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Editorial

In the new year, have your home tested for radon gas

The new year is only days away. One resolution homeowners should make is to test for radon, health experts advise. January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a tasteless, odorless and colorless radioactive gas that is created through natural processes in soil and rock. The level of radon in the outdoor atmosphere is not harmful to people, but radon can concentrate indoors, leading to harmful levels within a home, according to a news release from Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties. There are no short-term health effects associated with radon; however, long-term exposure ...

Human case in Wisconsin brings bird flu a step closer

Worrisome news came out of Wisconsin earlier this month that the state’s first human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — had been confirmed in a farm worker in Barron County. According to a news release, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services received the positive test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though Barron County is in northwestern Wisconsin, it brings bird flu a step closer to the Upper Peninsula and far northeastern Wisconsin. While Michigan has had two human cases of bird flu this year, both were ...

Reminder to upcoming NYE revelers: Drink responsibly

The end of 2024 is drawing near, and it’s a safe bet many area residents are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve. According to a recent top 10 drunkest holidays list, NYE takes the cork. And while most will make it to their beds just fine early Thursday (or if you’re one of the tame ones, late Wednesday) — we’d like to take a moment to remind revelers to be safe. Drinking should always be done safely, in moderation and, if traveling to different locations, with a designated driver. Getting behind the wheel after a few drinks is a sure way to put yourself — and ...

Child’s inquiry to NY newspaper sets world straight on Santa

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the reprint of the 1897 New York Sun editorial responding to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon of New York City. O’Hanlon said friends had claimed there was no Santa Claus and so she asked, “Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?” This is the response, penned by Francis Pharcellus Church. Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except (what) they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, ...

Getting pet for Christmas a family matter

Each Christmas season, children (and more than a few adults) across the Upper Peninsula, and indeed, country, include in their requests to Santa a dog, cat, rabbit or other living creature. They want a lovable, cuddly pet. They promise they will feed it, walk it, clean up after it, take it to the vet and love it. They have no idea how much that will cost, or how much time and attention that will mean … they just want a pet. Some gift-givers fall for it. Then, a few weeks later, when the novelty has worn off, the first bag of pet food is empty and/or it is time for that trip to the ...

‘Nobody U’ comment shows people still disregard U.P.

As many have already heard, Michigan Tech’s men’s basketball team made national news this week and by doing so, showed that the Upper Peninsula is not to be ignored. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay coach and sports radio personality Doug Gottlieb put his foot in his mouth last week before playing Michigan Tech on Wednesday. “Part of the reason I want to play better teams is, it’s two degrees, snowing outside,” Gottlieb said to reporters following a loss to Milwaukee on Dec. 11. “I don’t really like the idea of Nobody U coming in here and what do we learn from playing a ...