A recent Upper Peninsula-wide youth survey showed Iron County ranks first in use of alcohol in the past 30 days by eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students, and first in use of marijuana in the past 30 days by 10th grade students, according to information provided to the board from the Iron County Communities That Care coalition.

ICCTC through the survey identified three primary risk factors for youth: family management problems, low commitment to school and favorable parental attitudes toward problem behaviors.

Both Forest Park and West Iron County schools students and their parents are invited to the October event that will include food and motivational speakers, such as local Olympian Nick Baumgartner, Jean Flood and local pastor and recovering addict Seth Waters, the ICCTC information states.

ICCTC, the Iron County Drug Task Force, Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Northcare Network, Northpointe, Aspirus and local law enforcement all will be involved in the event.

A similar event at West Iron County Schools is planned for later in the academic year.

In other business, the board:

— Authorized the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region to update the county’s hazard mitigation plan. The county likely will have to contribute some local match money or in-kind resources in the range of $2,000 to $3,000, according to information from WUPPDR. Having a plan in place is required if the county wants Federal Emergency Management Agency money for pre-disaster mitigation projects or post-disaster needs.

— Agreed to place the draft 2019 budget in the county clerk’s office for public review for 30 days. The proposed budget shows a balanced general fund, with $5.7 million in revenues and expenses.

— Moved the next regular board meeting from 4 p.m. Oct. 9 to 4 p.m. Oct. 16.

— Went into closed session to discuss the corrections officers’ union bargaining agreement and then ratified the agreement in open session.

— Sent a letter of support for the Iron Baraga Conservation District’s grant application.

— Approved an official job description for the county administrator position.

COMMENTS