Opinion

I was born and raised in Mountain Home and doing the same type of business my entire life. Every other Mayor that’s been in office has come to our place of business and asked if everything was going okay for us and asked if there was anything they could do to improve things. Genuinely concerned about us...

Dear Editor, I'm also a business owner on 2nd Street in downtown. Most of the small businesses are hanging on by a thread, to keep our businesses and our buildings occupied. I've been in business since 1984. We are retired military and decided to continue to stay in Mountain Home to raise our four children, because of the friendly atmosphere...

It has been a crazy couple of weeks here at the newspaper while I have been learning the ropes of the position of editor. Last September when I began as the staff writer I had hardly ever touched a Mac computer. I have always been a PC person and in general have a decent grasp of the Microsoft Office programming, that did not quickly translate over...

I have lived in MH for 39 years about one mile from RT.84. With the increase of tractor trailers so is the LOUD tire noise. I don’t complain much but it’s out of hand. It’s so annoying. The exhaust baffling around the main exit reverberates terribly. ...

As many of you know, June and I experienced a devastating fire to our home on February 2nd, 2018. The Fire Department arrived promptly and did a tremendous job fighting and saving as much as possible. We lost most everything, but they were able to save a lot of treasured mementos and pictures...

I am happy to announce that Stephanie Root has accepted the position of Editor for the Mountain Home News. I am always happy when current staff takes the opportunity to step up and promote within. Stephanie has shown her willingness to learn and expand on her responsibilities here at the Mountain Home News, so if you see her here, there and everywhere it seems for her these days, be sure to congratulate her. ...

The mayor makes some serious charges against the newspaper in his statement, which he previously released on social media without talking to me, the publisher. I would like to respond. First, it should be pointed out that the mayor was not in attendance at the meeting of the Library board, where my reporter took meticulous notes...

Dear citizens: The article about library funding printed in the May 2 edition of the Mountain Home News contained some glaring errors in fact and lacked context. It is not general practice for the city to dispute stories printed in our only newspaper, but some of the information presented in this story was misleading and has created misperceptions among the public...

This is the last time where taxes will be paid under the more complicated old federal tax system that takes more of your hard-earned income. When you file next year, rate reductions will be among the more clearly felt benefits of tax reform. The positive outcomes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are continuing to take shape, but the advantages—including bonuses and wage increases; business investment, productivity and job growth; boosts to retirement assets and other investments; and time and resources savings through filing simplification—are making a difference in our economy. ...

Mental health is an essential part of everyone’s well-being, and mental illness touches the lives of millions of Americans. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in six U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. It affects Americans of all backgrounds and vocations. ...

Dear Editor, It's likely you and I have something in common: we've probably attended at least one of our high school class reunions. High school class reunions are a traditional, widely-shared Idaho and American good time. Old friends, acquaintances and sometimes old rivals gather, often coming from far-flung corners of the world. They meet, eat, drink, dance, and learn about each other's lives as it unfolds. We connect, celebrate and touch the geography of those lives...

With the weather getting warmer and school coming to a close, I'm sure many of you are thinking about summer roadtrips and fun-filled vacations. The downside of warmer weather? More drivers on the road. I don't know if I'm the only one who has noticed this, but when the months get warmer it seems like some people suddenly forget how to operate a motor vehicle. I see more cars weaving in and out of lanes, more fender benders in parking lots - it's mayhem!...

Dear Editor, After reading the mayor’s letter last week, it’s obvious that I confused Ms. Nevev with the representative from Horrocks Engineers. My sincerest apology for my mistake. I did comment last year on the first plan with angle parking and I went to the Open House showing the adopted plan of taking half the parking away. There’s got to be a way to at least keep the parking we have. I look forward to attending the next meeting...

Dear Editor, I really enjoyed reading the article by Stephanie Root about the WWII Bomber that crashed in Mountain Home. I really think there should be a monument honoring that occasion, or at least a plaque of some kind. Come on, Mountain Home. That is HISTORIC. Eight people died and Jimmy Stewart even came. Wow. Thanks for printing the story...

Dear Editor, A grand turnout at the chamber meeting March 26 standing room only and every person, excluding chamber and planning people, against the new downtown planning. The new plan was compared to the flow of traffic on the Airbase Road and American Legion Blvd. These two roads were developed about one hundred years after downtown. The businesses were set back off the road and had their own private parking and there is no street parking on these two roads...

"It shouldn't hurt to be a child." This phrase, which is Idaho's slogan for child abuse awareness, is one I would like you to keep in mind this month. As true as it is, it isn't a cure-all for child abuse, and it never will be. I know this may be a depressing topic for some, but the most important subjects are, often, depressing. ...

AP — The Idaho Legislature finished the majority of its work for the 2018 session on March 22, 2018. Lawmakers spent the 74-day session cutting taxes, arguing over health care proposals and boosting education funding for teachers. Here's a look at some of the key issues addressed this year...

Dear Editor, This letter is written in response to the Marla Kessel's letter to the editor published in the March 21 edition. We at City Hall believe strongly in transparency and providing factual information. It is for this reason I feel compelled to respond...

Spring makes me think of many things: sunshine, fresh air, new beginnings and second chances. Most of all, though, it makes me think of travel. I, for one, have wanted to explore the globe since I was young. Some of my dreams didn't form until I was older, but I have always been a curious child, and I've always wanted to see everything I can...