Cassidey

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 28 to waive attorney-client privilege in a declaration and memorandum from Human Resources Attorney Nate Wolf. The Sentinel has obtained those documents. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/p...

A seven-page complaint filed by former Ottawa County senior executive aide Jordan Epperson details an alleged toxic work environment under previous administrator John Gibbs — and commissioners.

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A mother accused of murdering her 17-year-old child in Holland pled guilty one week before her jury trial was slated to begin.

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Closed session audio released Oct. 20 reveals former interim administrator Benjamin Wetmore insisted on 12 months’ severance from Ottawa County, despite attempts by various commissioners to reach a unanimous decision with a smaller price tag.

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Closed session audio released Oct. 20 reveals former and current commissioners believed Ottawa County was responsible for reputational harm done to former executive aide Jordan Epperson, and therefore obligated to offer him a significant severance.

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Residents attended a public hearing before Zeeland City Council on Oct. 20, as officials consider whether to allow alcohol sales on Sundays for the first time in over a century.

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Karen Boes will return to Ottawa County Circuit Court in 2026, more than 20 years after she was convicted of setting the house fire that killed her daughter. Here's everything we know about the case:

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While an eventful meeting of the Ottawa County Board prepared to wrap-up Sept. 23, one commissioner accused another of forging documents and misleading officials to encourage a high-profile employee separation agreement in December 2024.
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Ottawa County has wiped three pieces of ongoing litigation off the board in 48 hours.
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Did commissioners act outside their purview when agreeing to allocate over half a million dollars to the restoration of Crockery Lake in Chester Township? According to a recent court order, yes.
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Residents in attendance were overjoyed when the Ganges Township Planning Commission denied an application for Saugatuck Meadows — but that joy could be short-lived, pending possible litigation.
 
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While a reason for the separation between Park Township and Howard Fink wasn't given by trustees, The Sentinel obtained both the separation agreement and Fink's employment record through the Freedom of Information Act.
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An accepted separation agreement will see longtime manager Howard Fink leave Park Township effective Aug. 31. 
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Consumers Energy spent almost $30 million in 30 days keeping the J.H. Campbell Plant open in Port Sheldon Township, following an emergency 90-day order from the U.S. Department of Energy. 
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Still sailing after more than 80 years on Great Lakes. What to know about the SS Alpena The SS Alpena, launched in 1942 under the name SS Leon Fraset, was built in Ecorse, Michigan.

The SS Alpena, launched in 1942 under the name SS Leon Fraset, was built in Ecorse, Michigan.  www.freep.com/story/news/l...

'Wipe the slate clean': Ottawa County will move forward without a motto for now The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to eliminate "Where Freedom Rings" as the municipality's motto during a tense meeting July 22 — and most officials agreed they aren't eager to replace it...

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to eliminate "Where Freedom Rings" as the municipality's motto during a tense meeting July 22 — and most officials agreed they aren't eager to replace it.   www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/p...

'It's a threat': Teeples, Brugger determined to protect admin candidate confidentiality During a meeting July 22, the Ottawa County Board was sharply divided over the right of administrator candidates to remain confidential until they reach the interview stage.

During a meeting July 22, the Ottawa County Board was sharply divided over the right of administrator candidates to remain confidential until they reach the interview stage.
 
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Property owners in Ganges Township have had enough of Campit. But what can they do? Numerous property owners surrounding Campit in Ganges Township have joined together to voice the daily challenges the development has posed to their way of life.

Numerous property owners surrounding Campit in Ganges Township have joined together to voice the daily challenges the development has posed to their way of life.

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Hollanders show up for 'Good Trouble' protest as part of national movement As part of a national movement of over 1,000 protests, 60 demonstrations were planned across Michigan, including one at Centennial Park.

As part of a national movement of over 1,000 protests, 60 demonstrations were planned across Michigan, including one at Centennial Park. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/p...

'Feeling alive again': 73 people are skydiving for addiction recovery in Ottawa County The tradition started with a flyer outside an addiction recovery meeting. It was 2023, Carly Boregeld was one year sober, and she'd just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The tradition started with a flyer outside an addiction recovery meeting. It was 2023, Carly Boregeld was one year sober, and she'd just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/l...

What if CMH no longer operated under Ottawa County? Officials warn of impending changes As the Michigan DHHS considers changes to how certain contracts are awarded, local Community Mental Health organizations have grave concerns.

As the Michigan DHHS considers changes to how certain contracts are awarded, local Community Mental Health organizations have grave concerns.
www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/h...

Siena Heights University announces closure after 105 years in Adrian. What we know According to a letter shared with students, staff and alumni, Siena Heights University will shutter after the 2025-2026 academic year.

According to a letter shared with students, staff and alumni, Siena Heights University will shutter after the 2025-2026 academic year. 
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Mead Johnson expansion, modernization in Zeeland receives first of many required approvals A modernization and expansion project totaling $836 million from Mead Johnson received the first of a litany of required approvals June 25.

A modernization and expansion project totaling $836 million from Mead Johnson received the first of a litany of required approvals June 25. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/l...

By the numbers: Cost of year-long admin search in Ottawa County exceeds $600K Ottawa County has been without a permanent administrator since February 2024 — and the cost to taxpayers since first changing administrators in January 2023 is over half a million dollars.

Ottawa County has been without a permanent administrator since February 2024 — and the cost to taxpayers since first changing administrators in January 2023 is over half a million dollars.
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Mark Dykema, former Tulip Time exec, sentenced in Kent County for upskirt photos Mark Dykema, a former lakeshore business owner and chairman of Tulip Time, faced a second sentencing June 18.

Mark Dykema, a former lakeshore business owner and chairman of Tulip Time, faced a second sentencing June 18. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/c...

Campbell extension threatened by possible legal challenge from environmental groups, Nessel The plant, owned by Consumers Energy, was scheduled to shutter at the end of May, but the utility provider was forced to adjust after the DOE issued an emergency order requiring it remain "available f...

The plant, owned by Consumers Energy, was scheduled to shutter at the end of May, but the utility provider was forced to adjust after the DOE issued an emergency order requiring it remain "available for operation" for another 90 days. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/e...

Experts: To solve housing crisis in Ottawa County, municipalities need to update zoning It's no secret that Ottawa County has a serious housing problem — but the solution doesn't need to be so difficult, experts say.

It's no secret that Ottawa County has a serious housing problem — but the solution doesn't need to be so difficult, experts say. www.hollandsentinel.com/story/busine...

Ottawa County special meeting on admin candidates faces confidentiality woes During a tumultuous special meeting June 4, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners chose five candidates to interview for the long-open administrator role.

During a tumultuous special meeting June 4, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners chose five candidates to interview for the long-open administrator role.

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Consumers: Cost to keep Campbell open should be shared by all grid customers MISO is responsible for power across 15 states and one Canadian Province. In 2024, 26% of the authority's energy came from coal.

MISO is responsible for power across 15 states and one Canadian Province. In 2024, 26% of the authority's energy came from coal.

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Here's why residents in Ganges Twp. listened through windows in the pouring rain Wednesday Ganges Township's small, stand-alone building has capacity for 50 people. Residents listened through windows and doors on Wednesday to make sure their voices were heard.

Ganges Township's small, stand-alone building has capacity for 50 people. Residents listened through windows and doors on Wednesday to make sure their voices were heard.

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