Kent County, Michigan

06/23/2026

Tonight's the night! 🍔

From 5-8 p.m., all 10 Kent County Culver's locations are hosting a Share Night to support farmland preservation in Kent County. Whether you're stopping in for dinner, frozen custard, or a quick snack, 10% of all sales will benefit our Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program.

Kent County lost more than 13,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022. Your meal tonight can help protect local farms, support our food system, and preserve agricultural land for future generations.

So skip cooking and head to Culver's - every burger, basket, and scoop makes a difference! 🚜💙

For more information about our PDR program, visit https://www.kentcountymi.gov/982/Purchase-Development-Rights-PDR

06/22/2026

Empower your community: Jobs that make a difference!

View our listings below and visit http://kentcountymi.gov/jobs to apply.

06/21/2026

As part of our "A to Z: Discovering Kent County” series, we are happy to highlight the "Summer of Big Sid" for the letter S!

In June 1978, a 20-foot, 140-pound python named Big Sid escaped from a locked cage while the Florida-based Wonderful World of Circus was staying on a farm in Walker. What began as a strange local incident quickly grew into a month-long search that made national headlines.

Fear spread quickly. Parents kept children and pets indoors, fueled in part by warnings that the large reptile - normally fed rodents in captivity - could potentially prey on small animals if it went hungry. The John Ball Zoo director urged residents not to search for Sid themselves, while also noting the snake was not considered a major threat. Still, the search intensified. Volunteers armed with sticks combed fields in grid patterns, and residents scanned roads at night hoping to spot the heat-loving snake on warm pavement. At one point, the Walker mayor even requested assistance from the Michigan National Guard.

As the search dragged on, "Big Sid Fever" took hold in Standale. The annual sidewalk sale was renamed the “Sidwalk Sale,” a welcome sign on Lake Michigan Drive proclaimed the “Home of Big Sid,” and local businesses leaned into the attention. A bakery sold snake-shaped donuts, restaurants created themed specials, and thousands of $1.99 “Home of Big Sid” T-shirts sold out at LaVeen’s Department Store.

For 31 days, Sid remained hidden.

Then, on July 24, Steve and Pat Rapolevich spotted the python while biking on Maynard Avenue. Steve grabbed Sid’s tail and held on as Pat called police. Within minutes, the scene grew crowded—nearly 15 people were helping restrain the snake, including Walker officers Dave Mankel and Steve Wildey, as hundreds gathered to watch. The image of residents lined up holding the massive serpent became one of the most iconic moments of the story.

When the adventure finally ended, Sid had lost half his body weight during his time on the run. The 20-foot, 140-pound snake had shrunk to 16 feet and 70 pounds! He was briefly displayed at the “Sidwalk Sale” before eventually leaving Michigan with the circus.

Nearly 50 years later, the Summer of Big Sid remains one of the most unforgettable stories in Kent County history.

06/19/2026

We need YOU to help protect Kent County farmland! 🌱

Join us as a volunteer for Culver’s Share Night - this Tuesday, June 23 from 5-8 PM and support the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program!

We're especially looking for volunteers to help with:
👋 Greeting guests
🍟 Food running

Can't be a volunteer but want to support the cause? Stop by! 10% of sales at all 10 Kent County Culver’s locations will go directly toward preserving local farmland forever.

If you’re passionate about farmland preservation and have a few hours to spare, we’d love to have you on our team!

👉 Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CABA828A2FBC52-63816313-2026 #/

06/18/2026

Employee Spotlight: Michelle Bommarito! We are so grateful for Michelle's work as a Judicial Administrative Specialist in our 63rd District Court. 😀

Learn more about her role supporting Chief Judge Jeffrey O'Hara, her passion for helping individuals through Recovery Court, and the family, friendships, and experiences that have shaped her career in the court system!

Full interview here:https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KENTCOMI/2026/06/17/file_attachments/3687379/Employee%20Spotlight%20Michelle%20Bommarito%20.pdf

06/17/2026

NOTICE: This Friday, June 19, Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed in honor of Juneteenth.

Marking 160 years, since the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

This is a time to reflect on our collective history, honor the meaning of freedom, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more just community. As we observe this day, we remember the past, honor the lives impacted by slavery, and recognize the contributions, strength, and cultural impact of Black Americans in Kent County and across the nation.

We encourage you to visit some of the many events happening this Friday: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/06/juneteenth-2026-brings-parades-music-and-civic-talks-to-west-michigan.html

06/16/2026

June is National Dairy Month, a time to celebrate the farmers and farm families who help feed our communities and support one of Michigan’s most important industries.

Think you know dairy farming? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz below, from American Farmland Trust, and share your score in the comments! 🐄🥛

As we recognize the contributions of dairy farmers, Kent County remains committed to preserving farmland and protecting our agricultural heritage for future generations through ongoing farmland preservation efforts.

Fun Fact: Kent County’s cows are busy animals - according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, local milk sales poured in at a cool $62.8 million!💰

June is National Dairy Month. Celebrate farmers and farm families and test your knowledge with our quiz.

06/13/2026

Missed our Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday? No problem! Watch our Recap Video here: https://youtu.be/xgS8NlOB_go

Some highlights from the meeting:
- Invocation by Commissioner Melissa LaGrand
- Special Order of Business: Financial Overview by Jeff Dood, Fiscal Services Director
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Community Action Annual Operations Funding
- Resolution Passed to Approve the BS&A Software Upgrade for the Capital Improvement Program
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Addition of Six FTE Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Positions
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Appointment of the Chief Medical Examiner & the Deputy Chief Medical

For more details, you can view the full agenda here: https://forms.kentcountymi.gov/AgendaOnline

06/12/2026

This National Family Reunification Month, Kent County 17th Circuit Court recognizes and sincerely thanks the child welfare professionals, court staff, attorneys, judges, CASA volunteers, foster parents, service providers, and community partners who work every day to support children and families through the reunification process.

Behind every safe reunification is a team of dedicated individuals working through difficult and emotional circumstances with compassion, patience, professionalism, and hope. Their work is often unseen by the public, but its impact can change the course of a child’s life forever.

In Michigan, approximately 10,000 children are currently in foster care, and more than 76% of reunifications occur within 12 months of removal when families receive the support and services they need. These outcomes are only possible because of the people who remain committed to helping children find safety, stability, healing, and connection.

Family reunification is not simply about returning home; it is about helping families rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, overcome challenges, and create brighter futures for children. This work requires extraordinary collaboration, empathy, and resilience from everyone involved.

The 17th Circuit Court is deeply grateful to the professionals and caregivers who continue to show up for children and families, even during the most challenging moments. Your dedication brings hope to families and helps strengthen our entire community.

06/11/2026

OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE (6/11):
The Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE is closed today due to a power outage.

DEPARTMENTS IMPACTED

Community Action
Staff is still available by phone at (616) 632-7950 or email at [email protected]

Health Department Sheldon Clinic
Staff will reach out to those with scheduled appointments with a new location. Find a different clinic location at kentcountymi.gov/257