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Faith perspective: Family values questioned

Having just spent an ideal week with family who were visiting from the other side of the country, I am exhausted and grateful. How wonderful it is to see our grandchildren begin to stretch their wings and trust the air as they look ahead! Humans are social animals, and it is our compassionate nature that will guide us as we deal with enormous environmental challenges and bring peace with justice to this world. It occurs to me that “family values” can counteract an ethical perspective that relates each of us to every community we inhabit. I raised our sons in the 1970s, when many ...

Facts matter

Left or Right does not change truth. Neither does name calling, insults or threats. Truth is truth whether you like it or not. That being said, Trump not Biden negotiated directly with the Taliban terrorists and excluded the Afghan army. Trump not Biden drew down US forces from 13,000 to 2,500, making them vulnerable to attack. Trump not Biden ordered the release of 5,000 Taliban fighters from prison, one of whom would become the new leader of Afghanistan. Trump not Biden wanted to invite the Taliban leaders to Camp David on the anniversary of Sept. 11. Seriously. Trump not ...

Kern for Keweenaw County Commission

I am AJ Kern and a candidate for Keweenaw County Commissioner, District 1. In July, the county board approved a half-mill property tax increase to fund a full-time zoning administrator. Allouez Township supervisor noted that voters would likely oppose the property tax increase. Voters may also feel blindsided, as the county previously funded a full-time ZA. Why is there an inadequate budget now? I also disagree with the board’s raising property taxes when failing to explore alternative revenue streams. Local governments primarily depend on property taxes, which remain static ...

Understaffing of prisons, other institutions hasn’t changed

The understaffing of state prisons, psychiatric institutions and nursing homes hasn’t changed in my lifetime of 77 years. I worked in the Arizona State Prison, in 1974-75, after graduating from the University of Arizona, it had a yearly turnover of 70%. I worked with juveniles in Tucson and chronically mentally ill and sex offenders in Phoenix. These institutions were underpaid, and understaffed as a consequence. These are the professions that are dangerous, since the unstable nature of those warehoused in many cases pose a danger to themselves and others, which can change in a ...

Grateful for all involved in triathlon’s success

I am writing in gratitude to all those involved in orchestrating the Verna Mize Triathlon 2024. A mere thank you seems inadequate as there are many moving parts working together that make this event a huge success! The excitement and joy of the participants make it all worthwhile. Their accomplishment in completing this race was palpable. What is also rewarding is the younger racers who completely understand how precious and fragile our environment is. We can count on them to protect and preserve our beautiful surroundings, keeping them pristine for future generations. The list is long ...

Praise for UPHS-Portage Hospital and its employees

After having spent three weeks in the UP Health System-Portage Hospital, Hancock, Michigan ..... I say a fond farewell to the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, kitchen staff, and all the other fantastic employees of Portage Hospital. I had fractured a bone in my hip necessitating surgery and seventeen days of rehabilitation. My assigned doctor, Dr. LaBonte, I recognized from when he was a young boy visiting the RV Park I owned in Ontonagon. He’s a little older now, and a very skilled MD. The hospital made arrangements so both recovery and ...