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A Note From The Administrator
From Valentine’s Day celebrations to fresh snowfall, February has given us plenty of reasons to embrace the season! If you haven’t explored the World of Winter Festival yet, now’s your chance - the event runs until March 2. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a variety of events, admire stunning sculptures, engage with interactive art, and experience the winter magic throughout Grand Rapids!
We were excited to see that Charter Communications issued a press release last week highlighting an expansion of services in rural Kent County. The release reports that 670 homes and small businesses in portions of Ada, Algoma, Cannon, Courtland, Gratttan, Oakfield, Sparta, Tyrone and Vergennes Townships have access to their internet, mobile, TV and voice services. And there's more to come - Charter is also working on plans to apply for federal BEAD funds to bring service to even more underserved areas. We know that reliable Broadband is vital for our communities, so we are happy to see this progress and we'll keep you updated as we learn more.
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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Register of Deeds' 'Fraud Notify' System to Help Safeguard Property Owners
Our Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons launched the Fraud Notify system in March 2024 to help combat property fraud in Kent County. This free service alerts subscribers via email when a document with their name is recorded, allowing them to verify its legitimacy and report suspected fraud.
This initiative follows Michigan’s Public Act 154 of 2024, which was passed in November of 2024 and strengthens penalties for creating, submitting, or recording fraudulent real estate documents. The new law makes these actions a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $5,000 fine, aiming to better protect property owners and deter fraud.
“Home ownership has long defined the American Dream, and families work so hard to achieve that dream,” Posthumus Lyons said. “That’s why we’re launching Fraud Notify - to offer Kent County property owners added peace of mind and powerful information in a world where threats aided by technological advances are a growing concern.”
Property owners interested in subscribing to Kent County’s Fraud Notify can do so at kentcountymi.gov/fraudnotify.
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Employee Spotlight: Troy Cervantes, Adult Probation Officer
We’re so grateful for Troy’s work at the 63rd District Court guiding individuals toward positive change, ensuring community safety, and supporting rehabilitation efforts. His dedication helps clients stay on track, access resources, and build better futures.
"For me, the most rewarding part of my job is the ability to come alongside my clients, often at their worst moments, and guide them through a process of self-forgiveness. Going through the court process and being on probation is often the last place people want to be, so it’s rewarding to be able to try and give them a positive experience to help them realize, 'I am going to be okay.'"
To read our full interview with Troy and learn more about his role, please visit here.
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Cleaning Services For Disabled Veterans
If you or someone you know could benefit, our Veterans Services team offers free cleaning services for our disabled military members and they would be happy to assist with the application process.
Their are spaces open to provide bi-weekly cleaning services! Give us a call with questions- or if we can help fill out the application for you, here is the link: https://forms.office.com/g/tXVvtgtU0
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For the "A to Z: Discovering Kent County" series we’ll spotlight a unique place, story, or piece of history for each letter of the alphabet. For the letter A, we’re kicking things off with Alaska, Michigan!
Did you know there’s an Alaska right here in Kent County? Instead of glaciers, this historic riverside town is full of rich stories and small-town charm!
Originally called Brownsville in 1855, the name changed to Alaska in 1868 after the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia. The town’s roots in Caledonia date back to 1848 when William H. Brown and Rev. Eber Moffit built a sawmill, later thriving with the arrival of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1869.
The Thornapple River has shaped Alaska’s history, once powering mills and now a scenic spot for kayaking and fishing. For a peaceful retreat, stay at the River House, a cozy Cape Cod-style home on the river.
History buffs can visit Alaska Cemetery, where early settlers like Elijah D. Alden rest. Though small, Alaska, Michigan, has a rich past—stay tuned for more local history!
Swing into Spring with Season Passes and Packages at Kaufman Golf Course
Last weekend, our Kaufman Golf Course staff hosted a booth at the West Michigan Golf Show at the DeVos Place. They promoted the benefits of the course, it's convenient location, as well as their season passes and exclusive packages on sale.
In addition to season passes, they are also offering 40-round Smart Cards for just $750. Visit the Clubhouse at 4807 Clyde Park Ave SW in Wyoming to purchase yours in person. Our team is ready to assist you Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Stay Healthy This Winter – Get Your Flu Shot!
As flu season continues, it's crucial to protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated. In West Michigan, hospitals are experiencing an uptick in influenza cases, leading to crowded emergency rooms. Despite the increased flu activity, vaccination rates have declined by over 17% compared to last year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, nationally, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths so far this season.
Getting your flu shot not only reduces your risk of illness but also helps prevent the spread of the virus, especially in close-contact environments. You contact one of our Health Department clinics to schedule an appointment today.
Tips to Prevent the Spread of Flu:
- Get vaccinated – The flu shot is the best defense against severe illness.
- Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover coughs and sneezes – Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you're sick – Avoid spreading germs to coworkers and loved ones.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces – Regularly wipe down commonly touched areas.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to support your immune system.
Let's all do our part to keep our community healthy!
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Stay Up To Date On Riverfront Developments With GR& Riverfront
Friday Fun on the Ice
 County staff recently spent some time together after-hours to hit the ice at Rosa Parks Circle, and it was a blast! From skating (or at least trying to 😆) to sharing laughs and hot cocoa, it was a great way to hang out, meet family members, and connect outside of work.
You can view some of the photos here. A huge shoutout to our Customer Service Engagement Team for organizing such a fun event and making it all happen!
MSU Extension Names New Kent County 4-H Program Coordinator
We are excited to welcome Samantha Bloom as our new 4-H Program Coordinator as part of our MSU Extension Program. She holds a B.S. in Sustainable Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from MSU and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Outdoor Leadership with a focus on Environmental Education.
With six years of experience in hands-on, non-formal youth education, most recently as Education Coordinator at the San Antonio Zoo, Sam is passionate about inspiring future generations to love and care for the planet. In her free time, she enjoys Dungeons & Dragons, yoga, and the outdoors with her husband, two cats, and dog.
Samantha started on February 10 and can be reached at govensam@msu.edu or 616-632-7870. Welcome to the team, Sam!
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Walk For Warmth This Saturday!
Join our Community Action team at their Walk For Warmth event this Saturday, February 22! Walk For Warmth is a short walk around KCCA, at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Grand Rapids, to raise money for families in Kent County who need assistance paying their heating bill and have received a utility shut off notice for gas, electric, and deliverable fuels like propane.
You can help! Put on your walking shoes (or boots!) and join us. You can participate in the event by walking or donating. To learn more, visit here. The opening remarks begin at 9:00 am with the walk starting at 9:30 am on February 22.
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Join Our Materials Management Planning Committee
Our Board of Commissioners is seeking a resident interested in filling a vacancy on the Materials Management Plan Committee, which helps shape how materials such as recyclables, compost, and solid waste are managed throughout the county.Specifically, we are seeking a resident to fill the Compost or Anaerobic Digester Facility Operator seat.
You can apply here. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is Feb. 20, 2025.
As a committee member, you will:
- Help guide the development of Kent County’s Materials Management Plan
- Promote sustainable practices like recycling and composting
- Advise on local waste management policies and priorities
- Oversee public participation and final plan approval
To learn more about the committee, you can visit here or contact our Board of Commissioners' Office at 616-632-7580.
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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 kentcountymi.gov/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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