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Stride: Sometimes the words we send into the world find their way back to us
A while back, I wrote a column about the First Cavalry from Winston County, Alabama. In it, I mentioned two rare books — “Tories of the Hills” by Thomas and “The Free State of … more
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Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. He believes that small towns are the last frontier of big ideas. He shares stories of civic creativity, leadership and community-building in his regular newspaper column.
Fournier: The Day I Bought Two Peacocks for Tenino
Sometimes leadership isn’t about budgets or policies. Sometimes it’s about creating stories that make a town unforgettable. Why Peacocks? Every small town has its lore. Tenino has the … more
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The Capitol Building is seen on the night of Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 in Olympia.
Commentary: Washington state employers are sounding the alarm. Will lawmakers listen?
If you have ever wondered how many warning flares Washington policymakers need before they stop piling new taxes on employers, the answer is always, “At least one more.” An … more
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Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.
John Braun commentary: Clarity on climate policy cost comes too late for our state
I have spoken many times about the importance of giving people a second chance to get on a better path. It usually comes up when the topic is our state’s management of juvenile offenders. I … more
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As a dedicated advocate for families and children with disabilities, Courtney Williams is deeply committed to fostering success and wellbeing within our communities. With a heartfelt mission to unite families and enhance the quality of life for children facing challenges, she strives to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive. As a proud mom of two, she understands the joys and struggles of parenting, which fuels her passion for building supportive networks that empower families.
Commentary: When desperation leads to motivation — the urgent call for change in supporting families with complex disabilities
I spent far too long contemplating how to begin this conversation, and in doing so, I realized that my hesitation stemmed from an overwhelming sense of helplessness. That feeling can quickly spiral … more
Smoke and flames rise from a pile of debris along Intertsate 5 as DNR firefighters work to put out hot spots along the northbound lane of Interstate 5 in Thurston County on Wednesday.
Commentary: Expanding Washington’s presumptive cancer coverage — women firefighters and the legislative gap in compensation
Presumptive laws provide a safety net for individuals working in hazardous conditions, ensuring health coverage and compensation in the event of disease. In America, more than 65% of the entire … more
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Peter Abbarno
Abbarno: Your voice matters in Olympia the 2026 legislative session
As we prepare to reconvene in Olympia in early January, now is the time for families, small businesses and communities to make their voices heard. The choices made this session will shape your … more
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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus chair.
Peter Abbarno commentary: Your voice matters in Olympia the 2026 legislative session
As we prepare to reconvene in Olympia in early January, now is the time for families, small businesses and communities to make their voices heard. The choices made this session will shape your … more
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Commentary: It’s time to get serious about solving our state’s energy challenges
For residents of the Pacific Northwest, January 2024 might be memorable because of the winter storm that brought ice and severe cold to the region, leading to major power outages. It might be … more
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Washington state Sen. John Braun
John Braun commentary: The continuing insanity of the homelessness ‘emergency’
The line about “insanity” being defined as doing the same things over and over, and expecting a different result, is sometimes attributed to Albert Einstein.  An online search … more
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Washington state Sen. John Braun
Braun: Charges of corruption hit Democrat plan to hand out taxpayer dollars
Taxpayers would rightfully be outraged if a state agency handed someone almost $350,000 in public funds to put toward the purchase of a $425,000 home, simply because of that person’s race and a … more
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Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. He believes that small towns are the last frontier of big ideas. He shares stories of civic creativity, leadership and community-building in his regular newspaper column.
Fournier: Local food, national security — what the beef debate gets wrong
When President Trump recently proposed importing more Argentine beef to “lower prices,” it sent cattle markets into a frenzy. At first glance, that might sound like a good deal: cheaper … more
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Commentary: Income tax proposals won’t die in Washington state
What comes back from the dead more frequently than Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Krueger? Efforts to impose an income tax in Washington state. Like those perennial terrors, this income … more
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Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, stands in the wings of the Senate floor at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.
John Braun commentary: Charges of corruption hit Democrat plan to hand out taxpayer dollars
Taxpayers would rightfully be outraged if a state agency handed someone almost $350,000 in public funds to put toward the purchase of a $425,000 home, simply because of that person’s race and a … more
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Commentary: Washington state’s employers are carrying too much of the load
Running a business in Washington is getting harder due to rising health care costs, a challenging regulatory and tax environment, and trade uncertainty. Surveys from the Association of … more
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A logging truck is pictured near the headwaters of the Chehalis River on Weyerhaeuser property upstream of Pe Ell.
Guest commentary: The only constant is change, but new forestry rule ignores that
Leaves change color, they fall and nature transitions to handle our cold, wet, quiet winters. Spring ushers in warmth, growth, the flush of leaves and the return of the birds. Everything has an … more
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Washington state Sen. John Braun
Braun: State funding for cancer research falls victim to sales-tax increase
It’s easy to find examples of how years of one-party rule have made living in Washington less safe, less affordable and less beneficial for our children — but here’s one that … more
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Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.
John Braun: State funding for cancer research falls victim to sales-tax increase
It’s easy to find examples of how years of one-party rule have made living in Washington less safe, less affordable and less beneficial for our children — but here’s one that … more
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Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks with other senators during the legislative session at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.
John Braun commentary: Kids can’t learn when they’re not in school
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, especially in our state, it’s how children benefit from attending school — socially, emotionally and academically. Knowing that, you … more
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Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. He believes that small towns are the last frontier of big ideas. He shares stories of civic creativity, leadership and community-building in his regular newspaper column.
Fournier: Compassion and accountability — Hard lessons of leadership and the firehouse code
In the fire station, you basically live a third of your life with your coworkers. It’s like another family, only with a very serious job to do. You make life-and-death decisions together, rely … more
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