Martin and Glenna Duram

It took over a year, but Glenna Duram, 48, was arrested and arraigned last week in Newaygo County’s 78^th District Court for the murder of her husband, Martin Duram, 45. She has been charged with first degree homicide and felony firearms for the crime, which took place in Ensley Township, in May 2015.

According to the original police report, firefighters responded to a garage fire on 128^th Street, near Balsam, on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. A neighbor reportedly asked firefighters to check on some neighbors, and when they did, they found a man and a woman inside the home, and apparently deceased.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Hart Post responded to the scene, and after making the scene safe, determined that the woman, Glenna Duram, was seriously injured, but still breathing. She had two gunshot wounds to the head. Martin Duram reportedly had been shot five times. Glenna was transported to the hospital.

On the following day, when Martin’s three children (from a previous marriage) were going through things in the house, they found a manila envelope with suicide letters written to Glenna’s children and ex-husband. They said she was sorry, but didn’t admit to killing Martin.

According to Martin’s ex-wife, Christina Keller, Martin and Glenna were married in 2005. She said that after a few years of them being married, Martin’s health began to decline, due to a car accident he had in 1995. She said that Glenna became his caregiver in 2010, and began managing all of the money and the bills. About two weeks before the murder, a family member called Martin and told him that his house was in the paper in foreclosure, and was to be auctioned off. He reportedly got a copy of the paper and showed it to Glenna, who said it was a misprint and that she would call the paper. However, papers reportedly strewn around at the scene of the crime showed it was indeed going to be put up for auction. According to MLive.com, the family’s estate attorney reported that the auction was to take place May 13, the same day firefighters discovered the Durams. It was estimated that payments had not been made in a year.

Keller told the Post she does not think that Martin knew his house was in foreclosure. “Six or seven months prior he had just built a very nice deck on the back of that house, and a few months before that he had had a nice man cave with all his mounts built as an addition to his garage. Just two days before he was killed, he was painting his bathroom ceiling, so nothing tells us that Marty knew his house was in foreclosure, and everything points to her trying to keep this a secret,” she said.

Keller added that Martin had surgery in February, and another surgery for a hernia on April 31, just two weeks before his murder. “He was pretty weakened, out of shape and in pain, and unable to protect himself,” she explained. She obviously got him at his weakest moment.”

If Glenna Duram is convicted on the homicide and felony firearms charges, the maximum penalty is life in prison without parole.

Years of plans and dreams are finally coming true—Cedar Springs is really going to have a new, much needed library building! The Library Board chose the contractor at their June 27 meeting, and a groundbreaking is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at 5:00 p.m. near the Cedar Springs Fire Station, at the corner of Main and W. Maple Street. Everyone is invited. See the ad on page 11 and watch the Library website and Facebook Page for activities being planned for this event.

You may have read in The Post or The Bugle that over 900 people of all ages have signed up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. This growth, along with the significantly increased use of the Library in general, has taken place in spite of not having adequate room. Your Library Staff is persistent regardless of the obstacles.

The current library building has only 2,016 square feet. The new library will have 10,016 square feet, a well-deserved treat to the citizens of Cedar Springs and surrounding communities.

Library Director Donna Clark is excited about what this groundbreaking means for Cedar Springs. “I have the distinct privilege of being the Library Director of our community library at this historic moment of groundbreaking, but I do not stand alone,” she said. “I’m only one, standing on the foundation prepared from the early 1800s to this present day, by a long line of educators, professionals, town folk, volunteers, and enthusiastic people of vision and hope. I celebrate with you who have served your local library as library employees and board members, and with our great City, who is walking this journey with us. I love it that we are building a whole City block of beauty and culture for future generations.”

There are new developments every week because the Library Board and several committees are meeting regularly to accept the bids of contractors and subcontractors, to choose materials, and to keep up with all of the details that require timely attention. “One of the most significant contributions of time during the past two years has come from Duane McIntyre, who will continue to serve as the Project Construction Manager at no charge. This represents a huge savings to the donors and citizens of our communities,” said Community Building Development Team Chair Kurt Mabie. “Many others have also contributed hundreds of hours to reach this milestone so that this dream could come true. Thank you to everyone! These gifts of time are extraordinarily meaningful and are greatly appreciated.”

A finance committee, made up of a good mix of local, respected professionals, is keeping track of the donations that are being made to the Community Building Development Team (CBDT) and the Cedar Springs Public Library. Donations for the new building and its contents are still very much needed and greatly appreciated.

This new library building is just one facility planned for the Heart of Cedar Springs, thanks to the CBDT and the Cedar Springs City Council and Planning Commission. They have all brought their influence to bear on raising funds and negotiating with governmental entities, as well as making sure the right people are available to support the many needs of such a large undertaking. Kent County is a wonderful place to live, thanks to a history of good leadership and smart planning. What is happening in Cedar Springs fits perfectly into the scheme of friendly, up-and-coming communities throughout Kent County. The value of these projects to the residents and businesses of Cedar Springs, and to all of northern Kent County, cannot be overestimated.

The Heart of Cedar Springs will include the following projects that are critical to the continued growth of Cedar Springs.

A library, designed and developed as a place to gather, a place where educational opportunities can be extended, a place where a community can meet, grow and learn together.

An amphitheater where outdoor plays, musicals, movies, concerts and more will fill the summer days and evenings for residents, as well as a place of respite for White Pine Trail and North Country Trail enthusiasts.

Rain Gardens and a Sculpture are a part of the continual beautification of Cedar Creek and its historic flowing spring, which will provide multiple opportunities for several school districts to collaborate with science experiments, and participate in research that can benefit Michigan water way protection and development. The new library will be a great source and meeting place for these classes.

A Boardwalk and Bridges along the Creek, initially running from Main Street to the White Pine Trail but eventually spanning through to Riggle Park and 17 Mile Road to be enjoyed by walkers, nature enthusiasts, and fishermen.

A Community Center that can be used as a FEMA crisis center, as well as provide a beautiful venue for wedding and retirement receptions, and many other community and personal celebrations and gatherings.

A Recreation and Fitness Center where the Parks and Recreation Department, various other recreational and fitness organizations, schools, and individual residents can focus on health and wellness as a community.

All of north Kent County will benefit and appreciate these facilities and open spaces. The value they bring to the Cedar Springs Community will be a legacy for years to come. Please get involved now to be part of this legacy.

Tax deductible donations can be made out to the Community Building Development Team and sent to treasurer, Sue Mabie, 15022 Ritchie Ave, Cedar Springs, Michigan 49319.

This group of students did some upgrading on the rain gardens at CS Manufacturing last week.

A Green team of high school students working with Trout Unlimited did some work upgrading the rain gardens at CS Manufacturing last week (located at Fifth and Cherry Streets).

This group of students is spending the summer learning about the Rogue River and creative ways to manage its major pollutant—stormwater runoff—with green infrastructure. During their four weeks, the students will be working on public and private lands to install and maintain rain gardens, bioswales, and other native landscaping techniques in Rockford, Cedar Springs, and Sparta.

See the Mane St. band at a free concert at the site of the future amphitheater on July 9.

The Cedar Springs Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Community Building Development Team to bring some exciting family events to this year’s Christmas in July sidewalk sales event, including a free movie in the park, the groundbreaking for the new Cedar Springs Library, and a free concert at the site where the new amphitheater will be built.

Christmas in July is an annual Chamber of Commerce event, which takes place the weekend of the second Saturday of July. The weekend starts with a free movie in Morley Park, concessions, and other activities Friday, July 8, at 6 p.m. This year’s movie will be the Christmas movie Elf. Some businesses in downtown Cedar Springs will have Christmas in July sidewalk sales on Saturday July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Then at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, will be the groundbreaking for the new Cedar Springs Library at the corner of Main and W. Maple Streets, near the Fire Station. Everyone is encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone.

The Community Building Development Team is also hosting a free concert performed by the band Mane Street, on July 9, from 6-10 p.m., at the site of the future amphitheater in the Heart of Cedar Springs. This is the lot where Cedar Springs began in the 1850’s, and is also in the same area where the new library is being built. There currently is a flowing well on the site, featuring one of the springs that Cedar Springs is named for. The address for the concert is 37 W. Maple Street, and is just west of the Fire Station and north of the White Pine Trail staging area. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and be ready to hear some good music!

For details on the weekend and to see the ads download the link below:

ChristmasInJuly-sf.pdf

The Post recently traveled to Tucson, Arizona with Darlene (Towns) Wirtz, of Ionia, to visit her sister Jean (Towns) Peterson. Jean and Darlene are graduates of Cedar Springs High School, and both were Red Flannel Queens. Darlene, pictured on the left, was RF Queen in 1949, and Jean, on the right, was the 1948 RF Queen.

Thank you, Darlene and Jean, for including us in your visit!

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!

Cedar Springs Fire Chief Marty Fraser helped fit kids with bicycle helmets at the Blessing of the Bicycles at The Springs Church last Saturday. Courtesy photo.

By Judy Reed

The second annual Blessing of the Bicycles, held last Saturday, June 25, at The Springs Church, was a big hit with kids and families in the community.

“I had a lot of people tell me they and their kids were having a great time,” said organizer Johna Alexander.

Kids who did not have a bike were able to choose from about 50 used ones, and another six new ones were given away through a drawing.

Dozens of kids and families turned out to pick out a good used bike and/or enjoy the festivities. Courtesy photo.

Dozens of kids and parents showed up to take advantage of the free bicycles, helmets, t-shirts, face painting, bubbles, and chalk art. The Kent County Sheriff Department and Cedar Springs Fire Department were there to interact with the kids, and minor bike repairs were also available. A clown and upbeat music rounded out the celebration.

Pastor Cherri’ Kerr also said a blessing over the bicycles.

“I really want to thank everyone that donated and everyone that helped make this year’s event a success,” said Alexander.

She added that in preparation for next year, she will be taking bicycle donations all year long. She said that they can be dropped off at The Springs Church, or you can call her at 616-799-2850 for pickup.

LifeRun top runners

Alpha Family Center raises $18,000 towards expenses

Walkers and runners hit the pavement on Saturday, June 18, to help support Alpha Family Center, in their annual LifeWalk event.

“It was a great day to celebrate life,” said Executive Director Teresa Hathaway.

“This year’s theme was ‘I’m a prayer warrior for Life,’ which relays the message that we find power through prayer as we walk for the unborn babies.”

The day began with 18 runners taking part in Alpha’s 3^rd annual LifeRun. The Springs Youth Pastor Chris Anton awarded the trophies and medals to the top runners. LifeWalk began with a welcome, instructions about the walk, and an opening prayer. A crowd of over 174 walkers followed behind the LifeWalk banner for the two-mile walk through downtown Cedar Springs, stopping at key points to pray for our community leaders, churches, schools and Alpha Family Center. This year the walk once again included a prayer stop at Metron Senior Citizen Center to help emphasize life is precious at all stages. The walkers returned to the park for a time of refreshments and door prizes, as well as awarding prizes to this year’s winners of our coloring contest, and the top walkers.

A report was also given on the total amount raised this year, which was over $18,000. LifeWalk covers a major portion of Alpha’s operating expenses as they assist over 150 families per year, and give away over 11,000 baby and maternity items per year. Alpha also offers free pregnancy self-testing, parenting classes, and support for abuse, miscarriages, and post-abortion and sexual integrity classes. Alpha also hopes to begin a men’s group this fall to help equip and encourage men to actively engage with their families.

LifeWalk ended with a closing prayer and the sky filled with colorful balloons that were released in memory of the over 58,000,000 babies that have been aborted since abortion became legal in 1973.

Alpha offers a special thank you to the local communities for their ongoing support of Alpha over the years.

From Michigan State Police, District 6 headquarters, Rockford

Tustin resident Esther Gaffney

A task force of investigators from the Michigan State Police, in conjunction with Osceola County Prosecutor Tyler Thompson, is focusing on the 2004 homicide of Tustin resident Esther Gaffney.

Eighty-year-old Esther Gaffney lived alone at her residence on Tustin Rd., north of the Village of Tustin (which is about 20 minutes north of Reed City). On July 12, 2004, Esther was found deceased inside her home. An autopsy concluded that the manner of Esther’s death was homicide.

For the past 12 years, detectives have continued to investigate the case following up on numerous tips. Task force members are confident that advances in forensic science and information technology will generate new leads and aid investigators in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

Cold cases are often solved because the passage of time allows witnesses and persons with information to come forward. Investigators feel that there are persons with information that will be pertinent to this case. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the homicide of Esther Gaffney to contact the cold case tip line of the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post at (989) 775-9302.

Post photo by M. Ford.

Dale Gene Anderson

A Solon Township man died Tuesday evening, June 28, after suffering a medical condition and crashing his motorcycle.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, Dale Gene Anderson, 63, of Solon Township, was traveling westbound on 18 Mile Road, near Simmons Avenue, about 9:30 p.m., June 28, with his wife, Elaine Rae Anderson, 63, as a passenger. She reported to police that the motorcycle began to slow down, and her husband became unresponsive and fell forward. She tried to gain control of the motorcycle, but it left the roadway, and they crashed into a ditch.

Passing motorists stopped to assist and performed CPR on Dale until Sheriff Deputies and Solon Fire and Rescue arrived and took over, but the rescue attempts were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Elaine was not injured.

Police said that the crash remains under investigation, and that alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Click link below to view obituary:

http://cedarspringspost.com/2016/06/30/dale-g-anderson/

Red Cross disaster teams are working around the country and the clock to help people affected by disasters big and small this summer. 

Michigan sends volunteers, supplies to support relief efforts; help urgently needed 

The American Red Cross is responding to a massive flooding disaster in West Virginia. There have been at least 24 deaths reported, and thousands are still without power, gas service and even water. As many as 60 roads are closed to flooding and flood damage. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared state of emergencies in 44 counties, and President Obama declared a Disaster Declaration for the state. Dozens of people have had to be rescued and search and rescue missions are still ongoing. Officials continue to estimate that thousands of homes have experienced damage from these tragic floods.

Red Cross workers opened numerous shelters in Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Nicholas, Pocahontas and Roane counties, and are providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance to those affected, as well as meals for first responders. On Saturday night, June 25, the Red Cross opened or supported 17 shelters where more than 400 people slept overnight.

This is a difficult time for many families unexpectedly forced from their homes. Red Cross workers are providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance to those affected as well as meals for first responders, while disaster mental health workers are helping people cope. Health workers are helping to replace needed items like prescription medications and eyeglasses.

“Our Michigan volunteers are already helping people affected by the terrible flooding in West Virginia,” said Kimberly Burton, Red Cross Regional Chief Executive Officer. “We have been mobilizing much-needed resources since these devastating storms hit and are monitoring the situation with local and state officials to make sure people get the help they need.”

HOW TO HELP: These are large relief responses and the Red Cross needs the public’s support now. Financial donations are the quickest way to get people the help they need. Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like flooding, wildfires and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-

RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

Or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Residents will vote on several issues in the Tuesday, August 2 primary, including state and township representatives, Kent County Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, County Clerk, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner, County Commissioner, Delegates to political conventions, Circuit Court Judge, and various millage proposals (depending on your township).

People who aren’t registered to vote have until Tuesday, July 5 to register at any Secretary of State office, or at their county or local clerk’s office.

Check your registration status at the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote.

You also can view your sample ballot if your community is holding an election as well as find your polling location and track your absentee ballot.

How you can get an absentee ballot

Voters who qualify may choose to cast an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are:

• Age 60 or older.
• Physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
• Expecting to be absent from the community in which you are registered for the entire time the polls will be open on Election Day.
• In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
• Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.
• Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Those who wish to receive an absentee ballot by mail must submit the application by 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

Dale G. Anderson, 62 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, June 28, 2016 doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle. Dale was born July 27, 1953 in Chicago, IL the son of Richard and Marion (Pyne) Anderson. He was a truss assembler for 43 years. Dale was a stubborn, rough neck, loving and caring biker. He so loved his granddaughters that he had their names tattooed on his arm. Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Elaine; daughter, Lacey (Nathan) Wright; grandchildren, Kayda, Avalon, Harlynn; mother, Marion Anderson; brother, Raymond Anderson; sister-in-law, Donna (Robert) Greenland; five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and parents-in-law. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, July 10 at 1 pm at Morley Park, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.