Ottawa County · community
Community pulse
What residents are talking about in Ottawa County public meetings, ranked by community engagement.
In the news
12 articlesRecent coverage of Ottawa County from local and regional media.
The 'Wright' stuff: 155-acre farm becomes 10th ag property to be protected from development
On Oct. 27, 2026, Ottawa County officially closed on a permanent conservation easement for the acreage through its Purchase of Development Rights Program.
Nov 9, 2026Behind Ottawa County suicide data: Gaps in care, new violence
Ottawa County saw 29 suicides in 2025, up from 25 in 2024. A new report highlights severe care gaps, especially for men, veterans, and western lakeshore residents. With firearms involved in 59% of cases, officials are urgently expanding mobile crisis...
Nov 8, 2026High-voltage lines eyed for Wheatland festival site would cut campsites, alter landscape
As part of expanding the Midwest power grid, three transmission lines will eventually be constructed in Michigan, including one stretching 159 miles from Midland County to Ludington.
Nov 7, 2026Managing growth together: Ottawa County launches ‘24ward’ coalition of local leaders
Facing a 25% population surge since 2000, local leaders from across Ottawa County gathered on Oct. 20 to unveil a regional growth coalition aimed at tackling pressing housing, infrastructure, and environmental challenges.
Nov 6, 2026Peter Boogaart: Reflections on Ottawa County land use
"I encourage the commissioners, as interveners before the MPSC, to support construction of the solar project, insist that local questions are answered, demand full transparency and ask that the MPSC direct the parties to engage in mutually beneficial...
Nov 5, 2026Vote 2026: Get your Ottawa County general election results.
As polls close on Election Day 2026, Ottawa County voters have officially cast their ballots across a crowded field of federal, state, and local contests.
Nov 4, 2026Michigan voters approve Proposal 2 'Money Out of Politics' question
The ballot measure to limit corporate political spending in Michigan’s political arena passed by an overwhelming margin on Tuesday and was immediately met with a lawsuit from opponents.
Nov 4, 2026McClusky upsets DeBoer in state's 86th, earning historic win; Huizenga, McCann in dead heat
Ottawa County also saw an upset with Democrat Joseph McClusky unseating two-term Republican incumbent Nancy DeBoer in Michigan’s 86th State House District.
Nov 4, 2026McCann declares victory over Huizenga as Dems flip Michigan's Fourth Congressional District
In a stunning upset with massive implications for the balance of power in Washington, Democrat Sean McCann, a Kalamazoo state senator, has declared victory over eight-term Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District.
Nov 4, 2026Local Election Results for Nov. 3
Local Election Results for Nov. 3 WHTC
Nov 4, 2026Scenes from Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Ottawa County and Kent County.
Scenes from Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Ottawa County and Kent County. MLive.com
Nov 3, 2026Here are 15 places to watch in Michigan's pivotal midterm election
Here are 15 places to watch in Michigan's pivotal midterm election The Detroit News
Nov 3, 2026