My Views | The River Reporter

[ Ed. note: What follows are Dr. Goldstein’s remarks to the Sullivan County Public Works Committee .] My name is Dr. Steven Goldstein. This July, I celebrate 45 years in pediatrics. I work … more

By STEVEN GOLDSTEIN, MD | 5/19/26

On hate speech and its effects

The My View, “ The words we use make a difference ” ( River Reporter , May 7-13), is a confused and confusing word salad. Instead of picking it apart, I will just quote from the Conclusion of … more

5/19/26

Words and actions make the difference

I agree with much of the My View article ( River Reporter , May 7-13), stating that words mean something. I do not agree that if my words make others resort to violence, I have crossed a line, making … more

By PAUL N. KOWALCZYK | 5/19/26

Kicking the bucket

People have a remarkable talent for turning unhappy subjects into something almost funny, and nothing proves that better than the phrase “kicked the bucket.” Somewhere along the way, humanity … more

By MICHAEL KOSSOVE | 5/16/26

Wonder of wonders

Many years ago, the first time I saw a living hummingbird here in NEPA, I had such a sense of unreality and overwhelming awe at its fairy-like existence. That was close to what I felt at the Clinton … more

By JOHN PACE | 5/12/26

Sometimes, silence is golden

Madonna’s children’s book, “Mr. Peabody’s Apples,” has stayed with me for many years. I used to read it to our children when they were little, and even then, I was struck by the quiet power … more

By LYNN COOPER | 5/12/26

Wonder of wonders

Many years ago, the first time I saw a living hummingbird here in NEPA, I had such a sense of unreality and overwhelming awe at its fairy-like existence. That was close to what I felt at the Clinton … more

By JOHN PACE | 5/9/26

I know a guy

There are few phrases in the English language more hopeful, and yet terrifying than: “Don’t worry, I know a guy.” At first, it sounds reassuring. Comforting, you think. “Ah, excellent. … more

By MICHAEL KOSSOVE | 5/8/26

Strengthen, don’t weaken, our democracy

The recent Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais is a dangerous step backward for civil rights, fair representation and the future of multiracial democracy in this country. By further … more

By FELICITY A. WILLIAMS, ESQ. | 5/5/26

The words we use make a difference

Words mean something. Especially in a country where free speech is a protected liberty. If your words can make others resort to violence, you have crossed a line that makes you unworthy of the honor … more

By WAYNE HOLBERT | 5/5/26

Don’t worry

On the bright side, it is good to know that the US-Israeli-Iran war is winding down; no, I mean winding up. In addition, try to take heart: The lately infamous Straits of Hormuz are open; no, I mean … more

By JOHN PACE | 4/28/26

Wayne County Women in Philanthropy was started in 2024 and has grown significantly. Already, this group of women has collectively given out over $40,000 to support programs for women and girls in Wayne County!

Yes, I throw like a girl!

As a young girl, I played softball down on the Flats in Narrowsburg. I have a core memory of my father (who was also my coach), telling me that I throw like a girl. He meant it as a way of telling me … more

By RYANNE JENNINGS | 4/28/26

Steve Lungen: The Aaron Judge of Mountaindale

Of all the achievements and special honors bestowed upon Steven Lungen, the former Sullivan County District Attorney, to me this was the most memorable: When Mr. Lungen and I were much younger, … more

By WILLIAM A. BRENNER | 4/28/26

Sullivan needs better trash options

As county legislators continue to search for ways to deal with the county’s growing trash problems, the following questions need to be answered: Why are legislators even considering … more

By STAR D. HESSE AND BARBARA ARRINDELL | 4/28/26

'How are you?'

There are few phrases in the English language more cleverly simple and more quietly hazardous than “How are you?” It sounds innocent. Friendly. Civilized. But don’t be fooled. This … more

By MIKE KOSSOVE | 4/23/26

Civic belonging in the social-media era

If you look through my social media, you will find vacation photos, quotes, songs and things I thought were funny, but you will also see a lot of politics. This is common for my generation, Gen … more

By MCKINLEY COONTZ | 4/22/26

‘OK’

According to Wikipedia, the derivation of “OK” is disputed; however, most modern reference works hold that it originated around Boston as part of a fad in the late 1830s of abbreviating … more

By MICHAEL KOSSOVE | 4/15/26

Counterpoint: The real mineral arsenal of democracy is U.S. production

In the wake of the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, Congress responded by creating the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an emergency stockpile designed to protect the nation from foreign coercion and … more

By JOHN ADAMS | 4/15/26

Point: Trusted allies are key to advancing strategic mineral reserve

Washington has begun to grasp a strategic reality that much of the world has long understood: Critical minerals are the foundation of modern power. From advanced weapons systems to electric … more

By CHADWICK HAGAN | 4/15/26

Opinion: What the GOP can learn from listening to voters instead of consultants

For the political class, the arrival of the primary season is like opening day for baseball junkies. Up until this point, everything regarding the 2026 midterms has been predictive and speculative. … more

By BARBARA COMSTOCK | 4/15/26