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Letters to the Editor

My father chose democracy, and I will, too

June 6, D-Day, come and gone. Did you remember the day? I watched coverage of the day as old men with broken bodies sat in their wheelchairs proudly displaying their medals pinned to their uniforms. I thought about my dad. He would say, “I was an 18-year-old farm boy when I left for the service.” The men and women in France on June 6 this year were 17, 18, and 20 years old 80 years ago. Strong bodies with even a stronger will to preserve freedom pulsed through their bodies back then. I heard while watching the D-Day coverage 230 men landed on one beach and by the end of ...

Protect Alpena and protect the library

I am speaking out regarding the Aug. 6 election proposal for the Alpena County Library. My family moved to the area two years ago, and, as we explored our new home, we found ourselves repeatedly impressed. We are avid homeschoolers and found an incredible support system through the Partnership, we love the outdoors and found a variety of public trails and beaches, and we are small business owners and found encouragement and networking. Not to mention enjoying the many offerings Alpena has produced: like the Alpena Community College, the Besser Museum, Art In the Loft, NOAA, and the ...

Don’t destroy beautiful 2nd Ave. maple tree

The City of Alpena has decided to remove a beautiful, large, ancient maple tree on South 2nd Avenue because of a complaint they received claiming that its roots are affecting a sewer system. The Department of Public Works representative says that they have now designated it as a “hazard,” not only for the root problem but also because its large trunk has damaged the sidewalk and street curb. Finally, she has determined, just by looking at it, that this tree is dying. After decades, this now “dying” tree is still sending out roots invading sewer systems? The representative ...

Lucky to have Grand Lake Fire Department

On Memorial Day weekend, we had the misfortune of an emergency experienced by a visiting family member, resulting in a 911 call to the Grand Lake Fire Department. How very fortunate we are to have these dedicated responders, who surely would have liked to be out on the lake fishing or preparing their grills for a picnic. Their quick arrival, followed by calm and caring attention and safe transport to Alpena, highlighted how lucky we are to live in a community where people look out for one another. Kudos to this dedicated team at Grand Lake! NANCY and KARSTEN BOERGER, Presque Isle

Is this a prelude to Nazi-style book burning?

Arrogant extremists threatening to cut funding for the Alpena library (shutting it down) over a few books and planned efforts to cut Alpena County school funding for similar reasons will result in significant harm to the community. Is this just a prelude to Nazi-style book burning? It appears that we are going in that direction. I have reviewed two of the books noted in the newspaper article last weekend. These two are essentially sex education written around that age when they will be learning it in some way. Many topics pertinent to protecting them from exploitation, disease, etc. ...

Morrisons glad for years as your family grocer

Dear Community — In 1954, Bill and Marge Morrison took a chance and moved their young family to Hillman to open up a grocery store. With their then three children in tow, Susan, David, and Rhonda, they started an adventure that lasted nearly 70 years. Children Doug and Beth joined the family in the following years. Over the decades, in what started as a small market, Morrison’s IGA grew and added additional lines of business. One could say that Morrison’s became a community staple, welcoming Hillman families, summer cottage residents, hunters and more. It provided the first job ...