A Note From The Administrator
With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, next week provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our collective values as Americans: community, service, and our commitment to the public good.
This week, I was reminded of those very ideals during a visit to our North County Campus with Fred Gunnell, his daughter Katie, and her husband Dan. Years ago, Fred and his late wife Carollee sold the land of the campus to Kent County with the hope that it would serve the community, but they had one request: preserve the large Burr Oak tree on the property. Today, that tree stands as a powerful symbol of legacy and stewardship, now marked with a plaque honoring its significance and the Gunnell family’s contribution.
This week, I will be spending part of my time in Lansing at Girls State, a hands-on leadership program for high school juniors sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, where students learn about state and local government by running mock campaigns and holding elections.
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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Attend Culver's Share Night Tomorrow To Support Farmland Preservation
Join us tomorrow, June 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at any of the 10 Kent County Culver's locations to support our Agricultural Preservation team! 10% of sales will go directly to the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, helping protect farmland forever. Guests can enjoy a great meal, see tractors (at each restaurant location), and contribute to an important cause.
Farmland loss is a pressing issue in Kent County. The 2022 Agricultural Census revealed that the County lost more than 13,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022. This land, now lost to development, can no longer support farm families producing the beef, pork, fruit, and vegetables essential to our local food system. That is why it is important to host events like this, to raise awareness and funds for preservation.
To learn more about our Purchase of Development Rights Program, please visit kentcountymi.gov/PDR or watch our recent WZZM13 interview about it!
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Stay Safe in the Heat: Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
After a hot weekend and more warm weather on the way, our Health Department and Animal Shelter teams are urging residents to take precautions to protect both people and pets. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially in infants, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
Tips: Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, wear lightweight clothing, rest in cool spaces, and never leave a person or pet in a parked car. Pets are just as vulnerable, so make sure they have access to shade and water, avoid hot pavement, and know the signs of overheating.
Residents can call 2-1-1 for updates on cooling centers and other resources. For pet safety tips or to report animals in distress, call our Animal Control at 616-632-7310 or visit the ASPCA website. Let’s stay safe and take care of one another during this extreme heat.
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Ribbon Cutting For The Newly Redeveloped Dwight Lydell Park
Last Tuesday, our Parks Department hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly redeveloped Dwight Lydell Park in Comstock Park. Once an industrial site, the 39-acre park has been transformed into a natural retreat, thanks to support from partners like The Right Place, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Department of Natural Resources, Kent District Library, and others.
New features include:
- A restored Mill Creek, now safely naturalized with bioengineered erosion control, a floodplain bench, and stabilized banks to reduce flooding and improve ecological health
- New public access amenities including an elevated boardwalk, scenic overlook, and pedestrian bridge connecting the park to nearby neighborhoods and the Comstock Park Library
- A beautiful new water wheel with an observation deck and enhanced landscaping, symbolizing sustainability and progress
- A StoryWalk® trail that encourages kids to read, move, and explore
- Dozens of native trees soon to be planted by local students
This was a great moment to celebrate what we’ve built together - a greener, more vibrant space for families today and for generations to come.
Undersheriff Bryan Muir Graduates From Prestigious FBI National Academy
Congratulations to Undersheriff Bryan Muir on graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy Session 294!
This ten-week program in Quantico, Virginia, brings together top law enforcement leaders from across the U.S. and around the world for advanced training in leadership, communication, and physical fitness. Fewer than one percent of officers are selected to attend.
Undersheriff Muir was one of 239 participants and completed the Academy’s legendary Yellow Brick Road endurance course. His graduation is a major milestone and a testament to his dedication to excellence and service in Kent County. Everyone at our Sheriff's Office and Kent County as a whole are very proud!
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63rd District Court Implements Electronic Filing System
This means 24/7 access for attorneys and self-represented litigants to submit and serve legal documents online - no more trips to the courthouse! We're thrilled to join over 50 courts across Michigan in this modernization.
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Learn, Connect, And Grow At Hands-On Conservation Event
Join Kent Conservation District for Farmer Field Day on Monday, July 24, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Enjoy complimentary coffee and baked goods while learning about the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), Farm Bill resources, and habitat restoration practices. The event includes a live demonstration of KCD’s no-till drill, plus tips on site prep, invasive species control, and planting techniques. It’s also a great chance to connect with conservation staff and partners. Rain or shine - dress for the weather. If you would like to attend the event, please RSVP at 616-222-5841 or michael.ewing@macd.org.
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Road Commission Managing Director Elected To Statewide Leadership Role
Congratulations to Jerry Byrne, Managing Director of the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC), on being elected President of the County Road Association of Michigan (CRA) for 2025–2026!
With over 40 years of service at KCRC and a strong track record of collaboration and infrastructure leadership, Jerry is well-positioned to lead CRA’s 83 member agencies across the state. We’re proud to see his dedication recognized at the statewide level and look forward to the impact of his leadership in the years ahead.
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Probate Court Hosts June 2025 Mental Health Summit
Our Probate Court team recently hosted its biannual Mental Health Summit, convening a diverse group of professionals committed to improving mental health outcomes in our community.
Attendees included Chief Judge Rose, Judge Murkowski, Probate Register & Administrator Kalie Gascho, EMS personnel, and representatives from several hospitals - Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Pine Rest, and Southridge. Also present were professionals from Network 180, the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, Grand Rapids and Grandville Police Departments, Adult Protective Services, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and attorneys specializing in mental health law.
The summit’s collaborative agenda underscored a shared commitment to streamlining processes, improving access to care, and strengthening our mental health system across disciplines.
Chief Judge Rose said, “We are proud to continue this important collaborative effort, which began under Judge Murkowski’s leadership. The June 2025 summit provided a valuable opportunity to bring stakeholders together, share ideas, identify challenges, and develop real solutions to better serve the needs of our community.”
The Mental Health Summit is held twice a year at our Probate Court. We look forward to reconnecting with our partners again in January 2026.
Animal Shelter In Need Of Kitten Food Donations
Little baby Domino wants you to know - he’s hungry!
Our Animal Shelter is running low on kitten-specific wet food, which provides the essential nutrients these little ones need to grow big and strong. With so many kittens coming through our doors, we could really use your help restocking our shelves.
You can donate any brand of kitten wet food by dropping it off at the shelter or ordering online. Our Amazon wishlist here includes a few of our most-needed items to make it even easier.
Thank you, as always, for your incredible support - our kittens (and their bellies) are so grateful!
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Safely Dispose of Hazardous Waste And Electronics For Free
Have you been cleaning out your garage in anticipation of summer? If you’ve come across any hazardous materials or unwanted electronics, you can safely dispose of them for free at one of our five convenient disposal sites during designated service days and hours listed.
Items accepted by our Public Works department, as household hazardous waste, include oil-based paint, gasoline or oil, lithium and button batteries, paint thinner, fire extinguishers, chemicals, and fertilizers or pesticides. We also accept electronics such as TVs, computers, cell phones, and lightbulbs.
While you're visiting our 1045 Wealthy Street location, be sure to also stop by the Swap Shop - it might have just what you need for your next summer project!
If you have questions about accepted items, please email recycle@kentcountymi.gov or call 616-632-7920.
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Join Veterans Services At The East Grand Rapids Independence Day Parade
Our Veterans Services team is excited to participate in the City of East Grand Rapids' 4th of July Parade this year. Staff members will be walking the route and handing out candy as part of the celebration.
You can join them on the parade route at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, starting at the intersection of Sherman Street and Wealthy Street. It will proceed east along Wealthy Street, turn left onto Lakeside Drive, and wrap up at Reeds Lake Boulevard.
This festive parade is just one of many activities the city has planned for Independence Day. For a full schedule of events, you can visit here.
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Office Closures for the 4th of July
In recognition of Independence Day, all Kent County offices and health clinics will be closed on Friday, July 4. Operations will resume on Monday, July 7.
We encourage everyone to reflect on the significance of this holiday and spend time with family, friends, and the community.
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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