This mobile home in Cedar Springs Mobile Estates was destroyed by fire on Friday, March 25.

A mobile home fire broke out on Linda Street in Cedar Springs Mobile Estates shortly after 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 25. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

Two families lost their home last Friday, March 25, when a fire broke out shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Linda Street in Cedar Springs Mobile Estates.

According to Cedar Springs Fire Chief Marty Fraser, the Cedar Springs Fire Department was on scene within seven minutes of getting the call, and it took 20 to 30 minutes to knock it down.

He said the fire started in a bedroom, though the cause is undetermined.

Two adults and two children were home at the time of the fire, and everyone got out safely. A 21-month-old reportedly had some minor burns to the chest and index finger, and was treated at the scene.

The home is reported to be a total loss.

By Judy Reed

A crash involving a car and a school bus sent one person to the hospital on Tuesday, March 29.

According to Sgt. Jason Kelley, with the Kent County Sheriff Department Cedar Springs Unit, the crash occurred on 18 Mile Rd near White Creek, in Solon Township, about 8:23 a.m.

A 68-year-old Solon Township woman was traveling east on 18 Mile behind a Cedar Springs Public Schools bus carrying elementary children, when the bus began to slow down for another bus it was following that was stopping to pick up children. The woman was reportedly blinded by the sun, and did not see the bus stopping. She then crashed into the back of the bus without braking, according to a witness.

None of the children on the bus were injured. Another bus was sent to pick up the children and transport them to school.

The bus driver, a 48-year-old woman from Spencer Township, complained of general pain. She was checked out by Rockford ambulance but was not hospitalized.

The driver of the car was sent to Butterworth Hospital by Rockford ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

“We are forever grateful for the Kent County Sheriff Department, Fire Department, paramedics and all other first responders for their prompt, caring and professional response to the needs of our school district and community,” said Cedar Springs Public Schools Superintendent Laura VanDuyn.

DPW workers try to figure out how to get their pothole repair truck out of a pothole.

When it rains, it pours. And where one pothole is, another is sure to spring up. That’s what our local DPW department discovered when they contracted an excavating crew to repair a pothole on 17 Mile Road this week.

According to a DPW spokesperson, a truck filled with asphalt was backing up towards the hole, when the road gave way, creating another pothole. To make it even worse, the truck became stuck in it.

They then had to call in a helicopter to help lift the truck out of the pothole.

“You can’t make this stuff up,” he said.

Once they got the truck out, they found that water was running underneath the road from an underground spring they thought was dormant. He said there used to be a lake in this area, and it appeared to be coming back. “This is going to take more work than just filling in a pothole,” he said. “It’s actually a good thing this happened or we wouldn’t know what we are up against. We have to stop the spring from pooling underneath the road, or before you know it, there will be fish and other water life growing down there. We can’t let that interfere with our roadway. People could get hurt trying to fish through potholes, not to mention the road caving in.”

He said he hopes to be able to divert the water into a natural water fountain along the roadway for everyone to enjoy, and hopes to have it done by April Fool’s Day!

Caleb Hankinson snuggles with the Easter Bunny at the Cedar Springs Library.

The Easter Bunny visited the Cedar Springs Public Library last Friday, March 25.

Thirty children from age 6 months to 5^th grade got a chance to visit with him, and then decorated foam . Including adults, there were 50 people in attendance.

Sheryl Fleser won the quilt raffle

Nancy Flierman with her first place quilt.

Saturday March 19, was the 4th annual Friends of the Library Quilt show. It was held at the Cedar Springs Middle School from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with approximately 180 people in attendance. Included were 36 quilts made by area residents. The winners of the show were chosen by those in attendance, with prizes going to:

Nancy Flierman, of Cedar Springs, won the Antique Quilt Category with her “Dresden Plate” quilt, and 3rd place with “Cathedral Window.” Both were specially made by her mother, Garnet Kline, who passed last year. It took her mother six years to make Cathedral Window, from 1994-2000. ‏She won a beautiful quilt rack donated by Bob Thomas Woodworking,

Barb Krawcyzk with her second place quilt.

2nd place went to Barb Krawczyk, for her “Snake River Log Cabin” quilt. She won a quilt rack donated by Ron Akom.‏

Featured at the show were a yard sale of quilting goods, a silent auction, trunk shows from Blueberry Backroads and Red Button Quilt Company and a Quilt Raffle featuring a Queen size quilt pieced by the Scrappy Quilters and quilted by Aerie Quilting. The raffle quilt was won by Sheryl Fleser of Cedar Springs.

On Tuesday, March 14, the West Michigan Hawks received the tremendous opportunity to give back to their community by hanging out with the children of Cedar View Elementary. Plenty of high fives and smiles were exchanged, as well as story time, where the Hawks read to the students.

“We had such a great time coming into Cedar View and reading to the 4th and 5th graders,” said head coach/owner David Lange. “I know that the guys had just as much fun if not more than the kids. Interacting with the community is a really big deal to the Hawks organization, and we truly enjoy the opportunity to do so. Without the support of the community, none of what we do is possible. Therefore, we happily accept each opportunity we get to do so.”

This is not the first time the team has been seen out and about in the Cedar Springs area. Last year, they hosted community cleanup projects, and have also been seen at Meijer helping pay for groceries.

The Hawks will be on the field again soon, as well. Their first game of the pre-season is on April 30, at Skinner Field, when they host the Highland Park Polar Bears.

Rose Hankins, of Courtland Township, recently traveled to Arizona to visit old friends from Paradise Park, where Rose lived for 19 years, getting away from the snow in Michigan winters. She saw a lot of her old friends, and enjoyed her visit. Rose is shown here with her friends Nita, Jo and Lola, at Apache Junction, Arizona.

Thanks, Rose, 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!

A Cedar Springs farmer is vying to make the Guinness Book of World Records and put Cedar Springs on the map once again. And what is his world record-breaking accomplishment? To have the largest stash of jellybeans in the world—ever! And he’s got the perfect place to put them. Where else would you stash a very large amount of corn or beans? Why in a silo, of course.

If you’re a city slicker, silos are those really, really tall round things you see next to barns and such. They hold lots of things, like corn and sometimes jellybeans.

Mac Donald, yes, that’s his real name! You can’t make this stuff up. Farmer Mac says that he’s wanted to get in the infamous record book since he was a young boy. In his later years, he wrote it on his bucket list. His first challenge was to find something that no one else has tried.

The Guinness Book of World Records holds some of the strangest collections and facts known to man and woman, like the largest collection of traffic cones, or the longest ear hair on record, or the most people dressed as penguins in one place! There is even a world record for the farthest distance being thrown in an auto accident. No, really. We just can’t make this stuff up. Go ahead and Google it. FYI, it was 118 feet, when a man was struck by a car going 70 m.p.h.  He lived. The EMTs called this one in to Guinness themselves. It could also be listed as the Luckiest Man to live after being struck by a car going 70 m.p.h.

Since farmer Mac had an empty silo on his property, he started to think about corn, and then beans. Then jellybeans. Why?  He explained. “Why not jellybeans? Who doesn’t like jellybeans?”

So he contacted those who have an unlimited supply. Jelly Belly Beans, Inc. After a little over a year of letters, phone calls and even a face-face meeting with the president of the company, Jelly Belly Inc. agreed to sponsor the event by supplying the jellybeans and teaming up with farmer Mac in a publicity blitz that will include guessing how many jelly beans does a silo hold? Here’s a hint… A lot!

The person who guesses the closest to the right amount will win a very large cash prize, a vacation get-away, a street named after them, a local newspaper and a lifetime supply of jellybeans! The prizes, including cash amount and trip destination are to be revealed in a later issue of The Post. So stay posted.

Which silo is it? Sorry, we can’t tell you yet. We’ve been paid to keep our mouths shut. Paid in jellybeans so the IRS will be non the wiser.

Hopefully Farmer Mac will soon hold the largest jellybean collection in the world on record. But after the contest what in the heck do you do with a 123,465,789 (more or less) jellybeans? Farmer Mac says he’s got a lot of pigs on his farm. Yeah, you guessed it, he’s going to let them “pig out”!

To enter, send your jellybean guesstimation to: theygotmeagainatthecedarspringspost.com.

Happy April Fool’s

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 two fake ads, AND the fake stories and you could win a fast $20! Email us at news@cedarspringspost.com with your guesses by Tuesday, April 5, 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 6. And that’s no April Foolin’!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? A large ice cream cone falling from the sky? No—it definitely looks like a tornado above the Post. Warm windy weather brought rain, lightning, and thunder to Cedar Springs Wednesday evening, and mother nature dropped this little gem from the sky. “I can’t believe it,” said one onlooker. “The last time we saw one of those here was in the 1970s. It must be something special to bring it this far.”
The tornado did a funny little dance as it lit on the roof, then began changing colors. “It’s like a disco ball!” someone shouted, as it turned green, then red, then pink.
We’ve heard of storms dropping frogs from the sky, but what happened next, still amazes us. The tornado hovered over the front lawn and shot pink flamingoes into our yard! “We’ve never seen anything like it,” said local weatherman Ollie Williams. Ollie had predicted earlier in the day that “It’s gon’ rain.”
Once it dropped the pink flamingoes, the tornado dissipated, leaving no trace of its presence except the flamingoes. “I guess we’ve been flocked!” said publisher Lois Allen.
We hope to have it cleaned up by April Fools Day!

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Board of Education met again on Monday, March 28. The meeting started with the board adding an agenda item to read a board statement, which was passed. Trustee Michelle Bayink asked to add an agenda item for discussion on comments from the last meeting, but it was not seconded, and died for lack of support.
Several people read letters or made comments to the board.
Bruce Marvel, an educator in another district, whose children attend Cedar Springs, asked the board, What are you? He noted Board president Eary’s statement about them only having one employee, and then asked why the contracts begin with the words “The Board of Education of Cedar Springs Public Schools and ____ enter into a contract”? He also asked if the board only has one employee, why did they tell the staff in the October 12 meeting, “if you don’t like it, you can take you services elsewhere”? (See an edited version of his letter on page 5)
Jan Wallace, a former member of the Board of Ed for 12 years, and said they were always transparent and accountable to the community. She noted the difficulties they overcame (a failed BOE recall, teacher’s strike, major budget issues) and how they healed with the support of the entire community and staff. She questioned Board president Patricia Eary’s statement about them only having one employee—the superintendent; and took issue with her previous statement about it not being an “open, public meeting…we are here to do the work of the board.” Wallace said the pubic is an important part of that work and has a right to speak. (See an edited version of her letter on page 5)
Tammie Drake, a school of choice mom, also spoke about communication has dissipated in the district. She said the board and superintendent are expected to listen, be curious, and act when needed. She said that we once were leaders and now people are asking what’s going on in Cedar Springs. (See her edited letter on page 6)
Teacher Libby Metiva also spoke. She asked that the board honor the request by trustee Michelle Bayink to address concerns by the community. She also asked who are the good ol’ boys? She said that term has been used in conversations in the community, and she wondered if the board might be allowing personal feelings or prejudices regarding good ol’ boys to influence their decisions as a governing body. She also tried to explain that the issue they are currently facing is not about the inability to embrace change. She listed several ways that the staff has changed over the last several  years. Metiva noted teachers with 30-plus years experience speaking out because they are concerned. “Clearly our community is dysfunctional and divided,” she said. “What is stopping you from digging deeper? Aren’t our children worth it?”
Jamie Zywycki spoke and asked the board members to remember that they are trustees for the students.
First grade teacher Karen Gebhardt, who is in her 30th year of teaching, also spoke. She talked about the anti-bullying program “be nice” and importance of treating people with respect. “While we’ve expected our students to abide by this, with the administration and teachers it’s been harder,” she said. “The days of intimidation are over. It used to be that way at Cedar Trails but it’s not anymore.”
Many have questioned Board president Eary’s statement that they only have one employee—the superintendent. And while they may give the Superintendent the authority to hire and fire, according to the Michigan Association of School Boards website, under powers and duties of the local school board, it says that specific provisions in the revised school code assigns the board responsibilities such as employing a superintendent, other administrators, teachers, and support staff personnel. That job is seen each meeting when the board votes on the consent agenda to approve new hires or release employees.
For more on school board responsibility visit https://www.masb.org/your-local-school-board.aspx.

Cedar Springs Board meeting statement

The board read a statement during the meeting. “Let me first begin by thanking all of you for being present this evening as a part of this school board meeting. We recognize the interest in education by our community members, and value the opportunity to gather, listen to one another and consider the affirmations, questions and concerns of the community as part of our service as the Cedar Springs Public Schools board members.
As we have encountered change during the course of the year, we have heard affirmations, questions and concerns. We are proud that our community cares a great deal about the quality of education available for all our children. The Cedar Springs Board of Education cares a great deal as well. We are committed to proved an education of excellence for the children in the community.
The board is working with the Superintendent to ensure that wwe are in line with educational best practices and operations across our district. We are committed to being data driven in our decision making, as we continually serve our students and inform our community. We are committed to civility and respect, especially when there is a difference of opinion. These are the values we must uphold and model for all in our district, including our students.
We also stand committed to holding individuals accountable to work with integrity in their positions. Whether an individual is the Superintendent, a teacher in the classroom, a coach or a support staff member, we have high expectations and we expect excellence in all that we do. Valuing high expectations for ourselves sets the foundation for the best educational programs for children in our district.
The Cedar Springs Board of Education is listening to the community and is responsive to your concerns. We will continue to be in communication regarding a range of issues in the days ahead. We believe the leadership team shares our commitment and together we are confident that the children of Cedar Springs are going to continue to receive a great education.
The board and district leadership team appreciate the hard work done on a daily basis by staff and teachers in the classroom and on the grounds of the district. Effective teaching and learning is happening, and here are some examples:
*Long time teachers like Larry Reyburn at Cedar Springs High School who has always wanted to teach since his days as an FFA student at CSHS in the late 1960s.
*Becky Powell, who over the past 20 years has provided many hours of college preparation volunteer time with our CSHS students.
*The teachers at Cedar Trails who were recently commended for their implementation of Responsive Classrooms by a national trainer.
*Staff at our Cedar Springs Community Health Center, who support the physical and mental health needs of all students.
*The many other stories of exceptional adacemic success by our students such as Madison Skelonc, a 6th grader honored for scoring in the top 20 percent of the ACT of all college-bound high school students.
*Many excellent contributions in our various co-curricular programs.
*Our many volunteers who continue to partner with Cedar Springs, including parents and grandparents.
We live in a community where our students are learning and accomplishing great things. We live in a community that cares about education and our students. As a board, we are committed to continue this tradition of excellence going forward. Our community partnerships make a difference in our shared commitment to provide a high quality, world class education that ensures success for every child through exemplary teaching and learning.

By Pastor Ryan Black

There aren’t enough hours in the day to worry about all that is wrong. Whether it is world events, work, school, family or just life in general, there is always something to cause our fretfulness. Life creates many anxious moments. But when the pressures of life continually increase, you may feel anxious all of the time. The pressure can be so great that you wonder if you will be able to carry the load of anxiety even one step further. Fortunately, we have the anti-worry, anti-anxiety antidote: Jesus!

Anxiety is a mind thing. Jesus understands this issue and is with you when facing it as he can put your mind to rest. Christ himself suffered anxiety to the point of sweating blood. Whether you’re a Christian or non-Christian, stress is something we all face and agonize. For this reason, we need to recognize that Jesus is there for each and every one of us in our times of uneasiness. John 14:1 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Why do we go through stressful moments and phases in our lives? Scripture tells us it’s to build up our perseverance, endurance and faith (Romans 5:3-5). Typically, when we go through traumatic times, we come out of it stronger and more well-rounded as a person.

We are all afraid of something. And whether our fear is real or irrational, if we let ourselves get caught up in a sea of worry, we run the risk of drowning in it. While we can never be completely free from worry, Jesus gives us a sense of peace and comfort as we deal with it. John 14:27 reads, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Cedar Springs Christian Church, 340 West Pine Street, Cedar Springs