Remembering 9/11
On September 11, at our Board of Commissioners meeting, we paused for a Special Order of Business to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to reflect on the lasting impact of that day.
The service opened with remarks from Chair Ben Greene, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation from Commissioner Melissa LaGrand, followed by the presentation of colors from our Sheriff's Office Honor Guard with processional music by Tom Bradley of the Grand Rapids Police Pipe Band. Vice Chair Dan Burrill read a proclamation and we shared in a moment of silence before the service concluded with Tom Bradley’s moving performance of "Amazing Grace." You can watch a video of the service here.
As a community, we come together each year to remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken, the courage of first responders, and the resilience of our nation.
State of the County Highlights
More than 250 people attended this year’s State of the County Address, which began with remarks from County Administrator Al Vanderberg. He highlighted major initiatives such as the Project 2050 visioning project and its framework, Headwater, along with the new Medical Examiner’s Office in partnership with Michigan State University, the Grand River Greenway expansion, and the revolving loan fund to help address the housing shortage.
Board Chair Ben Greene then delivered a forward-looking message on how Kent County is preparing for the future. Chair Greene highlighted transformational projects such as the Acrisure Amphitheatre, Amway Soccer Stadium, the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, and the Sheriff’s Office Real Time Intelligence Center.
Together, their remarks underscored the County’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life for residents.
The program also featured moving video stories from Naval Veteran John Baxter, Amplify GR’s Jon Ippel, Deputy Steve Toonstra, and Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Matthews, each highlighting how County services are impacting residents today and shaping opportunities for future generations. You can watch the video spotlights below.
A special thank you goes to Judge Sara Smolenski, who served as emcee and kept the evening fun and engaging.
📺 Watch the Entire State of the County Address
Final Call: Applications Close Today for County Boards and Commissions
It’s not too late as applications for appointments to Kent County boards, commissions, and committees are due today.
These volunteer positions offer a meaningful way to give back and help shape the future of our community. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including agricultural preservation, public health, veterans’ services, social services, and more.
Qualified residents may apply by creating an online account and submitting an application through the County’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged but not required. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580.
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Kent District Library Celebrates Krause Memorial Library Expansion
Congratulations to the Kent District Library on the groundbreaking of their Krause Memorial/Rockford Branch expansion on September 2, more than doubling its size!
Located in Rockford, the additional space will feature a new barrier-free main entrance, a spacious activity room, expanded children’s space, and dedicated teen areas. It will also include new study rooms, a drive-thru book return, a quiet reading room, an an outdoor reading patio.
The Board of Commissioners is proud to have invested $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in this project, ensuring the library will continue to enrich and serve residents for generations to come.
Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights
The Board of Commissioners generally meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Attending these meetings in person or via livestream offers a chance to stay informed and involved in community issues.
Below is a video summarizing key moments from our September Board meetings:
Sept. 11, 2025 Meeting
- Special order of Business - 9/11 Memorial Service
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Invocation by Commissioner Melissa LaGrand
- Resolution Passed to Approve the 2025 Register of Deeds Automation Fund Additional Appropriation
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Tax Sharing Agreement with Byron Township/84th Street Corridor Improvement Authority
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Appropriation for Senior Center Staffing
- Resolution Passed to Accept Funding from the Kent County Parks Foundation for a Millennium Park Entry Sign and landscaping
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Purchase of Land for an Addition to Millennium Park
- Resolution Passed to Approve Donations for The West Michigan Welcome Plan
- Resolution Passed to Approve the State of Michigan Dept. of Labor & Economic Opportunity - Regional Community Collaborative Grant
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Property Tax Levy for Winter 2025 Dedicated Millage
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Unmet Needs Funding Allocations
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Opioid Settlement: Purdue Sackler Family Settlement and 8 Manufacturer or Distributor Defendants
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Sept. 25, 2025 Meeting
- Invocation by Commissioner Robert S. Womack
- Special Order of Business - 63rd District Court Annual Report
- Special Order of Business - Employee Recognition for Service
- Special Order of Business - Flat River Outreach Ministries Brownfield Redevelopment Plan Public Hearing
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Acquisition of Property for Public Safety
Communications Purposes
- Resolution Passed to Approve a Contract for Medical Examiner Services
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Acquisition of Property for the Kent Trails Corridor Purposes
- Resolution Passed to Approve Purchase of Development Rights 2025 Application Scores and Ranking
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy
- Resolution Passed to Approve Appointment to Deputy Medical Examiner
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Strengthening Medical Examiner Services Through Partnership with Michigan State University
Over the past year, the Board of Commissioners and County Administration have focused on strengthening Medical Examiner services. Last week, the Board approved a new partnership with Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine, ensuring continuity of service while expanding opportunities for training and innovation in forensic pathology.
Under this agreement, Dr. Stephen Cohle will continue serving as the County Medical Examiner, while Dr. Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been appointed by the Board as Interim Deputy County Medical Examiner following the retirement of Dr. David Start. Together, this team and the County’s partnership with MSU create a distinctive training environment, offering enhanced teaching opportunities for the next generation of forensic pathologists at a time when the nation faces a critical shortage of professionals.
All other responsibilities of the Office of the Medical Examiner remain unchanged, including investigations of sudden and unexplained deaths, preparation of reports and death certificates, providing court testimony, and reviewing cremation permit requests.
Through this partnership, the Board reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a Medical Examiner’s Office that is not only highly professional but also future-focused, serving residents, families, and law enforcement agencies across West Michigan.
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Thank You for Joining Us at the North Community Fest
More than 1,000 residents came together for the Kent County North Community Fest, making it an afternoon to remember. From local food trucks and free ice cream to face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon animals, and big trucks on display—there was something for everyone.
Families enjoyed connecting with neighbors, while kids loved meeting the Sheriff’s Office Mounted and K-9 Units. Guests also had the chance to explore more than 15 county department tables and learn about the many resources available right here in Kent County. We were also excited to give away more than 250 backpacks and school supplies to help kids get ready for a successful school year.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this day of community, fun, and connection.
 Commissioners (left to right): Robin Halsted, Katie DeBoer, Liz Morse, and Monica Sparks
Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, Oct. 7: Finance Committee
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Oct. 21: Operations & Policy Committee
- Thursday, Oct. 23: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: Community, Health and Safety Committee
All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified. Access meeting agendas and minutes here.
Around The County
- Come celebrate 85 years at the Animal Shelter on Oct. 16, 3:30–6:30 p.m.! We’ll have cider, donuts, fall crafts, and activities for the whole family at the shelter.
- The Health Department and Animal Shelter are urging residents to take precautions after confirming the county’s first rabies-positive bat of the year. Rabies is deadly but preventable, and because bats can enter homes undetected, residents should be aware of the risks and take proper precautions.
- Veterans Services has released its quarterly newsletter, featuring a Community Resource Guide for Veterans, details on applying for the 2026 House Cleaning Program for Disabled Veterans, information about Operation Green Light in November, and highlights from recent outreach events.
Commissioners Celebrate Michigan Apple Festival
Commissioners Liz Morse and Stan Ponstein attended the Michigan Apple Festival in the Village of Sparta, where they connected with residents and celebrated one of Kent County’s signature fall events. 🍎
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