Courtesy Photo A large crowd turned out for Alpena’s Bump & Run Friday night at the Alpena County Fair. In this photo by Kyla Avery, a colorful van and other vehicles race around the muddy track as the sun sets in the background.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Township resident Russ Rich recently shows off two jars of syringes and needles he found while walking around his neighborhood over the last four or five months. He said he fears for the safety of neighborhood children who could stumble across the drug paraphernalia and harm themselves.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Sadie McDonald, Estella Johnson, and Ellora Johnson brace for a wave of water to engulf them while playing at the splash park in Alpena on Sunday.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Dependable Lawn Care and Property Services owner Brandon Howley fires up a weed trimmer to use on a property in Alpena on Aug. 9. Howley grew his business from mowing one yard in high school, to landing large commercial contracts.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Brian Freier, employee at Opechee’s north of Alpena, holds Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting guides for 2021. Hunting and fishing license sales have been brisk at his store this summer, Freier said.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Madeleine Larson, 4, releases a sturgeon fingerling into the Upper Black River near Onaway on Saturday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Children gather around as Tim Cwalinski, senior fisheries biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, places a sturgeon fingerling into the hands of curious visitors to the Black River sturgeon hatchery near Onaway on Saturday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Tim Cwalinski, senior fisheries biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, transfers sturgeon fingerlings into a truck to be released in the Upper Black River near Onaway on Saturday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Children release sturgeon fingerlings in the Upper Black River near Onaway on Saturday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Children release sturgeon fingerlings in the Upper Black River near Onaway on Saturday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Children release sturgeon fingerlings in the Upper Black River near Onaway on Saturday.

News File Photo A sturgeon fingerling is released in the Upper Black River near Onaway in this August 2021 News archive photo.

Courtesy Photo Five C-130 Hercules aircraft from Rhode Island take shelter from Tropical Storm Henri at the Alpena Combat Readiness Center this weekend.

Courtesy Photo A C-130 Hercules aircraft from Rhode Island takes shelter from Tropical Storm Henri at the Alpena Combat Readiness Center this weekend.

Ben Henry

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Jesika Brown talks earlier this summer about the importance of support for people in recovery from drug addiction. Brown, a former heroin addict, is now a peer recovery coach for Catholic Human Services.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Zach Williams talks earlier this summer about his journey from addiction to recovery. Williams, a former heroin addict, is now a wellness advocate and peer recovery coach for Catholic Human Services.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Mark Hansen, who is currently a fire officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, was hired by Alpena Township on Monday. He said his goal is to work together with employees, fill vacant positions, and provide the best service possible for residents.

News Photo by Jonny Zawacki The Posen football team has its eye on growth and improvement this season after going 2-4 in 2020. The Vikings have made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and coach Greg Pietsch is excited by the potential of his young team.

Courtesy Photo Pictured left to right are: Jimmy Chen (1st net 1st flight), Gary Rasche (1st net senior flight), Dave Szydlowski (1st gross 1st flight), Tom Lahner (Club Champion), Sue Geyer (Women’s Club Champion), Donice ZiBerna (2nd gross), Peggy Stein (1st net) and Betty Eastway (2nd net). Not pictured are Steve Westrope (2nd gross senior flight) and Terry Kieliszewski (2nd net senior flight.)

Courtesy Photo The 2021 Alcona football team includes from left to right: Michael Basner (34), Hayden Johnston (32), Jesse Sheldon (33), Owen Borsvold (66), Gavin Walker (2), Logan Zuchowski (53), Hunter Rigby (55), Collin Walker (42), Garrett Somers (3), Jeremiah Bullis (8) and Ashton Tracy (5). Missing are Quinten and Kaden Goldberg.

News File Photo Geese meander near Grand Lake in July.

Courtesy Photo Above, the SCUBAnauts are geared up to dive into the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. This month was the first time any of the teen divers had visited The Great Lakes.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Above, the SCUBAnauts take a break in the classroom in Alpena earlier this month. From left to right are Bryn Fleming, Diana Phillips, John Ziska, Evana Foisy, and Gianna Montevago.

Courtesy Photo Justin Cummings and Alexandria Hoffmann appear in these photos provided by the Michigan State Police.

News Photo by Julie Riddle At the Alpena County Courthouse Annex last month, Judge Thomas LaCross of the 88th District Court discusses the impact of drug addiction and abuse on the community.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Brendan Maroney, left, speaks to an Alpena man in recovery from drug addiction outside Shoreline Church in Alpena last month.

News Photo by Julie Riddle James Stevens, left, project associate with the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium, instructs Brendan Maroney, pastor of Shoreline Church in Alpena, on the installation of a naloxone kit at the church last month.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Alpena resident James Mida speaks about addiction at Shoreline Church in Alpena last month.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson Jill Foco, a former alcoholic and now care manager and counselor at Sunrise Centre, works at her desk earlier this month.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson Kathy Freel, Sunrise Centre clinical supervisor, earlier this month talks about addiction from her desk at the facility.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Mary Catherine Hannah interviewed for the Alpena County Administrator position last week. On Tuesday, the board offered her the job. Initially the county offered the job to another candidate who removed himself from consideration because of family matters.

News File Photo Rogers City’s 2021 team includes: front row: Ciara Bellmore, Jaymison Fleming, Spencer Whitford and Hayden Hentkowski; second row: head coach Jesse Fenstermaker, Caden Fenstermaker, Dillon Cook, Anthony Paull and assistant coach Corey Brege; back row: Mason Bowden, Gus Bellmore, Dylan Lafleche, Patrick Mulka, Joe Brado and Caden Brege.

Courtesy Photo A pistol found in a toolbox in a Tower home after the arrest of a Millersburg man on drug and gun charges last week is seen in this photo provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

Courtesy Photo A pistol found in a first aid kit in a pickup truck with a Millersburg man arrested on drug and gun charges last week is seen in this photo provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

Courtesy Photo A pistol found in a box of dog biscuits in a pickup truck with a Millersburg man arrested on drug and gun charges last week is seen in this photo provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

Courtesy Photo Jeffrey William Kortman, as shown in a photo provided by the Michigan State Police.

4 Courtesy Photo A quantity of crystal meth found in conjunction with the arrest of a Millersburg man on drug and gun charges last week is seen in this photo provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

Courtesy Photo Methamphetamine and drug pipes found in conjunction with the arrest of a Millersburg man on drug and gun charges last week are seen in this photo provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

Courtesy Photo Jeffrey William Kortman, left, and Michael Allen Boughner as shown in photos provided by Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement.

News Photo by Justin A. Hinkley Pastor Lee Blanchard of Living Hope Church leads a group of 45 people from various Alpena-area churches in a prayer for Afghanistan on Wednesday at Bay View Park.

Courtesy Photo Alpena’s varsity football team includes from left to right: front row: Logan Momrik, Everett Zann, Ryan Voltz, Kayden Budnick, Jake Zann, Brady Pagels, Mason Mumford, Luke Young, Nic Geister and Jason Smolinski; second row: Sam Cook, Ryan Ritter, Wesly Elliot, Zack McDonald, Derred Weitting, John Short, Gunner Spencer, Cameron Stevens, Mason Villareal, and Reggie Rambus; third row: Colt Gray, Carson Frisch, Tristian Pilarski, Zack Kunath, Ethan Johnson, Joe Blewett, Christian Wicklund, Brady Niedzwiecki, Andrew Dargis and Colin Hansen; back row: manager Sawyer Haugerud, assistant coach Andrew Wolfgang, head coach Eric Mitchell, assistant coach Steve Zann, assistant coach Rick Voltz and manager Mya Bellanger.

News Photo by Jonny Zawacki The 2021 Hillman football team is pictured in this news photo. The Tigers, under coach Cody Allen, are aiming to extend their playoff streak to 16 seasons and will embark on their fourth season as an 8-Player football program.

Courtesy Photo The 2021 Relay for Life took place Saturday, August 14, at Connie’s Cafe in Ossineke. Annie Hepburn, event lead for the Relay for Life, would like to extend her sincere gratitude to Connie and Gary Stephan, pictured above, for hosting the event and sharing their beautiful “Garden of Dreams” for people to walk through. “This event allowed us to recognize the survivors as well as remember and honor those touched by cancer,” Hepburn said. “Our goal this year for the Northeast Michigan Relay for Life was $75,000 and, at this time, we have raised $82,359 and are still accepting donations until the end of September.” To make a donation, you can reach out to a team captain or go to www.RelayForLife.org/NEMi. Hepburn is very appreciative to all the teams and donors who made this event such a success. “We are so grateful for those who support the Relay for Life, and this year we had an anonymous donor of $25,000 who matched $1 for $1,” Hepburn said. “Connie’s Angels team is the leading team in fundraising this year, with over $47,000.”

Courtesy Photo Andy Perrin, who is in the Air National Guard at the base in Alpena. He will be sitting in with the band at the VFW. Mike Madill retired from the Alpena CRTC in 2019 and guitar player Tim Fields was in the Army. The Alpena VFW Post 2496 will be hosting The Blue Water Rockers from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. This concert is open to the public. A cover charge of $15 includes an all-you-can-eat taco bar starting at 6 p.m.

Courtesy Photo From left to right, are the Blue Water Rockers: Rick Hankinson, Mike Madill, Tim Fields & Jim Eccles. The Alpena VFW Post 2496 will be hosting The Blue Water Rockers from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. This concert is open to the public. A cover charge of $15 includes an all-you-can-eat taco bar starting at 6 p.m.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Drs. Brendan and Leah Conboy are the honorary chairs for the 20th Annual Aliferis Memorial Race on Saturday, Sept. 4. The race starts from MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, seen in the background of this photo taken from the bridge at Island Park.

Courtesy Photo Dr. Brendan Conboy, obstetrician at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, scrubs his hands before surgery Wednesday evening.

Pictured above, from left to right, are Evening Lions member Bill Garant, treasurer Carl Chrzan, Dr. Richard Chura in back, scholarship winner Matthew Meyer, and Lions member Norm Poli.

Picture above right, from left to right, are Garant, Chrzan, Chura, scholarship winner Karli Myers, and Poli.

Courtesy Photo/Ben Murphy Onaway junior Hudson Decker is the lone returning starter for Onaway this season.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Authorities responded to a collision between a transport truck and a motor home Thursday night at the intersection of Long Lake Road and U.S.-23 North.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Authorities responded to a collision between a transport truck and a motor home Thursday night at the intersection of Long Lake Road and U.S.-23 North.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Authorities responded to a collision between a transport truck and a motor home Thursday night at the intersection of Long Lake Road and U.S.-23 North.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Authorities responded to a collision between a transport truck and a motor home Thursday night at the intersection of Long Lake Road and U.S.-23 North.

News Photo by Jonny Zawacki Alpena tight end Colt Gray (45) catches a pass and tries to elude a Marquette defender during the first quarter of the Wildcats’ season-opening game at Marquette on Thursday.

News Photo by Julie Riddle Dr. Leah Conboy, pediatrician at the Alcona Health Center, discusses student masking at the center’s Long Rapids Plaza site on Thursday.

Courtesy Photo Damage to the Alcona Animal Clinic appears in this photo shared by the Alcona County Sheriff's Office.

Courtesy Photo Brynn Nicole Bills is seen in these photos from the Michigan State Police.

Courtesy Photo A crashed Corvette appears in this photo provided by the Michigan State Police.

Courtesy Photos from Michigan DNR Above, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Maritime Archaeologist Wayne Lusardi documents the portside wing of a Bell P-39 Airacobra wrecked in Lake Huron in 1944. Below, Lusardi, left, and diver Ernie Franklin prepare to lay a wreath at the wreck site in honor of Lt. Frank Moody. (Photos by Erik Denson)

Above is an armored bulletproof windshield of Lt. Moody’s Bell P-39 Airacobra. (Photo by W.R. Lusardi)

Lusardi, left, and diver Ernie Franklin prepare to lay a wreath at the wreck site in honor of Lt. Frank Moody. (Photos by Erik Denson)

Courtesy Photo Chillville Music Collective, a two-day music festival, continues today at Hubbard Lake Lions Park. Pictured above, MJ Smith performs as MJ Bones. Today’s performances begin at noon, featuring a medley of folk, country, rock, and grunge. Food will be offered by Clyde’s BBQ. For more information, visit Chillville Music Collective on Facebook.

J. Lee Grady

News Photo by Julie Riddle Dr. Alex Senchuk, pharmacist at LeFave Pharmacy in Alpena, displays a vial of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the store on Friday.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Tiffany Brilinski, left, and Parker Timm shop for school supplies at Walmart in Alpena on Tuesday. School in Alpena starts on Monday.

News Photo by James Andersen Hillman’s Jeff Klein (3) turns upfield past Alcona defender Michael Basner during a football game at Hillman High School on Friday.

News Photo by James Andersen Alcona’s Garrett Somers (3) is tackled by Hillman’s Landen Timm during the first quarter of Friday’s game. Playing its first game as an 8-Player football team, Alcona prevailed in its season opener, defeating Hillman 20-6.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are pictured in August at the corner of U.S.-23 and Nicholson Hill Road.

Courtesy Photo/The Oscoda Press Paul Bunyan is pictured at Furtaw Field in Oscoda ahead of Oscoda Rock Fest.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson TOP: The lumberjack outside of Alpena Community College’s Park Arena was previously a Paul Bunyan statue called Kaiser Paul.