Susan L. Whitney 61 of Rockford, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 27, 2017. Susan was born January 25, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of Ted and Betty (Newnom) Green. She was a hair stylist at the Hair Craft Company in Cedar Springs for over 25 years. She had a love and zest for life that included her family and grandchildren, holidays and vacations. She was a very positive and generous person with an awesome smile. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Surviving are her husband, Ken; children, Michelle (Joe) Murdoch, Paul Cox; stepdaughter, Leslie (Josh) Lillie; grandchildren, BreAnne, Seth, Bernadette, Sullivan, Christopher, Kevin, Ike, Ian, Asher and Grace; one great-grandson, Oliver; mother, Betty Fath and Earl Fath; sisters, Diane (Jeff) Piatt, Julie (Wayne) Kwiatkowski; parents-in-law, Don (Eleanor) Whitney; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her father; son, Christopher Cox; and granddaughter, Halee. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Visitation on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor John Frye officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to fund for her grandchildren’s education, Christopher and Kevin Cox at any Independent Bank.

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

Lightning struck a transformer at S. Main and South Street Friday morning, February 24.

A piece of transformer on the ground after the lightning strike. Courtesy photo.

By Judy Reed

A lightning strike on Friday morning, February 24, was a narrow miss for a woman and her sister and left a handful of residents without power for about 25 minutes.

According to the woman, N. Green, she and her sister were driving back home to Cedar Springs and ran into a storm front that included lightning and downpours on M57. When they started to turn on to South Street off S. Main St. (where the self car wash is located) they heard a deafening boom that she said left their ears ringing. “The van was then covered with electric arcs which looked like fireworks raining down on us,” she said.

They pulled into the car-wash parking lot and saw the transformer on the utility pole was still smoking from the strike, although the rain put it out quickly. “We were directly next to the utility pole that was hit, driving on South St., which is a gravel road, then full of puddles, and so very blessed that the tires beneath us, grounded us against the electric arcs!” she said. “We were fine, though the van showed some markings.”

Green said the car wash still had power, but when they arrived home, a short distance away, they did not have power, nor did their neighbors.

Green said she called Consumers Energy to report it.

“I was impressed with how quickly they got the power back on,” she said.

According to Roger Morgenstern, spokesman for Consumers Energy, lightning struck a transformer (the cylindrical piece of equipment on a pole that reduces voltage before its sent to customers) and power was out between 9:19 a.m. and 9:44 a.m. for less than 20 customers.

Morganstern said what Green saw raining down like fireworks was likely sparks from the transformer fire instead of actual electrical arcs. However, if the car had become entangled in a downed power line, the rubber tires would’ve helped stop the flow of electricity.

Rachel and Joshua Hunt, of Grand Rapids, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Atlas Reed Hunt, born on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 9:43 p.m., at Butterworth Hospital, in Grand Rapids.

Atlas is welcomed home by proud grandparents Steve and Judy Reed, of Cedar Springs, and David and Julie Hunt, of Plainwell; and great-grandparents Bill and Pat Campbell, of Big Rapids, and Les and Jean Green, of Delton.

With a few eco-friendly tweaks to the way you care for your lawn, you can save some green from your wallet and some time.

(StatePoint) There’s no doubt that Americans spend a fortune on lawn care annually. But you can trim your costs without sacrificing your beautiful yard.

And if you need more motivation than saving money, remember that many of the lawn care practices that are good for your pocketbook are great for the planet.

Why Green Matters

Sure, green lawns are a pleasure to look at…but there’s much more to it than that! Consider this:

• Environmental Benefits: Trees, shrubs and grass remove smoke, dust and other pollutants from the air.

• Lifestyle Benefits: Well-placed plantings offer privacy and tranquility by screening out busy street noises.  Do you have children or pets? Turf is necessary for play space.

• Economic Benefits: A green lawn can improve property value.

Efficient Irrigation

When you’re standing out there with a hose, it can be hard to gauge when to stop. Without efficient water distribution, you’re liable to waste water and harm your lawn and plants. However, an irrigation system can help remove that guesswork.

And opt for a licensed contractor with an established reputation for your installation. They can help avoid common do-it-yourself pitfalls, such as uneven sprinkler coverage and poor water pressure.

Smart Technology

Consider investing in a smart system that uses sensors to measure moisture levels in soil. Professionally installed, properly maintained sensors can potentially save a household more than 11,000 gallons of irrigation water annually, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

A good soil sensor will also have extra capabilities, such as the ability to detect soil type and adjust calculations accordingly. For example the Toro Precision Soil Sensor, which is installed without digging, is the only such sensor to offer freeze detection that prevents irrigation when temperatures approach freezing.

Don’t let the initial installation costs of an irrigation system dissuade you. Not only will you recoup the cost over time, but many municipalities and water districts nationwide offer homeowner rebates for installing water conserving irrigation products. Check with your local water district or municipality for rebates in your area.

Optimize

Don’t be afraid to upgrade your motorized lawn care equipment or parts when necessary. From lawn mowers and electric hedge trimmers to the controller, valves and sprinklers of your irrigation system, efficient alternatives may entail upfront costs, but will optimize savings over time.

For example, leaking valves are a major source of water loss, so check them annually for issues. Also, a simple immediate upgrade you may want to consider is replacing your spray nozzles with more efficient ones designed to eliminate runoff and reduce water bills. To calculate how much money you can save with a model like the Toro Precision Series Spray Nozzle, visit www.toro.com/irrigation/psn_calculator.htm.

July 11, 1923 to June 22, 2011

Two years ago today a golden heart stopped beating and broke our hearts forever.

We often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks.

Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly in our hearts and there you will remain. Our lives must go one without you but it will never be the same. There is such emptiness now, and empty house with an empty chair and bed.

You left behind our broken hearts by many beautiful memories to cherish. Your love will always be our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Carolyn, Pat, Holly, Sherry & Families

Go green!

Peter Skyllberg was dug out of his car a few days ago. The car, in a seldom-traveled location, had become buried in deep snow. That occurred in December. His rescuers and doctors are surprised he’s alive. Apparently, warm clothes, melted snow, and “the hibernation effect” saved him.

This news item is out of Sweden. I mention it only because you may have noticed that WE aren’t having our normal winter. It’s February and that’s grass we see on the lawns. Global warming doesn’t distribute its effects evenly. I can manage, thank you, with our version of winter this year—no hibernation necessary!

Go away!

Are you tired of the deluge of election ads that misquote, fudge the truth, and paint opponents as a danger to America? Hang in there. Once the primaries move on to other states, we’ll get a temporary break from the political carnival.

Speaking of carnivals

A carnival truck and a revival preacher’s truck collide head-on, and everyone gets killed. The next thing anyone knows, Saint Peter is interrogating the revival preacher very thoroughly. Suddenly, the carnival crew arrives at the Pearly Gates, noisy and reeking of beer. Saint Peter waves them all through as he continues questioning the preacher. The Reverend splutters indignantly and asks, “How can you let those filthy, unrighteous hooligans into heaven while you give me the third degree?”

“Take it easy,” Saint Peter says. “They’re only going to be here a week.”

Speaking of computers

Well, we weren’t, but I’m writing this on one. So here’s a computer story.

New customer to Tech Support: It says hit any key, and when I do that nothing happens.

Tech Support: Can you try again and tell me what happens?

Customer: Tried, but nothing.

Tech Support: What key did you hit?

After a moment and some ching-aling sounds, the customer replies: Well, first I tried my car key and just now my office key.

Senior wisdom

The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don’t know what you’re doing, someone else does.

The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends. (Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes!)

I know what Victoria’s Secret is. The secret is that nobody older than 30 can fit into their stuff.

Time to retire

Three elderly airline pilots are walking on the ramp. First one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” Second says, “No, it’s Thursday.” Third one says, “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.”

Last words

The argument you just won with your wife isn’t over yet. “And lastly…”

Thanks to Cedar Springs Mill & Supply, Inc. friends, family and customers for a wonderful retirement party. With the many cards and best wishes, it made for a memorable day. It has been a wonderful 21 years.

Thank you!

Emma Gebhardt & Lynn Green

The staff at Cedar Springs Mill & Supply Inc will be hosting a retirement party for Emma Gebhardt and Lynn Green. The party will be Saturday, January 28th, 2012 from 3:00-5:00 PM at the American Legion in Cedar Springs. Coffee, punch, cake and snacks will be served. Please come and help us celebrate twenty plus years of service for these great ladies. No gifts please, just memories.

Sam and the staff at the mill.

(ARA) – Sprucing up outdoor spaces doesn’t have to cost a lot to create a big impact. Rather than buying new, consider refreshing or upgrading furnishings, equipment and features you already have. You will save some green and give new life to items that might otherwise wind up in the trash and ultimately in the landfill. Here are some summer spruce-up ideas:

Reviving patio furniture

Time, use and weather can leave outdoor furnishings looking withered and faded. Whether your patio set is wooden, painted aluminum, cast iron or even wicker, you can make it look new again with a fresh coat of paint. Gentle sanding and the right type of paint will have your set looking new in no time. Add in new cushions in bright colors and you’ve created a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Winning water features

Water features can add a splash of beauty and relaxation to an outdoor environment. Consider repurposing a flower pot or large colorful vase into a fountain by waterproofing it and adding a pump. Or if you bought a fountain a few seasons ago and it’s sitting there unused because the original pump has burned out, it’s actually simple and cost-effective to get it going again with a replacement fountain pump found at your local home improvement store. As the weather heats up and evaporation causes water levels to drop in fountains, traditional pumps can burn out from too-low water levels. smartpond’s Fountain Pump with Low-Water Shut-off, found at Lowe’s, automatically turns off the pump when water levels dip low in your fountain, and automatically turns back on when you add water. The energy-efficient pumps are ideal for small- to medium-sized fountains and come with or without a light for evening enjoyment.

Fences and decks

Large surface areas such as fences and decks are the first to get noticed. Improve the aesthetics of worn, neglected surfaces with a new coat of waterproofer and stain. First, inspect for damaged boards and replace with appropriate materials when necessary. Check to be sure deck fasteners are secure and tighten them if they’ve come loose over the winter. If a fastener can’t be tightened, you may need to replace it. Next, power wash and waterproof (either in clear or stain finishes) decks and fences. You can also spruce up decks by making small changes, such as adding decorative rails or post caps. Lighting, decor and accessories can also freshen the look of an existing deck.

Keeping your grill great

New gas grills can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You can refurbish your old grill for a fraction of the cost. Start by cleaning all parts and surfaces by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you no longer have the manual that came with your grill, check the manufacturer’s website to see if you can download one. It’s possible to repaint rusted, faded or scratched parts as long as you use a paint rated for high temperatures. For stainless steel surfaces, use an appropriate polish to freshen the shine. Worn-out igniters are also a common problem with gas grills, so check yours to see if it still works. If it doesn’t, you can likely buy a replacement either through a home center or from the manufacturer.

With a few cost-effective upgrades, it’s possible to spruce up the outdoor equipment you have, so you can enjoy it—and the savings you’ll reap—for another season.

Mr. & Mrs. Derek Saynor of New Hudson, formerly of Sheffield England, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) to Dr. Wade Williams Green of Cedar Springs. Wade is the son of Sherry Williams of Rockford and the grandson of Tom and Carolyn Green of Cedar Springs. Libby is a graduate of Michigan State University and Wade received his Masters from Michigan State University and his PhD from the University of Chicago. He is employed at the National Institute of Health in Washington D.C. where they are living. They are planning an August 20, 2011 wedding in Grand Rapids.

There are only three weeks left in our subscription drive! If you haven’t yet subscribed or renewed your subscription to the Cedar Springs Post, you are missing out on a chance to win some great prizes from local businesses!
You can win by subscribing to the Post for only $25 per year. Fill out the entry form on page 5 and mail, or subscribe through our website (www.cedarspringspost.com) using Paypal. But you better hurry!
This week’s winners are:
*Jean and Thomas Anderson, Jr., of Pierson, won a 4-cup Gevalia coffee-maker, courtesy of Independent Bank in Cedar Springs.
*Brian and Melissa Weber, of Courtland Township, won a large one-topping pizza from Hungry Howie’s on the corner of Main and Muskegon St. in Cedar Springs.
*Thomas and Carolyn Green, of Cedar Springs, won a $5 gift card from Family Video, on the corner of Main and Muskegon St. in Cedar Springs.
*Robert and Elsie Waller, of Nelson Township, won four movie passes to the Kent Theatre in Cedar Springs.
Winners must pick up their prizes HERE at the Post within 14 days or the prize will be awarded to someone else. We are open from 9-5 Monday through Friday. Please call 696-3655 to make other arrangements.
Thanks so much to the businesses partnering with us in this drive! Be sure to thank them.
*Subscribers are assigned a number, and then chosen at random through a computer website, www.random.org.

Thank you to all of this week’s subscribers!

Marshall & Jari Morris
Clyde & Reva Fransen
Douglas Stults
John & Diane Ouart
Hendrik & Geraldine Schriever
Mary & Michael Osborne
Sharon Sheller
Lyman Gates
Patrick & Lori Bielecki
William & Debra Brunett
Geraldine Knapp
Dan & Carolyn Davis
Robert & Shelli Hall
Sarah & Michael Zachow
Karen & Harold Stoner
Tom & Claudia Mabie