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Editorial

Altran continues to do great work in Alger County

The past year has been full of changes for organizations and businesses of all types. However, here at The Mining Journal, we’ve seen many rising to the challenge with unique adaptations that have helped them continue to serve and support their communities. One example can be found with the Alger Transit Authority, commonly known as Altran. While the early days of the pandemic were challenging for the agency — it closed for around a month and a half before reopening with a reduced schedule of rides — the authority used the time to throughly clean and sanitize its facility and ...

Distracted driving can put yourself, others in danger

Glance at phone messages while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle? Even worse, try to respond? That’s not just illegal in Michigan — it could prove to be deadly. Law enforcement agencies in the state and across the country will try to make the dangers of such behavior clear this week in support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. This annual campaign is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort that runs from today through Monday. According to the Michigan State Police ...

Keep up the good work on vaccines

Reading Tuesday’s edition of The News thrilled us. To see that Presque Isle County leads the state in its vaccination rates and that all four Northeast Michigan counties have earned a spot in the top 10 overjoyed us. Much credit goes to our public health officials, pharmacists, doctors and others actually putting the shots in arms. They’ve developed a good system to get people into vaccine appointments quickly and efficiently, despite the logistical hurdles of transporting a vaccine that requires super-cold storage to a region with limited super-cold storage capabilities. Much ...

Keep alcohol in check as consumption and binge drinking increases

As Michiganders continue to deal with pandemic-induced stress and anxiously look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) Chair Pat Gagliardi urge moderation in drinking as they recognize April as Alcohol Awareness Month. “The stresses of COVID-19 over the last year have stretched the limits of otherwise moderate drinkers and we’re seeing an increase in alcohol consumption and binge drinking that can result in long-term health issues,” ...

All of us must do part to stave off fourth virus surge

Philosopher George Santayana once wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” It appears that many Americans are fitting the profile. President Joe Biden and a top health official declared Monday that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too early. They appealed for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off, according to an article by The Associated Press. The double dose of ...

Leave young animals alone in the wild

As signs of spring arrive, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds the public to give baby animals plenty of space. Each spring brings a new generation of wildlife. While you’re enjoying the sights of the season, allow wildlife to raise their young while you watch from a distance. While young animals are often left alone, the parents are never far. This is especially true for rabbits and fawns. “One survival strategy wild mammal moms use is hiding their young while they are elsewhere, but don’t worry; they will return periodically to nurse and care for the ...