County PDR Program Preserves Olive Township Farm
Donna and Lyle Veldheer pose on the Olive Township farm they have owned since 1970. The Veldheers recently had their farm protected as agricultural land under Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights program.
Photo courtesy Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact
Like many Midwesterners of a certain age, lifelong farming couple Lyle and Donna Veldheer were born into the business.
“My dad was a dairy farmer. But of course, back then you had chickens, you had cows, wheat, corn,” Lyle Veldheer said.
Donna Veldheer’s upbringing was much the same. “We had cattle, horses, steers, chickens ... whatever they could make some money on,” she recalled.
As children, Lyle and Donna lived kitty-corner from each other in Olive Township and played together. They fell in love, married young, and in 1970 bought what was initially a five-acre strawberry farm and house they still live in on Blair Street.
“We paid just $17,500 for the five acres and the house,” said Donna. “And another $500 for the tractor, a little strawberry planter and a cultivator.
Over the years, they raised a variety of crops, acquired more property and expanded their operation to the 36 acres it is today.
Much has changed since 1970; what hasn’t is the Veldheers’ dedication to agriculture.
Last month, their farm became the ninth property protected through Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. This agreement guarantees the Veldheers’ land will continue to be used for agricultural purposes in perpetuity.
With a lifetime in the business, it was important for the Veldheers to protect their agricultural legacy.
“We love the land. We really felt like we never wanted to see this developed,” said Donna. “We wanted to have young people have their opportunity to farm.”
The Veldheers preservation legacy doesn’t stop with the land itself. The property was protected in part by the Farmland and Water Quality Conservation Initiative, a broad regional partnership funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Veldheer property has several unique features that provide opportunities for water-related conservation, including:
Groundwater: The farm is located within an area of concern for groundwater withdrawals from within the deep bedrock aquifer system. With the property now preserved for agriculture, more active management can occur to conserve this limited resource than would otherwise happen with residential development. Any type of development here could further stress groundwater conditions because the area does not have municipal infrastructure.
Surface water: A county drain crosses a corner of the property. Conservation buffers have been planted near the drain to act as a natural filter, reducing excess nutrients and sediment from entering surface water.
The Veldheer property is the second Olive Township farm to be preserved via the PDR program. The other, Shady Side Farm, is across the street and is run by Lona and Mike Bronkema - the Veldheers’ daughter and son-in-law.
“It’s really ideal for the PDR program and the County’s larger mission of farmland preservation to have contiguous or adjacent properties protected,” Agriculture and Economic Resources Coordinator Becky Huttenga said. “Having larger corridors of ag land is more conducive to successful farming and can actually encourage more operations.”
In a way, the Veldheers had been involved in farmland preservation for decades - they helped the Bronkemas acquire Shady Side Farm and have supported them as they expanded their operation over the years.
Today, Shady Side uses the Veldheers’ land in their crop rotation, growing organic dry beans, small grains, corn, or as grazing land for the Bronkemas’ sheep and cattle.
Now through April 25, farmers and other landowners in Ottawa County may apply to preserve their eligible agriculturally zoned property by selling the development rights.
Landowners protect their property from development by creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement, which guarantees it can only be used for agriculture purposes. Landowners are compensated for lost development potential yet still own the land and retain all rights associated with it. Anyone interested can learn more and complete a pre-application by visiting miottawa.org/farmland.
No county money is used to pay landowners for their development rights. The PDR program is completely funded through private donations, state and federal grants, and landowner contributions.
Funds from The Natural Resource Conservation Service grant made protecting the Veldheer property possible.
“Grant funding and donations are integral to the continued success of the PDR program,” farmland preservation analyst Julie Lamer said.
With area farmers producing more than $726 million in products annually (2022 Ag Census), it’s easy to see Ottawa County is an agricultural powerhouse. At the same time, Ottawa County is growing quickly, and this growth is putting pressure on our highly productive farmland.
Ottawa County strives to protect the local agriculture industry through education, advocacy, economic development support and promoting the benefits of creating agricultural easements through the PDR program.
Learn more about Ottawa County’s farmland preservation efforts by visiting miottawa.org/ farmland, or by attending the Agricultural Preservation Board’s annual fundraiser and chefs’ competition, Farms are the Tapas, which is usually held in September.
“My dad was a dairy farmer. But of course, back then you had chickens, you had cows, wheat, corn,” Lyle Veldheer said.
Donna Veldheer’s upbringing was much the same. “We had cattle, horses, steers, chickens ... whatever they could make some money on,” she recalled.
As children, Lyle and Donna lived kitty-corner from each other in Olive Township and played together. They fell in love, married young, and in 1970 bought what was initially a five-acre strawberry farm and house they still live in on Blair Street.
“We paid just $17,500 for the five acres and the house,” said Donna. “And another $500 for the tractor, a little strawberry planter and a cultivator.
Over the years, they raised a variety of crops, acquired more property and expanded their operation to the 36 acres it is today.
Much has changed since 1970; what hasn’t is the Veldheers’ dedication to agriculture.
Last month, their farm became the ninth property protected through Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. This agreement guarantees the Veldheers’ land will continue to be used for agricultural purposes in perpetuity.
With a lifetime in the business, it was important for the Veldheers to protect their agricultural legacy.
“We love the land. We really felt like we never wanted to see this developed,” said Donna. “We wanted to have young people have their opportunity to farm.”
The Veldheers preservation legacy doesn’t stop with the land itself. The property was protected in part by the Farmland and Water Quality Conservation Initiative, a broad regional partnership funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Veldheer property has several unique features that provide opportunities for water-related conservation, including:
Groundwater: The farm is located within an area of concern for groundwater withdrawals from within the deep bedrock aquifer system. With the property now preserved for agriculture, more active management can occur to conserve this limited resource than would otherwise happen with residential development. Any type of development here could further stress groundwater conditions because the area does not have municipal infrastructure.
Surface water: A county drain crosses a corner of the property. Conservation buffers have been planted near the drain to act as a natural filter, reducing excess nutrients and sediment from entering surface water.
The Veldheer property is the second Olive Township farm to be preserved via the PDR program. The other, Shady Side Farm, is across the street and is run by Lona and Mike Bronkema - the Veldheers’ daughter and son-in-law.
“It’s really ideal for the PDR program and the County’s larger mission of farmland preservation to have contiguous or adjacent properties protected,” Agriculture and Economic Resources Coordinator Becky Huttenga said. “Having larger corridors of ag land is more conducive to successful farming and can actually encourage more operations.”
In a way, the Veldheers had been involved in farmland preservation for decades - they helped the Bronkemas acquire Shady Side Farm and have supported them as they expanded their operation over the years.
Today, Shady Side uses the Veldheers’ land in their crop rotation, growing organic dry beans, small grains, corn, or as grazing land for the Bronkemas’ sheep and cattle.
Now through April 25, farmers and other landowners in Ottawa County may apply to preserve their eligible agriculturally zoned property by selling the development rights.
Landowners protect their property from development by creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement, which guarantees it can only be used for agriculture purposes. Landowners are compensated for lost development potential yet still own the land and retain all rights associated with it. Anyone interested can learn more and complete a pre-application by visiting miottawa.org/farmland.
No county money is used to pay landowners for their development rights. The PDR program is completely funded through private donations, state and federal grants, and landowner contributions.
Funds from The Natural Resource Conservation Service grant made protecting the Veldheer property possible.
“Grant funding and donations are integral to the continued success of the PDR program,” farmland preservation analyst Julie Lamer said.
With area farmers producing more than $726 million in products annually (2022 Ag Census), it’s easy to see Ottawa County is an agricultural powerhouse. At the same time, Ottawa County is growing quickly, and this growth is putting pressure on our highly productive farmland.
Ottawa County strives to protect the local agriculture industry through education, advocacy, economic development support and promoting the benefits of creating agricultural easements through the PDR program.
Learn more about Ottawa County’s farmland preservation efforts by visiting miottawa.org/ farmland, or by attending the Agricultural Preservation Board’s annual fundraiser and chefs’ competition, Farms are the Tapas, which is usually held in September.
County Medication Takeback Event April 26
Safely dispose of your unused or expired medications at the Ottawa County Medication Takeback Event on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital, 8333 Felch St.
Proper medication disposal helps protect your family, your community, and the environment, and this event provides a drive-thru opportunity to do so.
The following items will be accepted at the takeback event: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications and sharps.
For more information, contact Daniel Gardner at daniel@miot tawa.org.
Proper medication disposal helps protect your family, your community, and the environment, and this event provides a drive-thru opportunity to do so.
The following items will be accepted at the takeback event: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications and sharps.
For more information, contact Daniel Gardner at daniel@miot tawa.org.
56th Avenue Closed For Culvert Work
A section of 56th Avenue, north of Perry Street in Zeeland Township is closed to through traffic this week for a culvert replacement project by the Ottawa County Road Commission.
The work is expected to last through Friday. However, the Road Commission said that all dates are tentative and the work is weather-dependent.
The posted detour route during construction is Byron Road to 64th Avenue to Adams Street and then back to 56th Avenue, the Road Commission said.
The work is expected to last through Friday. However, the Road Commission said that all dates are tentative and the work is weather-dependent.
The posted detour route during construction is Byron Road to 64th Avenue to Adams Street and then back to 56th Avenue, the Road Commission said.
BPW Adds to Renewable Energy Portfolio
The Zeeland Board of Public Works, through partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), has added 2.9 megawatts to its sustainable energy portfolio, enough to power about 700 homes annually.
This increase comes as Brandt Woods Solar, a solar array in Calhoun County, entered into commercial operation in March. The project was developed by AES, a leading renewable energy developer and global energy company.
“The BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for over a decade and we are excited to begin receiving energy from this project,” BPW Power Supply and Market Operations Manager Robert Mulder said.
The project is projected to supply a little more than 1 percent of BPW’s annual energy requirements during the 20-year term.
“Although a small portion of our portfolio, it provides added diversification and renewable energy that we need,” Mulder said.
In addition to two wind projects, this is the fourth Michigan-based solar project the BPW has under contract, with two more being constructed and scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026. The BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service to their customers at competitive rates and will continue to pursue opportunities like this when they are a good fit.
The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA is not only a good story for public power but provides opportunities to participate in large projects realizing economies of scale that individually might not be possible.
Zeeland BPW, along with 12 other public power utility providers across the state, purchased a combined 25 MW power agreement through MPPA. This project has been on the horizon for the BPW since 2021 when they signed on for the project. The project reached commercial operation on March 19, 2025.
“Brandt Woods Solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan,” MPPA chief executive officer and general manager Patrick Bowland said. “We appreciate the efforts of AES in bringing this impressive project to commercial operation.”
Michigan has aggressive renewable energy standards established under recently passed clean energy legislation, and utilities across the state have been making adjustments to meet or exceed these standards. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as Brandt Woods Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like Zeeland BPW to build resources to meet those goals.
This increase comes as Brandt Woods Solar, a solar array in Calhoun County, entered into commercial operation in March. The project was developed by AES, a leading renewable energy developer and global energy company.
“The BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for over a decade and we are excited to begin receiving energy from this project,” BPW Power Supply and Market Operations Manager Robert Mulder said.
The project is projected to supply a little more than 1 percent of BPW’s annual energy requirements during the 20-year term.
“Although a small portion of our portfolio, it provides added diversification and renewable energy that we need,” Mulder said.
In addition to two wind projects, this is the fourth Michigan-based solar project the BPW has under contract, with two more being constructed and scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026. The BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service to their customers at competitive rates and will continue to pursue opportunities like this when they are a good fit.
The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA is not only a good story for public power but provides opportunities to participate in large projects realizing economies of scale that individually might not be possible.
Zeeland BPW, along with 12 other public power utility providers across the state, purchased a combined 25 MW power agreement through MPPA. This project has been on the horizon for the BPW since 2021 when they signed on for the project. The project reached commercial operation on March 19, 2025.
“Brandt Woods Solar is another example of MPPA members making long-term commitments to get new renewable resources built in Michigan,” MPPA chief executive officer and general manager Patrick Bowland said. “We appreciate the efforts of AES in bringing this impressive project to commercial operation.”
Michigan has aggressive renewable energy standards established under recently passed clean energy legislation, and utilities across the state have been making adjustments to meet or exceed these standards. Through layering multiple, shared investments such as Brandt Woods Solar, MPPA works with utility providers like Zeeland BPW to build resources to meet those goals.
Legion Auxiliary Visits Veterans at SKLD
Members of the Gilbert D. Karsten American Legion Auxiliary Unit 33 recently met with veteran residents of the SKLD care facility on State Street in Zeeland. Unit members use funds raised through poppy sales and other fundraising initiatives to purchase crafts, games, books and food to let the veterans know they are appreciated and cared for. The effort was organized by auxiliary members Sheryl Klynstra and Karen Hooker. Klynstra is pictured here with veteran and SKLD resident Vern Klein.
Photo courtesy Karen Hooker
Photo courtesy Karen Hooker
Starting the Conversation with Family, Friends on Advance Care Planning
Britt Fischer, a social worker with Emmanuel Hospice, encourages advance care planning sooner rather than later to ensure your wishes for health care are honored through the end of life.
Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice
Who will make decisions about your health in the event you aren’t able to make them yourself?
That’s the question at the heart of National Healthcare Decisions Day. Every April, this annual initiative emphasizes the importance of talking with your loved ones about your health care wishes, formally documenting those wishes and designating someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so.
This process, known as advance care planning, is something Britt Fischer regularly discusses with patients and families in her role as a social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. In Fischer’s experience, many people wait until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner.
“Working for a hospice provider really opened my eyes,” Fischer said. “Every day is not guaranteed, so it is never too soon to get these plans in place.”
Advance care planning can be intimidating to talk about because of the stigma around end-of-life discussions in our society, but Fischer likes to say, “it is less about death and dying, and more about your health, your decisions and your rights.”
“Everyone has the right to know who is going to be making decisions for them,” she said. “Everyone should be able to feel confident that person is going to make decisions that are in line with their wishes – not anyone else’s.”
To help broach the topic with loved ones, Fischer recommends four conversations starters:
• I recently learned about advance care planning. Have you discussed your wishes for future medical decisions with any loved ones?
• Do you know who would be your health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself?
• Do you know if you have an advance directive in place? If not, can I help you with one?
• What do you think are the most important decisions to make ahead of time regarding your health?
Fischer recognizes advance care planning can also be confusing because there are a lot of different terms that are used – many of which mean the same thing.
“We want to see a durable power of attorney designated specifically for health care,” Fischer clarifies. “This is sometimes referred to as a health care proxy or patient advocate, but what it comes down to is whether you have in writing who will be responsible for making decisions for different medical events. We recommend listing additional people as backups in case the first-named person is unable to serve when the time comes.”
Filling out a form that’s known as an advance directive will serve as a legal guide for designating that decision maker and documenting what you want. It is recommended to review and update your advance directive anytime one of the “3 Ds” happen – death, divorce or diagnosis.
“There are many advance directive forms available online,” Fischer said. “CaringInfo.org is a great resource to find an appropriate one for your state. You’ll also need two people who are not related to you to witness. Often neighbors or friends can help with that part. Notarization is not necessary.”
In the state of Michigan, living wills are not legally binding. Only a durable power of attorney for health care can ensure your wishes are honored.
Fischer also recommends filling out a Michigan funeral representative form, which designates someone to make decisions about your funeral arrangements and cremation.
“I’ve found it’s best to be clear and concise about what you want to happen at the end of life,” Fischer said. “This ensures your wishes are honored, rather than leaving your loved ones to guess or debate during an already difficult time.”
Who will make decisions about your health in the event you aren’t able to make them yourself?
That’s the question at the heart of National Healthcare Decisions Day. Every April, this annual initiative emphasizes the importance of talking with your loved ones about your health care wishes, formally documenting those wishes and designating someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so.
This process, known as advance care planning, is something Britt Fischer regularly discusses with patients and families in her role as a social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. In Fischer’s experience, many people wait until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner.
“Working for a hospice provider really opened my eyes,” Fischer said. “Every day is not guaranteed, so it is never too soon to get these plans in place.”
Advance care planning can be intimidating to talk about because of the stigma around end-of-life discussions in our society, but Fischer likes to say, “it is less about death and dying, and more about your health, your decisions and your rights.”
“Everyone has the right to know who is going to be making decisions for them,” she said. “Everyone should be able to feel confident that person is going to make decisions that are in line with their wishes – not anyone else’s.”
To help broach the topic with loved ones, Fischer recommends four conversations starters:
• I recently learned about advance care planning. Have you discussed your wishes for future medical decisions with any loved ones?
• Do you know who would be your health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself?
• Do you know if you have an advance directive in place? If not, can I help you with one?
• What do you think are the most important decisions to make ahead of time regarding your health?
Fischer recognizes advance care planning can also be confusing because there are a lot of different terms that are used – many of which mean the same thing.
“We want to see a durable power of attorney designated specifically for health care,” Fischer clarifies. “This is sometimes referred to as a health care proxy or patient advocate, but what it comes down to is whether you have in writing who will be responsible for making decisions for different medical events. We recommend listing additional people as backups in case the first-named person is unable to serve when the time comes.”
Filling out a form that’s known as an advance directive will serve as a legal guide for designating that decision maker and documenting what you want. It is recommended to review and update your advance directive anytime one of the “3 Ds” happen – death, divorce or diagnosis.
“There are many advance directive forms available online,” Fischer said. “CaringInfo.org is a great resource to find an appropriate one for your state. You’ll also need two people who are not related to you to witness. Often neighbors or friends can help with that part. Notarization is not necessary.”
In the state of Michigan, living wills are not legally binding. Only a durable power of attorney for health care can ensure your wishes are honored.
Fischer also recommends filling out a Michigan funeral representative form, which designates someone to make decisions about your funeral arrangements and cremation.
“I’ve found it’s best to be clear and concise about what you want to happen at the end of life,” Fischer said. “This ensures your wishes are honored, rather than leaving your loved ones to guess or debate during an already difficult time.”
Herrick Library to Hold ‘Office Week’ April 21-25
The world of Dunder Mifflin will come to life this month at Herrick District Library with events that capture the quirky charm and humor of the beloved sitcom “The Office.”
Whether it's an Office-themed escape room, crafts or a trivia night, fans will be able to relive the magic of Scranton during HDL’s Office Week, April 21-25.
“We chose ‘The Office’ both because of the comradery you instantly get from others who have watched the show and to highlight that the library is a place for fandoms of all kinds,” librarian Jake Ryan said. “While we clearly love books — TV shows, video games, movies, and so much more are also part of the library's DNA."
The American mockumentary “The Office” is celebrating 20 years. It first aired in 2005 and garnered millions of fans during its nine seasons.
Participants will celebrate all of the cringiest, prankiest, and heartfelt moments from "The Office" with crafts 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, April 21-24, at Herrick’s main library, 300 S. River Ave. The events are free. No registration is required, but all crafts are available while supplies last.
Monday’s craft will be star mugs and Shrinky Dinks, Tuesday’s theme is “Scented Candles by ... You,” on Wednesday participants will create Office quote embroidery and Thursday will be “Chili Spice Blends on Pretzel Day.”
Episodes of “The Office” will play during each of the crafting programs.
The library will also host an Office trivia night 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.
Two “Party Planning Committee After Hours Escape Rooms” are planned for Friday, April 25. The Party Planning Committee-themed escape rooms (6:15 – 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) are designed for three to six people. Registration is required. Register for a slot at herrickdl.org/events.
All events are suitable for adults and teens.
Whether it's an Office-themed escape room, crafts or a trivia night, fans will be able to relive the magic of Scranton during HDL’s Office Week, April 21-25.
“We chose ‘The Office’ both because of the comradery you instantly get from others who have watched the show and to highlight that the library is a place for fandoms of all kinds,” librarian Jake Ryan said. “While we clearly love books — TV shows, video games, movies, and so much more are also part of the library's DNA."
The American mockumentary “The Office” is celebrating 20 years. It first aired in 2005 and garnered millions of fans during its nine seasons.
Participants will celebrate all of the cringiest, prankiest, and heartfelt moments from "The Office" with crafts 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, April 21-24, at Herrick’s main library, 300 S. River Ave. The events are free. No registration is required, but all crafts are available while supplies last.
Monday’s craft will be star mugs and Shrinky Dinks, Tuesday’s theme is “Scented Candles by ... You,” on Wednesday participants will create Office quote embroidery and Thursday will be “Chili Spice Blends on Pretzel Day.”
Episodes of “The Office” will play during each of the crafting programs.
The library will also host an Office trivia night 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.
Two “Party Planning Committee After Hours Escape Rooms” are planned for Friday, April 25. The Party Planning Committee-themed escape rooms (6:15 – 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) are designed for three to six people. Registration is required. Register for a slot at herrickdl.org/events.
All events are suitable for adults and teens.
Check Status of Social Security Benefits Claim Online
By Hillary Hatch
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal my Social Security account.
If you don’t have an account, you can create one at ssa.gov/ myaccount to review the following information about your appeal:
• Date of filing.
• Current claim location.
• Scheduled hearing date and time.
• Incomplete applications.
• Servicing office location.
• Publications of interest, depending on the claim and current step in the process.
If you have questions about retirement, disability, Medicare, or survivor benefits, or about Supplemental Security Income, visit our webpage at ssa.gov/benefits. Please share this information with your loved ones.
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal my Social Security account.
If you don’t have an account, you can create one at ssa.gov/ myaccount to review the following information about your appeal:
• Date of filing.
• Current claim location.
• Scheduled hearing date and time.
• Incomplete applications.
• Servicing office location.
• Publications of interest, depending on the claim and current step in the process.
If you have questions about retirement, disability, Medicare, or survivor benefits, or about Supplemental Security Income, visit our webpage at ssa.gov/benefits. Please share this information with your loved ones.
Wellness Gathering Set
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County and Ottawa County Veterans Services are hosting a new event next week at the Fillmore Street Administration Building in West Olive.
The Ottawa County Wellness Gathering will take place Tuesday, April 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the main conference room of the Fillmore Administration Building, 12130 Fillmore St. The event is free.
There will be coffee, resources for wellness, community, and a presentation from experts at the University of Michigan Chronic Pain & Fatigue Center.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/cmh.
The Ottawa County Wellness Gathering will take place Tuesday, April 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the main conference room of the Fillmore Administration Building, 12130 Fillmore St. The event is free.
There will be coffee, resources for wellness, community, and a presentation from experts at the University of Michigan Chronic Pain & Fatigue Center.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/cmh.
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