Verna Mize Triathlon extends gratitude

August 12, 2022

Dear Editor, The cooperation of a community is less common these days and we still have it! Many entities took part in the success of our 2nd Annual Verna Mize Triathlon recently and they are certainly worthy of recognition. The law enforcement presence in the water, on the trails and streets were comforting to racers and organizers. We had the city Police, Sheriff’s department and Coast Guard all very visible and available in the event we needed them. The shops in town were generous again; Chickadee’s, Surplus Outlet, Victoria’s Kitchen, and Black Ice Comics were eager to ...

Republicans exploiting Democratic weaknesses

June 25, 2022

To the Editor: I’m finally zeroing in on why some people are willing to embrace the “big lie” even at the risk of imperiling American democracy. People on the left tend to argue as though there’s nothing more important than the fact that American citizens get to go to the polls and freely choose their governmental representatives. People on the right have been increasingly embracing the idea that winning elections is overrated so long as you can figure out how to get your way, even when you lose the stupid election. Republicans have been aware that demographics have not ...

Hooray for teachers

June 22, 2022

To the Editor: Teachers hold the future in their hands by expanding our children’s horizons and experience. In their classrooms they create an atmosphere of honest inquiry and enthusiasm that will be remembered forever. When are students old enough to know the truth about nature, our history, and ourselves? I asked this question of a group of teachers that I met recently. They all agreed that a good teacher always tells the truth. “That’s how we can learn from our mistakes,” one said. “The longer we hold onto myths or partial truths, the harder it becomes to change our ...

U.P. observance made

June 21, 2022

To the Editor: It’s truly ridiculous that the majority of “rugged individuals” belong to a militia, club, gang or cult in the case of Trumpism.

Info on Alberta mill needed

June 17, 2022

To the Editor: It's been reported locally that Michigan Technological University will be demolishing part or whole of historical Ford buildings/sawmill in Alberta. This could soon take part without a public forum. This property is spoken of in tourism booklets throughout Michigan and beyond. We would appreciate detailed public information from MTU on why this historic landmark would be removed from future enjoyment and education.

America must stay course in Ukraine to prevail

June 16, 2022

To the Editor: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Those famous words from Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis” fit very well to today’s situation in Ukraine. In December 1776, George Washington’s army was in retreat, a cold winter was setting in, and dispirited Patriot volunteers were drifting away to their homes and families. Today in Ukraine, Putin’s forces are probably peaking in their bayonet-at-back motivation, while promised weapons from America have not yet fully arrived on scene. Thus it is with anxious hearts we must endure reports of Russian ...