Thomas A. Davis, 86 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, September 26, 2014 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Tom was born June 8, 1928 in Muskegon, MI, the son of Joseph and Ruth (Boudin) Davis. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II and had been past commander of the Cedar Springs American Legion. He was a member of Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake. He enjoyed jokes and playing jokes on people, playing cards, and was noted for the pink flamingos in his yard and his ear muffs. Surviving are his wife, Clara; children, Bruce Davis, Nancy Davis, Anthony (Linda) Davis, Donald (E.T.) Davis, Ronald Davis, Laurie Whalen, Mark (Terri) Ritter, Gary (BJ) Ritter; 30 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; special “sisters,” Sandy (Chuck) and Sally Jo (Alan). He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan; and two grandsons, Jacob and Drew. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A memorial mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Mary Queen of Apostles.

Post photo by J. Reed

By Judy Reed

Post photo by J. Reed

The building at 95 N. Main—almost as old as the town of Cedar Springs—made way for a new chapter of history to begin at the corner of Main and Maple Streets.

Built in 1890, it housed a flourmill and was used for hay storage. Later it housed several grocery stores, including the IGA store that many of the older folk in town remember. In its last days, it was an auto parts store—Cedar Springs Auto Supply. It was sold for unpaid taxes in 2009 to the City of Cedar Springs.

The dilapidated building was demolished Thursday, September 18, to make way for the development of the Cedar Springs Brewing Company—a new business featuring a full-menu restaurant, with full kitchen, and outdoor biergarden that will be both family and community-friendly, according to owner David Ringler.

Post photo by J. Reed

The brewery is a 25-year dream of Ringler’s, who apprenticed as a brewer in Germany. He said the brewery would produce a full range of craft beers, focusing on German styles, and other drinks as well. “We will also serve our own spirits and wine, for guests who prefer, and create a few craft sodas and soft drinks for both the young and young at heart. Our chef and head brewer will be announced as we get closer to opening and we will utilize local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.”

Construction will depend on the weather, but he hopes the brewery will be open early next year. And he’s been excited about the support they’ve received. “If the community supports us once we open, I certainly believe that this project can serve as a catalyst for future growth, development and jobs and can help draw commerce from outside the community to Cedar Springs. We’re excited to be a part of that.”

Ringler expects the site to be completely cleaned up before Red Flannel Day.

Check out their Facebook page to keep updated on progress of the brewery. Just search for Cedar Springs Brewing Company. You can also check out their website at cedarspringsbrew.com.

Kindergartner Emma Barger shows off her painted hands. Courtesy photo.

This year’s Red Flannel theme is “75 years of volunteers.” Kindergarten teacher Rhonda Bellamy decided to take that theme and tie into what her students were learning.

“For 75 years Red Flannel Volunteers have given their time to help others in our community celebrate,” explained Bellamy. To connect this theme to student learning, [we] decided to complete 75 acts of kind hands.”

“Kind hands” is one of the Habits of Mind (behavior model) that Cedar Trails focuses on.

Rhonda Bellamy’s class listed 75 acts of kindness on Red Flannel long johns and a nightgown to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Red Flannel Festival. Courtesy photo.

“Students were very eager to volunteer their kind hands by helping others take care of their classroom and their school,” remarked Bellamy. “During the week students picked up extra trash in the lunchroom, pushed in chairs, helped others at recess, and some even talked about ways they were using kind hands at home.”

Bellamy painted their hands and they wrote the kind acts on a large red flannel long john and red flannel nightgown.

Last Friday, the kindergarten class recorded their 75th act of kind hands. What a great way to model the spirit of service in the community!

Police are asking for the public’s help to solve a rash of break-ins throughout Kent County, from as far north as Patriot Motors on Northland Drive (between Cedar Springs and Sand Lake) and all the way out to 28th Street.

The Kent County Sheriff Department said that during the past week there have been 15 business breaking and enterings that have occurred in

Kent County. In most of the break-ins, entry was made in the overnight hours by smashing or prying open a door and money was taken. The Kent County Sheriff Department is investigating these complaints and encourages you to call if you have any information regarding any of these break-ins or if you observe any suspicious activity. Call them at 632-6100 or 911. You may also call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. The following businesses were targeted:

September 13 to 14, 2014

Alpine Trailer Sales: 5614 Alpine Ave NW

Northeast Tan: 5614 Alpine Ave NW

Zylstra Door: 7350 Broadmoor Ave SE

September 16 to 17, 2014

Inspiration of Art Studio: 6504 28th St SE #C

The Difference Hair Salon: 6200 28th St SE

Pomp and Artistry: 6504 28th St SE #S-1

September 18 to 19, 2014

Francis Reality: 825 Parchment #400

September 20 to 21, 2014

Gebhardt Seamless Gutters: 15551 Northland Dr. NE

Patriot Motors: 16252 Northland Dr. NE

Farm Bureau Insurance: 4150 East Beltline Ave NE #2

Tee 2 Green: 5300 East Beltline Ave NE #C

China Kitchen: 5150 Northland Dr. NE #L

Amigo Mobility Center: 4280 Plainfield Ave NE

Great Clips: 5150 Northland Dr. NE #C

Hulst & Jepsen Physical Therapy: 4120 East Beltline Ave NE

Tracy Merlington, of Pierson, with the Post, at the Caribbean island of Curacao.

Angela LaBay and Tracy Merlington on their Best Friends Forever Cruise.

Tracy Merlington, of Pierson, and Angela LaBay, of Cedar Springs, went on a Best Friends Forever Cruise of a lifetime encore last spring. The two had previously gone on a 12-day cruise in June of 1985, with Angela’s parents, on the cruise line Stimar, on the beautiful Fairwind. “ We had visited many ports along with Curacao, and I couldn’t wait to take her and revisit that port along with Grand Turk and Aruba,” explained LaBay.

Last spring’s cruise was out of Port Canaveral on the Carnival Sunshine and lasted 8 days.

Thanks for taking us with you on your beautiful cruise!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

The winners were announced Tuesday, September 23, of the 2014 Red Flannel Art Review. Winners are:

Red Flannel Theme: Chris Powell (shown with Turner Powell)

First place 2D work: Doug Gordon

Second place 2D work: Frank Haik

First place in 3D work: Michelle Donk

Second place in 3D work: Roy Bills

Popular vote: Julie Ketcham.

Jen Leonard (shown with some of the artists) is the RF Art Review Chair.

There is still time to visit and see all the lovely pieces of artwork around town. Just look for the artist palate in windows of area businesses featuring artwork, or pick up a Red Flannel Brochure for a complete list of the 19 businesses participating. Artwork will be on display until October 6.

A Howard City teenager was reported to be in critical condition after an accident Friday, September 19.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff Department, the accident occurred about 5:37 p.m. They reported that a 16 year-old female from Howard City was driving west on Washburn Street just East of Sycamore Street in her 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup, when she entered the dirt section of Washburn and attempted to fish tail her truck and lost control.

The vehicle ran off the north edge of the roadway and, upon re-entering the roadway, rolled over 1-1/4 times. The driver was transported to Spectrum Butterworth Campus by Aero Med and was reported to be in critical condition.

The two passengers in her vehicle—a 16-year-old girl from Pierson and a 16-year-old girl from Howard City—were transported to the hospital by private vehicle. Both were treated and released.

They were all wearing seatbelts. Police said neither alcohol or drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash.

By: LoraLee Nauta

On September 6, 2014, the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287 served the veterans from Grand Rapids Veterans Home a wonderful home-cooked meal. As always, Mary Goller-Kilts served her famous Swiss steak with all the fixings. The Auxiliary ladies made homemade pies. The veterans really enjoy having homemade pies, which is something they don’t always get at the Home.

We were honored to serve 30+ veterans, plus six home aids, along with 15 volunteers to assist. It was a great day. We played bingo with gifts and cash as prizes. This is an event that we all look forward to every year. To watch the happiness in their eyes and smiling faces is so worth it, because if it wasn’t for these wonderful veterans, we would not have the rights we have now.

Thank you for all that bravely served. We will never forget!

Current Marshal badge.

Badge from the 1880s.

Nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency continues to build on its legendary origins and extraordinary reputation

The U.S. Marshals Service celebrated its 225^th anniversary on Wednesday, September 24. As the nation’s oldest, most versatile federal law enforcement agency, it continues to build on its legacy of steadfast service and its unique position in the country’s federal justice system.

Michigan Senate Resolution No. 175 has proclaimed September 24, 2014, as U.S. Marshals Day in the State of Michigan

The U.S. Marshals Service’s legendary origins began in 1789 when the nation’s first president appointed the first U.S. Marshals. There have been 23 Marshals appointed in the Western District of Michigan, the first one in 1863 was appointed by President Lincoln according to Marshal Munoz.

“When President George Washington appointed the first 13 U.S. Marshals Sept. 24, 1789, his pen marked the creation of an agency that has since played a role in virtually every facet of the nation’s federal judiciary during times of crisis and times of peace,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton.

“From upholding the law in our untamed western territories to tracking and apprehending the most notorious fugitives, the U.S. Marshals Service has been committed to answering the call of our great nation for justice,” said Hylton.

Some of those challenges to justice included responding to the Whiskey Rebellion under the command of President Washington in 1794; keeping the trains moving during the Pullman railroad strikes in 1894; enforcing court orders related to civil rights and the desegregation of the South during the 1960s, protecting witnesses who testified against organized crime, and securing all high-threat federal trials involving domestic and international terrorism such as the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombing trials, and most recently, the Boston Marathon bombing trial.

“As we mark 225 years of service, our men and women stand ready to continue that commitment,” said Hylton.

Today, the U.S. Marshals Service is a force of 5,400 deputies and civil servants who carry out operational and administrative duties as varied as apprehending fugitives, housing and transporting prisoners, protecting witnesses and federal judges, and managing and selling seized assets.

Most notably, the Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for conducting fugitive investigations. Working with its law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, the Marshals apprehend more federal fugitives than all other federal law enforcement agencies combined. The U.S. Marshals arrested more than 110,000 fugitives during fiscal year 2013.

“This is a proud day in the storied history of America’s oldest law enforcement agency. The Marshals Service has been an integral part of many significant events that have shaped our country. As our country has evolved, so has the Marshals Service. Our fugitive task forces’ use of technology and investigative expertise has made the idea of fugitives escaping justice nearly impossible,” Marshal Munoz said.

The Marshals’ two joint fugitive task forces in Grand Rapids and Lansing arrest over 1100 federal, state, and local fugitives each year including over 100 unregistered sex offenders.  The Marshals also have the lead role in prosecuting unregistered sex offenders that cross state lines and don’t register.

Other district accomplishments include protecting the federal courts and facilities, and managing the care and transport of nearly 1000 federal prisoners each year.

“As we mark this significant milestone of 225 years, we take a moment to look back with pride on the role the Marshals Service has played in the history of our country and we stand ready to meet the challenges of today and the future,” said Marshal Munoz.

Officers from 150 local police departments, sheriff’s offices and the Michigan State Police posts stopped 14,876 vehicles, arrested 169 drunk drivers and issued 4,507 seat belt and child restraint citations during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown. The stepped up drunk driving and seat belt enforcement began Aug. 15 and ran through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“Dedicated officers from police agencies across the state are committed to helping motorists get home safely by taking a zero tolerance approach to drunk driving,” said Michael L. Prince, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). “Motorists were warned to drive sober or get pulled over, and more than 150 drivers failed to heed that advice.”

A driver was arrested in Genesee County for a 0.34 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). That driver also had a restricted license and an arrest warrant from two previous drunk driving incidents. In Muskegon County, a driver and passenger were stopped for smoking marijuana with a 7-month-old child in the vehicle. One traffic stop in Wexford County resulted in three fugitive arrests.

During the three-week effort, officers also issued 1,192 citations for speeding, 550 citations for driving with a suspended license and 877 citations to uninsured motorists. Officers arrested 243 fugitives and made 277 other misdemeanor arrests. Of the 169 arrests for drunk driving, 37 had a BAC of 0.17 percent or higher.

According to preliminary reports, there were three traffic fatalities during the 2014 Labor Day holiday period; one involved alcohol. Ten people died in crashes during the 2013 Labor Day holiday weekend. Three of those deaths involved alcohol and one vehicle occupant was not buckled up.

OHSP coordinated the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement by administering federal traffic safety funds to police departments covering 40 counties.

Grant-funded seat belt and drunk driving enforcement is part of Michigan’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in February 2013.

Rev. Scott and Susan Sloan.

Rev. Scott Sloan assumed the pastoral leadership of Maranatha Baptist Church, 12786 Algoma Ave NE, Cedar Springs, on September 7. Pastor Sloan comes to Maranatha after 15 years of ministry in Fruitland, Utah. He and his wife, Susan, have three adult children and one grandchild. He is a graduate of Spurgeon Baptist Bible College in Florida. Among other interests, he is a very active outdoorsmen and avid hunter.

There was an Installation Service on September 21. Rev. Timothy Teal, a longtime friend and mentor to Pastor Sloan, brought the installation message. Rev. Teal is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Alto, Michigan.

Pastor Barry Briggs

The Springs Church

135 N. Grant, Cedar Springs

Prayer may be the least understood, yet the most powerful action in a Christian’s life. It’s not just reciting a few trite religious words; it’s communicating with the God of the universe who wants to have a relationship with you.

I was thinking this week, why prayer is so difficult for people? Here’s what I think: We’ve had limited exposure to authentic prayer. The bottom line is this—a lot of us just don’t know how to pray. We haven’t been taught how to pray. Maybe the only time we’ve even heard prayer was around the Thanksgiving table or something like that. And because of that we don’t know how to pray or what to say. The reality is prayer is just telling God what’s on your heart.

Why else is it difficult? We think I’m not important enough for God to listen to me. I mean, after all, I can’t even get the cable guy to listen to me.  I call and he puts me on hold. And I wait. And I wait. Then, when I finally talk to the cable guy, what happens? He can’t even pinpoint a time when he’ll be here. “Sometime between sun up and sun down,” he says. So you stay home all day waiting for him to show up, you leave for five minutes for lunch, and he jumps out from behind the bushes where he was hiding and puts a note on your door that reads, “Sorry I missed you. I’ll be back… maybe.” We have those experiences all the time and we think, “If people don’t even want to talk to me or listen to me why would God?” But God isn’t like the cable guy. What you have to say is important to God. If you were important enough for Jesus to die for, you’re important enough to be heard.

We also believe that prayer doesn’t work because, when we’ve asked God for things in the past, He didn’t answer. Or He didn’t answer them quick enough. We are so into instant answers. We think God is like a vending machine; we put in our prayer request, push a button, and out drops an answer. And, because God doesn’t answer prayer that way, we think prayer doesn’t work.

The truth is God does answer prayers. What I’ve found in my own spiritual journey is that a lot of times God answers prayers based on what I need, not on what I want. I want a lot of things that maybe aren’t in God’s big picture and best plans for me.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 66:20 (NLT), “Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me.”

Prayer can be learned, so let’s get practical. Here’s a couple suggestions:

Call on God first. What does that mean? It means that tomorrow morning, when you wake up, have these words be the first words that come out of your mouth, “Good morning, God.” Just try it. Start out your day tomorrow in prayer.

Get alone. Have a place where you talk to God. Maybe it’s in your car, maybe it’s in the shower, or maybe it’s in your bedroom. Find a place where you can get alone with God and just talk to Him.

Prayer doesn’t have to be awkward or confusing or uncomfortable. In fact, it’s not supposed to be. You can learn how to pray. Maybe learning to pray is the next step you need to take.