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Community Thunder Bay River

Alpena Fairgrounds playground will stay put after commissioners’ 8-0 vote

The Optimist Club playground at the Alpena County Fairgrounds will remain along the Thunder Bay River after county commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday against moving it. The club is considering repairs or replacement of a deteriorating wooden tractor, but the next steps depend partly on whether Murphy Builders inspects the equipment.

Community

Warmer Weather Could Delay Northern Michigan’s Fall Color Show

A milder-than-normal start to September could slow the arrival of peak fall color across Northern Michigan, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist. For Alpena-area leaf-peepers, the best displays may depend on cool nights, sunny days and avoiding an early hard freeze.

Community Thunder Bay River

Alpena’s Thomas Stafford Dog Park Offers River Views, Play Space and Room to Run

Thomas Stafford Dog Park, located behind the Alpena Post Office at North Riverfront Park, gives local dogs a fenced, off-leash place to play beside the Thunder Bay River. The park became possible after a two-year community fundraising effort led by residents Abby O’Bryan and Alisha Manning.

Community

Lake Mead Hits Historic Low as Colorado River Crisis Deepens

Lake Mead has fallen to its lowest water level since it was filled about 90 years ago, according to an Associated Press report dated Aug. 9, 2026. The decline is another sign of worsening strain across the Colorado River system, though the supplied report does not identify a direct impact on Alpena.

Community

Whitmer Endorses Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Primary Fight

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, according to an Associated Press report published July 26, 2026. The contest with Abdul El-Sayed has become part of a broader debate within the Democratic Party.