989-387-9295 ARENAC COUNTY— During the Arenac County Board of Commissioners’ Meeting of the Whole Feb. 14, emergency manager Michael Bowers gave an update to the board that included the county’s mitigation plan, upcoming grant opportunities and an upcoming emergency response event.

Bowers stated Candace Peterson from FEMA told him that messages approving the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Arenac County should be arriving soon. Once the HMP is approved, Arenac County will be eligible to apply for several grants.

Bowers is working on grants with the county drain commissioner to fund maintenance so drains are cleared of obstructions. Additionally, there are grants for election security that are fully reimbursable, including an 800 MHz radio for the Arenac County Clerk to use during elections; a $15,000 grant for a cyber security assessment; and a $1,100 grant for emergency go bags. He said he will provide further information to board during upcoming meetings.

The Community Emergency Response Team is holding an event May 6, from 12 – 6 p.m. at the Arenac Community Center, details to follow.

Deb Stephens, 911 operator, has officially retired from the county after 39 years of service, according to Commissioner Bobbie Burke. Stephens was scheduled to receive a plaque from state representative Michael Hoadley.

During the meeting it was also stated that due to financing, the initial plans for bathrooms at the Oasis Lake Park and Campsite (30 M-76 South, Sterling) have been scaled back. Two of the planned three cabins for the campground have been built. During the regular portion of the Feb. 14 meeting, commissioners approved a grant for the Arenac County Animal Shelter in the amount of $2,979. The Jennings Grant will provide funds for an additional employee to help out at the animal shelter.

Additional action items included the appointment of Janet Allen to the DHHS Board vacancy; and the approval of a motion to set the new Veterans Affairs committee as a seven-seat committee.