Category: Letters & Opinion

Those of you who are scratching your head when you hear that Bonners Ferry was “Idaho’s Friendliest City” … you are not alone. This being in the past is about […]

By Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair One thing I’ll miss as I retire from the Legislature is receiving emails from people across the state. They help me keep my […]

By Mike Weland Before November 5, I often said that the 2024 election would be the most consequential since the election of 1860. The American people have spoken, and by […]

By Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair How much do Idaho women have to suffer before Republicans allow abortion care in medical emergencies and when health and fertility are threatened? […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater The extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party, presided over by Dorothy Moon, has been feeling its oats after the 2024 elections. They defeated a number […]

By Mike Weland “The people have spoken.” Yes, they have, and much the same as they did for Hitler and the Third Reich in the 1930s. And now, ten years […]

When casting your vote, remember that there is significant evidence that preborn children can feel pain even within the first trimester. If these are not people, what are they? Fetus […]

Donald Trump’s vision for a second term as President promises to push America towards renewed heights of prosperity and unity. ~ Dorothy Moon … We’re going on 10 years of Trump and to date, we haven’t seen his true colors. That’s about to change. ~ Mike Weland

I recently read an interesting op/ed that speculated that at no other time in our nation’s history does the US have 1) the largest number of “stupid” legislators in elected […]

In the last decade or more our country’s electorate has crossed insidiously precarious lines. The fracturing of our information sources has fueled not just the growing political divide throughout the […]

Mark Sauter wrote Sandpoint Reader October 24, 2024, that he supported women’s health during his time in Boise. Mark did – kinda – the easy votes. Six months of birth […]

Do we want to send our District 1 U.S. Representative to Washington with only 18% of the vote? Under the present system, that is possible this November 5. There are […]

By Timothy Braatz Point 1: The Daily Bee asked Cornel Rasor to name “the most significant issue” for north Idaho voters. He said it was preventing abortions. He means with […]

Closed primaries, in states that are monopolized by one party (like Idaho or Oregon), allow relatively small, highly motivated, extreme groups to dominate their parties by allowing those groups to […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Extreme elements of Idaho’s Republican Party voted in 2011 to close the GOP primary election to purge party ranks of so-called moderates. The strategy has […]

We should be able to count on our Representatives to stand up for us with District issues. Representative Mark Sauter has always been available by phone to discuss issues and […]

It is important for all of us to get out and vote to support both the school M&O replacement levy and the Valley View bond. The replacement levy is necessary […]

I lifted this title of N-words from the disgraced former vice-president who served with Richard Nixon. Just last Tuesday, I attended a meet-and-greet event at the Boundary County Fairgrounds for […]

by Timothy Braatz Do you want greater democracy or less democracy? When an elected legislature votes on a bill, that’s “representative democracy.” But does that legislature actually represent the interests […]

With three excellent letters supporting Mark it is a bit difficult to find much more to say about his attributes. Jeff Hood obviously knows much more than I about Mark’ […]

North Idaho Voter Services (NIVS) supports Proposition One. Voting for Prop One will help restore sanity to our struggling political system. Idaho’s current system of closed primary elections began with […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater It is telling that the loudest voices against Prop 1 are those who hold office because of the closed Republican primary in Idaho. Federal and […]

Opponents of Proposition 1 claim it will create a “jungle” primary. Sorry, folks … but we have a jungle primary system now. Both the Democratic and Republican Party(s) have been […]

By Mike Weland Oh, how I’d love to see a return to the halcyon days of American politics when most who sought or held office of public trust recognized that […]

Kathryn Larson’s campaign postcard says it best: “You deserve to be represented.” As many of you already know, Larson is running for District 1 state representative, and hopes to represent […]

By Georgia Earley For as long as I can remember, the economy has been a top voter issue and especially this election year. Since the middle of 2020 we’ve all […]

Regarding your article published October 7, “Commissioners to hear Panhandle Door and Drawer appeal,” the zoning dispute between Panhandle Door Inc. and adjacent neighbors is just that, a zoning dispute, […]

On May 21, I was one of over 7,000 District 1 Republicans who voted for Chuck Lowman for State Representative. Lowman carried Boundary County with just over 53-percent of the […]

I am voting for Mark Sauter for Legislative District 1 Representative 1A. Mark is one of the best legislators ever elected to serve North Idaho. He listens to his constituents, […]

Education is the backbone of our community. Mark Sauter has been consistent in his support of our public schools throughout his service as our District 1 Representative. He has supported […]

Mark Sauter’s record of getting things done for North Idaho needs to continue. In 2024 he voted for six Idaho agriculture related bills that were signed into law. He co-sponsored […]

Has Bonner County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) Chairman Scott Herndon defected from his own party? Herndon, a newcomer to Idaho politics, first registered to vote in Idaho just eight years […]

A lot of signs are popping up proclaiming “Rigged Choice Voting” and urging voters to vote “no” on Proposition 1. Which election system is “rigged?” Is it “Open Primaries with […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Bryan Smith, an ultra-right Republican and vice chair of the extremist Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), understands that the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) will break the […]

Last fall, late-night commentator/entertainer John Oliver mocked Idaho Legislator Mark Sauter for stating in an interview that he only recently had become aware of the pain surrounding issues about abortions. […]

I would like to take a moment and thank all those who make voting in Boundary County a pleasure. From easy to read information, courtesy, notifications and signage it would […]

I hope Boundary and Bonner County residents will join me in voting for Mark Sauter as our District 1 House Legislator. Over the past two years, Mark has demonstrated that […]

We need a new school. The time is now, no more “someday,” no more dreams. It is time for the reality of a new school. This building is cold, with […]

I endorse Steve Johnson for Bonner County Commissioner. Steve’s lifelong ties to our county and his dedication to local values are evident in his campaign promises. He pledges to uphold […]

For months now, Karen Matthee has addressed the loss of our doctors in Idaho. She will do something about it and that’s why I’m voting for her on November 5. […]

Let’s give credit where credit is due Let’s be clear. It was the Democrats in the Idaho Statehouse, and in particular Senator Melissa Wintrow, who deserve credit for working for […]

Representative Mark Sauter is effective and experienced. These qualities make him the best choice to represent the interests and values of District 1. During the 2024 session, Representative Sauter distinguished […]

By Mike Weland My last opinion piece, “Make America Great Again? No, let’s make her ever more perfect,” in which I call former president Donald J. Trump a liar, elicited […]

I was introduced to Mark while he was helping to procure the Bon-Fire Project grant money to better prepare and protect the lives and property of our Mountain Pine Shores […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater America has always prided itself on being a bastion of democracy, where all political power emanates from the people, all of whom were “created equal.” […]

Ranked Choice Voting and Open Primaries are on the ballot in fives states and Washington, D.C. this fall. In Idaho, Proposition 1 gives all voters the opportunity to vote in […]

On any given week, my husband and I are working five or six jobs between us to support our family. We get by, and the kids are happy, but we […]

I wish people could see the inside of our school before the teachers come in and cover the cracks. But you never will, because Valley View teachers make their rooms […]

When Benjamin Franklin exited Independence Hall in 1787, he was asked, ‘What do we have, a republic or a monarchy?’ Franklin replied, ‘A republic, if you can keep it.’ A […]

By Mike Weland Most people I know will not long tolerate a liar, yet there are millions today who rally to protect and defend the greatest and most brazen liar […]

By Jim Jordan JJ Commontater The opponents of Proposition 1, the Open Primaries Initiative, have been making uninformed claims about this game-changing voting reform. Dorothy Moon, the head of the […]

Wouldn’t it be great to have political campaigns where all parties and all candidates discussed issues and solutions –rather than indulge in name-calling and mud-slinging? Currently, there’s a debate over […]

A vote to re-elect Mark Sauter as Representative for District 1 House Seat A will support women’s health and access to health care services in rural Idaho. He is driven […]

I’m a proud Democrat. I have lived in Idaho for over 50 years and in Bonner County for the past 38 years. Democrats live here and have for generations. We […]

In the coming election I will be proud to cast my vote for Kathryn Larson for Idaho State Representative from District 1B. Kathryn is intelligent, thoughtful, positive and energetic. She […]

f you’ve never been in Valley View or Mt. Hall, you should go on their scheduled tours. They are 70-plus year old buildings that were built with used cement blocks […]

Heaven help us if there are too many people in our country like you. What a rambling opinion of a man I for one of many consider a savior of our country from the communist left. ~ Marsha Travis — While I do respect your and other’s right to your own opinion, it pains me that so many are so scared that they choose to believe the lies of a conman. ~ Mike Weland

Remember when 8,219 North Idahoans voted Scott Herndon out of office in the May Primary? Fifty-two percent of District 1 voters sent a message to Mr. Herndon that he was […]

By Mike Weland I am a proud never-Trumper who’s spent the past decade shouting warning that our 45th president was  and is a menace, a clear and present danger to […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater The extremist branch of the Idaho Republican Party is in an absolute panic about the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI), which will give every Idaho voter […]

Isn’t it about time Idahoans have a more equitable, a more transparent way to vote? Isn’t it about time all Idahoans regardless of their political affiliation have the opportunity to […]

I have been working with Karen Matthee, candidate for Representative running against Mark Sauter, for 10 months now. She inspires me everyday with her drive to help make lives better […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Republicans for Open Primaries formed in 2023 to reform Idaho’s election system. It does so by eliminating closed party primary elections, allowing every voter to […]

By Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair When it comes to politics, character matters. It’s not about style; it’s about values like integrity, honesty, empathy, and respect. Character is what […]

I encourage you to vote for Karen Matthee for Legislative District 1 House Seat A. Karen is a good listener and through her experience as a journalist knows the necessity […]

Karen Matthee puts her values into action. One example is the July 1, 2024, library rally that she organized to call attention to HB 710. This law states that school […]

By Gregory Graf Political Potatoes Dorothy Moon, chairwoman of the new Idaho Republican Party, recently called anyone supporting Proposition 1 her “mortal enemy.” To make her point, she’s put up […]

I hear Boundary County residents complain that we get left out of important events. Not so when it comes to Idaho House of Representatives candidate Kathryn Larson. She has reached […]

Boise is trying to close our local Department of Motor Vehicles office by making it cheaper to make your transactions online or by mail. If you walk in, you are […]

Opinion By Mike Weland That there could be people who, having purportedly watched the same ABC presidential debate broadcast last night as I did, still abide the delusion that Donald […]

By Idaho Representative  Steve Berch I’ve knocked on nearly 40,000 doors and spoke with tens of thousands of people from across the political spectrum in my district. This experience has […]

Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair Democracy works best when elected leaders represent our values and prioritize the needs of our communities, not the interests of out-of-state lobbyists and dark […]

By Jim Jones JJ CommonTater With the political season upon us, extreme-right dark money interests are gearing up to elect legislative candidates who will sing their tune in the Idaho […]

I am an Army Veteran. I joined a group called Veterans for Idaho Voters which is a cross-partisan and independent group of Veterans who believe in fair elections, citizen involvement, […]

By Publisher Mike Weland The right-wing rhetoric has ramped up since Kamala Harris took the baton from Joe Biden to make the final sprint to the finish line, not just […]

Karen Matthee is not afraid to let voters know where she stands on key issues. And she makes clear she supports Proposition 1, the ballot initiative that would create open […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater You have to hand it to Attorney General Raul Labrador. He can’t be shamed out of pursuing a foolish course of action. Just days after […]

By Idaho Representative Steve Berch The majority party locally and nationally often uses the slogan: “Faith Family Freedom.” Those are great values. They aren’t partisan values – they are American […]

This Will WRECK Idaho Prop1 is THAT bad. Here’s why … By Idaho Senator and Freedom Caucus Member Brian Lenney Nampa Idaho is under attack by out-of-state, progressive elites who […]

By Jim Jones JJ Common Tater Political fearmonger Greg Pruett has been trying to scare voters away from the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) with the preposterous claim that it will […]

I wonder how many of us feel truly heard by our locally elected officials? Karen Matthee, candidate for the Idaho Legislature, has made it her mission to hear us. All […]

Words do not even begin to express how grateful I am for all of the love and support I have received this past week. I can sit here and say […]

By Mike Weland Publisher It is heartening to see the positive energy generated by the ascension of Kamala Harris to presidential candidate among those who recognize the very real threat […]

We need more people in a legislature who can look at both sides of the issues that are facing Idaho. Karen Matthee is that person. She is respectful of other […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Those promoting schemes to use Idaho taxpayer money to pay for private and religious schooling appear to be gearing up for a decisive push in […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Idaho’s Don Quixote has found another windmill to tilt. Attorney General Raul Labrador has just hauled off and, once again, sued one of his own […]

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Karen Matthee, the Democratic candidate for District 1, Seat A. As our state faces a critical juncture, I believe Karen Matthee […]

By Mike Weland Publisher “Why is the left so against MAGA? It literally means ‘make America great again,’” a reader wrote recently. “What American doesn’t want that?” A fair question […]

I live east of Three Mile and west of Stateline. Construction season is upon us and I find myself in it daily. Lots of time to think while I’m waiting […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater We have heard recent claims that Idaho is being invaded by hordes of undocumented immigrants seeking to vote in Idaho elections and grab government handouts. […]

By Mike Weland Publisher I go on record to thank Joe Biden for his service to our nation and for all he accomplished in spite of being saddled with such […]

It was called the Republican National Convention, but in fact, it had nothing to do with the GOP most of us once knew. Gone were the party’s serious policy debates […]

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on July 17, 2024 By Jim Jones Having grown up in a small farming community, I can attest that public schools are the heart and soul […]

  Scott Herndon, chair of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee, released a video last night on social media making a variety of claims about the ongoing investigation into the […]

By Eric Lindenbusch Bonners Ferry Mike, I think I’m beginning to understand another reason why Donald Trump has been so successful in the real estate business. You and others have […]

By Mike Weland Publisher It’s been a long time, but people of my generation remember when assassination seemed a normal part of our political discourse. It wasn’t, never is. But […]

This piece was published before I learned of today’s assassination attempt. I am thankful Donald Trump is safe and okay in the wake of the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, […]

Jared DeLoof Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director I am thrilled to share with you the incredible success of our Day of Action in response to the troubling new library book […]

By Mike Weland Publisher “Today, there is no lower court in the United States of America than its highest court,” I wrote Monday after the abhorrent decision by the U.S. […]

By Adam Kinzinger By tradition, the Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and flags. More recently, it has also become associated with a mash-up of fantasy, fascism, and […]

By Mike Weland Today, there is no lower court in the United States of America than its highest court. The U.S. Supreme Court of Donald J. Trump has upended the […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry recently signed a bill into law requiring the Ten Commandments to be hung in every public school classroom in his state. […]

By Mike Munoz Pastor, Covenant Bible Church Thank you, Mr. Weland, for your vigorous response to Mr. Tanners post concerning the pride event at the Pearl Theater—“Open letter to the […]

By Steve Tanner Bonners Ferry Thank you for producing 9B News and printing letters you disagree with and not limiting open discourse, as the Herald does (one per 30 days); […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Dorothy Moon held onto her position as boss of the extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party at the GOP convention in Coeur d’Alene on June […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Despite what many people may think about lawyers, the legal profession sets high standards of ethical conduct for licensed lawyers. The Idaho State Bar has […]

By Mike Weland It is time to end this national delusion built on lies called MAGA, to burst the bubble of the multitudes who still believe that Donald Trump offers […]

By Clarice McKenney Ever since I was a little girl, raised in an American Baptist Church in the home of one of its ministers, my greatest experience of joy has […]

By Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair The most peaceful car ride I take with my kids is on the way home from the library. They can’t wait to read […]

By Je results of the Republican primary election graphically demonstrate, once again, how the closed primary, together with massive amounts of out-of-state dark money, ensures minority-controlled government in Idaho. It […]

By Mike Weland Got yet another email last night alerting me to the fact that “Michelle Nevarez AKA Jamisha Nevarez, Misha Naumann, Misha Davis. Uses 9B News Article as ID. […]

By Mike Weland Our nation’s great divide is no longer the Rockies, a majestic mountain range separating us east from west, but instead a dark and ignoble chasm founded on […]

I appreciate that as of now we have the right to speak our mind. But I truly believe we do not have an “inalienable” right to our own “facts.” The […]

Conservatives have been bombarded for the past 10 years with a non-stop barrage of institutional changes and demands for “rights” that break with traditions and assault common sense. The list […]

Cops are the same wherever you go in the world. How do I know this? I was a deputy sheriff for 33 years. I have trained extensively with law enforcement […]

By Rod Gramer Every two years one hears the next election will be one of the most important ever. The truth is every election is important because it determines the […]

I am supporting Jon VanGesen for Sheriff of Boundary County, and Chuck Lowman for District 1B. Each brings work experience for the jobs. Jon VanGesen brings many years of experience […]

“It’s morning again in America.” Forty years ago, Americans heard those words in a Ronald Reagan presidential campaign ad. Forty years later and many Republican candidates are dishing up gloom […]

The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union and one of the largest activist groups in the U.S. It promotes abortion, same sex marriage, gun control and the […]

By Timothy Braatz According to the website of Dave Schuman, candidate for Boundary County sheriff, he is a “member of Constitutional Peace Officers and Idaho Constitutional Sheriffs.” The “constitutional sheriffs” […]

I am a longtime resident of Boundary County. This letter is about the three candidates running in the Republican primary for sheriff. There are three men — Dave Schuman, Jon […]

This year, the Idaho legislature passed a very important bill, H596a. This bill was for Prescription Benefit Management Reform. This bill will have a positive effect on almost every single […]

Here in the west, the threat of catastrophic fire is always looming. We saw the grim reality last summer when hundreds of homes were torched in a matter of hours […]

I am proud to write this recommendation for Travis Stolley. I have known Travis for more than 15 years. He and I met while we were both active US Marines. […]

By Mary Souza Question: How do you kill the Republican Party in one of the most conservative states? Answer: Allow the Libertarians and Anarchists to take charge and change the […]

By Mike Weland Sometimes you get called something you thought completely ludicrous for so long and by so many you begin to wonder if it’s you who’s fallen down the […]

Conservative-liberal. Fascist-communist. These are examples of binary categories that don’t capture the true complexity of political thought that actually exists. To a fascist, Scott Herndon is liberal. But that doesn’t […]

By Jim Jones, Idaho Capital Sun May 10, 2024 Legislators who insist on using taxpayer money to pay for private schooling consistently claim that their so-called “school choice” schemes would […]

By Timothy Braatz The spring climate has changed in North Idaho. Snowpack melts faster. Hummingbirds arrive sooner. And the mail brings hateful flyers from Scott Herndon. Hummingbirds are difficult to […]

It is known in the community that Jim Woodward understands emotional distress and has experience in helping his fellow community members. When my elderly friend, Lou Goodness, tragically lost his […]

As a Boise resident who visits relatives in Boundary County throughout the year, I feel obligated to write to the good citizens of Boundary County regarding their current Senator in […]

Don’t be fooled by the glossy endorsements recently issued by the Bonner County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC). The clique is at it again. BCRCC is a private political committee of […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater During these last few years, the Republican Party has strayed far from its traditional roots as a political party dedicated to bipartisanship, equal rights, pragmatism, […]

I urge you to vote for Dave Walter for Republican Committeeman in the Bonners Ferry/Kootenai precinct. Dave was born and raised in Boundary County, and graduated from Bonners Ferry High […]

I am writing this to encourage you to consider voting for Jon VanGesen for Boundary County Sheriff. I am one of the few residents of our county who has had […]

By Mike Weland Publisher In her latest fantastical flight of delusional fancy, Idaho GOP chairwoman Dorothy Moon complains that it is as easy to become a Republican as checking a […]

This week a flyer arrived from Scott Herndon called “Stop the Steal!” In it Democrats are accused of working to return “liberal Jim Woodward” to office, along with a list […]

Senator Herndon’s 2024 votes against Idaho agriculture and water are misaligned with District 1 constituents; not “Saving Idaho” as he promotes. Agriculture is Idaho’s largest industry. We’re the #1 U.S. […]

By District 1 Congressional candidate Kaylee Peterson Idaho women are carrying around the weight of a unique kind of fear and anger right now. Dobb’s shadow looms large over every […]

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on May 2, 2024 This is the second in a series of stories spotlighting some of Idaho’s most important legislative primaries. Check back for more stories […]

I urge you to vote for Travis Stolley for Sheriff on May 21. As a former Boundary County Sheriff, I know what it takes to do the job. Stolley has […]

Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 6 through 10. National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 7. By Idaho Teacher of the Year Trent Van Leuven Like many, I owe a debt […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commonater I recently heard from a long-time Republican friend who was “troubled by how people just look for the word ‘conservative’ when they decide to vote. […]

It’s about time the voting citizens of Boundary and Bonner County wise up to the disinformation, misrepresentation and outright lies being spread by flashy mailers about a political opponent. Obviously […]

By Mike Weland A CNN headline today proclaims that more than 60% of voters say Joe Biden’s tenure as president has been a failure while Donald J. Trump’s four dismal […]

By Representative Steve Berch The 2024 legislative session officially ended April 10. This newsletter reviews 66 bills from the session. That’s a lot to cover, but part of my job […]

I am writing this letter wholeheartedly supporting Travis Stolley’s bid to be elected for the position of Sheriff in Boundary County, Idaho. Having known Travis from birth, I can confidently […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Ever since the Republican Party decided to close its primary elections in 2011, we have witnessed increasingly nasty, truth-deprived GOP primary elections. The most extreme […]

When we vote in November, we want to be able to cast our vote for someone with substance. We want to choose someone who truly believes in our constitution and […]

Every two years, the Idaho Republican Party asks primary candidates to sign the Integrity in Affiliation Form. This simply asks if candidates have read and support the Idaho State Constitution and the Idaho Republican Platform. By Dorothy Moon, with publisher’s rebuttal,

In his latest scare-mongering mailer among all the other misleading assertions, Scott Herndon equates voting to form a committee to study the question of issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, […]

I have been reading some of the negative posts on social media about the Pearl Theater in Bonner’s Ferry. I have been deeply saddened by posts slamming the dedicated volunteers […]

I saw a comment written in the Herald a few weeks ago “Let’s make Idaho, Idaho.” I thought about that comment long and hard. What did that mean? Historically, Idahoans […]

Registered Boundary County voters who want the Open Primaries Initiative to get on the November ballot in Idaho must sign a petition by Tuesday, April 30. Local volunteers must turn […]

Mark Sauter has been our Representative for the past two years and has proven that he truly represents us. In Boundary County, he visits often and is well known and […]

Hello Citizens of Boundary County. I am writing to you regarding the election campaign of Travis Stolley for the Office of Sheriff. Though he is currently an active member of […]

I urge you to vote for Jim Woodward for State Senator on May 21. Jim is a native Idahoan who was raised here in Boundary County. He attended the University […]

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 17, 2024 By Rod Gramer Over the next five weeks Idaho voters will be barraged by political messages from the far-right in their mailboxes […]

I am writing to express our support for Dave Schuman, who is running for sheriff in our county. Constitutional Commitment: Dave Schuman understands the paramount importance of upholding constitutional principles. […]

By Luke Russell Co-founder, North Idaho Republicans The American political party system is much more than just the elected officials at the top of the ballot like the President, members […]

By Lauren Necochea Idaho Democratic Party Chair Our branches of government are designed to provide checks and balances. When the Idaho Legislature commits overreach, cruelty, or foolishness, the governor’s veto […]

My name is Dale Anderson, and I am a retired police officer after roughly 29 years of service. I started my law enforcement career in the Salt Lake Valley in […]

In 2023 and 2024 Scott Herndon voted against funding Idaho’s Division of Veterans Services. He was one of only nine Senators voting against veterans. This Division supports County Veteran Service […]

By Dorothy Moon IDGOP Chairwoman In 1854, Americans from all walks of life gathered in churches, schoolhouses, and community centers to build what would become the Republican Party. Our party […]

When I met Jim Woodward, I asked him why I should vote for him. After all, he is an Idaho conservative. He told me he would “listen to me.” I […]

I support Travis Stolley for Boundary County Sheriff. In listening to the candidates and reviewing their websites, some things seem appealing on the surface, but others are deeply concerning. I […]

As a retired law enforcement officer with 30+ years’ experience, I feel I understand better than many what is needed from a candidate who wants to be our next Sheriff. […]

Local endorsements are inspiring to see! Wading through information and opinions in regards to candidates and local elections, one thing that stands out is the inspiring and enthusiastic endorsements from […]

In response to Mary Ollie’s recent letter, “Numbers do not statistics make,” a statement is made that out-of-state contributions to Mr. Stolley are less than four-percent and Mr. VanGesen’s are […]

Hello citizens of Boundary County. I am writing to you regarding the election campaign of Travis Stolley for the Office of Sheriff. Though he is currently an active member of […]

As residents of the Bonners Ferry community, we have known Jim Woodward, his wife Brenda, and their respective families for decades. Jim and Brenda are exemplary individuals in their personal […]

By Sandy Patano Co-founder North Idaho Republicans Former Vice Chair Idaho Republican Party Lifelong Republican This year’s May 21 primary presents not just a contest of names and faces, but […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Idaho has an interesting history of occasionally using the power of government for or against religion. Fortunately, when all is said and done, we usually […]

A recent letter by Bud Franklinson caught my interest as statistics is one of my favorite subjects and an area that I’ve used throughout my career. The Idaho Secretary of […]

I have been seeing a lot of criticism of Jim Woodward regarding his “no” vote on HB 500 back in 2020. Like that was a bad thing. No matter how […]

I recently did some research into local candidates donations using the Idaho Sunshine Database. After this research, I have a few questions: What is Boundary Educational Services Int.? This entity, […]

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS, 116TH AIR CONTROL WING (GA ANG)(ACC) ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA 31098-2700 20 February 2024 FROM: LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRIAN R. HANRAHAN, 116 MSG/CD SUBJECT: […]

With nine years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and four deployments during the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, Travis Stolley has served his country well. He and his family understand the […]

By Jim Woodward Candidate, Idaho Senate District 1 The My 21 primary election is six weeks away and a messaging mantra is surfacing from ultra-conservatives warning voters to Keep Idaho […]

One of the greatest satisfactions of teaching for many years at Bonners Ferry High School is being able to watch students mature into adulthood and become successful, productive members of […]

By Jim Jones JJ Commontater Before commencing work, every Idaho legislator must solemnly swear to support the Idaho Constitution. That is pretty much a no-brainer. Sad to say that in […]

By Steve Berch Idaho Congressman A legislative session officially ends when the House and Senate each declare Sine Die, which in Latin literally means “end of day.” Legislatively, it means […]

Most of us want our elected representatives to be hard-working, effective, and responsive to us, their constituents. Our current State Representative from District 1A is just that. That’s why I’m […]

Boundary County is an amazing place that my wife and I are proud to call home. The decent people, the land and the freedom to live how we like under […]

By Mike Weland Publisher In the wake of news last week of a three-day queer pride event this June, I was compelled by the comments to add an addendum to […]

After attending the debate, reviewing the websites and Facebook Pages of the three candidates for Boundary County Sheriff, it surprised me that only one candidate has any incident command level […]

A phrase that captures the essence of Travis Stolley is: “it is not the age, it’s the mileage.” This strong man has a diversified resume that is a path to […]