Handy Market now open

Need to quickly pick up a gallon of milk or loaf of bread? There’s a new convenience store in town to suit your needs.

Handy Market, located on the corner of 18 Mile and N. Main Street (where the old Laundromat used to be), owned by Ken Patel. They stock all the goods you might look for in a convenience store, including bread, milk, chips, pop, beer, wine, and other grocery items.
Patel said he hopes to add expanded services such as lottery tickets in the near future.
With friendly customer service and good prices, you will want to check them out! Stop in today at 4848 18 Mile Road. Hours are Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more info, call (616) 439-3010.

Tail Waggers Dog Groomers

Tail Waggers Dog Groomers, owned by Donna Cotten and her daughter, Fallon Cotten, just opened up at 4757 14 Mile Road, across the street from NorthStar Cinema. The two women, who have always owned pets, opened the shop to help Fallon earn some money while she goes to college. “My daughter loves animals,” explained Donna, “and it’s a step into her animal enforcement (rescue) career. She can earn money while going to school.”
The shop offers dog and cat grooming, including bathing, brushing, blow drying, clipping nails, trimming around face, feet and bottom, and more. There are two packages to choose from. They also do $5 walk-in nail trims.
No appointment is needed, but you can make one if desired. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Early drop off or pick up on request. For more information call (616) 696-3900.

Kent County Credit Union (KCCU), along with its membership, recently raised funds to donate to community programs.  Through the purchase of “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at all three branches, KCCU members raised a total of $425.00 for three local back-to-school programs: North End Community Ministries, Wyoming Public Schools and Cedar Springs Public Schools.

“During tough economic times, KCCU is proud to be able to give back to the community,” stated Mitch Carb, Marketing and Business Development Specialist. “Every little bit helps, and the local back-to-school programs have been pleased with our support.“

KCCU has several fundraising events throughout the year, including candy bar sales each spring to help support and protect credit union initiatives.  In the fall, American flags are sold to support the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

KCCU has offices, in Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Cedar Springs.

Independent Bank is proud to announce the winners of its Grand Giveaway Sweepstakes for the month of July:

Casey S. from the Ubly office
Henry D. from the Cedar Springs office
Annette C. from the Big Rapids office
David D. from the Okemos office
Doreen P. from the Gaylord Aspen office
This is the third month in a row that someone from Cedar Springs has won $1,000 just by using their debit card. The first customer used her card at Story’s Meat Market, the second winner used their card at a Mobil Station, and the most recent winner used his card at the Speedway gas station.
For the remainder of 2012, Independent Bank will be giving away five $1,000 prizes each month. Every time customers swipe their debit card they are entered to win. Simply by using their debit card for everyday purchases like a cup of coffee, gas or groceries, they have a chance at adding $1,000 to their bank account!
“The Sweepstakes are a fun way for Independent Bank to thank its customers for using their debit cards. Each month any one of our debit card customers could win. It could be a college student or a local business person; it’s completely random. Plus, the prize of $1,000 can make a big impact on someone’s budget. We are excited about the contest because it’s a great way for us to re-invest in our communities and pay it forward to our customers,” said Independent Bank’s Marketing Director Tricia Raquepaw.
To ask us about our $1,000 Grand Giveaway ($1,000 Debit Card and Point of Sale Monthly Cash Giveaway Sweepstakes), stop by your local office, call 1.800.355.0641 or visit IndependentBank.com to learn more.

If you are interested in snowmobiling, you might want to check out the new West Michigan Snowmobile Museum and Library in Solon Township. in Cedar Springs.

The museum, located west of Meijer, at 13969 Francis Way, is the first of its kind in West Michigan. According to owner Ron Knapp, he wanted a facility to preserve and display the history of snowmobiling, including memorabilia and literature, and to help our community with special events related to snowmobiling.

The museum has antique, vintage, and tricked out sleds that are rare to come by, and they have a library of information detailing snowmobiling from its beginning.

Knapp said they plan to have swap meets, shows, special activities and events related to snowmobiling, and possibly have classes for newcomers to the sport. “We’d like to be an information hub for snowmobilers in our area,” he said.

Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sunday hours are not yet established. They can open for special activities. Admission is by donation. Call (616) 636-7232 for more information.

Local businesses are being challenged to participate and raise money in Tri County’s Mini Relay for Life, on Friday, September 28. The relay will take place at the Tri County High School and will bring together the school and community to raise money for the American Cancer Society in Montcalm County .

The event will be an evening to celebrate survivorship, remember those lost, and raise money for research, education, advocacy and patient support programs.

It will begin at 4 p.m. at Tri County High School, with a tailgating party that will include fun for the whole family, with inflatables, face painting and great food. Following the tailgate will be the opening ceremonies for Relay for Life at 6:45 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the

Tri County Vikings Varsity Football team will take on the Ludington Orioles. The Vikings will be wearing special commemorative purple jerseys. Half time will include a survivor’s walk, honoring our community members who have fought and continue to fight cancer. At 10 p.m., walkers from the relay teams will take the track. The event will conclude at 12:30 a.m. with closing ceremonies.

The challenge therefore is to area businesses and community members to join in this epic community event and put a team together to participate in the Tri County Mini Relay for Life. All grade levels in Tri County Schools challenge you to try to raise more money than them! Several businesses have already signed up and organized teams.

The Tri County High School and Middle School are both participating in a Penny War to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Mac Naughton Elementary will be introducing their “Bee Your Best” schoolwide philosophy to their students, and incorporate the characteristics of caring & citizenship, by selling the American Cancer Society’s Purple Footprints to our community. The grade level raising the most money to fight cancer, will receive a banner recognizing their efforts. The school or business that raises the most money to fight cancer in our community will receive a sign recognizing their efforts.

Local businesses or community members wishing to organize a team to participate in the event may contact Mary Overbeek (616) 970-0897 or Carrie Paulen (231) 519-0562.

Pictured from left to right: Page Segard, Sales executive; Renee Doren, Store manager; Brynadette Powell, Treasurer Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce; Charlie Watson, Mayor of Cedar Springs; Derrek Fridley, President and owner; and Randy Johns, Verizon account manager.

Wireless Zone, the local Verizon Wireless Store, located at 4021 17 Mile Rd, (next to Riccardi’s Pizza and Tractor Supply), celebrated its grand reopening last Friday, August 10, with a ribbon cutting, free hot dogs, chips and pop, and celebrated through the weekend with some great deals. The store, owned by, Derrek Fridley, has been redecorated and now has the most up to date cell phones and other hi tech wireless products to fit your needs. They recently became a Wireless Zone store, which is a national retailer for Verizon. “We can do anything a typical Verizon Wireless store does,” explained Fridley, “and we will now get new devices upon launch.” They also have a variety of accessories to choose from. Stop in and see them for all your wireless needs!

Hours are 9-8 Monday through Friday, 9-6 Saturday, and 11-5 Sunday.

Changes at Big Boy

Big Boy Restaurant, at the corner of White Creek Avenue and 17 Mile, have made some big changes. They have expanded their menu, updated their décor, added three televisions, and added a retail section with a lot of popular items. Kids day is now every day! Visit them today to check out new items, including frappes and smoothies, and a whole new buffet! Hours are Sunday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

TJ’s Smokehouse

If you are looking for some good homemade barbecue, you don’t have to look any further than TJ’s Smokehouse, 2365 17 Mile Road, just west of Huck’s Corner. The restaurant, owned by Todd and Jennyfer Walker, opened July 20, and specializes in homemade takeout. Items include ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, brats dogs, hamburgers, and meatloaf. All meats are smoked, and all sides and barbecue sauces are homemade. Sides include mac and cheese, tater salad, corn, garlic mash taters, coleslaw, baked beans, mac cheddar ham salad, and cornbread. They serve larger portions with reasonable prices. Drinks are also available, and so is dessert—hand dipped ice cream! So whip up an appetite and stop on by TJ’s today! Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

(NAPS) From summer travel to back-to-school season, many Americans find it challenging to budget for special purchases.

Thinking of your next big purchase or just wanting to better manage your everyday spending? Here are five tips to help you stick to a budget:

1. Set priorities – Map out your basic needs and go from there. If you commute 10 miles to work, having money for gas is much more important than, say, a premium cable TV package. But once you set your priorities, re-evaluate them every couple of weeks.

2. Reduce, don’t deprive – Part of any budget is managing the everyday luxuries – from a favorite magazine to the occasional night out. It’s important to set a budget for these purchases based on what you can afford, but don’t deprive yourself. We’re all human – and completely cutting out simple pleasures like these can set you up for failure.

3. Track progress – Regularly measure how things are going. It helps you understand where you need to make adjustments and can give you a sense of gratification when youíre staying on track. If it’s your first time making a budget, don’t be surprised if you fall short of your goals–like with anything, practice makes perfect.

4. Think DIY – One of the easiest ways to save money is to take a “do-it-yourself” approach to things you enjoy. Think long term: If you are a coffee lover, upgrading your in-home equipment may come with costs, but it can save you money in the long run to make those lattes at home instead of paying $4 a cup at the coffee shop.

5. Budget and manage your money smartly – Find a way to manage your money in a way that works for you. While some consumers keep cash budgeted for restaurants, movies and other fun activities in separate envelopes each month, there are also more secure options available – from savings accounts with automatic contributions each month or reloadable prepaid cards that ensure you don’t spend more than you have.

“More and more Americans are looking for new financial products and services that help them manage money on their terms,” said Ryan McInerney, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. “We’ve recently introduced Chase LiquidSM, a reloadable card that offers customers control, flexibility and convenience – it’s low-cost, and FDIC-insured.”

Chase Liquid, which can be used anywhere Visa® is accepted, has a flat monthly fee of $4.95 with no additional charge to refill the card with cash or checks at Chase’s 10,500 DepositFriendlySM ATMs and 5,500 branches nationwide. Customers can also withdraw cash at no additional charge at all of Chaseís 17,500 ATMs and 5,500 branches nationwide. There are no overdraft fees and no minimum balances to maintain the account – only an initial deposit of $25. In addition, customers can check their balances for no additional fee at Chase’s ATMs, telephone, branches, online, via text or e-mail, or by speaking with a customer service representative.

Gail and Jack Nelson of Nelson’s Speed Shop.

Nelson’s Speed Shop is already back up and running, just a few weeks after suffering a horrific fire. They are doing business from their parking lot at 4566 South Greenville Road, in Greenville.

The fire was reported about 1:30 a.m. June 22, and 11 fire departments and about 75 firefighters fought the blaze. The ATF was called in to investigate, and the fire is still under investigation. The shop was also burned down in a fire in 2001, and three men were sentenced in that case.

The loss in the current fire was estimated at above $5,000,000. But Jack Nelson says he plans to rebuild by winter. And they are still planning their annual Sno-motion event to take place August 24-25.
Nelson’s is open for business from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Hospital President and Board President Receive Honor in Naples, Florida

Spectrum Health United Hospital Board President, David Mack, and Spectrum Health United Hospital President, Tina Freese-Decker, with 100 Top Hospitals® Award.

Spectrum Health United Hospital President, Tina Freese-Decker, and United Hospital Board President, David Mack, had the distinct honor of receiving the 100 Top Hospitals® Award recently at the 100 Top Hospital Summit, which took place in Naples, Florida from June 20 -22.

United Hospital received notification of the Award in April of this year. This is the second consecutive year that United Hospital has received this distinctive Award.

United Hospital is the only small community hospital (under 100 beds) to receive this elite honor and recognition within the region. In total, 918 small community hospitals were included with the nationwide survey. Of those surveyed, only 20 were selected as award recipients in this category. This award places United Hospital in the top 2 percent of approximately 5,500 hospitals in the nation.