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Letters to the Editor

MBTF Small Tent Managers say ‘good-bye’

“Thank you again for your past service and for helping us with this transition.” — MBTF President Despite attending monthly meetings, our tenure never appeared on any agenda and there was no conversation with us. No vote was ever taken, as per the bylaws. To be clear, we did not resign as the Michigan Brown Trout Festival Small Tent Management Team nor were we asked to. Gerald (Gerry) Lucas of Alpena is a former participant, informal volunteer and a 30+ year Small Tent Manager. Michael (Mick) Kaiser of Alpena and his daughter, Danielle Kaiser of East Lansing, are former formal ...

Support the library and freedom to read

Dear Editor: I am writing this letter in support of our local library, and of the right of an individual to have the freedom to read whatever he or she chooses. I would also like to encourage our county commissioners to appoint to the library board an individual who has experience, who supports the library, and its workers, and who values the freedom to read. Sincerely, DORIS FEYS Ossineke

World ROV competition a great success

Well, maybe Alpena is no longer that well-kept secret. Last week, some 18 countries and 22 states arrived in Alpena to compete in the International ROV competition. To observe the diversity and blending of the thousands of people was encouraging and enlightening. With these people, our future looks bright. Kudos to all the people in Northern Michigan who made this successful. All your efforts did not go unnoticed. RON and CHERLY LEMKE Alpena

Increasing our debt without spending

Last month, Moody’s Bond Rating Service downgraded U.S. national debt from Aaa to Aa1, driving America’s national debt borrowing costs up by 0.45 basis points in a single day. As of May 19, 2025, at 7:17 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, the national debt was $36,218,929,729,031. When Treasury Bonds mature under deficit spending, they must be paid and we issue new bonds to replace the old matured bonds at current interest rates and borrowing costs. The cost for using this money changes according to the strength of our credit ratings and the financial markets at the time of ...

MLB prayers

It’s the last of the ninth inning in Arizona. The home team is trailing by two runs but has the bases loaded with two outs. The pitcher pauses as he approaches the mound. He removes his hat and places it over his heart, closing his eyes to pray. The batter waits outside the box, making the sign of the cross before stepping in. Timeout is called. The manager, catcher and all the infielders gather at the mound to assess the situation. Action resumes. The pitcher throws. The batter swings and connects, driving the ball deep into the outfield. The runners are in motion as the ...

Jets should stay over Lake Huron

I know the National Guard has to train and I appreciate the fact that the CRTC here in Alpena has the facilities to allow them to do that. What I don’t understand is why they create the sonic booms over the city of Alpena. There is plenty of room over Lake Huron to reach the levels that create the boom that would be far away from the city. I was at a doctor appointment when one happened and the NP jumped at the sound of it. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if a doctor was in surgery when one happened. They need to keep the jets over Lake Huron when they create the sonic ...