Zeeland city firefighters help occupants of a van escape out the passenger side of the vehicle after a June 2 crash at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Centennial Street. One person suffered minor injuries in the crash that occurred at 6 p.m. and declined treatment. Zeeland Police Chief Tim Jungel said a 26-year-old Holland woman was driving her passenger van southbound on Centennial and stopped at the stop sign, then pulled out into the path of a westbound sport utility vehicle driven by a 35-year-old Hudsonville man. The impact of the crash caused the southbound van to end up coming to rest on the driver’s side. The driver of the southbound van was ticketed for failure to yield, Jungel said.
Board Moves ‘To Protect the Township’s Constitutional Interests’ on Silver Maple Project
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Might Zeeland Township consider litigation pertaining to the Silver Maple solar project, in addition to contesting RWE Clean Energy’s application before the Michigan Public Service Commission?
The Township Board on June 2 unanimously passed a motion opening the door for that possibility, authorizing Township Manager Josh Eggleston and its special legal counsel, Bloom Sluggett, “to take necessary actions, up to and including litigation, to protect the township’s constitutional interests regarding the Silver Maple facility.”
The vote followed a nearly two-hour-long closed-door session with Bloom Sluggett attorney David Eberle to review the township’s legal options.
The township has already been granted intervenor status in fighting RWE’s application for Silver Maple, which is before the MPSC. A final decision on the project is expected by April 3, 2027.
“This isn’t so much about whether green energy is a good idea or a bad idea,” Township Trustee John Shrauger said. “I think if I found 40 acres in Idaho, I probably would put a solar panel up … I think what’s troubling me about all this is that we have a government that is actually mandating that we take farmland and convert it into energy, with the big beneficiaries being out-of-country establishments (like) RWE (and) the Chinese panels (manufacturers).”
Shrauger went on to question why companies like RWE aren’t pursuing solar projects in more developed areas of the state.
“I’ve not been able to find any of the southeast part of the state that is slated for these types of projects. I don’t know what the calculation would be, but it’s gotta be 10,000-20,000 acres (that) exist of factories that make automobiles, with flat roofs,” he said. “That would be a whole lot better spot to me, to be considering this, than somewhere where we grow food.”
The township has already set aside $200,000, including a required $75,000 payment it received from RWE when it applied to the MPSC, to fight Silver Maple. It wrote a recent check for $32,295 to Bloom Sluggett to cover the cost of legal expenses just for the month of April alone.
“I support litigation efforts. I support Bloom Sluggett,” Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer said. “I want to publicly say that I feel they’re the team that’s been guiding us well and that they feel confident in bringing this idea to us.”
Trustee Dave Barry called Public Act 233, the law under which RWE is applying for Silver Maple, an example of government overreach, “and it demands our attention to fight that type of overreach.”
After the meeting, Eberle declined to elaborate further on what potential action the township might pursue, beyond what was stated in the motion.
Zeeland Record
Might Zeeland Township consider litigation pertaining to the Silver Maple solar project, in addition to contesting RWE Clean Energy’s application before the Michigan Public Service Commission?
The Township Board on June 2 unanimously passed a motion opening the door for that possibility, authorizing Township Manager Josh Eggleston and its special legal counsel, Bloom Sluggett, “to take necessary actions, up to and including litigation, to protect the township’s constitutional interests regarding the Silver Maple facility.”
The vote followed a nearly two-hour-long closed-door session with Bloom Sluggett attorney David Eberle to review the township’s legal options.
The township has already been granted intervenor status in fighting RWE’s application for Silver Maple, which is before the MPSC. A final decision on the project is expected by April 3, 2027.
“This isn’t so much about whether green energy is a good idea or a bad idea,” Township Trustee John Shrauger said. “I think if I found 40 acres in Idaho, I probably would put a solar panel up … I think what’s troubling me about all this is that we have a government that is actually mandating that we take farmland and convert it into energy, with the big beneficiaries being out-of-country establishments (like) RWE (and) the Chinese panels (manufacturers).”
Shrauger went on to question why companies like RWE aren’t pursuing solar projects in more developed areas of the state.
“I’ve not been able to find any of the southeast part of the state that is slated for these types of projects. I don’t know what the calculation would be, but it’s gotta be 10,000-20,000 acres (that) exist of factories that make automobiles, with flat roofs,” he said. “That would be a whole lot better spot to me, to be considering this, than somewhere where we grow food.”
The township has already set aside $200,000, including a required $75,000 payment it received from RWE when it applied to the MPSC, to fight Silver Maple. It wrote a recent check for $32,295 to Bloom Sluggett to cover the cost of legal expenses just for the month of April alone.
“I support litigation efforts. I support Bloom Sluggett,” Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer said. “I want to publicly say that I feel they’re the team that’s been guiding us well and that they feel confident in bringing this idea to us.”
Trustee Dave Barry called Public Act 233, the law under which RWE is applying for Silver Maple, an example of government overreach, “and it demands our attention to fight that type of overreach.”
After the meeting, Eberle declined to elaborate further on what potential action the township might pursue, beyond what was stated in the motion.
Joint Meeting Tonight on BPW’s Integrated Resource Plan
The Zeeland City Council and commissioners of the city’s Board of Public Works will hold a joint meeting at 6 p.m. tonight at the Howard Miller Library and Community Center to review the findings of the utility’s Integrated Resource Plan.
The discussion will address BPW’s long-term electric generation needs, projected capacity shortfalls that are expected to begin in 2030, regulatory requirements, and a summary of options that are being considered for addressing those needs, according to a memo from City Manager Tim Klunder.
The meeting will emphasize the importance of securing reliable future capacity resources to support continued load growth, maintain system reliability, and preserve flexibility as market and regulatory conditions evolve. In addition, the meeting will also review how participation in the Michigan Public Power Agency’s (MPPA) behind-the-meter generation initiative could provide a practical pathway for addressing these future needs through locally sited generation resources that enhance resiliency, reduce transmission constraints, and support long-term resource adequacy goals, Klunder wrote in the memo.
BPW’s last full IRP was completed in 2012 with regular evaluations and updates since. The new plan aims to reassess and modernize the utility’s resource portfolio in light of changes in demand, technology, and energy policy.
There have been three stakeholder meetings over the past seven months, most recently in March, as part of the IRP process. Materials and video recordings of those meetings are available online at zeelandbpw.com/power-plan.
The discussion will address BPW’s long-term electric generation needs, projected capacity shortfalls that are expected to begin in 2030, regulatory requirements, and a summary of options that are being considered for addressing those needs, according to a memo from City Manager Tim Klunder.
The meeting will emphasize the importance of securing reliable future capacity resources to support continued load growth, maintain system reliability, and preserve flexibility as market and regulatory conditions evolve. In addition, the meeting will also review how participation in the Michigan Public Power Agency’s (MPPA) behind-the-meter generation initiative could provide a practical pathway for addressing these future needs through locally sited generation resources that enhance resiliency, reduce transmission constraints, and support long-term resource adequacy goals, Klunder wrote in the memo.
BPW’s last full IRP was completed in 2012 with regular evaluations and updates since. The new plan aims to reassess and modernize the utility’s resource portfolio in light of changes in demand, technology, and energy policy.
There have been three stakeholder meetings over the past seven months, most recently in March, as part of the IRP process. Materials and video recordings of those meetings are available online at zeelandbpw.com/power-plan.
First CRC’s Final Service: ‘You Had So Many Good Shepherds’
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
First Christian Reformed Church held its final worship service on Sunday, closing the book on 164 years of ministry to Zeeland.
In opening the service, Dan Walcott, who has served as a visiting pastor at First CRC the last couple of years, spoke from Isaiah 55, where God says “my thoughts are not your thoughts” and “my ways are higher than your ways.”
“We don’t know all of God’s plans and his thoughts, and we’re not ever gonna figure it out, even though different denominations have thought that they could figure out exactly how God thought about this or that … We do know that we have a God who loves us. We do know a God that will walk with us. We do know that God is the creator of the world,” Walcott said.
“This is his church, and this church is not a building. It’s a body of believers, of people who have covenanted together to love mercy and justice, and to walk humbly with their God,” he added.
The service featured messages from Jed Mulder, executive director of The Bridge youth ministry center that was built as an addition to the First CRC building more than 25 years ago, and Ron Snoeyink from Third Christian Reformed Church.
“More than anything else, thank you. Thank you for your love, for your support, for your prayers, over those 25 years – Sept. 11, 2001 for those of you who remember (when it opened),” Mulder said. “We have served over 15,000 kids downstairs at The Bridge … We have pledged, through your mandate, through your creation, to keep kids safe, loved, valued, surrounding them with caring community members who are going to introduce them to Christ’s love in everything they do.”
While it’s not yet been formally announced where The Bridge will move to, “we know God’s in charge, and we know wherever he sends us, we will continue the legacy of First CRC, to be able to do that mission,” Mulder said.
Third CRC is a daughter church of First CRC. In 1914, a group of First CRC members formed Third CRC out of a desire for worship services to be in English. At the time, First CRC conducted its services in Dutch.
“From Third Church, we want to welcome you. We want to open our doors and we want to let you know that we are there, but also want to remind you that you are part of a bigger church … We have been praying for you often, and we want (you) to know that we will continue to pray as you move forward, seeking God’s guidance, wherever He places you,” Snoeyink said.
Worshippers sang familiar hymns such as “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” and took part in the sacrament of communion.
In his sermon, Walcott did a comparison and contrast between chapter 34 in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, where the aforenamed prophet calls out the bad shepherds of Israel, and chapter 10 in the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks of Himself as the good shepherd. He then spoke of First CRC’s ministry and how it reflected Jesus’ message.
“First CRC Zeeland has had many, many good shepherds – people who knew those kingdom values, people who knew that we care about lost young people, and maybe not even lost young people, maybe just confused young people, struggling young people – we need to reach out to them,” Walcott said.
“First Zeeland knew that we need to reach out to the people all over the world, and you sent countless missionaries to go bring the gospel. We know that we need to care about those who are hurting. We’re going to support people who are depressed economically (and) physically. We’re going to help them. That’s what you do. That’s what you did well, and you did that well because you had so many good shepherds, and so we can celebrate a rich heritage of faithful ministry,” he added.
The Rev. Bernie Mulder, who served as minister of visitation at First CRC for more than 20 years, gave the final blessing.
“May the love of God the Father, who has sent His son to redeem us, may the blessing of the great grace of God rest upon you, remembering that we need God’s amazing grace, and thank you, Spirit of the living God, go with this group of people. Lord, with your presence, with your leading, with your guiding, with your comfort - hear us, answer us, bless all these people. Amen,” Bernie Mulder said.
Chix, Dux Logos Added to City Fire Trucks to Symbolize Community Pride, Partnership
From left, Zeeland Fire Chief Brad Deppe, Mayor Rick Van Dorp and Zeeland Public Schools Super- intendent Rod Hetherton show off the new Chix and Dux logos on the back of the fire department’s Engine 1921 vehicle.
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
The city of Zeeland and Zeeland Public Schools are celebrating a visible sign of community pride and partnership, with Chix and Dux logos now featured on the backs of City of Zeeland fire trucks.
The idea came from within the Zeeland Fire Department, when Capt. Chad Lynema began researching the possibility of adding the school logos to the trucks. His idea quickly became a creative and celebratory way to recognize the strong relationship between the city of Zeeland, its fire department, and Zeeland Public Schools.
“This is a great example of the community spirit Zeeland is known for,” Mayor Rick Van Dorp said. “Zeeland and ZPS have a long history of supporting one another, and seeing the Chix and Dux represented on our fire trucks is a fun and visible reminder of that connection.”
Fire Chief Brad Deppe said the logos reflect the pride firefighters have in the community they serve.
“Our firefighters are proud to serve the city of Zeeland, and that includes the students, staff, and families of Zeeland Public Schools,” Deppe said. “Capt. Lynema’s idea was a great way to show that connection and carry a little school pride with us wherever we go.”
ZPS Superintendent Rodney Hetherton said the gesture reflects the kind of relationship that benefits the entire community.
“We are thankful for the positive relationship we have with the city of Zeeland and the Zeeland Fire Department,” Hetherton said. “The logos are a noticeable way to celebrate the generations of Chix and Dux who are part of this community’s story, and a reminder of how proud ZPS is to call Zeeland home.”
The Chix and Dux logos are now on the backs of all city of Zeeland fire trucks, serving as a reminder that in Zeeland, community and school pride often go hand in hand.
Zeeland Public Schools
The city of Zeeland and Zeeland Public Schools are celebrating a visible sign of community pride and partnership, with Chix and Dux logos now featured on the backs of City of Zeeland fire trucks.
The idea came from within the Zeeland Fire Department, when Capt. Chad Lynema began researching the possibility of adding the school logos to the trucks. His idea quickly became a creative and celebratory way to recognize the strong relationship between the city of Zeeland, its fire department, and Zeeland Public Schools.
“This is a great example of the community spirit Zeeland is known for,” Mayor Rick Van Dorp said. “Zeeland and ZPS have a long history of supporting one another, and seeing the Chix and Dux represented on our fire trucks is a fun and visible reminder of that connection.”
Fire Chief Brad Deppe said the logos reflect the pride firefighters have in the community they serve.
“Our firefighters are proud to serve the city of Zeeland, and that includes the students, staff, and families of Zeeland Public Schools,” Deppe said. “Capt. Lynema’s idea was a great way to show that connection and carry a little school pride with us wherever we go.”
ZPS Superintendent Rodney Hetherton said the gesture reflects the kind of relationship that benefits the entire community.
“We are thankful for the positive relationship we have with the city of Zeeland and the Zeeland Fire Department,” Hetherton said. “The logos are a noticeable way to celebrate the generations of Chix and Dux who are part of this community’s story, and a reminder of how proud ZPS is to call Zeeland home.”
The Chix and Dux logos are now on the backs of all city of Zeeland fire trucks, serving as a reminder that in Zeeland, community and school pride often go hand in hand.
$1.4M Grant Helps Hope Launch GRACE Project
Hope College has been awarded a $1.43 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch an initiative to teach and practice the art of civil discourse.
Provost Dr. Gerald Griffin announced that the college was awarded the federal grant from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (known as FIPSE). Griffin is the principal investigator for the academic-focused grant, which will fund the launch of Hope’s new GRACE initiative (Growing through Respectful and Civil Exchange) — designed to help students navigate diverse perspectives by furthering a campus culture rooted in civil dialogue and mutual respect.
This award is part of the FIPSE Special Projects Program, an initiative that provides financial support to higher education institutions working on innovative solutions for pressing national issues. The FIPSE program also focuses its resources on three other areas: the integration of artificial intelligence in postsecondary learning, the reform of accreditation standards and the expansion of high-quality, short-term educational programs. The new GRACE project at Hope College will specifically address the priority of promoting civil discourse on college campuses and encouraging respectful debate.
In launching the initiative, Hope selected Dr. Sarah Kornfield to lead GRACE as its project director. Kornfield is currently a communication professor and the department chair, and has been teaching at Hope since 2015. She teaches women’s and gender studies, and courses in rhetorical criticism, rhetorical theory and television culture. She currently serves on the Rhetoric Society of America’s Board of Directors and has also published four books.
Kornfield will be responsible for the operational and academic aspects of the grant over the next four years. Among the work made possible by this grant will be organizing student cohorts and lecture series, providing faculty support across campus in course design and classroom engagement, and developing public scholarship regarding the college’s Virtues of Public Discourse, civil dialogue and democratic deliberation.
Provost Dr. Gerald Griffin announced that the college was awarded the federal grant from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (known as FIPSE). Griffin is the principal investigator for the academic-focused grant, which will fund the launch of Hope’s new GRACE initiative (Growing through Respectful and Civil Exchange) — designed to help students navigate diverse perspectives by furthering a campus culture rooted in civil dialogue and mutual respect.
This award is part of the FIPSE Special Projects Program, an initiative that provides financial support to higher education institutions working on innovative solutions for pressing national issues. The FIPSE program also focuses its resources on three other areas: the integration of artificial intelligence in postsecondary learning, the reform of accreditation standards and the expansion of high-quality, short-term educational programs. The new GRACE project at Hope College will specifically address the priority of promoting civil discourse on college campuses and encouraging respectful debate.
In launching the initiative, Hope selected Dr. Sarah Kornfield to lead GRACE as its project director. Kornfield is currently a communication professor and the department chair, and has been teaching at Hope since 2015. She teaches women’s and gender studies, and courses in rhetorical criticism, rhetorical theory and television culture. She currently serves on the Rhetoric Society of America’s Board of Directors and has also published four books.
Kornfield will be responsible for the operational and academic aspects of the grant over the next four years. Among the work made possible by this grant will be organizing student cohorts and lecture series, providing faculty support across campus in course design and classroom engagement, and developing public scholarship regarding the college’s Virtues of Public Discourse, civil dialogue and democratic deliberation.
Gentex Street Performer Series Begins Tonight
The 2026 Gentex Street Performer Series in downtown Holland kicks off tonight.
Performances will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., as different performing artists and groups from every background perform free for the public all along 8th Street. The series will continue every Thursday night through Aug. 13.
The Street Performer Series features a lineup of more than 70 rotating performers throughout the summer, including musicians, jugglers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, break dancers, henna tattoo artists and more.
The 2026 Street Performer Series is sponsored by Gentex Corporation, with additional funding support provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
“The Street Performer Series brings people together and builds community connection,” said Seth Bushouse, vice president of human resources at Gentex. “We’re proud to continue investing in an experience that makes downtown Holland such a special place each summer.”
The Gentex team will be on hand tonight to celebrate the Street Performer Series kickoff with their prize wheel and fun giveaways for all ages. Stop by their table outside of GDK Park on 8th Street between Central and River Avenues from 6:30 to 8:30 to try your hand at winning a prize and to find out more about employment opportunities available at the company.
Attendees should note that 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic and parking from Columbia Avenue to River from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday nights during the series to accommodate crowds.
Free public parking for the event is available in the surface lots on 7th and 9th Streets, in the 7th and 9th Street parking decks and at the Holland Civic Center Place. While the series is free to attend, tipping the performers is customary, as the series is a busking event.
The Downtown Holland Social District is also open during the series, meaning that patrons ages 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages at one of nearly 20 different participating establishment to enjoy during the event. For a list of establishments, social district regulations, and district boundaries, please visit downtownsocialdistrict.com.
Mosquito with West Nile Virus Found in County
West Nile virus has been found in a mosquito in south-central Ottawa County during regular summer mosquito monitoring by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH).
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Ottawa County so far this year.
West Nile virus was also recently detected in Kent County. These findings are a reminder for residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Those who do get sick may experience fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.
Serious illness is rare but can occur, especially in older adults or people with certain health conditions.
You can prevent mosquito bites by:
• Using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when you are outside. Find the repellent that is right for you.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Treating clothing and outdoor gear with insect repellent.
• Remove standing water around your home—mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water. Check bird baths, pet bowls, children's wading pools, and any containers that collect rain.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/outdoorhealth and cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health for all. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people.
Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth or Instagram @miOCDPH. Report a health concern at miottawa.org/concern.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Ottawa County so far this year.
West Nile virus was also recently detected in Kent County. These findings are a reminder for residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Those who do get sick may experience fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.
Serious illness is rare but can occur, especially in older adults or people with certain health conditions.
You can prevent mosquito bites by:
• Using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when you are outside. Find the repellent that is right for you.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Treating clothing and outdoor gear with insect repellent.
• Remove standing water around your home—mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water. Check bird baths, pet bowls, children's wading pools, and any containers that collect rain.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/outdoorhealth and cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health for all. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people.
Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth or Instagram @miOCDPH. Report a health concern at miottawa.org/concern.
