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Editorials and columns

The fairgrounds debate is missing some key facts

The future of the Alpena County Fairgrounds has dominated local conversation in recent weeks, and for good reason: there's a major development proposal on the table, multiple parties are involved, and the stakes are high. This has also been moving very fast—perhaps too fast. In the rush, concerns have been raised, confusion has spread, and one conclusion seems to have taken hold: that the Alpena County Fair Society Board (ACFS) is part of the problem. We'd like to offer a few answers. The Fair Society has been the steward of the Alpena County Fair for well over a century. We love ...

What I grieve about

What are you grieving this morning? That was the crux of a question posed at church this past week as it got all in attendance to reflect and ponder. For some it might have been the loss of a loved one. Others might be grieving an individual’s economic circumstances and bad decisions. ...

The difference between disagreement and misrepresentation

I never imagined that serving on a local school board would come with this much attention—but here we are. I didn’t run for this position because I wanted a title or a platform. I ran because I care deeply about our kids, our schools, and the future of this community. As a mom, I ...

Mary: our blessed and complete gift of maternal love

As we contemplate Mother’s Day we, of course, must contemplate Mary the mother of Jesus. We are mistaken if we assume that Christianity somehow owns or has authored Mary. After all she was a very faithful Jewish girl, who is also revered by Muslims, Hindus and Christians as well. Although Mary is the very best woman that God has offered us, and to emulate, this article considers her maternal love only. And only scratches the surface of that as well. The characteristics of Mary’s personality are partially found and seen in how she lived and loved in her life and how she was ...

I stand by my votes

These views are my own and not necessarily those of the board or my colleagues. As most of the community knows, I am one of the trustees currently facing a recall over three votes. I wanted to talk honestly about why I ran for the board, this experience, and give more detail on reasons for my ...

Are you willing to take our power back?

Last week I read, "Anyone who is not outraged about what is happening in Washington right now is not paying attention.” I agree, but it should have said, “… What is NOT happening in Washington.” This year we will celebrate our 250th year of Independence, 250 years of the American ...