×

Letters to the Editor

Preventing tragedy

To the Journal editor:

Recently, more than 150 community members attended our 9th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Suicide Prevention Walk. This event raises awareness and also gives a safe space for those who have lost loved ones or who struggle themselves to gather together to show their support for suicide prevention.

The Marquette County Suicide Prevention Alliance would like to say thank you to all the community members that walked with us, the residents who live in the neighborhood surrounding Al Quaal and the individuals who have donated to the individual walkers. A special thanks to Tonya Allen and Laine Weidner for their participation in raising awareness about suicide prevention.

As one of the walk coordinators, it was very heartwarming to see attendance double in size this year. Our community really is a special place to live and it is evident at events like this one that we want to help one another and take ownership of community issues, such as suicide prevention.

On behalf of the Marquette County Suicide Prevention Alliance, I would like to say a special thank you to the following businesses: Airgas; Biggby Coffee; Border Grill; Casa Calabria; Dave’s Collision Center; Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447; Ishpeming Lions Club; Ishpeming Noon Kiwanis; JUST BAKED Cookies; MARESA; Marquette County Health Department; MBank; Negaunee Lions Club; Northern Veterinary Associates; OBGYN Associates; Pence Law; Peninsula Glass and Auto; Remies Bar; Rotary Club of Ishpeming; Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts; Skandia Lions Club; Steward & Sheridan P.L.C.; Superior Health Foundation; Tadych’s Econo Foods; The Up North Lodge; Tino’s Bar & Pizza; TruNorth Federal Credit Union; UP Health System-Bell; UPHP; and Washington Shoe Store.

Without the amazing support from our community sponsors, we would not have been able to host our 2017 Community Walk.

Funds that we raise support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its goal to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent in the United States by 2025. The funds also help us locally by allowing our Alliance members to offer trainings to our community members and provide education materials throughout the community.

It is our hope that this annual walk will continue to be a healing experience for all those who attend.

Amy Peterson

Marquette


Talk it out!

To the Journal editor:

I am confused! When did it become disrespectful to drop down to a knee? I have seen people in my church do it more often than not.

Perhaps what we are seeing from our “notorious” football players is a silent prayer that the injustices they have seen as a particular segment of our great nation can be corrected with God’s help. I have never seen any player keep on his headgear, not have I seen one turn his back to our great flag.

What I do see is a president who appears to want to divide our nation every chance he gets. On this particular subject it would seem that one who has never served in the armed forces taking privileges speaking for those who have.

It would be my desire for both sides to actually talk to each other and respect those opinions that differ from their own. If we can’t live with cultural differences, we are in big trouble.

Dawn Kangas

Champion


Help appreciated

To the Journal editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the people of the Warrior Relief Fund in Little Lake for helping and giving me assistance with my health problem.

Your support will always be greatly appreciated.

Sgt. Gerald Alexander

1430th Eng. Co.

Gladstone

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today