Judge won't halt payouts to Ottawa County contracts, emergency appeal filed
The emergency filing by Howard to the court of appeals asked that the court rule by 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in order "to prevent irreparable harm."
Ottawa County approves $563K contract to restore Crockery Lake as process faces criticism
Questions remain on why the deal happened with little public discussion and didn’t follow the county’s traditional purchasing policies.
Howard challenges legality of severance agreements, Crockery Lake contract
A trio of controversial decisions approved by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners are in limbo after a local attorney filed a motion for a temporary restraining order preventing funds of about $850,000 from leaving the county’s coffers.
County confirms $280,000 in payouts to interim administrator, aide
Ottawa County will pay more than $280,000 in a pair of severance agreements with its interim administrator and administrative executive aide, county-provided documents confirmed Monday.
Dan Van Ommen: Keeping a promise at Christmas
"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son ..." ~ Galatians 4:4a, KJV Are we there yet? How much further? When do we eat? When do we open our gifts? What did you buy me? Is that all there is? When can we
Severance agreements for Ottawa interim administrator, aide to exceed $280,000
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, the severances were approved because both employees allegedly said they would pursue legal action against the county.
Federal judge tosses First Amendment retaliation claim in Gibbs' lawsuit, allows 'whistleblower,' defamation claims to stand
A former administrator for Ottawa County was not able to convince a federal court judge that his former employer retaliated against him for exercising his First Amendment right to free speech.
Community Calendar: Dec. 1-31
Sunday, Dec. 1 We hope you fail better: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. Playful and thoughtful pieces are brought together by New York Times bestselling duo, Brad and Kristi Montague, for their debut exhibition, We hope you fail better,
Ottawa administrator search halts after last finalist withdraws as officials claim, decry 'intimidation'
At a Monday meeting, board Chair Joe Moss announced that Sparta Village Manager Jim Lower, the last remaining top finalist in the county’s search, had withdrawn.