Local archive
Community
Alpena recorded 4.76 inches of precipitation in August, nearly two inches above the monthly normal, while average temperatures remained close to long-term levels. The National Weather Service expects September temperatures to be slightly above average, with precipitation near normal and warmer, drier conditions over the next several days.
Community
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.
Education
Elizabeth Kieliszewski has returned to Alpena High School and ACES Academy as a college adviser through Michigan College Access Network’s Advise MI program.
Sport
The Alpena High School girls’ golf team won the Traverse City West Invitational at Interlochen, while Grace Bouchard claimed medalist honors and set a new school record.
Culture
The Alpena County Library has scheduled a wide range of free programs this month, including a live music performance, youth clubs, family storytimes, maker activities, technology guidance and presentations on health misinformation, Michigan shipwrecks and estate planning.
Business & Openings
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.
Sport
Alpena High School won four singles flights and defeated Sandusky 5-3 in high school tennis action Saturday, according to The Alpena News.
Sport
Alpena High School’s boys varsity soccer team rebounded from a midweek conference loss by defeating Sault Ste. Marie 8-2 Thursday, led by hat tricks from Joe LaCross and Parker Kaiser.
Traffic & Construction
Andrew Szymoniak rushed for 169 yards and four touchdowns as Alpena overcame Boyne City’s second-half lead to win its season opener 27-8 on the road Friday night.
Sport
Alpena High School volleyball opened its home schedule with wins over Cheboygan and Hillman as coach Kolby Andrews reshapes the lineup around six returning seniors and new varsity contributors.
Community
P. Ludwig recorded the lowest score, 40, in the Aug. 25 results at Alpena Golf Club, while players also shared hole-by-hole low and high scores and a best poker hand of five sevens.
Sport
Alpena’s varsity swim team split its second dual meet of the 2026 season, falling to Gaylord before defeating Ludington, while several swimmers recorded personal-best performances.
Sport
The Alpena Wildcats begin the 2026 football season Friday at Boyne City, starting three consecutive road games. The opener comes as Alpena adds a transfer quarterback and looks for improvement on offense, while smaller class sizes and discontinued football programs create wider concerns across the region.
Sport
The Alpena Wildcats stayed level with Traverse City Central until a deflected pass led to a goal with about eight minutes remaining Tuesday night. Goalkeeper Jayden Crandall made six saves, but Alpena could not equalize before its next game at Sault Ste. Marie.
Community Thunder Bay River
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
The annual Perseid meteor shower will be visible from July 17 through August 24, with peak viewing expected around August 11 and 12. Three nearby dark sky parks give Alpena-area residents and visitors several options for watching the display.
Community
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 Thunder Bay River
The Draken Harald Hårfagre stopped in Alpena during its 2016 voyage from Norway to the United States, giving local visitors a glimpse into life aboard a modern ship built to replicate the Viking era.
Business & Openings
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.
Community
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.
