In our most exciting episode yet, former interim administrator Gary Rosema and administrator Patrick Waterman join the podcast to talk about what administrators do, give their perspective on the last 12 months, and look toward the bright future of Ottawa County. 

Make sure that you're subscribed so you don't miss anything from Ottawa County!

----------------Links from Announcements----------------

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-91fYRiY5FB0

Ottawa County Road Commission: https://ottawacorc.com

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Kendra, Bill, and Morgan join us to talk about just a handful of the many programs offered by Ottawa County's MSU Extension Office.

Learn more about:

MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ottawa/

Product Center: https://www.canr.msu.edu/productcenter/

Christmas tree farms in your area: https://mcta.org/choose-cut-farms-map/

Keeping your tree fresh all season long: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/water_is_the_essential_ingredient_in_keeping_your_farm_grown_christmas_tree

4-H Club: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ottawa/4-h/

Follow 4-H Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ottawacounty4HMSU

Participate in the Kitchen Survey for aspiring or active food and beverage entrepreneurs: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/survey-builder/SV_a3ubmJiLcoJqcbI/edit

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Food resources in Ottawa County: 

CALL-211: https://www.call-211.org/news-events/

Ottawa Food: https://ottawafood.org/findfood/

Meeting Minutes for the October 28 Board of Commissioners Meeting: https://youtube.com/shorts/ldP_kIIwMdA?feature=share

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Happy New (fiscal) Year! Thanks to Tyler and Sandi from Fiscal Services for joining us today to talk about our county budget: why it's necessary, how it's created, and what's new in fiscal year '26. 

For more information on the Fiscal Services Department, visit https://miottawa.org/fiscal-services/

FY2025 Budget Book: https://stories.opengov.com/countyofottawami/62d95624-e0be-4ccb-9c83-128fe6d3bbd4/published/ZBz7ZzVoY?currentPageId=6758633d804de880113a2dba

-----Announcements-----

Game Day for Good: 
October 25 from 9-10am
Pigeon Creek Park, West Olive
https://miottawa.org/events/game-day-for-good-10-25-2025/

Walk for Warmth Student Poster Design Contest: 
https://miottawa.org/caa/walk-for-warmth/
Send an email to [email protected] for more information and to submit an entry

CMH Medication Takeback Event
October 25 from 10am-2pm
Corewell Health Zeeland and Holland Hospital

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Sheriff Eric DeBoer joins us to talk about some organizational changes, new technology, recruiting updates, and what makes the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office an incredible place to work. 

Important Links: 

The Ottawa Sands Project Documentary Award Press Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/bulletins/3f2dd96

Board Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

Sheriff's Office Website: https://miottawa.org/sheriff/

Sheriff's Office Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountySheriffMichigan

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Daniel and Max from Community Mental Health sit down with Scott to talk about the options provided for those struggling with substance use, the live-saving impact these programs have, and details about RecoveryFest, a family-friendly event celebrating recovery and building community.

Crisis Helpline: 866-512-4357
or call 911 if someone is actively endangered.

Find SUD resources from CMH: https://miottawa.org/cmh/substance-use/

Learn more about RecoveryFest: https://reachforrecovery.org/recovery-fest/

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OCCAA September Food Distribution Eligibility and Information:
September 5: https://miottawa.org/events/free-food-distribution-2-09-05-2025/
September 26: https://miottawa.org/events/free-food-distribution-09-26-2025/

OCSO Avoid Financial Scams Seminars:
September 17: https://miottawa.org/events/civilian-financial-scams-class-09-17-2025/
September 22: https://miottawa.org/events/civilian-financial-scams-class-2-09-22-2025/

Veterans Services Stand Down and Resource Fair: https://miottawa.org/veterans-services/stand-down/

Farms are the Tapas: event.gives/tapas2025

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Newsflash--Ottawa County is one of the top agricultural powerhouses in the state. That means farming is literally (okay, figuratively) in our DNA. Julie Lamer and Becky Huttenga from the Department of Strategic Impact join the podcast to discuss how strategic, data-driven land planning is essential to the county's economic future, and how preserving and protecting farmland from being overdeveloped is at the center of that effort. We discuss the philosophy and data behind Farmland Protection Program, its impact thus far, and how DSI is able to secure funding without using county general funds. Also, details on Farms Are The Tapas, a beloved annual small-dish chef competition and silent auction event coming up in September. 

Question of the day: What's one business you'd like to see open a location in West Michigan? 

----------Links-----------

Learn more about Farmland Preservation: https://miottawa.org/dsi/economic-development/farmland/

Get tickets to Farms Are The Tapas (act quickly-- tickets are selling fast!): https://event.gives/tapas2025

Cops and Bobbers: https://miottawa.org/events/cops-and-bobbers-08-07-2025/

Visit the Idema Explorers Camp: https://miottawa.org/parks/iec/

Back-To-School Parent Resources: https://miottawa.org/health/parents/

Public Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Jason and Caleb join us to chat about the philosophy driving the Ottawa County Veterans Services Department, the ways the team works to provide resources and community for local Veterans, and info about some big community events coming up!

For more information about OCVS and everything we talked about:

1. visit https://miottawa.org/veterans-services/

2. get in contact with the department by calling (616) 393-8387 or send an email to [email protected].

3. Subscribe to the Veterans Services Newsletter here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MIOTTAWA_63

Keep an eye on the Community Events Calendar for events from every department: https://miottawa.org/event-calendar/

Attend a Parks Program (it's good for your health & wellbeing): https://miottawacountyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=Calendar&module=Event

Keep up to date with boards & committees: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

Subscribe to the Ottawa Out Loud Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MIOTTAWA_582

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

It's construction season, y'all-- the time of year where we all regret asking "when are they gonna fix this road????". Despite our grumbling, road maintenance is a necessary inconvenience and an essential part of our county's infrastructure. The Ottawa County Road Commission is hard at work making sure the roadways all across the county are maintained to a high standard, and Communications Administrator Alex Doty is here to teach us a bit about the OCRC's past, present, and future, give us a sneak peek into some of the major projects happening this summer, and clear up some frequent misconceptions about how stuff works. At the end of the episode, I test Alex's knowledge of the county's roads in a segment called Street Smarts. Big thanks to the OCRC and Alex for taking the time to come onto the podcast to help get this important information out! 

Have a question that wasn't answered in the episode? Leave a comment or send us a DM on social media!

Subscribe to the Ottawa Out Loud email list to make sure you don't miss an episode: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MIOTTAWA_582

------------Announcement Links------------

Housing Issues + Supply Data Updates Presentation by Housing Next: https://miottawa.org/events/housing-issues-supply-data-updates-06-17-2025/

(Free, Registration Required)

Veterans Services Coffee + Donuts @ Herrick District Library: https://miottawa.org/events/coffee-donuts-at-herrick-district-library-06-11-2025/

(Free, No Registration Required)

8th Annual Ottawa County Art Trust: https://miottawa.org/administrator/art-trust/

Parks Motor Vehicle Permits (Discounts Available!): https://miottawa.org/parks/fees/

Public Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

------------Main Segment Links------------

Ottawa County Road Commission: https://ottawacorc.com/

Interactive Construction/Closure Maps: https://ottawacorc.com/resources/maps/

Strategic Plans and Reports: https://ottawacorc.com/planning-reports/

Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter and Other Updates: https://ottawacorc.com/contact/subscribe-to-updates/

OCRC Social Media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ottawacorc

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ottawacorc/

X/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ottawacorc

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Adam and Bekah from the Food Safety team join the pod to talk all about how restaurants, cafeterias, and food trucks in Ottawa County are inspected to keep YOUR dining experience safe!

---------------Announcement Links---------------

Veterans Services Coffee & Donuts Event (May 16): https://miottawa.org/events/coffee-donuts-at-renew-therapeutic-riding-center-05-16-2025/

Idema Explorers Camp Reservations ARE NOW OPEN: https://miottawa.org/parks/iec/

Volunteer with OCCAA: https://miottawa.org/caa/volunteer/

Public Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/

---------------Main Segment Links---------------

Weekly food inspection reports: https://miottawa.org/health/environmental/food-services/restaurant-inspection-reports/

Subscribe to weekly food inspection reports: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Four simple steps for food safety at home: https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/4-steps-to-food-safety

Food news, alerts, tips, and recalls: https://www.foodsafety.gov/

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

On today's episode, we revisit the award-winning Ballots and Banter series as Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck and Elections Supervisor Katie Bard guest star to talk allllllllll about the upcoming May 6th Special Election. Plus, a special appearance from some unexpected guests, and a very entertaining game show!

------------Main Segment Links------------

More information on the May 6th Special Election (and all things elections-related): https://miottawa.org/clerk/elections/

Check your voter registration: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

------------Announcements Links------------

Art for the Parks: https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/2025-art-for-the-parks/

Grand Explorers Trail Race Info and Registration: https://grandexplorerstrailrace.com/

Medication Takeback Event: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/bulletins/3d908fd#:~:text=Safely%20dispose%20of%20your%20unused,at%20Corewell%20Health%20Zeeland%20Hospital.

Bonus event that wasn't mentioned: Coffee & Donuts (and a hike!) hosted by Veterans Services at Grand Ravines on May 9th. There will be a short, scenic hike at 8am, followed by the usual coffee and donuts at 9am at the lodge. More info here: https://miottawa.org/events/coffee-donuts-at-grand-ravines-05-09-2025/


Chapters:
00:00 Intro and Announcements
06:20 Clerk/RoD Bring Your Kid to Work Day
12:18 Meeting Minutes -- April 22
15:13 Main Segment Introduction
16:01 May 6th Special Election Information
19:30 Why do Local Elections Matter?
20:40 What's on the Ballot?
23:47 What IS a Millage?
27:10 Voter Registration
28:00 Election Results Website Updates
30:30 Logic and Accuracy Testing
33:08 Participating in the Election Process
37:35 Game
45:20 Outro

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1

Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new