Kent County Administrator's Digest - August 5, 2024

Mark your calendars for an evening of community bonding and safety awareness as National Night Out takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, August 6). This annual event is designed to foster strong community relationships by encouraging neighbors to come together, meet local law enforcement and fire personnel, and interact with community leaders.

Several County departments, including the Sheriff's Office, Prosecutor's Office, and Health Department, will have teams present at the following locations:

There are additional events happening throughout the county.

Each location will feature a range of activities, including food, games, and entertainment for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore police cruisers and fire trucks, providing an engaging way for families to learn about local public safety efforts.

National Night Out aims to build a sense of community and enhance the relationship between residents and the public safety officials who serve them. The event is a unique opportunity for individuals and families to engage with their neighbors and local authorities in a fun and relaxed environment.

Stop by the event closest to you and discover what National Night Out is all about!

The 2024 Kent County Amateur Golf Championship at Kaufman Golf Course at Palmer Parkwas a huge success earlier this month, with 172 golfers participating. Congratulations to Arie Jackman on his victory and for shootinga new tournament record of 201!

Thank you to our sponsor, The West Michigan Golf Association, who worked closely with our team at the Parks Department to make this event enjoyable for all.

To learn more about booking a tee time, along with information about upcoming events and tournaments at Kaufman Golf Course, call 616-632-7855.

Last week, our Administrator's Office had a special visitor - K-9 Chiko! Chiko, a German Shepherd and valued member of our Sheriff's Office 's K-9 unit, is not only highly trained but also loves engaging with the community and receiving lots of affection. We had a fantastic time watching him perform tricks with his handler and best friend, Deputy Shelby Humphries.

Dogs in the Sheriff's K-9 Unit are specifically bred and selected for their intelligence and strong sense of smell. They play a crucial role in pursuing fugitives, searching for missing persons, and detecting narcotics, weapons, and explosives.

Our Citizens Police Academy allows residents of Kent County to become more educated on the Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) procedure and the pressures associated within law enforcement. We seek and invite a diverse group of people that either live in or work in Kent County to apply. The academy is a great opportunity to engage with our Sheriff's Office and learn more about corrections, law enforcement, our specialty units, and the Prosecutor's Office.

Dates: Wednesday Nights from Sept. 18, 2024 - Nov. 13, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: 701 Ball Ave. NE

Please apply by using this link: https://forms.office.com/g/k2sv3ncsCD

Governor Whitmer recently announced the allocation of $11 million in disaster funding to aid 17 Michigan counties affected by recent natural disasters. Of this amount, $4,267,753 is designated for tornado and flood relief in the Lower Peninsula. This includes Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

As you know, several storm fronts brought heavy rain, strong winds, and seven tornadoes to lower Michigan in August of 2023. Kent, along with Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, applied for Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund funding to assist with recovery efforts. The allocated funds will support various recovery initiatives, including infrastructure repairs, debris removal, and assistance for affected homeowners.

Detailed information on the funds available for distribution are not availalbe; however, our Emergency Management team will forward additional information to the qualified entities once available.

On September 16-21, Tech Week returns to Grand Rapids with events ranging from hands-on tech exhibits and panel discussions, to pitch competitions and networking opportunities, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

The event is designed as an "unconference" hosted by multiple different organizations across the community. Attendees can create a custom schedule of their choosing by registering for selected events. Stephen J. Dubner, Host of Freakonomics will kick-off the event, with various workshops, hikes and speakers such as TedX presenter and Microsoft AI MVP, Charles Elwood, who will be sharing his vast knowledge of AI. Check techweekgr.com often to see the most updated list of events.