Zeeland city firefighter Bill Klomparens, right, pins a badge on his daughter, Kira, as she is sworn in as one of the city’s newest firefighters at a Sept. 15 City Council meeting. Kira continues a family tradition of fire service to the city. In addition to her father, her uncle, Mitch Harsevoort, is deputy chief for the Zeeland Fire/Rescue Department while another uncle, Ryan Ysseldyke, is a captain for the department. Kira’s grandfather, Arlen Harsevoort, was a firefighter for the city for 22 years, rising to the rank of captain, before he passed away in 2002. Also sworn in as firefighters at the Sept. 15 meeting were Brian Hopper and Thomas Woltjer.
Photo by Greg Chandler
Photo by Greg Chandler
West Senior Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Zeeland West senior Joseph Le has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, making him eligible for one of more than 6,900 scholarships that will be awarded in the spring of 2026.
Photo provided
Photo provided
Evidentiary Hearings Set in Boes Case
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
An Ottawa County judge has scheduled hearing dates for early next year for a woman seeking a new trial in connection with a arson fire that killed her daughter in Zeeland in 2002.
Circuit Judge Karen Miedema set evidentiary hearing dates of Feb. 5-6 and Feb. 12-13, 2026 in the case of 69-year-old Karen Boes, who is serving a life sentence without parole in the fire that killed her 14-year-old daughter, Robin, at their Williams Avenue home. Boes was convicted of first-degree felony murder in the case in 2003.
The Michigan Court of Appeals earlier this summer ordered an evidentiary hearing for Boes, who had filed a motion in 2021 seeking a new trial based on newly-discovered evidence that questioned the validity of testimony given by prosecution experts on the origin and cause of the fire. She also challenged the validity and admissibility of statements she made to police while she was being questioned during its investigation.
As part of her motion, Boes provided a report from a proposed expert witness indicating that since her trial, a method used in her case to determine an ignitable liquid must have been present at the fire scene, despite a lack of physical evidence, was no longer recommended in investigating fires. She also said that one of the key witnesses for the prosecution was later discredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for unethical behavior while testifying as an expert witness in another case.
Miedema in 2023 denied Boes’ motion, ruling that the new evidence would not likely have changed the verdict in the case. Boes took her case to the Court of Appeals, saying the court abused its discretion. The appellate court ruled that Miedema should have allowed the evidentiary hearing to take place.
Boes is being held at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti.
Zeeland Record
An Ottawa County judge has scheduled hearing dates for early next year for a woman seeking a new trial in connection with a arson fire that killed her daughter in Zeeland in 2002.
Circuit Judge Karen Miedema set evidentiary hearing dates of Feb. 5-6 and Feb. 12-13, 2026 in the case of 69-year-old Karen Boes, who is serving a life sentence without parole in the fire that killed her 14-year-old daughter, Robin, at their Williams Avenue home. Boes was convicted of first-degree felony murder in the case in 2003.
The Michigan Court of Appeals earlier this summer ordered an evidentiary hearing for Boes, who had filed a motion in 2021 seeking a new trial based on newly-discovered evidence that questioned the validity of testimony given by prosecution experts on the origin and cause of the fire. She also challenged the validity and admissibility of statements she made to police while she was being questioned during its investigation.
As part of her motion, Boes provided a report from a proposed expert witness indicating that since her trial, a method used in her case to determine an ignitable liquid must have been present at the fire scene, despite a lack of physical evidence, was no longer recommended in investigating fires. She also said that one of the key witnesses for the prosecution was later discredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for unethical behavior while testifying as an expert witness in another case.
Miedema in 2023 denied Boes’ motion, ruling that the new evidence would not likely have changed the verdict in the case. Boes took her case to the Court of Appeals, saying the court abused its discretion. The appellate court ruled that Miedema should have allowed the evidentiary hearing to take place.
Boes is being held at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti.
Township Board Passes 2026 Budget
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
With a robust general fund balance that’s expected to reach nearly $18.8 million at the end of this year, Zeeland Township will use some of that savings for major projects next year.
The Township Board Sept. 15 approved the township budget for 2026, which calls for general fund expenditures to exceed revenues by $507,250. General fund revenues are budgeted at $4,930,550 while spending is projected at $5,437,800. That will bring down the township’s rainy-day fund at the end of next year to $18,292,326, according to township documents.
“This budget shortfall in 2026 is due to several large capital expenditures,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston and Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer wrote in their budget message to the board. “The township has seen its fund balance increase significantly in recent years which has allowed the township to make these timely investments in its facilities, equipment and infrastructure.”
Major projects planned for the township next year include:
• Repaving the bike path along Adams Street from just west of Esker Drive to the township boundary at 96th Avenue. The estimated $1.75 million project would also replace three of the boardwalks along the bike path. The township has allocated $2.4 million in next year’s general fund budget to bike paths.
• Construction of new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove (estimated cost $495,000).
• Land acquisition toward a new fire station (estimated cost $250,000).
• Rewriting the township master plan, which has not been updated since 2019 (cost $40,000 of hiring a consultant).
• Installation of a new floor at the township community center and purchase of an audio/visual system to be used at township meetings.
• Construction of the new sanitary sewer main project along Church Street in the city of Zeeland to service the 425 area north of the city limits that includes the Gentex North Riley facility. The township’s estimated share of the cost is more than $1.63 million, which will come out of the sewer capital improvement fund instead of the general fund.
The township will levy 5.7195 mills next year, up from 5.6772 mills this year. That’s because the road and fire operating levies were approved in November of last year as replacement levies, restoring those taxes to 1 mill each. The township will levy 2.75 mills for general operations, 0.9919 mills each for roads and fire operations and 0.9857 mills for fire compensation, according to township documents.
Zeeland Record
With a robust general fund balance that’s expected to reach nearly $18.8 million at the end of this year, Zeeland Township will use some of that savings for major projects next year.
The Township Board Sept. 15 approved the township budget for 2026, which calls for general fund expenditures to exceed revenues by $507,250. General fund revenues are budgeted at $4,930,550 while spending is projected at $5,437,800. That will bring down the township’s rainy-day fund at the end of next year to $18,292,326, according to township documents.
“This budget shortfall in 2026 is due to several large capital expenditures,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston and Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer wrote in their budget message to the board. “The township has seen its fund balance increase significantly in recent years which has allowed the township to make these timely investments in its facilities, equipment and infrastructure.”
Major projects planned for the township next year include:
• Repaving the bike path along Adams Street from just west of Esker Drive to the township boundary at 96th Avenue. The estimated $1.75 million project would also replace three of the boardwalks along the bike path. The township has allocated $2.4 million in next year’s general fund budget to bike paths.
• Construction of new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove (estimated cost $495,000).
• Land acquisition toward a new fire station (estimated cost $250,000).
• Rewriting the township master plan, which has not been updated since 2019 (cost $40,000 of hiring a consultant).
• Installation of a new floor at the township community center and purchase of an audio/visual system to be used at township meetings.
• Construction of the new sanitary sewer main project along Church Street in the city of Zeeland to service the 425 area north of the city limits that includes the Gentex North Riley facility. The township’s estimated share of the cost is more than $1.63 million, which will come out of the sewer capital improvement fund instead of the general fund.
The township will levy 5.7195 mills next year, up from 5.6772 mills this year. That’s because the road and fire operating levies were approved in November of last year as replacement levies, restoring those taxes to 1 mill each. The township will levy 2.75 mills for general operations, 0.9919 mills each for roads and fire operations and 0.9857 mills for fire compensation, according to township documents.
Council Approves Traffic Signal Upgrade
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland will soon upgrade a traffic signal at the intersection of State Street and Roosevelt Avenue – at a much higher cost than what city officials had budgeted.
The council Sept. 15 approved a contract with J. Ranck Electric to upgrade the signal, with a project budget of $81,100. J. Ranck submitted the low bid for the project at $76,100, and the city added in a $5,000 contingency to the budget. The council also approved a budget amendment for the upgrade.
The State and Roosevelt signal is more than 30 years old, Assistant City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer said.
The city had allocated $45,000 for the signal upgrade in the 2024-25 budget. But when the city went out for bids in February, J. Ranck submitted a bid of $76,100 as the lone bidder for the project. The council rejected the bid and rebid the project.
This time, two bidders submitted bids, and J. Ranck submitted the same bid price as it did in February.
The city began looking at its traffic signals after the signal at Washington Avenue and Fairview Road failed about three years ago.
“(We) realized we needed to get them on a replacement schedule,” Plockmeyer said.
The State and Roosevelt signal itself will remain, but the controllers and other components inside the signal will be replaced, Plockmeyer said.
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland will soon upgrade a traffic signal at the intersection of State Street and Roosevelt Avenue – at a much higher cost than what city officials had budgeted.
The council Sept. 15 approved a contract with J. Ranck Electric to upgrade the signal, with a project budget of $81,100. J. Ranck submitted the low bid for the project at $76,100, and the city added in a $5,000 contingency to the budget. The council also approved a budget amendment for the upgrade.
The State and Roosevelt signal is more than 30 years old, Assistant City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer said.
The city had allocated $45,000 for the signal upgrade in the 2024-25 budget. But when the city went out for bids in February, J. Ranck submitted a bid of $76,100 as the lone bidder for the project. The council rejected the bid and rebid the project.
This time, two bidders submitted bids, and J. Ranck submitted the same bid price as it did in February.
The city began looking at its traffic signals after the signal at Washington Avenue and Fairview Road failed about three years ago.
“(We) realized we needed to get them on a replacement schedule,” Plockmeyer said.
The State and Roosevelt signal itself will remain, but the controllers and other components inside the signal will be replaced, Plockmeyer said.
EMPOWER Event For zLinks is Friday
Zeeland Public Schools middle and high school students with a cognitive disability or autism spectrum disorder will get an opportunity to score a touchdown or cheer for their team during ZPS’ annual EMPOWER event, which will be held Friday afternoon prior to the varsity football game between Zeeland East and Zeeland West.
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
On Friday, the Zeeland East and West varsity football teams will meet on the football field in a highly-anticipated matchup in their annual Bird Bowl at Zeeland Stadium.
Before the showdown, the East and West freshman and junior varsity football players, along with each schools' cheerleaders, will come together with the zLinks program to run Zeeland Public Schools' annual EMPOWER! event for middle and high school students in the ZPS district who have a cognitive disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder.
The event is offered to students with disabilities in 6th through 12th grade registered through the link provided below. Registered students will be partnered with a football player or cheerleader who will serve as their mentor/ teammate for the event.
Each participant will receive a jersey (if they don't already have one), participate in football drills, and have the opportunity to score a touchdown or join cheerleaders who will cheer on the players during the event.
The EMPOWER! concept is based on the Victory Day games started at Trenton High School in metro Detroit in 2010. Trenton’s football coach, who overcame cancer, sought to make his community and the world a better place by challenging his football players to think outside themselves. The event is supported and run by the district's zLinks peer to peer program.
Gates for the event open at 4:15 p.m. with a start time of 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online through GoFan. This includes entry to the varsity game that will follow at 7 p.m.
Any high school student who attends the EMPOWER! game will get into the EMPOWER! and varsity game for free and will have pizza and drinks provided.
All proceeds will go to the zLinks program and their unified sports initiative.
Before the showdown, the East and West freshman and junior varsity football players, along with each schools' cheerleaders, will come together with the zLinks program to run Zeeland Public Schools' annual EMPOWER! event for middle and high school students in the ZPS district who have a cognitive disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder.
The event is offered to students with disabilities in 6th through 12th grade registered through the link provided below. Registered students will be partnered with a football player or cheerleader who will serve as their mentor/ teammate for the event.
Each participant will receive a jersey (if they don't already have one), participate in football drills, and have the opportunity to score a touchdown or join cheerleaders who will cheer on the players during the event.
The EMPOWER! concept is based on the Victory Day games started at Trenton High School in metro Detroit in 2010. Trenton’s football coach, who overcame cancer, sought to make his community and the world a better place by challenging his football players to think outside themselves. The event is supported and run by the district's zLinks peer to peer program.
Gates for the event open at 4:15 p.m. with a start time of 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online through GoFan. This includes entry to the varsity game that will follow at 7 p.m.
Any high school student who attends the EMPOWER! game will get into the EMPOWER! and varsity game for free and will have pizza and drinks provided.
All proceeds will go to the zLinks program and their unified sports initiative.
Historical Society to Host Fundraiser at Colonial Clock Building
The Zeeland Historical Society will hold its annual fundraiser, Foundations for the Future, at the historic Colonial Clock Building on Friday, Oct. 3.
This elegant event will take guests behind the scenes of Zeeland’s architectural heritage with a pop-up photography exhibit featuring interior and exterior architectural gems that showcase the beauty and character of our community.
The evening also features a strolling dinner by 1983 Restaurants (Public Restaurant), the debut sneak peak of the Society’s new welcome video, a silent auction, and engaging architectural-themed activities.
“This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to celebrate the spaces and stories that define Zeeland,” Historical Society executive director Katelyn VerMerris said. “Guests will experience a unique look at the architecture around us and learn how their support helps preserve our community’s history for generations to come.”
Individual tickets are $55 per person with open seating. Guests may also choose to sponsor a table for eight for $600, which includes reserved seating for your group, special recognition during the program, table signage featuring your name or logo, and a complimentary floral arrangement to take home.
Proceeds from Foundations for the Future will support the Society’s exhibits and educational programs, such as the major exhibition Foundations: A Journey Through the Built Environment, currently on display at the Dekker Huis Museum.
Doors for the fundraiser open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available now at zeelandhistory.org/events-exhibits or in person at the Dekker Huis Museum.
This elegant event will take guests behind the scenes of Zeeland’s architectural heritage with a pop-up photography exhibit featuring interior and exterior architectural gems that showcase the beauty and character of our community.
The evening also features a strolling dinner by 1983 Restaurants (Public Restaurant), the debut sneak peak of the Society’s new welcome video, a silent auction, and engaging architectural-themed activities.
“This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to celebrate the spaces and stories that define Zeeland,” Historical Society executive director Katelyn VerMerris said. “Guests will experience a unique look at the architecture around us and learn how their support helps preserve our community’s history for generations to come.”
Individual tickets are $55 per person with open seating. Guests may also choose to sponsor a table for eight for $600, which includes reserved seating for your group, special recognition during the program, table signage featuring your name or logo, and a complimentary floral arrangement to take home.
Proceeds from Foundations for the Future will support the Society’s exhibits and educational programs, such as the major exhibition Foundations: A Journey Through the Built Environment, currently on display at the Dekker Huis Museum.
Doors for the fundraiser open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available now at zeelandhistory.org/events-exhibits or in person at the Dekker Huis Museum.
Barry Closed for Water Main Crossing Work
The Road Commission estimates the project will be completed by Oct. 4. However, all work is weather-dependent and completion times are subject to change.
The road is closed to through traffic. As this is a gravel road, there is no posted detour route, the Road Commission said.
Macatawa Area Express Launches Electronic Fare Payment Option
The Macatawa Area Express (MAX Transit) is thrilled to announce the launch of Token Transit, a new electronic fare payment option available on all fixed-route services starting Oct. 6.
Riders can now purchase and display bus passes, making travel faster and more convenient than ever.
Traditional cash payment at the farebox will still be available and physical passes can still be purchased. Token Transit is just an added feature, giving passengers the flexibility to choose the method that works best for them.
"This is a big step forward in improving the rider experience," MAX Transit Executive Director Ryan Novotny said. "Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional rider, Token Transit gives you a faster, easier way to board. We’re committed to making transit more accessible and convenient for everyone."
To use Token Transit, riders can download the app choosing MAX Transit agency, then purchase fares digitally, and simply show the activated ticket to the driver when boarding. The App is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Fixed Route Fares available through the app include:
Single Ride
• Adult: $1.15
• Reduced Fare (Youth, Seniors, Medicare/ADA eligible): $0.50
Pass Options
• Adult Day Pass: $2.30
• Adult 7-Day Pass: $15.00
• Adult 30-Day Pass: $34.50
• Reduced Fare Day Pass: $1.00
• Reduced Fare 7-Day Pass: $5.00
Cash payments will still be accepted onboard for all fare types.
For more information on how to get started with Token Transit, visit catchamax.org or contact customer service at (616) 355-1010 to learn more.
Riders can now purchase and display bus passes, making travel faster and more convenient than ever.
Traditional cash payment at the farebox will still be available and physical passes can still be purchased. Token Transit is just an added feature, giving passengers the flexibility to choose the method that works best for them.
"This is a big step forward in improving the rider experience," MAX Transit Executive Director Ryan Novotny said. "Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional rider, Token Transit gives you a faster, easier way to board. We’re committed to making transit more accessible and convenient for everyone."
To use Token Transit, riders can download the app choosing MAX Transit agency, then purchase fares digitally, and simply show the activated ticket to the driver when boarding. The App is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Fixed Route Fares available through the app include:
Single Ride
• Adult: $1.15
• Reduced Fare (Youth, Seniors, Medicare/ADA eligible): $0.50
Pass Options
• Adult Day Pass: $2.30
• Adult 7-Day Pass: $15.00
• Adult 30-Day Pass: $34.50
• Reduced Fare Day Pass: $1.00
• Reduced Fare 7-Day Pass: $5.00
Cash payments will still be accepted onboard for all fare types.
For more information on how to get started with Token Transit, visit catchamax.org or contact customer service at (616) 355-1010 to learn more.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
