Paul presented information on high=speed internet access throughout the county. Broadband access is important in all areas of the county, for schools, businesses, agriculture, homes, etc. There are many areas in the county that have no, or limited access to high-speed broadband service.

 

Ottawa County is the fastest growing county in the state. It is estimated that County population will increase by 100,000 within 12 years. Reliable, high-speed Internet access is necessary for students, homeowners, businesses and visitors.

 

Beginning in 2005, the County began working with Sprint and later Verizon and AT&T to provide wireless Internet access to areas of the County without existing service. This has been fairly successful although still does not provide adequate coverage to all areas of the County. Recently, the County began a collaboration with Connect Michigan (www.connectmi.org) to survey all areas of the County on current Internet reception and plans for future growth.

 

 

Chris Streng presented an update on the Reimagine of Imagination Station in Mulligan Hollow project. More than 300 people showed up at the Y for the "big reveal." The models will be on display at the library.

 

Pat McGinnis reported that on Nov. 9, downtown GH store Down to Earth will be holding a fund-raising fashion show at Porto Bello to raise money for the Catwalk.

 

Kelly Larson asked members to RSVP for the Oct. 23 luncheon with Brian Calley. This is a joint project with SL Rotary at the SLCC.

 

Club Board meeting Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30am at Dee-Lite.

 

 

Bell Ringing will be Dec.9 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m at the north door of Walmart.  Interested volunteers should contact Stacey Trowbridge or Jay Davis.

 

The October 23 Rotary meeting will be held at Spring Lake Country Club in conjunction with the Spring Lake club.  Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will be guests.  No morning meeting Tuesday, October 24.