OTTAWA COUNTY

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A contracted counselor at the Kent County Jail is accused of sexually assaulting an inmate. Theresa Lyn Simmons, 43, was arraigned Wednesday, Aug. 17 on a charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct--county inmate. Kent County sheriff’s administrators said Simmons worked for Family Outreach Center, providing behavioral health services at the jail. Simmons’ access to the jail was immediately terminated when authorities received a complaint about her. More from MLiveJuvenile dead, four injured in Hudsonville after teen driver misses stop sign, police sayOttawa County health director retiring amid board takeover by anti-mask mandate candidatesLawyers object to limit on cross examination in Gov.

Ottawa County Health Department Administrative Health Officer Lisa Stefanovsky, a 31-year veteran of the department, will tentatively retire March 31, according to the retirement agreement given preliminary approval Tuesday, Aug. 16, by Ottawa County commissioners. Ottawa County administration and Ottawa County Board Chair Matt Fenske also could not be reached. If the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners decides to fire Stefanovsky prior to March 31, the county will pay her three months of her salary and benefits. According to Grand Rapids Press archives, Stefanovsky has been with the Ottawa County Health Department since 1991. In 2006, she was appointed as the department’s director and health officer of the county.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to take precautions to make sure their food is safe as three health departments investigate an increase in the number of illnesses linked to E.coli bacteria.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Patmos Library is asking voters again in November to approve a millage request that was rejected in the primary election amid controversy over the library carrying LGTBQ books. The Jamestown Township Library Board submitted its proposal to the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday, Aug. 16, the clerk’s office confirmed with MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. LGBTQ books at West Michigan library draw differing viewsVoters turned down a millage request in the Aug. 2 election after a pushback from Jamestown Township residents surrounding LGTBQ books on the library’s shelves. During the board’s Aug. 8 meeting, residents crammed inside the library and exchanged opinions about the LGBTQ materials the library offers. The board’s stance has been to keep the LGTBQ books on the shelves.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Police are asking for the public’s help locating 28-year-old Coopersville resident Erik Johnson who went missing over the weekend. Family and friends have not been able to get in touch with Johnson since about 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. Johnson’s last known location is believed to be in the 300 block of Ottawa Avenue in Coopersville. Police ask anyone with information to contact dispatch at 800-249-0911 or Silent Observer at 877-88-SILENT(745368). Father who threatened school over mask mandates sentenced to probationMichigan man allegedly charges police with chainsaw, gets stunned with Tasers

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Two men were seriously injured in a head-on collision early Sunday morning, Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies reported. Police said a 24-year-old Clarkston man was traveling south on 48th Avenue in a 2016 Chrysler when he began to hydroplane due to heavy rain in the area. The Clarkston man lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median, and hit a 2020 Honda that was driven by a 24-year-old Grand Rapids man. Police said the Grand Rapids man and a passenger in his vehicle – a 25-year-old Novi man – were seriously injured in the crash and transported to Spectrum Health Hospital. Read more on MLive:Mid-Michigan teen injured in two-vehicle collisionWhat is pickleball and why is Michigan hooked on this growing sport?

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A man suffered serious injuries Saturday, Aug. 13, when his car hydroplaned in heavy rain, crossed the U.S. 31 median and struck an oncoming pickup truck, sheriff’s deputies. The 38-year-old Holland man was taken by ambulance to Holland Hospital. The other driver, a 71-year-old Holland man, was taken to Holland Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 38-year-old was driving a 2007 Toyota south on U.S. 31 when his car began to hydroplane in heavy rain. He lost control of his vehicle before it went across the median and crashed head-on into a 2001 Dodge pickup truck, police said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A driver was injured Saturday, Aug. 13, when he crashed while avoiding an oncoming passing vehicle, sheriff’s deputies said. The driver, a 57-year-old Grant man, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after his 2007 Honda Civil rolled over several times. The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. on Lake Michigan Drive near 136th Avenue in Ottawa County’s Robinson Township. Police said the injured man was driving west on Lake Michigan Drive when he pulled to the shoulder to avoid an oncoming vehicle that was passing eastbound traffic. The man’s car hit standing water, causing him to lose control of his vehicle before it rolled several times, police said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – The Patmos library board has slightly modified the language of a millage request that it plans to send back to voters this fall. The board approved the new language for the millage proposal during a special meeting held Friday morning, Aug. 12. The paperwork must be filed with the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office by Tuesday in order to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. The library board is going back to voters for a second time. The new millage request is slightly simplified from what appeared on the August ballot proposal, but asks for the same amount of funding.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – There are 28 seats on nine Ottawa County school boards that are opening up at the end of this year, and voters are going to decide who will fill those open spots in the Nov. 8 election. This fall, there are 53 candidates running for election to local school boards in Ottawa County. The most heavily contested races are for the school boards of Hudsonville, Allendale, Grand Haven, Holland, Jenison and Spring Lake. In each of those races, the number of candidates running for election is more than double the number of seats open. Here’s the list of candidates who have filed in each school board race in Ottawa County.

ALLENDALE, MI - A major incident drill is expected to draw dozens of Ottawa County law enforcement, fire officials and emergency medical providers Sunday afternoon to Grand Valley State University. The simulation, designed to train and prepare for major incident responses, is planned for Sunday, Aug. 14, from 1:30 to 6 p.m. near Lubbers Stadium on GVSU’s Allendale campus. The purpose of the exercise is to develop the “best capability” in Ottawa County possible for responding to large-scale mass casualty incidents, said Lou Hunt, Ottawa County Emergency Management Director, in an Aug. 10 GVSU press release. The safety event is being co-hosted by Ottawa Medical Control Board Authority, GVSU and Ottawa County Emergency Management. More on MLive:Beagles removed from harsh conditions arrive at two West Michigan sheltersHundreds of scooters, e-bikes to stay on Grand Rapids streetsDoes Grand Rapids Public Schools need more early childhood centers?

OTTAWA COUJNTY, MI -- Ottawa County has issued an advisory about increasing cases of an E. coli strain after investigating nine recent cases. Of the nine, four required hospitalization. Health leaders said the cases involve shiga-toxin producing E. coli infections (STEC), which is typically associated with foodborne outbreaks. They are working with state health department and agriculture department to investigate possible links between the cases. Symptoms of STEC are typically:Diarrhea, which is often bloodySevere stomach crampsVomitingLow-grade feverHealth leaders advise the public to prevent infection by using good hand washing, cooking meats thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables under running water, and not swallowing water while swimming.

Another man, who supports keeping those books with LGBTQ themes available for patrons at Patmos Library in Ottawa County’s Jamestown Township, counters that West Michigan shouldn’t be a place that bans books. Those two men and several other people, from both sides of the argument, exchanged opinions passionately Monday night about the ongoing controversy surrounding LGBTQ books being carried at the public library. Those arguing for the LGBTQ books to remain said a public library has the right and obligation to have the information out there for everyone. “I don’t think West Michigan is the type of community that wants to ban books,” he said. Only five were voted down, but only one was due to LGBTQ books being on shelves, she said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- An autopsy showed that a person found floating in the Grand River on Aug. 6 died in an accidental drowning. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies on Monday, Aug. 8 identified the person as 59-year-old Dana Eric Rose of Marne. Police responded to a call shortly before midnight on Aug. 6 for a report of a body in the water at Southern Grand Marina in Ottawa County’s Robinson Township. Deputies said they continue to investigate the death to determine the circumstances surrounding it, but foul play is not suspected. More from MLiveJuvenile lifer Amy Black granted parole for killing Muskegon County man when she was 16Retrial of 2 suspects in alleged plot to kidnap Gov.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Police identified Jonathan Mendez, 21, of Wyoming, Michigan, as the victim of a drowning Sunday, Aug. 7, in Lake Michigan at Grand Haven State Park. He died after being swept away from shore, past the swim buoys, while swimming, Grand Haven Department of Public Safety said. The incident happened just before 4 p.m. Public-safety officers and park rangers rushed into the water but could not find the victim. Related: Rescuers searching for missing Lake Michigan swimmerThe U.S. Coast Guard also dropped a rescue swimmer from a helicopter but the victim could not be found. Rescuers from multiple agencies responded, including Grand Haven Township firefighters and Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A 59-year-old Marne man was found dead in the water late Saturday night at an Ottawa County marina. An immediate cause of the man’s death was not apparent, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office reported. Police responded to a call shortly before midnight on Aug. 6 for a report of a body in the water at Southern Grand Marina in Ottawa County’s Robinson Township. Responders located the man dead in the water at the marina. The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of his family.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI –A woman accused of driving while intoxicated in a crash that killed her three boys had her $250,000 bond lowered. Leticia Gonzales, 30, can be released by posting 10 percent of a $100,000 bond, Holland District Judge Bradley Knoll said Friday, Aug. 5. Related: Mom accused in crash that killed 3 sons is in grief while jailed, attorney saysThe charges came five months after the crash. Related: Mom in crash that killed 3 young sons impaired by methadone, police sayInvestigators say Gonzales took two doses of methadone – used for treatment of drug addiction and pain relief – before the 11 a.m. crash. Assistant Ottawa County Prosecutor Tyler Mesman opposed the bond reduction.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Hunters can apply to a special lottery through Aug. 31 for a chance to hunt on several exclusive public properties in Ottawa County. Special hunting rules and regulations will be in effect for these hunts and can be reviewed at this link. Crockery Creek Natural Area is also open to waterfowl hunting by special permit. For this hunt, lottery winners must attend an in-person, pre-hunt meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25. More information on the special permit hunts, as well as open public hunting grounds in Ottawa County, can be found at this link.

They criticized the current Republican county leaders for not doing enough to stop the school mask mandate instituted by the county health director. And, during Tuesday’s primary election, voters overwhelmingly supported the right-leaning Ottawa Impact group over the more moderate Republican incumbents. Ottawa Impact candidates won big in the Aug. 2 Republican primaries for Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, sweeping eight out of nine primaries they ran in. Bergman previously framed the primary as a battle for the county’s Republican party, pitting “far-right” Ottawa Impact challengers against incumbent moderate conservatives. Curran was the only Ottawa Impact candidate not facing an incumbent county commissioner.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A newcomer ousted a longtime Ottawa County commissioner from his seat Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the Republican primary for the county’s 8th District. Challenger Sylvia Rhodea defeated incumbent Greg DeJong by a vote of 2,586 to 1,058, according to unofficial election results from the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office. Rhodea will not face a Democratic challenger in the November general election, as there are no Democrats running. The group was formed in the fallout over the Ottawa County Health Department’s mandate to mask children in schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more on MLive:Incumbent Huizenga wins Republican primary for state Senate seatVideo shows Trump congratulate Gibbs on primary win over Congressman MeijerMichigan State House districts election results for Aug. 2, 2022

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A longtime Ottawa County commissioner is likely to be ousted from his seat according to early results from the Tuesday, Aug. 2, Republican primary for the county’s 8th District. Incumbent Greg DeJong, who was first elected to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2010, was trailing fellow Republican Sylvia Rhodea in a vote of 719 to 1,704, or 29.7% to 70.3%, according to the ongoing, unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office. The race for the county commission’s 8th District was one of eight in which incumbent Republicans on Tuesday were challenged by fellow Republicans who are members of a group called Ottawa Impact. The group was formed in the fallout over the Ottawa County Health Department’s mandate to mask children in schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some members of Ottawa Impact said the challenged county leaders didn’t listen to the concerns of parents and others who opposed the mask mandate.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A 74-year-old West Olive woman was seriously injured Tuesday morning after being struck by a dump truck. According to Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies, the woman failed to stop at a stop sign when the crash occurred. Police said the West Olive woman was traveling southbound on 104th Avenue and failed to stop at a stop sign along Lake Michigan Drive. Police said the dump truck had the right of way and was not facing any traffic control devices. The driver of the dump truck, a 46-year-old Bangor man, was not injured.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries Monday, Aug. 1, when he crashed into semi-tractor trailer. The injured motorcyclist is a 25-year-old Zeeland man, Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies said. The crash happened just after 10 p.m. on Adams Street at the on ramp to westbound I-196. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was hospitalized with serious injuries, police said. Read more:Woman in crash that killed 2 bicyclists did not grasp gravity of tragedy, prosecutor saysU.S. Reps. Upton, Dingell call for civility in political discourseSee timelapse of Coast Guard Parade of Ships

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Health officials have identified the first probable cases of monkeypox in Ottawa County. The probable cases are pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but are believed to be positive for monkeypox, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health reported Monday, Aug. 1. The health department is identifying and monitoring any close contacts for symptoms and no additional cases have been identified at this time. Monkeypox is spread through direct contract with infectious rashes, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact, officials said. Individuals experiencing monkeypox symptoms or who have had contact with a person who has monkeypox should contact their health care provider right away.

That group of candidates, called Ottawa Impact, has fielded nine Republicans to challenge eight same-party county board incumbents and one open seat on the board in the Aug. 2 Republican primary. Joe Moss, the executive director of Ottawa Impact and a candidate in the District 5 primary, did not return multiple calls for comment. Incumbent County Commissioner and Board Chair Matt Fenske said the county GOP is already splintered, “commandeered and taken over” by Ottawa Impact with the goal of unseating all Republican county board incumbents except county commissioner Kyle Terpstra. Fenske and Bergman were among six Republican county board incumbents recently censured by the Ottawa County Republican Party Executive Committee for allegedly encouraging Democrats to vote in the hotly contested Aug. 2 Republican Primary. The challenged Ottawa County commissioners, she said, haven’t done anything to combat it.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI –State parks in Grand Haven and Holland on Thursday, July 28, closed Lake Michigan swim areas because of high waves and strong currents. “We have seen a rapid increase in wave height as well as dangerous currents,” Grand Haven State Park’s Facebook page said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Gentex Corporation will invest $300 million to expand its operations in the city of Zeeland and Zeeland Charter Township. Gentex’s expansion, announced Tuesday, July 26, includes a new 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, a 60,000-square-foot expansion of its existing facility, and a new 350,000-square-foot distribution center.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A 66-year-old Holland man was seriously injured in a crash with a semi-truck trailer Monday morning. Authorities responded to the crash at 9:27 a.m. Monday, July 25 at the intersection of New Holland Street and 112th Avenue in Olive Township, according to a news release from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. Police said the Holland man was driving north on 112th Avenue when he pulled up to a stop sign at New Holland Street. The semi-truck driver was not injured in the crash, police said. The 66-year-old man suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to the hospital, the release said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kent and Ottawa county clerks issued a joint statement Monday, July 25, after TV stations mistakenly published random election data for a test run before the Aug 2 primary election, not actual results. “Our teams have received calls and messages this morning concerning election results data that has been posted on local media sites,” the statement reads. WOOD TV8 and WWMT News Channel 3 addressed the election data error in statements published on their websites Monday afternoon. Tang said the test election data cannot be accessed on the website’s navigation menu or in any recent election reports. “In no way does a standard data test either affect or predict the results of any election,” Tang wrote.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - A small business owner and retired undersheriff are facing off in the Aug. 2 Republican primary for the District 7 seat on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. She is currently a precinct delegate and executive committee member with the Ottawa County GOP and is the founding member and president of the Republican Women of Ottawa, according to Curran’s campaign website. In addition, I would love to create a citizens’ council to help leverage the amazingly smart and talented people of Ottawa county on important issues. In addition, I would love to create a citizens’ council to help leverage the amazingly smart and talented people of Ottawa county on important issues. Vote 411 logoMore on MLive:Building fire, possibly sparked by lightning, prompts changes at Ottawa County Fair2 challengers facing incumbent in primary race for Ottawa County board’s District 10 seatOttawa County board chair battling teacher to represent 11th District in Aug. 2 electionNavy veteran, construction worker face off Aug. 2 in primary for Kent County’s 19th District

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – For over a decade, Republican Joe Baumann has served on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. The longtime incumbent will face Lucy Ebel in the Republican primary for the county board’s District 2 seat in the Aug. 2 election to become their party’s nominee for the November general election. Baumann, 66, is a lifelong Holland resident who is in his 12th year serving on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. Joe BaumannI am always available to the citizens of Ottawa County and my District thru email, regular mail, by phone and in person. More on MLive:Incumbent faces parent rights advocate in Republican primary for District 8 on Ottawa County boardLongtime incumbent faces challenger for District 9 in Republican primary for Ottawa County board6 Republican Ottawa County commissioners censured in latest bout of party in-fighting

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- An Ottawa County sheriff’s deputy helped three men escape a crashed min-van before the vehicle caught fire, police said. The men were in a Honda Odyssey mini-van that rolled over in a ditch off 120th Avenue near Winans Street about 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 22. A deputy came across the crash and was able to quickly help the men out of the severely damaged vehicle before it caught fire. A 33-year-old passenger, of West Olive, was treated at the scene for a minor injury. The driver and another passenger were not injured.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Longtime Ottawa County Commissioner Roger Bergman will face two challengers in the Aug. 2 Republican primary race to represent the county’s 10th District. Bergman, 75, has served on the county board since 2012, according to his profile on the county website. From this list, rate your top 3 priorities for the office of Ottawa County Commissioner: Funding for infrastructure and roads, Land Use, Water Quality, Social Services, Lower Taxes, Safety, Senior Services funded through a countywide millage, Redistricting - county commissioner allocation. STATEMENT: County commissioners have done an effective job in leading the county in the last two years. Vote 411 logoMore on MLive:Incumbent faces parent rights advocate in Republican primary for District 8 on Ottawa County boardLongtime incumbent faces challenger for District 9 in Republican primary for Ottawa County board4 Republicans compete in Aug. 2 primary for state House seat in West MichiganVoters asked to renew operating millage for Coopersville schools in Aug. 2 election

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A parental rights advocate is challenging a longtime Ottawa County commissioner in the Aug. 2 Republican primary for the board’s two-year, District 8 seat. Sylvia Rhodea is seeking to unseat longtime incumbent Greg DeJong, who was first elected to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2010. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health has egregiously violated parental rights and freedom in Ottawa County via health orders. STATEMENT: County commissioners have done an effective job in leading the county in the last two years. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”Vote 411 logoMore on MLive:Longtime incumbent faces challenger for District 9 in Republican primary for Ottawa County board6 Republican Ottawa County commissioners censured in latest bout of party in-fightingVoters asked to renew operating millage for Coopersville schools in Aug. 2 election

KENT COUNTY, MI -- Consumers Energy is reporting power outages in several West Michigan counties after storms with gusty winds tracked through the area. According to a Consumers Energy outage map, about 3,000 customers in Ottawa County were without electricity at 9:20 p.m.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - For more than 20 years, Republican Philip Kuyers has served on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. On Aug. 2, voters will choose between the longtime incumbent, and challenger Roger Belknap, for the two-year seat, representing District 9. In 2023, the district boundaries include Grand Haven Charter Township, Robinson Township and Spring Lake (part): Spring Lake Township 5, according to Ottawa County. “I have spent over two decades serving the people of Ottawa County, building relationships with people in Lansing, and building safety, property, and opportunity for every resident,” according to Kuyers’ campaign website. Vote 411 logoRead more:Tradesman looks to unseat Ottawa County senator in Republican primaryOttawa County board chair battling teacher to represent 11th District in Aug. 2 electionIncumbent will face entrepreneur in Republican primary for Ottawa County board’s 5th District6 Republican Ottawa County commissioners censured in latest bout of party in-fighting

GRAND HAVEN, MI – The Ottawa County Republican Party Executive Committee has censured six sitting Republican county commissioners in the latest public bout of party in-fighting. The Ottawa County GOP Executive Committee voted last week to censure any Republican elected official or candidate who encourages Democrats to vote in the hotly-contested Aug. 2 Republican Primary. In doing so, they censured six Republican incumbents on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Board Chair Matt Fenske, Roger Bergman, Board Vice Chair Al Dannenberg, Greg DeJong, Randy Meppelink and Phil Kuyers. Ottawa County is often regarded as a Republican stronghold in the state. “We call upon the Michigan Republican Party and Ottawa County Republican Party to immediately refute these statements.”The six, censured commissioners are among a group of eight incumbent Republican Ottawa County commissioners being challenged in the Aug. 2 primary by fellow Republicans endorsed by new political action committee Ottawa Impact.

Campbell power plant in Ottawa County. Campbell plant by 2025, two of the coal-fired units were slated to retire in 2031, with the last unit scheduled to retire in 2040. Statistics show only DTE Energy’s coal-fired power plant in Monroe emitted more carbon dioxide with its more than 13 million metric tons in 2020. The outcome may have ramifications for other coal-fired power plants that run under similar joint operating agreements, such as DTE Energy’s Belle River Power Plant, she said. DTE last year announced it will end coal use at the Belle River Power Plant by the end of 2028 – two years ahead of schedule – to hasten its carbon emissions reductions.

A western Michigan woman whose three young sons drowned in February after her SUV crashed into an ice-covered pond is facing intoxicated driving charges in their deaths.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – The mother of three boys who drowned in a February crash remains jailed Thursday, July 21, accused of driving while under the influence of methadone. According to her attorney, the 30-year-old woman continues to grieve for her sons while in jail. Charges were filed by the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s office more than five months after the crash. The crash happened around 11 a.m. Feb. 17 on James Street near 112th Avenue in Holland Township. “After obtaining the methadone, Gonzales told the witness she was headed back home to the Holland area,” DeBoer said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Republican Matt Fenske, who is serving his fifth, two-year term on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, is facing a preschool teacher in the Aug. 2 primary for the 11th District seat. As chair of the Ottawa County Mental Health Board, I see first hand how our most vulnerable residents receive the benefits from our county wide millage. Matthew Fenske:The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners has done a fabulous job for the last two years in serving the needs of our County. By attending these local board meetings, Rotary, Kiwanis and local community foundation events, I glean information that is used in my county board of commissioner meetings. I also attend the local Ottawa County Farm Bureau and Preservation events.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Coopersville Area Public Schools is asking voters on Tuesday, Aug. 2 to support an operating millage request that helps fund about 6% of the district’s annual budget. This proposal would renew the non-homestead millage that expired with the 2021 tax levy. Michigan schools rely on local non-homestead operating millages, which are required by state law for schools to be able to collect their student foundational allowance from the state. There are about 400 voters living in Muskegon County who are also eligible to vote on the Coopersville operating millage proposal. More on MLive:Political newcomer challenges incumbent in Republican primary for Ottawa County board’s 1st DistrictGrand Rapids schools has jobs starting at $14 an hour.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – The mother of three young boys who drowned in a pond after a crash has been charged with operating while intoxicated causing their deaths. Leticia Gonzales, 30, is held on $250,000 bond after her arraignment Wednesday, July 20, in Holland District Court. The boys were trapped in their car seats in the Chevrolet Tahoe when it rolled. The charge of operating while intoxicated causing death carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison upon conviction. Related:3 brothers killed in pond crash were ‘joyful and active,’ family’s obituary says‘Unbelievable, tragic loss:’ Police identify 3 brothers who died after vehicle crashed into pondMother ‘screaming, hysterical’ with sons trapped in submerged vehicle

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Grand Haven State Park on Wednesday, July 20, closed its Lake Michigan swim area because of high waves and strong currents. It said that waves of 3 to 6 feet were expected north of Holland, with 7-foot waves possible near the south side of the piers. Strong currents are expected near the piers, too. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said southwest wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected to create dangerous conditions along the lakeshore. “Dangerous swim conditions will exist at area beaches, particularly Grand Haven State Park and Pere Marquette in Muskegon,” the weather service said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A section of I-96 in West Michigan will close for 15-minute intervals Monday night for sign work. Lane closures will be in effect on eastbound I-96 at Apple Drive near Nunica from 9 p.m. July 18 through 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, according to a notice from the Michigan Department of Transportation. During that period, total closures will be in effect for 15 minutes at a time, according to MDOT. Also on MLive$10,000 grants for home repairs available to Muskegon County homeownersRiders show off ink at Muskegon’s biker ralliesPolice dash camera shows driver losing control, flying off West Michigan freeway

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A driver speeding through a construction zone Sunday lost control and sent their vehicle flying off the freeway. A Michigan State Police sergeant in a marked cruiser saw a driver going 89 mph in a 60 mph construction zone the morning of Sunday, July 17, on westbound I-196 near 32nd Avenue in Ottawa County’s Jamestown Township, MSP said. Dash camera footage shows the car losing control before flying off the road and crashing in a ditch in the pre-dawn darkness. The driver survived and had minor injuries, police said. Police said this is a reminder to slow down in construction zones, because crashes can be fatal.

COOPERSVILLE, MI – Two people were injured in a rollover crash Sunday morning on I-96 near Coopersville. An 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl who were also in the vehicle when it crashed didn’t suffer any injuries, deputies said. The crash was reported around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 17, on westbound I-96 near Coopersville. Around that time, the man was headed westbound on I-96 when his KIA Telluride left the roadway and struck a median barrier, causing the vehicle to overturn. The man and woman were taken to a Grand Rapids hospital by ambulance.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — A motorcyclist yielding to an ambulance was injured when he was struck from behind by another vehicle, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office reports. At 8:17 p.m. Saturday, July 16, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a crash involving a car and a motorcycle on southbound U.S. 31 at James Street in Holland Township. A Subaru Crosstrek was also southbound on U.S. 31, being driven by a 25-year-old Holland woman who did not see the ambulance or the motorcycle and rear-ended the motorcycle causing the collision, according to police. The Holland Township Fire Department assisted on scene and southbound U.S. 31 was closed for a short time to complete the investigation. The crash remains under investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

WEST MICHIGAN -- A 7-year-old boy, a teen and an adult all drowned in turbulent Lake Michigan waters in separate incidents only minutes apart but in two counties. Further north, in Ottawa County’s Ferrysburg, a 16-year-old Norton Shores boy died at North Beach Park about 7:50 p.m. In South Haven, rescuers responded to a report of several people struggling in the water. Rescuers began CPR and rushed the boy to Bronson hospital in South Haven, but he was pronounced dead. A search for the Ohio man will resume when lake conditions improve, South Haven police said.

FERRYSBURG, MI -- Rescuers have responded to a Lake Michigan beach in northern Ottawa County on a report of a possible missing swimmer. Rescuers responded about 7:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 to North Beach Park in Ferrysburg after a witness reported that a person was in the water, but then disappeared. A beach camera at Holland State Park in southern Ottawa County showed high waves and whitecaps in the early evening hours of Wednesday. Swimming at Holland State Park was closed because of the conditions. They also asked for a drone, operated by the Norton Shores Fire Department, to help look.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — A suspect was arraigned on an open murder charge stemming from a call Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to at an Olive Township house on July 11. Matthew Richard Hallacy, 45 of Holland, was arraigned July 13 on a charge of open murder in the 58th District Court. Bond was denied and Hallacy currently remains in the Ottawa County Jail. Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a potential assault in the 6200 block of 120th Avenue where they found Quinn Hallacy deceased at the scene. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended in Holland with the assistance of Holland Department of Public Safety.

A federal appeals court has declined to disturb an Indiana Supreme Court ruling that declared that Lake Michigan’s shoreline is — and always has been — owned by the state for the public’s use.

Police say a 3-year-old western Michigan boy died after being struck by a tractor in Ottawa County.

A 56-year-old worker has died after a stack of wooden trusses fell on him at a home construction site in western Michigan.

Michigan would seem the last place to worry about water shortages.

A western Michigan man has been convicted in the fatal 2019 stabbing of a man whose body was found dumped in an Ottawa County park.

A convicted sex offender is facing anywhere between one day and life in prison after he exposed himself to a teenage girl who was shopping in Rochester Hills, officials said.

Getting through the COVID pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone. One Michigan couple saw their dancing careers halted, but they managed to get through it together.

Thursday was the graduation for the Detroit Achievement Academy’s eighth graders and every student received a life-changing graduation gift.

Police say a 4-year-old child has died after being accidentally shot with a pellet gun in western Michigan’s Ottawa County.

Years later, the University of Michigan law school is seeking a new trial for a western Michigan woman who was convicted of killing her daughter in a house fire.

The Tulip Time Festival is returning to Holland, Michigan this year after being canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Zeeland police are seeking the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Elena Joy Carmona, who was last seen on April 3.

Four men have been wounded _ one critically _ in an early morning shooting at an apartment complex in western Michigan.

HOLLAND, Mich. – Marlena’s Bistro and Pizzeria in Holland has remained open for months defying COVID-19 orders like wearing masks and low density. In January, the state suspended the restaurant’s food license, but owner Marlena Pavlos-Hackney kept it open. READ: Holland restaurant owner arrested for violating Michigan health orders, state saysShe was arrested early Friday morning and brought to Lansing for a hearing. “This is the wrong way to get publicity, this is the wrong way to be a good citizen, it is the wrong way to assist the public in a pandemic,” Aquilina said. READ: 41 Michigan businesses that have had liquor licenses suspended over COVID rulesREAD: Dr. Anthony Fauci warns Gov.

HOLLAND, Mich. – A Michigan restaurant owner has been arrested Friday for allegedly violating the state’s public health orders, in addition to a court-ordered temporary restraining order, amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials report. The Holland restaurant owner is accused of operating her business without a license, since MDARD suspended Pavlos-Hackney’s food establishment license on Jan. 20, officials said. An administrative law judge ordered on Feb. 11 that the Holland restaurant owner’s license suspension continues. According to the Allegan County Health Department, the restaurant failed to practice COVID mitigation strategies such as mask use and social distancing. Throughout the pandemic, more than 40 Michigan establishments have had liquor licenses suspended due to their alleged failure to comply with the state’s health orders.

NOTE: The Michigan Attorney General's Office originally spelled the defendant's name "Doctor." HOLLAND, Mich. – A Michigan man claimed he would be the catalyst for a new American revolution while making death threats against President Joe Biden, Gov. AdDocter claimed he would “be the catalyst” for a new American revolution, according to police. Michigan State Police were also part of the investigation. A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 8, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for April 15.

ALLENDALE, Mich. – Dozens are mourning the sudden loss of Grand Valley State University first-year student Taylor DeRosa. DeRosa’s body was found on Dec. 12 by a jogger near the athletic field on the university’s Allendale campus. Police are investigating her death as suspicious. PREVIOUS: Police investigating suspicious death after body found on Grand Valley campusThe manner of death is not being revealed at this time. Anyone who has information is asked to call the Grand Valley State University Police Department at 616-331-3255.

I offer my deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends. I want to assure you that we have every resource devoted to the investigation and in support of our campus community. The Grand Valley State Police Department will have additional staff working on the Allendale Campus for the remainder of the weekend. The Grand Valley State Police Department and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory, are aggressively investigating this incident. Philomena V. Mantella, Grand Valley State University president

CHICAGO – A Michigan woman has been charged with murder in the deaths of her newborn twin sons more than 17 years ago, police said Saturday. Antoinette Briley, 41, of Holland, Michigan, was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her sons. Cook County detectives eventually identified Briley as the victims’ potential birth mother. Detectives traveled to Holland, Michigan, and obtained a discarded cigarette containing Briley’s DNA, which was matched to the DNA from the victims. Police learned Briley was in Cook County and took her into custody after a traffic stop in suburban Oak Lawn.

Published: September 19, 2020, 10:01 am Updated: September 19, 2020, 10:59 amZEELAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A small plane crashed Saturday shortly after takeoff in western Michigan, killing two people aboard, authorities said. The Ottawa County sheriff's office responded around 6:30 a.m. to an area near Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township. The victims were identified as Dale DeWeese, 61, and Joyce DeWeese, 59, of Zeeland. They were flying a 2006 Byerley RV9A, authorities said. Local authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating.

Students at Grand Valley State University in Allendale Township have been ordered to “stay in place” for 14 days following more than 600 COVID-19 cases. More info here from GVSU:Today, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH), in cooperation with the university, will issue a ‘Staying in Place’ order impacting GVSU students living and studying in Allendale Township. Since opening, there have been more than 600 cases of COVID-19 confirmed among students, according to the Ottawa County Health Department. Grand Valley State University is just the latest college campus to get hit with a COVID-19 outbreak. Related: All MSU students asked to self-quarantine after school confirms 300+ COVID-19 casesMore News

SPRING LAKE, Mich. A Michigan Department of Natural Resources conversation officer rescued an elderly woman from a burning mobile home Wednesday evening in Spring Lake. According to a press release from the DNR, officer Robert Slick, who was off-duty at the time, was jogging at about 5:30 p.m. when he spotted smoke from a distance. The department is proud of Officer Slick and the gentleman who assisted him, said Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. A conservation officer is never truly off-duty and is trained to respond to situations like this.DNR officials said Slick stayed with the woman until medical personnel arrived and evaluated her. Slick has been with the DNR Law Enforcement Division since 2015 and patrols in Ottawa County.

HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) The mother of a 6-year-old boy who drowned in Lake Michigan pleaded guilty Thursday to child neglect. Iain Rowe drowned at Holland State Park on June 6, a day of high waves and warnings. Miranda Rowe, 33, of Spring Lake Township pleaded guilty in Holland District Court. Its not unheard of but its a little unusual to have a parent charged in the drowning death of a child. At least 36 people in four states have drowned in Lake Michigan this year, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. Two men have been rescued from Lake Michigan after they were caught in a rip current while swimming. The 34-year-old and 32-year-old men were at Holland State Park in western Michigans Park Township early Sunday evening when they were swept into deeper water, according to the Ottawa County sheriff's office. A jet ski operator was able to get one of the men to a pier where bystanders began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Another jet ski operator was able to take the second man to a beach where he was evaluated by paramedics. The sheriffs office said a no-swimming notice was posted at the state park where three people have drowned this year.

HOLLAND, Mich. Divers recovered the body of a 6-year-old boy who went missing in Lake Michigan on Saturday at Holland State Park, while the search for a 17-year-old continues. At around 5 p.m. Saturday, crews rushed to Holland State Park after a 6-year-old and 17-year-old were both reported missing, according to WOOD-TV. The search for the two started Sunday morning at Holland State Park. The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office says its dive team found the boys body around 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Crews are still searching for Grand Rapids 17-year-old Christian Ngabo, who vanished while swimming with his 19-year-old brother.

HOLLAND, Mich. Crews continued searching for a missing 6-year-old and 17-year-old who officials fear might have drowned in Lake Michigan Saturday afternoon. The search for the two continued at Holland State Park beginning 7 a.m. Sunday. At around 5 p.m. Saturday crews rushed to Holland State Park after both were reported missing, according to WOOD-TV. Officials are also looking for him on outside of the lake and not ruling he is in the water. The name of the missing teen is not being released.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Police in West Michigan issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for three children on Monday. Here's the info from WOOD:Authorities in Ottawa County are asking for the public's help in locating three missing children. Police said that an Endangered Missing Advisory was issued for 4-year-old Nicholas Smith, 10-year-old Kaidence Enriquez and 8-year-old Walter Enriquez. What is an Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA)? The EMA can be utilized for endangered missing persons of all ages.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Police in West Michigan have issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for three children on Monday. Police said that an Endangered Missing Advisory was issued for 4-year-old Nicholas Smith, 10-year-old Kaidence Enriquez and 8-year-old Walter Enriquez. What is an Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA)? The EMA is used for cases involving missing persons that DO NOT meet the AMBER Alert criteria. The EMA can be utilized for endangered missing persons of all ages.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Police in West Michigan issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for three children on Monday. Here's the info from WOOD:Authorities in Ottawa County are asking for the public's help in locating three missing children. Police said that an Endangered Missing Advisory was issued for 4-year-old Nicholas Smith, 10-year-old Kaidence Enriquez and 8-year-old Walter Enriquez. What is an Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA)? The EMA can be utilized for endangered missing persons of all ages.

An Ottawa County man turned a little bit of luck into a huge payday when he won $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery's $500,000 Wild Time instant game. Players have won more than $24 million playing $500,000 Wild Time, which launched in March. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $500,000. More than $25 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes, 56 $10,000 prizes, and 99 $1,000 prizes. In 2018, Lottery players won more than $1 billion playing instant games.

An Ottawa County man turned a little bit of luck into a huge payday when he won $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery's $500,000 Wild Time instant game. Players have won more than $24 million playing $500,000 Wild Time, which launched in March. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $500,000. More than $25 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes, 56 $10,000 prizes, and 99 $1,000 prizes. In 2018, Lottery players won more than $1 billion playing instant games.

Where do Michigan counties rank among the healthiest in America? U.S. News released their 2019 Healthiest Communities Rankings this week, ranking nearly 3,000 counties on a range of categories. Population healthEquityEducationEconomyHousingFood & nutritionEnvironmentPublic safetyCommunity vtalityInfrasturctureRelated: 6 Michigan cities listed among worst places to live in USWell, no Michigan county ranked that well on the list. Here's where local counties ranked in the top 500:No. 495: Benzie CountyThe healthiest ranked counties were Douglas County (Colorado), Los Alamos County (New Mexico) and Falls Church (Virginia).