An accepted separation agreement will see longtime manager Howard Fink leave Park Township effective Aug. 31.  hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

While a reason for the separation between Park Township and Howard Fink wasn't given by trustees, The Sentinel obtained both the separation agreement and Fink's employment record through the Freedom of Information Act. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Residents in attendance were overjoyed when the Ganges Township Planning Commission denied an application for Saugatuck Meadows — but that joy could be short-lived, pending possible litigation. hollandsentinel   hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Did commissioners act outside their purview when agreeing to allocate over half a million dollars to the restoration of Crockery Lake in Chester Township? According to a recent court order, yes. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…

A new USA Today Network investigation reveals how rising home prices, higher interest rates, and fewer listings are squeezing Midwest buyers.

Ottawa County has wiped three pieces of ongoing litigation off the board in 48 hours. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…

While an eventful meeting of the Ottawa County Board prepared to wrap-up Sept. 23, one commissioner accused another of forging documents and misleading officials to encourage a high-profile employee separation agreement in December 2024. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Over the summer, I investigated the national housing crisis with a focus on the Midwest for USA TODAY. Here is my project promo with hollandsentinel. hollandsentinel.com/videos/news/re…

Nathan Johnson and Kellie Hope represent a majority of first-time homebuyers in today’s housing market, crippled by stagnant wages, skyrocketing sales prices and comparatively high interest rates. hollandsentinel Here's how they managed: hollandsentinel.com/story/business…

I started a blog! (Unrelated to my work with The Sentinel) I plan to share bits of my personal life and way too many cat pictures. open.substack.com/pub/cassideyka…

Residents attended a public hearing before Zeeland City Council on Oct. 20, as officials consider whether to allow alcohol sales on Sundays for the first time in over a century. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Closed session audio released Oct. 20 reveals former and current commissioners believed Ottawa County was responsible for reputational harm done to former executive aide Jordan Epperson, and therefore obligated to offer him a significant severance. hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Closed session audio released Oct. 20 reveals former interim administrator Benjamin Wetmore insisted on 12 months’ severance from Ottawa County, despite attempts by various commissioners to reach a unanimous decision with a smaller price tag. hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

A mother accused of murdering her 17-year-old child in Holland pled guilty one week before her jury trial was slated to begin. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…

A seven-page complaint filed by former Ottawa County senior executive aide Jordan Epperson details an alleged toxic work environment under previous administrator John Gibbs — and commissioners. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 28 to waive attorney-client privilege in a declaration and memorandum from Human Resources Attorney Nate Wolf. The Sentinel has obtained those documents. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…

Recently released minutes from a controversial closed session in November 2023 show previous commissioners were well aware of the $4 million figure reported in relation to a settlement agreement with Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley. hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…

More than one hundred nearby residents attended a regular meeting of the Zeeland Township Planning Commission on Dec. 9 to stand against a possible solar energy development. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/env…

Despite opposition from a packed and rowdy crowd of over 100 people, the Blendon Township Planning Commission took a step forward Jan. 5 on Key Capture Energy’s special land use application. Here's why: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/env… hollandsentinel

Ottawa County is considering whether to keep Community Mental Health a county department or to pass a resolution to make it an authority. hollandsentinel hollandsentinel.com/story/news/hea…