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Cyber security must be priority in planning

It wasn’t all that long ago that cyber security was something people doing top secret work for the Pentagon worried about but few others this side of the intelligence community paid it much mind. That’s not the case anymore as the tentacles from hackers, professional and otherwise, have reached into virtually every government agency, business and even at home, an expert said in Marquette last week. And it’s anyone’s guess how bad it will get going forward. “It’s not just international. It’s not just about countries today. It’s about companies, non-governmental ...

Heart of jail ballot matter is public safety

When you cast your vote on Nov. 6 to build a jail in Houghton County, the real question before you, regardless of how the language is worded is this: Are you prepared to pay a little more in taxes every year to improve the safety of your neighborhood and community? Because improving the public’s safety is what building a 21st century facility to replace a 19th century space is all about. There are many other important considerations and issues that have been addressed, but the self-evident fact that an adequately sized jail will keep accused criminals off the streets, thus preventing ...

Conservancies protect natural treasures in UP

Land conservancies serve an extremely important purpose in Michigan. They acquire land donated by property owners, or bought through grants and fundraising projects. Even though most people don’t live on those lands, they benefit indirectly from the improved wildlife habitat. The Harvey-based Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy is working toward acquiring the Dead River Community Forest in Negaunee Township. Being a community forest means the public would have access to the scenic area. While the UPLC would own the 190 acres or so, the land’s resources and management decisions that ...

U.P. top-ranked area for fall colors in nation

Although it came as absolutely no surprise to anyone the least bit familiar with the region, the Upper Peninsula recently received outstanding — and colorful — recognition when USA TODAY published its annual 10 Best Destinations for Fall Foliage Readers’ Choice Awards. The U.P. was in the top position, besting better-known locations including places such as Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania and Door County, Wisconsin, which placed second, third and fourth, respectively. “Just about the entire Upper Peninsula puts on a display of fall color ...

Be responsible by being smart with firewood

October is Firewood Awareness Month, and Michigan is joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy to encourage smart firewood choices that protect forests and landscape trees. Most invasive species don’t move very far on their own. John Bedford, Pest Response Program specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, “Tree pests and diseases most often are spread when humans unintentionally transport them on infested firewood.” Heading out for a fishing or hunting weekend or to enjoy fall colors? Leave firewood at home. ...

Opioids still leading cause of drug deaths

It’s a chore to summon any real enthusiasm about a mixed-bag of statistics reported Thursday in The Detroit News and elsewhere relative to the number of Michigan residents dying from opioid overdose. The News reported that although a new record was set in 2017 for OD deaths, fewer of them were caused by deadly opioids. Such as they are, here are the numbers. According to the News, preliminary data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for 2017 showed 1,941 of the 2,729 overdose deaths were opioid-related. That was an 8.7 percent increase from the 1,786 ...