Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacob Lytle has performed more than 100 joint replacement surgeries in the past year using the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system. The Mako system is credited with helping patients recover faster from knee and hip replacement surgery, with less damage to surrounding soft tissue and less pain.
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
If you’re facing the possibility of joint replacement surgery, Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital is using robotics-based technology to help patients recover faster from such surgeries and with less pain.
For the past year, the hospital has offered Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery for knee and hip replacements. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacob Lytle has performed more than 100 such procedures in that time span, giving his patients greater freedom of mobility and allowing them to return to activities they may have stopped doing because of joint pain.
“(Using the robotic arm) is not so much of a specialty, but a tool that I use in my specialty,” Lytle said.
Lytle joined Corewell Health in 2023 after completing a fellowship at the Core Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., where he was trained in the use of robotic devices to perform hip and knee replacement operations.
Lytle said that he uses robotics mostly for primary knee replacement procedures, saying it benefits the patient in that it provides greater precision in positioning of the implant. It results, he says, in less soft tissue damage during the procedure “because of how we can use the robot to adjust the implant position, rather than the soft tissue, to make the knee feel closer to a normal knee.”
Before the surgery takes place, a three-dimensional CT scan is taken of the joint to be replaced and is uploaded into the Mako system software, which then creates a 3-D model of the joint. That model helps the surgeon plan for the procedure.
“Before we make any cuts or anything like that, we put pins into the bone that has an array on it, and the robot has a camera,” Lytle said. “I use a type of probe to pinpoint the bone locations, and it checks that against where it should be with the CT scan. That allows it to know where in space the bone is, and once we’ve confirmed all that … it allows me to use the saw to cut the bone. The pins stay in place in the bone, so anywhere the knee moves, the robot knows where that bone has moved to. That allows me to check where the saw cuts should be.”
Lytle says the Mako system, which is manufactured by Portage-based medical technology giant Stryker, offers advantages to surgeons over other robotic systems that aren’t CT-based.
“I like knowing that I have a scan that goes through the hip to the ankle, to get the ideal position throughout the whole bone, so the calculations they are doing, I think, are more precise,” he said. “The other thing is … it only lets you cut within a specified area. It can’t cut outside of where bone should be. It helps to protect soft tissues from damage.”
While the vast majority of robotic-arm assisted joint replacements are with the knees and hips, Lytle says the process is starting to branch into other bone replacement procedures.
“I know the shoulder is something that’s coming with the newer iterations of the Mako, as well as other joints,” he said.
You can learn more about Corewell Health’s robotic- assisted surgery at corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/orthopedics/mako.
Zeeland Record
If you’re facing the possibility of joint replacement surgery, Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital is using robotics-based technology to help patients recover faster from such surgeries and with less pain.
For the past year, the hospital has offered Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery for knee and hip replacements. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacob Lytle has performed more than 100 such procedures in that time span, giving his patients greater freedom of mobility and allowing them to return to activities they may have stopped doing because of joint pain.
“(Using the robotic arm) is not so much of a specialty, but a tool that I use in my specialty,” Lytle said.
Lytle joined Corewell Health in 2023 after completing a fellowship at the Core Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., where he was trained in the use of robotic devices to perform hip and knee replacement operations.
Lytle said that he uses robotics mostly for primary knee replacement procedures, saying it benefits the patient in that it provides greater precision in positioning of the implant. It results, he says, in less soft tissue damage during the procedure “because of how we can use the robot to adjust the implant position, rather than the soft tissue, to make the knee feel closer to a normal knee.”
Before the surgery takes place, a three-dimensional CT scan is taken of the joint to be replaced and is uploaded into the Mako system software, which then creates a 3-D model of the joint. That model helps the surgeon plan for the procedure.
“Before we make any cuts or anything like that, we put pins into the bone that has an array on it, and the robot has a camera,” Lytle said. “I use a type of probe to pinpoint the bone locations, and it checks that against where it should be with the CT scan. That allows it to know where in space the bone is, and once we’ve confirmed all that … it allows me to use the saw to cut the bone. The pins stay in place in the bone, so anywhere the knee moves, the robot knows where that bone has moved to. That allows me to check where the saw cuts should be.”
Lytle says the Mako system, which is manufactured by Portage-based medical technology giant Stryker, offers advantages to surgeons over other robotic systems that aren’t CT-based.
“I like knowing that I have a scan that goes through the hip to the ankle, to get the ideal position throughout the whole bone, so the calculations they are doing, I think, are more precise,” he said. “The other thing is … it only lets you cut within a specified area. It can’t cut outside of where bone should be. It helps to protect soft tissues from damage.”
While the vast majority of robotic-arm assisted joint replacements are with the knees and hips, Lytle says the process is starting to branch into other bone replacement procedures.
“I know the shoulder is something that’s coming with the newer iterations of the Mako, as well as other joints,” he said.
You can learn more about Corewell Health’s robotic- assisted surgery at corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/orthopedics/mako.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson Hearing Postponed
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland has postponed a Planning Commission public hearing that had been scheduled for next Monday on the latest rezoning request by Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition as part of the company’s proposal to modernize its infant formula manufacturing plant.
City Manager Tim Klunder said Monday that the hearing was scrapped after it was discovered that notices that were to be sent to neighbors were not sent out in a timely fashion. The hearing was to have been held at the Howard Miller Community Center. No new hearing date had been scheduled as of press time.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson is asking the city to rezone the properties at 515, 549 and 553 E. Main Ave. to I-2 general industrial use. The City Council last month approved the initial request of Mead Johnson to rezone the properties at 605 and 633 E. Main Ave. The 605 E. Main site was rezoned from R-3 two-family residential to I-2 and the 633 E. Main property was rezoned from R-2 single-family residential and two-family residential to I-2.
The 515 E. Main property is currently occupied by Bethel Christian Reformed Church. The church sold the 2.36-acre property to Mead Johnson June 30 for $3.3 million, according to county property records.
The 549 E. Main property is currently a single-family home. Mead Johnson acquired the property on April 25 from Kyle and Camaal Murray for $600,000, according to county property records.
The 553 E. Main property is currently a single-family home. Mead Johnson bought the home July 31 from the Earl and Margie Klein Trust for $650,000, according to county property records.
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland has postponed a Planning Commission public hearing that had been scheduled for next Monday on the latest rezoning request by Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition as part of the company’s proposal to modernize its infant formula manufacturing plant.
City Manager Tim Klunder said Monday that the hearing was scrapped after it was discovered that notices that were to be sent to neighbors were not sent out in a timely fashion. The hearing was to have been held at the Howard Miller Community Center. No new hearing date had been scheduled as of press time.
Reckitt/Mead Johnson is asking the city to rezone the properties at 515, 549 and 553 E. Main Ave. to I-2 general industrial use. The City Council last month approved the initial request of Mead Johnson to rezone the properties at 605 and 633 E. Main Ave. The 605 E. Main site was rezoned from R-3 two-family residential to I-2 and the 633 E. Main property was rezoned from R-2 single-family residential and two-family residential to I-2.
The 515 E. Main property is currently occupied by Bethel Christian Reformed Church. The church sold the 2.36-acre property to Mead Johnson June 30 for $3.3 million, according to county property records.
The 549 E. Main property is currently a single-family home. Mead Johnson acquired the property on April 25 from Kyle and Camaal Murray for $600,000, according to county property records.
The 553 E. Main property is currently a single-family home. Mead Johnson bought the home July 31 from the Earl and Margie Klein Trust for $650,000, according to county property records.
112th Avenue To Be Closed For Culvert Replacement
The Ottawa County Road Commission has announced that a portion of 112th Avenue in Olive Township will be closed starting next week for a culvert replacement project.
Contractors for the Road Commission will begin work on the project next Monday on 112th, north of Van Buren Street. The road will be closed to through traffic until Sept. 12. All work is weather-dependent and completion times are subject to change.
During the project, motorists are advised to follow a detour route consisting of New Holland Street, 104th Avenue and Port Sheldon Street.
Contractors for the Road Commission will begin work on the project next Monday on 112th, north of Van Buren Street. The road will be closed to through traffic until Sept. 12. All work is weather-dependent and completion times are subject to change.
During the project, motorists are advised to follow a detour route consisting of New Holland Street, 104th Avenue and Port Sheldon Street.
County Emergency Management Supports Project Night Lights
A fire truck parked outside of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital as part of Project Night Lights.
Photo provided
On the evening of Aug. 13, Ottawa County Emergency Management participated in Project Night Lights at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, part of the Butterworth Hospital campus in Grand Rapids.
Project Night Lights is a monthly event organized by Shields of Hope and supported by local first responder agencies to bring hope and encouragement to pediatric patients.
On the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m., police, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies from across West Michigan gather outside the hospital. They flash their emergency lights toward the building while children and families wave from their windows with glow sticks and flashlights.
This initiative offers a unique way to connect with children and families facing difficult medical challenges. It is a reminder that the community — especially first responders — are standing with them in solidarity. For many patients, seeing the colorful lights below brings smiles, excitement, and a welcome distraction from their hospital stay.
Ottawa County Emergency Management joined departments from multiple counties, lining the streets around the hospital and participating in the light show. This effort was more than just a symbolic gesture — it was a chance to uplift spirits and foster a sense of togetherness across the region.
The county’s involvement in Project Night Lights demonstrates the strong partnerships between Ottawa County agencies and our West Michigan neighbors. Events like this help strengthen relationships, not just among first responders, but also with the people we serve.
Ottawa County Emergency Management plans to continue supporting Project Night Lights in the future. We encourage anyone interested — whether you’re part of a public safety agency or simply a caring community member — to consider participating.
For more information about Project Night Lights, visit Shields of Hope’s website at shieldsof hope.org or follow them on social media for upcoming dates.
Project Night Lights is a monthly event organized by Shields of Hope and supported by local first responder agencies to bring hope and encouragement to pediatric patients.
On the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m., police, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies from across West Michigan gather outside the hospital. They flash their emergency lights toward the building while children and families wave from their windows with glow sticks and flashlights.
This initiative offers a unique way to connect with children and families facing difficult medical challenges. It is a reminder that the community — especially first responders — are standing with them in solidarity. For many patients, seeing the colorful lights below brings smiles, excitement, and a welcome distraction from their hospital stay.
Ottawa County Emergency Management joined departments from multiple counties, lining the streets around the hospital and participating in the light show. This effort was more than just a symbolic gesture — it was a chance to uplift spirits and foster a sense of togetherness across the region.
The county’s involvement in Project Night Lights demonstrates the strong partnerships between Ottawa County agencies and our West Michigan neighbors. Events like this help strengthen relationships, not just among first responders, but also with the people we serve.
Ottawa County Emergency Management plans to continue supporting Project Night Lights in the future. We encourage anyone interested — whether you’re part of a public safety agency or simply a caring community member — to consider participating.
For more information about Project Night Lights, visit Shields of Hope’s website at shieldsof hope.org or follow them on social media for upcoming dates.
Bark in the Park Returns to Windmill Island This Weekend
Abby Klingberg will lead live dog agility demonstrations during Windmill Island Gardens’ third annual Bark in the Park event on Saturday.
Photo courtesy City of Holland
With the ‘dog days’ of summer coming to an end, Windmill Island Gardens will hold its popular Bark in the Park event for a third year in a row this weekend.
Bark in the Park will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. Dogs, dog owners, and dog lovers alike are all invited to visit Windmill Island Gardens to not only enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, but to learn about all the best places in town to bring your pup, too.
More than 25 booths will be set up by local animal hospitals, groomers, trainers, accessory crafters and treat bakeries. Special guest Abby Klingberg, a local trainer and national competitor, will lead live dog agility demonstrations from agility to flipping disc dogs every half-hour all throughout the event.
Attendees and their dogs can pick up their welcome ‘doggy bag’ full of goodies and surprises from event sponsors, test their pup’s agility skills, splash in some sprinklers, get a free caricature drawn, and even get a free frozen treat courtesy of the Holland Police Department’s Polar Patrol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees who bring their furry friends along will also have the chance to get a free digital download professional portrait of their dog taken by professional local photographer.
Regular park admission rates of $13 for adults and $6 for ages 3 – 15 will be in effect during Bark in the Park. Guests under the age of 3, all dogs, and Holland residents with proof of residency enter the park free. All park attractions will be open during the event, including the de Zwaan windmill, carousel, street organ, and gift shop. Please note, dogs cannot enter the windmill or the gift shop, and they must remain on leashes for the duration of the event.
Bark in the Park could not be put on without the help of its generous presenting sponsor, Paws in the City, which serves the greater Holland area with dog daycare, training, and grooming services.
For more details on Bark in the Park and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com/programs. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through Oct. 1.
Bark in the Park will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. Dogs, dog owners, and dog lovers alike are all invited to visit Windmill Island Gardens to not only enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, but to learn about all the best places in town to bring your pup, too.
More than 25 booths will be set up by local animal hospitals, groomers, trainers, accessory crafters and treat bakeries. Special guest Abby Klingberg, a local trainer and national competitor, will lead live dog agility demonstrations from agility to flipping disc dogs every half-hour all throughout the event.
Attendees and their dogs can pick up their welcome ‘doggy bag’ full of goodies and surprises from event sponsors, test their pup’s agility skills, splash in some sprinklers, get a free caricature drawn, and even get a free frozen treat courtesy of the Holland Police Department’s Polar Patrol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees who bring their furry friends along will also have the chance to get a free digital download professional portrait of their dog taken by professional local photographer.
Regular park admission rates of $13 for adults and $6 for ages 3 – 15 will be in effect during Bark in the Park. Guests under the age of 3, all dogs, and Holland residents with proof of residency enter the park free. All park attractions will be open during the event, including the de Zwaan windmill, carousel, street organ, and gift shop. Please note, dogs cannot enter the windmill or the gift shop, and they must remain on leashes for the duration of the event.
Bark in the Park could not be put on without the help of its generous presenting sponsor, Paws in the City, which serves the greater Holland area with dog daycare, training, and grooming services.
For more details on Bark in the Park and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com/programs. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through Oct. 1.
Corewell Breaks Ground On Care Center Expansion In Holland Twp.
Corewell Health broke ground on a 100,000-square-foot expansion and renovation at Corewell Health Care Center Lakewood in Holland Township on Aug. 12.
The project includes 60,000 square feet of renovated space and 40,000 square feet of new expansion at 588 E. Lakewood Blvd., which includes expanded primary and specialty care and enhanced diagnostic services that provide more lab and imaging capabilities in one convenient location.
“Corewell Health’s vision to provide personalized care that is simple, affordable, and exceptional is the driver for renovating and expanding the current ambulatory facility in Holland,” said Kim Sherbrooke, senior vice president of Corewell Health Medical Group Operations. “It means more services, more providers, and more support for the people who live and work in this community.”
Renovating and expanding the building will centralize comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care, specialty care, oncology care, advanced imaging, and other services, including:
• Enhancing access to primary care.
• Establishing MRI and CT units, along with an additional ultrasound room.
• Launching hematology, oncology, and infusion services.
• Expanding the rehab space to accommodate growth of existing and newly added services.
• Creating capacity to grow and expand specialty services located at Lakewood.
The project consists of renovating existing medical office space on the first and second floors. The 40,000-square-foot addition will include two stories that seamlessly integrate with the existing building.
The first floor will have 52 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a mobile MRI, CT, an enlarged rehabilitation clinic and an enlarged lab. The second floor will include 83 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a cancer health wellness center, and infusion services.
The site will also be modified to relocate displaced parking spaces from the addition and add spaces as required by the local zoning ordinance.
The estimated capital investment of $43.7 million includes design, sitework, construction, medical equipment, information technology, and furniture costs. The project is expected to take 24 months to complete.
The project includes 60,000 square feet of renovated space and 40,000 square feet of new expansion at 588 E. Lakewood Blvd., which includes expanded primary and specialty care and enhanced diagnostic services that provide more lab and imaging capabilities in one convenient location.
“Corewell Health’s vision to provide personalized care that is simple, affordable, and exceptional is the driver for renovating and expanding the current ambulatory facility in Holland,” said Kim Sherbrooke, senior vice president of Corewell Health Medical Group Operations. “It means more services, more providers, and more support for the people who live and work in this community.”
Renovating and expanding the building will centralize comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care, specialty care, oncology care, advanced imaging, and other services, including:
• Enhancing access to primary care.
• Establishing MRI and CT units, along with an additional ultrasound room.
• Launching hematology, oncology, and infusion services.
• Expanding the rehab space to accommodate growth of existing and newly added services.
• Creating capacity to grow and expand specialty services located at Lakewood.
The project consists of renovating existing medical office space on the first and second floors. The 40,000-square-foot addition will include two stories that seamlessly integrate with the existing building.
The first floor will have 52 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a mobile MRI, CT, an enlarged rehabilitation clinic and an enlarged lab. The second floor will include 83 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a cancer health wellness center, and infusion services.
The site will also be modified to relocate displaced parking spaces from the addition and add spaces as required by the local zoning ordinance.
The estimated capital investment of $43.7 million includes design, sitework, construction, medical equipment, information technology, and furniture costs. The project is expected to take 24 months to complete.
AAA Shares Top Labor Day Destinations
As Labor Day weekend approaches, Americans are gearing up for one last summer escape.
According to AAA’s latest booking data, top domestic destinations include Seattle, Orlando and New York, while Vancouver leads the international list.
“Whether you're heading out for Labor Day weekend or planning a future getaway, now is a great time to book,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Domestic travel costs are trending lower, and while international airfare is up slightly, travelers will find savings on hotels, rental cars, and cruises abroad. With a wide range of destinations — from Alaska to Europe — drawing interest, smart planning now can lead to memorable experiences without breaking the budget.”
AAA data highlights that domestic travel is more affordable compared to last year in several key areas:
• Domestic round-trip flights are 6 percent cheaper, averaging $720 per ticket. Popular destinations include Orlando, New York, Denver, and Atlanta.
• Hotel stays within the United States have seen an 11 percent decrease, with multi-night stays averaging $495.
• Car rentals are 3 percent less expensive, with the average cost for multi-day bookings at $545.
The leading international destinations for travel include European hotspots like Rome, Dublin, and London. Those heading abroad will find a 42 percent drop in international car rental costs (now an average of $645 for multi-day use) and a 9 percent reduction in cruise prices departing from international ports.
However, travelers taking international flights should prepare for an 8 percent increase in airfare, with round-trip rates averaging $1,470. International hotel bookings are moderately cheaper, with a 2 percent drop, bringing the average multi-night stay to $590.
Drivers can expect gas prices to remain steady, with the national average hovering near last year’s $3.33 per gallon. Unless disrupted by events like hurricanes, prices should stay below 2024 levels.
Transportation analytics firm INRIX recommends traveling early in the day to avoid congestion. Peak traffic is expected in the afternoon and early evening, especially on Saturday, as families head out for vacations and day trips.
According to AAA’s latest booking data, top domestic destinations include Seattle, Orlando and New York, while Vancouver leads the international list.
“Whether you're heading out for Labor Day weekend or planning a future getaway, now is a great time to book,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Domestic travel costs are trending lower, and while international airfare is up slightly, travelers will find savings on hotels, rental cars, and cruises abroad. With a wide range of destinations — from Alaska to Europe — drawing interest, smart planning now can lead to memorable experiences without breaking the budget.”
AAA data highlights that domestic travel is more affordable compared to last year in several key areas:
• Domestic round-trip flights are 6 percent cheaper, averaging $720 per ticket. Popular destinations include Orlando, New York, Denver, and Atlanta.
• Hotel stays within the United States have seen an 11 percent decrease, with multi-night stays averaging $495.
• Car rentals are 3 percent less expensive, with the average cost for multi-day bookings at $545.
The leading international destinations for travel include European hotspots like Rome, Dublin, and London. Those heading abroad will find a 42 percent drop in international car rental costs (now an average of $645 for multi-day use) and a 9 percent reduction in cruise prices departing from international ports.
However, travelers taking international flights should prepare for an 8 percent increase in airfare, with round-trip rates averaging $1,470. International hotel bookings are moderately cheaper, with a 2 percent drop, bringing the average multi-night stay to $590.
Drivers can expect gas prices to remain steady, with the national average hovering near last year’s $3.33 per gallon. Unless disrupted by events like hurricanes, prices should stay below 2024 levels.
Transportation analytics firm INRIX recommends traveling early in the day to avoid congestion. Peak traffic is expected in the afternoon and early evening, especially on Saturday, as families head out for vacations and day trips.
Active Shooter Response Event Set
Though we hope you are never faced with the situation, would you know what to do in the case of an active shooter? Doing the right things can increase your odds of getting through alive.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office's "Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events" class offers thought-provoking and eye-opening strategies for surviving an active shooter event. The next scheduled class is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the main conference room of the county’s Fillmore complex, 12220 Fillmore St.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age; please bring a picture ID such as a driver's license or state-issued identification. Older teens are welcome to register and attend with a parent or guardian.
There is no cost for the class, but registration is required and space is limited. You can register through the county website at app.miottawa.org/AdminEventReg, then click on the correct calendar date.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office's "Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events" class offers thought-provoking and eye-opening strategies for surviving an active shooter event. The next scheduled class is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the main conference room of the county’s Fillmore complex, 12220 Fillmore St.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age; please bring a picture ID such as a driver's license or state-issued identification. Older teens are welcome to register and attend with a parent or guardian.
There is no cost for the class, but registration is required and space is limited. You can register through the county website at app.miottawa.org/AdminEventReg, then click on the correct calendar date.
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