Opinion

Dear fellow friends and citizens, Seems like inevitable politics and life. I write today as a thing we are all guilty of at times -gossip - oh what a crime it goes back to biblical philosophy. One of the simple ten rules that get you the keys to the pearly gates. ...

As the weather turns cold, Idaho legislators are preparing for the start of the legislative session in January. Many are already hard at work on new laws designed to improve the lives of Idahoans. But there are proposals afoot that could cause real harm to taxpayers and local communities...

Wildlife species should be protected and recovered when possible. But, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as written and enforced has had very limited success. We can do better as envisioned in legislative reforms, including the 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act and the Endangered Species Settlement Reform Act, and regulatory reforms advanced by the Administration...

Your Idaho legislature has worked very hard developing the most sensible Medicaid expansion possible. We will not let the Federal Government take that away. We support the will of the people and the integrity of Idaho’s government. I can promise you that we will find the “Idaho Way” forward on Medicaid...

Several months ago, an anonymous complaint was filed with the Attorney General's office because I gave an employee paid administrative time-off during his final week of employment. The Detective Sergeant had served 13 years with the Elmore County Sheriff's Office before announcing his retirement in January 2019. ...

Sept 9, 2019—It is with mixed feelings that I am announcing that I do not intend to seek a seventh term in the Idaho Senate. I am truly honored to have served the people of District 23 and will continue to work hard for you through the end of my term that will conclude fifteen years in the House and Senate. I want to thank everyone for the trust and support I have received...

Dear Zane, First, I would like to say as a parent who has had a child at the Jr. High and lives in a neighborhood off of 14th, I agree with you that it would be nice to have a light at that intersection. But I really wanted to take the time to commend you on seeing an issue you felt needed addressed and stepping up to do something about it. ...

Dear Ms. Root, Hi my name is Zane Richins. I am twelve years old and I go to the Junior High. I am a Star Scout in Troop 175. I am also a member of the 4-H Rifle and Archery Clubs. I think that there should be a traffic light at American Legion and 14th Street. ...

Activist federal judges overstepped yet again in a case involving an Idaho transgender inmate seeking gender reassignment surgery. If upheld, taxpayers will foot the bill down the road for more lawsuits and medically unnecessary procedures for prisoners...

Dear Editor, In an article written by Jennifer Graham, DESERET NEWS, August 18, 2019, p. 3, she states "…medical research has shown there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption." On the other hand, some say drinking beer is healthy if used moderately. I guess it is up to each individual to decide. And there are laws determining "moderation" - at least while driving a vehicle...

Dear Melva, Thank you for taking the time to write to me with your concerns. I want to assure you that it gave me great pause to be putting the beer festival article on the front page a week after putting the story of the accident that took those three girls’ lives on it the week before. I was not blind to the irony of that moment. However, I am not able to predict how a news cycle will play out and the timing of events...

One of my favorite summer activities is going motorcycling. Luckily for me, I live close to a lot of great outdoor recreation areas. My friends and I particularly like a place called Bell Marsh Canyon. We have been going there for years. It’s a particularly popular spot for those close to Pocatello. ...

Idaho Education news reported last week that Governor Little’s K12 Education Task Force Co-Chair, Bill Gilbert, has a plan to improve Gem State education outcomes: Make the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) scores the sole measure used in holding schools and districts “accountable” for student growth...

Opioid and substance misuse is one of America’s – and Idaho’s – growing problems. It is not a problem that just affects the individuals who feel condemned to addiction, either. Families and communities are affected. State and community resources are going to crime, incarceration and lower quality of life, instead of education and prosperity...

A big thank you to the City of Mountain Home and the Street Department for the crosswalk on North 10th East and East 11th North to ensure the safety of the many kids who have to cross that busy intersection before and after school. Thank You Judy Lacks...

There are so many competing priorities for new parents which result in the necessity to navigate a steep learning curve immediately. From the minute that bundle of joy arrives at home, one of the chief concerns is how to ensure their child has the best possible start in every area possible: emotionally, spiritually, and educationally. ...

Just a quick thank you to all the "kids" from the Class of '79' who showed up for a casual "get together" for their 40th M.H.H.S Reunion in my back yard. Such a fun day. Thanks to all who came! Judy Lacks

The family of Vonnie Brandenburg would like to thank all of those who provided kind support to our family during our time of sorrow. The family of LaVonne C. Brandenburg

To all who sent cards, food, calls, flowers, donations or attended the memorial service for Chuck Whipple, who passed away on July 14, we wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for your kindnesses and expression of sympathy. The Family of Chuck Whipple...

My Deepest Thanks To the many who have shown their feelings and love, Your kindness, caring and help has guided me through the loss of my husband, Robert Fulton, partner and best friend of over 60 years. I appreciate with all my heart you sharing your feelings with me and your gift of caring will never be forgotten...