When the blessed bless
‘Tis the season for reflection.
Prince of Peace
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among those with whom he is pleased." —Luke 2:13-14
Meeting highlights—Commissioner Kendra Wenzel, District 6
“I hope to foster a positive change, amplify the voices of everyday citizens in Ottawa County, and to uphold the oath of office.” —Kendra Wenzel, December 8, 2023, Public Interview
The Heritage Foundation: empowering conservative parents and teachers
In the following articles, The Heritage Foundation details the current work they are doing in education on behalf of parents and teachers.
Celebrate the Christmas season in Ottawa County
The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is upon us. Maybe you're looking for something fun to do with your family, where you can slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe we all need a moment to see winter through the eyes of a child.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—Part One
In March of 2021, Ottawa County found out it would be receiving $56.6 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This federal funding was a Covid-19 relief package intended to address the economic impacts of the pandemic and ensure a strong and equitable recovery.
Special Meeting highlights—Interviewing commissioner candidates for District 6
On November 16, 2023, Commissioner Kyle Terpstra resigned from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. According to Michigan Law 46.412 and Board Rule 2.6, the office shall be filled by appointment within 30 days by the Board. In the name of transparency, the Board held public interviews of five candidates at a Special Meeting on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Power trip
After writing Letters to the Editor and giving public comment, Marcia Mansaray traveled across the country to inform public health professionals about how she used her position to push back against elected county commissioners who oversee the Health Department.
Meeting highlights—Day 6 of Adeline Hambley’s removal hearing
Two and a half hours, three motions, and a good faith step by the Board of Commissioners sum up Day 6.
Public Health & Democrat Activist Lawfare
“Many on the political left have pushed the lie that conservatives ‘distrust public health.’ It isn’t public health policy that we have come to distrust, but rather how it is used by the Left to cloak their partisan agenda.” —Representative Jim Banks, Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District
“The rock on which our Republic rests”
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God." —Abraham Lincoln, October 1863 Proclamation, Washington D.C.
Highlights—Michigan Adoption Day in Ottawa County, “giving thanks for families”
"We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending." —Judge Paul Kraus, 20th Circuit Court, Family Division.
Meeting highlights—Ottawa Food: just the facts
Lisa Uganski, from the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, showed up at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Inadvertently, she shed the light of truth on what Ottawa Food is and why two seasonal programs suddenly are suspended. Attending his first board meeting as the new Deputy Director, Ben Wetmore brought facts about Ottawa Food, countering the misinformation local media continues to dole out to the Ottawa County citizens.
Excerpt from “What We See: Freedom of Conscience”
As media and public intimidation of Conservative and Christian leaders in Ottawa County intensifies, it is interesting to review the insights and encouragement from Ottawa Impact’s March 2023 article related to DE&I.
America is not a racist nation
Is America a nation founded on the principles of white supremacy? The following is a look at Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, and those attempting to rewrite history.
November 7, 2023 election highlights—City positions, school bonds, BLP, and Jamestown public library
27% of Ottawa County residents made their voices heard in the November 7, 2023 election. Citizens of Coopersville, Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, Holland, Hudsonville, Jamestown, and Zeeland made their way to the polls on Tuesday to exercise their right to vote.
Local activist media and the myth of “low voter turnout”
14,337 more Ottawa County residents voted in the 2022 midterm election than in 2018—contrary to what local media would have you believe.
Public-school districts perpetuate left-wing bias through discriminatory hiring practices, watchdog finds
“Employment policies in K-12 public schools that consider race, creed, and political ideology and are in-fused with biased language and decision-making processes unfairly, and some-times illegally, skew hiring in favor of certain applicants.”
Allendale school board votes to remove masking from board policies
The Allendale board is evaluating school policies with an eye on protecting students for the future. At a recent meeting, it was the mask policy that was under scrutiny.
Amid “book ban” accusations, effort grows to protect kids from explicit materials in school
Despite mainstream media outlet claims of “book banning,” the movement to protect children from being exposed to pornographic material in classrooms and school libraries is growing with the help of an expanding number of advocates and resources.
Meeting highlights—Day two of Adeline Hambley’s termination hearing
Ten hours, two witnesses, 500 pages, commissioner discussion, and the first round of public comment—day two of Adeline Hambley’s termination hearing is on the books.
Meeting highlights—Day one of special hearing for removal of health officer, Adeline Hambley
October 24, 2023, started as any other Board of Commissioners meeting would, with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The difference was that the room was set up like a courtroom. After listening to the first eight witnesses from the defense, one might wonder whom the hearing was for, Administrator John Gibbs or Adeline Hambley.
Press Release—Working while conservative
The Michigan Republican Party hired a local business in Ottawa County called For Liberty earlier this year for technology consulting. One of the business partners is Joe Moss, who is also a conservative Ottawa County Commissioner. Media coverage attacked For Liberty and Joe Moss using accusations by a former State Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.
Due diligence done on the Early Voting Agreement—despite media’s exaggerated time pressures
According to Ottawa County election data, Prop 2 failed to pass with 53% of the Ottawa County voters voting against it; however, it passed statewide. With election integrity being one of the most important issues in America, getting the Early Voting Agreement right was a top priority and not taken lightly.
