STANTON, Michigan - December 7, 2011 - The United States is fighting terrorism - one sno-cone at a time. Montcalm County, Michigan, recently received a $900 Arctic Blast Sno-Cone machine.
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administering the homeland security program in Montcalm and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties - including 13 sno-cone machines at a total cost of $11,700. The machines were funded by a grant from the Michigan Homeland Security Program. The request for a sno-cone machine came from another county, but all 13 counties received them.
The purchase raised some questions at a recent Montcalm County Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioners wondered about the machine and questioned its purpose.
The Michigan Homeland Security Grant Program’s Allowable Cost Justification document, dated May 9, 2011, says the sno-cone machines can make ice to prevent heat-related illnesses during emergencies, treat injuries, and provide sno-cones as an outreach at promotional events.
WMSRDC Executive Director Sandeep Dey said one county requested a popcorn machine, but that request was denied. He said the sno-cone machine request would not have been granted by itself, but was approved because it came with other homeland security equipment.
