Over the years, Jon Benson has left a tremendous mark on this community. While some of his many contributions have been noticeable, most often, they are quiet, behind-the-scenes-type things that usually make a huge difference for the people who are on the receiving end of his generosity. ...
I have only been in Alpena three weeks, and already I have seen the generosity and kindness of the people of Alpena County. Tuesday, our Salvation Army canteen was out serving the first responders at the fire in downtown Alpena. During that time, we received donations to assist us in ...
“... there are no villains in this story. There’s just a ragtag band of hillbillies struggling to find their way — both for their sake and, by the grace of God, for mine.” — J.D. Vance, “Hillbilly Elegy” When I was little, I had this cousin who knew my brother and I ...
This primary election season in Alpena is an interesting one. It appears that all of our high-profile primary fights are on the Republican portion of the ballot. As someone who has helped lead our party locally (and regionally) for over a decade now, I’ve been paying close attention to many ...
At every end of Alpena County on Tuesday stood emergency vehicles on the ready to assist, if needed. Members of the Presque Isle Township Fire Department stationed themselves temporarily at the Alpena Township North station. To the west on M-32 at the county border sat a Hillman ambulance ...
Almost two years ago, the voters of Caledonia Township chose Cyndi Apsey to serve as their supervisor. Cyndi’s accomplishments during the two years since then have proven that the voters made the right choice and we encourage continued support for Cyndi in the Aug. 4 primary election. Some of ...
EDITOR’S NOTE: A version of this column previously appeared in The News. It’s been a while since I’ve laughed so hard I lost control — couldn’t stop. I suspect you’ve laughed that hard, as well — I hope it wasn’t that long ago. Good, hard laughing can be exhausting, but ...
I continue to be appalled at The Alpena News rendition of journalistic sensationalism. A recent headline announces “another death from COVID-19” in the Alpena area. Where are the headlines that count the number of deaths from cancer, stroke, automobile accidents and on and on? On that ...
I awoke early this morning — the sun was just beginning to peek above the horizon and brush its brilliant colors across the sky. But, it wasn’t the brightening sky that woke me. It was the incredible variety of bird songs and trills that acted as my alarm clock. I lay still, simply ...
Many of my friends argue that the current president of the United States is failing to honor the pledge on the front of his baseball cap: MAGA. I disagree with them. Nearly every day there is new evidence to prove them wrong. Of course, the meaning of the G keeps changing. Here’s a partial ...
With summer in full swing and temperatures in the 80s and 90s, people are retreating to their boats on the water. It is important to remember the laws and regulations of boating on the water. Vessels are like cars, and the laws are similar to traffic laws. This month’s article will touch on ...
Some clarity for high school sports in Michigan this fall was shared a week ago by officials with the Michigan High School Athletic Association when they approved starting the fall sports season on schedule. Their announcement ended speculation on what the fall sports season might look like ...
That roar you heard in the background was from fellow Lions members after hearing Alpena resident Dave Zeller has selected as an inductee into the Lions Clubs of Michigan Hall of Fame. It is a most fitting honor for a man who is synonymous with Lions and their service to the people of ...
The rapid expansion of COVID-19 across the country and world changed our lives in many ways, including the need to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities by staying home. As Michigan’s governor responded to protect the state’s residents, businesses were closed, jobs were ...
A story in Saturday’s newspaper described the sadness associated with crimes being committed against the region’s elderly. Unfortunately, these crimes occur much more often than anyone would like. And when they do it usually ends up with terrible results. While some law officers treat ...
Do you sometimes wonder how many folks were taught by their loved ones to search for the silver lining in whatever bad happens to you? It’s not some crazy notion out of one of those “Fix Yourself” self-help books sitting on the drug store shelf. Especially in these virus times, when ...
News staff writer Julie Riddle recently spent a day hanging out with Alpena County’s 911 dispatchers. Her story revealed some fascinating details about the important role dispatchers play in helping emergency crews respond to crises and about the high-stress environment in which they ...
More than 130,000 of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and friends have succumbed to COVID-19 so far. That’s already more souls — in five short months — than we lost in all of World War I, which lasted four years. At current pace, we’ll lose ...
Now is not the time to let our guard down. Most of Michigan’s economy has reopened after months of harsh measures — stay-home orders, business closures, and more — slowed the spread of the coronavirus. But, with that reopening, public health officials asked us to maintain certain ...
Let’s begin with this: Facebook is different from other publishers. Unlike newspapers, book publishers, and online news sources, Facebook doesn’t generate much of its own content. It’s a host, a platform for other people to post their content, and, therefore, should held to a ...