The fish mural on the side of the Local Basket Case downtown has, in our minds, come to symbolize the creative spirit, tenacity, and brother- and sisterhood that makes Alpena the wonderful city that it is. The mural, known as “Make a Splash for Art,” was a point of community pride when ...
Off in the distance, the first visible pop of yellow caught their eyes. Concentrating more intently, they walked over to the area where the yellow first appeared. On the way, however, they were greeted with a flash here and a pop there. Moving as fast as they could to each area, it wasn’t ...
Children are given eternal souls by God at conception, and little causes me more outrage than the murder of innocent babies in their mother’s wombs. Kate Phillips (June 22) proclaims abortion as a woman’s choice. So who in this abortion decision speaks for the unborn child? When the ...
“Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” — Thomas Paine, “American Crisis” This week, as I do every July 4, I pondered on the bravery and nobility of our founding fathers, ...
Our democracy depends on an informed electorate! A free download of Robert Mueller’s report is at Mullerbookclub.com On May 29, Special Counsel Robert Mueller held his first public statement in two years since starting his investigation, and it was remarkable: “If we had confidence that ...
Is there anything sweeter than an Alpena strawberry? We love this time of year, for with it comes the delicious, sweet taste of Alpena strawberries. As we enjoy a fresh bowl of the delicious, bright red fruit, we actually can envision what heaven must be like with every bite. Our only ...
Thank you, idiot driver ... This morning, in broad daylight, around 7 a.m., you killed the innocent big female turtle trying to lay her eggs. Turtle and frog and snake populations are down dramatically. With waterside property in grass instead of “nature,” lawnmowers are killing ...
Come Heller high water ... ∫ This will not surprise you but I disagree with our tinhorn dictator about his Fourth of July celebration. Turning it into a military parade is so juvenile, so beneath us, so ... Soviet. We’re better than that. Or used to be, anyway. ∫ I like Michigan’s ...
We ate at Rosa’s on Friday evening, with its new and surprisingly ambitious menu and cloth napkins and wine specials. We enjoy dining at Rosa’s and appreciate the seriousness with which all involved take their job of providing what passes for a fine dining experience in this area. Alas, ...
The AP story of June 27 about funding the border crises was very alarming, and a bit confusing. I consider the action of the Demorats as a bold act of treason, and a complete violation of their oath of office! Nowhere in history have American taxpayers been lied to, oppressed and exploited! ...
In response to Ms. Shiemke’s letter (June 29) comparing Joseph, Mary and Jesus’ flight to Egypt to current illegals entering our country at the southern border, I would suggest that she read her Bible concerning the actual account of that flight. Contrary to her statement, they were not ...
Just reread Steve Schulwitz article, “Paid parking pondered.” I think the perfect place for a parking garage is on the corner where the old Alpena Power building was. Foot access to downtown; shopping, art galleries and restaurants. Foot access to “Old Town,” the Visitors Info Center, ...
I broke my clavicle (collar bone) almost four weeks ago, and you know I look at everything as a learning experience, so I couldn’t let the opportunity slip by before unpacking it for lessons. Those of you who know about the accident likely expected this column at some point. Before I share ...
One day after my rich uncle’s birthday, he went to a bank and told the banker he needed a loan. The banker replied, “Certainly, Sam, that’s what we do here. Why don’t you come up to my office and we can discuss what you need?” They grabbed a cup of coffee, took the elevator to the ...
The Plaza Pool in Alpena will remain open this summer after county commissioners last week decided to give $25,000 to pool officials to keep the pool’s fund balance from going into the hole. Commissioners had considered closing the pool over the summer months but decided against that ...
We’ve said it before, but it’s always worth repeating: Don’t let your fun ruin someone else’s. As we head into the July 4 holiday weekend, many of us will be shooting off fireworks and hosting bonfires and enjoying a brew or two to celebrate our nation’s founding. But, as we do, ...
From time to time, Michigan governors have had a love-hate relationship with those in the legislative branch, and, oftentimes, there is more of the latter than the former. Remarking on efforts to eliminate the two houses of the Legislature and replace them with one house — the so-called ...
Now that our students’ summer vacations are in full swing, it’s a good time to remember that time off from school should not be time off from learning. Studies have repeatedly shown that students who lose access to books and other learning materials when school is not in session lose ...
In recent weeks, schools across Michigan have started approving their budgets for the next fiscal year, because the law says they have to do so by July 1. The law also says school boards and superintendents must pass a balanced budget, meaning they must plan for every bill and payroll check ...
It’s better to be right than first. That’s one of journalism’s easily said, not-so-easily followed credos. In markets with multiple media outlets, the pressure is high to be the first to get news out, so you can become the go-to source for readers, listeners, or viewers. That ...