Herron
Herron, MI · Municipal
WBKB 11
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary wins $15,000 economic contributor award
ALPENA, Mich. — Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has received the Outstanding Contributor Award from the Economic Generator Network, earning recognition — and a $15,000 cash prize — for its work in education, workforce development, and economic growth across Northern Michigan. The Economic Generator Network presents the award annually to an individual, group, or organization that has made significant contributions to building the foundation for economic growth in Northern Michigan. The $15,000 prize is unrestricted and may be used at the recipient's discretion. Since 2010, Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has developed a nationally recognized model for connecting youth and communities to the Great Lakes through marine technology and stewardship programs. Working alongside Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the organization has engaged students through hands-on learning in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), engineering, robotics, and environmental science. "The Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary exemplifies what the Outstanding Contributor Award stands for," Economic Generator Network representatives said. "Their programs inspire young people and strengthen stewardship of the Great Lakes, but also directly contribute to workforce development and regional economic success." Putting Alpena on the map A major driver of the organization's regional economic impact is its
wcmu.org
Proposed EPA rule may delay PFAs clean-up projects in Michigan
It will be years before PFAS contamination sites are cleaned up in Michigan, according to the Department of Defense. Residents are concerned that more delays could cause further contamination of the forever-chemical. Cathy Wusterbarth is an Oscoda resident and the co-founder of Need Our Water activist group. Wusterbarth said recent...
spectrumlocalnews.com
PHOTOS: City of Alpena hosts America 250 celebration
ALPENA, Mich. — The city of Alpena held part of its America 250 celebration Wednesday, with a community picnic at City Hall, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and the unveiling of two new sculptures. What You Need To Know. The City of Alpena held part of its...
Up North Voice
Public meeting set for Oscoda water main project
OSCODA — The Charter Township of Oscoda will host a public information meeting Monday, June 22 to discuss the Downtown Water Main project. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Robert J. Parks Library, located at 6010 Skeel Ave. It will run until the township board of trustees meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
WBKB 11
Traffic changes announced for upcoming natural gas main repair in Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. - A project that is expected to last 2-3 days could cause some traffic pattern changes in the City of Alpena this week. DTE workers plan to repair the natural gas distribution system on Rupley Boulevard beginning on Tuesday, June 16. Crews will be present during regular daytime hours. No full road closures are planned. Drivers may notice temporary lane shifts or single-lane traffic. Traffic on 3rd Avenue could be impacted during this time as well. City officials encourage drivers to plan a different route this week in order to cut down on traffic and keep workers safe. No disruption to natural gas service is expected to people living in the area during the project. COPYRIGHT 2026 BY WBKB 11. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
WBKB 11
Alpena lawn waste collection changes require composting bags starting 2026
ALPENA, Mich. - Alpena residents will face new requirements for lawn waste disposal beginning in 2026, as the city mandates the use of composting bags for all curbside pickup. The city announced that plastic bags will no longer be collected as part of the lawn waste program. Officials say the change brings multiple benefits to the city's composting operations, including reduced labor requirements, elimination of black plastic bags from landfills, and faster composting processes. Brown paper composting bags, which are the most common type used for lawn waste, are available at several local retailers throughout the city. The city has established a specific collection schedule for 2026: June 22: Bagged materials and brushJuly: No collectionAugust 10: Bagged materials and brushSeptember: No collectionOctober 5: Bagged materials and brushNovember 2: Bagged materials and brushNovember 30 or December 7: Bagged materials only (weather dependent) City officials note the schedule remains subject to change, with news releases planned to announce any modifications or clarifications. For residents who cannot wait for scheduled pickup dates, the city offers a drop-off option at the Department of Public Works building at 1001 Long Lake Avenue. The facility accepts bagged lawn materials Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to
WBKB 11
Target Huron launches $100,000 workforce development program for Northeast Michigan students
ALPENA, Mich. — Target Huron Economic Development Corporation launched a $100,000 workforce development program designed to prepare high school students for careers and entrepreneurship in Northeast Michigan. The Target Huron RISE Initiative will serve juniors and seniors across Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco and Presque Isle counties. RISE stands for Readiness, Integration, Skill Development and Employment. The program creates a pathway connecting students to real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities before graduation. It directly addresses workforce shortages that regional employers consistently identify as barriers to growth. "Small businesses are the backbone of Northeast Michigan's economy," said Lenny Avery, executive director of Target Huron. "When we talk about supporting entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow, we cannot separate that conversation from workforce development. A business can have customers, capital and opportunity, but without a skilled workforce, growth becomes difficult. RISE is designed to address that challenge by creating a pipeline of talented young people who are ready to contribute on day one." The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Target Huron on the initiative. "The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Target Huron on the RISE Initiative because it builds a strong, intentional bridge between education and
WBKB 11
Public meetings planned to explore bringing Food Co-Op to Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. - Community Leaders and organizations are working together to explore the idea of a food co-op grocery story in the city of Alpena. The meetings are being hosted by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, United Way of Northeast Michigan, and community members. The effort is being supported by the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and Food Co-op Initiative. Organizers believe a co-op could, "Expand daily access to fresh, nutritious food and everyday grocery, pantry, and bulk foods, support local farmers and producers, and create a welcoming gathering place in Downtown Alpena." The public is invited to attend upcoming meetings in order to learn what a co-op is, why it matters for Alpena, what progress has been made so far and how to get involved. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at PIF Cider on 205 W Chisholm Street. There is a social time set for 5:30 with the presentation starting at 6 pm. The second meeting is planned for Monday, July 13 at Marithyme Cafe on 109 N 2nd Ave. The social time for this meeting starts at 5 pm with the presentation to begin at 5:30. COPYRIGHT 2026 BY WBKB 11.
Up North Voice
Mio to host Nor-East’r, Blue Collar festivals this weekend
MIO — Mio will be filled with music, art, food, vendors, workshops, kids activities and hometown pride when two popular summer events bring visitors to Oscoda County June 12-14. The Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival will return June 12-14 to the Oscoda County Fair Grounds, located at 1889 Caldwell Road, about six miles north of Mio. The annual event is a three-day celebration of roots music, art, camping, workshops and community in a relaxed outdoor setting.
piadvance.com
Notice to creditors- Teresa Marie Rahn
26-10824-DE Honorable Kimberly S. Gildner. Court address: 151 E. Huron Ave., P.O. Box 110, Rogers City, MI 49779. Court telephone no. (989) 734-3268. Estate of Teresa Marie Rahn. Date of birth: 3/30/65. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Teresa Marie Rahn, died 2/4/26. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all...
Up North Voice
Boil water advisory issued for portions of Oscoda Township
OSCODA — The Charter Township of Oscoda Water Department has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Hangars 2-4 and 6-10 in the Oscoda Charter Township water system. The advisory is in effect through June 12. The advisory is the result of a planned water service interruption held on Tuesday, June 9.
wcmu.org
Northern Michigan counties look to bring rural roads voice to Lansing
ALPENA — Road commissioners across Northern Michigan are deciding whether to join a new organization that wants to give rural roads more of a voice in Lansing. The Rural Roads Alliance of Michigan was started in November 2025 by three rural road commissioners from Mackinac, Isabella, and Houghton counties.