A lot of questions here.
I think you would be wise to consult with an attorney well-versed in Michigan MIPs in your area. Borrow the money, if necessary, but you will definitely benefit from the advice and direction of a lawyer, especially if the hearing on your MIP is before Judge Post. A judge does not need to appoint an attorney for an indigent defendant unless jail time is possible (and, even then, the attorney is not necessarily "free" - the county oftens requires that a defendant pay the county back for the services of the attorney).
Diversion programs in Michigan are offered at the discretion of the judge and you are right that Judge Post does not offer the program for first offenders. Unless you can show that either the Holland Court or Grand Haven Court has jurisdiction, you are stuck with having your MIP heard before Post in Hudsonville. An attorney can advise you if a change of venue is at all possible, but I think it is not.
A Nolo Contendere plea is used usually when a defendant cannot recall the criminal actions for which he is charged (as is sometimes the case where intoxication is involved) or when a guilty plea could be used in a potential civil lawsuit. A nolo contendere plea is treated in sentencing by the judge the same a guilty plea, however. For diversion programs in Michigan, a guilty plea must be entered.
Because Judge Post does not offer diversion programs, and a misdemeanor conviction would appear on your record (unless or until it is expunged - and even with an expungement, the guilty plea and conviction remain on your Michigan driving record, which affects your auto insurance), many MIP first offenders appearing before Judge Post are demanding jury trials. Or, many look to have the district court decision overturned.
Ottawa County is not alone in denying diversion to MIP first offenders. In Oakland County, two judges (Asadoorian and Barron) routinely deny diversion and the offenders are left with a misdemeanor record. In addition, these two Oakland County judges have jailed first offenders. In 2008, Oakland County jailed 109 minors over MIP charges.
Currently, the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan have filed suit against these judges (on behalf of three families whose minor children have been jailed on their MIP offenses) and the ACLU has said that some judges in Michigan are abusing their power.
So, my recommendations to you are to get a lawyer (contact the state Bar of Michigan for some references in your area and check out free legal aid clinics in your area) - and the attorney may find it wise to contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and to contact the ACLU. But I would not head into Post's courtroom without legal representation, as a misdemeanor record can affect your future career goals.
Good luck.