The Zeeland High Dance Ensemble recently spent seven days at Walt Disney World, taking part in a dance workshop and a performance where they had to learn 11 separate dances. The ensemble has performed at Disney World 13 times dating back to the early 2000s.
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
It has been a longstanding tradition with the Zeeland High Dance Ensemble - getting to perform at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Students from the ensemble earlier this month had the opportunity again to take part in a dance workshop and performance. It’s the 13th time that the Zeeland ensemble has performed at Disney World.
“The seven-day trip is centered around two main dance experiences, a 2.5-hour Dance Disney workshop and a 30-minute performance at Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney,” ensemble director Samantha Lamer wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record.
Lamer, a 2014 Zeeland West graduate, went on two trips to Disney World with the dance ensemble as a student.
The Disney program is nationally-accredited through dance and music education associations, and students can put down their experience on resumes when seeking jobs in the performing arts after graduation, Lamer wrote.
“We have had many Zeeland dance alumni end up performing for Disney and/or other area parks like Universal and SeaWorld,” Lamer wrote.
During the workshop, the students get to work with an experienced Disney cast member. They learn a full-length piece that combines dances from various parks such as Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Then, they went through a final rehearsal experience that mimicked the Disney process of a last backstage rehearsal, a dress rehearsal, and finally a show run. The students learned about Disney audition process and how it may lead to jobs at Disney as well as elsewhere, Lamer wrote.
The dance performance itself was a 25-minute set of dances, featuring all 21 students from the ensemble and nine Dance IV upperclassmen, that are performed at Disney Springs’ Waterfront Stage. They performed 11 dances created by five different professional choreographers, including Lamer and Mylene Melancon, a 2013 Zeeland East graduate.
“Students were given dances for this performance that challenged them in their dance technique, rhythm/musicality, and expression. The entire set is a test of endurance and pacing,” Lamer wrote.
“Our students had an amazing performance! The stage is meant for all performing arts, not just dance, and is very slippery which can make dancing tricky but they handled it so well. Our group attracted quite the crowd and received lots of compliments from the Disney personnel on their dancing and professional behavior,” she added.
The Zeeland dance ensemble has been coming to Disney World since 2002, with trips usually every other year.
While not performing, the students had plenty of time for fun, including an Amazing Race Day where they toured Magic Kingdom, earning points for meeting various challenges that included meeting Disney characters and riding different rides. They also got to see many shows and attractions.
“This experience is incredibly valuable for our students in so many ways,” Lamer wrote. “This trip includes many new experiences for students like flying for the first time, experiencing elements from diverse cultures featured across the parks, meeting travelers from all over the world (some of our foreign language students were able to converse with native speakers in the pavilions around EPCOT), and participating in sustainability initiatives through Disney's Conservation programs.”
In addition, students learn and have reinforced important skills and strategies through their experience, ranging from financial management to time management and personal wellness strategies, Lamer wrote.
The Zeeland dance ensemble plans to return to Disney in 2028 “as long as we continue to be accepted by the Disney Imagination Campus and the trip is once again approved by the ZPS school board,” Lamer wrote.
Zeeland Record
It has been a longstanding tradition with the Zeeland High Dance Ensemble - getting to perform at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Students from the ensemble earlier this month had the opportunity again to take part in a dance workshop and performance. It’s the 13th time that the Zeeland ensemble has performed at Disney World.
“The seven-day trip is centered around two main dance experiences, a 2.5-hour Dance Disney workshop and a 30-minute performance at Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney,” ensemble director Samantha Lamer wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record.
Lamer, a 2014 Zeeland West graduate, went on two trips to Disney World with the dance ensemble as a student.
The Disney program is nationally-accredited through dance and music education associations, and students can put down their experience on resumes when seeking jobs in the performing arts after graduation, Lamer wrote.
“We have had many Zeeland dance alumni end up performing for Disney and/or other area parks like Universal and SeaWorld,” Lamer wrote.
During the workshop, the students get to work with an experienced Disney cast member. They learn a full-length piece that combines dances from various parks such as Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Then, they went through a final rehearsal experience that mimicked the Disney process of a last backstage rehearsal, a dress rehearsal, and finally a show run. The students learned about Disney audition process and how it may lead to jobs at Disney as well as elsewhere, Lamer wrote.
The dance performance itself was a 25-minute set of dances, featuring all 21 students from the ensemble and nine Dance IV upperclassmen, that are performed at Disney Springs’ Waterfront Stage. They performed 11 dances created by five different professional choreographers, including Lamer and Mylene Melancon, a 2013 Zeeland East graduate.
“Students were given dances for this performance that challenged them in their dance technique, rhythm/musicality, and expression. The entire set is a test of endurance and pacing,” Lamer wrote.
“Our students had an amazing performance! The stage is meant for all performing arts, not just dance, and is very slippery which can make dancing tricky but they handled it so well. Our group attracted quite the crowd and received lots of compliments from the Disney personnel on their dancing and professional behavior,” she added.
The Zeeland dance ensemble has been coming to Disney World since 2002, with trips usually every other year.
While not performing, the students had plenty of time for fun, including an Amazing Race Day where they toured Magic Kingdom, earning points for meeting various challenges that included meeting Disney characters and riding different rides. They also got to see many shows and attractions.
“This experience is incredibly valuable for our students in so many ways,” Lamer wrote. “This trip includes many new experiences for students like flying for the first time, experiencing elements from diverse cultures featured across the parks, meeting travelers from all over the world (some of our foreign language students were able to converse with native speakers in the pavilions around EPCOT), and participating in sustainability initiatives through Disney's Conservation programs.”
In addition, students learn and have reinforced important skills and strategies through their experience, ranging from financial management to time management and personal wellness strategies, Lamer wrote.
The Zeeland dance ensemble plans to return to Disney in 2028 “as long as we continue to be accepted by the Disney Imagination Campus and the trip is once again approved by the ZPS school board,” Lamer wrote.
Campbell Plant Again Ordered to Stay Open
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
For the fourth time in less than a year, the Trump administration has issued an emergency order directing Consumers Energy to keep its J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Port Sheldon Township open.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Feb. 17 issued the latest order for Campbell to remain open for another 90 days, ending May 18. That would extend the plant’s continued operation almost one full year since Consumers Energy had planned to decommission Campbell on May 21 of last year.
As with previous orders, Wright claimed that keeping Campbell open is critical to addressing electric grid reliability issues in the Midwest. In a statement, he said Campbell’s operation was integral earlier this winter during Winter Storm Fern, which drove temperatures below zero in West Michigan.
“The energy sources that perform when you need them most are inherently the most valuable - that's why beautiful, clean coal was the MVP of recent winter storms,” Wright said. “Hundreds of American lives have likely been saved because of President Trump’s actions saving America’s coal plants, including this Michigan coal plant which ran daily during Winter Storm Fern. This emergency order will mitigate the risk of blackouts and maintain affordable, reliable, and secure electricity access across the region.”
Campbell operated at more than 650 megawatts every day before and during Winter Storm Fern, from Jan. 21 to Feb. 1, Wright said.
The Campbell plant had been scheduled to shut down on May 21, 2025 under a 2022 settlement agreement between Consumers and the Michigan Public Service Commission. In that settlement, the utility agreed to shut down the three units at Campbell as part of an overall corporate plan to move toward natural gas and renewable energy as sources of generating power. Wright said the planned closure came 15 years before the end of the plant’s useful life.
Consumers has continued to follow the Energy Department directives since the first order was issue in May of last year, company spokesman Brian Wheeler said.
“Consistent with a prior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order, costs to operate the Campbell plant will be shared by customers across the Midwest electric grid region – not borne solely by Consumers Energy customers,” Wheeler said.
However, utility officials say keeping Campbell open as come at a net cost of $135 million – that’s after selling power from the plant to the grid. Consumers says its net loss for complying with the Energy Department’s initial order from May of last year is $42 million. The utility lost another $93 million from the second order period through the end of last year, according to its annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In January, Consumers filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, seeking recovery of the net financial impact of complying with the Energy Department orders.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging the Energy Department’s order. In a statement issued last Friday, Nessel said that the Michigan Public Service Commission approved the decommissioning of Campbell after “extensive planning and analysis by state regulators and the broader inter-state power grid.”
“The Department of Energy has once again failed to show any legitimate energy emergency after almost a year of unlawfully forcing the J.H. Campbell Plant to remain operational,” Nessel said. “Instead of respecting Michigan’s careful planning and the rule of law, this administration is propping up an aging coal plant at a staggering and completely unnecessary cost to ratepayers.”
Nessel has already filed three requests for rehearing with the Department of Energy and three petitions for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for the prior orders to keep Campbell open. Those proceedings are still ongoing.
Environmental groups also continue to speak out against keeping Campbell open.
“Trump’s decision to once again force the coal plant open shows that keeping profits flowing for the fossil fuel interests that supported his campaign are his priority instead of reining in rising energy costs for Michigan families,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
Zeeland Record
For the fourth time in less than a year, the Trump administration has issued an emergency order directing Consumers Energy to keep its J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Port Sheldon Township open.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Feb. 17 issued the latest order for Campbell to remain open for another 90 days, ending May 18. That would extend the plant’s continued operation almost one full year since Consumers Energy had planned to decommission Campbell on May 21 of last year.
As with previous orders, Wright claimed that keeping Campbell open is critical to addressing electric grid reliability issues in the Midwest. In a statement, he said Campbell’s operation was integral earlier this winter during Winter Storm Fern, which drove temperatures below zero in West Michigan.
“The energy sources that perform when you need them most are inherently the most valuable - that's why beautiful, clean coal was the MVP of recent winter storms,” Wright said. “Hundreds of American lives have likely been saved because of President Trump’s actions saving America’s coal plants, including this Michigan coal plant which ran daily during Winter Storm Fern. This emergency order will mitigate the risk of blackouts and maintain affordable, reliable, and secure electricity access across the region.”
Campbell operated at more than 650 megawatts every day before and during Winter Storm Fern, from Jan. 21 to Feb. 1, Wright said.
The Campbell plant had been scheduled to shut down on May 21, 2025 under a 2022 settlement agreement between Consumers and the Michigan Public Service Commission. In that settlement, the utility agreed to shut down the three units at Campbell as part of an overall corporate plan to move toward natural gas and renewable energy as sources of generating power. Wright said the planned closure came 15 years before the end of the plant’s useful life.
Consumers has continued to follow the Energy Department directives since the first order was issue in May of last year, company spokesman Brian Wheeler said.
“Consistent with a prior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order, costs to operate the Campbell plant will be shared by customers across the Midwest electric grid region – not borne solely by Consumers Energy customers,” Wheeler said.
However, utility officials say keeping Campbell open as come at a net cost of $135 million – that’s after selling power from the plant to the grid. Consumers says its net loss for complying with the Energy Department’s initial order from May of last year is $42 million. The utility lost another $93 million from the second order period through the end of last year, according to its annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In January, Consumers filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, seeking recovery of the net financial impact of complying with the Energy Department orders.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging the Energy Department’s order. In a statement issued last Friday, Nessel said that the Michigan Public Service Commission approved the decommissioning of Campbell after “extensive planning and analysis by state regulators and the broader inter-state power grid.”
“The Department of Energy has once again failed to show any legitimate energy emergency after almost a year of unlawfully forcing the J.H. Campbell Plant to remain operational,” Nessel said. “Instead of respecting Michigan’s careful planning and the rule of law, this administration is propping up an aging coal plant at a staggering and completely unnecessary cost to ratepayers.”
Nessel has already filed three requests for rehearing with the Department of Energy and three petitions for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for the prior orders to keep Campbell open. Those proceedings are still ongoing.
Environmental groups also continue to speak out against keeping Campbell open.
“Trump’s decision to once again force the coal plant open shows that keeping profits flowing for the fossil fuel interests that supported his campaign are his priority instead of reining in rising energy costs for Michigan families,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
Two Injured in U.S. 31/ James Street Crash
Two people, including a Zeeland woman, were injured in a two-vehicle crash last Thursday at U.S. 31 and James Street in Holland Township.
The crash was reported at 4:46 a.m. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle driven by a 27-year-old Holland man was headed southbound on U.S. 31 and failed to stop at the red light at James Street. His vehicle struck a vehicle driven by a 51-year-old Zeeland woman.
The Zeeland woman had to extricated from her vehicle by Holland Township fire and emergency service personnel. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals in stable condition, Sgt. Kyle Zwak of the sheriff’s office said.
The crash resulted in southbound U.S. 31 being shut down from James to Felch Street for a period of time. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.
The crash was reported at 4:46 a.m. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle driven by a 27-year-old Holland man was headed southbound on U.S. 31 and failed to stop at the red light at James Street. His vehicle struck a vehicle driven by a 51-year-old Zeeland woman.
The Zeeland woman had to extricated from her vehicle by Holland Township fire and emergency service personnel. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals in stable condition, Sgt. Kyle Zwak of the sheriff’s office said.
The crash resulted in southbound U.S. 31 being shut down from James to Felch Street for a period of time. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.
County, Farm Bureau Seek Input on Farmland Preservation Strategies
With well over $700 million in farm products sold annually (2022 Census of Agriculture) and thousands employed in the industry on farms and at food-processing facilities, it's not hard to see why agriculture is important to Ottawa County. But this storied local industry faces threats including development pressure and a lack of new farmers entering the profession.
Over the past few years, the county has taken steps to reinforce and protect this important economic sector. Underpinning these targeted efforts has been the county's Focus on Agriculture Plan - a guiding framework informed by data gathered from a first-of-its-kind farmland preservation survey. First conducted in 2019 with support of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, this survey of farmers and owners of agriculturally zoned land made the Focus on Agriculture Plan possible.
Now, a half-decade later, it's time for another assessment. A 14-question survey has been sent out to more than 1,600 mailboxes that aims to gauge the community opinions on the county's farmland preservation strategy as well as review, identify and adjust other planning strategies. The results of this second survey will help the county continue to support the needs of local landowners and ensure the continued sustainability of the agriculture sector.
Those who own or rent more than five agriculturally zoned acres should have now received a physical copy of the survey. Respondents have the choice of returning the survey in a provided envelope postage paid by March 16, or taking the survey online by scanning the QR code or by visiting bit.ly/ocfarmsurvey26.
The results of the first survey in 2019 revealed an overwhelming majority of landowners – 82 percent - thought farmland loss was an issue worth addressing.
“We do this for the community. That initial survey set us on a solid path toward our current multi-pronged approach to farmland protection - one that's resulted in hundreds more preserved acres and development of programs like MiFarmLink,” county Agriculture and Economic Development Coordinator Becky Huttenga said. “It's time we check back in again.”
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County accepting applications for farmland preservation program
If you are an active farmer or landowner interested in farmland protection, there is no time like the present: now through April 30, landowners may apply to preserve their eligible agriculturally zoned property through the County's Purchase of Development Rights Program.
Landowners guard their property from development by creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement, which guarantees the land can only be used for farming. Learn more about the nine properties currently protected via PDR and complete a pre-application by visiting miottawa.org/farmlandpreservation.
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Free succession planning event set for March 17
Farmland succession planning is important but can be intimidating. Get started and ensure your farm's future at Farming Forward - a free succession planning and land-linking workshop set for March 17 at King Milling Co. in Lowell. Sessions will cover estate planning, agriculture conservation easements, tools to connect beginning farmers with your land if you lack an heir, and mediation services for when things don't go as planned.
Learn more and register for the event by visiting miottawa.org/farmingforward, email haley.stich man@kentcountymi.gov, or call 616-632-7593.
Over the past few years, the county has taken steps to reinforce and protect this important economic sector. Underpinning these targeted efforts has been the county's Focus on Agriculture Plan - a guiding framework informed by data gathered from a first-of-its-kind farmland preservation survey. First conducted in 2019 with support of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, this survey of farmers and owners of agriculturally zoned land made the Focus on Agriculture Plan possible.
Now, a half-decade later, it's time for another assessment. A 14-question survey has been sent out to more than 1,600 mailboxes that aims to gauge the community opinions on the county's farmland preservation strategy as well as review, identify and adjust other planning strategies. The results of this second survey will help the county continue to support the needs of local landowners and ensure the continued sustainability of the agriculture sector.
Those who own or rent more than five agriculturally zoned acres should have now received a physical copy of the survey. Respondents have the choice of returning the survey in a provided envelope postage paid by March 16, or taking the survey online by scanning the QR code or by visiting bit.ly/ocfarmsurvey26.
The results of the first survey in 2019 revealed an overwhelming majority of landowners – 82 percent - thought farmland loss was an issue worth addressing.
“We do this for the community. That initial survey set us on a solid path toward our current multi-pronged approach to farmland protection - one that's resulted in hundreds more preserved acres and development of programs like MiFarmLink,” county Agriculture and Economic Development Coordinator Becky Huttenga said. “It's time we check back in again.”
—————
County accepting applications for farmland preservation program
If you are an active farmer or landowner interested in farmland protection, there is no time like the present: now through April 30, landowners may apply to preserve their eligible agriculturally zoned property through the County's Purchase of Development Rights Program.
Landowners guard their property from development by creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement, which guarantees the land can only be used for farming. Learn more about the nine properties currently protected via PDR and complete a pre-application by visiting miottawa.org/farmlandpreservation.
—————
Free succession planning event set for March 17
Farmland succession planning is important but can be intimidating. Get started and ensure your farm's future at Farming Forward - a free succession planning and land-linking workshop set for March 17 at King Milling Co. in Lowell. Sessions will cover estate planning, agriculture conservation easements, tools to connect beginning farmers with your land if you lack an heir, and mediation services for when things don't go as planned.
Learn more and register for the event by visiting miottawa.org/farmingforward, email haley.stich man@kentcountymi.gov, or call 616-632-7593.
BPW Adds to Solar Energy Portfolio
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Public Works has added to its sustainable energy portfolio.
The city-owned utility, through a partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), added 2.8 megawatts to its portfolio as White Tail Solar, a 140-megawatt solar project in Washtenaw County’s Augusta and York townships, went online late last year.
The investment will provide enough energy to power more than 600 homes in Zeeland each year, said Bob Mulder, BPW’s power supply and market operations manager and utilities manager designee.
“Zeeland BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for more than a decade, and we are pleased to continue that relationship through this project,” Mulder said. “Projects like this support renewable energy development in Michigan and move us closer to achieving the goals established by the State, while delivering the power supply resources necessary to serve our customers.”
BPW joined 13 other public power utility providers across the state in a combined 25-megawatt power purchase agreement through MPPA. White Tail Solar has all energy contracted to Michigan’s public power utilities.
“White Tail Solar continues our commitment to helping members diversify their power supply portfolios and stay ahead of regulatory requirements,” said Patrick Bowland, executive director at MPPA. “Through joint action, we bring projects like this to life and celebrate how communities of all sizes benefit.”
White Tail Solar is a collaboration with Ranger Power, a national renewable energy developer, and DESRI, a national renewable energy company that owns and operates the project.
Michigan established aggressive renewable energy standards under Public Act 233, which was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November 2023. Through incremental, shared investments such as White Tail Solar, MPPA works with providers like BPW to build capacity toward those goals, Bowland said.
BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service at competitive rates and will continue to pursue renewable energy opportunities that are a strong fit for the community. The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA not only strengthens public power collaboration but also allows participation in large-scale projects that individually may not be possible, Mulder said.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Board of Public Works has added to its sustainable energy portfolio.
The city-owned utility, through a partnership with the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), added 2.8 megawatts to its portfolio as White Tail Solar, a 140-megawatt solar project in Washtenaw County’s Augusta and York townships, went online late last year.
The investment will provide enough energy to power more than 600 homes in Zeeland each year, said Bob Mulder, BPW’s power supply and market operations manager and utilities manager designee.
“Zeeland BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for more than a decade, and we are pleased to continue that relationship through this project,” Mulder said. “Projects like this support renewable energy development in Michigan and move us closer to achieving the goals established by the State, while delivering the power supply resources necessary to serve our customers.”
BPW joined 13 other public power utility providers across the state in a combined 25-megawatt power purchase agreement through MPPA. White Tail Solar has all energy contracted to Michigan’s public power utilities.
“White Tail Solar continues our commitment to helping members diversify their power supply portfolios and stay ahead of regulatory requirements,” said Patrick Bowland, executive director at MPPA. “Through joint action, we bring projects like this to life and celebrate how communities of all sizes benefit.”
White Tail Solar is a collaboration with Ranger Power, a national renewable energy developer, and DESRI, a national renewable energy company that owns and operates the project.
Michigan established aggressive renewable energy standards under Public Act 233, which was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November 2023. Through incremental, shared investments such as White Tail Solar, MPPA works with providers like BPW to build capacity toward those goals, Bowland said.
BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service at competitive rates and will continue to pursue renewable energy opportunities that are a strong fit for the community. The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA not only strengthens public power collaboration but also allows participation in large-scale projects that individually may not be possible, Mulder said.
Fire Truck, Police Vehicle Purchases OK’d
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Fire Rescue and Zeeland Police departments are each getting new vehicles.
The City Council Feb. 16 approved the purchase of a new Spartan stock rescue pumper for the fire department in the amount of $1,058,806 and a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe police package vehicle for $53,789.
The new rescue pumper will replace a Spartan/Salsbury heavy rescue unit that dates back to 1997 and a 1998 Pierce Saber rescue pumper. Both units have exceeded their recommended service life of 25 years, Interim Fire Chief Mitch Harsevoort said.
“(It’s) a pre-engineered, pre-designed engine that would allow for us to carry and conduct all the same functions as our current Salsbury (unit), but also have pumping capabilities that carry water,” Harsevoort said.
The pumper has a five-person cab, is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute, has a 750-gallon water tank, a foam system holding 20 gallons of foam and a six-bottle cascade air fill system, Harsevoort said.
The department will purchase the pumper through CSI Emergency Apparatus, a Spartan dealer based in Greenville. CSI will be responsible for installing the air cascade system, shelves, intake valves, crew area cabinets and shelves, flashlights, communication headsets, tool boards, center console and pump and heat pans, Harsevoort said.
The pumper is expected to be delivered and in service by the end of this year, Harsevoort said.
The Tahoe police package vehicle is being purchased through Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids. The police department had planned to acquire a 2026 Tahoe, but found out that Berger had one 2025 Tahoe left over in its inventory that met specifications of the department’s previous orders, Chief Tim Jungel said.
By buying the 2025 model, the city saved $1,825 over what it would have paid for the 2026 model. The only difference between the two models is that the 2025 model has both a driver’s side and passenger side spotlight. The department typically only orders police vehicles with a driver’s side spotlight.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Fire Rescue and Zeeland Police departments are each getting new vehicles.
The City Council Feb. 16 approved the purchase of a new Spartan stock rescue pumper for the fire department in the amount of $1,058,806 and a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe police package vehicle for $53,789.
The new rescue pumper will replace a Spartan/Salsbury heavy rescue unit that dates back to 1997 and a 1998 Pierce Saber rescue pumper. Both units have exceeded their recommended service life of 25 years, Interim Fire Chief Mitch Harsevoort said.
“(It’s) a pre-engineered, pre-designed engine that would allow for us to carry and conduct all the same functions as our current Salsbury (unit), but also have pumping capabilities that carry water,” Harsevoort said.
The pumper has a five-person cab, is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute, has a 750-gallon water tank, a foam system holding 20 gallons of foam and a six-bottle cascade air fill system, Harsevoort said.
The department will purchase the pumper through CSI Emergency Apparatus, a Spartan dealer based in Greenville. CSI will be responsible for installing the air cascade system, shelves, intake valves, crew area cabinets and shelves, flashlights, communication headsets, tool boards, center console and pump and heat pans, Harsevoort said.
The pumper is expected to be delivered and in service by the end of this year, Harsevoort said.
The Tahoe police package vehicle is being purchased through Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids. The police department had planned to acquire a 2026 Tahoe, but found out that Berger had one 2025 Tahoe left over in its inventory that met specifications of the department’s previous orders, Chief Tim Jungel said.
By buying the 2025 model, the city saved $1,825 over what it would have paid for the 2026 model. The only difference between the two models is that the 2025 model has both a driver’s side and passenger side spotlight. The department typically only orders police vehicles with a driver’s side spotlight.
Exploring Hospice for Heart Disease Relieves Mental Burden, Uncertainty
Connecting with hospice early on can provide mental relief, emotional support for cardiac patients and their loved ones.
Photo courtesy Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice
Every 34 seconds, heart disease claims another life. For more than a century, it’s been the nation’s top cause of death.
Despite that fact, patients with heart failure have historically underutilized hospice care, even though it can help manage or even prevent symptoms and keep them out of the hospital.
Dr. Jordan Sall, Emmanuel Hospice’s medical director, says the less predictable nature of the disease is a major factor. Heart disease progression varies significantly person to person, making it difficult to accurately predict a prognosis of six months or less, which can delay a hospice referral.
“Heart disease affects everyone – men, women and people of all ethnicities – but it can present in many different ways,” Sall said. “It can come on abruptly in some cases. In others, people gradually ease into it as symptoms slowly become part of their life until it hits a critical point.”
Sall says even if someone isn’t sure they’re ready for end-of-life care, connecting with a hospice provider early on to discuss their situation can take away some of the mental burden they may be feeling.
“Having an early conversation with hospice surrounds families with a compassionate team that has expertise in this disease and can recognize early symptoms,” Sall said. “Together, we can help determine when the time is right to transition to comfort care.”
Heart disease takes a notable physical toll, which hospice can help manage. When the heart fails, the body shows signs such as swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms.
“Far and away the most beneficial part of hospice care for patients with advanced heart disease is the ability to aggressively control symptoms,” Sall said. “That can include medications to manage pain, shortness of breath, anxiety and constipation. Patients may often continue their previously prescribed medications when it is beneficial to them.”
Hospice teams are also well equipped to support patients and family deal with the emotional impact of the disease.
“Heart disease is emotionally draining because the progression is difficult to predict, but also because of the vicious crisis cycle cardiac patients often end up in with frequent visits to the hospital or specialty clinics,” Sall said. “Spending so much time treating something that comes back so quickly has a way of taking the energy out of life.”
Decision fatigue, Sall says, also happens from constantly having to analyze new developments of the disease and make health care choices. Coordination of care through hospice becomes a huge relief for patients and their loved ones.
“With hospice, families get better cohesion of services related to comfort and quality of life,” Sall said. “We coordinate all physician and nurse visits, handle medication refills, offer spiritual care, provide social work support and obtain specialty equipment that is often difficult or expensive for families to get on their own. Patients and caregivers rest easier knowing our team has all that handled.”
In addition to traditional medical care and spiritual support, complementary therapies and services can be used to manage symptoms as well as prioritize emotional well-being and time at home with loved ones. At Emmanuel Hospice, that includes services such as massage therapy, music therapy, essential oils, pet visitors and more.
Sall emphasizes that hospice care is “highly individualized” for each patient, “which makes intervention more successful because it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
“Everyone has different care needs and preferences,” Sall said. “We listen to what is a priority for our patients. We guide them through their options, but they make the ultimate decisions around their care.”
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-care.
Every 34 seconds, heart disease claims another life. For more than a century, it’s been the nation’s top cause of death.
Despite that fact, patients with heart failure have historically underutilized hospice care, even though it can help manage or even prevent symptoms and keep them out of the hospital.
Dr. Jordan Sall, Emmanuel Hospice’s medical director, says the less predictable nature of the disease is a major factor. Heart disease progression varies significantly person to person, making it difficult to accurately predict a prognosis of six months or less, which can delay a hospice referral.
“Heart disease affects everyone – men, women and people of all ethnicities – but it can present in many different ways,” Sall said. “It can come on abruptly in some cases. In others, people gradually ease into it as symptoms slowly become part of their life until it hits a critical point.”
Sall says even if someone isn’t sure they’re ready for end-of-life care, connecting with a hospice provider early on to discuss their situation can take away some of the mental burden they may be feeling.
“Having an early conversation with hospice surrounds families with a compassionate team that has expertise in this disease and can recognize early symptoms,” Sall said. “Together, we can help determine when the time is right to transition to comfort care.”
Heart disease takes a notable physical toll, which hospice can help manage. When the heart fails, the body shows signs such as swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms.
“Far and away the most beneficial part of hospice care for patients with advanced heart disease is the ability to aggressively control symptoms,” Sall said. “That can include medications to manage pain, shortness of breath, anxiety and constipation. Patients may often continue their previously prescribed medications when it is beneficial to them.”
Hospice teams are also well equipped to support patients and family deal with the emotional impact of the disease.
“Heart disease is emotionally draining because the progression is difficult to predict, but also because of the vicious crisis cycle cardiac patients often end up in with frequent visits to the hospital or specialty clinics,” Sall said. “Spending so much time treating something that comes back so quickly has a way of taking the energy out of life.”
Decision fatigue, Sall says, also happens from constantly having to analyze new developments of the disease and make health care choices. Coordination of care through hospice becomes a huge relief for patients and their loved ones.
“With hospice, families get better cohesion of services related to comfort and quality of life,” Sall said. “We coordinate all physician and nurse visits, handle medication refills, offer spiritual care, provide social work support and obtain specialty equipment that is often difficult or expensive for families to get on their own. Patients and caregivers rest easier knowing our team has all that handled.”
In addition to traditional medical care and spiritual support, complementary therapies and services can be used to manage symptoms as well as prioritize emotional well-being and time at home with loved ones. At Emmanuel Hospice, that includes services such as massage therapy, music therapy, essential oils, pet visitors and more.
Sall emphasizes that hospice care is “highly individualized” for each patient, “which makes intervention more successful because it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
“Everyone has different care needs and preferences,” Sall said. “We listen to what is a priority for our patients. We guide them through their options, but they make the ultimate decisions around their care.”
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-care.
Bach Society To Perform At Second Church
The Holland Bach Society will present Part 2 of Johann Sebastian Bach’s well-known cantata “St. John Passion” on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland.
The performance is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed.
The performance at Second Church is one of three performances of “St. John Passion” that will be presented by the Holland Bach Society during the Lenten season. The cantata dramatically portrays the climax of the Passion story, beginning with Peter denying Jesus three times, and continuing through intense crowd scenes, reflective arias and concluding with a final hopeful chorale.
The Holland Bach Society was developed in 2021 to raise an awareness of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and to partner with local congregations in bringing musically and theologically-rich compositions to their existing worship services. The society is under the direction of co-directors Kristin and Aaron Goodyke.
Two additional performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 15 – at 10:30 a.m. at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church in Holland and at 5 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Holland.
You can learn more about the society and its members at hollandbachsociety.org.
The performance is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed.
The performance at Second Church is one of three performances of “St. John Passion” that will be presented by the Holland Bach Society during the Lenten season. The cantata dramatically portrays the climax of the Passion story, beginning with Peter denying Jesus three times, and continuing through intense crowd scenes, reflective arias and concluding with a final hopeful chorale.
The Holland Bach Society was developed in 2021 to raise an awareness of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and to partner with local congregations in bringing musically and theologically-rich compositions to their existing worship services. The society is under the direction of co-directors Kristin and Aaron Goodyke.
Two additional performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 15 – at 10:30 a.m. at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church in Holland and at 5 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Holland.
You can learn more about the society and its members at hollandbachsociety.org.
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