Some thoughts on area economy

October 18, 2021

Iron Mountain is beginning to look like a tourist town, a motel, gas station, various eating places all paying low wages. The “now hiring” signs may soon be disappearing. A few badly needed clothing stores would be nice and “shop local” signs would help the economy. A manufacturing plant would pay better but the Michigan Clean Air Act would probably discourage this. Construction is booming, which is a good thing. Land and marijuana sales are thriving, so why can’t we fix the damn roads?

A look at the national debt by president

October 14, 2021

What is the national debt? It is the difference between the money collected — generally fees and taxes — and the money spent. The last time we had no debt was in 1835. Most economist feel zero U.S. debt would cause a global financial meltdown. In comparing the budget deficit to the total debt, the presidents with the highest percentage increase were Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1,050%) fighting the Great Depression and World War II; Woodrow Wilson (724%) fighting World War I; Ronald Reagan (18.6%); George W. Bush (101%); Barack Obama (74%) fighting the Great Recession; George H.W. ...

New district maps would split county

October 12, 2021

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission has sliced Dickinson County into two legislative districts. Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Sagola and Breitung Townships are now assigned to the 110th Michigan House District; the City of Norway, and Norway, Waucedah, Breen, Felch and West Branch townships are now assigned to the 109th Michigan House District! The county now is in the 108th Michigan House District. We believe that Dickinson County should not be arbitrarily split to accommodate “population equity” among the U.P. Districts. This split will add more work for our ...

Group looks for Veterans Day Dinner donations

October 8, 2021

The Dickinson County Area Veterans Alliance is raising money for the annual Veterans Day Dinner, which honors all veterans — past and present. This year’s event will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the American Legion Post 145 in Norway. It will be a culmination of a day in which we honor our veterans. Our costs are defrayed by donations from area organizations and businesses. We would greatly appreciate any assistance that businesses or organizations might be able to give. We also collect small items to be given as door prizes. The Veterans Alliance is a 401(c)(3) non-profit ...

Some thoughts on ‘Columbus Day’

October 7, 2021

EDITOR: I learned it in elementary school in the 1950s: Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. He paved the way for European settlement of the Americas and the founding of the United States. He was a hero. Columbus landed in what we call the Bahamas on Oct. 12, 1492. “Columbus Day” has been recognized in the U.S. since 1971 as a federal holiday on the second Monday of October. For many Americans, the holiday is little more than an inconvenience—no mail delivery! For some, it is a day to celebrate their Italian heritage. But what does it mean for Native ...

Knowledge behind COVID measures sound

October 6, 2021

Yes, enough is enough. It is time to stand up and affirm sound public health measures. It is time to examine the sound scientific knowledge regarding COVID-19’s severity and transmission rate. Yes, there were and will be some confusing messages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But we are dealing with an ever-changing virus and an evolution of new vaccines. Yet the guidance of physicians, scientists and epidemiologists has been spot-on to keep people protected — if not totally free of COVID, at least modifying the illness. What are those recommendations? ...