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Letters to the Editor

US supporting Ukraine is a smart investment

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, congressional Republicans cold-shouldered Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president came to Washington, D.C. seeking a new aid package for its war with Russia. GOP legislators were not impressed. “Too expensive,” some said. “Security on America’s southern border comes first, with Ukraine aid later, if at all,” said others. “Besides, America has moved on”. Penny wise, pound foolish. Over the nearly two years of this war, we have given Ukraine nearly $75 billion in aid. That’s less than the state of Virginia’s annual budget (PBS, Oct. 1, 2023). ...

These days, it seems kindness is all but gone

I love Alpena. We moved here over eight years ago and made it our home. We take pride in where we live. Most of the time. I don’t know when respect for others, kindness, and politeness went out of fashion to make way for the behavior and language I’ve seen on Facebook posts about local news, witnessed in public meetings, and interacting with others in public. It is embarrassing to read attacks on public servants who work every day to improve and enrich our community. It’s even more embarrassing when elected officials do so in public meetings. In a community that seems ...

We need peace on Earth and goodwill to men

This is the time of year when many celebrate the birth of Christos, but what have we learned from the promise of peace on Earth, goodwill to men? Not much. Our country is beset by stifling negativity, violence, and incivility. Leaders are caught up in vicious attacks on one another in pursuit of power. Maybe we should elect 5-year-olds. They are better behaved. In the Holy Land, a truly ungodly war rages, claiming the lives of so many. Over what? Differences in religions, customs, race, land. By a miraculous convergence, life was given to this beautiful blue ball we all ...

On celebrating this season of hope

There was a time when individuals took pride in their personal property, whether by flower plantings, home repairs, or just a name sign. Highway U.S. 23, has some great family name signs that make you chuckle as you drive by (thank you), others have displayed flags flying the “F” bomb, really!? But I digress, as what I want to point out is the trend back to the positive with the oncoming Holiday Lights displayed by homeowners and businesses alike. Take a drive, pile the kids, your elders, friends, or your neighbors in the car, and see the amazing endeavors to celebrate this season ...

Maintaining separation of church and state

Dear Sirs/Madams: The separation of church and state Religion is all about beliefs and beliefs are based on current as interpreted human assumptions. We have the Bible. We have the Lutheran Catechism and its ten commandments. But, in legislating abortion we now support the new commandment — that the end justifies the means. We are sacrificing the rights of our nation. Women’s rights, the right to have control over our own bodies and a right of having a democracy. Religion must never be part of our government. LANCE A. HEITZ, Presque Isle

Safety, security measures have been implemented

This letter is to inform the Community of Hillman about some safety and security measures that have been implemented. The safety and security of our staff, students, and stakeholders is top priority for our school and with these new improvements, we believe that we are on our way to achieving this goal. Mid-year in 2022, the Michigan legislature passed PA 93, which was signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Section 97c provided for State funding for each K-12 school building to be assessed by a third-party vendor. Hillman went with ACAP SOLUTIONS as the vendor for this process. The ACAP ...