Breaking News

Editorials

Use of Flock cameras amounts to surveillance

The more we hear about Flock cameras, the less we like them. These cameras, positioned along roadways across the state and country, read license plate numbers in passing vehicles, reporting that and other information in real time to centralized data bases that law enforcement and others can access and share. Some police — certainly not all — neighborhood associations and private property owners argue the cameras, often powered by an attached solar cell, help find the bad guys and that they are, in essence, no different than an officer sitting on the side of the road keeping an ...

Show support for region’s county fairs by attending

Residents in the region can enjoy a full county fair experience to their heart’s content over the next couple weeks, both in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. This weekend has three such events, all within easy driving distance. Iron County’s 134th-annual fair — yes, since 1892 — kicks off Thursday in Iron River with a new carnival and petting zoo to go along with the usual livestock, exhibits and grandstand activities through Sunday. In Wisconsin, the 98th-annual Marinette County Fair starts Thursday in Wausaukee and the Florence County Fair opens Friday at the ...

Students warned against relying on energy drinks

While it’s still too early to pull all-nighters for studying, students heading back to classes at all levels may be tempted to seek an “energy drink” to manage the shift to early mornings, homework, athletics and busy afterschool schedules. But experts with Aspirus Health caution that energy drinks are not a safe or healthy way for children and teens to stay alert. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants that can affect sleep, mood, hydration and heart health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents avoid energy ...