Opinion

As I sat with my coffee, watching the morning news, and contemplating my work for the day, I became very sad over the state of our country and world. The word that kept popping into my head, and one I have heard over and over again, is polarized. For me, “polarization” has become one of the biggest cultural and political problems in our country and the church.

Sourced from the Digital Archive at the Munising Public Library~ consider checking out this wonderful resource for your own research and/or entertainment! 135 years ago - The Alger County Republican - July 27, 1889 Note The suspension of the issues of the Republican for a couple of months, and its resumption under temporary management, may have led its patrons to fear for its permanency, and it is due to them to state that Republican is one of the fixed institutions of Alger County. Note from writer: this was The Republican’s last year publishing in Alger County.

Q: I am in my 30s and my husband and I have 3-year-old twin daughters. Their primary care physician suggested, at their last well-child visit six weeks ago, that the girls should receive a vaccine against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), particularly since my parents, who are in their early 70’s, babysit the girls essentially every Sunday afternoon.

Sandi Kolder, United Methodist Church Many times, I have been privileged to sit with someone and listen to the story of his or her life. Sometimes I find myself at the kitchen table with a child.

Q: I have an ingrown toenail on my big toe, which has required minor surgery three times over the last few years. Is there a way to keep this from coming back again? A: About 20% of individuals with foot problems have an ingrown toenail.

Q: I’ve been reading about how our unusually warm weather is causing ticks to spread into geographic areas where they weren’t previously found and that in areas where they formerly were, the numbers have increased dramatically.

In Galatians 2:1–10, we read that Paul and Barnabas took a trip to discuss something privately with the Apostles in Jerusalem. Paul was led by God to make this trip to confirm that the Gospel that Paul preached in non-Jewish contexts was equal with the Gospel that Peter, James, and John preached in Jewish contexts.

Q: With the hotter-than-usual weather expected for this summer, I am wondering if there are any simple ways to help stay cool. I’m particularly concerned about my elderly relatives, who have various medical problems, and my 16-year-old son, who will be starting football practice in about six or seven weeks in hot, and often humid, conditions.