[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 28 (Friday, February 11, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E141-E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF STEPHEN ANTHONY HARTGEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 2022

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, along with my colleagues Senator Mike 
Crapo and Senator Jim Risch, I rise to call attention to the 
outstanding life of Stephen Anthony Hartgen, long-time editor and 
publisher of the Times-News in Twin Falls, Idaho, five-term Idaho

[[Page E142]]

State legislator, community businessman, and Magic Valley cultural 
historian. Steve, as he was called by his family and friends, passed 
away on December 31, 2021, at 77 years old.
  Steve was born on September 30, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland, one of 
twin sons of Vincent and Frances Hartgen. He grew up in rural Orono, 
Maine, spending his young years in the state's forests, and along its 
trout streams and coastlines. He graduated from Hebron Academy in 
Hebron, Maine, in 1962, and from Amherst College in 1966. He later 
earned an MA degree from Brandeis University in 1968, and a PhD from 
the University of Minnesota in 1976, both in American history.
  He began his newspaper career while in college as an intern reporter 
at the Bangor Daily News in Bangor, Maine. He went on to work as a 
reporter and editor at The Minneapolis Star, and later at the San Diego 
Union and the Casper Star-Tribune as managing editor. He also taught 
journalism, media history and public affairs reporting at the 
University of Minnesota and Ohio State University.
  Steve came to Twin Falls in 1982 as editor of the Times-News. working 
alongside then-publisher William E. Howard and general manager Richard 
High as Howard publications expanded across the country. By 1990, he 
was promoted to publisher of the Times-News.
  In his years at the Times-News, Steve's leadership raised the 
newspaper's visibility and impact, making it one of the state's leading 
conservative newspapers. His common-sense and fiscally responsible 
editorial perspectives earned him much respect among business leaders, 
public officials and the community. It was during his time at the 
Times-News when we had the opportunity to meet and talk with Steve 
during our many interviews with the editorial board. We greatly enjoyed 
our lively visits with Steve.
  Not one to be idle, Steve continued his involvement in the Magic 
Valley community after he left the newspaper in 2005. He became 
Executive Director of Business Plus, a Magic Valley economic 
development group, which brought hundreds of new jobs and more than $2 
billion investment dollars to the valley. The growth was so spectacular 
that then Governor C. L. ``Butch'' Otter called it the ``Magic Valley 
Miracle.''
  Steve was a stalwart member of the Twin Falls County Republican 
Central Committee where he served as state committeeman for more than a 
decade, from 2008 to 2019. He also served on the Idaho Capitol 
Commission from 1998 to 2016, a group which oversaw the renovation and 
remodel of Idaho's premier public building.
  In 2008, Steve was appointed to the Idaho House of Representatives by 
Gov. Otter where he served until 2019. While in the legislature, Steve 
chaired the Commerce & Human Resources Committee. He retired from the 
legislature for health reasons at the end of 2018 and was replaced by 
his wife Rep. Linda Wright Hartgen.
  Following his retirement, Steve wrote extensively on the cultural 
history and patterns of Life in the Magic Valley and southern Idaho, 
publishing ``Tradition & Progress: Southern Idaho's Growth Since 1990'' 
in 2019, and ``Spirit of Place: Southern Idaho Values Across 
Generations'' in 2020. Additionally, he wrote columns for several Idaho 
newspapers and blog sites on southern Idaho politics and cultural 
changes. His books and columns frequently reflected his love of the 
Magic Valley, which he often called the best region in the best state 
in the best nation on the planet.
  Beyond his media work and his public service, Steve maintained an 
interest in western history, particularly the settlement of southern 
Idaho. He was also an avid fly fisherman, an outdoor activity he 
learned as a young man in Maine.
  In his later years, Steve developed health problems, but he continued 
to serve in public roles and did not think of himself as disabled in 
any way. Steve is survived by his devoted wife Rep. Linda Wright 
Hartgen and his family.
  While we will miss Steve's common-sense approach to public issues, 
fiscal policy and statewide public affairs, we will miss his friendship 
the most. Rest in peace, good friend, and loyal servant.

                          ____________________