Letters to the Editor
Power of pink seen
To the Journal editor:
Today is April 16 and also the day for the Upper Peninsula Pink Power Walk. It is approximately 10:20 a.m. I just got a call from my husband Mike. He was elated and somewhat overwhelmed with the massive turnout for the 17-mile walk.
Participants exceeded 350 and needless to say it was a great turn out and success! What floors me about my husband was the ambition he had in getting sponsors for the event within a three-day time frame. Mike wasted no time in getting sponsors which included all of the professional trades he had worked with in his career, but was disappointed more so because he felt he could have done better.
Mike raised nearly $800, which was applauded. He was also awarded third prize! In my eyes, that’s pretty darn good for a guy whose conservative passion and belief is always for the betterment of society and people – no matter the need or cause. The people of the Upper Peninsula have a true U.P. spirit!
It continually floors me with the genuine, come together support we have with the people of the U.P.
Caelee Croschere
Marquette
Letters to the Editor
Negaunee City Band seeking new members
To the Journal editor:
As the Summer Concert Series approaches, the Negaunee City Band is actively seeking members to join their organization.
Supported by the city of Negaunee, the NCB has developed into one of the finest multi-generational community bands in the Upper Peninsula.
The band rehearses year-round and performs concerts weekly in June, July and August and participates in many local parades.
Founded in 1898, the NCB was an outgrowth of various ethnic bands performing in the Negaunee and Ishpeming area at that time.
The band now is seeking to gain membership from the many excellent musicians in western Marquette County who have a desire to renew their interest and participation in band music.
There are openings in all sections with particular attention needed in the flutes, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone and tuba sections.
Membership is open to adults, college students and high school students who are recommended by their local band directors.
The band rehearses on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Performance Facility at the end of Iron Street in downtown Negaunee.
No longer own an instrument? Need more information? Please call me at 906-362-9030.
Gerry Anderson, director
Negaunee City Band
Letters to the editor
Fair share needed
To the Journal editor:
The message is out and people are beginning to learn that local governments across Michigan are losing tax revenue due to “Big Box” retailers finding loopholes to have their property assessments significantly reduced.
These establishments are known as “Dark Stores.” Certain communities have agreed to this corporate charade in order to avoid costly legal battles.
This, in turn, will reduce the amount of tax revenue that flows into our communities. Fortunately, there are “Brite Store” businesses that are willing to support their communities by paying their fair share.
Needless to say, when this flow of revenue is decreased, communities will suffer due to a decrease in basic public services.
For example, the Marquette County Youth Home which has played such a significant role in helping children has been forced to close its doors.
How sad that this institution has been sacrificed for the sake of corporate profits. I can only wonder how many children whose lives could’ve been changed for the better will now be deprived of that opportunity.
I find this not only shameful, but completely unacceptable. In addition, the Peter White Public Library has also been forced to close its doors on Sundays due to this projected loss in revenue. And this is just the beginning of the impacts we will be witnessing.
As you may have already noticed, many local businesses have agreed to display “Brite Store” decals on their doors to demonstrate their commitment to our communities.
State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, and State Rep. John Kivela, D-Marquette, are working hard to resolve this issue with two pending bills. Please support them in their efforts.
It’s my sincere belief that if these corporations wish to conduct business in our communities, then they should act accordingly and pay their fair share.
Bruce Gustafson
Marquette
Letters to the Editor
Volunteers minding sled trails in U.P
To the Journal editor:
Winter didn’t last long and there wasn’t a lot of snow, but the warm weather and superb trail conditions still offered some outstanding snowmobiling, thanks to the dedication of our local snowmobile clubs and their members.
While most of us are nestled in our warm beds on a bitterly cold winter night, volunteers are out on the trails, operating the groomers so that the trails are smooth and frozen the following day.
Every snowmobiler knows the joy of coming upon a freshly groomed trail free of tracks! So I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our local snowmobile clubs and their club members who often give up their own riding time to groom so that people like me have smooth trails to enjoy.
Those club volunteers also spend countless hours brushing, signing and repairing the same snowmobile trails during the summer months, securing grant funds from the state, and obtaining permission from private landowners so that we have an extensive snowmobile trail network to enjoy.
The Upper Peninsula is the envy of and the destination for thousands of sledders, thanks to the tireless efforts of our local clubs and volunteers. Thank you for your commitment and dedication! It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Also, a big thank you goes to all of the private landowners who unselfishly give permission to the clubs to maintain snowmobile trails across their property.
If it were not for your generosity, we would not have the wonderful network of trails to ride on, from one end of the U.P. to the other.
We appreciate your cooperation!
Anne Okonek
Cornell
Letters to the Editor
No more excuses
To the Journal editor:
It was another mediocre season for the Northern Michigan University men’s hockey and the repetitious reasons given by the coach appear again. The most common are:
1. We suffered injuries to key players. It’s a logical explanation of course; however, in my 30 plus years of watching I have seen as many opposition players as ours walked or carted off the ice. Every team has this problem.
2. Penalties at crucial times really hurt us. I view team discipline at playoff time to be on the coach, especially when we see it collapse every year.
3. We have a young team and this is a rebuilding year. That makes sense. But, do you remember Coach Red Berenson’s U of M squad winning the NCAA title with a bunch of freshmen?
4. Our seniors didn’t step up. Well, who is supposed to motivate them?
A recent letter to this paper added another reason: 5. Our program needs more cash. We need it for recruiting, arena upgrades etc. Without it we won’t win.
Really! Does anyone remember ECAC’s Union winning the NCAA title in 2014? With 2,000 students and no hockey scholarships they have appeared in four of the last six NCAA tournaments.
Coach Rick Comley took us there often and won in 1991 while playing in a small and rundown Lakeview Arena. It was exciting then.
Coach Walt Kyle entered the program with a new and modern facility. It hasn’t helped anymore than the Superior Dome has helped our football team.
I won’t discourage donations for our hockey, but money does not bring success. Success brings money. Winning will fill those empty seats and coaching is the key.
Coach Jeff Jackson of Notre Dame is a great example. He coached Lake Superior State University for six years and ignited that program with 182 wins.
With two national titles, they came to the big dance every year. He left in 1996 and LSSU has done nothing since.
Then he ignites the failed program at Notre Dame with seven of their eight NCAA appearances coming under his leadership.
Reasons melt into excuses and money creates nothing without leadership. We need some of that.
Gary Ruhinen
Marquette