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Presidential visit: What was the point?

It’s a pretty darn big deal anytime the leader of the free world drops into northern Michigan for a visit. It was a special occasion when former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Traverse City late last year. Similarly, President Joe Biden’s Fourth of July weekend trek to our neighborhood was a unique and important occurrence. Presidential visits are always special, regardless of political undercurrents or overtones. They are a chance for the folks on the ground to hear from the single most powerful policymaker in our nation. They are a chance for that leader to ...

Marking Wildlife Conservation Month in Michigan

It is hard to imagine a Michigan without white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles or wild turkey. But if not for the efforts of conservationists, volunteers and partner agencies, these species might be absent from Michigan’s beautiful landscape. In the spirit of these conservation successes, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July as Wildlife Conservation Month to recognize the work Michiganders have done for conservation — and draw attention to the work that still needs to be done. “In Michigan, we are proud of our wildlife, waterways, and public lands and want to ensure that ...

Treasury spreads word about scams; critical to be vigilant

Have you been on the other end of a troubling, suspicious call, email or letter recently? Has someone claimed to be a tax official and asked for your personal information? If so, it’s critical to avoid potential scams by remaining vigilant, as the Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding residents that the summer season is a common time for criminals to contact residents and pose as government officials who ask for cash through a wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card. Due to this, the department urges Michiganders to stay alert for potential scammers impersonating tax ...

Fundraising effort for vets is commendable

We laud U.S. Army Sgt. Tyler Pynnonen on his wonderful effort to raise funds for combat-wounded veterans. Negaunee native Pynnonen — a snowmobile athlete with Nitro Circus — is riding his Honda CT70 motorcycle 1,776 miles across the country, an effort he has named Operation: 1776. Pynnonen left Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and on Tuesday, stopped in his hometown on the way to his final destination of Annapolis, Maryland. The goal of the operation is to raise funds for the non-profit organization called Warfighter Made. According to Facebook updates from Pynnonen, he ...

Showing up for public office isn’t optional

Whomever originated the colloquialism about just showing up being half the battle was onto something. We all show up for something every day. Work. Dinner. Meetings. A date. A ride. A game. To vote. You get the idea. That’s why someone elected to represent constituents in Grand Traverse County failing for more than a year to show up to execute the duties granted by his position is disappointing. Northwestern Michigan College Trustee Michael Estes recently explained that he hasn’t attended a single board or committee meeting since July 2020 because of an ideological disagreement ...

Act now to prevent future flooding disaster

Disastrous flooding across Metro Detroit last weekend damaged vehicles, stranded motorists, flooded basements and closed freeways for days. This isn’t the first time flooding has brought the region to a standstill, but it should be the last. Our state’s elected leaders must ensure this never happens again. Detroit was especially hit hard, with some areas seeing seven inches of rain. The downpour mixed with power outages caused massive flooding on major roadways, including Interstates 75 and 94. A similar flooding event happened in 2014. While weather is unpredictable, there ...