Council Approves Snowmelt
Boiler Project Design
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland has hired a contractor to put together a design for building boilers and a plan for phasing in their addition to the city’s snowmelt system.
The council Monday voted 6-0 to enter into a contract with GMB Architecture and Engineering for boiler design and construction phasing for the installation of boilers in the mixed-use building now under construction at 17 E. Main Ave. The $169,560 cost for the contract will be paid for out of leftover funds from the Main Avenue reconstruction and snowmelt installation project that was completed last year.
“This gets us closer to the next step, which would be implementing and building the boilers in the building at 17 E. Main,” Assistant City Manager of City Services/Infrastructure and Finance Kevin Plockmeyer told council members.
“This is a scalable design. We probably won’t need all four or five boilers immediately. We will scale (construction) as we need it.”
The council in March approved a master plan for expansion of the snowmelt system, which proposes extending the system beyond Main Avenue to the Washington Avenue corridor, as well as side streets connecting the city’s two primary east-west streets. Plockmeyer noted that the plan is already being put into action, as snowmelt is being included in the upcoming Church Street reconstruction project.
The city currently has 103,000 square feet of snowmelt in the downtown district, serviced by two boilers – one in the basement of City Hall, the other in the basement of the Howard Miller Library and Community Center. As present, the city does not have the capacity to expand, hence the need for the additional boilers that will be installed in the basement at 17 E. Main, Plockmeyer said.
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland has hired a contractor to put together a design for building boilers and a plan for phasing in their addition to the city’s snowmelt system.
The council Monday voted 6-0 to enter into a contract with GMB Architecture and Engineering for boiler design and construction phasing for the installation of boilers in the mixed-use building now under construction at 17 E. Main Ave. The $169,560 cost for the contract will be paid for out of leftover funds from the Main Avenue reconstruction and snowmelt installation project that was completed last year.
“This gets us closer to the next step, which would be implementing and building the boilers in the building at 17 E. Main,” Assistant City Manager of City Services/Infrastructure and Finance Kevin Plockmeyer told council members.
“This is a scalable design. We probably won’t need all four or five boilers immediately. We will scale (construction) as we need it.”
The council in March approved a master plan for expansion of the snowmelt system, which proposes extending the system beyond Main Avenue to the Washington Avenue corridor, as well as side streets connecting the city’s two primary east-west streets. Plockmeyer noted that the plan is already being put into action, as snowmelt is being included in the upcoming Church Street reconstruction project.
The city currently has 103,000 square feet of snowmelt in the downtown district, serviced by two boilers – one in the basement of City Hall, the other in the basement of the Howard Miller Library and Community Center. As present, the city does not have the capacity to expand, hence the need for the additional boilers that will be installed in the basement at 17 E. Main, Plockmeyer said.
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County Breaks Ground on Veterans Facility
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Construction is underway on Ottawa County’s first facility dedicated to serving the county’s military veterans.
About 50 people turned out for a groundbreaking ceremony July 1 at the county’s Fillmore Street Administrative Complex in West Olive. The new facility will be located in renovated space at the administrative complex that was once used by Ottawa County Probate Court.
Slated for completion this fall, the new facility will be a one-stop shop for veterans seeking assistance. Designed to provide a calm, welcoming and efficient environment, the office will feature:
• Private screening rooms for Veterans Administration claims and benefit consultations
• Individual staff offices to allow for more personalized service
• A comfortable veteran lounge to foster community and connection
• Self-help computer stations for accessing benefits and resources
• A fully equipped conference room for support groups, community events, and outreach programming
County Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel said the new facility will help his team better serve those who have worn the uniform in service to their country.
“This space is more than just walls and offices,” Schenkel said. “It represents a promise: to our county, our department, our Veterans Committee, and most importantly, to the veterans and their families of Ottawa County.”
Other speakers at the ceremony were Third District U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, Ottawa County Commissioner and Veterans Services Committee member Kendra Wenzel, and county board Vice-Chair Josh Brugger. All three spoke to the significance of expanding veteran resources and outreach.
“I cannot overstate how proud I am that West Michigan remains relentlessly committed to honoring and serving our veterans,” Scholten said. “It means so much to me to stand here and recommit ourselves to supporting those who gave so much for our freedoms, and that’s exactly what this facility will do.”
As construction move forward on the project, county leaders reiterated the importance of investing in infrastructure that directly improves residents’ quality of life. For veterans in Ottawa County, this facility represents a meaningful step forward in removing barriers to access.
“We are ensuring that our veterans can receive the services that they deserve without delay,” Brugger said. “Through the tireless efforts of the Veterans Department, the work of the Veterans Committee and volunteers throughout the community, this place will become a symbol of our commitment to help those who sacrificed for our freedoms.”
Currently, the county’s Department of Veterans Services is located inside the county Health Department building at 12251 James St., Suite 300 in Holland Township. It’s estimated that there are nearly 12,000 veterans in Ottawa County.
Established in July 2011, the county Department of Veterans Services is funded with county general fund tax dollars to serve veterans in Ottawa County and their families. The department assists with service-connected disability claims, applying for Veterans Administration pensions, medical transportation, county and federal burial benefits, retrieving military service records, working with government and social service agencies, and providing referrals and support services.
County commissioners in November of last year approved allocating $227,000 in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act toward renovating the former Probate Court space for the veterans facility.
Zeeland Record
Construction is underway on Ottawa County’s first facility dedicated to serving the county’s military veterans.
About 50 people turned out for a groundbreaking ceremony July 1 at the county’s Fillmore Street Administrative Complex in West Olive. The new facility will be located in renovated space at the administrative complex that was once used by Ottawa County Probate Court.
Slated for completion this fall, the new facility will be a one-stop shop for veterans seeking assistance. Designed to provide a calm, welcoming and efficient environment, the office will feature:
• Private screening rooms for Veterans Administration claims and benefit consultations
• Individual staff offices to allow for more personalized service
• A comfortable veteran lounge to foster community and connection
• Self-help computer stations for accessing benefits and resources
• A fully equipped conference room for support groups, community events, and outreach programming
County Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel said the new facility will help his team better serve those who have worn the uniform in service to their country.
“This space is more than just walls and offices,” Schenkel said. “It represents a promise: to our county, our department, our Veterans Committee, and most importantly, to the veterans and their families of Ottawa County.”
Other speakers at the ceremony were Third District U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, Ottawa County Commissioner and Veterans Services Committee member Kendra Wenzel, and county board Vice-Chair Josh Brugger. All three spoke to the significance of expanding veteran resources and outreach.
“I cannot overstate how proud I am that West Michigan remains relentlessly committed to honoring and serving our veterans,” Scholten said. “It means so much to me to stand here and recommit ourselves to supporting those who gave so much for our freedoms, and that’s exactly what this facility will do.”
As construction move forward on the project, county leaders reiterated the importance of investing in infrastructure that directly improves residents’ quality of life. For veterans in Ottawa County, this facility represents a meaningful step forward in removing barriers to access.
“We are ensuring that our veterans can receive the services that they deserve without delay,” Brugger said. “Through the tireless efforts of the Veterans Department, the work of the Veterans Committee and volunteers throughout the community, this place will become a symbol of our commitment to help those who sacrificed for our freedoms.”
Currently, the county’s Department of Veterans Services is located inside the county Health Department building at 12251 James St., Suite 300 in Holland Township. It’s estimated that there are nearly 12,000 veterans in Ottawa County.
Established in July 2011, the county Department of Veterans Services is funded with county general fund tax dollars to serve veterans in Ottawa County and their families. The department assists with service-connected disability claims, applying for Veterans Administration pensions, medical transportation, county and federal burial benefits, retrieving military service records, working with government and social service agencies, and providing referrals and support services.
County commissioners in November of last year approved allocating $227,000 in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act toward renovating the former Probate Court space for the veterans facility.
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33rd Annual Pig Out Next Thursday
In Zeeland, it’s a tradition unlike any other.
The 33rd annual Pig Out to benefit Zeeland Fire Rescue will take place next Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lawrence Street Park.
The Pig Out will feature great food and fun for the entire family, with all proceeds going to support Zeeland Fire Rescue’s community education programs.
The menu will include roast pork, salad, rolls, drinks and ice cream, with hot dogs and macaroni and cheese also available for the kids.
Tickets are $13 for those 13 and older in advance and $14 the day of the Pig Out. Tickets for kids age 3-12 are $7 the day of the event.
The 33rd annual Pig Out to benefit Zeeland Fire Rescue will take place next Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lawrence Street Park.
The Pig Out will feature great food and fun for the entire family, with all proceeds going to support Zeeland Fire Rescue’s community education programs.
The menu will include roast pork, salad, rolls, drinks and ice cream, with hot dogs and macaroni and cheese also available for the kids.
Tickets are $13 for those 13 and older in advance and $14 the day of the Pig Out. Tickets for kids age 3-12 are $7 the day of the event.
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Passenger Suffers Burns in Car Fire
An 18-year-old Benton Harbor man suffered burns to his arms and legs when the car he was in was struck and caught fire early Monday morning on westbound Interstate 196 in Hudsonville.
Ottawa County Central Dispatch received reports of a car on fire on !-196, just west of 32nd Avenue, at 4:49 a.m. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the vehicle on fire in the ditch, Sgt. Chris Reuwer of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said.
A preliminary investigation found that the vehicle was driven by an unknown driver, who fled the scene before first responders arrived. The two passengers in the vehicle advised they were struck by an unknown vehicle and left the roadway. The grass under the vehicle then caught fire, and in turn the vehicle caught on fire. The passengers were able to escape the burning vehicle, Reuwer said.
The 18-year-old man was taken by Life EMS to Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital for treatment of his burns, which were not life-threatening. A 19-year-old passenger was not injured, Reuwer said.
The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Silent Observer at (877) 88-SILENT.
Chalk the Walk Returns to
Repaving Project on Riley Street Underway,
Ottawa County Central Dispatch received reports of a car on fire on !-196, just west of 32nd Avenue, at 4:49 a.m. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the vehicle on fire in the ditch, Sgt. Chris Reuwer of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said.
A preliminary investigation found that the vehicle was driven by an unknown driver, who fled the scene before first responders arrived. The two passengers in the vehicle advised they were struck by an unknown vehicle and left the roadway. The grass under the vehicle then caught fire, and in turn the vehicle caught on fire. The passengers were able to escape the burning vehicle, Reuwer said.
The 18-year-old man was taken by Life EMS to Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital for treatment of his burns, which were not life-threatening. A 19-year-old passenger was not injured, Reuwer said.
The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Silent Observer at (877) 88-SILENT.
____________________________________
Hallie LeBlanc of Abundance Mobile Art Studio will create chalk art pieces at the third annual Chalk the Walk event at Holland’s Windmill Island Gardens on Saturday.
(Photo courtesy City of Holland)
Chalk the Walk Returns to
Windmill Island Gardens
Windmill Island Gardens will host the third annual Chalk the Walk event this Saturday.
Artists of all ages are invited to spend the day creating artwork and decorating the park’s walkways with chalk creations, and can even enjoy some free frozen treats. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As part of the event, visitors can watch professional artist Hallie LeBlanc of Abundance Mobile Art Studio create six large, vibrantly colored chalk pieces drawn live, all day long. Visitors can bring their own chalk with them from home, or purchase some for just $1 during the event while supplies last. All chalk drawings will remain on display as long as weather permits.
Abundance Mobile Art Studio consists of Hallie LeBlanc, a Grand Rapids-based traveling artist ready for any creative idea. From live wedding paintings to murals to chalk art and even art classes, she loves creating art and seeing client’s visions come to life.
“Chalk the Walk is one of my favorite events of the year,” LeBlanc said. “I love to interact with people and children, showing them how I create my art, inviting them to make their own, and even just enjoying this beautiful garden together.”
For those artists craving a sweet treat in the summer heat, our friends from the Holland Police Department will be on hand with the Polar Patrol handing out free ice cream for everyone during the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Regular Windmill Island Gardens admission rates of $13 for adults and $6 for ages 3-15 apply during Chalk the Walk with children under 3 and Holland residents entering the park free with proof of residency.
For more details on Chalk the Walk and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through Oct. 6.
Artists of all ages are invited to spend the day creating artwork and decorating the park’s walkways with chalk creations, and can even enjoy some free frozen treats. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As part of the event, visitors can watch professional artist Hallie LeBlanc of Abundance Mobile Art Studio create six large, vibrantly colored chalk pieces drawn live, all day long. Visitors can bring their own chalk with them from home, or purchase some for just $1 during the event while supplies last. All chalk drawings will remain on display as long as weather permits.
Abundance Mobile Art Studio consists of Hallie LeBlanc, a Grand Rapids-based traveling artist ready for any creative idea. From live wedding paintings to murals to chalk art and even art classes, she loves creating art and seeing client’s visions come to life.
“Chalk the Walk is one of my favorite events of the year,” LeBlanc said. “I love to interact with people and children, showing them how I create my art, inviting them to make their own, and even just enjoying this beautiful garden together.”
For those artists craving a sweet treat in the summer heat, our friends from the Holland Police Department will be on hand with the Polar Patrol handing out free ice cream for everyone during the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Regular Windmill Island Gardens admission rates of $13 for adults and $6 for ages 3-15 apply during Chalk the Walk with children under 3 and Holland residents entering the park free with proof of residency.
For more details on Chalk the Walk and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through Oct. 6.
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LAUP Fiesta in Holland Next Week
Latin Americans United for Progress will hold its 61st annual Fiesta celebration next week.
This five-day cultural festival in Holland celebrates Latino heritage through music, food, dance, and community fun for all ages. It begins next Wednesday and continues through Sunday, July 20.
From downtown happenings to evening concerts and a classic car show, this year’s Fiesta has something for everyone:
• Wednesday, July 16 – Visit the Holland Farmers Market from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a morning filled with family fun and engaging kids’ activities.
• Thursday, July 17 – Experience the energy of downtown Holland with live street performers throughout the evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 18 – The Concert in the Park will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kollen Park, featuring Mariachi Universal de Chicago and Ballet Folklórico Sol Azteca.
The celebration will continue at El Rancho (Riley Street location) with a special Mariachi Universal performance from 9 to 11 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds from the evening at El Rancho will benefit LAUP.
• Saturday, July 19 – It’s a full-day Fiesta from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Holland Civic Center Place, packed with delicious food, live entertainment, cultural vendors, and family-friendly activities. Later, dance the night away at the Fiesta Baile at the Civic Center from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring Grammy-nominated acts Banda Maguey and Grupo Secretto, along with DJ Kuba and DJ TWO 3.
• Sunday, July 20 – End the week with the Fiesta Car Show, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Civic Center – a community favorite for families and car lovers alike.
“This celebration is a beautiful reflection of our community’s diversity and unity,” LAUP Board President Abraham Roa said. “It’s an honor to celebrate 61 years of tradition, culture, and progress in Holland.”
For more information, event updates, and tickets, visit laup.org/fiesta.
This five-day cultural festival in Holland celebrates Latino heritage through music, food, dance, and community fun for all ages. It begins next Wednesday and continues through Sunday, July 20.
From downtown happenings to evening concerts and a classic car show, this year’s Fiesta has something for everyone:
• Wednesday, July 16 – Visit the Holland Farmers Market from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a morning filled with family fun and engaging kids’ activities.
• Thursday, July 17 – Experience the energy of downtown Holland with live street performers throughout the evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 18 – The Concert in the Park will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kollen Park, featuring Mariachi Universal de Chicago and Ballet Folklórico Sol Azteca.
The celebration will continue at El Rancho (Riley Street location) with a special Mariachi Universal performance from 9 to 11 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds from the evening at El Rancho will benefit LAUP.
• Saturday, July 19 – It’s a full-day Fiesta from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Holland Civic Center Place, packed with delicious food, live entertainment, cultural vendors, and family-friendly activities. Later, dance the night away at the Fiesta Baile at the Civic Center from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring Grammy-nominated acts Banda Maguey and Grupo Secretto, along with DJ Kuba and DJ TWO 3.
• Sunday, July 20 – End the week with the Fiesta Car Show, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Civic Center – a community favorite for families and car lovers alike.
“This celebration is a beautiful reflection of our community’s diversity and unity,” LAUP Board President Abraham Roa said. “It’s an honor to celebrate 61 years of tradition, culture, and progress in Holland.”
For more information, event updates, and tickets, visit laup.org/fiesta.
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Repaving Project on Riley Street Underway,
Remains Open Until Work Complete
Contractors for the Ottawa County Road Commission have begun resurfacing work on a 2-mile stretch of Riley Street just west of the Zeeland city limits.
The project runs from 96th Avenue west to 112th Avenue. It involves milling the existing pavement, paving one layer of hot mix asphalt and reconstruction of the sidewalk ramps, the Road Commission said in a news release.
The project is slated for completion by Aug. 15. All work is weather-dependent, and dates are subject to change, the Road Commission said.
Riley Street will remain open to through traffic during the resurfacing project, with traffic being maintained using temporary lane closures under flag control during work hours. Be prepared for possible delays when traveling through this area.
The project runs from 96th Avenue west to 112th Avenue. It involves milling the existing pavement, paving one layer of hot mix asphalt and reconstruction of the sidewalk ramps, the Road Commission said in a news release.
The project is slated for completion by Aug. 15. All work is weather-dependent, and dates are subject to change, the Road Commission said.
Riley Street will remain open to through traffic during the resurfacing project, with traffic being maintained using temporary lane closures under flag control during work hours. Be prepared for possible delays when traveling through this area.
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