My Turn
See the latest My Turn columns here!
MY TURN: North Idaho College is proof voting works
There will always be a need to safeguard the gemstone of our community.
Student mental health highest of priorities
Conversations about student behavioral health from kindergarten through college are occurring throughout our state. K-12 administrators report that they are sp…
A Christmas that shone brightly for freedom
Ho-Ho-Ho. Merry Christmas, everybody!
Students, before you take out that loan
Student loan debt exceeds $1.5 trillion, with much of the money spent on careers that have very few openings. About 60 percent of these loans are now in default.
Here's a strategy for healthier students
Are we failing or just falling down in our ability to provide our children with clean food and healthy nourishment at school?
A tribute to two men who happen to be coaches
Hello my name is Kelsey Lyle. I am the mother of Wyatt Lyle. I am writing to you today in hopes that you will deeply consider helping me recognize two amazing coaches. We have had the privilege of being a part of t…
District gets an earful from taxpayer
The front-page headline “School district gets earful from survey” (Monday, Dec. 3, 2018) doesn’t seem appropriate at all. The article begins with “827 local residents made their voices heard …” that is less than 2 …
Political solutions falter, but NRA plan might work
In this polarized society, there isn’t much gray area when it comes to the National Rifle Association.
Highway district should do what's best for community
As elected officials, board members of the Lakes Highway District understand their duty to look out for their voting constituents’ best interest. They recogniz…
For would-be immigrants, another hurdle is looming
In 1907, Congress enacted legislation to deny entry into the U.S. of “persons likely to become a public charge.” The idea was to prevent immigration of people …
Choices: Growing or falling behind
Major cities are growing, with younger people seeking better paying jobs and a more active social life. Smaller cities, including Coeur d’Alene, are experienci…
Nationhood and Immigration - Part Two: Come One, Come All
While living on the east coast, I visited the Statue of Liberty several times. On each visit, I read a passage that was inscribed on a plaque near the statue. As you likely know, the inscription reads as:
Nationhood and immigration: Is it xenophobia or nostalgia?
Several characteristics of a nation are essential if its society is to thrive as a functioning democracy. Two of these characteristics are the protection of its borders and its adherence to the rule of law. The abs…
Riverside project a bad fit for Cd'A
Public concerns and outrage regarding the impacts of a proposed massive, high-density development on a former riverfront millsite are “right on.”
Small Business Saturday: Investment in community
Idaho’s 158,000 small businesses not only drive our economy, spur innovation and create jobs, they reflect the unique character of the state. Residents and tourists feel this each time they visit a local shop, buy …
Thankful or resentful? You choose
First, a short introduction. Pat and I met in 1964 and have been married for 52-plus years. We have lived in the Medimont area for more than 40 years. We have …