Health Department Launches Enhanced Online Portal for Easy Access to Inspection Reports
Our Health Department is excited to launch an enhanced online portal, making it easy for residents to access inspection reports for local food establishments, body art shops, and public swimming pools! This user-friendly site also provides guidance on interpreting inspection results, FAQs, and more.
Key features include:
- Interactive map to find inspection reports by name, address, or municipality
- Routine and follow-up inspection findings
- Plans for future updates like well and septic permits, online licensing applications, and more!
To explore the site, you can visit here.
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Sheriff's Deputy Receives MADD Outstanding Officer Award
Sheriff's Office Deputy Omar Dieppa recently received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Outstanding Officer Award for his commitment to impaired driving enforcement education. As a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) instructor, Deputy Dieppa has conducted countless training sessions throughout Michigan, educating thousands of law enforcement officers on identifying, evaluating, and documenting suspected drug impairment.
Deputy Dieppa's reach extends to educating the next generation of law enforcement officers at the Grand Valley State University Police Academy. His dedication and passion for impaired driving enforcement have significantly impacted our community's safety. Congratulations, Deputy Dieppa!
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Animal Shelter Opens Second 24-Hour Microchip Scanning Station
Our Animal Shelter has now opened a second 24-hour microchip scanning station! The station is located at the Shelter's 740 Fuller Ave. location next to the animal intake door. This is a 24-hour self-serve station.
Around the Fourth of July, shelters across the nation see an increase in lost pets. If you find a lost pet outside of the shelters regular business hours, you can help find their family by checking them for a chip!
Does your pet have a microchip? When was the last time you updated your information? Stop by any time with your own pet to double check their microchip number and make sure your information is up to date.
For those in the northern part of Kent County there is also a 24-hour microchip scanning station located at the Kent County North Campus at 4191 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs.
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4th Annual Female Veteran Appreciation Event
Our Veterans Services team had a great time at the 4th Annual Female Veteran Appreciation Brunch and Celebration on June 30! The event had amazing speakers: Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Lorrena Black, U.S. Army Major/VP of Leadership Development at Inforum, guests enjoyed delicious food, we honored local veterans, talked about the work we are doing for veterans, Commissioner Katie DeBoer read a board proclamation, and everyone had the opportunity to visit the John Ball Zoo.
CNN Names Grand Rapids Among America’s Best Towns to Visit
At the end of June, CNN named Grand Rapids one of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024. The inaugural list spotlights 10 American destinations that deserve travelers’ attention, according to CNN Travel editors. Being named on this list is another proof point for the value of investments in our region’s destination assets.
“We are thrilled that CNN selected Grand Rapids as a top American destination—we couldn’t agree more,” said Experience Grand Rapids President and CEO, Doug Small. “CNN Travel editors recognized there is something very special about this attractive and extraordinarily hospitable destination and are now telling the world.”
CNN Travel editors considered several criteria when honing their list, including the destination’s attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and “wow factor.” Editors also looked at travel essentials like lodging options and the ease of getting to and around each destination.
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2025 Kent County Budget Hearing
Mark your calendars that the Kent County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025 Budget of Kent County on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers, County Administration Building at 300 Monroe Avenue.
The proposed Budget is available to view by visiting Kent County’s website.
The public will have the opportunity to make comments and ask questions at the hearing and may submit written comments and questions in advance to the Office of the County Administrator or by using the following email address publiccomment@kentcountymi.gov to be read publicly at the hearing.
The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.
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Opioid Settlement Planning
Kent County is estimated to receive $12 million from a settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors to address the significant community impacts of over distribution of opioids. The Kent County Opioid Task Force, Fatality Review Committee, Health Department and other partners have begun planning the priority uses of those settlement funds to support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services across the County.
The Board of Commissioners review of the proposed FY 2025 – 2026 spending plan is underway. The next discussion will be with the Legislative and Human Resources Committee meeting on July 16, followed by the full Board of Commissioners meeting on July 18. To view the draft plan, please visit here.
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Soaking Up The Sun At Our County Parks!
As part of last week's 4th of July celebrations, we had hundreds of individuals and families enjoying the weather and amenities at our County Parks. And as temperatures rise, we encourage residents to continue to dive into adventure at our playgrounds, picnic areas, equestrian trails, and prime spots for fishing and kayaking. Embark on scenic hikes, unwind on our beautiful beaches, or immerse yourself in nature with camping and more.
Join us and discover the magic of our County Parks at kentcountyparks.org/parks-trails/map/
Our Health Department's Environmental Health team does regular mosquito surveillance and has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in the 49525 ZIP code. This is not a human case. This discovery is earlier than usual this year, signaling the need for increased vigilance and protective measures.
Since there is no vaccine or cure for WNV, the best treatment is prevention. Residents should follow the below recommended measures:
- Use mosquito repellent with 10-35% DEET
- Wear light-colored clothing and stay indoors during dusk
- Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard
- Ensure window screens are intact
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Culver's Fundraiser - A Success For Farmland Preservation
In support of farmland preservation, eight Culver’s locations in Kent County hosted a Share Night on June 25 and raised $3,820 for the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. At the event, 10 percent of all sales were collected to benefit the program and raise awareness.
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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Food Trucks at Gerald R. Ford International Airport Viewing Park
Join the Gerald R. Ford International Airport every Wednesday in July and August from 10am-4pm at their Viewing Park so you can watch planes while enjoying delicious food from a variety of your favorite local food trucks.
The viewing park, situated on Kraft Avenue north of 52nd Street, is the ideal place to watch planes take off. Their newly renovated space provides a pavilion with permanent restroom facilities and filtered drinking fountains, an abundance of picnic tables and seating availability, and more than 100 parking spaces that face the airfield for a prime viewing experience.
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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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