One of the most popular indoor sports in this town requires no physical training. Any number of folks can play and generally nobody gets injured although at times playing the game has damaged some political careers. We're talking about the "who is running for what office? or if you prefer ...
Last fall, I fell in love with prairie dogs on the American Prairie in Montana even though the hype for America's Great Plains pointed me to bison. As impressive as North America's largest land mammal is, the pipsqueak of the prairie piqued my interest and stole my heart, and I'm not the only ...
These views are my own and not necessarily those of the board or my colleagues. When it comes to Alpena Public Schools Board of Education, I vote with common sense and fiscal responsibility, and FULLY stand by the three votes that a small group is trying to recall me for. The decisions for the votes were made carefully, and I came to my conclusions by listening to the input of the community and fellow board members. This reflects my shared commitment to what’s best for our students and the taxpayers. I am hopeful media outlets will provide the opportunity to explain decisions fully ...
The end of the Ayatollah, a man at the forefront of a regime that financially supports international terrorism, that brutally represses dissidents, that subsidizes the Chinese economy with petrochemicals at a discount, is a step in the right direction for democratic societies across the world. As responsible citizens, in the wake of this good news, we must address two questions. First–what happens next? Trump encouraged Iranians to “take over” their government. While that is a noble prospect, we must consider the feasibility that a people’s revolution will indeed produce a ...
I am writing in response to statements made during the recent factuality and clarity recall hearing regarding the language used to describe the rain garden issue. During that hearing, Monica Dziesinski, along with Eric Lawson and Sarah Costain, objected to the characterization that they voted against a “grant”. They argued that they did not vote down the “grant,” but only voted against installing the rain garden itself. To many of us in the community, that feels like a difference that doesn’t matter. If the grant would have fully funded the rain garden project, then voting ...
Did you know that the “warming shelter” at the Alpena Fairgrounds is only open for operations from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.? This means that, though people had a relatively warm place to sleep, that they must be out of the building by 8 a.m.? No matter what the weather is like? Sort of changes the meaning of “warming shelter” doesn’t it? I thought the issue was addressed at the last county commissioners meeting in January, but that was over a month ago, and nothing has changed. Did you know that the “warming shelter” is slated to close on March 31? So – people will be out in ...
