The Red Hawks were in the lead 50-0 at the beginning of the fourth quarter against Ottawa Hills. They won 56-12, and are now headed to the playoffs.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Varsity Red Hawk football team won their last conference game of the season last Friday against Ottawa Hills, securing them second place in the OK-White conference (5-1) and a spot in the playoffs with an overall record of 6-3. Forest Hills Central took first in the conference with a record of 6-0,  (9-0 overall) and Lowell took third, with a record of 4-2 and 6-3 over all.

The Red Hawks will take on the winners of the OK-Gold conference, the East Grand Rapids Pioneers (6-0, 9-0) at East Grand Rapids this Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m. in their third playoff appearance in the last four years. It will be a white out, so be sure to wear white! Click here for more details on last week’s game.

A woman died when she turned into the path of an oncoming semi in Courtland Township Tuesday. Photo from WOOD-TV 8.

A 77-year-old Grand Rapids woman died Tuesday, October 24, when her vehicle collided with a semi tractor in Courtland Township.

According to the Michigan State Police Rockford Post, the woman was traveling westbound on M-57 about 12:25 p.m. in a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, when she attempted to turn south on to Northland Drive and into the path of a Freightliner semi tractor traveling eastbound on M-57. The woman died at the scene as a result of injuries she sustained in the crash. Her name has not yet been released.

The driver of the semi, a 59-year-old Greenville man, was not injured.

Police said that neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash.

The Courtland Township Fire Department, Kent County Sheriff Department, and Rockford Ambulance assisted at the scene. 

Photo by Keith Coalter.

Nolan Patin working on one of his props for the haunted school house. Post photo by J. Reed.

Local teen and aunt work months to transform schoolhouse

By Judy Reed

For 16-year-old Nolan Patin, the haunted school house at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum may take a lot of time and effort each year to create, but he loves doing it. “It’s a lot fun,” he said.

This is the fifth year that the Cedar Springs Historical Museum will host a free Halloween Haunt for the community at the old Payne School. This year it will be Saturday, October 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., and again on Halloween, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Money from each year’s car show helps to fund the event.

Nolan Patin and his aunt, Marie Patin, dressing a ghost for this year’s haunted school house. Post photo by J. Reed.

The haunted school house was Nolan’s idea, and he works each year with his aunt, Marie Patin, on the project. “The haunt requires many hours and months of planning,” explained Marie. “Needed are volunteers with knowledge of electrical, construction, painting, special lighting effects, and sound effects. We have to be creative, learn new techniques, and while building new props, be attentive to the safety of our guests and volunteers.”

Nolan works over the winter and spring to sketch out his idea for the haunt, and Marie goes over the plan and details. The two then work together to shop for and collect the items needed. Nolan creates most of the props himself.

“I like to see what Nolan comes up with,” remarked Marie. “It’s just like him doing his own Christmas light display at Christmas time. I like watching him grow and succeed at something.”

One family goes through the haunted school house at a time, so they can either tone down the scariness for little ones, or ramp it up for the big kids.

The haunt wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers, including Pat Patin, who helped with electrical and sound issues; Nolan’s parents, Jeff and Cindy Patin, who will provide supper for the volunteers both nights; and other volunteers including Cathy Patin, Roseann Patin, D. White, Tanya Eldred, and Nolan’s friends Danielle, Elizabeth and Shaye.

Marie asked people to consider donating their old Halloween adult costumes and masks to the museum to be used in future haunts.

The Payne School was built in 1860 for $600 on 17 Mile Rd, just west of Meijer. School was held there until 1970, and then abandoned. It was then donated to the museum by Cordy Wallace. They then began to raise money to move it to Morley Park. The school sits adjacent to the Cedar Springs Museum.

While you plan your Halloween fun for this weekend and on Halloween, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Haunted School house in Morley Park—it’s free, family fun!

Cora holds a soccer trophy here that she received in 2014. Photo from the Team Cora page on Facebook.

By Judy Reed

Cora Gonzales, the 11-year-old daughter of George and Cookie Gonzales, of Oakfield Township, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 25, of injuries she sustained when she was hit by a car earlier this month.

According to the Team Cora facebook page, Cora died at around 1:30 a.m. 

“The gift of a such a beautiful child we never deserved,” wrote Cora’s parents. “God was gracious enough to bless us with Cora over the last 11 years. We will never forget her sparkling personality, love for people, her infectious smile, and her abundance of hugs. We waited for the miracle of healing on this earth, but God had different plans. Thank you all for the loving support and prayers. We will never be able to thank you enough. God bless you all.”

Cora was the 8^th out of 10 children, and a student at Cedar View Elementary. She was hit by a car on Friday, October 6, on 14 Mile Road, between Harvard and Ramsdell, in front of her home. She suffered critical injuries, including damage to her inner brain. The community held a prayer vigil for her last week in Morley Park.

According to Cookie, Cora’s mother, she loved playing soccer with the AYSO United team, running, wrestling, camping, and spending time with her siblings and friends. She also loved participating in church events and loved her Lord, Jesus, with all of her heart. 

If you’d like to help the Gonzales family with expenses, you may visit the Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/love-for-cora.

Post photo by J. Reed

By Judy Reed

Over 1,000 kids and parents enjoyed a fun, family-friendly event in Morley Park last Saturday, while raising money for Brison Ricker, a teen cancer patient in Cedar Springs.

The event, called the Green Family and Friends Pumpkin Giveaway, was put on by the Green Family, who put on events each year for kids in lower income areas. This event, however, had a different focus: raising money for the Ricker family. Everything at the event was free, including hotdogs; chips; drinks; cotton candy; popcorn; 2000 cupcakes; carnival games with lots of candy prizes; a magician to entertain the kids; and a costume contest. Kids were also allowed to pick out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, with 600 pumpkins available. A box was set up for people to give donations, and money was also made from a silent auction. In the end, over $8,000 was raised for the Ricker family.

Post photo by J. Reed

On the Green Family and Friends website, Cordell Green explained why he holds these events. “Some people save up all year to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation, and with that vacation they make memories for two people. I save up all year to spend thousands of dollars on these events, and with these events we make memories for hundreds of people,” he said.

“We are so grateful to the Green Family and Friends for the amazing event they put on,” noted Kim Ricker, Brison’s mom, on her Facebook page.

Brison suffers from DIPG, a terminal brain cancer. The Rickers sought alternative treatment after conventional treatment was exhausted, and while the tumor he initially had is now scar tissue, he has some progression in his spine. The Rickers spend thousands of dollars each month on treatment, and could use your help. If you’d like to donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/rickerstrong. There are also numerous fundraising events each month, including a monthly can drive. To keep up on ways you can help, visit the Team Rickerstrong page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/teambrison/.

Mary Lou Fuller, of Solon Township, sent us this beautiful fall photo of a tree in her yard earlier this week, before all the rain came. Thank you, Mary Lou, for sharing it with us!

Do you have any fall photos you’d like to share with us? Please email them to news@cedarspringspost.com.

It was a perfect autumn afternoon. The laughter of children rang on the air as they played games, collected snacks and built their very own scarecrows. Velzy Park, in Solon Township, was the scene of much activity Saturday, October 21, as the Park’s “Bootacular” got underway. The event was created as a Park fundraiser and public service to the community. Originally hosted by Solon Market, the event was adapted by the joint Park and Market committees to help promote the new park and raise needed money toward continued improvements.  

The “Build a Scarecrow” was a new addition and created much excitement among the youngsters as they watched their scarecrows come to life. It was a toss-up as to who had the most fun—the children, their parents or the volunteers. The scarecrow event and boo-tacular was the brainchild of Park chair, Shelly Aardema, who is also a member of the Market Committee.

The committee is seeking funds to build a restroom and playground as Phase One continues. The park currently features a walking trail, gazebo and picnic area, mostly funded though fundraisers and donations from area residents and businesses. If you wish to help, donations can be sent to Solon Township Office, 15185 Algoma Ave., Cedar Springs, MI  49319.  Be sure to designate it towards Velzy Park. Volunteers are also needed to assist with construction and maintenance as well as events and fundraising. Material donations are welcome as well. For more information, contact Mary Lou at 616-696-1718 or Shelly at 616-696-1848.

FFA members participated in the Ag Olympics earlier this month, where they competed in various games, including sack races. Courtesy photo.

By Olivia Martinek 

Fall activities are starting to take place here at the Cedar Springs FFA. As we’re getting into the swing of a new school year, officers have been planning many events for the FFA. Unfortunately some of our officers moved this summer, but we elected a few new ones for this school year. Our new secretary is Zack Cardinal, our new reporter is Olivia Martinek, and our new historian is Marjorie Hosking.    

Two members of the Cedar Springs FFA, Melody and Michael Hughes, entered in this year’s Broiler Contest. The broiler contest consists of the members purchasing broiler chickens (meat chickens) and raising them for 6 weeks. They then pick three to five chickens to bring to Michigan State University to be judged based on their composition; the members also bring their records along to be judged.  

The FFA also participated in the annual Red Flannel Parade the first weekend in October. Volunteers worked hard after school to make a float for the parade. A big thank you to Dave Johnson for letting the FFA use his tractor to pull our float and also a huge thank you to Catherine Smith for helping organize the float workers.

On September 18, the FFA members gathered to participate in various games and activities for the Ag Olympics. Games included: marshmallow toss, egg toss, milk chug, hay bale toss, pitchfork javelin, cookie slide, and sack races. The Ag Olympics is an annual event for the FFA to get members outside for recreation and having a good time. 

Members Attend SLCCO-Pictured l to r Cecelia Brandt, Heather Beverwyk, Evan Young, Alyssa Marshall, Dylan McConnon, Mykenzie Gage, and Diane Howe.

The FFA is beginning their PALS (Partners in Active Learning Support) program. PALS is a mentorship program where high school FFA members are paired with at risk second graders to tutor them one day after school every week for an hour. So far 9 members have signed up to participate.

On Monday October 9, Mr. Reyburn’s agriculture classes took a field trip to the FFA’s sugar bush. They went to help manage the trees and clean up the woods in preparation for the winter. The students ran chainsaws, stacked wood, and cleaned up brush. In the spring, the FFA taps approximately 200 sugar maple trees, collects the sap, and then local supporter Rick Sevey makes the maple syrup for the FFA to sell. Several adults aided in running chainsaws and mentoring our future foresters; they included Wayne Marsmen, Bob Babbitt, Bill Brandt, Randy VanDuyn, and Dennis White. 

FFA members partnered with Beach Elementary to give kids a hayride, experience a corn maze, and other fall activities. Courtesy photo.

The annual FFA Harvest Day, planned with Beach Elementary, took place on Monday, October 16. The kids went through a corn maze, visited farm animals, received an apple, milk, and a coloring book, and took a hayride back to the school. 

The fall is a busy time for the FFA, but we are excited and ready. We are looking forward to the winter and spring activities to come!

This vegetable tray is an example of one of the produce items being recalled at Meijer.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer is announcing a recall of various packaged Meijer brand produce items, including raw broccoli and cauliflower florets, due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recall affects products sold in Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin purchased September 27, 2017 through October 20, 2017. The items will be in plastic containers or foam trays with printed labels with various sizes and weights.

Visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm581546.htm for a listing of all the products and UPC #s.

Meijer received notice of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination from Mann Packing, a Meijer supplier based in Salinas, Calif. that sources the Meijer branded produce items. Mann Packing informed Meijer that evidence of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination had been identified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. No illnesses have been reported to date. Customers should stop using the product and either dispose of it or return it to the customer service desk at any Meijer store for a full refund. For additional information, please contact Meijer at 800-543-3704, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On Sunday, October 15, the Kent County Sheriff Department was dispatched to the 200 block of W. Lake Street, in Sand Lake, after a caller reported that a car had left the road and crashed into a house.

The occupants of the home had evacuated after the crash, and were not injured. The police have not released the name of the driver of the car, a 40-year-old female from Howard City. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

By Tom Noreen

At their October meeting, the Cedar Springs Education Foundation reviewed 17 grant requests submitted by teachers from all grade levels. These grants are for a wide variety of items from books to classroom accessories and more. The Foundation’s goal in selecting the grants are requests that will impact the most students for the greatest period of time at the same time enhancing the classroom experience. It is a difficult task to pick from so many great ideas. 

Foundation President Audrey Debri thanked requesters, “For all of the innovative, thoughtful, and creative grant proposals that were submitted for the October round of grants!” She encouraged those not selected to submit their request again in the spring, when the foundation will review the next round of proposals. 

Funding used is based on the interest earned by the Foundation’s investment held by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. If you would like to donate to the Foundation, go to our Facebook page at Cedar Springs Education Foundation.

Below are the grant recipients for this round:

• Eddie Johns, High School, Native Plant Garden, $1,600.00
• Kim Bolboltz, District Wide OT, Adaptive Seating, $2,244.94
• Rhonda Bellamy, Cedar Trails, Reading is Retelling, $456.00
• Jennifer Swift, High School, Printmaking HS Art, $888.95
• Vicki Burke, Beach, Art Room Equipment, $1,081.95
• Donna Dolbee, High School, Writing Center Technology, $1,840.00
• Kelly Workman, Middle School, Talk to Text Accessibility, $418.20

Clarence L. “Moose” Miller age 80 of Sand Lake, died Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his home. Mr. Miller was born January 26, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Roy and Catherine (Newville) Miller. He graduated from Montrose High School and was a member of their Football Hall of Fame. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 58 and retired from AC Delco in Flint after 32 years of service. Moose enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, camping and cooking. Surviving are his wife, Maxine (Frey); children, Ron (Julie) Miller, Lyle (Brian) Miller; stepchildren, Colette Bergman, Dolores (John) Nagelhout, Kevin (Joann) Parker; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Darryl Miller officiating. Private family interment Crandall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs