Kent County Administrator's Digest - April 13, 2026

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break and enjoyed some well-deserved time to relax and recharge. This past week was also an exciting one, across the state, with the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team bringing home the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship! It was a fun moment that really brought people together and gave us all something to celebrate.

Here in Kent County, we’re back at it after the break, carrying that same energy into the season ahead - continuing our work to serve residents, strengthen our community, and build on the momentum of a fresh start this Spring.

As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters. - Al Vanderberg

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home, but it is also a critical time to ensure you are recycling right. To help residents navigate this process, our Department of Public Works has released its 2026 Spring Recycling Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to keep reusable materials out of our landfills.

Many common household items found during a deep clean require more specialized disposal methods than a standard trash or recycling cart can provide. By referencing the full guide at kentcountymi.gov, you can ensure that everything from old electronics to hazardous materials is handled properly and safely.

If you have specific questions about an item, the DPW team is available to help at (616) 632-7920 or via email at recycle@kentcountymi.gov.

While we were cheering on our home-state Wolverines in maize and blue, and thankful for their big win, our Animal Shelter team had mixed feelings about routing against the UConn Huskies. It was just hard to ignore the undeniable charm of the Huskies - especially when thinking about the ones waiting for homes right here at our shelter.

Game-day spirit aside, staff couldn’t help but point out that when it comes to real-life wins, adopting a Husky is always a championship move. And four are currently available for adoption (including Polka, pictured) at our shelter! No matter the final score on the court, Husky adoption remains undefeated, and with the shelter doors open and incredible pets ready to meet their future families, this is the perfect opportunity to turn basketball excitement into a life-changing victory. To view all of our adoptable pets, please visit here.

Our Parks Department is working with local partners to explore ways to make the Indian Mounds Drive corridor safer, more welcoming, and better connected for walking, biking, fishing, and enjoying nature - all while protecting its cultural and ecological significance.

Community feedback gathered last fall helped shape several scenarios for potential improvements and future operations of the corridor. Now, the project team is ready to share these concepts and hear from you at a Community Open House on Monday, April 27, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Kent County Parks building.

Stop by to learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback directly with the project team. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the project and RSVP at kentcountymi.gov/IMD.

This week, Kent County proudly recognizes Animal Control Officers Appreciation Week and extends our sincere gratitude to our own Animal Control team.

Every day, these officers serve communities across the county (including the City of Grand Rapids) responding to calls that range from rescuing lost or injured pets to addressing serious cases of animal abuse and neglect. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout our community.

Over the past year, the team completed 5,742 investigations to protect animals and ensure their safety and well-being! It’s a role that demands compassion, resilience, and a strong commitment to doing what’s right.

We thank our Animal Control Officers for their dedication, their professionalism, and the care they bring to every situation. Kent County is stronger because of you.

A variety of County programs aim to improve the well-being of Kent County youth. That includes a cross sector effort underway to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and to enhance the services for youth in the system.

The work began with K-Connect convening Kent County leaders like Judge Patricia Gardner, Prosecutor Chris Becker, Deputy Administrator Jenny James, and Commissioner Melissa LaGrand, along with service providers and people with firsthand experience in the system. The group took a close look at what’s working and where improvements are needed along the continuum of preventing entry to the juvenile justice system to successful re-entry to the community after detention.

Using the members’ expertise and information from Kent ISD and the 17th Circuit Court, the group is preparing recommendations to create better outcomes for youth. This work is already getting national attention, with K-Connect invited to present at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice conference. It reflects a shared commitment to building a more connected, responsive system that supports safety, accountability, and opportunity for every young person in our community.

Congratulations to Laura Helderop, Legal Research and Writing Attorney on our Public Defender team, who was honored in the March 9 edition of Crain’s Grand Rapids as one of Crain’s Notable Women in Law for 2026. With eight years of legal experience, seven focused on criminal defense, Laura drafts motions and appeals and has argued cases at both the state and federal levels, including the Sixth Circuit. Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, she worked in private practice defending clients and writing appellate briefs.

Active in the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Laura serves on both the Western Region and statewide boards. She has also been recognized with honors such as National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s 3‑in‑10 Award.

Laura’s recognition highlights her dedication to public service, her impact on West Michigan’s legal community, and her mentorship of young legal professionals, reflecting her commitment to both justice and the next generation of attorneys. We are thankful to have her on our team, serving our community!

Golf season is officially back at Kaufman Golf Course! The course opened for the 2026 season on March 30, welcoming golfers of all skill levels to enjoy one of West Michigan’s most beloved public courses. Players can elevate their experience with electric carts equipped with GPS, making it easier than ever to navigate the course, track distances, and enhance overall play.

A local favorite since 1965, Kaufman Golf Course is known for its scenic, rolling fairways and thoughtfully designed layout that offers both a fun and rewarding challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to sharpen your game or just getting out for a relaxing round, Kaufman provides the perfect setting to enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with the game.

Tee times are now available - call 616-632-7855 or reserve your spot online and kick off the season on the green.

Our Veterans Services department is strengthening its partnership with Grand Rapids Community College to support student veterans. Recently, Accredited Veterans Services Officer Reginald “Reggie” Farrior visited the college’s Veterans Center to meet students, assist with claims, and share some of our new materials.

During the visit, Reggie connected with Marine Corps Veteran Elijah, studying Business Management, and Navy Veteran Rey, who served in Naval Intelligence. These on-campus visits give student veterans direct access to resources and guidance while pursuing their education.

Our Veterans Services team will return to GRCC on April 30, May 14, June 11, and July 9. For more information, visit kentcountymi.gov/veterans or call 616-632-5722.