A new Brookings Institute survey found among mothers with young children, nearly one-fifth say their children are not getting enough to eat during this pandemic, a rate three times as high as in 2008, during the worst of the Great Recession. This should be deeply concerning to all of us — ...

This letter is addressing all Democrats, Republicans, Socialists or whatever your political affiliation. You, as a group and even in some cases as individuals have decided to shut down our economy due to health issues related to COVID-19. I am not arguing whether you did the right or wrong ...

We were amused by the editorial in Thursday’s News, beginning “Dear 2020 graduates.” Lamenting the COVID-19-denied “ceremony, celebration, hugs, and parties,” as if such amusements were a seminal part of education. (Pro tip to The News: in the first graph, the phrase after the em dash ...

On Saturday April 25, The Alpena News published an article announcing, Alpena Community College President Don MacMaster said they gave 16 apartment keys to MidMichigan and the Alpena Fire Department to use if their employees fear exposing their families to the virus. “They could use the units ...

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” I would like to express my appreciation for the staff of MediLodge of Alpena. In this time of the virus, nursing homes serve perhaps our most vulnerable population. In many instances, the coronavirus spreads quickly in the homes and they incur ...

“United” States stand! Again we are hit between the eyes (with truth) from our government leaders. This is true divisive tactics against a democratic branch of government. The president (I think) had a room full of Republicans (dividing) and was pointing out that they (do his dirty work) ...

Alpena Public Schools wants to resurface the track at the junior high. I feel that track and field area at the football stadium should be resurfaced, instead. Recent improvements have been made to the field that it doesn’t make sense not to complete the project and upgrade the track and ...

On April 10, 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the U.S. flag to half-staff “until further notice” due to the deaths related to COVID-19. As a U.S. Navy combat veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm and currently a full-time lieutenant with a fire department, I have great ...

My heart broke when I read what Mike Leow wrote in his letter to the editor: “The Confederate battle flags don’t represent racism; they represent revolt against repression just as they did in 1862.” Let’s be clear and tell the truth: the so-called Confederate flag we see flown at ...

Dear Rep. Allor, I would like to add my voice to those expressing shock with the recent invasion of the Capitol by fringe “protestors” bearing loaded assault weapons. Don’t get me wrong I own hunting weapons and use them safely, and as a physician advocate for gun safety training ...

After hearing our Memorial Day program honoring our soldiers who gave their all was canceled, I am angry! This is a very important day. It makes no sense that we can shop at all the big box stores, golf, etc., but can’t gather outside to honor our soldiers. People should be able to attend, ...

These last few months would have been insufferable without the morning arrival of the local newspaper. We just don’t get the same pleasure reading the local news online. Holding the paper, reading the text, experiencing our own interpretation or reaction to an article, I think, is essential ...

Shame on Robert Page for criticizing a young man’s letter about COVID-19 in an attempt to belittle his thoughts and twist them into a debate over abortion. Shame on you for presuming to know this young man’s position. The two matters are not the same. Mr. Cardwell was voicing his concerns ...

Some observations from the past months. This was a bumper sticker displayed in a public place. Trump 2020/F**k Your Feelings (edited for newspaper). An Independent friend went to experience a Trump rally. She felt intimidated to clap and cheer for Trump. Trump taunted the “fake ...

The Democrats are lying to us, the Wuhan Virus numbers are padded in order to scare us all. The more we are scared the easier it is to take our liberties. The line that Mrs. Comar used about Flint water crisis proves my point. Whatever narrative the Democrats need to push the media jump to it. ...

I live in Atlanta, Michigan. The one grocery store in town is constantly overcrowded and social distancing is not practiced. That is why I choose to drive to Alpena and shop at Meijer. I appreciate the efforts made by their employees to keep the store as sanitary and safe as possible for its ...

I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent care I received during my recent stay at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. I would like to thank the staff in E.R. who took care of me before I was admitted, to Dr. Puls who did my surgery, and to the 3 South Staff who took care of ...

As our region continues to face the challenges of COVID-19, MidMichigan Health remains committed to providing care to all of the communities we serve. During such a time of uncertainty, the energy we have had to persevere through this pandemic has truly come from you – our community. We ...

I was dismayed to see the pictures of the protest that occurred at the Capitol building on April 30. Ignoring social distancing guidelines which could endanger themselves and the selfish disregard of the impact they may have on others including in some cases the children they brought along ...

Aiden Cardwell’s thoughts about the COVID-19 pandemic are those of a man mature beyond his years. The criticism of his letter by Robert Page is unjustified and factually inaccurate. Page notes that Cardwell did not mention abortion, which is true. Letters about the pandemic usually do not ...