MARQUETTE — A trio of Upper Peninsula residents, including one from Marquette, have been named to state boards and commissions recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

• Michigan State Waterways Commission 

Capt. Scott LaBonte, of Sault Ste. Marie, is the general manager at Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Previously, LaBonte served as the fire chief for the city of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department. LaBonte holds a Bachelor of Science in fire science from Lake Superior State University. Scott LaBonte is reappointed to the State Waterways Commission as a person residing north of Townline 16 in the Upper Peninsula for a term commencing Sept. 19, 2025, and expiring Sept. 18, 2028.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac.  

• State Fire Safety Board 

Allen Hipps, of Sault Ste Marie, is a firefighter at the city of Sault Ste Marie Fire Department. Hipps holds a Bachelor of Science in fire science from Lake Superior State University. Allen Hipps is appointed to represent organized fire departments in the Upper Peninsula for a term commencing Aug. 20, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2028. Hipps succeeds Brian Talvensaari, who has resigned. 

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.         

• Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers 

Mark Stonerock, of Marquette, is the director of community outreach and an athletic trainer at UP Rehab Services. Stonerock holds a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Central Michigan University. Mark Stonerock is appointed as a licensed athletic trainer for a term commencing Aug. 20, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Stonerock succeeds James Winkler, whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual’s injury or illness.  

All three of these appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.