Kent County Administrator's Digest - National Night Out, the Primary Election, and more!

Last week, we celebrated National Intern Day by recognizing the more than 40 interns who are learning, contributing, and making an impact across our county departments and offices.

Internships provide students, and in some cases, recent graduates, with opportunities to explore careers by working alongside seasoned professionals. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience in the work of government while building relationships with mentors and references who often continue to support them throughout their careers. As a County, we are fortunate to benefit from the talent, energy, and hard work of individuals who are eager to learn and contribute as they prepare to launch careers in local government and public service.

Most county administrators and city managers I know completed at least one internship. In my case, I had three: the Village of Spring Lake Village Manager's Office, the Ingham County Financial Services Department, and the City of East Lansing City Manager's Office.

Working for Eric DeLong in Spring Lake (who later became Grand Rapids' Deputy City Manager) was transformational and changed the course of my career and life. Up until then, I planned to become an attorney, but my experience in Spring Lake, where I was entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and worked on impactful projects, drew me toward a career in local government administration.

The Village of Spring Lake became a launching pad for many successful local government management careers. Curtis Holt, retired Wyoming City Manager, followed me there, as did the late Michael Young, the longtime City Manager of Rockford. Julius Suchy, Ada Township Manager, also launched his career by interning in the Spring Lake Village Manager's Office. Other West Michigan local government leaders who began as interns include Griffin Graham, Grandville City Manager; Brady Selner, Spring Lake Village Manager, who interned with us at Ottawa County; and Katie Beemer, City Manager of Fennville, who completed a brief internship with Kent County conducting animal control research that helped us transition to a new service delivery model. I'm also proud to share that my son, Peter Vanderberg, began his career as an intern with Spring Lake and starts today as Deputy City Manager of Kentwood.

Here in our Administrator's Office, Communications Intern Afua and Administrative Intern Eldin have made meaningful contributions to several significant county initiatives. We are grateful for the energy, talent, and fresh perspectives they have brought to our office, as well as the many interns serving throughout our other departments and offices. Thank you to each of them for choosing Kent County as part of their professional journey.

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

Come say hi to our team tomorrow at National Night Out! Kent County is excited to join our communities for an evening dedicated to building stronger, safer neighborhoods through community connection.

Several County departments and offices will be on hand to meet residents, answer questions, and share information about the programs and services available throughout the county. Join us at South Christian High School, Mary Free Bed YMCA, City of Rockford - Ram's Stadium, Lincoln Park, and Calvary Baptist Church and be sure to stop by and connect with representatives from the Animal Shelter, Veterans Services, Sheriff's Office, Health Department, Community Action, and the Prosecutor's Office.

Whether you're looking to learn more about county resources, meet the people who serve your community, or simply enjoy a fun evening with family and neighbors, National Night Out is a great opportunity to connect. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Clerk's Office encourages all eligible voters to make a plan to participate in tomorrow's August 4 Primary Election.

Before Election Day, voters should verify their voter registration, confirm their polling location, and review their sample ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters who are in line by 8 p.m. will be able to cast their ballot.

If you have recently moved or changed your name, contact your local city or township clerk to update your voter information. Our County Clerk's Office is committed to ensuring every eligible voter has access to a secure, accurate, and accessible election and encourages everyone to make their voice heard by voting in the August 4 Primary Election.

As campaign season continues, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) reminds candidates and supporters that political signs placed along county roads must comply with right-of-way regulations to help maintain safety and visibility for motorists.

On county roads, signs may be no larger than nine square feet, must be placed at least 15 feet from the edge of the pavement, cannot obstruct sight lines at intersections, and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Signs that do not meet these requirements may be removed by KCRC. Different rules apply to state highways (M, I, and US routes), and candidates are encouraged to review local township and city ordinances, which may be more restrictive.

For more information, contact the Kent County Road Commission Engineering Division at (616) 242-6924 or visit the Michigan Department of Transportation's political sign guidance.

Kent County leaders joined more than 3,000 county officials from across the nation at the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans, where attendees explored critical issues shaping local government, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, disaster response, and election preparedness.

During the conference, our Commissioner Stan Ponstein hosted fellow county officials for lunch at Café Reconcile, a nonprofit restaurant that provides workforce training and life skills to young adults facing barriers to employment. The visit highlighted the power of community partnerships while giving county leaders the opportunity to exchange best practices and bring innovative ideas back to better serve our residents.

Our Community Action team is proud to launch a new partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to expand support for older adults in Kent County.

Through this collaboration, eligible older adults will have greater access to home repairs and accessibility modifications that help them remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their homes. By working together, we can connect more residents with the resources they need to age in place with confidence. To learn more, visit here.

Kent County recently welcomed conservation leaders from across the country as Grand Rapids hosted the 2026 National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Summer Conservation Forum and Tours. Our Administrator, Al Vanderberg, welcomed attendees during the opening session, highlighting the County's commitment to environmental stewardship and collaboration.

The multi-day event featured discussions on natural resource conservation, agricultural resiliency, habitat restoration, and water quality, along with tours showcasing conservation efforts across West Michigan. The forum brought together local, state, and national leaders to share best practices and strengthen partnerships that support sustainable communities and protect Michigan's natural resources.

Farmers, landowners, and conservation partners are invited to attend the Cover Crops Field Day on Tuesday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bob Klein's Farm, 4460 15 Mile Rd., Kent City.

Hosted by the Kent Conservation District, this free event will feature discussions on cover crops, soil health, crop rotations, and regenerative agriculture, along with a field walk showcasing a root pit, a soil health assessment demonstration, a farmer panel, a no-till drill demonstration, giveaways, and more.

Lunch will be provided, and RUP credits are available. Registration is free but encouraged. For questions or to register, contact michael.ewing@macd.org.

Looking for a feline friend who will reward your patience with a lasting bond? Meet Logan! This sweet, slow-to-warm-up cat is at our Animal Shelter and has been making great progress in his foster home, where he's gradually revealed his social and affectionate personality.

Logan is searching for a calm home with someone who understands that trust takes time. For the right adopter, every small milestone will be well worth the wait.

To learn more about Logan or arrange a meet-and-greet, visit our Animal Shelter website or contact us by email.

Last week at John Ball Zoo, students were able to step into the shoes of a real zoo veterinarian during an immersive three-day experience for students in 7th - 9th grade. Participants spend extended time with the Zoo’s veterinary team, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used to care for some of the Zoo’s most unique residents.

During the program, students rotate through veterinarian-led stations focused on physical exams, darting, suturing, endoscopy, ultrasound and medical math. The experience gives students an inside look at the science, skill and teamwork involved in providing veterinary care to zoo animals.