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Editorials and columns

Alpena’s greatest opportunity is standing right in front of us

When people talk about the future of Alpena County, the conversation often centers on workforce shortages, economic development, housing, public safety, and retaining young families. These are important issues. But behind every one of them is a more fundamental question: What are we doing today to develop the next generation of Alpena's leaders? Recent census data show that approximately 18% of Alpena County residents live below the federal poverty line. Across Northeast Michigan, many more families are classified as working households that still struggle to afford necessities ...

End comes too quickly

Sooner or later, is a common thought that can apply to a vast number of events. Take our seasons; Swami has his own thoughts on them. Summer can come a lot sooner, whereas winter would be its best coming later, and for a short period of time as well. When the All-Knowing-One was in his youth, ...

Saturday is final day for candidate letters

Saturday will be the final day that The News will publish letters to the editor pertaining to candidates in the upcoming election on Nov. 3. If you have a letter about a current candidate or candidates, please be sure to have it submitted no later than 1 p.m. on Friday. Letters will be published in the order they are received. Letters to the editor can be submitted via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com, by mail, or by simply dropping them off at The Alpena News office at 130 Park Place in Alpena.

What is a free and fair election?

Free and fair elections. That’s what we all want. There are many Americans who are no longer sure whether this goal is attainable. Let’s break down what a "free and fair" election actually means, and what we should expect from our voting system here in the United States. We can ...

Thank you for the chance to warn veterans about claim sharks

My husband Matt is a retired Marine gunnery sergeant. I spent years fighting to get him the care he earned after Iraq and Afghanistan. Then I went to law school so I could be a better advocate, and I'm proud that I was able to help other veterans access their disability benefits, for free. I ...