ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Alpine Charter Township)--Alpine Township needs your help in updating the community’s Master Plan.

The Master Plan lays out the vision for the community’s desired future and outlines the policies and steps to get there. The Township needs to hear your thoughts and ideas about what you would like for your community’s future.

To receive your input, the Alpine Township Planning Commission will host open houses at the Township Center, 5255 Alpine Avenue, NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 on Monday, March 31, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Planning commissioners and staff will be on hand to answer questions and take comments. Stop by for a bit, let us know what you think and help guide the direction of your community!

For any questions, please call the Planning Director, Sue Becker at 784-9090.

An additional Master Plan open house is scheduled for April 22, from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The Kent County Parks Department is looking for volunteers to help clean up parks this spring.

The 2014 Kent County spring clean event has not been scheduled for a specific day,  because of lingering snow cover.  However, volunteers are encouraged to sign up with he Kent County Parks Department and let them know what projects they'd like to work on, when the time comes.

People interested in pitching in to improve any of the county's 34 parks should contact Volunteer Services at (616) 632-7842 or email park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov .  Volunteers can explain what work they'd like to do, and the Parks Department will then organize the clean-up effort.  The spring clean event provides an opportunity to meet new community members and make a difference throughout Kent County.

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.—With February elections over, the focus now for many school districts is May.

On Tuesday, May 6, Comstock Park Public Schools will ask voters to renew the district’s current “Sinking Fund” for another ten years.  The Sinking Fund can only be used for expenses on buildings, facilities and grounds.    Without the Sinking Fund, these annual maintenance costs would come from the district’s General Fund, which normally covers student programs, staff and services.

The Sinking Fund has previously helped cover roofs, parking lots, sidewalks, windows, doors, lockers, carpet, landscaping upkeep, gym floor refinishing and athletic field improvements.