Columns
See the latest columns from CDA Press!
La Nina is still hanging in there
Editor's note: Randy Mann, a meteorologist who compiles the daily weather page for the Press, and teaches physical geography at North Idaho College, is pinch hitting for Cliff Harris on this week's Gems column.
Hidden costs of a union contract
The battle continues in Idaho over education reform and changes in collective bargaining. We are not alone in Idaho with the debates and rallies over these issues and in fact we are being overshadowed with what is …
Here's why the Cd'A schools aren't safe
Now confronted with another stabbing assault, our Cd'A School District administrators and trustees suddenly decide we need a "Task Force" to solve our disciplinary problems. The need for such is questionable as you…
Gas prices take the shirts off our backs
Go to a store that sells clothing and head for the shirt display. Pick a size and color that pleases you. Look at the price tag. If it looks too expensive, you still have other choices. Leave the store and go to an…
Confused by Easter date? Join the club
I'm still not used to it. With kids at home and, it seems, remembering my own childhood, I still associate Easter with the spring break. That certainly makes family gatherings easier. Now spring break is gone and w…
Does the truth really matter?
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," I often hear parents and teachers scold when children announce a peer's deficiency. "You're fat," a child blurts to their husky teacher as the teacher r…
There's no place like home
In the course of writing more than 1,000 columns during a span of two-plus decades I've missed only one deadline, a week when Main Street went dark.That occurred during the early years when I was also the publisher…
End of life focus of conference
Native American cultures see death not as something to dread, but as a vital tool in the cycle of life. One prayer describes death as the top of a mountain - a point where all knowledge is drawn. Loved ones therefo…
More tornadoes than usual east of the Rockies this spring
We've had numerous destructive and deadly tornadoes already this spring east of the Rockies and it's not even mid-April yet.
U.S. debt is greatest threat to our nation
America has faced many major crises during its 235 years of existence, but none as dangerous as the spiraling debt now confronting us.
Hey Avista: Ethics are priceless
It is my turn. I just finished reading the article on the salaries and bonuses paid to the top people at Avista. In the article a certain Jessie Wuerst, a spokeswoman for Avista, reassured all of us ordinary rate p…
Fight abuse with awareness
Like abuse itself, its stereotypes cut both ways. Society suffers its effects in public health costs, crime rates, lost economic productivity, and family violence cycles continue for generations in learned behavior…
Send Bryan the barista to Bogota
Bryan Arndt has a goal and a dream ... and it involves coffee, lots of coffee.
Simple thoughts
I am a simple man. I've heard these words recently and consider myself the poster child for simple. Some suggest I know more than I do or think more deeply than I should. This is not the case. I see what I see and …
Proficient police work is priceless
This nightmare is true; it happened last week to someone I know well. Before you read on, take careful note: it happened neither in Idaho, nor anywhere near this region. I have no wish or cause to disparage local l…