I remember getting Grant Darrow’s letter to the editor. It’s something I’ll never forget.

The letter, titled “Rural Oregon should seriously consider secession,” published in the June 29, 2015, edition of The Observer during my original tour of duty as the editor/publisher. I don’t recall whether there was any discussion of not running it (I doubt it) but I do recall thinking to myself that there was no way secession of Eastern Oregon would ever happen. I still don’t, but I do think the letter and the resulting Greater Idaho — Move Oregon’s Border movement has raised some eyebrows.

The Observer reporter Dick Mason profiled Darrow, who said he’s not surprised by the growing momentum, especially when he reflects on the response his letter received in the days and weeks after it was first published. He said about 40 other rural Oregon newspapers printed the letter after he sent it to them.

“Some newspapers even called me up and requested a copy so they could run it,” he said.

While moving Idaho’s border remains a long shot at best, the fact that Darrow took the time to put pen to paper and send the letter seven years ago still resonates with me as a great example of the needed interaction between a newspaper and a reader.

Dick also had a look at the upcoming May election as the March 8 filling deadline approaches.

As of the time the story appeared, three Union County positions and four La Grande City Council positions are up for election but to date there are no contested races.

Next week look for a story about a local business that is introducing adventure seekers to the outdoor gems of Eastern Oregon and creating personalized outdoor experiences.