KENT COUNTY, Mich.—If you’re looking for a clean, safe place to dine out this weekend, the Kent County Health Department has some suggestions- 471 of them, actually.

The KCHD recently announced the winners of its 2nd annual Food Safety Awards.  This year’s 471 winners were selected from more than 1700 licensed facilities that were inspected through 2013.    To qualify, each establishment had to meet the following criteria:

SPARTA, Mich.—State lawmaker Rob VerHeulen will visit Sparta Saturday, November 23 to hear community concerns.

VerHeulen, who represents the Walker area, will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Maxine’s Family Restaurant, located at 370 N. State Street.           

"I always look forward to my office hours each month," VerHeulen said. "It gives me an opportunity to leave the office and meet residents in person."

Those who cannot attend VerHeulen’s office hours are encouraged to contact his Lansing office by calling (517) 373-8900 or emailing RobVerHeulen@house.mi.gov.    

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Where are the safest places to eat in Kent County?

The county health department is answering that question with the 2013 Food Safety Awards.   The agency whittled down the list of 1,654 eligible restaurants to just 269 facilities, based on routine restaurant and food service inspections over the past year.  Under the county’s criteria, restaurants that earn the award must have a certified food safety manager, no confirmed violations of the Michigan Smoke Free Law and no confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks during the year.