Board of Commissioners' 2023 Year In Review Report
Our Board of Commissioners released their annual Year in Review Report highlighting their endeavors in serving and advancing Kent County. To review the report, visit here. Your feedback is important so please connect with your Commissioner to share your questions and thoughts.
Undersheriff Chuck DeWitt Retires
Undersheriff Chuck DeWitt retired in December after twenty-eight years of service in the Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO). His wealth of experience, invaluable guidance, active involvement in the community, and willingness to lend a helping hand have left an indelible mark on KCSO, the County, and the lives he touched.
Undersheriff DeWitt played a pivotal role in establishing the KCSO Medication Assisted Treatment Program at the Kent County Correctional Facility, among other crucial initiatives. His dedication to this program paved the way for him to extend his support to individuals battling addiction in his new career path.
We will greatly miss Undersheriff DeWitt and truly appreciate the lasting impact of his contributions.
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Sheriff's Office Leadership Changes
Following the tenure of Undersheriff DeWitt, the KCSO is gearing up for an exciting chapter under new leadership. Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young announced Chief Deputy Bryan Muir's promotion to Undersheriff and Jason Kelley's rise to Chief Deputy. These advancements mark an shift in leadership at KCSO, showcasing a new era of service.
Congratulations to Undersheriff Muir and Chief Deputy Kelley!
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Judge Deborah L. McNabb Becomes 17th Circuit Court Chief Judge
On January 1, Judge Deborah L. McNabb assumed the mantle of Chief Judge at the 17th Circuit Court (Kent County). In this transition, we congratulate Judge McNabb while expressing gratitude to Judge Mark Trusock. Judge Trusock’s tenure as Chief Judge set a commendable precedent, and we appreciate his contributions as he passes the baton to Judge McNabb, ushering in a new chapter for the court.
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Walk For Warmth
 Join Kent County Community Action (KCCA) at their Walk For Warmth event on February 10! Walk For Warmth is a short walk around KCCA's block, at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Grand Rapids, to raise money for families in Kent County who need assistance paying their heating bill and have received a utility shut off notice for gas, electric, and deliverable fuels like propane.
You can help! Put on your walking shoes (or boots!) and join us. You can participate in the walk by sponsoring, walking, or donating. To register, visit here. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. on February 10.
The hard, cold facts:
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Heating/fuel expenditures per household are expected to increase due to both higher fuel prices and colder temperatures with an average 14-17% increase over last year. That's an average increase of $106 to $253 (depending on fuel type and use patterns) per household.
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Due to the lagging economy, loss of jobs, federal and state budget cuts, many people in our communities are struggling to afford basic necessities and will be forced to make the choice between putting food on the table or heating their homes.
Robert Kozminski Memorial Basketball Game Coming in February
Kids will have the opportunity to shoot hoops with local police officers, enjoy delicious food by Saladino Smoke, and see K9s from the Kent County Sheriff's Office at the Annual Robert Kozminski Memorial Basketball Game! And, you don't want to miss the KCSO vs Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) wing eating contest, sponsored by the Detroit Wing Company.
Admission is FREE to this wonderful event, happening on Saturday, February 10 at 5 p.m. at Kenowa Hills High School.
Donations and proceeds from raffle tickets at the event will benefit Elizabeth Bechaz, wife of GRPD Officer Cody Bechaz, who was diagnosed in June 2023 with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Come join the fun!
The game started in 2002 as a way to raise money for family members of a retired law enforcement official. In 2007, the tournament was given its name, honoring former GRPD Officer Robert Kozminski, who died in the line of duty.
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Kent County Senior Millage Request for Proposals
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is seeking requests for proposals for agencies who provide services that help older adults remain independent. For this year, the committee is requesting special attention to adult day and home chore services with an emphasis on snow removal.
Opening date: Tuesday, January 16. The Request for Proposal packet will be available for download at aaawm.org/kcsm.
Closing date: Proposals are due February 2 by 5 p.m. Submit the completed Request for Proposal packet to proposal@aaawm.org
The Kent County Senior Millage Review Committee (KCSM), composed of community members and County Commissioners, reviews proposals from the agencies that requested funding. Recommendations for the KCSM are made and submitted to the Kent County Board of Commissioners for final approval.
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New Purchasing Manager
Joni Laming has accepted the position of Purchasing Manager. She succeeds Cal Brinks, who retired in December after a long tenure serving the County.
Most recently Laming served as Purchasing Supervisor and has over 20 years of experience with Kent County with the last 18 years in various purchasing positions. She brings an extensive knowledge of centralized purchasing best practices.
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Free Radon Kits
 January is National Radon Action Month and the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is offering free radon test kits to residents. The kits are available during regular business hours at:
- Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
- North County Clinic, 4191 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs
- Sheldon Complex Clinic, 121 Franklin SE Ste 130, Grand Rapids
- South Clinic at 4700, Kalamazoo SE, Kentwood
Only one kit per household will be provided.
“The kit is easy to use. Simply hang a filter inside your house for a few days and then send it in a self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope for testing,” said Russell Flewelling, supervising sanitarian, KCHD.
Radon, a radioactive gas, is undetectable by sight, smell, or taste but it can kill. The only way to know if radon is in your home is through testing. Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States claiming the lives of more than 20,000 thousand Americans every year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
The KCHD recommends all homes be tested every two to three years. Stop by one of our four convenient locations to pick up your test today!
New Kent County District Court Judge Approved
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4920 into law in December, paving the way for the establishment of a new district court judge in Kent County. Over a five-year period (2016-2020), the 63rd District Court saw an average of 26,541 new case filings. This figure equates to approximately 13,271 cases per judge, surpassing caseloads observed in other district courts across Kent County and the State of Michigan.
“Our docket is facing significant strain,” said Chief Judge Jeffrey J. O’Hara. “The addition of a new judge to the bench reflects our commitment to delivering a justice system that residents expect and deserve. This crucial step will ensure that cases are handled more efficiently and with the timeliness our community rightfully demands."
The new district judge will be chosen by election, with the filing deadline on April 23, 2024 and the primary election on August 6, 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024.
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County Offices Closed on January 15 for MLK, Jr. Day
Kent County offices and and Health Department clinics will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our offices will resume operations on Tuesday, January 16, at 8 a.m.
For more information about County departments and offices, visit www.accesskent.com.
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Looking for a rewarding career? Consider Kent County!
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, please visit accesskent.com/jobs.
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