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Blizzard of 2022 & 2023: After the tornado in May and then a blizzard in December and February, this was truly 10 months that tested our community and our county team. Its potential to knock out power to thousands, with over 30+ inches of snow in places, freezing temperatures, high winds and at times zero visibility, these two winter storms could have both been declared a major State of Emergency! But when the storms did hit us, our community did remarkably well. Fortunately no loss of life or loss of power. Ambulance runs braved the weather to save lives with an EMS plow truck leading the way cutting through the snow. The Sheriff’s Office Deputies offered assistance to those stranded on the side of roads. Our County Jail Corrections Officers worked long hours and our Building & Grounds Department jumpstarted our digging out and recovery. Except when road visibility was at zero our County Road Commission plow trucks ran constantly with few breaks if any and to Kirk Harrier and his plow teams we all say a special “Thank You” from all of us in Otsego County. A new ambulance arrived at Otsego County EMS in Gaylord after a one year wait due to supply chain issues. Emergency Services Manager Jon Deming said they do more than 5,000 runs per year, which means a lot of mileage is put on vehicles. Long before many are even awake, Jake Nowak and the small County Maintenance crew have been at it for hours. Clearing parking lots, paths and even runways. Our daily mission starts with them! Otsego County Corrections Officer Eric Pandell started work in March 1986. We join him in celebrating his 37 years of dedicated service to our Sheriff’s Office and our community. Officer Pandells Division head, Capt. Webber states “Eric has been a leader and a trainer for much of that time”. Without a doubt Eric has one of the hardest jobs, working in an old and often overcrowded jail and sometimes meeting people in what could be the worst day of their lives. Fortunately Eric and nine others who also wear a distinct black uniform of the Division demonstrate an empathetic professionalism we all are proud of! Veteran’s Coffee at the Gaylord Regional Airport 1st Wednesday of each month at 9am. No Speakers, No Agendas, No fuss! . Many are succeeding with herculean tasks. My hope is to draw attention to that effort and shine a light on those that are getting it done! Matt Barresi, Otsego County Administrator 1st Qtr. 2023 Otsego County, Michigan Board of Commissioners Back Row: Commissioners Henry Mason, Jason Clement, Dana Wingo, Trevor Burroughs Front Row: Kyle Yohe, Brett McVannel, Doug Johnson, Terra Deming, Jonathan Turnbull Major, US Army Ret. Please welcome our new Otsego County Board of Commissioners. The Otsego County Animal Control and Shelter has been busy. They teamed up with Embrace Pet Insurance and Dr. Joy Rodabaugh to vaccinate dogs for Parvo and rabies. At least 100 animals were vaccinated with Embrace Pet Insurance picking up the cost. In January, with Dr. Joy we offered a one day cat neuter clinic at the shelter. This was for cats owned by citizens of Otsego County. So why do a newsletter? I have the privilege of seeing what our truly incredible team of county employees achieve for our community each and every day. Melissa FitzGerald, Director Animal Control Officer Eric Pandell Airport Director Shari Rivest Hosts