Please keep Clerk Alles in your thoughts and prayers. He underwent open heart surgery on October 8, and his recovery is going great! 6 Sewer
The Cannon Communicator is published quarterly for $1.45 per issue by the Cannon Township Offices.
The Cannon Communicator is dedicated to sharing Township happenings, condensing three months of news into just a few pages. To stay updated with the most relevant news in real time, subscribe to receive updates at CannonTwp.org.
The Communicator is published quarterly and is mailed to residents in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter each year.
The Cannon Communicator PUBLISHED BY Cannon Township 6878 Belding Rd. Rockford, MI 49341 USA Phone: (616) 874-6966
E-mail: jslaydon@cannontwp.org
Coordinated by: Trustee Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon
Edited by: Denise Vorgias
Designed by: Bre McCarthy, Design by Bre, LLC
Printed by: Kent Communications, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Stay In The Loop
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From The Supervisor
THE
CANNON BOARD
As we transition from summer and head into the year’s end, it’s a fitting time to review some of the achievements of your Cannon Township board and to reintroduce the trustees.
CY BALK
Cy has been an invaluable member of the Cannon board. He has led the effort to preserve wetlands, develop and implement summer activities for Cannon’s kids and has led the fight to eradicate invasive species in the Township. He has also been instrumental in ensuring that the board spends money wisely, has always put the people of the Township above politics, and he has been a leading member of the Parks and Recreation Committee that has overseen the maintenance and expansion of the trail system and the construction of the widely popular pickle ball courts.
HENRY BETTEN
Henry has been a leader in the Township’s commitment to take less of your money. Henry was responsible for the Township’s decision to eliminate the administration fee every other township includes on your tax bill. He also is responsible for the elimination of the franchise fee that used to be on your cable bill. Again, no other township followed our lead, but Henry successfully fought for the elimination of that charge because it is patently unfair to the residents to charge a fee on the cable bill just because you happen to live in Cannon. He also led the successful effort to reduce spending by 5% to allow you to keep more of your money. Henry has also been an invaluable member of the tremendously successful Sewer Committee.
JESSICA GUTOWSKI-SLAYDON
Jessica is your board representative on the Planning Commission and has been responsible for the dissemination of information and the publication of the Communicator. Working with Cy, she also developed and implemented Youth, Summer Lingo, Bingo for Cannon’s kids that received an overwhelming response. As a member of the Planning Commission, Jessica has led our efforts to plan development in creative ways that allow development but preserve the character of the Township. She is a true fiscal conservative.
TODD OLSON
Todd is not only a trustee on the board, but he is also the chair of Cannon’s Parks and Recreation Committee. More than anyone else, Todd is responsible for the design, development and construction of the pickle ball courts, as well as the maintenance and expansion of the trail system. Todd also is a dedicated fiscal conservative who challenges other board members to consider the fiscal impact of all board decisions.
Cannon Township is blessed to have such successful and dedicated trustees serving you on the board. Together we have held the line on spending, drastically cut back fees we charge, improved communication, increased the quality of recreation in the Township, maintained open spaces, and otherwise maintained the quality and character of the Township.
Steve Grimm Supervisor
Celebrating a Century of Parks in Cannon Township:
FROM TOWNSEND TO THE JAMES AND SHIRLEY BALK FAMILY PARK
Kent County Parks and Recreation is celebrating its 100th year, and the journey starts and ends right here in Cannon Township.
Townsend Park, the oldest park in Kent County, was established in 1924 when William and Aurelia Joyce sold the land for $50 per acre. It swiftly became a beloved gathering spot, hosting 6,000 visitors daily by the late 1920s. The park has seen significant growth over the years, including a recent expansion of 106 acres through a grant from the DNR and a partnership between KCPR and Cannon Township.
On September 24, a kickoff party celebrated KCPR’s newest park: the James and Shirley Balk Family Park. More than just a celebration, it was a call to action for all of us residents to join the Balks in giving, attracting over 100 residents ready to support the park’s growth. Former Judge Sara J. Smolenski, whose wife’s family has been on Silver Lake since the 1930s, shared memorable tales of the Balks’ generosity and adventurous water-skiing stunts.
Sam Moore, Director of the Kent County Parks and Rec Foundation, and Supervisor Steve Grimm outlined the park’s upcoming developments, including a significant $200,000 initiative with KCPR and Cannon Township for a new community center. The Balks themselves expressed their excitement about leaving a legacy of community giving and their hopes for inspiring others to do the same.
Ben Swayze, the KCPR Director, highlighted the crucial role of private-public partnerships. “The historical partnership between Kent County Parks and Cannon Township has produced some of the most amazing recreation opportunities in Kent County and West Michigan,” said Swayze. “Townsend Park has been a cornerstone since 1924, and the James and Shirley Balk Family Park will continue to provide high-quality public spaces.”
In case you didn’t already know, you may access the James and Shirley Balk Family Park for your enjoyment. The park resembles a nature preserve right now, with mowed paths and an unmarked temporary entrance off Belding Road near Sunfish Drive. Take a look at the renderings to see the full vision.
The story of the James and Shirley Balk Family Park began when the Silver Lake Country Club property was up for sale. Instead of seeing the land developed for housing, the Balks envisioned a different future—one that preserved the natural beauty and made it accessible for public enjoyment.
As we celebrate a century of diligent park stewardship, the James and Shirley Balk Family Park stands as the newest jewel in our community, promising another beautiful space for everyone to connect with nature. Our commitment to enhancing park spaces not only improves our quality of life but also fortifies our community ties, ensuring our green spaces flourish for generations.
If you feel moved to be a part of this new park, there’s a pavilion, playground, or bench ready to have your name on it. Please reach out to Todd Olson, at tolson@ cannontwp.org to learn more.
Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon Trustee
Pictured is Kent County Commissioners Carol Hennessy and Katie DeBoer
Pictured is The Balk Family at the Kick-Off Event
Photo Credit: West Coast Media and KCPR
Sewer Infrastructure
Most people in the township have minimal knowledge of the extent of the Township’s efforts to serve the sewer users and protect the environment. Our engineers at Prein & Newhof recently summarized capital projects completed since the Sewer Committee and Township Board initiated the approach of proactive improvements in 2016 to provide a sustainable collection system at the lowest life cycle cost. The capital improvements noted included:
• 2016 – Silver Lake Sewer Replacement and rerouting
• 2022 – Wildermere 2 and Young Lift Station Generator Additions
• 2024/2025 – Pinehurst Lift Station Reconstruction and Generator Addition (under contract, construction forthcoming)
• 2025 Planned – Kitson 1, Kitson 2, and Eldred Lift Station Generator Additions
• 2026 Planned – Belding Road Trunk Sewer Replacement – Grass Lake Lift Station to East of Myers Lake Ave
These projects represent a significant investment in Cannon Township’s sewer infrastructure. It should also be noted that in addition to the capital projects, the Township continues to budget/provide funding for maintenance and repairs which will extend the life of the existing infrastructure and assist in minimizing ongoing operational costs. We completed all these projects and maintenance while increasing the fund balance for emergencies and without imposing any assessments on the users.
When combined, this proactive approach provides the system owners—that being all users—the overall highest level of service at the lowest overall costs.
Steve Grimm Supervisor
Accessory Dwelling Units
There have been many inquiries about building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within Cannon Township recently. An ADU is a secondary housing unit installed on the same lot as a main residence. These units can be attached to the existing home or built as a separate structure.
ADUs are permitted under Section 3.34 of the Zoning Ordinance. They are only allowed on properties that are zoned RR, Rural Residential, and that have a minimum of 4 acres of land. Section 3.34 also outlines the size restrictions for ADUs: they must be at least 500 sq. ft. but not larger than 35 percent of the principal dwelling unit or 1,500 sq. ft., whichever is less. Additionally, Section 3.34 requires that ADUs have an appearance consistent with the primary residence.
If you are interested in building an ADU on your property or finding out if you are allowed to build one, please reach out to the Building Department for more information.
Edmund Lockhart Zoning Administrator Assistant Planner
Treasurer’s Report
Annually, Cannon Township undergoes an independent financial audit conducted by the accounting firm Siegfried Crandall PC. This firm examines our financial records and issues an opinion on their findings. I am proud to announce that Cannon Township received a “Clean Opinion,” which is the best possible audit opinion an entity can receive.
Siegfried Crandall stated: “We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the businesstype activity, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the Township of Cannon, Michigan (the Township), as of and for the year ended March 31, 2024. In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activity, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the Township, as of March 31, 2024, and the respective changes in financial positions and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”
As of this writing, the due date for paying summer taxes (September 16, 2024) has passed. Payments received after this date have been assessed a 1% interest charge, with an ongoing 1% interest charge applied on the first of every month thereafter. If you have not yet paid your property taxes, please do so promptly to avoid additional interest charges. Winter tax bills will be issued on December 1, with the final date to pay being February 14, 2025.
As previously mentioned, the Treasurer’s Department recommends reviewing your tax bill to ensure you are receiving the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE). If the PRE is in place, your annual tax savings are approximately 18 mills. There are two places on your tax bill to check for the “PRE”: % PRE/MBT:100% and “Exempt” next to your school district Operating Tax. If the PRE is not in place, please contact the Assessor or Treasurer, and we will arrange for the necessary forms for you to complete.
Unrelated to taxes, I walk very early in the mornings with a friend, and we have contacted the Kent County Sheriff’s Department reporting suspicious activity. These contacts helped the Sheriff’s Department apprehend individuals involved in automobile theft. Additionally, we have noticed garage doors that appear to be left open overnight. This is an open invitation to thieves. Please ensure you lock your automobiles, do not leave credit cards in your vehicles, and close your garage doors at night. If you park your vehicles outside overnight, do not leave garage door openers in your vehicles.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (616) 884-2201 or Judy at (616) 8842202.
David Spencer Treasurer
Clerk’s Corner
ROADS
By the time this copy is published, most of the road work in Cannon will be complete. Kitson, from Belding Road to the end, has been completely redone. They ground up the old road and replaced it with new asphalt. During this project, the parking lot next to the BLI was also improved. The Road Commission, along with the Gilmores, reshaped the surface to help prevent runoff from flooding the front door of the BLI. Additionally, the parking lot for the Bostwick Lake Township Park has been paved and striped as part of the project. Other roads received a chip seal, where they spray liquid asphalt and then cover it with chipped stone. This extends the life of the road and provides a better traction surface.
We survey the roads in Cannon every year and prioritize which ones will be fixed or repaired the following summer. If you believe your road needs work, please let me know and the Township will see where it fits in the plan. Several years ago we started developing a 3-year plan so we know what to expect each year. We update the plan annually with the new information that becomes available. Though the plan is sometimes altered, it is great to have a starting point.
Jim Alles Clerk
CEMETARIES
We continue to work on improving our cemeteries. Our volunteer group has been working all summer to fix and clean up the cemeteries. I would like to thank them very much for the many hours dedicated to improving the appearance of our cemeteries.
In the Marshall, or Old Bostwick Lake Cemetery, the stumps from the red pine trees that were cut down last year have been ground up, will have topsoil added, then seeded. The next project there is to clean up the area designated for a cremation garden. We will then open this area up for the burial of cremains only.
The New Cannonsburg Cemetery has also seen a lot of fixing up. Many of the older overgrown gravesites have been cleaned up and unnecessary plantings removed. The spirea bushes are all gone. Many were overgrown and looked shaggy.
New Bostwick Lake Cemetery has also had several old and overgrown trees removed. These stumps will also be ground up and the areas seeded. We will begin to remove landscape blocks and paver bricks this fall. These decorations are not allowed and cause a lot of extra work for the folks mowing the lawn. If you have these items in your family plot, please remove them so the volunteers do not have to.
Remember, no plantings or landscaping items are allowed around the headstones. That pine tree that looks so cute will push the headstone off the base and may crack or actually grow over the top of the marker.
Photo Credit: Trustee Henry Betten
Employee Feature
JUDY NICHOLSON
I began my journey at Cannon Township in 2020 by assisting my friend, Deb Diepenhorst, with the Election while she served as Clerk. Shortly afterward, I took on a temporary full-time position to cover for a co-worker on maternity leave, managing sewer billing and various front office duties.
When David Spencer was elected Treasurer, I embraced the opportunity to become the Deputy Treasurer, a role well-suited to my background in finance. Having previously worked as a VP of Commercial Lending in banking, I find it quite seamless to work with banks, mortgage companies, and title companies, and to address residents’ questions. Alongside David, I have earned credentials as a Michigan Certified Public Treasurer and a nationally Certified Public
Finance Administrator. Understanding governmental accounting was initially challenging but also one of the most rewarding aspects of my job to learn. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my work, particularly resolving issues and assisting residents.
Outside of work, I devote most of my time to gardening, cooking, camping, and sports. This fall marks the first time in decades that our family is managing just one sports schedule. Our youngest son is a junior playing men’s soccer at Taylor University in Indiana. Our two eldest children have graduated— our oldest son played baseball for Cornerstone University, and our daughter played soccer there as well. After so many years of dividing our time with overlapping sport schedules, my husband and I now really enjoy traveling together for our son’s games.
Pictured is David, Angie, Anna and Nancy at the White Caps game this summer.
Trustees and Staff on the Town
Pictured is Maria and Trustee Cy Balk celebrating Fall
Pictured is Angie WIlcox circa 1983 as Glinda the Good Witch
Pictured is Anna Morris as a UofM gal as a toddler
Pictured is Clerk Alles in his Santa Costume
Pictured is Jake, Blake, Dax and Trustee Jessica Slaydon Halloween 2017
Pictured is Trustee Todd Olson as Dracula
Parks & Rec and Facilities Update
Hello
Friends and Neighbors,
In this edition, I would like to express my gratitude to those who make a difference every day in our Township. It’s important to recognize those in our Township who contribute to making it the greatest little Township in the country. I chair both the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Facilities Committee, and I could not do it without the help and dedication of the following people.
My Dad always said, “Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.” With this lesson in mind, I am grateful I am surrounded by talented and dedicated individuals who work to help me improve the Cannon Trail, the pickleball courts, our parks, and buildings so they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
I’d like to start by thanking Jerry Spitler, who retired in the Spring. In the time I worked with him, it was clear that he had great passion for maintaining the cemeteries, parks, and assets of Cannon Township. Thank you, Jerry, for your dedication and service.
This summer we hired Blake Gardner, a long-time resident of Cannon Township, on a contract basis. In 2019, he retired from the Cannon Fire Department after 22 years of service. He joins the team with decades of experience as a builder. Blake has been invaluable, handling numerous repairs and improvements, from rebuilding railings and boardwalks to installing dog waste stations, fixing fences, and cutting up trees when they fall. Thank you, Blake, for your efforts and the talents you share with our community.
Along similar lines, I’d like to recognize Lieutenant Matt Alles. Matt is a full-time firefighter with a young family that keeps him busy. Before we hired Blake, Matt found time between being a firefighter and family responsibilities to help maintain the Township. Matt cleaned dog waste stations, cleared downed trees, and, this spring, cleaned out 42 used dog waste bags that someone had discarded in a wetland area off the trail instead of in the trash – not an enjoyable job, as you can imagine, but one he gladly tackled. His dedication to the Township is greatly appreciated!
The business of maintaining the public assets of the Township falls under the Facilities Committee. Thank you to Fire Chief Jim Morris and Clerk Jim Alles for serving to ensure the buildings, museum, parks, grounds, pickleball courts, and trails that the Township controls will remain in good condition. It is a pleasure for me to serve alongside you.
I would like to thank the Parks and Recreation Committee that has helped me execute the Master Recreation Plan for Cannon Township. Together, we have explored and implemented many ways to improve recreational opportunities for future generations. Thank you to Dave Spencer, Cy Balk, Mary Hefferan, Dave Heyboer, Brian Mulligan, Rick Engvall, Dave Suchanek, Andy Vredenburg, and Mary Sherzer for giving your time and talents to serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Your efforts are making a difference in the lives of our residents, and I’m grateful to work alongside you.
As I am sure you have noticed, our new pickleball courts have been busy nearly every day since they opened last October, with the exception of when they were closed last winter. It quickly became apparent to us that we needed a team to help. This Spring, the Parks and Recreation Committee started a subcommittee of volunteers called the Ambassadors of the Cannon Courts. These Ambassadors guide inexperienced players, help resolve conflicts, bring water for guests, enforce the rules of the courts, and suggest improvements. Their contributions have significantly improved the experience for everyone who uses the courts. Thank you to Amy Starr, Hal Rosenberg, Bob Gravelyn, Tom Small, Brook Snyder, Steve Jazwiec, Jake Arndt, and Esther Oberlin for your enthusiasm and commitment.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of Cannon Township. I’ve had the opportunity to serve on many boards in my career, and I can honestly say this is one of the most effective I have experienced. I am grateful to be working alongside the talented board members. Thank you to Supervisor Steve Grimm, Clerk Jim Alles, Treasurer Dave Spencer, Trustee Henry Betten, Trustee Cy Balk, and Trustee Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon for all your hard work, dedication, and contributions to our Township.
Thank you again to all these wonderful people that I am grateful to work with. They don’t give their time and talents to the Township for fame or recognition; they do it because they love where they live and want to give back and make it even better for future generations. For that, I say thank you, and may God bless you.
Todd Olson Trustee
Wishing you a life well lived in Cannon Township,
Todd Olson
Invasive Species/Wetland Committee
We are approaching the 1-year anniversary since the formation of the Invasive Species and Watershed Committee. A group of enthusiastic residents came together to establish the first-ever committee dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Cannon Township.
In this short time we have accomplished a great deal to maintain the beautiful landscape in our backyards. Our Committee has focused on preserving the land through volunteer workdays and educational workshops, serving as an educational resource for residents.
The Kent Conservation District has been a crucial foundational piece of our work. They have guided our efforts and helped to reduce invasive species in our Township. One of our main focuses has been the invasive Bittersweet vine which is quickly overtaking our forests. We invite you to walk along the Cannon Trail to see the work done to eradicate this vine. To the right is an image depicting our efforts to stop Bittersweet at its roots.
Ryan Wilemski, a Conservation Coordinator with the Kent Conservation District, commented, “Cannon Township is absolutely a leader in prioritizing invasive control, alongside Ada and Cascade. We have worked with several municipalities to some extent, but nothing as comprehensive in terms of invasive management as what Cannon and the other two have supported.”
Our Committee would like to thank Ryan and his team for their wonderful work.
Cannon Township is proud to be a leader in this space, and we look forward to continuing these efforts. Thank you to the Committee for making this possible.
Check out this informational Bittersweet video:
Here are a few images from our events.
Photo Credit: Kent Conservation District
Before you head to the Pickleball Courts check out the live feed - scan the QR code below! Cy
From The Fire Department
In September, members of the Cannon Township Fire Department received a new set of wildland/extrication gear, enhancing our ability to respond to brush fires and accident extrications. Each member was outfitted with NFPA-approved jackets, pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and goggles. This gear is notably lighter and offers better mobility compared to our traditional structural firefighting gear, which is bulkier and can weigh up to 30 pounds more.
The acquisition of our new gear was made possible through a successful grant application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, sponsored by FEMA. This annual program invites fire departments nationwide to participate in a competitive process allowing them to request funds needed to improve their operations and purchase essential equipment to ensure firefighter safety. Given the high costs and strict national fire safety standards that mandate frequent replacement and maintenance, this equipment can be prohibitively expensive.
The AFG program provides an essential alternate funding source, although success in securing funds is never guaranteed. Departments like ours often explore additional funding avenues, including private, local, state, and federal grants, to help cover our routine equipment expenses.
We are immensely grateful for these opportunities which are crucial in allowing us to continue protecting our community and firefighters effectively.
PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to Brian Morris and Mike Herrington on their promotions to Deputy Chiefs!
Until next time, stay safe.
James M. Morris Fire Chief, EMT
Business Brief
BELLA VISTA FAMILY EYE CARE
Bella Vista Family Eye Care has been a beacon of ocular health for nearly two decades. Since 2005, Chad J. Jackson, OD, DipACLM has led the practice, combining professional expertise and a personal passion for wellness that extends beyond traditional eye care.
Dr. Jackson’s journey to becoming an eye doctor was fueled by his deep interest in how nutrition affects overall health. “The eye is a window into the body’s overall health.” Dr. Jackson explains. His educational path began at Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science in 1994. He then pursued an OD degree from the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 1998.
Dr. Jackson is committed to integrating nutritional science into his practice. As a fervent advocate for the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, he aims to educate his patients on how dietary choices impact not just their vision, but their overall wellbeing. “It’s about using food to provide the body what it needs to support overall health as well as eye health,” says Dr. Jackson.
Dr. Jackson’s affiliations include the American and Michigan Optometric Associations and the Rockford Lions Club where he served as President. His commitment extends to the Rockford
Chamber of Commerce and his church community, reflecting his deep roots and dedication to the area.
Dr. Jackson and his wife, Tiffany, are proud parents of two grown children, Blake and Lauren. Blake has an interest in the marine industry and his entrepreneurial spirit has him starting his own yacht detailing business. Lauren will graduate this spring from Ball State University with degrees in Market and Sports Administration.
The Jackson family enjoys spending time with their extended family, church family and doing outdoor activities.
As Bella Vista Family Eye Care continues to grow, Dr. Jackson remains committed to his mission of enhancing ocular health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of nutrition. His innovative perspective on eye care ensures that his patients receive comprehensive care that not only focuses on vision but also on life-enhancing wellness.
For those in the Cannon Township area looking to understand more about the link between nutrition and eye health, or simply seeking reliable, knowledgeable eye care, Dr. Chad Jackson at Bella Vista Family Eye Care is your go-to expert.
Cannon Township:
A COMMUNITY OF CHARACTER, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION
Cannon Township is more than just a place on the map—it’s a living, breathing community with a heart as big as its landscape. Around here, you can find just about anything to match your pace of life, whether it’s fishing on a quiet lake, hiking through lush trails, hitting the slopes at the local ski resort, or enjoying a game on the new pickleball courts.
But what truly makes Cannon Township special isn’t just the great outdoors—it’s the people. I’m constantly reminded of this fact. Everyone has a story to tell, and let me tell you, we’ve got some good ones.
Just the other day, I met a guy who used to play professional football back when the helmets were made of leather. Imagine that—a piece of football history living right here among us. And he’s not the only one with a story. We’ve got folks from all walks of life, including some sharp business minds who’ve built their dreams from the ground up right here in Cannon. Hearing how they turned their big ideas into reality is nothing short of inspiring.
This Township is filled with down-to-earth, hardworking people who bring their own flavor to our community. It’s what I love about living here. Cannon Township isn’t just where we live—it’s who we are. We’re a community of real people, with real stories, making a real difference every day.
Henry Betten Trustee
Clerk’s Corner: Elections & Voting
The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls are open 7:00 am — 8:00 pm. General Election Instructions for Marking Ballots:
Partisan Section: To vote the partisan section of the ballot, you may cast a “straight ticket”, a “split ticket,” or a “mixed ticket.”
• Straight Ticket - Vote the party of your choice — Nothing further needs to be done in the partisan section.
• Split Ticket - You may vote a straight ticket AND vote for individual candidates of your choice.
• Mixed Ticket - Vote for the individual candidates of your choice in each office.
Nonpartisan & Proposal Sections of the ballot must be voted separately.
A Reminder: www.michigan.gov/vote is the place to go to check:
⎷ That you are registered to vote
⎷ That your voter registration address is up to date
⎷ Your precinct and polling location
⎷ Your sample ballot
Early Voting is Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 3 from 8:00 am — 4:00 pm at the Cannon Township Center, 6878 Belding Road NE for all 6 precincts.
Early voting procedures are a lot like Election Day - Show up, complete a voter application, mark your ballot, and place it in the tabulator. If you don’t like the lines on Election Day, November 5th, please try the Early Voting option.
ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATIONS AND BALLOT ENVELOPE SIGNATURES - It is important that you sign your own absent voter application and ballot envelope. Per State law, no one else can do this on behalf of the voter. Your signature is verified with your Michigan Driver’s License or State ID signature on our voter registration file. If it does not match, we are required to contact you to verify that you were the person that signed the ballot.
BALLOTS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY 8:00 PM ON ELECTION DAY - Voters with an absent voter ballot can return it to the Clerk’s office, return it to a secure drop box or return by mail. Absent voters also have the option to vote their absentee ballot at Early Voting or on Election Day.
Congratulations to Gabby Warner from Rockford for being one of the top 9 winners in the first-ever “I Voted” contest. The Township will receive an assortment of stickers. Please note, we were unable to select which stickers or how many of each we will receive.
Before you submit your absentee ballot at a drop box, make sure you sign the back of the envelope!
Pancake Breakfast Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s pancake breakfast. We also want to extend our gratitude to Rockford Ambulance, Nelson’s Towing, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department for their vital participation in this wonderful event. We’re thrilled to announce that we raised a record-breaking $3,689.72 this year, with all proceeds benefiting the Great Lakes Burn Camp and Riding for Ryan. To put this achievement into perspective, last year’s record was $2,461. We are incredibly grateful to have such a generous community supporting these causes. We look forward to seeing you all next year!
Technology
Did you know that about 1 year ago the Cannon Township Board started streaming its board meetings “live”? We continue learning the technology, so while not professional, they are quite good. We usually have between 30 and 70 viewers tuned in during and after the meetings.
You can get the link to watch on the Cannon Township website, www.cannontwp.org. The streams are also archived on YouTube, so you can watch the meetings and skip through what you may not be interested in.
Dates To Remember
involvement
• Township board meetings are held every second and fourth Monday.
• Experience meetings in person or via live stream on YouTube starting at 7 p.m.
