Last December, the Lions Club stepped forward and adopted McRae Park. The Alpena Lions are pursuing opportunities to improve the facilities at the park. Areas of concern include the basketball court and playground equipment.

The Alpena Lions welcomed Sheriff Erik Smith to their luncheon meeting on Tuesday. Smith provided members with informational updates on the jail facility, new police vehicles and staffing.

With the addition of more correction officers, coverage at the jail is improving. Deputies are now available to perform road patrols instead of performing correction officer duties. Road patrols will be more frequent and will be occurring 24/7.

New police vehicles are being leased through Enterprise Car Rental. New in-car cameras can link with existing body cameras providing continuous coverage. The leased vehicles include warranties and service coverage which should help reduce maintenance costs incurred on the older fleet.

Courtesy Photo Members of the Alpena Lions Club spread wood chips on the playground at McRae Park in Alpena.

A recent state requirement may end up costing the sheriff’s department. Changing radios to the new 800 megahertz radio may end up costing an estimated $260,000 to replace existing communication equipment. These radios will help improve communications throughout the state and will allow communications between the various agencies.

The Alpena Lions meet weekly on Tuesday at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. For more information, visit the Alpena Lions Facebook page or the Alpena Lions website at alpenalionsclub.com.