Our Opinion: Shining in Northern Michigan

We want to shine the spotlight on a few of the people and places that make Northern Michigan such a special place.

 

Helping veterans

Veterans have a friend in Jim Alton, director of the Veterans Affairs Department in Emmet County. Alton reaches out to vets of all ages and their families with expert advice and compassionate assistance.

In a recent email to the News-Review a reader shared her thoughts about Alton, and we could not have said it any better.

“Although many years past the age when most people would be retired, Jim continues to work tirelessly for all local military veterans. Any veteran can walk into his office unannounced and get a sympathetic ear, appropriate help, assistance with paperwork to apply for various veterans’ benefits, and follow-up contact. And they usually leave with a big Marine bear hug. There are many other things Jim does for veterans, both during regular office hours and during ‘off duty’ hours ... although Jim never seems to be ‘off duty.’”

Alton has the expertise and empathy to guide veterans through the maze of VA paperwork setting them on the path to receiving the aid to which they are entitled. 

Thank-you, Jim, on behalf of all area veterans and their families.

 

Meow! Woof-woof!

Over the last month, the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society has rescued more than 100 animals.

In comparison, the organization rescues just over 500 animals annually.

Many of the pets that have come in over the last few weeks have needed critical care, which comes at a price. Take for instance Misty, a 2-year-old long-haired doxie mix who recently gave birth to four puppies. 

During Misty’s evaluation, it was found she had heartworms. The estimated cost of her treatment is $1,500. And there are dozens more animals just like Misty that have needed medical attention during their stay.

“We take these animals in because we feel they are adoptable, and yet the cost of treating them and getting them ready for adoption can be really high,” said Deter Racine, executive director.

Racine said the organization has had to turn to the Michael G. Phillips Good Samaritan Fund to help offset the costs of the emergency medical care and other medical funding needs such as medications, medical procedures and tests.

Since the organization is 100 percent donor funded, community support is critical.

We applaud the organization for doing everything it can to help care for these animals, and the community for supporting it.

 

Sail away