The Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore on Chisholm Street was destroyed by a blaze investigators believe was caused by an electrical short, robbing the community of an important asset that helped people in need get a start on the American dream by selling affordable housewares to raise money to build new homes for the needy.

But, immediately, as is often the case in Northeast Michigan, the community stepped up, raising funds and offering a helping hand.

This month, the ReStore reopened in a temporary location on Werth Road while Habitat officials vow to rebuild at their old Chisholm Street post.

That story, of heartache and hope, perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs, the tragedy and triumph, the seesaw that was 2019 in Northeast Michigan.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The large berm designed to protect the volleyball courts in Alpena, seen here in October, collapsed and underwater, stood little chance against the high winds and powerful waves that have pounded Northeast Michigan beaches this year.

Here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories of the year.

WINFIELD ARRESTED

Former Alpena Public Schools special education teacher Heather Winfield was arrested in January, accused of having a sexual relationship with a former student.

The news also revealed that Hillman schools had hired Winfield as a long-term substitute teacher after she was fired by Alpena schools. The Hillman school board updated its policies in response to the News’ reporting.

Winfield’s arrest was the culmination of an investigation that began in 2016. A trial set for September was delayed because of the volume of police and other records involved in the investigation and rescheduled for January.

WATER-SEWER FIGHT LIVES ON

Last year, both Alpena and Alpena Township appealed a local judge’s ruling in their years-long fight over rates the city charges for providing water and sewer services to the township.

In February, mediation ordered by the Michigan Court of Appeals failed to net a resolution, meaning the fight will continue into 2020.

The dispute is now entering its sixth year. Alpena Township buys water and sewer services from the city for its residents. When city officials consider water and sewer rate increases for their residents, they believe rates for the township should also increase. Township officials believe they should be treated as a wholesale customer because of the volume of water they purchase.

ROGERS CITY GOES FOR PENSION BONDS

Rogers City Officials in April began the process of selling $5.7 million in bonds to raise money to put toward its employee pension debt. The move is designed to help stabilize the city’s payments on the long-term debt. The move did not raise city taxes.

The bonds will be repaid over 20 years with an interest rate of 2.8%.

SHOOTING AT DPI

In May, Benjamin Atwater, of Alpena, was arrested and charged with firing a handgun toward contractors as they worked on the roof of Decorative Panels International.

Nobody was injured in the shooting.

Witnesses later testified in court that they’d heard gunfire from the area in the days leading up to the May 12 shooting, and that a man had called to complain the contractors were making too much noise.

Atwater is expected to start trial next month.

LAKE HURON RISING

With the Great Lakes at or near record-high levels, sidewalks, docks, parks, and other infrastructure have been significantly damaged throughout Northeast Michigan. Strong winds and waves also caused some minor onshore flooding.

Local governments already have spent thousands of dollars on repairs, and are fearing more destruction when the spring thaw comes. Several local governments have passed resolutions calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a disaster area and seek federal aid.

TERRY KING RESIGNS

Alpena County Undersheriff Terry King chose to resign over being terminated by Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski late in June. Kieliszewski said King had made several poor decisions that had caused the sheriff to lose faith in his right-hand mand.

Hours after the forced resignation was announced, King announced he intends to run for sheriff in 2020.

King also filed a whistleblower suit against the Sheriff’s Office and is seeking $25,000.

King, meanwhile, remains under investigation by the state for misuse of funds in relation to a contract the Sheriff’s Office had to provide security at the Alpena Combat Readiness Center. King has denied wrongdoing.

APS BONDS, CHAPTERS 1 AND 2

In May, voters rejected a $63 million proposal from Alpena Public Schools that would have been used for major facilities upgrades at school buildings throughout the district, including tearing down and building a new Ella White Elementary School. The plan also would have caused property taxes to hike significantly.

Meanwhile, facilities issues continued at the schools, with leaking roofs and failing boilers that had kids wearing coats in their classrooms.

So the APS board voted in December to try again. In March, the district will ask voters for permission to sell $33.9 million in bonds, mostly for facilities repairs, instead of renovations. That plan is not expected to raise taxes, because, rather than allowing a property tax going toward old bonds sold in the 1990s to expire, the district could just continue that tax for another 25 years.

HARRISVILLE FIRST ON MARIJUANA

Harrisville in June became the first municipality in Northeast Michigan to allow the sale of recreational marijuana within city limits.

Voters in November 2018 allowed marijuana for recreational use but also gave local governments permission to prohibit marijuana businesses within their borders. Governments that did so also gave up on a share of state revenue from marijuana sales. Several Northeast Michigan governments, including Alpena and Alpena Township, prohibited sales.

Since Harrisville adopted new medical and recreational marijuana ordinances in June, the city has received applications for two medical and recreational marijuana provisioning centers.

SKALUBA GETS 16 TO LIFE

Nick Skaluba was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping a pair of girls during a series of July 2016 parties.

The sentence capped a years-long case that grabbed the attention of Northeast Michigan, prompting protests in downtown Alpena after Thompson Hein, another man charged in the case, received a sentence many saw as too light.

In October, Skaluba was denied a new trial after the defendant claimed mistakes and overzealousness by Alpena County Prosecutor Ed Black.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REFORMS

In August, an employee of District Health Department No. 4 slammed its leadership, calling administrators “incompetent” and accusing them of hurting employee morale.

After months of public criticism and behind-closed-doors discussions, the department’s board in October began to restructure its administrative team.

NEW RIVERFRONT PARK PLANNED

In September, the Alpena Municipal Council formally applied for a $4 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. that would cover most of the cost of a new entertainment park near the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center along the Thunder Bay River.

Several local groups already have begun fundraising for the required local match.

The park would include an amphitheater, pavilion, four sports courts, and much more, according to early designs.

HABITAT RESTORE BURNS

Officials with Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Michigan vowed to rebuild after an early morning fire on Nov. 3 burned the group’s ReStore to the ground.

Firefighters battled the blaze — caused by an electrical shortage, investigators said — for 12 hours. Two firefighters were injured.

The community quickly came together to raise funds to support Habitat in its efforts, and a new, temporary ReStore location opened at 2118 Werth Road.

MACK INVESTIGATED AND RETIRES

The Michigan Supreme Court in November removed Judge Michael Mack as chief judge of the 26th Circuit Court and replaced him with Montmorency Probate Court Judge Benjamin Bosler, who then suspended Mack from his docket.

The Michigan State Police then confirmed they were investigating Mack, but refused to say why. That investigation is ongoing.

Mack then announced he’ll retire in January, throwing the choice of his replacement to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Two Alpena defense attorneys, Joel Bauer and Lora Green, and Alpena County Prosecutor Ed Black have confirmed they submitted applications to the governor’s office.

Voters will choose a new circuit court judge in 2020.

SUNDIN RETIRES

Alpena city manager Greg Sundin retired in December and was replaced by Rachael Smolinski, director of the Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority, who was selected by the Alpena Municipal Council from six finalists for the position.

Sundin had been manager since replacing Thad Taylor in 2013.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News
• Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

• Yes
• No