The Moran Township Board of Trustees adopted an identity theft program to protect the personal information of Moran Township residents Wednesday, October 7. Trustees also accepted bid recommendations from the ski hill committee for the construction of a building to contain ski hill maintenance equipment for Doc Holle's Silver Mountain, appointed election inspectors, and reminded residents it is their responsibility to maintain their property so it's accessible to emergency vehicles.

Following a federal requirement, trustees reviewed and adopted an identity theft program, modeling it on an example from Hartland Township. The program advises township staff to watch for "red flags" that could indicate identity theft, including inconsistent information a customer may provide, an address or phone number that is the same as another customer, or a breach in a township's computer system.

Preventive measures detailed by the policy include ensuring paper documents and computer files are completely destroyed as necessary, keeping offices clear of papers that contain customer information, and password protecting computers and setting them so the screen locks after a period of time.

Supervisor Jim Durm told The St. Ignace News that to his knowledge, no identity theft has occurred in Moran Township. Adopting the identity theft program is a preventive measure.

Bids Accepted for

Doc Holle's Silver Mountain

The trustees followed a suggestion by the ski hill committee to approve three bids for the construction of a building for Doc Holle's Silver Mountain. The committee met several hours before the township board meeting to accept bids for the construction work.

Of the six bids for construction and two bids for materials the committee received, Benchmark Construction was selected for work on the building's foundation for $5,347. Musick Builders was chosen for the construction of the building for $3,450, and Straits Building Center was tapped for materials for $6,551.

The building will house groomers and maintenance equipment. The items were previously left outside, Mr. Durm said. Construction of the building will begin soon.

Emergency Access

Is Responsibility of Residents

A fire truck had difficulty reaching a resident's home because of overhanging branches, leading Mr. Durm to remind residents they are responsible for keeping their properties clear and accessible to emergency vehicles. Overhanging branches may look nice, Mr. Durm said, but can cause problems for emergency crews. The width and condition of driveways must also ensure crews can reach homes easily. St. Ignace Fire Chief John "Bucky" Robinson should be contacted at 643-8454 for further questions about property access, Mr. Durm said.

Election Inspector

Appointments Made

Christal Marshall was appointed by the board as chairperson for \election inspections during the November 3 election regarding the renewal of hospital millage. Patti Becker and Suzy Harlety were selected as inspectors, as well.