Boil Water Advisory
A portion of the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township are currently under a boil water advisory. Residents and businesses in the affected area are advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first. Additionally, boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
Visit the City of Grand Rapids' social media pages or grandrapidsmi.gov for updated information on the advisory.
Please contact the City of Grand Rapids at 616-456-3000 or 3-1-1 if you need to report a water/sewer emergency or have any questions. Also, for best practices on boil water safety, you can visit here.
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Kent County Register of Deeds Launches 'Fraud Notify' System to Help Safeguard Property Owners
Kent County Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons announced the launch of its Fraud Notify system last week to help combat property fraud within Kent County.
The Fraud Notify system is a free service that alerts subscribers via email whenever a document bearing their name, or any other name they’ve designated, is recorded within the Kent County Register of Deeds Office. Upon receiving notification of a recording, property owners will be able to assess its validity and notify law enforcement if they suspect fraud.
“Home ownership has long-defined the American Dream and families work so hard to achieve that dream,” Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons said. “That’s why we’re launching Fraud Notify to offer Kent County property owners added peace of mind and powerful information in a world where threats aided by technological advances are a growing concern.”
Property owners interested in subscribing to Kent County’s Fraud Notify can do so at accesskent.com/fraudnotify.
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Share Your Thoughts About the Future
What must we get right to make Kent County an even better place by 2050? All Our Ideas is an online survey platform that is asking for your opinion on which strategies will have the most impact on Kent County residents in 2050. This input will help guide Kent County and its partners in prioritizing goals and eliciting ideas that it may not have considered.
In this survey, you'll engage in a process of selecting what you believe to be the higher-priority strategy from pairs of options, or offering your own innovative idea to enhance the pool for other respondents to evaluate. As you progress, you'll encounter a blend of ideas from both the Steering Committee and the public. It's important to note that the survey doesn't have a fixed end; rather, it continues to present variations of options until you choose to stop. You have the freedom to engage with the survey for as long or as little as you prefer. After expressing your priorities, you'll have the opportunity to view how your perspectives align with other residents.
To share your thoughts on the future of our community, take the survey by clicking this link. Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español de la encuesta. The survey closes on April 11.
Visit our website to learn more about the Kent County 2050 initiative.
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Community Action Success Story: Housing Choice Voucher Program
 Within the Kent County Housing Commission, housed at Kent County Community Action (KCCA), we have a small sub-set of clients who are able to purchase their own home while still receiving HUD support, rather than remaining in a rental unit. Meet Terry, a determined veteran seeking homeownership with support from KCCA. After hitting roadblocks in his search, a missing front porch railing threatened to derail his dream home. With financing approved but time running out, hope seemed slim.
But then Gary saved the day! A kind-hearted 81-year-old contractor and stepfather to a KCCA team member stepped up without hesitation. Despite the challenge and chilly weather, in just days he and a small support crew installed the railing, saving the deal and Terry's dream. Thanks to Gary's selfless act, Terry now enjoys his cozy new home, and we couldn't be more grateful.
Local Unit Quadrant Meetings
We are excited to host County/local unit quadrant meetings this Spring! The next set of meetings for local officials, County Commissioners, county-wide elected officials, and staff is:
Group 1 (Orange): Sparta Township, Village of Sparta, Algoma Township, City of Rockford, Courtland Township, Oakfield Township, Spencer Township, Nelson Township, Village of Sand Lake, Solon Township, Tyrone Township, City of Cedar Springs, Village of Casnovia, Village of Kent City
Meeting at the North Kent Campus: Wednesday May 15, 3:00-5:00pm
Group 2 (Brown): City of Walker, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Township, City of East Grand Rapids, City of Grandville, City of Wyoming, City of Kentwood
Meeting in Wyoming: Wednesday April 17, 3:00-5:00pm
Group 3 (Gold): Byron Township, Gaines Township, Village of Caledonia, Cascade Township, Caledonia Township, Lowell Township, Bowne Township, City of Lowell
Meeting in Caledonia Township: Monday April 22, 3:00-5:00pm
Group 4 (Tan): Ada Township, Vergennes Township, Alpine Township, Plainfield Township, Cannon Township, Grattan Township
Meeting in Grattan Township: Thursday May 9, 3:00-5:00pm
If you have any questions about these meetings, please contact Katie VanHevel. If you are unable to attend the meeting in your area, feel free to join another meeting.
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Demolition of Old Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Forensic Science Laboratory on Kent County's Fuller Ave. Campus
As you may have seen on social media, progress is underway on our countywide facilities plan! The demolition of the old Michigan State Police Grand Rapids forensic science laboratory on Fuller Ave has started.
This achievement marks the culmination of extensive efforts, including hard work, legislative approvals, and adherence to safety regulations for the building's removal. However, this is just the beginning of our journey. Stay tuned as we press on to enhance County facilities and services, making them more accessible, customer-friendly, and better than ever.
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Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board Opening
This is the last week to apply for the following opening on Kent County's Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
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Kent County Attends Women’s Resource Center 2024 Pillar Awards
 On March 14, Kent County staff attended the Women’s Resource Center's 34th Annual Pillar Awards at the JW Marriott. The Women’s Resource Center recognizes West Michigan employers that have implemented best practices which empower women at work. Kent County was one of the 2022 Pillar Award Winners for our collective work on inclusion strategies, advancement of women in the workplace, and women working in nontraditional careers. This year the WRC Pillar Award Winners are Steelcase and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Since 1987, this award showcases the noteworthy efforts of local employers who are pillars of support for working women. Congratulations to the Women’s Resource Center on another great event and congratulations to the honorees.
Disability Awareness Day 2024
The Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) is hosting an advocacy event on Disability Awareness Day, March 22 from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, with the theme of "Mental Health Matters: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions."
Diving into the multifaceted nature of mental health in our community, DAKC is bringing together professional, peer-support, and self-help approaches across several areas of mental health to set the stage for a day of insightful discussions, heartfelt connections, and groundbreaking ideas. The event will kick off with opening remarks, followed by a powerful keynote from Jocelyn Dettloff. The event will also include 4 great breakout sessions and will culminate in an Advocacy Panel, featuring a lineup of individuals who've shown remarkable strength in advocacy. This is a rare chance to gain insights from those who've walked the path of advocacy, offering guidance on how you can get involved in what matters most to you.
Please RSVP for the event here. There are scholarships available for those who cannot afford and transportation assistance available for those who need it.
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Measles Update from the Health Department
During the first couple months of 2024, there have been 45 cases of measles reported in 17 states, including Michigan. Three of the cases reside in SE Michigan but there have not been any cases reported in West Michigan.
The Kent County Health Department is watching the situation carefully and working to protect the community from measles through:
- the community immunizations program,
- monitoring healthcare providers’ required reporting of cases and commencing investigations in accordance with disease prevention protocols,
- working alongside physicians and families while results of clinical samples are pending to inform and reduce risk of spread,
- providing educational materials to physicians and schools to inform those who have never seen a case of measles,
- sharing information about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and how to access it.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine is the most effective defense against measles. In fact, two doses of the vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles.
Residents can call the Health Department at 616-632-7100 or visit the KCHD website to get answers to your questions and to check their MMR vaccination status. For more information about the measles, visit https://bit.ly/42Vlm6D.
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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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