Ottawa Out Loud

If you've ever had to call 911, you may remember feeling scared, hurt, or confused about what to do. What you might not remember is the calm voice on the other end, laser-focused on figuring out the best way to help. Police, Firefighters, and EMTs/Paramedics save lives every day-- but without Ottawa County Central Dispatch, they wouldn't be able to do their jobs effectively. We're celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18) by featuring Matt and Austynn from the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority to teach us how OCCDA operates, the role they play in the emergency response process, and how staff are supported through stressful situations. Learn more about OCCDA at https://occda.org/Please save the non-emergency number in your phone: (800) 249-0911. For emergencies, call 911.Follow OCCDA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCo911Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawadispatch?igsh=MW5raGhhaTJ0YjJzYg==Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Veterans Services Director Jason Schenkel returns with Greg Carlson, a member of the Veterans Services Committee. Jason and Greg give us the latest in Veterans Services news, an explanation of the committee's role in decision making and oversight, and practical ways that OCVS supports our Veteran population. Make sure to subscribe to see new episodes of Ottawa Out Loud and follow us on social media for daily updates on what's going on in Ottawa County.Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

We're bringing in Scott and Kirk from our Human Resources department to talk about how vital our staff is, what actions Ottawa County takes to be an incredible place to work, and why investing in our workforce creates the best value for taxpayers. If you're inspired to come and work with us, visit miOttawa.org/apply to see our current openings and submit an application today!Visit miOttawa.org/parks to learn more about our Spring Break Camps. Act quickly-- it's already starting to fill up!Check out boards.miOttawa.org to see upcoming meetings from our boards and committees. The next Board of Commissioners Standing Committee meetings will be on Tuesday, March 10th at 9:30am, and the next full Board of Commissioners meeting will be March 24th at 6:30pm.Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush, Ben Jordan from Ottawa Conservation District, and Dan Callam from the Outdoor Discovery Center Network join us to dive into the groundbreaking Water Quality Monitoring Initiative, spearheaded by our Water Resources department. This initiative brings together experts from across the county to collect data from our streams, rivers, lakes, and watersheds to understand how water pollution happens— and how we can improve Ottawa County’s water supply for generations to come. Learn more about the Water Quality Monitoring Initiative: https://ottawacd.org/water_quality_monitoring/Outdoor Discovery Center Network: https://outdoordiscovery.orgOttawa Conservation District: https://ottawacd.orgOCCAA Walk for Warmth: https://miottawa.org/caa/walk-for-warmth/Housing Commission Survey: https://ottawacounty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehbLdX1t8d224rcMaterials Management Plan Survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8592519/Recycling-Survey?source=sliderUpcoming Board of Commissioners Meetings: 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/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Cold weather got you feeling stuck indoors? We're kicking off season 2 of Ottawa Out Loud with an exciting look at winter recreation opportunities from Ottawa County Parks, including skiing, snowshoeing, birding, and more. Plus, a sneak peek at the new-and-improved 2026 Parks Challenge, featuring bigger and better prizes!——————Links——————Learn more about Parks & Recreation Programs: https://miottawacountyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html?ccode=ActivitiesUpcoming Birding events: https://miottawacountyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=AR&Type=Nature&Subtype=Birding&_csrf_token=Li0O1M611O112O2W3A2G2Z4I5L4P6E501N5I4Y4J6B01724Q6K400D5R5X6M4U1A005U5H4I055M4V5E4Z66044O5F6K706W65536P0P5R4G6O57734P4R56511I5H4L5K2026 Parks Challenge information: https://miottawa.org/parks/parks-challenge/Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

CEO Dr. Michael Brashears joins us to give you a deeper look into Community Mental Health, the philosophies that drive it, and the challenges that it faces in today’s complex environment. See how CMH administration and staff are preparing for changes at the federal, state, and county level while still providing top-notch comprehensive mental health services to our community. “Did you Know?” Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyDvvIv66xGcrHhSd1cmRDsRpK405PSE_Learn more about CMH Services: https://miottawa.org/cmh/Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

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-91fYRiY5FB0Ottawa County Road Commission: https://ottawacorc.comConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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_tree4-H Club: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ottawa/4-h/Follow 4-H Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ottawacounty4HMSUParticipate in the Kitchen Survey for aspiring or active food and beverage entrepreneurs: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/survey-builder/SV_a3ubmJiLcoJqcbI/edit-------------------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=shareConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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 9-10amPigeon Creek Park, West Olivehttps://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 entryCMH Medication Takeback EventOctober 25 from 10am-2pmCorewell Health Zeeland and Holland HospitalConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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/3f2dd96Board Meeting Calendar: https://boards.miottawa.org/calendar/Sheriff's Office Website: https://miottawa.org/sheriff/Sheriff's Office Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountySheriffMichiganConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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: 866-512-4357or 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/-------------------------------------------------------------------------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/tapas2025Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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/tapas2025Cops 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/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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]. Subscribe to the Veterans Services Newsletter here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MIOTTAWA_63Keep 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=EventKeep 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_582Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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/ottawacorcInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/ottawacorc/X/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ottawacorcConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign 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 Announcements06:20 Clerk/RoD Bring Your Kid to Work Day12:18 Meeting Minutes -- April 2215:13 Main Segment Introduction16:01 May 6th Special Election Information19:30 Why do Local Elections Matter?20:40 What's on the Ballot?23:47 What IS a Millage?27:10 Voter Registration28:00 Election Results Website Updates30:30 Logic and Accuracy Testing33:08 Participating in the Election Process37:35 Game45:20 OutroConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

It's undeniable: Ottawa County is an incredible place to live.For decades, the dream of owning a home here has been attainable, but as the nationwide housing challenges persist and the county continues to grow, affordability is becoming a struggle for many. The Department of Strategic Impact (DSI), alongside multiple community partners, has developed a concept that could alleviate the need for more attainable homeownership options: A series of open source small-footprint home designs that can be shared with local units of government and developers. Scott is joined by DSI's Project Support Specialist Rich Lakeberg and Design Consultant Nick Rolinski to shed some light on this unique idea and clear up some common misconceptions. -----------------------------------------------------Main Segment Links: More info on Nick Rolinski: https://architecture.nd.edu/about/directory/rolinski/Small-Footprint Home Design Concept Main Page: https://miottawa.org/dsi-project/small-footprint-homes/Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://miottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/MicroHome-Development-Concept-FAQ.pdfAnnouncement Links:Avoid Financial Scams Seminars [NOTE: APRIL 15 EVENT RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 22]: https://miottawa.org/sheriff/events/financial-scams/Veterans Services Coffee & Donuts: https://miottawa.org/events/veterans-services-coffee-donuts-with-university-of-michigan-health-04-22-2025/Art for the Parks: https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/2025-art-for-the-parks/Grand Explorers Trail Race: https://grandexplorerstrailrace.com/Connect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Thanks SO much for listening to Ottawa Out Loud. We hope you learned and laughed. New episodes release every few weeks.Today, Jessica and Rylie join me to discuss the incredible Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission! Ottawa County is known for its expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural spaces, and it's the perfect time to start planning your next visit to a park. In this podcast, we talk about the Parks dept, its funding sources, Jess & Rylie's favorite parks, programs, rules & reminders, and an update on the newest park: Ottawa Sands!Make sure to stay tuned all the way to the end to see if Jess & Rylie can pass the Name That Park Challenge!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Announcements Links: Water Quality Forum Info and Registration: https://miottawa.org/wrc/Veterans Services Event Calendar: https://miottawa.org/veterans-services/events/Avoid Financial Scams Classes: https://miottawa.org/sheriff/events/financial-scams/Farming Forward: https://bit.ly/FFAlpine2025Main Segment Links:Ottawa County Parks Foundation Website: https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.orgArt For the Parks: https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/2025-art-for-the-parks/Volunteer Opportunities: https://miottawa.org/parks/volunteer/Parks Foundation Volunteer Interest Form: https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/volunteer-interest-form/Parks Events Calendar: https://miottawacountyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=AR&Type=HealthWellness,Nature,Recreation,SpecialEvent,VolunteerParks Challenge!: https://miottawa.org/parks/parks-challenge/The Ottawa Sands Project Documentary: https://youtu.be/uHniF2QdFtY?si=Am3GyMSVaAOUKxMcGet your motor vehicle permit online: https://ottawacounty.cmrpay.com/dashboard/landingConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new

Thanks for listening to the very first episode of Ottawa Out Loud, the Official Podcast of Ottawa County!Jen Brozowski, Program Director of OCCAA (like mocha) and international icon, teaches us about OCCAA’s mission and the life-changing services they offer. We discuss how the department is organized and funded, and we spill all the details about the free, family-friendly, and overall incredible Walk for Warmth event on March 7th at 6pm at EV Construction in Holland. Learn more about OCCAA:Department Page: https://miottawa.org/caa/Sign up to volunteer: https://miottawa.org/caa/volunteer/Walk for Warmth 2025Event Details: https://miottawa.org/caa/walk-for-warmth/Buy a shirt: https://www.bonfire.com/store/ottawa-county-community-action-agency/Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Holland/WalkforWarmthOttawaDonate: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MI/Holland/WalkforWarmthOttawaConnect with us!Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCounty/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottawacountymi/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ottawacountymi?_r=1&_t=ZP-95CjqpqftTbSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miOttawa?sub_confirmation=1Sign up for County email updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/subscribers/new