Eight Culver’s Locations Unite to Support Kent County Farmland Preservation
In support of farmland preservation, eight Culver’s locations in Kent County will host a Share Night tomorrow, June 25, to raise awareness and funding for the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. At the event, 10 percent of all sales will benefit the program.
Why it Matters: Kent County is losing valuable farmland to development (13,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022). This Share Night helps us support our local farmers and ensure a sustainable food system for the future. For more information and a full list of participating Culver's locations, visit here.
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Appointment of New Magistrate at the 63rd District Court
Congratulations to Tricia Phinney on her appointment as Magistrate for the 63rd District Court, at the June 13 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Tricia's journey with Kent County is truly inspiring. Over the past 22 years, she has shown remarkable dedication and growth; she:
- Started in the file room at the 17th Circuit Court
- Went back to school and earned her Bachelor's degree
- Worked in Court Services and moved to administrative roles
- Earned her Master's degree and became Deputy District Court Administrator/Magistrate
Thank you, Tricia, for your continued commitment to the important work we are doing in our Courts. We are so happy to have you on our team!
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Animal Shelter Completes New Outdoor Expansion
We were thrilled to have the grand opening of our Animal Shelter's new 44,000-square-foot outdoor expansion last week – a state-of-the-art dog park for our furry friends (including Millie, who tested it out)! Located next to the shelter on our Fuller Campus, the enrichment area includes several activity items for the dogs.
The amenities include:
- A raised platform for surveying their domain
- A vertical ramp for zoomies and exercise
- A tire obstacle course for agility training (and chewing fun!)
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Hidden treats in tree stumps to satisfy their natural instincts
This incredible space was funded through a generous legacy gift from the Marie B. Schipper Trust, which provided a place for our canine companions to relax, explore, and enrich their lives while waiting for their forever homes.
How You Can Help:
At KCAS we rely on the generosity of our community to care for animals in need. To learn more about adopting a pet, volunteering, or making a donation, please visit our website: accesskent.com/Departments/AnimalShelter/
Get Ahead of Lead Campaign Wins National Awards
One hundred years ago our Parks Department consisted of a single, undeveloped, 30 acre parcel near Sand Lake, Michigan. From these humble beginnings, we have grown to be one of the largest county park departments in the state! With 43 parks, over 100 miles of trails, and nearly 8,000 acres of land, Kent County Parks has a little something for everyone.
As part of our centennial celebration, we invite you to take a trip back in time to see how your favorite parks came to be. We'll be highlighting our parks and trails, in order of their "birthdates" throughout the rest of the year. You can follow along on our website here.
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KCSO Becomes Second Accredited Sheriff's Office in Michigan
On June 18, our Sheriff's Office (KCSO) officially received accreditation from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), becoming the second Sheriff's Office in the state to earn this distinction. This achievement reflects the entire agency's hard work and dedication, including enforcement, corrections, communications, and civilian staff.
Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young highlighted the diligent preparation to meet the rigorous standards set by the KCSO and MACP, which required compliance with 108 standards and passing an on-site assessment. "We invested significant resources into policies, procedures, and training initiatives to align with industry best practices and the evolving needs of the community," said Sheriff LaJoye-Young. "Accreditation places our team among the leaders in the field across the state, showcasing the exceptional work of our staff."
The accreditation will be formally presented at an upcoming Board of Commissioners meeting. Congratulations to the entire KCSO team!
Kent County at Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
Earlier this month, our Welcome Plan team hosted a booth at the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, supporting and enjoying Michigan's largest Asian-Pacific celebration. Welcome Plan Coordinator, Hollin De La Cruz, also shared some insights on-stage about what the Welcome Plan means for New Americans in West Michigan.
The event featured delicious food, games and karaoke, performances and music, as well as an electrifying K-Pop dance contest! It was a great time to connect with the community and highlight the work the Welcome Plan is doing: providing opportunities for New Americans to feel welcome.
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New Staff Members at Kent MSU Extension
We would like to offer a warm welcome to Meghan Swayne and Amber Clingman, the newest additions to the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension team. Meghan joins the health and nutrition team in Kent County, bringing a Master's Degree in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University. She is extensively certified and experienced, notably through her work with the North End Wellness Coalition, and will focus on youth and veterans.
Amber Clingman joins as the new 4-H Teen & Mental Health First Aid Program Instructor for Kent & Ottawa Counties. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Juvenile Services from Grand Rapids Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. Amber’s passion for youth advocacy, influenced by her own mental health challenges, drives her to empower young minds through mental health education.
Congratulations to Meghan and Amber for joining the MSU team! For a complete listing of all MSU Extension & 4-H events, visit our website at canr.msu.edu/kent/events.
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Kent County Offices Closed for Fourth of July Holiday
A majority of Kent County offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day and will reopen on Friday, July 5. The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours.
On this 4th of July, we give thanks to our soldiers for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring our freedom.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
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. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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