Crime Free Multi Housing

On Monday, March 23, 2009, representatives from the Township, rental properties, and the Kent County Sheriff;s Department participated in a Crime Free Multi-Housing presentation. Officer Brian Konecki, a certified instructor for the Crime Free Multi-Housing program and an officer with the Saginaw Township Police Department conducted the program. Participants learned about different crime prevention techniques, including good environmental design, proper lighting, applicant screening, eviction procedures, and much more. This program has met with success in other communities. including several in Michigan. The program was well appreciated by all who attended, and its success will demonstrate how different segments of the community can work together to continue keeping Alpine Township a great place to live.

New Michigan Enhanced Driver's License

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced that her office will be offering residents an enhanced driver's license, which eases travel back into the United States. With more stringent border crossing rules starting June 1, the enhanced driver's license can be considered as a convenient, less expensive option allowing Michigan residents to return to the United States.” The new license will be available in Spring and will cost $45.00.
Michigan's enhanced driver's license was proposed by Land as a way for travelers to speed their return from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travelers -- including U.S. citizens -- must produce a passport or an approved secure document such as the enhanced driver's license to enter the country by land or sea beginning June 1. The law affects people who travel between Michigan and Canada in pleasure boats, in addition to other modes of travel.
Land's plan to offer enhanced driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards was approved in 2008 by the Michigan Legislature and the governor, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The cards will be voluntary and available in the spring only to Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens. Michigan will continue offering its standard driver's license as well. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/sos.

My Personal Michigan Hero

That was the topic for this year's annual America and Me essay contest. The NorthWest Advance reported three eighth grade students from Holy Trinity School in Alpine Township won honors, They are Teresa Brechting, Luke Sullevan, and Emily Maguire. Teresa Brechting's first place essay entitles her to advance to state level competition. The top state wide winners will be announced in April. Congratulations to all and we wish Teresa good luck! The contest is sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.