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Flammable chemicals are used in many production processes to make a variety of goods. Ottawa County has its fair share of manufacturing hubs that use, store or produce such chemicals. In addition, large quantities of chemicals pass into or through our county via road, rail and pipeline. As a result, preparedness for chemical fires is something Ottawa County and its fire departments take seriously.
Like water on a stove top grease fire, chemical fires do not respond well to traditional suppression methods. In the past, our fire departments had access to aqueous film-forming foam to attack flammable, liquid fires. Although effective, an unfortunate component of many earlier fire foams was per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. PFAS is universally recognized as an environmental contaminant and health hazard. Due to those concerns, Ottawa County and its local fire departments disposed of their PFAS-containing foams. The consequence, however, was that firefighters were left without an effective replacement for extinguishing liquid, chemical fires.
In 2022, new, PFAS-free, firefighting foams were vetted as effective in the industry. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office prioritized equipping our fire departments with the new foam. The Office collaborated with the local Fire Chief’s Association and Ottawa County Hazmat Team Advisory Board. The detailed project plan recommended the procurement of three dual-tote trailers, each armed with 530 gallons of PFAS-free foam. The team advised storing each trailer in strategically located fire departments—Ferrysburg, Holland Township and Allendale—for a rapid response regardless of fire location.
In April 2023, the project was unanimously approved by Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. The total cost for the project is $250,000 with half of the funding from the County's American Rescue Plan Act allocation, and half paid by local townships, cities and villages. This is a significant investment in public safety using a cooperative approach that will not raise taxes.
A file photo shows fire fighters using a foam to extinguish an industrial fire.
Ottawa County’s Friend of the Court has had its share of tough cases related to child support enforcement. Often, these cases involve parents struggling to pay child support and facing jail time as a result. Friend of the Court (FOC) recognizes, how difficult it is for an incarcerated parent to financially support or be involved in their children’s lives.
When Brandon was summoned to an Ottawa County courtroom for failing to pay child support, he came in as a self-described, “dead man walking.” After losing his own father, Brandon found himself in a downward spiral that left him empty, hopeless and unemployed. He anticipated his day in court would conclude in jail.
What Brandon didn’t expect was a caring, attentive caseworker who wanted to help him get back on his feet with the Alternative Contempt Track (ACT) program. ACT is a problem-solving court and child support enforcement model that provides holistic, family-centered help so that parents can financially support their children.
“The program made me realize that it’s not over for me. There’s a way out. I went from being completely hopeless and completely lost to someone that has optimism for life," said Brandon, an ACT graduate.
Today, Brandon is managing his mental health and is working a full-time job with Amazon as a delivery driver while obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. Thanks to Brandon's commitment to his goals, he has not missed a support payment for his children since starting the ACT program, and now earns enough income to make additional payments towards reducing past-due child support. Moreover, Brandon can now be present in his children’s lives.
Ottawa County implemented its ACT program in 2021. ACT participants work with an FOC caseworker to create an individualized, detailed pathway of success focused on removing barriers that prevent them from paying their child support obligation. The FOC caseworker encourages participants to develop goals and supports parents in achieving those goals. The FOC collaborates with a variety of local agencies and organizations to arrange services to address each participant’s individualized needs. Ottawa FOC offices often provide information and refer clients to community agencies.
Since the ACT program has been in place, Ottawa County has experienced an increase in consistent, timely payments from participants. Even more striking are the significant strides participants have made in effectuating life changes that directly impact themselves and have positive impacts on their children and families.
Hear Brandon tell his story at https://miOttawa.info/act
Friend of the Court Investigator Reyna Masko, 20th Circuit Chief Judge Hon. Jon Van Allsburg and ACT graduate Brandon. Hear Brandon tell his story at miOttawa.info/act
In April, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office officially partnered with Crisis Aid International to bring their Children’s Anti-Exploitation Partnership (CAP) Program to our community. The CAP Program works to prevent the online exploitation of children and sex trafficking, and support individuals and families who have been affected by it.
The CAP Program is focused on children, tweens, teenagers, and young adults who have been identified in sex trafficking, electronic-related crime investigations, or those at risk or who may be vulnerable to exploitation. Risky behaviors have been identified as sexting, posting inappropriate pictures to social media and interacting with strangers online.
Through individual sessions, on-call support, emergency assistance and other avenues, the CAP Program offers a wide range of support. The program is free of charge, and there is no time limit on services.
Now, located directly next to the Sheriff’s Office at the Fillmore Complex, is a space dedicated to the CAP Program. This ‘Trauma Informed Space’ aims to be a comforting place to help remove the fear associated with law enforcement, change the experience of children and families going through the criminal justice system, and allow law enforcement and parents to stay updated as needed.
“This new partnership provides another resource for families who have experienced some sort of trauma due to child exploitation,” said Captain Jake Sparks, who heads the Investigative Unit of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. “All our partnerships are essential to the Investigative Services Unit in how we complete our day-to-day work to keep kids in our community safe, get justice for our victims and investigate offenders.”
"Trauma Informed Spaces" aim to be comforting. The spaces remove the fear associated with law enforcement and change the experience of children and families navigating the criminal justice system.
Hidden a stone’s throw west of US-31 near the junction of Croswell lies Hemlock Crossing County Park. Many natural features, like the meandering Pigeon River, make this park special. Two man-made attractions, however, just landed a visit to this park on your summer bucket list: the Ottawa County Park’s Nature Center and West Michigan’s first Public Observatory. (8115 West Olive Road, West Olive)
Visit the Nature Center to view exhibits, a wildlife den with critters and activities, spy birds and animals at the feeders, and shop for gifts inspired by the great outdoors. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Seasonal guided nature and recreational programs range from wildflower walks to moonlight kayak paddles. Discover more
at miOttawa.info/parkprograms.
If learning about the vast nature of outer space is your pursuit, visit the public observatory on Fridays at 9 p.m. when weather permits. The observatory opened in 2022 and is operated by members of the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. For more details, visit miOttawa.org/observatory.
Our friendly and knowledgeable Nature Center staff are eager to share news and help you find the perfect activities.
The observatory houses a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Birders flock to enjoy avian wonders with our inviting birding community. Ottawa offers public programs for birders, hikers, bikers and more!
Pre-k through high school students journey into nature’s classroom! Our professional outdoor educators provide field trips to support student achievement that are enriching and fun.
Enjoy sounds and sights along the Pigeon River as you paddle from the kayak and canoe launch at Hemlock Crossing.
When it comes to playing in the parks during the summer, we do have our favorites. Beat the heat in refreshing Lake Michigan or find relief on trails shaded by nature’s canopy. We recommend:
- North Beach: 18775 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg | Bask on the beach, then venture up the dune stairs for spectacular Lake Michigan views.
- Grand Ravines: 9920 42nd Avenue, Jenison | Trek the trails including the 275’ pedestrian suspension bridge.
- Olive Shores: 8555 Olive Shore Avenue, West Olive | Another “big lake” destination, hike trails and winding boardwalks with breathtaking vistas along the way.
- Connor Bayou: 12945 North Cedar Drive, Grand Haven | On the banks of the Grand River, you’ll find fishing docks, a kayak launch and paved trails.
- Find more at miOttawa.org/Parks.
Now that summer is here, we all need to be on the lookout for ticks—which become most active when the weather is above 40 degrees. Ticks can spread diseases when they bite other animals or humans by spreading germs that cause a variety of infections, including Lyme disease.
Lyme disease, which can cause fever, headache, fatigue and a rash, can be successfully treated with antibiotics. If not properly treated, it can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. As of May 2023, there have been seven reported cases of Lyme disease in Ottawa County.
Most humans are infected with Lyme disease through the bite of a Blacklegged tick, also known as a Deer tick. Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to tall grass, brush and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. Ticks also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls.
Lyme disease can be prevented by taking steps to prevent tick bites. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your furry friends from tick bites while you enjoy the natural beauty of Ottawa County.
When you are outside:
- Use bug repellent spray that contains DEET and use tick prevention products on pets.
- Treat clothing and gear (boots, pants, socks and tents) with insecticide products containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Wear long pants in areas where ticks might be. Tuck pant legs into socks.
- Don’t walk where ticks might be waiting for you. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
- Create tick-safe zones in your yard. Keep patios and play areas away from vegetation; regularly remove leaves, and clear tall grasses and brush from around the house; place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas; and consider using a chemical control agent in the yard.
After you come inside:
- Do a full body “tick check” on yourself and your pets. Look closely. Check behind knees, around waistbands and in the hairline—ticks can hide. Use a mirror or a buddy. Most ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, but young ticks, called ‘nymphs,’ can be as small as a poppy seed. Ticks can ride home on people, animals or gear, and then attach to skin later.
- Bathe or shower after being outside.
- Place clothing in the dryer on high heat to kill any ticks.
- If you find a tick attached to the skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.
- If you have been bitten by a tick, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease. If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and an Erythema migrans or "bulls eye" rash.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health monitors tick activity throughout spring and
summer. Staff members drag natural areas with sheets to collect, identify and catalog the ticks they find. This information tells the department which species of ticks are active and which diseases they may carry.
Since 2016, Ottawa and Allegan County Parks & Recreation and the Ottawa County Department of Public Health have successfully teamed up each spring to offer Step it Up!, a free eight-week walking and recreational activity program. Since its launch, Step it Up! has exceeded its goals, helping nearly 7,000 people of all fitness levels become more active, play outside, eat healthier and explore new parks.
Visiting parks and natural areas alone can be intimidating. Step it Up! offers opportunities for community members to gather and explore our treasured, West Michigan parks in safe, guided settings. Knowledgeable staff lead weekly hikes with varying pace groups. Volunteer “cabooses” ensure no one is left behind. Group walks offer both natural surfaces and accessible trails for varying abilities.
Shortly after launching, program coordinators realized there was an opportunity to introduce individuals and families to other recreational activities as well, like kayaking. Often cost is a barrier to trying new activities, as equipment can be expensive. Grant funding has allowed a variety of activities to be offered free to participants since 2018.
Because research shows that Ottawa County adults could use more fruits and vegetables in their diets, participants also receive weekly healthy recipes from Ottawa Food and other partners.
Knowing that goal setting is crucial to creating healthy habits, participants are encouraged to set activity goals at the beginning of the program and track their progress each week. “I appreciate the Step it Up! program because it offers me an opportunity to achieve something. It’s an incentive to get outside and walk, to track steps, set goals, and continue my health journey,” said a participant. Over the years, the program has proven successful:
68% of participants report that their health has improved
53% are exercising outside more often
69% are employing the healthy eating tips
The County is also proud to see Step it Up! become a program that brings people of all ages and from all walks of life together. “I love this program. The walks accommodate young and old alike. I look forward to it every year,” said a participant. We hope to see you on the trail next spring. Subscribe to be notified via email at miOttawa.info/stepitup.
In 2018 new activities were added to the program including kayaking and disc golf.
Each year, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners seeks residents who are interested in serving on public boards and committees. Ottawa County’s opportunities range widely in both function and subject and can require unique criteria for selection.
All appointed board and committee seats have designated terms, usually one or two years. Seat vacancies can arise anytime throughout the year. This could be when an appointee’s term expires, they resign mid-term, their cumulative term (12 years) ends, or they vacate their seat for another reason. Every September, the County publishes a list of upcoming seat vacancies associated with terms ending on December 31. To stay updated on current or upcoming seat vacancies, subscribe at miOttawa.info/publicboards.
Ottawa County is hiring and we want you to join our team. With more than 33 departments and over 400 job positions, there is a role for you. Along with a culture that embraces customer service, innovation and technology, you will find:
- Growth & advancement opportunities
- Excellent retirement plans
- Generous health care benefits
- Competitive wages
- Work-life balance
- Tuition reimbursement & professional development perks
- Student loan forgiveness opportunities
To view all of our open positions, visit miOttawa.org/apply
It has been over six months since eight of eleven members of the Board of Commissioners came in brand new, joining the three veteran commissioners. Some of the core accomplishments are:
- Strengthened fairness and equal treatment for all by closing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office on day one.
- Honored Veterans with the Heroes of Freedom resolution. Read it in its entirety at miOttawa.info/Heroes.
- Streamlined and enhanced County communications by creating the Communications Director position.
The Board of Commissioners and County Leadership are excited to continue to work hard for you.
Every year, the County develops an annual budget to present to the Board of Commissioners for approval. This is the process of determining where and how your hard-earned money is going to be spent by the County over the coming fiscal year. In an effort to improve transparency and accountability, the County Administrator, who works in concert with the Fiscal Services Department, the heads of the various County departments, and County elected officials to prepare the budget, has enhanced the process with some exciting changes: The budget review process will include not only Departmental budget and personnel spending, as it always did, but will now also include a comprehensive listing of all grants the County receives, as well as all recipients of County funds. This will allow your elected County Commissioners, who have the legal responsibility of setting the County budget, to better understand and better determine spending priorities.
On May 24, 2023, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to become a Constitutional County. Please read the Resolution to Protect Constitutional Freedoms in its entirety at miOttawa.info/Freedom, which sets a firm foundation and specific priorities for the county to follow. The Constitution is a contract of timeless principles that created a government with a singular purpose—to secure the rights of the people.
The resolution highlights freedoms and constitutional rights that were violated over the past few years, as well as those at risk in the current political climate. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, parental rights, second amendment, and due process rights must not be infringed by local, state, or federal government.
Highlights from the resolution include:
"WHEREAS, 'The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects certain fundamental parental rights, including the right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children, to direct the upbringing and education of their children, the right to make medical decisions on behalf of their children, and, in conjunction with the First Amendment, to guide the religious future and education of their children'; and
WHEREAS, constitutional freedoms are not suspended in times of crisis or everyday life, at the whim of elected officials, unelected health officials, or for the benefit of government bureaucracy or private institutions;"
Ottawa County is Where Freedom Rings! Together, we will cultivate a vibrant community with opportunity for business growth and the preservation of the American family and American values.
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