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Letters to the Editor

At What Cost?

I'm writing today not just as a concerned community member, but as someone who is watching our school board take actions that raise a fundamental question — At what cost? First, a higher bid for asphalt over a lower one, an unnecessary expense of taxpayer dollars. At what cost? At the cost of fiscal responsibility and public trust. Then, the board voted down a rain garden — a project that was fully funded by grant monies. No cost to us, but full benefit to our students and environment. The majority rejected it. At what cost? At the cost of student opportunity, environmental ...

Modern Military Action (using drones)

Vladimir Putin has a “Massive Problem” in his war against Ukraine. Ukraine: 233,089 Square Miles Russia: 8,592,812 Square Miles The Strategic Military Disadvantage: Russia must defend 37 times the territory of Ukraine. A massive mostly undeveloped region filled with critical strategic military targets with little logistical support. Russia’s borders are now open to attack from all directions: China, Europe, the United States and the rest of the world are watching. It is a sad time for dictator Vladimir Putin. He gambled his empire and lost. LANCE A. HEITZ Presque Isle

GO WILDCATS

High school football is so refreshing from pro football and now, even college football. There isn't all the drama, the holdouts, the massive salaries, the transfer portal, the NIL nonsense. High school Fall ball is right around the corner and we are all looking forward to another season. Last year was a rough one for the Wildcats, but this year might be different. A few wins will get this program headed in the right direction again and I’ve got a feeling we will see that happen. So, good luck to all the Northern Michigan teams, especially the Alpena Wildcats. GO CATS! MIKE ...

Are you?

You are pro-life until that life wasn’t born in America. You are pro-life until that life isn’t white. You are pro-life until that life isn’t rich. You are pro-life until that life is LBGTQ+. You are pro-life until that life is a young single mother. You are pro-life until that life doesn't have a job; is homeless; needs food, shelter, clothes, money. You are pro-life until a child is born into a world stacked against them and then you say “don’t blame me, they chose to have a child.” Where you see opportunities to make more money there are lives being ruined. ...

Thank you, Alpena School Board

Thank you, Alpena School Board, for caring about the students’ education and safety at Alpena Schools. You were elected by the majority of voters in Alpena County to FIX the failing grade that APS should receive. It is about time illiteracy rates, test scores, truancy, and unsafe locker room and shower policies were addressed. Ignore the bullying and underhanded personal attacks against yourselves, your families and your businesses that the administration, teachers and certain other groups in the Alpena area throw at you. They are failing the students with stats that 70% of 6th graders ...

No Skin in the Game

I have virtually attended the Alpena Public Schools (APS) Board meetings for the past six months. My observations: ~ The rain garden that was designed by reputable architects was voted down even though there was a grant for the garden. ~ The Board promoted a "bathroom policy" that was NOT recommended by Thrun Law and ACLU. ~ The Board has approved adding a second law firm, the Kallman Legal Group. It is a father and son firm that has no experience representing public schools. Thrun Law (over 30 attorneys) has represented APS since 1960. Why would our Board waste ...