Alpena County extends warming shelter through March as shelter operators seek parking help

The Alpena County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 27 to extend the county’s emergency warming shelter at the fairgrounds Merchant’s Building through March 31, 2026.

Michelle Bailey, executive director of Sunrise Mission, told commissioners the shelter was operating at maximum capacity and asked for permission to use the Annex Building parking lot overnight so guests can safely access their cars when going to work. Diane Mason-Lacross, a public commenter, said the shelter’s current scheduled hours (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) were too short and said volunteers were willing to staff later hours.

County Administrator Jesse Osmer reported shelter usage figures so far — nine men and three women, with five clients on the county’s coldest day — and said the shelter had extended hours during that emergency. Osmer said the county secured insurance for the program. Judge Lacross and Christina Kihn are preparing an amendment to permit extended operating hours, which commissioners said they would consider in a future meeting.

Commissioner Bill Peterson moved to extend the warming shelter agreement through March 31, 2026; Commissioner Dan Ludlow supported the motion. A roll call vote showed all eight commissioners voting in favor.

The extension leaves open administrative follow-up: staff agreed to present any needed operational amendments for the board’s consideration and to clarify insurance-deductible responsibilities where relevant. The shelter’s operators continue to press for added overnight parking and operational flexibility to address extreme-cold events.

What’s next: county staff and shelter partners will pursue the amendment to extend hours and report back to the board; the extension itself is effective through March 31, 2026.