The Lady Red Hawks split their double dual meet this week in OK Gold Conference action. They currently sit with a 3-1 record in conference competition. The weather was not conducive to posting fast times or distances but the team persevered through the adverse conditions. 

The Red Hawks were led by Sophomore distance runner Annalise Elliott. Annalise posted victories in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs then teamed with Hannah Reed, Addyson Brown and Larissa McGrath to bring home 1^st place in the 4 x 800 meter relay. Sophomore Hannah Shears won the long jump with a mark of 15’0”. Taylor Diemond remains undefeated in conference Pole Vault competitions winning the event. Senior sprinter Emily Neiderheide turned in strong performances in the 100 and 200 meter dashes scoring valuable points for the Red Hawks.  

On Saturday, April 23, the Red Hawks traveled to the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougar Invitational and were greeted by much warmer temperatures.  The team posted numerous season records (SR’s) and personal records (PR’s). Senior Emily Neiderheide blazed to a 4^th place finish in a loaded 200 meter dash field running a new PR of 26.84. Emily then joined Hannah Shears, Janae Fulton and Aubrie French to grab 8^th place points in the 4 x 100 meter relay running 54.54. In the Pole Vault, Taylor Diemond and Alexis O’ Dowd turned in strong performances with Taylor finishing 3^rd (10’6) and Alexis grabbing 10^th place (9’0). Junior Kurynn Oleneack jumped to a 10^th place finish in the High Jump at 4’6”. The discus saw new PR’s established by Lauren Hambleton and Hannah Britten. Junior Hannah Seif grabbed 15^th place in the Shot Put. In the distance events, Annalise Elliott finished 7^th in the Mile and 8^th in the 800 meter run (2:28.99) to score points for the Red Hawks. Junior Larissa McGrath dropped a huge PR in the 3200 meter run winning her section in 12:25.11 to finish 18^th overall. Sophomores Hannah Reed (2:47) and Addyson Brown (2:50) set PR’s in the 800 meter run. The hurdle crew saw Lauren Sherburn set a new PR in the 100 meter hurdles finishing 11^th in 19.16. Makenzie Zimmer turned in a 12^th place finish in the 300 meter hurdles running a PR of 54.21.  

The Red Hawks will be back in action this week against Ottawa Hills and Middleville at historic Houseman Field in Grand Rapids.  

Several season openers Saturday, April 30

Put your 2022 fishing license to good use next weekend during the trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons, all of which open Saturday, April 30. Enjoy Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities on your own or bring your family and friends along for the fun.

Anglers are reminded that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open Sunday, May 15. Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 4. Remember that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year. 

The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing (check the current Michigan Fishing Guide for specifics). The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 28, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 18. The Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River daily possession limit for walleye will remain at six fish through April 30, 2023.

The new license season began April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023. To purchase a fishing license, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

Anglers can make a real difference in helping to prevent the spread of invasive species by taking the time to clean, drain and dry waders and gear before heading to a new location.

Two invasive species, New Zealand mudsnail and didymo (rock snot), have been detected in Michigan. Both thrive in high-quality waters and can have harmful effects on stream ecosystems.

The NZMS Collaborative offers these simple steps for cleaning boots and waders:

• Stomp and inspect as soon as you leave the water to remove attached debris.
• Brush waders, soles and laces to loosen remaining debris and mud.
• Spray boots and waders thoroughly with a disinfecting agent.
• Rinse after 20 minutes.
• Dry waders thoroughly before next use.

The 2022 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online along with a lot of other helpful fishing information. Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most up-to-date information. You can view the complete guide online or download it to your device for later use.

Hunters encouraged to share harvest results via online survey

Though Michigan’s 2021 deer hunting seasons ended in late January 2022, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is continuing to accept feedback from hunters about their experiences. Hunter harvest surveys have been sent to a random sample of the state’s deer hunters. In addition, hunters can take a brief online survey. Final harvest survey results will be presented later this summer.

Initial data from Michigan’s 2021 deer hunting seasons—including chronic wasting disease testing results and deer license sales information–was presented at last Thursday’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, with highlights shared below.

A shift in CWD testing

The DNR has finalized its 2021 surveillance efforts for chronic wasting disease, ultimately testing just over 7,200 deer. The more targeted testing goals are part of the department’s new region-by-region strategy aimed at detecting new outbreaks rather than revisiting known ones.

“We want to thank hunters for their cooperation in helping us meet our CWD surveillance goals,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Strategic testing for chronic wasting disease is of primary importance for the department, and we couldn’t meet these goals without the committed assistance of deer hunters.”

Eichinger also praised the work of deer processors, taxidermists and local businesses that help collect samples for testing, and other key partners who provide necessary assistance to the department.

In all, 25 CWD-positive deer were confirmed in 2021. Three cases of CWD were detected in Isabella County, which represents a new county where the disease has been found. (Since Michigan’s first confirmation of a CWD-positive wild deer in 2015, CWD has been detected in white-tailed deer in Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and Montcalm counties.)

“It was not unexpected to find positive cases in Isabella County, as these detections were fairly close to where we’ve identified cases in Montcalm and northern Gratiot County,” said DNR deer and elk specialist Chad Stewart. “Our main areas of infection remain in parts of Montcalm and northeast Kent counties, as well as southern Jackson County, where we knew CWD existed going into the 2021 hunting season.”

Despite the department’s finding of 25 positive animals last year, Stewart cautioned against comparing the low number of positives with the high number of deer tested and concluding there is not a problem.

“The distribution of our samples greatly affects the number of positives we expect to find. Intensive collection of samples in known CWD locations like Montcalm and Kent counties would certainly lead to a high number of positives being detected,” he said. “Our goal this year was to begin to understand what CWD looks like in areas that are historically under-sampled, and we made a lot of strides on that front.”

Stewart said that chronic wasting disease is going to be a problem for parts of Michigan’s deer herd in the future: “Once it becomes established, it is unlikely that we can reverse course on the disease. Prevention and early detection remain our best options for CWD management.”

CWD surveillance moving forward

For Michigan’s 2021 deer seasons, the DNR started a “multi-year process of strategic, focused, CWD surveillance in regions around the state. Last year’s surveillance occurred mainly in the three tiers of counties near the Ohio border. Over the next few years, the remainder of the state will be systematically sampled to determine if CWD is present in other areas where it hasn’t yet been identified.”

Hunter numbers

While there was a temporary rise in hunter numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, participation is declining in Michigan. The trend is not new, nor is it only being observed here. States across the country are feeling the financial pressure of reduced hunter numbers, because sales of hunting licenses comprise a large portion of the funding for critical conservation work.

“Nationwide, hunting has seen a gradual decline over the last several decades,” said Eichinger. “The trend is likely due to a combination of factors including generations of hunters who are aging out of the sport, and younger generations that are less likely to participate in hunting due to societal changes and more competition for their attention.”

Deer hunter numbers in 2021 were down nearly 4% over the previous year with close to 600,000 hunters purchasing a deer license. Hunter number declines are in line with past years going back to peak participation in the mid 90’s.

“While the trend in hunter participation is discouraging, we know that hunting remains an important part of Michigan’s outdoor heritage,” Eichinger said. “That’s why we encourage experienced hunters to introduce the sport to new hunters wherever they can. Spending time with veteran hunters can reduce the learning curve, increase safety and instill a sense of excitement and appreciation for our state’s natural resources.”

To learn more about deer management, CWD and deer hunting in Michigan, and to access the 2021 deer harvest survey, visit Michigan.gov/Deer.

Hunter Fodor, of Hunters Land Management, in Coleman, recently won the 2022 Tree Farm Inspector of the Year award from the American Tree Farm System. The prestigious award is given annually to just one forester among 2,100 volunteer foresters who help 35,000 landowners nationwide take care of their woods using Tree Farm’s Standards of Sustainability.

American Tree Farm System is a national network that provides community, recognition, and legacy for family forest landowners. Active in 42 states, Tree Farm has been in Michigan since 1949. About 1,400 landowners in Michigan are Tree Farmers who practice excellent stewardship and want to pass well-managed forest on to future generations.

Certified family forests are natural or planted forests between 10 acres and 20,000 acres in size; 40 to 160 acres is typical. They’re sustainably managed for recreation, wildlife, water and wood. To join Tree Farm, landowners must develop a forest management plan and invite an inspecting forester like Fodor to walk their woods with them to confirm their eligibility and compliance with the Standards of Sustainability. Many woodland owners join Tree Farm when they are developing a forest management plan to lower their property taxes in Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program or Qualified Forest Program.

“The American Tree Farm System would not be possible without volunteer inspectors,” said Kayti Wilson of the American Forest Foundation. “Hunter is an outstanding inspector and we value his entrepreneurial spirit to leverage the Tree Farm brand to grow his business while helping landowners. We thank and congratulate Hunter for his hard work on behalf of Tree Farmers in Michigan.”

Fodor’s mission: empowering landowners

Fodor started his consulting forestry business in 2018 to provide services for family forest landowners. Fodor writes forest management plans, administers timber sales, and does wildlife habitat projects. He installs a “Certified Tree Farm” or “Certified Family Forest” sign for his clients with a supplemental sign to show their woods are managed by a professional forester.

He also encourages his clients to join the Michigan Forest Association to network with other landowners and learn from their peers about what works in their woods.

“We nominated Hunter because he empowers landowners to be great forest stewards and uses Tree Farm to recognize and promote good work in family forests,” said Winona Grieshop, chair of the Michigan Tree Farm Committee. “Volunteers deliver Tree Farm in Michigan and we want to celebrate Hunter as one of our best.”

Fodor invests in youth and his community. He includes high school students in the projects he does to develop forest stewardship plans for school forests and Scout camps. Fodor mentored Amaya Golovich, a Scout from Wayne County, about forest management. Amaya wants to study forestry in college because of her forestry merit badge. Fodor’s business is a corporate sponsor of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, which encourages hunters to donate extra venison to local food pantries. He also is an active member of the Society of American Foresters and Association of Consulting Foresters.

“Consulting foresters like Hunter are professionals who manage forests and market forest products for private woodland owners. Their work with family forest landowners is critical to the American Tree Farm System,” said Shannon McCabe, executive director of the Association of Consulting Foresters. “ACF congratulates Hunter on this well-deserved recognition of his work to support and grow the Tree Farm program while educating and engaging his community in forest management.”

Want to learn more?

For information about the American Tree Farm System in Michigan, or other programs for family forest owners, contact DNR forest stewardship coordinator Mike Smalligan by email or at 517-449-5666.

For more on forest stewardship and getting help with managing, protecting and enjoying your forest, Michigan.gov/ForestStewardship.

MARLAN L. NEWLAND

A Memorial Service and Luncheon for Marlan L. Newland will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.  Graveside Military Memorial Service at North Ensley Cemetery at 12 p.m. The Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow at the Cedar Springs American Legion at 1:00 p.m.

Mark Edward Strpko, 63 of Sand Lake, Michigan passed away quickly and peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2022. Mark was born on August 31, 1958 to Frank and Delores Strpko in Carson City, Michigan. Mark was a 1976 graduate of Big Rapids High School in Big Rapids, Michigan. In his younger years, Mark enjoyed riding dirt bikes, tinkering on motors of any sort and making things go fast. Mark was well known in high school for his Starsky and Hutch van, his GTO Judge, and many other creations. Mark’s pride and joy, Jodilyn was born on May 30, 1992. They shared a special bond and were best friends up until the day he passed. Mark was in his glory when he was surrounded by his two grandchildren, Victoria and Bearett. In addition to his daughter and grandchildren, Mark had a special place in his heart for his sons Christopher and Nick Landon and their children. Mark was also thought of and acted like a father and grandfather to so many others. Mark was an avid racer all his life beginning with RC cars, pedal bikes, motorized dirt bikes, drag boats, and eventually finding his love of sprint cars. What Mark loved most was building motors for those in the racing community and the commraoditry of the people. At the time of his passing, Mark was a high performance engine builder. He spent his weekends at the races, sometimes racing but most often helping friends wrench on their race cars, or as they say, bossing them around. Mark enjoyed his years of service given to various fire departments around the Cedar Springs area, especially the 10 plus years he served as the Cedar Springs Fire Chief. Mark was preceded in death by his parents Frank Joseph and Delores Peggy Strpko, and a son Chad Joseph Strpko who passed away as a newborn in 1988. Mark is survived by his daughter Jodilyn Phillips (Andrew) of Rockford, MI, his sons Christopher (Emily) Landon of Cedar Springs, MI and Nick (Katie) Landon of Dorr, MI and six grandchildren: Victoria and Bearett Phillips, Sawyer, Tucker, Vincent and Fionna Landon. Mark is also survived by his brother Paul (Sheri) Strpko and his sister Annette (Gary Guy). A visitation will be held to honor Mark on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jodilyn to help with funeral expenses. A celebration of life will be held at a later date this summer at Mark’s house.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Ronald Kenneth Starr, age 70, of Sparta, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born January 21, 1952, in Cedar Springs, Michigan to Kenneth and Mary (Hudson) Starr. Ron was a carpenter by trade. He enjoyed being outdoors, and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ron is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years, Sandra (Roelofs); children, Shannon (Shawn) Cone, Adam Starr; grandchildren, Madison, Tatum, Alexa, Tristan; brother, Al (Nancy) Starr; sisters, Leona Wainright, Luci (Bill) Paepke, Joanne (Don) Shevock; sister-in-law, Doris Starr; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Bob Starr, Vern Starr, Herb Starr. There will be a funeral ceremony, celebrating Ron’s life at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe St., Rockford, Michigan, 49341. There will also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron’s name can be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please visit the online tribute page at Plaisierfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Carolyn M. Zank age 76 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Mission Point of Cedar Springs. Mrs. Zank was born April 15, 1946 in Cadillac, MI the daughter of the late Wayne and Anne (Mitchler) Miller. She had worked for the Kent Intermediate School District for 13 years retiring in 2011. She was very involved in Cedar Springs including past director of the Red Flannel Festival, Cedar Springs Public School Board for eight years and helped start the Cedar Springs Educational Foundation. She enjoyed the Cedar Springs Christmas Tea each year. Surviving are her husband, Kenneth; children, Kathryn Zank, Kevin (Amanda) Zank, Kerri (David) Reed; grandchildren, Hannah Reed, Zach Reed and Meredith Zank; sister, Marilyn (Robert) Anderson; brother-in-law, Bill Bales. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lois Bales. The family will greet friends Friday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Cedar Springs Educational Foundation.

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

Father Lam T. Le, Pastor

St. John Paul II Parish

3110 17 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs

(John 20:17)

Easter is the greatest feast day of the Church. As St. Paul said, “if Christ had not been raised, your faith is vain . . . If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.” (1Cor 15:17, 19).  During this season we, however, proclaim: Christ is truly risen.  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

On this joyful season, I recall that, not too long ago, a person asked: Why in the Gospel, did Jesus tell one of the witnesses of his Resurrection not to hold on to him? This was the appearance of the Resurrected Lord to Mary of Magdala (Jn 20:11-18). 

Having come to the tomb “while it was still dark” (Jn 20:1), Mary fixated on the past reality. She was convinced that Jesus remained dead because she had not wavered in her belief that his corpse had been stolen. The Risen Lord opened her eyes to the reality of the Resurrection by calling her by name, Mary. This is an allusion to the Good Shepherd who “calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (Jn 10:3). As the sheep respond to the Good Shepherd, Mary, a faithful disciple, recognized his voice (Jn 10:4) and addressed him as Teacher. Thus, Mary came to believe that Jesus was truly alive. Her sadness turned into joy (Jn 16:20). However, Mary still presumed her relationship with Jesus was just the same as before his death, for she addressed him with the same title as before, Teacher (Jn 1:38, 49; 3:2). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continued to call her out of darkness into light.

The Resurrection of Jesus changed absolutely everything, including the relationship between him and his followers. The disciples, such as Mary, can relate to him no longer as an earthly Teacher, but as the Risen Lord. Jesus’ command of her “stop holding on to me” is meant figuratively: Mary you can no longer hold on to the past notion of discipleship. Jesus further explained, “I have not yet ascended to the Father” (Jn 20:17). Ascending to the Almighty Father speaks of this new situation. The exaltation of the Risen Jesus at the Father’s right hand and the sending of the Holy Spirit, completes the Father’s saving work. It marks the entrance of Jesus’ glorified humanity into God’s own life, and thus gives humanity access to communion with the Father.  

Truly Jesus commanded Mary to stop holding on to him in an earthly way, but through the Paschal Mystery (his Death and Resurrection), Jesus opened us up to a new relationship with God: we are partakers in the Divine Life. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made!

(Father Lam also is the Pastor of Mary Queen of Apostles Parish, 1 West Maple St, Sand Lake, Michigan 49343 phone: 616 636 5671)

My wife’s best friend and her husband were having dinner with our family. Their four-year-old daughter sat across the table from me and stared at me the whole time. The little girl barely ate as she gazed at me intently.

I checked my shirt for spots, felt my face for crumbs, smoothed my hair down, ran my tongue over my teeth to make sure nothing was stuck in between them, and quickly wiped my nose. But nothing stopped her from staring at me. 

Finally, I asked her, “Why are you staring at me?”

Everyone at the table had noticed her behavior, and the table went quiet, waiting for her response. 

“Oh!” she said with a big smile. “I’m just waiting to see how you drink like a fish!”

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

theTable Meals at The Springs Church

Apr. 28,May5: Meals are served every Thursday fom 5:30 to 6:30 pm at The Springs Church on the corner of Oak and Grant. All are welcome to theTable to enjoy this free meal that is being shared with us! #tfn

Bless This Mess Rummage Sale

Apr. 29: Bless this Mess Indoor Rummage Sale will be held only on Friday April 29^th from 8 am to 7 pm. No pricetags! Name your own price. Cash Only. MQA Catholic Church, 1 W. Maple St. in Sand Lake. To benefit MQA Christian Service Fund for Community Support and Assistance. #16,17

Craft Show & Storytime at the Library

Apr. 30: Join the Cedar Springs Public Library this Saturday, April 30th for their Spring Craft Show and Children’s Storytime! The Craft Show is from 9am-1pm and will feature over 25 vendors all with unique, handcrafted items for sale. This is a great opportunity to get some early shopping done for Mother’s Day and help support local crafters and their hard-work. The Children’s Storytime will be offered at 9:30 am and 10:30 am and will consist of singing songs, reading stories, dancing and taking home a craft. As an added bonus, The Harvest of Hope Foundation and 4H Barn Stars will be outside next to the Library from 10 am-12 pm and will have a small petting zoom with baby farm animals! All ages are welcome and there is no entrance fee. #17

Tie Dye Music Festival Fundraiser

Apr. 30: There will be a fundraiser for the upcoming August Tie Dye Music Festival at Aiden’s Place, 42 Lake St. NE, Sand Lake on Saturday, April 30^th starting at 4 pm. Featured are the bands “The Next” and “Swineharts with the musical, “Brian’s Suitcase experience”. #14-17

Morel Mushroom Hunt at HCNC

Apr. 30: After a presentation on the ins and outs of mushroom hunting, we’ll head out and see if you can find some tasty morsels to take home. Saturday, April 30^th at 1 pm. Members $3.00/ Nonmembers $5.00. Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City, 616-675-3158, www.HowardChristensen.org. #16,17

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

May 5,12,19,26: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #51-20

BUNCO 

May 6: Join us Friday, May 6th at 6:00 pm for the fun and friendship. Open to everyone so bring a friend and make some new ones. Refreshments at 6:00, Bunco starts at 6:30, $5.00 to play. Bring a snack to share if you wish. Prizes for most Buncos, most Babies, most wins and most losses, also door prizes and 50-50 drawing! Proceeds go to a charity of the month. Games will always be the first Friday of the month through the year. Sponsored by Rockford Chapter 215, Order of the Eastern Star. Meets at Rockford Masonic Lodge, 1430 Northland Drive (near 12 Mile Rd). #17

By Judy Reed

There has never been an Easter egg hunt in Cedar Springs that was as huge as the one that took place last weekend at Skinner Field. And no one really expected it to happen.

The event, put on Green Family and Friends, City Impact, and local churches and businesses, attracted an estimated 2,000 people. 

“We were ecstatic about the turnout, and very surprised,” said Cordell Green. “We thought the cold weather would keep people from joining us.”

The line to get into Skinner Field wrapped all the way around the back side of the park. When trying to park, it felt like looking for a parking spot on Red Flannel Day. But people made it work, and while the weather was cold, the kids enjoyed the activities, which included face painting, bounce houses, different types of animals, the egg hunt itself, and more.

Green said that over 800 children registered to win a bike. “We gave out 110 bikes. The sheriff’s department was a huge hit and so were the bounce houses and the 4H petting zoo. We gave out 700 cupcakes and cooked approximately 1,100 hot dogs. It was a remarkable community event not only in the sense of for the community but also by the community. We do have one of the most amazing communities in Michigan,” said Green.

Kelley Bergsma of City Impact was also pleased with the way it turned out, and said they are already looking at some things to make things run more smoothly next year. “I think next year we would spread the event out a little more to create more space and do the bike giveaway in a different way to make it go quicker. It was cold for the kids and families to wait that long. Overall though we were so pleased with the community support and all the people that attended. Thank you, Cedar Springs!”