It’s nice to have something to make you smile when the rest of the world seems to be falling apart. We had several people mention seeing this beautiful sight on 22 Mile last week and Cherri Rose sent us the above photo.

“Driving on 22 Mile Road between White Creek Ave and US131, I saw these plumes along the north side of the road. Someone painted many of the plumes various colors! I don’t know who, how, or why, but they sure are beautiful and put a smile on my face!” she wrote.  

We agree. Such a pretty sight! 

MDOT plans to reconstruct the stretch of US131 from south of 14 Mile to two miles north of where it crosses over White Creek Ave.

Public meeting March 16 at Cedar Springs High School 4-6 p.m.

By Judy Reed

Are you tired of driving over the rough spots on US131 between 14 Mile and 17 Mile Road and wondering (probably for the millionth time) when they are going to fix this road? You won’t have to wonder much longer.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced details on Friday, March 3, of their plans to reconstruct that stretch of highway. The project will begin on April 15 and should be open to traffic on November 5.

There will be a public informational meeting about the project at Cedar Springs High School, 204 E. Muskegon, in the cafeteria, on Thursday, March 16, from 4-6 p.m.

According to John Richard, spokesperson for MDOT, the construction influence area will begin with warning signs on US131 two miles south of 14 Mile and continue to two miles north of where it crosses over White Creek Avenue. The influence area will also include one mile east and west of intersection roads and ramps.

The work will include hot mix asphalt (HMA) reconstruction and rehabilitation of three bridges, including concrete curb, gutter and culvert, drainage, signing and pavement markings.

Traffic impact

Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction on US-131 with the use of temporary crossovers and a split-merge traffic shift. Southbound US-131 will have a single lane closure while maintaining one lane of traffic for one week to place top course of HMA. Northbound US-131 will have a single lane closure while maintaining one lane of traffic for one week to place top course of HMA.

Ramp closures

Ramp closures for ramp reconstruction will be allowed for a maximum of 14 calendar days per ramp. Ramps to be reconstructed include all 17 Mile Rd ramps, northbound 14 Mile Rd on ramp, and southbound 14 Mile Rd off ramp.

Detours when ramps are closed:  

• 17 Mile NB US-131 off ramp: drivers will get off at 14 Mile instead and take White Creek Ave. north.
• 17 Mile NB US-131 on ramp: Drivers will get on SB US-131 instead and get off at 14 Mile Rd, then back on to NB US-131.
• 17 Mile SB US-131 on ramp: drivers will take White Creek Ave to 14 Mile Rd. and get on SB US-131.
• 17 Mile SB US-131 off ramp: drivers will get off at 14 Mile Rd and back on to NB US-131.
• 14 Mile Rd NB US-131 on ramp: drivers will take White Creek Ave to 17 Mile Rd. and get on NB US-131.
• 14 Mile Rd SB US-131 off ramp: drivers will get off at 17 Mile Rd. and take Algoma Ave. to 14 Mile.
• When SB US-131 outside lane is under construction, the 17 Mile Rd off ramp, 17 Mile Rd on ramp and 14 Mile off ramps will each be closed for 14 days. A pre-detour will utilize 22 Mile Rd to White Creek Ave to 14 Mile Rd.
• When NB US-131 outside lane is under construction, 14 Mile Rd on ramp, 17 Mile Rd off ramp and 17 Mile on ramps will each be closed for 14 days. A pre-detour will utilize 14 Mile Rd to White Creek Ave to 22 Mile Rd. That detour could change to Algoma.

Traffic Restrictions:

• 14 Mile on ramp and 17 mile on ramp cannot be closed at the same time
• 17 mile on ramp and 17 mile off ramp cannot be closed at the same time

Shoulder closures

14 Mile Rd and 17 Mile Rd will have lane/shoulder closures but will maintain two-way traffic at all times with the exception for the paving of ramp terminals, when traffic will be maintained using traffic regulators.

When the bridge over White Creek Avenue is being worked on, it will require access to the bridge from down below, so White Creek Ave will have one lane maintained for two-way traffic by utilizing a temporary signal. Bridge work will include substructure reinforcements, joint replacement on the bridge deck and painting.

Be sure to attend the meeting at the high school on March 16 and get your questions answered.

A fire in the median of US131 Tuesday was quickly put out by Algoma Fire Department. Post photo by L. Allen.

a Kent County Road Commission bobcat caught fire in the median of US131.

By Judy Reed

The Algoma Township Fire Department responded to a fire in the median of US131 Tuesday afternoon, south of 17 Mile.

According to Algoma firefighter Chris Kutzli, when they arrived on scene they found a Kent County Road Commission bobcat, fully engulfed in flames. The fire was coming from both the operator’s cab and the engine compartment.

“We hooked up one hose line to the engine and put out the fire in about 10 minutes,” said Kutzli.

He said that the operator was clearing excess brush from the median in preparation for the upcoming road construction project when the warning light came on, saying that the engine was overheating. When he opened the engine compartment, he saw the fire.

The actual cause of the fire is unknown.

This Montcalm County Sheriff vehicle was struck by another vehicle while parked alongside US131.

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office is advising motorists to slow down on slippery roads after a vehicle ran into one of their cruisers at the scene of an accident.

While investigating a traffic crash on US131 near the Kendaville Road overpass on Saturday, November 21, a Montcalm County Sheriff’s cruiser was struck. The crash occurred at approximately 9:52 p.m.

The deputy had his cruiser parked along the road edge with the emergency lights activated, while policing the initial crash. A northbound Ford F250 lost control and crashed into the cruiser. The cruiser was unoccupied at the time and there were no injuries.

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers that winter driving season is upon us all. “Drivers are required to slow down and drive more cautiously during inclement weather to avoid being involved in a crash,” said Undersheriff Michael J. Williams. “Slowing down, leaving more space between vehicles, leaving for one’s destination earlier, and keeping one’s vehicle windows clear of frost are some suggestions to drivers to help make trips safer. Road conditions can also change without warning and drivers need to be able to react accordingly.”

Two semi truck drivers escaped with only minor injuries after both rigs jack-knifed on US131 Wednesday morning.

According to the Michigan State Police at Lakeview, the accident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on March 18, on US131 southbound south of Pierson Road.

The investigation found that a semi-truck pulling a trailer had pulled to the right shoulder with some mechanical issues, and no rear facing lights on the trailer. A second semi-truck was traveling south and was forced to the shoulder to avoid a collision with a passenger car. In the attempt to avoid the passenger car, the semi struck the rear of the parked semi-truck and trailer. Both drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The freeway was shut down for several hours. Clean-up of the two jack-knifed semi-trucks was extensive, as well as the clean-up of the fuel that had leaked.

Police said alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

The accident was investigated by MSP with the assistance of Sand Lake and Cedar Springs Fire Departments.

Police looking for older red pickup

Police think that an accident on US131 last Saturday could be the result of a road rage incident.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a personal injury crash that occurred on US 131 in Reynolds Township Saturday afternoon, April 14. They reported that two vehicles were heading south, when the vehicle in front, a red Ford Ranger pickup, suddenly braked. The car behind, a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by David

Wolansky, 56, of Reed City, had to swerve to avoid the truck and lost control, going off the road and hitting some trees. The truck continued southbound on US131.

Wolansky and his wife, Susan Wolansky, 53, had to be extricated from their car by medical/fire personnel using the “Jaws of Life.” Susan Wolansky was taken to Mecosta County General Hospital in Big Rapids by Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services. Her injuries/condition are unknown but are believed to be non-life threatening. David Wolansky was taken to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids by Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services with a serious leg injury. His condition at this time is unknown.

Deputies are looking for an older red Ford Ranger, with stickers in the rear window. The crash remains under investigation and the Sheriff’s office is asking anyone with any information to call 989-831-7590 or the TIP line at 989-831-7593.

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Howard City Fire Department, along with Montcalm and Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services.