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Trump and Congress should confront China on genocide

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) joined together last week to sponsor a bipartisan bill that would require the secretary of state to determine whether the People's Republic of China is engaging in genocide against the people of Tibet. "Communist China is committing genocide in Tibet. There is no way around it," Scott said in a statement about this bill. "The regime in Beijing has engaged in systematic killings, torture, forced sterilization, forced displacement, government sanctioned kidnapping and a myriad of other crimes against humanity in its oppression of ...

Youth sports: building a strong Alpena

In a tight-knit community like Alpena, where the waters of Thunder Bay meet the hardworking spirit of northern Michigan, youth sports are far more than weekend distractions or Friday night lights. They are a vital thread in the fabric of our town, fostering healthier kids, stronger ...

Monica Dziesinski dug a hole for herself

In last Saturday’s paper, school board member, Monica Dziesinski, made statements justifying her vote on a paving bid. Her editorial was supposed to be a rebuttal to community perceptions of her questionable decision making and voting record. The legal jeopardy she may have put herself in with her explanation of why she voted to award an almost $700,000 contract to a higher bidder, Goodrich, is concerning. Not only is the information she provided in contrast to what the public was told regarding the quality of the asphalt the school system was purchasing, but it also appears she made ...

The allegations should not result in a special ballot

In the late ‘90s I served on the Alpena School Board for seven years. I also served as Alpena County Probate judge for fifteen years. The role of a school board member is not confined to board meetings. Rather, much more time is spent at committee meetings, communicating with school administrators, visiting the various schools, reading many reports and articles, and of course, spending a lot of time on the phone and in-person visits with constituents, etc. As probate judge I was able to review proposed ballots and ballot language before the voters entered the voter booth and ...