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Articles written by Don Brunell


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  • Remember veterans with more than flag-lowering

    Don Brunell|Updated Nov 8, 2022

    Lowering our flags to half-staff is a solemn act that recognizes our fallen heroes, whether they be men and women in our armed forces or police officers killed in the line of duty. It is a vivid reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who serve us. Unfortunately, after those flags return to the top of the pole and time passes, we tend to forget that the suffering for the friends and families continues. The loneliness, financial stress, and emotional strain lives on....

  • Papermakers gaining ground from pandemic

    Don Brunell|Updated Jun 4, 2020

    In recent years, papermakers in the Pacific Northwest have been losing ground. However, today there is a ray of hope. Surprisingly, that optimism results from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first days of the pandemic, grocers couldn’t keep toilet paper on store shelves, even though paper mills were running 20 percent higher-than-normal capacity. Cardboard plants also were operating full bore making shipping boxes for medical supplies and personal protective gear. As online s...

  • Immediate priorties: Keeping residents safe, pay bills and put food on the table

    Don Brunell, Guest Column|Updated May 8, 2020

    America’s unemployment rate is suddenly approaching historic levels. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost two months ago, roughly 30.3 million people have filed for jobless benefits. Nearly 14 million additional people could have filed if unemployment processes were easier, Economic Policy Institute calculates. With more employers cutting payrolls to survive and skyrocketing business closures and bankruptcies, economists forecast the unemployment rate could exceed 20 perce...

  • Truckers are keeping stores stocked

    Don Brunell|Updated Apr 30, 2020

    As we get deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finding more Americans to thank. Until recently, truckers have been behind the scenes just doing their jobs, but join the list of unsung heroes. Business Insider reported truckers are the reason America's grocery stores, online retailers, hospitals, gas stations and even ATMs have remained stocked. They number 1.9 million. It's estimated that grocery stores would be empty within 2-3 days if truck drivers stopped working. Acco...