Ludington Street will be closed between 11th and 12th Streets for a community event supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project, aimed at providing safe Halloween experiences for children with food allergies. Participants can distribute either candy or non-food items, and the event is free to join, encouraging families to bring their children.

In addition, a new mentoring initiative called the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program has been launched, offering opportunities for community members to mentor children in need. The program requires a commitment of just 45 minutes per week and has expanded to include schools in Kearney. Mentors, particularly male mentors, are currently in high demand, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact Tiffany Hewitt for more information.

During the meeting, Commissioner Milner was congratulated on being elected to the board of commissioners for the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). This role is seen as vital for keeping local officials informed about legislative changes, particularly regarding issues like septic tank legislation that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The meeting also highlighted recent improvements at the sheriff's department garage, where maintenance staff successfully completed concrete installation, enhancing operational efficiency for winter ice rescues.

Looking ahead, the park and recreation committee plans to introduce innovative ideas discussed at the recent MAC conference, focusing on cost-effective initiatives that can enhance community engagement and attract visitors.

The next finance meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2024, at 8:30 AM, followed by a statutory Board of Commissioners meeting on October 8, 2024, at 5:15 PM.