 
A Note From The Administrator
We had a wonderful time on Thursday welcoming Bryan Muir as our new Sheriff, being sworn in at our Board of Commissioners meeting with our new Undersheriff Jason Kelley. It was a special opportunity to celebrate this new chapter and explore what's next for our Kent County Sheriff’s Office, as well as recognize Sheriff LaJoye-Young’s years of dedicated service.
Recently, Commissioners Steve Faber and Melissa LaGrand joined me, Undersheriff Bryan Muir, Chief Deputy Jason Kelley, Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Bartlett, Judges Gardner and Rose, and County staff for a community impact report on the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, hosted by Network180 and Trinity Health Grand Rapids. It was a great opportunity to hear about the center’s impact and to recognize the partnerships that help residents access the care they need.
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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Take the Scenic Route On Our Fall Color Tour
Autumn is here, and our Parks Department and the Road Commission are inviting residents to slow down and enjoy the season with the 2026 Fall Color Tour.
The tour features 18 suggested routes covering more than 350 miles across four regions of Kent County, highlighting scenic roads, parks, bridges and natural areas. A new interactive guide synced with Google Maps makes it easier than ever to plan your trip, or you can download and print a map to take along.
So grab your friends or family, take the long way home and enjoy the changing colors across Kent County. Before you head out, check the fall color forecast and remember to make safety a priority along the way.
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Help Shape Kent County’s Waste and Recycling Future
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) team is seeking public input on its draft Materials Management Plan, which will guide the county’s priorities for waste management, recycling, and diverting materials from landfills.
The plan focuses on increasing recycling, expanding access to services, reducing environmental impacts and supporting more sustainable waste management practices. Residents can review the draft plan and submit comments through Nov. 30.
DPW will also host three open houses in October and November where residents can learn more about the plan and ask questions:
Learn more and share your feedback here: Kent County Materials Management Plan
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New Kent County Sheriff and Undersheriff Sworn In
On Thursday, at the Kent County Board of Commissioner's Meeting, Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young officially swore in Bryan Muir as the new Kent County Sheriff and Jason Kelley as the new Undersheriff. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office as Muir and Kelley begin their new leadership roles.
Sheriff Muir has served with our Sheriff’s Office since 2001, working in a variety of roles throughout his career before becoming Undersheriff. Deputy Kelley has served with our Sheriff’s Office since 2003 and brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to his new role.
The ceremony also marked an important transition for the Sheriff’s Office following Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young’s retirement after a distinguished career of over four decades dedicated to serving the Kent County community.
Chief Judge Deborah McNabb Honored as a 2026 Angel in Adoption
Congratulations to our 17th Circuit Court Chief Judge Deborah McNabb, who was selected as a 2026 Angels in Adoption honoree by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute through Senator Gary Peters. This national recognition honors her more than 25 years of dedication to children and families involved in adoption, foster care and child welfare.
As the first woman to serve as Chief Judge of Kent County's 17th Circuit Court, Judge McNabb has presided over thousands of family and child welfare cases, with a focus on timely permanency and minimizing trauma for children. Her leadership has helped strengthen family-centered approaches across Kent County, including the “One Family, One Judge” model and juvenile justice reforms.
In September, Judge McNabb traveled to Capitol Hill to participate in the Angels in Adoption Leadership Program. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for her continued commitment to helping children and families thrive.
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Pictured from left: Chief Judge Deborah McNabb and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters.
Judge David Murkowski Honored for Distinguished Public Service
Our Probate Court Chief Judge Pro Tempore David M. Murkowski was honored in September with the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award, recognizing exceptional governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Judge Murkowski has served on the Kent County Probate Court since 2006, including 18 years as chief judge. He is recognized for his expertise in probate and trust law and his longstanding commitment to improving the administration of justice and legal education.
His service extends beyond the courtroom, including leadership with the Michigan Probate Judges Association, the State Bar of Michigan’s Judicial Section and efforts to advance Michigan trust law. The award honors attorneys whose public service reflects the highest ideals of the legal profession and strengthens the administration of justice.
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Pictured from left: Retired Judge Christopher Yates, Judge David M. Murkowski, and Chief Probate Judge Avery Rose.
Kent County Celebrates 75th Annual Veteran of the Year
 Roger Haller was named Kent County’s 2026 Veteran of the Year on Thursday, during the 75th annual awards banquet, cohosted by our Veterans Services department and the United Veterans Council of Kent County.
Haller, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1983 to 2013, was selected from 14 nominees for his dedication to supporting fellow veterans. He currently serves as a VFW benefits officer, helping veterans connect with resources such as food, clothing, transportation and car repairs.
Haller also organizes a weekly coffee gathering where veterans can connect and learn about VA benefits, an annual golf outing that raises money to support veterans, and the distribution of American flags to local families ahead of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Congratulations to Roger and thank you to all 14 nominees for their contributions to our veteran community!
No Tricks, Just RSV Facts!
RSV season is here, and our Health Department is helping separate fact from fiction. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be more serious for infants, young children and older adults.
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, fever and wheezing. While most people recover on their own, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dehydration or worsening illness may require medical attention.
Think you know your RSV facts? Watch the video to play along with our Medical Director as we bust some common RSV myths - with a few Halloween surprises along the way!
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Deer Management Coalition Helps Feed Local Veterans
 More than 1,000 pounds of locally harvested venison will help put about 4,000 meals on the table for local veterans and their families! Last week, hunters, farmers and members of our Deer Management Coalition recently donated the meat to the West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program’s Veterans Food Pantry.
The donation is a great example of how managing Kent County’s deer population can benefit the community. Deer harvested from local farms help reduce crop damage, and the donated meat provides a valuable food source for veterans in need.
The effort is part of our work with local townships, cities, villages, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Kent County Road Commission to put recommendations from a Grand Valley State University study into action. Other efforts include connecting hunters with property owners through the Deer Connections pilot program and improving roadside visibility to help reduce deer-vehicle crashes.
Employee Spotlight: Jonathan Neracher, Public Works
He has been with our Public Works Department for five years, helping residents safely dispose of household hazardous waste. Through five drop-off locations across the county, residents can safely dispose of items ranging from motor oil to vape pens.
"The most rewarding part of my job is the sense of making the world a better place every day. That feeling is what made me want to work in the waste industry in the first place, but being able to do it as a free service really makes it something special."
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New Service Directory Connects Older Adults and Caregivers with Resources
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has released its FY27 KCSM Service Directory, providing older adults, caregivers and families with information about programs and services available throughout Kent County.
The directory has been redesigned using community feedback, accessibility standards and readability assessments to make it easier to navigate and use, both online and in print. The updated resource highlights a wide range of programs and services available to support older adults and caregivers.
View the FY27 Kent County Senior Millage Service Directory here.
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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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