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Letters to the Editor

Thanks to fire departments

On the morning of Feb. 22, 2023, we woke up to our home and garage fully engulfed in flames. We made it out with the clothes on our backs. It was a total loss. We would like to express our gratitude to the South Range, Atlantic Mine and Hurontown fire departments. They fought the fire in brutal cold temperatures for hours and had to return several times. The kindness and compassion they showed us will never be forgotten! To the fireman that placed my wedding rings in my hand - I will never forget what you and your team went through to do that for me. Our friends and community ...

Grateful for a place to walk in Hancock

On Thursday, I noticed that the gate to the parking lot at Hancock Beach was open and there were cars parked inside. I drove in and was happy to see the lot was plowed and many trails on the beach and in the campground were plowed. It was great for walking. Now that the trails are taken by snowmobiles and skiers, it is hard to find places to just walk, especially on icy streets. So I want to thank the city for hiring these fun, young men to run the snowblowers to keep these trails open. Joyce Koskenmaki Hancock

Investing in community health care?

On a recent trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, a physician told me the Clinic was interested in partnering with Portage View Hospital before the hospital was sold to a for-profit entity a few years ago. The more I think about it, the more frustrated I get that the opportunity to join up with this world-class health care provider was missed. I don’t recall the possibility of a Clinic partnership being presented to the community at the time of the sale. Some advantages of this possible partnership include: • The chance to connect with Clinic medical expertise without traveling to ...

Russia supporters deceived

Marching in local parades with “Yoopers for Ukraine,” I was profoundly struck by large spontaneous outbursts of applause at the Chassell Strawberry Festival, the many eager takers of the Ukrainian flags we passed out at the Parade of Nations, and most recently the proud sight of the Ukrainian flag carried alongside the American flag by the color guard leading Hancock’s Heikinpaiva parade. Yet, every week as we protest Putin’s invasion of Ukraine at the Portage Lift Bridge, there will always be two or three people passing by who will shout out “Go Putin!” or “Yay ...

Appreciation for KCF grant approval

A huge thank-you to the Keweenaw Area Community Foundation for approving a grant to the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education Fund. Through “Funding Youth Initiatives” we were able to offer free music lessons at the Calumet Art Center for 23 students for the months of November, December, and January. So very grateful for this support for young people. Charmaine Parsons Board member, treasurer of Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education Fund

Sons of the American Legion Post 90 thanks supporters of U.P. Honor Flight

On May 21, a benefit for the UP Honor Flight was held at American Legion Post 90 Lake Linden by The Sons of The American Legion, Post 90, and Post 90 Auxiliary. The benefit raised more than $15,000 to send veterans to Washington DC to see the memorials built in their honor. We extend our thanks to Post 90 veterans, Auxiliary members, and members of the community for their work and dedication to make it all happen. We would like to thank all of the organizations, individuals and businesses for their donations: Noteworthy contributors include Barbershop Ensemble, 15th District ...