Calling all K-8th graders to READ and celebrate their RED Flannel Heritage for 1-2 FREE Coupons to ride carnival rides (or get popcorn) by simply reading 3-6 hours before October 1. Reading logs available at the Red Flannel Town Library (Cedar Springs) or on the website: cedarsprings.llcoop.org. Print off a log, read, get it initialed by a parent or teacher and “cash it in” at the CS Library before Oct. 1 or at the CS Friends book sale on Red Flannel Day. Have you “RED” a good book lately?

Who knew reading could be so much fun?

The Cedar Springs Public Library ended its summer reading program Tuesday, July 26, with a carnival for all ages in Morley Park.  About 340 people enjoyed the petting zoo, inflatable water slide, bounce houses, games, face painting, music, popcorn, chips, ice cream sandwiches and drinks. The Cedar Springs Police paid a visit, and the Cedar Springs Fire Department was there to hose the kids down and keep them cool.

Karla Glerum, on staff for a year at the library, enjoyed her second summer reading program. “Our park party went very smoothly this year.  The water games were a lot of fun! I felt the carnival was a good ending to our reading program.”

Sharrel Bailey, on staff for seven months at the library, enjoyed her first summer reading program. “Seeing so many people in the park, celebrating our reading program, was very fun for me.  I saw the Police and Fire Department on hand and was especially impressed by the show of community support.”

Prizes were also given away. Ethan Eadie, grade 4 and Paige Marsman, grade 3, each won a bike.

The following kids each won a chance to win the big prizes offered Cooperative-wide: Thomas Metiva, 6th grade; Maddie Boomgaard, 3rd grade; Evie Nista, 1st grade; Hannah Reed, Kindergarten; Mumina Ciise, 7th grade. Prizes they could win include a trip to NYC for 4, including $500 in spending money and $500 for food; an overnight stay at Boyne Mountain Resort for 4, including passes to Avalanche Bay; an overnight stay for 4 at Double J Resort in Rothbury; a family 4 pack to the Cranbrooke Institute in Bloomfield Hills; a family membership to John Ball Zoo.

The library’s summer reading program had 1,297 participants this year, starting with opening day on June 13. They had 773 people sign up for the program, with 506 from ages 0 to 6th grade. Grades 7-12 and adults read a whopping 807 books, and there were over 100 prizes to give away. (Watch the August 18 Post for a special ad thanking volunteers and sponsors.)

“We could never have so many quality programs without the support of our local businesses, service organizations and individuals,” said Library Director Donna Clark. “This program is all about our community. We have tremendous support and an outpouring of cash, prizes, in-kind donations and volunteer time.  We are building our community together through our local library. It’s just heartwarming!”

By Judy Reed

A carnival worker died early Tuesday morning while folding down the Fire Ball, a ride at the Sand Lake Fourth of July celebration. Post photo by J. Reed.

The Fourth of July celebration in Sand Lake ended in tragedy early Tuesday morning when a carnival worker was electrocuted while taking down a ride.

According to Sand Lake Police Chief Ken Williams, the accident occurred about 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, while workers from McDonagh’s Amusements were folding up the Fire Ball, a tall circular ride that replaced the Ferris Wheel.

“The ride was set up in a safe location, and the public was never in any danger,” explained Williams, “but when folding it up, the arms swing out to the side and there was a power line nearby it came in contact with.”

One worker manned the controls, while another was on top of the ride, pushing away a power line with a wooden stick covered with electrical tape on one end. During that process, the man on top was electrocuted. “A witness said someone yelled to him to jump but it was too late,” said Williams.

The man caught on fire and fell 36 feet to the pavement. “It was a horrendous sight for those that saw it,” remarked Williams.

Sand Lake Police, Consumers Energy and MIOSHA at the scene of the accident Tuesday morning. Post photo by J. Reed.

Workers from Consumers Energy and MIOSHA were on scene this morning to try to determine what happened. Because the stick the worker used was not burned, they suggested that either the ride came into contact with the power line, or that the victim did. “It’s hard to tell how close you are to a power line when looking straight at it,” explained one Consumers Energy worker. “(After pushing the line away) it may have come back and hit him.”

The victim, identified as Steven McCann, 41, of Jackson, Michigan, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:26 a.m. An autopsy will be done either today or tomorrow to determine whether he died from electrocution or from the fall.

McDonagh’s Amusements is based in Chesaning, Michigan.