Letters | Value of local news

Value of local news

Editor,
Greetings. I am a visitor here from Oregon and wherever I travel, I buy the local newspaper to see what’s happening locally.

I recently bought your paper and wanted to let you know how enjoyable it was to find a full-size comprehensive local newspaper again. I worked on a small paper for six years as a younger person––learned all about typesetting and platemaking and camera work. And eventually retired from the printing business.

You have a wonderful paper, and I hope you find success navigating the digital world and stay alive.

John Hartman
Oak Grove, Oregon

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Glen Canyon NRA preparing for season

Editor,
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument continues to receive around 5 million visitors annually, and with summer 2025 on its way, we are getting ready to ramp up park operations. Our primary operational areas, including visitor centers and concession facilities and services, such as lodges, restaurants, marinas, boat rentals, and campgrounds, are open. We look forward to working with area communities as we all strive to provide a world class experience for visitors to the area.

The economic benefits that Glen Canyon NRA provides is a valuable contribution to both the state of Arizona and Utah. Our staff are eager for the season to begin.
For updates throughout the year on the facilities and services in the park, please follow our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram) or visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/hours.htm.

For information on visitor opportunities provided through businesses operating in the park, see our website at https://www.nps.gov/glca/getinvolved/dobusinesswithus.htm.

Water levels are expected to remain relatively steady with previous summer water levels this year, we anticipate that all ramps open last summer will remain open this summer season. Please check our website for updates on lake levels and the status and availability of ramps at https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/changing-lake-levels.htm.

In addition to our regular park operations, we are continuing work on a number of large projects aimed at sustaining visitor access and park operations under low water conditions at Lake Powell, which we have reported on in previous communications. Several of those projects are in the design phase, while the park is preparing to move others into environmental reviews, which will include opportunities for public review and comment. More to come as those projects progress. Updates will be provided at https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/news/project-updates.htm
Please be safe as you drive, boat, hike in the park.

Let’s have a great year. Prepare for your trip, be wise as you make plans, make memories and leave no trace. We in the National Park Service are in the forever business and want to provide these experiences for future generations.
Enjoy your public lands in 2025.

Michelle Kerns
Superintendent
Page, Ariz.

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Never leave a comrade behind

Editor,
This is to Congressman Eli Crane.

It is impossible to understand how you, a veteran yourself, who claims to represent veterans, can stand aside and not pass legislation opposing Trump and Musk’s destruction of veterans earned benefits, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid! In battle, we never leave a comrade behind.

And don’t say that this is a temporary disruption! Americans, especially veterans, are already receiving letters that their treatment plan has been cancelled. The wait time on hold can be for hours on the phone for people needing answers only to find out the next available appointment is months away!

Closing Social Security offices, especially in rural areas, require veterans and seniors who cannot drive to find transportation to the nearest office hundreds of miles away.
Is one reason that members of Congress and senators, and their staffs receive the best healthcare and none of this destruction will affect your healthcare? Or is it that you all cheer each time Musk, et. al. announces “saving millions of dollars” no matter how many Americans it hurts?

Dave Savage
Vietnam Veteran
Williams, Ariz.

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