Of what am I speaking? The latest offering at Alpena Civic Theatre: “Rumors.” Neil Simon was a master of comedy and this show follows suit perfectly. Bill Powell assembled a great group of volunteers: the actors, the set designer, the set builders and all the others that made this a ...
We think it is time that our elected officials of Alpena and the township pass a bill that the senior citizens should not have to pay school taxes after the age of 65. Our social security can only be stretched so far and another school tax will be voted on in May. Also, there is one we are ...
I am an immigrant, now a U.S. citizen. It was a long time ago and somewhat arduous process to obtain my green card and be allowed entry to this county, and to be called an immigrant. Now, I find out all I had to do was to sneak across the border and I am home free, no muss, no fuss. I am no ...
I totally agree with Mike Dotsch’s letter to the editor (March 9). Alpena is a small town of mostly senior citizens living on fixed incomes. We have all experienced an increase in living expenses lately and are wondering how we are going to live out our retirement without living in poverty. ...
We have been reading about all the proposals to fix the roads and how the gas tax has to raised. Here is a novel idea: All taxes collected at the pump, as well as all license fees, go to fix the roads. No diversion to mass transit or anything else. It all goes to fix the roads. Even the ...
I am enjoying every day of my own retirement. I find it interesting to read about others that are planning to start their retirement journey. Congratulations to Alpena City Manager Greg Sundin. I hope he has a long and happy retirement. It was nice to read about his accomplishments while ...
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign slogan of “fix the damn roads” should not translate into an additional 45 cents per gallon gasoline tax for Michiganders, as proposed by her state budget request. We just had a gasoline tax increase in 2017 of 7.3 cents per gallon. If this increase is ...
Although I don’t know all the details of the case against Heather Winfield that is being reported in The Alpena News, I DO know Heather, personally, and I support her 100 percent as one of the finest, most caring and compassionate teachers that I have ever known. I first worked with ...
How many more taxes can seniors and the working poor survive with? When I retired from the military in 1994, my taxes were around $600 for 80 acres with a trailer and garage on it. Now, with 1,300 square feet and three outbuildings, we’re are paying over $2,300, $900 of that for school ...
I have learned that the City of Alpena is considering banning marijuana dispensaries and related businesses in response to the legalization of marijuana in Michigan. While I certainly appreciate the good intentions of those seeking the ban, this knee-jerk reaction is not the proper response ...
You may wonder why, after over 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place, we are writing to say, “Girl Scouts are alive and well.” Unfortunately, there are rumors in this community and in the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore ...
It is so apparent as to be axiomatic that exposure to the arts — visual arts, theater, literature, music — contributes to what makes us human. Art allows us to see our potential and encourages us to become our better selves. It allows us to consider the basic questions of humanity, ...
I was motivated to write a letter about a short, but very meaningful, quote from Star Parker, a syndicated columnist in The Alpena News. She referenced “a government that robs Peter to pay Paul, can always depend on Paul.” More than a mouthful, there. This is exactly what the ...
Donald Trump manufactured a crisis at the border, but it has nothing to do with his wall. There are still children separated from their families. The laundry-list of abuse continues to grow. The administration is still throwing asylum seekers in desolate “ice boxes,” regularly denying or ...
My wife and I have worked at the Senior Center as Meals on Wheels Drivers. During that time, we have met a lot of good and wonderful people and heard a lot of great stories. And, sadly, during this time, we have lost a few friends. Also, we have been blessed to work with the women who work ...
After struggling and enduring much to become nationalized citizens, all new Americans enter the opened door by reciting the Oath of Citizenship. The following words were taken from that document: “I will support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America against ...
The presidential election process of 2016 was not for the faint of heart and I doubt there will ever be one quite like that one. But, in politics, you just never know what surprises await on the election trail or that first Tuesday in November. So, looking ahead to the election of 2020, we ...
I think every 10 years people should have to take another driving test, written and on the road. I cannot believe how many people do not turn their headlights on. Before dawn, at dusk, when it’s raining or blowing snow. With the corner snow banks so high, I cannot see you when you are ...
Challenging weather conditions did not stop “Night to Shine” prom in Gaylord from throwing down the red carpet. “Night to Shine” prom is sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation, honoring those with special needs, and was hosted by E-Free Church in Gaylord. Nine of our special people walked ...
The letter to the editor from William Romstadt in the Saturday (Feb. 2) Alpena News was inspiring was inspiring. He spoke of the young men who shoveled his driveway. Three thoughts: Mr. Romstadt found out thei rnames, as a gentleman would, so he would know who to thank, or the young men knew ...