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I read a book recently which within was the simple statement; “Half of the people are below average.”
Well, that is obvious but not something I had thought about. On a scale of one to a hundred if we break down categories that can be too simple. We kids tried to learn music when I was in the first grade and I never progressed further than beating two sticks together, that’s even beyond my ability today, I have no rhythm.
Therefore, I would put me a percentile point there of barely a one. I would give the same number to Trump and Hegseth for their handling of their war with Iran and their making the military weakened with outlandish use of our armaments until we are running dry. They are two first graders pounding sticks together.
However, using that same scale, they both get a 100 percent mark on their ability to put money above caring for their fellow humans. In this publication I will not make use of the expletives that Trump uses for his perceived or real adversaries, all I can say is “Shuckey Darn!”
Dolly, we will always love you!
-Roger Castle Newport
Who works for whom?
As a former elected official who understands that we work for the public, I was astonished when told by one of our county commissioners, in public meeting regarding public safety, that they do not like public input or hearings. Pend Oreille County residents deserve open government that is accountable and focused on sustainable progress. Transparency is essential for effective government. We deserve to know how our tax dollars are spent, why decisions are made, and who benefits. The article regarding the Wolfred County Park and the news therein is a good example of government excluding the people and it stinks.
County commissioner, Robert Rosencrantz, who is up for re-election, has consistently pushed for greater transparency, asked difficult questions, and worked to ensure residents have an opportunity to be heard before major decisions are made. Robert has shown that he is willing to demand answers, even when doing so creates friction or challenges the status quo. Robert recognizes that elected officials work for the public, not the other way around.
If you think it’s wrong for elected officials to rush through a park plan, just wait until you see what they’ll do to ignore you to get more data centers here.
-Andrew Feldman Newport
Discussion or Litigation?
Is Robert Rosencrantz the only commissioner who prefers discussion over litigation?
I find myself wondering if John Gentle would be quite so eager and willing to “partake in litigation” if all the legal fees were going to be paid out of his personal income instead of the hard-earned money the taxpayers of Pend Oreille County have worked for: the ones he is supposed to represent.
It seems that this may be an attempt on his part to intimidate and silence (bully) anyone who might not favor his “preferred plan” or want to actively join in the people’s constitutionally protected right to participate in our representative government.
Robert Rosencrantz is open to meet with his constituents and encourages active participation in the political process. Robert Rosencrantz has met with our neighborhood community on multiple occasions and has shown himself to be a public servant who is willing to listen to, reason with, and represent the people of Pend Oreille County.
Therefore, I question which of our commissioners truly cares more about the rights, needs, opinions, and what’s best for the citizens of Pend Oreille County? -Gary Gillette Newport
Vote Hood for PUD
Mr. Ernie Hood has presented to the voters of Pend Oreille County an opportunity to elect a candidate who understands representative government. He knows that the responsibility of local public entities board members is to represent the best interest of his constituents by setting regulations and rates that are realistic.
When a public hearing for rate increases by the PUD was held this spring, Ernie presented a set of well understood facts. He stated in the 3 minute allowed time that the management needed to be more cognizant of the rate payers. I believe his business and professional career will enable him to be very knowledgeable in making decisions for us.
Mr. Hood feels his career has given him a broad base of experience. Working in hardware and software, later in strategic planning and emerging markets. He also managed budgets, analyzed data, and solved complex problems as part of his everyday work. I believe his MBA degree will strengthen his leadership skills.
-Mike Hanson Newport
Everything is expensive
When I last filled my tank, regular gas was $5.27 a gallon. Diesel was almost $7. Trump did that. He attacked Iran because his buddy Netanyahu asked him to, and nobody has gained anything. These skyrocketing gas prices were wholly manufactured by Trump, and he could end them at any time! But he doesn’t! And they echo through our entire economy – combines use diesel to harvest our food, and so do the trucks that take it to our stores.
Baumgartner has been silent on the issue. We need a rep that will stand up to ego- and dementia-fueled decisions in DC, not a lackey who bends over for whatever economy-killing whims pop into Trump’s head each week. Please, let’s take action before the US’s strategic oil reserves are depleted and we literally can’t buy gas anymore. We’re at a 44-year low right now. Any new projects won’t come up to speed for several YEARS. Can you afford to not afford gas for another year? Two?
-Meg Lyman Deer Park
Exercise your right to vote
The Pend Oreille County Auditor reported that less than 50% of the eligible voters in our county voted in the August primary election. It is difficult to understand how over half the registered citizens did not submit their ballot. How can we, as a community, do better for the general election?
Not everyone wants to stand by the Big Wheel and wave a sign, any sign, to make their views known. Not everyone feels the need to attend the meetings of their preferred political party. Not everyone is comfortable supporting their candidate with a yard sign or a letter to the editor. I get that.
With this in mind, everyone IS invited to the Democratic AppleFest Friend Raiser. It is a fun event in a relaxed atmosphere where views can be exchanged. Consider attending this luncheon being held on September 26, at the Usk Community Hall, 2442 Black Road, Usk. Doors open at noon and lunch is served at 1 p.m. To ensure that no one is left out, the admission is by donation.
Candidate Carmela Conroy, running for the 5th Congressional seat will be at the AppleFest. Learn about her platform so you can make an informed vote on November 3rd.
-Martha Nichols Newport
Reshaping the world
With Trump’s oil purchase in Venezuela, he is reshaping the world. It’s a 100 year purchase of 65B barrels over several fields. American companies will drill and pump with the US getting a 35% equity stake. Venezuelans will have an interest as well. They will move from the poor socialist country to prosperous again. This doubled US production overnight.
Trump is moving the world into ‘neighborhoods.’ China will be able to police itself. Europe has a decision to make on illegal immigration and then they will have to live with that.
There are seven pipelines in the Middle East getting fast-tracked. By 2028, 80% of the oil moving will be by pipeline rather than the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran’s teeth pulled (nukes), the Middle East can police itself.
That brings us back to Venezuela. With that purchase and partnership, the Western Hemisphere will become self-sufficient. A ‘neighborhood’ if you will.
On a flip note, the Department of Homeland Security just announced and started a nine state ‘blitz’ investigation into election fraud and non-citizens voting. Interestingly, Washington State was first on the list, although that could be by coincidence.
-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick
Trump free to disrupt election
Thanks to a Supreme Court intervention, Trump’s plan to disrupt the November election can proceed. The Newport Postmaster is in effect the Pend Oreille County election official. The Postmaster works at the pleasure of the US Postal Board of Governors which is appointed by Trump. Our Postmaster must carry out Trump’s executive orders or be fired. Trump now indirectly controls who gets a mail ballot sent or delivered and can manipulate the outcome of the election. Using “standing” as a pretext, the Supreme Court will only consider Trump’s interference after the election when we are in a constitutional crisis. Nothing can stop Trump’s plan which is the opposite of election integrity.
We need to eliminate the Post Office from our election. That means going to the courthouse and picking up your ballot before it can be mailed into Trump’s control and returning the ballot to the courthouse in person after you have completed it. The drop box isn’t an option as Trump is likely to order federal agents to seize drop boxes to further manipulate the election. The “2,000 Mules” are going to be Trump’s personal army of federal employees disrupting the election under Trump’s threat of being fired.
-Pete Scobby Newport
Information kiosk a success
On my walk last Thursday, I stopped by Newport’s new information kiosk, and I have to say, I’m really happy with how it turned out.
It’s a small project, but I think it makes a real difference. Things like this help make Newport feel more welcoming and give people another reason to stop, look around, and learn more about what our community has to offer.
The Newport Creative District has been working hard to revitalize our community and make Newport a more lively and inviting place. That’s something I talked about when I ran for City Council in 2025, so it’s especially rewarding to see some of those ideas actually taking shape.
I’m proud to serve on the Newport Creative District Board and to be part of the work that’s happening here. We still have plenty of work ahead of us, but I’m excited about where Newport is headed.
There’s a lot to be proud of in our community, and I’m glad we’re continuing to find new ways to show it off.
-John Spring Newport
Washington allows voters to register online
In response to the writer of the letter titled, “SAVE Act would be hardship on rural residents.”
How did I make their point? The writer obviously formed a prejudged opinion on a subject in a document they admitted not reading. But I digress. Washington State allows voters to register to vote by mail or online, even if they’re only changing their name. I can’t find anywhere this would change in the Act, as I mentioned before. Based on their logic, are they suggesting that it is a “hardship” for rural residents to register to vote, either online or by mail? The act of walking to their mailbox is a “hardship”?
Then using their logic, rural residents must find voting by mail a real “hardship.” Yikes! So where’s the mythological “hardship”? The writer tells a story, not the story. It is difficult to take the writer seriously when they are unable to spell my first name correctly, even though it is displayed in front of them. I’m curious, did the writer go to the same “skool” as the writer of “AI Slop”? Let that simmer!
-Renee Webster Newport
