Arts, entertajn1nent, bluster and so1ne news
RECLAIM IDAHO CLOSES IN ONITS SIGNATUREGOAL
ELECTION PROFILE: PATRICIA WENTWORTH
POINT/ COUNTERPOINT: SCOTCHMAN PEAKS VOTE
THEBENEFITS OF SUMMER CAMP
INFINIGALLERYSAYS FAREWELL,A READER APPRECIATION SHOW, MOUNTAINLIONS, IDAHO GIVES AND MORE!
compiled by Susan Drinkard
Politics aside, as a woman, does Donald Trump give you the creeps?
“He offers me personally an invitation to more deeply understand and have compassion for the need for the masculine to grow into maturity. He calls me to take a higher ground.”
Jeannine Tidwell Mentor/coach Sandpoint
“No, he doesn’t. I don’t follow the news, but I have worked a lot of places, and for about 50 percent of the guys out there, what they say and do they would probably regret if it were on the news.”
Janice Kile Post office Volunteer for Food for Children Sagle
“Beyond the creeps!”
Kristi Coldsnow Retail Sandpoint
“Yes, because he is so arrogant and pompous.”
Amber Cooper Unemployed Clark Fork
“No, because I’m not into politics, so I don’t pay any attention to him.”
Kayla Pepperdine Med tech Sandpoint
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
www.sandpointreader.com
Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com
Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com
Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus)
Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com
Contributing Artists: Doug Jones (cover), Ben Olson, Susan Drinkard.
Contributing Writers:
Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Mayor Shelby Rognstad, Emily Erickson, Tony McDermott, Phil Hough, Brenden Bobby, Jim Mitsui, Amy Craven, Guy Lothian, Jeannine Tidwell, Jodi Rawson, A.C. Woolnough.
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The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.
The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
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About the Cover
This week’s cover comes courtesy of cartoonist Doug Jones and Reclaim Idaho. Congratulations for the feat!
By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff
Reclaim Idaho touts the motto: “Strong public schools. Protected public lands. Health care for working families.”
It appears the grassroots political group founded in Sandpoint is closing in on that third goal, thanks to months of signature collection across the state. Late Tuesday night, co-founder Luke Mayville confirmed that after his group’s latest tally, they believe they may have surpassed the 56,192 signatures required to put Medicaid expansion on Idaho’s November ballot.
But Mayville said they’re not done. Volunteers across the state will continue to collect signatures until the May 1 deadline in order to further ensure meeting the goal. Idaho law requires that six percent of registered voters in each of at least 18 legislative districts sign the petition, as well as six percent of the registered voters in the state. As of Monday, 16 districts had qualified.
“We are not slowing down,” Mayville said. “We do not just
want to meet the signature goal, we want to shatter the goal.”
Reclaim Idaho is tackling this feat despite a bill from recent years that made such efforts more inclusive of the whole state, and therefore, more difficult. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed SB 1108 in 2013, which added the 18-district requirement. The Spokesman-Review reported that the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation pushed the bill, hoping it would give rural areas a say if animal-rights activists took to the ballot for statewide reform. At the time he signed the bill, Otter said he didn’t want ballot measures to be driven by Ada County, the state’s largest population center.
Mayville said his group wants to make “100-percent sure” that they collect enough valid signatures to qualify Medicaid expansion for the November ballot.
“The health of 62,000 Idahoans is too important to leave anything to chance,” he said.
If you have yet to sign, these Sandpoint locations have Medicaid expansion petitions on site: Family Health Center, Women’s Healthcare, Panhandle Art Glass and All Seasons Garden and Floral.
Monday, April 30, there will be a gathering at the 219 Lounge 6-9 p.m. to collect the
final petitions up until the May 1 deadline.
Contact Reclaim Idaho’s Bonner County leader Linda Larson at larson.linda.f@gmail. com with any questions.
By Reader Staff
Fire managers plan to begin prescribed burning on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The exact timing and acreage of burns will depend on fuel conditions and wind patterns. A detailed list of prescribed fire projects is available at http:// www.northidahorxfire.com/. Information will also be provided on the Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ USFSIPNF/. Weather and fuels are monitored to determine when burning can be safely conducted.
“The safety of firefighters and the public is my highest priority. Prescribed burning allows firefighters to improve
forest health and meet resource objectives under favorable conditions,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes. Although burned areas are monitored to ensure that fire remains within the project boundaries, burned areas can be very hazardous. Signs will be posted along access roads and near affected trailheads and trail junctions during operations. Temporary access restrictions or closures may be necessary for public safety. The public is urged to stay away from project areas during burning operations and for a few days afterward.
Prescribed burning is part of each Ranger District’s annual natural resource management program to reduce hazardous fu-
els, prepare areas for tree planting, and improve wildlife forage.
Annually, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests treats nearly 5,000 acres with prescribed fire.
People with respiratory problems are encouraged to contact their local ranger station if they
wished to be notified when burning will occur. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests works with the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group to minimize smoke impacts from prescribed burns. All prescribed burning decisions are based on the Group’s recommendations given predicted smoke emissions and dispersion forecasts. Additional information on air quality and smoke management is available at https://mi.airshedgroup.org/.
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
Christmas is right around the corner for Idaho nonprofits.
On Thursday, May 3, charitable organizations from around the state are banding together to ensure there’s no better day of the year to donate. Idaho Gives is the perfect chance to help a favorite nonprofit while maximizing your donation by giving them the chance to earn additional rewards beyond the basic financial support.
If you’re planning on supporting a nonprofit this year, Idaho Gives is the perfect day to pull out that credit card. For every donation made online at www. idahogives.org, participating nonprofits earn additional cash. Plenty of local nonprofits are getting in on the action, and there are some big goals in place for the day. For example, Bonner Homeless Transitions is hoping to extend the housing it uses to help individuals and families get a roof over their heads and back on their feet.
“We are hoping to raise $100,000 to buy the house next to Blue Haven in order to expand our program,” said Ann Gehring, vice president of Bonner Homeless Transitions.
Likewise, Community Cancer Services is planning to be out all day with other nonprofits encouraging residents to donate. Organization representatives for it and many other worthy charities will be at Evans Brothers from 8-10 a.m. and Idaho Pour Authority from 4-8 p.m. to discuss their work in the community.
“These events will be an opportunity for individuals to meet people from local nonprofits and/ or pick up some literature about them so donors can make more informed choices about where they direct their dollars,” said Cindy Marx, program manager at Community Cancer Services. “There will also be some prizes and give-away items as well as awesome coffee or beer depend-
ing on which venue you visit.”
It’s simple to see if your favorite nonprofit is participating in Idaho Gives. Simply visit www. idahogives.org and use the search bar at the top of the page to look it up.
One of the best reasons to donate during Idaho Gives are the prizes that are awarded regularly throughout the day. For example, the organization that receives the first donation after 12 a.m. MST will receive a $1,000 prize. A
random organization from one of Idaho’s five regions will be drawn every other hour between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. MST for $500. And golden tickets will be drawn every other hour between 9 a.m.11 p.m., awarding $1,000 to a random organization that received donations in the hour prior to the drawing. Visit www.idahogives. org to see a full list of prizes.
Idaho Gives started in 2013 by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, raising $578,735 throughout the
day. Since then, Idaho Gives steadily topped itself year after year, culminating in record-setting 2017 when 10,570 individuals raised $1,379,406 for 628 nonprofits. According to Marx, Bonner County organizations raised $13,000 last year and hope to do better this year.
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The top three Republican candidates for governor — Brad Little, Raul Labrador and Tommy Ahlquist — tackled taxation, abortion and campaign ads in this week’s Idaho Reports debate. The Associated Press reports that Labrador touted his plan to cut $1 billion in state taxes, a full 30 percent of the general budget. Ahlquist said his experience as a businessman would inform his approach to state finances, help-
ing to root out wasteful spending. And Little, saying the state was on the right path overall, proposed a plan that would slash $116 million over its first year. In addition, all three candidates favored eliminating the grocery tax, which the Idaho Legislature has struggled to pass under the disapproving Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.
Ahlquist also hedged on whether or not he would sign a bill allowing women to be prosecuted for having an abortion, while Little and Labrador
The Bonners Ferry Ranger District has reopened all of Forest Service Road #402, Snow Creek Road, in Boundary County. This road had been closed to prevent damage to the road due to a soft road bed caused by snow melt and is now open.
Snow Creek Road is accessed from West Side Road just south of the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge near Bonners Ferry.
For additional information, or to report new road damage, please contact the Bonners Ferry Ranger District at (208) 267-5561. [BO]
The railroad crossing on Great Northern Road just north of Gooby Road will be closed Thursday and Friday, April 26-27 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Detour signs will be posted. [BO]
called such a measure a step too far. Finally, the candidates got combative on the subject of campaign ads, with all three saying their opponents had treated them unfairly.
Watch all the Idaho Reports debates online at http://idahoptv. org/elections/2018. And tune in Sunday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. MT/PT for the U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District Republican debate, where Cameron Rasmusson, Sandpoint Reader editor, will be on the reporter panel.
From May 10 to Oct. 20, anyone outside of city limits anywhere in Idaho must obtain a fire safety burn permit if they are planning to burn, the Bonner County Fire Prevention Co-Op wrote in a statement on Wednesday. Recreational campfires are excluded from this requirement. Permits are free and may be obtained online at www.burnpermits.idaho.gov, or by contacting the Idaho Dept. of Lands office in Sandpoint, (208) 263-5612 or Priest Lake (208) 443-2516. Those burning logging slash on private ground, even within a city or fire district, will need to obtain a permit from the Idaho Dept. of Lands. If burning takes place within city limits, check with local fire department or city hall for permits. Many cities in Bonner County require burn permits.
“Debris burning is one of our most frequent causes of escaped fire, so please take caution when you burn,” the statement read. “Also, burners who lit slash piles in the last six months should check piles to ensure they are dead out.”
For more information, contact the Bonner County Fire Prevention Cooperative at (208) 263-3502. [BO]
By Mayor Shelby Rognstad Reader Contributor
I hope everyone had a happy Earth Day. Thanks to 350Sandpoint for bringing the community together to celebrate this home we call Earth. Thank you to all that fight every day to protect our environment, our community values and preserve our quality of life.
On that gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I was in a place of gratitude. Gratitude for this Earth, for this community, for this lake and the clean fresh water all around us, for the clean air we breathe, for the food that we eat, for all the abundance that surrounds us. Gratitude for the hard work that we have done to protect all that we value. Gratitude for the love in our hearts and the loving people in our lives. Gratitude for this wonderful experience called life and for the opportunity for us to celebrate it, in all its forms.
And now an invitation to participate in a call to action. They say rail transport is
three to four times more efficient than roads. Rail traffic through our community supports the local economy, it is a legacy that has built this community for over a century. A second rail bridge across the lake would alleviate congestion on our roads.
While these statements may be true, the trade-off is that a second bridge ultimately means more train traffic, more congestion on our roads. It means more chances for a potential accident that would be absolutely catastrophic for this community. There will be multiple hearings on May 23 at the Ponderay Events Center at 8 a.m., and at 6 p.m. at the Sandpoint Middle School. I call on you all to ask your elected officials, Lakes Commission board members and the U.S. Coast Guard directly to perform a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than an Environmental Assessment. More information can be found at lakependoreillewaterkeeper.org.
For those who have taken the lead to challenge the proposed HiTest smelter in Newport, thank you for stepping up, being
informed and taking action. While we still have not seen an application from HiTest, CANSS has made the case that the HiTest land purchase from PUD was illegal. This is an exciting development that could stop the smelter before it starts. You can stay updated at canss.org.
For those who have participated on the UI/Boyer project, thank you for getting involved. You are helping this community build a legacy. The city is crafting a plan to purchase the UI Boyer property. The long time vision of a community rec center is within sight. This property presents us with the opportunity to protect into perpetuity 30 acres of wetland and natural habitat along Sand Creek, enabling public access and recreation for generations to come. By acquiring this parcel we could continue the Sandpoint/Dover Community Trail all the way to Ponderay and Kootenai. I’m hopeful that through this project we can fulfill our collective dream to preserve this natural gem while, at the same time, accommodating responsible growth.
Environmental health is essential to community health, physical health and an
overall sense of well-being. I just returned from Boise where I met with the Blue Cross Foundation and the JA and Katheryn Albertson’s Foundation to discuss health, education and access in our community. The city of Sandpoint was awarded $250,000 from Blue Cross for the purpose of supporting youth health through access to affordable nutritious food and healthy activity. I’m confident we can leverage those dollars to develop greater support for community health in the future. I have been humbled and inspired by the leadership, commitment and compassion of the Bonner County health coalition. These dedicated volunteers are leading our community towards better health and greater opportunity. I will continue to work with this group and others to ensure that community health is a top priority for Sandpoint.
This community is special because of the people here that care so much and work so hard to make it so. I hope you are enjoying spring, getting outside to play, growing food and soaking up the sun.
Mayor’s Roundtable discussion meets this Friday, 8 a.m. at Cedar St. Bistro. I hope to see you there!
Dear Editor, I recently went to a breathing class at Bonner General Hospital, and did I have a rude awakening. I’ve been using Albuterol inhalers for many years, the kind where I shake the small bottle and then insert it into an “L” shaped plastic dispenser and take a quick puff of the medication to alleviate shortness of breath in a quick-acting manner. Problem being, after all these years of using this inhaler I’ve found out I‘ve only been getting 50 percent or less of the medication into my system. The reason? There’s another component that should be used with the inhaler. It’s called a “spacer.”
The spacer is a cylindrical plastic device that is shaped like an empty toilet paper tube. I learned that instead of getting a quick fraction of a second puff of medication into my mouth, as was done all these past years with the inhaler, with the spacer I slowly inhale (over a period of 3 to 6 seconds) so I get the most medication/relief down as far into my lungs as possible. The spacer makes a whistling sound if I try to inhale the air-medication into my lungs too quickly, telling me to slow down my inhaling. By incorporating the spacer with the inhaler I find I don’t need to use the inhaler nearly as often.
Question for the medical community: “Why isn’t the spacer automatically supplied with the inhaler?”
Michael Harmelin Vietnam veteran Sandpoint
Dear Editor,
If you will be voting in the Republican Primary Election on May 16, I encourage you to vote Carol Kunzeman for Bonner County Commissioner. There are many things that I love about living in Bonner County — from our beautiful surroundings and strong sense of community to people like Kunzeman who are passionate about working for it.
Upon recently meeting Kunzeman, I was impressed by her genuine nature and common-sense approach to public service. She is respectful and ready to listen to all citizens of the county that she would represent as commissioner — which is something that I cannot say about her opponent after his first term in office. While welcoming input from citizens across the board on all issues, Kunzeman will seek reasoned and pragmatic solutions that benefit our communities.
Carol Kunzeman already has considerable experience in local government, having served as Ponderay’s mayor for eight years and a councilwoman for five years before that. She has a proven track record of bringing balance, transparency and respect to the offices she has held and having a positive impact on the county. Local government plays a large role in the growth and development of communities — and there are many important policy decisions made
at the county level that can tangibly affect our lives. I encourage you to learn more about Kunzeman at www. kunzemanforbonnercounty.com, and vote for her on May 16!
Brita Olson Sandpoint
Dear Editor,
As a nurse practitioner, I have firsthand knowledge of the health benefits of spending time outside. Being active in nature not only improves our physical shape, but it also has positive impacts on our mood. That’s why we are so lucky to live in North Idaho and have access to some of the most beautiful public lands in the country.
I lead patient hikes in Sandpoint and am always trying to get people to move more. I came from Ohio where there is virtually no public land. We are so lucky to have a trail that is so well maintained by the Scotchman Peak Wilderness group. There is no sweeter reward than making it up to the top and seeing that breathtaking view of Lake Pend Oreille and the rugged beauty of the cornice. It’s become a local rite of passage that so many of us bond over — my patients train to walk up the mountain, their families train to do it together. The pride and satisfaction I’ve seen in the folks who have done it, whether they are seven or 70, has convinced me that we need to make sure this place stays the way it is so future generations can have the same experience we all have today.
On May 15, we are going to be asked if we are in favor of Sen. Risch’s proposal to designate the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness. The senator’s proposal reflects our community’s vision for this special place and now we have a chance to say so. I will be voting in favor of making sure the Scotchman Peaks is always a place that builds camaraderie among neighbors and is such a vital part of our way of life.
I hope you will join me.
Jane Hoover Sandpoint
Dear Editor, Here’s why Ellen Weissman gets my vote on May 15 for Idaho House of Representatives District 1A: Ellen listens well to people’s needs and finds cost-effective ways to help them; Ellen is sensitive to the needs of education/educators being a retired educator herself; Ellen is a creative grants writer and fundraiser as demonstrated in her role as executive director of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc.; Ellen is committed to the preservation of clean air and water in our beautiful forest and lake environment.
A vote for Ellen Weissman is a vote for preserving quality of life for all of us who are blessed to call North Idaho our home.
Shakura Young Sandpoint
Dear Editor,
On April 18, Jon Hagadone of the Idaho Pour Authority here in Sandpoint sponsored a fundraiser to help Bonner Partners In Care Free Health Clinic. BPICC offers free medical care to anyone that can’t afford to see a doctor.
Jon made a special effort to share a portion of his profits for the evening and donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the various raffles that evening.
BPICC is very grateful to Jon for his support. Without people like Jon and his faithful customers, organizations like ours would not exist.
Thank you, Jon.
Bill Litsinger
Board President, BPICC
Sandpoint
Dear Editor,
For billions of years the forces of nature have created the forests, plains, deserts, mountains, rivers, lakes and oceans that make up the earth on which we live. These landscapes have portions that have not been modified by machines or pollution, i.e., they are in their natural state. We are very fortunate to have such an area in Bonner County – Scotchman Peaks.
This asset provides our residents and visitors (who bring money to our economy) with recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping, berry picking and horse packing free of charge. The designation of Scotchman Peaks as a Wilderness, does not change its present use or management. Nor does it change its future use and that is the whole point. We will be including the recreational opportunities that we enjoy in our legacy to future generations.
Please vote “favor” on the Scotchman Peaks ballot in the May 15 primary election.
Ken Haag Sandpoint
Dear Editor:
I will be voting for Dennis Engelhardt for Bonner County Assessor on May 15.
After reviewing campaign material from the three Republican candidates and attending one of the Farm Bureau candidate forums, I am convinced that Dennis is the clear choice for this important public office.
Dennis has managed hundreds of county employees and handled multi-million dollar budgets for decades.
The culture of our current assessor’s office can only be changed by electing a competent manager from the outside. A manager who is not biased. A manager who will be fair and honest with the employees of the office, as well as the property owners of Bonner County.
The only candidate who possesses the skills and attitude to accomplish
this change is Dennis Engelhardt. Please join me in voting for Dennis on May 15.
Sincerely,
Tracy Keith Sagle
Dear Editor,
I’d like to urge voters to turn out in the Republican primary and cast a vote for Carol Kunzeman for Bonner County commissioner. Carol will be a breath of fresh air for the county. She will bring integrity and common sense to the District 3 seat.
I’m concerned that the current commissioner is more interested in pushing an anti-public lands agenda than providing positive, responsive leadership. Carol will pay attention to the concerns and needs of her constituents and the basic functions of county government. She will do it while listening to people respectfully and carefully weighing the costs and benefits of policies and projects.
I am confident that her decisions will be made from the best information and input available. This is the kind of elected official we need now in county government. Please vote in the May 15 primary election for Carol Kunzeman and return dignity and respect to this important position.
Carol Jenkins Sagle
Dear Editor,
Please vote Jim Woodward for senator in District 1. Jim is a true conservative, a man of integrity and solutions oriented. With 21 years of Navy service, retiring as a commander, many years as a business owner and employer, a family man and community oriented, Jim Woodward is pro-Idaho!
Raised in Bonners Ferry and educated at the U of I in engineering, Jim knows and understands North Idaho. This understanding is balanced with knowledge from his military travels and living in different countries and various states.
While Jim is pro-gun and pro-Idaho, he also understands if we are to make government more effective, we must embrace other concerns, too, such as education and transportation.
Jim deeply cares about our communities and has a deep sense of public service. He walks quietly and needs no lime light. Every year he picks a community project to donate to one of our communities or to do for a needy individual. In case you didn’t know, it was Jim’s company Apex that tore the Memorial field bleachers down; saving us many tax dollars.
Jim Woodward and his family live in the Sandpoint area where his wife teaches school and his children have been part of our public school system. For more about Jim please go to: jimwoodwardforsenate.org.
Diana Dawson Sagle
Dear Editor,
I’m writing this letter of endorsement for Carol Kunzeman, a candidate for Bonner County commissioner in the Republican primary, because we need local officials who are respectful and listen to their constituents.
Carol served two terms as mayor in Ponderay and understands what it takes to balance a budget and attend to the basic needs of the local community. She also helped mend fences between Sandpoint and Ponderay, and developed good relationships with people in state and national offices.
She cares about families and the quality of life of people in Bonner County, and was central to getting the SPOT bus established and investing in Ponderay’s Field of Dreams. Carol is open-minded, cautious and respectable. She has the kind of experience, character and communications skills that will make for a good county commissioner.
Please join me in voting for Carol Kunzeman in the Republican primary election on May 15.
Richard Warren Dover
Dear Editor,
As we approach the primary election on May 15 and are faced with many choices for the 1st Congressional District’s open seat, only one stands out above the rest. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege to get to know Russ Fulcher on a political and personal level. I can honestly say that Russ is a man of integrity, and has an exceptional proven conservative record. Russ has been endorsed by conservatives on the national, state and local levels. Nationally, Sen. Ted Cruz and Congressman Raul Labrador have stood up and endorsed Russ. Conservative heavyweights FreedomWorks and the Club for Growth have given Russ their full support, as has Second Amendment advocate Dick Heller. Russ is a pro-life champion and has earned the formal endorsement of Idaho Chooses Life. Our strongest Liberty Legislators in the Idaho House and Senate are all advocating that Russ Fulcher is the only true conservative choice. Locally, Russ has been endorsed by our Legislators Rep. Heather Scott and Rep. Sage Dixon.
We need a Congressman in Washington, D.C., whose character has been demonstrated by what he does and one who has been serving the people of Idaho rather than self-interest. Vote for Russ Fulcher for Congress on May 15.
Victoria Zeischegg Sandpoint
Bouquets:
•It was so great to see all the people who showed up for the annual Sand Creek Cleanup on Sunday, hosted by Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper and the city of Sandpoint. The power of people amassing for a common cause always gives me goosebumps. One family in particular impressed me. They had a towed cart attached to their bicycle and looked like they had filled several large bags full of trash. At one point, I saw them rooting deep in the bush, directing their children to get every last piece of plastic. These are great habits to instill in your children — the idea that, if only one day a year, we put our own self interests aside and spend an hour or two picking up trash for the good of the community and the environment. Way to go!
Barbs
• The other day, a recent letter to the editor writer sent me an email thanking me for printing their letter. In closing, the writer said our printing the letter “dispelled the belief in the conservative community” that “the Reader will not print letters from conservative minded people.” I told the writer the same as I’ll tell you, dear reader: In the 3.5 years I’ve been publisher (and in the seven years the Reader was around before I owned it) we have never refused to print a letter to the editor for any reason except when they are over 400 words (actually, there was one instance where a writer wrote a blatantly – and humorously – libelous letter that we refused).
I’ve heard rumors like this before, namely that the Reader actively silences conservative viewpoints. We give every submission the same consideration for publication, no matter what the politics are behind the submission. We’ve turned down just as many left-leaning opinions as we have right-leaning. Trust me. For every one article you see published in the Reader, there are usually two or three that go unpublished for various reasons. We don’t promote inflammatory, vitriolic writing from any point of view. Often when a writer has a piece rejected, they believe there is some ulterior motive, or that the Reader has some kind of vendetta against them. We don’t. We’re just overworked, underpaid, constantly-berated journalists who are trying our best to be fair to everyone.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
The Bonner General Health Volunteer Council held their annual luncheon Wednesday, April 18. Many volunteers attended, and Margo Johnson, chair of the Volunteer Council, presented awards for hours of service.
The following awards were presented, with each volunteer’s name followed by how many total hours they have volunteered:
Paula Dunn
Sherry May 100
Corrine Capodagli 100
Sue Clemens
Amber Trantram
Dear Editor,
Referencing my letter to the editor, from March 22 this year.
Quote “So you want to ban the AR-15?
Let me tell you what you’re up against. You’re up against the National Rifle Association’s five million members, all paying at least $30 annual dues. That’s $150 million annually. Many contribute more or, like me, are life members. Most are single-issue voters, for the Second Amendment, and they write letters, phone and email their/our representatives. There is not a single gun control group that has this level of financial support or individual dedication.”
From NPR, April 20: “Most Still Favor Stricter Gun Laws, But It’s Fading As A 2018 Voting Issue. While almost half of all registered voters (46 percent) say a candidate’s position on gun policy will be a major factor in deciding whom to vote for, that number is down 13 points from February, when a shooting at a Florida high school sparked outrage.”
So you want to ban the AR-15? Apparently, not so much.
Chris Mielke Sagle
Boeck for Rep...
Dear Editor
It’s time we elect a state representative who will work for everyone in Bonner and Boundary counties. That is why I am voting for Mike Boeck for state representative. For too long I have seen contentious politics get in the way of real solutions for the people of this area.
The extreme views of Heather Scott, our current state representative, has alienated people even in her own party making it difficult to get anything done. Her many outrageous comments and
behaviors have resulted in getting her thrown off state committees for periods of time and resulted in contentious fights. This is a waste of valuable time. In addition, she seems to harvest supporters who often show up at forums to do nothing more than harass and disrespect anyone who has a different point of view. This is nothing more than bullying behavior meant to intimidate and silence others.
Please join me and vote for Mike Boeck on May 15. Mike will work on finding solutions for transportation, education, jobs and the conservation of our natural resources. Mike Boeck is someone who will listen, bring people together and work to find common ground and common sense solutions to our complex issues.
Dawn Brinker Sandpoint
Wilderness Does Not A ect Wildlife Management...
Dear Editor,
As a former wildlife biologist, I call BS on a recent “My Turn” column written by Tony McDermott. Either he is incredibly misinformed, or he meant to mislead others with his absurd statements. The entire article is filled with accusations based on half-truths and outright falsehoods. In particular, I find it difficult to understand how a former IDFG Commissioner does not know the IDFG mission statement, which reads: “All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and fish, within the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be the property of the state of Idaho.”
What that means is that land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service only manage the habitat, NOT the wildlife. Wildlife belongs to the state, whether it is in downtown Boise or at the summit of Scotchman Peak. That does not change with wilderness designation.
If a wildlife species is found to be
threatened, or is in imminent danger of extinction, any management action that might affect those animals requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That is called the Endangered Species Act, which has absolutely nothing to do with wilderness designation.
By the way, the Foundation 4 Wildlife Management membership cited by Mr. McDermott is made up of local wolf trappers. They should be happy to know that trapping is allowed in U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas. In addition, on May 5, 2011, wolves in Idaho were removed from the list of endangered species, and management reverted to the state.
Bonnie Jakubos Sagle
No Personal Playground...
Dear Editor, Jim Peterson wrote a disappointing letter in support of the proposed Scotchman wilderness. He wrote that he supports the wilderness because it “poses no threat to our timber-based economy, motorized recreation or mountain biking and no existing roads will be close.” Even though he describes his website, Evergreen, as having the goal of “fact-based information about forestry and forest management”, Jim left out any “fact-based information” to back up his claims.
Regarding timber, the heavily timbered southern flank of Scotchman was inventoried in the 1970s by the Forest Service with the last timber sales in that area located at the base of the mountain. The slopes were excluded, not because of a lack of commercial timber, but because of the Roadless Area boundary. The commercial timber in the Scotchman area might be important in the future, but a bigger issue now is the unmanaged forest, increasing fire risk and degrading big game habitat, which,
curiously, Jim writes extensively about as a gigantic problem all over the West. Jim’s claim that there is no threat to motorized recreation or bicycles is a smoke-and-mirror word game played often by the wilderness supporters. Those uses were stopped by a Forest Service closure order in April 2015 that was issued with the implementation of a wilderness-like management plan for the area. Prior to that order, snowmobiles were legally accessing East Fork (inside the proposal), snowbikes were recreating on Scotchman Peak and bicycle-wheeled game carriers were being used in three drainages in the Scotchman area. The problem is, the Wilderness Act of 1964 states that only Congress can create wilderness. The Forest Service has no policy or directive from Congress that tells them to create wilderness on their own. Perhaps that is why there are no readily available maps, notices or signs that explain these restrictions. There were no local hearings to explain the plan. The Forest Service only takes it upon themselves to manage recommended wilderness as though it was designated wilderness in Montana and northern Idaho – it’s not national policy. The claims that Jim and others make would be true if the current restrictions were legal. One thing is certain, a wilderness designation would make those restrictions legal and permanent.
Bonner County can kill this lockup of public lands on May 15 by voting no on the Scotchman Peaks wilderness. Let’s kill this thing, and then we will work to restore access in Scotchman and the surrounding area for all the public, not just for a handful of environmental extremists and wilderness ideologues who want a personal playground on our public land.
Stan Myers Hope
By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
Rain was quietly pattering the tin roof of my dry cabin as I stuffed my backpack with two weeks worth of dirty clothes. I wrapped myself in my waterproof coat, absentmindedly slipping a paperback book and my cell phone into my pocket as I headed out the door. The phone read “no service” just as it always did when I was on my property. Letting the latch click behind me, I began my mile and a half long trek into town to take care of some long overdue errands.
It was the summer of 2014, and I was living in Skagway, Alaska.
I was working as a tour guide for Jewell Gardens Organic Garden and Glassblowing Studio and lived with a small community of guides, gardeners and glassblowers in a thousand-person town tucked in a valley surrounded by ocean and mountains.
My daily commute consisted of a two-mile walk or bike (as I was car-less) to the cruise ship littered docks, from which I herded aimless and awe-stricken tourists into a big bus, Jewell Gardens bound. My possessions fit into the 70L backpack I’d eagerly strapped on months prior, and my connectivity to the outside world was achieved by accessing the free wi-fi available at the town’s public library.
It was the most simply I had ever lived, and it was beautiful.
As I sit in a pile of chords, powering my phone with my laptop, my laptop with the coffee shop outlet, and a row of people next to me all doing the same, I can’t help but question how I got here, and the inevitable implications of being so incredibly plugged in.
Emily Erickson.
In 2005 sociologist Richard Louv introduced the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder, or the idea that there is an increasing phenomenon where people, especially children, are spending less time outdoors connecting with nature. And as a result of alienation with the natural world, are a plethora of emotional and behavioral problems on the rise.
In his book, “Last Child in the Woods,” Louv argues that this reduced connection with the outdoors is a byproduct of “parental fears, restricted access to natural places, and the lure of electronic devices.”
His research consisted of spending ten years traveling the United States compiling data from both urban and rural families, finding consistency in parents feeling fearful of letting their kids engage in unsupervised, and imagination-based outside play. Instead, parents were more inclined to enroll their children in the safety of structured, and often indoors, after school programs.
Additionally, especially in urban areas, he observed reduced access to available natural places, with commuting to an unrestricted wild area too difficult for many families to incorporate into their regular routines.
Finally, he concluded that the attraction of spending time indoors is higher than ever, as people grow more dependent on electronics for their daily lives and entertainment.
And as people become more disengaged with the natural world, their dependency on a fast-paced life and constant stimulation becomes more prevalent.
When presented with moments of downtime, like in the Joel’s line at lunch, we stare at our phones, consuming rapidly flashing images of news headlines and dog pictures on Instagram, instead of engaging in simple mind wandering or quiet conversation.
When we have 30 minutes to kill, we watch an episode of “The Office,” instead of wandering through the woods.
We do this, despite the bounty of evidence that being outside, especially as it relates to physical activity, is associated with increased mental and physical health, and decreased anxiety and sadness.
As I reflect on the simplicity of my Alaskan summers, the nostalgia I feel is every bit as much about being unplugged and the experiences that afforded, as it is about the amazing scenery and the job I could hardly consider work.
Fortunately, here in North Idaho, we live in one of the most beautiful and natural areas in the world. We have access to more State and National Park and Forest than nearly anyone else, and exist in the safety and comfort of
a small town. Because of this, we have every reason to practice simplifying our lives and to start swapping our screen time for trail and lake time. We can find places of quiet and spend them in thought. We can strike up a conversation with the person on the barstool next to us. We can engage in the world
we live in.
And certainly, if a Millennial can do it, so can you. See you out there!
Emily Erickson is a freelance writer and bartender originally from Wisconsin, with a degree in Sociology and an affinity for playing in the mountains.
By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff
Editor’s Note: Patricia Wentworth is running as a Democrat for Bonner County Commissioner, District 1.
Sandpoint Reader: Tell me about your history in North Idaho.
Patricia Wentworth: I moved from Everett, Wash. to Sagle in 2006 and haven’t looked back. I became actively involved with our community when I joined the Sandpoint Transition Initiative in 2007. That led to the opening of the Sandpoint Community Garden for which I’ve been the coordinator since it’s inception. Four years ago I began volunteering in the memory care unit at Luther Park. I became known as “The Bingo Lady” and developed a reputation among the staff and residents for my rather unconventional way of calling the
game and my strong belief that humor is the strongest medicine there is, if only for the moment.
SR: What inspired you to run for a county commissioner seat?
PW: I was asked by Judy Meyers, a woman I met when I emceed the 2016 Democratic Caucus. She called and asked if I would consider putting my name on the ballot for County Commissioner District 1. I was surprised and hesitant, as I am really a behind-the-scenes supporter. The reason I said yes is there was no other candidate at the time and so I volunteered.
SR: What are the top three issues in Bonner County you plan to tackle if elected?
PW: I don’t plan to “tackle” any issue. I’m about listening and collaboration. People pretty much agree on basic human needs: living wages, healthcare
for all, freedom of speech. I’d like to see more unity of ideas on how to accomplish those needs. I’m not a strict party politics person. Without differing ideas there’s no growth.
SR: There are some issues dominating the news in the county lately, like Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, the Newport smelter, the second rail bridge — where do you stand on these issues?
PW: I haven’t researched all of the pros and cons of these issues, but have found that the “for” or “against” are pretty much based on political party lines.
SR: What else should voters know about you?
PW: I’m a real fun enthusiast. If I can’t find enjoyment in the things I do, I pretty much don’t participate.
AGE: 66
BIRTHPLACE AND RESIDENCE: Born in Pitt eld, Mass. Now residing in Sagle GOVERNMENT SERVICE: Voter
PROFESSION: Retired from 35 years of corporate management
EDUCATION: Purdue University, two years on campus, 1.5 years extension, half year University of Massachusetts, Amhert (major: creative writing)
FAMILY: Three sisters and a brother
FUN FACT: I am an identical twin except in politics and religion, and we love each other anyway.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Starting January 25, the Reader has published weekly profiles of candidates running in the 2018 primary election.
If voters have missed any of these profiles, they may access them via our Special Reports section on www.SandpointReader.com.
Here’s a short list of who we’ve interviewed for this profile series, as well as who didn’t follow through with our efforts for an interview.
The primary election day is May 15. To hear from the candidates themselves, attend the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Reader, SandpointOnline and KRFY 88.5 FM on May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint High School auditorium. All contested candidates have confirmed they will attend.
(Candidate’s name, party affiliation and which issue their profile was published)
Gubernatorial Race:
Tommy Ahlquist (R) - Jan. 25
A.J. Balukoff (D) - Feb. 1
Brad Little - (R) Feb. 8
Paulette Jordan (D) - Feb. 15
Raul Labrador - DID NOT RESPOND TO INTERVIEW REQUESTS
U.S. Congressional Rep. Race, District 1
Russ Fulcher (R) - Feb. 22
Luke Malek (R) - Mar. 1
Candidate overview - Mar. 8
State Senate race, district 1:
Jim Woodward (R) - Mar. 15
Danielle Ahrens (R) - Mar. 22
Scott Herndon (R) - Mar. 22
State Representative race, district 1, seat a:
Mike Boeck (R) - Mar. 29
Heather Scott (R) - Mar. 29
Ellen Weissman (D) - Apr. 5
Bob Vickaryous (D) - Apr. 5
Bonner Co. Commissioner race, district 1:
Dan McDonald (R) - Apr. 12
Carol Kunzeman (R) - Apr. 12
Bonner Co. Commissioner race, district 3:
Bruce Hollett (R) - Apr. 19
Steven Bradshaw (R) - DID NOT CONSENT TO BEING INTERVIEWED
Patricia Wentworth (R) - Apr. 26
Glen Bailey (R) - Scheduled for May 3
Bonner Co. Assessor
Dennis Englehardt (R) - Scheduled for May 10
Donna Gow (R) - Scheduled for May 10
Richard Miller (R) - Scheduled for May 10
*Candidates in uncontested races were not proled in this primary series, but will be included in the general election series closer to November. -BO
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
Few things strike fear into the heart of man more than giant cats. A kitty is way less cute when it’s big enough to play with your intestines like a yarn ball.
Mountain lions are very unique animals that hold several records. They have the widest range of any mammal (excluding whales, dolphins and humans) in the western hemisphere, claiming stakes from the Yukon mountain range to the southernmost tip of South America. Understandably, with so much range, they’ve picked up a lot of different names: over 40 in English, which is more than any other animal in the world. You might know them as puma, cougar or panther.
While cougars are massive by cat standards, they’re about half the size of an African lion. Male mountain lions get up to about 220 pounds, stand up to three feet at
the shoulder while stretching up to eight feet long. Similar to their domestic cousins, the housecat, mountain lions have retractable claws. This keeps their primary tools sharp for when they need them. This is a pretty good trick for identifying a cougar print. If it has claws marks, it’s not a cat, though coyotes have similar tracks.
A cougar’s primary diet consists of wild ungulates (think: deer, elk, rarely moose), but they’ll feed on anything they can get their claws on including raccoons, mice, even porcupines and the occasional human.
Being mountainous hunters, the puma also excels at climbing. A fully grown cougar can outperform coyotes and wolves by leaping up a rocky crag with the efficiency of your own cat climbing a carpet tower. They can also swim. If these things had wings, no one would be safe.
Mountain lions can’t roar. Heck, I didn’t know that until I started researching them. This is the reason they’re not considered a “big cat” like African lions, tigers or jaguars. Cougars are actually pretty quiet, though they can emulate a human or an animal screaming, which is terrifying if you’re alone in the woods at night and you hear that nearby. Perhaps one of the most impressive feats of the mountain lion is its ability to travel. The top speed of a mountain lion can reach 50 mph. That’s right, the sheriff would pull over a mountain lion blitzing through Sagle. They can also clear as much as 40 feet horizontally in a single jump. That means to evade the sheriff, the cat could jump over two Ford F150 trucks in a single bound.
Like most cats (African lions being an exception), they’re not particularly social animals. They generally live alone, marking swaths of territories by doing things you only see people do on the darkest corners of the internet, like piling up leaves and other absorbent material and urinating on (marking) it. Mothers will make a nest site for cubs, having anywhere between one and six cubs per litter. She’ll bring them food at first, but pretty quickly she’ll teach them to hunt. After a year or two, the cubs will leave their mother and go out to find their own territories. Sometimes the father or other males will kill the cubs so he can reproduce with the female.
That must have been the Rob Schneider rom com that never got a greenlight. Cougarman!
Mountain lions are proficient assassins. Despite their impressive physical characteristics, they prefer to expend as little energy as possible in killing and eating prey. They stalk their prey through low brush, timber and ridges and attack with a leap from behind, using a mix of their teeth and downward momentum to break the prey’s neck. They don’t eat the prey at the kill site and instead prefer to drag it to a familiar spot, bury it and then eat it over a period of a few days. Though they prefer to eat their own kills, they have been observed scavenging remains from time to time.
If you’re worried about getting attacked by a mountain lion, don’t be. There have only been about 14 fatal cougar attacks on humans since
the 1970s. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a rare statistic, though. Don’t hike alone, especially at dawn, dusk or night. Keep your kids close, within an arm’s reach. If you do run into one, which is extremely rare (they’re stealth predators, after all), make yourself as big as you can, make lots of noise and try to scare it off. If it thinks you’re a really big animal, it’s likely going to get scared and split.
If you do come under attack (which is even rarer than seeing a mountain lion to begin with), do whatever you can to protect your neck. This is their primary
kill mechanism and they want to achieve it with as little energy spent as possible. Fight back. It doesn’t want to get hurt either, so it’s more likely to break off a kill if it risks being injured. Whatever you do, do NOT run. Running makes something click in predator brains to give chase, and let’s be honest, you can’t run 50 mph or jump 40 feet to safety. You stand a much better chance trying to scare it off, mano a gato.
It also helps deter them if you don’t feed the deer or raccoons. If a taco truck was just sitting around giving away delicious tacos, wouldn’t you stalk it, too?
Don’t know much about mountains? We can help!
•There’s a mountain in Australia called Mt. Disappointment. It was named such because the explorers who first reached its summit found the view to be sub-par and wanted to reflect their feelings in the name they chose for the mountain.
•Olympus Mons on Mars, the tallest known mountain in the solar system, is so large at its base that an observer on its peak wouldn’t know he was standing on a mountain because its slope would be obscured by the curvature of the planet itself.
•Colorado’s two tallest mountains are so close to each other in height that fans of each mountain would repeatedly pile up rocks to try and make their preferred mountain taller.
•The Amazon River once flowed into the Pacific Ocean but was dammed up by the newly formed Andes Mountains. The Amazon’s basin then became a giant lake until it eroded away sandstone to the west, letting the lake drained into the Atlantic and forming the modern river.
•The Scottish Highlands and Appalachian Mountains in the eastern U.S. are a part of the same mountain chain.
•There is an inscription at the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository meant to last 10,000 years, warning future civilizations of the danger lurking below the mountain.
•The Teton mountains were named by French trappers who thought they resembled breasts (teton is French slang for breast) so Grand Teton National Park translates to “Big Tits National Park.”
•The rainforest-blanketed mountain of Mabu in Mozambique was first discovered by scientists looking at Google Earth.
•Mount Kosciuszko was thought to be the highest mountain in Australia until Mount Townsend was found to be slightly taller. Rather than re-educating the public that Townsend was the new highest mountain, the New South Wales Lands Department simply switched their names.
Yes or no on the advisory vote?
By Tony McDermott Reader Contributor
There is no doubt that the FSP, ICL, IFG, former BC commission chairman Cary Kelly, and the USFS are all engaged in a public relations campaign to influence the May 15 vote. Kelly’s letter, bulk mailed, to all voters, followed by IFG’s Boeh’s Bee article, along with FSP bulk mailed 5x8 post card and hired lobbyists contacts with area voters support this campaign. This same well-funded group traveled Washington, D. C., in 2015 to convince Sen. Risch that wilderness had majority support.
Thankfully our senator pushed the pause button and is currently awaiting the outcome of the upcoming May initiative.
I am now convinced that these players got together in a smoke-filled room and came to agreement. Boeh’s emotional plea to county voters is evidence that the deal was concocted without public involvement or transparency. This under-the-table deal between FSP, ICL and IFG was not a legitimate collaborative process. Was the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) considered by senator Risch’s staff when meeting with these groups in Washington, D.C., in 2015?
The public deserves to know the details. Who got what in exchange for what? Why have so many foresters employed by Idaho Forest Group done a floppy chicken act and now support this wilderness proposal? Did the county pay for Kelly’s trip to D.C.? Who paid and how much did it cost to bulk mail Kelly’s letter along with Hough’s post card to county voters? If FSP has 6,000 supporters, why have they hired lobbying agencies to contact county voters? What federal regulation authorizes the USFS to treat S.P. as wilderness without Congressional designation?
These same players want it all or nothing and have stated so publicly. County voters, to include the folks in Clark Fork, would get behind a preservation designation “Scenic Trail” that would in fact preserve the trail system leading to the summit and everything above the timberline. This proposal flies in the face of the backroom deal and is not considered an option.
These outspoken supporters all sing the same song contending that some of our most treasured land will be preserved, accessible and protected. It already is, and
it’s called a roadless area.
Kelly’s letter is downright laughable. He and his ilk are dead wrong stating the “USFS will continue to manage for fire, insects and disease and the Department of Fish and Game will continue to manage fish and wildlife.”
A wilderness designation for Scotchman will in fact eliminate timber management, wildlife habitat/species management, wheeled vehicles, fire management, the use of chainsaws and power tools, snowmobiling and helicopter landings for anything except public rescue efforts. The only fire management allowed in wilderness is the keep the fire from exiting wilderness boundary.
Idaho Fish and Game does not manage wildlife in wilderness. Why? One example, of many, is Federal Judge Winmill’s order for IDFG to destroy all the elk study data collected through radio collaring of 55 elk and four wolves in the Frank Church as an extreme violation of the wilderness act.
Additional opposition includes the following:
(1)The Idaho Legislature. HJM 14 passed this session with a super majority. All North Idaho legislators both in the house and senate voted in favor.
(2)Five North Idaho Fish and Game commissioners from 1972 to 2018 opposed. The current IDFG director and staff are opposed.
(3)Clark Fork’s mayor and City Council opposed.
(4)County commission is split and reportedly will oppose if the May 15 vote goes against.
(5)Foundation 4 Wildlife Management’s board of nine directors opposed. A poll of its membership conducted with 98 percent of the respondents opposed.
This is a critically important local issue, with national implications, involving severe restrictions on public land use. For me the issue is clear. Continued management for multi-use is the best management option for the Scotchmen. On May 15, I intend to vote “against.”
I encourage all Bonner County sportsmen and other voters to do the same.
Tony McDermott is the former chairman of the Idaho Forest Group.
By Phil Hough Reader Contributor
Bonner County voters will be asked if they favor the Scotchman Peaks on the May 15 primary ballot. Although a non-binding, advisory vote, our County Commissioners and Sen. Jim Risch have said they will honor the outcome. This vote matters; your vote matters!
The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness believe that our public lands can be managed for all multiple uses. This includes wilderness as well as timber, mining, grazing, wildlife habitat, motorized and quiet recreation. In the 2.5 million acres of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, there is room enough for all these uses. There are places that are most appropriate for each use. For the Scotchman Peaks proposed wilderness area, which makes up 0.5 percent of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, the rugged, wild landscape isn’t well suited for many of these uses. When looking at which part of Bonner County is best suited for Wilderness, the Scotchman Peaks area is the clear candidate.
For the last 10 years, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have been an active part of the Panhandle Forest Collaborative. Members of the collaborative have moved past old conflicts. We have found that we can do more good for Idaho’s public lands, wildlife and rural economies when we put aside our differences and work together. In the Panhandle, diverse stakeholders have come together to look at the big picture of how we can manage our forests responsibly, so that all of these multiple uses can be accommodated. Finding ways to improve and agree on timber projects that are good for our forests and our economy, and to support protecting special places like the Scotchman Peaks are part of responsi-
ble management.
This balanced and common sense approach is what our communities want and need. Many businesses, civic groups and community leaders agree. This is why the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Forest Group and many current and former county commissioners support Wilderness for the Scotchman Peaks.
In the Scotchman Peaks, you can find quiet places beyond the fast-paced world we live in today.
Lined with old-growth cedar and hemlock trees, clear, clean water flows through the Scotchmans’ deep and steep canyons into Lake Pend Oreille. Forested slopes and ridges are home to abundant wildlife including grizzly bears, lynx, wolverine and mountain goats.
Groups like the Idaho Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Idaho Wildlife Federation and Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited support designation, because protecting fish and wildlife habitats as wilderness ensures that sportsmen will have access to high-quality hunting and angling.
Bonner County continues to grow and change at a rapid pace and we don’t know what the future will bring. We need to set aside certain places while they are still wild and undeveloped, so we can preserve what makes Bonner County so special. Wilderness designation will give Bonner County the certainty that the Scotchman Peak area will never change.
Please join us by voting “in favor” of Sen. Risch’s Scotchman Peaks Wilderness proposal this May.
Phil Hough is an avid outdoorsman and executive director of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.
Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day 11am-2pm @ Various locations
26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3
In honor of National Poetry Month, members of the Friends of the Library will be out in the community distributing poems. Many local businesses will join in by handing out poems to their customers. Read, smile, enjoy, and share some wonderful poetry!
Live Music w/ Marty Perron and Doug Bond
Trivia Takeover Live 5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Teams are encouraged but not required. Free! Bring your wicked smarts
6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar Live Music w/ The Beat Diggers
Live Music w/ BareGrass
5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Local Sandpoint Americana bluegrass
Live Music w/ Britchy 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Missoula’s original acoustic americana duo
Live Music w/ Oak St. Connection
6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bistro Wine Bar
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Classic rock and roll
Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA 9pm @ 219 Lounge
Indie rock trio with covers and OGs
Eclectic mix of lounge, jazz, folk, contemporary
Live Music w/ Browne Salmon Truck
5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
The coolest trio in town
Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Bridges Home
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Eichardt’s 24th birthday party
7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
The 5:30pm The travaganza plus by tertainment announcements
Come down and celebrate Eichardt’s 24th birthday party with live music by BareGrass and others Spring for Sandpoint
11am-3pm @ Downtown Sandpoint
Participating merchants team up with nonprofits a day to support our vibrant community. Enjoy cial sales, product demonstrations, food and age samplings, and kids’ activities
Americana, Celtic, Roots - and many originals
Live Music w/ Marshall McLean Band
9pm @ 219 Lounge
One of the Northwest’s favorite bands
Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am
ArtWorks’ Share the Love Reception 5-7:30pm @ ArtWorks Gallery
Support a budding young artist by attending lent auction and artists’ reception. Proceeds to fit “Emerging Artist Scholarship”
Live Music w/ Jimmy Smith and Pat McKay •
A two-man band that’s as full as a four-piece, featuring the acclaimed alt-country band The Gourds and bluesman
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Night-Out Karaoke
9pm @ 219 Lounge
Join DJ Pat for a night of singing, or just come to drink and listen
Wind Down Wednesday
5-8pm @ 219 Lounge
With live music by blues man Truck Mills
Bonner Mall Seniors Day
9am-12pm @ Bonner Mall
Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexican
An hour of conversation and stories. This Miraculous Interventions
Creating Democracy: Ending 6:30pm @ Panida Little Theater
All are welcome to come walk the Mall, plus there will be a featured speaker or entertainment, free refreshments, games and a drawing
A presentation by national speaker
Move to Amend. Sponsored by Bonner Co. Democrats and 350Sandpoint.org.
Hootenanny Open Mic Night
6:30-8:30pm @ City Beach Organics
If you have an instrument to play, a song to sing, a poem to read, or want to hear live music, join Fiddlin’ Red and Desiree for a Hootenanny open mic
The Third Annual Clothing Swap
5:30pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Swap, Sip, and Network with 7B Women. Clean out your closet and stock it with new finds! All proceeds benefit Priest River Ministries, Advocates for Women. Register at 7bwomen.com
Pend Oreille
5-8pm @ Idaho
Help support the with Hop Valley sic, raffle prizes
Idaho Gives nonprofit day fundraiser
5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Your chance to give to your favorite Idaho nonprofit. Complimentary appetizers
OGs
Winery
Dollar Beers!
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
April 26 - May 3, 2018
A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.
not rewicked Thursday night solo series w/ Justin Lantrip
6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
A soulful singer-songwriter from Sandpoint
Hall
The Wine Festival at Sandpoint
5:30pm @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds
The Festival at Sandpoint’s fundraising extravaganza features unlimited tastings of 150plus premier wines, a catered gourmet dinner by Dish, silent and live auctions, musical entertainment by Brown Salmon Truck, plus the announcements of this year’s poster artist
Eichardt’s 24th birthday and others
Sandpoint with nonprofits for community. Enjoy spefood and bever-
Reception
attending this siProceeds to bene-
Greasy Fingers Birthday Party
INBC Blood Drive
10am-2pm @ BGH
Bonner General Health is hosting an INBC Blood Drive. Go to INBCSaves.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome!
1-5pm @ Greasy Fingers Bikes n’ Repair
Help ring in the biking season, swing by shop for some BBQ, music, refreshments, raffles, discounts and some good ol’ times!
Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Aladdin
11:30am & 1pm @ Panida Theater
Take a magic carpet ride with Missoula Children’s Theatre’s adaptation of Aladdin For over 15 years, the Pend Oreille Arts Council has brought the Missoula Children’s Theatre to Sandpoint, giving local children the opportunity to rehearse and perform on stage
McKay • 9pm @ 219 Lounge
four-piece, featuring Jimmy Smith of Gourds and bluesman Pat McKay.
Jalepeño’s Mexican Restaurant stories. This week’s topic:
Democracy: Ending Corporate Personhood
Little Theater national speaker Greg Coleridge from Sponsored by Sandpoint Indivisible, Democrats and 350Sandpoint.org.
Pend Oreille Pedalers fundraiser
5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Yoga on Tap
Reader recommended
Yappy Hour
4-7pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery
Grab your furry friend and head over to Laughing Dog for the Panhandle Animal Shelter’s famous Yappy Hour. Live music, beverages, and tons of fun
Azalea’s anniversary party
10am-5:30pm @ Azalea Handpicked Style
Stop by Azalea Handpicked Style on First Ave. to celebrate three years and check out the new store expansion!
11am @ Laughing Dog Brewery
One hour class that ends with the group having a beer together. $12 includes your first beer
“The Effects of Climate Change on Native & Introduced Plants” by KNPS
9:45-11:30am @ Sandpoint Community Hall
A presentation by Bertie Weddell, a specialist in natural resource conservation and faculty member of Washington State University Dept. of Horticulture. Free!
Hip Mobility Workshop
9-11:30am @ MVMNT: Gym
Learn a revolution joint mobility training system to improve joint function. $99. (208) 263-9999
Sandpoint Waldorf School Concert
6pm @ The Panida Theater
Featuring the school’s student performances. Free admission. www.SandpointWaldorf.org
Selkirk Realtors Candidates Forum
5:30-7:30pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall
A forum for State legislative and Bonner County candidates. Free and open to the public, sponsored by the Selkirk Realtors
KNPS fundraiser
11am-9pm @ The Back Door
support the Pend Oreille Pedalers bicycle group Hop Valley Brewing Co. beer on tap. Live muraffle prizes and complimentary appetizers
fundraiser
favorite Idaappetizers
Dollar Beers!
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
A fundraiser with a percentage of proceeds benefitting Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society
Mastermind - Genius evening
5:30pm @ The Back Door (111 Cedar St. lower level)
This is for Sandpoint business owners who believe that there is more than enough for everyone, that everyone gets to be prosperous
May 5
Sandpoint Farmers’ Market @ Farmin Park
May 5
Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser @ Trinity at City Beach
May 5
Reader Appreciation Show @ Di Luna’s
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
If you’d like to check on the progress of volunteer Sandpoint firefighter Gwen Le Tutour’s world record attempt to run 100 miles in full gear to raise awareness for cancer prevention, the event will be livestreamed on Facebook by SandpointOnline.
Le Tutour is attempting to set a world record by running the three miles between the Sandpoint and Dover fire stations until he completes 100 miles. Le Tutour will make the attempt Saturday, April 28, and SandpointOnline will livecast the start and finish, as well as make several check-ins during the run. To access the livecasts, go to www.facebook.com/sandpointonline.com.
Le Tutour and partner Katie Adams founded the nonprofit Plant Positive to help promote healthy eating habits. They are both ultramarathon runners. Ultramarathons are running events with extremely long distances of 50 or 100 miles or more.
“If I have to walk the last 60 miles, I’ll walk,” said Le Tutour. “If I have to crawl the last 20 miles, I’ll crawl. I have to be humble and know that it’s a very difficult thing, and unexpected things do happen. I will give it my everything.”
To show your support for Le Tutour’s attempt, watch him run on the Dover Bike Path between Sandpoint and Dover on April 28.People are also invited to run with him, especially for that all-important last mile.
We’re with you, Gwen!
edited by Jim mitsui
in my obituary please don't mention that i collected owls
Instead, say how I would often wash a glass someone was still using didn’t really like sports but had a soft spot for the Baltimore Orioles
could be quite a snob got an adrenaline rush from shopping was almost ruined by my early musical education had an extreme distaste for exercise of most any kind was horrible at jigsaw puzzles was good at crosswords never felt bad about my decision to remain childless held a fascination for mass murderers loved to set the table would love to throw my arms around any dog I saw was an inspired teacher at times but surely was no disciplinarian
could make a delicious salad dressing dealt with depression on and off since adolescence liked to wrap presents always found something to bring home from a beach or forest walk
didn’t like camping and would have made a poor pioneer woman, probably dying before reaching Ohio
-Amy Craven
Amy is a transplant from the East Coast but her roots are firmly embedded in North Idaho. A dog lover, singer & retired voice teacher, she loves foreign travel and observing the people around her. Obituaries are usually solemn, seldom humorous, but this poem shows us what it means to be human and full of life.
Moments on the ridge
Flash
Amid the flickering lights of a stroboscopic tree run.
Time crashes against
The mountain’s brow.
The trail is lost.
Aspens await
Like playground bullies to push
Us around.
In this
Black hole
Of steep
We dare to trace pencil lines
Between aspens, Between pines
Where we find
The unsought wisdom
Of choice.
Sunlight lies
like a shattered mirror
Across the slope.
I plead my case, With ski tips
Poised,
To a jury of Tree and rock.
In this restless sea of skiers’ tracks that rage against the trees
Lies
A tangled opportunity, A crowd of circumstance.
Once in Shadows
All possibilities occur at once. It’s a quantum rodeo, A whip crack Of gravity.
-Guy Lothian
Here’s another ski poem to end the season. Guy moved from Illinois to Dover. He earned a degree in English (Creative Writing) from Southern Illinois University; then went back to school for an MBA in finance from DePaul because “poetry wasn’t exactly feeding the bulldog.” His interests besides skiing and working on a novel, include fly fishing, sports car racing, indie rock and craft beer.
By Jeannine Tidwell Reader Contributor
There are universal hopes and aspirations for parents in their children learning and growing with health and happiness. We wish for them to love themselves, enjoy the lives they live and feel connected with their world.
With summer coming soon, there are summer camps offered that can greatly benefit children of all ages and is an answer to these hopes and aspirations. It’s a great way to ease kids into the summer or break boredom at the mid-way point giving them something refreshing to experience. Here are some of the other benefits gained from the timeless experience of a summer camp:
The power of meeting and making new friends can’t be underestimated. This is a chance for kids to nurture social skills through discovering new things about themselves alongside meeting new people
and getting some distance and perspective from their everyday life, habits and routines whether it be at home or at school, no matter what kind of schooling it is. Novelty, fun and adventures are framed in the timeless season of summer and is a stimulating invitation for gaining social skills with other kids of all ages. Belonging is one of the major building blocks of building self-esteem.
In summer camp settings kids learn to straddle cooperation and self-expression while being in a group setting. All this through stretching oneself and gaining confidence in a new environment with other people who are doing the same. What all this really translates to is a bigger personal self-worth and the knowing that they are a part of something bigger than themselves yet they’re a valuable part of the whole. Group settings offer kids the chance of gaining self-confidence; a vital part of the learning journey which keeps our brain cells active and gives us a greater
sense of connection with ourselves and our world.
Nature
Connection
As a culture, we’re disconnected from nature. It’s all too easy for kids to be doing something else that takes them out of the beauty and discovery of nature at the height of a season that is ready and available for exploration. The natural world is the essential setting for self-discovery, encounters with awe-inspiring places and a shared experience with others.
Learning
We inherently grow as human beings. That’s just part of our natural blueprint. As part of this process, learning new and diverse skills encourages personal growth and gives kids a chance to make connections in new ways and between different skill areas.
It’s a way of developing their own knowledge base and breathes life into the way they do things day to day. Learning new skills can often reignite existing passions in new ways. New skills take us out of the familiar, stimulating our brain cells and overall improves our sense of well-being. Summer camps are a unique way of making summer memorable. By supporting your child you really are influencing this young human being’s life in such a positive way. It’s an opportunity to care for them by gifting them with a chance to experience themselves and others in ways that will serve them for a lifetime.
Cocolalla Bible Camp
Ages 9-18 and Family • July-Aug
Swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, water sports, team sports, fishing, etc.
(208)263-3912
www.clbcamp.org
The robust summer program includes weeks of activities for campers ages 7-8 (July 29-Aug. 2), ages 9-10 (July 22-26) and ages 11-12 (July 15-19).
Over the course of their week-long adventure, campers have access to varied activities, including canoeing, swimming, paddle boats, volleyball, horseback riding, Frisbee golf and team sports like baseball and basketball. Along with the traditional summer camp experiences comes a focus on scriptural education, with regular chapel sessions and Bible studies rounding out daily activities.
Schweitzer Adventure Camp
Ages 6-11 • June 25 - Aug. 24
Hiking, crafts, swimming, village activities. (208)263-9555 ext. 2152 www.schweitzer.com
Schweitzer Adventure Camp takes full advantage of those attractions to offer kids ages 6-11 a one-of-a-kind camp experience. Camper will enjoy chairlift rides, hiking, the mining sluice box, the monkey jumper,
climbing wall and swimming, with plenty of games and structured activities adding to the fun.
Beginning in late June, this camp features week-long activities while still getting kids home in time for supper each night. Parents drop their children off at the Red Barn and pick them up at the same spot in the evening. Registration begins online May 1.
Twin Eagles Summer Camps (5 different camps over 5 weeks) Day camps: June 11 - July 13 Ages 6-13
Overnight camps: Late July-Aug. Ages 10-18 Day and residential.
(208)265-3685 • www.twineagles.org
In a technology-saturated world, there’s something refreshing about Twin Eagles Summer Camp’s commitment to getting kids back in the natural world.
At its summer camps for campers age 6-18, Twin Eagles gets participants into nature for fun, skill-building activities like making fire by friction, learning about edible plants, archery, tracking wild animals and building shelters in nature. Teens get an even more immersive outdoor experience.
MakerPoint Tinkering Camp
Ages 10-18 • June 11-15 and June 18-22
One-week program dedicated to tinkering and learning about teamwork and hand tools
(208)265-4236
www.makerpointstudios.com.
Tinkering Camp is an innovative program where kids learn that they are “more capable than they know.”
This week-long camp has two sessions, the first from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11-15. The second will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18-22. The days will be structured into planning sessions, lunch, classes and tinkering under the careful watch of highly trained instructors and teaching assistants.
Monday, campers will get a tour of the shop, safety instructions and a creative session for kids to decide on projects.
Tuesday through Thursday will be building/making/learning time, with instructors teaching campers how to use the other tools in their shop like the laser cutter-engraver and 3D printers. The last day of camp, finishing touches will be added to their projects.
This camp is perfect for the techie kid who wants to explore how to tinker with proficiency. Price is $250 per session, which includes a camp tee-shirt, hat, all
building materials, use of tools, instruction, classes and guidance. Scholarships available through MakerPoint’s partnership with TING. Email contact@makerpoint.com to apply for a scholarship.
Watershed Discovery Camp
Ages 8-12 • Third week of July
Hands-on activities centered around understanding the science of the lake. (208)265-4000 www.eureka-institute.org
A collaboration between Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeepers and the Eureka Institute, Watershed Discovery Camp combines lakeside fun with the science of its ecology and local stewardship.
Campers spend their time learning about water quality monitoring, shoreline cleanup, invasive species prevention and a wetland ecology field trip. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the water, too, with kayaking, water-themed arts and crafts and the Eureka Center’s challenge ropes course being just a few of the options.
Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education (SOLE)
Ages 4-10; teen and up
Experiential treks in the outdoors with emphasis on Leave No Trace and thera-
< see CAMP, next page >
peutic value of the outdoors. (928)351-SOLE (7653) info@soleexperiences.org
June, July, August - More specific information available on the website
A well-known local nonprofit for its use of nature in character building, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education camps aim to make participants better people through immersion in nature. Combining exercises like wilderness navigation with deeper lessons on leadership and personal achievement skills, SOLE offers experiences for both boys and girls throughout Idaho and Montana locations. Participants learn to be good stewards of the environment, too, with all SOLE activities emphasizing a leave-no-trace policy.
Music Conservatory of Sandpoint Camps: for info: (208) 265-4444 www.sandpointconservatory.org
Looking for an out-of-this-world experience for your children this summer? Look no further. Music Conservatory of Sandpoint has announced their summer camp schedule and this year it has a Star Wars based theme that all kids will love: Galactic Journey.
Theater Camp Grades 4 and up
July 9-20
This camp will teach kids to stand on stage and perform for an audience while having fun and collaborating with other kids who share their passion and creativity.
Piano Camp Grades 4 and up
July 16-20
Teacher Recommendation Required (May 1 Registration Deadline)
Instructors: Melody Puller & John Fitzgerald
If your child would like to learn to play a duet, or participate as part of a piano ensemble this camp is for them.
Choir and Voice Camp
Grades 4 and up
July 16-20
Singers will make new musical friends, while improving their singing skills.
Orchestra Camp (full and half day)
July 16-20
Your child will want to join us for the 6th annual MCS Summer Youth Orchestra Camp. This year features the return of guest conductor (our executive director, Karin Wedemeyer calls him “the return of the Jedi”) Dr. Philip Baldwin, Director of the Spokane Youth Symphony.
SWAC’s Summer Adventure Camp
Ages 10-12
June 29-Aug. 11
Swimming, sports, arts and socialization 263-6633 www.sandpointwest.com
In its 19th year, SWAC’s Summer Adventure Camp has become something of a staple for the Sandpoint community. The camp offers a safe, fun place for kids to take part in activities like swimming, team sports, arts and crafts and other important socialization activities.
Annual Hospice Kids Grief Camp
June 22-24
A special camp engineered for children who have suffered a personal loss (208)265-1185 ask for Lissa
This 18th annual camp provides a unique opportunity for children who have suffered a personal loss to spend some camp time in a safe and casual environment among others who may be experiencing a similar situation. It’s an opportunity to heal while participating in camp events and activities. One on one counseling and other grief services will be available.
Camp dates are Friday, June 17, and Sunday, June 19.
Sandpoint Waldorf School camps:
Summer Day Camp
Ages 4-7 years
June 18 - August 24
A summer camp focused on giving your child more quality time outdoors (208)265-2683 www.sandpointwaldorf.org
With a focus on engaging children socially in the natural world with activities such as nature walks, water play, cooking, gardening, crafts, language arts, music, stories and more, your child will enjoy summer days of imaginative play.
Curtain Call Camp
Ages 7-14 • July 9-20
A summer camp dedicated to theater (208)265-2683 www.sandpointwaldorf.org
Join Dramatist Carolina Sá and Music Instructors from Bella Noté for a Music Theater Camp. Students will create their own play and music, including costumes and sets.
Farmer Boy:
A Little House Summer Adventure
Ages 7-12 • July 23-August 3
A themed summer camp that takes you back to the days of 1866. (208)265-2683 www.sandpointwaldorf.org
Enjoy living like Almanzo Wilder in the wilds of Minnesota. Camp days will be spent working in the garden, churning butter, making cheese, visiting farms, and creating homespun crafts.
Back in the Day on Lake Pend Oreille Ages 7-14 • July 23-August 3
Camp with focus on lake history (208)265-2683
www.sandpointwaldorf.org
Historian and crafter, Shaun Dellar, captivates students with stories and tales about the history of our beautiful lake.
Applications for all Sandpoint Waldorf School camps are available in the school office and are due by June 1. A minimum of eight students is needed in each camp. Please call the school if you have any questions about the program: (208) 265-2683.
Festival at Sandpoint Music Camp
Ages 8-18 years (all abilities welcome) July 9-12
(208)263-1151 www.festivalatsandpoint.com/summeryouth-music-camp
The Festival at Sandpoint announces its first ever Summer Youth Music Camp at Sandpoint High School. Participants’
tuition is generously underwritten by the Festival at Sandpoint’s educational mission, so the only cost to the students is a $25 registration fee.
Camp director Dr. Jason Moody, a Sandpoint native who is currently first violin with the Spokane Symphony, will lead four fun-filled days of music instruction with classes including symphony orchestra, choir, chamber music, jazz band, classical guitar, ukulele, piano, fiddle ensemble, flute ensemble, master classes and more.
The camp features an all-star list of artists and instructors including Mika Hood, Tom Walton, Leon Atkinson, Jon and Bruce Brownell, Dave Gunter, Ryan Dignan, Rachel Gordon, Rich Beber, Larry Mooney, Anita Perkins, Karen Dignan and Laurie Stevens.
The camp will kick off with an All-Star Concert Monday, July 9, at the Panida Theater and culminate with a Grand Finale Student Concert on Thursday, July 12. In addition to four days of instruction in a myriad of disciplines, other activities will include Alexander Technique classes at City Beach. Registration is now open on a first come, first served basis - space is limited. For more infomation, call Camp Administrator Beth Weber at (208) 263-1151.
‘Wake the Squatch’ opener for Purcell Trench Ranch
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
While most of us cringe when mud season begins every spring, the Mountain Mafia crew at Purcell Trench Ranch north of Bonners Ferry couldn’t be happier.
The spring opener “Wake the Squatch” at the four-wheel park is set for April 27-29. All trucks and side-bysides are welcome to ride the 90 acres of terrain featuring everything from beginner to expert hills, trails, rocks, a massive three-acre mud play arena, a hill n’ hole jump track and more.
There is open wheeling available, as well as a Mountain Havoc qualifier.
Admission is just $30, or $10 for ages 6-12 (under 5 free), which includes free camping. Day rates are also available. Don’t want to drive or participate? Spectators are always welcome.
Purcell Trench Ranch features NMRA racing, a slick wall, night
There will be a bonfire each night.
“We’re constantly growing with family values in mind,” said Miltz. “This is a professionally-run venue, with tons of activities, so it’s a great time to bring the family up.”
For more information, call the Mountain Mafia crew at (208) 2559861, or check them out at www.mountain-mafia.com.
Mud on!
List your property with us and get results that benefit you!
By Jodi Rawson Reader Contributor
In the 27 months since Infini’s opening, there were 27 First Friday art exhibitions, serving 153 bottles of wine. There were 70 artists from the region that displayed their work at Infini and 47 groups that gathered to paint at Infini, taught by 11 artist teachers.
Infini is the reason that I was able to share my art. Some of my quieter pieces have been viewed in POAC’s Art Walk, but it wasn’t my finest work.
I met Kris Dill, Infini’s owner, at “The Conversation” at Ivano’s a couple years ago and I asked him if he would be willing to show a masterpiece that no one else would consider showing.
“At Infini we can do anything,” Dill said with a sly smile, and he was true to his word.
An artist since childhood, Dill’s path has not always been on the inside of the art world. As a young adult he worked at an art store in Arizona and picked up some custom painting and printing gigs.
“Even then the competition of all the kids with degrees was intimidating,” said Dill.
“When my son was born I needed to be the sole breadwinner,” he said. He developed the lucrative skill of plumbing and worked all over the region for over 16 years.
In 2015 Dill was working too much and felt “suffocated” by his schedule. He broke his leg and was unable to walk, and his demands as a breadwinner were less. These factors contributed to his vision of Infini, which opened Christmas
Eve of 2015.
“The Infini Gallery idea started from a desire to do something different. Also, to have a big city art venue in our small, developing town,” said Dill.
While we were planning my “Whimsical Nudes” art show, Dill told me it would be the last show. I was shocked, sad, and overwhelmed with gratitude. Admittedly, as an outsider artist, my own show might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We partied last April 6, my “First Friday,” knowing it was Infini’s last.
“We had people painting that have never painted before. We had artists that were afraid to approach galleries. We showed artists that have never been shown before. I can’t say that I am sad because we have done a lot of great things here. From the first show to the last show, when people were skateboarding in the gallery, it has been a world of fun. The whole time my heart was in it,” said Dill, “but now I feel like I need to take the lessons I have learned here and take care of my own life.”
“I learned that the art industry is open to anyone and you can hop in and start creating,” he added.
Dill also learned that owning a gallery and putting up with the sensitivities and demands of artists is difficult. “Carol Deaner (of POAC) is like the queen of the art world around here, and I have more respect for her than ever,” says Dill.
“The big-city gallery is not as profitable in a small town. That didn’t discourage me at the time. I still wanted Sandpoint to have that big-city gallery no matter what the cost,” Dill said. “Eventually that light started going out.”
Without the gallery, Dill plans on plumbing less and painting more. Dill’s personal art goal: “to build a body of work to 100 showable pieces.” He also plans to have a mobile Infini unit to offer painting instruction/parties at any location.
Dill especially wants to thank Sandra Duetchmen, Holly Walker and Cassandra Bauer for helping him make this dream come true. And with Dill’s farewell to Infini he also bids farewell to his big footprint in the community: “Thank you for putting up with my B.S. We made it up, we had a great time. We pushed boundar-
ies at the time. We donated a lot of love, art and time to the community. I did what I set out to do, and it was a world of fun.”
A column about the trials and tribulations of Parkinson’s Disease
By A.C. Woolnough Reader Columnist
I am passionate about medical research — especially about the brain. If you think that’s largely because I have a chronic and progressive neurological condition (Parkinson’s disease), you would be correct. There may be other reasons as well. Knowing that the universe operates in mysterious ways, I wonder if there is any connection to my 13-year-old self who saved his money from mowing lawns, so he could buy a high-quality microscope and peer into the magic and mystery of the unknown?
A.C. Woolnough.
we do know that LRRK2 is the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene that has over 20 mutations that may cause or contribute to PD), we do know how PD affects quality of life. We provided valuable input by helping put a human face on the research. Together, we decided how to distribute most of a million dollars!
That makes my adventures last week almost perfect. I was asked to participate in a grant review process for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Prior to our meeting, each of us spent 20 or more hours studying the research proposals--reading, trying to understand the “big words” (like mesenchymal), evaluating and scoring. These research proposals were from “post-doc’s” scattered across the country at various elite universities and research centers. A post-doc is just that — a person who has recently finished a Ph.D and is looking to strike out on their own (with the help of a mentor), complete a research project, get published and get more funding so the cycle can repeat. Unfortunately, in the big scheme of things, less than 25 percent of proposals ever get funded.
How does the process work? In this case, two PWPs (people with Parkinson’s) and 10 scientists sat around a large conference table in an office about a block from the Empire State Building to discuss the merits of the finalists to determine who gets funding. The PWPs may not comprehend all the hardcore science (although
Since I was flying to New York, anyway, I checked in with my favorite world-class PD researcher: David Sulzer. Dave is not only the smartest guy I know, he runs a lab at Columbia University doing some of the most exciting work in the PD arena. Luckily, he had time to have lunch and to carry on a conversation about a variety of topics: the politics of academia, the art of getting published, what it takes to get funded, the National Institute of Health (NIH), mitochondria, autophagy and more. Even though I only understood about half of his scientific musings, it was an incredible opportunity to learn (what I could) from a genius. Not only that, I got a private tour of the various lab stations and ongoing research projects. The highlight of the tour was seeing images from a $250,000 microscope. Is that cool or what?
Another reason for my visit to Columbia University was to participate in a research project. One of my least favorite activities is donating blood. So, of course, this study involved a blood draw — a lot of blood. The plan was to collect 22 of those little test tubes full. The purpose, as I understand it, is to get enough blood to isolate T cells that cause inflammation in the brain and may kill neurons involved in Parkinson’s. In blood, T cells are very rare, which is why they
needed so much. T cells are also known as killer cells and are supposed to recognize invaders and—get ready for an official medical term—zap them. Unfortunately, they can sometimes misidentify your own brain cells and zap them. In a nutshell, this research is investigating PD as an auto-immune disease. The possibilities are exciting! Could this lead to better treatments? Could it slow or halt the progression of PD? Could it result in a cure? With those potentials on the table, I was willing to do my part and give them my blood. Sadly, I apparently have lousy veins — after five needle sticks, my veins decided it was enough and shut down. I was only able to fill a few of the test tubes. Better than nothing, but still disappointing. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely. Imagine. My blood may help move us closer to a cure. When I share my thoughts on participating in PD research, I frequently quote Rabbi Hillel the Elder from over 2,000 years ago. Loosely translated, he said: If not us, who? If not now, when? Thus, I was feeling smug and self-satisfied for doing some good deeds. Mother Nature stepped in to knock me down a peg or two in an effort to keep me humble. Due to weather in Minneapolis, the airport shut down and my eight-hour return trip turned into a nightmarish 32-hour odyssey that included a frenetic cab ride from LaGuardia to Kennedy Airport, sleeping on the floor of the terminal and spilling a hot cup of coffee on myself. Karma? Maybe so. But, I did get a free upgrade to first class between New York and Seattle.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, A.C. is calling on his 37 years in K-12 education to became a “Parkinon’s Warrior”educating the public, advocating for a cure and participating in research.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
For the third consecutive year, Bonner General Health has earned a Qualis Award of Excellence in Healthcare Quality.
The award issued for this year is for “Antibiotic Stewardship: Creating a Program in a Critical Access Facility.”
According to an award statement by Qualis Health, overuse, misuse and inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy can lead to significant consequences in a critical access facility, including hospital-acquired infections, increased morbidity and mortality, antimicrobial resistance and increased hospitalizations.
To create greater awareness and spread the best practices, according to Qualis Health, BGH created an antibiotic stewardship program focused on prescribing practices, drug-bug matching, screening and prescriber and patient education. The team focused initial efforts on two commonly prescribed medications with potential for increased consequences, piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin. For each patient and medication order, staff reviewed the appropriateness of the drug, dose and duration. Protocols were also created in which specifically trained pharmacists were able
to substitute, discontinue or alter therapy as appropriate to the patient.
After 18 months, the use of piperacillin/tazobactam had decreased by 50 percent, and vancomycin by 25 percent. The team anticipates sustained success and improvement as the program continues and broadens.
Qualis Health has presented annual awards of excellence in healthcare quality to outstanding organizations in Idaho and Washington since 2002. Winners have demonstrated leadership and innovation in improving healthcare practices, reflecting the very best in healthcare quality improvement. The awards recognize those who demonstrate outcomes to the three broad aims outlined in the National Quality Strategy: better healthcare (for individuals), better health (for populations) and reduced costs through improvement.
Winners are selected by a panel of Idaho expert stakeholders and patients. The awards were presented at the Idaho Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Conference on April 19.
Last year, BGH won the award for their project “Code Stork,” which is a protocol for emergency cesarean sections. In 2016, BGH was awarded for the Tedlestroke program in the emergency department.
By Reader Staff
The Festival at Sandpoint has extended the application deadline for their 2018 Instrumental Music Scholarship. The new deadline is Monday, April 30.
This scholarship is open to all Bonner County high school instrumentalists. Public, private and home schooled students are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to graduating seniors, continuing their studies in music.
The winner will be awarded a $2,500cash scholarship to be used for any music related expenses including lessons, tuition or instrument upgrade. The winner will also perform a solo at The Festival at Sandpoint’s Grand Finale Concert on Sunday, Aug. 12.
The scholarship application can be
found online at www.festivalatsandpoint. com or picked up at The Festival Office at 525 Pine St. in Sandpoint. Applications are also available at all Bonner County public high schools including Sandpoint High School, Forrest Bird Charter School, Lake Pend Oreille High School, Priest River Lamana High and Clark Fork High School. After submitting a written application, each applicant will be contacted to schedule a live audition. All applicants will be recognized for their efforts by receiving tickets to a Festival at Sandpoint concert.
Questions regarding The Festival at Sandpoint’s Music Scholarship should be directed to Molly Rickard at (208)2654554 or fas.molly@gmail.com.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Here at the Reader, we’re constantly humbled by the support our community shows us. Whether it’s donating to our Patreon page, dropping off a check at our office, signing up for a virtual subscription or simply shopping with our advertisers, Reader supporters are indeed special people. We couldn’t keep the lights on without you.
For those who are looking for another way to support the Reader, have we got a fun show in store for you!
The “Reader Appreciation Show” was first proposed by the Roundtable, an informal group of readers, thinkers and community members who meet
occasionally at Tango Cafe to solve the problems of the world and share a laugh or two.
The show features Sandpoint trio Browne Salmon Truck, who play a mix of jazz, Latin, swing and blues. Drew Browne is an aficionado on the bass, Samantha Carston’s vocal prowess is legendary and the one and only Truck Mills holds everything together with his smooth blues guitar chops.
The “Reader Appreciation Show” will take place Saturday, May 5, at Di Luna’s Cafe, one of the best listening venues in Sandpoint. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., but dinner reser-
vations can be made starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are just $10, with proceeds benefiting the Reader after paying out the
band. Call Di Luna’s at (208) 263-0846 for tickets and reservations.
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff
The 219 is the place to be for music this weekend.
On Saturday, April 28, favorite Inland Northwest musician Marshall McLean and his band members bring their Americana-infused rock to the 219, playing 9 p.m.- 12 a.m. A talented songwriter with a tremendous ability to write evocative, catchy music, McLean has built a reputation as one of the best artists in Spokane,
Wash. Be sure to check out McLean’s most recent album, “SoDak,” and the rest of his music on Spotify.
Then Sunday, April 29, catch Smith McKay from 8-11 p.m. at the 219. Jimmy Smith, formerly of famed Austin, Texas, alt-country band The Gourds, teams up with bluesman Pat McKay for a night of music you won’t soon forget.
Have you checked out the special reports we’ve uploaded to our website?
We have regularly compiled our larger series articles and dedicated a special section on the site so that people can read them all at once, or find past articles they may have missed. You can find a lot on there, such as the American Redoubt series, the Ruby Ridge: 25 Years Later series, election profiles for candidates in the primary election and much more.
To find, go to www.sandpointreader.com and click on SPECIAL REPORTS on the left column.
On their third LP, “Queens of the Breakers,” Canadian folk quartet The Barr Brothers hit their whimsical stride. I can always appreciate a band that experiments with different instrumentation. While The Barr Brothers’ usual guitar/percussion/ harp arrangement is unique in itself, on “Queens” they experimented with a variety of different sounds, including Mexican guitars, stringed ngoni from West Africa and others. The result is a wondrous, fun and melodically excellent trip through the alternatively light and dark subject matter The Barr Brothers often touch on. Good album, all the way.
When I get bogged down and demoralized by our current president and his ongoing ad hominem attack on everyone and everything, I often check out past speeches from past presidents on YouTube to put thing in perspective.
Here are my favorite videos to recommend, for those of you who wish to see what presidential used to mean. Just type the keywords into YouTube’s search and you’ll find them:
•Obama white house correspondent’s dinner final speech.
•Kennedy’s inaugural address.
•Reagan’s Brandenburg gate speech.
•Obama’s more perfect union speech.
From Sandpoint News Bulletin, Oct. 7, 1948
Four speedy outboard-powered boats Sunday successfully negotiated the swift waters of the Clark Fork river through Cabinet gorge and went over into Montana from Pend Oreille lake.
In the party were Mr and Mrs Al Woodfill of Sandpoint, Mr and Mrs Jack Leek of True’s Stores, Spokane, Harry Woods commodore of the Spokane Power Boat association, and Mrs Woods and Mrs Carl Kirby, Spokane.
The four small boats were powered with 10 horsepower Mercury motors. They left Sand Creek Anchorage at Sandpoint at 10:30 a.m., crossed Pend Oreille lake and negotiated the river into Montana by 1 p.m.
Dunstan said other outboard enthusiasts planned to make the trip later. Lightweight equipment with plenty of horsepower is needed to get through the main gorge, he said.
Poker games which have been played at the Eagle and Pastime were ordered discontinued Tuesday by Officers McRoberts and Millsap of the state department of law enforcement’s liquor squad, it was revealed.
The state law prohibits gambling but for a number of years there has been no move made to enforce it so far as poker playing is concerned in local card rooms.
The officers served notice that the games must be discontinued or arrests would follow. Panguini and other card games not involving stakes are not affected.
Don’t ever get your speedometer confused with your clock, like I did once, because the faster you go the later you think you are.
1.Uteri
6.Behold, in old Rome
10.Therefore
14.Ancient Greek marketplace
15.E rontery
16.A titled peer of the realm
17.Illogical
19.Quaint outburst
20.African foxlike animal
21.Donkey
22.Adorable
23.Twosomes
25.Drive
26.Baseball great, ____ Ruth
30.Nobleman
32.Emit long loud cries
35.A large galleon
39.Relinquish
40.A rational motive
41.Prolongation of a musical note
43.Trace
44.Come forth
46.Alleviate
47.Ringworm cassia
50.Genders
53.Buttocks
1.A situation, especially in politics, in which poor judgment results in disorder or chaos with potentially disastrous consequences.
“Trump’s policy of omnishambles will reverberate for years.”
Corrections: Nope. -BO
54.Hankering
55.Reposed
60.Diva’s solo
61.Hard coal
63.Back
64.Arizona river
65.Wall painting
Solution
66.Countercurrent
67.Chilled
68.Clobbered
1.Ragamu n
2.Monster
3.Eve’s opposite
4.Fiber source
5.Filled to excess
6.Conceit
7.2nd largest country
8.De nitive
9.L L L L
10.Voters
11.Scoundrel
12.Grille
13.More peculiar
18.Frozen
24.Citrus drink
25.Fathers
26.Polish
27.Maguey
28.Prickle
29.Primary
31.Filly’s mother
33.Small terrestrial lizard
34.Carry
36.Largest continent
37.Sprockets
38.Leg joint
42.Insecticide
43.Annoy
45.A kindly or tender nature
47.Surplus
48.Made a mistake
49.A nymph of lakes
51.Mistake
52.Creases
54.A sharply directional antenna
56.Pond gunk
57.Novice
58.French for “State”
59.Expunge
62.Possessed
