Anyone who has visited the palatial Reader offices has undoubtedly noticed the entire window covered with sticky notes next to Senior Writer Soncirey Mitchell’s desk. This “sticky window of doom” is a tradition that began with former-News Editor Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey writing down the funny things she heard while covering the Bonner County commissioners’ weekly business meetings. When Soncirey joined the Reader in 2023, the responsibility of keeping up the sticky wall of doom fell on her shoulders. She began including funny things Zach or I said, and now the wall has become a living record of any absurd quip uttered within a half mile of our offices. Occasionally, when the weight of the world feels a bit too heavy, we’ll stand before this mass of inept or otherwise hilarious comments and read through the record of our collective genius (accidental or otherwise), laughing at the inside jokes once again.
Many of these won’t make sense to our readers out of context; so be it. Here is a random sampling of sticky wall notes so you can enjoy another glimpse into the minds that create this paper every week:
• “Everything’s been pushed out of my brain like goose through a shit.”
— Ben Olson
• “I revel in the idea of the ‘Beige Disappointment.’ That’s my supervillain name.” — Zach Hagadone
• “I want to be known as a leguminous goblin.” — Soncirey Mitchell
• “I bet I’ve eaten 10 lambs.” — ZH
• “‘Defamation by implication?’ I think that’s called defecation, sir.” — BO
• “Welcome! The water is warm because we’ve been pissing in it.” — BO
• “I just like to look at pictures of him.” — ZH (about Paul Giamatti)
• “Beer and loathing on the road to deadline.” — BO (writing Zach’s epitaph)
• “Being on the radio is like going into the teacher’s lounge and telling on all the bad kids.” — BO
• “To be in Hitler’s presence was to smell his farts.” — ZH
• “Wings of cheese, bear me aloft.” — ZH
• “He’s probably fine.” — SM (about her father lighting himself on fire)
• “I know which way the wind’s blowing in Idaho and it’s right up everyone’s asses.” — BO
• “These guys put the ‘cock’ in ‘caucus.’” — ZH “Yeah, and the ‘dumb’ in ‘freedom.’” — BO
• “Meth is Idaho Ozempic.” — SM
• “Her heart is so big, it’s cutting off the circulation to her brain.” — BO
• “People made a lot of money off of piss.” — ZH
• “I think I’ve grossly overestimated how hard it is to make a pipe bomb.”
— SM (wearing sunglasses indoors)
• “I saw my life flash before my eyes and now I’m depressed.” — BO
• “Spatchcock the pig uterus.” — SM and ZH (at the same time)
• “It’s as if a sentient bowtie wrote this.” — ZH
• “Nooooobody will be reeeeeeemembereeeeeed!”
— BO (yelling through the door as he leaves the office)
DEAR READERS,
Most weeks, this little box is the last piece of several hundred tasks that need to be completed before sending the paper to the press. Sometimes I have something poignant to say, most times I don’t. This week is one of the latter cases.
The expression “drinking from a firehose” comes to mind whenever someone asks how things are going these days. I write this to segue into a request for our readers to please be patient with us when pitching story ideas. There is a hell of a lot going on right now and we’re trying to cover it all as best we can, but our editorial department consists of three people, myself included. There is no way to include everything in our pages, so bear with us as we continue cataloguing the changing world. In short, we’re exhausted, but we’re here.
Most importantly, take care of yourself and your loved ones right now.
–Ben Olson, publisher
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About the Cover:
This week’s cover photo was taken by John Larrabee in early March, looking out at the lake from Sandpoint City Beach.
Sandpoint P&Z reviews draft parking management plan
New proposal includes lifting time limits on some downtown spaces, code changes on downtown residential parking exemption
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Proposed changes to parking management in downtown Sandpoint again went before members of the Planning and Zoning Commission at their April 15 meeting, where Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker presented an updated draft plan, shared details from a recently conducted parking satisfaction survey and asked commission members for feedback.
Welker said tweaks to the plan came after “extensive community engagement,” including the survey, which drew more than 1,800 responses — 54% of them from city residents. According to the results, 72% of survey takers were very satisfied, satisfied or neutral regarding the availability of parking downtown, while 28% were dissatisfied.
“Sandpoint’s perceived street parking challenges are the result of inefficient utilization, not supply of the spaces available,” Welker said, citing vacancy rates of 40-50% he observed during peak hours — even as 121 parking spaces have been temporarily eliminated while work is underway on reconstructing the downtown parking lot between Oak and Church streets.
However, he added, First Avenue, Cedar and Alder streets, and Second Avenue are all beyond their “effective capacity,” defined as a block containing one empty parking space per side.
“Where people desire to park is overutilized,” Welker said.
Following that, he said one of the chief goals of the parking management plan is to encourage motorists — particularly downtown workers — to park farther from the downtown core in order to fill in the unused spaces.
“Street parking is inefficiently used at present,”
Welker said.
Details of the plan include instituting a paid parking system at five city-owned parking lots and along the waterfront, with passes available for Sandpoint taxpayers and non-city residents, downtown businesses and downtown residents, and marina slip holders. In addition, hourly parking fees would be assessed on all non-passholders and boat launch fees and annual passes for boat launching would be put in place at public facilities.
Under the proposal, those passes and fees would be applied to parking at locations including City Beach, Sand Creek, Dock Street (the Windbag Marina), Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and the downtown parking lot.
City resident passholders would get up to six hours of parking, while non-city residents would have up to three hours. The plan also merges the downtown business and downtown resident passes with a $40 per month charge.
In addition, the latest draft of the plan proposes changing the time limits on some downtown curbside parking spaces — specifically, turning all 186 of Sandpoint’s four-hour spaces into all-day parking, “with the goal being to provide downtown business employees with more options for leaving their vehicles parked while they work their full-day shifts,” according to the staff report.
Meanwhile, Welker presented a concept to introduce new off-street parking requirements and parking in-lieu fees for downtown residential development. That issue came to the fore over the previous week related to the proposed Farmin Flats project, which would include 48 single-bedroom and studio apartments, as well as commercial space, on Church Street downtown. However, due to a 2009 code change eliminating parking requirements for downtown de-
velopment, the project would not be required to provide any parking spaces for residents or commercial uses.
Dozens of residents commented on the proposal, with the overwhelming majority concerned that an influx of vehicles connected with the development would stress parking availability for surrounding businesses.
“The proposal includes restoring parking requirements for residential development only within this zone, with the number of spaces required tied to total square footage of residential development to incentivize more compact, affordable housing developments in the downtown area,” the staff report stated.
In addition, parking in-lieu fees are intended to reflect “the true cost of providing structured off-street parking” and capture revenue in order to maintain and expand access to public parking.
Welker described the inlieu fee for residential development parking as a significant “nest egg” for future parking investments — which include an eventual downtown parking garage, which is estimated to cost at least $10 million — and may contribute to lowering rents because developers wouldn’t have to dedicate land for parking stalls. He characterized the choice as between “housing for cars or housing for people.”
P&Z Chair Mose Dunkel supported the in-lieu fee proposal in order to “maximize use” while giving downtown developers some leeway.
“I’m in favor of looking at making things easier for development because that’s what commercial development is for — it’s for retail. Business,” he said.
Welker also asked commission members for their thoughts on reintroducing parking meters to First Avenue, Cedar Street and “other streets currently beyond their
effective capacity.”
Sandpoint had downtown meters from the 1920s until the mid-1980s.
The “pros” in Welker’s presentation were that metered parking stops the “twohour shuffle” of downtown employees having to leave their place of work to move their cars in order to avoid a ticket; encourages more turnover of downtown stalls, creating more spaces for shoppers and customers and benefiting downtown merchants; and generating more revenue for the city.
“Cons” include community pushback and the cost of implementation and enforcement.
Welker said metered parking would be a “modern, efficient system,” with one kiosk costing about $3,000 and serving several spaces, or even an entire block.
Commissioners were generally receptive to the metered parking idea, but some worried that general community opposition would trigger a negative response to the overall plan.
“This debate has been around forever, and the problem is that people don’t want to walk to the store,” Dunkel said.
According to the parking survey, which ran through March, 56.5% of Sandpoint residents said they drive and park on the street, while 20.6% drive downtown and park in a public lot. A ma-
jority of city residents — 59% — stated they would not be willing to buy a parking pass, which was echoed by 70% of non-city residents.
In response to the question of how city residents thought parking lot maintenance and improvement should be funded, 35.7% said user fees and 35.4% opted for state or federal grants.
The P&Z Commission did not take action on the plan, but the timeline presented by Welker shows another presentation of the draft to the City Council on Wednesday, May 7, followed by a public hearing at P&Z on Tuesday, May 20 and consideration of a final plan at the Wednesday, May 21 meeting of the City Council.
Another public hearing is anticipated at the council on ordinance changes Wednesday, June 18, with a request for proposals to implement paid parking running from June to August. The selected contractor would then install the necessary technology for paid parking with a window of 2025-2026.
View the full plan, proposed ordinance changes, survey results, 2022 parking study and more at sandpointidaho.gov under “Calendar/ Meetings” and by selecting the April 15 P&Z meeting. The relevant documents are included in the agenda packet.
Construction crewmembers tear up the downtown city parking lot on April 16. Photo by Ben Olson
Bonner County Ambulance Service District raises user fees
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Bonner County board of commissioners, which serves as the Ambulance Service District Board, voted April 9 to raise and add fees for emergency services to account for inflation and rising operating costs. The 15% increase is the first since 2020 and marks an essential step toward financial independence for the district, which is separating from the county after years of improperly operating as a department.
“We’re in the process of continuing to create a legal separation between the Bonner County Ambulance Service District — otherwise known as Bonner County EMS — and the county itself because when it was formed, legally, it was supposed to be its own separate taxing district and autonomous from the county,” said Commissioner Brian Domke, speaking at the April 12 “MAGA Meetup” at the Sagle Senior Center.
“At the end of the day, what’s important, legally, is that the ambulance district needs to be financially autonomous as its own taxing district. It needs to be able to
show what all its income and costs are associated with,” he later added.
According to Ambulance District Chief Jeff Lindsey, the district’s emergency call volume has risen 20% since 2020 without the corresponding fee and tax increases to support operations. The new rates will raise prices by 15%, meaning residents will pay $18.40 per mile for an ambulance ride and $889 for Advanced Life Support emergent care, among other services. ALS emergent care is a higher level of medical response — specific to life-threatening emergencies — in contrast to Basic Life Support.
On the urging of BOCC Chair Asia Williams, the district will also charge higher rates for out-of-county residents, meaning visitors will pay $2 extra per mile and $200 more for standard fees. This, in part, will account for the increased EMS use in the summer due to the influx of tourists to Bonner County.
At the April 9 public hearing, Williams called the 15% increase “an educated guess on how to move the pay structure at this time” based on research into “more than 10 ambulance districts.” Until the board can fully extricate
the ambulance district from the county and monitor its expenses, the commissioners stated they do not have enough data to calculate exact operating costs, but estimated that the data should become available within the year.
Lindsey and Williams emphasized that raising user fees will not directly translate into profits, as many bills will go partially paid or unpaid altogether. The district currently has a collection rate of 55%, which Lindsey said is “pretty standard.” From November 2023 to October 2024, the district received $1,477,841 of the $2,689,586 billed out. The missing 45% comes from users failing to pay their bills and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services paying only a portion of the costs accumulated by its users.
“The government says how much they’re going to pay us,” said Lindsey, adding that “most of the people” they serve have Medicare or Medicaid because “we live in a more senior community.”
According to Lindsey, because CMS does not have to pay in full, the county’s newly increased rates will primarily affect “commercial carriers” like Blue Cross of Idaho. Williams said that, in the future,
the district has “to have a way to not unfairly tax” those with private insurance since their providers have a higher probability of paying bills “at a higher rate.”
There are no plans to propose a levy to cover general operating expenses. Still, Williams argued that it could be necessary in the future as user fees “cannot sustain an ambulance district.” She further argued that if the district increases user fees too much, “you end up actually with less people paying their bill just on the face of it.”
Domke and Commissioner Ron Korn argued that users should bear a more significant financial burden than the general public, with Korn emphasizing that he did not support a levy as “that’s kind of a bad perception in the public’s eyes.”
“The ability to have everything in place to respond to a call is what we, as a tax base in our county, are supporting,” said Domke.
“Any one of us might need to make that call, and then when the call happens, the actual cost to send somebody with equipment — so, personnel and equipment — to make
that call and do the full circle, to me, that actual cost is what we should be passing on to the end user as close as possible,” he added.
Williams and Domke agree that there was not enough data to support anything other than the 15% increase at this time, though it likely would not cover the cost of inflation. Korn suggested a 20% increase to avoid raising rates again at the end of the year, which could make the community feel like the district was “nickeling-and-diming” them.
“I’m hopeful that we don’t have to make another big change, but I also can’t just throw a number at residents and say, ‘We need to increase you to 20%,’ without the data for that type of an increase,” said Williams.
“I’m willing to say 15% now and then re-evaluate when we have solidified the structure of the ambulance district and the cost of all of our services that it takes to run the ambulance district under that new structure,” said Domke.
The commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the fee increase, with Korn abstaining.
Top left: Bonner County EMS vehicles. Top right: A breakdown of 2025 resident and non-resident EMS fees. Image by Soncirey Mitchell
Rep. Simpson parts ways with Idaho delegation in supporting bill to block privatizing public lands
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
As the Trump administration and its congressional allies continue to push for privatizing public lands, Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson has bucked the White House, his party and the rest of the state’s delegation in co-sponsoring a bill that seeks to limit the sale of most public lands.
Simpson joined Reps. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., and Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., in signing onto House Resolution 718 — referred to as the “Public Lands in Public Hands Act” — on April 8. The move breaks with Idaho Republican Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, who on April 7 voted against an amendment during budget reconciliation in the Senate that would have blocked public land sales in order to pay down the deficit.
The amendment failed 48-51, with Montana Republican Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy voting in favor.
“This vote is especially troubling for Idahoans, who overwhelmingly value public lands for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and countless other outdoor traditions that are woven into the fabric of life in the Gem State,” the Idaho Conservation League wrote in a statement.
The organization added that public land makes up 60% of Idaho, occupying a central place in the state economy, “supporting outdoor recreation jobs and local communities while preserving Idaho’s natural heritage.”
“Idahoans expect our elected officials to stand up for our public lands, not to privatize them. Selling these lands off to private interests would irreparably damage the state’s ecology, culture and economy,” ICL added before calling on Simpson and fellow Idaho Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher to co-sponsor the Public Lands in Public Hands Act and oppose including public land sales in the final budget package passed by Congress. Fulcher, who represents the First Congressional District — which includes North Idaho — issued a statement April 10 calling on Congress to pass the budget, which does not include any language barring public land sales for development, commodification or other private uses.
Simpson told the Idaho Statesman that, “Public lands were set aside for public use, and we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same benefits we sometimes take for granted today.”
The Statesman noted that the 14-term Congress member has consistently supported and advocated for public lands, including the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness Area, which was designated in 2015.
If included in the budget, the Keep Public Lands in Public Hands Act would block the sale of any “publicly accessible” tract of government-owned land 300 acres or greater to non-federal entities. That would include lands owned by a state, county or municipal government, as well as federal land that can be accessed by public road, trail, waterway, easement or right-ofway. It would also prohibit the Interior Department from subdividing federal land in order to meet acreage minimums under the Act.
According to a joint statement from ICL, The Wilderness Society and Conservation Voters for Idaho on April 9, the House Natural Resources Committee is “seriously considering selling our public lands” amid wider efforts to privatize or otherwise increase their commodification.
The state of Utah filed a suit in the attempt to sell off 18.5 million acres under Bureau of Land Management administration, which the U.S. Supreme Court rejected in January. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued an executive order March 1 to loosen a broad swath of “heavy-handed federal policies” in order to increase domestic logging and timber production.
“Thank you to Representative Simpson for making it clear that our cherished public lands are not for sale now and never will be,” Conservation Voters for Idaho Executive Director Alexis Pickering stated. “We hope to see Idaho’s full delegation join Rep. Simpson in sponsoring and working to pass this legislation, so we can put to bed any attempts to transfer, privatize, or sell-off our public lands and refocus our efforts on effective and collaborative management of the lands we all love.”
Bits ’n’ Pieces
From east, west and beyond
When London Mayor Sadiq Kahn was elected in 2016, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring the city’s air pollution within legal limits. But with London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in place, that appears achievable much sooner. Established in 2019, the ULEZ covers all of London, making the English capital the largest low-emission zone in the world: 97% of vehicles are ULEZ compliant, up from 39% in 2017. Meanwhile, air quality has improved 99%, Daily Optimist reported.
In another recent executive order, the Trump administration is targeting state environmental laws, and has directed Attorney General Pamela Bondi to identify and block state climate rules. According to The Lever, the action is due to climate conservation laws being “irreconcilable” with the administration’s objectives.
The global average temperature exceeded 1.5 Celsius (34.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels in 2024 — estimated as the warmest in 20,000 years. According to the World Meteorological Organization, record greenhouse gas concentrations and El Nino drove the trend. Extreme weather displaced more people in 2024 than in any year since 2008. Along with severe wildfires and droughts, sea levels not only doubled their rate of rise but saw unprecedented high temps — even with high rates of glacier melt.
Just outside of San Diego, KB Home is building California’s first “wildfire resilient” housing development. Optimist Daily reported that standards addressing risks from wildfires include building features that reduce ignition threats from flying embers, radiant heat and direct flame contact.
The EPA updated federal standards last fall with a requirement to remove nearly all lead pipes within a decade, though the American Water Works Association sued to challenge the regulations. More recently, the CDC denied help for lead poisoning in Milwaukee schools, due to layoffs. Independent analysis shows the health and economic benefits of removing lead pipes exceed the cost of doing so by 14 times over, the Natural Resources Defense Council reported.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” rally series came to Nampa, Idaho, on April 14, drawing a reported 12,000 attendees to the Ford Idaho Center. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Sanders as a
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Contributor guest speaker.
The rallies across the nation are a response to what speaker Ocasio-Cortez calls “power, greed and corruption taking over our country like never before.” Sanders says rally-goers want a higher minimum wage; Social Security expansion; prescription drug price cuts; equal pay; affordable housing, child care and higher education; taking on the “existential threat of climate change”; and a government and economy “that works for all of us and not just the billionaire class and the oligarchs.”
Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., introduced two bills to save the Social Security Administration from Trump and Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said DOGE actions could result in missed SSI payments.
Stocks rose for health insurance companies after Trump finalized a 5% increase in funding for privatized Medicare plans. Dr. Mehmet Oz, now head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, owns millions in health care industry stocks, according to The Lever.
Despite Trump’s resistance, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ordered the Trump administration to bring wrongfully detained Kilmar Garcia back from a prison in El Salvador, NPR reported. However, “the White House has balked at trying to broker his return, arguing the courts can’t intrude on the president’s diplomacy powers,” according to the Associated Press.
Blast from the (very recent) past: The Guardian detailed how a British tourist trying to leave the U.S. was detained, shackled and sent to detention for 19 days due to a visa technicality. She’s one of nearly 33,000 arrested by ICE during Trump’s current presidency, and was held with other tourists — some with no idea why they were there. Attempts to reach ICE resulted in no response. She was finally presented with deportation papers, which included a ban from visiting the U.S. for 10 years. She has no plans to revisit and advises others to stay away due to the border risks, adding “do you really want to give your money to this country right now?” Speculation about reasons for the unwarranted and expensive detainments includes ICE’s contracting with private prisons, which have a financial interest in holding onto detainees as long as possible. Meanwhile, ICE is trying to meet Trump’s quota demands.
Rep. Mike Simpson
Federal cuts threaten Idaho library and museum programs
White House’s move to dismantle Institute of Museum and Library Services puts youth programs, disability services and tribal library support at risk
By Mia Maldonado Idaho Capital Sun
At the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, a program called the Teens at The Art Museum is meant to encourage youth to participate in museum activities.
“The demographic that visits museums is aging, and so teenagers and young adults are really the demographic that need to feel like a museum is a vital part of their community,” Amy Thompson, the museum’s development director, told the Idaho Capital Sun.
The program consists of a teen leadership council that plans art-related events throughout the year. Thompson said it gives youth the opportunity to learn marketing, leadership, community outreach and public speaking skills, and it encourages their peers to visit the museum.
The program is funded through a $10,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and
Library Services, a federal agency that has funded millions of dollars in projects supporting libraries and museums throughout Idaho. Its other contributions include funding a quarter of the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ budget, providing interpretive signs at the Boise Zoo, supporting programs for individuals who are deaf at the Boise Art Museum, and supplying library materials to different Native American tribes across the state.
But funding for programs like hers is in jeopardy.
In late March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce the federal agency to its “statutory functions,” ordering that “non-statutory components and functions shall be eliminated to the maximum extent.”
Since then, all the institute’s staff has been placed on administrative leave, NPR reported. This has caused delays in processing federal funds that have already been approved, and libraries have no way of contacting the agency. And so far three
states, California, Washington and Connecticut, have all had their federal library funding cut.
As the federal government continues to reduce funding — including this month’s cut to the Idaho Humanities Council — organizations that rely on federal support, like the Idaho Commission for Libraries, are preparing in case they are next.
“I don’t know about how we’re going to fund it next year actually, but we’re hoping that we still can, because it’s kind of gaining momentum,” Thompson said. “It would be really sad to shut it down when we’re just getting speed.”
Idaho Commission for Libraries prepares for potential funding loss
Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services makes up 26% of the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ funding, or on average $1.6 million each year.
So far, the commission has not had federal funding withheld, but on April 11, the commission held a special meeting to create a
contingency plan in case its federal funding becomes unavailable.
The commission requested board approval to allocate $300,000 to cover personnel costs through the end of the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The board approved the funding.
Some of the commission’s key programs that are federally funded include:
• The Idaho Talking Book Service, a free audiobook library for Idahoans who are blind, have low vision or experience other qualifying conditions. The $435,200 in annual funding pays for six full-time workers who administer the program.
• My First Books/Early Learning, a program that has existed for more than 27 years and provides a book a month for eight months to children who are unlikely to have many books at home. Since the program began, it has served more than 68,000 Idaho youth, and distributed 617,000 books. It costs $114,880 each year.
Other programs include the
Library Linking Idaho databases, which provides Idahoans free 24/7 access to online education, business and recreation resources; programs and professional development for Idaho youth; and continuing education opportunities and training for Idaho library staff.
Processing for 2025 grants has ceased, and 2026 funding applications have paused, according to the Idaho Library Association.
“The Idaho Library Association implores President Trump to reconsider this adverse action against the Institute of Library Services and the millions of Americans who love and use their libraries,” the statement reads.
Two lawsuits have been filed to challenge Trump’s executive order. One lawsuit was filed by 21 states’ attorney generals is scheduled to be heard in court on Friday, April 18, and a second lawsuit was filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the American Library Association.
Idaho governor approves candy, soda SNAP ban bill
By Kyle Pfannenstiel Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho will try to ban a food assistance program from covering candy and soda.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law House Bill 109, which requires the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to seek federal approval to exclude candy and soda from foods eligible for coverage by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Idaho’s bill is part of the national movement known as “Make America Healthy Again,” or MAHA, promoted by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the bill’s cosponsor Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, has told lawmakers.
“Idaho welcomes the MAHA movement. It is all about looking for creative ways to improve nutrition and increase exercise, the two main factors that influence overall health,” Little
H.B. 109 directs Idaho to submit waiver to federal USDA for approval as part of RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement
wrote in a prepared statement April 15. “Secretary Kennedy said it so well: We need to take better care of ourselves and each other. He said it is an act of patriotism, and the future of our nation depends on it. Idaho couldn’t agree more.”
How will the SNAP bill affect local retailers?
Business industry representatives oppose the bill. Arguing the bill wouldn’t be workable, Idaho House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, has said it would cause grocery stores to stop accepting SNAP.
But bill co-sponsor Senate Majority Caucus Chair Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene, said he’s skeptical the bill would be hard on retailers. He said the bill’s candy definition is used in 24 other states’ sales tax laws.
Idaho’s new law takes effect July 1.
In a prepared statement, Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Food Research & Action Center SNAP Deputy Director
Gina Plata-Nino critiqued SNAP restrictions, saying they “only deepen food insecurity and strip people of their autonomy.”
“This push to restrict what Idaho households can buy is an ill-conceived, recycled attempt to shame people who need food assistance and strip them of their dignity and autonomy when data shows that their diet isn’t much different from anyone else’s,” Plata-Nino told the Idaho Capital Sun.
Little signed the bill into law on April 15, the governor’s office announced in a news release. The bill passed the Idaho House on a 48-20 vote, after passing the Senate on a 25-10 vote with amendments.
In the Idaho governor’s office news release announcing Little signed the bill, Kennedy wrote in a prepared statement, “I urge all governors to follow Idaho’s lead and submit innovative SNAP waivers to the USDA to reverse the childhood chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again.”
Bill’s candy definition is broad, and would ban granola and power bars, critics say Pushback has largely focused on the bill’s broad candy definition, which critics argue would also ban granola bars and power bars.
The bill defines candy as “a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings” in several forms.
Under the bill, candy would not include items that contain flour or need refrigeration. The Senate amended the bill to tweak the candy definition, removing an exemption for items with more than 10% flour by weight.
The bill’s soda definition also appears to be broad.
Under the bill, soda includes nonalcoholic beverages with sweeteners, artificial or natural. But the bill doesn’t consider soda to be drinks with more than 50% juice, containing milk or milk substitutes, or that need
preparation, such as powders or concentrates.
About 132,000 Idahoans are enrolled in SNAP, according to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare figures, receiving an average of $177 in monthly program benefits.
If the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn’t grant Idaho’s candy/soda SNAP ban waiver, the bill says Health and Welfare “shall request such a waiver annually until such a waiver is granted.”
The bill’s fiscal note estimates it would not have an impact on the state budget.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement she was excited more states “are heeding the call to Make America Healthy Again.”
“Governor Little is a true partner to USDA, and we look forward to working together on ways to use SNAP to improve health outcomes for Americans and encourage better use of taxpayer dollars,” she added.
Bouquets:
• Here’s to the artists of North Idaho who make our days a little brighter with their creativity. I can’t imagine a single day on Earth without listening to music I love, without looking at photographs that move me, without gazing deep into a painter’s canvas and seeing their beauty and talent come to life. Picasso once wrote, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Amen, Pablo. If you create any type of art — whether it’s to share with others or keep to yourself — thank you. The world is brighter because of you.
Barbs:
• I wish some people would make an effort to understand what they’re talking about before making fools of themselves. Every couple of weeks or so, I’ll have the same thing happen while riding my bike to or from work: I’ll roll through a stop sign and some driver nearby will lean out their window and yell, “Stop sign!” or “Oh, so stop signs don’t apply to you, jerk?” and then they drive off in a huff, satisfied that they educated me on the subject. The only problem? They’re always wrong. I’ve written about the “Idaho stop” so many times in the pages of this paper that I’m even boring myself at this point. But here it goes again for those in the back row: The “Idaho stop” is the common name for laws that allow bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, and red lights as stop signs. That means, if the way is clear, a bicyclist can roll through a stop sign without stopping. It’s been a law in this state since 1982, yet there are still ignorant folks who bellow nonsense out their windows instead of taking a minute and actually researching the truth. This applies to so many other aspects of life other than bike laws, but let’s start small and work our way forward from there.
Dear editor,
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Bill was the prelude to the Great Depression (History 101). Definition of insanity: Doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results. President Trump should go back to school and learn about this country’s history. For him to state that, prior to the Great Depression, if this country enacted tariffs, we wouldn’t have had the Great Depression… well, this country did enact tariffs. The end result was the Great Depression.
Michael Harmelin Sandpoint
‘Only R’s can make this better’…
Dear editor,
Many are looking to the Democrats to alter the direction the Republican administration is going: dismantling crucial parts of our government, ignoring constitutional responsibilities of Congress, weakening national security and challenging court rulings.
Republicans should be asserting the values and controls they have always proclaimed! Sens. Crapo and Risch, Reps. Fulcher and Simpson, you objected to executive actions by Presidents Obama and Biden that now look anemic compared to Trump’s.
Speak up! You claim to worry about the national debt. If so, defend the IRS so existing taxes will be collected. You are quick to defend the Second Amendment. Step up for the First Amendment with free speech and an independent, pesky and vocal press. Speak up!
I am reaching out to my elected Republican officials and telling them I expect the level of competent cabinet appointments, executive adherence to the whole Constitution and the rule of law that they would demand of a Democratic president.
My fellow citizens, if you share my concerns, please email or phone our elected officials and tell them. Only Republicans can affect what this administration does.
Molly O’Reilly Sandpoint
‘Peaceful angry people’…
Dear editor,
The only thing missing from Saturday’s “Hands Off!” protest [on April 5] was activist/singer Holly Near singing, “We are peaceful angry people …”
Other than that, the upbeat, largely Boomer crowd was doing what it did best back in the ’60s/’70s: Shout-
ing truth to power and standing for “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Back then, we demonstrated, sat in, turned on and tuned out until it became too life threatening to speak out.
(See: Kennedys, MLK, Kent State.)
It’s said, “To whom much is given much is required.” Life has been especially good to the Boomers. Our era had the best music and our watch has been pretty comfortable — until now. Until power started silencing truth and liberty and justice are but for a few.
Perhaps it’s our time again. Time to finish what we started. Time to walk each other home the way we came in. “We are peaceful angry people and we are singing for our lives”
Jeanelle Shields Sandpoint
Organize, support ‘good trouble’…
Dear editor,
Now it is time for everyone, wherever they are on the political spectrum, to decide if they want to keep this republic we have fought to maintain and strengthen over the past 249 years.
Veterans, now is the time to decide whether you honorably served your country or a person.
Independents and Republicans must decide whether they stand for ideals, integrity and honor, or a person.
Members of the Congress and state legislatures also must decide whether to hold onto the powers granted to them by our Constitution or genuflect at the feet of an individual.
I have made that decision for myself and my grandchildren’s future. I’ve chosen hope over fear and hate; freedom to live our lives without politicians telling us what we can read, who we can love; and that women have control over their own bodies.
We must exorcise the extremists within Idaho and the rest of our nation. For far too long we’ve been denied the rights granted by our Constitution in the name of “freedoms” granted only to a few.
We must organize and support “good trouble” as much as we’re able. It is not too early to prepare for 2026.
back environmental protections.
Our old-growth forest will be cut down first; the fire-prone small forests last.
There is no emergency! Idaho’s forest will be the first and most aggressively clearcut. Without environmental protections, the clear cuts will erode land, causing soil drainage into lakes and rivers, which will alter wildlife habitat and decimate many species. All for what?
Sue Koller Sandpoint
‘If I were an enemy’…
Dear editor,
If I were an enemy of this, or any nation that even pretends to aspire to government of, by and for the people, I‘d do exactly what this administration is doing. A short list:
•Destroy the reputation of the U.S. worldwide by actively supporting genocide in Palestine (and silencing media coverage);
•Dissolve U.S. aid, leading potentially to the deaths of millions;
•Sabotage all-out alliances and bluster about taking over Canada, Greenland, Panama and Gaza (and by the way, a head of state calling for ethnic cleansing is legally a crime against humanity);
•Deport people without due process and in defiance of court orders;
•Then, by executive order, defund, dissolve, destroy or privatize every agency created by “We The People” (via Congress) to do what “The People” want done… and do so by firing hundreds of thousands of “We The People” trying to do “The People’s” work;
•Stop most scientific research and cripple universities, whitewash history and turn education into fascist indoctrination;
•Destroy the world’s economy by the above actions, tariffs, trade wars and tax cuts for the rich.
•“You’ll never have to vote again,” said he who wants to be king. He cares not about you, this nation or life on Earth… only his frightened, pathetic ego.
(empathy) and resist his actions…
Greg Flint Sandpoint
‘More words of wisdom from the past’…
Dear editor,
In the last four years, the Idaho Republican Political Party has increasingly censored Republican lawmakers, labeling those who don’t “tow the party line” with their votes or speech as “enemies.” Nationally, Republicans have censured as many lawmakers as had been since 1834.
Our country’s Founding Fathers warned that the power of political parties could potentially usurp constitutional law, allowing for an overthrow of the will of the people. George Washington said the following in his 1796 “Farewell Address”:
“The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.
“All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests.
Gil Beyer Sandpoint
chopping block…
Idaho’s forests are on the
Dear editor,
National forests face the hatchet as Trump declares an emergency to boost logging. A new policy opens 58% of U.S. national forests to logging by rolling
The world’s richest man, who directs so much of all of this, has said, “The great weakness of the Western world is empathy.” (Wow, so much for the teachings of Jesus and all the world’s religions!)
Lack of empathy indicates a pathological psyche (i.e., a very sick person). Of course, if your goal is to be a narcissistic fascist and live without a conscience, then I suppose empathy might be considered a “weakness.” Pray for his soul
“However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
Georgia Earley Bonners Ferry
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Enough is enough…
> munity nonprofits and other organizations involved in health, education and youth-oriented projects and services in Bonner County. These grants are given out in the spring and fall.
Dear editor, I feel it’s critical that I follow Elon Musk’s directives and list five things I accomplished at my job this week. As I am a retired public school teacher, having taught U.S. government and American history for 29 years, I am motivated to perform this critical task. My current job, first and foremost, is to be an upstanding American citizen.
1.I re-read the Constitution with emphasis on the six basic principles. Any “Constitution believing” American must be wondering what has become of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
2.I took a moment to nostalgically gaze at pictures that my wife and I have taken as we traveled through our gorgeous national parks. What shall become of these treasures when (not if) they all become privatized?
3.I reviewed the message from “The Sermon on the Mount” and bemoaned the fact that our White House is completely out of touch with the notion of compassion.
4.I contacted my kids and grandkids to encourage them to “keep the faith,” hug each other regularly, study the history of Nazi Germany and remember that their grandpa put his life on the line at the Battle of the Bulge in order to help preserve a free and democratic Europe.
5.I looked in a mirror and realized that I can make a difference by voicing my thoughts and concerns without fear or trepidation. Censorship is completely un-American.
There are numerous “ocracies” that may correctly apply to this unfortunate moment in our history. Certainly autocracy, plutocracy and monocracy come to mind. My favorite, however, is kakistocracy. That is, a government ruled by the least qualified, most corrupt and by far the most inept individuals in our country’s history.
Daniel D. Butler Sandpoint
Angels Over Sandpoint gives back…
Dear editor,
In an effort to help as many Bonner County citizens as possible, the Angels Over Sandpoint has for the past 15 years given many grants to com-
The Angels’ spring Community Grant Program cycle is complete and awards have been given to several nonprofits in Bonner County. There were grants supporting food purchases by Food for our Children, Sandpoint Teen Center and the Priest River Snack Shack. Other grants have benefited Community Cancer Services, Arts Alliance, UCAN, Bonner County Historical Society, the Water Festival, Helping Hands Healing Hearts and Kaniksu Community Health.
Each grant is not a huge amount, but is much appreciated by the recipient as it enables them to help others in need in Bonner County.
Over the years, the Angels Over Sandpoint have designed and initiated a successful Back to School Program, supplying students in Bonner County, grades K-12, whose families need the extra help with backpacks full of the necessary items to start the school year. In addition, they work with Navigation Services to help people with rent/ utilities, Priest River Ministries (shelter for abused women, families and men), Food Bank (feminine hygiene products), the EnVision Center with emergency aid, scholarships and more.
All this is done with fundraising events, such as the annual Angels Golf Tournament in September, The Follies, raffles and by donations from several institutions and much appreciated generous donors who help fund these programs.
The Angels Over Sandpoint can be reached at the website angelsoversandpoint.org, the Facebook page Angels Over Sandpoint, by email at contactus@angelsoversandpoint.org or at 208-290-5895. Angels Over Sandpoint is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity organization. Tax ID: 82-0536068
Cindy Vogel Sandpoint
‘Vote
no on the WBCSD levy’...
Dear editor, West Bonner County School District wants more of your money, and yet, the district has 10 years of unreconciled fund balances and the lowest academic scores of all schools in the area. Annual audits have somehow “missed” the unreconciled fund balances. What else
could the auditors be missing?
And while the district’s financial adviser suggested running a $3.2 million levy, the district is requesting $4.7 million (per the levy on May 20).
Throwing more money at a district with this level of mismanagement won’t fix the problems.
If you value accountability you should vote no on the WBCSD levy.
Kathryn
Barlow Spirit Lake
‘When fighting DEI becomes DEI’...
Dear editor,
Let’s talk about the irony no one’s calling out.
The loudest voices condemning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are now turning around and demanding the federal government yank funding from universities that “allow antisemitism.” And here’s the kicker — they’re doing it by arguing that Jewish students deserve protection and inclusion on campus.
That’s literally the definition of DEI.
DEI isn’t just about race or gender. It’s about making sure every student — regardless of background, religion or identity — feels safe, respected and supported. If a university is failing Jewish students, that should be addressed. But using that as a political weapon while simultaneously trying to dismantle broader inclusion efforts is hypocritical.
Let’s be real. These aren’t anti-DEI moves — they’re just selective DEI. The goal isn’t to get rid of inclusion; it’s to control who gets included. They’re not against inclusion — they’re just mad when it’s not on their terms.
This isn’t the death of DEI. It’s proof that even the people shouting against it still want a version of it — they just want to control the narrative.
My father grew up in Nazi-occupied Norway. He survived, but he never forgot. He warned us to watch carefully: “Watch who they blame first. Then next… and next again — that’s where it begins.”
He saw it happen before. He knew the signs. And today, I hear his voice in everything we’re seeing now.
Kari Saccomanno
Sandpoint
BCRCC Minority Report on supporting upcoming fire district levies…
Dear editor, I write as a rational, responsible Republican elected as a precinct committeeman to the Bonner Coun-
ty Republican Central Committee. The committee last month approved, by a majority vote, to take a position opposing the three fire levies that will be on the May 20 election ballot. I opposed that position, and do support the levies, and presented a Minority Report to the committee April 15, which several other PC’s signed as well.
We want to be clear that we do support the levies, and recommend to all residents of the three fire districts with levies on the ballots (Northside, Westside and Sagle) that they be sure to vote yes on May 20 to approve the three levies.
The majority of the BCRCC stated their opposition to the levies as based on an ideological opposition to “big government,” and described the levy amounts as “whopping” and “massive.” We in the minority believe that the details are clear: This is not encroachment by big government, it is not a prelude to “regionalization” or loss of local control, and the amounts to be raised by the levies are absolutely necessary to ensure adequate fire protection for our districts, and are reasonable.
Without these funds, it is very likely that none of the districts will pass the industry requirements for adequate insurance coverage, which will make individual homeowners unable to get reasonably priced fire insurance, as insurance prices are rapidly rising.
Inadequate funding for our collective protection against fires is irresponsible and dangerous, as well as likely to raise our actual costs for personal home insurance even higher than the additional cost of the levy. Vote yes on the fire levies at the ballot box on May 20.
Sincerely,
Dave Britton (Beach Precinct)
Richard Townsend (Gamlin Lake Precinct)
Tom Bokowy (Washington Precinct)
Andy Kee (Sagle Precinct)
Tanner Linton (Oldtown Precinct) Bonner County
Exempting parking for apartment development is ‘unrealistic’…
Dear editor, I appreciated Zach Hagadone’s article detailing the mixed views about the proposed downtown apartment development [News, “Proposed downtown apartment development riles some residents over parking exemption,” April 10, 2025].
In principle, I appreciate the creation of more housing options in Sandpoint and the desire to avoid
covering more land with asphalt by avoiding creating parking spaces for the proposed 48 one-bedroom apartments on Church Street.
As someone who bicycles or walks instead of driving whenever possible, I also support keeping our city pedestrian- and bicycle-accessible. However, I think it is difficult to live in the Inland Northwest without a vehicle. While we have a free bus system within town, we do not have a statewide public transportation system that supports someone not owning a vehicle.
Unlike Europe or Latin America, where I have visited and lived, respectively, we do not have public transportation through trains or buses to every town and to our public lands. To travel to Coeur d’Alene, Bonners Ferry, or the airport without a vehicle of your own, you have to depend upon the schedule and goodwill of others.
To encourage less dependence upon private vehicles, we need to support the creation of a network of public transportation options. Given the current lack of such a network, I think it is unfortunately unrealistic to not provide designated parking space for the proposed apartment building.
Julie McCallan Sandpoint
Publisher’s note about letters to the editor: We are experiencing an influx of letters to the editor, similar to weeks before an election. This has been the case for weeks and, while we want to be able to give our readers every opportunity to weigh in on issues that are important to them, we cannot keep dedicating multiple pages to publishing letters. We make no revenue from LTE’s, which means they take up space we normally dedicate to editorial and advertising content. The more we postpone publishing letters that don’t fit, the more outdated they will be, so we’re going to be a bit more selective of the letters we print in the future. That means we might decline letters that repeat points made by others and/ or don’t directly relate to North Idaho issues. Also, we’re going to decline to print poetry on the LTE page(s), because of the challenges they pose in formatting and the amount of space they occupy.
Please keep your letters brief and to the point as much as possible, within the maximum 300-word limit.
Thanks for understanding.
— Ben Olson, publisher
Science: Mad about
food preservation
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
This week’s subject was a suggestion by Steve Sanchez. Thanks, Steve!
As any connoisseur of gas station sushi is aware, food preservation is important. We can’t always finish a meal in one sitting and need to be able to ensure that food stays safe to eat for at least a couple of days.
The primary goal of food preservation is to reduce the reproduction of bacteria that are also trying to eat our food. Two factors give bacteria an edge in reproducing in our food: heat and water. Often, reducing one or both factors will slow bacterial growth to a near-halt and allow our food to keep for much longer.
Today, this is frequently done by reducing temperature in an enclosed space — that is, using a refrigerator or freezer. These appliances work by compressing refrigerant and making it hot, which transitions it into a gaseous state. It is then pumped into cooling coils on the outside of the fridge where it cools and condenses back into a liquid. It moves back to the interior of the fridge in the form of a gold gas that absorbs heat and keeps the interior of the fridge cold, then starts the cycle over again.
Refrigerant comes in many forms, including propane, isobutane, ammonia, carbon dioxide or difluoromethane. If you want to know more about these compounds, check out the chemistry section of the nonfiction collection at the library: DDC 540.
Refrigeration as we know
today didn’t exist until the 1700s, when thinkers and tinkers of their time developed something similar to a modern air conditioner. This was not widely utilized, as it was extremely expensive to create and maintain. Ice machines were developed using this technology in 1854, and at-home refrigerators began appearing in the early 1900s. That means humans were preserving food in other ways for at least 12,000 years before we started putting beer fridges in the garage.
Ancient foodies didn’t understand that microorganisms were at fault for food spoilage, but they were able to see meat, fruit and vegetables going bad before their eyes, particularly in warm and damp conditions. People in antiquity and perhaps earlier discovered sun-drying food on rocks slowed spoilage considerably — while this introduced heat, it reduced moisture and didn’t give bacteria as many opportunities to grow. UV radiation also contributed to killing bacteria, at least on the surface.
Smoking meat is another method of effective preservation. Similar to sun-drying, smoking adds heat but reduces moisture, but this isn’t the only secret to why smoked meat is preserved so well. Smoking also adds chemical compounds like formaldehyde to food, which can kill and slow bacteria from growing. It also creates an acidic barrier on the outside of the meat that keeps new bacteria from getting into the fibers and causing new spoilage.
Salting food is one of the most used methods for preserving food. Salt takes temperature out of the equa-
tion by simply dehydrating the food and effectively creating a “desert” for bacteria. No water means no bacteria, and salted food can last for a very long time. It also makes food taste good.
Fermentation has been used since at least the Neolithic period to preserve food, particularly chow that’s high in sugar content like fruit. Fermenting food with yeast creates a highly acidic environment that is inhospitable for bacteria. It also tends to lightly poison humans and get them drunk, which has always been a bonus in moderation.
The 19th century saw some innovation aside from refrigeration in the form of canning. The creation of airtight containers that could be heated to sterilize bacteria led to new forms of food preservation that were useful in both urban and rural areas. Heating the food killed bacteria while a lack of airflow or external moisture meant new microbes couldn’t spoil the food. This is still one of the most useful forms of food preservation in the home, as it doesn’t require large commercial equipment to mass-produce results for a family.
One of the most interesting recent developments is freeze drying food. Freeze drying works by freezing the food at a very low temperature to ensure all water content within the food becomes ice. The food is then placed into a vacuum chamber where the pressure inside is reduced and the ice transitions directly into gas while bypassing the liquid state in a process called sublimation.
The water vapor is attracted to a cold surface called a condensation plate, then
removed. The food is then placed into an airtight container to eliminate the opportunity for any new water or bacteria to enter the food until it’s ready to eat.
Simply preserving food isn’t enough to keep it safe forever. We need to be able to keep the environment around the food controlled and pestfree. Packaging will degrade at some point, water will find its way back to our preserved
food and the microbiome will do its thing to ruin our preserved foods. Given enough time, even food in airtight containers will spoil.
Preserving food isn’t meant to make food last forever, just long enough for us to eat it — so enjoy that jerky, slurp that kimchi and gnaw on that fruit leather like a dog with a slipper. Food is meant to be eaten, not stared at.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
•There are 70 million people in the world who use some form of sign language to communicate.
•Sign language varies from country to country. Most countries have their own sign language or share a certain sign language but have a different “dialect.” There are more than 300 sign languages used around the world.
•Eyebrows play a big role in sign language. A well constructed question must be accompanied by the correct eyebrow position. When a person is asking questions related to who, where, what, why or when, the eyebrows are kept down. If the question is regarding a yes/no situation, the eyebrows are up.
•Sign language communicates using facial expression, hand movement and position, gestures and body language, as well as signs.
•In American Sign Language, every letter of the alphabet can be signed using one hand. In British and German Sign Language, two hands are necessary.
•ASL is filled with subtle clues for correct communication. For example, all signs for women (such as “wife,” “daughter,” etc.) are signed near the jawline while signs related to men (such as “father,” “boy,” etc.) are signed near the forehead. Also, each sign is composed of five components, and any change in them alters the entire meaning of the sign.
•Deaf people often use “name signs” to refer to individuals based on a certain attribute or characteristic — a kind of shorthand or nickname — rather than fingerspelling their entire name.
•Brain damage has similar affects on sign language as spoken language. When suffering from a brain injury such as a stroke, a deaf person may not be able to put signs into the correct grammar or the correct forms.
•Infants often learn to sign before they can talk.
Earth Day reminds us that we’re a part of nature
By Isabelle Manning Reader Contributor
Growing up in the Bay Area, nature came with a schedule and a set of keys. For my family, it always took planning, packing and driving. Nature was weekends and summers, mostly spent at my family’s cabin on Fallen Leaf Lake in the Sierra Nevadas. That cabin, nestled in the pines with water cold enough to steal your breath, is where I first learned to love the quiet, the scent of sunwarmed wood and the feeling of being tucked into a place that doesn’t ask anything of you but to simply be.
But once we drove back down the mountain, it was back to city life: sidewalks, sirens and stoplights. That pattern followed me through college in Boulder, Colo., then Eugene, Ore., until I ended up in Portland — where I spent nearly a decade.
I realized that I always
chose cities with easy access to the outdoors; but, still, I lived with one foot on pavement and the other in the forest. Nature was something outside of my everyday life — beautiful and refreshing, but peripheral.
This changed when I met my boyfriend, Chris, in Portland in 2023. He was visiting from Libby, Mont. (which I definitely had to Google) on a boys’ weekend trip and, against all odds, we hit it off.
We did the long-distance thing for a while — me riding the Amtrak Empire Builder east from Portland, him coming west. The train passed through breathtaking stretches of wilderness, and every time I stepped off at the tiny Libby station, it felt like entering a different world.
Eventually, I came to visit Libby for what I thought would be a few weeks. I didn’t realize I was doing a trial run of living there — but that’s exactly what happened.
I went to outdoor concerts.
I helped in the garden and built a fence. I got way too invested in the local grocery store’s cheese selection. I started learning the names of the mountains and how to tell apart different birds.
I stayed longer. And one day, I realized I wasn’t counting down the days until I went “back.”
When a job opened up with Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness that fall, I applied and got it. I started in November and, by February, I’d moved the rest of my stuff and made it official — Libby was home.
Living in Libby has shifted how I see nature — not as a weekend destination, but as something I’m surrounded by every day. I don’t have to plan a trip to feel like I’m in the wilderness. It’s right here. In the backyard. Literally. Sometimes there are turkeys in it.
I still miss certain things about city life — mostly food-related — but I’m really
Erasing history is a betrayal of future generations
By Liam FitzGerald Reader Contributor
“The truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
On March 27, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, which, according to the White House, is intended to restore “truth and sanity to American history.” This order specifically refers to the Smithsonian Institution and directs Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from any of its exhibits.
It seems likely that this order would mean the elimination of exhibits that refer to — or provide a negative image of — slavery or the treatment of Indigenous peoples in America, and suggests that anything that might question the morality of the American
people (past or present), or tarnish the president’s version of what our country’s history should be, is no longer considered acceptable.
The order also states, “In the last decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted effort to rewrite American history and force our nation to adopt a factually baseless ideology aimed at eliminating American achievement,” and, “President Trump is fighting back by reestablishing truth in the historical narrative and restoring Federal sites dedicated to American heritage.”
Does this mean that fundamentally important chapters of our history will be eliminated or glossed-over, and that as a nation we should bury our heads in the sand and forget about what has actually occurred? Not only denying our past mistakes, but denying
starting to understand the appeal of a slower, wilder pace. I didn’t move here to “find myself.” I kind of just... stayed. And in the staying, I found something better than a dramatic transformation: a surprising sense of belonging. What I’ve learned is that wild places don’t just need our protection. They also offer us something in return: perspective, humility and a sense of belonging that can’t be replicated by city lights or crowded trails. Earth Day isn’t just about remembering to recycle or plant a tree — it’s about remembering that we
are part of nature, not separate from it. And that sometimes, the biggest shift is not in where you go, but in how you choose to live.
Isabelle Manning lives in Libby, Mont., with her partner Chris and their dog Storm. Last fall, she joined the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness staff as its Lincoln County outreach coordinator. This summer, she is looking forward to hiking and backpacking around the Scotchmans and Cabinets and getting to know the landscape.
the heroic efforts by so many Americans — Black, white and all the colors in between — to overcome the immoral ideologies that made things like slavery and genocide possible.
I would think that many American children who are to be denied the truth about our country’s past will someday, when they discover what really took place (which they are likely to do), will feel a profound sense of betrayal and disrespect for being denied the chance to truly understand our cherished although sometimes troubled history. I know I would.
“Those who do not learn (or are denied the chance to learn) from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them.”
Liam FitzGerald is a Sagle resident.
The author at Kootenai Falls. Courtesy photo
FEATURE Finding the magic in learning Selkirk School raises funds for expansion
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
A yearslong fundraising process will come to a close for the Selkirk School on Saturday, April 26, with a special dinner and auction from 5-9 p.m. that organizers hope will provide the final push for the school to reach its $300,000 goal.
All proceeds will go toward adding two new bathrooms and a multipurpose room to support students’ extracurricular activities.
“For 30 students and six staff, we currently have two bathrooms,” said Director Molly Thompson.
“We’re strategic about it. We have a bookcase right by the bathroom and a beautiful fish tank, so it’s a learning lesson for them where they sit and read books, but there are times when both bathrooms are occupied, and somebody really needs to go.”
The school sits on 4.5 acres where its “threeschool,” preschool, pre-K and Kindergarten classes learn outside, but the actual schoolhouse has maintained a small footprint since its humble beginnings in the 1970s.
“We have a piece of concrete that has ‘1978’ etched into it, and we know from historical lore that, decades ago, the school started as North Idaho Learning Center and, officially, that’s still our name. It was a trailer — like a mobile home — and that was the first school,” said Thompson.
The original structure was eventually replaced by the schoolhouse, which the administration has slowly added onto over the years to give students and summer camp attendees more breathing room. Despite the expansion, the school has no plans to increase its student body, which currently has classes of eight to 12 students.
“We like that we have small classes and can really have an impact on the families that are a part of this school. Even though it means that we have fewer families that we impact, it really keeps the feel of the
school very close-knit and communal,” said Thompson.
Currently, teachers have to rearrange rooms and organize special outside activities to create the space needed to house extracurricular classes. The process is even more labor intensive when preparing the school for summer.
The additional room will house the student’s yoga classes, music lessons, indoor summer camp activities and a child-centric kitchen, among other uses.
“Two of our classes bake or cook every week. That’s part of their lesson and, as you can imagine, it teaches them everything from math to measuring skills, gross motor skills with the mixing and even trying new things,” said Thompson.
“Right before spring break, our youngest class was studying the letter ‘v’ and so they made some roasted vegetables that they had cut and peeled themselves,” she added. “They enjoyed the process more than the vegetables, but still they tried. When you’re 3 years old, trying new vegetables is a big deal.”
Children prepare meals in the classroom, but the teachers have to cook the food at a separate location. The new kitchen will have childsized countertops and a safe area around the oven so the students can
watch their creations bake.
“We want to make every single child that comes through Selkirk School have a longstanding love of learning and understand that learning is fun, school is fun and that it’s magical because of all of the things that you learn how to do, and that you are smart because of all the things that you can do,” Thompson said. “That really is what it comes down to — having the children find the magic in learning.”
The April 26 fundraiser will feature a silent auction with prizes like massage gift certificates, Schweitzer passes and local art up for grabs, as well as a dessert dash with sweets donated by local pastry chefs from The Cakery, Arlo’s Ristorante, Winter Ridge and more. Beet and Basil will cater the event, providing vegetarian and grain-free options.
Tickets are $75 per person at auctria.events/2025SpringFundraiser.
“We love being part of this community. We love the impact that we have on the community and we are so appreciative of the families that partner with us as a co-op school,” said Thompson.
For more information or to enroll in the last available Kindergarten and preschool spots, visit selkirkschool.com.
A rendering of the Selkirk School’s future multipurpose room, which was designed by architect and Selkirk alum Reid Weber of North Root Architecture. StanCraft Construction will handle the buidling process and plan to break ground in May. Courtesy photo.
When one party rules, Idaho families lose
By Lauren Necochea Reader Contributor
Our government exists to serve the people. But another legislative session ruled by the Republican supermajority showed exactly what happens when one party has unchecked power for too long: extremist policies that hurt families and kids.
While Idahoans struggle to afford housing, health care, and child care, Republican lawmakers gave hundreds of millions in tax breaks that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest 1%. And they paid for it by gutting programs that serve the rest of us.
Their schemes took $68 million from public schools, including $3 million for special education. They slashed $15 million from affordable housing programs. They ripped $22 million from road and bridge repairs. They took $25 million in home energy rebates that lower prices and cost the
Lauren Necochea. File photo
state nothing. Colleges and universities lost $19 million. They even cut rural doctor recruitment as our health care workforce shortage worsens.
While they gave the store away to the wealthy, Republicans discontinued the Idaho Child Tax Credit, which helps families afford everything from groceries to child care. The loss means families earning between $31,100 and $55,600 a year won’t see any tax benefit, and many families
will pay more. Those earning $55,600 to $91,800 should expect an average tax increase of about $100.
Idaho Democrats stayed focused on real people and problems. They expanded insurance coverage for early cancer screenings, improved care for foster youth and dementia patients, created consistency in death investigations and started a fund to help resource-strapped rural schools.
Democratic legislators stopped some of the most extreme measures. They blocked Bible mandates in public schools, preserved the ballot initiative process, held back a repeal of Medicaid expansion and kept unchecked guns out of classrooms.
Still, in a state where one party holds all the power, there’s only so much Democrats can fight off. Republicans funneled public dollars into private school subsidies. They pushed work requirements for Medicaid that take care away when people need it most. They eliminated basic day care safety standards and passed cruel new restrictions on health care, inserting
politicians into private decisions.
Yet again, Republicans refused to fix their extreme abortion ban. The same laws that have denied women emergency care, driven doctors out of Idaho and led to preventable deaths elsewhere are still on the books. They had chances to make it right and chose not to.
We deserve leaders who put working Idahoans first. Leaders who listen to the people, not party bosses or out-ofstate billionaires. Leaders who believe everyone, no matter their zip code or paycheck, deserves a fair shot at a good life.
Change won’t come from the top. It will come from people like you, demanding better. Let’s make this session the last time Idaho families get left behind.
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.
FEATURE
‘I’m just not comfortable
crossing the border right
now’
Canadian neighbors explain why they’re not visiting the U.S. after Trump’s tariff policy and threats to their sovereignty
By Ben Olson and Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Vehicles bearing license plates from Canadian provinces are a familiar sight in North Idaho, especially during the summer tourist season. Neighbors on both sides of the international border have a long history of friendly relations, regularly crossing over to recreate in each others’ countries; but, in the wake of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric pushing for Canada to become the “51st state” and instigating a trade war with 25% tariffs on imports from both Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on energy resources from Canada, those license plates are likely to be a rarer sight in Sandpoint.
The White House issued a fact sheet Feb. 1 on the tariffs, claiming that the move was intended to hold the targeted countries — which included China — “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.”
However, as former-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote in a March 3 statement, “less than 1% of fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada.” The nation has spent $1.3 billion strengthening controls intended to intercept illicit drugs crossing the border into the U.S. — including by appointing a “fentanyl czar.”
Trudeau also responded with a vow to reciprocate with 25% tariffs on U.S. goods and called on Canadians to keep their dollars close to home.
The dramatic breakdown in relations has raised concerns across the economy, but for border communities like Boundary and Bonner County, the effects will be most evident with a decrease in visitors from nearby provinces like British Columbia and Alberta.
In a news release Feb. 3, the U.S. Travel Association estimated that even a 10% decline in Canadians visiting the U.S. could result in a loss of 2 million tourists, $2.1 billion and 14,000 jobs across the country.
For some, like three British Columbia residents interviewed for this story, it isn’t certain when, if ever, they will return to the United States.
‘If a Canadian spills a beer in the forest...’
For Creston, B.C. residents Nancy and Robert, North Idaho has been a home away from home for the past 15 years. Every winter, the couple — who asked that their last name not be printed out of fear of retaliation — has purchased a season pass at Schweitzer, rented a condo or hotel room for a month, and frequented local bars and restaurants most nights.
That is, until Trump began suggesting that Canada would become the “51st state” and called then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Governor ... of the Great State of Canada.” Trump’s rhetoric led Nancy and Robert to make the difficult decision to cut off all travel to the U.S.
The couple wrote a letter to Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm on Feb. 16 informing him that they would not be returning.
“Because of the threats to the sovereignty of Canada from your president, my husband and I are no longer visiting Schweitzer nor even crossing the border,” they wrote. “As it stands now, we will not be purchasing ski passes for next ski season.”
Nancy told the Reader the couple’s personal boycott of the U.S. began immediately after Trump’s statements.
“January 27 — that’s when we made the final decision,” Nancy said. “That ‘51st state’ stuff was just over the top. I believe that was the last time we crossed. It was a heartbreaking decision, but an easy decision. Country first.”
Nancy said living 10 kilometers — or about six miles — north of the border made Schweitzer their closest ski hill. They enjoyed skiing there so much, they began staying for a month or more.
“We always made trips to Sandpoint,” she said. “Once we got a pass, we were coming 40-50 days a year, often staying the entire month.”
royalty, we’ve got a dozen ski friends there and nobody saw us as any different than anyone else, really,” she said.
To cap off their ski day, Nancy and Robert often paired up with other visiting Canadian couples or local friends to head out on the town, striving to visit a new pub every evening. They regularly purchased local art from Sandpoint galleries, souvenirs from retailers and other memorabilia for friends back home.
“It was part of our social life and part of our recreation,” she said. “I’ve always felt that it’s been friendly, but you could sort of start picking up on things — especially driving through Bonners. They make it known where you are with that big billboard. I always just kind of blocked that out when I drove through on the way to the ski hill and tried to forget about that part.”
Nancy began noticing other indicators that led up to what she referred to as America’s “shocking” transformation.
“It shocked me when we had a confrontation at the ski hill, which has never happened before,” she said. “Someone saw our license plates and said, ‘You guys are being brainwashed by commies up there.’ It really disturbed my husband. I’ve had others tell us they’ve had someone toss a big gob of chew spit on their windshield because of their Canadian license plates.”
The open hostility baffled Nancy and Robert, who are proud of their Canadian kindness.
“I’m a passionate Canadian and I’m proud of who we are,” she said. “We’re polite and friendly to our neighbors. My husband has a shirt that reads, ‘If a Canadian spills a beer in the forest, will he still apologize?’
“Our sovereignty is being threatened and we’re not taking that lightly at all.”
— Nancy, B.C. resident
Until this year, the pair were pleased with the arrangement. They made dozens of local friends and looked forward to reconnecting every season.
“Everyone always treated us like
We’re proud of that reputation.”
Watching the relationship decline from friendly neighbors to animosity saddens Nancy, but she also said it has united Canadians.
“Everyone is label-reading, trying to buy Canadian as much as possible,” she said. “Our sovereignty is being threatened and we’re not taking that lightly at all.”
The couple canceled their Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions. She
has been buying local produce, handing out Canadian flags downtown and writing letters to share their story on why they have decided to boycott the U.S.
Nancy estimates she and her husband spent an average of $20,000 every ski season when staying in North Idaho — money she vows to spend only on Canadian products and services moving forward.
Yet, her message to Americans worried about a negative reception when traveling into Canada: “You are welcome.”
“Americans should feel very welcome here,” she said. “Open arms. Totally. We met a[n American] couple at Rossland and they said, ‘I’m so sorry,’ and we said, ‘We’re sorry you feel the need to say sorry,’ so we all had a laugh about that. But we’ve noticed a lot of Americans coming into Canada saying they were there to support us now more than ever before. That’s been great.”
For Nancy, the toughest part of the breakdown of relations between two once-friendly countries is coming to terms with the negative, often fallacious rhetoric coming from Trump.
“He says so many lies about Canada,” she said. “So many lies. ... Maybe there are systems we could do better as North America — like the EU, they have a common currency, no borders, but they did it together, around a table, discussing things over time until there was satisfaction. Not bullying and outright threats. That’s not how the world should work.”
Also, Trump’s treatment of veterans has alarmed Nancy over the years.
“It brings tears to my eyes, thinking about your guy criticizing John McCain, a war hero, and belittling him,” she told the Reader. “There are no words to describe that kind of behavior. There are no words to describe the people that go along with someone like that. ... We very much stand behind the military and we’ve always been allies with you.”
While she plans to stick to her boycott until the end of Trump’s term, Nancy said she hopes the rift isn’t a permanent one.
“I think it’s repairable,” she said. “I just hope the American people will welcome us back with open arms.”
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‘We love our Canadian friends’ Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mickey Quinn said she’s already seen a decrease in Canadian visitors to North Idaho.
“This time last year we had a lot more than we do [now],” she told the Reader
The latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures bear that out, showing a recent sharp decline in arrivals at the Eastport and Porthill border crossings in Boundary County.
While crossings from Canada were consistently between about 23,000 and 24,000 per month from November 2024 to January 2025, that number fell to 19,100 in February — almost 4,000 fewer than the month before and 2,700 fewer than in February 2024. Those decreases in inbound U.S.-Canada travel at Idaho’s two international border crossings amounted to 12.4% year over year and 17% from January to February alone, during which time relations between the countries dramatically soured.
If that trend holds through the summer months, many area businesses that cater to Canadian visitors or rely on the bump in spending from tourists from their northern neighbors would feel the effects.
Data from past years shows travel from Canada to the U.S. through Eastport and Porthill is typically between 37,000 and 67,000 per month from May through September, with total visits reaching 366,000 in 2023 and 421,000 in 2024. As of February, the number of crossings from Canada to Idaho during the fiscal year beginning October 2024 came to 123,000.
Though Quinn is concerned about the declining numbers, she said Canadian visitors represent a small portion of North Idaho’s tourists overall.
“I don’t know we’ll see a decrease in tourism overall, because Idaho is definitely a destination that a lot of the U.S. likes to come to, as well as Europe,” she said. “I don’t think we’ll see a decrease in that traffic, but we’re hearing from Canadians in the current climate — the culture, the shift, the politics — and they’re choosing not to come.”
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that Idaho’s tourism industry is worth $3.7 billion, employing more than 45,800 Idahoans and generating $475 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. According to the November 2024 report “The Economic Impact of Travel,” prepared for Visit Idaho, international visitors contributed more than $259 million in direct
spending in the state in 2023 — accounting for 4.9% of the total dollars spent by tourists in Idaho, though that was up 29.8% from 2022.
The report lists accommodations and food; arts, entertainment and recreation; and transport as the top three categories for total earnings from overall tourist spending, with $254 million coming into the state’s coffers from the Idaho sales tax. On top of that, Quinn said the state of Idaho collects a 2% bed tax, which, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce, adds up to more than $12 million per year. Almost half of that revenue goes to individual grantees, such as the chamber, to help draw tourists to the state, with the same portion going to attract international and domestic tourists, tour operators, travel agents and travel journalists.
Meanwhile, the city of Sandpoint collects a 14% tourist lodging tax — approved by voters in 2022 and extended through 2035 — and Ponderay collects a 7% short-term occupancy tax.
It’s unclear exactly how much a significant decline in Canadian tourism would cost the local area in lost revenue, but the Bonners Ferry Herald reported in late March that the Kootenai Tribal Development Corporation had seen “a sharp decline in Canadian traffic,” which several local businesses said posed a dire threat to their operations.
However, Quinn said it’s worth noting that Idaho’s tourism agency is maintaining its advertising to potential Canadian visitors.
“I think it’s important to remain consistent to tell them they’re always welcome here,” she said. “Canadian visitors are an important part of our tourism and local economy. [Local merchants] should probably be prepared to have a dip in visits, but that just emphasizes the reasons to be prepared for every person who walks through the doors.”
Quinn said she’d like to remind Canadian visitors that Sandpoint still cares about them.
“The great people of Sandpoint are the same ones that were here when they had a great experience last time they visited,” she said. “We love our Canadian friends, we love their business and we appreciate them so much. We’re ready to serve them. Please don’t let what’s happening in our nation’s capital affect their opportunities to experience North Idaho and the wonderful people who are ready to serve them.”
‘Elbows up’
It was also the “51st state” talking point from Trump that served as the last straw for Mike, who lives outside of Creston about a dozen miles from the border (Mike also wished for his last name to be withheld due to safety concerns).
Mike has sworn to never travel into the U.S. again, nor purchase any products made in America.
nadians folding on issues like national sovereignty, which he said he will fight to defend.
“For your readers, to make it especially clear, the tariffs were hurtful, but the real issue is when your president said he was going to break our economy and make us into the 51st state. That crosses a huge line in Canada. I don’t think I’m ever going back.”
“For your readers, to make it especially clear, the tariffs were hurtful, but the real issue is when your president said he was going to break our economy and make us into the 51st state,” Mike told the Reader “That crosses a huge line in Canada. I don’t think I’m ever going back.”
— Mike, B.C. resident
“In Canada, if you want to own a weapon, you have to have what’s called a PAL, a possession and acquisition license, and you have to take a firearm safety course,” Mike said. “Right now, in cities in Canada, you cannot get into PAL courses. They’re all full, because Canadians are saying, ‘We will buy arms if the Americans come.’ If they’re going to make it an issue, we will fight. I don’t like that. I think it’s a terrible thing, but I don’t know what else to say to people. We’re really, really angry about that [51st state talk].”
Mike said he’s spent holidays in the U.S. for many years, ever since his parents bought property in Washington on the Pend Oreille River.
“We spent most of our summers there and I knew a lot of American folks from there,” he said. “We always crossed freely and never felt any hesitation about crossing the border at all.”
Last year, Mike and his wife decided to strike an item from their bucket list to visit Washington, D.C. to tour the museums and monuments there.
“We said we’d better go now, because if Trump gets in it’ll be really crazy,” he said.
As a person of color, Mike said, “given the climate of violence or intolerance that Trump fosters, it makes it difficult for me to want to travel into the States, especially where there is a heavy Republican presence and the implied threats that come from ICE about deporting people without due process.”
He isn’t hopeful that these wounds will heal with time.
“I think this is irreparable,” he said. “This is going to be generational. I have no ill will toward Americans, but I won’t go down to the States ever again. Nor will my kids. Not in my lifetime. My son is already teaching his kids not to buy American. That kind of thing doesn’t get undone tomorrow. ... If you asked me could this happen so fast back in December of 2024, I’d have thought you were insane.”
While Mike acknowledges that most Americans view Canadians as “nice,” that shouldn’t be confused with Ca-
For now, Mike has made peace with breaking ties with the States, telling the Reader these threats have united Canadians — liberal and conservative — to put their country first and stand up to the bullying coming from the White House.
Lately, Mike said Charlie Angus — a member of Canada’s New Democratic Party — has become a folk hero in Canada for reinvigorating the phrase, “elbows up” — a reference to famed hockey player Gordie Howe, who was given the moniker “Mr. Elbows” for his aggressive play. When someone dared mess with one of Howe’s teammates, he “put the elbows up,” which resulted in bloody noses and black eyes. Now, the phrase stands for something more: a rallying cry for Canadians to throw their “elbows up” and defend their country.
The phrase made it onto Saturday Night Live earlier in April, when Canadian-born comic Mike Myers pointed to his right elbow and then up in the air, mouthing the words, “elbows up.”
According to Mike — from outside of Creston — another saying about Canadians sums up the mood north of the border: “Canadians are really, really nice. Until we’re not.”
COMMUNITY BGH earns recognition from the American Diabetes Association
By Reader Staff
The American Diabetes Association recently recognized Bonner General Health for its diabetes self-management education and support service.
The honor came from the ADA’s Education Recognition Program — which also recognized BGH’s efforts in 2021 — and comes with a certificate assuring that educational services meet the national standards for diabetes self-management education and support.
Services like BGH’s apply for recognition voluntarily and awards lasts for four years.
“DSMES is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it,” stated Barbara Eichorst, the ADA’s vice president of health programs. “We applaud Bonner General Health for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes, and
patient experience.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Fact Sheet, more than 38 million people — or 11.6% — of the U.S. population have diabetes. While an estimated 29.7 million have been diagnosed, 8.7 million people are not aware they have this disease. Each day, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will first learn they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications — heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease or amputation. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., contributing to 399,401 deaths in 2021.
As the nation’s leading organization committed to fighting diabetes, the ADA’s Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. report in 2022 confirmed diabetes continues to be one of the nation’s most expensive chronic health care conditions, with an estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes of $412.9 billion.
Live Give 7B campaign coming to a close
By Reader Staff
Bonner County residents, businesses and nonprofits have until Friday, April 18 to participate in Live Give 7B — a countywide giving initiative dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and businesses, “strengthening community connections and fostering a culture of generosity that makes 7B a place we’re all proud to call home,” according to organizers.
Spearheaded by a collective of local nonprofit leaders, Live Give 7B brings together more than 65 nonprofit organizations to highlight their missions and encourage community giving.
Initiative supports local nonprofits and businesses
During the campaign, participating nonprofits are featured on 7bgives.org, where donors can contribute.
Businesses that give back to the community are also recognized in social media spotlights, videos and engagement posts, encouraging residents to shop local and show appreciation.
Every dollar given through April 18 goes to participating organizations.
The campaign will conclude with a community celebration at Timber Town Beer Company (50 Main St., Ste. 101, in Priest River) and Matchwood Brewing Company (513 Oak St., in Sandpoint) on April 18, starting at 4 p.m.
The events will bring together nonprofits, businesses and residents to celebrate the collective impact made throughout the week.
“This campaign is about so much more than just fundraising,” stated EnVision Center Executive Director Katie Begalke, who serves on the Live Give 7B Organizing Committee. “It’s about recognizing the incredible organizations and businesses that make Bonner County such a special place and coming together to support them in meaningful ways.”
For more information, visit 7bgives.org.
Celebrating Earth Day in Sandpoint
ICL partners with the city of Sandpoint, Forrest M. Bird Charter Schools for shoreline cleanup
By Reader Staff
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Idaho Conservation League is partnering with the city of Sandpoint and Forrest M. Bird Charter Schools to host a cleanup along the shores of City Beach, Lower Sand Creek and the Pend Oreille Bay Trail on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
“We are so pleased to be gathering once again for this event,” stated ICL North Idaho Director Jennifer Ekstrom. “We had a wonderful turnout last year, and are proud to help bring people together and take care of our environment, and this lake that we all love.”
Community members are invited to clear local shorelines of the garbage and debris that collects over the winter months.
“This family-friendly event is a
great way for area residents, local businesses and community organizations to care for their waterways before the busy summer season begins,” organizers stated.
According to seventh-grade science teacher Sarah Evans, “The students are excited to roll up their sleeves and help, especially after seeing the film Straws, which showcases the perils of plastic pollution in our waterways.”
Volunteers are invited to check in at the City Beach Pavilion (located just past the end of the parking lot at 58 Bridge St., in Sandpoint), and are asked to bring their own reusable buckets or bags, as well as work gloves and a trash grabber, if possible.
Warm refreshments will be provided courtesy of Evans Brothers Coffee, as well as pastries from Winter Ridge Natural Foods.
This event is free to attend and
open to all ages. The area may be muddy, so waterproof boots or shoes are recommended.
“We are delighted to see the community come together for this cleanup and are happy to offer our support,” stated Sandpoint Recreation Services Superintendent Katie Bradbury. “Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille are such treasures. They stay that way thanks to efforts like these.”
A volunteer cleans up the shoreline near Sand Creek. Courtesy photo
‘Slow down and pay attention’
By Rich Holub Reader Contributor
My friend Bob was killed on Highway 95 yesterday [April 14].
Crushed, torn apart, burned. His passenger, a young man, was life-flighted to Spokane in critical condition. Others went to the hospital. And a mom was rushing to Spokane to see if her son would survive.
They were rear-ended — pushed into oncoming traffic, his pickup literally torn into pieces.
Rear-ended. On a two-lane highway. I don’t know (I don’t, I’m trying to have compassion), but I’d place bets on his killer going too fast and/or paying attention to a screen instead of piloting tons of potentially deadly missile.
I hate it. I see it all the time and read about it in the ever increasing
sheriff’s “accident” reports. This is not the mark of human intelligence. And I’m angry. Did you move here to get away from “the rat race?” To have a better life? Then why the hell do you still drive like you’re back there? Where it seems the rule is the more people the faster you’re supposed to go and the more closely you’re supposed to follow, leaving no room for error. Intelligence?
When I see you slowing down and starting to weave, I know there’s a screen involved. We have one now and it’s the stupidest idea ever to put in a car. To help us. Requiring “safety” features to protect us when we’re using it. I hate it. Intelligence?
And why do you still feel the need to play the lane change/cut back in game? For what? To gain 30 seconds? It’s little Sandpoint, for God’s sake! Or zoom past in the right lane
in Kootenai so you can pass everybody only to turn off in Ponder Point, or get to town and stop at the same red light as everybody you passed? Intelligence?
Can you change and actually strive for that better life? Can you realize we’re your neighbors on the road, not obstacles to be overcome? Can you cooperate, leave room, let others merge, quit tailgating, have patience with each other? Wouldn’t driving be more relaxing and friendly instead of stressful?
Maybe if we watch out for each other, our friends and family won’t die for no reason except our egos, distraction and irresponsibility.
I’m still angry. For fuck’s sake, slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing.
Rich Holub lives in Hope.
FOOD & DRINK
Chamber recognizes April Volunteer and Business of the Month
Jack Peterson and Evans Bros. take honors
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce announced its Volunteer and Business of the Month for April, honoring Jack Peterson and Evans Brothers Coffee, respectively.
Peterson is the associate station manager at KRFY 88.5 FM Panhandle Community Radio, where he has served as co-host of the Thursday Morning Show since 2014 and co-host of North Idaho News of the Week since 2023. While his work in the offices at KRFY is paid, all of the hours he contributes on the air are given as a volunteer.
“He has become a truly integral part of the station as we know it,” the chamber stated in a news release.
In addition to KRFY, Peterson also volunteered with Kaniksu Land Trust as the original “Sasquatch” in order to raise funds to purchase the Pine Street Woods and has been an advocate for musicians and performing artists.
Peterson created the Little Live Radio Hour, in collaboration with the Festival at Sandpoint, in 2022. The monthly program at the Little Panida Theater features local musical acts in an intimate, in-person setting while also broadcast at 88.5 FM or streaming on KRFY.org.
Brothers Rick and Randy Evans founded Evans Brothers Coffee in 2009. Both avid skiers, the now-beloved local institution took shape with ideas generated on long chairlift rides on Schweitzer.
“Their Sandpoint café has become a true pillar of our community,” the chamber stated.
Evans Brothers’ philosophy centers on the values of quality, ethical coffee and community — and that approach has led to success. Along with running cafés in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Evans Brothers is also a coffee producer, supplying coffee locally and nationally.
The team at Evans Brothers embodies the culture of the business, which in 2024 donated more than $13,000 to 31 local nonprofit organizations and events. Evans Brothers also releases nonprofit collaboration coffee bags, with proceeds going to local causes.
“Rick, Randy and the entire team at Evans Brothers set a fantastic example of care for their community and quality of their craft and products,” the Chamber added.
Top left: Jack Peterson, left, and Mickey Quinn, right. Top right: Randy Evans, left; Mickey Quinn, center and Rick Evans, right. Courtesy photos.
Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sandpoint Family Acupuncture
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Sandpoint Family Acupuncture as a member with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its 111 Cedar St. location in downtown Sandpoint.
Licensed acupuncturist Kay Madsen opened the business after returning to the place of her birth in the past year after 40 years “wandering the earth” since graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1981.
She brings 23 years of experience as a licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine from her practice
in Maryland, with a prior decade of practicing as an attorney in Washington, D.C. According to the chamber, Madsen is excited not only to be back home living among her family, but to offer her expertise to the community.
Madsen’s comprehensive treatments include a thorough health evaluation while addressing clients’ specific issues with all the traditional tools of Chinese medicine — including acupuncture, herbs, cupping and more — plus newer modalities, such as infrared red light therapy.
For more info, go to sandpointfamilyacupuncture.com or call at 208-920-3307.
Grants offered to support arts and human rights initiatives in Bonner County
By Reader Staff
Bonner County nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the arts and promoting human rights are encouraged to apply for grants from the Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement and the Bonner County Endowment for Human Rights. Administered by the Idaho Community Foundation, the grants are intended to provide support for organizations that serve Bonner County through education, advocacy and cultural initiatives.
The Bonner County Fund for Arts Enhancement is directed toward programs that integrate arts education into the community. Awards range from $3,000 to $12,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions and government entities.
The Bonner County Endowment for Human Rights provides funding for programs that promote inclusivity, education and advocacy in Bonner County. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are also available to nonprofit organizations, public schools and government entities committed
to advancing human rights and celebrating diversity.
Past recipients include the Festival at Sandpoint, which used its award from the Fund for Arts Enhancement to sustain and grow its annual summer concert series. The National Alliance on Mental Health-Far North affiliate used its support from the Endowment for Human Rights to help launch the Sand Creek Connections Clubhouse, intended to address mental health recovery for adults living with mental health conditions in Bonner and Boundary counties.
“By providing financial resourc-
es to organizations committed to arts, culture and human rights, these grants help ensure a vibrant, inclusive and thriving community,” the Idaho Community Foundation stated in a news release.
The application deadline for both grant programs is Thursday, May 1, with award notifications anticipated in June. Eligible organizations can apply through at idahocf.org under “Grant Applications.”
For more information about grant opportunities, contact grants@idahocf.org or 208-342-3535.
Winners named in annual community writing contest
By Reader Staff
The annual Sandpoint Writers on the Lake writing contest hosted March 22 attracted authors of all ages to the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library, where they listened to and judged participating writers who read for five minutes from their own unpublished works.
The audience selected six winners: first place and runners-up in three categories — youth, ages 5-12; young adult, ages 13-18; and adult,
ages 19 and older.
First place winners earned a $50 prize and runners-up were awarded $25.
The winners in each category are (from left to right): Von Pelot, runner-up adult; McKenzie Maus, 18, first place young adult, for her piece, “Knightlight”; Emily Erickson, first place adult, for her piece “Growing Up”; Julia Borgholthaus, 16, runner-up young adult; Ilya Raphael, 12, first place youth, for her piece “The Dusty Town”; and Silas Rasmussen, 11, runner-up, youth.
(From left to right) Bill, Blake, Connie, Brad, Elly, Karly and Brynn Malone; Nicole Campagna; Kay Madsen; and Chamber Ambassador Steve Sanchez. Courtesy photo
Photo by Tom Valentine.
Trout Unlimited holds fly fishing lessons at JER Sports Center
By Reader Staff
The Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation are partnering to bring a series of Saturday fly fishing classes to the James E. Russell Sports Center (2016 Pine St.).
Scheduled for April 19, April 26 and May 3, indoor lessons will be followed by students putting their skills to the test during the fourth and final class at Silverwood Pond in Athol on Saturday, May 10.
The course costs $60 per student, which includes a one-year Trout Unlimited membership and 100-page reference book.
Indoor courses will run from 1-4
p.m. and cover topics such as casting, knot tying, aquatic insects, flies, equipment, and where and how to fish. Participants will receive the exact time and directions for the final class at a later date. Trout Unlimited will supply all the necessary equipment to participate.
Register online at sandpointidaho. gov/parks-and-recreation.
New workforce housing development comes to Priest River
By Reader Staff
The Village at Riverview Ridge is set to introduce six homes designed to be affordable for the local workforce. The initiative comes through a nonprofit collaboration involving Kaniksu Land Trust, LEAP Housing of Boise and the Bonner Community Housing Agency, marking a step toward addressing the critical housing shortage in the area.
The project, which operates on the community land trust model, aims to provide stable, affordable housing options for residents who might otherwise be priced out of the market due to escalating real estate prices. Houses are built on land owned by a nonprofit — in this case, LEAP Housing. The homes, given that the land value is taken out of the purchase price, are less expensive than market rate purchases.
Located in an existing subdivision off of Potlatch Loop, “These homes represent a significant investment in ensuring that our local workers have access to quality, affordable housing right here in Priest River,” said Zeb Moers from LEAP Housing.
Each home will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms and measure approximately 1,545 square feet, mirroring the existing homes in the area with similar or enhanced finishes.
Because of the structure of the community land trust model, homes in the Village at Riverview Ridge will
remain affordable in perpetuity, with a target purchase price of $260,000. Homebuyers will be chosen through a weighted lottery system designed to prioritize long-term residents working and earning at least 67% of their income in local ZIP codes, including 83804, 83841, 83848, 83856, 83822 and 83821. Would-be homebuyers must also be at or below 120% of the area median income for earnings, which is $76,384 household income for the identified ZIP codes.
Built by DAUM Construction, funding for the homes came entirely from local sources — no state or federal dollars were used in the development.
“We are so grateful for those in our community that understand the challenge that new homeowners face in this region,” stated KLT Executive Director Katie Cox. “Those same community members came forward to help fund this initial project, and make homeownership a possibility for six families.”
Applications are being accepted. Inquire at leaphousing.com/priestriver, or call Chrystle Horvath at Bonner Community Housing Agency at 208263-5720. Drawings will be held the first of every month starting Thursday, May 1 and continuing until all the homes are purchased.
An open house is planned for Friday, April 25, from 3-5 p.m., when the community is invited to take an inside look at what the new homes have to offer.
Courtesy photo
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
Macrame plant hanger workshop
5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
Make your own macrame hangers
Live Music w/ Weibe Jammin
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Pop and rock tunes with loop pedal
Live Music w/ Jason Perry 5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Hannah Meehan
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Nature of Art @ Misty Mountain Furn.
4-8pm @ Misty Mountain Furniture
Check out original art by Steven Scarcello and Jacquie Masterson, tour the studio and meet the artists
Live Music w/ Tim G.
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ Zach Simms
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Pop, indie and soul
Live Music w/ Ben Barton
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ The Liam McCoy Band 9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge
Live Music w/ Matt Lome 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ The Wow Wows, Gold Tooth and Kingdom of Gravity 6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Three bands, one night of rock. See Page 25 for the full story
Live Jazz w/ Bright Moments 6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
April 17 - 24, 2025
Live Music w/ Liam McCoy 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 7pm @ Panida Theater
A play based on C.S. Lewis’ classic work by Honey Pearl Productions. $25
Sandpoint Lions Annual Easter Egg Hunt 9am @ Lakeview Park
For kids of all ages!
MCS Music Marathon • 12pm-? @ Music Conservatory of Sandpoint
A fundraiser for the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint where students collectively play at noon until they can’t play anymore. Funds go to local scholarships
Chocolate making classes • 5:30-7:30pm @ Sandpoint Chocolate, 608 Lake St.
You will be decorating all your own chocolate and get to see the chocolate machinery in action. Also hand dipping fruits and cookies. This is a must for all chocolate lovers. Call 208-304-3591 to RSVP
SATURDAY, april 19
Learn to Fly Fish
12pm @ James E. Russell Sports Center
Learn about gear, terminology, fish, insects, flies, casting and more. Sign up at northidahotu.org
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 1 & 7pm @ Panida Theater
Live Music w/ Picked Up Pieces
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ General Mojo’s 6pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
SunDAY, april 20 (easter)
Parkside Easter Egg Hunt
11:20am-2:20pm @ Great Northern Park
Thousands of candy-filled eggs, a petting zoo, free donuts and coffee, superheroes, music, prizes
monDAY, april 21
Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
tuesDAY, april 22
Live Piano w/ Malachi • 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
A soulful set on the grand piano
Sip & Shop
4-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Proceeds benefit the Sandpoint
Students Outdoor Adventure Club
Family Hour at Matchwood
5-7pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Live music w/ John Firshi and more
Paint & Sip
5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
Learn to paint a masterpiece for $45
wednesDAY, april 23
Live Piano w/ David Speight
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Improvisational ambient set
Live Trivia ($5/person)
7pm @ Connie’s Lounge
ThursDAY, april 24
Live Music w/ Liam McCoy
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Accompanied by Pound Shop Nights. Food and drink specials
Shoreline Cleanup
9:30am @ City Beach Pavilion
A cleanup along the shores of City Beach, lower Sand Creek and the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. Volunteers should bring their own reusable buckets or bags, a trash grabber and gloves. Boots are highly recommended
Live Jazz w/ Justin Lantrip 6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
Live Music w/ Fiddlin’ Red 1-4pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Road Kill 3-5pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Trivia Night 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
2025 POP road cycling meet up 4:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Meet and connect with local road cyclists, learn about 2025 ride schedule and other cycling adventures
Glass Gardens: Build your own terrarium 5:30-7pm @ Verdant Plant Shop
All the supplies and instruction to create an ecosystem in a jar
Honey Pearl Productions brings The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to life
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
A new production company has joined Sandpoint’s theater scene in the form of Honey Pearl Productions, founded by husband-and-wife duo Connie and Stefan Kiehn. Its inaugural show, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, will begin a six-performance run on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.).
The Panida will host additional shows on Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m.
C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe follows the four Pevensie children, who are sent to the country to escape WWII and stumble upon a magical wardrobe with a portal to the land of Narnia. The beloved children’s tale of bravery, loyalty and love between siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter has remained popular since the novel’s release in 1950 and was adapted for the stage by
Joseph Robinette.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has such broad appeal. Of course, Christians connect with its allegorical themes, but fantasy lovers of all backgrounds are drawn to its magic,” said Director Connie Kiehn.
“The story has remained popular for the same reason Christianity remains a viable religion. There is truth to the Christ story, whether you take it literally as Christians do or metaphorically the way some-
one more secular would,” she added. “The story has endured because it speaks to something timeless: the power of sacrificial love.”
The production has stayed as true to the original as possible — with the addition of a few choreographed musical elements — by using descriptions from the novel to inform the character design and by casting children in the major roles. The cast includes Eliana Aispuro as Lucy, Rawlin Hale as Edmund, Maylie Spohn as Susan and Eli
Playing for scholarships
By Jillian Chandler Reader Contributor
Norling as Peter, all of whom are 14 or younger.
“There is also so much room for creativity for our production crew. We’ve incorporated giant puppets, vibrant sets, stunning costumes and beautifully crafted props,” said Kiehn.
Creatures like the unicorn, centaur and stag will be brought to life through full-scale, wearable puppets by Puppet Master Stefan Kiehn. Actors will also embody characters like Mr. and
Mrs. Beaver and Mr. Tumnus, using elaborate costumes and makeup by Costume Designer Vicki Turnbull and Makeup Designer Brittany Hagen.
“Our cast is incredibly talented — the audience is going to be amazed. But just as important are the behindthe-scenes elements,” Connie Kiehn said. “The costumes, lighting, set design, props — all of it comes together to create the magic of this show.”
Tickets are $25 at honeypearlproductions.com.
The MCS Music Marathon support local music students
The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint will mark its second annual Music Marathon on Friday, April 18, raising funds for MCS’s annual scholarship fund. Performances begin at noon and continue until students can collectively play no more.
According to MCS Development Director Kathi Samuels, students pre-select the number of minutes and time slot to play.
“Students can choose to warm up, play scales, repeat songs (not more than once),
in a series,” she said. “The goal is to keep the music playing as long as possible. This event is less of a formal performance and more of a fun community engagement and student-led event.”
The goal of each student is to raise “how long can I play” sponsorship dollars. Supporters can choose from minutes of support or just make a donation. Each student has been given a tracking form to take to friends and family, and supporters can visit GivingTools.com/give/3848/5425 to make a gift online.
“This is a contest between our Honors/Pre-Honors students vs. Merit students,”
Samuels said. The group that raises the most money will win an ice cream sundae party.
“May the best team win,” she added.
All dollars raised will be added to the Honors and Merit student annual scholarship fund. Last year’s marathon raised $1,700, and “the Honors students won by a hair,” Samuels added.
The Music Marathon takes place during the Live Give 7B initiative in Sandpoint, which continues through Friday, April 18. The community-wide giving campaign supports local nonprofits and businesses throughout Bonner County.
“It’s all about supporting
local causes, building community connections and celebrating the heart of 7B,” Samuels
said. “Let’s come together to live, give and celebrate 7B.”
(From left to right): Siblings Lucy (Eliana Aispuro), Edmund (Rawlin Hale), Susan (Maylie Spohn) and Peter (Eli Norling) journey to Narnia for the first time. Photo by Tammy Hagen.
The Wood Nymphs, from left to right: Sydney Houston, Sofia West, Avery Sheetz and Nora Fitchett. Photo by Tammy Hagen.
MCS students performing in last year’s Music Marathon. Photo courtesy of Music Conservatory of Sandpoint
By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist
My surefire “signs of spring” are popping up everywhere. For the third year, the sweetest crow ever (whom I’ve christened Crowbie) has made himself known to me. He delights me with his presence, following my car down the street, flying above the driveway, then perching atop the garage door gable to greet me. He’s highly entertaining, and though I’ve yet to receive a special, shiny gift — which crows are known to bestow upon their humans — I still provide him with massive quantities of peanuts. Alas, I am rewarded with empty peanut shells.
Another favorite sign of spring? All the glorious shoots of my ruby red, childhood rhubarb popping up through the mulch, reminding me of my dear mother and all the tangy treats she taught me to bake with our tart harvest.
Soon, it will be time for the much-anticipated Spring Release Weekend in Walla Walla, Wash., and lots of Sandpoint friends will be headed that way. I was there last weekend for the early release party at Cayuse Winery. For 13 long years, I was on the waitlist to become a wine club member, and I finally made the cut three years ago. Passionate founder Christophe Baron left his generations-old family vineyards in France to become a master vigneron in Walla Walla (I’d say he’s also a master marketer), and I couldn’t wait to finally shell out my hard-earned money for his prized, limited selections.
In 2002, Cayuse became the first domain in the Walla Walla Valley to fully imple-
The Sandpoint Eater All stalked up
ment biodynamic farming — a chemical-free approach designed to produce healthier soil and food. Based on Dr. Rudolph Steiner’s research in the 1920s, the philosophy focuses on the interrelationship of earth, plants and animals as a closed, self-nourishing ecosystem. Followers use an astronomical sowing and planting calendar. Baron planted his first vines among 10 acres of stones and now farms 47 acres of grapes, producing some of the region’s most acclaimed wines.
The party was lively and festive, and it was filled with wine lovers who traveled over much greater distances than me. With glasses in hand, we reveled in myriad selections of fabulous wines and sublime morsels of gastronomic fare.
I headed back home the
following day, but first made a long-planned stop at the Country Mercantile, just outside of Pasco, Wash. For more than 20 years, it’s been a road trip “must-stop” every time I head to Walla Walla or Oregon (which was often, as I had been a college student in Oregon for almost 10 years).
Initially, it was a large produce stand but has grown into a traveler’s gourmet mecca of all things Northwest: chocolates, sauces, gifts, gadgets and jams of every flavor. Sadly, as the rest of the departments have doubled and tripled in size, the produce section has shrunk, but they had what I came for: freshly harvested asparagus.
Walla Walla and its surrounding areas are some of the most productive asparagus-growing regions in the U.S., and Country Mercantile
had cases upon cases of the bright green stalks.
I was on the hunt for pickling asparagus for others — three pounds of nice thick stalks for one friend and two pounds each for two other pals. It was such a gorgeous harvest that I decided to stock up on a 20-pound box of stalks. And why not? I saved almost a dollar a pound by buying bulk!
Native to Europe and parts of South Asia, asparagus has a unique nutty and earthy flavor. There are dozens of ways to prepare this popular springtime vegetable: fry, roast, grill, sauté, boil, pickle, tempura, steam or even raw in salads. It’s especially tasty, too, as a pickled accoutrement in an Easter brunch bloody Mary.
I won’t be around to prepare Easter brunch this year, and I’m scolding myself for
a comment I made in this column about a year ago, stating I’d never again travel over my favorite holiday: Easter. But here I am, packing my bags and heading on holiday to Ireland with my 10-year-old granddaughter Fern and her mom Ryanne. So, be careful what you commit to paper. Even though I have a nice peanut-plumped specimen at hand, with due respect to Crowbie, I shan’t be eating crow — just my words. I imagine I’ll also soon be eating some tasty asparagus at Ballymaloe Manor (my favorite restaurant in Ireland).
In the meantime, I offer you a recipe for a delicious, tart and colorful salad you can serve for brunch, lunch or supper: asparagus and orange salad with citrus vinaigrette. Happy Easter!
Asparagus spring salad with citrus vinaigrette
Sweet-tart Cara Cara oranges, crunchy asparagus and savory prosciutto, Parmesan and pistachios pack this salad with lots of great flavors and colors. Skip the prosciutto for a vegetarian plate. Delicious as a first course or a main course with French bread and a chilled pinot gris. If you’d like, you can peel one asparagus as a fun little extra garnish atop the salad. Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
Dressing:
• 1 small shallot, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 orange (before juicing)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Squeeze of fresh lemon
• 1 tbs honey
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salad:
• Favorite greens of choice (spinach, romaine, arugula, etc.), washed and set aside
• 1 small bunch asparagus (12-16 stalks), washed well, bottom stems snapped off and discarded, tips snapped and reserved, and the remaining stalk thinly sliced, diagonally
• 2 Cara Cara oranges, peeled. Segment and cut into chunks
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• 4 thin slices of prosciutto
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan
For dressing: Place shallot, garlic, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard, lemon juice and honey in food processor. Blend until the shallot is very finely chopped. Slowly blend in olive oil. Transfer to a storage jar and chill until needed.
For salad: Arrange lettuce on chilled salad plate. In a large bowl, combine the sliced asparagus, orange chunks, avocado and red onion. Toss with half of dressing. Mound on greens. Top with prosciutto, asparagus tips, shaved Parmesan and pistachios. Drizzle all with more dressing. Serve immediately.
MUSIC
The Wow Wows to headline triple pack of bands at IPA
Psych rock band will be joined by Gold Tooth and Kingdom of Gravity
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
There’s an old adage that goes something like, “If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.” A musical equivalent of that statement would be, “If you’re going to play rock music, play it loud and have a blast.” For The Wow Wows’ frontman Hunter Jones, that about sums things up.
The four-piece psych rock band from Coeur d’Alene will headline a free show at Idaho Pour Authority on Friday, April 18, along with opening acts Gold Tooth and Kingdom of Gravity. Openers start at 6 p.m. and The Wow Wows begin at 8 p.m.
The Wow Wows bring the ruckus. Since its early days playing in Sandpoint, the band has blurred the line between rock, psych rock, punk and a few other genres that catch Jones’ eye during songwriting sessions. It’s from those muddy waters of rock music that Jones hopes a cohesive North Idaho sound will someday emerge.
Reader. “Something that’s important to me is there’s not a whole lot of defined Idaho sound. ... I try to pull inspiration as much as I can from things that aren’t musical, like nature, going to the river, walking around in the woods. I want to capture those feelings and those kinds of emotions I get. Like, how do those sound?”
Alongside Sage Guerber on drums, Dyllan Darrington on bass/vocals and Adam Watson on keyboard, Jones’ songs feature a dynamic overdriven electric guitar and surf-rock vibes on the vocals to give the listener something unique, hard-hitting and special compared to a lot of musical output in the region. It’s a style of music that continues to be difficult for Jones to define — as well as for his mother.
The Wow Wows, with Gold Tooth and Kingdom of Gravity
Friday, April 18. Openers: 6 p.m., headliner: 8 p.m., FREE. Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St., 208-597-7096, idahopourauthority.com. Listen on Spotify and other streamers.
“It’s really hard to make music that’s not influenced by other artists and other bands,” Jones told the
“My mom hates it when she has to describe what we sound like to our friends,” he said. “She doesn’t like the term ‘psych rock’ because it makes her think of LSD or something, so she called it ‘vivid rock ’n’ roll’ because it’s colorful and has a lot of emotions.”
A
It’s also difficult to encapsulate The Wow Wows’ sound into a single genre, because there are elements of many styles at work behind the scenes. Atop the surf rock inflection and psych rock sensations, there is a punk undercurrent that holds water for the anti-establishment, yet harmonious and beautiful mentality in Jones’ music.
“We were all in punk bands when we were kids,” he said. “I love punk music, but I don’t want to be 40 years old and still singing about how I hate my parents and that I’m frustrated and angry. I never wanted to be pigeonholed into a punk sound.”
Along with playing live in The Wow Wows and a handful of other bands, Jones also records albums for local
groups in his home studio. He plans to release a new single titled “Give it Time” that will be the first drop since The Wow Wows’ debut album River Dolphin in 2016.
“It’s very empowering to be able to control your own universe when recording music,” Jones said. “When we’re playing live, it’s the opposite. It’s more fun because you don’t have control. You can practice over and over again and you still can’t control what happens at a live show. That’s what I find beautiful. ... The last two years, I’ve considered our live shows 90% performance art and 10% music. I’m all about making it fun and making every show a new experience.”
Opening for The Wow Wows will be Gold Tooth, a duo featuring Sandpoint songwriter and luthier Vance Bergeson and drummer Ali Thomas. Bergeson’s songs have a North Idaho edge and beauty to them that help them stand out, earning him respect from many in the Sandpoint music scene over the past two decades. Gold Tooth starts at 6 p.m., followed by Kingdom of Gravity, a newer two-piece hailing from Coeur d’Alene at 7 p.m. playing under the “future rock” and “synth rock” umbrella.
snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint
Kevin Dorin, Connie’s Lounge, April 19
If Sandpoint has an internal ambassador of the local music scene, it’s most likely Kevin Dorin — the hyper-talented alt-Americana singer/songwriter whose bona fides include charting on rock radio across his birth country of Canada.
Lucky for us, he relocated to the U.S. some years ago, and has since become an active promoter of Sandpoint area artists. The annual songwriting competition he launched in 2021 has grown into one of the premier
local music events, last year bringing together a dozen of the community’s finest performers for a packed show titled “Deep Roots: Sandpoint’s Original Songwriter Showcase.”
See him in a more intimate setting with a Saturday, April 19 set at Connie’s Lounge, and take in his self-described Ed Sheeranmeets-the-Black Keys sound.
— Zach Hagadone
6 p.m., FREE. Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., 208-255-2227, conniescafe.com. Listen at kevindorin.com.
General Mojo’s, Eichardt’s Pub, April 19
Seattle-based psych-pop band General Mojo’s will make its long-awaited return to Eichardt’s Saturday, April 19, this time showing off its newest singles, Bombino/Moctar and flat earth. Members Dune Butler (bass), Natalie Colvin (keys), Raoul Hardin (drums) and David James (guitar) all provide vocals for the band’s original music, which can lean into ’70s rock one minute and light ’60s psychedelia the next.
This week’s RLW by Ben Olson
READ
... a book from The Corner Bookstore while you still can. I wrote about bookstore owner Jim Orbaugh retiring and selling his business in the April 10 edition. Afterward, I promptly went to the shop to buy a stack of books for 25% off. It’s always sad to see a bookstore close, but I’m hoping an enterprising bibliophile might buy the business and continue the legacy Jim started when he opened in 1997. At any rate, we appreciate you, Jim. Thanks for all the great reads.
LISTEN
With its classic guitar solos and wavering synthesizer, the band’s retro sound has a familiar buzz that makes each song feel like you’ve been groovin’ to it for your whole life while still maintaining the excitement of a new discovery.
— Soncirey Mitchell
6 p.m., FREE. Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St., 208-263-4005, eichartspub.com. Listen at generalmojos.com.
There are a handful of albums that I’ve always listened to from Track 1 to the end without skipping. Among the top of that list is Weezer’s iconic self-titled debut, known as the Blue Album by fans. Whenever one of those alt-rock anthems of the mid1990s comes on my playlist, I abandon all hope and just start the album from the beginning and steep in the memories from my angsty teenage years. Other notables: Radiohead’s In Rainbows, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors, Sublime’s self-titled album and Tom Petty’s Wildflowers
WATCH
Some feature films enjoy a certain status and “cautionary tales” that have almost slipped into documentary territory at this point. Idiocracy is one that comes to mind. One that released in 2021 is Don’t Look Up, a satire directed by Adam McKay that hits a little too close to home. The film tells the story of astronomers trying to warn humanity about an approaching comet that will destroy civilization, but the strange denial reaction they receive is... unexpected. Watching this film in 2025 brings one word to mind: prescient.
The Wow Wows will play IPA on April 18. Courtesy photo
From Pend Oreille Review, April 17, 1908
TRACKED BY A DOG
Another child lost in the woods near Oden and found only after a prolonged search and the use of a bloodhound, is the report, which came last night from Brown’s camp where a number of people have resided during the logging operations. The four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Boech wandered from camp yesterday morning as he went down to the little stream which runs near to gather flowers. Absorbed in the wild fascination of the woods he wandered on until he was unable to return to camp and was lost.
The child’s companion was a little puppy which had followed him from camp. A shower fell over the Oden district wetting the foliage of the underbrush. The boy was saturated. In crossing a creek he lost one shoe but he kept on. Shortly after he left he was missed.
Search was made but he could be found nowhere. Searching parties were formed but nothing was found as they went up and down through the pathless woods. Word was brought to this city and William Ellison’s hound was taken to the scene. Picking up the scent the hound led the searching party through the woods. A mile and a half from camp the youngster was found with but one shoe on, with garments torn and with tearstained face. He was taken back to camp in triumph and the little dog which followed him was not forgotten.
The lad was lost for six hours.
BACK OF THE BOOK
Big talk
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
One of the unexpected benefits of living through what may be the wholesale collapse of the United States’ civil, political and economic life is that conversations are seldom dull anymore and people want to talk about big things while they still can.
In the past week I reconnected with a high-school friend who lives out of state and is on the cusp of finishing her Ph.D. When I asked her the normal-catching-up question about how her program was going, she told me that DOGE cuts had axed her final-year funding and now she’d need to rush her dissertation in order to get her diploma in December — about six months before she’d planned.
Like me, she’s in her mid-40s, married, owns a home and has two kids. Getting cut off like that in grad school is a big deal no matter your age or family situation, but in a case like the one she’s facing, it’s a repudiation of the American dream.
I’m more than confident she’ll finish strong; meanwhile, her doctorate addresses educational needs served by programs that might not even exist by then, depending on the whims of whoever is actually in charge of this slapdash dismantling of, well, everything.
After that, I took a call from a college pal, and his first question out the gate was, “How’s your mental health doing?” I told him I didn’t have that kind of time — “Fair to middling,” I said — then we spent 40 minutes
STR8TS Solution
Trump’s cultural wreckoning is an assault on truth, and history will be a cruel judge — if we still have ‘history’
talking about everything from police brutality in Pocatello to whether and when we won’t be able to watch international films anymore.
At this point, I’m half expecting a drunk-dial asking with whom I’d most like to share an El Salvadorean prison cell with. After all, as President Donald Trump told that nation’s president, Nayib Bukele, during an unscripted hot-mic conversation in the Oval Office on April 14 that “the homegrowns are next” on the list to be disappeared.
He was talking about “criminals,” but who knows how Trump’s definition of “criminals” will mutate over the course of his next burst of predawn, sitting-on-the-toilet Truth Social posts? As has been well established over the past few months, the degree to which anyone or anything fits the gleichschaltung of the administration’s “priorities” is the test by which legal standing may now be judged.
It requires no imagination to envision where that kind of thinking leads. I mean, to not imagine where that kind of thinking leads is to be punched in the face by history and deserve the black eyes.
That’s really what’s been boiling my brain over the past dozen or so years since Trump started clotting the arteries of our body politic in earnest — and especially in the past three or so torturous months:
How blatant does this have to get? When do the empty heads whose stock “words of wisdom” amount to the cliche about history repeating and doom and all that realize history is actually repeating and the doom is nigh? That
Sudoku Solution
the doom has befallen us?
Many people have caught on to this state of affairs, but others’ platitudinous minds will remain as vacant as ever, following Trump’s executive order of March 27 “restoring truth and sanity to American history,” which is an act of artistic and intellectual vandalism with echoes of “degenerate art,” book culling and state-enforced “truth-speak” so loud that anyone with ears to hear will find them bleeding.
Of all the blasphemies, brutalities, grotesqueries, hypocrisies, idiocies and mendacities being rained down on us in this historical moment, Trump’s “truth and sanity” nonsense is the falsest, most insane and most dangerous, because it will enable all the the rest of the terrible stuff that we’ll be talking about for as long as we’re allowed to talk about it.
Crossword Solution
As the light changed from red to green to yellow and back to red again, I sat there thinking about life. Was it nothing more than a bunch of honking and yelling? Sometimes it seemed that way.
Solution on page 22
Laughing Matter
By Bill Borders
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1.African sheep
5.Makes a mistake
9.Genus of goats
14.Erotica
15.A cooperative unit
16.Evade
17.Total flux per unit area
19.Violent disruptions
20.Extra
21.Revealing
23.Interpolation
25.Run off
28.Evening (poetic)
29.French for “End”
32.Be cautious
33.Unit of energy
34.Woodworking groove
35.Ear-related
36.Eliminate
38.Component of steel
Week of the
“Scientists
Corrections: Nothing to see here. Move along, turkey.
