Read this op-ed from our congressman

Veterans issues too important to wait

Rep. Dan Benishek

Home to more than 70,000 veterans, Northern Michigan understands how important it is to support those who have fought for our freedom.  We line up to cheer our vets in parades, and we volunteer throughout the year to help meet their basic needs. 

As the proud father of a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible support offered by our communities.

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Veterans Health, I believe we can do even more for those who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.  Our veterans have done so much for our country, and I believe even more can be done to embrace that selfless spirit that our nation’s heroes have bravely displayed.

To help achieve that goal, I’m announcing the Veterans Action Initiative, a comprehensive program and legislative agenda to provide wide-ranging services to veterans and to find solutions to the challenges they face.

Our veterans have questions, and I’m devoted to making sure that they get the information and the help they need. That’s why I’ll be holding a series of Veteran’s Benefit Fairs throughout Northern Michigan in the coming months. I’ll be bringing experts and representatives of various veterans’ organizations to talk through issues, answer questions, and connect veterans with the help that they’ve earned.

I’m also proud to announce the expansion of the Michigan’s First District Veterans Advisory Council, a group of veterans from all age groups and service branches that meet with me regularly.  The council allows me to stay connected with the needs of the veterans on the ground and to develop innovative new solutions to the problems they face.

Over the next two years, I’ll visit all VA facilities and major veteran service organizations in Michigan’s First District and will maintain regular contact with all local VA officials.  In addition, I will hold a series of “Hearing from our Heroes” roundtables to give local vets an opportunity to express their concerns about what’s happening in Washington and to provide me with their solutions.

Last year, as Michigan’s only member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I was honored to play a role in the important progress that was made on getting veterans off waiting lists and into exam rooms. However, there is so much work left to be done.

The legislation we wrote to end long waits for VA care was only the first step towards my ultimate goal of allowing every veteran to choose whether to receive healthcare within the VA or from a local provider. 

As a doctor who worked both at the VA and in the private sector, I’m certain that the VA will only be improved by competition.

Bureaucratic incompetence is unacceptable, especially when it comes to veterans’ health, which is why I’ll be reintroducing my legislation to institute real accountability at the VA. 

My bill applies to the VA a commonsense principle that every worker already knows: if you don’t do your job, you are going to get fired, and I’m committed to seeing that this legislation is signed into law.

If you’re a veteran and you’d like to be involved in my Veterans Action Initiative please reach out to my office in Washington at (202) 225-4735. Our veterans deserve our steadfast support, and I’m looking forward to making real progress on the issues that matter to our returning heroes in the 114th Congress.

Terry Webb - A heartfelt tribute to a true friend

Today I write with a heavy heart because I have lost a friend and a long-time confidant.

Terry Webb was a man of integrity, a man of foresight, a man with a plan – for his life and for this village. I cannot begin to share with you the number of hours we spent discussing life in general as well as village business, hashing out solutions to problems, addressing village needs and considering the long-term impact of decisions made by him, as village president, along with the members of Newberry Village Council.

When the idea of selling the former 41 Lumber property came up, we talked at length about the consequences of taking the property off the tax rolls. We discussed the planned move of village offices to that location. We talked about our dogs, Terry and Vicky’s Newfoundlands and our German shepherd and Chihuahua, sharing their maladies and foolish adventures. We had conversations about the garbage service provided by the village and how the administration had been instructed to save money for future needs for that enterprise operation. We talked about Terry’s school years in Newberry.

We talked about his service to all of us as a member of the United States Air Force. We discussed his job in the service as a communications specialist. As a former telephone person myself, I could speak Terry’s language, making the conversations all the more meaningful. We talked about eliminating parking on Newberry Avenue during the annual July 4 parade. We talked national politics. We talked religion.

We talked about raising rabbits. We talked about gardening. When it was learned funding was not in place for all elements of the Tahquamenon Outdoor Recreation Park project, we talked about ways to pursue grant monies to get the park built to the perception drawings that were presented to village council members as a, presumably funded, done deal.

We talked about hunting. My husband and I visited the Webb camp, enjoying a day of exploring and storytelling and good food and drink. I will never forget that day. It was fantastic. We talked about the content of Terry’s newspaper column – Village Viewpoints. We talked about the Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding of his son and how Terry made the PERFECT white rabbit – clock and all!

It seems hard to believe that I just talked to Terry a little over a week ago. This time our conversation was about the good things of life, with Terry recounting the trip he made with Vicky to Kentucky to visit with Waylon and Tabby, their son and daughter-in-law. I recall his description of their apartment and its convenient location. “You could see the roof of Sam’s Club from their front door,” Terry said.

We talked about how their blind puppy was progressing and how the puppy had visited with them recently. We talked about one puppy that was coming home because the owner could no longer care for her (she returned to Newberry last week). We talked about the upcoming gardening season, praying together for warmer weather to create a better harvest. We talked about my daughter and her children. We talked about Christmas. We wished one another a happy and prosperous new year and said we would talk soon. Much to my chagrin, we never did.

And now this.

Even though I know it is part of His plan, I sometimes just want to shake my fist at God and ask, “WHY?”

I loved Terry. I love Vicky. I will miss him terribly. I will miss his wit. I will miss his level headedness. I will miss our long-winded conversations. I will miss his gentle and caring nature. I will miss Terry Webb. God rest his soul.

Today I end with the King James Version of the 23rd Psalm, as I know Terry made that walk yesterday, and I am confident that he resides in a better place now.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Amen

Local man appointed to bridge authority

January 9, 2015 – Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Thomas Buckingham of Newberry to the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority.

            Established in 2000, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority is a joint organization between the U.S. and Canada. This board seeks to provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the international bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

            "International trade is important to reviving Michigan's economy. I am confident Thomas will continue to promote a healthy trade partnership between the U.S. and Canada," Snyder said.

            Buckingham is general manager and secretary for Forest Insurance Center Agency Inc., Mauck Insurance Agency Inc., and Loggers Insurance Agency II LLC. He is a licensed property and casualty and life and health insurance agent, as well as a licensed Wisconsin property and casualty insurance sales agent. Buckingham served in the U.S. Air Force as a security police officer. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Stuart Bradley.

            Buckingham will serve at the pleasure of the governor. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Going fishing? Be careful out there

Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to use caution when planning trips on Michigan’s rivers and streams this winter. Winter fishing for trout and steelhead can be challenging and rewarding, but cold air temperatures can cause sudden and significant changes in flows in rivers and streams.

According to DNR fisheries biologist Kyle Kruger, temperature effects are most pronounced at times of very cold air temperatures, particularly below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if areas with extreme nighttime cold temperatures alternate with warmer days.

"When nights are very cold and clear, rivers can see extensive freezing and often ice dams form," Kruger said. "These dams cause water to back up the streams, reducing flow downstream, and can be quickly released if temperatures rise above freezing during the daytime hours. This can cause unpredictable and often sudden flow changes."

Kruger said this phenomenon is noticeable on the middle to lower Au Sable River in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. "The middle Au Sable River is particularly susceptible to the influences of cold weather, more so than some of the state’s other winter steelhead streams," he added.

Extensive ice damming and anchor ice formation can occur below Mio Dam (Oscoda County), particularly in the area around McKinley, during periods when air temperatures are below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, these ice-damming events cause unusually low flows to be seen below Foote Dam (Iosco County).

"We want anglers to remember that the colder the weather, the more unpredictable flows will be in some of Michigan’s rivers," Kruger said. "Please use appropriate caution if you're planning fishing trips during these periods."

DNR fisheries staff strongly recommends that when planning for a winter fishing trip to one of the state’s streams, anglers should check on river conditions and weather forecasts locally. Air temperatures below 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit are likely to create conditions for more difficult fishing, particularly from a boat.

Flow and water temperature data for many of Michigan’s larger steelhead streams have real-time gauges which can be checked online through the U.S. Geological Survey.

There also are many weather-related websites that can provide forecasts for anticipated air temperatures that can help you better plan for expected conditions. Take advantage of Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities – even in winter! Start planning a trip at www.michigan.gov/fishing. 

Look!: The Case of the Vanishing Castle

Found this story and thought it might interest the history buffs among you. I thought it fascinating.

During the Civil War, a member of the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics carved a castle out of solid rock. Later, the castle vanished from the historical record.  

To read about this elusive artifact, click The Case of the Vanishing Castle. 

2015 lake sturgeon season on Black Lake begins soon

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that the 2015 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake (Cheboygan County) will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. All anglers must register to participate in the lake sturgeon season.
The 2015 total harvest limit for Black Lake is five lake sturgeon. However, to reduce the chance of exceeding the harvest limit, officials will close the season when one of two scenarios occurs:

1) Once the fifth fish is harvested, or2) If four fish have been harvested at the end of any fishing day.
Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of the season. The season will end either at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, or when one of the above scenarios is met, at which point anglers will be notified on the ice by DNR personnel that they must immediately stop fishing for lake sturgeon.
Anglers 17 years of age or older must possess a valid Michigan fishing license. In addition, all anglers must possess a lake sturgeon tag, available for free from all license vendors. Anglers must have both of these prior to registering for the Black Lake sturgeon season.
The 2015 angler registration process will be similar to what was enacted in 2014. Anglers need to register only once for the entire season. An early registration will be held at the DNR Onaway Field Station from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. This station is located approximately 5 miles north of Onaway on Route 211. Anglers can pick up their fishing identification flags at this time and learn more about season logistics and sturgeon populations from the DNR.
Anglers unable to participate in the Friday registration may register only at the registration trailer at Zolner Road ending on Black Lake. Morning registration begins at 7 a.m. each day of the season. Anglers are highly encouraged to register Friday, Feb. 6.
Anglers will be issued a disposable flag at registration that must be displayed at the entrance of the angler’s shanty each day.
Anglers who harvest a lake sturgeon must immediately tag the fish and contact an on-ice DNR employee and register the fish at the Zolner Road trailer registration site on Black Lake. Registration may include an examination of the sturgeon's internal organs and removal of a piece of fin tissue for DNA analysis and aging.
Registration logistics were developed in recent years to allow greater participation by anglers while protecting the population of lake sturgeon in Black Lake from over-harvest. In addition, DNR and Michigan State University have been determining annual population estimates of adult fish from the spring spawning run, which allows officials to set a safe harvest level in cooperation with tribal agencies.
Rehabilitation of lake sturgeon in the Cheboygan River watershed is a cooperative effort involving the DNR, the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership.
For more details, anglers may call the DNR Gaylord Customer Service Center at 989-732-3541 or visit www.michigan.gov/fishing or www.michigan.gov/sturgeon.

Changes to DNR's Master Angler program announced for 2015

Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2015, multiple changes have been made to Michigan’s Master Angler program, which allows anglers to submit large fish they have caught for recognition. The program has been in place since 1973.
The Master Angler program recognizes two categories of catches: catch-and-keep and catch-and-immediate-release. Previously, the catch-and-keep category was determined by the weight of the fish caught, but that requirement has been removed and replaced with a length requirement. Now recognition in both categories will be awarded based on an established minimum length for each recognized species. Verified entries will receive the Master Angler patch. Only one patch will be awarded for both catch-and-keep and catch-and-immediate-release entries. No more than one patch per species will be awarded to each angler per year.
“Eliminating the weight requirement for part of the Master Angler program really helps to streamline both the application and the verification process – especially as anglers will no longer have to find a certified scale to have their catch weighed,” explained Lynne Thoma, the program’s coordinator. “We hope this change will make it even easier for anglers to have their large fish recognized.”
In addition to the change to the category criteria, some changes were made to the submission procedures. A witness signature is no longer required and each application must have a color photo submitted with it. Anglers can now submit their applications in hard-copy or electronic formats.
Please note, state-record fish still are recognized by weight and still require identification by a DNR fisheries biologist.
The 2015 Master Angler entry application is available online at www.michigan.gov/masterangler.