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A Note From the Administrator
My wife, Leslie, and I recently had the chance to catch the debut of our County's new professional women's volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise. With around 8,000 fans filling the Van Andel Arena, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, while an additional 62,000 viewers streamed the match on YouTube. The Rise delivered an impressive performance, winning three consecutive sets and ultimately defeating the Columbus Fury. It was a thrilling experience that showcased the team's skill and the growing enthusiasm for professional volleyball in our community.
On a more somber note, our community bid farewell last week to a beloved figure, Steve Warren, the former Managing Director of the Kent County Road Commission. With heavy hearts, we reflect on Steve's legacy as a consummate public servant and a source of inspiration to many. His tireless dedication and infectious humor left an indelible mark on those he encountered. As we continue to mourn his passing, our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family, hoping they find solace and strength during this difficult time.
Amidst a flurry of conferences this month, several members of my team and I attended the Michigan Municipal Executives 2024 Winter Institute. During the conference, Jessie Harris from my office and I had the honor of presenting on the association's history and leading a panel discussion on its legacy. As the week draws to a close, commissioners, staff, and I are gearing up for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. These engagements not only deepen our expertise in the field but also nurture relationships with colleagues statewide and nationwide.
Please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Kent County Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Kent County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Kent County has received this award for more than 24 years.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a local unit of government and its management.
Congratulations to our Board of Commissioners and our Fiscal Services team in ensuring the County’s finances are managed effectively and our fiscal story is communicated clearly and consistently.
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Network180 Community Needs Survey
Network180 is currently administering its biannual Community Needs Survey and seeks your input to identify areas where services can bridge gaps within the community.
The behavioral health needs within our community present in numerous forms. We invite you to contribute by sharing your observations and insights regarding the existing challenges and requirements concerning mental health and/or substance use disorder support services.
Click here to take the survey which is due February 13.
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Community Action's Walk For Warmth Event This Saturday
Join Kent County Community Action (KCCA) at their Walk For Warmth event this Saturday, 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 event by walking or donating. To learn more, visit here. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. on February 10.
In the News - Watch KCCA's interviews on Fox17 and Woodtv8's EightWest talking about the Walk For Warmth event and its great cause!
Feb. 6 Event Highlights Kent County Veterans Treatment Court
Families Against Narcotics is thrilled to welcome John Koch, LMSW, J.D., Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator, and Anthony Torres, Program Director for Kent County Veteran's Treatment Court, as their February speakers.
The community is invited to join the event on February 6, from 7-8 p.m. at Kent/MSU Extension - 775 Ball Ave. NE or virtually on Zoom (Meeting ID: 856 9254 9868).
John and Anthony will provide valuable insights into current resources and opportunities available for veterans within the justice system. Additionally, they will address the vital aspects of supporting veterans' families, exploring eligibility for service-connected benefits, and offer a comprehensive overview of the Kent County Veterans Treatment Court.
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Board, Committee and Commissions Openings
There are nine new vacancies on Kent County's boards, commissions and committees (listed below). Qualified Kent County residents may apply by completing an online account and submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. To apply for an appointment, visit here.
The vacancies that have been posted are:
- Agricultural Preservation Board: Agricultural Interest Representative 1
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3LzzQSb
- Community Corrections Advisory Board: Media Representative | Police Chief
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3vGCQal
- Friend of the Court Citizens’ Advisory Committee: Representative for General Public
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3OdkjZX
- Housing Commission: Member 3
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/48R4IaK
- Jury Commission: Member 1
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3u3oGje
- Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board: Public Sector 3
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3Ht5kqR
- Remonumentation Peer Review Group: Professional Surveyor 1 | Professional Surveyor 9
For more information, click here.
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Clerk's Office Reminds Voters of Presidential Primary Ballot Selection
Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons is reminding voters that for Michigan’s upcoming February 27 Presidential Primary Election, they must select which political party ballot they wish to vote.
“State law requires voters to select their party preference for presidential primaries,” said Lyons. “And it’s important to clarify that this provision does not register voters with the particular party they’ve selected for this election; it simply allows clerks to provide them the correct ballot.”
New Behavioral Health Crisis Center Making Progress
Our new community Crisis Stabilization Unit, resulting from a collaboration between Network180 and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, is making great progress. Check out the latest on the construction journey by viewing a tour of the space with Beverly Ryskamp, Network180’s COO, and Carrie Mull of Trinity Health Grand Rapids here, on WoodTV8.
The Board of Commissioners is touring the facility this week and we are all looking forward to having more behavioral health services in our community.
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New Report About the State of Child Care in Kent County
A new report from First Steps Kent, produced by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) and IFF, analyzes the early childhood education (ECE) system in Kent County. The report found that approximately 20,500 additional ECE slots are needed to meet the county’s demand for child care, and it highlighted the uneven distribution of access to existing slots..
“We continue to see inequities throughout the community, and we continue to hear from parents that affordability related to child care is complicated,” says Jennifer Headley-Nordman, president of First Steps Kent.
To view the comprehensive report, including child care needs for Kent County in the updated gap analysis, visit here.
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Kent County Employees Participate in Disability Advocates' Mock Interview Event
On January 25, Kent County staff participated in Disability Advocates of Kent County’s (DAKC) mock interviews. Approximately 60 young adult job seekers rotated through partner agencies to practice their interviewing skills.
This was a great opportunity to support an organization that we work alongside to implement inclusion best practices throughout Kent County. It also prepares individuals with disabilities for employment.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can engage in future mock interviews or to learn more about DAKC, please connect with Karyn Pelon at Karyn.Pelon@kentcountymi.gov or visit https://www.dakc.us/.
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Congratulations to County Senior Legal Assistant on Welcoming Daughter Through Adoption
Congratulations to Lisa Buggs, Senior Legal Assistant for Corporate Counsel, on officially welcoming Shaniya into her forever family through adoption! Lisa's journey was filled with unexpected twists and turns, as a result of her Juvenile Guardianship arrangement with the State, but thankfully it all led to a joyful conclusion. A large group of family members, Kent County coworkers, and friends attended the hearing at the 17th Circuit Court to celebrate with her.
"I am now the proud mom of the incredibly intelligent, sassy, beautiful, social butterfly, and master makeup artist Shaniya Rose, but most importantly, she is ALL MINE," said Lisa Buggs.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, call 855-MICHKIDS or visit here.
Urban League's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Event
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Kent County Leaders engaged in the Urban League of West Michigan’s 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Corporate Event at DeVos Place. The community united to honor Dr. King's legacy and strive towards his dream in our homes, community, and world.
The event included special recognitions for the Drum Major for Justice Award, Paul I. Phillips Presidential Award and Nolan Groce Business Leadership Awards. The event was headlined with a Fireside Chat between Eric Brown, President/CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan and Ovell Barbee Jr., Human Resources Strategist, Owner/Principal of Ovell Rome & Associates. Congrats to the Urban League on another successful event!
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Gerald R. Ford International Airport Surpasses Previous Passenger Traffic Records
Congratulations to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport for surpassing previous passenger traffic records in 2023!
In 2023, the Airport served a total of 3,794,915 passengers—a 6% increase from its record-breaking figures in 2019. Notably, October 2023 marked the single busiest month in Airport history with 349,987 passengers.
“We are truly grateful to the West Michigan community for their support in helping us achieve this remarkable milestone,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.
To celebrate this achievement, the Airport hosted various festivities throughout the terminal, including live music, free swag, a visit from the West Michigan Therapy Dogs and more.
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Brady's K9 Fund Donates Ballistic Vests to KCSO K9 Unit
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office recently announced that Brady's K9 Fund generously donated ballistic vests to the department's four legged officer, K9 Chiko.
Brady’s K9 Fund was founded by an 8-year-old boy who felt K9 officers deserve body armor, just like their human partners. Since 2018 Brady’s Fund has raised over $1.25M and vested 950+ K9s across all 50 states. Their mission is ongoing!
Join Brady’s mission by visiting Bradysk9fund.com and learning more about his cause. Your support and donations go directly to providing essential life saving equipment for these incredible K9 officers.
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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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