Opinion
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4 hours ago by Kim LaSata.
Latest Opinion
LASATA: Made in Michigan!
Farming and food production are critical economic drivers in Michigan — and both industries include countless small businesses that have been perfecting their craft for ... Read more
LASATA: 20 years later: Never forget September 11, 2001
On Sept. 11, 2001, we saw one of the greatest losses of life in our nation’s history. For many, Sept. 11 evokes vivid memories and ... Read more
KAUFMANN: Healthy habits for busy times
For families with school-aged children and teachers, the starting gun has fired and the slow, steady marathon of the school year has begun. Add fall ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Should we have left Afghanistan?
Twenty years ago, the U.S. entered Afghanistan to squash Al Qaeda and topple the Taliban government for the attacks on 9/11. After quickly crushing Taliban ... Read more
NELDON: Let’s talk about fear.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of spiteful words have been spewed toward individuals who share different beliefs. I won’t give the worst of those words ... Read more
CASS COUNTY FRIEND OF THE COURT: Domestic PPOs and parenting time orders
In Michigan, individuals can get a domestic relationship Personal Protection Order (Domestic PPO) to stop threats or violence against them by an individual he or ... Read more
NELDON: Let’s talk about fear.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of spiteful words have been spewed toward individuals who share different beliefs. I won’t give the worst of those words ... Read more
APPLEGATE: Niles Community Schools district welcomes back students and families
The first day of school is only a few days away, Tuesday, August 31, and the teachers and staff at Niles Community Schools cannot wait ... Read more
LASATA: Share the road with school buses
Over the next few weeks, students in southwest Michigan will be returning to their classrooms, and with the beginning of every school year comes additional ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Retired Brandywine superintendent applauds St. Joseph’s leadership
I applaud Superintendent Fee and the St. Joseph Board of Education for standing up for the health and welfare of their students. Despite vocal opposition ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A thanks for kindness
I want to give a big thank you to the people who are delivering fruits and vegetables to Parkview Apartments on Front Street. Every time ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac thank community
With careful planning by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac and through local business and community member sponsorships, YPGD was able to successfully host the ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Working to hold the UIA accountable
Last week, the Michigan House Oversight Committee began an investigation into the continued failures of the Unemployment Agency after the federal government revealed problems in ... Read more
KAUFMANN: Let’s look beyond the mask
In the black-and-white world of early television, a fearless horseman roamed the Wild West, guarding his identity behind a dark cloth. Each episode ended with ... Read more
LASATA: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you
Michigan has a rich history in the shipping industry and is home to some of the most-navigated waters on earth. With over 3,000 miles of ... Read more
NELDON: Readers answer the call in support of hometown newspaper
Back in March 2020 when COVID-19 began battering the economy, including small businesses like Leader Publications, many of you asked how you could help your ... Read more
Your Cass County Friend of the Court: The Importance of Communication
Navigating the court system can be a stressful and daunting experience. This past year, that may have even felt impossible at times as policy and ... Read more
LASATA: Modernizing Michigan’s infrastructure, bridges
The condition of roads and bridges has long been a discussion throughout the state and is something that often comes up when I speak with ... Read more
APPLEGATE: One month until the first day of school for Niles students
The first day of school brings an unmatched level of excitement and anticipation every year. I always look forward to seeing students’ smiling faces as ... Read more
OPINION: Supporting local journalism supports this community
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act was recently introduced in the House and has now been introduced in the Senate — and will benefit every member ... Read more
LASATA: July is Ice Cream Month
According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the average American eats about 23 gallons of ice cream per year, and over a billion gallons of ... Read more
LASATA: Celebrate National Blueberry Month in southwest Michigan
Blueberries are a delicious, nutritious, ubiquitous summer treat. It’s easy to take them for granted today, but it was not that long ago when blueberries ... Read more
KAUFMANN: Be proactive with water safety
Summertime is water time, especially in this year of record-setting heat. Whether splashing in a baby pool or swimming in Lake Michigan, getting wet can ... Read more
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: All good things must come to an end
It has been said that “all good things must come to an end.” I have been chairman of the annual Buchanan Area Rural School Meeting ... Read more
APPLEGATE: Celebrating the end of the 2020-21 school year
For schools across the country, the past nine months have been an intimidating exercise in planning, flexibility and resilience. With the entire community’s support, Niles ... Read more
