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What construction can’t stop: The spirit of downtown Escanaba

ESCANABA — It is no secret that the construction on Ludington Street has been difficult for our downtown businesses this summer. Reduced parking, constantly changing traffic patterns, and torn-up sidewalks have forced downtown businesses to adapt daily since the construction began in the spring. For many customers, the easiest option has been simply to drive somewhere else and avoid the construction altogether. Yet, despite all of these obstacles, something remarkable has revealed itself. Construction has tested our downtown businesses, but what it hasn’t done is quiet the spirit ...

When the school bell rings

The sun creeping up later in the morning and then beginning to drift slowly into darkness earlier in the afternoon signals the coming changes of fall. Soon, the rich green leaves will begin to transform into vibrant colors laced with hues of somber brown. Before long, the majestic birds will ...

Missing my built-in best friend

Dear Annie: My sister, who is also my roommate, started a new job that is keeping her super busy. She doesn't come home from the office before 10 p.m. most nights, and she's gone again early in the morning. Her last job was remote, as is mine, so I'm used to having her around all the time. Now ...

Save money on utility bills

Dear Heloise: To drop your utility bill, close your closets. Keep the doors shut and unplug as many appliances as you can. If the coffeepot turns itself off, unplug it. You don't need to heat or air-condition closets, or waste money on plugged-in appliances when they're not in use. -- Hector ...

Seeing my future in hers

Dear Annie: I'm 58, never married, no kids, no siblings, no nieces or nephews. A neighbor of mine is very ill and in a nursing home. She has a daughter, but the daughter barely even bothers to visit her, and it breaks my heart. I call my neighbor often to try to lift her spirits. At the same ...

Know the plants that aren’t pet-safe

Dear Heloise: Every year, we see cats and dogs in our clinic who suffer anything from a sore mouth to organ failure because they chewed on a plant -- usually an indoor plant. Here's a list of the worst offenders and most dangerous houseplants for pets: — Anthurium — Begonia — ...