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A Note From The Administrator
I hope you all had a wonderful time during the Christmas and New Year holidays! While many of our staff took a much needed reprieve, there was still a lot accomplished over the break. As you will read below, we proudly commemorated the swearing-in of our countywide elected officials: the Sheriff, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, County Clerk/Register and Drain Commissioner. We were also happy to welcome and swear-in our Board of Commissioners, including five new members and a new leadership team. I am eager to work with all of our new and returning officials in the new year and embark on a variety of projects to help make our community better.
I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony in December for the new Mormon temple in Grand Rapids, hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will be the second Mormon temple to be built in Michigan, following the Detroit Michigan Temple in Bloomfield Hills, completed in 1999. The temple’s construction is expected to take several years, and once it is dedicated by the church, it will be closed to the public. However, the church plans to hold several open houses after construction is completed.
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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Health Department and Animal Shelter Renovations
Starting today, January 6, several Health Department services will relocate within our existing facilities due to renovations occurring at our main clinic, located at 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
The following services will move to alternate clinic locations:
- Women, Infants & Children
- Immunizations
Alternate clinic locations include:
- North Clinic: 4191 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
- South Clinic: 4700 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
- Sheldon Clinic: 121 Franklin SE, Ste. 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
The renovation project, slated for completion by early 2026, aims to enhance patient confidentiality and expand service capacity by adding separate waiting rooms, exam rooms, and soundproofing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 616-632-7200.
Our Animal Shelter is also renovating their floors and is preparing for a temporary move to a new location, just one mile from its current site at 700 Fuller Avenue. The move is expected to take place at the end of January and will be completed in March/early April. Due to limited space, we are in urgent need of residents to foster or adopt our available pets in preparation for this move. Along with the floor renovations, the shelter is also making several adjustments to its operations during this period.
To view our pets available for adoption, please visit here.
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Facilities Team Wins 2nd Place In Innovative Projects Award For Air Quality Improvements At Animal Shelter
The "Reducing Pathogens in Animal Shelter Air" project, completed in partnership with Hedrick Associates, achieved an impressive 89% reduction in airborne pathogens - improving health and comfort for both animals and staff.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this impactful project. Your efforts are making a difference!
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Judges Mark A. Trusock and G. Patrick Hillary Retire
After decades of extraordinary service to the Kent County legal system, we recently celebrated the retirements of two esteemed judges: the Honorable Judge G. Patrick Hillary and the Honorable Judge Mark A. Trusock.
Judge Hillary retired after 24 years on the bench, during which he handled over 30,000 cases with fairness, compassion, and dedication. His celebration before Christmas featured heartfelt tributes, a Supreme Court plaque, and the unveiling of his portrait by his six grandchildren, reflecting his love for family.
Judge Trusock retired in December, concluding a remarkable 40-year career, including 18 years as a circuit court judge and 22 in private practice. Surrounded by colleagues and family, his legacy was honored with gratitude for overseeing more than 10,000 felonies and 150 murder cases, showcasing his dedication and integrity.
We thank Judge Hillary and Judge Trusock for their exemplary service and profound impact on our community. Their commitment to justice and fairness has shaped countless lives and will be remembered for generations to come. Best wishes to both in their well-deserved retirements!
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Addition Of 63rd District Court Judge
On December 18, we were excited to see Judge Daniel O’Hara being sworn into his judgeship in the 63rd District Court by his father, Jeffrey O’Hara, who is the chief judge of the 63rd District Court. Judge Daniel O’Hara served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Kent County before running for office in the November election.
In October 2023, our Board of Commissioners approved this new district judge position and Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law in December 2023.
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New and Returning Commissioners
Our Board of Commissioners kicked off a new chapter, swearing in members and electing leadership on January 3! Commissioner Ben Greene (District 1) made history as the youngest Chair to the board at just 36 years old, with Commissioner Dan Burill (District 8) named as Vice-Chair and Commissioner Michelle McCloud (District 13) named as Minority Vice-Chair.
We’re also thrilled to welcome five new commissioners who bring fresh ideas and energy to the Board (Elizabeth Morse - District 2, Robin Halsted - District 10, Robert S. Womack - District 17, Steve Faber - District 18, and Nancy Morales - District 20). Combined with a revamped committee structure and four-year terms, this team is ready to tackle challenges and move Kent County forward.
$2.5 Million In Funding Available for Projects Related To Community Services, Housing, Parks and More
Our Community Action Department is starting the new year with an announcement of over $2.5 million in funding available for community services, housing construction, public parks, and infrastructure improvements projects.
- Non-profit housing developer funding is available at #5873 Kent HOME Affordable Housing Development Program and Non-profit direct service provider funding is available at #5919 Kent County Community Action CDBG Subrecipient Projects Application on the bid opportunities page at www.accesskent.com/purchasing.
- Local governments can submit project proposals for public park and infrastructure improvement projects by contacting the Community Development Division at Community.Development@KentCountyMI.gov.
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Cleaning Services Available For Disabled Veterans
Welcome Plan Team Attends Immigrant Inclusion Conference
The Welcome Plan team recently attended the National Immigrant Inclusion Conference (NIIC) in Houston, Texas, where our Coordinator Hollin De LaCruz and Communications Specialist Marcial Benavidez gained invaluable insights into language access, policy, and communication strategies. In addition to engaging with experts and advocates, they had the chance to connect with local community leaders like Sylvia Nyamuhungu, Rose Mayan, and Mirabel Fonyuy Umenei during the Black/African Family Dinner Gathering, a moment of fun, reflection, and solidarity.
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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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