A Sand Lake man died last Saturday from injuries he suffered after being hit by a car.

Tyler Helton, 20, a 2010 graduate of Tri County High School, was reportedly walking along Stanton Road, between Jones Rd and Maple Hill Rd in Pierson Township, Saturday night, April 21, when he was struck by a white pickup truck about 9:12 p.m. The young man was airlifted to Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids, but died of his injuries.

The driver had fled the scene before Michigan State Police arrived on the scene, but witnesses provided a description of the vehicle and the driver.

The driver, a 57-year-old Howard City man, turned himself into police early Sunday morning, after seeing news reports of the crash.

Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

Tyler is the son of Marty and Marcia (Rosenberger) Helton, of Sand Lake. The service for Tyler will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Solon Center Wesleyan Church (19 Mile and Algoma) with Rev. Tom Holloway and Rev. Wayne Cash officiating. Interment in Sand Lake Cemetery.

Sandra Wygle, right, and her best friend, Michelle, at the taping of “The Price is Right!” Photo courtesy of The Price is Right.

Will appear on TV on Monday, April 30, at 11 a.m. on channel 3

By Judy Reed

When Sandra Wygle, of Cedar Springs, decided to go to California, she never dreamed she would compete on a game show. In fact, she had only watched “The Price is Right” a few times. “I’ve just never been one to sit in front of the TV,” she explained.

But when Wygle’s best friend, Michelle Gregitais, (who was going to California with her), suggested they get tickets, she agreed. “I didn’t really want to, I’ve always had stagefright,” said Sandra.

The two women decided to attend the taping in celebration of Michelle’s six-year anniversary of being in recovery from breast cancer. Michelle wore a shirt that said, “I survived breast cancer, can Drew survive me?” and Sandra’s shirt said, “My best friend survived breast cancer, can Drew survive us?” Actor Drew Carey is the host of The Price is Right.

They waited in line for six hours. “They brought food out to us, interviewed us, and took pictures of us,” said Sandra. She explained that there were 300 people there, and they interviewed them in groups of 15. And they only chose 8 out of the 300 to compete at the taping. She only found out when they called her name after everyone was seated.

“Out of 300 people, my name was called. I was stunned,” remarked Sandra. “I never expected it.”

Sandra soon got over her stage-fright. “It was a blast! I had so much fun with Drew Carey. It was a lot of fun and a lot of craziness!” she said. “If I ever had to do it again, I wouldn’t second guess it. It was just so much fun.”

Sandra said she would love to do it again, but under the rules, has to wait 10 years to get the opportunity. Either way, she’ll celebrate her newly found TV stardom with a watch party when the show airs on Monday.

Tune in or record the show on Monday, April 30, at 11 a.m. on channel 3, to see if Sandra wins the showcase! Even if she doesn’t, no one goes home without a great prize!

If you would like to watch a taping of the show and try your luck at being chosen as a contestant, tickets are absolutely FREE. Contestant hopefuls can get complete information and obtain their show tickets online at http://priceisright.com/tickets.  In addition, viewers can call the CBS Ticket Office at 1-855-44-PRICE (1-855-447-7423) Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM PST.

Rosie's Diner closed last October, and is now up for auction.

One of the world’s most famous diners goes up for auction this Thursday, April 26.

Rosie’s Diner, located at 4500 14 Mile Road, is the original diner used in the Bounty paper towel commercials in the 1970s, with Nancy Walker playing Rosie the waitress, who cleaned up spills with the “quicker picker upper.” It has been a fixture here since the early 1990s.

However, the restaurant abruptly closed its doors on October 2. The owner told employees that they would be closed for renovations a couple of days, but the inside was gutted and fixtures sold off by the next day. The owner then told the employees, many of them teenagers, that she had no money to pay them. Many of the employees had to go through the Michigan Department of Wages and Hours to get the money that was owed them. Most of them got paid in December.

The owners, in cooperation with secured creditors, are now putting it up for sale on an online auction at lastbidrealestate.com. Bidding will take place today, Thursday, April 26.

Built by the Paramount Dining Car Company in 1946 as a Deluxe model Diner, it was originally named the “Silver Dollar Diner” and resided in Little Ferry, New Jersey.  In early 1991, the diner was loaded up, and four days, 10 flat tires, and one fire later, it had found its new home on 14 Mile. This diner and 3 others, including the “Uncle Bob’s” diner, built in 1947 by Jerry O’Mahony Dining Car Company, and the 2 car “Garden of Eatin” from Fulton, New York are all joined together on one property. It also has been featured several times on various food television shows.

Police looking for older red pickup

Police think that an accident on US131 last Saturday could be the result of a road rage incident.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a personal injury crash that occurred on US 131 in Reynolds Township Saturday afternoon, April 14. They reported that two vehicles were heading south, when the vehicle in front, a red Ford Ranger pickup, suddenly braked. The car behind, a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by David

Wolansky, 56, of Reed City, had to swerve to avoid the truck and lost control, going off the road and hitting some trees. The truck continued southbound on US131.

Wolansky and his wife, Susan Wolansky, 53, had to be extricated from their car by medical/fire personnel using the “Jaws of Life.” Susan Wolansky was taken to Mecosta County General Hospital in Big Rapids by Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services. Her injuries/condition are unknown but are believed to be non-life threatening. David Wolansky was taken to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids by Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services with a serious leg injury. His condition at this time is unknown.

Deputies are looking for an older red Ford Ranger, with stickers in the rear window. The crash remains under investigation and the Sheriff’s office is asking anyone with any information to call 989-831-7590 or the TIP line at 989-831-7593.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Howard City Fire Department, along with Montcalm and Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services.

First Sergeant Michael J. Poll II US Army 236th ICTC was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service in Afghanistan 2011-2012.

Staff Sergeant Michael F. Vandenboss US Army 236th ICTC being awarded the Army Commendation medal for service in Afghanistan 2011-2012

The Post is happy to announce the return of two good friends from Afghanistan.

First Sgt. Michael J. Poll II, and Staff Sgt. Michael F. Vandenboss, both of Sand Lake, returned home Tuesday evening, April 24. Poll, a 1989 graduate of Tri County High School was gone for four years on back to back tours, and Vandenboss was gone for a year.

“I’m hoping now to be home for a long time,” said Poll.

Poll, who served with the US Army 236th ICTC was awarded the Bronze Star medal for his service in Afghanistan in 2011-2012. Vandenboss, who also served with the US Army 236th ICTC, was awarded the Army Commendation medal for his service in Afghanistan in 2011-2012.

The two men would love to see all their family and friends, Poll said.

Residents, businesses, school groups, and other non-profits came together last Thursday, at Cedar Springs High School, for the 26th annual Community Night.

Area businesses and non-profit groups rented tables to showcase their business or group to residents. There were some free food samples, such as pie and cake, and lots of candy! Businesses were also able to sell goods, and many offered door prizes. It was a great night to see what’s available in Cedar Springs!

Congratulations to Bobbie Jo Russell, of Rockford, who visited the Post’s table, and won the drawing for a free camera! We hope to see all of you again next year.

By Judy Reed

It’s been almost five years that Cedar Springs has been without a Chamber of Commerce, and a drive is under way to get it reestablished. A group of businesses met Tuesday evening at Perry’s Place to get the ball rolling.

“I think the visionaries are ready to move forward,” said Sonya Cronkright, owner of Reflections by Design.

Sally Howland, owner of the Cedar Chest, thinks the business owners need a common voice to speak up for their needs. “There’s not enough being done for the business owners,” said Howland. “We need a chamber. I’ll take any help I can get.”

Fourteen people attended the meeting, with 10 businesses or groups represented.

The group is looking at what other Chambers do and what their bylaws are. They also discussed staying positive, and living their dream as a business owner, despite any limitations they feel they may face. “If you dream it, you can do it,” said Michele Andres, President of the Red Flannel Festival.

The group decided to meet again on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Perry’s Place to work out a vision for the new Chamber. All business owners in the greater Cedar Springs area are invited to attend.

The previous Chamber of Commerce closed July 31, 2007, after membership dropped off, and they could no longer pay a director. The B2B (Business to Business) group was later formed to help fill the gap, but also has been sparsely attended. The group hopes that a new Chamber will create some excitement and community pride, and draw people to shop in Cedar Springs.

Grab your friends and family and make a difference this Saturday by helping to clean up Cedar Creek. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

It’s that time of year again—time to get out and clean up Cedar Creek and the surrounding area!

The City of Cedar Springs will be holding their fifth annual Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, April 28. The day starts at 8 a.m. with E-waste collection behind Cedar Springs City Hall. Bring all your electronic waste for disposal such as computers, monitors, keyboards, cell phones, radios, stereos, laptops, VCRs, modems, power cords, etc. This will be staffed by the Cedar Springs Rotary.

Then meet at 10 a.m. at the trail staging area on W. Maple Street (west off Main) to clean up Cedar Creek. Volunteers report to the staging area to receive their t-shirts and clean-up assignments. The first 100 registered get a free shirt. New this year is a limited number of trash picks and waders for volunteers to borrow.

There will be a city surplus auction at 1 p.m. to auction off surplus city equipment, along with a container to collect expired or unused prescription drugs (see article on page ??). No liquid or syringes accepted.

Visit the city’s website at www.cityofcedarsprings.org to download a registration form for the cleanup. Registration is not mandatory to participate, but it does help the city to pre-assign clean-up locations, and plan for the purchase of trash bags and t-shirts. Please return the form to City Hall (66 S. Main St., PO Box 310,Cedar Springs, MI  49319 Attn: Chris Burns. You may also fax the form to 616.696.0202.  Please call City Hall at 616.696.1330 X 104 with any questions.

Cedar Creek is one of our greatest assets. Our town, the second village in Kent County, was established along that creek and named for both the springs that flowed from it and the Cedar trees that bordered it. It supports wildlife and flora, and is a key component of the future plans of this city. Our city will only be as beautiful as we make it.

More than 400 motorists were arrested for drunk driving during a three-week impaired driving crackdown this spring. Of those arrested, 79 were charged under the state’s high blood alcohol content (BAC) law with having a BAC of .17 or higher.

Law enforcement officers from more than 165 agencies conducted stepped up enforcement aimed at curtailing drunk driving during the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown March 13-April 2. This resulted in 8,083 traffic stops and nearly 4,000 citations or arrests, including 281 for other alcohol- and drug-related charges such as open intoxicants.

“Michigan law enforcement agencies take drunk driving very seriously,” said Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director. “The increased enforcement also provided opportunities to identify other traffic safety violations and resolve unsolved cases.”

In addition to the 405 drunk driving arrests, 214 misdemeanor and felony arrests were made. Officers also issued 148 seat belt and child restraint, 722 speeding and 425 uninsured motorist citations. Five stolen vehicles were recovered, 326 drivers were found to be driving on suspended licenses and 161 fugitives were arrested during the enforcement effort. OHSP coordinated the effort, which was funded with federal highway safety grants, in 26 counties.

In Kalamazoo County, Richland Township officers stopped a suspected drunk driver. That stop resulted in several arrests including possession of drugs, open intoxicants, minor in possession charges and a confession for a recent home invasion.

In the past, OHSP funded March drunk driving efforts focused only on St. Patrick’s Day. A five-year review of crash data indicated alcohol use and failure to buckle up played a significant role in fatal and serious injury crashes during the month and into early April. March included St. Patrick’s Day, many school spring break periods and college basketball tournament games.

Grant-funded counties included: Allegan, Bay, Berrien, Calhoun, Chippewa, Delta, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Marquette, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.

The Village of Sparta, Village of Howard City, and the City of Rockford have all been honored with the designation “Tree City USA.”

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Arbor Day Foundation today announced this week that 121 Michigan communities have received the “Tree City USA” designation for their promotion of community forestry during 2011. Communities are certified for work accomplished in 2011 and will be presented with their awards materials to coincide with Arbor Week in Michigan (April 22-28).

The Tree City USA program promotes proper tree care and management in urban areas and raises awareness about the economic, health and aesthetic benefits trees offer. To be eligible to participate, a community must meet the following four requirements:

* Have a designated board or department responsible for tree care issues;

* Have a local tree ordinance;

* Have a budget for public tree care of at least $2 per capita; and

* Have an annual Arbor Day celebration and official Arbor Day proclamation.

Since the program began in 1976, Michigan has seen a steady increase in the number of communities that have received “Tree City” certification. Michigan currently ranks 8th nationally in total number of certified communities.

“I encourage all communities to celebrate Arbor Day and adopt an official proclamation in support of the holiday,” said DNR Urban Forestry coordinator Kevin Sayers. “That’s typically the first step taken toward achieving the Tree City USA award, and it demonstrates a community’s real commitment to ensuring these valuable public assets.”

Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree USA programs at www.arborday.org/programs.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and arraigned in connection with a break in that occurred on November 1, 2011 at Randy Merren Auto Sales, 5535 S. Greenville Rd.

Roger Klock was developed as a suspect, by Montcalm County Sheriff’s Detectives, after an analysis of trace evidence that had been recovered at the scene. Klock had been living in the area at the time of the break in, but had since moved from the area. Detectives were able to learn of his whereabouts, and with the assistance of the Traverse City Police Department, Klock was arrested and returned to Montcalm County.

Randy Merren Auto Sales had sustained damage during the break in and it is believed Klock was intending to steal a vehicle, but was interrupted by employees arriving for the work day and no cars were taken.

Pastor Dick Nichols

Cedar Creek Community Church

2969 14 Mile Road, Sparta

You can be sure that at least once in everyone’s life, something so difficult and painful will happen that we will ask “God … why?” So many things in life seem unexplainable; why does a tornado destroy one house and leave another untouched? Why does one brother prosper while another struggles all of his life? Why did the tumor come back when the doctor said he thought he got it all? We all have these types of questions in this life; the list is endless.

Sometimes we encounter circumstances, events and situations that make it seem like the entire world is collapsing around us. Things make no sense at all. And, if there is a purpose behind it, we can’t see it. So, we will turn to the Bible for comfort and read scripture like “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, New International Version).

Before my wife and I accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, there were some painful and difficult events in our family, and we heard this verse quoted to us more than once from well-meaning friends, and we didn’t find any consolation in it. Now that Jesus is our Lord, we have an understanding that we couldn’t have before.

Do all things work together for good? My answer to this question is now an emphatic YES! But there still remains the inevitable question “are all things good?” that can only be answered emphatically NO! The difference is that we know now that the Lord can turn harrowing circumstances around and literally cause everything to work together for good. It’s tough for many of us to grab hold of the idea that God doesn’t let anything go to waste in our lives. He has a purpose and a reason for everything that happens in the lives of his followers and will even use the bad and difficult things to produce good on our behalf.

I do not have to tell you that Romans 8:28 is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible. But there are times when this verse is misused and is thrown at those suffering, as if it could answer every question in life. That is the opposite of what Paul the apostle intended. Some people think that after a tragedy, God will show up and make everything come out o.k. Then, when life’s wrinkles don’t get ironed out, they wonder “where was God when…?”

That is not the biblical view at all. In reality we know now that God is there at the beginning, and God is there at the end, and he is there at every point in between. Simply put, this scripture lets Christians know that God was there before it all happened and he is still there when it is over, and that his plan is to serve a higher purpose and bring about good results.

The Bible never asks us to pretend that tragedy isn’t tragedy, or to pretend that our pain isn’t real. The point is, we must see the active involvement of God in our circumstances. Paul taught, in Romans 5:3-4, that a believer’s faith and character must be refined, purified and tempered in order to grow and reach greater levels of maturity for God so he can make us into what he wants us to be, to do what he has called us to do.

The Lord allows assorted troubles, trials, and temptations to test our faith and spiritual character so that we can grow closer to our Lord. You will never face any trial that you and Jesus cannot overcome. This does not mean that we will evade such trouble; it means that with him, we will be able to bear them.

Scripture does not say that whatever happens is good, or that suffering and evil and tragedy are good, or that we will be able to understand why God allows what he allows in our lives. Instead, God puts a sign over us that reads: “Patience, God is at work.” As in any construction project, don’t judge the end by the beginning.