I don’t receive the volume of hate mail that I did years ago, when first bringing the Reader back from the dead. But what I do get is still entertaining.
The first email I opened Monday morning after a long and spirited weekend was from a man named Kevin, who wasn’t pleased with the article “Idaho bill would require local law enforcement to work with ICE: BoCo Sheriff Wheeler: Agreements would make his office ‘subservient to ICE’” in the March 5 edition.
He wrote (verbatim):
“I read your article Libtard. If you’re going to use the English language learn the definition of it’s words. ‘Cooperate’ in no way, shape or form equals ‘Subservient”. Typical liberal bullshit never let the facts or truth get in the way of a good propaganda opportunity.’
“Signed “Kevin [last name withheld], retired LE from libtard Washington State. P.S. you should consider moving to Washington you would meet lots of like minded libtards especially on the west side.”
Oh, Kevin. Kevin, Kevin, Kevin.
A smile appeared on my face much like the one that appeared on the Grinch’s when he realized he’s going to rob Whoville.
Kevin walked right into this one, like a mouse stumbling into a room full of hungry cats.
“Dear Mr. Full Diaper,” I wrote back to him, pointing out that his “correction” shouldn’t be directed at the Reader, but rather the sheriff, who was quoted saying, “subservient to ICE.”
“You know those little squiggly lines you see from time to time in print? Those are called ‘quotation marks,’” I continued. “They’re used by news writers to denote when someone they spoke to offers a quote about a particular matter.”
Because his ironic letter was attempting to correct my usage of the English language, I then proceeded to give poor Kevin a detailed correction of his email to me, including the following: incorrect usage of “it’s”; incorrect capitalization of “libtard,” “subservient” and “state”; dropped period; dropped commas; run-on sentences; “like minded libtards” should have been hyphenated as “like-minded libtards”; and several others. I’m not one to correct people in emails, but the irony was so thick I just couldn’t help myself.
I did, however, compliment silly Kevin on his correct usage of “you’re.” Way to go, buddy.
Look, I don’t think it’s necessary to explain the basics to everyone, but here’s this for you, Kevin: If you take issue with what someone tells us in a news article, it isn’t the newspaper saying it, it’s the person. Does that make sense, Kevin? You know when a person on TV is talking, it’s not really the TV talking, right?
quotable
“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
— Albert Einstein
DEAR READERS,
Friday, March 20 is the first day of spring, which is probably why it’s been snowing lately. The North Idaho director of Mother Nature’s weather bureau is a sadistic one.
I recently escaped up to Nelson, B.C. for a long weekend and was reminded how much I love visiting our friends to the north. I was also reminded that there are consequences for our actions.
I met one couple who told me they’d traveled to Sandpoint every winter for more than 25 years, but after the “51st state” rhetoric and Schweitzer being purchased by Alterra, they decided to stop coming altogether. I don’t like hearing that good people like these have stopped visiting — and spending money — in our region for reasons that we, the little people, have little control over. I only hope we can heal from these stupid years and return to some semblance of sanity again. Fingers crossed.
– Ben Olson, publisher
READER
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368 sandpointreader.com
Editors Emeriti: Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Cameron Rasmusson John Reuter
Advertising: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com
Contributing Artists: Jasper Vanspoor (cover), Ben Olson, Pat Sutphin, Ruth H. Photography, Bill Borders
Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Clark Corbin, Kyle Pfannenstiel, Jim Woodward, Stan Norman, Lauren Necochea, Richard Sevenich, Marcia Pilgeram
Submit Stories To: stories@sandpointreader.com
Printed Weekly At: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID
Subscription Price: $200 per year
Website Designed By: Keokee
The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned by Ben Olson, Zach Hagadone and Soncirey Mitchell. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, bluster, 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 bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. For back issues, contact the publisher. Free to all, limit two per person, please.
Letter to the Editor Policy:
We welcome letters to the editor on all relevant topics. Please, no more than 200 words, no excessive profanity or libelous statements and no trolls. Please elevate the discussion and stay on topic.
Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinons expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publisher. Send to: letters@sandpointreader.com
About the Cover:
This week’s cover painting by Jasper Vanspoor. See more of her work at jaspervanspoore.com.
Ballots finalized for county election
Contested races for commissioner, clerk seats
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The filing deadline for the Tuesday, May 19 primary election has come and gone, leaving behind a slate of candidates vying for Bonner County’s top offices. Candidates have until Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. to withdraw from the race, which is also the filing deadline for write-ins. As it stands, 10 candidates are running — seven in contested races — including for seats on the Bonner County Board of Commissioners.
The BOCC is divided into three districts, each represented by one commissioner: District 1, from Sagle to Careywood; District 2, from Blanchard to Priest Lake; and District 3, from Elmira to Clark Fork and down to Lakeview.
District 1 Commissioner Brian Domke, who won the seat in the 2024 election, will not run for reelection. His time on the board has been characterized by a focus on land use issues, including instituting additional regulations on land divisions and cell tower placement. Domke did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.
Republican Steve Smith is running unopposed for Domke’s seat, and will face off with Independent Fred Arn in the Nov. 3 general election. Independent candidates do not appear on primary ballots in Idaho.
Smith, an attorney with Smith & McOwen in Sandpoint, will run with an endorsement from the Bonner County Republican Central Committee. He began his career serving as the first law clerk for the
First Judicial District of Idaho, in Kootenai County, before moving to Bonner County in 1978. He specializes in business, real estate and estate law, representing individuals, municipalities, quasi-governmental districts and businesses. According to his campaign website, votestevesmith.com, his “decisions are rooted in a Biblical worldview,” and he has served as the chairman of the Bonner Gospel Mission, Inc. Board of Directors; as a constitution coach for the online Patriot Academy; and as the vice president of the Association of Idaho City Attorneys, among other titles. Arn, a contractor and former professional photographer, is a regular participant at BOCC meetings, frequently commenting on public lands issues. He has remained in the news since 2021 due to a drawn-out legal battle with M3, following the county’s decision to vacate a section of Camp Bay Road during the creation of the company’s large-scale housing development. He has since advocated for public lake access and walking trails during development planning. Arn did not have a campaign website as of press time.
Incumbent Republican Asia Williams will run for the District 2 seat — which she has held since the 2022 election — against Republican Jeff Roberts. Williams has been a vocal advocate for public input and community engagement throughout her tenure, working to keep county meetings streaming on Zoom, despite opposition, and hosting public “Commissioner Chats” with county elected officials and staff on topics like mental health care and public land use. Her website, idahotrue-
northnews.com — which she uses year-round for announcements — emphasizes her focus on risk mitigation and “granular” budget review as a certified auditor.
Endorsed by the BCRCC, Roberts describes himself as “an evangelical Christian” and “lifelong advocate for constitutional liberty” on his campaign site, votejeffroberts.com. He is a contractor; member of the far-right, anti-communist advocacy group the John Birch Society; and has held leadership positions in Idaho and Oregon chapters of the anti-government militia movement the Three Percenters. Canada officially recognized the Three Percenters as a terrorist entity in 2021.
According to Up In Arms: A Guide to Oregon’s Patriot Movement, Roberts was the vice president of the Oregon Three Percenters as of 2016, during which he claimed on Facebook to have “witnessed out of control government murder an innocent 14-yearold boy and his mother” at the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, which, his website alleges, taught him the “consequences of unchecked government power.”
After nearly 12 years with the county, Clerk Michael Rosedale will relinquish his seat in the upcoming election.
“From my fellow Bonner County employees to our voters, poll workers and citizens, these years have been filled with purpose, partnership and friendships I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” wrote Rosedale in a recent news release shared with the Reader.
“I’ve had the privilege of working shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of you — Republicans, Democrats, unaffiliated voters, Constitution-
alists and Libertarians alike,” he later added. “While we may not always agree, I have seen something far more important unite us: a shared commitment to doing things the right way.”
The varied role of the county clerk includes five distinct titles that span every aspect of county government: clerk of the District Court, ex officio county auditor and recorder, clerk of the BOCC and chief elections officer for the county. The clerk oversees more than 40 deputies across various offices, managing court records, county finances, and public and confidential documents, as well as facilitating and supervising every election.
“We are fortunate to have such capable, dedicated people serving this county,” wrote Rosedale. “Knowing that everything is running smoothly gives me great peace as I step aside, confident that the next clerk will inherit a strong and steady foundation.”
Rosedale hopes to volunteer during elections going forward, but will focus on his roles as a grandfather and husband. He leaves the seat open to three potential hopefuls: Republicans JoAnne Guzzi, Roger Rudd and Spencer Hutchings.
Guzzi has worked with the Clerk’s Office as a judicial assistant to Presiding District Judge Lamont Berecz for the past three years. According to joanneguzzi.com, she also began her career as a sworn deputy clerk, and intends to use her experience “to ensure the office continues to provide reliable service, maintain accurate records, and support fair and transparent elections for the citizens of Bonner County.”
Her opponent, Rudd, is a former U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel endorsed by both the BCRCC and Rosedale. His previous position involved the management of “complex operations, resources and personnel,” which, he states on ruddforclerk.com, “translates directly” to the Clerk’s Office. Hutchings, the former-treasurer for the BCRCC and current owner of gun store Sheepdog Supplies in Sagle, is also vying for the position of clerk. He is a “self-taught computer networking specialist” and former Marine Corps mechanic and hospital project manager. Hutchings has run two unsuccessful campaigns for the Idaho Legislative District 1A House seat in 2022 and 2024, losing to incumbent Mark Sauter both times.
“Instead of serving the public, our government seems to spend more time and effort controlling or interfering in all aspects of our lives,” Hutchings stated in a campaign announcement.
“As a civic-minded citizen of Bonner County, I am uncomfortable doing nothing as I see this happening to us.” Incumbents Clorrisa Koster and Robert Beers will run uncontested races for their current positions as treasurer and coroner, respectively. Also running unopposed for assessor is current Chief Deputy Assessor Cory Gabel. Assessor Dennis Englehardt has chosen not to run for a second term and endorsed Gabel, according to corygabel4assessor.com. The BCRCC has endorsed all three uncontested candidates.
Look for candidate profiles and questionnaires in future editions of the Sandpoint Reader
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
A bill that would have required local law enforcement agencies in Idaho to enter into agreements with federal immigration authorities won’t advance in the Legislature, after members of the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee voted 5-4 on March 16 to hold the legislation.
House Bill 659 would have mandated that sheriff’s offices and police departments around the state apply for formal 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, obligating them to work closely with ICE
to identify and process people held in local jails for possible deportation. The bill also made local agencies responsible for additional training, as well as adopting and installing ICE’s IT infrastructure and turning over control of all “information obtained or developed” under the agreement.
Representatives of statewide law enforcement were firmly opposed to the bill, including Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler and Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon. Wheeler told the Reader in early March that the legislation represented “one of the first steps taken by the federal government in the creation of
a federal and state law enforcement agency.”
“Local law enforcement agencies enforce Idaho state laws and ICE enforces federal laws,” he said. “I will not start enforcing federal laws, and I do not want federal agencies to enforce Idaho state laws.”
Coon told the Reader that he was uneasy with the agreement’s open-ended obligation to continue with the program into an indefinite future. He, like Wheeler and other law enforcement officials throughout Idaho, also questioned the costs of participating in what was repeatedly described as an “unfunded mandate.”
“There are too many un-
knowns for my support for a state statue,” Coon told the Reader
H.B. 659 passed the House in a 41-27 vote on March 6. Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, supported the bill in both the Local Government Committee and in the full House, while Rep. Mark Sauter-R-Sandpoint, opposed it.
According to the Idaho Capital Sun, members of the Senate State Affairs Committee also balked at the language in the bill — particularly the section obligating local agencies to take part in “any future or successor programs” within the agreement.
Beyond that, some law
enforcement officials such as Homedale Police Chief Jeff Eidemiller — whose community includes a large Hispanic population — questioned the political ramifications of the bill.
“Over the last three to four years, we’ve seen the trust and the cooperation between law enforcement and the Hispanic community erode to the point where it’s almost nonexistent,” Eidemiller told the committee, according to the Sun, and added that H.B. 659 may give the impression that police and sheriff’s deputies would be performing immigration enforcement, thus discouraging residents from reporting crimes out of fear.
Senate committee kills bill requiring local law enforcement partner with ICE City to host open house on Phase 3 downtown revitalization project
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Sandpoint city officials are inviting area residents to an open house on Phase 3 of the ongoing downtown revitalization project, scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.).
Attendees are encouraged to drop in at any time between 4 p.m .and 7 p.m., when city staff and members of a team engaged by the city will be available to share details of the conceptual design for reconstruction projects from Church Street to Lake Street along First Avenue.
Work is expected to begin in the fall, funded primarily by the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and the city’s water utility.
The city has also requested $650,000 under a Community Development Block Grant to fund the design, purchase,
transportation and installation of lighting, and amenities including benches, bike racks, flower basket hangers, trash cans and other additions — all matching previous phases of the revitalization effort. If possible, the area redeveloped in Phase 3 may include a covered bus stop.
Another grant of $1.8 million has been requested from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council to upgrade the Bridge Street and First Avenue intersection.
Goals of the long-running downtown revitalization project have been to enhance pedestrian safety and access, pedestrian amenities, trees and landscaping, sustainability, maintenance, parking, bicycle safety and access, character and identity, year-round activity and cost effectiveness.
Phase 1 included reconstruction of Cedar Street from Fifth to Second Avenue, and Phase 2 focused on First to
Church, with work completed between 2018 and 2021.
According to the project schedule, public engagement efforts for Phase 3 will continue through mid-July — including another public meeting in May — with final design established between mid-June and mid-July, after which time the project will go out to bid.
The Sandpoint City Council is expected to receive updates on the project in midApril and early June.
Construction work is estimated to begin around Labor Day and continue through October before pausing until the spring and summer of 2027.
Go to sandpointidaho.gov for more information.
Right: An aerial image of downtown Sandpoint showing Downtown Revitalization Phases 1-4. Courtesy image
Gov. Little signs additional budget cuts for current FY’26 into law
Senate Bill 1331 reduces funding for most state agencies by 4% this year
By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has signed into law a bill that cuts funding for most state agencies and departments by 4% in the current Fiscal Year 2026, Little said in a written statement issued March 17.
“Idahoans expect their state government to operate efficiently and effectively, and the balanced budget we approved for the current fiscal year delivers on both fronts,” Little wrote in a statement. “I appreciate my partners in the Legislature for working closely with my office to right-size state government to match taxpayers’ means while minimizing the impact of spending reductions.”
Idaho Democrats blasted Little for signing off on the additional cuts.
“Gov. Little knows these cuts will hurt Idaho families because his own administration warned they would,” Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said in a written statement. “He may try to downplay the damage now, but these reductions will mean fewer meals for Idaho seniors, weaker public safety, delayed services, and more costs pushed onto local governments and property taxpayers.”
“Gov. Little could have vetoed this bill or rejected the most harmful pieces,” Wintrow added. “Instead, he waited until the final hours and signed it anyway.”
Little signed the bill late on March 16. Little had until 8:15 a.m. March 17 to act on the bill or it would have become law without his signature, state records show.
Senate Bill 1331 reduces the general fund portion of the state budget by $131.3 million and reduces 110 fulltime positions across state government. The bill is also known as the 2026 Idaho Rescissions Act.
The Act essentially takes the 3% budget cuts Little enacted last summer to avoid a budget shortfall and adds an additional 1% budget cut for most state agencies and departments. The Legislature exempted the K-12 public school system, the Medicaid program, Idaho State Police and the Idaho Department of Correction from the additional 1% cut — meaning those agencies will see their budgets cut by 3%.
Budget cuts have been one the defining — and most controversial —
elements of the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers are cutting 4% for most state agencies in FY’26 and 5% for most state agencies in FY’27 to pay for conforming with federal tax cuts that President Donald Trump signed into law in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and due to ongoing revenue uncertainty.
The week before Little signed S.B. 1331 in law, House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, called the budget cuts, “a crappy bill that we have to vote on, but it’s a necessary bill.”
Little’s budget chief, Idaho Division of Financial Management Administrator Lori Wolff, has said the additional 1% across-the-board budget reduction is unnecessary and risks cutting essential programs and services too deeply. Wolff has said several times this session that Little submitted a balanced budget proposal in conjunction with his State of the State address in January.
Little signed the additional budget cuts into law after the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee agreed to restore some of the funding cuts that Wolff warned were too deep and drastic.
Those restorations included reallocating money to help hire seasonal firefighters to fight wildfires, maintaining career-technical education programs for rural schools, restoring some funding for college tuition benefits for Idaho National Guard members and bolstering funding for the Idaho State Tax Commission to process tax returns and comply with federal tax changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The 2026 Idaho Rescissions Act passed the Idaho Senate by a single vote, 18-17, on March 2.
On March 6, the Idaho House of Representatives voted 48-22 to pass the bill.
[Editor’s note: Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, and Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, voted against S.B. 1331, while Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, voted in favor.]
If Little had vetoed the bill instead of signing it, it would have taken a two-thirds supermajority of both chambers to override his veto.
This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. For more information, visit idahocapitalsun.com.
Bits ’n’ Pieces
From east, west and beyond
Farmers could be hit hard by the Iran war: a third of the fertilizer trade passes through the now-blocked Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, fertilizer prices went from $516 per ton to $683 in one week, according to The Farm Journal
Despite evidence that illegal voting is scant and does not impact federal election outcomes, Trump is pushing hard for passage of the SAVE Act’s voter restrictions, various media reported. Debating the Act in Congress is expected to take more than two weeks. Trump maintains passage will guarantee long-term congressional Republican control. For people with name changes, presenting the required documentation to vote could be problematic.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump advisers warned him that if the U.S. struck Iran, Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz, a major gateway for one fifth of the world’s oil vessels. Trump thought Iranian leaders would capitulate; instead they vowed to avenge the “blood of martyrs” killed early in the war.
Trump wants other countries to help reopen the strait to U.S. shipping. Iran allows passage to some ships, but not those aligned with the U.S., Israel or their allies, the Associated Press reported. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on March 16: “This is not Europe’s war.”
Prior administrations anticipated the potential for messy relations with Iran, and created the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Trump withdrew from that treaty in 2018, The Guardian reported.
National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigned recently, saying he can’t “in good conscience” justify military strikes in Iran, adding that Iran posed no “imminent threat” to the U.S. and the war was due to pressure from Israel, according to the AP. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of rightwing extremist group Oath Keepers, announced that he has quit MAGA over the war, MSN reported.
The AP noted that foreign-initiated terrorism in the U.S. may be behind three recent incidents: an attack on a Michigan synagogue, discovery in New York City of homemade bombs at a far-right protest, and a man in Virginia opening fire in a university classroom. Iranian security chief Ali Larijani said the U.S. will be “sorry” for starting war with Iran. “Starting a war is easy, [but]
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Contributor
it cannot be won with a few tweets,” he posted on social media.
Israeli officials reported on March 17 that Larijani and paramilitary leader Gholamreza Soleimani were killed in air strikes, according to the BBC.
Although Russia provided Iran with intelligence for targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East, Trump removed sanctions on Russia to compensate for the lack of oil coming through the Strait of Hormuz, providing a significant financial boost for Russia, various international media outlets reported.
Although Trump speaks of having already achieved “victory” in Iran, the U.S. has sent 2,500 Marines and one more ship to the region (six crew members recently died during the refueling of an Air Force plane in Iraq — the fourth plane lost so far), according to The New York Times
Gas pump prices have spiked, but Trump said that’s good: “When the price of oil goes up, we make a lot of money,” he said, according to NBC News. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil could hit $200 a barrel, Reuters reported.
According to Axios, Ukrainian officials tried to sell the U.S. anti-drone technology for downing Iranian-manufactured drones, but the U.S. did not pursue the offer. Iran has been using drones to target communications and defense systems that protect U.S. troops.
Citing U.S. intelligence reports, The Washington Post wrote that Iran’s regime may be strengthened by the war — and Trump was told so. According to The New York Times, Trump “badly miscalculated” Iran’s response to U.S. aggression, with an outcome that may develop into an “energy fiasco.” The Times noted that some Trump officials are pessimistic about a strategy to end the war, but have not expressed that to the president.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has threatened to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over coverage of the Iran war, The Times reported, though experts say that will not happen easily. According to historian Heather C. Richardson: “Silencing critics is the refuge of those who know what they are doing is unpopular and unjustifiable.”
Blast from the past: “Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.” — Wolfgang A. Mozart, Salzburg-born classical composer and musician (1756-1792)
Criminal transgender bathroom ban in business, government buildings passes House
Under H.B. 752, repeat offenders could face felony conviction, up to five years in prison
By Kyle Pfannenstiel Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho House on March 16 widely passed a bill to criminalize “willfully” entering public and government bathrooms and changing rooms designated for another sex.
The bill would effectively block transgender people from using their preferred public bathrooms in Idaho, expanding on the state’s transgender bathroom ban in public schools.
House Bill 752 would create criminal misdemeanor and felony charges for people who “knowingly and willfully” enter a bathroom or changing room designated for the opposite sex, with some exceptions. The bill would apply in government-owned buildings and places of public accommodations, like private businesses.
A first offense would carry a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison. A second offense within five years would be a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Bill sponsor Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, told House lawmakers that the bill is about
protecting women and girls.
“It prevents discomfort and voyeurism escalation and assaults, while preserving single-user options and narrow exceptions so no one is denied access for emergency aid,” Rasor said.
Rep. Chris Mathias, a Boise Democrat, said the bill could endanger transgender people.
“The truth of the matter is — and I know a lot of people don’t want to say it, but — forcing people who don’t look like the sex that they were born with, or transgender folks, forcing them to use other people’s bathrooms is going to put a lot of people in danger,” Mathias said.
The House passed the bill on a 54-15 vote. Six Republicans joined the House’s nine Democrats in opposing the bill.
[Editor’s note: Both Reps. Rasor and Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, voted in favor of H.B. 752.]
Bill was opposed by Idaho law enforcement groups In committee the week before, the bill was opposed by some law enforcement groups and several transgender
Idahoans.
The Idaho Fraternal Order of Police opposed the bill, telling lawmakers in written testimony that the bill “presents significant practical enforcement challenges for law enforcement officers in the field.”
“Officers responding to a complaint would be placed in the difficult position of determining an individual’s biological sex in order to enforce the statute,” IFOP President Bryan Lovell wrote. “In many circumstances, there is no clear or reasonable way for officers to make that determination without engaging in questioning or investigative actions that could be viewed as invasive and inappropriate.”
The Idaho Sheriffs’ Association requested that lawmakers amend the bill to require that people who could be prosecuted under the bill be first offered a chance to leave the bathroom immediately when asked.
Rasor said he has addressed issues that law enforcement brought. But his bill has not been amended since law enforcement’s opposition.
The bill outlines several
exceptions, including to give medical assistance, law enforcement assistance and if a single-user facility “is the only facility reasonably available at the time of the person’s use.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
A bathroom ban bill enforceable through lawsuits passed the House a month ago. But that bill, H.B. 607, has not received a committee hearing in the Senate.
This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. For more information, visit idahocapitalsun.com.
Following impassioned debate, ID Senate kills budget with health and welfare cuts
GOP Sen. Jim Guthrie: budget cuts a ‘defining moment’ for legislators
By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun
An impassioned debate from one of Idaho’s most experienced state legislators brought the Idaho Senate to a standstill March 12 and set the stage for the chamber to kill a budget that would impose budget cuts on health and human services programs.
Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, called the new across-the-board budget cuts
“a defining moment” in the Legislature and challenged lawmakers to do better. Guthrie debated specifically against Senate Bill 1375, the Fiscal Year 2027 health and human services maintenance of operations budget.
But he made it clear he had concerns about several of the budgets and the process that produced the additional across-the-board budget cuts.
“I’ve been here for 16 years, and every so often we
experience a defining moment as we serve in the Legislature, moments that signal the path we choose for the state as we pass legislation, and that define us as legislators,” Guthrie said during his debate.
Guthrie was first elected to the Idaho House in 2010 and has served in the Senate since 2012. He told senators that he began his legislative career during the Great Recession, which was the most recent time the Legislature had to
impose deep, across-the-board budget cuts. Guthrie is one of the only legislators who has served since the Great Recession-era cuts and who is still serving in the Legislature today.
GOP senator calls ‘today’s financial pain’ largely ‘self-inflicted’
Guthrie told senators that the Great Recession-era budget cuts are totally different from the current cuts up for
debate. From 2009 to 2011, Guthrie said, everybody understood the need to sacrifice and cut due to a deep, national recession.
“The Great Recession was a testament to that resilient Idaho spirit,” Guthrie said. “But today’s challenge is not that; couldn’t be further from that. Today’s financial pain, in my opinion, is in large part self-inflicted.”
< see H&W CUTS, Page 9 >
Dist. 1B State Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, presents a bill on the House floor on March 16, at the Idaho Capitol in Boise. Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun
Bouquets:
• It’s not often that I write the words, “Good job, Idaho lawmakers,” but here we are in this brave new world. I was stunned to see that the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee killed House Bill 659, which would have mandated all city and county law enforcement agencies in the state to enter contracts with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The fact that the House passed it in the first place (Dist. 1A Rep. Mark Sauter voting “nay” and Dist. 1B Rep. Cornel Rasor voting “aye”) was a step too far toward ICE taking over every aspect of law enforcement in our state, counties and cities. Good job, (some) lawmakers.
Barbs:
• I had a moment of confusion when reading about Senate Bill 1375, which, if passed, would’ve imposed significant budget cuts on health and human services programs in the state. Thanks to an impassioned speech by Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon — who called the across-theboard budget cuts “a defining moment” in the Idaho Legislature and challenged lawmakers to do better — 19 Republican senators joined Idaho Democrats across the aisle to kill the budget, which will need to be reconsidered and rewritten. What confused me about this (other than 19 Republicans actually showing evidence of possessing a spine) is that Dist. 1 Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, wasn’t one of them. He voted for the budget with the cuts. I like Woodward for his level-headed approach to representing this district, and consider him a great replacement to fill former-Sen. Shawn Keough’s shoes, but he hit a foul ball by supporting this budget. Don’t get me wrong: a mop leaned against the wall is a better option than his primary opponent, Scott Herndon, but I still have to call foul balls when I see them.
Dear editor,
I was driving when the towers fell on 9/11. I pulled over and cried — yes for the dead, but more for what I knew would soon happen: that wannabe cowboy “mission accomplished” Bush would create wars. And here we are again, declaring a war on Iran based on lies and deceptions from more wannabe, little-boy cowboys with dangerous toys who clearly have demonstrable manhood issues.
What do conflicts we started in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq have in common? We lost. They all failed to achieve their stated objectives, most were based on lies, they created great suffering on both sides, they rocketed the national debt and they were against nonwhite people. These wars have never worked before in the long term. This is insanity. When will we learn?
We are at the bottom when our leaders think might-makes-right, when we throw diplomacy out the window, when we believe “the floggings will continue until morale improves.”
Likely all this pain and waste is also a distraction from the “Trump-Epstein” files or dangerous efforts to manipulate the mid-term vote?
More than ever, now is the time to stand and say “no” wherever we can — especially in the voting booth.
Chris White Sandpoint
Sit-down comedy…
Dear editor,
Sometimes after watching the news I need a breath of fresh air. I have been known to look at quotes by W.C. Fields and see if I can compete with one so unforgettable:
• Money will not buy you happiness, but it will let you be unhappy in some really nice places.
• It’s funnier to bend things than to break them.
• I never vote for anyone; I always vote against.
• First place was one week in Spokane. Second place was two weeks. I like my Idaho.
• Reality is an illusion that occurs due to a lack of alcohol.
• A politician is one who can answer a question without really saying anything.
• Worst vehicle purchase: A very large pickup truck with only two doors.
Keep on smiling…
James Richard Johnson Clark
Fork
Dear editor,
Every American citizen (rich, poor, young, old) has one precious vote. Rarely does anyone attempt additional votes to face the consequence of jail. But MAGA is desperate to eliminate voters by pressing for stricter requirements proving our citizenship. Absurdly, they call this terrible legislation the SAVE ACT.
Our own representative to Congress, Russ Fulcher, was the chosen MAGA co-sponsor of this bill. If it passes, millions of citizens will be unable to vote in November. Most targeted are young voters and married women. Photo IDs issued with barcodes by high schools and universities will no longer be valid. Women using their husband’s surname will need to prove with documentary proof the change from their birth name to married name.
This bill would levy criminal penalties on poll workers who do not strictly comply. Imagine a longtime 80-year-old resident going to cast her vote, being told, “Sorry, you can’t vote because you don’t have papers to prove the name you’ve used for 50-60 years in our community.”
Fulcher’s SAVE ACT is an effort to eliminate valid voters. Additionally, it would create a burdensome workload on election offices for an added expense on local taxpayers.
Rebecca Holland Sandpoint
his donors come from. You will find over 55% comes from corporations and special interest groups.
I am so excited that Jane Sauter is running for District 1 House Seat A against him. Jane is a grassroots candidate with a large number of small donors from all over the district. She has a biblical worldview and shares the morals and values of her Idahoan constituents.
Jane is honest, can’t be bought, has no personal agenda. She believes we the people deserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as individuals.
Vote Jane Sauter on May 19.
Annette Thompson Hope
Dear editor, Does anyone else see the irony of a state offering “Don’t Tread On Me” specialty license plates while its Legislature is sponsoring and passing bills that tread on the rights of our local communities and its residents?
Pam Duquette Sandpoint
Jim Woodward. I would consider those expenses significant, whereas I suspect Mr. Herndon would consider them incidental and well worth the money spent. I will try to be more careful in the future.
Jay Omundson Cocolalla
‘Really’...
Dear editor,
How can the Bonner County Republican Central Committee tout freedom of speech but protest others speaking peacefully at a public assembly, wearing expressive clothing and displaying their individualism or personal beliefs — whether political, religious, scientific or artistic — claiming they are not constitutionally protected under our First Amendment?
This appears to be another double standard of ignorance: Free speech should only be enjoyed by those with whom we agree.
‘Jane (the “right”) Sauter’… Mea culpa…
Dear editor,
Are you aware of the game Democrats are playing? They run as a Republican and get their supporters to register as Republican for the primary. When they get elected, they vote like a Democrat. Deceitful in one area, deceitful in many. Please do some research.
Stop Idaho RINO’s ranks Mark Sauter as voting with the Democrats 83.9% of the time. In 2024, Mark received a 46.9% Freedom Index score from the Idaho Freedom Foundation. This means he voted against their preferred position 53% of the time. You can also go to the “Sunshine” report and look up where
Dear editor,
In my letter you printed in your March 5 issue [“‘An unapologetic RINO’…”], in the second paragraph, third sentence I used the word “significantly” to describe Mr. Herndon’s campaign contributions. My apologies! I should have used the word “partly.” Mr. Herndon seemed quite distressed with my error, and rightfully so. I should rather have referred to his campaign expenses… such as the amounts spent on the huge number of full-color, oversized postcards filled with misinformation, disinformation and, at best, deceptions regarding his opponent,
I have confidence in parents, regardless of their political or religious affiliation, to be able to navigate conversations around gender and sexual identity with their children in alignment with their value systems. That is what the First Amendment is all about. Really, you do not have to attend Pride on the Mountain, Saturday March 21. Schweitzer and Sandpoint will proudly embrace and welcome our beautifully diverse communities while we celebrate joy.
Arleen Lothian, acting chair, Bonner County Democratic Party Sandpoint
Send submissions to: letters@sandpointreader.com. Please keep under 200 words and elevate the conversation.
Guthrie blamed the budget crunch on tax cuts and spending decisions approved during so-called good years when Idaho was posting state budget surpluses.
“In bad years, you toughen up [and] make the hard decisions to survive, much like we did during the Great Recession,” Guthrie said. “During the good years, it can be tempting to overspend like there’s going to be no end to it, and you set yourself up for problems. So in a strong economy, last year, we spent and we gave over $450 million of tax relief along with other spending decisions, all before setting the revenue number, which was never realistic, because by May, we were in trouble. And by July, the 3% and 4% holdbacks for Medicaid were put in place.”
Guthrie said legislators also knew conforming to the federal tax changes President Donald Trump endorsed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was going to cause a financial hit to the state this year. Guthrie said legislators
could have called a special legislative session to delay the implementation of state income tax cuts until the budget picture improved. But legislators didn’t do that and instead hoped a strong economy would bail them out, Guthrie said.
Guthrie also called out legislators for not cutting their own pay and benefits as they cut programs that will impact working Idaho families.
“You know, we talked about tightening our belts, but that is not the case,” Guthrie said. “We’re not tightening our belts at all. We’re not taking a pay cut, we’re not compromising our benefits. We are tightening the belts of Idaho citizens, and the feedback from my constituents is that they are not happy about it.”
Other senators praised Guthrie’s debate on Idaho health care cuts
In a moment unlike any that has happened this year or in recent years, senators from both political parties stood up while voting after Guthrie’s six-minute debate to acknowledge the power of Guthrie’s words.
Army Corps awards contract to replace all 11 Albeni Falls Dam gates
Spring lake refill to start April 1
By Reader Staff
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shared big news for operations on Lake Pend Oreille, announcing March 18 that a contract of nearly $20.4 million had been awarded Feb. 26 to Deer Park, Wash.-based Knight Construction & Supply Inc. to replace all 11 spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam.
Engineers discovered delamination in the steel of the dam’s spillway gates in 2023 and have since undertaken repair and replacement measures for all of the 70-year-old gates.
According to the Corps’ online information page related to the spillway gate project, the contract was advertised on Aug. 29, 2025. Following the award of the contract to Knight Construction, officials stated that the first of the new gates would arrive onsite in 2027.
Subsequent gates are expected to arrive in six-month intervals, “dependent on industry capability at the time,” the Corps stated.
Located in Oldtown, the dam functions to ensure flood risk management, hydropower generation and recreational opportunities on the lake through
“That was the true speech of statesmanship, and I hope it’s recognized as such, and I hope the audience recognizes what it just heard,” Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said.
“If there was a time when I wanted to stand up and give a standing ovation to a testimony that was given on this floor, it was just a moment ago by the good senator from [District] 28,” Sen. Treg Bernt, R-Meridian, said, referring to Guthrie. “I hope you all paid attention, because he was spot on.”
Not only did Guthrie’s speech represent a rare moment of a Republican publicly breaking ranks with the majority party. The speech may have actually changed people’s minds. At one point during his debate, Guthrie seemed ready to admit defeat and admit the budget bill was going to pass.
“I could go on and on, but senators, I know what the vote count will be,” Guthrie said. “Wish it would be different. We are potentially doing real harm this year. As we find ourselves in this defining moment, we can do better, although it appears we’re not going to.”
But after Guthrie ended his de-
bate, no other senator stood to debate against him.
And when the vote count was called, 19 Republicans joined the six Senate Democrats in voting against the health and human services maintenance budget.
That was enough for the budget to fail on a 10-25 vote.
[Editor’s note: Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, voted in favor of S.B. 1375.]
The death of S.B. 1375 will almost certainly extend the length of the 2026 Idaho legislative session because the budget will need to be reconsidered and rewritten.
Ironically, the Legislature’s budget committee, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, announced it had nearly finished its work on setting the state budgets less than two hours before Guthrie’s debate. The death of S.B. 1375 ensures that JFAC must get back to work setting a new budget.
This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. For more information, visit idahocapitalsun.com.
seasonal fluctuations in water levels.
Meanwhile, the Corps announced it will begin the gradual spring refill of Lake Pend Oreille on Wednesday, April 1, managing 2026 summer lake levels within the normal summer elevation band of 2,062-2,062.5 feet, as measured near Hope.
Officials stated that while it’s still too early in the year to establish a set date for when the lake will reach full summer pool, they expect to achieve normal levels “once any major flood risk has subsided, while also considering the current limitations of the spillway gates.”
All recreation areas managed by the Corps will open as scheduled for the 2026 season, with Riley Creek Recreation Area open on May 9, and Albeni Cove, Priest River and Springy Point recreation areas open on May 16.
USACE representatives will share additional details on spring refill at a public meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Sandpoint Center (414 Church St.).
Other discussion topics will include restricted operations, spillway gate replacement project updates, recreation area updates, and forecasts for snowpack and inflows.
Science: Mad about
mobile homes
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
I am currently in the midst of a laborious demolition project on my property. My grandfather built the house in which I currently live while himself living out of a mobile home. Now the mobile needs to go, but it is in such bad shape that there is only one way out: through thousands of pieces.
This experience has given me a lot of perspective on how a home is constructed and deconstructed. Weeks of swinging the sledgehammer have also given me a body like Jason Momoa, so that’s a plus.
Seems like a perfect opportunity to write an article for the 7B community.
Depending on how you define it, mobile homes have been around for at least 6,000 years. Nomads throughout Asia spent thousands of years moving from place to place carrying all their possessions with them. This meant that early Copper Age mobile housing needed to be lightweight and easy to carry by hand, horse or beast of burden.
The yurts of central Kazakhstan are a prime example of millennia-old mobile homes. They were built with collapsible wooden walls around a central wooden ring, with the intention of folding down and transporting easily, like a camping tent. They were covered in felt from sheep’s wool and designed to repel high winds on the steppes.
Yurts have evolved in recent years, modernizing to appeal to those interested in tiny home living. Offering about 25
square feet, the yurt of 2026 is designed with origami in mind by having triangular panels that fold down into an object that can be easily packed up in a truck and hauled to a new location. They also offer solar panels and transportable water reservoirs that allow users to wash dishes and power lights.
The tipi is the most recognizable mobile home, especially in the Pacific Northwest. The tipi dates to at least 7500 B.C.E., as archaeologists have found stone rings used to weigh down the exterior coverings. These structures were often constructed using three to four lodgepole pine cores to make the central conical structure, while using up to 20 smaller cores as framing. The exterior was initially made from stitched buffalo hides, but later made of lightweight and durable canvas. Interior liners were hung during the winter months to create a dead air space that acted as insulation and prevented drafts.
Mobile homes, as we recognize them, first appeared in 1926 and were closer to camper trailers equipped with a hitch to be towed behind trucks and vans. These early models didn’t have plumbing, as most people used them as a vacation home and would drag them from place to place, presumably where they could easily access water and toilets.
Mobile housing began in the wake of World War II. Returning soldiers were met with a housing shortage and a highly mobile economy. It made sense for families at the time to hitch their home to their vehicle and drag it to where the work was, which also led to the development of trailer parks.
The development of the interstate highways beginning in 1956 further highlighted the benefits of owning a mobile home, as moving from place to place became much easier. The 1960s brought cheap appliances and a demand for larger houses, which led to the proliferation of single-wide and double-wide manufactured houses. Single-wide trailers were up to 18 feet wide and between 52 and 80 feet long. As the moniker implies, double-wides were double that width while remaining the same length. They were manufactured separately and joined on-site. In order to move the double-wide, they’d have to be taken apart to fit back on the highway.
Even though the construction of manufactured homes was standardized by the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Act in 1976, these homes were often very cheaply constructed for ease of transport and to appeal to low-cost buyers. This led to rapid degradation by the 1980s and ’90s and the cultural stigma of “trailer trash,” often portrayed in media as generational families stuck in a cycle of poverty.
Despite this stigma, production of manufactured homes blossomed throughout the 1990s, with up to 250,000 homes manufactured per year. That number has since fallen to around 103,000 in 2023. A real estate boom throughout the COVID-19 years led to widespread mobility throughout the United States, but the looming economic challenges in the wake of the pandemic have increased the demand for manufactured homes.
Tiny homes have a similar appeal to manufactured
homes, offering low overhead costs and optimized space for budgeted living, though the number of tiny homes produced is far lower than that of traditional mobile homes — roughly 5,000 tiny homes per year.
Another new type of “mobile” home has made its mark on the real estate market since the pandemic. Container homes, built around shipping containers that are 20 to 40
feet long and eight feet wide are purchased and stacked to create a modular home. These shipping containers are cut and welded, then timber framed to create a livable home that mirrors a modern angular architectural style. These homes are not easily transported, but they do keep several tons of metal from rusting in fields.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
• The first day of spring, called the vernal equinox, falls on Friday, March 20 this year. Vernal means “spring” and equinox means “equal night.” This day, along with the first day of fall, are the only times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west.
• The first spring flowers to appear are usually lilacs, irises, tulips, daffodils and dandelions.
• A 39-year study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that a warming climate has extended the wildflower season in the Rocky Mountains by 35 days since 1970. The bloom season used to run from late May to early September, but now it lasts from late April to late September.
• At the ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Maya celebrates the first day of spring with “The Return of the Sun Serpent.” On the evening of the spring equinox, the setting sun creates a triangular shadow on the El Castillo pyramid that looks like a descending snake.
• The reason we have seasons is because of the Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt. If the Earth was perpendicular to the sun, the seasons or hours of daylight would not change.
• The idea that one could balance an egg on its head only during the spring equinox is a myth. The truth is, if an individual can balance an egg on its end, they can do so on any day of the year.
• Another myth holds that you won’t have a noontime shadow on the equinox. Technically, this is true, but the conditions have to be just right. You’d have to be standing at the equator precisely at noon on the day of the equinox for this to happen.
• Spring is an ideal time of year to plant many flowers and crops because the soil is cool enough for roots to thrive, there’s usually a lot of rain and new plants love the warmer air. It’s a busy time for pollinators, too. Bees and butterflies are especially active in spring.
Legislative update
By Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle Reader Contributor
We are getting closer to the end of the session and closer to having a budget in place. In the first four years I served in the Senate, I voted for two separate income tax cuts and three separate tax rebates that returned more than $1 billion to Idaho taxpayers. Last year, I voted against an income tax cut because I could see we were starting to lose the balance between cutting taxes and meeting our ability to fund valid state functions including education, transportation, prisons and others.
In fact, we were forced this year to take $275 million dollars away from the Idaho Transportation Department and our local road and bridge departments because of the income tax cut last year. That translates into rougher and more congested roads.
As a result of the reduced revenues from the tax cut, we are also making across-the-board cuts in nearly every state agency. Many of us have advocated for more thoughtful budget reductions instead of the broad-brushed approach that assumes every agency is operating with the same fat to cut and that each agency is of the same priority to Idahoans. The broad-brushed approach has prevailed.
The result of that broad-brushed approach turned into disagreement on the Senate floor. With the $5.7 billion dollar Health and Welfare budget in front of us on March 12, one group voted against it because of the belief that the proposed budget didn’t make deep enough cuts, while another group voted against it thinking the cuts were too deep. The combination resulted in the budget bill failing to pass the Senate. Back to the drawing board we go as the bill returns to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee for reconsideration.
Budget
cuts, ISP trooper pay and energy project permitting on the agenda
Just as an explanation of my thought process, I’ll share how I voted on the Health and Welfare budget. Two weeks ago, I voted against the H&W budget in JFAC because of the broad-brushed approach to cuts. My desire for more targeted cuts did not prevail in committee. As a Legislature, though, the one task we must complete every session is to establish a balanced budget. I respect the legislative process and the will of the committee, so when the budget got to the floor, I supported it.
On a different note, outside the budgeting process, I have been sponsoring bills to support meeting the ever-growing demand for electricity, to increase the Idaho Department of Lands wildfire fighting capabilities, and to improve recruitment and retention of Idaho State Patrol troopers.
We have fallen behind significantly on ISP trooper pay and need to act now. Nearly half our trooper positions in the northern counties are not filled, which means ISP is forced to bring troopers from other areas of the state for temporary duty. In addition to the cost of hotels and per diem, it also means fatigued troopers sometimes working 12to 15-hour shifts.
Our proposal is an increase of $5 per year on your vehicle registration Project Choice fee. The fee has not increased since its implementation in 2006. I believe a dedicated fee such as this is the most fair way to tax. If you’re driving, you’re paying, as compared to sales or income taxes, which are not as directly linked to the highway safety provided.
I also recently spent a day participating in the University of Idaho Energy Symposium. The focus was on permitting reform for energy projects. It is estimated that we will need 30% more electrical energy generation in the Northwest over the next 10 years. Part of any energy project is permitting the
generating station and/or the necessary electrical transmission lines.
Permitting is typically a cumbersome, yearslong process. We are working to streamline processing in Idaho through our Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. The intent is that OEMR is a one-stop shop to help a company navigate the permitting process, which will help keep the lights on.
Most regulations in regard to permitting are federal, such as the Clean Air and Clean Water acts, but are administered by Idaho agencies. OEMR will work on more efficient implementation of the regulations, without compromising the standards they uphold.
At the symposium, we listened to regulatory authorities from other Western states. They expressed quite a different approach. I am glad to live in Idaho!
Jim Woodward is the Dist. 1 Republican senator from Sagle. He serves on the Joint Finance-Appropriations (vice-chair) and Education committees. Reach him during the 2026 legislative session at 208-332-1349 (Statehouse), 208-946-7963 (home) or jwoodward@ senate.idaho.gov.
Going vertical
By Stan Norman Reader Contributor
There is a disturbing trend developing in the Idaho Legislature. Several bills have been introduced in the House that would effectively take power away from counties and municipalities and give more power to the Legislature itself. In other words, a power grab.
Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of smaller government. He was the author of the Declaration of Independence and helped get the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution. Two quotes attributed to Jefferson will give you a sense of how he viewed the size and effectiveness of the levels of government in a republic: “That government is best which governs least,” and, “The government closest to the people serves the people best.”
Most of the checks and balances in the Constitution are between the branches of the federal government. However, the 10th Amendment — the last one in the Bill of Rights — states:
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
The U.S. Constitution starts with “We the people” and reserves all powers not specifically delegated to the federal and state governments “to the people.” The Idaho Constitution states in Article I, Section 2 that, “All political power is inherent in the people.” Implicit in the Idaho Constitution is a relationship between local and state governments modeled on the relationship between federal and state governments in the U.S. Constitution.
The Idaho Oath of Office required of all state officials reads:
I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of (office), according to the best of my ability.
Let’s hold them to it. When legislators and other elected leaders get out of line with federal or state law, let’s call them on it. When the Legislature tries to impose its will on local governments on issues that don’t promote the common welfare of all Idaho citizens, let’s call them on it. It’s up to us to keep our elected officials in their lanes. “We the people” have the power, let’s
Keeping elected officials honest at all levels
use it. Let’s go vertical, as the airplane pilots say: communicate your thoughts and feelings to your elected officials at all levels!
Stay in touch with state and local issues through bonneralerts.substack. com. Stay in touch with federal issues through 1millionrisingsandpoint. substack.com or, my personal favorite, 5calls.org.
Now, about a couple of those pesky bills:
House Bill 557
This bill requires “uniformity in local government anti-discrimination ordinances.” Specifically, it prohibits local governments from preventing discrimination against citizens who are members of the LGBTQ community due to their sexual orientation. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on the inclusion of sexual orientation as a grouping or class protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 14th Amendment. This bill is inconsistent with Supreme Court rulings in 2015 and 2020.
The bill itself states, “The legislature finds and determines that: Local governments and political subdivisions of the state maintain their authority at the pleasure of the state, and the state may restrict the scope of power wielded by local governments and preempt the ordinances and policies promulgated by local governments.”
All levels of government in the U.S. maintain their authority at the pleasure of “we the people.” I’m certain that the Legislature does not maintain its authority at the pleasure of the United States. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
This bill has already passed the House and moved on to the Senate State Affairs Committee. Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, voted for the bill. Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, voted against the bill, citing “local governance” as the issue. Thank you, Rep. Sauter.
H.B. 574
This bill is pretty scary. It would prohibit any and all local government authorities — including school districts — from issuing “medical mandates” including vaccines, masks, life-sustaining treatments, etc. It expressly states that, “It is the intent of the Legislature to wholly occupy the field of medical intervention laws within this state.” It further states that this is necessary to protect the “Inalienable Rights of
Man” in Article I, Section 1 of the Idaho Constitution, where personal freedoms are broadly stated. Unfortunately, it ignores part of the Preamble to the Idaho Constitution: “We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Your right to swing your fist stops at the end of my nose.” Our republican form of government must balance personal freedoms and the common good (welfare). My children and grandchildren should not be forced to endure sickness due to your moral beliefs about masks and vaccines. We need to come to consensus on this issue and that is best accomplished at the local level.
This bill has been referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee; it should not come out of that committee.
H.B. 583
This bill greatly reduces local community prerogatives for managing short-term rentals. It ties the hands of local governments and imposes a “one-size-fits-all” floor and ceiling for STR management by local governments. Sandpoint is not Ketchum, is not McCall, is not Boise. This is a local issue. It turns out that diversity is just as important as uniformity
This bill has already passed the House and Senate, and is awaiting Gov. Brad Little’s final decision. Rasor voted for the bill. Sauter and Woodward voted against it. Thank you, senator and thank you representative. Now is the time for the governor to veto it.
We the people have two opportunities to use our voting power in 2026. In Idaho especially, primary elections are just as important as general elections. Vote on Tuesday, May 19 and on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It’s your privilege and duty as a citizen.
Follow Jefferson’s advice: Vote for those candidates who will govern best by governing least. Vote for candidates who will promote the common benefit of all citizens. Above all, vote for candidates who recognize, appreciate and respect the beliefs and values of others, and don’t try to impose their views on others.
Stan Norman is a Sandpoint resident.
Idaho GOP blocks dissent from the record
By Lauren Necochea Reader Contributor
Most Idahoans do not spend their days reading House rules or following legislative procedure. They shouldn’t have to. But they understand this much: When people in power change the rules to keep criticism out of the public record, something is wrong. That is exactly what happened in the Idaho House.
House Republicans used their supermajority to suspend rules and block a report from House Democrats from being entered into the legislative record. That report raised concerns about House Bill 822, including constitutional risks, dangers to vulnerable children and the rushed way the bill moved through the Legislature. This legislation would require teachers, school counselors and health professionals to report to parents if a student identifies as transgender or
asks to use a different name or pronouns. It also relies on broad language that could sweep in subjective judgments about appearance or dress. In practice, it forces adults in positions of trust to disclose personal information about a young person, even when doing so could put them at risk.
The report outlined issues Idahoans deserve to know about.
First, the bill imposes penalties of up to $100,000 — an extreme punishment that likely violates constitutional
protections against excessive fines. By comparison, filing a false child abuse report carries statutory damages of $2,500. If the law is struck down, Idaho taxpayers could again pay the price for defending an unconstitutional statute in court.
Second, the bill relies on vague and subjective definitions that could leave teachers, counselors and medical professionals unsure what the law actually requires. Unclear laws create confusion, lawsuits and financial penalties for ordinary people trying to do their jobs.
Third, the bill contains no safety exception for situations where disclosure could put a child at risk of abuse, homelessness or violence. Professionals who work with children are trained to assess those risks carefully. This bill removes that judgment entirely.
This bill creates more problems than it solves. If a teenager confides in a school nurse but fears being thrown out of the house if their parents find
The island we call Earth
By Richard Sevenich Reader Contributor
The Iran war (a.k.a. “Operation Epstein Fury”) has served as a very real distraction from other national and international issues. Countering this distraction, I will write about humanity’s extraction of Earth’s resources, whose most well known feature (among many) is anthropogenic climate change.
In the December 2025 issue of The Sun Magazine, I came across an interview with William Rees, who had much earlier coined the phrase “ecological footprint.” There he gave a quite accurate account of the introduction of caribou to St. Matthew Island, Alaska. This true story provides an analogy with humanity’s time on Earth. It is easy to find this information from various sources on the internet, and I will repeat the gist of what is readily available.
St. Matthew Island is in the Bering Sea, 183 miles west-northwest of Nunivak Island. Late in World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard planned to install a LORAN site to aid U.S. ships in their navigation. This remote,
otherwise human-unoccupied island suddenly had about 20 Coast Guard personnel moving in to sustain operation of the LORAN site. In August 1944, the Coast Guard transported 29 Caribou from Nunivak Island to St. Matthew. This herd would provide the new inhabitants with a source of protein, lessening transported foodstuffs needed to nourish them. However, with the end of WWII looming, the Coast Guard pulled its men from the island.
The abandoned 29 caribou found themselves in Caribou Heaven. The only predators would have been the
Coast Guard folks, now long gone. The mainstay of the caribou diet is lichen, which was abundant on the island. So the caribou, like any invasive species, were delighted to munch on their favorite food.
David Klein, a biologist employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visited the island in 1957, only 13 years after the introduction of the caribou. The happy and healthy herd was now counted at 1,350 animals. Klein visited again in 1963, and made a count of about 6,000 animals. However, there were ominous signs — the average size of the animals was smaller, the percentage of young caribou was lower and the lichen were in shorter supply.
On his next visit, after a very harsh winter, Klein’s group returned and found only 41 females, no fawns and one male with abnormal antlers, suggesting that its ability to reproduce was suspect. By the 1980s the caribou were entirely gone. They had consumed too much lichen for their own sustainability.
Of course, Rees points out the analogy to our planet; essentially that Earth itself is an island.
Like any species lacking any significant predator — in our case, other
out, that nurse faces an impossible choice: protect the child or risk crushing penalties. If a substitute teacher unknowingly uses a nickname a parent has not approved, should that really trigger lawsuits and six-figure fines?
Schools and health care providers are stretched thin. This bill would force them to create a reporting bureaucracy to monitor and police employee conduct, with the cost falling on taxpayers and patients.
This is bigger than one bill. It is about whether the people of Idaho get the full truth about what their government is doing in their name. Idaho deserves leaders confident enough to defend their ideas in the open and accountable enough to face scrutiny.
Lauren Necochea is chair of the Idaho Democratic Party and a former District 19 legislator. Necochea spent a decade leading nonprofit programs dedicated to research and advocacy in tax policy, health care and children’s issues.
than ourselves — humanity has expanded exponentially. There is much greater depth to the article than what I have recounted above.
For example, Rees points out that technological fixes to our dire threat are not easy. In particular, the vaunted renewable green energy solution is not moving forward with the hoped for efficacy.
In 1992, our consumption of fossil fuel energy was about 80% of total energy. We are still in about the same place now. Why? Well, the total demand for energy has increased dramatically since 1992, despite the increase in green energy. To quote Rees, “The annual increase in demand for electricity alone exceeds the rate at which we’re putting new renewable energy supplies in place. The difference is made up with fossil fuels.”
For those interested, the salient interview with Rees is conducted by Leath Tonino and appears in the December 2025 issue of The Sun Magazine, titled “Glass Overfull.” Read it at thesunmagazine.org. Also find Rees’ writing at substack.com/@standstoreeson.
Richard Sevenich is a Sandpoint resident.
Lauren Necochea. File photo
Richard Sevenich. Courtesy photo
Spring blossoms
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
We’re more than halfway through March, and already the local stores are flooded with spring-planted bulbs, seed packets and wildflower mixes by the pound. Even though winter showed up (for the first time this year) in recent weeks, it’s still time to think about growing things, bearing in mind that ice and frost could be just around the corner.
March and April are usually the time for planning in our area — U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 6 — but given how unseasonably warm it’s been all year, and that, as of press time, the forecast calls for upcoming 57-degree days, it’s fun to gamble on a few early plantings.
It’s too cold and cloudy for most vegetables and summer flowers to germinate, but planting early cover crops is an easy way to improve soil structure and prevent weeds while waiting for higher temperatures.
Cover crops are plants sown en masse to “cover” the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating or crowding out those that have already. These can be harvested or tilled back into the soil to act as a green mulch. Two cold-hardy cover crops ideal for North Idaho are clover and field peas, both of which are soil-building legumes that pull nitrogen from the air and store it in the ground for future plants to use.
These cover crops should be sown when soil temperatures reach the upper 40s, which you can measure by using a regular meat
thermometer with a stem at least four inches long. Plant them liberally according to the instructions on the seed packets and ensure the area stays moist, which isn’t usually an issue in mud season. A few weeks before it’s time to plant your primary crops, cut down the peas or clover, then, using a garden hoe, chop them up and incorporate them into the soil to break down and feed the later spring plantings. Always research all plants — but especially cover crops — before buying them. Big box stores will often sell bags of seeds that are ill-suited to North Idaho, such as the unfortunately named “hairy vetch.” Though technically not on the Idaho Noxious Weed List, which would make it illegal to plant, Bonner County lists hairy vetch as one of the “Invasive Weeds of Concern,” along with absinth wormwood, bull thistle, common tansy, marestail, red sorrel and St. Johnswort. In those same box stores, alongside mountains of Easter paraphernalia, are spring-planted, summer- and fall-blooming bulbs. They’re
flying off the shelves, so it must be time to plant them, right? Wrong. Most bulbs and tubers planted in spring originated in warm climates, like dahlias from Central America. They generally require soil temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit to sprout; otherwise, they sit in the cold, damp soil and rot.
Still, most people are going to buy all the good bulbs before the late-May, early-June planting season actually arrives, so if you see something you like, plop it in your cart. Remember to check the USDA hardiness zone on the label: If it’s hardy to at least Zone 6, it can stay in the ground and come back each year, but if it’s something
like a dahlia that’s only hardy to Zone 8, it will die in late fall. Either plan on buying new plants every spring or planting in pots or digging the tubers up every fall to store them indoors over the winter. Cold-hardy bulbs like alliums, irises and Asiatic lilies are tough enough to survive on their own.
To keep bulbs healthy and ready to plant while in storage for a few weeks or months, place them in a cool, dry, dark location, such as a basement or garage. Store them in breathable containers and keep individual bulbs separated by placing them in sawdust or wrapping them in newspaper (you can even use this edition of the Reader).
When it’s time to plant, think of how and when the bulbs will bloom. Planting in clusters will create a greater visual impact, and including early-, mid- and late-bloomers in each group ensures there isn’t a bald patch in the garden after the first flowers fade. Finally, consider each plant’s height and color, and organize them accordingly so they don’t clash or block one another. Follow the planting instructions on the bag, but generally plant bulbs two or three times as deep as they are tall and aim the pointed end up. If both ends look pointy to you, just plant it on its side — eventually, both you and the flower will figure it out.
Native Plant Society highlights lakes conservation program
By Reader Staff
Jennifer Ekstrom, of the Idaho Conservation League, will be the featured speaker at a Saturday, March 21 meeting of the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library (1407 Cedar St.).
The presentation will highlight the organization’s long-term goal of restoring and protecting area lakes and waters, as well as efforts to conserve biodiversity so that waterways stay swimmable, fishable and safe.
Ekstrom serves as North Idaho director for ICL, and joined the organization in 2022 to develop and lead the North Idaho Lakes Conservation Program. She previously served as the founding executive director for the
Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper and has two decades of experience working on environmental campaigns and issues.
ICL works to protect the waters of North Idaho by advocating for policies that safeguard them from degradation, pollution and inadequate land-use regulation — all increasingly difficult challenges as population increases have added stresses to regional waterways.
The meeting will kick off with coffee, tea, treats and socializing at 9:30 a.m., with Ekstrom’s presentation beginning at 10 a.m. The meeting will be available to stream live on Zoom by registering a bit.ly/ICLNorthernLakesWaters.
Learn more about KNPS at nativeplantsociety.org, and get more info about ICL at idahoconservation.org.
Papa Murphy’s fundraiser supports WaterLife Discovery Center
By Reader Staff
Papa Murphy’s will host an all-day fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at its Ponderay location at 1010 Fontaine Drive, benefiting the WaterLife Discovery Center in Sagle.
The pizza chain will donate 9% of sales to the nonprofit Friends of the WaterLife Discovery Center, which maintains and runs the public facility.
Founded in 1908 by Idaho Fish and Game, the center at 1591 Lakeshore Drive, in Sagle, originally operated as a fish hatchery on 10 acres along the Pend Oreille River. The facility now serves as a fish transfer station, used to stock trout in nearby lakes and educate the public on local ecosystems.
The self-guided educational center
includes 6.5 acres of trails and wildlife-viewing areas, and 3.5 acres of interpretive exhibits, including spots to peer underwater to view local fish populations. The outdoor areas are open year-round, and the indoor classrooms are overseen by the Pend Oreille Master Naturalist Chapter, which founded the Friends of the WaterLife Discovery Center, from June through September.
Proceeds from the March 25 fundraiser will go toward much-needed upkeep, including repainting and fixing leaks in the main cabin and regular maintenance of the grounds. In conjunction with IDFG — which does not receive taxpayer funds — FWDC is also planning enhancements to the facility’s displays and signs.
To learn more, visit friendsofwdc. org.
Grants open to support arts, culture and human rights in Bonner County
By Reader Staff
Nonprofit organizations and public entities serving Bonner County have an opportunity to access grant funding that supports arts, culture and human rights initiatives through two local funds administered by The Idaho Community Foundation: the Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement and the Bonner County Endowment for Human Rights.
Applications for both funds are now open, investing in programs that “bring people together, amplify diverse voices and strengthen community well-being across Bonner County,” according to the foundation.
The Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement supports projects that expand access to arts education and cultural experiences in the community. Grants range from $3,000 to $12,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations, public schools and government entities.
“Support from the Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement helps ensure the arts remain accessible and meaningful for our community,” said Tess Howell, director of Finance and Development for the Festival at Sandpoint, is a past grant recipient. “These investments strengthen not only our programming, but our shared sense of connection.”
Women Honoring Women opens nominations for Lifetime Achievement Award
By Reader Staff
Women Honoring Women opened nominations for its annual Women of Wisdom awards in February, but now invites applications for its signature honor: the Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award.
Recognizing “women whose dedication, compassion and leadership have helped shape the community for generations,” the Lifetime Achievement Award was created by the late-Marsha Ogilvie, who also founded the organization in 1999.
“Those who knew Ogilvie remember her as a woman of deep integrity, tireless energy and unwavering compassion. The organizations she founded — and the lives they have touched — continue to reflect her enduring legacy,” Women Honoring Women stated.
The Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award is intended to
carry that vision forward. Nominees must be 65 years of age or older and demonstrate qualities that reflect the spirit of the award, including:
• Vision and collaboration: Bringing people together to achieve meaningful goals;
• Love of learning: A lifelong curiosity and commitment to growth;
• Community commitment: Years of dedicated service benefiting Bonner County;
• Leadership: Leading with purpose and responsibility;
• Inspiration: Serving as a role model for future generations;
• Grace, courage and integrity: Facing life’s challenges with strength, dignity and compassion.
Posthumous nominations are also accepted, with a deadline of Monday, April 20.
The Bonner County Endowment for Human Rights funds programs that promote inclusion, education and advocacy with grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public schools and government entities working to advance human rights and celebrating diversity in Bonner County.
In 2024, the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Far North received funding to launch the Sand Creek Connections Clubhouse, which serves adults living with mental health conditions in Bonner and Boundary counties. The program provides a space for participants to build skills, access resources and reconnect with the community.
“This funding made it possible to create a place where people feel valued, supported and connected,” said Dawn Mehra, of NAMI Idaho-Far North. “Its impact reaches far beyond our walls, strengthening individuals and the community as a whole.”
The application deadline for both grant programs is Friday, May 1, with grant awards expected in June. Eligible organizations can apply through The Idaho Community Foundation’s online portal at idahocf.org/ grants-scholarships.php.
For more information, contact grants@idahocf.org or call 208-3423535.
Community members are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation that includes the nominator’s name and contact information, along with the nominee’s full contact details. Letters should describe how the nominee fulfills each of the Women of Wisdom criteria.
Nominations may be submitted by email to womenhonoringwomen@ gmail.com or mailed to Women Honoring Women, 419 Upper Humbird St., Sandpoint, ID 83864.
The strongest nominations clearly address each of the Women of Wisdom criteria and provide specific examples of how the nominee embodies them.
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
CASA ‘Ray of Hope’ luncheon
Noon @ Marigold Bistro
Learn more at northidahocasa.org
Live Jazz w/ Bright Moments
6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
Live Music w/ Brenden McCoy
5-7:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Wiebe Jammin’
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Jason Perry
5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Mobius Riff
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Eclectrick
9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge
Live Music w/ Abe Barber
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Pamela Benton
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Comin’ Home the Band
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ John Daffron
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee
THURSDAY, march 19
Live music w/ Picked up Pieces
8-11pm @ Roxy’s Lounge
Line dancing lessons
6:30pm @ The Hive
FriDAY, march 20
The Gothard Sisters in concert
7:30pm @ Panida Theater
Acclaimed Celtic folk group playing a high-energy, festive concert with Celtic fiddle tunes, Irish songs and ballads, Irish step dancing and more. panida.org
Nu Jack City in concert
8pm @ The Hive Motown, soul, funk and R&B party band bringing the greatest hits to life
Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs
6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ
Live Music w/ Mason Van Stone
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
SATURDAY, march 21
Pride on the Mountain
9am-11pm @ Schweitzer
All day activities, including a rainbow ski parade, DJ set at the Snow Bar and pizza fundraiser. After party and drag show at St. Bernard at 7:30pm
Live Music w/ Devon Wade 8-11pm @ Roxy’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Sheldon Packwood 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
An intoxicating gumbo of bedroom pop and existential R&B, with special guests Laurie Shook and Sari Jordan
Open bluegrass jam night
5:30pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Hosted by Jim Rosauer. All welcome
March 19-26, 2026
Open Irish jam night
5:30pm @ Connie’s Cafe
Hosted by Seamus Divine. Come to listen, or bring an instrument and join
250 Express: An American Piano Journey 7pm @ Little Carnegie Hall, MCS
Piano duo Matthew Goodrich and Melody Puller will present selections by American composers. $35/adults, $15/students. 110 Main St.
Schweitzer Veterans Appreciation Day Vets get free lift tickets. Schweitzer.com
Live Music w/ Oak Street Connection 8-11pm @ Roxy’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Todd Cowart 8-11pm @ 219 Lounge
Celebration of American Music
2pm @ Little Carnegie Hall, MCS
Join Rory Creigh, Ph.D. for a discussion on what American music sounds like, followed by a concert at 3pm with students, faculty and friends Film: The Banshees of Inisherin 7pm @ Panida Theater Info on Page 19 or panida.org
Live Music w/ Chris Paradis 6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
Live Music w/ Fiddlin’ Red 1-4pm @ Barrel 33
monDAY, march 23
Outdoor Experience group run
6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
tuesDAY, march 24
Live Music w/ Carson Rhodes
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
wednesDAY, march 25
Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s
Trivia hosted by Miranda 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority With Opa! Greek pop-up cuisine
Karaoke with Big Rock Karaoke 9pm @ Roxy’s Lounge
Papa Murphy’s fundraiser for WaterLife Discovery Center 11am-8pm @ Papa Murphy’s, 1010 Fontaine Dr. in Ponderay
Papa Murphy’s will donate 9% of sales to the nonprofit organization
Family Night and live music w/ John Firshi 5-7:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
ThursDAY, march 26
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
7pm @ Panida Theater
A curated collection of indie films about wild places and the people working to protect them. Presented by Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. More info: panida.org
Trivia w/ Toshi ($5/person) 7pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Sandpoint Rock Gym film: Mellow 5:30pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee
Support the Sandpoint Rock Gym with a screening of the film Mellow, plus a raffle. Tickets only $10
Paint and Sip with Nicole Black 5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
7th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival returns to Panida
By Reader Staff
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will bring the Wild and Scenic Film Festival back for its seventh year Thursday, March 26 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the festival starts at 7 p.m., screening a collection of short films celebrating the natural world and stories of adventure, resilience and environmental protection.
Films include Mountain Roots — the story of a climber exploring her heritage in the Italian Dolomites; Inaccessible, about public lands in Montana’s Crazy Mountains; and Annika: Where She Lands, following U.S. skier Annika Malacinski’s fight for gender equality in the Olympic Nordic Combined events.
Additional films will explore climate change, nature-inspired art and the daily life of wild plants and animals.
As a fundraiser for FSPW’s community and conservation efforts, the evening also includes a raffle with
prizes such as gear from Outdoor Experience, tickets for a springtime Cessna 185 flyover of the Cabinets and Scotchmans, a gift basket from La Chic Boutique and more.
Super Star Supporter ticket holders will also enjoy a catered reception at Eichardt’s Pub before the showing. All proceeds from the evening support the nonprofit’s work maintaining trails, providing outdoor education and protecting area mountain goat populations.
Event sponsors include All Seasons Garden and Floral, Blue C Ranch, Donna and Charlie Parrish, Dr. Mark William Cochran, Eichardt’s Pub, Idaho Forest Group, Keokee, KPND Radio, KRFY 88.5 FM, La Chic Boutique, Outdoor Experience, Sandpoint Area Veterinary and Emergency, Sandpoint Property Management and the Sandpoint Reader.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $100 for Super Star Supporters, available online at the door or panida.org. For more information, visit scotchmanpeaks.org.
The Gothard Sisters welcome spring
By Reader Staff
Celebrating a late Saint Patrick’s Day, Sandpoint will once again welcome the internationally acclaimed Celtic folk trio the Gothard Sisters to the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.).
The high-energy concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, featuring original compositions, Celtic fiddle tunes and Irish ballads and step dancing.
Multi-instrumentalists Greta, Willow and Solana Gothard have played and sung together their entire lives, releasing 11 albums over the past 20 years, including their newest, Moment in Time, which came out in October 2025.
Panida to screen Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Much has been of the vagaries and mysteries of romantic love. Lovers have been spurned, seduced, forbidden and unrequited across the centuries and forms of artistic expression, but precious few turn the lens on friendship.
The Banshees of Inisherin may be the best depiction on film of how deep the loss of a friend’s love can cut, and the emotional wreckage it can wreak.
Nominated for nine Oscars, the 2022 film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson centers on two pals living on a tiny, rocky, rain-soaked island off the coast of Ireland in 1923. The time period is important, as it coincides with the final phase of the Irish Civil War. As that conflict wages across the water, a smaller though just as bitter split is taking place between Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson).
For reasons that are as amorphous as they are firm, Colm — the elder, wiser and more circumspect of the two — has woken up one morning and decided that he’s no longer friends
with Pádraic, who plays his part as a good-natured but dim good old boy. Colm tells him that their longtime relationship is over in a brutally matterof-fact way, which baffles as much as wounds Pádraic, whose hurt is so profound that it upends his life. After going through several stages of grief, Pádraic determines to win back his erstwhile best buddy with the help (and sometimes hindrance) of his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon) and tragic island oddball kid Dominic (Barry Keoghan).
Though as Pádraic ramps up his efforts at reconciliation, Colm digs his heels in even deeper until events spiral out of control in writer-director Martin McDonagh’s quietly brilliant film, which reminds us that friendships — perhaps more than love affairs — are the most important relationships in our lives.
The film will screen Saturday, March 21 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for students and seniors, available at the door or panida.org.
Party on, Schweitzer
By Reader Staff
Schweitzer Mountain has a packed weekend planned for Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 with two free events: Veterans Appreciation Day and Pride on the Mountain, respectively.
Friday’s events honor veterans, active-duty members, reservists and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets by providing free lift tickets and 50% discounts on food at Sam’s Alley (196 Village Lane, in Lakeview Lodge).
Beginning at 8:45 a.m. at the village’s central clock tower, service members can also participate in a guided mountain tour, accessible for all skill levels. Register prior to arrival at bit.ly/SchweitzerVeterans.
LGBTQI2S community, to welcome and celebrate their contributions to society and support the ongoing movement to secure their rights, freedom and safety through our annual summer festival,” organizers wrote in a recent news release.
Get your skis ready and meet new friends in Pride Village at 9 a.m. or attend group rides (beginning at 10 a.m.) until 1 p.m., when everyone will gather in the village for the “Big Gay Selfie.” At 2 p.m., attendees will journey to the summit to ski and board down in a “Rainbow Parade,” landing in the middle of psytrance DJ Coral’s outdoor après ski party at the snow bar.
Throughout their careers, the Gothards have composed and performed a blend of contemporary Celtic folk, classical, new age and world music brought to life by myriad instruments, including violin, acoustic guitar,
mandolin, bodhran, djembe and whistle. Through it all, the sisters come together in their trademark three-part harmonies that have captivated audiences throughout more than 2,000 live shows.
Tickets are $33.75 online at panida. org. Listen at gothardsisters.com.
The following day, the mountain will celebrate love and diversity with Pride on the Mountain. Hosted in partnership with Sandpoint Alliance for Equality, the party runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. as part of Pride Outside, a year-round program that builds community through healthy outdoor activities, open dialogue and just plain fun.
“Sandpoint Pride strives to affirm the dignity and equality of the
Powder Hound (166 Village Lane) will begin serving up specials on pizza and beer at 3:30 p.m., donating a portion of the proceeds to SAFE and future pride events.
Finally, the after-party and drag show will run from 7:30-11 p.m. at the St. Bernard (479 NW Passage Road). Entry to the after-hours event costs $10 at the door, and attendees must be 21 or older.
Visit safe-idaho.org/pride-on-themountain for more information.
Mountain hosts Veterans Appreciation Day, Pride festivities
(L-R): Willow, Solana and Greta Gothard are the Gothard Sisters. Photo by Ruth H. Photography
By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist
At the risk of sounding cliché, can we please talk about the weather? About “spring” rushing forth like an angry lion and then going absolutely nowhere — lingering, circling back and menacing my neighborhood like a boomerang. It bursts through doors and windows in a rush of light and warmth, only to dash away again in sudden gusts of wind and rain. One day the sun warms the back of my neck; the next, I’m digging out wool scarves to fend off goosebumps and wondering if winter ever truly left.
Even during our coldest spells, I noticed odd, stubborn tussocks of green grass — impervious to the elements. Stranger still, a few anomalous flowers dared to bloom here and there all winter long, as if they knew something the rest of us didn’t.
But now, something far more dependable is happening. Quietly and faithfully, the first foods of spring are pushing their way up through the cold earth. My mother’s heirloom rhubarb plant is once again reaching for the light, its small, bright red crowns cracking open to unfurl crinkled leaves — an annual promise that warmer days are, indeed, on their way.
That sense of renewal is precisely what makes Easter my favorite holiday. Every so often, my birthday lands on Easter Sunday, making the day feel doubly meaningful. The first time that happened was my sixth birthday, and I remember it vividly — especially the cake, covered in thick swirls of seven-minute icing and topped with coconut
The Sandpoint Eater Spring’s sprung
my mother had carefully dyed green to resemble spring grass.
Thanks to my devoutly Catholic grandmother — and her ever-present Bible, with its meticulous perpetual calendar — I knew well in advance that my birthday would again fall on Easter when I turned 17. And now, we wait once more. As my 96th birthday approaches (but no time soon!), my sons-in-law are already making plans. They’ve vetoed a traditional egg hunt, worried I might never find the eggs, but they’ve promised a vodka luge instead — and you’re all invited.
In the meantime, I’m focused on planning this year’s menu. Our Easter table will feature a rich, savory ham, tender young vegetables, plenty of deviled eggs and a variety of sweet breads served warm
from the oven.
It’s a meal that balances comfort with brightness — the deep, caramelized flavor of a slow-roasted glazed ham alongside crisp asparagus stalks and delicate spring greens. I always include scones in the Easter bread basket, and this year they’ll be lightly sweet with a hint of citrus, meant to complement everything else on the table while still holding their own.
Whether the egg hunt unfolds outside on the lawn or a sudden spring squall sends us indoors, we’ll gather afterward around a long table, heaped with family favorites. There’s something about that moment — plates passing, laughter rising, stories overlapping — that feels like the truest celebration of the season.
As you plan your own Eas-
ter meal, it’s worth remembering that not every table will be full. While you’re shopping, consider adding a few extra items to your cart to donate to the food bank. My good friend Debbie Love, executive director of the Bonner Community Food Bank, shared that in addition to Easter meal staples, current needs include cereal; canned tuna; canned chicken; condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise; and, of course, jelly. And maybe a bag of jelly beans, too — it is Easter, after all.
Debbie also shared with me that more than 300 people attended the recent Empty Bowl fundraiser at Marigold Bistro. Even arriving early, I found it standing room only with a line that snaked through the building. When my turn finally came, I was handed a serving
of hearty soup in a beautiful handmade bowl — a simple meal that carried a powerful reminder of how generously this community shows up, time and again.
Now, let’s savor the bright flavors of spring. Roast the asparagus, glaze the ham and pull a tray of heavenly scented scones from the oven. Celebrate the season and the people gathered around your table. And as you do, remember that even the smallest gesture — a shared meal, a donated can, a moment of kindness — has a ripple effect. I’ll be busy baking and sharing orange pistachio scones. Just this morning someone told me it was the best scone they’d ever had. Give them a try and see if you agree.
Happy Easter!
Orange pistachio Easter scones
These scones will complement most any springtime menu. Lovely served at breakfast, brunch or teatime. For the best scones, keep all your ingredients very cold and use a light hand to mix. Yield 8-10 scones
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tbs baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped, set aside a little for topping
• Zest of 2 large oranges, set aside a little for topping
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Topping:
• 1 tbs orange zest
• 1 tbs finely chopped pistachios
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the chopped pistachios and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and gently stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix — scone dough likes a light touch.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it, or lightly roll to about 1 inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter to make 8-10 scones. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes while oven preheats.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the kitchen smells heavenly.
Whisk the powdered sugar with
enough orange juice to make a drizzle. Dip the back of a spoon in the glaze and lightly coat the top of the warm scones. Sprinkle a little topping over the glaze. Let set and
serve warm, as is, or top with Irish butter and/or freshly whipped cream. Scones are best eaten within hours of making.
Festival announces Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners for July 31
By Reader Staff
The Festival at Sandpoint announced another addition to the 2026 summer concert series with Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners. The Vermont-born powerhouse country band will perform on Friday, July 31 at War Memorial Field, with member presale tickets open Thursday, March 19 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and tickets on sale to the public on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m.
Aaron Lewis first found success with Staind, the 2000s-era hard rockers who injected meditative muscle into an era better known for mindless aggression. But while that band is still very much alive, it was never enough to
satisfy Lewis’ creative drive. Embracing his roots to earn a rare second round of success, a series of solo country projects have led to two No. 1 Billboard Country Album debuts — Town Line (2011) and Sinner (2016) — plus a platinum collaboration with heroes George Jones and Charlie Daniels (“Country Boy”), and a gold-certified Billboard No. 1 with “Am I The Only One” in 2021. Lewis’ 2022 solo album followed suit, with Frayed at Both Ends emerging as the best-selling country album in the U.S., but he never wrote songs for the stats. No matter the sonic setting, Lewis writes and sings to get out his truth, and his latest album, The Hill (2024), is no different.
General admission tickets are $77.68, including all taxes and fees. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. This will be a standard show, meaning that the area
in front of the stage is a general admission dancing and standing area.
Get more info and tickets at festivalatsandpoint.com.
MCS explores ‘American music’ with two events
By Reader Staff
The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint will recognize the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a pair of events that spotlight American music.
First, on Friday, March 20, will be “250 Express: An American Piano Journey,” where piano duo Matthew Goodrich and Melody Pull-
er will present selections by American composers to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday. Goodrich and Puller will play solo and double-handed duets starting at 7 p.m. inside the Little Carnegie Concert Hall (110 Main St., in downtown Sandpoint).
Part of the Conservatory Concert Series, tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students and seniors, available at sandpointconservatory.org/events.
A
The festivities continue with “Celebration of American Music” on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m., also in Little Carnegie.
The free event features performances by students, faculty and friends of MCS, as well as a guided discussion with instructor Rory Creigh of the Seattle-based online school, Practicing Musician.
Creigh is the organization’s director of AI and education
and holds a Ph.D. in musicology, as well as degrees in classical guitar and music history and literature. The hourlong lecture begins at 2 p.m. and explores the history of American music, which local musicians will then perform from 3-4 p.m.
Visit sandpointconservatory.org for more information.
This week’s RLW by Zach Hagadone
READ
In honor of the first day of spring on Friday, March 20, I again picked up Henry Miller’s 1936 collection of semi-autobiographical short stories Black Spring. I say “again” because I tried to read it many years ago and couldn’t penetrate its thicket of free-associating vignettes. More mature now, I see it as a glorious, ribald, subversive and gleeful celebration of an unashamed life — a perfect spring tonic for these black times. Find it where you find books.
snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint
Eclectrick, 219 Lounge, March 21
Traveling all the way from the Emerald City — a.k.a. Seattle — funk-rock group Eclectrick will bring its nostalgic music to the Niner for a wild Saturday night on March 21. Made up of guitarist Sky Phoenix, bassist Taylor “Taysty” Dumas and drummer TJ “Tempo Jesus” Orgovan, the group has produced and released six EPs and singles with a ’70s disco flair, reminiscent
of hits by KC and the Sunshine Band. The three musicians also lend their voices to their original music, adding modern, indie-adjacent vocals to otherwise retro tunes for a sound that spans time periods and genres.
— Soncirey Mitchell
9 p.m., FREE, 21+. The 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208263-5673, 219lounge.com. Listen at eclectrickmusic.com.
Anna Moss, The Heartwood Center, March 26
Born and raised in the Ozark Mountains, Anna Moss is one of those talented singer-songwriters who lives comfortably between genres. Moss plays an intoxicating mix of bedroom pop and existential R&B, with forays into folky soul gems that drip with dark humor. It’s a slow jam you don’t want to end — the perfect tunes to listen to while the world crumbles. Presented
by Mattox Farm Productions, Moss will be joined by Sandpoint’s own Laurie Shook, as well as Sari Jordan for this special concert. Don’t miss out on this one.
— Ben Olson
7:30 p.m., $20. The Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St., 208-2638699, the-heartwood.com, mattoxfarm.com. Listen at annamossmusic.com.
LISTEN WATCH
Even if you didn’t watch the movie, the Sinners soundtrack is a collection of gems. Though it includes classic blues numbers like “Wang Dang Doodle,” it really shines in its original tracks — for which it won Best Original Score, one of four Oscars it won at the 98th annual awards on March 15. From the showstopping “I Lied to You” to “Last Time (I See the Sun)” to “Travelin’,” written and performed for the movie by no less than legendary bluesman Buddy Guy, this is movie music that transcends the movies. Find it on Spotify and other streamers.
Among my cinematic weaknesses is a love for Godzilla movies and the associated “Monsterverse.” I find few things more cathartic and even charming than watching huge beasts destroy vast cities while the tiny humans always win. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters scratches that itch in a two-season AppleTV series, which spans the globe and straddles time periods as it unravels the mysteries of the sinister MUTO-hunting organization. Stream the first season for “free” on Amazon Prime.
Courtesy photo
From Pend Oreille Review, March 18, 1921
TWENTY-ONE DAY FAST ENDED
S.G. Irish, who fasted for 21 days on account of stomach trouble, started eating again Monday evening.
During the time of his long fast, Mr. Irish was able to help with all the chores about his place and felt no ill effects of his abstinence from food other than a slight weakness during the closing days.
His stomach trouble has been greatly relieved.
KOOTENAI YOUTH FINED FOR MISUSE OF GUN
Earl Lalone, 18, of Kootenai was found guilty of flourishing a deadly weapon in the face of Joseph Rudman and threatening him with the weapon when tried on the charge before Probate Judge Martin yesterday morning and afternoon. He was fined $50 and costs which were paid by his father who accompanied him to court.
The offense took place March 4 when Lalone met Rudman and John Venovich on the Northern Pacific depot platform here, drew a Colt’s .380 automatic pistol on them, made them put up their hands and do a “forward march” about a hundred yards down the right-of-way, just by way of showing how tough he was, according to the witnesses. Lalone denied the act. The complaint was filed the following day by Rudman and Lalone was arrested. He was arraigned before Judge Martin, but released on $50 bond put up by his father when his trial was set for March 17. A large number of Kootenai people attended the trial.
BOOK
The death of comedy
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
It seems to be a trend that as political regimes — even whole civilizations — begin to collapse, people not only keep laughing but laugh louder.
The uproarious games and entertainments of the late-Roman Empire were seen even in their time as a sign of decline. The English dared to start satirizing King Charles I right before their civil war (and his eventual execution) in the 1640s. The colonial American press and popular culture was full of parodies and insults against King George III right up to the outbreak of revolution, and the average American over the age of 15 was drinking about seven gallons of pure alcohol a year in the runup to our own civil war while whooping it up at wild vaudeville shows. Again, the press and pop culture was full of bawdy satire and profane parodies of various leaders and contemporary issues.
Then there’s Weimar Germany, which notoriously experienced an explosion of politically provocative (and risque) expression on the eve of the Nazi takeover in the 1930s.
In all those times and places, there seemed to be a burst of hilarity on the precipice of profound upheaval, but it wasn’t of the “har-har,” “takemy-wife” variety. Satire got sharper and darker, one-liners got more and more bitter, and the responses to those punchlines were as manic as they were mirthful. Until they stopped laughing, which was the real crack of doom.
I thought about that after the most recent Follies, when my wife said the event gave her the feeling of a Weimar burlesque. I thought about it again
STR8TS Solution BACK
A political tragedy
after watching the 98th Oscars on March 15, when host Conan O’Brien welcomed attendees and viewers to the “Has a Small Penis Theater,” adding, “Let’s see him put his name on that one.”
Of course, the central cause and target of both the present collapse and comedic response is President Donald Trump — a ludicrous figure throughout his long life on the public stage, but a joke that’s been on us for the better part of 15 years.
He’s always been easy to make fun of. Trump’s a walking caricature of himself. Following that, humorists of all types across the world have mined every aspect of his absurd persona and the even more absurd people who have supported him and somehow still do. It’s too easy, really, and I fear that we have reached a dangerous tipping point when it’s just not funny anymore — not even in the way of gallows humor. Despite revulsion at the thought of adding one more viewer stat to Melania — a “documentary” of the first lady if it was directed by Leni Riefendull — I watched it thinking it might provide a few dark-hearted laughs. I can report with full conviction that it’s an obscenity that strips grotesquery and cynicism of their meanings and deserves a Razzie given by The Hague. It’s not funny, it’s an insult that should by rights cause a spike in sales of guillotines on Amazon Prime. Even Oscars presenter Jimmy Kimmel’s oblique cracks about the film only elicited a polite chuckle.
Among the countless outrages and debasements committed against the
Sudoku Solution
American people by Trump and the people who’ve acted in ways big and small to maintain the disease of his “movement” is the death of comedy, insofar as “you can’t make this shit up,” as they say.
If it’s not Jabba the Trump feeding troughs of double cheeseburgers to the Olympic gold-winning U.S. men’s hockey team at the White House, it’s his “war secretary” spending more than $90 billion on what looked like supplies for the World Manosphere Convention or it’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio clumping around D.C. in presidential Florsheims at least three sizes too big — literal clown shoes.
I’m not sure what the punchline to all this is, but it’s becoming clear that the joke’s over.
Crossword Solution
If there was a big gardening convention, and you got up and gave a speech in favor of fast-motion gardening, I bet you would get booed right off the stage. They’re just not ready.
Laughing Matters
Solution on page 22
By Bill Borders
sub rosa /suhb ROH-zuh/
Week of the
[adverb]
1. confidentially, secretly, or privately “The team discussed the sensitive plan sub rosa, away from the prying ears of their rivals.”
Corrections: On the Photos of the Week page in the March 12 edition, we attributed the photo of two moose to Forrest Schuck, who emailed it to us, but Schuck wasn’t the original photographer. Also, in the March 12 story “City Provides new info site on downtown parking system,” we erred in reporting that three- and four-hour parking zones will be metered. Payment kiosks will only be used for street parking in the two-hour downtown zone. Three- and four-hour parking zones will remain unchanged. Also, street parking permits will be valid in public waterfront lots, but not overnight. Finally, the city has eliminated the downtown resident permit. Also, in the March 12 story “Bill deregulating short-term rentals heads to governor’s desk,” we misreported the Feb. 4 City Council vote total. It was a tie, which Mayor Jeremy Grimm broke in favor of repealing and replacing the city’s STR ordinance. We regret the errors, and probably need a vacation.
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Malicious satisfaction
6. Hack
10. Not real
14. Cowboy sport
15. Big laugh
16. Advanced
17. Fruit of the oak tree
18. Against
19. Diva’s solo
20. Gloomy ill-tempered feeling
22. Present
23. Anger
24. Landslide detritus
26. Paper fastener
30. Nigerian money
32. Couples
33. Contrived
37. Spindle
38. Low point
39. Threesome
40. Mispronounced
42. Warning signal
43. Instances
44. French president’s residence
45. Sully
47. Chop off
48. Regular hexahedron
49. Contemplation
56. Distinctive flair
57. Module
58. Chocolate source
59. Platter
Solution on page 22
Solution on page 22
60. Rodents 61. In the air
62. Type of sword 63. Fly high 64. Feeling
DOWN
1. Unit of fat 2. Slang term meaning insane 3. Fragrance 4. Designed for flight 5. Things in your throat 6. A tall mechanical
device 7. Sharpen 8. Horse feed 9. More prudish
10. Egregiously
11. Eagle’s home
12. Not a fork or a spoon
13. French for “State”
21. Before, in poetry
25. Weep
26. Junk E-mail
27. Cab
28. Afflicts
29. Possessing foreknowledge 30. Connecting points 31. Similar 33. Codlike fish
Ages 35. Your majesty
36. Several 38. Questionable remedies
41. Greek god of flocks 42. Mammals like camels
44. Anagram of “One” 45. Liliaceous plant 46. Degrade
