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Editorial

M-35 roundabout a good idea

Although we suspect this project may face some degree of opposition as the construction season opens, we like what the Michigan Department of Transportation is planning for more than three miles of M-35 in Marquette County between Marquette County Road 480 and US 41, including converting the M-35/County Road 492 intersection to a modern roundabout. Dan Weingarten, MDOT media representative for the agency’s Superior Region, summed things up nicely in a recent Mining Journal front page story on the matter, noting the current intersection of Marquette County Road 492 and M-35 is offset ...

Court rules federal government can’t ban at-home distilleries

Judges occasionally declare federal laws unconstitutional. But usually when a law passed by Congress has been on the books for more than 150 years, it’s in the clear. Not so for the federal ban on homemade whiskey, vodka and gin. Last week, an appeals court invalidated a federal law dating to 1868 that criminalizes at-home distilleries. The spirited ruling is a boon to small-time liquor hobbyists and entrepreneurs — but also an important statement on the limits of the federal government’s taxing power. Congress imposed the ban as a companion to legislation taxing alcohol and ...

County board correct on ‘people’s resolution’

A handful of sparks flew at the usually laid back, relatively speaking, Marquette County Board of Commissioners meeting earlier last week when the panel voted 3-2 in favor of a resolution entitled, "Resolution in Support of the People." This innocuous label obscured what the document was really about: keeping the federal government, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, out of Marquette County or, as an alternative, somehow compelling them to behave decently if ever they do show up here. Commissioners Karl Numinen, Dana LaLonde and Karen Alholm voted yes on the ...

State offers resources for dealing with flooding

With many parts of Michigan experiencing severe flooding due to melting snow and rain, state officials are advising residents what to do if in an area under threat. If more rain falls — the National Weather Service predicts up to 3 inches in some areas — conditions could worsen, with additional flooding and even flash flooding possible. Risks from flooding, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, can include — — Exposure to contaminants in flood water, including E. coli, heavy metals and petrochemicals; — Injury from floating debris; — Power ...

Farmers markets offer many positives

Maybe it's just our appreciation for freshly grown produce, great music and artisan goods, but we believe area farmers markets provide a nice accent to living in this area. One of the largest and most robust of the markets — and there are more than handful — takes place in the Marquette Commons each Saturday. In fact, the people that organize the Marquette market, the city's Downtown Development Authority, has invited community members to its annual market preview from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 25. This special event offers a first look at the upcoming market season and ...

A week for those who handle emergency calls

This week recognizes the people behind the calm, steady response when reporting an emergency. Their vital contributions are the focus of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week that runs through Sunday, according to the State 911 Committee. “Let’s take a moment to honor the incredible individuals behind every 911 call — the telecommunicators,” Amy Thomas, State 911 administrator, said in a news release. “More than just a voice on the other end of the line, they are compassionate, resilient and dedicated professionals who serve our communities with unwavering ...