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FBI must release review in killing of extremist

Whenever a citizen dies at the hands of law enforcement, the public is owed a full accounting of why it was necessary to use lethal force. The federal government has yet to explain the decision by agents to shoot and kill Eric Mark-Matthew Allport outside a Madison Heights restaurant in October 2020. Allport, 43, was not a sympathetic figure. He lived next door to, and was friends with, Randy Weaver, whose wife and son were killed in an FBI siege at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in 1992. He later served an 11-year sentence for shooting at police officers and supported the anti-government ...

Give us our gas tax holiday, already, state lawmakers

The state Senate has passed a bipartisan measure to pause the gas tax and sales and use taxes on fuel between now through Sept. 15. The state House needs to pass the measure without delay. As of this writing, the gas prices in Alpena ranged between $5.03 and $5.09, according to GasBuddy, and that unbelievable price comes on top of higher prices for everything else. The Senate-passed proposal would save customers roughly 50 cents per gallon as soon as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs it, and we need that relief now. According to the Detroit Free Press, the measure would cost roughly ...

Keep animals cool and safe as temperatures rise

As temperatures rise in many parts of the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding owners on some of the best ways to keep animals cool and safe. “During times of high temperatures and high humidity, animals can quickly become overheated. It is vital for animals to be kept hydrated and cool,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “While it is important to be able to recognize the signs of heat stress in an animal, it is even more crucial to prevent this from occurring.” Keep animals safe from the heat by following these five easy ...

DNR promotes effort to plant 50M trees by 2030

Want to help Michigan with cleaner air and water? Want to provide cooling summer shade and a haven for wildlife? Start with a tree. Pick one out at your local nursery, plant it and then pin it on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ interactive map. The DNR invites residents to help in planting 50 million trees by 2030 through our Mi Trees campaign. Whether on a family forest plot handed down through generations or a small city lot, a new tree (or trees) can make a big difference in the landscape. “Michigan’s natural beauty and resources are the pride and joy of ...

Tips and tricks to stay healthy during heat waves

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging Michigan residents to take steps to protect themselves from risks related to hot weather. MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department data for heat-related illness. As daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees, ED visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely early in the summer season as people are not yet used to high temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions. “Michigan residents can take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Dr. ...

Local businesses often struggle; please support them

Even in the best of times, it can be challenging for owners of small businesses to thrive. The problem can be particularly difficult in a small town when customer numbers often are limited, especially during the non-tourist season. Residents often have a limited discretionary income as well. Nowadays, for whatever reason, businesses too are having a difficult time finding help, even if they offer above the minimum wage. However, small businesses often offer goods and services unique to an area, and even if they cost more than those offered by franchises, it’s worth supporting ...