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Cougar cubs surprise everyone

Last week, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that two cougar cubs were photographed by an Ontonogan County resident, marking the first confirmed sighting of cougars in Michigan in ell over 100 years. According to the DNR, the spotted cubs were believed to be 7 to 9 weeks old at the time of the photographs. This is the first time cougar cubs have been verified since the big cats were hunted out of existence in Michigan in the early 1900s, said Brian Roell, large carnivore specialist for the DNR. Roell, a wildlife biologist for 26 years, led the team that verified ...

Caution needed when driving near road construction

Although we had a little setback last week with the blustery weather, signs of spring are becoming more noticeable. This is especially true as temperatures climb up into the 40s, 50s and even 60s – as predicted for Friday and Saturday. Area residents are getting out on bicycles and hiking more in lighter clothing, the amount of daylight is lengthening daily and flowers and buds on trees will be popping up. Another sign of spring that will be popping up soon, as well, are “road construction ahead” signs, with annual road projects scheduled to begin in the next few ...

Here’s a suggestion for enjoying the outdoors: try fishing

Looking for ways to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors: Try fishing. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Free Fishing Weekend dates for 2025 are Feb. 15-16 and June 7-8. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish We think this is a good way to introduce new people to the sport, including children. A single opportunity to go fishing as a kid may result in a lifetime of enjoyment and fulfillment. It may also help the state in its ...

Two sides on the effects of US tariffs

Are tariffs a tax cut? It depends, apparently, on who’s giving the answer. Tariffs are a tax imposed on imports. It follows, then, that imports necessarily become more expensive in the country that levies the tariffs. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a briefing Tuesday, said this: “Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people.” Nearly all economists say tariffs are actually a tax hike. That’s because the additional cost of tariffs will, to a large degree, be passed on to consumers through higher prices. Backed by that assessment, PolitiFact has ...

March for Meals month in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining with the federal Administration for Community Living and senior nutrition service providers in celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program as part of March for Meals Month. “For more than 50 years, senior nutrition services have helped create healthy, strong communities where all members can flourish, including our older residents,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The Senior Nutrition Program ensures we provide nutritional and social supports to those in need. It is often the gateway for ...

Department of Education cuts could hurt disabled kids

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced plans to halve the United State Department of Education by laying off more than 1,300 employees under new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The cuts come as the Trump administration severely makes cuts to much of the federal government. According to the Associated Press, McMahon told employees to brace for profound cuts in a memo issued March 3, the day she was confirmed by the Senate. She said it was the department’s “final mission” to eliminate bureaucratic bloat and turn over the agency’s authority to ...