A Note From The Administrator
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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Commissioners Honor Memorial Day During Special Service
 At its May 14 meeting, the Board of Commissioners paused to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country ahead of Memorial Day.
The special tribute included a presentation of colors by our Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the reading of a Memorial Day proclamation, and remarks from Veteran of the Year Lt. Colonel Gillem, who reflected on the meaning of service and remembrance.
A Missing Man Table was displayed as a solemn reminder of service members who never returned home. The symbolic table honors prisoners of war, those missing in action, and all who remain unaccounted for.
The ceremony served as a meaningful opportunity for Commissioners, staff, and community members to pause and reflect on the freedoms made possible through the sacrifices of others.
Community Celebrates Opening of New Acrisure Amphitheater
 Acrisure Amphitheater photo from Pioneer Construction
Community Invited To Explore The Recycling Center
Our Public Works team is inviting the community to explore recycling up close during its special Open Hours at the Recycling & Education Center on Saturday, May 30. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the recycling process, see facility equipment in action, and connect with recycling educators to ask questions about what happens after materials leave the curb.
Community members can participate in one of three guided tours beginning at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m., or stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and noon for a self-guided experience through the facility. In addition to tours, guests of all ages are encouraged to take part in upcycled crafts and interactive games designed to make recycling education fun and engaging.
For more information, contact the Recycling & Education Center at (616) 632-7920 or email recycle@kentcountymi.gov.
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Commissioners Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at Animal Shelter
 Last week, several Commissioners and staff toured our Animal Shelter to learn more about the services the shelter provides, as well as the challenges and successes staff experience each day.
During the visit, shelter leadership discussed how the role of animal shelters has evolved beyond simply housing stray animals. Today, our shelter also supports public safety efforts alongside Animal Control and law enforcement, provides behavioral support resources for pet owners, coordinates reunification efforts for lost pets, manages foster care programs, and delivers additional community-based services.
Commissioners also received an update on the shelter’s impact so far this year. Year-to-date highlights include:
- 459 spay and neuter surgeries completed
- 692 animals cared for, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds
- More than 4,000 pounds of pet food distributed to community members in need
County leaders thanked our shelter’s staff and volunteers for their dedication and ongoing efforts to care for animals and support residents throughout the community.
Residents interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to visit our Animal Shelter’s website. Dozens of dogs and cats are currently looking for forever homes, along with several smaller furry and feathered companions. To view the full list of adoptable pets, visit here.
Help Shape the Future of Arts and Culture in Greater Grand Rapids
Annual Agribusiness Tour Highlights Kent County’s Agricultural Economy
 County Commissioners, community leaders, and County staff recently participated in the County’s annual Agribusiness Tour, an immersive experience designed to highlight the people, farms, and operations that help power Kent County’s agricultural economy.
Throughout the day, participants traveled across the county visiting a variety of agricultural sites and hearing directly from local farmers, processors, and producers about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of farming in the region.
This year’s tour included stops at Heidi's Farmstand and Bakery, Green Wagon Farm, Wormies Vermicompost, Swisslane Farms, and Ridgeview Farm.
The tour was made possible through the County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, which helps preserve farmland and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Kent County. Through the program, farmland owners can voluntarily sell development rights to help ensure agricultural land remains available for future generations.
Learn more about our PDR Program here and view this Fox17 interview with the Kruithoff family about their experience.
Families Explore the Wonders of Nature at Millennium Park
Families from across our community gathered at Millennium Park on May 16 for the annual Discover! Millennium Park free nature event, enjoying a day filled with hands-on learning and outdoor exploration along the Hansen Nature Trail.
Thanks to the support of many community partners and volunteers, children and families had the chance to discover turtles, possums, insects, decaying logs, and the important role nature plays in local ecosystems. The event created memories for some of our parks' youngest visitors while encouraging curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. And we are already looking forward to welcoming the community back again next year! View all of our photos of the event here.
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Sparta Town Square Opens as New Gathering Space
 Community members, local leaders, and project partners recently gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Sparta Town Square, a revitalized community gathering space in downtown Sparta designed to support events, recreation, and downtown activity.
The project features public gathering spaces, restrooms, and a community room located inside a near replica of Sparta’s historic 1888 rail depot. The new space is expected to host community events, seasonal activities, and other gatherings throughout the year.
The approximately $700,000 project was made possible in part through a $300,000 investment of Community Development Block Grant funding administered by our Community Action team. Commissioner Liz Morse and Community Action Director Gustavo Perez attended the celebration on behalf of the County.
Veterans Services Accepting American Flags for Respectful Retirement
Our Veterans Services team is reminding residents that worn, damaged, or faded American flags can be respectfully retired at their office at 836 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.
Flags may be dropped off during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department works to ensure all American flags are retired with dignity and in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.
“Proper flag retirement is a meaningful way to honor the symbol of our nation and the service members who have defended it,” said Ryan Grams, Director of Kent County Veterans Services.
Residents who have an American flag ready for retirement are encouraged to bring it to Veterans Services to ensure it receives the respect and care it deserves.
Community members may also contact organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America or The American Legion, which may also assist with proper flag retirement.
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Behind the Scenes With Kent County’s Equalization Team
Scam Alert: Protect Yourself From Mail Theft and Check Fraud
Mail theft and check fraud continue to be reported in communities across the region, and residents are encouraged to take extra precautions when sending paper checks through the mail.
In many cases, individuals place checks in their mailbox for outgoing pickup to pay bills or other expenses. Suspects then steal the mail, remove the checks, alter the payee and/or dollar amount, and attempt to fraudulently cash them. Business checks mailed to utility companies appear to be common targets, but any mailed paper check may be at risk.
Residents who need to send paper checks are encouraged to avoid leaving them in residential mailboxes for pickup. Instead, use a secure USPS blue collection box, bring mail directly inside a post office, or consider online payment options when available. Whenever possible, conduct financial transactions online or in person.
Additional safety reminders include:
- Avoid leaving outgoing checks in your mailbox overnight
- Monitor bank accounts and transaction activity regularly
- Report stolen mail or suspicious activity promptly
- Contact your financial institution immediately if a check is missing or appears altered
"A to Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Highlights Roger B. Chaffee For The Letter R!
 As part of the “A to Z: Discovering Kent County” series, Kent County is highlighting Grand Rapids native and astronaut Roger B. Chaffee for the letter “R.”
Born in Grand Rapids in 1935, Chaffee developed an early interest in engineering and aviation while growing up on the city’s southeast side. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in aeronautical engineering, he joined the United States Navy as a pilot and reconnaissance officer before being selected by NASA in 1963 as one of the agency’s youngest astronauts.
Chaffee later served as part of the Gemini program and was selected for Apollo 1, the first crewed Apollo mission. Tragically, Chaffee and fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White lost their lives during a launchpad test on January 27, 1967, when a fire spread through the command module. The tragedy led to major safety improvements that helped pave the way for future space exploration, including the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Today, Chaffee’s legacy continues throughout Kent County through memorials, schools, and the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.
To learn more, visit our Facebook post highlighting Roger B. Chaffee and his lasting impact on space exploration and the community.
Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
A career with Kent County offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through a wide range of roles in public service, including health, public safety, parks, courts, administration, and many other areas that support residents every day. 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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