Two people were injured in a crash shortly after 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon in downtown Cedar Springs.

According to Cedar Springs Police Sgt. Ed Good, a van traveling eastbound on Muskegon St. (17 Mile) attempted to turn north (left) on Main on a yellow light and collided with a westbound Saturn. When police arrived on scene, the driver of the van, Siera Michelle Kovach, 17, was bleeding from the face but walking around. The second driver, Sommer Marie Williams, 18, was in the front seat of the car having her neck stabilized. Both drivers were transported to DeVos Children’s Hospital. The passenger in the eastbound vehicle, Tyler Elizabeth Chiles, 19, had a sore wrist but refused treatment.

The driver of the van was cited for failing to yield the right of way.

Cedar Springs Fire and Rescue and Rockford Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Compact plants like ‘Lilac Chip’ butterfly bush contribute to a low-maintenance landscape.

(NAPS)—Anyone who thinks a low-maintenance landscape has to be plain green and ugly should think again. With a bit of planning, some smart plant choices and the help of these seven garden designer secrets, you can have a yard that’s the envy of your neighborhood—and enough time to enjoy it.

1. Choose plants that will flourish given the realities of your yard. Some plants like full sun while others tolerate shade; some don’t mind freezing temperatures while others are unfazed by relentless heat. Selecting plants that thrive in the existing conditions of your site ensures a healthy, attractive landscape. Observe the light levels around your home—six to eight hours plus of uninterrupted sun each day indicates full sun, four to six hours is considered part shade or part sun, and less than four hours would be a shaded site. Plants at the garden center should have tags that tell you their light preferences. Shopping locally helps ensure that all the plants you see will be suitable for the climate in your yard.

2. Plant drought-tolerant shrubs. These specially adapted plants thrive with limited water once they are established (usually after their first season in the ground). Drought-tolerant plants sail through hot summer days easily, saving you the time and money it takes to water the landscape. Read the tag attached to the shrub for information on its drought tolerance or look for visual cues such as silvery-grey leaves, as are found on Petit Bleu caryopteris, and narrow, needlelike foliage, as on Fine Line rhamnus.

3. Spare yourself the time it takes to prune your plants by opting for compact varieties. Compact (also known as dwarf) plants never get too large for the space where you’ve planted them so you don’t have to bother with confusing pruning instructions. Most people’s favorite plants are available in compact, no-prune varieties: hydrangea lovers can try Little Lime or Bobo dwarf-panicle hydrangeas or the tidy Cityline series of big-leaf hydrangea. Rose fans should take note of the low-growing Oso Easy series with its range of 10 vivid colors, all under 3’ high. Even butterfly bush, a shrub notorious for its giant, sprawling habit, is available in a compact 2’ height with the innovative Lo & Behold series.

The cheery gold of Chardonnay Pearls deutzia can brighten your yard.

4. Choose plants with high-quality, attractive foliage. These look great even when not in bloom, beautifying your landscape for months instead of just a few weeks. Colorful foliage, including the dark purple of Black Lace elderberry or the cheery gold of Chardonnay Pearls deutzia, and variegated foliage, such as My Monet weigela or Sugar Tip hibiscus, make engaging focal points from early spring through late fall. Mix them with such evergreens as Castle Spire holly and Soft Serve false cypress for year-round color.

5. Plant in masses of three, five or seven of the same kind of plant. This gives your landscape a cohesive, professionally designed appearance. Plus, weeds cannot grow if desirable plants are already taking up the space, eliminating that notoriously tiresome garden chore. Planting in groups of odd numbers is a designer’s secret for a bold statement that doesn’t feel too formal or fussy.

6. Mulch. A two- to three-inch-thick layer of shredded bark mulch not only gives your landscape a pleasing, finished look, it conserves water by reducing evaporation. It also keeps plant roots cool and shaded, allowing for healthy, vigorous growth that resists pests and diseases naturally.

7.  Don’t be afraid to re-place the plants that take too much of your time, or those that you don’t really like, with new, easy-to-grow shrubs. At www.ProvenWinnersShrubs.com, there are so many improved varieties available now that there is little reason to settle for anything else.

CTA inducted 14 new members into the CTA chapter of the National Honor Society on Wednesday, April 24. 12 existing members will be graduating in May. Social Studies teacher, Mr. Benjamin Watson is the faculty advisor for NHS. The entire membership list includes: Seniors – Austin Armstrong, Naomi Colburn, Esther Hubbard, Travis Johnson, Skyler Ingersoll, Sage Patchett, Grace VanEnk, Andre Winters, Jeremiah Wortz, Timothy Holmberg, Caitlin Marek, Ashley Marek; Juniors – Dani George, Maria Huizinga, Katie Tow, Michaela Smith, Alicia Beck, Justin Mead, Erin Munger; Sophomores – Emma Bishop, Matthew Wheaton, Hunter George, Dylan Yarrington, Grace Price, Hannah Hubbard, Jonathan Hoops, Rachelle Temple, Derek Winters, Kaitlyn Larsen, Olivia Wortz, Kaylynn Botruff, Brianna Bricker.

(Family Features) For Mother’s Day, celebrate the nurturing nature of mom with a specially painted flower pot that holds her favorite herbs or flowers.

The Chalkboard Herb Pot and Mommy’s Favorite Flower Pot projects from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores don’t require any special skills, so anyone can make a customized gift for mom, grandma, or any other special mom in their life.

Tips for Using Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard paint comes in classic black, but also comes in other colors as well.

Make sure it’s completely dry before trying to write on it.

Some chalkboard paints require you to condition the paint with chalk before using it. Read label instructions carefully.

Tips for Decorating 

Using spray paint and hot glue guns may require adult supervision.

Give the kids creative control – it may not turn out perfectly neat, but it will be perfect for mom.

Not sure what to paint on the flower pot? Let the kids dip a hand or foot into the paint and put prints onto the pot. Or, cut fun shapes out of sponges or potatoes and let them stamp around the pot.

You can find more ideas, project guides and supplies at www.joann.com.

Chalkboard Herb Pot

No experience necessary

Crafting Time: 3 to 5 hours

Supplies and Tools:

1 Ceramo red clay flower pot

Saucer to match pot, if desired

Blackboard spray paint

White paint pen or chalk

Ribbon – width to match the size of the pot rim

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Potting soil

Plant of your choice

Directions:

1. Wipe pot and saucer clean to remove all dust.
2. Spray pot and saucer with chalkboard spray paint – no need to paint the interior of the pot if using for planting.
3. Allow paint to fully dry – approximately 3 to 4 hours.
4. Attach ribbon around rim of pot using hot glue.
5. Fill the pot with a potting soil mix.
6. Transplant your favorite herbs or flowers into the pot.
7. Write the name of the herb or flower on the outside of the pot using paint pen for a permanent finish or chalk for changeable finish.

Mommy’s Favorite Flower Pot

Crafting Time: 3 to 5 hours

Skill Level: No experience necessary

Supplies and Tools:

1 Ceramo red clay flower pot

Gesso spray paint

Non-toxic poster paint

Small paintbrush

Spray fixative

Potting soil

Plant of your choice

Directions:

1. Wipe pot clean – remove all dust.
2. Spray pot with gesso spray paint – no need to paint the interior of the pot if using for planting.
3. Allow paint to fully dry – approximately 3 to 4 hours.
4. Paint the rim of the pot with the poster paint color of choice using paintbrush.
5. Allow rim to dry to the touch.
6. Decorate the body of the pot with poster paints.
7. Allow pot to fully dry.
8. Spray decorated area of the pot with a coat of fixative.
9. Fill the pot with a potting soil mix.
10. Transplant your favorite herbs or flowers into the pot.

Mark your calendars now for the John Voshel Jr. Memorial Ride for fallen police officers, fire fighters and veterans, on Saturday, May 18. It will start at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, and last until 6 p.m.

We the People Giving Back (a totally volunteer organization) is hosting the motorcycle run to honor those that protect us. We will be making two stops, one in Cedar Springs and one in Greenville, both at the American Legion Halls, where we will recognize some of our fallen heroes and Gold Star families. We also will be providing three random acts of kindness to support children with disabilities. This event is designed to educate communities and bring awareness about the sacrifices made by all who wear a uniform. This ride will impact nine communities in Northern Michigan, in the hopes of honoring the fallen.

Fallen Officers who will be recognized with special presentations:

Walker Police Officer Trevor Slot; Kalamazoo Public Saftey Officer Eric Zapata; East Grand Rapids Police Officer Bruce Van Popering; Battle Creek Police Detective Lavern Steven Brann; Montcalm Sheriff Detective William McCarthy; Michigan Conservation Officer Gerald Welling; Grand Rapids Officers Joseph Taylor, Daniel Duyst, and Robert Kozminski; and three more from the Michigan State Police.

We will be doing three random acts of kindness with this event: First at 11:00 a.m. at the VA Home for Nathan Dloughy (who has Downs syndrome); second in Lakeview, benefiting Hunt For a Cure Targeting Cystic Fybrosis; and third at 5:00 p.m. at the VA Home for Trenton Ellis (a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome).

We are proud to have and support the many quality charities and organizations who will remain at the VA Home to give demonstrations and have informative booths while the ride takes place.

Some of these are include: Operation Injured Soldier, Voice Of Warriors, Pets for Vets, a concert by Kelly Trudell, GRPD Bomb Squad demonstrating removal techniques using their ROBOT, the GRFD demonstrating the Jaws of Life, and more.

To Pre-Register go to one of the following:  American Legion Post 101 in Greenville, or B & H Sporting Goods in Cedar Springs. Or you can register the day of the event at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans before 10:30a.m.

Please take the time to stop by and thank our heroes, visit for a while, and enjoy a great day.

For more info or questions please contact Media Relations Director Pam Bradfield at 616-984-2398 or CEO Doug Pickel at 616-255-2895.

Record rainfall in West Michigan caused mass flooding in the area last week, including the City of Cedar Springs.
Cedar Creek overflowed its banks Thursday morning, April 18. According to DPW Director Tom Stressman, they closed Main St. between Oak and Pine St. about 7 a.m. Water flowed across the intersection at Main and Pine as well. Fifth Street between Pine and Cherry was also closed, as was access to the White Pine Trail. The roads were reopened later in the evening after the water receded.
Stressman said that he has been here 24 years, and that was the first time he’s seen it flood. He said others told him the last time was 1987. (However, Grand Rapids had almost 12 inches of rain in 1986, so it could have been that year.)
Doug Durst said he remembers that. “We lived on Third Street across from the football field in 1987 when the flood came. I remember watching as 4 cord of my wood floated across 17 Mile. I also remember our neighbor, George Waite coming over in a canoe to check on us!”
The Cedar Springs Story also tells of a flood, in 1905 or 1906 that washed out the wooden bridge across Main Street, and the cement sidewalks. It was reportedly two to three feet deep, and people used rowboats to get up and down Main Street.
It wasn’t only the city that saw flooding last week. Area townships did, too. Ron Parker, of Courtland Township, sent us a photo of a portion of 15 Mile near Stout that crumbled where a culvert runs underneath. He said that normally you would see fields on either side of the road with just a small pool of water on the south side and a small trickle of water on the north side of the road. But that was not the case Friday—it was more like a fast flowing creek. He said that a portion of the road actually crumbled while he was standing there. This was the second time in the last few years that this has happened. The road remains closed.
Meanwhile, Kent County declared a state of Emergency. There was widespread flash flooding, and the Grand River flooded many areas in Grand Rapids, even causing evacuation of buildings and the closing of bridges. The Grand River in Grand Rapids crested at 21.85 feet, a new record.
If you have any memories of past floods and when they were, send them to us at news@cedarspringspost.com.

It’s time again for the annual Cedar Creek Cleanup/Earth Day Celebration in Cedar Springs.
The 6th Annual Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27, from10:00 a.m. until noon. The city will give away commemorative t-shirts to the first 50 participants who register for this event. The participants will meet at the Fire Barn at W. Maple and Main on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. to receive their clean-up assignments and shirts. Pizza will be available at noon for all participants.
An e-waste collection trailer, staffed by Cedar Springs Rotarians, will also be available behind City Hall, for anyone wishing to dispose of electronic waste.
Registration forms are available on the City of Cedar Springs website at http://www.cityofcedarsprings.org. Pre-registration is not mandatory to participate in the cleanup. However, it will allow them to assign clean-up locations ahead of time as well as purchase trash bags and pizza.
There is no city/police auction this year. The drug take-back bin will also not be open Saturday.
Please call 696-1330 with any questions.

Katie Weiler in the 3200 meter run.

The girls track team traveled to Chippewa Hills for the Warrior Invite on Saturday April 20. On a cold, windy and at sometimes-snowy day, the team took fourth place in the Big School Division, which was won by Rockford. Taking first place in the big school division for the team was Senior Katie Weiler in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Sophomore Marissa Oakes placed second in the 100 hurdles and long jump in the big school division. Taking third places in the big school division for the team was senior Abby VanDusen in the long jump and the 3200 meter relay team of Caitlin McClurken, Christina Dean, Allie Veltkamp and Maddie Pekrul.
Also placing for the Red Hawks was:
4th Place: Abby VanDusen Pole vault; 400 Meter Relay team of Marissa Oakes, Taylor Vanlangen, Abby VanDusen, and Olivia Finch.
5th Place: Jeanette Sukstas Discus; Briana Pierson High Jump; Maddie Pekrul 3200 meter run; 800 meter relay team of Taylor Vanlangen, Emily Shaft, Kellie Spahr, and Olivia Finch; 1600 meter relay team of Emily Shaft, Abby VanDusen, Allie Veltkamp and Katie Weiler.
6th Place: Briana Pierson, Pole Vault
7th Place: Kaitlyn Twork, Discus
8th Place: Jeanette Sukstas, Discus

Baby birds, like these geese, will usually continue to be fed by their parents, even if it appears they’ve been left alone. The DNR advises that if you find baby animals in the wild, it’s best to leave them there.

It happens every spring. Someone finds an “abandoned” fawn and takes it upon themselves to “rescue” it. The Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Division staff has a word of advice: Don’t.
“When young fawns are born, they’re not very mobile and don’t appear to have much scent to them so their best defense is to just stay still, on their own, apart from their mother,” explained Brent Rudolph, the deer and elk program leader for the DNR. “Predators can’t track them down by following mom around, so she stays away and the fawns stay alone–that’s their best defense during their first few days of life.”
For the most part, does know exactly where their fawns are. “Sometimes what mom sees as a safe place to stash a fawn is a flower bed at the edge of the house or maybe underneath a deck,” Rudolph said. “So people think ‘That’s a weird place for a fawn—it must be an orphan.’ Generally they’re not orphaned. Through those first few weeks, mom will feed them, clean them, check up on them, and then take off again so she’s not drawing attention to them. So we encourage people to let them be.”
There are times—say, you find a dead doe by the side of the road with a nearby fawn—when fawns have been orphaned. Remember it is illegal to take them into your home. Call a licensed rehabilitator if you feel the need. For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators, visit www.michigandnr.com/dlr/.
The same advice applies to other animals as well. Though many young animals are adorable as babies, raccoons, for instance, they grow up to be less adorable as adults.
According to DNR wildlife biologist Erin Victory, wild animals do not make good pets and once habituated to humans, they generally do not do well, when returned to the wild. They also pose the possibility of bringing disease or parasites that could affect you or your pets into your home. Raccoons, for example, are not only potentially rabid, but they can carry canine distemper, not to mention round worms, fleas and mange.
“Please resist the urge to try to help seemingly abandoned fawns or other animal babies this spring,” Victory said. “We appreciate the good intentions of those who want to help, but animals are better off left alone than if they are removed from the wild.”
Tari Howard, a licensed rehabilitator in Benton Harbor, said she always tells people who have picked up young animals to check and make sure mom’s not around, especially in the case of fawns. “People say, ‘Well, I’ve already touched it,’ but that generally doesn’t seem to matter. I think it’s a myth.”
Howard said she gets a fair number of baby rabbits and squirrels that come to her “eyes closed and hairless.” It’s a 50-50 proposition as to whether they live, she said.
As for birds, the advice is the same. Remember when you were a kid and someone told you that if you touched a baby bird, its mother would either abandon it or kill it? “Not true,” said Karen Cleveland, the DNR’s all bird biologist. “If it’s completely defenseless and can’t move on its own, the short version is: Stick it back into the nest, if you can. If it’s got little feathers on it and it looks like a bird rather than a ball of fluff, odds are it already tried to fledge from its nest before it was ready to fly. Generally, mom and dad will continue to feed it.” Young birds that appear grounded may be found a good distance from the nest, Cleveland said, because they walk and search for shelter from predators.
“It’s probably not ready to fly but it thinks it is, and then it ends up on the ground, because its feathers can’t get it airborne,” Cleveland said. “Little birds have been coming out of the nest too early since little birds have been around.”
Cleveland said the DNR regularly fields calls from homeowners who have found ducks—mostly mallards—nesting in their shrubs or garden. “The thing to do is enjoy it. Back off. Leave them alone. Keep the dogs and cats and kids away from it,” she said. “They’ll be a very quiet neighbor and if the nest fails on its own—something that happens regularly—just wish her luck on her next attempt. If a nest is unsuccessful she’ll try to find someplace else to nest. And if she’s successful there, she may come back.”
Cleveland reminded folks that it is illegal to take birds, just as it is mammals, into their homes without permits to do so. “There are licensed rehabilitators who can work with them if necessary,” she said. “But it’s better for the bird to be raised by their parents, to learn all they need to know to live in the wild rather than to be raised by a human.”
For more information about specific species or wildlife viewing opportunities, visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife.

Think floods are only a risk for homeowners? Think again. Floods are also a hazard to motorists. Many people die each year while attempting to navigate flooded roads.
Here are a few tips from State Farm to help deal with flooded roadways, and also some ideas on how to handle your vehicle once the waters have receded.
Flooded Roadways
The Federal Alliance For Safe Homes has partnered with the National Weather Service to warn motorists about the dangers of flooded roadways. They recommend the following safety tips:
If you can, simply avoid flooded areas—especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans if you’re aware of flooding in the area.
If flooding occurs when you’re on the road, stay on high ground. Experts also advise against driving in deep water, especially when the water could be fast-moving or the depth is not known.
If your vehicle stalls, DO NOT attempt to restart it, as your engine may be damaged. Leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
After The Deluge
The floodwaters are going down, but your car may have been exposed to the water. Experts say high water can damage vehicles. Here are some tips to help limit the damage to your car after water exposure:
DO NOT start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Record the highest level of water exposure on your flooded vehicle.
Contact your agent or insurance company and advise them that your vehicle has been flooded.
The sooner the vehicle can be evaluated and dried out, the less damage the vehicle will sustain. If you don’t have the right training and personal protective equipment (PPE), it’s safer, in most cases, to leave the cleaning up to professionals. Some floodwaters contain raw or untreated sewage and other contaminants that may pose serious health hazards during cleanup. The Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov offers more information on this topic.