Myrtle Leona Powell, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 with family by her side. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Philip E. Powell in 2003. Myrtle will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lawrence & Janet Powell, Pat & Robert Stone, Connie & Loren Bass; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; several in-laws, nieces and nephews; many cherished friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Leonard Meyer officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice of Michigan. www.hesselcheslek.com

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta.

It’s quick. It’s easy. All you have to do is read the newspaper. That’s right! Read the stories and read the ads. Identify the fake display ad, classified ad, AND the fake stories (5 of them) and you could win a fast $20! Email us at news@cedarspringspost.com with your guesses by Tuesday, March 31, at 5 p.m. Include your name, address and phone number in the email. Or you can drop off your entry here at 36 E. Maple. One winner will be chosen out of all the correct entries received by the deadline. We will call you to let you know you’ve won by Wednesday, April 1. And that’s no April Foolin’!

Justin Balczak, a 2011 Cedar Springs High School graduate, is now a national champion in the heptathlon. He competed for Asuza Pacific University, located in southern California, in the two-day NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Alabama during the weekend of March 13. The heptathlon is a seven-event meet that measures speed, endurance, strength and agility. Balczak entered the meet seeded fourth in the nation and competed against 13 other athletes at the national championships.

On day one, Balczak competed in the 60m dash (7.33 sec.), long jump (22’ 3.5”), shot put (43’ 8.75” with a 16 lb. shot), and the high jump (personal best of 6’ 10.5”). Balczak’s marks put him in third place after the first day of competition.

Day two brought on three different events—the 60m hurdles (8.24 sec), pole vault (14’ 9”) and concluded with the 1000m run (2:45 for another personal best). Balczak needed his personal best in the 1000 because he learned before the race that he was in second place and he needed to beat the first place competitor by 8 seconds.

Balczak began his collegiate career at Lake Superior State University and was Division II All-American while attending. He sat out his junior season to prepare to transfer and face a new challenge.

“The multi has a different mindset than any other event in track and field. The camaraderie that is displayed in this event is unlike anything else in college track,” he explained. “We are the guys who cheer each other on, pick each other up, and push each other to limits we never knew our bodies could handle.”

As a four-year member of the boys high school track and field team, Justin competed in the 110m high hurdles (2011 state champion), 300m intermediate hurdles (2011 state runner-up), 4x400m relay, 4x200m relay (member of the 2011 school record team), 4x100m relay and shot put (2011 conference champion). Even though he now high jumps 6’ 10”, and pole vaults 14’ 9”, he never tried those events while in high school.

His next challenge is to prepare for the decathlon this spring. Added events include the discus, javelin and 400m dash.

The Cedar Springs Post going shopper? According to sources in the media industry, The River Valley Shopper has made a substantial offer to buy The Cedar Springs Post, making it yet, another shopper. The new shopper will be tagged the Red Flannel Shopper and will cover all of Cedar Springs and Rockford as well.

Without the cost of reporting news, and the space used previously for news stories, all pages can be dedicated to advertising at a cut rate, just like the River Valley Shopper, which has gained popularity with area advertisers.

Post owner Lois Allen says the small independent newspaper has struggled for over the past two decades to find enough local businesses to keep it solvent. “We’re not non-profit, just no profit,” she joked. Shoppers are the new means for print advertising at a reduced rate and are squeezing out the weekly newspapers that cannot undercut their prices and distribution,” she explained.

“It will be a huge burden off of me. I’ve always wanted to retire and practice my love of professional kite flying,” said Allen.

Allen says the shopper approached her and made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. She could not disclose the exact amount but explained, “I can relax and never have to worry about going broke or missing a deadline again,” said Allen who is responsible for almost missing over one thousand deadlines since 1988. “With the money they offered me, I can take a cruise around the world, twice!”

But she won’t be taking the Post with her! The new shopper will begin it’s first edition on April 1, 2015.

April Fool’s

Imagine Cedar Springs WITHOUT the Cedar Springs Post! The above story could very well be true. However, it isn’t. The River Valley folks have previously inquired as to the sale of The Post, but no serious offer has ever been discussed. “I believe in keeping a real newspaper here. ‘Cause everyone loves it!” says Allen. The Post could go anywhere and people would read it. You can drop The Post in Macon, Georgia and they’d read it! You can’t find this kind of news on CNN.

She continued, “People need to pay attention to the businesses who keep the newspaper going. Those who make the choice to spend some of their advertising budget in their (customers’) local newspaper. Cause if they don’t use it, we’ll lose it.”

Nobody waits for the shopper to come out! No one wants more junk mail! Billboards do not build community pride. Commercials never seem to end. So, what’s the best way to get your attention? News.

You can read the paper without booting it up. Amazing! No download needed! Don’t worry about a password. Just forget about it. Not to mention, your identity, is completely protected. Nobody knows your reading this. No extra charge or additional software needed. No upgrades required. Read it in the bathroom if you want. I assure you there’s no web cam here. And I am positive that no one has ever been “hacked” while holding a newspaper. They are hack proof and completely safe to read. You can feel confident to let your kids browse it. No chance of porn popping up!

The Cedar Springs Post is not the only choice to advertise, but is the best choice if you do business here.

Help those who bring us to you – free! Buy your next refrigerator at Larry’s Northtown Furniture in Greenville. Purchase your next car at Ray Winnie Auto Sales in Greenville. They run in The Post instead of in your mailbox!

If you need new carpet, go see Art Probst at Probst Floor Covering in Cedar Springs or Rockford Floor Covering on Northland Drive. Make sure you save  money at Save-a-Lot. They bring you The Cedar Springs Post!

And that’s no joke!

A horse and buggy driver that was injured in a crash with a pickup truck last week has died of his injuries.

The accident occurred on Thursday, March 19, about 7:29 a.m. According to Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies, Andrew Miller, 27, of Montcalm Township, Greenville, was driving his Amish horse and buggy southbound on Fitzner Road, in Montcalm Township, between Spencer Road and Pakes Road, when it swerved into the path of a northbound pickup truck. The collision caused severe damage to both the buggy and the truck.

Miller, was taken to United Memorial Hospital by Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services and subsequently flown to Spectrum Health by Aeromed. He died of his injuries on Tuesday, March 24.

The pickup driver, Del Ray Christensen, 54, also of Montcalm Township, Greenville, was not injured.

The horse died as a result of its injuries.

Police believe the horse tack may have been incorrectly connected, causing the horse to veer into the northbound lane when the buggy driver attempted to stop the buggy. Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected in the crash.

Miller was a lifelong resident of the Greenville area where he worked as a roofer and was a member of the Old Order Amish community. He leaves behind his wife, Rebecca, and four children.

The Hoosiermama family, of Solon Township, has been looking forward to taking a short vacation from the busyness of their fast-paced life here in Cedar Springs. So it was a great relief to Dolly Madison and Hermando Hoosiermama, and their daughter, Indiana, when they took a short break from the madness to visit somewhere they always wanted to go—Pierson, Michigan.  And they took a Post with them!

The family visited the U.S. Post office, The Trading Post, the Pierson Village Offices, and other landmarks.

“We rocked it,” exclaimed Dolly, who spends most of the day looking for a job, and moonlights evenings making cupcakes for her family.

“It was a riot,” remarked Hermando, who took a break from his international body building competitions to go on vacation. “I mean it was literally a riot. I don’t think we can ever go in that bar again.”

“It was awesome,” commented Indiana, who goes to school and does some modeling on the side. “It was great not to have my photo taken 20 times a day.” The selfies she takes can be seen frequently on her Facebook page.

They hope to return for another visit on next Wednesday, April Fools Day.

Thanks to the Hoosiermama family for taking us with you!

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!

Students, parents, teachers, and principals involved in the Rotary 4-way test essay contest. Courtesy photo.

The Cedar Springs Rotary recently handed out the awards for their annual Rotary 4-way test contest. They invited students from Cedar View, Creative Technology Academy, and Algoma Christian to enter, and had nine fifth grade classes participate. All essays were written at school in 200 words or less. Teachers chose the 2 best essays from their class and submitted them to the committee, which included Julie Wheeler, Carolyn Davis and Donna Clark.

“We had 18 diverse and interesting essays to read, evaluate and choose from,” explained Clark. “We looked at grammar, writing mechanics, spelling, presentation and the story line. We looked for a clear outcome, such as the lesson learned or character revealed.”

The first-place winner this year was Greta Isabella DeBack, in Mr. Moleski’s class. She wrote her essay entitled “Truth or Mr. Gregory Setting a Good Example.” It showed how a great teacher impacted her life. Rotary awarded her $50.

MayLynne Hath, of Mrs. Johnson’s class, came in a close second. She wrote about what the “Habits of Mind” are as taught at Cedar View, what they are not and how they can guide each of us to be a good person. She was awarded $25.

The third-place winner was Gwen Forster, of Mrs. Cairy’s class. She found that personal loss could build a sense of community when shared with a friend. She was awarded $15.

Jacob Borden, of Mrs. Norman’s class at CTA, was the fourth-place winner. He wrote his essay entitled “How My Grandma Inspires Me” about his grandmother impacted his life. He was awarded $10.

Clark thanked the teachers for their inspiration and guidance of students, and their parents for the foundation of success they’ve laid at home.

The 4 Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways. The message is known and followed by all Rotarians. “Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

The Cedar Springs Rotary holds the four-way test essay contest each year for fifth grade students, and tries to live by that four-way test. “We as Rotarians are aware of the example we set as individuals and as a Club in our community,” said Rotary President Carolyn Davis. “As community leaders and partners, we are mindful of what we think, say and do.”

In a move sure to shock many Cedar Springs residents, the city council last week approved a new city tax. Nick-named the “Bob Tax,” the new tax would levy a 50 percent across-the-board income tax on any Cedar Springs resident with the name “Bob.”

Said council member Rose Powell, “Of course the new tax will apply to guys named Robert or Bobby. Any derivative will do.”

Citing advances in women’s rights, Powell, indicated females named Roberta, will also have to pay the new tax.

The 50 percent figure was agreed upon because so many people can readily understand it without a calculator: For example, a Bob making $20,000 annually would have to pay a Bob tax of $10,000. Those making $50,000, would have to pay $25,000.

Bobs with a gross income of over $100,000 would be exempt from the new tax as most people with that sort of money get out of paying their taxes anyway.

According to council members, money from the new tax will go towards a life-sized memorial statue of Lois Allen, owner of The Cedar Springs Post, in the center of town.

Said Allen, “Of course I’m honored by the idea of a memorial statue, especially since I am still living.”

The new statue is scheduled for a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 1st, 2015. April Fool’s.

Could see North Country Trail cut through property

By Judy Reed

The Solon Township Park Committee now has two conceptual drawings for how a new park could be laid out on the township property on Algoma, and they want the public’s input. They invite residents to come to a meeting on Monday, March 30, from 5:30 to 7 at the township hall and give their comments.

“These are not set in stone,” said Len Allington, Vice President of the committee. “These are just ideas people have come up with.”

Each of the designs are a little different, but contain things like baseball, softball and soccer fields, a skate park, splash pad, and more.

“We’d really like to engage more kids and young adults in the decision process,” noted Allington. “We really just want to get a conversation going.”

Once they get some input, they will create updated designs for the public to view at the May election.

Allington said that the funding model the committee would like to follow is the same one that Algoma followed for their park—using donations and grants to get it done. And that could be a real possibility if the North Country Trail travels acoss their property. Carolee Cole, Community Building Development Team member and North Country Trail committee member, made a presentation about it to the Solon Township board earlier this month.

The North Country Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States stretching 4,600 miles from upstate New York to North Dakota. The national headquarters are based in Lowell and the entire length of the trail is a national park. Cole said that the board of the North Country Trail Association for West Michigan has voted to begin the process of certifying the trail route through Cedar Springs on its way from Lowell to the Rogue River State Game Area in Solon Township.

Cole told the Solon board that the route they are most interested in taking is between the White Pine Trail at Maple St. in Cedar Springs and the Rogue River State Game Area. “The plan would be to go under US131 at White Creek and proceed to Wiersma, travel Wiersma to Solon Township Hall. We would like to travel past the building here, perhaps making options for water and restroom facilities if you would choose, and through the green spaces in the Saddlebrook development and on out to the State Game Area by whatever route we can negotiate with landowners. The advantages to Solon Township are of course, having the distinction of a national park being routed through the township and any possible grant opportunities that might come with that as well as opportunities for local folks to walk a nationally acclaimed trail and simply being on the map with a nation park and trail running through the township,” explained Cole.

The Solon Township Hall is located 15185 Algoma Ave, between 18 and 19 Mile.

New pet resort set to open next spring

It was announced Monday that the demolition last week of an old building at the corner Elm and Main paved the way for a new type of building in Cedar Springs—the skinny skycraper. Those types of buildings are currently the rage in large metropolitan areas such as New York or Manhattan, but rarely seen in small towns. However, the one in Cedar Springs will be unique—it will be the only skinny skyscraper in the world catering to travelers and their pets.

According to the developer, the Pet Park Tower will feature 3,300-square foot floors, and be 597 feet tall. Guests will have a premium view no matter which side their room faces: the White Pine Trail to the west, the historic Hilltop Administration building to the south, apartments to the east, and a trailer park to the north.

Guest rooms will include a queen bed and a pet bed. The type of pet must be specified at the time of the reservation. (Cats and dogs cannot stay in the same room.) Up to four people and 8 pets can occupy a room at a time. However, if space is a problem, the shower will convert into a temporary doggy den. Just pull the curtain closed.

The main floor includes a running track, whirlpool, and sauna for guests and their pets. Pets may get a massage, or get their nails painted, right alongside their owners. The free breakfast buffet will include both people and gourmet pet food. “Some of the pet food is even tastier than the people food,” said the head chef.

While the hotel won’t be ready til next spring, you can make a reservation now. Just call 1-800-APRIL-FOOLS.

The 2015 En Gedi auction set new records in attendance and funds earned last Friday, March 20, during the non-profit organization’s annual and only fundraiser held at the Cedar Springs High School cafeteria.

The evening started with gourmet appetizers and dessert being served while the approximate 120 attendees visited and browsed the wide variety of items on the silent auction tables. At 7 p.m., auctioneer Kelly from Art Smith Auctioneer began to close bids on each table with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm.

Trey Reed and Ellen Pike managed the Plinko game while others sold raffle tickets for a new television.

There was a short presentation sharing the En Gedi highlights from the youth center, high school 5th quarter activities, and community events over the last year. Volunteers and Youth Center Director Craig Owens and Assistant Director Joseph Gross were recognized and thanked for their leadership.

They also debuted a recently created DVD showing what the  6-8th grade students liked about the free after-school program held at Red Hawk Elementary School.

Then, the auctioneer conducted a segment allowing attendees to sponsor a “student-for-a-year,” which  brought in $3,880.

This was followed by a live auction of 10 specialty items allowing bidders to compete for the prize.

The total amount earned at the auction was approximately $45,000, which includes corporate sponsorship from CS Manufacturing.

“We have a tremendous group of caring business professionals and community members who again came out in support of the En Gedi mission to serve the youth and build families within Cedar Springs,” said En Gedi Board Member and Event Co-chair Kevin Pike. “This is the 4th year of this event. This year’s outcome certainly exceeded our expectations. We will now be able to continue our services and expand on some opportunities. Our entire En Gedi Team would like thank everyone who so graciously donated to and attended the event as well as those who mailed cash donations,” he said.

God wants a relationship with you. Take time to worship at one of the following churches during Holy Week next week and let God prepare your heart to celebrate the joy of Easter!

CEDAR SPRINGS

Community Good Friday Service 

April 3: You are invited to join together in worship with the churches of Cedar Springs for our community Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3, at The Springs Church, 135 N. Grant Street, Cedar Springs. Children’s programming provided through 4^th grade. This program is being sponsored by the Cedar Springs Ministerial Association.

Calvary Assembly of God

810 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 5: Resurrection Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m.

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church

140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Please join us as we celebrate our Lord’s life, death and resurrection.

March 29: Palm Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

April 2: Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion and Tenebrae worship service at 7:00 p.m.

April 3-4: A time for individual prayer 9:30 a.m.a to 5: 30 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

April 5: Easter Sunday Sunrise service 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Fellowship Hall (free-will offering) at 8:30 a.m. Easter worship with communion at 10 a.m. One service only. Call 696-11-40 for more info.

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024-18 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 5: Easter Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m. w/ Easter Brunch following.

First Baptist Church

233 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 3: Good Friday Service at 6:30 p.m.

April 5: Easter Sonrise Service at 8:30 p.m.

Easter Service at 10:45 a.m.

Maranatha Baptist Church

12786 Algoma Ave. Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 5: Sunrise Service at 8:00 a.m, Easter Breakfast at 8:45, and Easter morning worship at 10 a.m.

Pioneer CRC

3592 17 Mile RD NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 5: Easter morning worship at 10 a.m.

Solon Center Wesleyan Church

15671 Algoma Ave.

Cedar Springs, MI  49319

April 4: Saturday Easter Eggstravaganza, egg hunt and more 1 – 2:30 p.m.

April 5: Easter morning Worship Services at 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

St. John Paul II Catholic Church 

3110 17 Mile Road NE

Cedar Springs, MI 49319

www.jp2-mqa.org

April 2: Mass of the Lord’s Supper Holy Thursday: Mass at 7p.m.

April 3: Good Friday: The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord 12 Noon

April 4: Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 8 p.m.

April 5: Easter Sunday: Mass at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m.

The Springs Church

135 N. Grant Street

Cedar Springs, MI 49319

April 3:  Community Good Friday Worship Service at 6:30 p.m.

April 5:  Easter Sunday Morning Services at 9:45a.m. & 11:15a.m.

Have you heard about NBC’s new A.D. TV series? Jesus’ death and resurrection changed the world—but it’s just the beginning of the story!  Learn more as we dive deeper into the stories from A.D. with inspiring messages and video clips from the TV series. For more information visit our website www.thespringschurch.info or call 616.696.2970. We are located at 135 N. Grant St. in Cedar Springs. We hope to see you at The Springs this Easter!”

ROCKFORD

Community Good Friday Service 

April 3: The community is invited to worship together on Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m. at Bella Vista Church, 5100 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford. The theme is “The Seven Last Words of the Cross.” Sponsored by the Rockford Ministerial Association.

Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church

10295 Myers Lake NE, Rockford, MI 49341

April 2: Maundy Thursday 10:00 a.m. breakfast

April 4: Saturday Easter Eggstravaganza – Egg Hunt Noon-12:30; Games, Crafts & Hot Dog Lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m.

April 5: Easter morning worship at 10:00 a.m.

Grace Evangelical Free

4714 13 Mile Rd, Rockford, MI 49341

Saturday, April 4: Free Family Easter Carnival 10am -11:30am (Egg Hunt to follow @ 11:30am)

Sunday, April 5: Easter Services- 10:45am

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

1200 Post Drive, Belmont

April 2:  Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm – The Last Supper and Stripping of the Altar

April 3:  Good Friday 7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross

April 4:  Holy Saturday 7:00 pm – The Vigil of Easter with Champagne Reception

April 5:  Easter Sunday 9:00 Breakfast;

10:00 am – Easter Resurrection Worship

Rockford Springs Community Church

5815 Fourteen Mile Rd, NE; Rockford, MI  49341

April 2:  Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m.

April 5:  Easter morning worship at 9:30 a.m.

SAND LAKE

Good Friday Walk and Remember

April 3: Walk to each of the Sand Lake Village churches and listen to the thoughts of characters who experienced the crucifixion first hand. From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Begin at the Catholic Church (1 W. Maple), then visit the Full Gospel and Resurrection Lutheran Churches, and end at Sand Lake United Methodist, with light refreshments after. Families and children encouraged to come.

Church of the Full Gospel

180 E. Lake St., Sand Lake, MI 49343

April 5: Easter Service 11:00 a.m.

Mary Queen of Apostles

One W. Maple, Sand Lake, MI  49343

April 1:  Wednesday of Holy Week Stations of the Cross 7 pm

April 3:  Good Friday Service 3 pm

April 5:  Easter Sunday  7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (Easter Egg Hunt following the 9:30 am Mass)

Resurrection Lutheran Church

180 S. 3rd St., Sand Lake, MI 49343

(616) 636-5502

March 29: Palm Sunday Service 9:30 Am ~Easter Egg Hunt following the Worship Hour.

April 3: Good Friday Worship Service 7:00 PM

April 5: Easter Morning Breakfast 8:30 AM

April 5: Easter Morning Worship Celebration 9:30 AM

Sand Lake United Methodist Church

65 W. Maple Street, Sand Lake, MI

April 5: Easter SONrise Service 8:00 a.m. Breakfast to follow around 8:45 am.

South Ensley United Methodist

13600 Cypress, Sand Lake, MI 49343

April 5: Easter Worship and communion 10:55 a.m.