Kent County Administrator's Digest - Dog Park Opening, Community Fests, Food Giveaway, and more!

I am grateful to see that the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has subsided for the time being and I look forward to participating in the many great things happening around our County! As you will read below, we have a Dog Park Opening this Friday, two free Community Fest events in the next month, and I am looking forward to attending the Kent County Youth Fair with some of our Board of Commissioners.

This past weekend, I traveled to New Orleans to attend the National Association of Counties (NACO)'s Annual Conference, with several of our staff. It was a fantastic experience, providing valuable opportunities for our team to learn from county leaders across the country, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to serving our communities.

The State Primary Elections are fast approaching on August 4. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the candidates and issues appearing on your ballot by visiting our Elections Page for all the information you need. To stay updated throughout the year, sign up for our Elections e-newsletter here.

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

With summer in full swing, we're shining the spotlight on Kate Perkins, a long-time seasonal staffer in our Parks Department, as part of the Wabasis Campground team. For more than 15 years, Kate has returned each season because she genuinely loves the job. From greeting campers and mentoring seasonal staff to sharing the park's rich history, Kate's passion and commitment leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

Thank you, Kate, for everything you do to make our Parks such a special place! Be sure to read her full employee spotlight, to learn more about her story here.

This Friday, from 11 a.m.-1p.m.! Join our Parks Department as we celebrate the grand opening of Wahlfield Dog Park at Wahlfield Park North - the first dog park in the Kent County Parks system!

The celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Kent County leaders, community partners, and Fritz Wahlfield Jr., followed by the opportunity to explore the new 10-acre park, complete with separate areas for small and large dogs, walking trails, a swimming pond with a beach and jumping dock, and a dog wash station. Guests can also enjoy K-9 demonstrations from the Sheriff's Office, Animal Shelter resources, dog-friendly treats for purchase, and giveaways for the first 150 canine guests while supplies last.

Whether you have a dog or simply love seeing happy pups, everyone is welcome to join the celebration!

Thank you, Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, for your 37 years of dedicated service to Kent County! Your leadership, commitment to public safety, and unwavering dedication to our community have made a lasting impact. As Kent County's first female Sheriff, you have led with professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to those you serve.

As Sheriff LaJoye-Young prepares to retire on October 9, we thank her for her extraordinary career and wish her all the happiness, relaxation, travel, and time with family that this next chapter brings. Your legacy will continue to inspire, and you will be greatly missed throughout Kent County.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Kent County impacted by the April 10 - 21, 2026, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding.

Businesses may qualify even if they did not experience physical damage. The application deadline is March 30, 2027. Learn more and apply at sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.

Michigan continues to experience a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with more than 4,300 reported cases and more than 100 hospitalizations as of July 16. State and federal health officials believe contaminated lettuce or other salad greens may be the source, and an investigation is ongoing.

Our Health Department team encourages residents to help reduce your risk by thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables, washing your hands before preparing food, and cleaning food preparation surfaces. If you experience ongoing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your health care provider or our team at 616-632-7228.

Our Veterans Services is encouraging the community to take part in the 22aday.org flag placement ceremony, a meaningful tribute to the veterans lost to suicide each day. Through August 8, volunteers are invited to gather just before 12 p.m. at 201 N. Park St. NW in Grand Rapids to place 22 flags in remembrance and show support for veterans and their families.

The event is open to everyone and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness and supporting those who have served. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Looking to strengthen your financial skills or learn more about homeownership? The MSU Extension Financial and Homeownership Education Team is offering free educational programs throughout August to help individuals and families improve their financial well-being.

Whether you're creating a budget, working to improve your credit, planning to buy a home, or simply looking for trusted financial resources, these programs provide practical tools and expert guidance to help you reach your goals.

To learn more, view upcoming classes, and register, visit www.mimoneyhealth.org. You can also follow the MSU Extension District 7 Facebook page for event updates and helpful financial tips.

Peccary training looks a little different from some of the other training sessions around the John Ball Zoo because every species is motivated by different rewards.

For our Chacoan peccaries, Dill, Fennel, Aiden Oak, and Captain Crunch, that reward is scratches. Their keepers discovered that gentle scratches are one of their favorite forms of positive reinforcement. They love them so much that they sometimes fall asleep during training sessions.

Those scratches do more than help them relax. Positive reinforcement encourages our peccaries to voluntarily participate in routine veterinary care, including receiving vaccines, while staying calm and comfortable. It is one of the many ways we support their health and well being while building trust with their care team.