Opinion
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Work from home is here to stay
With COVID-19 vaccines being widely dispensed, will an end to this pandemic halt “work from home?” Will workers return to downtown offices at pre-pandemic levels? Not likely! However, it is not an either/or question, said... — Updated 1/13/2021
Biden's domestic climate agenda must prioritize rural communities
President-elect Joe Biden ran on a platform that promised to “Build Back Better” while also pledging to take the steps needed to address the harsh realities of a changing climate. For rural Americans, the level of investment... — Updated 1/13/2021
The captain who took the ship down with him
President “only I” committed political suicide during the final days of his term. Unfortunately, the pirate captain took the Republican ship down with him. His hour long, January 2nd, phone rant to Georgia Secretary of... — Updated 1/13/2021
I've never met a cow I liked!
To me, any cow, is one too many. My personal experience with cows goes back a number of years. Growing up, I lived on a farm, moving to town when I started school when 6. Oh, we had cows then, but my three older brothers and my sis... — Updated 1/13/2021
COVID-19 vaccinations should be given for learning organizations
As Superintendent of the Wellpinit School District, I am very fortunate that all of my staff have been at work in person. This has taken extensive collaborative preventive preparation and is due in a large part, to the support and... — Updated 1/13/2021
What a president-elect must deal with
Joe Biden won’t become President of the United States for a few weeks yet, but it’s fair to say he’s already feeling the pressures of the office. I think being president-elect may be the second hardest job in the world.... — Updated 1/6/2021
Bracing for bigger changes
Now that vaccines are available, we hope our lives will return to the way they were before the coronavirus pandemic blanketed the globe. That is not likely to occur. Last March our booming economy was clobbered by COVID-19. A... — Updated 1/6/2021
He is a simple complex friend
I first met Khien Theravit when our family sponsored him through the FIUTS program at the University of Washington. It became an exciting time as we met a lot of foreign students, mostly from Asia. Through the FIUTS (Foundation... — Updated 1/6/2021
At what point did we become a mediocre country?
Although I have no political party affiliation I will most likely be vilified for what I am about to put forth as I live in a bastion of the Republican Party. Honestly, I hate the two-party system of politics that run this... — Updated 1/6/2021 Full story
We can shorten the time the virus defines our future
I wanted to share a few parting thoughts as I step down as the Okanogan County Health Officer. First and foremost, it has been a privilege to serve this community for the past 16 years. I am confident that my successor, Dr. James... — Updated 1/6/2021
Wildfires were "Big Polluters" in 2020
While the coronavirus and its devastating effects on people and economies worldwide were unfortunately the top 2020 stories, the massive impact of western wildfires can’t be ignored. It was catastrophic. The National Interagency... — Updated 12/30/2020
Looking forward to a safe and joyous New Year
Throughout the past year, I have written a lot about how I have witnessed Central Washington come together in times of crisis. The challenges of a global pandemic are certainly unprecedented, but individuals, families, healthcare... — Updated 12/30/2020
Believe it or not
During the long history of human existence, we have relied on belief. It was the only system that existed for most people. There was no repository of reliable information. Belief is embedded in our heritage. Belief gives us... — Updated 12/30/2020
Keep nukes out of their hands
We need to keep Iran and North Korea from having the ability for nuclear combat. In negotiating agreements to this effect, we need to insist upon the right of immediate inspection of suspected sites. Otherwise, they can keep... — Updated 12/30/2020
A personal decision
Right now, as the first two approved vaccines are getting shipped and shot into arms across the country, there’s no lack of confusion about what the smart course of action is, on a personal level or a policy level. As for me,... — Updated 12/30/2020 Full story
It is time to show our resilience
If you pay attention to global affairs, you know that increasing numbers of people believe US leadership in the world is coming to an end and the West more broadly is being eclipsed. I think these predictions are exaggerated,... — Updated 12/23/2020
Despite coronavirus, wreaths were placed across America
Christmas is an especially difficult time for anyone grieving for lost loved ones. Try adding a crippling killer virus into that mix. That is the tragic reality of 2020. Even though the traditional ceremonies attended by thousands... — Updated 12/23/2020
A wedding based on what counts
No shopping for expensive wedding clothes here The cost of our marriage was $15. And that was for the license. No bridal gown, other gowns, tuxes, limos, flowers, receptions, wedding planners or a host of other folks with their... — Updated 12/23/2020
Clarification on Ridge Riders' lights
I need to make a clarification to the December 16 article concerning North Dam Park, stating that Ridge Riders procured a new lighting system through PUD. Ridge Riders did not go through PUD to get a new light system at the rodeo... — Updated 12/23/2020
Merry Christmas and happy reading, kids
Beginning next week, you’ll see a new feature in The Star aimed at helping local kids practice reading and writing without realizing it. We’ve sourced a very well-done fun page designed to get kids from second through sixth... — Updated 12/23/2020 Full story
Renewable hydrogen demonstrates our region's continued clean energy leadership
Back in 2019, I partnered with Douglas County PUD to sponsor and pass a bill authorizing Public Utility Districts to produce and sell renewable hydrogen. Hydrogen is a gas that can be created from a process that uses electricity to... — Updated 12/16/2020
All with a little help
Ever think of the influence others have had in your life? When I went to college, I had no idea or hope that I would become a journalist. I took a college course in journalism, mainly so I could learn to write. Things went well,... — Updated 12/16/2020
Uninformed opinion on public health should qualify chairman to resign
If your family member or loved one is employed by Okanogan County, I would be seriously concerned due to: The attitude of County Commissioner DeTro, chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Board of Health. Recent positive Covi... — Updated 12/16/2020
I survived COVID, but are we making the cure worse than the disease?
On Feb. 29, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. With this being an unknown and highly contagious virus, most folks agreed with his precautionary measures. His reasoning was to protect... — Updated 12/16/2020
Won't be sending granddaughter to school
I think that opening our school district to face-to-face learning is one of the biggest mistakes we could have made to start with. We start out allowing 25 per 100,000, then 75 and now 200. Who are they trying to kid? What is this... — Updated 12/9/2020
