ALPENA The Alpena Fire Department operates more efficiently than its counterpart in Alpena Township, which could sway township leaders considering shutting
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News Photo by Crystal Nelson
Alpena residents Mark Simons and Russ Rhynard scramble for the ball served to them by Rocky Roland during a recent game of pickleball at the APlex.
ALPENA As winter gives way to spring and the weather warms, now is the perfect time to get outside and get moving, medical professionals say.
The coronavirus pandemic has kept many seniors in their homes over the past year, as those 65 and older are most at risk for severe illness. The winter months also tend to keep people cooped up in their homes, where they may not move as much as they would in warmer months.
9 & 10 News
December 28, 2020
Community leaders in Alpena approved a measure on Monday that will help the Charter Township of Alpena Fire Department get back on its feet.
The Alpena Board of Trustees voted to have the city’s fire department help at the township fire department.
After several resignations and retirements, the department will soon only have one full time firefighter and their fire chief.
They say properly training replacements takes months.
With the board’s approval, the city fire department will occupy and handle responsibility for the township’s north-side station for up to six months.
“I have to say I appreciate the city being so willing to work with us here. And from my point of view they are our best option in this situation this crisis,” said Russ Rhynard, Trustee.
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News File Photo
Alpena Township firefighters battle a blaze near U.S.-23 north of Alpena earlier this month.
ALPENA TOWNSHIP The Alpena Township Fire Department may have to temporarily close its south side fire station if officials can’t address a severe staffing short before the end of the month.
After Dec. 30, the department will only have two full-time employees, which would not be enough to man both of its fire stations.
The township intends to open talks with Alpena city officials about providing assistance at the south side station.
Last week, the Alpena Municipal Council voted to stop negotiations on merging the city and township fire departments.