There is a popular and strongly held belief running through American society these days that we are a nation divided, a people torn asunder.

To a certain degree it’s certainly true. I have lamented that condition in this very space numerous times that we are a nation of grievance and retaliation. And when you look at national politics, that notion certainly rings true, especially during a presidential election year.

I’m not much of a religious person, which is probably not surprising considering my generation. Only about 49% of millennials, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2020 and 2021, identify as Christian.

I'm Elliott Deins. A born-and-raised Floridian, Navy veteran, recent University of Oregon graduate and the new reporter at the Saratoga Sun.

After a childhood of fishing, boating and diving around the Gulf Coast of Florida, I attempted community college. After seeing my terrible grades six weeks into my first semester, I enlisted into the Navy serving five years as an infantry corpsman.

With a combined population of 2,265, the Platte Valley is less than a quarter in size of some of the more metropolitan areas in Wyoming like Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.

Dear Editor, 

“Of Interest” Lore & Legend - Wish we could have attended Dick Perue’s presentation about Mineral Hot Spring. 

This time of year, the mantra “Shop Local” is shouted from the rooftops. With the busy Christmas season upon us, our local businesses are hopefully overwhelmed with residents shopping and dining in our community. My family tries to keep our small town thriving by buying gifts in town rather than shopping online.