Arenac County, Michigan

Infobox U.S. County
county = Arenac County
state = Michigan




map size = 200
founded = 1883
seat = Standish | area_total_sq_mi =681
area_water_sq_mi =314
area percentage = 46.12%
census yr = 2000
pop = 17269
density_km2 =18
web = www.arenaccountygov.com
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Arenac County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the population was 17,269. The county seat is StandishGR|6.

Geography

*According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 681 square miles (1,763 km²), of which, 367 square miles (950 km²) of it is land and 314 square miles (813 km²) of it (46.12%) is water.
*The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is the controlling regional body for the Catholic Church. [ [http://www.saginaw.org/ Saginaw County Diocese home page] ]

Geographic features

*Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron
*Au Gres River
*Rifle River
*Pine River (Arenac County)

Major Highways

Interstates

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US Highways

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Michigan State Trunklines

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Adjacent counties

*Iosco County (northeast)
*Bay County (south)
*Gladwin County (west)
*Ogemaw County (northwest)

National protected area

* Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge (part)

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, [ [http://censtats.census.gov/data/MI/05026011.pdf Statistical profile of Arenac County, Michigan] , United States Census Bureau, Census 2000] there were 17,269 people, 6,710 households, and 4,717 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile (18/km²). There were 9,563 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.38% White, 1.82% Black or African American, 0.95% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. 1.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.0% were of German, 14.1% Polish, 11.6% French, 10.6% American, 7.9% English, 6.8% Irish and 5.3% French Canadian ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.9% spoke English and 1.3% Spanish as their first language.

There were 6,710 households out of which 29.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.00% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 26.80% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 105.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,805, and the median income for a family was $39,033. Males had a median income of $31,205 versus $20,363 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,300. About 11.30% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.70% of those under age 18 and 7.80% of those age 65 or over.

Casino

In early 2007, plans were confirmed for a casino located outside of the city of Standish with a scheduled opening by the end of the year; operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. [ [http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-9/117792816259000.xml&coll=4 Casino will change face of Standish, Northeast Michigan, residents say] ] The Saganing Eagles Landing Casino grand opening was held Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 2690 Worth Road. [ [http://www.saganing-eagleslanding.com/ribboncutting08.pdf Saganing Eagles Landing grand opening.] ]

Government

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts,keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, andparticipates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The countyboard of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. InMichigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, streetmaintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Arenac County elected officials

* Prosecuting Attorney: Curtis Broughton
* Sheriff: Ronald Bouldin
* County Clerk: Ricky R. Rockwell
* County Treasurer: Dennis Stawowy
* Register of Deeds: Rose Smith
* Drain Commissioner: Don Prueter
* Road Commissioners: Lewis Ostrander; Kenneth Stawowy; Ray Gulvas

(information as of September 2005)

Cities, villages, and townships

Cities
*Au Gres
*Omer
*StandishVillages
*Sterling
*Turner
*TwiningUnincorporated
*Alger
*Delano
*Maple Ridge

*Melita
*Pine River

Townships
*Adams Township
*Arenac Township
*Au Gres Township
*Clayton Township
*Deep River Township
*Lincoln Township
*Mason Township
*Moffatt Township
*Sims Township
*Standish Township
*Turner Township
*Whitney Township

Recurrent events

* Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Ride, first weekend in September. Ride Along Lake Huron Shoreline (US 23) from the Arenac County fairgrounds to Mackinac Bridge then South to West Branch on M-33 and M-55 . This is a 400 mile long organized ride. [ [http://misunriseside.com/bikerally.pdf Sunrise side bike ride.] ]

References

Bibliography and further reading

* [http://www.clarke.cmich.edu/localhistory/Arenac.htm Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Bibliography on Arenac County]

External links

* [http://www.arenaccountygov.com Arenac County government]