Au GRES — The Au Gres planning commission will be researching the feasibility of creating a tax abatement district for commercial property within the city following a city council vote May 1. more

LINCOLN TWP. — The Lincoln Township board unanimously voted to pursue a special fire assessment during its regular meeting May 9. more

STANDISH — The Standish-Sterling school board unanimously agreed to form a joint swim team with Pinconning at its meeting May 13, which will see Pinconning boys and girls swimming under the SSC flag in the 2013-2014 school year. more

OMER — The city of Omer recently received a grant from the Central Michigan District Health Department to help form a five-year recreational plan, which can be used to get grant money to create trails and improve non-motorized vehicle routes. more

TWINING — Arenac Eastern and Au Gres-Sims students from grades 6-12 had the opportunity to check out some of the hobbies and activities out there during the schools’ annual teen summit May 10. more

TURNER — The Turner village council is continuing efforts to improve the town with pothole patching, sidewalk clearing, and a flower planting day on May 18. more

ARENAC COUNTY — A battle over the rights and responsibilities between the Arenac County Board of Commissioners and the county’s parks and recreation board has led to a police investigation and the resignation of Commissioner Chairman Mike Snyder from the chairman post. more

Au GRES — Voters in the city of Au Gres headed to the polls May 7 to choose between two candidates for the open city council seat, voting Dan Pockrandt into office. more

ARENAC COUNTY — The water levels in the Lake Huron/Lake Michigan basin rose higher than projected due to heavy precipitation and cold weather in April, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. more

STANDISH — Standish-Sterling’s valedictorian, Duane Bean III, is heading out east this fall. more