Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Benjamin Raymond
State Police posts across Michigan to collect prescription pills on Saturday
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - All 31 Michigan State Police posts will collect unused of expired prescription pills on Saturday, October 24. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day runs from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Police say the effort helps prevent prescription drug misuse and protect the environment. Collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes will not be accepted.
Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union Secures $75,000 Grant to Fund Habitat for Humanity Development
ROGERS CITY, Mich. — Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union has announced a $75,000 grant to support Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan's ambitious housing development project. The funding comes through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis' Community Multiplier Member Match Program, which aims to strengthen communities through strategic investments in affordable housing and infrastructure.
Alpena officials share reminders for yard signs before the November election
ALPENA — As the November 3 election approaches, the City of Alpena is reminding residents and businesses about temporary signage regulations that govern where signs can be placed and how large they can be. The regulations apply to all temporary signs displayed throughout the city, with specific rules for residential and non-residential districts. Understanding these guidelines now can help property owners avoid having their signs removed and ensure compliance with city ordinances.
Alpena community raises $3,000 for cancer patients through returnable can and bottle collection
ALPENA, MI — A summer tradition at Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery has transformed empty cans and bottles into $3,000 in support for local cancer patients, demonstrating how a community-wide effort can turn everyday items into meaningful assistance. This past summer, Penny Barton and her son Jonathon collected returnable cans and bottles donated by Campers Cove guests and community members. Their efforts generated $2,400 in proceeds for the Susan's Wish Fund at MyMichigan Health Foundation.
Help Michigan track black bears this fall and winter by reporting den locations
ALPENA, MI — As fall and winter outdoor activities bring more people into Michigan's forests, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to watch for black bear dens and report their locations to support ongoing wildlife management research. Black bears typically enter dens across Michigan during October and November, seeking shelter in locations protected from harsh winter weather.
Alpena Schools, Teachers Union Reach New Contract Agreement
ALPENA, MI — Alpena Public Schools and the Alpena Education Association have ratified a new two-year collective bargaining agreement that takes effect for the 2026-2028 school years, marking a collaborative effort between district administration and teacher leadership to balance educator compensation with long-term financial stability. The agreement received overwhelming support from both the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education and AEA membership.
Registration now open for holiday parade participants in Alpena
ALPENA, Mich (WBKB) — Planning is underway for one of Alpena's holiday traditions, the Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade, and organizers are inviting the community to participate in the festive celebration. Registration is now open for individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups wishing to enter the parade. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2026. Participants will line up at the Annex building parking lot located at the corner of Chisholm Street and Ninth Avenue.
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority Secures $678K State Grant for On-Demand Transit Service
ALPENA — The Thunder Bay Transportation Authority (TBTA) has been awarded $678,366 through Michigan's Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) to launch an on-demand transit service designed to improve mobility across Montmorency County and strengthen connections to Alpena. The funding represents part of a $65 million statewide investment announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to support transformational public transportation projects across Michigan.
Michigan unemployment agency urges residents to guard against fraud during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
ALPENA — As Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is calling on residents and business owners to join efforts to combat fraud and learn how to protect themselves online. UIA Director Jason Palmer stressed the importance of awareness in the fight against scams. "Workers and businesses alike must be aware of how to keep themselves safe online," Palmer said.
Firefighters protect nearby homes while battling garage fire in Alpena
ALPENA — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a structure fire at a large garage in a densely built neighborhood, working to prevent flames from spreading to nearby homes. Township fire units were dispatched at approximately 2:15 p.m. to the reported structure fire at 205 Partridge Ave. Engine 2 from Alpena Township Fire Department's Southside Station responded immediately, as Northside Units were already committed to another incident on El Cajon Beach Road.
Water main break leads to boil water advisory for Tawas City and Alabaster Township
TAWAS CITY, Mich (WBKB) - A water main break on Tuesday has prompted a boil water advisory for all municipal water services south of the Tawas River to include the following areas: West Lake Street (us-23), North and South Bay Drive, Michigan Avenue, Margo Street Woodward Street, Nanette Avenue, Grove Street, Elms Avenue, Crocker Boulevard, Townline Road, and Hilltop Street. Tawas City Employees are working to repair the water main break.
Mio-Ausable Schools receives funding for new salad bar as part of Blue Cross health initiative
MIO — Mio-Ausable School in Oscoda has been selected to receive a new salad bar through a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Chef Ann Foundation, part of a $25,000 investment to bring healthier options to five Michigan schools. The salad bar installation represents a significant step toward improving student nutrition and supporting long-term health outcomes in the school community.
Former Detroit Lion and Miss Michigan to promote mental wellness at Alpena football game
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - The Alpena Wildcats football team is preparing to take on Petoskey this Friday. Before the game starts, there will be some star power in attendance, bringing attention to mental wellness resources. Former Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Herman Moore along with Former Miss Michigan Emily Kieliszewski are coming to tailgate with a purpose. Their appearance is part of The Sports Marketing Agency's "If your genes could talk" campaign.
Lieutenant Governor Candidate Winnie Brinks to visit Alpena on Saturday
ALPENA, Mich. - Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Winnie Brinks is holding a meet and greet with the Alpena County Democratic Party. Brinks will visit Alpena on Saturday, October 10 to talk with Northeast Michigan voters about her party's vision for the state and region, and the needs of the people in the region. Brinks is the State Senate Majority Leader and Gubernatorial Candidate Jocelyn Benson's running mate. They face John James and Jay DeBoyer in the November election.
Alpena Public Schools receives $3 million in career education grants, largest in state
ALPENA — Alpena Public Schools has secured $3,045,781 in state funding to expand career and technical education opportunities for students, positioning the district as the largest recipient of Section 61V CTE Expansion Grants in Michigan for this funding round. The grant, awarded across eight applications, represents a significant investment in preparing students for high-wage, high-skill careers in fields facing critical workforce shortages.
Watch out for wet paint. City wide pavement marking planned for Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - If you're driving through Alpena on Wednesday, watch out for wet paint on the roads. The city has plans to paint the pavement. In a release from the City of Alpena, they remind drivers that the paint on roads dries quickly but not instantly. They went on to say that if you get road paint on your vehicle, the city is not responsible. You are asked to avoid driving over lines that are being striped.
Alpena residents to vote on service officers for Veterans during November election
ALPENA, Mich. - A millage renewal that funds veterans services in Alpena County is on the ballot this November. The renewal funds two Veteran service officers who help with benefit applications, transportation to medical appointments and burial benefits. We spoke with Alpena County Veterans Affairs Board Chairman Burt Francisco who says services could be cut if the renewal fails.
Alpena Community College partners with America's Cutting Edge program to expand machining training
ALPENA — Alpena Community College has announced a new partnership with America's Cutting Edge (ACE), a nationally recognized workforce development program led by IACMI – The Composites Institute, to expand industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective machining and manufacturing professionals.
Community rallies after fire destroys Farmers' Creamery in Mio
MIO — The Farmers' Creamery building in Mio is a total loss after a fire and explosion destroyed the facility on Saturday afternoon, according to fire personnel. The Tri-Town Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 50 W. Kittle Road around 1:35 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls. The facility, which opened six years ago, employed 25 people and served as a cornerstone business for the Mio community.
Alpena FFA chapter receives $3,000 grant to expand food pantry and fight hunger
ALPENA — The Alpena FFA chapter has been selected to receive a $3,000 Yearlong Living to Serve Grant, a competitive award that recognizes the organization's commitment to addressing hunger and food insecurity in the community. The grant, part of a nationwide program that distributed over $158,500 to FFA chapters across 30 states, will fund the expansion of the chapter's Little Food Pantry project.
City of Alpena opens applications for public to receive fuel wood
ALPENA, Mich. - The City of Alpena is making fuel wood available to the public. They ask that you fill out an application first. This wood comes from trees removed from city property. Neighboring homeowners were given first access to the wood. Now you can get what's left. The wood is located at a lot on US-23 North next to Suburban Propane. Personal use fuel wood applications are available at Alpena City Hall, Department of Public Works and on the city’s website at www.alpena.mi.us at no cost.
Governor Whitmer signs bipartisan bills protecting Michigan children and consumers
ALPENA — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed multiple bipartisan bills this week designed to protect Michigan residents from harm and fraud, with particular focus on safeguarding children and educating families about dangerous substances. "Every Michigander deserves protection from harm and fraud," Whitmer said. "I'm proud to sign these bipartisan bills to help educate Michiganders on the risks of drug use, protect consumers from fraud tactics, and safeguard children from traumatic experiences.
Sunrise Side News Brief: September 29, 2026
The Brief FEMA approves $9.4 million for Presque Isle Electric and Gas to cover emergency protective measures following a severe winter storm, with an additional $2.3 million approved for debris removal in Otsego County. Michigan Court of Appeals upholds Aaron Trout's convictions in the 2022 death of 2-year-old Jayde McDonnell, rejecting his challenges to testimony, juror contacts and sentences of 55 to 90 years for murder and 30 to 60 years for child abuse.
Sunrise Side News Brief: September 30, 2026
The Brief Materials management facility bidding process advances with nine contractors participating in the second round of pre-bid requirements, compared to just one in the previous round, with the regional draft plan open for public comment through October 31. Seven felony charges dropped against Devin Matthews in connection with a 2024 fatal crash, though he still faces two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death and one count of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.
Local archaeologists to guide search for sunken WWII warship at Wake Atoll
ALPENA, Mich. — Two maritime archaeologists based at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will guide a historic deep-sea expedition searching for a Japanese warship sunk during the opening days of World War II. Phil Hartmeyer and Andrea Yoxsimer will lead archaeological interpretation from a pop-up command center at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena as the Ocean Exploration Trust's research vessel Nautilus explores the seafloor near Wake Atoll.
Friends Together selected as Detroit Red Wings Charity of the Game
ALPENA — Friends Together, a non-profit organization providing critical support and navigation services to cancer patients and their families throughout northeast Michigan, will benefit from a Detroit Red Wings fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. The Red Wings selected Friends Together as the official Charity of the Game for their home matchup against the Winnipeg Jets at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT.
Venetian Night Boat Parade to light up the waterways around Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - Part of this year's Thunder Bay Maritime Fest includes a special parade from the Alpena marina to Rotary Island Park. The Venetian Night Lighted Boat Parade will cruise the waters this Saturday, August 22nd starting at 8:00 pm. Boats of all sizes will turn on the lights as the sun sets and give the community a special sight to enjoy on a summer evening. The Second Avenue Bridge will remain open from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM to allow the parade to complete its route.
Free Family Movie Night brings schools and community together in Alpena
ALPENA, Mich. — Families in the Alpena area have an opportunity to kick off the new school year with a free evening of activities, food and entertainment this month. The MiFamily Engagement Center Region 3 will host Family Movie Night on Thursday, August 14, from 7:30–10:30 p.m. at the Alpena Bandshell. The event combines school meet-and-greets with an outdoor movie screening, creating a welcoming environment for families to connect with their children's schools before classes begin.
Afghanistan Remembrance Ceremony planned in Oscoda Township
OSCODA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WBKB) - A remembrance ceremony is planned for later this month to honor 13 service members who died during the withdrawal from the Afghanistan War. The ceremony is being held at the Oscoda Veterans Memorial Park. It is scheduled to start at 1 pm on Sunday, August 23. Major Jonathan Turnbull will serve as a guest speaker. See the flyer attached for the other guests scheduled at this ceremony.
Alpena County Sheriff's Office takes Emergency Manager role in reorganization effort
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - The Alpena County Emergency Management Director position is now part of the County Sheriff's Office. Officials with the Sheriff's Office say the change strengthens emergency planning and coordination with first responders and local agencies. One goal of the move is to allow officials to develop response plans before an emergency. "The main thing people don't realize with an emergency manager, it's not so much working in a crisis. That work starts way before that.
DNR officers rescue four people during Lake Huron water emergency
Harrisville, Mich. — Five Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers executed a coordinated rescue of four people Wednesday afternoon after a 16-foot catamaran-style sailboat capsized in Lake Huron approximately 1.5 miles offshore near Harrisville. The rescue began at 10:59 a.m. when Alcona County Central Dispatch notified officers patrolling Harrisville Harbor that boaters needed assistance.
Big Brownie reeled in for only the second time in Brown Trout Festival history
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - The Michigan Brown Trout festival draws people to northeast Michigan every year. For more than half a century, part of the festivities includes the search for Big Brownie. Each year, Big Brownie, a hatchery-raised brown trout is tagged and released into the waters of Lake Huron. Scott Wade landed the fish Monday afternoon. Wade nets more than $6,000 for the catch.
Northern Strike training exercise set to return in August
LANSING, Mich. (WBKB) - Starting at the beginning of August, thousands of military personnel will return to Michigan for a joint training exercise. Participants in Northern Strike will be around the region for the large-scale combat readiness program. Northern Strike is scheduled to run from August 3-14 and bring in more than 9,000 military personnel from 36 states and territories, along with five international participants for the training.
Health Department reports swimming advisory due to E. coli at multiple beaches
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - Stay out of the water at two beaches. That's the latest warning from the District Health Department 4 on Wednesday. According to the Health Department, levels of E. coli have been found at beaches in Alpena and Cheboygan County. The levels exceed health standards and triggered the swimming advisory until testing returns samples at acceptable levels. The two beaches are Blair Street Beach in Alpena and Burt Lake State Park in Indian River.
Salvation Army collecting new undergarment donations ahead of school year
ALPENA, Mich. (WBKB) - The Salvation Army of Alpena is asking the community to support school age children by donating clothing essentials. They are asking for new socks, underwear, and undershirts. In a release from the Salvation Army, they cite, When a parent must send their child to school with clothes that do not fit or worn out, they may feel embarrassed. When it is undergarments then it effects the kids too. They cannot concentrate if undergarments are tight, torn, or have holes.
How to give your small business a boot by joining Alpena's Water St. Commons
ALPENA, Mich. - The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is accepting applications for small businesses to access one of the tiny shops located at the Water St. Commons. They are scheduling businesses for daily use now through October 30th. Daily rentals for the holiday season will begin scheduling in August. The DDA says the daily rentals offer an affordable, low-risk way to showcase your business in Downtown Alpena.
Applications wanted for $12 Million in Michigan Rural Health Transformation Grant funding
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services has opened a significant funding opportunity for rural communities struggling with healthcare access and transportation barriers. The Rural Health Transformation Program is offering $12 million in grants through the Improving Care and Access through Transportation Grant Program, which aims to help rural residents receive the care they need by expanding transportation options and bringing essential services closer to home.
City of Alpena offers free N95 masks due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke
ALPENA, Mich - The City of Alpena shared information on Friday that they are partnering with Alpena County to provide free N95 masks to residents as wildfire smoke continued to impact much of the state, including northeast Michigan. You can pick them up from the Alpena Public Safety Facility at 501 W. Chisholm St and the Alpena County Sheriff's Office at 4900 M-32 West. Officials are asking that you take no more than two masks per person.
Move Over Law enforcement effort aims to protect first responders
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State Police will launch a coordinated enforcement effort Monday to remind drivers of a critical safety law designed to protect first responders and roadside workers. The one-day, high-visibility operation will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 20 across Michigan and neighboring states. During this time, officers will focus on educating drivers about the Move Over law and addressing dangerous driving behaviors that put emergency personnel at risk.
Hazardous smoke from wildfires continue to cause issues across northeast Michigan
ALPENA, Mich. — Northern Michigan residents are facing hazardous air quality conditions as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to blanket the region. The District Health Department (DHD4) is urging people to take immediate precautions to protect their health. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued an air quality alert for Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Alcona Health Center announces August food distribution dates
ALCONA COUNTY, Mich. - Alcona Health Center is offering free food distribution several times during the month of August. Working with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan the three dates and locations are as follows: Tuesday, August 4 - 1 to 3 pm at Alcona Health Center in Lincoln. Wednesday, August 5 - 1 to 3 pm at Alcona Health on US-23 North in Alpena Thursday, August 6 - 1 to 3 pm at the Ice Rink in Cheboygan Anyone can receive food at any of the locations.
Alpena High School robotics team sets records at world championship
ALPENA, Mich. — The UR² (Underwater Research Robot Company) competitive robotics team from Alpena High School returned from St. John's, Newfoundland, with a collection of milestone achievements at the 2026 MATE ROV World Championship, the premier international student underwater robotics competition.
City of Alpena announces construction updates for the week of 7/6
ALPENA, Mich. - Starting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, reconstruction will begin on Taylor Street between Long Lake Avenue and Spratt Street. The section of Taylor Street will be closed for the duration of the project. People living in the area will have limited access to their driveways. Many will need to park on side streets. Signs and barricades will be present to remind motorists of the construction. You're asked to plan ahead with alternated routes.
Hundreds of free meals each week are serving up support for families facing food insecurity
ALPENA, Mich. - A program meant to provide meals to students in the Alpena area is finding success, just a few weeks into the effort. When we first shared information about the program hosted at TriPoint Church of God in Alpena, the first distribution hadn't happened. Now, several weeks in, organizers are seeing how welcome the program is in the community. "I've always worked in some form of food programs with children for at least most of my life.
Muddy Paws Boarding & Grooming to receive fresh paint with new mural project
ALPENA, Mich. - After 19 years at the same location in the 1854 Fletcher building on Chisholm St in Alpena, owners of Muddy Paws Boarding and Grooming say they are honored to be the first location selected for the 2026 Fresh Waves public art project. The mural will be painted by nationally recognized artist, David Swartz.
Federal disaster aid approved for Michigan storm damage, flooding and tornadoes
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today that President Donald J. Trump has approved Michigan's request for a major disaster declaration, opening the door to millions of dollars in federal assistance for communities devastated by severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes that struck 43 counties, including Alpena and Alcona across Michigan between April 10 and April 21.
Alpena fireworks display still on target to entertain the community
ALPENA, Mich. - Kicking off the 4th of July holiday weekend in Alpena, plans are still in place to put on a spectacular fireworks display. Despite rain throughout the week, the planning committee has been putting in the hours to keep the tradition going. Earlier in the week, the Alpena Chamber was a few thousand dollars short of its fundraising goal. On Wednesday, they hosted a drive-thru fundraiser outside the Chamber office. They stood out in the pouring rain to collect donations and it worked.
Traffic restrictions at most Michigan work zones to pause ahead of Independence Day
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that Michigan will temporarily lift traffic restrictions on nearly 60% of its active road and bridge construction projects statewide ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and running through 6 a.m. Monday, July 6, the Michigan Department of Transportation will remove lane restrictions on 106 of its 179 active statewide projects.
Alpena Emergency officials, "Be safe, responsible, and respectful of your neighbors." Reminders issued ahead of holiday weekend
ALPENA, Mich. — Alpena County Emergency Management is urging residents and visitors to follow state law and local ordinances as the Fourth of July holiday approaches — a period officials say brings the highest call volumes of the year to their center.
3 Alpena men arrested, accused of stealing truck parts from property a second time
ALPENA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Three Alpena men are facing criminal charges after Michigan State Police troopers caught them allegedly stealing parts from a Ford pickup truck on private property — a vehicle that had already been stripped of its doors, tailgate and rear window months earlier.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Benjamin
Contact Benjamin, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack