Houghton County to pursue reinstated substance abuse grant to support Treatment Court

The Houghton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to proceed with implementing a reinstated substance abuse grant intended to support the county's Treatment Court.

The vote (4-0, with Commissioner Joel Keranen absent) followed public comment urging the county to apply and staff discussion of timelines and administrative commitments. Commissioners said the grant would provide roughly $60,000 per year and that a grant plan must be submitted by Feb. 11, 2026.

Gail Ploe, who read a letter to the commissioners during the public comment period, said the grant "was reinstated under 24 hours" and expressed confidence Houghton County would receive the award. Commissioner Glenn Anderson said a federal court had reinstated the grant. Keith Anderson said the award would benefit five counties and distinguished the support grant discussed from a separate expansion grant.

Administrator Rheault said she would commit time to the program and offered to schedule weekly meetings to oversee implementation; Ploe said staff could remain in their current positions while the program proceeds or the county could look for alternatives if necessary.

Commissioner Glenn Anderson moved to proceed with implementing the grant if funds are available; Commissioner Gretchen Janssen seconded. The motion passed by the following recorded vote: YES: Anderson, Janssen, Tikkanen, Britz (4). NO: None (0). Absent: Keranen (1).

Supporters noted that Judge Daavettila had provided a strong letter of support for the grant and that grant funds would be available to draw down once the plan and contracting steps were completed. County officials emphasized that the plan and any contract employee payments must be submitted by Feb. 11, 2026, as part of the next steps.