We want to extend our deepest gratitude to every single person and business who stepped up and served our community during last week's historic ice storm. As most of Northern Michigan, and nearly 100% of Alpena County, lost power and faced some incredibly tough conditions, it was YOU, our neighbors, who made all the difference.
In times of need, it's essential for a community to come together—and you did just that. Whether it was offering a helping hand to clear roads, providing food and shelter for those without heat, or checking in on the elderly and vulnerable, your acts of kindness and selflessness are what make our community so special.
This storm may have tested us, but it also showcased the true strength of our collective spirit. Together, we are making it through.
There are still many in our community (and our neighboring counties) without power and struggling from the storm damage. It’s more important than ever that we continue helping our neighbors—whether it’s offering a warm meal, checking on those still without electricity, or lending a hand with recovery efforts.
Thank you again to all the volunteers, first responders, and community members who worked tirelessly. You truly embody the heart of Alpena County, and we couldn't be more proud to be part of this incredible community.
#CommunityStrong #AlpenaCounty #ThankYou #IceStormHeroes
Below is a list we were trying to keep of every single business and person that helped (and are still helping) during the relief efforts. We know that we’ve missed many, many people. Please comment below (and tag the business if you can) with any names we’ve missed. We want to thank everyone who was a part of this!
- ALDI
- All County Search and Rescue
- All lineman, utility works, Internet service providers, and those working around the clock to restore power and communications
- All of our township leaders across the county, including township supervisors, fire departments, and fire chiefs
- Alpena County Administrator, Jesse Osmer who worked non-stop to support the community, including coordinating the Merchant Building warming shelter
- Alpena County Animal Control Shelter Employees & their volunteers
- Alpena County Board of Commissioners, especially those who worked the front lines and worked in our warming shelters
- Alpena County Central Dispatch
- Alpena County Emergency Manager, Kim Elkie
- Alpena County Maintenance Dept
- Alpena County Road Commission
- Alpena County Sheriff’s Office Employees & their families
- Alpena County Victim Services Unit
- Alpena CRTC
- Alpena Public Schools
- Alpena Township
- AuSable Inclusion Center
- Beaver Lake Church
- Ben Young & Young’s Appliance
- Blarney Castle
- Center for Charity/St. Bernard’s Friendship Room
- Christian Aid Ministries
- City of Alpena
- Courtney Holmes & mom
- Dave Timm
- Eric Peterson & family
- Fred Badgero & Fat Freddies Food Truck
- Gov Gretchen Whitmer for stopping by Meijer
- Grace Lutheran Church
- Hungry Hippie
- Huron Distributors
- Jeff Konczak
- John Benson & JJ’s Steak and Pizza
- KC Sizzle & Smokehouse
- Long Rapids Church for their support in the community and at the shelter
- Long Rapids Township Hall
- Meijer
- Michigan National Guard
- Mjr. Prezza Morrison and the Salvation Army
- MyMichigan Medical Center
- Northern Michigan Food Bank
- Nowicki’s Sausage Shop
- Pepsi
- Pompeyos
- Propane Plus
- Red Cross
- Representative Cam Cavitt for his daily check ins
- Samantha’s on 2nd
- Save-a-Lot
- Senator Michele Hoitenga for coming to Alpena and assessing our needs
- Smith Electric
- St. Paul Lutheran Church
- Thunder Bay Electric
- Trinity Episcopal Church