Please vote yes for our schools

Congressman Walt Minnick is in North Idaho this week. We're always pleased to see him here, but especially now since - very soon, perhaps before the Fourth of July - he will have the opportunity to help save several thousand jobs in Idaho by voting for the Education Jobs Fund now before Congress.

HEALTH: We are all socialists

Our national security rests firmly on the individual and collective health of our citizens. Words are not reality. Using the terms socialism and socialistic like a club to beat people into submission is an act of cowardice and ignorance. Such terms are too often used to conceal irrational and negative motives. Let’s stop befogging the issue with words and look at reality. No other industrialized nation on this Earth saddles its businesses with the burden of providing a necessary service that is a right of every single citizen. America’s fragmented health insurance system costs our nation a good 40 percent more in dollars than a single payer Medicare for All system would, and it leaves at least 1/3 of our population with inadequate coverage or no coverage. This is equivalent to paying $10,000 for a car that’s only worth $6,000. Is that stupidity or simply ignorance?

Lesson in Iran for local GOP

In my years as a strong Republican who supports Republican candidates, I am amazed at Kootenai County Republicans publicly airing criticism from their divided sides and using the Press to put their divisive views forward. This division is exactly what the Democrats want. A divided Republican base is doing the work for the Democrats; they just sit back and let it happen.

Avista proposes two-year rate hike

Avista Utilities on Monday announced a two-year electric and natural gas rate increase request to fund capital improvements.

Evening the learning field

Lakeland seeks similar enrollment distribution in elementary schools

Move to the right, America

There comes a point in time when every nation decides the course of action that will irrevocably determine their future. Their choice will either lead to peace and prosperity or to destruction. We can look at history, and also the present, and see where totalitarian governments have failed the people they rule. They have oppressed, imprisoned, and murdered those who oppose them. The wealth is gathered by the powerful and the poor suffer for want of the very necessities of life.

Kootenai County, a Christian community

First, I would like to thank Mike Patrick and The Press for giving me the opportunity this past year to highlight some of the many Christian ministries in our community. We have many more to cover this next year! Some might say that Kootenai County is not a “Christian County,” but when you look at the hundreds of churches and independent ministries reaching the poor, addicted, homeless and others in need, we are indeed a Christian community of people.

Call for better markets before fire season hits

Before another wildfire season heats up, I hope Senators Risch and Crapo, and Representatives Simpson and Labrador, don’t miss an opportunity in the Farm Bill to address some of the challenges forest owners face here in Idaho — namely around our limited timber markets.

Thanksgiving proclamations reflect us as a nation

The tradition of Presidential Proclamations of Thanksgiving, initiated in 1789 by George Washington, in the form of a non-controversial executive order, quickly became a vessel for exaltation of blessings secured and those Americans hoped would endure, including cherished civil and religious liberties, as well as what Washington sought: enactment of “wise, just and constitutional laws.” The conclusions of war, or their diminution, often have evoked from presidents expressions of thanks that lives might be spared and peace restored. Poverty, afoot in America since the beginning, frequently has been singled out as a striking condition requiring correction.

ADVICE: The Common Sense Dog

Now that we have discussed the first steps on creating calmness during the walks, we can address the next vital step to eliminating reactivity or aggression on the walk. Physical positioning plays a part in the behaviors we see on the walk, both good and bad. Teaching our dogs where their place is on the walk allows us to move beyond the basics and start addressing bigger issues.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Freedom of health

On this Independence Day week, I want to talk about our health freedoms.

MY TURN: 'Relationships are not built by political parties'

This country was built by immigrants. Some were forced here. Some came of their own free will. But with the exception of our Native American population, our descendants all pretty much showed up on a boat. That includes slave ships, steam ships, and the Mayflower. Your ethnicity, your ancestry, the color of your skin? It’s irrelevant. You’re an immigrant.

Return to Idaho's Bighorn Crags

BOISE (AP) - A handful of snapshots and some hazy memories.

TRICKS: Vandals ruin this Halloween

I would really like to thank the people who came by our house during Halloween night and vandalized our nice pumpkin jack-o-lanterns that we spent all day working on.

INITIATIVES: Losing our liberty

The Idaho Legislators repealed term limit laws which voters approved and affirmed in three elections. Now they want to make it extremely difficult to voice our opinion by petition. Are there no consequences for this? I thought Idaho was a state that stood for liberty, and freedom — or is that just a story that we tell ourselves, as the legislators continue to take away more of our rights? Again I ask, what are the consequences?

TRUMP: He's the loser

Letters to the editor

RURAL: Speak up at county meeting

I strongly oppose the text amendment that the county commissioners will be asked to approve at their April 28 hearing.

CANYON: Come together for benefit

Every once in a while we get to help a great cause while having the time of our lives! This year, on Saturday, July 7 at 8:30 a.m. runners in our area will band together for the Jumpin’ Beans Adventure Relay to be held in Hayden Canyon.

McEUEN: Be better sports

How sad for the people of Coeur d’Alene that our city government has become so polarized and petty. The three council members who will not attend the groundbreaking for McEuen Park are like spoiled children who did not get their way and are “not playing with you anymore.”

FILLIOS: Will help boost economy

I had an opportunity to watch the Coeur Forum. What impressed me about Chris Fillios is that he answered the questions and confronted the issues facing our City. Because of his education and work experience, including his participation on the Public Policy Committee of the CDA Chamber, Chris will bring a fresh perspective to the City Council and truly help move our City forward with greater economic growth. We’ve heard much talk of economic growth, but few candidates over the years have demonstrated a real desire in focusing our resources to attract higher wage employment. Chris knows where to focus and I believe he’ll form the necessary coalition to achieve greater prosperity for ALL residents of CDA.