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Oscoda County officials brief public on ice-storm emergency response; commissioners praise first responders
Summary
County officials updated the public April 8 on a State of Emergency declared after a severe ice storm, detailing first-responder door-to-door outreach and recovery work; Commissioners and a court administrator praised local response and pledged improvements to preparedness.
At its April 8 meeting, the Oscoda County Board of Commissioners received an update on the county's response to a recent ice storm and the State of Emergency declared by Governor Whitmer.
County leaders described coordinated door-to-door outreach and recovery efforts by law enforcement, fire departments and emergency management staff. Chair Charles E. Varner, Jr. opened the discussion and county staff and emergency responders summarized operations and mutual-aid activities.
Why this matters: The board said the storm caused substantial local disruption and the State of Emergency allowed state and federal aid coordination. Commissioners emphasized continuity of essential services and the need to refine preparedness plans ahead of future events.
County Administrator/HR Director Michelle Knepp and Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Bowers joined fire and law enforcement leaders in outlining response steps and outreach to affected residents. The board heard that first responders conducted door-to-door checks to identify residents in need of immediate help.
Tom Pratt, court administrator, speaking during public comment, praised the coordinated effort: "it made me very proud to work for a County who supports their community," he said, calling the outreach "very impressive." Chair Varner credited responders and staff and said the county would "continue to assist and make improvements to preparedness and organization." Commissioner Jackie Bondar relayed that Rob Pallarito, district director for Senator Michelle Hoitenga, told her that the electrical grid had been destroyed in parts of the county during the storm, a point she raised while discussing FEMA support efforts.
The board did not take policy action beyond discussion and continued oversight; it closed the item after requesting ongoing coordination with county emergency management and partner agencies. The board adjourned at 10:56 a.m. and scheduled its next regular meeting for April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
