Altruism During Blizzards, Emergencies and Disasters in the Upper Peninsula

(Illustrative Only)

Dog sleds still 
have a purpose
around here. 

So do snowmobiles.

 We recently experienced a blizzard—our own version of a natural disaster—with two days of relentless, horizontal snowfall pounding against the windows. There was real concern about losing power, which would have affected heating, and the snow continued to pile up for days. Trees were at risk of cracking under the weight, and no one could leave their homes. Even after nearly four feet of snow fell, it took another full day just to dig out, and several more for life to return to normal.

What stands out in situations like this, especially in our area, is how neighbors take care of one another. People share materials, resources, and time whenever needed. For example, one neighbor’s truck got stuck while trying to plow his driveway—the snow was so deep it lifted the vehicle off its wheels. Several of us went out and spent about an hour digging him out, after which he was able to clear his driveway and get to work as a first responder. We have a few in the neighborhood.

In another instance, a neighbor ran out of gas for his snowblower, so I gave him some from my own supply. Later, while I was struggling with a five-foot snow drift in front of my house, that same neighbor returned the favor by using his truck to plow part of my driveway. Another neighbor joined in to help snowblow, and together we were able to manage the situation.

Experiences like this highlight an important reality: in times of crisis, communities rely on one another. While broader societal discussions often focus on large-scale policies and infrastructure, they can overlook the human, community-level interactions where real support and resilience are built. It is within these everyday acts of cooperation that the true values of society are formed and sustained. Listen to the average person and you will find our collective wisdom that doesn't always filter upward.

How do people support each other in emergencies? A qualitative exploration of altruistic and prosocial behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Study analyzed 104 real-world stories of altruistic behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand patterns of helping behavior across countries

• Groups receiving the most support included older adults, individuals with health conditions or disabilities, frontline workers, and marginalized or working-class populations

• Three main types of support were identified: material (e.g., goods/resources), social/emotional, and psychological assistance

• Support was provided by a range of actors, including organizations, volunteers, and individuals from more advantaged groups

• Key motivations for helping behavior included a shared sense of humanity or community identity, allyship, and expressions of gratitude

• Findings highlight how prosocial behavior can emerge strongly during crises and contribute to supporting vulnerable populations

• The study contributes to understanding how and why people engage in altruism during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of social connection and collective responsibility

Tekin, S., Sager, M., Bushey, A., Deng, Y., & Uluğ, Ö. M. (2021). How do people support each other in emergencies? A qualitative exploration of altruistic and prosocial behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 21(1), 1113–1140. https://doi.org/10.1111/asap.12277

Q4 2025 National GDP Grew 0.7% (Delta County Growth Trend Upward)

(Illustrative Only)

Peter is stuck
in a 2 day blizzard
so he is catching
up on some 
reading.

Delta County MI has
grown, investment is
up, GDP is rising, 
some information
indicates increased
household income
and lower crime. 
The downtown provides
affordable buildings,
new businesses, and
an ideal place to
launch a start-up. 
Skilled worforce
and a few larger anchor
industries with strong
infrastructure and
T1 lines. A number of
fun local activities
and recreational 
opportunities.

Peter wonders if 
broad based capitalism
where micro, small, and
medium businesses
can help
downtown regrowth
and improve local
wealth generation.
This is a little different
than concentrated
capitalism where wealth
moves upward. In 
broad based capitalism
more wealth stays local,
improves tax revenue
and in the hands of
average folk.

GDP growth was revised downward to 0.7%, signaling slower economic momentum than initially expected. Although earlier data appeared strong, underlying economic and social factors suggested some weakness, which now seems to be showing in the updated numbers.

There has been some growth in business investment, particularly in research and development, which is important for driving innovation. However, Federal government spending declined due to the shutdown, and exports also decreased—an unfavorable trend since stronger exports typically support economic growth.

Overall, the U.S. economy grew by 2.2% in 2025, which is slower than the 2.8% growth seen in 2024. It remains unclear whether this slowdown represents a longer-term trend or a short-term shift, as economic patterns tend to evolve over time rather than occur in isolation.

At the local level, some regions continue to show positive signs. For example, Delta County MI has experienced indicators of growth, including new business activity and ongoing investment. While official GDP data for 2025 is not yet available, early signs suggest that strong community engagement and local development efforts may continue to support growth in the area.

Delta County Stats Indicates Growth Trend

Feb 5 2026 GDP BEA Release County   Delta County Michigan is a rural place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. While 2025 stats are not out yet a change in county and city leadership around the same time seems to have contributed with a greater 'sense of community' that resulted in a level of growth and new development GDP by County  and DC GDP by Year. Delta County was one of the higher growth counties for Michigan GDP County Table 2024 Michigan. You will also find that the GDP for Delta County went from negative 2022 -0.8, 2023 -1.3 and jumped in 2024 + 3.9. DC Year.   If you run some other stats you will further find that household income may have bumped signifantly in 2025 and crime has reduced substantially and this is unlikely a coincidence. One might say in theory this is the social and economic side of development that helps one see Delta County as a hot spot model for development and social engagement. Young families should consider this when they are searching for a place for a start-up. Ludington Street has some excellent affordable places. 

 Percentage.Gross domestic product (second estimate), fourth quarter and year 2025. 

• Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting slower economic growth than previously estimated

• The downward revision from the advance estimate (1.4%) indicates weaker overall economic activity in late 2025

• Economic growth was supported by increases in consumer spending and private investment, particularly in services and intellectual property products

• Consumer spending growth was driven mainly by services such as healthcare and international travel

• Business investment increased, especially in research and development, equipment, and inventory accumulation

• Government spending declined, largely due to reduced federal expenditures during the partial government shutdown

• The federal government shutdown is estimated to have reduced GDP growth by about 1 percentage point in the fourth quarter

• Exports decreased, contributing negatively to overall GDP growth

• For the full year 2025, real GDP increased 2.2%, slower than the 2.8% growth recorded in 2024

• Inflation measures showed moderate increases, with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rising 2.6% for the year

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, March 13). Gross domestic product (second estimate), fourth quarter and year 2025. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-second-estimate-4th-quarter-and-year-2025

Occupations of Trust and Lack Trust-Gallup Poll

(Illustrative Only)

A man by himself.
A lone voice
Rejecting lobby money.

Leo is a grandparent.
He feels the best way
to serve his country
and his grandchildren is
to vote his conscious
and support the
generational to
generational principles
he and his parents
struggled for.
This country is
for the The People and
no one else. 
He leans toward
independents who insert
some vote tipping ability
to reduce the dangers
of partisanship.

He is part of the hypothetical
Feather Party.

*The hypothetical
Feather Party doesn't exist
at this time and
 is a philosophical
discussion of a stronger third
party made of independents,
who vote anyway they
want as long as they follow
an agreed upon decision making 
matrix. They do not work
with special interests, 
cap donations, protect the Bill
of Rights
(freedom of religion and speech
and human rights)
and focus on the needs of
the next generation. They
seek to 
vote their conscious and 
there is no pressure to vote
or say what donors want.
Science, logic, ethics,
and individual freedoms
are their method. It
is for discussion purposes
so one can accept, reject
or propose alternative
ideas.

An examination of the most recent Gallup poll provides a useful snapshot of how Americans perceive trust across various occupations. Overall, healthcare professionals—particularly nurses and physicians—continue to rank highly in public trust. Military veterans are also widely respected, likely due to their service and actualized commitment to the nation’s core values. Many times they will speak up when they have concerns despite sometimes being mistreated. 

Educators are generally viewed positively, reflecting their important role in shaping communities and future generations. In contrast, police officers tend to fall closer to the middle of the rankings (Fire fighters have been high but it doesn't appear on this poll). Public trust in law enforcement may be strengthened through consistent accountability measures that address misconduct while avoiding undue politicization. At the same time, it is important to recognize and support the many officers who serve with professionalism and integrity. Efforts to enhance recruitment and promote diversity within the profession may further contribute to increased public confidence.

Clergy, by comparison, rank lower in trust. This trend may reflect perceptions that credibility is strongest when leadership remains grounded in clear, consistent, and principled messaging, and weaker when communication becomes fragmented or perceived as divisive. While both religious and secular philosophical traditions have historically emphasized prosocial values such as peace and cooperation, deviations from these principles may contribute to diminished trust. 

At the lower end of the spectrum, members of Congress and telemarketers are among the least trusted occupations. This may be attributed to a perception that communication within these roles is often driven by persuasion, partisanship, wealthy PAC donors, lobbiests, or special interests rather than broadly shared societal values (If you have to lobby it, it could mean it may not be shared widely as a value system). It is important to manage for the average person and the generational to generational values. (Also, telemarkers should not have US numbers if they are not from the US and you can't trace them back. Those who violate the "Do not call list" should pay large fines and do jail time if necessary. People who answer the phone are domestic and they hang up on you when you ask questions. Those things should be investigated and not ignored. Just about everyone has to deal with this silliness and lack of enforcement.)

At times foundational principles—such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the pursuit of balanced, strategic decision-making—may be perceived as secondary to partisan considerations, a pattern observable across the political spectrum. Moving forward, enhancing trust across institutions can be enhanced by fostering more balanced, evidence-based, and solutions-oriented discourse. Emphasizing shared goals and common interests, rather than entrenched narratives, may help rebuild confidence and promote more effective and collaborative societal outcomes.

The article,

Nurses continue to lead in honesty and ethics ratings

Gallup. (2026, January 12)

• Nurses rank as the most trusted profession in the U.S., with 75% of Americans rating their honesty and ethics as “high” or “very high.”

• This marks more than two decades at the top of Gallup’s annual honesty and ethics poll, with nurses leading every year since 1999 except one (2001).

• Other highly rated professions include medical doctors (57%) and pharmacists (53%), though both trail nurses significantly.

• Military veterans were also among the top-rated professions in the most recent survey, ranking just behind nurses.

• The least trusted professions include members of Congress, telemarketers, and car salespeople, all receiving very low ratings.

• Trust in most professions has declined from pandemic-era highs, with many occupations now near historic lows in perceived ethics.

• Nurses’ current rating is lower than their peak during COVID-19 but remains far higher than all other professions.

• Overall, healthcare professions continue to dominate the top of trust rankings, even amid a broader decline in public confidence across occupations.

Gallup. (2026, January 12). Nurses continue to lead in honesty and ethics ratings. https://news.gallup.com/poll/700736/nurses-continue-lead-honesty-ethics-ratings.aspx

What Firefighters Want in 2026 Survey

Surveys, research, and opinion polls that gather input from firefighters can play an important role in improving training and overall preparedness. The survey below is one example, and if you are a full-time, part-time, or volunteer firefighter, you may want to consider մասնակցating. The information collected is used to support improvements across the fire service.

This process functions as a feedback loop: as more data is collected, gaps in training, resources, and support become clearer. With that understanding, departments and organizations can begin addressing those gaps more effectively. The results also contribute to broader state-of-the-industry reports, helping expand knowledge about firefighting across the United States and Canada.

P.S. if you are interested in donating to a fire department in the Upper Peninsula send me a message to the right. 

FireRescue1 launches What Firefighters Want in 2026 survey.

• What Firefighters Want in 2026 survey was launched by FireRescue1 as part of its annual state-of-the-industry research effort focused on the fire service.

• The 2026 survey specifically centers on firefighter training, emphasizing it as a foundational element of professional performance and preparedness.

• The survey aims to assess how often firefighters train and whether that training is realistic, relevant, and supported by leadership.

• Findings will be used to identify gaps, highlight best practices, and encourage improvements in how departments prepare firefighters.

• Results will contribute to FireRescue1’s 2026 state-of-the-industry report, expected to be published in August 2026 with expert analysis.

• The survey includes participants from across the fire service (career, volunteer, combination, and all ranks) in the United States and Canada.

• The project is supported by organizations such as the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).

Take the Firefighter Survey

FireRescue1 Staff. (2026, March 2). FireRescue1 launches What Firefighters Want in 2026 survey. FireRescue1. https://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-training/firerescue1-launches-what-firefighters-want-in-2026-survey

Weather Extremes and Energy Resilience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

(Illustrative Only)

Blizards coming.
Food stocked up.
Putting some extra
wood out just in case
the eletricity shuts
off again. 
Solar panels 
can help. 

In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Upper Peninsula, we have recently experienced some unusually erratic winter weather. Storms and blizzards are certainly nothing new here, but the intensity of some recent storms feels different from what I remember growing up. At times the snowfall has reached two to four inches per hour, requiring snow blowing several times a day. In one recent storm, several feet of snow fell, paused for about six or seven hours, and then returned again with another heavy round. Strong winds and impassable roads only add to the difficulty—sometimes the best option is simply to stay home.

Experiences like this naturally raise questions about broader climate trends. Discussions about Global Warming often focus on rising temperatures linked to pollution and increasing greenhouse gases. That relationship is widely supported by research, but another aspect people notice locally is the possibility of more extreme or erratic weather patterns. Rising temperatures may be one part of the story, while stronger and less predictable storms may be another.

These conditions also highlight practical concerns about infrastructure and preparedness. Many communities rely heavily on centralized electricity systems that are aging and sometimes fail during severe weather. When heating systems depend entirely on electricity, outages during extreme cold can quickly become dangerous. Having multiple heating options can make homes more resilient during emergencies. Political debates often offer competing explanations for these issues, but regardless of the debate, nature ultimately sets the conditions we must live with.

In my own case, there are currently two backup heating options available: propane gas and a traditional fireplace that is more than 100 years old. I have considered converting the fireplace into a combined gas and wood system, similar to a wood stove and fireplace combination. This would provide an additional heating option during emergencies. Looking ahead, I am also considering installing solar panels when it is time to replace the roof shingles. That could increase the ability to generate electricity independently and reduce reliance on the grid.

Erratic weather pattern
or normal?

Because I spend a lot of time outdoors camping and fishing, another idea is to install a small solar panel on the garage connected to a battery and inverter. Even a relatively inexpensive system could charge larger batteries that might be useful during outages or emergencies. It could also provide limited power for some garage tools. Another possibility is connecting the furnace to a battery backup so it could operate temporarily if the electricity goes out.

Whether every claim about climate change proves fully accurate or not, one thing seems clear: our current energy systems lack diversity and resilience. Developing a wider mix of energy sources and backup systems may help communities better manage extreme weather and future environmental challenges. The same principle applies to broader geopolitical uncertainties as well. Rather than assuming the worst or dismissing concerns entirely, it may be wiser to think carefully about long-term energy planning and climate resilience. 🌎⚡❄️

How does pollution affect climate change?

Chewy thinks
snow pants
on the floor
are awesome!

• Pollution contributes to climate change primarily through the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which trap heat in the atmosphere and increase global temperatures.

• Burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry is a major source of these pollutants, significantly intensifying the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming.

• Industrial activities release chemicals and particulate matter that alter atmospheric composition, affecting cloud formation and how sunlight is absorbed or reflected by the Earth.

• Agricultural pollution, including methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers, adds powerful greenhouse gases that further contribute to climate change.

• Deforestation increases atmospheric carbon because trees that normally absorb CO₂ are removed, reducing natural carbon sinks and releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

• Aerosols and particulate matter influence climate by either reflecting sunlight (cooling effect) or absorbing heat (warming effect), making their overall impact complex.

• Pollution also damages ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans that naturally absorb carbon, weakening the planet’s ability to regulate climate.

• The combined effects of pollution-driven climate change include rising global temperatures, sea level rise, disrupted weather patterns, ocean acidification, and increased risks to human health.

The Environmental Literacy Council. (2024, November 25). How does pollution affect climate change? https://enviroliteracy.org/how-does-pollution-affect-climate-change/

Executive Communication Styles Can Impact Employee and Organizational Performance

(Illusrative Only)

Communication 
styles impact 
organizational performance.
A soft skill that can 
be learned and developed
over time.

Encourage don't discourage.

Executives must learn how to communicate effectively with teams, employees, and other decision-makers within an organization. This is a soft skill that develops over time. As leaders begin working with more complex and abstract ideas associated with senior leadership, they must learn how to articulate those ideas clearly in ways that reduce confusion.

Communication style often reveals itself in both verbal and written forms. For example, most people have read an email that seemed unnecessarily pointed or aggressive, demonstrating how tone can shape perception. Acceptance or rejection of information. Similarly, when someone tries to explain a complex concept but cannot translate it into clear, concise language, the audience may struggle to grasp the core message.

Effective communication styles can draw people together and encourage knowledge sharing. In organizations that rely heavily on intellectual and human capital, fostering this type of knowledge exchange is essential. Consider research on leadership communication and how it influences organizational behavior. At the same time, reflect on the feedback you receive from your environment—whether from colleagues, professors, or senior executives—and continue refining and strengthening your communication style over time.

 Leadership = communication? The relations of leaders’ communication styles with leadership styles, knowledge sharing and leadership outcomes.

• Leadership communication styles significantly influence how employees perceive leadership effectiveness, satisfaction with the leader, and team commitment.

• The study identified six key leadership communication styles: verbal aggressiveness, expressiveness, preciseness, assuredness, supportiveness, and argumentativeness.

• Supportive and assured communication styles are strongly associated with charismatic and human-oriented leadership, while task-oriented leadership is less dependent on communication behaviors.

• Leaders who communicate in supportive, clear, and confident ways promote greater knowledge sharing among employees and improve perceptions of leader performance.

• Precise communication by leaders independently predicts higher employee satisfaction and perceptions of leader effectiveness, even when accounting for leadership style.

De Vries, R. E., Bakker-Pieper, A., & Oostenveld, W. (2010). Leadership = communication? The relations of leaders’ communication styles with leadership styles, knowledge sharing and leadership outcomes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25(3), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-009-9140-2

Personal Income Increases as Household Expenses Continue to Rise January 2026

(Illustrative Only)

Cynthia needs to go
to the doctors and has
been saving up a few months.
She doesn't understand
why medical costs are going
up. She was a teacher
for 30 years and
has to scrape together
her money to pay the bills. 

Something doesn't seem right.

A bit more positive economic news emerged in January 2026. Personal income increased, and disposable personal income rose by about $220 billion. Personal expenditures also increased, but by a smaller amount—about $81 billion—suggesting that, overall, people may have a little more money available after covering their expenses.

To fully understand the impact, however, it is important to look at how that income is distributed. The key question is whether these gains are broadly shared across the population or concentrated among a smaller group of higher earners.

Compensation increased during this period, and dividend income also rose. This may suggest that some of the gains are flowing to individuals who already earn relatively strong wages or who hold financial assets that generate investment income.

Spending patterns also shifted. Expenditures increased in areas such as healthcare, housing, utilities, and insurance. Healthcare spending is particularly notable. As the population ages, demand for healthcare services will likely continue to grow.

At the same time, healthcare costs have been rising quickly. While this growth reflects increased demand and industry expansion, it also means that many households ultimately face higher costs for care and insurance.

Personal income and outlays, January 2026.

• U.S. personal income increased by $113.8 billion (0.4%) in January 2026 compared with the previous month.

  

• Disposable personal income (income after taxes) increased by $219.9 billion (0.9%).

• Personal consumption expenditures (consumer spending) increased by $81.1 billion (0.4%).

• Personal outlays (total spending including consumption, interest payments, and transfer payments) increased by $85.8 billion.

• Personal saving totaled about $1.05 trillion in January.

• The personal saving rate was 4.5% of disposable personal income.

• Growth in personal income was primarily driven by increases in employee compensation, dividend income, and government transfer receipts.

• Consumer spending increased mainly due to higher spending on services, which was partly offset by a decline in spending on goods.

• Real personal consumption expenditures increased slightly by 0.1% for the month.

• The PCE price index (a key inflation measure) increased 0.3% in January and was 2.8% higher than one year earlier.

• Core PCE inflation (excluding food and energy) increased 0.4% for the month and 3.1% year over year.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, March 13). Personal income and outlays, January 2026. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/personal-income-and-outlays-january-2026