Opinion
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Bracing for bigger changes in the aftermath
Now that vaccines are available, we hope our lives will return to the way they were before the coronavirus pandemic blanketed the globe. That is not likely to occur. Last March our... — Updated 1/14/2021
Proposals to impose a B&O tax increase on food production will reduce farm incomes
Key findings include: 1. Farmers and ranchers have been negatively affected by the lockdowns, despite being deemed essential services. Median farm households in Washington lost... — Updated 1/14/2021
NAZI GERMANY ENTERS RITZVILLE
It has come to my attention that someone reported “Jakes” for allowing the truckers to come in and eat. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? These road heroes are on the road and in their trucks 8- 10-and even 12 hours at time, in rain,... — Updated 1/7/2021
Here's to a happy and better new year
Despite this difficult and challenging year, I hope all of you were able to enjoy Christmas and the holiday season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families couldn’t gather wit... — Updated 1/7/2021
Wildfires were the 'big polluters' of 2020
While the coronavirus and its devastating effects on people and economies worldwide were unfortunately the top 2020 stories, the massive impact of western wildfires can’t be... — Updated 1/7/2021
I heard that
Do you remember the time when going to a bowl game was what every school desired? With C-19 and everything that goes along with it, bowl games seemingly don’t mean that much this... — Updated 12/30/2020
Ask anyone, Inslee's proposal is an income tax
Despite the budget being balanced, billions in reserve, and projected revenue growth of 7.2%, Gov. Jay Inslee is yet again proposing an income tax on capital gains in his new... — Updated 12/30/2020
Look on the bright side
I’m sure that as you look at the title to this particular column, you are probably thinking I need to be slapped. Fair enough. I guess it would be in all of our best interests to... — Updated 12/23/2020
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas this season
As we enter the 10th month of the COVID-19 crisis, I find myself looking forward to this Christmas season. Festivities and celebrations will undoubtedly look different, and some traditions and customary gatherings may not be... — Updated 12/23/2020
Greener pastures
Yes, even in a pandemic, the time of the season when football coaches are fired is upon us. You remember just three, four, five or six years ago when the athletic director walked... — Updated 12/17/2020
Great Conjunction
It’s been a difficult year for us all. I know that’s an understatement. But methinks I shouldn’t have to go into many details to explain why. Unfortunately, those reasons are still all around us. It’s said hard times bring... — Updated 12/17/2020
E-waste reduction needs new approaches
“One of the biggest challenges of the 21st Century is dealing with the progress of the 20th Century – especially old computers, monitors, cellular phones and televisions. These... — Updated 12/10/2020
Local Donations
During last year’s holiday season, I submitted a letter to the Journal appealing to those in our communities to consider donating to our local non-profit organizations. I would like to again encourage your readers to do the same... — Updated 12/10/2020
Sprague affected by the coronavirus
The facts are COVID-19 has cost the city in lost tourism dollars as many events were cancelled. Sprague Days, Little League and other softball tournaments, plus several events at... — Updated 12/10/2020
Sign onto I-1114
It’s been 278 days since Gov. Jay Inslee first issued executive orders shutting down businesses, ending government transparency and calling some people “non-essential.” His mantra at the time, “flatten that curve” on the... — Updated 12/10/2020
Coronavirus spurring air cargo growth
It’s no secret that airlines and airplane manufacturers have been clobbered by the coronavirus pandemic. Particularly hard hit are international flights traditionally flown by jum... — Updated 12/3/2020
Could Zoom mean a legislature that listens more?
There’s no other way to say it, 2020 has been just an awful year. It is difficult to believe anything good can come from this mess but I’m really excited to see that one silver... — Updated 12/3/2020
It's time to aid the wildland firefighters
By mid-September, there was no one left to call. The West, with its thousands of federal, state, and local fire engines and crews, had been tapped out. Wildfires across the West... — Updated 12/3/2020
How the Coronavirus has affected the town of Washtucna
It all started March 17, when I declared a local emergency proclamation for the city of Washtucna due to the coronavirus. The emergency proclamation facilitates potential future... — Updated 12/3/2020
There's still a lot to be thankful for
Yes, Gov. Jay Inslee has issued new orders shutting down your favorite gym and movie theater, and limiting service at your favorite diner or watering hole. Yes, you’re directed to wear a mask when you go in public. And yes,... — Updated 11/25/2020
School sports needed now more than ever
Ever since I was lucky enough to become the Executive Director at the WIAA, I’ve told our staff and membership that we are in the memory-making business. Those memories can be... — Updated 11/25/2020
Negative impact of high mimimum wage
Washington has one of the highest minimum wage levels in the U.S. For workers who have a job this sounds like a great deal, but as with all things the government mandates, there are some serious, negative consequences, primarily... — Updated 11/19/2020
Diversity in America's military branches
Diversity in the ranks has been the lifeline of our all-volunteer military, but it wasn’t always that way. As we celebrate Veterans Day, we ought to be thankful for all of the men... — Updated 11/19/2020
