News

Q: I am 51 and have several older relatives with lung problems that I try to visit regularly. I’ve read that there is a resurgence of COVID cases since the weather has cooled and I want to do everything I can to avoid giving it to my relatives.

Q: I saw my family doctor last week for a routine blood pressure check and, because I’ve had several friends report recently that they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, I asked how best to treat symptoms of suspected COVID-19 virus infection. I have four at-home COVID-19 test kits and have already used one because I regularly drop off needed grocery items to my parents, who are in rather fragile health. (The test was negative.)

Letters to the pastor: • Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven someday but later than sooner. Love, Ellen (age 9) • Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team.

The National Civics Bee will be back and expanding in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan for 2025, the Michigan Chamber Foundation announced last week. The Bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

Tourism is an important component of the U.P.’s economy. Tourists help support businesses, which provide employment and a source of tax revenue. In 2022, over 25% of total employment in Alger, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac and Ontonagon counties was related to tourism. Total tourist spending in the U.P. amounted to $1.5 billion and contributed $155 million to state and local taxes, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

For individuals and organizations looking to make a difference in the lives of veterans this holiday season, consider Michigan Veteran Homes’ “Make a Veteran Smile Campaign.” The effort encourages Michiganders to support veteran members of MVH’s three nursing homes for veterans by recording a video message of gratitude for veteran members of the homes, writing a personalized letter to a veteran member or donating to the MVH Charitable Support Fund that assists quality of life programming and initiatives.