Field Data Collection For Deer Management
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) researchers have started nightly field data collection across Kent County as part of Phase 2 of the Kent County Deer Management Coalition Project. This research aims to better understand deer densities and movement patterns in our area.
Data collection will take place from December 2 to December 16, 2024, occurring nightly between 5:30 PM and 11 PM. GVSU crews, consisting of up to four teams per night, will use marked vehicles equipped with flashing amber lights, and team members will wear high-visibility vests to ensure safety. The teams will work along public roadways, focusing on areas with deer habitat, vehicle collision hotspots, and carcass removal sites. Data collection will pause during periods of heavy snow, rain, or fog to maintain safety and accuracy.
Also, the Phase 1 online survey is still open until December 14. Share your input on deer-related issues in Kent County at https://bit.ly/3OAjaeM.
For any questions or concerns, email us at deer@kentcountymi.gov.
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17th Circuit Court's Adoption Day
Last week, our 17th Circuit Court celebrated its 28th annual Adoption Day, finalizing 19 adoptions. This special day highlights the importance of adoption and raises awareness for the 3,000 Michigan foster children waiting for forever homes.
"Our Family Court judges oversee around 200 adoptions annually,” said Adoption Case Worker Holly Hernandez. "This special day not only celebrates these success stories but also raises awareness about the work that still needs to be done for Michigan's children in foster care."
New this year, we hosted a stuffed animal donation drive and the community’s overwhelming generosity resulted in hundreds of donations. Thank you to everyone who donated to make the day even more memorable for children and families.
Ready to make a difference? Learn how you can help at 855-MICHKIDS.
2024 Holiday Recycling Guide
Our Department of Public Works' 2024 Holiday Recycling Guide is currently available. This is a good resource to check if you have any questions on holiday specific items, as you might be surprised what should or should not go in your recycling cart.
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Meet Misha, Millie, and Marina. What do these three girls have in common, other than all their names starting with the letter M? These are the three longest term female dogs at our Animal Shelter. We are talking close to or over a year!
They will need to be the only dog/animal in the home but they are going to love you with everything they have. Please visit our shelter to meet them today. Adoption fees are reduced to just $50 now through December 17 thanks to the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Let's get these girls homes the holidays!
Cannon Township Home To First And Newest County Parks
Our Parks Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with Townsend Park being our first park established in 1924. It swiftly became a beloved gathering spot, hosting 6,000 visitors daily by the late 1920s. The park, located in Cannon Township, has seen significant growth over the years, including a recent expansion of 106 acres. And on September 24, we celebrated another milestone in Cannon Township with the kickoff event for the county's newest addition, the James and Shirley Balk Family Park. This park, created through a partnership between our Parks Department and Cannon Township, showcases the vital role of private-public collaboration in developing recreation spaces for the community.
The Balks, who envisioned preserving the Silver Lake Country Club property as a park, hope their gift inspires others. Plans for the park include a new community center and additional developments supported by a $200,000 initiative. The park, accessible from a temporary entrance on Belding Road, currently offers mowed paths resembling a nature preserve.
As we honor a century of park stewardship, the Balk Family Park symbolizes our commitment to preserving natural spaces for generations. To support the park's growth, consider sponsoring a pavilion, playground, or bench, contact Todd Olson at tolson@cannontwp.org.
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Parks Department Fights Invasive Vines
Snow can’t stop our Parks volunteers. Last week, regular steward, Bob Birkman, braved the wintry weather to help control invasive bittersweet vines along the wetlands at the new James and Shirley Balk Family Park.
These vines can grow up to 80 feet tall and strangle trees, threatening the health of our parks. Winter is the time to fight back so our team is regularly tackling invasive species like bittersweet or buckthorn to prevent them from strangling trees as well as harming wildlife like birds and frogs. Click here to learn more and watch us trim invasive vines in our parks!
Grand Rapids Area Warming Centers
With colder temperatures upon us, we wanted to share a list of warming centers available to anyone who needs them. Please help spread the word, stay warm, and stay safe!
Please be advised that the status of warming centers may change in response to the evolving weather conditions. Closures may occur at these locations due to power outages or in observance of holidays. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations or contacting 2-1-1 for the latest information.
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All County Offices and Health Department Clinics Will Be Closed In Observance of Christmas and New Year's Holidays
All County offices and health clinics will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, Dec. 26.
Offices will also be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in celebration of New Year’s Day. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyous holiday season!
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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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