News

WIC participants now able to use benefits online at Meijer stores

Michigan News July 29, 2026

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced on Tuesday in a press release that families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are now able to shop with their WIC benefits online at Meijer stores. “WIC beneficiaries were already able to use their WIC cards for in-store shopping at Meijer and offering online shopping will make it even easier for families to buy healthy foods,” Amy Epkey, MDHHS acting director, said in the release. “MDHHS is committed to helping residents put food ...

109 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in Northeast Michigan, Tuesday

Local News July 29, 2026

ALPENA - According to Chelsea Engle, District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) administrative health officer, there were 109 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the DHD4 coverage area as of Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. According to Engle, it takes three to seven days to get test results back for the ...

Navigating the ballot for the primary election

Local News July 29, 2026

ALPENA — With Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election approaching and numerous absentee ballots still outstanding, City of Alpena Clerk Anna Soik is urging residents to return their ballots promptly and to carefully navigate the primary ballot so their votes on nonpartisan millage proposals are ...

Michigan Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollment slumps amid rising costs

Michigan News July 29, 2026

About 130,000 fewer Michiganders were enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage this February compared with last year, according to new federal data. The state’s shrinking coverage — a loss of roughly 1 in 4 people covered — follows a national trend: nearly 3 million ...

UPDATED: Animal Control gets a new officer

Local News July 29, 2026

ALPENA — The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office hired its new Animal Control Officer this month, bringing on a local animal rehabilitator, Ashley Kolnowski, to run the law enforcement side of animal control. Kolnowski owns and operates Alpena’s Bird Center (ABC) in Ossineke. She is a ...

All Saints School robotics teams win Innovate Award at premier event

Local News July 29, 2026

ALPENA — After a successful 2025-2026 robotics season, the All Saints Holy Gears were one of 48 teams from across the world invited to the Canadian Rockies Premier Event, where they were the winners of the Innovate Award. The Holy Gears won several awards throughout their season, including ...