 
A Note From The Administrator
As summer winds down, there’s still plenty to celebrate in our community. ArtPrize returns this Friday, with the Opening Celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Rosa Parks Circle! As part of the event, our Veterans Services team is proud to partner with Art for Honor, showcasing the work of 19 veteran artists who share their experiences and perspectives through art and storytelling. The exhibition will be on display at Calder Plaza, just outside our County Administration Building at 300 Monroe Ave.
I was happy to attend a wonderful celebration honoring Dr. Cohle, our Medical Examiner, last week. State Representative Wooden presented him with a proclamation, while Undersheriff Muir and I shared remarks. It was a meaningful opportunity to recognize his 44 years of service and the tremendous impact he has had on our community.
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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Our Animal Shelter Is Near Capacity: How You Can Help
Our Animal Shelter (KCAS) is currently near capacity, caring for many animals in need of homes. With kennels and available spaces almost full, the shelter is asking our community for support.
There are several ways to help: adopt if you’re ready to add a pet to your family, foster to provide a temporary home (when appropriate) and create space at the shelter, or share adoptable animals with friends and family. Pet owners can also help by making sure their pets have current microchips, licenses, collars and identification information so lost pets can be reunited with their families.
Every animal at KCAS is an individual with its own personality, needs and plenty of love to give. And now is a great time to adopt! Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters program is back, September 18-30, and will bring adoption fees down to just $70 or less!
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Northland Drive Tunnel Creates A New Link In The Grand River Greenway
For trail users in Plainfield Township, a major missing link in the Grand River Greenway is about to become a new connection. A pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive will provide a safe way for people walking and biking to continue along the South Rogue River Trail and connect to future trail extensions along Cannonsburg Road and Pettis Avenue, eventually reaching Knapp Street in Ada as part of the Grand River Greenway. The project also includes a ½-mile paved trail along the east side of Northland Drive between 7 Mile Road and Cannonsburg Road.
To make this connection possible, Northland Drive will close to all traffic (click here for map) after rush hour Friday, Sept. 25, through Monday, Oct. 5. The closure will run from Cannonsburg Road/West River Drive to Belding Road. A detour will route traffic via Belding Road, Myers Lake Avenue and Cannonsburg Road.
Crews will work around the clock during the closure to dig a trench across Northland Drive and install the tunnel sections, storm piping and electrical conduit before repaving the roadway.
Thank you for your patience as this project creates a safer, more convenient connection for people walking and biking throughout the Grand River Greenway. For more construction updates, please visit here.
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Remembering 9-11
Last week, we paused during our Board of Commissioners meeting for a special ceremony to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Chair Ben Greene and an invocation from Chaplain DeBoer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a presentation of colors by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Rachel Gillette performed the National Anthem before Chair Greene delivered remarks and presented a proclamation honoring the significance of September 11.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps, performed by Mark Bauer of the Marine Corps Kent County Veterans Honor Guard.
More than two decades later, we continue to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the extraordinary courage of first responders, and reflect on the compassion, service and unity that emerged in the aftermath.
Sheriff's Office Launches Flock Transparency Portal
Our Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has launched a new Flock Transparency Portal to provide residents with clear, accessible information about its use of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology.
The portal includes information about the number of cameras managed by KCSO, license plate reads and searches conducted, as well as policies, data retention, access and oversight. KCSO began using Flock in 2022 with a 20-camera pilot and now manages 62 cameras throughout Kent County.
The technology helps investigators locate missing or endangered people, identify stolen vehicles and develop investigative leads. KCSO notes that the cameras capture still images and do not provide live video, record audio, use facial recognition or provide continuous GPS tracking. We’re proud to share network data with and receive network data from 780 law enforcement partners. View the full list of partners here.
Access is limited to trained, authorized personnel, and searches must have a documented criminal justice or public-safety purpose. Activity is logged and audited, and images are generally retained for 30 days unless lawfully preserved for an investigation or other legal requirement.
Residents are encouraged to explore the portal and learn more about how the technology is used, its limitations and the safeguards in place here.
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Election Officials Join State Leaders for Roundtable Discussion
Our County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Elections Director Michael Sullivan recently joined Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie for a roundtable discussion with local election officials.
The conversation focused on continued collaboration among state and local officials to help ensure Michigan elections remain secure, transparent, fair and accurate.
Local clerks, election staff and election inspectors across Kent County play an important role in carrying out this work. Their dedication and professionalism help ensure elections run smoothly and that residents can have confidence in the electoral process.
As the November election approaches, Kent County is grateful for the hard work of the local election officials and staff who help make each election possible.
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63rd District Court Celebrates Recovery Month
Our 63rd District Court celebrated National Recovery Month last week with a community gathering focused on recognizing the progress, resilience and achievements of those in recovery.
The event featured opening remarks from Chief Judge O’Hara, along with food trucks, yard games, live music and informational tables from Kent County departments and offices. The celebration also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with community resources and learn more about treatment and support services.
Recognized each September, National Recovery Month raises awareness of mental health and substance use disorder recovery, celebrates those who are making progress and highlights the importance of accessible support. The 63rd District Court Recovery Court’s celebration brought the community together to honor recovery and the positive impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.
Community Action Seniors Enjoy A Festive Havana Night
Seniors in our Community Action department had a wonderful time celebrating Havana Night on Friday. The event brought a little tropical flair to the morning with dancing, karaoke, delicious food and plenty of laughter and good company.
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Commissioner Ponstein Helps Bring New Dawn Redwood To Grandville
A beautiful new tree is taking root in Grandville, thanks in part to the generosity of our County Commissioner Stan Ponstein and his wife, who donated a 12-foot Dawn Redwood to the community.
Bringing the tree to its new home was a true community effort. A dedicated team of volunteers traveled to Muskegon and hand-dug the tree to carefully prepare it for the move. After plenty of teamwork - and hard work - the Dawn Redwood was transported to Grandville and successfully planted.
The new tree is a lasting addition to the community and a great example of what can happen when residents, volunteers and local leaders come together to make a difference.
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MEPS 3.0: Strengthening West Michigan’s Workforce
Our Welcome Plan team invites you to MEPS 3.0 in Grand Rapids on Friday, September 25, bringing together business owners, entrepreneurs, employers and workforce professionals for a day focused on strengthening West Michigan’s economy through New American talent and entrepreneurship.
The summit will feature keynote speakers Bing Goei, CEO of Eastern Floral and founder of The Goei Center, and Guillermo Cisneros, president and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Attendees can choose from sessions tailored to small business owners and entrepreneurs or employers and workforce professionals looking for practical strategies to recruit, hire, onboard and retain New American talent. The summit will also introduce the Menu of Support, a new resource designed to give employers practical options they can put into action.
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"A To Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Highlights The Union Benevolent Association
As part of our “A to Z: Discovering Kent County” series, we are happy to highlight the Union Benevolent Association for the letter U!
The Union Benevolent Association began as a small group of Grand Rapids women who wanted to help their neighbors. Over time, their work grew into something much larger: the foundation for two of Grand Rapids’ major health care systems, Blodgett Hospital (now a part of Corewell Health) and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
The story begins on December 16, 1846, when the group gathered at the Prospect Hill schoolhouse near what is now Pearl and Ottawa streets. The organization divided the city into districts so members could visit families in need, care for the sick, provide clothing for children and distribute assistance to people experiencing poverty... Read our full article here.
Join Us for the Happy Homes, Happy Hearts Luncheon
Bats in Your Home? Know the Steps to Take
It’s that time of year! Young bats are learning to fly and become independent - and sometimes, they end up flying right into your home!
Bats are great for controlling mosquitoes and other insects, but they don’t make the best houseguests. They can carry and transmit rabies through bites and scratches.
Our Health Department recommends these steps to help prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home
- Use window screens and chimney caps
- Install bat boxes to provide alternative housing
- Stay alert when bats are most active, from late spring through early fall
And if you find a bat inside your home, remember: DON’T PANIC. Knowing what to do can help keep you and your family safe. To learn more, visit our website at kentcountymi.gov/bats.
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Conservation Beyond the Zoo
When most people think of the John Ball Zoo, they think of the animals they see during a visit. But some of the Zoo's most important work happens far beyond its gates. Through its Great Lakes Rare Turtles Program, John Ball Zoo partners with universities, researchers, and conservation organizations to protect Michigan's native wildlife and the habitats they depend on.
One recent project is helping the state-threatened spotted turtle by giving hatchlings a stronger start before they are released back into the wild, while also providing Calvin University students with hands-on conservation experience. Efforts like these demonstrate that modern zoos are more than places to connect with wildlife, they are active partners in scientific research, conservation, and education. Every conservation project helps build a healthier future for Michigan's wildlife and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.
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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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