2017 Michigan Apple Queen Hannah Rasch, right, and her Court, Michelle Alt (left).

Hannah Rasch of Conklin, Mich. has been crowned the 2017 Michigan Apple Queen. Michelle Alt of Kent City, Mich. is first runner-up.

Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan Apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador.

Hannah Rasch is the daughter of Fred and Deanna Rasch, and is pursuing an associate’s degree in medical assisting and a bachelor’s degree in medical case management from Davenport University. She is the daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of apple growers.

“The Michigan Apple Industry has crowned a queen every year since 1952. Each year, the winner of the prestigious title is given the great responsibility of serving the Michigan Apple industry as its ambassador,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “The candidates go through a rigorous interview and essay writing process for the competition. Hannah will be very busy in 2017 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Rasch will spend the next year attending events and festivals as the face of the Michigan Apple industry. She will also travel to schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples.

Michelle Alt is the daughter of John and Stacey Alt, and is a student at Kent City High School. She is the daughter, niece, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of apple growers.

The 2017 Queen was crowned on December 6 at the 14th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 66th year of the competition that awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability.

Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a link to the Michigan Apple industry. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen and first runner-up each receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan State Horticultural Society.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.michiganapples.com/www.MichiganApples.com.

Isaiah Slater. Photo from his facebook page.

An 18-year-old Tyrone Township teen was killed last weekend when he crashed his vehicle while trying to pass another car.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, the crash occurred on Saturday, November 12, about 3:10 p.m., on Red Pine Drive, north of 18 Mile Rd. Police said that witnesses reported a southbound 2003 Mercury Sable tried to pass another southbound vehicle, and lost control. The car then left the roadway, rolled over, and crashed into several trees on the west side of the road.

The driver of the vehicle, Isaiah Slater, 18, of Tyrone Township, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no one else in the car, and no other vehicles involved in the crash.

Police believe that speed was a factor in the crash, but alcohol and drugs are not thought to be factor. He was wearing his seatbelt.

Isaiah is the son of Gerald and Deborah Slater. According to his obituary, he had attended Algoma Christian School, and graduated from Kent City High School in 2016. He was attending Grand Rapids Community College.

Dave Schlump (left), of Cedar Springs, receiving the 2016 BCAM Men’s Junior College Coach of the Year award.

The Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) recently named Dave Schlump, of Cedar Springs, as the 2016 BCAM Men’s Junior College Coach of the Year. The prestigious award comes after the Muskegon Community College (MCC) men’s basketball team, where Schlump serves as head coach, ended their 2015-16 season, with an overall record of 24-7 and a 2^nd place finish in the MCC Athletic Association Western Conference.

The MCC Jayhawks were ranked 8^th in the nation in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJAA) DII final poll, after starting the season unranked. They were the Region 12 District 9 tournament runner-up, losing a hard fought battle 87-90 to Lansing Community College in the finals. Four of Coach Schlump’s players earned All-Conference honors, with another being named to the All-Defensive Team.

According to MCC, Schlump started his coaching career at Evart High School and Kent City High School. In 1991, he accepted the position of Varsity Basketball Coach at Cedar Springs High School (CSHS). Cedar Springs had suffered through a 30 game losing streak spanning over the two previous seasons. During his first season he, along with his coaching staff and the athletes, were immediately able to halt the losing streak. From there he began to build the foundation for a successful high school basketball program.

“Throughout my 14 seasons at Cedar Springs, I was fortunate to coach many outstanding basketball players, and more importantly, outstanding young men,” remarked Coach Schlump. “I have been pleased to send many of these players to the college level to continue their educational and playing careers.”

At the conclusion of the 2003-2004 season, Schlump felt he was ready for the next challenge in his coaching career. He pursued an Assistant Coach position at Ferris State University (FSU), where he had previously earned his Bachelor’s Degree. While at FSU he helped the program achieve success in the GLIAC. During his time there, the Bulldogs won a Conference Championship and advanced to the Sweet 16 nationally. While at Ferris he gained valuable experience with the overall operation of a college basketball program. This experience includes recruiting and prospective player evaluations, along with day-to-day practice organization and individual skill development.

Coach Schlump retired from Cedar Springs Public Schools, but still lives in the community with his wife of 30 years, Teresea. They have three children: Josh, Elyse, who is an assistant women’s basketball coach at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Dan.

MCC Athletic Director Marty McDermott was quick to congratulate Schlump and said, “Dave has been a tremendous advocate for basketball at all levels throughout his career and continues to help student-athletes reach their basketball and career goals.”

When asked what this award means to Schlump, he humbly replied, “This means a lot coming from fellow coaches. It all stems from having great players and assistant coaches.” Currently, Jimmy Booth, a 2004 CSHS graduate, serves as both Schlump’s Assistant Coach and an Assistant Athletic Director.

Irvin L. Smith, 67, of Sand Lake, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. Irvin was born November 8, 1948 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Alvin and Ida (Spencer) Smith. He graduated from Kent City High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War. He received a Silver Star and Purple Heart. He enjoyed being a mechanic, restoring tractors, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. When he married Denise in 1998 he took in her children as his own. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. Surviving are his wife, Denise (Pope); children, Kevin (Connie) Smith, Ann (Aaron) Kindel; stepchildren, Chad (Jeannie) Fisk, Ken (Courtney) Fisk, Sherri (Ron) Potes; grandchildren, Ashley (Jeremiah) Strawderman, Nicole Smith, AJ, Austin and Alivia Kindel, Chase and Archer Fisk; brother, Ike (Joyce) Smith; parents-in-law, Keith (Shirley) Pope; brothers-in-law, Keith (Dixie) Pope, Mark Pope, Bill (Angela) Pope; several nieces and nephews; his baby girl, Stormy. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carol Lundquist; brother, David Smith. A private family memorial service will be held. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Friends of the Michigan Veterans Home.

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