By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
City employees in Zeeland will see changes in their wellness program next year.
The City Council Oct. 19 approved a recommendation from Interim City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer to phase out the current points-based system that had been administered by a third party, and replace it with a program that would that pay back employees that are covered by the city’s health insurance plan for qualifying wellness expenses. The city’s human resources department would administer the new program, Plockmeyer wrote in a memo to the council.
“The intent of the reimbursement program is to provide employees with greater flexibility to select wellness activities that are meaningful to them and their families rather than requiring participation in a prescribed point system,” Plockmeyer wrote.
The changes are being instituted at a time where employees are facing a double-digit increase in their health insurance premiums next year.
Participation in the current wellness program has been limited. Only about one-third of city employees have received the full wellness credit while another one-third have received partial credit, Plockmeyer wrote.
Under the new program, employees enrolled in a city health insurance plan with single coverage could be reimbursed up to $260 per calendar year for participating, while employees with dependent coverage could be reimbursed up to $390 per year, according to Plockmeyer.
Plockmeyer estimates the potential annual cost of administering the new program at more than $28,000. The city has been paying $12,000 annually for the third-party administrator, he wrote.
“We believe there is value in redirecting a portion of our wellness resources toward a benefit that allows employees to pursue wellness in ways that are more meaningful to their individual circumstances. The city has limited ability to directly control broader health-insurance cost trends, but staff believes it is appropriate to make a good-faith effort to positively influence the areas we can affect,” Plockmeyer wrote.
Zeeland Record
City employees in Zeeland will see changes in their wellness program next year.
The City Council Oct. 19 approved a recommendation from Interim City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer to phase out the current points-based system that had been administered by a third party, and replace it with a program that would that pay back employees that are covered by the city’s health insurance plan for qualifying wellness expenses. The city’s human resources department would administer the new program, Plockmeyer wrote in a memo to the council.
“The intent of the reimbursement program is to provide employees with greater flexibility to select wellness activities that are meaningful to them and their families rather than requiring participation in a prescribed point system,” Plockmeyer wrote.
The changes are being instituted at a time where employees are facing a double-digit increase in their health insurance premiums next year.
Participation in the current wellness program has been limited. Only about one-third of city employees have received the full wellness credit while another one-third have received partial credit, Plockmeyer wrote.
Under the new program, employees enrolled in a city health insurance plan with single coverage could be reimbursed up to $260 per calendar year for participating, while employees with dependent coverage could be reimbursed up to $390 per year, according to Plockmeyer.
Plockmeyer estimates the potential annual cost of administering the new program at more than $28,000. The city has been paying $12,000 annually for the third-party administrator, he wrote.
“We believe there is value in redirecting a portion of our wellness resources toward a benefit that allows employees to pursue wellness in ways that are more meaningful to their individual circumstances. The city has limited ability to directly control broader health-insurance cost trends, but staff believes it is appropriate to make a good-faith effort to positively influence the areas we can affect,” Plockmeyer wrote.
AAA: Deer Crashes Surge During Peak Fall Driving Season
More than 58,000 deer crashes were reported in Michigan last year, resulting in 13 fatalities and 1,724 injuries. As deer activity increases during the fall breeding season, AAA reminds motorists that October through December are among the most dangerous months for deer-related crashes.
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, motorists reported 58,271 deer crashes in 2025, with nearly 41% occurring during October, November and December.
“Drivers often have only seconds to react when a deer enters the roadway. Slowing down, scanning the roadside and staying focused behind the wheel can help reduce the risk of a serious crash,” AAA spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland said.
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, motorists reported 58,271 deer crashes in 2025, with nearly 41% occurring during October, November and December.
“Drivers often have only seconds to react when a deer enters the roadway. Slowing down, scanning the roadside and staying focused behind the wheel can help reduce the risk of a serious crash,” AAA spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland said.
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Why Are Deer Crashes More Common in the Fall?
Deer-related crashes are among the most common wildlife incidents on Michigan roadways. The risk increases during the fall breeding season when deer become more active and more likely to cross roads unexpectedly.
Drivers traveling on rural roads, wooded corridors and two-lane highways should use extra caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
More than three-quarters of vehicles involved in deer crashes are passenger vehicles, SUVs and vans. Oakland County recorded the most crashes in 2025 with 2,259, followed by Kent (1,960), Genesee (1,659), Jackson (1,557) and Ottawa (1,498).
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What Should You Do if a Deer Runs into the Road?
AAA recommends motorists:
• Slow down, especially on rural roads and in areas marked with deer-crossing signs.
• Remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk.
• Use high beams whenever safe and legal.
• Watch for groups of deer. If one crosses the road, others are likely nearby.
• Brake firmly if a collision appears unavoidable.
• Stay in your lane and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
• Avoid swerving sharply, which can increase the risk of a more serious crash.
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What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
If you collide with a deer:
• Move to a safe location if possible.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Do not approach the animal. Injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• Photograph the damage and crash scene.
• Contact law enforcement if required.
• Notify your insurance carrier promptly.
Why Are Deer Crashes More Common in the Fall?
Deer-related crashes are among the most common wildlife incidents on Michigan roadways. The risk increases during the fall breeding season when deer become more active and more likely to cross roads unexpectedly.
Drivers traveling on rural roads, wooded corridors and two-lane highways should use extra caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
More than three-quarters of vehicles involved in deer crashes are passenger vehicles, SUVs and vans. Oakland County recorded the most crashes in 2025 with 2,259, followed by Kent (1,960), Genesee (1,659), Jackson (1,557) and Ottawa (1,498).
—————
What Should You Do if a Deer Runs into the Road?
AAA recommends motorists:
• Slow down, especially on rural roads and in areas marked with deer-crossing signs.
• Remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk.
• Use high beams whenever safe and legal.
• Watch for groups of deer. If one crosses the road, others are likely nearby.
• Brake firmly if a collision appears unavoidable.
• Stay in your lane and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
• Avoid swerving sharply, which can increase the risk of a more serious crash.
—————
What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
If you collide with a deer:
• Move to a safe location if possible.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Do not approach the animal. Injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• Photograph the damage and crash scene.
• Contact law enforcement if required.
• Notify your insurance carrier promptly.
Pianist to Perform at Second Church Recital Series
Local pianist Gary LaCroix will perform as part of Second Reformed Church’s Recital Series on Sunday, Nov. 8.
The performance will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church at 225 E. Central Ave. Admission is free.
LaCroix will perform music from the Great American Songbook of the early and mid-20th century, featuring standards from such composers as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers, as well as excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”
A reception will follow the concert.
The performance will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church at 225 E. Central Ave. Admission is free.
LaCroix will perform music from the Great American Songbook of the early and mid-20th century, featuring standards from such composers as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers, as well as excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”
A reception will follow the concert.
112th Avenue Road Closure Begins Today
112th Avenue between Port Sheldon and New Holland streets in Olive Township is scheduled to be closed starting today for the installation of a City of Wyoming water transmission line.
This closure includes the intersection of 112th at Van Buren Street.
Work is anticipated to last through late November. Please note that all dates are tentative, and work is weather dependent.
The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. The detour route is New Holland Street to 120th Avenue to Port Sheldon.
More information about this project can be found online at preinnewhof.com/wyoming-third-transmission-main.
This closure includes the intersection of 112th at Van Buren Street.
Work is anticipated to last through late November. Please note that all dates are tentative, and work is weather dependent.
The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. The detour route is New Holland Street to 120th Avenue to Port Sheldon.
More information about this project can be found online at preinnewhof.com/wyoming-third-transmission-main.
96th Avenue Closed South of Stanton
96th Avenue is closed south of Stanton Street on the border of Blendon and Olive townships this week for a culvert replacement project, according to the Ottawa County Road Commission.
Work is anticipated to last through next Monday. Please note that all dates are tentative, and work is weather dependent.
The road is closed to through traffic during the project. The detour is 96th to Fillmore Street to 76th Avenue to Taylor Street.
Work is anticipated to last through next Monday. Please note that all dates are tentative, and work is weather dependent.
The road is closed to through traffic during the project. The detour is 96th to Fillmore Street to 76th Avenue to Taylor Street.
