Hager Sign Controversy Addressed by Ottawa Co. Board

WEST OLIVE, MI (WHTC) – A decision on whether to reinstall a sign with a Biblical verse on the grounds of Hager Park near Jenison by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners could come when the members hold their next business meeting on January 27^th. The matter was discussed during a work-study session after yesterday’s meeting, with the panel reviewing a number of letters protesting the sign’s removal, along with taking testimony on both sides of the issue. The county parks department removed the sign on the advice of the county attorney after a state civil rights group, on behalf of two unnamed local residents, threatened a lawsuit if that sign wasn’t removed. The sign had been installed when the land for the park was deeded to the county by the late Titus Hager nearly 50 years ago, reportedly as part of the agreement.