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Letters to the Editor

Article on holiday parade was heartwarming

The Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Alpena has always been a tradition for our family. Unfortunately, we had to miss the parade this year, but picking up the Alpena News Saturday morning and reading the Article “Get This Party Started” written by Julie Riddle, made my heart a lot lighter. Julie did such a great job of describing the parade and the reactions of the parade goers and the delightful parade entries, that I almost felt like had been right there. Great article, Julie. Thank you! And thank you to the businesses and groups who put so much effort into each entry. ...

Grateful for the care of Besser Senior Living

This letter is to publicly express our sincere gratitude to Besser Senior Living local management and staff. Our parents were able to enjoy the last years of their life at this fine facility, enjoying the privacy of their own apartment along with unparalleled services. Besser staff and management go above and beyond in their services to folks lucky enough to live there. We often joked that it is like being on a cruise ship without the water. Residents are treated with loving care, respect, and privacy. They bend over backwards to make time there entertaining, energizing, and custom ...

It’s time to come to an agreement on water

As a resident of Alpena Township and being concerned about the increase in rates for water/sewer provided to our home, I attended the recent special township meeting this past August, which addressed this issue. I was curious to know why the rate is so high on water purchased from the City of Alpena and sold to Township residents. The meeting was informative with most input given by the Alpena Township Supervisor. Seems that our increase in cost for residents of the township stems from some mistakes made years ago when the water infrastructure was installed. Poor quality that were ...

It’s best to keep fluoridating water supply

I am writing regarding the shortage of fluoride for the community water fluoridation program and the decision that faces our city. Community water fluoridation prevents tooth decay. Fluoride in water is the most efficient way to prevent cavities. An estimated 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness. Community water fluoridation is so effective at preventing tooth decay that the CDC named it one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. It protects all ages against cavities. Studies show that fluoride ...

Congress must act to protect DACA program

The DACA program is in grave peril and Congress must act before the end of the year to create permanent protections for the hundreds of thousands of people who were brought to this country as children, making it the only place they have ever called home. DACA recipients, “Dreamers,” are our health care providers, teachers, and care workers. They hold essential jobs that strengthen our communities. Ending DACA could leave labor market sectors already experiencing shortages in even worse conditions. Moreover, without permanent protections, families will be separated, which is ...

Time to clean up your mess, manufacturers

Here’s the thing: Dana Nessel has filed suit against out-of-state FKI Hardware (formerly Keeler Brass Company) to remove PFAS and other chemical pollutants from 9 of the company’s former, west Michigan ground and water sites. This company is just the latest of 17 businesses being accused of creating health concerns via pollution, also hiding the known risks resulting from their contamination. Wouldn’t legislation for the carbon tax keep corporations aligned with environmental goals and responsible community agents? Another example is the former Wurtsmith Base in Oscoda, known for ...