On Jan. 31, the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society (PABLS) was recognized by the Huron County Park Trustees as being formed for the purpose of preserving the history of the lighthouse and surrounding waters of Lake Huron and to assist the county with the maintenance and preservation of the lighthouse building and immediate grounds.

Parks Superintendent Steve Romzek presented Capt. Ron Burkhard, president of the society, with a Certificate of Recognition.

"The society members have worked hard to earn this recognition, and everyone really enjoys being part of a group involved with this historic lighthouse," Burkhard said. "This formal recognition will help when we solicit funds from corporations and also for grant applications."

The society was formed in April 2002 as a Michigan nonprofit corporation. They asked for formal recognition from the park trustees on Nov. 6, 2002, when members of the PABLS Board of Directors, Judy Burkhard and Judy Valentine, gave a formal presentation to the trustees. They also gave another presentation to the Huron County Board of Commissioners on November 12, 2002.

For more information about the society, visit its website at www.pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org.