Economic Development
Quality of Life

Table of Contents
Quality of Life
Health Care
Education
Housing/ Tax Rates

QUALITY OF LIFE/RECREATION

Located in the heart of North East Michigan's Sunrise Side Iosco County offers residents a well rounded locale to call home. Residents appreciate the low crime rates, reasonable housing costs, an excellent health care facilities, friendly neighbors, and numerous seasonal activities. Children can attend a public or parochial school while parents are confident of their child's education. Job opportunities are complemented by the low cost of living.

The shore of Lake Huron provides an excellent opportunity for fishing, sailing, swimming, and boating. Located in close proximity to the Huron National Forest and Corsair Ski Trails, residents enjoy cross country skiing and hiking through the natural settings.

The scenic beauty of the Iosco County is exceptional: sunrises over Tawas Bay and Lake Huron; the historic lighthouse at Tawas Point; the white pines of the Huron National Forest; the mighty AuSable River; scenic vistas from the high bluffs overlooking the AuSable; abundant wildlife including eagle, wild turkey, deer and bear; and miles of scenic hiking, skiing, and snowmobile trails.

Modern marinas along the sandy beaches of Lake Huron host a fleet of pleasure craft and charter boats while the famous AuSable River is a popular spot for canoes and fishing boats. The gentle winds and protected waters of Tawas Bay make it one of the finest sailing areas in the nation.

A wide range of athletic facilities is available for sports enthusiasts: tennis and basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and numerous hiking and ski trails. Add to the list a choice of golf courses that challenge both the novice and the pro.

The River Road National Forest Scenic Byway parallels the AuSable River where bald eagles soar over Cook Dam, one of four hydroelectric generating plants visible along the byway. Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center, a Michigan Landmark, is located on the byway and is surrounded by thousands of acres of state and national forest, including the Huron National Forest.

Tawas is famous for its festivals and special events. Perchville USA,  the Tawas Bay Waterfront Art Show, three arts and crafts shows, the July 4 Parade and Fireworks and Tawas Point Celebration Days are just a few of the selections. More information is available at www.tawas.com. The Iosco County Fair is held each July in the community of Hale. Oscoda is host to several Arts and Crafts shows, the Snowbox Derby, concerts on the beach, the finish of the famed AuSable River Canoe Marathon, the Lake Huron Sport Fishing Tournament, the annual Gagaguon PowWow and many other events. More information is available at www.oscoda.com.

There's no shortage of winter activities. Iosco County is the cross-country ski capital of Michigan, featuring 56 kilometers of groomed cross country trails at the Corsair Trails System, the largest groomed trail network in the state. Iosco County is also a popular site for snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice boating, and skating, with a new enclosed skating facility built by Huron Hockey and Skating Association.

Iosco County's economy is flourishing as business blends work with life in an ideal recreational setting where the waters and woods offer a world of beauty and opportunity.

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HEALTH CARE

Tawas St. Joseph Hospital, a modern 69-bed acute care facility located in Tawas City, provides quality health care services, health education, and lifestyle improvement programs.

The hospital has a medical staff of board-certified specialists in orthopedics, urology, opthalmology, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, general surgery, anesthesiology, radiology, pathology, pediatrics, and family practice. St. Joseph offers Iosco County residents modern medical technology and a wide range of services, including:

* Surgical Units (inpatient and outpatient)
* Intensive Care Unit
* Outpatient Specialty Clinics
* Obstetrics Department
* Audiology (hearing)
* 24-Hour Emergency Room
* Cardiology
* Rehabilitation Services
* Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT)
* Fixed C.A.T. Scan Unit
* EMG (nerve & muscle functions)
* Pulmonary Function Test
* Respiratory Therapy Services
* Neurology
* Oncology
* Ultrasound/Nuclear
* Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
* Mammography - Certified
* Stress Testing by the American College of Radiology

Several private health care firms located in Tawas City, East Tawas and Oscoda work with physicians, the hospital and community service agencies to provide continuing in-home care. Services include:

* Skilled Nursing Services
* Physical Therapy Services
* Medical Social Services
* Speech Therapy
* Home Health Aids
* Hospice

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EDUCATION

Tawas Area Schools

The Tawas Area School District covers approximately 167 square miles. Broad-based community support and high educational standards prepare students well for college and careers.

• Students in grades K-12 consistently perform above national norms on the California Achievement Test.

• Approximately 65% of Tawas High School Graduates attend college.

• Vocational training is offered in auto mechanics, building trades, office block, shared-time nursing, and co-op work.

• Team sports, intramural activities, student government, clubs and organizations provide opportunities for personal growth.

• Each school building has its own library.

• The high school has a new modern library, all-weather track and athletic facilities.

Special Education
Programs are available for educable mentally impaired, emotionally impaired, and learning disabled students. Speech teachers also work with students in all district buildings.

Preschool
Professional teachers provide child development programs and activities for children three to five years of age through Tawas' Community Education Center.

Community Education
All residents can enjoy lifelong learning opportunities offered by the Tawas Area Schools. High school completion and enrichment classes are available to adults, including programs for senior citizens.

Oscoda Area Schools

• 78% of Oscoda graduates attend college.

• 42% of the Class of 2000 and 45% of the Class of 2001 received Merit Award Scholarships

• 46% of Oscoda students graduate with honors.

• Oscoda MEAP scores are steadily rising.

• Core curriculum classes are relevant and challenging at all grade levels.

• During 2001-2002 Oscoda Schools adopted revised curriculums for: Computer/Technology K-12, Careers & Employability Skills K-12, Business Education 9-12 (including MOUS Certification) and Industrial Arts Education 9-12.

• The exceptional Building Trades Program is the only one of its kind in the area. Students build a house from the ground up, learning all aspects of the building trade.

• Oscoda Schools has an organized Band Program available for students 6-12.

• Oscoda has a Choir Program available for students 3-12. Music is part of the curriculum of all K-5 students.

• School buildings have computers with Internet access to students.

• The Michigan School Readiness Program (B-4) helps  four year olds develop socially, emotionally, and physically, paving the way for a successful educational experience.

• The all-day every day Kindergarten Program offers a relaxed, unhurried school day, providing kindergarten students time for a variety of experiences. Students do have the option of attending half day.

• Oscoda offers STRETCH and CHALLENGE classes for students 3-8.

• Oscoda offers AP as well as Dual Enrollment and On-Line classes for High School students.

• A wide variety of extra-curricular activities provide for a well rounded education.

• Oscoda parents are encouraged to get involved in their children's education, and are provided numerous opportunities to do so.

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HOUSING

Six local financial institutions, two local mortgage companies, the Michigan State Housing Development, and the Farmer's Home Administration offer convenient financing for home buyers.

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08/20/2009