Should Ottawa County eliminate its road commission?
Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, July 22nd, 9:59 am
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich.-- Ottawa County residents are encouraged to weigh in on plans to handle county roads Tuesday, July 23.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is considering taking over the responsibility of county roads and public utilities. Michigan is the only state to still have road commissions. Last week, the Board of Commissioners released nearly a year's worth of research and findings by The Road Commission Task Force. The task force's three proposed plans include:
Gentex announces $700 million deal to buy other business
Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, July 19th, 11:01 am
ZEELAND, Mich.— A Zeeland-based company is buying up another auto parts manufacturer.
Gentex announced plans to buy Johnson Controls' HomeLink business Thursday. If all goes as Gentex plans, the proposed $700 million deal will close around September 30.
HomeLink manufactures a vehicle-based control system that allows drivers to activate garage door openers, entry door locks, home lighting, security systems and entry gates. Gentex produces automatic dimming rearview mirrors, camera-based lighting and driver assist systems, among other products.
If the deal is approved by federal officials, Gentex Chief Executive Officer Fred Bauer says HomeLink would be fully absorbed by the company over the next 12 to 18 months. The proposed acquisition is expected to increase Gentex's annual revenue to $125 million-$150 million per year.
MDOT: Expect traffic slowdowns on I-196 BL through August
Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 16th, 10:04 am
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich.—Construction leading to lane closures on the I-196 business loop should wrap up Monday, August 26.
Last week, crews began removing through lanes at 104th, 101st and 100th streets to install indirect turn lanes. Michigan Department of Transportation workers will also upgrade drainage and traffic signals.
Drivers should expect single-lane closures on I-196 BL during the project. All lanes of the highway will be open during morning rush hours (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and evening rush hours (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Construction leads to lane closures on U.S. 31
Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, July 8th, 9:35 am
Construction begins today on U.S. 31, leading to road closures near Grand Haven and Holland.
Crews contracted by the Michigan Department of Transportation will be removing through-lanes where Warner, Blair and Van Buren streets intersect with the highway. MDOT says workers will install indirect turn lanes or "Michigan lefts" along the highway to increase safety. The project also includes upgrading drainage and improving turning space.
As part of the project, crews will be closing one lane in each direction of U.S. 31. All lanes will be open during weekends. On weekdays, all lanes of northbound U.S. 31 will be open between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and all lanes of southbound U.S. 31 will be open between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Blair and Warner streets will be closed for five to six days, and Van Buren Street will be closed and for approximately three weeks, with a detour using 128th Avenue, New Holland Street and 136th Avenue.
Work on U.S.
Macatawa Area Express reaches a milestone in new facility construction
Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 5th, 9:50 am
HOLLAND, Mich.—The Macatawa Area Express is marking a milestone in the construction of its new operations facility in Holland.
The company says the project is half-way complete. Construction workers recently finished installing the bus storage garage roof panels and glass windows in the office and breakroom areas. They're still working on adding electrical wires and plumbing throughout the facility. In the next few weeks, they're expected to pour the bus garage floors, work on curbs and install drywall and bus storage sliding panels. Furniture and fixtures should be installed the week of September 9, and the facility should be up and running by mid-September.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at the new operations building will take place Friday October 4. MAX will run a free shuttle from the Padnos Center to the new Greenway Drive facility so customers can easily attend the public event.
United Methodist Church of the Dunes Hosting Haiti Bike Ride
Submitted by Pam Mettler, Writer, Book Reviewer and Marketing Consultant
Wednesday, April 10th, 2013, 11:00am
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. —Cycling enthusiasts are being urged to register now for "Haiti Ride 2013".
The annual bike ride raises funds to support villagers and residents in the island nation of Haiti, as it continues its rebuilding efforts in the wake of the 2010 quake, three recent hurricanes and cholera epidemic. United Methodist Church of the Dunes (UMCD), at 717 Sheldon Road in Grand Haven, will serve again as the host site for the bike tour.
Haiti Ride 2013 will be held from Wednesday, June 12 through Saturday, June 15.
Prepare for backups! MDOT releases 2013 project schedule
Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, April 1st, 3:38 pm
(Michigan Department of Transportation) -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $100 million in the MDOT Grand Region in 2013 to improve 191 route miles of roadway and 25 bridges.
In addition, $93 million of statewide funding is planned for the construction of the new M-231 route and connections in Ottawa County. MDOT's Grand Region transportation system includes all I, US and M routes in the following eight counties: Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa.
"There is much to be done and this year's program strategically addresses maintaining our system and improving operations," said MDOT Region Engineer Roger Safford.