Ottawa County

Michelle Bombe in her garden at her Laketown Township home.

Backyard gardens gain popularity during pandemic

MSU Extension has seen a spike in interest from those seeking to create home gardens since the pandemic began. Those who are trying it say gardening provides a food source and fills the need to nurture.

Spring Grove park is wheelchair accessible.
What to do in August? 8 ways to explore your Lakeshore backyard

August is a prime time to enjoy the Lakeshore’s enchanting summers. This is a great month to get outside and explore Ottawa county’s treasures. Tourism expert Sally Laukitis offers up a list that includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

Violet and Quinn Tunison were excited to back at the Howard Miller Public Library in Zeeland.
Libraries’ reopening brings people back to ‘community living room’

Nearly all of the libraries across Ottawa County have reopened with new safety precautions in place. Reporter Heidi Tunison tried out the libraries with her two young ones in tow. She explains how the library experience has changed during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Rodger Price is the founder of Leading by Design.
One man’s vision: making West Michigan known for great leadership

Rodger Price is on a mission to train 1,000 West Michigan leaders. His Leading by Design program boasts an impressive list of alumni.

Jane Clark is the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce President. 
Chamber trailblazer earns elite designation

Under Jane Clark’s leadership, the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce is nationally recognized as an industry leader that is impacting the Holland-Zeeland area for the greater good.  

The Morales family rode on the Lakeshore Habitat parade float down Columbia Avenue to their new home at 132 E. 37th St., where an outdoor dedication was held.
Parade celebrates nonprofit-church partnership in building Habitat home

In spite of construction shutdowns due to COVID-19, a partnership between nonprofits and churches has completed a Habitat for Humanity home for one Holland family. The completion of the project was celebrated with a parade and a home dedication.

LEDA Executive Director Gloria Lara introduces Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at the Summit.
LEDA’s 1st virtual conference brings together leaders for day of inclusion education

In an age when racial inequity has been thrust to the forefront, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s annual summit on race and inclusion drew nearly 800 people. Among the virtual event's attendees were representatives from cities, public schools, police departments, public health departments, corporations, nonprofits, and universities.

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot in her first election by mail
Mail-in ballots attractive to first-time voters

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot by mail in her first election. “I was looking forward to voting in person but I think this will be much easier," she says. 

A new program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords.
Renters avoid eviction, landlords get back rent with new state program

The Michigan Eviction Diversion Program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords. “It’s a win for everybody,” says Good Samaritan Ministries Executive Director Drew Peirce. 

Theresa Glass only recently recognized the role her childhood played in her health issues as an adult .
Thrive shines light on childhood trauma’s effects on adults

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or a home with mental illness, domestic violence, or the loss of a parent can affect people long into adulthood in ways that can manifest as both mental and physical maladies.

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