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Editorial

A step back from social media

For more than 10 years, my wife taught at a small Catholic K-12 school. It was her first full-time teaching job, and was a blessing to us. It’s where she grew personally and professionally, and where our kids began school. I still smile when I think about the family atmosphere at little old St. Mary Cathedral School. I also smile when I consider that we were accepted into that family even though we are not Catholic. Both Betsy and I grew up in non-Catholic Christian churches, and that’s where we have continued to gravitate in our adulthood. But we always grew to respect the ...

Spending deal welcome bipartisanship

We were pleased to read from the Associated Press that the Michigan Legislature, led by Republicans, had reached a deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pass a $4.8 billion mid-year spending plan that will upgrade water pipes, dams, roads and parks. The biggest chunk of that money — $1.7 billion — will go toward replacing lead pipes, fixing septic systems, and combatting per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. While no money is specifically set aside for Northeast4 Michigan, our region still could benefit from the plan. We have three areas of PFAS ...

You may not think so, but your voice matters

Politicians don’t get elected on platforms of self-interest. Or with promises saying the public doesn’t deserve to know what the government does. Or that holding government reins accords a status above the law. “Accountability” and “transparency” feel like the two most-often repeated words in campaign speeches — until the election is over. While we may sound cynical in stating this, we know that many transgressions are based in not knowing the law as opposed to deliberate shenanigans — and that misdeeds and mistakes know no party. True accountability doesn’t come ...

Enjoy watching baby animals, but do it from a distance

Spring brings a new generation of wildlife and plenty of opportunities for people to observe these natural wonders. While you’re outside enjoying the season, be sure to give wildlife lots of space to raise their babies. Of course, don’t be surprised to see young animals on their own. “As we get into spring and summer you might see fledgling birds hopping around on the ground. This is completely normal,” said Hannah Schauer, wildlife communications coordinator with the DNR. “These fluffy youngsters are getting ready to start trying to fly and need more space than nests ...

Income tax deadline is coming up fast

Individual income tax returns are due soon, as both federal and state tax returns must be filed by Monday, April 18. The Michigan Department of Treasury reminds taxpayers that state individual income tax returns must be filed electronically or postmarked through the U.S. Postal Service by 11:59 p.m. on that date. Last year, more than 4.8 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 88% of state income tax filers. For information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org. Printed tax forms are available at public libraries, post offices in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, ...

Michigan rolls out new information portals for veterans

If you are a veteran residing in the state of Michigan — and, according to the state, that number totals nearly 700,000 — announcements made recently by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be important to you. The department has launched four new websites — — Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, www.michigan.gov/DMVA; — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, www.michigan.gov/MVAA; — Michigan Veteran Homes, www.michigan. gov/MVH; and — Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, www.michigan. gov/MYCA. This launch is the result of a ...