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Letters to the Editor

Speechless

Public speakers are starting to feel very UNWELCOME at the Alpena Public School Board meetings. At the May meeting, Anna Meinhardt took 40 seconds to give public speaker guidelines. In October, Eric Lawson's “new” rules went on for 2 minutes and 16 seconds, almost as long as the three minutes public speakers are allowed. If you go to the APS Board website, it states: “As elected school board members, we are interested in your concerns and opinions. Our hope is that our meetings will give you a better understanding of just how the school district operates. We encourage ...

Valuable community assets on hold

On November 5, a fire at the Center of Charity caused extensive smoke damage throughout the entire building which means that the Friendship Room which gives meals to the needy; Children’s Closet which assists families with clothes and other needs; and Baby Pantry which assists babies through toddlers with clothing, diapers, wipes, baby food, and other needs were all affected. Sadly, the chemicals in the smoke caused the entire building to need cleanup which means Baby Pantry and Children’s Closet may be out of service for as long as 6 months. The Friendship Room is opening much ...

An unwelcoming atmosphere at school board meetings

As a community member who values open dialogue, I am deeply concerned about the increasingly unwelcoming atmosphere at our school board meetings. Each meeting’s public comment period begins with a lengthy 2-minute, 16-second lecture from the board president detailing what can and cannot be said during the mere three minutes allotted to each speaker. The tone is far from inviting. While he insists that speakers must “model respect, maturity, and the best adult behavior for our children and community,” the remarks are laced with warnings, threats of removal by law enforcement and, ...

How did this happen?

FEMA- Federal Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Andrew, 1992, Florida and FEMA is there. Hurricane Katrina, 2005, New Orleans and FEMA is there. Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, 2011 and 2012, New York City and FEMA are there. Ice storm in northern Michigan, 2025 and FEMA isn’t there. Utility costs are going up $20 each month ($240 per year) for every northern Michigan resident until this storm is paid off and we are spending that much more for something we already have. Lance Heitz Presque Isle

All Saints Center for Charity

The Alpena area has seen increased needs in our most vulnerable residents in the last few years, fueled by lack of affordable housing, increased costs and more severe substance use and mental health problems. This has led to more people left unsheltered in our community. In late 2022, city government and other stakeholders came together to discuss the urgent need to expand emergency shelter options. This need corresponded to the strategic vision of All Saints Parish of Alpena and the project that resulted in the Center for Charity at St. Bernard in Alpena. Expanding on the many years ...

Impressed by children’s manners on Halloween

As always, I was impressed by the children who came to my house for Halloween Trick or Treating. The children were adorable with their imaginative and fun costumes. The sidewalks were filled with kids, adults and even some dogs. But the best part was that almost every child said "thank you" after receiving the candy. Many added the wish for a "Happy Halloween" This has been the case for years, and I commend the parents' continuing efforts to teach their children to say "thank you." Mary Bray Alpena