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Editorial

‘Laughing gas’ no laughing matter

There are some things in life that simply aren't worth taking a chance on. Recreational nitrous oxide should be one of them. Mining Journal readers recently learned that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is warning residents about increasing misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known by names such as “laughing gas,” “whippets,” “balloons,” “Galaxy Gas” and “NOS.” The problem isn't that nitrous oxide exists. It has legitimate uses in medicine, dentistry and food preparation. The problem is what happens when people treat it like harmless ...

Veterans should take another look at VA benefits

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain has earned another national honor, and while that recognition is certainly worth celebrating, the bigger message for veterans across the Upper Peninsula and northeastern Wisconsin is this: If you have never enrolled in VA health care — or were turned down in the past — it may be worth taking another look. The Iron Mountain facility has been named one of the nation's top VA facilities for the sixth time, receiving the Department of Veterans Affairs' 2025 Best Experience Award for Level III small, low-complexity ...

State to install firewood quarantine starting Jan. 1

The problem with invasive species in Michigan has reached a point where the state is taking what it calls "the next step" to stem the spread: A quarantine on untreated firewood. Starting Jan. 1, such firewood cannot be brought in from outside Michigan under Act 189 of 1931 — The Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Invasive Species Program announced Thursday. The quarantine will not apply to firewood that has been properly heat-treated and certified by MDARD, another state agriculture department or the U.S. ...

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute wants your ticks

With weather turning cooler as fall approaches, it might be expected the threat of ticks would start to diminish. No such luck, apparently. Marshfield Clinic Research Institute research has shown an autumn surge of deer ticks, which transmit Lyme and other diseases. With people outdoors taking in the fall foliage, hunting or perhaps doing pick-your-own of the year's farm produce, that means being tick aware and taking preventive measures. But the institute has another request: If a tick turns up (hopefully not attached), don't throw it away or otherwise dispose of it. They want ...

A few minutes could save a child’s life

There are few responsibilities more important than keeping children safe. When it comes to traveling in a vehicle, one of the simplest—and most effective—ways adults can protect young passengers is by making sure they are properly restrained. Vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 cause of death for young children. Proper use of an age- and size-appropriate car seat, booster seat or seat belt can reduce a child’s risk of death in a crash by 50 percent. Yet there is an important piece of that safety equation that is easy to overlook: Installation. According to the National Highway ...

Fall colors just around corner

Fall is the season Yoopers should make time to enjoy. For many people in the Upper Peninsula, the arrival of winter brings a certain sadness. Summer seems to disappear almost overnight and before long we are facing icy roads, freezing temperatures and months of snow. Winter is part of life in the U.P., but that doesn't mean we have to look forward to it. Fortunately, before winter arrives, we are given one of the best gifts of living in the Upper Peninsula: fall colors. It's still early yet but one can observe Mother Nature's paint brush at work here and there, splashing brilliant ...