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Editorial

Shoveling snow may cause serious health problems

With a reasonable amount of snow finally on the ground, driveway and walkway clearing has begun in earnest in Superiorland. And a great deal of it is accomplished by out-of-shape homeowners looking to save a little money by doing it themselves. That’s where the trouble can start. According to one medical study, about 100 people die each year from heart attacks related to snow shoveling. An unknown number of people are stricken but survive — perhaps to shovel again. According to the American Heart Association, one of the reasons heart attacks can occur during snow shoveling is the ...

Public education funding welcome

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has announced that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge. This initiative is designed to increase FAFSA completion rates among Michigan high school seniors, connect students with more financial aid, and increase the number of students enrolling in college and career training after high school. The three Upper Peninsula school districts that received awards are Bark River-Harris School ...

Flu season ramping up

The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in 15 years, according to a report from The Associated Press. One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. In early February, that number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, when a swine flu pandemic hit the nation, according to data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. But COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, according ...

Career and technical education emphasizes in-demand careers

This is Career and Technical Education Month in Michigan, a chance to highlight CTE programs offered by schools and colleges across the state, including Bay College and the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District. With nearly 500,000 job openings projected in Michigan each year through 2032, CTE offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways. CTE programs are aligned with in-demand careers in fields such as business, information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing. Most high ...

The hazards of RFK Jr. as DSHS head

If and when the full Senate votes on whether to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the federal government’s top health agency, it will say as much about the senators who are voting as about Kennedy himself. The central question is this: Are Senate Republicans willing to put their duty to the nation above their fealty to a president whose appointment in this case is so intentionally irresponsible as to barely rise above the level of a fraternity prank? The indications aren’t good. Of all of President Donald Trump’s unqualified and in some cases toxic cabinet nominees, his ...

Drive sober, move over when emergency vehicles present

It would seem a reminder is in order on how to react when driving past emergency vehicles pulled over on a roadway with lights flashing. According to Michigan State Police, seven MSP vehicles already have been struck since the start of the new year. The last week of January alone saw two MSP patrol vehicles hit by motorists, said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “When you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with emergency lights activated, please slow down and move over,” Grady advised. “That one act can save countless lives.” On Jan. 27, an MSP ...