In the wake of the shocking assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, our national conversation is once again marked by grief, outrage, and deep division. Tragedies like this underscore the …

In a small town, voices carry. A story told at the coffee shop can echo through the grocery aisle, the school gym, and the church parking lot before the day is done. By the time it comes back around, …

As the dust settled on the 2025 legislative session, one thing was clear: many of the laws passed this year will have genuine, lasting impacts on the lives of Washingtonians—not just in theory, …

As fireworks light up the skies across North Central Washington, we are reminded of the celebration at the heart of Independence Day—a commemoration of our nation’s founding ideals: …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Washington State Legislature will begin its 105-day session on January 13th. Thanks to your support in the recent election, I’m now in the process of transitioning to the County Courthouse …

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. …

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 …

With all of the election advertising concluded and campaign signs now removed, the all-consuming “political season” we endured is quickly becoming recent history. With so many local, …

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 …

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 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 – …

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. …

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 …

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 – …

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 …