harmful particles. Spending extended time outdoors can further raise exposure. How to protect yourself when air quality is unhealthy Monitor air quality throughout the day, since conditions can change quickly. Stay indoors when air turns unhealthy. Keep windows and doors closed and, if possible, use your air conditioner on recirculate. Use air filtration. An air purifier and MERV-13 (or higher) filters in your HVAC system can help remove fine particles from indoor air. Avoid adding indoor pollution. Skip activities like burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, or frying food during smoky periods. If you must go outside: limit your time outdoors, take it easy, and consider wearing an N95 mask. For people with asthma, lung disease, or heart disease, follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications and your treatment plan. If symptoms worsen, such as increasing shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or severe reactions, seek medical care promptly. While Michiganders can’t control where the smoke comes from, everyone can take steps to reduce exposure and protect their health.

CEDAR SPRINGS — If you’ve driven past the open lawn near the City Hall recently and found yourself doing a double take, you’re not alone. Perhaps you noticed it while riding down the White Pine Trail. Or maybe you saw it on the way to a recent city council or planning commission meeting. There’s no doubt that by now, nearly everybody has seen the wooden structure, a cluster of elevated beams balanced atop angled supports, that has sparked curiosity and conversation throughout the community. The piece, titled “The Eagle’s Nest,” is the beginning of a memorial sculpture created by a local resident in honor of his late wife. The idea for the sculpture was originally presented to the City of Cedar Springs with a proposal to install the sculpture as a public art piece, seeking $8,000 to complete the project. Mayor Lisa Atchison declined the proposal, explaining that allocating city funds for the sculpture would not be a fiscally responsible decision. In response, the proposal was revised, offering the sculpture as a donation to the city so long as the city would cover the cost of materials, including lumber. That proposal was also turned down. Undeterred, a third offer was made: to build “The Eagle’s Nest” as a memorial at no cost to the city and donate it outright, constructing it on city property. The city accepted and granted preliminary permission to begin work. However, as the structure began to take shape, questions arose among council members regarding whether its placement was appropriate. Concerns centered on location and process rather than the intent behind the project. The city has seemingly since placed a temporary hold on further construction until additional clarification can be made regarding approval procedures and final placement. While the sculpture represents remembrance and personal tribute, it has also prompted broader questions about public art, policy and how memorials are approved and displayed on municipal property. For now, “The Eagle’s Nest” stands partially complete, and at the center of a conversation about art and the boundaries of public space.