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The following articles, updates, and upcoming events have been curated from a variety of sources:
To help families stay warm this winter, join Walk for Warmth. Walk on Saturday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. at EV Construction, 86 E 6th Street in Holland. Although not required, you may register in advance at miOttawa.org/w4w. (If you do, you'll be entered into prize drawings.) After you register, donate any amount and join others walking for the cause.
You can also forgo the walk and donate to Walk for Warmth. Donate online at miOttawa.org/w4w or mail checks payable to Walk for Warmth to Community Action Agency, 12251 James Street, Suite 300, Holland, MI, 49424.
The West Michigan growing season may not have started yet, but the Ottawa County Agriculture Preservation Board is celebrating a bumper crop after officially protecting its sixth property, Shady Side Farm, into the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. This agreement guarantees the land will continue to be used for agricultural purposes or remain in a natural state in perpetuity.
"I am so glad to see this program taking off," said farm co-owner and operator Mike Bronkema.
Read more and learn about Shady Side Farm here.
 Shady Side Farm is unique because of the diversity of products its operators produce, including beef, lamb for meat and wool, organic dry beans, and grains including corn, einkorn, spelt, and barley. These products can be purchased at area farmers markets, or directly at their farm store. [Images courtesy Shady Side Farm]
Do you own property and are interested in preserving your farmland or know someone who might be? Now through March 31, farmers and other landowners may apply to preserve their eligible, agriculturally zoned property by selling its development rights.
You can get the process started today by completing a preapplication at bit.ly/OCPDRapp. Not sure if your property is in a participating township? Visit bit.ly/OCadopted. Have additional questions? Contact the Department of Strategic Impact at 616-738-4852 or email plan@miottawa.org.
Landowners who choose to participate in the program can protect their farmland by selling the development rights to the County, creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement. Landowners still own the land, retain all rights associated with it, and are compensated for lost development potential.
Would you like to become more involved in Ottawa County government? Apply for a seat on a board or commission. View the list of committees and open seats online. This page is updated regularly, so check back often.
Are you fascinated by the weather? When a storm is predicted, is your first instinct to head to the front porch? If your answer is yes, the SKYWARN® Spotter Training is for you. Ottawa and Kent County SKYWARN® are holding a weather spotter training on March 21 at 6:30 PM at Grandville Middle School (3535 Wilson).
Storm spotters provide valuable information on all types of weather hazards to meteorologists in their local National Weather Service forecast offices. Meteorologists use this information, especially during storms, to create a complete picture of area weather conditions. The training is free but online registration is required. Learn more.
On January 24, 2023 the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the partnership between the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission with the Port Sheldon Township to manage:
If you’re a summertime beachgoer, you know first-hand that local beaches have been bustling! Busier parks and bigger crowds result in a need for additional staff to support the increase in visitation.
“Over the past year and a half, the Port Sheldon Township Board has been working to address an influx of issues with our lakeshore parks, including complaints of overcrowding, abuse of rules, trespassing, and other issues,” said Port Sheldon Township Supervisor, Mike Sabatino. “Through a management agreement, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation has been contracted to handle the custodial and enforcement concerns for the parks.”
Jason Shamblin, Director of the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission said the County would be responsible for the maintenance and operations of Kouw and Windsnest Park, while the Township would be responsible for capital improvements and major renovations.
“This will be a great win-win for both of us,” said Shamblin. “We’ll have shared responsibility, and I think it’s going to work out great. This model of forging partnerships and collaborations to serve residents is consistent with the Parks Commission’s ongoing strategy of leveraging the public investment made by the community.”
Port Sheldon Township resident? Read more about what this means for you.
Windsnest Park
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