Opinion

The mudslingers

Letters to the Editor October 10, 2026

Wow. This is perhaps the new low. The Alpena County Republican Party (ACRP) just conducted the biggest smear campaign imaginable. Instead of talking about the qualifications and vision of the four school board candidates they are endorsing and funding, they decided instead to spend thousands on a flyer that can only be described as hate-filled mudslinging. As a reminder to all, school board seats are nonpartisan and yet the ACRP not only endorsed four candidates, they also funded the signage you see for them around the county. Then they doubled-down by funding a 11x6” flyer that was ...

Michigan's income tax is the backbone of our communities

Editorials and columns October 10, 2026

Election season puts a spotlight on key issues, and taxes typically rise to the top of the lsit. This year, under the misconception that taxes are too high here in the Mitten State, candidates for state office have been eyeing risky tax reforms. Some proposals would cut Michigan’s income ...

Voting Blue because of Trump

Letters to the Editor October 10, 2026

Voting Blue because of Trump 250 years ago our forefathers gave us the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. We the people must come out in droves to keep our Democracy alive. No matter what the party, religion, what color, or creed you are, to keep the Freedom of Press alive for us all. Our moral fiber and souls are being torn apart by the fascist and lying Donald Trump and his 2025 project, cabinet sympathizers. Don “The Con” Trump and his corruption are bankrupting this country. He’s not a Conservative. $10.2 million ads to promote himself with taxpayer’s money. ...

Time to send Bergman packing

Letters to the Editor October 10, 2026

Jack Bergman is asking us to return him to Congress. In the 8 years he's been in office, his votes in the House have destroyed industry, livelihoods, and lives. Every time I fill up my gas tank, I think of Bergman and his cowardice to stand up against Trump's war of choice with Iran. Without Congressional approval, that illegal war which has spilled American blood, has driven up the cost of diesel and gasoline world-wide. In this rural district, affordable gas and diesel are our life-line to a job, health care, education for our kids, and more. Further, it's forced farmers into ...

Local journalism is important for local communities

Editorials and columns October 10, 2026

As we wind down the celebration of a free press in our democracy this weekend, understand for a minute here just how incredibly fortunate you are. Many of you are holding an actual newspaper made of newsprint and ink. That in and of itself is rare anymore. Second, you live in a community and ...

The miraculous medal

Editorials and columns October 10, 2026

When my grandpa died in 2020, I wrestled with the fact that I didn’t have any specific memories of him. My one recollection was waking up in the morning when my family visited him in Wisconsin and coming downstairs to the porch. Grandpa would be there sitting in his chair; he was always the ...