Extended "National Dog Day" Deal for Animal Shelter Adoptions
Great news! Our Animal Shelter is extending its National Dog Day special for two weeks. Now through September 7th all dogs will be $50 to adopt. The fee covers their spay/neuter, microchipping, starting vaccines and a Kent County license.
There are so many wonderful pups looking for homes at our shelter, some of them have been there for many weeks or even months. Meet all of the adoptable dogs on our website here or stop by for a visit. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Employee Spotlight: Fransina Bolingo
We are so grateful for Fransina's work as a line leader at our Recycling Center. In her role, she oversees the workflow on the recycling line, dealing with any issues that come up, and provides guidance and support to her team. Workers on the line identify and remove any plastic materials, glass, trash bags, or other garbage that don’t belong in the recycling stream.
To read our full interview with Fransina and learn more about our Department of Public Works, visit here.
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Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groesser Retires
After nearly 27 years at the Kent County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groesser has retired. Over 50 colleagues, deputies, firefighters, family, and friends surprised him at home with flashing vehicle lights. They paused to hear his final call broadcast over all channels, thanking him for his service.
Matt started in 9-1-1 dispatch and moved to Emergency Management, where he played a crucial role in improving the county's programs and services. Best wishes to Matt as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement and new opportunities with his family.
New Leadership in Emergency Management
Our Sheriff's Office is excited to announce Scott Corbin as the new Emergency Manager Coordinator, starting September 1, 2024.
With a wealth of experience in emergency management, including roles in Allegan County and the U.S. Army Reserves, we are excited to have Scott lead our team in keeping Kent County safe and prepared.
“Scott's extensive experience in emergency management and his proven leadership skills make him the ideal person to lead our emergency management team,” said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “His background in public safety and commitment to community service will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our emergency preparedness and response capabilities.”
To read the full news release about Scott and the Emergency Manager role, please visit here.
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Sheriff's Office Launches Michigan’s First County-Wide 800 MHz School Safety Radio Network
With a $2.8 million ARPA grant, the Kent County Sheriff's Office is launching Michigan’s first county-wide 800 MHz school safety radio network. This new system will enhance communication between schools and law enforcement, ensuring rapid response and better protection for students and staff.
Over 300 schools in the county are now connected directly to the County dispatch center, allowing real-time, two-way communication during emergencies. To read our full news release about this initiative, visit here.
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WZZM13 Highlights Sheriff's Office Jobs
Thank you to our friends at 13 On Your Side for talking to us about the great job opportunities we have at Kent County and upcoming opportunities at the Sheriff's Office. Deputy Stephen Beng, a corrections officer in our jail, and Karen Barrose, a school resource officer in Kentwood, joined WZZM's Catherine Behrendt to talk about the many benefits of working for the Sheriff's Office and Kent County. To view the Sheriff’s Office segment, visit here.
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West Michigan Welcome Plan Reception
 Our West Michigan Welcome Plan recently had the pleasure of hosting a reception for their community stakeholders and collaborative partners. This gathering was a celebration of our shared accomplishments and an opportunity to look ahead at the exciting initiatives on the horizon.
At the event, they reflected on the progress the Welcome Plan Collaborative has made in creating a more welcoming environment for New Americans in our region, and we're thrilled to share the new directions the work will take in the coming months. Thank you to everyone who joined us and for your ongoing support in making West Michigan a place where everyone feels at home.
Homeless Veterans "Stand Down" Event - September 6
Our Veterans Services team is hosting its annual Homeless Veterans "Stand Down" event this Friday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Services office - 836 Fuller Ave. This event is designed to provide at-risk and homeless veterans with vital resources and support, all in one location. Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend and access a range of services, including food, clothing, health screenings, and assistance with claims, housing, employment, and mental health care.
With nearly 50 service providers participating, this event underscores our commitment to supporting those who have served our country. For more information, contact Rachel Wustman at rachel.m.wustman@kentcountymi.gov or 616-632-5257.
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Veterans ArtPrize Exhibition in Grand Rapids
A partnership between our Veterans Services department, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Healing in Arts is highlighting veterans again this year during ArtPrize 2024. Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids will be filled with art created by veterans. It’s an opportunity for both accomplished artists and new artists to reflect their experiences serving our country through paint, photography and more.
Join the veteran artists as they kick off ArtPrize and celebrate their creations on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9:45 am to 2:00 pm. The free event offers conversation with the artists, live music, food and kids crafts. Visit Veterans Memorial Park anytime during September 13-28 to view the works and thank our veterans for their service.
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Board Proclamation Presented to Kate Pew Wolters
Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek honored Kate Pew Wolters with a proclamation for her tremendous impact on the community.
Kate has been a strong advocate for education, early childhood initiatives, and disability rights. She led Disability Advocates of Kent County, co-chaired the First Steps Kent Commission, and supported the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage.
Her philanthropy includes work with Indian Trails Camp, the Grand Rapids Art Museum Foundation, the Michigan State University Foundation, and the Grand Rapids Symphony. She established the Kate Pew Wolters Fund, co-chaired the Challenge Scholars education campaign, and pioneered planned giving through the Metz Society.
Thank you, Kate, for your lifelong dedication to strengthening our community. Your legacy will inspire us all!
2024 Deaf Awareness Celebration
In recognition of Deaf Awareness, the community is invited to join in the 2024 Deaf Awareness Celebration as we recognize and celebrate the work of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
Join us on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4 - 7 PM at 160 68th St SW for an opportunity to recognize our deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility.
To register for the event, please visit here. There is a $5 recommended donation per attendee and you can enter the donation amount at registration or at the door.
ASL interpreters will be provided at resource tables. For additional accommodations, contact Erica Chapin at echapin@deafhhs.org.
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Vote the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as Best Small Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is in the running for the title of Best Small Airport by USA TODAY, and they need your help bringing home the honor of first place for the second year in a row.
The public can vote once a day now until September 23. These achievements are a testament to the support from our community for the airport and its partners. To place your vote, visit here.
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Participate In Active Commute Week
Join the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and other community partners for Active Commute Week, September 9-13, 2024. This event is designed to challenge residents to rethink their daily commute by embracing alternative transportation options like biking, carpooling, or taking the bus.
Track your "green trips" to see the difference you’re making and qualify for some exciting prizes.
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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 your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, visit accesskent.com/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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