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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 ...

Faith Perspective: Time is fleeting

The Church Age has existed for nearly 2000 years and falls between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). This time period is when the Church is on Earth. The translated word “church” means “called out from the world for God.” It refers to all who have been born again and is a synonym for the body of Christ (Matt:16:18). Undoubtedly you’ve noticed that our world grows more evil by the day. Many others could be listed, but in just 2024, ten events reveal the following. 1. Israel is alone, being brutally attacked in October 2023. 2. The spirit of ...

Defend truth

“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 ...