This is without doubt the most difficult column the INKster has ever written, because it is her last one. She decided it was time for her to make her retirement official and complete.
The INKster started to work at the Daily News in 1985, and to paraphrase the late actress Bette Davis, she "settled in for a wild and bumpy ride!"
Prior to going to work at the Moscow newspaper, the INKster had spent more than a decade as a Nez Perce County commissioner and the only experience she brought to the newsroom was having been interviewed by journalists in her elected position. But then editor and publisher Jay Shelledy took a chance and hired her.
During the early days, the INKster served as newsroom clerk, typing up news releases and obits. Her first try as a columnist revolved around food and her vast cookbook collection. She then went on to become editor of the food, arts and entertainment, business and seniors sections.
It was in 1997 when then editor and publisher Mark Trahant and managing editor Rick Hoover approached her about writing a weekly "gossip column."
That conjured up visions of columnists like Liz Smith and Rona Barrett and she really didn't like the idea. After much discussion with her bosses, they settled on somewhat of a format and she was given pretty much free rein to write about whatever she thought would be of interest to readers and in her often sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek style.
After much discussion, Mark was the one who came up with the title INK for the column, and thus the INKster was born Friday, Oct. 3, 1997.
To launch the column, the Daily News gave out coffee mugs to people whose names were mentioned in the column. The mugs read "I've been INKed," and for a while were proudly displayed on office shelves on the Palouse. By now, they should have become collectors' items.
The INKster has enjoyed writing this column more than anything she has ever done at the newspaper. As long as there were Republican politicians around like former Idaho U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorn, Moscow City Councilor Walter Steed, District 5 Idaho state Rep. Cindy Agidius and Washington U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the INKster never lacked for topics to write about. In later years, though, Walter and the INKster ended up on a friendly basis and were actually able to communicate. The INKster thought he got a bum deal from the Republican precinct leaders led by that wingnut Gresham Bouma.
It also made the INKster feel good to give credit to the many philanthropic organizations on the Palouse or individuals who earned recognition for their own achievements.
And thanks to all the readers who became INK fans. She hopes you miss the INKster as much as she will miss all of you!
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... the blotter rests.
Vera White has penned INK for 16 years. It's too late to contribute to INK, but you can still reach White at Serenity Place (208) 743-5322 in Lewiston, or email her at vnwhite@cableone.net.
