A Note From The Administrator
Yesterday, our community gathered in solemn tribute to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Our Veterans Services team participated in Memorial Day parades in Walker and in Grand Rapids, where Chair Ben Greene proudly presented a proclamation on behalf of our Board of Commissioners at Veterans Park. These meaningful events served as a poignant reminder of the unwavering bravery, dedication, and selflessness of all who have served in our armed forces. Their courage, commitment, and love for our nation will never be forgotten.
I recently attended the Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers conference at Crystal Mountain Resort, where discussions covered topics ranging from trial court funding and managing Freedom of Information Act requests to strategies for navigating challenging budget issues. This conference is always a valuable opportunity to hear from and learn from others facing similar challenges.
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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County Quality Service Recognition Award
Congratulations to Sergeant Kathy King, Sheriff's Office, on receiving the County Quality Service Recognition Award at last week's Board of Commissioners meeting.
Sergeant King was nominated for her exceptional service to individuals at the Kent County Correctional Facility. The person who nominated her highlighted her commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to those in custody, writing:
“I was there as an inmate, and Kathy always went above and beyond. Sergeant King is the only female supervisor that would hang out long enough to talk to anyone who needed her and see if the issues presented to her needed to be looked into or if they warranted additional attention. She was very professional, respectful, courteous, and above all, she is concerned about others well being. Major respect for you, Sergeant Kathy King.”
On behalf of our staff and Board of Commissioners, thank you for your commitment and impact. Well deserved!
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Animal Shelter Grand ReOpening
Join our Animal Shelter team on June 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. for the grand reopening of our newly renovated facility at 740 Fuller Ave.
Enjoy guided tours of the updated space, learn about our lifesaving programs and community resources, and meet some of the adorable pets looking for their forever homes. We can’t wait to celebrate this exciting milestone with you!
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Agribusiness Tour
County Commissioners, community leaders, and County staff recently joined the Agricultural Preservation Board for a special half-day Agribusiness Tour - an immersive experience highlighting the people and operations that power Kent County’s agricultural economy.
Participants visited a range of agricultural sites, stepping off the bus for guided tours and meaningful conversations with local farmers, processors, and producers who are shaping the future of farming in our region.
Between stops, onboard sessions with industry experts offered valuable insights into the challenges facing modern agriculture and the vital role it plays in Kent County’s economic landscape.
The goal of the tour was to deepen understanding of the collaborative efforts that sustain our local food systems - and to showcase agriculture’s significant and ongoing impact on the region and Kent County.
Employee Spotlight: Haley Stichman, Community Development Coordinator
"The most rewarding part of my job is being able to serve all of the wonderful communities within Kent County. I get to engage with representatives from a wide range of industries and it's fulfilling to get to be out in the different communities learning about their priorities."
To read our full interview with Haley and learn more about her role, please visit here.
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Residents Invited to Deer Management Open House Series
The Kent County Deer Management Coalition invites residents to attend an upcoming series of public open houses focused on deer management efforts across the county. The sessions will provide updates from the coalition’s ongoing study and offer a chance for residents to share their experiences and concerns related to deer in their communities.
Four sessions will be held across two days, with both morning and evening options available to accommodate different schedules. Each session will follow the same format and provide equal opportunities for engagement.
Open House Schedule:
Monday, June 2 – Kent County North Campus
4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, MI
• 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4 – City of Walker
4243 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI
• 10 –11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 4 – Kent County Road Commission Southwest Complex
131 84th Street SW, Byron Center, MI
• 6 –7:30 p.m.
Attendees will also be invited to complete a short survey about their own experiences with deer in Kent County.
Additionally, researchers from Grand Valley State University have begun the third round of nighttime deer population surveys across Kent County as part of the ongoing Deer Management Coalition project. These spotlight surveys are being conducted through June 1, weather permitting, and take place nightly from 9 p.m. to midnight. The goal of the project is to estimate deer densities in the area and use that data to inform strategies aimed at reducing deer-vehicle collisions, minimizing property damage, and protecting natural habitats.
For more information about the Kent County Deer Management Coalition and its ongoing efforts, visit kentcountymi.gov/deer.
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Free Lead Paint Inspections and Remediation For Eligible Residents As Part Of The KCLEAR Program
As part of the Get Ahead of Lead initiative, our Community Action team is launching a new public outreach campaign to promote the KCLEAR (Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction) program. This program offers eligible residents a free professional lead paint inspection and risk assessment of their home and provides the tools and information needed to address serious health risks related to lead exposure.
To apply for a free lead inspection and learn more about available remediation assistance (available to eligible residents), visit gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear.
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"A To Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Highlights Grandville
Nestled along the Grand River, Grandville’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and strong community spirit. Once called “Oakestown” for its dense oak groves, it later became “Jenisonville” after the influential Jenison family before adopting the name Grandville - highlighting its riverside location and early ambitions. In the 1800s, the gypsum industry helped shape the local economy, especially near Plaster Creek. Long before settlers arrived, the Hopewell and Ottawa peoples lived in the region, leaving behind ceremonial Indian mounds still visible today.
A defining moment came with the Great Flood of 1904. Torrential rains caused the Grand River to overflow, destroying homes and businesses. Despite the damage, the disaster brought residents together, strengthening the town’s close-knit spirit. Grandville’s heritage includes the old train depot and the 1800s one-room schoolhouse in Heritage Park, now a living museum. These landmarks reflect the city’s deep respect for its roots...
To read the full article about Grandville, visit here.
Community Comes Together To Clean Dump Site in Wahlfield Park
It started with one neighbor and his daughter discovering a massive dump site along Mill Creek in Wahlfield Park. What happened next was a true show of community stewardship in support of our County Parks:
- Neighbors cleared an access trail,
- Our operations team rolled in with dumpsters, and
- Trane Technologies and E3 Compliance hauled over six truckloads of trash - up steep, wooded slopes.
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Judge Sara Smolenski Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to retired Judge Sara Smolenski on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association last week. True to form, Judge Smolenski captivated the room with her signature wit and warmth, filling the Goei Center with laughter. It was heartening and inspiring to see the legal community come together to honor her distinguished career and celebrate her enduring contributions to the bench and the broader community.
Pictured with 63rd District Court Judges Daniel J. O'Hara, Kirsten Holz, and Jeffrey J. O’Hara.
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Culver’s Share Night Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, June 24, from 5 to 8 p.m., we’re partnering once again with Culver’s for our Second Annual Share Night Fundraiser to benefit agricultural preservation efforts within Kent County.
10% of all proceeds from participating Culver’s locations during the event will go directly to support preservation programming like the Purchase of Development Rights Program, which permanently protects farmland from development. This initiative safeguards our agricultural heritage by placing a permanent agricultural conservation easement on farmland, ensuring it remains dedicated to agricultural use for generations to come.
To make this community event a success, we need your help! We’re looking for volunteers to assist at each Culver’s location throughout the evening. Volunteers will play a vital role in welcoming guests, informing them about the cause, and helping the event run smoothly. If you’re available to lend a hand and help protect Kent County farmland in the process, please sign up using our digital volunteer form: https://bit.ly/4i3sqnS.
Whether you volunteer, dine in, or carry out, your participation makes a real difference. We hope to see you there!
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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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