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Our County Board of Commissioners advocate for our residents to protect from unneeded spending while ensuring public needs and services are met. Together they do this by finding new ways to keep money in your pockets and protect the natural beauty of our Northern Michigan lifestyle. Our Otsego County, Gaylord Regional Airport is having a busy year. With record fuel sales eclipsing the past two years and new contracts with several based businesses. In addition to aircraft charter, maintenance and ambulance service the airport hosts the U.S. Forest Service each year. Well done to GLR Director Shari Rivest & her airport team. The 2023 Prepare Fair! Held at the Michigan State Police 7th District Headquarters in Gaylord with help of our Otsego County Emergency Management Team. Providing public awareness on how to prepare for emergencies. Many had equipment on site along with support agencies to meet and talk with the public. Our County Park hosts Halloween Weekends the last 2 weekends in September, when the weather is still warm. The camp sites are fully decorated and they welcome trick-or-treaters. Fun for all with hay rides, carnival games, costume contests and a dance. Since finding the best number or contact on an issue can be challenging in government, a few of our County Directors accompanied me on a visit to one of our senior living centers (pic left) Our Fire Chief, EMS, Bus, Animal Control Directors were just a few that attended. Our Sheriff followed up with a class on phone and mail scams. Days later I was pleased to sit with Eugene (right) at the Commission on Aging building for lunch, which offers seniors a cooked meal and conversation Mon-Fri Paula is the 23rd Treasurer since 1876, serving over 25,000 residents in Otsego County. As the custodian of all county funds, the Treasurer’s Office is responsible for collecting delinquent taxes; receipting, recording and investing all money pertaining to the County, as well as tax certification of deeds to be recorded. Paula wants you to know “their smiling faces are the first you see when you enter the County building, so stop and say hi!” Kimber Pierzchalski, Treasurer Paula Wright, Liz Roose, Erica Jordan Although the origin can be debated, the “Challenge Coin” and what it represents still holds true. It’s more tangible then a thank you letter to mark an occasion & if not displayed, it will turn up in your junk drawer, tool or jewelry box and remind you of the circumstance you received it. - Given as welcome to a team or unit - Given to recognize accomplishment - Given to commemorate an event Our nativity scene, that for decades, has been set up on our County building lawn was showing signs of wear and tear. Broken and faded until our County’s Buildings and Grounds Department worked a miracle with Bondo & paint. Tom Chinchak pictured right headed up the effort along with help from Brian Abel left. Recognizing & getting to thank one of our County Transportation Team members, Pic left John Detkowski on his first year working with Otsego County. 3rd Qtr. 2023 The Otsego County Building Department Director Jeff Proux checking on work for the new Hobby Lobby store. The previous building was heavily damaged by the Tornado of 2020 that truly devastated our City. The new building which will now include well over fifty-two thousand feet of floor space will open sometime in the next few months. Meet Eric Fradette from our local Gaylord Kirtland Community College HVACR Program here in Otsego County. Eric and several other dedicated instructors teach highly sought after technical trade skills preparing our next generation of hands on professionals. Employers are in vital need of these graduates Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant James Fox From left to right: Commissioners Jonathan Turnbull, Terra Deming, Henry Mason, County Administrator Matt Barresi, Chairman Doug Johnson, Vice Chairman Brett McVannel, Commissioners Jason Clement, Dana Wingo, Kyle Yohe, Trevor Burroughs This publication is now viewed by email or in print by 600+ recipients throughout the County, the State and even by a few across the globe. Reader Comment: It is a “day brightener” to wake up to JUST THE GOOD NEWS! Highlighting positive people working together is always noteworthy.