The Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Katlin Hall as Director of Barry County Central Dispatch.

Hall was formally appointed to the position by the Administrative Board on Monday, September 28, 2026, after serving as Interim Director since May 30.

A member of the Barry County Central Dispatch team since 2013, Hall brings more than a decade of experience in emergency communications and public safety operations. Prior to stepping into the interim leadership role, she served as Deputy Director, where she played an integral role in day-to-day operations, personnel support, system coordination, and collaboration with public safety partners throughout Barry County.

“The Board has tremendous confidence in Katie and in her ability to lead Barry County Central Dispatch into its next chapter,” said Lani Forbes, Chair of the Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board. “Over the past several months, she has demonstrated steady leadership and a genuine commitment to both our employees and the communities we serve. Katie understands this organization, she understands the demands placed on our dispatchers, and she has earned the trust and respect of our public safety partners. We are excited to have her officially step into the role of Director.”

Hall holds the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) designation, a nationally recognized certification in 911 leadership and management, and has continued to advance her professional development in public safety communications throughout her career.

Barry County Central Dispatch operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the county. The center handles over 50,000 calls annually and coordinates response efforts for 27 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.

Sunday, October 4th, is the first day of National Fire Prevention Week and the Hastings Fire Department is holding a public open house from 12 to 4pm at the Department.

Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan said that during the event they will recognize the Keith and Elsie Sage Trusts' generous legacy gift of more than $1 million to the Hastings, Thornapple, Delton, Woodland, and Freeport fire departments. The gift made it possible to purchase a used 2018 Rosenbauer platform truck with a 101 foot aerial platform.  Chief Jordan said they are using the money they received for trading in the previous 2000 model Suphen platform truck,  along with the gift from the Keith and Elsie Sage Memorial Trust, to purchase the newer Rosenbauer truck. It will be on display at Sunday's open house.   A special ceremony will be held at 1pm to honor and celebrate the Sage family.  Mr. Sage was a long-time Hastings Fireman.

The open house will also offer light refreshments and activities and goodies for kids.

The new Barry County Commission on Aging Activity and Resource Center is officially open. On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting was held at the facility located at 2625 East M-79 Highway on the Thornapple Manor campus adjacent to Harvest Point. Afterward an open house was held giving the public an opportunity to tour the 16,600 square foot facility.

During the ceremony, COA Executive Director Courtney Ziny, Barry County Chamber and EDA president Jennifer Heinzman, Board of Commissioners Chair David Jackson, Thornapple Manor and Harvest Pointe Administrator Rebecca DeHaan and others thanked all who were involved and commented on the long process of planning, funding, and getting the new facility built, and the positive impact it will have on county residents for years to come.

Ziny said:

Former COA Director Tammy Pennington, who retired after leading the COA for over 35 years, said: