Slush on the side of the road contributed to this accident that sent a 5-year-old Belding boy to the hospital with a head injury. Post photo by J. Reed.

A 5-year-old boy was sent to the hospital with a head injury Monday afternoon, after the SUV he was riding in struck a tree.

The accident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Monday, January 28. According to Kent County Sheriff Deputy Brad Mercer, a Belding woman was headed north on Pine Lake Avenue, in Nelson Township, when her vehicle left the east side of the road and struck a tree.

The woman’s son, a five-year-old, was unresponsive when paramedics arrived on the scene, and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance, with a head injury. Aeromed was unable to fly.

The driver has been identified as Amanda Phillips, 24. Her son is being treated for a fractured skull and bruised lung. He is expected to survive.

Police said the woman lost control in the slush on the side of the road.

Both Sand Lake Fire and Rescue and Cedar Springs Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

The Steinebach family loves their Post. Last fall we published a photo of Curt and Carol Steinebach with the Post in Venice, Italy. Their son, Cayden, 8, a third-grader at Beach Elementary, really liked that, and made sure to take a Post with him when the whole family traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida earlier this month.

Here you can see Cayden proudly standing with a Post in front of the Space Ball at Epcot. Thanks so much for taking us with you, Cayden!

The Cedar Springs Fire Department and other area fire departments were part of a funeral procession Tuesday, for former Cedar Springs Firefighter Tony (T.D.) Johnson.

Johnson, 63, of Solon Township, was a firefighter for 20-plus years for Cedar Springs, and served as assistant fire chief. He was also a firefighter and first responder for Solon Township after he left the Cedar Springs Fire Department. He answered his last call, on Friday, January 25, when he passed away.

The funeral procession for Johnson started at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, and wound its way through Cedar Springs and out to Solon Cemetery.

Hannah Ringler, 16 years old and a junior at Cedar Springs High School, daughter of Paul and Jane Ringler, was crowned Miss Heart of Michigan’s Outstanding Teen 2013 in Big Rapids on January 20, 2013.

Jane said it was a long but memorable day. The pageant started at 9 a.m., with interviews, and wrapped up at 6 p.m. Each contestant was graded on intelligence, ability to speak, platform issues, resume information, stage presence, talent and health and fitness. Hannah is a vocalist and performed “Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” while playing a ukulele.

Hannah has been mentoring youth for several years and is a spokesperson for open adoption. Her platform is “Mentor A Child Today, Improve The World Of Tomorrow.” Jane said Hannah will continue to raise awareness of the importance in mentoring children and what a positive impact mentoring can have on our community.

“Every child deserves positive experiences, support and encouragement to help them grow to be happy, healthy and well adjusted adults.  Hannah was fortunate to have had several mentors over the years who have helped her become the young woman that she is today,” explained her mother.

Hannah plans to also continue speaking on behalf of open adoption and the healthy benefits for adopted children associated with knowing their birth family, medical history and to understand the reasons behind the relinquishment. “So many children could be offered love and support, in addition to what their adoptive family provides, if they were allowed an open adoption,” remarked Jane. “There is never too much love or support to be offered.” She added that Hannah has personal experience with this, being a child who has been allowed an open adoption and knows first hand the advantages.

Hannah is looking forward to several events and speaking engagements during her reigning year as Miss Heart of Michigan’s Outstanding Teen, but most of all, she is most excited about all the people that she will have the opportunity to meet and those children’s lives that she may impact. “Hannah feels extremely blessed and her wish is that all children feel good about who they are and confident about where they are going,” said Jane.

Do you love your dog? Do you have a friend or family member who loves their dog? Would you like to help a great cause? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you will want to snag a copy of “Cooking for your dog” by Bruce Carlson. Bellowood Rescue, here in Cedar Springs, is selling the book for $10, as a fundraiser for their organization.

This animal rescue, which focuses mainly on dogs, takes in sick, abandoned, injured and stray dogs. They feed them, get their shots, nurture them back to health, and pay their medical bills before adopting them out. Normally fundraising would go for medical and other needs, but owner Kim Schreuder said they lost their main food source this week (who decided to go with another company) and are now scrambling to raise money for food for the animals.

The book is 88 pages worth of treats, biscuits, main dishes and miscellaneous items that you can make for your dog, that are both fun and healthy. There is even a recipe for treats for diabetic dogs.

If you’d like to buy a copy, or make any kind of donation, please email Kim at xbellowoodx@yahoo.com or call her at (616) 696-2846. You can also find Bellowood Rescue on facebook, and check out their page on the petfinder website at http://members.petfinder.com/~MI214/index.html.

Here is an example of a treat from the book:

 Veggie Treats

2 Eggs beaten

1c Cooked rice

1c Cooked veggies – Grated or mashed

1tb Chopped Parsley

1c Grated Cheese

1tb Brewer’s Yeast

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients, well. Drop by teaspoonsful onto a greased cookie sheet.

Bake for about 12 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a snowmobile accident Saturday afternoon, January 26, on Crystal Lake.

At 3:53 p.m., they received a 911 call that a snowmobile had fallen through the ice, approximately 100 yards northeast of the island. David Lawrence Johnson, 51,of Woodland, went through the ice on his snowmobile. Bystanders threw in a rope, and Johnson was pulled from the water.

Investigation revealed that Johnson was in the water for only a few minutes. He was then transported to Carson City Hospital, where he was treated and released. The water depth at that location was estimated to be 20 feet. Arrangements are being made to have the snowmobile brought up from the lake bottom. The incident remains under investigation.

Watch for new credit card processing fees

From the BBB of Western Michigan

Jan. 29—Beginning this week, West Michigan businesses are allowed to pass along credit card interchange fees of up to 4 percent of the total purchase price to their customers. Businesses in Michigan and 39 other states now have the option of adding this fee to your cost; however, they may only charge the exact amount being charged by Visa or MasterCard to them. Typically, these charges are between 1.5 and 3 percent.

If the business does add a check out fee, it must be clearly posted near the door of a physical store location, or on the website if it is a web transaction. Customer receipts must also clearly state any additional costs to the consumer for using a credit card.

Debit cards and pre-paid cards are not included in this settlement so added charges are still not permitted for using those types of cards.

The ability to pass along their credit card fees to the consumer was made possible through a court-approved settlement in July of 2012. Retailers, 9 major banks, Visa and MasterCard entered into this agreement. The settlement also included $6.6 billion in cash payments to retailers, and a temporary reduction in interchange fees to the merchants. Retailers have been dissatisfied with the expense of providing credit card opportunities to their customers.

The Better Business Bureau serving Western Michigan recommends that consumers ask about additional costs that may be passed along to them by the merchant for using their credit card. If possible, have an alternative method of payment with you in addition to your Visa or MasterCard. If a merchant does not follow the rules about alerting the consumer to these fees in their store or on their website, let the BBB and FTC know about it.

The BBB often recommends using credit cards because of the protections they offer you in terms of challenging or stopping a payment so you can return defective merchandise or deal with items never received. Credit Cards also offer protection against theft and unauthorized use. Those protections should be considered in addition to the credit card fees in choosing how you shop.

January is national radon month

Did you know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers? The American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute all agree that radon is a national health problem and encourage radon testing of your home.

Radon is naturally occurring in rock and soil. It can enter buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation of floors and walls, around sump openings, or spaces around plumbing. It occurs in both new and old homes, or houses built over a basement, over a crawlspace or built on slab-on-grade.

Millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas. In fact, a recent study by Harvard University ranks radon as America’s #1 in-home hazard. By taking simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if necessary, this health hazard can be avoided. Radon gas is not isolated to certain geographical areas or home types. Radon problems have been detected in homes in every county of the U.S. It caused more American fatalities last year than carbon monoxide, fires, and handguns combined! If a home hasn’t been tested for radon in the past two years, EPA and the Surgeon General urge you to take action.

National Radon Month, January 2013, is a good time to assess your home to determine whether repairs are necessary and to learn more about the dangers of this odorless, invisible gas and its effects on the body.

The only way to know if there is radon in your home is to test for it. Just hang a small filter in your home for about one week, and mail it for testing in a pre-paid envelope. You can buy this kit at the Kent County Health Department for just $5. Pick one up at 700 Fuller Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or call them at 616-632-6900.

Visit www.radonmonth.org for more info.

(Family Features) What better way to show love and affection on Valentine’s Day than by sharing a delicious gift made from the heart? A sweet treat is the perfect way to say “I love you” to the important people in your life.

A national survey by Wilton found that a quarter of women under age 55 bake as part of their Valentine’s Day celebration. And although women typically spend less than men on Valentine’s Day gifts, they give to more people in their lives – including a spouse or boyfriend, children, extended family, friends and co-workers. Among the most popular treats to prepare and share are cookies, cakes and cupcakes.

Try these tips from Wilton and get ready to bake to your heart’s content.

Let your love take shape with the Valentine Cookie Pan; heart shapes and thoughtful sayings like “Be Mine” will surely make that special someone know how much you care.

Go for a dip and jazz up everyday cookies by giving them a chocolate dunk and sprinkle toppings.

Show your true colors and surprise your sweetie by filling the center of a yellow cupcake with pink or red batter. It’s easy to do with the new Two Tone Cupcake Pan.

Dress up with baking cups and picks, which are the ideal accessories for your cupcakes; red gingham or pink polka dot baking cups adds festive flair.

Sweep ‘em off their feet with a stylish presentation – pretty patterned window boxes and heart shaped bags are the perfect way to present your Valentine treats.

Sweetheart Surprise Cupcakes

Gingham Baking Cups

2 packages (16.5-18.25 oz. ea.) white cake mix

Eggs, oil and water to prepare mixes

Red-Red and Rose Icing Colors

1 can (16 oz.) White Ready-To-Use Decorator Icing

Micro Hearts, Fill Your Heart Mix, Chocolate Hearts Mix or Valentine Nonpareils Sprinkles or Red or Pink Sugars

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place baking cups into standard muffin pan from the Two-Tone Cupcake Pan kit.

Prepare white cake mix following package instructions. Remove about 1-1/2 cups batter from bowl; divide into 2 smaller bowls. Tint one smaller bowl of batter red, the other rose.

Place cupcake insert into first row of baking cups; fill center 2/3 full with red or rose batter. Fill remaining cup 2/3 full with white batter. Remove insert; wash and dry. Repeat with remaining baking cups.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.

Tint portions of icing red and rose; reserve some white. Pipe tip 1M or tip 12 icing swirl onto cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles or sugars.

Makes about 24 cupcakes.

For more Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and gift inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

(BPT) – With football and basketball season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to invite family and friends over to root on the home team. Hosting a crowd-pleasing party can be simple with a little preparation. Score big with these simple game day entertaining tips.

• Create a game plan. Organize the menu ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to finish everything at the last minute. Tackle recipes that can be made prior to the big event, and prep any ingredients so they’re ready to cook on the day of the party.
• Block extra mess and stress. Finger foods are a great way to reduce utensil and dish use. Look to serve items that can be eaten in one bite, and set out napkins for party guests to use.
• Score with decor. Print out team logos and glue or tape to cups. Purchase green or yellow felt fabric—green to evoke a football field, yellow to evoke the hardwood of a basketball court—from the local craft store to use as a tablecloth. Tie team-colored ribbon bows on your door-knocker, around lamp shades or any other object you can think of, to show your team spirit.
• Snack sack. Pick foods that are easy to make and fit with the overall game theme. Save time and money by using household staples as ingredients, like Pringles crisps. These quick and easy Loaded Twice-Baked Taters are sure to be a fan favorite.

Loaded Twice-Baked Taters

Ingredients:

2 6.38-ounce cans of

Pringles Loaded Baked

Potato flavor

1-1/2 cup skim milk

1 egg

1 slice of American cheese

Sour cream, dried chives and bacon bits, for garnish

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F. Place one 6.38-ounce can of Pringles Loaded Baked Potato crisps in a food processor and pulse until well crushed. Add milk, egg and cheese into mixture and puree until well mixed.

Take Pringles from remaining can and place 48 crisps on a cookie sheet with the curve of the crisp facing up, and edges facing down. With a very small spoon, place a rounded scoop onto each crisp. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.

Remove and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with dried chives and bacon bits. Serve immediately.

Add some New Orleans flavor to your game day recipes

(BPT) – When it comes to planning for the big football game in New Orleans this year, instead of turning to grease-heavy and heartburn-inducing foods, why not consider some tasty and healthier options that will have everyone giving you a high score for food options?

New Orleans-based executive chef Tory McPhail, of the iconic Commander’s Palace restaurant, has the perfect New Orleans-style recipe incorporating pistachios into your menu. Pistachios are a great snack, and, better yet, they’re what athletes turn to when it comes to peak performance.

Director of Sports Nutrition at USC, Becci Twombley, recommends snacking with a purpose. “On the big day, people are snacking and eating more, so why not consider snacking on something like pistachios that provides you with added nutrients,” asks Twombley. Add protein-rich snacks, like one ounce of pistachios, which contains six grams of protein, to help you feel full faster.

Whether you’re a pro athlete or are calling the shots from the sofa, don’t let what you eat during the big day throw you off-course for the new year. Enter pistachios, your guilt-free solution; they are high in protein, lowest in fat among all nuts and low in calories. Looking for an added bonus? You’ll actually eat less because the act of shelling pistachios slows you down and allows you to feel full before you’ve downed a whole bag.

Take your guests by surprise and add some New Orleans flair into your dishes. “Eat your pistachios like we would eat our crawfish, by first tasting the shell and all to get the seasoning, then peeling off the shell to get the crunchy pistachio inside,” says McPhail. Looking for additional game day recipe ideas or want to pair your pistachios with a drink?-Visit the American Pistachio Growers’ website at www.AmericanPistachios.org to find out how your game day snacks can go from boring to gourmet, but don’t fret – even a novice in the kitchen can make this recipe.

Creole Black Skillet Pistachios:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

2-tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce, such as Crystal Hot Sauce or Tabasco

1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons bourbon

1 pound-salt-roasted pistachios in the shell

1 tablespoons black pepper

2 teaspoons creole seasoning blend

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

Bring all your premeasured-ingredients close to the stove, since this recipe goes really quickly and takes only about 30 seconds of cooking. Place a medium-size cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until hot and starting to smoke. Add the oil to the black skillet and swirl across the bottom to coat. Add the garlic and swirl until the garlic starts to turn golden brown. Immediately add the hot sauce and Worcestershire and shake to reduce by half.

Pull the pan away from the stove, deglaze with the bourbon-and swirl while returning to the stove; flambe by lighting the bourbon-sauce mixture with a match to burn off the alcohol. When the fire goes out and the sauce is reduced, add the pistachios and-shake in the black pepper, creole seasoning and sugar while tossing the pan to coat evenly. Remove the pistachios from the skillet; immediately put in a serving bowl so the seasoning doesn’t become too dark or bitter.

Daddy daughter dance

Feb. 2: The 9th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, at Cedar Springs Middle School. Doors open at 6:15pm and dance begins at 7. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Cost for a couple is $15, for a group of three is $18, and a group of four or more $20. Tickets on sale at Cedar Springs Public Schools district office (Hilltop) from 8am-4pm Thursday and Friday, and at Cedar Springs Middle School from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday.

Rockford Rebels 12u Tryouts

Feb. 2: The Rockford Rebels 12u baseball team will be holding a tryout for remaining roster positions on the 2013 travel baseball team. Tryouts will be Saturday, February 2 at 3pm at the Rebels Training Facility located at 9330 Belding Rd., Rockford. To register and for more information, contact Micah Braman at 616-232-8422 or email: braman1mj@cmich.edu. #4,5p

Archery at Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club

Feb. 7: Come to the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club on Thursdays starting February 7 through March 28 at 7pm. 7463 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. #5,6p

Help Promote Literacy!

Feb. 7: The Literacy Center of West Michigan, 1120 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids, has scheduled an information session on Thursday, February 7 for prospective volunteer tutors. This session is held at 6:30pm and lasts one hour. It allows interested persons in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Center and its literacy programs. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity to sign up for tutor training. Please call us at 616-459-5151 (ex. 10) to register. #5

Winterfest

Feb. 8-9: The Sand Lake Winterfest will take place on Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9. Pinewood derby, ice skating in the park, ice fishing contest, outhouse race, snowman contest, hot dog eating contest and more. For a full schedule of events please visit www.sandlakechamberofcommerce.com. #5

Lost on the Lady Elgin

Feb. 11: Valerie van Heest, award-wining author and member of the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, discusses the Lake Michigan sinking of the Lady Elgin in 1860. Monday, February 11 at 6:30 pm. Sand Lake/ Nelson Township KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #5

Spring 2013 Soccer Registration

Feb. 12: Spring 2013 Soccer Registration for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is Feb. 12, 14 and 20 at Beach Elementary School on the Campus of Cedar Springs Public Schools, 204 E. Muskegon from 6pm – 8pm each day. Cost for the Spring Session is $60 per child with a $5 discount per child for families registering 3 or more players. Players must be at least 4 years of age as of April 8, 2013. A birth certificate is required for age verification of first time registrants. Please complete online application at www.eayso.org – print two copies and take advantage of our Express Lane! These will be the final registration dates for the Spring Season. Please tell your friends and neighbors. If you have questions please contact the AYSO Hotline at 616-696-7349, or visit us at www.ayso902.org. #5,6,7b

Valentine Candlelight Snowshoe Walk

Feb. 14: Bring your Sweetheart out (People of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy the candlelit trails). The walk is 2 miles and suitable for beginner-level snowshoers and hikers. Walk will be lead by a naturalist. After the walk, enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and cookies by our fireside “Smooches”. Thursday, February 14th from 6-9pm. Donation of $5 per person, snowshoes included. Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Pre-registration is NOT required, however registering is greatly appreciated. 616-675-3158. #5

Valentines Dinner

Feb. 14: Members, bring in your friends to this special dinner and music. Tri-County Eagles in Sand Lake, Thursday, February 14th. Dinner from 4 – 8pm, Rib Eye steak, potato, garlic toast and salad bar, $11.75. Entertainment from 8 – 11pm by Rhythm Masters, Clint Gitchel & Jerry Roberts starting. #4-6p

From the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

LANSING, MICH.— Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and the Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs supports the Pentagon’s decision to clear women for combat roles in the U.S. military.

“Michigan women have already served in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Vadnais said. “Expansion to allow women into ground combat units really comes as no surprise. We remain standards driven organization; the best-qualified and most capable people will successfully accomplish our missions, regardless of gender. The policy move opens up additional options for service women and provides official recognition for those serving in some of the most dangerous positions protecting our nation.”

Women are currently excluded from only 8 military specialties in the Michigan Army National Guard. Approximately 3,000 female Soldiers have deployed since 9/11. Nearly 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are scheduled to deploy in contingency operation in the coming year.

In a Pentagon news conference earlier this week, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Gen. Martin E. Dempsey announced the decision to lift the ban on women serving in combat and said woman are integral to the military’s success, noting their demonstrated willingness to fight and die in combat in order to defend and protect American freedom.

The Michigan National Guard stands ready to make any and all changes necessary in accordance with Department of Defense initiatives.