It was a double win for the Red Hawks against Forest Hills Eastern, on Wednesday, February 17. Pushing Cedar over the top for the girls were Kayla Walters (174), Nicole Baker (181), and Chloe Fisk (196). John Mitchell posted a score of 215 to help the boys win.

On Friday, February 19, Cedar faced Ottawa Hills for a makeup match. Unfortunately, Ottawa was not able to pull enough girls for the match, so Cedar won by default. The Cedar guys brought their A game to the match and soundly defeated Ottawa with the help from all the guys on the team.

Cedar visited Thornapple Kellogg on Monday, February 22. The girls lost a close match by only a few pins, while still posting great scores. The guys fought hard for the win. They were helped with high scores posted by Alex Steil (225), Cody Marshall (202 and 222) and Ethan Plummer (235 and 245).

Way to battle Red Hawks!

JV cheer also chalks up wins in competition

The Cedar Springs High School Competitive Cheer program sprung into action last week andanticipate a strong showing in the first year of belonging to the OK Gold conference.

Veteran coach Anne Olszewski is back for her seventh season coaching at CSHS. Seniors Sarah Adkison, Shelby Beeman, Sophia Dault, Isabella Mosqueda, Hannah Pienton and Kathryn Roth bring their experience and strength to this young but talented team. Rounding out the roster are juniors Paige Castor, Meghan Noga, Ariana Rojas, Abbey Salisbury, Lauren Sherburn, Josilyn Slagter, Kira Vander Kooi and Jasmine Zimmer; sophomore Holly Frey, and freshmen Taylor Frey, Layne Kennedy, Kirsten McDonald, Taylor Shadley and Hannah Wright.

The Varsity team earned 4th place at the Cedar Springs Invitational on February 13 and secured first place in Division Two competition at the West Catholic Invitational on February 20.

Katy Hradsky is also back for her seventh season and very excited for her small but mighty group of dedicated athletes. “Cedar Springs JV Cheer has had an awesome start to the season! These girls have really just wanted to compete and would do so in any capacity. In just one week, we have added more than half of a solid Round 3 and in just two practices, they have cleaned skills and improved enough to earn a 20-point increase from Wednesday (2/17) to Saturday (2/20)! They never cease to amaze me!” The squad consists of sophomores Hannah Britten, Payton Calati, Ellen Nordlund, Clara Soto Suarez and Alexis Taylor, and freshmen Taylor Diemond, Makenna Nichols, Marisol Ramos, Hannah Shears, Trinity Vernon and Lorraine Zain. These hard-working ladies have already earned two first place finishes and one fourth place finish.

The Lady Red Hawks will have only nine guaranteed meets this year, which is quite a contrast from their typical schedule, but they are thankful for the opportunity to compete. They competed in their first OK Gold Conference meet on Monday, February 22 at Forest Hills Eastern and will finish the week at a competition in Mona Shores on Saturday, February 27. Go Red Hawks!

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Feb. 22 – The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved an adjustment to the Spring 2021 schedule delaying the start of practices in those sports one week to March 22 and competition to March 26 to accommodate a later end to Winter sports this season. The calendar change should alleviate pressures on indoor facility usage and athletes changing seasons with Winter sports concluding up to two weeks later this school year after a delayed start due to COVID-19.

The Council based its decision in part on feedback from a survey of MHSAA member high schools, which saw 74 percent favoring a delay in Spring sports activity of at least one week. State coaches associations for Spring sports also were consulted. Generally, the great majority of Michigan schools are unable to begin consistent Spring sports outdoor activity and competition until early April.

All Spring sports tournament dates remain as originally scheduled, with MHSAA Finals in baseball, softball and girls soccer concluding the 2020-21 postseason June 19.

The entire Spring sports season was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, the Council approved an allowance for Spring teams to meet for voluntary practices over 16 contact days this past September and October. General conditioning with an unlimited number of students is currently allowed, with other out-of-season training (four-player workouts, open gyms/facilities) allowed to continue through March 21, with Council having eliminated the preseason downtime restriction for Spring sports this year.

“The cold never bothered me anyway.”—Elsa

“Dude, its freezing out there!”—Your dog

The cold may not have bothered Elsa, but pets and livestock are very much at risk in cold weather. It is critical that owners provide appropriate protection for them during these frigid winter months. That is the key message in one of the latest Fresh from the Field podcasts https://anchor.fm/mdard/episodes/Pet–Animal-Safety-During-Cold-Weather-epk3er from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

“The biggest concerns are frostbite and hypothermia; and just like us, they are subject to the cold,” said Michele Schalow, DVM, a program manager in MDARDs Animal Industry Division. “Just because they have fur, that doesn’t mean they can’t get too cold.”

During the podcast, Dr. Schalow offers several important tips for protecting pets and animals when temperatures drop.

“For pets in particular, try to limit their time outside just enough to go to the bathroom and get a little exercise,” she said. “For animals with short coats, you may want to consider putting clothing on them, if they will tolerate it—something that fits them well and doesn’t have anything loose that could get caught. With horses, you’ll want to blanket them, but check under the blanket to make sure their bodies are in good condition. They can lose weight in the wintertime.”

Dr. Schalow also discusses emergency preparation, proper care of pets’ feet, appropriate bedding, winter nutrition, and many other potential hazards and safeguards.

To listen to the Pet & Animal Safety During Cold Weather edition of the podcast series, go to  https://anchor.fm/mdard/episodes/Pet–Animal-Safety-During-Cold-Weather-epk3er.

Overall, MDARD’s Fresh from the Field podcast series offers insights into some of the state’s hottest topics in food and agriculture, as well as other issues of interest to Michigans consumers and industry stakeholders. The series can be found on Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.

After snow covered the Flat River State Game Area, DNR staff mowed over the snow to benefit the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. 

These pale blue, dime-sized butterflies can only be found in small pockets of savanna habitat where wild lupine grows in the open sunlight. Karner blues depend on lupine for survival, as females lay their eggs on the plant and emerging caterpillars feed on the leaves.

For Karner blue butterfly populations to thrive, the area must be periodically burned with fire or mowed to remove any large, woody species that may cast shade on the lupine. To protect the lupine and over-wintering egg clutches, mowing can only occur when at least 4 inches of snow has accumulated. 

This winter habitat management activity will produce flourishing habitat this spring and summer, which will host native wildflowers and fluttering insects and benefit game species like deer, woodcock and rabbits.

The Flat River State Game Area is located in Montcalm and Ionia Counties.

When I was a national park naturalist leading walks through a ponderosa pine forest at Bryce Canyon National Park, I worked to help people discover by exploration. One strategy was to lead them over a large fallen dead tree. They needed to sit on the tree and swing their legs to the other side. 

In the process, some noticed the large meandering cavities where bark once hid them from view. Now with the bark fallen off, we could see tunnels where Cerambycid long-horned or Buprestid flat-headed woodboring beetle larva fed. Both of the beetles’ eggs are laid on dying or recently dead trees. The larvae fed on nutritious cambium tissue that lies between outer bark and inner xylem wood. 

By creating an opportunity to discover the tunnels on their own, visitors asked questions that were more interesting to them than if I pointed out the tunnels. They also found straight line tunnels on some trees with small tunnels leading at right angles from a larger central tunnel. An adult Ips pine bark beetle laid eggs in the center line tunnel as it chewed its way along. Newly hatched young fed in rows next to each other as they ate outward from the center line. As they fed and grew, their tunnels became larger and finally stopped where they pupated. After emerging from their pupae, they exited the tree to find a mate and lay eggs. 

At another location I asked people to hug a ponderosa pine. The trees are beautiful, tall, and have mottled yellow, orange, and black bark with deep crevasses. Many were willing but I recall one man who strongly protested. He said he was not a tree hugger. Of course, I did not try to force him. When others complied, comments erupted that the trees smell like vanilla or butterscotch. People had discovered the unique odor without me telling them and they found different people had different smell descriptions. That was my goal. After a rain, the forest is permeated with odor; but when is it dry, one must get close to sense the smell.

The protesting gentleman walked to a tree, leaned toward it to smell, but refrained from touching or hugging the tree. It was the other field trip participants that got him to greet the tree and get to know it better. 

Ponderosa pine trees grow at about 8000 feet elevation at Bryce Canyon National Park. At lower elevations pinyon pines Utah and Rocky Mountain junipers grow and in some areas Gambel’s oak creates a pygmy forest at the 6500-foot elevation. Douglas fir, white and Engelman spruces dominate at 9000 feet. There are nature niche details to discover in each forest type. Perhaps it will be tree odor, types of insects, growth patterns, or essential distance needed between trees for water, light, and nutrient gathering. 

Another “tree hugging” activity to get people closer to trees is to have them put their backs against a big tree shoulder to shoulder. I count how many people it takes to surround the tree. Because they are in circle, I keep walking in a circle counting to a higher number until someone stops me and says, “You already counted me.” Then I count again but stop when I have walked around the tree once. It keeps it fun and involves participants. 

It helps to be a tree hugger to get close and intimate to discover the secrets of those of the forest. Spend time helping others engage life that abounds in nearby trees. 

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary, 13010 Northland Dr. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or call 616-696-1753.

Pastor Darryl Miller

Sand Lake/South Ensley United Methodist Churches

616-636-5659

Revelation 3:8: “I know your works. Look! I have set in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have so little power, and yet you have kept my word and haven’t denied my name” (Common English Bible).

It was about a year ago that we first received news of a growing pandemic in our world. Many of us were uncertain what to do in the situation. We churches scrambled to find ways to continue to bring God’s word to our communities and to continue to serve them. Some of our “pivots” were fairly straightforward while others looked like the path of a pinball. The term “distanced” was unfamiliar to us, especially in the context of churches. But changes were made and new forms of outreach and ministry sprung up all around. We learned that things can sometimes change overnight. But we also learned that one thing does not change—God. Over the past year the word has been preached, the hungry have been fed, those struggling have been helped and God has opened paths that we had never thought of before. Many of these paths will remain long after the pandemic has gone. 

I have many pastor friends and our churches are now widely different; some meet in person with masks and social distancing, some only virtually, ours have a drive-in service and the message is posted online—at least when it isn’t too cold for the camera to work! And all around us God is at work through His people. 

We have certainly learned not to depend on what we think of as “normal.” But hopefully we have also learned that the promises of God are faithful. When He opened the door for our ministries, nothing, not even a pandemic, can close it. Only our unwillingness to serve His people can put stumbling blocks in front of it. Trust in God’s promises. He is always with us; even if it sometimes feels like He may not be. 

Check in on a friend or neighbor. A phone call can go a long way when someone is lonely. Wave to someone today; you may be surprised how much it may mean. Share a smile. Yes, you can tell, even under a mask. And when a crazy idea to help or reach out to someone comes along, don’t ignore it. It may be God keeping His promise through you!

Phyllis “Kirk” Louise Mooney of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 21, 2021. She was born to Elmer and Florence (Bettin) Wilde on September 10, 1935, in Hart, MI. Kirk worked with the Kent County Courthouse for 37 before “retiring” and then working another 11 years at Oasis Hot Tub Gardens. She enjoyed laying in the sun, working in her yard, and spending time with friends and family. Kirk is survived by her children, Debby (Bob) Withawhy, Bradley (Kristi) Holmgren and Linda (DJ) Vinton; grandchildren, Erik (Angela) Wisner, Stevan Wisner, Brandon Holmgren, Aaron Wisner, Isaiah Ford, Arieana Wisner, Brady Wisner, Abigail Wisner, Amanda (Jim) Vinton, Dale (Ragina) Vinton III, Donna Vinton, and Wayne (Abigail) Vinton; 10 adored great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Wilde. Kirk was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Mooney; son, Danial Mooney; and both parents, Elmer and Florence. There will be a time of memorial visitation on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. until the service at 2:30 p.m. at Cedar Springs Baptist Church, 233 S Main, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Cedar Springs Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

CS Historical Museum Reopens

Mar. 3: The Cedar Springs Historical Museum will reopen to the public next week on March 3^rd. They will be open on Wednesdays form 10 am to 5 pm. Masks must be worn. #8

St. Patrick’s Day Kettle Corn Sale

Mar. 13: The Cedar Springs Lion’s Club and the Cedar Springs Women’s Club are having a St. Patrick’s Day Kettle Corn Sale for $5.00 a bag. Pickup will be at 21 E. Maple St., Cedar Springs from 8 am – 2 pm on Saturday, March 13^th. Cash or check only (checks to Cedar Springs Women’s Club). For Pre Orders call or text Janice Hill, 616-862-8456. Profits go to the Cedar Springs Women’s Club Scholarship Fund. #8-10p

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and local agencies are enacting spring weight restrictions, an annual move to protect roads.

Effective 6 a.m. Monday, March 1, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways from the Michigan border north to and including M-20 from the interchange with US-31 in Oceana County, then east on M-20 to US-131, then north on US-131 to M-20 in Mecosta County, then east on M-20 to US-10 in Midland County, then east on US-10 to M-25 in Bay City, including the entire Thumb region.

All state trunklines in this area will have weight restrictions imposed and enforced. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This also contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter’s numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

– On routes designated as “all-season” (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.

– On routes designated as “seasonal” (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements.

– All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions, and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers, under “Restrictions.” All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online at www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/2017_Truck_Operator_Map_WEB_599666_7.pdf.

You may sign up to receive email alerts at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDOT/subscriber/new.

The Michigan State Police warned residents earlier this week about the snow-covered roads and sub-zero temperatures we faced Tuesday and Wednesday, and encouraged state residents and visitors to be extra cautious when going outdoors.

“With the National Weather Service forecasting sub-zero temperatures, it’s important that Michiganders take steps to stay safe during this period of cold weather,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “If you must go outdoors or have to travel, be sure to dress appropriately and have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting portions of Michigan to experience sub-zero overnight low temperatures tonight (Tuesday into Wednesday). Exposure to these temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia.

To stay safe during cold weather:

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes, numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
• Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss,slurred speech or drowsiness.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away fromwindows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
• Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
• Pets are also at risk for cold weather injuries and should be kept indoors.

Safe winter driving tips:

• Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, consider rescheduling or postponing the trip.
• DO NOT crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
• Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
• Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary.
• Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving.
• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, nonperishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.

Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.

Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.

On the brisk morning of Thursday, February 11, there were lots of smiles at the Sparta Senior Neighbors Center. 

There were 175 freezer meals distributed along with essentials and baked goods, and every senior was offered coffee and chocolate-covered strawberries in celebration of LOVE (a.k.a. Valentine’s Day). 

As the sun came out, the mood was very warm. Chris Sloan serenaded the seniors with songs fitting for the friendships and good memories of days in the past when the senior center was open for gatherings and parties. Fifty seniors came out to celebrate. Skip Hiler brought his coloring album to show his friends what has been keeping him occupied during this time away from the center. He completes 2 coloring pages a day. Virginia Turpin, a doll maker, showed off her craft that has been keeping her busy. Turpin’s  dolls keep the center’s coordinator, Jane Ringler, busy as well, finding respective buyers for the handmade Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls that are sold for only the cost of materials.

Ringler made a cupcake bouquet and many seniors entered the drawing for the chance to take it home. Turpin was thrilled to win it and shared the cupcakes with her friends. 

Every senior member from the communities of Sparta, Kent City, Rockford, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Sand Lake, and beyond received a handmade hot cocoa valentine. Thanks to Senior Neighbors volunteers and staff, valentine treats were also delivered to everyone who could not make it into the Center. Even though the Senior Neighbors Centers have been temporarily closed almost a full year due to COVID-19, Senior Neighbors is finding ways to bring a bit of joy to the retired people in Kent County.  The members are looking forward to the day the Center reopens and they can gather with their friends. 

Anyone age 60 or older is invited to contact the Sparta Senior Neighbors coordinator, Jane Ringler, to learn about all the benefits of joining Senior Neighbors.  Jane may be reached by calling (616) 887-1273 or email jringler@seniorneighbors.org.