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Ways to better avoid picking up ticks

It’s the height of summer in the Upper Peninsula and the outdoors beckons. This long Independence Day holiday weekend will offer a prime opportunity to venture into the countryside. While enjoying all the good things the northwoods has to offer, residents and visitors alike are reminded that time spent in the forests, fields or alongside water bodies does carry a hazard: Ticks. Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species, some of which can carry dangerous pathogens such as the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development warned ...

Don’t look now but tourists are here

Freshwater seas, flowing rivers and waterfalls, natural wilderness and more are all right outside our front doors. We should consider ourselves lucky, seeing as we’re the ones who live where others choose to vacation. It’s that time of year again, when our grass is greener, the skies are bluer and visitors from all around flock to the Upper Peninsula to retreat from their everyday lives. The summertime here in the U.P. is a time we can all breathe a little easier, relax a little longer and enjoy life at a season when time seems to move at a slower pace. Most would agree that ...

Rising national debt is already troublesome

The rise of the federal debt over the past two decades has prompted countless warnings that the United States is approaching a fiscal reckoning, a day when the government won’t be able to drink all it wants from the fountain of easy money. The more immediate danger is that the fountain keeps flowing. The fear of a future crisis is distracting attention from the problems that the government’s dependence on debt is already causing. We, the people, are spending a staggering amount of money each year to borrow money. The interest payments on the federal debt now exceed the ...

Watch out for holiday hazards

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with backyard barbecues, fireworks displays, and poolside gatherings, homeowners should be mindful of potential risks that could lead to property damage or injury. “While this holiday is a time of celebration, it also brings a spike in home insurance claims related to fires, water accidents, and other hazards,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With so many festivities happening at home, it’s essential that people take proactive steps to protect their property and loved ones.” Grilling ...

Holiday means good times but use caution, common sense

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, a great many people are scrambling to finalize their shopping lists and to-do lists for the big holiday. But the Red Cross wants to remind the public that there is a few other things to keep in mind on Independence Day. The website, www.redcross.org, states, “If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps: • Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. • Keep a ...

Speed-involved crashes have decreased

Exceeding the speed limit is more than just breaking traffic laws–it represents dangerous behavior that threatens the safety of everyone on the road. Driving at high speeds with impatience or carelessness not only puts the vehicle’s occupants at risk but also endangers pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists. Data indicates that speed enforcement and public education efforts are yielding positive results in Michigan. To further encourage safer driving this summer, the Michigan State Police, as well as officers from city and county police departments across the state, will be ...