Saturday, June 21, 2025
Opinion

A community that shows up

In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central …

Less complaining, more connection

We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share an opinion, voice frustration, or criticize someone or something. Social media, online forums, and even community meetings have become …

What we leave behind

Most of us won’t leave behind statues or headlines. But maybe — just maybe — a few words we said, a kindness we offered, or a hand we extended will echo longer than we know. I …

Community Conversations: Building bridges through local dialogue

Our community newspaper serves as a vital gathering place for meaningful local dialogue. We believe that the strongest communities are built on understanding, shared experiences, and the collective …

Mountains of possibility, our shared tomorrow

In these early days of 2025, as winter settles across North Central Washington, I'm struck by an overwhelming sense of possibility. From the snow-dusted orchards of the Wenatchee Valley to the …

Gratitude in action, making thanks count

As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about what gratitude truly means—not just as words shared around a dinner table, but as an active force capable of transforming our communities. …

The strength in vulnerability, embracing our shared challenges

North Central Washington has always been a place where strength is measured in visible metrics: the size of the harvest, the height of the dam, the acres of orchards, the megawatts generated. Our …

The role of small businesses in building community identity

Walking downtown in any community across North Central Washington, you'll find more than just commerce – you'll discover the very heart of community identity. The independent bookstore where …

Supporting nonprofits is essential for thriving communities

Across North Central Washington, nonprofits are the threads that bind our communities together, weaving a fabric of support, compassion, and progress. From food banks that nourish the hungry to …

In a world of noise, silence is golden

In our hyperconnected world of constant notifications, streaming media, and 280-character hot takes, a vital human skill is quietly slipping away: the art of listening. True listening – …

Rediscovering our shared humanity through compassion

Compassion. It's a word we hear often, but when was the last time you truly felt it? Not just a fleeting moment of sympathy, but a profound understanding of another's pain that moved you to action. …

Labor Day Reflections

Today, as we observe Labor Day, we pause to reflect on the state of work in America and the evolving relationship between employers and employees. This holiday, born from the labor movement of the …

A call for understanding in divisive times

Imagine a world where every conversation is an echo chamber, where differing opinions are met with hostility, and where the fear of the unfamiliar drives every decision. Now open your eyes – …

The dilemma of civil discourse

In an era marked by polarization and heated rhetoric, the notion of civil discourse has become both a beacon of hope and a subject of intense scrutiny. As we reflect on the state of public …

Navigating the murky waters of media bias

In an era where trust in institutions wavers and polarization deepens, the specter of media bias looms large over our national discourse. From the halls of Congress to heated debates on social media, …

The bias binding us

In an age of information overload, we fancy ourselves discerning consumers of facts. We pride ourselves on our critical thinking, our ability to separate wheat from chaff in the digital deluge. Yet, …

Cutting through the noise

Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with my son, who grew up surrounded by the world of news. His insightful questions highlighted the same concerns many of our readers have about the …

The power of your vote in the primary election

As the August 6 primary election draws near, it is crucial that we, as citizens, recognize the immense power we hold in our hands. The act of voting, often taken for granted, is the very foundation …

Local journalism needs your support more than ever

As the publisher of our local newspaper, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the recent Pew Research Center report on the changing relationship between Americans and their local news outlets. The …

Three Rivers says ‘thank you’ for 75 years

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to residents in remote and underserved areas. Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster is one such organization. We …

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