The 63rd District Recovery Court Is Now A Certified DWI Sobriety Treatment Court
In June, the 63rd District Recovery Court earned official certification as a DWI Sobriety Treatment Court. This specialized court, established in 2021 with an initial planning grant from the Office of Highway Safety Planning through the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), is designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior.
Since its inception, Recovery Court has secured two additional grants to support its expansion. Achieving certification involved a rigorous process, including a comprehensive review of court policies and procedures, self-assessments for the judge, team members, and participants, and an on-site audit conducted by the SCAO.
Congratulations to Chief Judge O'Hara and the entire court staff on receiving this well-deserved certification!
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Kirsten Holz Sworn In As Judge Of 63rd District Court
A warm welcome to our newest Judge, Kirsten Holz, who was officially sworn in at the 63rd District Court last week. Judge Holz was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and started on August 12, 2024.
Kirsten has been doing incredible work as an assistant corporate counsel for the County, supporting the Indigent Defense Program. She'll be stepping into this role following the retirement of Judge Sara Smolenski.
Congartulationss Judge Holz. We're excited to see the impact you'll have in the courtroom and beyond in our community.
Lantern Festival At John Ball Zoo Boasts Record Attendance
More than 175,000 people experienced the magical, immersive Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo this year, shattering the previous year’s attendance record during its three-month run.
This one-mile tour through John Ball Zoo was illuminated by dozens of handmade lanterns, telling the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. It also featured a lineup of entertainment like acrobatics, artistic hula hooping and more.
The lanterns came from Tianyu Arts & Culture, a leading Chinese lantern festival producer that promotes conservation and sustainability through its festivals. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival had the most attendance for a lantern festival than any other partner, according to Tianyu.
The festival brought visitors from across Michigan, as well as around the United States and Canada, contributing to John Ball Zoo’s more than $100 million annual net economic impact on its community. Guests learned about the conservation of wildlife and wild places while immersed in amazing illuminations throughout the Zoo, and it was another great year of this community favorite.
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Over 140 Animals Adopted From Our Animal Shelter In July!
 During the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National Empty the Shelters™ reduced-fee adoption event, held from July 8-31, the Kent County Animal Shelter found homes for over 140 animals! Thank you to every adopter who opened their heart and home to a pet during a time when shelters nationwide are experiencing unprecedented challenges. There are still so many pets waiting for YOU, please choose adoption.
Learn about the Sheriff's Office Through Our Citizen Police Academy (CPA)
The CPA aims to improve citizen awareness and understanding of the police's role in the community. This informational experience is open to residents of Kent County who are 21 years of age and older and requires a routine background check and a waiver of liability.
CPA meets on Wednesday evenings, September 18 through November 13, 2024, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Most sessions are held at the Kent County Sheriff's Office at 701 Ball Ave NE. Space for this free program is limited. Learn more and apply online for the CPA here.
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Volunteer Opportunity - Global Gathering Festival
The West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative's Global Gathering Festival is coming up on September 28 at Garfield Park and they are looking for volunteers! This event is dedicated to showcasing and welcoming immigrants and refugees in Michigan. Come be a part and enjoy the variety of music, dance, cultural workshops, and more as we celebrate our diverse and united immigrant community. To sign up to volunteer, visit here.
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Attention Small Businesses - Meet With Our County Purchasing Department October 16
 We're partnering with the West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance (WMPPA) to bring "Meet the Buyer" to Kent County. Small businesses can meet purchasing professionals from publicly funded agencies in this free open house style event. Vendors will be able to connect with public purchasing professionals from multiple agencies. Learn more and register for Meet the Buyer here.
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Offices And Clinics Closed On Labor Day
All Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. For more information about and contact information for Kent County departments and offices, visit our website at www.accesskent.com.
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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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