Opinion

Editor, I was “invited” to write about issues we face. Gladly. But which ones? Extremism, white supremacy, racism? Culture wars, conspiracy theories, disinformation? Gun control, slaughter of children, power of NRA? Inflation, Ukraine, supply chain? Mental health, addiction, suicides? Women’s rights, equal pay, abortion? Education, book bans, CRT? Climate change, extreme weather, the environment? White nationalism, flag-waving jingoism, the Capitol assault? Homelessness, food insecurity, housing? Corruption, voter suppression, immorality? Dark money, corporations as people, the intrusion of religion into government? China, Russia, North Korea? Domestic terrorism, police...

I like my phone. I rely on my phone. I truly appreciate my phone (and you, too, Siri!) but beyond that, well, my phone is just a phone. She does for me what I ask her to do, when I ask her to do it and as long as that consistency in our relationship exists, I’m good. We’re good.  But when...

Americans are divided over just about everything today. From politics to sports to entertainment, Americans do not agree on anything, except for their dislike of career D.C. politicians in Congress. Poll after poll indicates that over 80% of Americans support term limits for Congress, regardless of political...

Congress has an opportunity to pass legislation that benefits all local citizens, businesses and even protects our democracy. The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, LJSA for short, should be included as part of any upcoming reconciliation bill that Congress is considering. The LJSA is a well-thought-out bi...

Editor, We would like to express our appreciation to the American Legion, the VFW, and the Honor Guard for their part in honoring our fallen heroes this Memorial Day Weekend in Ronan. From placing the flags and crosses on the graves, to the parade, to their part in acquiring a veteran’s plot in the ...

Editor, I have been reading the responses to my abortion letter and must say it seems to be the major concern is control. Women were given all the control they needed the day the birth control pill went on the market. Now women could plan their lives as to when they wanted a child. There was no need fo...

Editor, “The Power and Honor of Good People.” We experienced this power and honor in the culmination of the Watergate scandal during the Nixon years. Will it culminate during Trump’s continuing ‘lust for power’ in present years? Nixon’s dishonesty and ‘lust ...

Editor, There is an open-cut gravel mine and asphalt plant proposed in Arlee across the road from the Garden of 1000 Buddhas. This is near my home, and my neighbors and I have many concerns around the mine, including noise, dust, traffic, etc. But our water supply and quality is of the utmost concern. The...

Editor, A Bitcoin Mining company is planning to build a new 50-megawatt data center in Polson and Energy Keepers (a CSKT corporation) is contracting to supply hydropower from the Salish-Kootenai Dam (formerly Kerr Dam). This huge operation will use 25% of the power that the dam generates, or the same amou...

Editor, Polson High School graduating seniors want to sincerely thank the community members, local businesses, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for the donations this year allowing the parents to throw a celebratory gathering following graduation. The event was an alcohol-free and drug-free...