August 3, 2026

Another sad reminder that railroad tracks can be deadly, should always be treated as active.

Morning headline by John Agar read: “Pedestrian struck, killed by train in Kalamazoo.” This regarded an incident that “happened around 11:00 pm” last night. “A 19-year-old died late Tuesday, May 11, after being struck by a train, police said.”

via Lifeway Research (April 6, 2021)— "Americans' Views of Life's Meaning and Purpose Are Changing," by Aaron Earls: As Americans attempt to move past the life-altering effects of 2020, their perspective is shifting on some of the most significant questions facing humanity. [Compared] to a decade ago, U.S. adults today are…

– January 9, 2022
via Lifeway Research (September 1, 2021)— "Most Americans Know and Trust Their Neighbors," by Aaron Earls: Despite quarantines and social distancing keeping people in their homes during the pandemic, Americans still say they know their neighbors. Almost 7 in 10 U.S. adults (68%) say they trust the people who live in…

– January 17, 2022
Juneteenth— via Center for Faith & Culture (June 14, 2021) by Sherelle Ducksworth, sociology instructor at Louisburg College in Louisburg North Carolina: "We celebrate Juneteenth because of what this holiday reveals to us about the inherent dignity and humanity of Black people. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is essential to…

– June 19, 2022
National Day of Prayer— "How to Pray for America," via National Day of Prayer: Why pray for America? God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught…

– May 5, 2022
via Got Questions (January 4, 2022)— "What is the god of self?" "A god is what we run to when we need validation, help, or encouragement because we believe it has the power to give us what we need. Self is a compelling god because it arises from our deepest…

– August 7, 2022
Maundy Thursday— "On this Thursday before Good Friday, Christians of all colors and stripes celebrate three events on the last night our Lord spent with his apostles before the Crucifixion: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. "The…

– April 14, 2022
via Samaritan's Purse (March 23, 2022)— "Ukraine Updates: Ukraine Updates: Fifth Airlift Departs with Ukraine Relief; Medical Care at Four Locations; Food and Other Distributions Underway": A fifth Samaritan’s Purse airlift departed today carrying more than 19 tons of relief, including medical supplies for area hospitals as we work to…

– March 27, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (April 1, 2022)— "Inwardly strong, outwardly focused," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan: Legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, started the first day of the Green Bay Packers training camp in 1961 with a football in his right hand and these words:…

– April 10, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Treasures in the darkness," by Karen Blanchard, women's life group leader with Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township, Michigan: Having been in this pandemic for two years now, we face days that seem uncertain and difficult to navigate. Yet through all the darkness and confusion,…

– March 6, 2022

Portion of computer screen during file backup process.

Now is the time for a strong reminder to back up your (important) digital files, and to make it a routine

January 10, 2019

Somewhere among the many late-December closing reminders and New Years resolutions came thought to the future of all your digitally-stored stuff, by whatever means, wherever they may currently rest. “Backup” is likely the anchoring word that comes to mind. In practical application, it means physical media, location, and lifestyle. [1] In addition to any personal reasons you may have for trying to maximize the longevity of your data, there may be legal requirements that you ....

Were You Early for the End of Daylight Saving Time This Year?

November 5, 2017

The first instant your clock struck two this morning, it wasn’t two o’clock at all. Rather, it was 1:00 am all over again, and it wouldn’t really be 2:00 am until another hour after that. Welcome back to Eastern Standard Time here in Saline, Michigan. For most of us, last night was the night when we recovered that hour of sleep lost back in March when “Daylight Saving Time” took control for the better part ....

Saline City Council was challenged by two of its members to assess its approach to competitive bid contracting

April 17, 2019

New Business item 19-75 on the April 15, 2019 Saline City Council agenda seemed straightforward enough. [1] [Acknowledge] receipt of the April 10, 2019 memo from City Manager Campbell; to approve or not approve the request to renew the Swisher Commercial Reality Agreement for another 12 months. After having been properly moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Linda TerHaar and seconded by Council Member Heidi McClelland, Mayor Brian Marl turned to City Manager Todd Campbell for a brief ....

“Timing” Is an Important Factor for Capturing Historic Photographs

January 17, 2014

Some of the most memorable images in history were made by simple matter of having a person with a camera who was there when the moment presented itself. Others come from anticipating the moment and getting out after it. This is an example of the latter. The photograph above was made last week — on the tail of a winter storm that officially dumped 10.6″ of snowfall on the Saline area. Winds, drifting snow, and biting ....

It’s Important to Understand What Being a “Smart City” Means to Saline, Part 2

April 16, 2018

Why is it important? Part 1 of this special series defined the term “smart cities.” It identified local officials here, by name, who have focused on helping Saline get in front of this concept. It concluded with the bold assertion that “Smart cities are not a question of If? but, rather, When?” [1,2,3] But now it’s important to take a step back and explain the needs served, problems solved. Among others, Washtenaw Community College (WCC) ....