OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jul. 22, 2025) – Another vestige of the changes made in Ottawa County government over the past two years could be removed on Tuesday night.
On the agenda for the monthly Board of Commissioners business meeting is a proposal to, “approve the elimination of the Ottawa County motto of ‘Where Freedom Rings.'” No explanation as to what led to placing this for consideration was available beforehand, but the motto was one of a number of moves made by Ottawa Impact co-founders Joe Moss and Sylvia Rhodea when they led the takeover of the county board in 2023 as the board chairman and vice chairwoman, respectively. It replaced the slogan, “Where You Belong,” and epitomized the agenda that led those supported by the political action group to win a solid majority on the board in the November, 2022 general election. No mention was also made as to any possible replacement for this motto.
In addition, the county board will consider extending the current employment agreement with retired Sheriff Gary Rosema to continue serving as interim administrator through December 1st. He had initially agreed in January to a term through June 30th, but agreed to stay on after a search for a permanent operational leader ended last month without success. Another search began last week.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners holds its 6:30 PM Tuesday meeting in the main meeting room of the county’s Administration Building (12220 Fillmore St.) in West Olive. An online link to the agenda and supporting documents is here.
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