Police are investigating a personal injury crash that happened Sunday in Eureka Township, Montcalm County, when an elderly Greenville man crashed his car into a building.

According to the Michigan State Police, Troopers from the Lakeview Post were dispatched to the scene at Frugthaven Farm, 11466 W. Carson City Rd, about 4:16 p.m. Sunday, March 7.

Their investigation showed that the 91-year-old man was traveling westbound on M-57, near Satterlee Road, in a 2004 Ford Taurus, when he struck another vehicle in the roadway. The driver of the vehicle then left the scene of the first traffic crash and continued westbound on M-57. The vehicle then left the roadway and drove into the parking lot of Frugthaven Farm before subsequently driving into the building there.

The driver was transported to the hospital for injuries he suffered in the crash.

The crash is still under investigation. Troopers were assisted by Greenville Department of Public Safety, Montcalm County EMS and Montcalm County Central Dispatch.

by Judy Reed

A 38-year-old Greenville man died Monday morning in Montcalm Township after his moped was hit from behind by a minivan.

According to the Michigan State Police, troopers from the Lakeview post were dispatched to the scene on Greenville Rd near Peck Rd about 11:22 a.m.

Police said that their preliminary investigation revealed that Edward Herroon, 38, was driving a moped, waiting to turn west in the northbound lane of Greenville Road, when a minivan driven by an 81-year-old Stanton man crashed into the back of Herroon’s moped. Herroon was pronounced deceased on scene.  

The 81-year-old male driver of the minivan was transported to Spectrum United Hospital in Greenville for minor injuries. He was the only occupant in his vehicle.  Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Troopers were assisted by the Montcalm Twp. Fire Department, Montcalm County EMS, Montcalm County Sheriff’s Department and Montcalm County Central Dispatch.

Robert Hoover, age 84, of Greenville, formerly of Howard City, passed away November 22, 2018 at Metron of Greenville. He was born January 22, 1934 in Grand Rapids, the son of Raul and Gertrude (Potter) Hoover. During his working years he worked in the factory industry for 25 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and never missing a grand kids ball game. He was a member of the Howard City VFW Post #3306 where he served for two years as commander. He also served as a volunteer fireman for 25 years, as a Keystone Cop in Cedar Springs for 41 years and as the grand marshal in 2009. In 1964 he married Eva Potter, who survives, also surviving are his children, Kathy (Scott) Poole of Howard City, Bob (Tammy) Hoover of Greenville; 5 grandchildren, Clinton & Tayler Hoover, Allisan (Edward) Rayes, Mike Hoover, Zachery & Rachael Hoover,  Aaron Poole; 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a half brother, Ed, and a son, Clifford. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Howard City VFW Post, Pastor Teri Cummins officiating with burial in the Reynolds Cemetery. The family greeted friends at the Heckman Funeral Home on Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. and prior to services at the VFW.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Check out some of the fun, family activities going on in the area for the holiday season.

CEDAR SPRINGS

Dec. 1: The Cedar Springs area Chamber of Commerce presents Mingle with Kris Kringle from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The day starts with a Jingle Bell Fun run/walk. Registration at 9 a.m. and registration at 9:30 a.m. The event is a senior all night party fundraiser. Families can make and take Christmas ornaments and crafts at the Cedar Springs Library from 9-noon. You can also enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus from 2-3 p.m. at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more. Hang ornaments and pictures with Red Hawk cheerleaders at 3 p.m. at the corner of Ash and Main Street where the downtown tree is; visit the petting barn and bake sale at 4 p.m. at Ash and Main; and at 4:15 p.m. there will be caroling at Ash and Main. The Kris Kringle parade will start at 4:30 p.m. from the corner of Maple and Main and travel to Main and Ash, where Santa will light the tree at 4:45 p.m.; and there will be a live nativity there at 4:45 p.m. Afterward walk over to the American Legion Hall where you can get photos with Kris Kringle, and write a letter to Santa and do a coloring activity while waiting. You can also purchase baked goods from the ladies auxiliary.

Dec. 4: 6th grade band concert Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. in the Cedar Springs High School auditorium.

Dec. 6: 7th/8th grade band Winter Concert, Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cedar Springs High auditorium.

Dec. 8: The 2018 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Concert hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce from 3-5 p.m. Come out and have some holiday family fun. Admission tickets are $3 per person. This is a family friendly event that gives local talent the opportunity to perform live on stage and create holiday cheer. 

Dec. 9:  The 2018 Annual Kent Theatre Christmas Dance Extravaganza hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce (CSACOC) is scheduled for December 9 from 3-5 p.m. Come out and have some holiday family fun! Admission tickets are $3 per person. This is a family friendly event that gives local talent the opportunity to perform live on stage and create holiday cheer.  

Dec. 10: A Cedar Springs Christmas Carriage Rides Monday, Dec 10, from 5-8 p.m. This year the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce has a new addition to the “A Cedar Springs Christmas” event series: Christmas Carriage Rides with The Common and Gentry Carriage Co. There will be free hot chocolate and free carriage rides from the White Pine Trail Staging area to Main Street (via Maple Street) south to Ash Street, west to Second Street and back to the staging area.

Dec. 13: High school bands Winter Concert, Thursday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. Cedar Springs High School auditorium.

Dec. 16: The Story of Christmas (music & drama) will be presented on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Come and see #JesusChangesEverything at Hillcrest Community Church of God, 5994 18 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, Mich. 

For more info call 616.696.9333.

GREENVILLE

Dec. 7: Come join the fun in downtown Greenville on Friday, December 7. The Santa park party will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. at Lafayette park (210 S. Lafayette). Enjoy holiday treats, games, activities & holiday merriment, then watch while Santa magically lights the Christmas Tree at 5:45 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Lafayette Street. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

HOWARD CITY

Dec. 1: Holiday Home Tour. Advance tickets $10.00. Tickets include a reception at the Timothy C. Hauenstein/Reynolds Township Library and drawing for door prizes from 4-6 p.m. Purchase tickets at the library, The Edge Café, and Howard City Floral.

KENT CITY

Dec. 8: Wreath make and take from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Howard Christensen Nature Center. Wreath: $10 Non-Members / $5 Members. Make and Take: $5 Non-Members / $3 Members. Make this year’s wreath with foraged cuttings and personalize it with trimmings. Everything supplied, including refreshments. While you enjoy your wreath making, let your children (5 and over), participate in holiday crafts. This event will be held at Camp Lily’s at 530 20 Mile Road.

ROCKFORD

Nov. 30: Join us for a ceremony to light up downtown Rockford for the Holiday Season at the Rockford Dam Overlook. This includes carols by the Rockford High School choir, a message of peace, and a final countdown to the flip of the switch to turn on all the lights! Free carriage rides will be available after the ceremony from 6:30-8:30pm at the Rotary Pavilion.

Dec. 1: Join us for the 75th Annual Santa Parade through Rockford. This parade is great entertainment for the whole family! Starting at 11 a.m. the floats and parade participants will go through downtown Rockford. After the parade, make sure to visit Santa in the Pavilion and enjoy a free carriage ride.

Dec. 5: Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town! Come see them at the Rotary Pavilion from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and a goody bag from Santa!

Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13: Presented by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, enjoy free Holiday Carriage Rides through town from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to see the holiday lights and decorated storefronts. These are first come, first served and will begin at the Rotary Pavilion.

Dec. 12: Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town! Come see them from 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion with their reindeer and some elf friends. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and a goody bag from Santa!

SAND LAKE

Nov. 25: Sand Lake Tree Lighting and Caroling. The Village Churches and Sand Lake Chamber invites you to come out on Sunday Nov 25th from 5:30-6:00 pm for a Caroling and Tree Lighting at the SE Corner of the Park. Special Music by Resurrection Lutheran Preschool. Come early for Children’s Games and Face Painting and Hot Dog Fund Raiser at Mary Queen of Apostles Hall beginning at 4:30 pm.  Hot Dog Fund Raiser will be 4:30-7:30 pm. Proceeds go to United Methodist Hall Repair. #46,47b

Nov 25: Hot Dog Fund Raiser 4:30-7:30 pm. At Mary Queen of Apostles Hall.  Proceeds go to United Methodist Hall Repair. #46,47b

Nov. 30: Live Indoor Nativity – Our Free Gift to You  Friday Nov 30th  6:00-8:00 pm & Saturday Dec 1st  1:00-3:00 pm. Shepherds watching, Angles singing, Wise men searching and the Christ child. Live animals will greet you. Enjoy the refreshments & Stay as long as you like at the Sand Lake United Methodist Church. #46,47b

DEC. 8: Sand Lake Family Christmas Celebration. Join us at the Sand Lake VFW for a visit with Santa. Bring your camera for photos with our favorite jolly guy! Make crafts to celebrate the season and enjoy cookies and cocoa. For families. Saturday, December 8, 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Sand Lake VFW.

Dec. 14: Christmas Bake Sale at Independent Bank Sand Lake on Friday, Dec. 14, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Homemade goodies for your Christmas gatherings or just for your sweet tooth. Offered by Sand Lake United Methodist Women.

Dec. 15: Gingerbread Lane at the Nelson Twp/Sand Lake Library. Jump into the holiday spirit with some family-friendly festivities. Listen to season music while each child builds their own simple gingerbread house. Registration required. 

SPARTA

Dec. 4: Santa Party 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maddie LaRoue’s. Crafts, snacks, and visit Santa.

Dec. 8: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the Sparta Library, 80 N. Union, from 10-11:30 a.m. Cookie decorating, a craft, and take your own photos with Santa.

Dec. 15: Santa in the Santa House, 80 N. Union. 10:30 a.m. until noon. Bring your own camera. Trolley from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dec. 20: Santa in the Santa House, 80 N. Union. 5-7 p.m. Bring your own camera. Trolley from 5-7 p.m.

Dec. 21-23: Living Nativity at Ballard Church of Christ from 7-8 p.m.

Dec. 22: Santa in the Santa House, 80 N. Union. 10:30 a.m. Bring your own camera.

SPENCER TOWNSHIP

Dec. 13: Gingerbread Lane at the Spencer Township Library. Jump into the holiday spirit with some family-friendly festivities. Listen to season music while each child builds their own simple gingerbread house. Registration required. 

Dec. 20: Ready for Reindeer at the Spencer Township Library. Traveling all the way from the North Pole (via Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms), live reindeer will visit the library. Dress warmly and don’t forget the camera.

Cedar Springs Varsity Volleyball closed out their season with two conference matches, a tournament and District play. 

The Lady Red Hawks lost to Greenville 24-26, 18-25 and 24-26 at the final home conference match October 23, where junior Middle hitter Grace Pavelka dominated the night, putting up 14 kills on 30 attempts for a solid 37 percent kill percentage and 2 solo blocks, resulting in her third Player of the Match honor this season.  

On Thursday, October 25, they traveled to Forest Hills Northern where the Huskies took the win 11-25,17-25, 25-17 and 14-25. 

On Saturday, October 27, the team traveled to Central Montcalm for the Hornet Invite. They won their first two Pool Play matches before losing to Grant, landing them in the Gold Bracket, where they lost to Grant 12-25 and 15-25 resulting in a 4th place overall finish of 12 teams.

The Red Hawks hosted the first round of District Playoffs Monday evening, October 29, and took a tough loss to Greenville 21-25; 20-25 and 16-25. They ended the season with an overall record of 11-28-1 and conference record of 2-11. Leading on the night was Grace Pavelka with 6 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces. Outside hitter Grace Wilcox recorded 5 kills and a block, while setter Madi Outwin added 22 assists. Arianna Rau tallied 5 kills and 2 blocks, while Kaylie Andres had 3 kills and a team high 15 serve receives. Kyla Andres recorded 14 digs and 4 kills, Haillie Jones put up 8 digs and 5 service points and Elizabeth Fettig added 8 serve receives.

“We worked hard this season to build a solid foundation for next year,” said Coach Ashley Lowing. “With all of our players returning, in addition to our upcoming talent, we look forward to putting in the work and growing as a team during the off season.”

The volleyball program will meet together Monday, November 12, to acknowledge all the accomplishments made this year for each team. 

Cedar Springs put the pressure on Greenville last Friday night in their 44-8 win. Here they force the Yellow Jackets to fumble the ball. Courtesy photo.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Red Hawks Varsity football team came out focused and ready to win their game against Greenville Friday evening, September 14 and fans were not disappointed. The team took the lead in the first quarter and kept the pressure on the Yellow Jackets both offensively and defensively, only allowing them to score once in the 44-8 Red Hawk victory.

“I thought our defense did a good job preparing for a unique offense that featured an unbalanced line and multiple shifts,” said head Coach Gus Kapolka. “Our kids executed our game plan well and limited big plays throughout the game. 

“Our offensive line is improving every week and they played their best game of the season Friday night. They have improved tremendously since week one. We need to maintain our focus and sense of urgency moving forward.”

Cedar Springs scored seven times on Greenville: twice in the first quarter, three times in the second, and once in each of the last two quarters.

Sage Serbenta started the scoring when he ran for a two-yard touchdown with 8:39 left in the first, and then also ran in the extra points. The Red Hawks scored again in the second with 3:23 left when Greenville’s Ryan Burden fumbled on the Cedar Springs 50-yard line and Ryan Ringler recovered it and ran 50 yards for the touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good. The quarter ended with Cedar Springs leading 14-0.

In the second quarter, QB Kolby Swank ran the two yards into the end zone for a touchdown with 10:16 left on the clock, then completed a pass to Ethan West to get the extra points. With 8:04 left on the clock, there was a bad snap from center, allowing Cedar Springs to get a safety. Then with 4:15 left, Sage Serbenta ran 15 yards for the touchdown, and Ryan Ringler ran in the extra points. At the end of the second quarter it was Cedar Springs 32, Greenville 0.

Greenville finally had their chance to score wit 8:03 left on the clock in the third when QB Cameron Heppe passed to Ryan Olsen for a 10-yard touchdown. He then passed to Jake Rasmussen for the extra points. But that was the only joy of the evening for the Yellow Jackets.

Cedar Springs came back and scored again just a few minutes later. With 5:15 on the clock, Ryan Ringler ran 15 yards up the middle for another touchdown. The extra points attempt was no good. At the end of the third quarter, it was 38-6.

Ben Shaw scored for the Red Hawks in the fourth quarter with 2:30 on the clock when he ran up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown. The run for extra points was no good, and the game ended with a score of 44-8.

The Red Hawks ran for 292 yards as a team, and lost only 3. Leading rushers for the Red Hawks were Sage Serbenta with 86; Ethan West with 59; Ryan Ringler with 54; Ben Shaw with 40; Lucas Pienton with 36; and Zack Schmid with 23. 

Greenville rushed for 114 yards but lost 41. They also passed for 138 yards with Greenville QB Cameron Heppe completing 15 of 23 passes.

Defensively, Ryan Ringler led in tackles with 12; Zack Schmid had 8; Lucas Pienton had 7; Gage Gardner had 5; Sage Serbenta and Ben Shaw each had 4; Ethan West, Seth Almas, and Landon Totten each had 3, and seven other Red Hawks got 1 or 2 each for a total of 59 tackles.

Four Red Hawks recovered fumbles: Ryan Ringler, Seth Almas, Ethan Wood, and Xavier Anderson.

The Red Hawks are now 2-0 in the OK White and 3-1 overall. This Friday they host Allendale (2-0, 3-1 overall) in a non-conference game for homecoming at Red Hawk Stadium at 7 p.m. The classes should wear class colors, and the rest of the fans should wear red. Come on out and cheer on your Red Hawks in what looks to be a great game!

Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers

The Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers traveled to Forest Hills Central on Friday night, January 12, to face off against the Rangers and Huskies. After falling behind 17-3 early on, the Red Hawks then reeled off victories in 8 of the next 9 weights to claim a 43-23 win. The boys ran on the Huskies early and never looked back, topping the Huskies 63-9. Undefeated wrestlers on the night were Trevor Marsman, Nate Male, Logan Hull, Aaron Smith, Anthony Brew, Jacob Galinis, Lucus Pienton, Ryan Ringler and Zak Schmid.

On Saturday, January 13, the Red Hawks traveled across state to Warren for the Clash of the Champions. The team finished runner-up in a strong field of 19 competitive schools.

Ryan Ringler won the 171lb weight class and was awarded Most Valuable Wrestler. Ringler defeated the number two and four ranked wrestlers in his division, according to MIGrappler.com.

Runner-up finalists for the Red Hawks included Trevor Marsman (103), Lucus Pienton (152), and Chris Shaffer (189).

Important contributions and medalists on the day for Cedar Springs came from Aaron Smith (3rd), Jacob Galinis (5th), Caleb Baty (5th), Paul Duran, Anthony Brew, Logan Hull, Nate Male, Trentyn Roelofs, David Erxleben and Zak Schmid.

Don’t miss the home action on Friday night versus arch rival Greenville and Ottawa Hills at 5 p.m. The team will travel to Stevensville Lakeshore for duals on Saturday.

by Paul W. Jackson, Michigan Farm Bureau

A Greenville property has been purchased by Foremost Farms for a dairy processing facility.

Foremost, a dairy cooperative based in Wisconsin, announced its plan Nov. 9 for a plant to “receive up to six million pounds of raw milk per day,” depending on pending “approvals of necessary local and state incentives and support, including a long-term wastewater treatment solution.”

“This facility is planned to be operational in 12-to-14 months and would receive up to six million pounds of raw milk per day,” Foremost said in a press release. “Foremost Farms would initially process milk solids for internal use in farmer-owned production facilities in the Upper Midwest, and for sales to customers and to strategic alliance partners.”

The 96-acre property is currently vacant, Foremost indicated in the press release.

“It is our goal to continue to work with our strategic partners/alliances like we have established in the region with Michigan Milk Producers Association at Constantine, Mich., to maximize dairy farmer investments, stabilize the regional milk market and add value for all producers in this market,” said Foremost CEO Michael Doyle. “Foremost Farms’ executive management and board of directors plans to strategically build this facility in Greenville in order to control our own destiny in Michigan and unify our seven-state membership. All of our members produce high-quality milk, and this facility is part of the plan to optimize that value today and into the future.”

What about cheese?

Whether the announcement slows plans for a cheese plant envisioned by Michigan Milk Producers (MMPA), Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Foremost and Glanbia, one thing is expected: if the Foremost plant is built, it will absorb nearly all of Michigan’s current milk overproduction.

By taking another 6 million pounds per day of milk from Michigan dairy farms, the planned plant will certainly help farmers, and not just Foremost members, said Chris Wolf, professor of agriculture economics and dairy expert with Michigan State University.

“More processing means less dumping and less distressed sales,” he said. “And we know that Greenville is close to a lot of milk in Clinton, Ionia and Gratiot counties, and it’s not too far from the highway,” he said. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to begin adding cows, but this plant could take a lot of excess milk. Our milk production growth is slowing, but we’re still growing at about 3 percent above national growth. I think this plant is very good news as long as it doesn’t mean something bad for the cheese facility. If we keep growing in milk production, one plant may not make much difference, but it’s good to take the portfolio approach and have multiple things to address the overproduction.” Ken Nobis, president of the MMPA, agreed.

“We will need more than just a cheese plant in Michigan,” he said. “This announcement by Foremost does not put that in jeopardy, but when you have multiple entities involved in building something, that doesn’t shorten the decision-making process. The cheese plant is moving forward, even if there is one less entity involved. It just takes time.”

While dairy farmers will need to exercise some patience while the Foremost plant and a cheese plant moves forward, there is hope for a better future in dairying, said Chuck Courtade, director of customer relations with DFA.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel now,” he said. “I just hope the farmers can hang on during these low prices.”

Courtade said when both the raw milk plant and a cheese plant are up and running, dairymen could expect a pay increase.

“If the excess capacity is gone, it would reduce some deductions of their milk checks,” he said. “If more milk stays here, we might get closer to the federal marketing order price.”

It’s been a long wait, but between Foremost’s announcement and the apparent commitment to a cheese plant in the near future, farmers, and especially Foremost suppliers, are anticipating better times that are nearer than they thought just a few months ago.

“Between the two plants, we should be able to even handle some normal growth,” Courtade said.

Among the things that remain unclear is whether the cheese plant will have Foremost involvement.

“I can’t speak to the joint venture (cheese plant), but I can say that this (raw milk plant) is a totally separate facility, a totally different project,” said Laura Mihm, spokesperson for Foremost. “The Greenville property we closed on is about 27 miles from the epicenter of our members. But we are still talking with our strategic alliance about something in the future. We’re always willing to work with others. That’s the cooperative spirit.”

Mihm would not rule out that co-op’s continued involvement with a cheese plant in Michigan, but she said for now, Foremost is excited for its new unilateral Michigan venture.

“We are incredibly energized by this,” she said.

Reprinted by permission. This article originally appeared on Nov. 10, 2017 at https://www.michfb.com/MI/Farm_News/Content/Markets_and_Weather/Milk_plant_planned_for_Greenville/

2017 Theme Poster Contest Winner – Artist: Beverly Adams | Crystal, MI

THE FIR TREE (“Grantræet”)

by Hans Christian Andersen

First published in December of 1844, this story is a cautionary tale about a Fir Tree who learned too late that what we have is often far better than what we desire.  He could not be happy in the moment because he was too anxious to grow up.  He expected greater glory just around the corner and he eventually felt regret.

In the woods stood a little Fir Tree.  The Fir Tree wanted so badly to be grown up, to be able to spread out his branches with the tops looking into the wide world.  He longed to have the birds build nests among his branches and the breezes blow through his bows making him bend with as much stateliness as the others.  The little tree found no pleasure in the beauty around him, no matter the season.  He only wanted to continue to grow taller and grander.  He was envious of the magnificent trees that fell to the earth with great noise and cracking, whose branches were cut, and trunks laid in carts and dragged out of the wood.

The birds told the Fir these grown trees became masts of grand ships or Christmas trees beautifully decorated, so he dreamed of becoming a mast to fly across the sea or a Christmas tree ornamented with the most splendid things!

“Rejoice in your growth and in the fresh life that moves within you!” said the Sunbeams.  The wind and the dew kissed the Tree, but the Fir appreciated none of it.  He continued to dream of masts and Christmas adornments, and longed for something better, something grander.   “Rejoice in our presence!” said the Air and the Sunlight. “Rejoice in your own fresh youth!”  But the Fir did not rejoice at all.  He grew into a fine tree and he became the first to be cut down the following Christmas.  He fell to the earth; he felt a pang; he could not think of happiness, for he was feeling sad at being separated from his home.

He became an adorned Christmas tree with children celebrating around him.  After Christmas, the Fir thought the splendor would begin again but he was dragged out of the room into a dark corner of the attic where no one visited.  The Fir Tree was terribly lonely and he missed the animals of the wood and the children of Christmas Eve.  He told the mice in the attic about the most beautiful spot on the earth….the wood of his youth, where the sun shone and the birds sang.  And he told them of Christmas Eve, when he was decorated with ornaments and candles.  The more he remembered, the more he felt as if those times had really been the happiest of times. But he promised himself he would enjoy and appreciate his life once he was out of the attic.

When the people finally took him from the attic and pulled him outside, he felt the fresh air and sunshine.  He thought his merry life would now begin.  He did not feel old.  He felt in his prime. He spread out his branches, but they were all withered and yellow.  The Fir Tree saw all the beauty of the garden around him and he thought of his youth in the wood, of the merry Christmas Eve, and of the little Mice who had listened with so much pleasure to his stories.  He realized then it all was over and he should have rejoiced in the moments of his life as the Sunbeams had wisely advised.

To download this year’s Danish Festival Schedule click link below:

DanishFestival2017.pdf

Red Hawk Jacob Galinis trying to pin his opponent.

Red Hawk Jordan Ringler was undefeated last week.

On Wednesday, December 21, Cedar Springs High School wrestling traveled to Greenville for an OK White conference dual. The matches were close but the Red Hawks took a loss with a final score of 31-35. 112 lb Nathan Male, 119 lb Logan Hull, 140 lb Jordan Ringler, 160 lb Lucus Pienton, 215 Ryan Ringler and Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza won their matches. On JV, 125 lb Kaedrian Dines won a match.

The team traveled to Grandville on Wednesday, December 28 for their annual Invite. The tournament attracted several D1 schools and tough competition. The Red Hawks started the day with a loss against Grandville, 39-27. The team rallied and started a winning streak against Jenison, 46-27. Comstock Park was next to fall to the Red Hawks 40-31. Cedar Springs finished the day against Saline with another win and big lead, 44-23. Out of the thirteen teams competing, Cedar Springs finished the day in 5^th place. Last year they finished in 7^th place at this same competition. Davison took the Championship, Grandville 2^nd Place, Bedford 3^rd Place and Tri County 4^th Place.

The individual records are as follows: Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza, 171/189 lb Ryan Ringler, and 140 lb Jordan Ringler went undefeated, 4-0; 119 lb Logan Hull, 145/152 lb Jacob Galinis and 171/189 lb Nate Patin had 3 wins each; 125 lb Patrick Fliearman, 135/140 lb Jordan Andrus and 152/160 lb Lucus Pienton had 2 wins each; and 112 lb Nathan Male, 130 lb Aaron Smith and 135 lb Anthony Brew had one win each.

“The boys have made a lot of progress this season but we still have a long way to go until we get where we want to be. There’s a lot of community support pulling for us and we don’t want to let them down,” said Head Coach Nick Emery.

The Stitchers & More group and some of the hats they’ve made.

February is American Heart Month and a fellowship group with the informal name of Stitchers & More is celebrating. They are raising awareness of heart disease by knitting red hats for all babies born in February at United Hospital in Greenville.

The Stitchers & More group began twenty years ago as a group of women who gather once a month for fellowship while crocheting, stitching, scrapbooking, and sewing. The group ranges in age from early twenties, up to their oldest member who is turning ninety this year. When asking the group what inspired them to participate in this project, the name Kaylee is spoken in unison.

“This project is dedicated to a two year old from Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church who underwent successful open heart surgery,” explained member Mary Brasser.

Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans and congential heart defects are the most common type of birth defect in the country. Congenital heart disease is a problem with the heart’s structure and function that is present at birth. Some defects will heal on their own, over time, while others will need to be treated. Some are treated with medications and others with surgery.

“We work closely with the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Program when we identify an infant in need. All of our infants are screened for congenital heart disease and we also carefully monitor the cardiac health of women with congenital heart defects who are pregnant or want to become pregnant,” said Dr. Jonathan Windeler, Chief of Pediatrics at Spectrum Health United Hospital.

“We are so thankful to the Stitchers & More group for their kindness and generosity. It is our hope that this information will raise awareness of heart disease and will inspire others to participate in similar activies,” said Shelly Westbrook, Foundation Director at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals.

For more information about the congenital heart disease, go to http://www.spectrumhealth.org/congenital-heart-disease

The Cedar Springs Red Hawks are now 1-1 in conference after their win over Greenville.
Photo by K. Alvesteffer/R. LaLone.

By Rebekah Cronk

Friday, January 15th was the first and only home basketball game for the month of January and every player and fan were anxious to win against Greenville.

“We didn’t shoot the ball very well from field or from the free-throw line.  Our defense was okay, but when you don’t shoot well you put so much pressure on your defense to keep coming up with stops,” said varsity basketball coach, Jeff Patin.

Although, the varsity team was struggling with shooting the ball, they were able to take a victory against Greenville, with an ending score of 60-51. The varsity team was led by three guys  in the double figures: Dustin Shaw with 13, Je’len Jackson 12, and Jameson Pavelka with 12.

“The win on Friday evened our record to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in the conference,” said Patin.

The Friday night win against Greenville had the boys confident again, but they are still striving to improve their skills, and as a team.

“We feel good about the win knowing that we can still play better, [but] we are continuing to improve and find our rhythm,” said Patin.

The boys are continuing to work hard to try and accomplish the goals they have set as a team.

“We set several goals this year as a team and one [goal] was to win the conference championship,” said Patin.

The goal the team set to win the conference championship is a goal that not only the players would like to accomplish, but a goal that the fans would like to see met as well.

The team played Kent City on Tuesday, January 19, and they play Northview this Friday, January 22. See next week’s Post for coverage of those games.