cnelson@thealpenanews.com
News Photo by Crystal Nelson
Jeff Kristola, owner of the Hideaway Tavern north of Alpena, sanitizes a bottle of ketchup on March 31 at the bar.
ALPENA Northeast Michiganders still deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, one year after the region’s first infection was reported by local health department officials.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s original stay-at-home orders last spring forced schools to move classes online, canceled community events, and caused businesses and restaurants to adapt and innovate to continue serving customers.
Gyms like Bay Athletic Club were closed more than they were open last year. Bay Athletic owner Trina Gray said her leadership team had to innovate to remain a part of club members’ lives.
FINCASTLE â School employees go to work to educate children, not necessarily to save their lives. But theyâre trained for rescue situations, too.
That training came into play at Troutville Elementary School on Jan. 25, when a pre-K student began to choke on a hot dog. The 5-year-old was unconscious for about three minutes, as at least three members of the school staff attempted the Heimlich maneuver, her principal said Thursday. It didnât work.
Finally, with a finger-sweep maneuver in the childâs throat, Principal Steven Anderson dislodged it.
âIt was one of the most beautiful sounds ever, when that airway was cleared and that first breath was taken,â Anderson said. âIt was incredible.â
Jan 6, 2021
ALPENA Bay Athletic Club is celebrating 15 years. Despite the pandemic limiting in-person gatherings, the show must go on!
BAC has celebrated its members on stages for more than a decade.
“We love shining a bright light on their stories, their transformations and their achievements,” owner Trina Gray said in an email. “Our Fitness Inspired Gala is one of our favorite events of the year!”
This year, to be safe and follow public health mandates, BAC is moving its celebration to virtual.
“We have condensed our format to a mini-gala featuring a few of our favorite stories from 2020,” Gray said. “We hope you pour a glass of bubbly, wine or even tea and join us from your living rooms.”