Considering my family’s long connection to High Country News, I’m rather embarrassed to admit that I’ve only recently subscribed. I guess mountain state politics just make me so angry I didn’t care to be reminded of them.

It’s gratifying to see a new generation of journalists take up the cause of truthfully reporting on Western issues with the same passion, energy and intelligence that led my Uncle Tom (Bell) to create HCN in his closet-like office on a Lander, Wyoming side street. He poured his soul — and a lot of money — into the paper and the ideas it brings into the light. Ed and Betsy Marston truly deserve the nation’s thanks for stewarding HCN into this new century, while Paul Larmer and his great staff are clearly loving what they do, and doing it very well indeed.

Matt Winters, editor and publisher Chinook Observer
Long Beach, Washington