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Letters to the Editor

Could it be that DEI are all Christian virtues?

Could it be that Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) are all Christian virtues we are called to honor? Could it be that the fight against DEI is a fight against what it means to be a Christian? Who do you follow? The prophet Micah and Jesus tell us what is required. Notice the two key words in the texts: require and commandment. He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Jesus in the Gospel of John. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. ...

Terrible scores in reading and math at APS

I am the son of a school principal turned US Navy Captain, and both of my mothers were English teachers. I attended schools all over the country, both small and large. I know what great education looks like and the results thereof. I am highly qualified technically in all phases of computing and electronic communications with 54 years of experience. I attended the last school board meeting where most of the audience were either current teachers or retired teachers with a couple of sharp students. The Alpena Public Schools system is not delivering quality education, and that is why ...

If you had a microphone, what would you say?

I recently attended a banquet, where in her acceptance speech, a scholarship recipient declared that because she had a microphone, there were things she had to tell us. Things like supporting DEI and the Department of Education and keeping opportunities alive for students who need them. She urged us to write to our local representatives and other politicians to advocate for what we desire, to take action. And although I do not have a microphone, I have a pen. So here is my message: stay true to yourself, believe what you believe, but also be open to other opinions, keep growing, don’t ...

Hospital is an unsung gem in community

I’m happy to be able to write this, as not long ago my name might have appeared in the obituary section. My name is Jerry Board, and my story began the evening of Jan. 26. As I was preparing for bed, I felt a strange discomfort in my chest. My wife drove me to Alpena MyMichigan hospital. When I mentioned chest pains to the receptionist, I was quickly ushered to an exam room where wires were placed on my chest that led to a machine. A nurse looked at the printout and shouted, “I WANT A DOCTOR IN HERE NOW.” A doctor came in and I asked him, “What’s going on?” He replied, ...

No reason to alter APS policy that works

Thank you, Alpena School Board members Anna Meinhardt and Sarah Fritz and Superintendent Dave Rabbideau, for your comments on the proposal presented by Eric Lawson at the most recent board workshop meeting. The proposal was to alter the present school policy regarding the use of instructional materials. Your comments exposed the weaknesses in the proposal and clearly supported the advantages of the current policy. If the proposed policy changes were made, three people (a majority of the school board) would decide what materials would be used in all our schools. The only reason given for ...

Bring back tree planting programs in Alpena

On a recent drive down 9th Street, I noticed city maintenance vehicles had the street closed off for tree removal. Upon observing, the crew had removed six large Silver Maple trees. These trees were like senior citizens, their massive crowns, shading and providing shelter for all residents, two and four-legged, for 80 to 100 years. How appalling, will the trees be replaced with new plantings of an undesirable “street tree,” one that will be neglected and never see side branch pruning. I realize this species is not a desirable species as the roots are intrusive to sidewalks, curbs, ...