Opinion / Guest Commentary
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Library Corner: Celebrate Banned Books Week with EALD
“The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.” So begins the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association in 1953, and which libraries across the nation continue to uphold today. At no better time are... — Updated 9/19/2019
Business Column: Mitsubishi launching into regional jet space
Traditionally, media coverage of the Paris Air Show focuses on the battle between Boeing and Airbus over market share for newer large commercial jets. However, this year Mitsubishi... — Updated 9/19/2019
Business Commentary: It is time to talk about our national debt
Our nation is on an unsustainable borrowing trajectory and it could get much worse unless voters start asking politicians: “How are taxpayers going to pay for what they promise!” We... — Updated 9/12/2019
Column: Back to work in the other Washington
Each year, Congress breaks from session for what is referred to as “August Recess.” This month isn’t much of a “recess” at all, which typically implies time to play and relax. Instead, August Recess, more aptly called the Augus... — Updated 9/12/2019
Legislative Commentary: Sept. 12, 2019
Dear Friends, The weather made this year’s harvest more of a challenge, but it’s past us now and I’m on to planting wheat for next year. In case you missed it, there was some nice news coverage of a “harvest bee” for a fellow Ri... — Updated 9/12/2019
Library Corner: East Adams Library District helps preserve the history of Adams County
There are moments when I look down at the keyring in my hands and am mystified by the large silver key that allows me access to the most magical building in town. Did you know that Ritzville was the smallest town in America to... — Updated 9/5/2019
Column: Central Washington is leading in clean energy production
There has been a loud nation-wide conversation about clean and carbon-free energy sources, and I am proud to represent Central Washington, where we are leading in renewable energy production. If you drive through our congressional... — Updated 8/28/2019
Labor Day epilogue: Unions and employers partnering for success
A few years ago on Labor Day, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee presented a compelling commentary on the need for employers and employees to set aside their differences and par... — Updated 8/28/2019
Library Corner: Library offers newest bestsellers, blockbusters
Working at a small library, you tend to wear a lot of different hats. No day is exactly the same. Some days include getting new items ready to go out on the shelves, signing people up for library cards, hosting a library program... — Updated 8/22/2019
Business Column: Drones planting trees in burned wildlands
While drones are coming of age in firefighting, they are also establishing a foothold in restoring fire-scorched forests. Firefighting drones grabbed the spotlight last April 15 as... — Updated 8/22/2019
Column: Hardworking farmers deserve a strong trade agreement
A story out of Ritzville recently gained national attention: Larry Yockey is a fourth-generation wheat farmer, and for nearly fifty years, he hasn’t missed a harvest. Sadly, Larry was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, a... — Updated 8/22/2019
Column: Liberty, equality, diversity and unity
The United States was founded on the values of liberty, equality, diversity, and unity. As Americans, we should work to promote these values every day. As I travel around Central Washington, I see these values reflected in our... — Updated 8/14/2019
Business Column: Locomotives operated by battery are coming
More battery operated cars and trucks are making their way on to streets and highways, so why not trains? That may not be too far off if BNSF tests are successful. BNSF and Wabtec (... — Updated 8/14/2019
Column: Washington must be careful not to follow Sweden's haste
Sweden and Washington State are very similar. Both have strong “green” movements and are quickly moving to eliminate all carbon-emitting fuels from cars and power plants. The cau... — Updated 8/8/2019
Column: Making the tough decisions in Congress
Congress is responsible for funding our country, and we have some difficult decisions to make. I came to Washington D.C. to advocate for the priorities of my constituents, and I have heard loud and clear that the people of Central... — Updated 8/8/2019
Legislative Commentary: Aug. 1, 2019
Dear Friends, Harvest time has come to my farm and others in the area. Every harvest is at least a little different from all the others before it; as much as I might like to see another record wheat-cutting day like we had a year... — Updated 8/1/2019
Library Corner: Summer youth programs abound at EALD
We offer so many different activities and programs at East Adams Library District for youth! This summer, we have daily activities for kids including GAMERZ, Lego Club, kid crafts, and free movie showings. On August 8, NASA... — Updated 8/1/2019
Guest Column: Providing an update on the LRHS Modernization Project
The high school project is moving forward with no foreseeable delays in starting school. Landscaping and other work will likely continue after school picks up again, but interior work should be finished with no impact on the... — Updated 8/1/2019
Column: Examining alternatives to flaring natural gas
In oil rich West Texas, shale producers and pipeline owner Williams Co. are fighting over whether new “burning off of natural gas” permits should be approved. It is a battle bet... — Updated 8/1/2019
Weekly Column: We remember the Carlton Complex fire
Five years ago, Washington state experienced the most catastrophic wildfire in its history. The Carlton Complex fire raged through Central Washington, burning more than a quarter of a million acres and leaving more than 500 homes a... — Updated 8/1/2019
Library Corner: EALD provides for a healthy dose of knowledge
A current ad campaign stemming from the partnership of the American Library Association and the National Institutes of Health states, “Because librarians know information is the best medicine for healthcare questions,” and Eas... — Updated 7/25/2019
Legislative Commentary: July 25, 2019
Dear Friends, I have to believe each of us can come up with at least one example of “I remember where I was when…” with the “when” being an important moment in history. I have several, and the 50th anniversary of one is tomorrow:... — Updated 7/25/2019
Column: America's renewed interest in the Moon
With all of the attention on the 50th anniversary of the Lunar landing, many are looking ahead to the next half-century of space exploration. Of particular interest is returning to... — Updated 7/25/2019
Business Column: Column: No green cheese, drill sargeant
Shortly, after Apollo 11 landed on the moon and astronaut Neil Armstrong took his famous first steps on the dusty lunar surface, some comedian in our army unit at Ft. Knox, KY,... — Updated 7/18/2019
Column: American troops deserve better
One of Congress’ most important Constitutional responsibilities is providing for our military and national defense. For the past 58 years, this has been a bipartisan affair. Members of the House and Senate from both sides of the a... — Updated 7/18/2019