The publication is reproduced in full below:
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 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.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 28
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