TRANSGENDER: Hold leadership accountable

I am writing to express outrage and disappointment regarding the recent incident involving Lakeland School District superintendent Lisa Arnold and her actions toward a transgender member of Missoula Children’s Theatre after complaints from some audience members. Ms. Arnold’s apology serves to highlight the systemic issues of discrimination and prejudice within our educational system and the North Idaho community.

OPINION: Future graduates, have hope for a more perfect union

All over the country, people are emerging from high schools, colleges, and universities carrying a freshly minted degree.

SILVERWOOD: Thanks for the party

The Timberlake High School Senior students parents group would like to express our greatest appreciation to Silverwood Theme Park and especially Rochel McKenna.

OPINION: Let’s celebrate Juneteenth

Over and over again, we hear community leaders say, “North Idaho is not racist.”

Souza announces run for Idaho GOP chair

Souza previously served eight years in the Idaho Senate

MY TURN: Tribe exemplifies 'kindness, generosity and stewardship'

I realize that people are different and that they have different views and beliefs. I respect the fact that they are entitled to their opinion. That being said, I can not remain silent. When is the insanity going to stop? Reading the account of the racial harassment that took place at McEuen Park against students from the Tribal School both saddened and angered me. Adults ridiculing and harassing eighth graders because of their heritage is truly an act of bullying, and the perpetrators are at best, cowards.

FAST FIVE Stu Cabe reminds us to be nice to each other

Meet Stu Cabe, founder of The Ovation Company, a Coeur d'Alene-based school resource organization focusing on positive school climate and improved student achievement. Stu has been a professional presenter and trainer for over two decades. He travels North America to work with students and teachers to help build strong school communities and improve campus culture and climate. The Ovation Company's motto: Stand up for what is good. Info: ovationcompany.com

PRIDE: Event doesn’t represent Coeur d’Alene

Five years ago, we decided to move from our beautiful home overlooking the Oregon coast to the Coeur d’Alene area. One reason was political as North Idaho had the reputation of supporting conservative values, our values. After a couple of visits, we purchased a home in Rathdrum. When entering the state on I-90, the sign seemed not only to say Welcome to Idaho but welcome to the USA.

DEFAMATION: Thornbrugh’s trial coverage was exceptional

I am writing to celebrate and commend reporter Kaye Thornbrugh for her exceptional coverage of the Posey v. Bushnell trial. Kaye was the sole journalist present during this landmark case, which concluded with a $1.176 million defamation award to drag performer Eric Posey against Summer Bushnell.

PRIDE: God created the joyous complexity of life

I was happy I could have a booth at the Pride in the Park event last Saturday. It was a fun and festive event. I am disappointed, but not surprised, at the number of negative letters to the editor this event engendered.

North Idaho receives funding to combat impaired driving

The North Idaho DUI Task Force is a coalition of 15 regional law enforcement agencies.

COUNTY: Study group voted for no change

The Optional Forms of Government Study Commission was not discontinued due to persuasive testimony by any one group. The study group worked for a year and heard many public comments. No commenters were ever asked to identify their affiliation.

MY TURN: The good old days

I was shopping in a local store a couple of weeks ago when I overheard two women talking about how they wish we could go back to “the good old days” when things were so much better. I have heard that same mantra expressed many times over recent years. And I have always had the same internal reaction…good old days? For whom?

Coeur d'Alene Tribe: Students racially harassed at McEuen Park, $25K reward offered

Chairman Chief Allan calls on community to respond

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is offering a $25,000.00 reward for the positive identification and information leading to the conviction or civil judgment against the individuals who harassed and intimidated school children.

English: You're invited to 'The After Party'

Six-week series aimed at better civic engagement

English will be joined by Pastor Matt Erickson of Calvary Lutheran Church in Post Falls and Megan Dardis-Kunz, clinical associate professor at Boise State University in facilitating the event.

MARGASON FAMILY: Thank you for support during difficult time

The family of Rich Margason would like to thank everyone who called, stopped by and sent cards during our difficult time.

LIBRARY: CleanBooks4Kids is grassroots

I must correct assertions from Theresa Birkett’s May 29 My Turn. Perhaps Ms. Birkett needs a dictionary because “dictates” are from dictators. CleanBooks4Kids is a grassroots group of concerned Kootenai County citizens. As such, our influence is focused on community education — as our website attests. Regarding “concrete evidence,” if we encased these sexually explicit books for minors in concrete frames, it still wouldn’t be enough “concrete” evidence for some. Nevertheless, undeniable evidence is available at CleanBooks4Kids.com. Keep in mind that these examples are only a subset of what’s available and far from a complete listing.

Souza to run for Idaho GOP chair

Mary Souza will run for the Idaho Republican Party chairmanship at the state convention next weekend in Coeur d’Alene.

FRONT PLATES: Do we really need them?

This is a reply to former Trooper Walterscheidt’s recent complaint on Idahoans’ lack of seeing the need of running a front plate.

TRANSGENDER: Superintendent wrong to apologize

Confused. Dismayed. Saddened, embarrassed, angered. These were the emotions I felt after reading the article about the public apology from Lakeland School District superintendent Lisa Arnold. Apologizing? For educating students via a traveling theater company with an employee who happens to be transgendered? The only thing more appalling than parents complaining about this situation is the fact that the administrator made the decision to apologize.