Business & Openings

Business & Openings M-32 Corridor

Alpena recycling facility bid decision set for Oct. 22 as project moves toward 2028 opening

The Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority plans to award a new construction bid Oct. 22 for a materials recovery facility near M-32 and Airport Road in Alpena. If the project stays on schedule, the facility could begin operating in January or February 2028, while other NMMMA updates include a new glass-recycling bunker, improvements at the Moose Lodge collection site and a warning about trash being mixed with recyclables.

Business & Openings

Target Alpena Names Alpena Native Andrew Thomson as New Executive Director

Target Alpena has selected Andrew Thomson, an Alpena native and longtime community leader in Chelsea, Michigan, as its next executive director after a two-month search that attracted 30 applicants. Thomson will begin Oct. 5, succeeding interim executive director Mike Mahler.

Business & Openings Water Street Commons

What’s Next for Gardens of Alpena, the DPI Site and Downtown Businesses?

Target Alpena interim director Mike Mahler says two major Alpena development projects are moving forward, though the Gardens of Alpena still lacks a groundbreaking date and the former DPI property faces major infrastructure needs. He also expects vacant downtown storefronts to eventually attract new businesses despite recent closures and relocations.

Business & Openings Downtown Alpena

After nearly 16 years, Black Sheep owners announce Sept. 30 closing in downtown Alpena

Paul and Kris Conger are retiring from The Black Sheep after nearly 16 years at 113 S. 2nd Ave. The pub will close Sept. 30, and they plan to lease the building to Rosa’s Lookout Inn owner Tara Brilinski.

Business & Openings

Who Controls Alpena’s Data Center Future? County Officials Say Local Townships Will Decide

Alpena County officials told the county planning commission that cities and townships—not the county planning commission—would control zoning, site-plan reviews and approvals for any future data center. County Administrator Jesse Osmer said commissioners are developing a resolution, although no company has approached the county about building in the area.

Business & Openings

Straley Lamp & Kraenzlein Names Chelsea McConnell as New Shareholder in Alpena

Straley Lamp & Kraenzlein, P.C. has announced that Chelsea McConnell, CPA, recently became a shareholder of the Alpena-based public accounting firm.

Business & Openings

Vegas Night is coming to Alpena: What to know about the 15th Annual Alpenopoly Grub Crawl

The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce will bring a Las Vegas theme to its 15th Annual Alpenopoly Grub Crawl on Sept. 17, with eight stops, shuttles, games, food and drink specials.

Business & Openings

Hamas Says Gaza Disarmament Deal Reached, but Major Obstacles Remain

Hamas said July 31, 2026, that it would disarm under a potential deal aimed at ending the Gaza war, according to an Associated Press report. The report also said there were no U.S. strikes on Iran overnight and that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a statement. No Alpena-specific impact or connection was provided.