Breaking News

Opinion

Insulated window shades save money, improve comfort

Editorials and columns

Dear Jim: I can't afford replacement windows, but it feels cold sitting near a window at night and my utility bills are high. Would installing insulating shades help? - Carol M. Dear Carol: It is not only your comfort being sacrificed when you are feeling chilly. Your windows are also losing energy which drives up your utility bills. The same thing happens in reverse during summer when heat, not just the direct sun's rays shining indoors, transfers in through the glass and forces your air conditioner to run more. What you feel during winter is not just cold air near windows at night. ...

What's ahead if the polls are right -- or wrong

Editorials and columns

With less than two weeks until the midterm elections, things look bad for President Donald Trump's Republican Party. Generic polls show significant movement away from Republicans and toward Democrats since Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris by 50% to 48% two years ...

Concerned about lack of response from our senators

Letters to the Editor

Back in July, I wrote emails to each of our Michigan U.S. Senators. I asked them if they would tell me what they thought about The Democratic Socialists of America candidates who are running for various congressional and senatorial positions around the country. I asked them two separate times for a response. Has not happened. I always get an email back when I write them thanking them for their work on important legislation. Funny I guess they must think that the communist takeover of our government is just fine. I have a democrat friend whom I asked if he would vote for someone from ...

Alpena's greatest opportunity is standing right in front of us

Editorials and columns

When people talk about the future of Alpena County, the conversation often centers on workforce shortages, economic development, housing, public safety, and retaining young families. These are important issues. But behind every one of them is a more fundamental question: What are we doing today to develop the next generation of Alpena's leaders? Recent census data show that approximately 18% of Alpena County residents live below the federal poverty line. Across Northeast Michigan, many more families are classified as working households that still struggle to afford necessities ...

Don't support those that support Donald Trump

Letters to the Editor

I ask if you do not support Donald Trump why would you vote for the likes of Mike Rogers, Jack Bergman or John James who have supported Donald Trump policies and initiatives throughout his Presidency? Just because they are distancing themselves from Trump now doesn’t mean once elected, they will not support Mr. Trump once again. Jere Doyle Alpena

Public money for me, but not for our kids?

Letters to the Editor

Twice in the last four years, AJ MacArthur voted no on the Michigan Athletics Association agreement with Alpena Public Schools. Meanwhile, his own business, AJ’s Garden & Produce Inc., has benefited from taxpayer-funded assistance, including forgiven PPP loans and substantial agricultural subsidies totaling more than $60,000 combined. Let that sink in. When the government provided financial assistance to help businesses survive the pandemic and supported agricultural producers through subsidy programs, those dollars were apparently acceptable. But when it comes to supporting athletic ...