Letters Mining disaster
Over a dozen mines for copper, nickel, gold, zinc, and possibly uranium are currently on the drawing boards for the Upper Peninsula, home to some of the most pristine rivers and aquifers in the world.
Acid sulfide mining has the potential to pollute both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. This type of mining is not like that of the old days. It has the potential to pollute for hundreds of years.
This type of mining has already caused irreparable harm near the Flambeau River in northern Wisconsin. The mine there closed in 1997; however, 10 years later, there are still toxic levels of iron, copper, and manganese in the region. Very harmful to fish, manganese is also known to cause Parkinson-like tremors in humans. In fact, the state of Wisconsin will no longer allow such type of mining unless or until a company can show that a mine has operated and been closed for 10 years without causing such mess.
This type of mining is being explored less than 25 miles from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota. Sulfide mining also has the potential to permanently eradicate the last known spawning grounds of the rare coaster brook trout along the south shore of Lake Superior.
The demand for raw materials to feed China’s industrial machine could turn Michigan into a “colony.” All so we here in the U.S. can consume more “stuff” and China and other developing nations can have items like cars, refrigerators, and cell phones. The chickens (vultures?) have finally come home to roost.
It is a really dumb idea to pollute pristine rivers that feed our Great Lakes -- our only source of fresh water. As the issues of “not enough clean water” rise to the forefront here in the U.S., we will be left with a nightmare if these types of mines are allowed to take foot anywhere near the Great Lakes.
Join mine protesters as we walk from the Yellow Dog Plains (western Marquette County) to the Mackinac Bridge during the last two weeks in August – just in time to walk The Bridge on Labor Day. You can walk for a few hours, a weekend, or do the entire trip.
Contact us at www.yellowdogwatershed.org, www.savethewildup.org, www.northwoodswild.org for more details.

Margaret Comfort
• Bourbonnais, IL

The coming crisis
Fuel pricing has a more deliberate and insidious aspect than what has been reported. It is not simply true that oil has become more valuable; the dollar has been devalued to a point where it takes more of them to buy a gallon of gas.
Think of it this way. An ounce of gold would buy a decent men‘s suit in Dante’s day. The same amount of gold will buy one of equal value today. The suit only seems more expensive because there are more dollars involved.
The main culprit is the Federal Reserve Bank, which has been politicized by an oil-baron president. This president is also obsessed with his “legacy.” The cost of energy has risen to record levels, and yet, our Republican administration thinks inflation is low. The Federal Reserve takes this cue and lowers the interest rates. This devalues the dollar, which causes the price of gas to spike.
The European Central Bank (ECB) recently raised interest rates due to its perception that inflation is being “imported” from America. The mere suggestion that the ECB is contemplating another interest rate hike is enough to send the price of oil skyrocketing.
This is due to a global lack of confidence in this Republican administration, and its perceived influence on the Fed. How can two major financial institutions look at the same thing and come to such different conclusions?
Like other branches of our government, the Fed has been politicized by a rogue faction of politicians known as the neo-conservatives. It was the neocons who were the architects in the war for petroleum wealth. The bulk of the powerful Washington neocons involved in the Iraq war strategy are oil barons.
A low interest rate has helped to keep the lid on their huge war deficit. The totally irresponsible parties somehow appear a little bit more responsible in a delusional sort of way.
The passing of the presidential gas this November will make it appear that the new administration is to blame as the old one scoots out the door just in time. George Bush will bask in the illusion of his legacy while sticking his “lingering” consequences to someone else. Old pot-hole Engler, and his misguided choir of fiscal irresponsible Republicans did the same thing to our current governor.
The real Bush legacy is best described as a poisoned well.

Timothy Wiley • via email

Letters Christians & torture
What happened to us? How have we turned into a nation that invades and totally destroys a country, causing the death of up to a million innocent civilians? Is it not immoral to kill? Is it not immoral to seek the treasures of another country for our own gain (i.e, oil)? Isn’t there a commandment about coveting thy neighbors’ things?
As if all of this were not enough, the U.S. government now condones torture. The evil ones have given the word torture new names, such as “abuse“ and “enhanced interrogation techniques.” Water boarding made the news for weeks, as it was debated as a form of torture or not. Did you know we tried the Japanese in WWII for using water boarding? Water tortures have been considered torture for centuries, but under the Bush regime, it’s acceptable.
The election of George W. Bush and the religious right is a strong connection. I still ponder how any Christian is okay with the death and suffering of innocent people in Iraq. I ponder how any Christian can support a regime that legitimized and legalized torture.
Did you know that five cases of detainee deaths as a result of abuse (i.e. torture) by U.S. personnel have occurred? In addition, 23 other cases of detainee deaths are still under investigation. (The Schlesinger Report, cited in “Torture and Truth“ by Mark Danner). These detainees were not charged, tried, nor convicted for any crime to my knowledge.
From everything I’ve read on torture, IT’S UNRELIABLE. Innocent people will say anything they think is required to end torture. Even those who are guilty may still give false information, thus leading investigators on wild goose chases.
How can anyone be okay with torturing a human being? These detainee victims were someone’s brother, son, or father. These victims may have been guilty of nothing more than lacking the ability to speak English as they were picked up off the streets. Even if guilty of something, does that justify torture? I say to you, who would Jesus torture? Would Jesus prefer the water boarding technique or perhaps a stress position for hours? Or perhaps exposure to extreme temperatures for long time periods?
In recognition of National Torture Awareness Month in June, please contact your representatives in Congress and tell them that we Americans do not support torture.
Torture is absolutely immoral, it is an aberrant behavior, it is opposite of everything the America I knew once represented.

Karen Martin • Cheboygan

Letters Swan song
Over the last seven years, I’ve devoted myself and a great deal of my time and dedication to the music scene here in Northern Michigan.
I‘ve been involved with organizing the food drive for the Tom Wright Project at the Dennos Museum. I‘ve created the M.E.P. program for Grand Traverse probationary youths at Northstar productions.
I helped create a successful battle of the bands, have formed several bands, and played for such charitable causes as the motorcycle rodeo for disabled veterans, for the Betsie River Labor Day disabled veterans party. I‘ve hosted several open mic shows and opened a studio where local musicians can come to practice for little or no money at all. It’s not about the money, it’s about the music, it’s about the people.
On June 4 I received several phone calls informing me of an attack on my character and my name. The callers wondered if this was a stage bit for the audience by Steve Normandin on the radio. Who is Steve Normandin? He’s better known as Omelette of WKLT’s Omelette and Finster morning show. I was called a liar, a backstabber and manipulative, and in past weeks received calls regarding comments they made on the air, stating my band, The Mob, had broken up.
You wonder why? I’ll tell you. I supported Omelette and Finster from the moment they hit the air, thinking here’s a couple of guys that are all about the people. I donated my time to record a demo CD for the show featuring Finster singing “I’ve been everywhere, man.” I even helped create the Twisted Finster band out of my studio, holding auditions for the project as well as rehearsals. Bet you readers and listeners didn’t know that.
Hell, I even got Mister Windy a job! All because I believed they were for the people. But they’re not... they’re about the ratings!
Here’s where it all goes wrong: earlier this year I held auditions for a female vocalist for my band, The Mob. Many came, many tried, but we chose the best. This woman is a single mother with a heart of gold and a voice to match. Her name is Crystal Wilcox. You readers and listeners might know her as 95.5 The Zone‘s very own Mizz Crystal.
We chose her for her talents, not her radio connection, all in the name of creating a more entertaining aspect to our fans.
But Omelette and Finster seem to think I’ve betrayed them and have taken it upon themselves to ridicule me ON THE AIR over this!
Now I know radio stations are competitive, but I never knew they could be so childish. Isn’t there enough anger and hatred in this world? Isn’t life just a little too short for such pettiness? Does Traverse City have to tune in and hear one of their very own being torn apart by a Northern Michigan wanna-be with a radio show? As far as the Godfather is concerned, Steve Normandin is no more than a fudgie with a microphone and a sidekick.

Don Swan • TC

Take Lyme seriously
I am enraged at the number of people that have written letters to the editor of this publication, critical of the doctors that diagnose and treat lyme disease.
As one who has experienced some improvement from such treatment after years of debilitating symptoms, I am very grateful my doctor stuck her neck out to do so.
Interestingly there was a recent WebMD article that reports new research indicating that not only is Lyme disease a reality, the particular strain found here in the U.S. is the same virulent strain found in Europe. Those criticizing doctors that diagnose and treat patients with Lyme, or bash folks that have Lyme disease are in for a very rude awakening. As time goes by, few will be left that won’t have personal experience -- either themselves or someone close to them - with Lyme disease and co-infections. Count on it.

Diane Bailey • SE Michigan

Music Shakespeare said, “If music be the food of love, play on.”
In Traverse City, the love (and the music) is flowing for an area writer currently battling an advanced case of Lyme Disease.
Lori Hall Steele was diagnosed in April, explaining months of mysterious symptoms which included debilitating paralysis. On Sunday, June 22 at 5 p.m., a bevy of local musicians will gather at Union Street Station in TC to present “The Rocktagon,” a benefit to help offset Steele’s mounting medical bills.

Letters Letter to Meijer:
I am writing about my credit card account with your company. Please close it immediately. You will find the cut pieces of the card enclosed.
Two reasons I am closing the account. The first is rather minor - 20.45% INTEREST!? Who do you people think you are?
Here’s another problem with Meijer:
Acme Township! I do not live near enough to where you attempted to put that store to have ever shopped there, however if I did, just on principle I would have boycotted it.
I remember going to Meijer as a small child. I was born in Grand Rapids, as were my parents. They moved to Kalamazoo shortly after my birth, however we were in Grand Rapids almost every weekend with family and friends. The store on the corner of Kalamazoo and 28th Street was where Grandma, Aunt Debbie and I would go on Saturday mornings. I remember getting ice cream and treats from the bakery. I remember riding the Sandy ponies for a penny.
That Meijer is gone. In its place is a corporate giant that might as well be Walmart for all its warmth. I’m sure Hendrik is rolling in his grave.
My family and I have chosen to boycott any and all Meijer facilities. We will not buy two-day-old donuts from your bakery when we can buy baked-this-morning ones from our local Oleson’s Food Store. We will not buy gas from your station. We will not wash our cars at your car wash. Nor will I ever again buy plants for my yard and garden from your garden center.
At one time, I did almost all my shopping at your store. When we travelled around the state we would seek out a Meijer because we knew we could find everything we needed. No more.
I’m sure my little letter will not change anything. In fact, I doubt a human being will even process this envelope, but I know the copies of this letter will be read, and with any luck, published.

Kimberly Dittmar
• Kingsley

Hands off vet benefits
I read your most recent article; “Vet must share disability with ex-wife“ in the June 9 issue.
I find it most unconscionable that a judge would do such a thing and garnish a veteran’s benefit that is solely his. What the judge fails to see is that if veteran Calvin Murphy is not retired, under federal law described by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), his disability “benefit” is his and not for alimony.
In a ruling on the law cited by the DFAS, one sees that disabled veterans are not mentioned at any time. I understand the judge is trying to be equitable, but to violate a disabled veteran’s disability benefit is just wrong, unless she was with him in Vietnam.
Alimony is not mentioned once in the U.S. Code which applies to such benefits. Why? Because Congress understood the disabled veterans are a vulnerable group and need help acquiring services due to not being able to stay gainfully employed.
When I read this article it reminds me of a bully picking on someone who cannot fight back. Reading this is certainly a sad day for justice and veterans across America.

Capt. Steven Schaffhouser,
USAF Aux • via email
A veteran‘s pain
In your story about the veteran who must share his benefits with his ex-wife, you forgot to mention that Judge Batzer also ordered Calvin Murphy to pay his ex-wife’s attorney $3,000. I will bet you a dollar to a donut that some of that money will wind up in Judge Batzer’s reelection fund. And don’t forget the state gets funds out of him for taking his money and posting a check to his ex-wife.
I have over half of my Social Security disability taken and given to my ex-wife, yet she is getting 100% of her Social Security benefits.

Gordon Sutton • Schoolcraft

Dining After 22 years the Leland Wine Festival hasn’t lost any of its “flavor.” If anything, it has become more flavorful. But that is to be expected since wine improves with age.
So this Saturday, June 14 from noon to 6 p.m. nearly 5,000 will flock to the Leland Harbor where Kathy and Cris Telgard (the master sommeliers of the Festival) will have a tent set up, along with 15 wineries from the region and nine local eateries. The Telgards have even invited the Sun, which on most years makes a guest appearance.

Letters Problems flying via TC
Last November as I settled into my ($94 one way) seat on the plane from Flint to Sarasota, FL, just before the door closed, in rushed the occupant of the seat next to me. He flopped down exclaiming: “Wow, didn’t think I’d make it. I’ve just driven four hours from a little town in the tip of the Leelanau peninsula, Northport.“
Not recognizing him, I asked who he was visiting there as I too had just driven from Northport (in a $37, plus gas, rental car). Each time I make this frequent flight the plane has many people on it going to or from the Grand Traverse area. Why is Flint’s Bishop International Airport, a four-hour drive from here, getting our business?
Sarasota, where my wife and I travel several times a year for business, is very similar to Traverse City. Like TC, a few years ago they built a beautiful new airport. However, compared to Tampa International, an hour drive away, prices were high and flight availability poor. For several years the new airport sat embarrassingly idle.
Finally, after community complaints, a grass roots campaign, and a new director, the authority finally negotiated to bring in AirTran, followed by ATA. The airport and its carriers (except for ATA) today are flourishing to everyone’s delight.
For a city and outlying communities that practically depend on tourism, what’s wrong with Traverse City? Why are there no budget air carriers available for this region at Cherry County Airport? Isn’t it a necessity whose time has come? Why isn’t the business community in Traverse City involved with this issue? Isn’t it time to shut down the FNT connection, do some negotiation, and finally get TVC at Cherry Capitol Airport, onto AirTran’s landing charts?

Craig Brigham • Northport


Legal predator
There was a movie about 20 years ago called Predator. It was about an alien that came to Earth to hunt human beings for sport. The nearly invisible predator would tirelessly stalk it’s human prey, skin them alive, and make prized trophies out of their skulls.
This movie comes to mind whenever I think about the fear and terror experienced by my family and our friends who have endured a barrage of SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against public participation) filed by Timothy Stoepker, an attorney from the downstate law firm Dickinson Wright PLLC.
The sinister purpose of these SLAPP suits was to intimidate Acme Township officials into abrogating their local zoning laws. I am pleased to report that the Acme officials were firm in protecting the democratic process in the face of these egregious attacks that threatened their family’s hearth, home, and their modest assets. We stood to lose everything, but instead of cowering, we resoundingly said: “NO!”
And now, to my horror, I read that Mr. Stoepker has turned his predatory gaze on the officials of rural Bear Creek Township (Northern Express, “Lawsuits Bleed Townships,“ 5-26-08). Deeply sympathetic with their plight, I am sure that they too will serve their community well, but they will need the support of their neighbors. It will not be easy.
Thankfully, we do have an Arnold Schwarzenegger type hero to save the day. Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer of the 105th House District is in the process of drafting some very important legislation that will prevent this kind of abuse of our democratic process in the future. Mr. Elsenheimer, along with all the besieged township officials and their families, and the community members who bravely spoke up... they are all my heroes.
In that movie, I believe the predator, wounded and realizing his failure, self-destructs. Hopefully, Mr. Stoepker will simply discover a new sport with which to amuse himself that is not so cruel and inhumane. May I suggest badminton?

Amy Kerr Hardin • Acme Township

Different view of Lyme
Mr Ruble’s insightful and eloquent letter in the May 26 Northern Express Weekly deserves commendation as one of the best brief accounts of the Lyme disease topic that I have read.
As a medical director for a downstate local health department (Saginaw County), I have seen firsthand the consequences of an overzealous affinity to the diagnosis of “chronic” lyme disease. I have also predicted that a grass-roots attempt by well-intentioned individuals to alter the current case definition of Lyme disease will be forthcoming by those so convinced of its under diagnosis and reporting.
Letters like his help portray a balanced view of a controversial topic, as do the articles he has suggested.

Neill D, Varner, DO, MPH


Unsustainable economy
The success of the consumer economy in the U.S., which the developing world is attempting to emulate, depends on more and more people buying more and more things.
This economy depends on three elements which doom it to failure: a growing population, a growing debt, and diminishing resources. The economic theory which guides our economy seems to offer no other way to share the wealth of the planet than by this process in which we just use it up.
Yet the health of the environment cannot stand more huge, populous nations with consumer economies similar to the U.S.
Overpopulation, the end of cheap energy, and the poisoning of our atmosphere are either upon us or in sight. Al Gore has done more than almost anyone else to call our attention to the fact that our way of life is not sustainable.
On the other hand, many leaders dare not speak anything less than hopefully about the future. That the world is already overpopulated is one of the most forbidden of all topics.
People have faith that things will go on pretty much as they have; putting their faith in the goverment, the free market, private enterprise, human ingenuity, science and technology, and finally, in God.
There have been economists and ecologists who have warned about the unsustainability of our lifestyle. We have rarely known who our prophets are, believing them usually to be without honor in their own time and place.

R.E. Reinert • Northport

Features Victoria Creek, known by most locals as the Cedar River, is a majestic looping thread of sluggish blue water winding through Leelanau County’s most scenic wetlands complex.

Features Wherefore art thou Juliet? You’ll find her on the banks of the Boardman River in Traverse City, participating in one of several offerings from William Shakespeare this summer.
Summer tends to bring lighter fare from regional theatre groups. From outdoor venues to dinner theatre and big concert hall productions, here’s what the summer of ‘08 has to offer:

Letters Tax cuts cost jobs
Our politicians are using their kidneys instead of their brains. Look at the latest example.
A large number of our politicians want to eliminate our state taxes on gasoline during the summer to promote tourism.
What! Do tourists come only in the summer? Now do you call that a solution? I call it “They are using their kidneys again.“
If they keep cutting taxes, how will we repair our roads so the tourists can drive to Northern Michigan? Who will pay to keep our roads free of snow so the tourists can come during the winter? Who will pay for the police and deputies to enforce the laws to keep us safe?
TAX CUTS COST JOBS
And to top it off, not too long ago these same politicians were extolling the wonderful power of the free market to solve all our problems.
What’s wrong? Don’t they like the free market’s solution to our energy problem?

Richard R. Riker • Mackinaw City

Lyme racket?
Anne Stanton’s recent piece on Lyme disease was welcome for the fact that it warns us of a potential danger as we venture outdoors this spring. But I am surprised at her entirely uncritical treatment of the “Lyme-literate” physicians and of the whole idea of chronic Lyme disease.
Just last year Forbes magazine ran a fairly interesting article on this matter of which Stanton seems entirely unaware.
Chronic Lyme disease may exist, but it’s far from clear that it does. And patients are not the final word on whether it does: patients know they have symptoms; they don’t know whether they are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
And vaguely described “test results” don’t help the reader much. There are a lot of questionable lab practices out there -- the CDC in fact warned against the possible prevalence of false positive results for Lyme in 2005. When Stanton tells us someone has tested positive for Lyme, what test are we talking about? Is it one that actually works? Is it an approved test? If not, how do we know it works?
And anyone using colloidal silver for Lyme has to be treated with a bit of skepticism, no? What next? Crystals? Magnets? Mild electric shock?
And the prolonged use of antibiotics this article describes has already been subject to fraud judgments in Michigan and elsewhere, has it not?
I can’t speak to all the cases described in Stanton’s article, but I can’t help but wonder: Wasn’t any research done for this piece? Don’t you think that the legitimate science on this disease--there is a fair deal out there -- deserves a bit of notice?

Oran Kelley • TC



Sewer blues
The article by Anne Stanton titled “Northport’s Sewer Blues” was the best I have read -- well balanced and informative.
The initial push for a Northport sewer was predicated on false environmental information that stated the septic tanks in Northport were 85% failed or failing. The “factual” environmental issues remain on the court table after Judge Thomas Power stated the case has merit. All concerned environmentalists need to study the issues as presented by members of the Northport FORUM through our legal counsel. The issues are not over until they‘re over.
The original group of responsible citizens who extensively and exhaustively researched the Northport issues remain as one with the assistance of the FORUM members. The original group, comprised of one engineer, one economic expert, and several environmental experts, have consistently approached the Northport Council since the sewer‘s inception in an attempt to communicate concerns. Those concerns were never addressed by the council. Those concerns will remain before Judge Power as part of the FORUM‘s merit case.
Our Constitution was written with the intent of protecting the rights of every human being. One right is the right to have issues heard, discussed, understood, and to arrive at balanced solutions. Since the Northport Council set aside our constitutional process, it now becomes the responsibility of the FORUM members to uphold that process.
Judge Power realized that the case has merit and will be heard -- costly as it will be for both sides. The time has come for every Northport citizen to be heard now and in the next election. Join the FORUM and protect your rights!

Ronald J. Schobel • Suttons Bay

Features With gas prices above $4 a gallon this summer, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails is offering a solution that will make it possible for you to keep your car in the garage. Leave your keys at home and get your bike tuned up, your tennis shoes laced, or buy a BATA pass in preparation for Smart Commute Week from June 2-6.
“The goal of Smart Commute Week is to get folks to consider alternative ways to get around town,” says event organizer Missy Luyk. “Smart commuting includes bicycling, walking, carpooling or taking BATA. We want to promote alternative transportation and educate area residents of the benefits of a smart commute.”

Features Call it the jewel in Michigan’s bike trail crown: On June 7, the Top of Michigan Trails Council will dedicate a new 62-mile trail that will link Gaylord, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City.
The crushed stone trail is the longest contiguous rail trail in Michigan’s nearly 1,400 mile trail system.

Region Watch What to do when
the oil runs out?
As many as 1,000 participants are expected to attend “The Sustainability Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change” this weekend in Grand Rapids.
The coming crisis in the oil supply is one of three key topics to be covered at a conference bringing together national experts on “peak oil,” climate change and an environmentally-friendly and sustainable economy.
The conference is scheduled for Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1, at the Calvin College Fine Arts Center.
Many experts believe that the worldwide production of oil has “peaked” and that the coming decades will bring a decline in the amount of available oil, leading to a global economic crisis unless steps are taken to promote conservation and sustainable local economies.

Dining ACME
Bayview Inn
The Grille @ Grand Traverse Resort Golf Club

ALANSON/PELLSTON/ST.IGNACE/WALLOON LK.
Douglas Lake Bar
& Steakhouse
Driftwood Restaurant
Hidden River Rainbow Room
Lauer’s Between Friends
Maple Ridge
The Inn Between
Walloon Lake Inn

ALDEN
Alden Bar & Grille
The Wild Onion

BAY HARBOR
Cabana Bar@ The Inn
at Bay Harbor
Galley Gourmet Espresso Cafe
Knot Just A Bar
Latitude Restaurant
Sagamore’s South American Room @ The Inn/Bay Harbor

Letters Lyme & journalism
For those of us watching as the pablum of corporate journalism leaves readers in the dark about government, society and everyday life, Anne Stanton’s story on Lyme disease was a brilliant and hopeful study on not only the disease and its ramifications, but also a sign that there are still real journalists writing about subjects that matter.
Anne’s story clearly explained the issues involved in a complex topic and broke new ground by establishing the fact that the disease is a problem in Northern Michigan. Describing the difficulties faced by the victims and the medical community was insightful and fair reporting.
It’s an especially sad story because it involves people we know; and it’s an especially heartening story because it shed some light in the darkness by giving new hope to people who found themselves in especially difficult circumstances.

Joe Mielke • Kingsley

Pets also affected
I was not surprised to see the faces of several of my clients on the cover of this last issue (May 12-18). I have heard their stories and that of many others living with Lyme disease.
I care for their pets who are at an even greater risk of contracting Lyme disease. When I first moved here, 10 years ago from Florida, I was told by several area veterinarians that we don’t have Lyme disease in this area. I asked them how many dogs they had tested for the disease, and the answer was always none.
Obviously, if you are not looking for and testing for a disease, you will not find it. Lyme disease carrying ticks are here in Northern Michigan and a real threat to the people and pets who live here.
The heartworm test we use at our hospital also tests for Lyme disease. We routinely find dogs with antibodies to Lyme disease, some with symptoms and some without.
Thank you for your article; it is my hope it will increase the awareness to this disease, and to its prevention, which is by far the better choice than treatment.
I encourage pet parents to have their dogs vaccinated for Lyme disease; the vaccine is safe and very effective. Monthly flea and tick preventive is also very useful to protect pets and the people they live with. I often hear that my dog is not at risk because of this or that. The people you interviewed probably thought they were not at much of a risk either. Ticks can transmit many nasty and fatal diseases.
Thanks to Northern Express for transmitting knowledge and information to our community.

R. Craig Brakeman, DVM • TC