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A Note From the Administrator
As we welcome the transition to Fall, we're still enjoying the occasional warm weather day, offering a perfect mix of cool breezes and sunny reminders of summer. We hope you take the opportunity to explore the many orchards and seasonal activities Kent County has to offer during this beautiful time of year!
I had a wonderful time at the Traverse City Michigan Association of Counties Conference a few weeks ago, where I co-presented with the Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker and Dr. Joel Robertson on Robertson Brain Health. We discussed the importance of mental well-being and the proactive steps that can be taken to maintain brain health, especially in high-stress professions like law enforcement. The response from attendees was incredibly positive, and it's clear that more attention is being placed on this vital aspect of overall health.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Commissioner Michelle McCloud Recognized By GVSU
Probate Court Chief Judge David M. Murkowski Named 2024 Jurist of the Year
On September 20, Judge Murkowski, Chief Judge of the Kent County Probate Court, was named the 2024 Jurist of the Year by the Michigan Guardianship Association (MGA)!
Steve Burnham, MGA board member, praised Judge Murkowski as a “no-nonsense judge” whose expertise in probate and trust law is highly respected across the state. Beyond the bench, Judge Murkowski is also a passionate educator, sharing his knowledge to improve training and education for professional fiduciaries.
In response, Judge Murkowski said, “I am honored and humbled by this recognition, but I share this award with many of my judicial colleagues who work tirelessly to improve our courts without recognition.” Congratulations to Judge Murkowski!
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MoTown Square Apartments Break Ground, Will Serve Senior Residents
We were happy to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for MoTown Square Apartments. This event, on October 3, marked a significant milestone in their journey towards a vibrant and dynamic space for senior residents. Located at 1300 Madison SE in Grand Rapids, MoTown Square is a $18.2 million project offering 54 one-bedroom apartments for residents aged 55 and older, with annual incomes ranging from 30% to 60% of AMI.
The Kent County and IFF's Kent County Affordable Housing Loan Fund provided $2.2 million in loan to Linc UP for this project which will be repaid through permanent financing. The project was supplemented by additional funding from the City of Grand Rapids, Flagstar Bank, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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Demolition Launches Development of Kent City Park and Playground
Our Community Action team held a demolition event last Tuesday for an abandoned building at 106 N Main St. in Kent City. The new space will be used for a public park, green space, and the proposed Kent City Library.
Thanks to $300K in funding from our Community Development Block Grant Program and support from Tyrone Township, this is the first step in revitalizing the area for future generations. To read our full release about the project, visit here.
Employee Spotlight: Josh Matzen
We are so grateful for Josh's work as Park Manager for the Long Lake region of our Parks Department. From helping park visitors enjoy their time hiking, camping, and swimming, to wearing many hats as a plumber, mechanic, and even wedding planner, Josh does it all! For him, the most rewarding - and challenging - part of his job is training and supervising seasonal staff, watching them grow into leaders. He’s also passionate about public access to parks and is excited about the future potential of Kent County Parks to serve the community in new ways.
To read our full interview with Josh and learn more about our parks, please visit here.
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Purchase A Patch In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To help raise awareness and support, our Sheriff's Office is selling Breast Cancer patches for $10.
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One More Day Of $50 Dog Adoptions
Tomorrow, October 15th is the last day of Empty the Shelters at our Animal Shelter, where all dog adoptions are only $50, license included.
We have so many wonderful dogs just waiting to meet you. See all available animals here. Stop by during our regular business hours, no appointment necessary.
Thank you to the BISSELL Pet Foundation for sponsoring these adoptions!
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State of the County Address
Thank you to everyone who came out or watched our State of the County event on October 2. Nearly 300 people joined us at the DeVos Place, to hear our Board Chair Stan Stek and myself, Al Vanderberg, discuss the county's contributions, challenges, and our overall positive impact on our regional quality of life. We were also thankful to have FOX 17's Janice Allen be our host for the evening and moderator for an in-depth conversation about trash, behavioral health, and upcoming development projects in Kent County.
Share Your Voice
As we approach the November 5 General Election, it's important to remember that every vote counts. Whether you're voting on local proposals, state initiatives, or national offices, your voice matters. Voting is not just a right, but a powerful way to influence decisions that impact our daily lives.
Our Elections team has posted the official candidate and proposal list for the November 5 General Election here and you can complete an application to receive an absentee ballot by clicking here. Early voting is from Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, November 3. Click here to view your sample ballot, polling location, drop box location or to request an absentee ballot.
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Helping Homes Stay Warm and Efficient This Winter
October 30 is National Weatherization Day, an opportunity to highlight how the weatherization of your home helps keep you and your family warmer in the winter months and reduces costs.
Celebrating this day and National Energy Awareness Month, our Community Action (KCCA) director, Gustavo Perez, joined the Fox 17 Morning Mix crew to share ways the community can help save energy in their homes this winter.
Weatherization services through KCCA include:
- Attic & Wall Insulation
- Health & Safety Checks
- Air Sealing Measures
- Other Energy Efficiency Measures
Interested individuals/families can call (616) 632-7950 to learn more and schedule a screening time or visit here.
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John Ball Zoo, along with partners the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Valley State University, are monitoring sturgeons in the Grand River to contribute to the conservation of this living fossil. The partners survey sturgeons at nighttime in the river, capturing them and taking genetic samples, tagging the fish and releasing them. They also monitor sturgeons using sonar technology. The data gathered helps the partners learn where sturgeons are reproducing so spawning habitats can be conserved.
Since early September, the partners have had a successful season, spotting multiple juvenile sturgeons, which is a clear indicator of successful reproduction.
“Historically, the Grand River has been an important habitat for sturgeons, but we know very little about the modern population,” said Bill Flanagan, conservation manager at John Ball Zoo. “We are proud to work with these community partners and conduct this research which will serve as the foundation for conservation action to protect this amazing species.”
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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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