Download a poster of the depot describing the project (PDF).
Download the Chamber of Commerce newsletter with updates to the
project (PDF).
The deadline for purchasing engraved paver bricks
for the new depot project has been extended. Don't miss the
opportunity to purchase one or more! You'll be a part of the new
history of the depot. Etch a name, a memory of a special person, pet
or a personal message into history. Call the Chamber at 231.832.5431
for more information. Download an order form for the paver brick fundraiser (PDF).
Depot Update
Reed City Depot Update May 1, 2008:
The Reed City Depot building is almost complete. Work
is in progress on the depot sign and the kiosk area in front, which
will be in the shape of an old railroad water tower. Grading and
landscape work begins on May 1, with carpet and furniture to be
complete by May 28. The depot Grand Opening will be Saturday, July 12
from 1-4 p.m. featuring the Dave Bennett Sextet, a tribute to William
and Mable Porteous and a great celebration! Plan to attend!"
New Depot - Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Wednesday, August 29 at 2 p.m., a groundbreaking ceremony was
held to begin building our new depot. Ground was broken by Darlene
Fuller-Talaske, Mayor, James Thompson, Chairman of the DDA, and Linda
Dean, President of the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce. In
attendance were Mr. and Mrs. William Porteous (seated in front with
green jacket and Mrs. Porteous to his left) who were instrumental in
bringing the Reed City trail system to the prominence it enjoys
today. Their foresight enabled the original rails to be replaced at
the diamond or junction of the Pere Marquette and White Pine Trails.
Architect Gary Gerber, builder Terry Gerber, Landscape Architect
Marlies Manning, members of the Downtown Development Authority, City
Council, Chamber of Commerce, MDOT, and various other entities were
also in attendance. The builder expects the structure to be finalized
by February with landscaping to be completed in the spring of 2008. More Pictures
A New Billboard For Reed City!
The long-awaited redesign of the Reed City billboard was recently
funded by the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce. The billboard,
located on northbound U.S. 131 is (just south of the U.S. 10 exit) to
Reed City. The sign encourages visitors to "exit now" to enjoy the
parks, trails, golfing, and downtown amenities of the Reed City area.
Reed City is a small city located in the southwest corner of
Osceola County in the west central portion of Michigan's lower
peninsula. The city is within an hours drive from Grand Rapids,
Traverse City and Midland. Two Rails-To-Trails intersect in the
City making it the center of the premier trails system in the
state. Reed City is a crossroads community because it was
originally at the intersection of two railroad systems that
bisected the state. It is now at the crossroads of two major
US Highways – 131 and 10 – that bisect the state. This provides
easy access to other parts of the state.
The Old Rugged Cross Museum, which houses the artifacts of Rev. George
Bennard (author of the world's most beloved hymn – the Old
Rugged Cross) is now open for the season. Visit the museum
daily from 1-4 p.m. every day, or call 231.832.3053 for more
information. Take a tour of the museum here.
The
Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is
an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated
on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City at the
site of Rev. and Mrs. George Bennard's home. Rev.
Bennard was the author of the well-loved hymn, "The
Old Rugged Cross," written in 1913. more >>
Our first fundraiser golf outing was a super success with 17
teams. Thanks to our many sponsors. See and download the photos
here.
Music and Art In The Park
For more information and complete 2008 schedule click HERE.
Great American Crossroads Celebration
AUGUST 14 - 17, 2008 For more information and schedule of events click HERE.
45th Annual Michigan Week Dinner
The largest-ever Michigan Week Dinner celebrated
the positive growth for Reed City. Mel St. Onge was awarded the
prestigious "Citizen of the Year" award. For a slide show of the
evening, click here..
Catch the Reading
Bug at the Library!
The Summer Reading Program needs
your support of money, gift certificates, goods, etc. to be
successful. Please call Tracy Logan at 231.832.2121 or stop by the
Library to see how you can help.
Spectrum Health Hospital Volunteer Services
Spectrum Health Hospital Volunteer Services is looking for energetic, positive people
to fill special roles at the hospital. Please review the attached list of opportunities. For more information, call:
Christie Carlson
Fund Development & Volunteer Services
Office 231.832.7184
Cell 231.250.7619
The first annual Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Community Trail Mixer was a super success.
Perfect weather brought out hundreds of hikers and bikers with their children and pets to enjoy a healthy family
outing and replenish the local food pantries. At Blodgett Landing in Hersey, hungry event participants enjoyed a
taste of food from Pere Marquette Catering, Wright's Bake Shop, Spectrum's Food Service and O'Malleys. The Reed
City High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jamie McLeod, provided lively music at the new Reed City Depot
as visitors got their first glimpse of the new structure, soon to open. The band also played at Blodgett Landing.
Thanks to Spectrum Health, Sue Snavley and her committee, and the many sponsors who made this first-ever event such a success. View a photo slide show.
A new Community Center for Reed City
Crossroads Community
Center, Inc., a dedicated steering committee of concerned local
citizens, is working hard to build a new community center. On the
wish list is an Olympic size swimming pool, a fitness center,
basketball and volleyball courts, weight and meeting rooms. There is
also talk of aerobic workout areas, walking and jogging track, multi-
purpose and different-sized meeting rooms, and a performing arts
center. The steering committee is working hard to get the information
about the center out to the community and elicit their support. For
more information on the center or how you can be involved, please
call chairman Steve Westhoff at 231.832.2201.
Prestigious ICMA Credential
WASHINGTON, D.C.—George S. Freeman, City Manager of the City of
Reed City recently received the Credentialed Manager designation
from The International City/County Management Association (ICMA),
the premier local government leadership and management organization.
Mr. Freeman is one of more than 1,000 local government management
professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary
Credentialing Program.
Read the Entire Article.
TIM BAZZETT'S LATEST WORK "Love, War & Polio"
Author Tim Bazzett has another winning book about the Reed City area,
this time featuring the life and times of Young Bill Porteous. Entitled
"Love, War & Polio," it tells the story of hometown hero Bill Porteous'
life story with compassion, insight and humor.
"Love, War & Polio" is available at
Andres Computer, Ben Franklin, and
www.ratholebooks.com
Family Circle Magazine Highlights Reed City
Family Circle Magazine highlights Reed City and the family of Martha and Bruce Jones in the September Issue. Download here (PDF)
Our first fundraiser golf outing was a super success with 17
teams. Thanks to our many sponsors. See and download the photos
here.
For more information and 
AUGUST 14 - 17, 2008
The largest-ever Michigan Week Dinner celebrated
the positive growth for Reed City. Mel St. Onge was awarded the
prestigious "Citizen of the Year" award. For a slide show of the
evening, click here..
WASHINGTON, D.C.—George S. Freeman, City Manager of the City of
Reed City recently received the Credentialed Manager designation
from The International City/County Management Association (ICMA),
the premier local government leadership and management organization.
Mr. Freeman is one of more than 1,000 local government management
professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary
Credentialing Program.
Author Tim Bazzett has another winning book about the Reed City area,
this time featuring the life and times of Young Bill Porteous. Entitled
"Love, War & Polio," it tells the story of hometown hero Bill Porteous'
life story with compassion, insight and humor.
"Love, War & Polio" is available at
Andres Computer, Ben Franklin, and
Family Circle Magazine highlights Reed City and the family of Martha and Bruce Jones in the September Issue.