Defend truth

June 26, 2024

“You are a King then!” said Pontius Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into this world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Our salvation is founded on truth. We need to be honest about when we sin. If we want community, then we must be honest in our dealings with each other. Why then are three lies attempting to shape the political future and character of our country? Why does former President Trump and many of his supporters continue to lie that the 2020 ...

Seaplane paths may jeopardize bald eagle grounds

June 7, 2024

From seagull rookery, “important eagle-use area” and “foraging area” to public airport with zero public input. After our state and federal governments spent years rehabilitating our bald eagle population, now evidently anyone can run flight paths through their mating and feeding grounds without a permit. To view a presentation of the federally protected species and the laws and recommendations that protect them, see bit.ly/3wZdrtz. (The file is large and may need to be downloaded to view.) You will see courting bald eagles flying in the exact airspace that the seaplanes now ...

Unintended consequences in Keweenaw County zoning

June 6, 2024

Keweenaw County is engaged in a yearslong process to review their zoning ordinance. Keweenaw is among a minority of Michigan counties with zoning ordinance because populations are so small that staffing the required administrators and commissions at the township level is difficult. The county provides a service to townships by administering zoning ordinance. The Planning Commission has recommended several changes to the zoning ordinance, some contradicting the master plan and likely to cause unintended negative consequences. The PC recommends modifying the single-family dwelling to ...

Thanks to Markkanen

June 5, 2024

I recently had a very productive and pleasant experience dealing with Michigan’s 110th district Rep. Greg Markkanen and his staff. Rep. Markkanen coordinated with Michigan Rep. Timmy Beson of the 96th district and House Republican Chief of Staff/legal council Lindsay Young to resolve a problem involving mistaken identity by an automated bridge toll device in Bay City, Michigan. I received frequent follow-up calls and offers of assistance from Rep. Markkanen and his staff until the matter was quickly and successfully resolved. I am grateful for all the attention and genuine ...

Volunteerism is worthy endeavor

June 4, 2024

I have been volunteering in the community for 17 years and am currently the president of South Range 4th of July committee. I feel a sense of purpose and also making the community a better place by volunteering. I do strategic planning, accounting, reporter interviews, sales and implementing new ideas. Also I have loved meeting new people and enjoy the teamwork of the committee. When I first started volunteering, I was more shy in the beginning but eventually I became more engaged at the meetings and then felt more comfortable meeting new people. I even feel more comfortable now ...

Faith Perspective: Prepare for a new beginning

May 31, 2024

Biblical faith is hard to understand unless a person is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, because a nonbeliever is spiritually dead they cannot understand spiritual truths. When I was born again, the Holy Spirit along with my new born-again spirit dwells in me and teaches me all spiritual truth, guides me and protects me. I am a brand-new creation born from above. God showed his love for me through Jesus. Many people get stuck when reading the Old Testament. They believe God is still mad at us; that’s not true. Jesus changed everything. We now live in the New Testament; ...