As of April 1, scheduling your courthouse wedding just got easier! Our 63rd District Court launched a brand-new online system to book marriage ceremonies - no more waiting to call or visit in person. Ceremonies are held on-site...
As spring bursts back into Michigan, fields are greening up, days are stretching longer, and a renewed sense of energy is sweeping across our farming communities. This vibrant new season is a...
Spring is finally here, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days to enjoy the outdoors! Whether you’re hunting for Easter eggs, prepping for the big U of M Final Four game, planning a Spring Break excursion, or simply...
I can't believe we are already getting close to Spring! It's been consistently busy here at Veterans Services. In February, our office handled 2,061 phone calls. We are thankful for our staff for making...
We’re so grateful for Mary's work in our Register of Deeds department, where she helps manage and maintain the historical record of property ownership and related land documents. "Our department is a library of property records...
As we move further into March, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy our community. This weekend, downtown Grand Rapids once again came alive with the energy of Irish Off Ionia, right outside our Kent County Administration Building...
Following an investigation by the MDARD, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian...
As we near the end of another long, cold winter, many people ask me: does it still make sense to get a flu shot? Often dismissed as a routine winter illness, influenza can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death...
There are few guarantees in life, but a false spring in West Michigan is usually one of them. While the 60-degree days and sunshine inevitably give way to more rounds of snow, sleet, or something in between, they never fail to get me a little excited...
As we gear up for the March Madness basketball tournament this month, we're reminded of the excitement and competitive spirit of the season. As a longtime fan of the University of Michigan, I’ll definitely be cheering on the Maize and Blue...
Meet Lori and Grant, two incredible stewards for our Parks Department who quietly (and consistently) help keep Millennium and Townsend Parks clean, one hike at a time. Their journey with our parks began after rescuing their German Shepherd, Wally.
As we embark on our new year’s resolutions and look ahead to spring, I want to take a moment to reflect on our incredible achievements in 2025. It was truly a year of compassion, as our devoted staff welcomed 2,756 animals into the shelter...
As the days grow warmer and Spring arrives, there’s even more to celebrate: Justin Verlander is back with the Detroit Tigers for a farewell tour! His return reminds us to cherish the incredible moments of the past while looking forward to...
Embracing new challenges is never easy, but it helps to have great role models. I remember well my first few days here at the Kent County Health Department more than 25 years ago. I was a fresh-faced young sanitarian who had recently relocated from the...
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility has earned national accreditation through the American Corrections Association (ACA) and is currently the only adult county jail in Michigan to hold this distinction.
Our Department of Public Works has released its Annual Recycling & Waste Report, showing residents recycled nearly 30,000 tons – 66 million pounds – of materials in 2025. The report covers materials collected and recycled by the DPW...
Things heat up as County Administrator Al Vanderberg tackles hot wings and your burning questions. From staying connected to the community to what’s coming next - and yes, his game-day prediction - you won’t want to miss this one.
We’re proud to share that Kent County has been awarded $25,000 through the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program to support early planning and design for our new Administration Building in Grand Rapids...
The 2026 Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is now accepting applications through Friday, May 8, 2026. Through this voluntary program, Kent County helps seek compensation for owners of agricultural...