Some of the seniors who got dressed to the nines for Zeeland Recreation’s first-ever Seniors Prom in the Cityside Middle School gymnasium last Saturday. A total of 54 people turned out for the event for those 60 years of age and older, which featured dancing, a deejay, bingo and refreshments. Zeeland Recreation plans to hold the event again next year.
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Recreation officials are calling their first-ever Seniors Prom for adults 60 years of age and older a success.
A total of 54 guests turned out last Saturday night at Cityside Middle School’s gymnasium to relive the memories of going to their high school prom. Most of the guests dressed up for the occasion, which featured dancing, a deejay, bingo, photo booth and refreshments. Zeeland Recreation dance instructor Cydney Sheneman taught a line dance to Lou Bega’s song “Mambo No. 5.”
Zeeland Recreation plans to hold the event again next year. “(We’re) hoping for a ton more (people) next year,” marketing director Shannon Zoerhof wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record.
The Seniors Prom was sponsored by the Zeeland Board of Public Works.
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Recreation officials are calling their first-ever Seniors Prom for adults 60 years of age and older a success.
A total of 54 guests turned out last Saturday night at Cityside Middle School’s gymnasium to relive the memories of going to their high school prom. Most of the guests dressed up for the occasion, which featured dancing, a deejay, bingo, photo booth and refreshments. Zeeland Recreation dance instructor Cydney Sheneman taught a line dance to Lou Bega’s song “Mambo No. 5.”
Zeeland Recreation plans to hold the event again next year. “(We’re) hoping for a ton more (people) next year,” marketing director Shannon Zoerhof wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record.
The Seniors Prom was sponsored by the Zeeland Board of Public Works.
Another Bird Flu Case Found in Ottawa County
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
For the fifth time this year, there’s been a case of bird flu reported in a commercial poultry flock in Ottawa County.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory last week detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock from the county.
It’s the 10th case of bird flu reported in poultry in Ottawa County since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022, MDARD officials said.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Officials say following biosecurity measures and using personal protective equipment remain vital in preventing the spread of HPAI.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
MDARD officials say following a few key steps is critical in preventing the spread of HPAI:
• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If you suspect avian in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours).
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:
• Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms.”
• Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
You can subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD’s Media Room website and clicking on the “Avian Influenza” link. Subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.
For more information on proper use of personal protective equipment to protect against avian influenza, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ website at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Zeeland Record
For the fifth time this year, there’s been a case of bird flu reported in a commercial poultry flock in Ottawa County.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory last week detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock from the county.
It’s the 10th case of bird flu reported in poultry in Ottawa County since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022, MDARD officials said.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Officials say following biosecurity measures and using personal protective equipment remain vital in preventing the spread of HPAI.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
MDARD officials say following a few key steps is critical in preventing the spread of HPAI:
• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If you suspect avian in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours).
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:
• Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms.”
• Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
You can subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD’s Media Room website and clicking on the “Avian Influenza” link. Subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.
For more information on proper use of personal protective equipment to protect against avian influenza, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ website at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Lakeshore Advantage Releases Annual Industry Trends Report
Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization for Allegan and Ottawa counties, has released its annual industry trends report detailing the economic status of the region.
Based on interviews with more than 130 local executives conducted from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, the report shows a majority of those interviewed reported increased or stable sales, but fewer reported plans to expand in the next three years.
Lakeshore Advantage conducts business retention interviews with a sample of the region’s more-than-600 primary employers —businesses that export goods and services outside the region, bringing wealth and jobs into the region — to understand their challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
“We’re grateful to the business leaders who take time to share honest and detailed insights with us,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “Their input is invaluable — it’s the primary research that guides our work and helps us design economic development strategies tailored to the needs of our region’s businesses.”
The report analysis includes the following highlights:
• 85 percent of businesses reported stable or increased sales, compared to 89% last year.
• 33 percent reported plans to expand in the next three years; last year 41% reported plans to expand.
• 40 percent of businesses surveyed reported recruitment issues, a decline from previous years when demand for talent spiked following the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 76 percent of companies introduced new products in the last two years.
Additionally, the report identifies key themes of barriers to growth that these businesses face. The report identifies a lack of workforce housing, continued demand for talent, industrial real estate scarcity, and rising costs as top barriers to business growth.
The demand for talent shows a downward trend; however, the survey shows persistent gaps for skilled labor positions including mechanical technicians, software developers and hardware engineers. This represents the work ahead to attract and retain the necessary workforce, a focus of Lakeshore Advantage’s NextGen Talent initiative.
"This research helps us meet the demands of businesses, step alongside them where they’re at to connect them to resources, and to each other,” Lakeshore Advantage vice president of business solutions Amanda Murray said. “It lets us know where to focus our efforts to ensure this region continues to thrive in the long term."
The full report is now available on the Lakeshore Advantage website at lakeshoreadvantage.com/it-2025.
Based on interviews with more than 130 local executives conducted from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, the report shows a majority of those interviewed reported increased or stable sales, but fewer reported plans to expand in the next three years.
Lakeshore Advantage conducts business retention interviews with a sample of the region’s more-than-600 primary employers —businesses that export goods and services outside the region, bringing wealth and jobs into the region — to understand their challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
“We’re grateful to the business leaders who take time to share honest and detailed insights with us,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “Their input is invaluable — it’s the primary research that guides our work and helps us design economic development strategies tailored to the needs of our region’s businesses.”
The report analysis includes the following highlights:
• 85 percent of businesses reported stable or increased sales, compared to 89% last year.
• 33 percent reported plans to expand in the next three years; last year 41% reported plans to expand.
• 40 percent of businesses surveyed reported recruitment issues, a decline from previous years when demand for talent spiked following the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 76 percent of companies introduced new products in the last two years.
Additionally, the report identifies key themes of barriers to growth that these businesses face. The report identifies a lack of workforce housing, continued demand for talent, industrial real estate scarcity, and rising costs as top barriers to business growth.
The demand for talent shows a downward trend; however, the survey shows persistent gaps for skilled labor positions including mechanical technicians, software developers and hardware engineers. This represents the work ahead to attract and retain the necessary workforce, a focus of Lakeshore Advantage’s NextGen Talent initiative.
"This research helps us meet the demands of businesses, step alongside them where they’re at to connect them to resources, and to each other,” Lakeshore Advantage vice president of business solutions Amanda Murray said. “It lets us know where to focus our efforts to ensure this region continues to thrive in the long term."
The full report is now available on the Lakeshore Advantage website at lakeshoreadvantage.com/it-2025.
Township OKs Trail Repairs, Drenthe Grove Upgrades
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Some bike paths in Zeeland Township are getting needed repairs, after the Township Board approved a contract for the project on Oct. 21.
The board voted 6-0 to approve a contract with Curt DeJonge Excavating for $78,950 of repairs to the following non-motorized paths:
• Along Byron Road from 76th Avenue west toward the bridge and the connection with the Macatawa Greenway, where there is significant trail breakage and sinking;
• On the boardwalk approach on Adams Street, west of Esker Drive and east of 74th Avenue, where there’s a sinkhole or washout causing a large separation between the path and the concrete approach;
• Along 64th Avenue south of Perry Street, where the trail edge is breaking off into a nearby ditch;
• Along 64th Avenue near Gordon Street, where there’s a sinkhole and pavement has given way.
The township had allocated $30,000 in its current budget for bike path repairs. It hopes to have some of the expense for the Byron Road path repairs reimbursed because of the path’s connection to the Fred Meijer Trail, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
“I think what you got for $30,000 five, six years ago (for bike path repairs) is not what you’re going to get for $30,000 today,” Eggleston said. “In future years, we probably need to put $60,000-$70,000 in that placeholder.”
The township had already planned to repave the bike path and replace three boardwalks along Adams from just west of Esker Drive to 96th Avenue next year, at an estimated cost of $1.75 million, in a separate budget line item from the bike path repairs.
The board on Oct. 21 also approved a contract with Schipper Concrete for concrete work on the tennis and basketball courts at Drenthe Grove. Schipper submitted a bid of $94,507 for the project. The total project cost, including other work at the Grove, is expected to run about $160,000, Eggleston said.
The concrete work is expected to get done yet this fall. “The concrete needs to get poured, and it has to cure, and in the spring they’ll do the actual surfacing work,” Eggleston said.
The township plans to construct new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove next year. The township has set aside $495,000 in the budget for that project.
The board also approved the purchase of tables and chairs for the Drenthe Grove from Mitylight, in the amount of $29,536.
Zeeland Record
Some bike paths in Zeeland Township are getting needed repairs, after the Township Board approved a contract for the project on Oct. 21.
The board voted 6-0 to approve a contract with Curt DeJonge Excavating for $78,950 of repairs to the following non-motorized paths:
• Along Byron Road from 76th Avenue west toward the bridge and the connection with the Macatawa Greenway, where there is significant trail breakage and sinking;
• On the boardwalk approach on Adams Street, west of Esker Drive and east of 74th Avenue, where there’s a sinkhole or washout causing a large separation between the path and the concrete approach;
• Along 64th Avenue south of Perry Street, where the trail edge is breaking off into a nearby ditch;
• Along 64th Avenue near Gordon Street, where there’s a sinkhole and pavement has given way.
The township had allocated $30,000 in its current budget for bike path repairs. It hopes to have some of the expense for the Byron Road path repairs reimbursed because of the path’s connection to the Fred Meijer Trail, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
“I think what you got for $30,000 five, six years ago (for bike path repairs) is not what you’re going to get for $30,000 today,” Eggleston said. “In future years, we probably need to put $60,000-$70,000 in that placeholder.”
The township had already planned to repave the bike path and replace three boardwalks along Adams from just west of Esker Drive to 96th Avenue next year, at an estimated cost of $1.75 million, in a separate budget line item from the bike path repairs.
The board on Oct. 21 also approved a contract with Schipper Concrete for concrete work on the tennis and basketball courts at Drenthe Grove. Schipper submitted a bid of $94,507 for the project. The total project cost, including other work at the Grove, is expected to run about $160,000, Eggleston said.
The concrete work is expected to get done yet this fall. “The concrete needs to get poured, and it has to cure, and in the spring they’ll do the actual surfacing work,” Eggleston said.
The township plans to construct new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove next year. The township has set aside $495,000 in the budget for that project.
The board also approved the purchase of tables and chairs for the Drenthe Grove from Mitylight, in the amount of $29,536.
Safe This Fall: Prepare for Seasonal Hazards
Ottawa County Emergency Management
As the seasons change, so do the risks we face. Fall in West Michigan brings cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, and plenty of outdoor activities. It also brings specific hazards that can affect our homes, travel, and personal safety. A few minutes of preparation now can help prevent emergencies later.
—————
Fire Safety at Home
Fall is the perfect time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires. Before you turn on your furnace or space heater, make sure it has been cleaned and inspected. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, and never leave candles unattended.
If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before the first fire of the season. Dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it outside, away from the house.
—————
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
As we close windows and spend more time indoors, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning becomes a serious concern. CO is odorless and invisible, but it can be deadly. Install CO alarms near every sleeping area and on every level of your home. If the alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911.
—————
Driving in Fall Conditions
Shorter days mean more driving in the dark. Keep your headlights clean and in working order. Watch for deer, especially around dawn and dusk. Wet leaves can make roads slippery, so reduce speed and increase your following distance. If frost or early snow arrives, give yourself extra time to clear your windows before heading out.
—————
Outdoor and Yard Safety
Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, and other fall chores can lead to injuries if done carelessly. Use proper lifting techniques and take breaks as needed. When burning leaves or brush, follow local regulations and never leave a fire unattended. Keep a hose or water source nearby.
—————
Prepare for Colder Weather
Fall is a good time to check your emergency kit and vehicle supplies. Replace expired items, restock batteries, and make sure you have warm clothing, blankets, and a flashlight in case of power outages or roadside emergencies.
—————
Stay Informed
For updates on seasonal safety information and preparedness tips, visit miottawa.org/sheriff/em. Ottawa County Emergency Management is here to help you stay informed and ready for whatever the season brings.
As the seasons change, so do the risks we face. Fall in West Michigan brings cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, and plenty of outdoor activities. It also brings specific hazards that can affect our homes, travel, and personal safety. A few minutes of preparation now can help prevent emergencies later.
—————
Fire Safety at Home
Fall is the perfect time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires. Before you turn on your furnace or space heater, make sure it has been cleaned and inspected. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, and never leave candles unattended.
If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before the first fire of the season. Dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it outside, away from the house.
—————
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
As we close windows and spend more time indoors, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning becomes a serious concern. CO is odorless and invisible, but it can be deadly. Install CO alarms near every sleeping area and on every level of your home. If the alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911.
—————
Driving in Fall Conditions
Shorter days mean more driving in the dark. Keep your headlights clean and in working order. Watch for deer, especially around dawn and dusk. Wet leaves can make roads slippery, so reduce speed and increase your following distance. If frost or early snow arrives, give yourself extra time to clear your windows before heading out.
—————
Outdoor and Yard Safety
Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, and other fall chores can lead to injuries if done carelessly. Use proper lifting techniques and take breaks as needed. When burning leaves or brush, follow local regulations and never leave a fire unattended. Keep a hose or water source nearby.
—————
Prepare for Colder Weather
Fall is a good time to check your emergency kit and vehicle supplies. Replace expired items, restock batteries, and make sure you have warm clothing, blankets, and a flashlight in case of power outages or roadside emergencies.
—————
Stay Informed
For updates on seasonal safety information and preparedness tips, visit miottawa.org/sheriff/em. Ottawa County Emergency Management is here to help you stay informed and ready for whatever the season brings.
Council OKs Tax Breaks for Koele Godfrey Rebuild
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland City Council Monday approved tax incentives for the upcoming demolition and reconstruction of Koele Godfrey Investment Group’s offices downtown.
The council unanimously approved an Act 210 commercial rehabilitation exemption certificate that will waive most of the business’s taxes on new value created from redevelopment for the next 10 years.
The school operating millage of 18 mills and the 6-mill state education tax are not affected by the exemption. Other taxes, such as for the city and county, will be paid based on the value of the property before the project begins.
Koele Godfrey’s development arm, 123 Main Development Inc., is planning to invest $2 million into the project, which will tear down the existing office at 123 E. Main Ave. and replace it with a two-story, 6,352-square-foot office.
“It helps revitalize Main Street, which I know is a goal of the city. It strengthens local business and also boosts downtown activity, not only from our employees who are … going out to eat, our clients stop by, they go out and eat, they visit local shops. It creates momentum and I think it also encourages further downtown investment long-term growth,” said Carey Koele, the firm’s founding owner.
Koele Godfrey currently has 10 employees, and plans to add at least five new full-time jobs at the company over the next five years. The project is also expected to create 12-15 temporary jobs during the demolition and reconstruction process, Koele said.
Koele Godfrey hopes to complete the new offices by the end of next year, Koele said.
Maday wrote in a memo to the council that the Koele Godfrey project supports several goals in the city’s downtown vision plan, “including the rehabilitation of existing buildings in the downtown core and encouraging the construction and use of second floors in downtown buildings.”
“I’m excited to see this happen. We appreciate your willingness to invest in the city of Zeeland and stay here,” Mayor Kevin Klynstra said. “Your new building will be a big plus for our downtown.”
The city’s Planning Commission approved a site plan and special land use for the project in early September. The company had to reapply for a special land use to keep its office downtown because the project involved demolition and replacement of the existing building. The firm had operated under a special land use that was granted in 2008, when the city passed an ordinance change for the C-2 central business district, restricting main-floor office uses to the rear 60 percent of most buildings on Main Avenue. The idea behind the change was to promote retail uses in the front of those buildings.
During the reconstruction project, Koele Godfrey will have its temporary offices on the third floor of the Clover Commercial Office Center at 115 Clover St. in Holland Township., between Eighth Street and Chicago Drive, Koele said.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland City Council Monday approved tax incentives for the upcoming demolition and reconstruction of Koele Godfrey Investment Group’s offices downtown.
The council unanimously approved an Act 210 commercial rehabilitation exemption certificate that will waive most of the business’s taxes on new value created from redevelopment for the next 10 years.
The school operating millage of 18 mills and the 6-mill state education tax are not affected by the exemption. Other taxes, such as for the city and county, will be paid based on the value of the property before the project begins.
Koele Godfrey’s development arm, 123 Main Development Inc., is planning to invest $2 million into the project, which will tear down the existing office at 123 E. Main Ave. and replace it with a two-story, 6,352-square-foot office.
“It helps revitalize Main Street, which I know is a goal of the city. It strengthens local business and also boosts downtown activity, not only from our employees who are … going out to eat, our clients stop by, they go out and eat, they visit local shops. It creates momentum and I think it also encourages further downtown investment long-term growth,” said Carey Koele, the firm’s founding owner.
Koele Godfrey currently has 10 employees, and plans to add at least five new full-time jobs at the company over the next five years. The project is also expected to create 12-15 temporary jobs during the demolition and reconstruction process, Koele said.
Koele Godfrey hopes to complete the new offices by the end of next year, Koele said.
Maday wrote in a memo to the council that the Koele Godfrey project supports several goals in the city’s downtown vision plan, “including the rehabilitation of existing buildings in the downtown core and encouraging the construction and use of second floors in downtown buildings.”
“I’m excited to see this happen. We appreciate your willingness to invest in the city of Zeeland and stay here,” Mayor Kevin Klynstra said. “Your new building will be a big plus for our downtown.”
The city’s Planning Commission approved a site plan and special land use for the project in early September. The company had to reapply for a special land use to keep its office downtown because the project involved demolition and replacement of the existing building. The firm had operated under a special land use that was granted in 2008, when the city passed an ordinance change for the C-2 central business district, restricting main-floor office uses to the rear 60 percent of most buildings on Main Avenue. The idea behind the change was to promote retail uses in the front of those buildings.
During the reconstruction project, Koele Godfrey will have its temporary offices on the third floor of the Clover Commercial Office Center at 115 Clover St. in Holland Township., between Eighth Street and Chicago Drive, Koele said.
Three Charged in Port Sheldon Holdup
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Three suspects are facing charges in connection with an Oct. 29 armed robbery at a store in Port Sheldon Township.
Jose Rosales-Torres, 21, is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on a $350,000 bond on charges of armed robbery and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police in connection with the holdup at the West Olive One-Stop on West Olive Road, Capt. Jake Sparks said.
A 16-year-old, whose name was not released because of his age, is being charged as an adult with armed robbery, felonious assault and felony firearms. He is being held at the Ottawa County Juvenile Detention facility on a $350,000 bond, Sparks said.
A 17-year-old was also arrested and released to the custody of his parents.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, two suspects robbed a clerk inside the store shortly before 11 a.m. and threatened him with a handgun. The suspects stole merchandise from the store and fled before police got to the scene. The clerk was not hurt.
A short time later, an Ottawa County deputy was on patrol in the Allendale Township area and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle from the robbery. Sheriff's deputies attempted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver fled from deputies, while attempting to elude them at high speeds, Sparks said.
The pursuit continued into Kent County and law enforcement partners from neighboring agencies assisted in attempting to stop or locate the suspect vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle was lost and the pursuit was called off, Sparks said.
A short time later, members of the Kent County Sheriff's Office located the suspect vehicle, abandoned, and located three males fleeing on foot in the area. All three were taken into custody and turned over to Ottawa County authorities.
Torres is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing Nov. 18 in 58th District Court before Judge Craig Bunce, according to county court records.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
Zeeland Record
Three suspects are facing charges in connection with an Oct. 29 armed robbery at a store in Port Sheldon Township.
Jose Rosales-Torres, 21, is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on a $350,000 bond on charges of armed robbery and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police in connection with the holdup at the West Olive One-Stop on West Olive Road, Capt. Jake Sparks said.
A 16-year-old, whose name was not released because of his age, is being charged as an adult with armed robbery, felonious assault and felony firearms. He is being held at the Ottawa County Juvenile Detention facility on a $350,000 bond, Sparks said.
A 17-year-old was also arrested and released to the custody of his parents.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, two suspects robbed a clerk inside the store shortly before 11 a.m. and threatened him with a handgun. The suspects stole merchandise from the store and fled before police got to the scene. The clerk was not hurt.
A short time later, an Ottawa County deputy was on patrol in the Allendale Township area and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle from the robbery. Sheriff's deputies attempted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver fled from deputies, while attempting to elude them at high speeds, Sparks said.
The pursuit continued into Kent County and law enforcement partners from neighboring agencies assisted in attempting to stop or locate the suspect vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle was lost and the pursuit was called off, Sparks said.
A short time later, members of the Kent County Sheriff's Office located the suspect vehicle, abandoned, and located three males fleeing on foot in the area. All three were taken into custody and turned over to Ottawa County authorities.
Torres is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing Nov. 18 in 58th District Court before Judge Craig Bunce, according to county court records.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
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