The region welcomed U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow this week.

Michigan’s senior senator met with officials from around the region to hear the concerns they have about property damage many are experiencing from high lake water levels.

In addition, she visited with different health care stakeholders to learn more about their needs and challenges.

It was a lot to digest, but she made the most of each step she made.

“Today’s visits are an important way for me to hear firsthand from some of Michigan’s dedicated health professionals and patients on ways to improve care and bring down costs for Michigan families,” she said after visiting the MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena and the Thunder Bay Community Health Service in Hillman.

Following her tour of areas impacted by erosion from high water levels, Stabenow promised to continue working with Congress to find more funds to address the damage being incurred.

Regarding high water levels around the country — which she said are being triggered by climate change — Stabenow had this to say: “This is a very serious issue, and it needs to continue to be addressed and more done.”

It’s hard to get every issue addressed on a quick tour like this week’s.

However, we are confident Stabenow left better-informed and that she will have her staff follow up with answers to many of the questions that were raised during her stay.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)