It seems to happen all the time, this community making us smile, proud to call Northeast Michigan home.

The latest example was came Thursday, when reporter Steve Schulwitz told us about the offers of not one, but two community groups to step in and make something of the deteriorating ball field, dugouts and concession stand buildings at the Alpena County Fairgrounds.

Last month, the county Board of Commissioners discussed simply tearing down the buildings and tearing up the field.

Last week, the Thundercats girls softball team and 4-H horse Developmental Committee stepped up to offer other paths.

The Thundercats would use the fields for practice and to host tournaments. The 4-H group would use the space for equestrian exercises and exhibitions.

Commissioners made a wise choice last week in deciding to wait to see if any other individuals or groups come forward with proposals.

We do not envy the choice commissioners will have to make, because both proposals offered last week or good ones that would do good things for our community. And we can only image what other sorts of great ideas are out there.

But, no matter what happens, we are proud to see Northeast Michiganders stepping up, once again, to make something from nothing. That’s the kind of thing that makes this community the best place to live, work, and play.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)