Zeeland Township Clerk Kate Kraak addresses the Township Board at a Nov. 18 meeting. Kraak plans to resign from her office at the end of the year after 10 years as clerk.
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township officials are trying to determine a future direction for the office of township clerk, as the current clerk has announced plans to resign and the deputy clerk has already stepped down from her position.
The Township Board has scheduled a work session for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., prior to its regularly-scheduled meeting, to dig further into the issue.
Kate Kraak, who has been township clerk for the past 10 years, has announced that she will resign from her position, effective at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Katy Steenwyk has resigned as deputy clerk after six-and-a-half years in that capacity. Steenwyk, who worked her last day with the township on Tuesday, has accepted a full-time position outside the township.
“I won’t say where, but I will say if (Steenwyk) didn’t accept that job, I would have questioned her competency,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston said. “We should be happy for her that she got that opportunity. But again, that does create some issues at the township hall.”
Eggleston said he has spoken with two township administrative employees to see if they would have an interest in picking up some of the deputy clerk’s responsibilities on a short-term basis.
Kraak has not yet formally submitted her resignation. Once she does, the township has 45 days under state law to find her replacement.
Under state law, the clerk’s statutory responsibilities include maintaining all township records, recording and maintaining minutes of township meetings, administering elections, keeping the voter registration file, maintaining the township’s general ledger and serving as a voting member of the township board. The clerk must also appoint the deputy clerk, according to the Michigan Townships Association.
“My biggest fear for the clerk position is finding somebody that wants to do all four or five of those facets of the job. It’s going to be difficult,” Eggleston said.
Supervisor Tom Oonk voiced similar concerns.
“That’s why we need to have the discussion, to say, how do we want to move forward and give us the most flexibility and the most maneuvering room to be able to navigate,” Oonk said. “To find somebody to do elections, to do accounting, to (handle Freedom of Information Act requests), and to be a member of this board – there’s all these different (roles). It’s a very unique position on the board.”
Trustee Kerri Bosma agreed on the need for a work session.
“There’s not a specific plan that gets us to success,” Bosma said. “We’re at Point A, and there’s multiple different paths to get us to Point B right now. I think right now we just have to start on a trail, and if we make a mistake, we can alter (our course) and keep moving forward.”
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township officials are trying to determine a future direction for the office of township clerk, as the current clerk has announced plans to resign and the deputy clerk has already stepped down from her position.
The Township Board has scheduled a work session for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., prior to its regularly-scheduled meeting, to dig further into the issue.
Kate Kraak, who has been township clerk for the past 10 years, has announced that she will resign from her position, effective at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Katy Steenwyk has resigned as deputy clerk after six-and-a-half years in that capacity. Steenwyk, who worked her last day with the township on Tuesday, has accepted a full-time position outside the township.
“I won’t say where, but I will say if (Steenwyk) didn’t accept that job, I would have questioned her competency,” Township Manager Josh Eggleston said. “We should be happy for her that she got that opportunity. But again, that does create some issues at the township hall.”
Eggleston said he has spoken with two township administrative employees to see if they would have an interest in picking up some of the deputy clerk’s responsibilities on a short-term basis.
Kraak has not yet formally submitted her resignation. Once she does, the township has 45 days under state law to find her replacement.
Under state law, the clerk’s statutory responsibilities include maintaining all township records, recording and maintaining minutes of township meetings, administering elections, keeping the voter registration file, maintaining the township’s general ledger and serving as a voting member of the township board. The clerk must also appoint the deputy clerk, according to the Michigan Townships Association.
“My biggest fear for the clerk position is finding somebody that wants to do all four or five of those facets of the job. It’s going to be difficult,” Eggleston said.
Supervisor Tom Oonk voiced similar concerns.
“That’s why we need to have the discussion, to say, how do we want to move forward and give us the most flexibility and the most maneuvering room to be able to navigate,” Oonk said. “To find somebody to do elections, to do accounting, to (handle Freedom of Information Act requests), and to be a member of this board – there’s all these different (roles). It’s a very unique position on the board.”
Trustee Kerri Bosma agreed on the need for a work session.
“There’s not a specific plan that gets us to success,” Bosma said. “We’re at Point A, and there’s multiple different paths to get us to Point B right now. I think right now we just have to start on a trail, and if we make a mistake, we can alter (our course) and keep moving forward.”
ZPS Audit Shows General Fund Surplus
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Public Schools ended its 2024-25 fiscal year with a general fund surplus, according to a recent audit of the district’s finances.
The district ended the fiscal year June 30 with a surplus in the general fund budget of $658,775 on expenditures of nearly $94.9 million, according to the audit conducted by the accounting firm Maner Costerisan. That raises the district’s general fund reserves to $20,306,403, or 21 percent of expenditures.
“With a fund balance of 21 percent, we have funds available to help with the student count decline,” ZPS Chief Financial Officer Lynn VanKampen wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record. “The fund balance for school districts in Michigan is anywhere from 21-25 percent, so we are currently right in that average span.”
Despite the district’s solid fiscal condition, there are concerns about future enrollment declines and how that might affect ZPS’ balance sheet.
“Student count continues to decline. This was projected internally and by a consultant,” Maner Costerisan wrote in the audit report. “Declining student count is also a state of Michigan concern, birth rates continue to be down, along with lack of housing in the Zeeland area.”
ZPS’ enrollment fell from 6,072 students in the 2023-24 fiscal year to 6,004 in 2024-25, according to the audit.
In addition, the district is seeing increased benefit costs, including retirement and insurance. The district has been a hard-cap district with regard to benefit costs, and that cap has not kept up with the rate of inflation, according to the audit.
Staffing makes up 89 percent of the ZPS’ general operating budget, the audit said.
“The district will continue to right size staffing to our student count through attrition and bring expenses more in line with district revenues, with the expectation of spending down fund balance for the 25-26 school year,” Maner Costerisan wrote in the audit.
ZPS’ total fund balances, which in addition to the general fund include several capital project funds, the debt service fund, technology capital projects fund and special revenue fund, fell from $58,032,522 at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, to $56,770,176 as of June 30 of this year, according to the audit.
“The challenges we have currently is how the state of Michigan allocates funding, and the lack of that funding being available on a timely basis,” Van Kampen wrote. “This is not new to school funding, but one of our biggest issues when preparing budgets.”
“The district's top priority will always be our students, making sure they feel safe, valued, loved, and supported while we provide every opportunity for strong learning, real-world experiences, as the district prepares for the future,” Van Kampen added.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Public Schools ended its 2024-25 fiscal year with a general fund surplus, according to a recent audit of the district’s finances.
The district ended the fiscal year June 30 with a surplus in the general fund budget of $658,775 on expenditures of nearly $94.9 million, according to the audit conducted by the accounting firm Maner Costerisan. That raises the district’s general fund reserves to $20,306,403, or 21 percent of expenditures.
“With a fund balance of 21 percent, we have funds available to help with the student count decline,” ZPS Chief Financial Officer Lynn VanKampen wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record. “The fund balance for school districts in Michigan is anywhere from 21-25 percent, so we are currently right in that average span.”
Despite the district’s solid fiscal condition, there are concerns about future enrollment declines and how that might affect ZPS’ balance sheet.
“Student count continues to decline. This was projected internally and by a consultant,” Maner Costerisan wrote in the audit report. “Declining student count is also a state of Michigan concern, birth rates continue to be down, along with lack of housing in the Zeeland area.”
ZPS’ enrollment fell from 6,072 students in the 2023-24 fiscal year to 6,004 in 2024-25, according to the audit.
In addition, the district is seeing increased benefit costs, including retirement and insurance. The district has been a hard-cap district with regard to benefit costs, and that cap has not kept up with the rate of inflation, according to the audit.
Staffing makes up 89 percent of the ZPS’ general operating budget, the audit said.
“The district will continue to right size staffing to our student count through attrition and bring expenses more in line with district revenues, with the expectation of spending down fund balance for the 25-26 school year,” Maner Costerisan wrote in the audit.
ZPS’ total fund balances, which in addition to the general fund include several capital project funds, the debt service fund, technology capital projects fund and special revenue fund, fell from $58,032,522 at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, to $56,770,176 as of June 30 of this year, according to the audit.
“The challenges we have currently is how the state of Michigan allocates funding, and the lack of that funding being available on a timely basis,” Van Kampen wrote. “This is not new to school funding, but one of our biggest issues when preparing budgets.”
“The district's top priority will always be our students, making sure they feel safe, valued, loved, and supported while we provide every opportunity for strong learning, real-world experiences, as the district prepares for the future,” Van Kampen added.
Twp. Board Approves Bike Path Maintenance Agreement
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Holland Township will continue to maintain bike paths in Zeeland Township under a new maintenance agreement.
The Zeeland Township board on a 6-1 vote Nov. 18 approved the bike trail maintenance agreement, which will continue a prior arrangement with Holland Township that dates back to 1997. The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. Zeeland Township has 17.9 miles of bike trails.
The Holland Township board had approved the agreement in mid-October, Holland Township Manager Steve Bulthuis said.
Under the new agreement, Zeeland Township will pay Holland Township a rate of $2,373 per mile. The agreement is for one year, but will renew automatically unless one of the townships opts to terminate the contract. The rate will be adjusted each year based on factors such as inflation and labor costs.
“We have not been mindful of updating the costs associated with (trail maintenance) on a periodic basis,” Bulthuis said. “It finally came to a situation where we were facing some staffing challenges, (and) the decision had been made where we were no longer going to be able to provide our maintenance services to Zeeland Township for the pathway system.”
Zeeland Township looked at contracting with a private firm for bike path maintenance, and was dissatisfied with the cost estimates they received. So, Township Manager Josh Eggleston contacted Bulthuis to see if there was a way of working out a contract between the two townships that more fairly captured the cost of maintaining bike paths. That agreement was presented to a working group before it came before the board.
Eggleston said the new rate that Zeeland Township will pay Holland Township will be 10-20 percent less than the private sector had offered for maintenance.
“We were going to receive a pretty significant increase this year, and Holland Charter Township’s was the least (expensive) of that increase,” Eggleston said. “If we proceed and move forward and it’s not meeting our expectations, we have an out clause on it.”
Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer questioned the new rate and whether it accurately reflected actual costs for Holland Township.
“I don’t know why Holland Township couldn’t justify what the increase of the cost was actually attributable to from your own financial data,” said Veldheer, who formerly worked for Holland Township.
“Either we’re subsidizing your system or you’re not appropriately putting the cost into your general ledger. I just can’t reconcile that,” added Veldheer, who was the lone no vote.
Holland Township had previously charged Zeeland Township about $900 per mile for bike path maintenance, Bulthuis said.
“There were years that (Holland Township’s costs) exceeded what the township was charging,” Bulthuis said.
The agreement will cover mowing of pathway shoulders, weed control, snow removal, sweeping, tree trimming, minor pothole repairs, minor bridge repair and maintenance, fence and bollard repairs, litter control, and pathway sign repairs or replacements, according to township documents.
Zeeland Record
Holland Township will continue to maintain bike paths in Zeeland Township under a new maintenance agreement.
The Zeeland Township board on a 6-1 vote Nov. 18 approved the bike trail maintenance agreement, which will continue a prior arrangement with Holland Township that dates back to 1997. The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. Zeeland Township has 17.9 miles of bike trails.
The Holland Township board had approved the agreement in mid-October, Holland Township Manager Steve Bulthuis said.
Under the new agreement, Zeeland Township will pay Holland Township a rate of $2,373 per mile. The agreement is for one year, but will renew automatically unless one of the townships opts to terminate the contract. The rate will be adjusted each year based on factors such as inflation and labor costs.
“We have not been mindful of updating the costs associated with (trail maintenance) on a periodic basis,” Bulthuis said. “It finally came to a situation where we were facing some staffing challenges, (and) the decision had been made where we were no longer going to be able to provide our maintenance services to Zeeland Township for the pathway system.”
Zeeland Township looked at contracting with a private firm for bike path maintenance, and was dissatisfied with the cost estimates they received. So, Township Manager Josh Eggleston contacted Bulthuis to see if there was a way of working out a contract between the two townships that more fairly captured the cost of maintaining bike paths. That agreement was presented to a working group before it came before the board.
Eggleston said the new rate that Zeeland Township will pay Holland Township will be 10-20 percent less than the private sector had offered for maintenance.
“We were going to receive a pretty significant increase this year, and Holland Charter Township’s was the least (expensive) of that increase,” Eggleston said. “If we proceed and move forward and it’s not meeting our expectations, we have an out clause on it.”
Township Treasurer Melissa Veldheer questioned the new rate and whether it accurately reflected actual costs for Holland Township.
“I don’t know why Holland Township couldn’t justify what the increase of the cost was actually attributable to from your own financial data,” said Veldheer, who formerly worked for Holland Township.
“Either we’re subsidizing your system or you’re not appropriately putting the cost into your general ledger. I just can’t reconcile that,” added Veldheer, who was the lone no vote.
Holland Township had previously charged Zeeland Township about $900 per mile for bike path maintenance, Bulthuis said.
“There were years that (Holland Township’s costs) exceeded what the township was charging,” Bulthuis said.
The agreement will cover mowing of pathway shoulders, weed control, snow removal, sweeping, tree trimming, minor pothole repairs, minor bridge repair and maintenance, fence and bollard repairs, litter control, and pathway sign repairs or replacements, according to township documents.
School Board Approves East Additions, Renovations
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Education on Nov. 17 approved the final projects from the district’s 2021 bond issue.
The board authorized the awarding of contracts totaling about $5.38 million to nearly two dozen subcontractors for expansion and renovation work at Zeeland East High School.
“We will build an addition off the back of DeWitt Auditorium that will allow us to expand and renovate the dressing rooms for all of our performing arts classes that use that space,” ZPS Assistant Superintendent Jon Voss wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record. “We will also add four new classrooms at Zeeland East dedicated to career-based learning, specifically computer programming, engineering, medical sciences, and our Teacher Academy.”
In addition, an existing computer lab across from the media center will undergo complete renovations, to be converted into a science lab with storage. Two single-stall restrooms will be added to the media center with access to the hallway, according to district documents.
In addition, the original Won Doors (folding doors) will be replaced. Those doors have been used for closing off areas in the building and are part of the school’s fire protection system, according to district documents.
Construction on the projects is expected to break ground soon, with completion expected within 12-18 months, Voss wrote in his email.
Most contracts were awarded to the low bidder in each category, with a few exceptions. The most notable exception was for the concrete work, where the low bidder, Proline Concrete Construction of Dorr, was rejected because of past problems with projects they had done for the district at the two high schools and Cityside Middle School, according to district documents.
Other subcontractors that received contracts include:
Concrete: Burgess Concrete Construction (Moline), $267,330
Earthwork: Top Grade Site Management LLC (Hamilton), $168,691
Demolition: X-Treme Demolition, Inc. (Grand Rapids), $68,700
Masonry: JK Masonry (Comstock Park), $624,800
Metals: FCC Construction (Caledonia), $293,000
General Trades: Distinctive Group Inc. (Zeeland), $144,000
Casework & Countertops: NEIS Collective (Grand Rapids), $314,500
Roofing: Mikalan Roofing Inc. (Zeeland), $317,880
Joint Sealants: Premier Caulking, Inc. (Grand Rapids), $24,350
Doors, Frames & Hardware: Architectural Openings & Access (Grand Rapids), $144,805
Folding Doors: Won-Door Corporation (Salt Lake City, Utah), $98,400
Metal Wall Panels: Wolverine Enclosures, Inc. (Allegan), $89,500
Aluminum, Glass & Glazing: Lakeshore Glass & Metals, LLC (Zeeland), $172,250
LPDA: Schepers Brothers _Company Inc. (Byron Center), $140,457
Flooring: River City Flooring (Hudsonville), $99,990
Painting: H&H Painting Co. (Kalamazoo), $42,260
Window Treatments: Triangle Window Fashions, Inc. (Wyoming), $6,339
Fire Protection: Blaze Fire Protection (Grand Rapids), $54,200
Mechanical/Plumbing: DHE Plumbing (Grandville), $964,900
Testing/Balancing: ControlNET LLC (Grand Rapids), $8,050
DDC Controls: ControlNET LLC (Grand Rapids), $279,200
Commissioning: Functional Consulting Services (Greenville), $6,150
Electrical and Communications: Town & Country Group (Zeeland), $479,900
Signage: ZPS will solicit directly, with a $20,000 allowance
The projects at Zeeland East were made possible by voter approval of a $75 million bond issue in May 2021. GDK Construction and Owen-Ames-Kimball Construction are the project construction managers.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Education on Nov. 17 approved the final projects from the district’s 2021 bond issue.
The board authorized the awarding of contracts totaling about $5.38 million to nearly two dozen subcontractors for expansion and renovation work at Zeeland East High School.
“We will build an addition off the back of DeWitt Auditorium that will allow us to expand and renovate the dressing rooms for all of our performing arts classes that use that space,” ZPS Assistant Superintendent Jon Voss wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record. “We will also add four new classrooms at Zeeland East dedicated to career-based learning, specifically computer programming, engineering, medical sciences, and our Teacher Academy.”
In addition, an existing computer lab across from the media center will undergo complete renovations, to be converted into a science lab with storage. Two single-stall restrooms will be added to the media center with access to the hallway, according to district documents.
In addition, the original Won Doors (folding doors) will be replaced. Those doors have been used for closing off areas in the building and are part of the school’s fire protection system, according to district documents.
Construction on the projects is expected to break ground soon, with completion expected within 12-18 months, Voss wrote in his email.
Most contracts were awarded to the low bidder in each category, with a few exceptions. The most notable exception was for the concrete work, where the low bidder, Proline Concrete Construction of Dorr, was rejected because of past problems with projects they had done for the district at the two high schools and Cityside Middle School, according to district documents.
Other subcontractors that received contracts include:
Concrete: Burgess Concrete Construction (Moline), $267,330
Earthwork: Top Grade Site Management LLC (Hamilton), $168,691
Demolition: X-Treme Demolition, Inc. (Grand Rapids), $68,700
Masonry: JK Masonry (Comstock Park), $624,800
Metals: FCC Construction (Caledonia), $293,000
General Trades: Distinctive Group Inc. (Zeeland), $144,000
Casework & Countertops: NEIS Collective (Grand Rapids), $314,500
Roofing: Mikalan Roofing Inc. (Zeeland), $317,880
Joint Sealants: Premier Caulking, Inc. (Grand Rapids), $24,350
Doors, Frames & Hardware: Architectural Openings & Access (Grand Rapids), $144,805
Folding Doors: Won-Door Corporation (Salt Lake City, Utah), $98,400
Metal Wall Panels: Wolverine Enclosures, Inc. (Allegan), $89,500
Aluminum, Glass & Glazing: Lakeshore Glass & Metals, LLC (Zeeland), $172,250
LPDA: Schepers Brothers _Company Inc. (Byron Center), $140,457
Flooring: River City Flooring (Hudsonville), $99,990
Painting: H&H Painting Co. (Kalamazoo), $42,260
Window Treatments: Triangle Window Fashions, Inc. (Wyoming), $6,339
Fire Protection: Blaze Fire Protection (Grand Rapids), $54,200
Mechanical/Plumbing: DHE Plumbing (Grandville), $964,900
Testing/Balancing: ControlNET LLC (Grand Rapids), $8,050
DDC Controls: ControlNET LLC (Grand Rapids), $279,200
Commissioning: Functional Consulting Services (Greenville), $6,150
Electrical and Communications: Town & Country Group (Zeeland), $479,900
Signage: ZPS will solicit directly, with a $20,000 allowance
The projects at Zeeland East were made possible by voter approval of a $75 million bond issue in May 2021. GDK Construction and Owen-Ames-Kimball Construction are the project construction managers.
Outgoing Council Members Honored
Longtime Zeeland City Council members Jim Broersma (top photo) and Glenn Kass (bottom photo), pictured with Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen, were honored by the city Nov. 17 for their service to the city. Broersma served on the City Council for 24 years while Kass was on council for 16 years.
Photos by Greg Chandler
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Two City Council members with a combined 40 years of service on the council were honored for the final time at the Nov. 17 council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen read proclamations honoring Jim Broersma and Glenn Kass for their service to the city.
Broersma did not seek re-election this year after 24 years on the council, while Kass, a 16-year council veteran, was defeated in his re-election bid earlier this month. Both outgoing council members also served on the Planning Commission – Broersma from 2002 to 2018, and Kass from 2003 to 2009 and again from 2018 to this year.
Reading from the proclamation, Gruppen praised Broersma for his “quiet dedication and thoughtful leadership.”
“Jim’s influence can be seen across Zeeland – in revitalized public spaces, balanced growth and infrastructure designed to serve future generations,” she said. “He contributed to initiatives that enhanced the heart of downtown, including the social district, sidewalk cafes, and recent redevelopment efforts that have made downtown Zeeland a place to gather.”
Gruppen went on to cite Broersma’s efforts to “strengthen Zeeland’s parks, safety services, and neighborhoods. From park improvements and multi-use paths to public safety upgrades and utility planning, his steady guidance ensured that growth never outpaced care for the people who call Zeeland home.”
Kass was recognized for his advocacy of housing diversity and community connectivity.
“Glenn’s leadership has supported efforts to expand Zeeland’s housing options – from the long-desire redevelopment of the Sligh Building to the newly completed one-bedroom units at 17 E. Main and the introduction of accessory dwelling units that will strengthen neighborhoods and provide opportunities for residents of all ages,” Gruppen read from the Kass proclamation.
Gruppen also praised Kass for his work in bring people together, such as working to ensure pedestrian walkability, sidewalk expansion and the city’s non-motorized transportation plan.
“Glenn’s approach to leadership has always been collaborative, deliberate and grounded in common sense,” she said. “He values discussion, listens deeply, and seeks solutions that balance opportunity with responsibility. His influence can be felt not only in Zeeland’s physical landscape, but in the tone of cooperation that defines its local government.”
Mayor Kevin Klynstra was unable to attend the Nov. 17 meeting as he was out of town on personal business. Klynstra, who is leaving the mayor’s office after 14 years in that position and a total of 30 years on council, will hand over the mayor’s gavel to Rick Van Dorp at next Monday’s council meeting.
Zeeland Record
Two City Council members with a combined 40 years of service on the council were honored for the final time at the Nov. 17 council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen read proclamations honoring Jim Broersma and Glenn Kass for their service to the city.
Broersma did not seek re-election this year after 24 years on the council, while Kass, a 16-year council veteran, was defeated in his re-election bid earlier this month. Both outgoing council members also served on the Planning Commission – Broersma from 2002 to 2018, and Kass from 2003 to 2009 and again from 2018 to this year.
Reading from the proclamation, Gruppen praised Broersma for his “quiet dedication and thoughtful leadership.”
“Jim’s influence can be seen across Zeeland – in revitalized public spaces, balanced growth and infrastructure designed to serve future generations,” she said. “He contributed to initiatives that enhanced the heart of downtown, including the social district, sidewalk cafes, and recent redevelopment efforts that have made downtown Zeeland a place to gather.”
Gruppen went on to cite Broersma’s efforts to “strengthen Zeeland’s parks, safety services, and neighborhoods. From park improvements and multi-use paths to public safety upgrades and utility planning, his steady guidance ensured that growth never outpaced care for the people who call Zeeland home.”
Kass was recognized for his advocacy of housing diversity and community connectivity.
“Glenn’s leadership has supported efforts to expand Zeeland’s housing options – from the long-desire redevelopment of the Sligh Building to the newly completed one-bedroom units at 17 E. Main and the introduction of accessory dwelling units that will strengthen neighborhoods and provide opportunities for residents of all ages,” Gruppen read from the Kass proclamation.
Gruppen also praised Kass for his work in bring people together, such as working to ensure pedestrian walkability, sidewalk expansion and the city’s non-motorized transportation plan.
“Glenn’s approach to leadership has always been collaborative, deliberate and grounded in common sense,” she said. “He values discussion, listens deeply, and seeks solutions that balance opportunity with responsibility. His influence can be felt not only in Zeeland’s physical landscape, but in the tone of cooperation that defines its local government.”
Mayor Kevin Klynstra was unable to attend the Nov. 17 meeting as he was out of town on personal business. Klynstra, who is leaving the mayor’s office after 14 years in that position and a total of 30 years on council, will hand over the mayor’s gavel to Rick Van Dorp at next Monday’s council meeting.
Suspect Charged in Olive Twp. Stabbing
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
A 23-year-old Grand Rapids man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a home invasion in Olive Township last week in which the homeowner was stabbed.
Jason Neshawn Varnado was arraigned last Thursday via video in 58th District Court in Grand Haven by Judge Craig Bunce on charges stemming from the incident at the home on New Holland Street, just east of 120th Avenue, on Nov. 18.
Varnado is charged with first-degree home invasion, killing or torturing an animal and felonious assault, and is being held on $250,000 bond in the Ottawa County Jail.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect approached the residence on New Holland Street during the afternoon of Nov. 18. After a discussion with the homeowner, a 68-year-old man, Varnado allegedly forced his way into the home and assaulted the homeowner. The family dog, named Chief, came to the victim’s aid and engaged the suspect, allowing the victim to retreat safely to a bedroom. The dog was stabbed during the attack and later died of his injuries, Sgt. Jake Sparks of the sheriff’s office said.
The homeowner contacted Ottawa County Central Dispatch and deputies arrived a short time later. The suspect had fled, but was later found with the assistance of an Ottawa County K-9 unit and the sheriff’s office Drone Team, and taken into custody. The homeowner suffered lacerations to his arm in the assault, Sparks said.
Varnado is scheduled for a probable cause conference Dec. 5 in 58th District Court before Judge Bunce.
Anyone with information on the home invasion and stabbing is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips .com
Zeeland Record
A 23-year-old Grand Rapids man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a home invasion in Olive Township last week in which the homeowner was stabbed.
Jason Neshawn Varnado was arraigned last Thursday via video in 58th District Court in Grand Haven by Judge Craig Bunce on charges stemming from the incident at the home on New Holland Street, just east of 120th Avenue, on Nov. 18.
Varnado is charged with first-degree home invasion, killing or torturing an animal and felonious assault, and is being held on $250,000 bond in the Ottawa County Jail.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect approached the residence on New Holland Street during the afternoon of Nov. 18. After a discussion with the homeowner, a 68-year-old man, Varnado allegedly forced his way into the home and assaulted the homeowner. The family dog, named Chief, came to the victim’s aid and engaged the suspect, allowing the victim to retreat safely to a bedroom. The dog was stabbed during the attack and later died of his injuries, Sgt. Jake Sparks of the sheriff’s office said.
The homeowner contacted Ottawa County Central Dispatch and deputies arrived a short time later. The suspect had fled, but was later found with the assistance of an Ottawa County K-9 unit and the sheriff’s office Drone Team, and taken into custody. The homeowner suffered lacerations to his arm in the assault, Sparks said.
Varnado is scheduled for a probable cause conference Dec. 5 in 58th District Court before Judge Bunce.
Anyone with information on the home invasion and stabbing is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips .com
Second Church Musicians to Present Songs of Advent and Christmas
Second Reformed Church, often noted for its rich musical traditions, invites you and your family and friends to enjoy seasonal music presented by Second Church-affiliated musicians this coming Sunday.
The program will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of Second Church, with a reception immediately following in the festive Gathering Place of the church. The program is free.
A wide variety of instrumental and vocal music celebrating this season of the church year will be presented by adults, youth and choral groups who are a part of the Second Church family. Audience members will also be invited to join in singing Advent and Christmas hymns which are favorites of the liturgical season.
It will be a wonderful opportunity for music lovers of all ages to gather in the spirit of the season, to share in listening and participating in song, and to enjoy a reception following the concert.
Second Reformed Church is located at 225 E. Central Ave. Convenient parking is available at the corner of Church Street and Cherry Avenue, with accessible entry from the parking lot into and throughout the building.
The program will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of Second Church, with a reception immediately following in the festive Gathering Place of the church. The program is free.
A wide variety of instrumental and vocal music celebrating this season of the church year will be presented by adults, youth and choral groups who are a part of the Second Church family. Audience members will also be invited to join in singing Advent and Christmas hymns which are favorites of the liturgical season.
It will be a wonderful opportunity for music lovers of all ages to gather in the spirit of the season, to share in listening and participating in song, and to enjoy a reception following the concert.
Second Reformed Church is located at 225 E. Central Ave. Convenient parking is available at the corner of Church Street and Cherry Avenue, with accessible entry from the parking lot into and throughout the building.
Hope College President, Former ZPS Principal Recognized by Crain’s
Hope College president Matthew Scogin and former Zeeland Public Schools principal Greg Eding were recently named among West Michigan’s “Notable Leaders in Education” by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Scogin and Eding, the current superintendent of Lakeshore Public Schools in Stevensville, were among 16 recognized administrators, faculty, researchers, board members and others who have demonstrated innovative solutions to educational problems over the last five years, served as a role model to other educators, promoted inclusive practices in the workplace and is active in other civic or community service initiatives.
Scogin, a 2002 Hope graduate, was recognized for his leadership around academic excellence in faith-based liberal arts education, innovating access and affordability programs such as the pay-it-forward tuition effort called “Hope Forward,” and his leadership work in higher-education organizations at the state and regional level. Scogin served on the Hope board of trustees before being appointed as the college’s 14th president in 2019.
Eding is a 1993 Hope graduate who was a principal in Zeeland Public Schools for 17 years, first at Creekside Middle School from 2004 to 2016, then at Zeeland West High School from 2016 until he was hired as Lakeshore’s superintendent in July 2021.
Two other Hope College alums were named to Crain’s “Notable Leaders in Education 2025” list: Grand Rapids Christian Schools assistant superintendent Nick DeKoster ‘06 and National Heritage Academies founder and chairman J.C. Huizenga ’73.
Scogin and Eding, the current superintendent of Lakeshore Public Schools in Stevensville, were among 16 recognized administrators, faculty, researchers, board members and others who have demonstrated innovative solutions to educational problems over the last five years, served as a role model to other educators, promoted inclusive practices in the workplace and is active in other civic or community service initiatives.
Scogin, a 2002 Hope graduate, was recognized for his leadership around academic excellence in faith-based liberal arts education, innovating access and affordability programs such as the pay-it-forward tuition effort called “Hope Forward,” and his leadership work in higher-education organizations at the state and regional level. Scogin served on the Hope board of trustees before being appointed as the college’s 14th president in 2019.
Eding is a 1993 Hope graduate who was a principal in Zeeland Public Schools for 17 years, first at Creekside Middle School from 2004 to 2016, then at Zeeland West High School from 2016 until he was hired as Lakeshore’s superintendent in July 2021.
Two other Hope College alums were named to Crain’s “Notable Leaders in Education 2025” list: Grand Rapids Christian Schools assistant superintendent Nick DeKoster ‘06 and National Heritage Academies founder and chairman J.C. Huizenga ’73.
Twp. Board OKs Pickleball Courts Design
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township officials have given the go-ahead for design work to begin on the addition of three new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove.
The Township Board Nov. 18 vote to authorize Prein & Newhof to move ahead with engineering and design work on the pickleball court project that is planned for next year, at a cost of $61,500.
The township has identified the addition of the pickleball courts as a major item in its capital improvement plan for next year. The township has budgeted $495,000 for the project, but preliminary cost estimates from Prein & Newhof have put the expected cost at $315,000, according to a company memo addressed to Township Manager Josh Eggleston.
The board discussed adding on playground improvements as a bid alternate to the pickleball court project. The park master plan for Drenthe Grove shows a playground area being built near the pickleball courts. Prein & Newhof has estimated the cost of the playground improvements at $270,000.
“The price estimates on the playground, I had a little bit of a concern about. I thought they were a little bit on the high end,” Eggleston said.
The township is expected to receive bids for the pickleball court project in February, Eggleston said.
Zeeland Record
Zeeland Township officials have given the go-ahead for design work to begin on the addition of three new pickleball courts at the Drenthe Grove.
The Township Board Nov. 18 vote to authorize Prein & Newhof to move ahead with engineering and design work on the pickleball court project that is planned for next year, at a cost of $61,500.
The township has identified the addition of the pickleball courts as a major item in its capital improvement plan for next year. The township has budgeted $495,000 for the project, but preliminary cost estimates from Prein & Newhof have put the expected cost at $315,000, according to a company memo addressed to Township Manager Josh Eggleston.
The board discussed adding on playground improvements as a bid alternate to the pickleball court project. The park master plan for Drenthe Grove shows a playground area being built near the pickleball courts. Prein & Newhof has estimated the cost of the playground improvements at $270,000.
“The price estimates on the playground, I had a little bit of a concern about. I thought they were a little bit on the high end,” Eggleston said.
The township is expected to receive bids for the pickleball court project in February, Eggleston said.
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