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Letters to the Editor

Ideas for putting a stop to senseless deaths

For too long, we have seen two areas of murder and death that are out of control and taking a horrible toll on our people and our psyche. Police officers misuse of lethal force in arrests, and the killing of thousands with fentanyl are scourges that must be addressed. Both problems are complex and require action that takes time to accomplish. I hope to start a discussion that could begin to produce immediate common-sense solutions. Regarding arrests, the best possible behavior to exhibit is to simply submit, don’t argue, and don’t resist or run. Regarding drugs, make sure ...

WMCU should rethink decision on music

As of March 1, National Public Radio affiliate WCMU, broadcasting at 91.7 F.M. from its location at Central Michigan University, will no longer host classical, jazz, blues, bluegrass, new world, or other music on its radio platform. Instead, station managers have announced that its radio programming will consist only of news and talk shows. All music has now been moved to the internet as web-based offerings, which can be streamed if one is logged on to WCMU. While we certainly cannot get enough of reliable, trustworthy information in these troubled times, it is also the case that we ...

Wildcats are positive presence in community

Kudos to the Alpena Wildcat Hockey team and Coach Ben Henry. Saturday and Wednesday evenings’ games turned into a phenomenal community event. The stands were packed and every inch of available space was filled with an excited hockey fan, eager to support our hometown team, regardless of the outcome. As I held my young son up to the glass as he watched in awe, I reflected on the impact that this team has had on the Alpena community this season. I couldn’t have handpicked better young leaders for my aspiring hockey player to look up to. The positive presence that has come from ...

Could vets combine efforts to help animals?

My name is Tovi. Until recently I was an 8-year-old, healthy, happy and, if I say so myself, wonderful golden retriever. About three weeks ago during the night, my stomach twisted, taking my spleen and causing bloat. My people knew something was very wrong with me. I was retching and miserable. They frantically called every veterinary clinic in Tawas, Oscoda, Lincoln and Alpena. Not one clinic was available to help. They ended up taking me to Traverse City in the middle of the night. I was in pain and it was a horrible trip for me and them. The veterinarians there tried everything ...

Ice Festival was a total community effort

What a beautiful day two Saturdays ago for the second annual Alpena Ice Festival! A festival of this scope could not have happened without the commitment and resources from a number of organizations and individuals. A huge thanks to the City of Alpena, especially Rachel Smolinski, Andy Marceau, the Fire Department, and the Department of Public Works. The major sponsors who provided funds and volunteers: Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union (LeAnn Schultz and Alison Jakubcin), Nicolet National Bank, Wolverine State Credit Union, First Congregational UCC Comstock Fund, SOME CPA’s (Julia ...

An exciting, positive use for the Plaza Pool

After reading The Alpena News about the possibility of building a new pool at the APlex is very exciting and long overdue.This is much needed for the community who enjoy swimming and using a pool for a workout.Also the possibility of bringing swimming as a varsity sport back to the high school is very encouraging. I agree with the editorial that a concrete plan needs to be in place before moving forward.When I first came to Alpena in 1999, I was astonished that the high school didn’t have a weight room for the PE classes or athletic teams. The coaches and Booster Club got together ...