Breaking News

Editorial

Thanks to Top Dog Kennels

To the editor: Last week, after a long and difficult journey, involving more than one night in an airport, I finally reached O’Hare airport. But, I was almost home, and after so many additional days away than intended, and missing my dogs, I indulged in a bout of foolish optimism. I texted Tom and Tina, of Top Dog Kennels. I said I would be on the evening flight back, and would they mind delivering my dogs to the house after they closed up so they would be there when I go home. They did that and texted me back when they dogs were delivered. A few hours later I boarded the flight ...

‘Take inventory’ during Finanical Wellness Month

January is Financial Wellness Month and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to proactively plan for the financial impact of Alzheimer’s – the most expensive disease in the country. While the costs associated with the disease can be staggering and put a huge economical strain on families, the Association offers tips to help reduce the financial stress and ways to proactively plan for the financial impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some include: – Look at retirement planning as a time to think about how to prepare for the need for long-term medical care. After ...

Acknowledging disparities an important step for MSP

There’s no way to fix a problem officials won’t admit exists. That’s why we were encouraged by Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper’s reaction last week when an independent analysis of his agency’s traffic stop data from 2020 showed people of color were more likely to be pulled over for a traffic stop than white drivers. The analysis, commissioned by MSP, and conducted by Dr. Scott Wolfe, a Michigan State University associate professor of criminal justice, also found African American and Hispanic drivers were “significantly” more likely to be searched and ...

MDHHS updates quarantine, isolation guidance for schools

ces has updated its school quarantine and isolation guidance for kindergarten through 12th grade to reflect recent adjustments by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that modifies or shortens the periods to as few as five days in some circumstances. MDHHS continues to recommend universal masking in school settings. This guidance aims to help schools maintain in-person learning through mitigation strategies when students, teachers and staff are exposed to a COVID case in school. The MDHHS defines isolation and quarantine as: — People isolate when already infected with ...

Bitter cold means dressing properly for outdoors ventures

With the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills expected to last at least several more days, experts are warning local residents to take precautions when venturing outdoors. Wearing the wrong kind of clothing in this kind of weather can have serious consequences. A little planning can make all the difference. The popular online site outdoors.com provides this list of suggested clothing options to provide optimal. We recommend readers consider them: Down jacket or parka Jackets with deep pockets are nice; you’ll want to be able to easily slide your hands in and out for warmth, ...

School Board Recognition Month

To the editor: The Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Board Association has deemed January School Board Recognition Month. In the state of Michigan there are more than 4,000 school board members who help guide the over 800 K-12 school districts across the state. Board members responsibilities include attending school functions, preparing for board meetings, reading financial reports, agendas and proposals, and making a host of difficult and challenging decisions. The last two years operating in a COVID-19 influenced atmosphere has added to these challenges. ...