Busy Time in Laketown Twp.

LAKETOWN TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 4, 2024) – A Lakeshore community has been busy over the last few weeks. Here’s a recap of what has gone on in Laketown Township:

• The Graafschap Fire Department has unveiled a new website, separate from the township’s online page, although a link from that website will remain. It will include a dropdown menu to spotlight firefighters, community services, apparatus and more, along with a tab for job applicants.

“The website is another avenue where we can share fire department activity and services we provide like information on Community Risk Reduction and fire safety programs. There are other things we will be rolling out in the next year making it easier forthe public and residents to access information related to Graafschap Fire.” Chief Doug DenBleyker

• Work on tearing down the Huyser House could begin by the end of April. After the Laketown Township board concurred with the recommendation by the parks and recreation commission that the 85-year-old structure off of 142^nd Avenue and 64^th Street could not be restored successfully, a study of asbestos in the empty home, along with shutting off utilities, capping the well, and pumping out the septic tank, need to be completed before demolition work can begin. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, who has a perpetual easement on the property, has told the township that the site must be completely cleared of any traces of the residence.
• The Parks and Recreation Commission has set up parking and dunes committees to look at issues involving the use of Laketown Beach off of 142^nd This includes parking along roadways that neighbors say has created hazardous situations, dune stabilization, step replacements, and restroom upgrades. The commission has also scheduled a May 15^th public hearing on a proposed Community Parks and Recreation Plan before the matter is forwarded to the township board for consideration.
• The first set of videos from the Laketown Oral History Project is now available through the township’s website. More than five hours of recordings taken over the past several months have residents talking about various aspects of their community.