May 2023

House Bill 4515 received unanimous approval from the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure. This bill aims to eliminate the expiration of Michigan’s off-road vehicle (ORV) licensing program. The ORV licensing program provides owners with the opportunity to engage in outdoor recreational activities while also contributing to the upkeep of trails and infrastructure that facilitate these experiences. Currently, the program is scheduled to end at the conclusion of the present year.

Spring has slowly crept up on us; giving us hints and peaks at the good weather to come. Already we can see the first blooms around town and in our gardens. Soon enough wildflowers will be an even more common site and hopefully they will be buzzing with pollinators in no time. Unfortunately, decline in pollinators has been observed around the world and is a multifaceted issue. Climate change hasn’t helped.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been named one of the top camping destinations by one of the most well known camping apps in North America. The 2023 Best Places To Camp lists from The Dyrt was released in May, containing the most highly rated, celebrated and sought-after camping locales in the region.

AJ Schierschmidt, with the Alger County Sheriff’s Office performed a test of the Lifetracker equipment on Tuesday, May 16. Kris Lindquist with the Alger County Commission on Aging, hid the GPS locator in a cup of water, back in the woods. AJ fired up the tracking equipment and found the cup in short order. The tracking equipment can locate a missing person up to at least five miles, and the GPS is waterproof. This is a valuable program which helps give caregivers a piece of mind when caring for loved ones who are at risk of wandering. Call Alger County Commission on Aging for more info at 906-387-2439.