Weather to Echoesby Steven LarocqueWe’ve all been pleased with the weather of late, right?Those bitterly frigid, battery-killing, furnace-overworking days and nights.We like to warm ourselves with the thought that it’s always been this way so quit whining.Except it isn’t always this way.Our 1944 Across the Years feature has the following

POTTED PLANTS
Ups and downs
Thumbs down to Mother Nature’s cold wrath. We know what to expect in winter, but the cold snap like that experienced last weekend throughout Temiskaming was too much for many people.Exhausted furnaces that finally gave out from overwork; cars that couldn’t start or had parts freeze up, rendering them useless;
Tech turmoil
By Diane JohnstonHow smart do I want my tech?I understand the utility of being able to check in remotely.Every time I head out for a couple of days away, I experience a moment of panic somewhere south of Latchford.Did I leave the oven on? What's the thermostat set at? Is

SLEDDING TRAILS, TALES AND TAILS
Living in challenging times
Growing awareness of climate change is resulting in increased discussion here in the North.But the voices that are raising concerns, and urging the government to act, are saying that the time for simple discussion is over.It's not just about mitigation, they are saying. It is now about mitigation and adaptation.Earthroots
The happiness continues
By Steven LarocqueAllow me to do a bit of whining about the happy holidays.As I was preparing supper on Christmas eve, I was standing at the kitchen counter about to slice into a robust onion when I heard a “tick” sound.Maybe it was the food cooking on the stove?With knife

The Wall
Help is out there
The month of January brings with it a tradition of making resolutions.They’re easy to make, easy to break, hard to keep.Even when it’s in our own best interest, a desire and resolve to change – habits, behaviours – for the better can always be difficult.Take advantage of programs and professionals
Crossing the double line
by Darlene WroeWe need to continue to lobby the provincial government and the Ministry of Transportation for improved safety on Highway 11.The greatest challenge is that of sharing the highway with commercial vehicles.Large transports are dangerous enough, and when driven in a manner which