Columns
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorFish StoryA leading suspect has emerged in the case of the spinning smalltooth sawfish: algae.For months ichthyologists have puzzled over what’s ailing and killing dozens of fish species off the Florida Keys. In what NBC News calls “a…
Life as Performance Art
When I was growing up, some of The Olds still called it Decoration Day. They were participating in a tradition that dated back to the 1860s, just after the Civil War. Late each May they went to the local cemetery to clean…
Mike’s Musings: The school end is here, thoughts for our graduates
Our newspapers, for the most part, are filled with photos of high school graduates and some college graduates. It is indeed a milestone to graduate, and it will be a feat you, your parents and grandparents will remember for years…
Out and About: Riding bikes, toothbrushes, and phone scammers
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” –Arthur Ashe A few rules to remember, when out riding bicycles: The St. Joseph County Conservation & Sportsman Club, located at 23640 Featherstone Road, Sturgis, has activities available for every member of the…
Looking Out: Cream Puff
“Cream Puff is back!” I holler to my beloved wife Marsha. She walks quickly into the kitchen to stand next to me to look out the window at the bird feeder. There, underneath, is a very large and fluffy…
Pat’s Bits & Pieces: Mushroom mania
We’re not dedicated mushroom hunters.I have never really understood the compulsion to go mushroom hunting, the mushroom festivals and the unlimited wandering around the woods looking for them.In the first place I always have a hard time just spotting them.…
Postcard from the Pines: School’s Out
Clare County Historical friend, Andy, is very much interested in the history of any and all small “country school” districts in our county. I’m happy to answer his questions whenever I can and equally happy to share information. Luckily, the…
May I Walk with You? Feeding the Hungry
Wow! It is that time of year again when the Rosebush Ecumenical Assistance Program (REAP) Food Pantry teams up with Meijer of Mt. Pleasant for the Simply Give Fundraiser. Donating could not be simpler. Just pick up a barcoded card…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorWorld Donkey DayJust when I needed a shot of self-esteem came World Donkey Day. Desert animal scientist Ark Raziq founded it to recognize how asses enhance human lives.“Without donkeys’ help,” says Raziq, “it is hard to imagine the…
Life as Performance Art
If you don’t mind me saying so, I think the world is getting a bit too spooky. This war in Israel has been going on for months and tempers are getting short about the number of civilian casualties – and rightfully…
Mike’s Musings: Homeless woman found in sign, RFK’s brain eaten by worm
I thought I’d take time out from writing about politics to offer a few weird, or absurd items that appeared in the news last week. It seems some news stories are getting weirder and weirder as weeks and months go…
“Out and About” Bell ringers, Mother’s Day and snacking
“I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” -Helen KellerOne hundred…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Mother’s Day is Sunday
Time for my annual Mother’s Day column again.Sunday should be a special day for everyone. It is time to remember that Mom was always there for you when you needed her and time to make her one day of the…
May I Walk with You? MISSING THE LATIN
It is interesting to note that when I was a child the mass and most liturgies were in Latin. While few people in attendance knew what was being said there were other things about it that were appealing. I remember…
Postcard from the Pines: Give Mom a Tree
Arbor Day happens each April, although just one day to honor and plant trees doesn’t seem quite right. Perhaps the late date is meant to coincide with the coming of green across the land. We are especially fond of our…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorDerby DayWhat’s worse than a man without a home? In Douglas, a land without a zone. The planning commission May 9 will weigh saving 16.77 acres — bought in 2013 and annexed from Saugatuck Township two years later…
Life as Performance Art
Someone figured out a better idea. No more hose drinking or palm lapping. We had to have our water in a sanitary container – a thin, one-time-use bottle – so we would be safe from all those evil germs. We…
Mike’s Musings: Taxes just keep piling up
Like many of us I struggle with having to pay taxes each year. I often wonder why I put aside more and more each year to pay the government yet get lesser and lesser services.For instance, I’m drawing social security.…
Historical Notebook: Albion 100 Years Ago May, 1924
We continue with our theme of “Albion—100 Years Ago.” May 1, 1924. “The Sheldon Hospital is Opened Today. Mrs. Ida M. Allen Has the Distinction of Being the First Patient to Be Cared for in the New Institution. She was…
Out and About
If you are a fan of Jeopardy! and enjoy participating in trivia games, here are some interesting facts about the Great Lakes you might want to jot down and remember for your next trivia gathering:
