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REPAIR MISSION RESTORES SANDPOINT OSPREY CAM

INITIATIVE TO RAISE IDAHO MINIMUM WAGE APPROVED HOW ONE PUP CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD

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(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

OPEN 11:30 am

GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS

What is on your “to do” list for spring?

“To find a place to live in Sandpoint.”

Josh Anderson Cashier at Winter Ridge Clark Fork

Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS

212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint

208.263.4005 “Housecleaning! Summer clothes in and winter clothes out.”

Annie Wold Stay-at-home mom with 3 boys Sandpoint “I run the local youth rugby program for grades 7-12, so mostly I am working with them practicing for games. (Rugby, since 2016, is the fastest-growing sport.) I will be getting them ready for fundraising events this summer because I want to take them to Wales or Ireland, so they can see what rugby really looks like.

Also, by being in a different culture, the trip will expand their minds.”

Dan Chamberlain Strength and conditioning coach Sandpoint “I am going to plant my first garden. The kids have asked for kale, sugar snap peas and tomatoes.”

Lisa Darst Stay-at-home mother of two girls and two boys Sandpoint

111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

www.sandpointreader.com

“To keep walking and to read outside in the sunshine.”

Bonnie Nieman Divorced homemaker Sandpoint

READER

A SandPint Tradition Since 1994

Editorial: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Ben Olson, Susan Drinkard, Lyndsie Kiebert, Army Corps, Chris Bessler, Bill Borders, Fiona Hicks Photography.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Nick Gier, Steve Holt, Brenden Bobby, Nancy Gerth, Ammi Mistokke, Dr. Marty Becker, Marjolein Groot Nibbelink, A.C. Woolnough, Marcia Pilgeram, Drake.

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $115 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled pa paper using soy-based ink.

Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover

This week’s cover photo features an osprey diving for lunch. Great shot.

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NEWS

Wash. state rep. offered to background Super Drug to open found check political opponents in messages

safe at 1 p.m. Thursday

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Could it be gold? Jewels?

Decades-old cash? Or nothing at all?

These are the questions obsessing the folks at Sandpoint Super Drug following the discovery last week of an old safe in the business building’s floor. The good news is the community doesn’t have long to wait for answers. North Idaho Lock and Key will be at Sandpoint Super Drug between 1-2 p.m. today, April 25, to crack the safe. There are sure

The safe was found under the flooring at Sandpoint Super Drug. Photo courtesy Facebook. to be plenty of curious onlookers for the event, and Sandpoint Super Drug will have a few “treats and goodies” ready for the occasion.

The mystery safe generated widespread interest on Facebook after Sandpoint Super Drug published a post about the discovery. Whatever may be hidden inside, Super Drug owners intend to restore the safe and use it as a time capsule.

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Washington State Rep. Matt Shea is under fire again following the release of his conversations with far-right figures who indulge in violent fantasies about their political enemies.

The Spokane Valley lawmaker, who is a popular speaker at North Idaho events for his conservative, libertarian political and religious ideology, faces calls for resignation or expulsion by the state Republican caucus over the leaked messages. Among the critics is presidential candidate and Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, who said the messages “crossed a new line.”

According to reporting

by Jason Wilson of The Guardian, the messages were exchanged between Shea and Jack Robertson, a major personality within the Amer-

Spokane-area political opponents. Bosworth and Robertson were less restrained, openly fantasizing about violently confronting leftist protesters.

“Fist full of hair, and face slam, to a Jersey barrier,” Robertson wrote of one specific Spokane resident. “Treat em like communist revolutionWash. State Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spo- aries. Then shave her bald kane Valley. with a K-Bar USMC field knife.”

The messages are the latest ican Redoubt movement who in a string of controversies for broadcasts the radio show Shea, including reports that he Radio Free Redoubt under the authored a manifesto called alias John Jacob Schmidt, and Anthony Bosworth, a figure in “The Biblical Basis For War” calling for the death of all men the Malheur Wildlife Refuge who don’t submit to religious occupation. The messages, authority. As with previous sent in early November 2017, controversies, Shea offered no discussed a right-wing conapologies. spiracy theory that the leftist “Of course I have done group Antifa was preparing to background checks to protect launch a civil war on Nov. 4, my family and my community, 2017. but that was only in response Shea did not participate in to threats already coming violent rhetoric himself in the from the left,” he wrote in a messages. But he did offer to conduct background checks on response.

Army Corps starts lake refill, shares upcoming dam operations

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started a controlled refill of Lake Pend Oreille at the beginning of April and is on track to have the lake at summer pool by mid-June.

Army Corps representatives visited Priest River Wednesday to share current Albeni Falls Dam operations and provide a preview of what operations could look like later into the spring. Senior Water Manager Logan Osgood-Zimmerman said current data is showing the regional snowpack at 97% of average and the water supply forecast for April to July at 4 /

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98% of average, so flooding is unlikely.

“The chance of flooding is lower certainly than it’s been the last couple of years,” she said, but added that nothing is set in stone. “There still can be big storms that hit us, and those are hard to predict.”

Due to those average numbers, Osgood-Zimmerman said it’s unlikely the dam will be put on free flow. All signs, including warm weather and slightly higher-than-average precipitation, point to earlier runoff and the lake reaching summer pool — just above 2,062 feet at the Hope gauge — without the wild fluctuations experienced in recent

years. Right now, the summer pool target is mid-June.

“If we see all the snow is melted, it could be a little bit earlier,” Osgood-Zimmerman said. “If we see storms coming that we need to protect against (to prevent) flooding downstream, it could be a little later.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the lake level sat at just below 2,055 feet. Those with general questions about lake level and associated Albeni Falls Dam operations should call 206-764-6702.

The Army Corps also used Wednesday’s Priest River visit to let the public know that the Columbia River Systems Operations Environmental

An aerial view of Albeni Falls Dam. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Impact Statement is now slated for release in February 2020 — a year earlier than originally scheduled. The comment period is expected to last 45 days.

For more information about the

CRSO, visit www.crso.info.

To be added to the project’s mailing list and receive updates, send contact information to info@crso.info or leave a message at 800-290-5033.

NEWS

A conversation with U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The U.S. House of Representatives isn’t the same workplace for a Republican Congressman that it was four months ago.

Just ask freshman Rep. Russ Fulcher. Elected to Congress in November, he took office on a day that saw the House flip to Democratic control under Rep. Nancy Pelosi. While visiting Sandpoint last week, Fulcher sat down with the Reader to share his experiences in D.C. since taking office “(I came) to the realization that a significant number of members and, more surprisingly, agency heads … spend all their time and energy trying to get rid of the president,” he said of his early days in Congress.

That makes it difficult for Fulcher’s own proposals to get off the ground, including a single-subject bill that would limit legislation to one issue at a time as opposed to condescend funding packages.

Beyond the difference in partisan priorities, it can also be a challenge to bridge the cultural

and governmental differences between states, Fulcher said.

For instance, he’s found most eastern representatives aren’t aware that the majority of Idaho land is federally owned, which creates funding challenges for state projects.

A third challenge is, in Fulcher’s words, “learning things you’d really prefer not to know.”

“We really do have security threats,” he said. “We really do have bad people who are intent on taking us down.”

Fulcher visited North Idaho in part to meet with regional officials, and he came with some good news: U.S. department heads are increasingly willing to work with states on their issues.

Even so, local concerns remain. The Federal Emergency Management Agency topped the list of Bonner County officials’ issues, specifically the imposition of flood zone classifications in areas that “may or may not be suitable.” According to Fulcher, that diminishes county authority and put requirements like flood insurance on residents. Another issue is prescribed burns by the U.S. Forest Service, which Ful-

cher said have occurred without any input from local stakeholders.

When it comes to fighting the danger of wildfires, Fulcher sees encouraging signs in Idaho’s Good Neighbor Authority program, which was recently expanded to include counties.

That means that counties can now apply to help the U.S. Forest Service manage woodlands that officials see as vulnerable to wildfire.

“A county can now apply and go through that authorization process without going through the Department of Lands,” Fulcher said.

“I think that’s a good thing, because they can more accurately identify areas that have the excess fuel load and need to be thinned in order to hopefully prevent those fires in the first place,” he added. “So that’s, again, good news.”

For all the challenges in Congress, Fulcher said there is dialogue happening between the parties behind the scenes. At the moment, however, the politics are dominated by two “ultra-strong personalities” in Pres-

U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher speaks with constituents last Tuesday. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert. ident Donald Trump and House Speaker Pelosi. Nevertheless, he believes the groundwork is there for productive, bipartisan work when the opportunity strikes.

“I don’t want to paint a really

bad picture … because there’s a lot of good things, too,” he said.

“It just doesn’t catch the attention of the media as much. But I’m encouraged, generally.”

Initiative to raise Idaho minimum wage approved LPOSD holds open meeting to aid requirements, there’s no barrier in new superintendent search indexed to the consumer price

By Lyndsie Kiebert index, and rise when the cost of to the state increasing theirs.

Reader Staff The Idaho Attorney General’s office has approved a ballot initiative that hopes to raise Idaho’s minimum wage.

According to the Idaho Press, the initiative would increase Idaho’s current $7.25 per hour minimum wage to $8.75 on June 1, 2021, to $9.75 a year later, to $10.75 the year after and to $12 an hour on June 1, 2024. Moving forward, the Idaho Press reports the initiative law would require the state’s minimum wage “to be

living rises.”

The proposed measure would also raise the minimum for tipped workers, eliminate the state’s training wage — $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of employment for those under 20 years old — and one version of the initiative would allow Idaho counties or cities to set higher minimum wages than mandated by the state.

Deputy Attorney General Douglas A. Werth wrote in his legal analysis of the petition that although Idaho follows the federal minimum wage

Werth said there are currently 31 states with minimum wages higher than the federal minimum.

The Idaho Press reports signatures for the minimum wage ballot initiative are due April 30, 2020, in order for the measure to make it onto the November 2020 ballot. The signature requirements remain at 6% of registered voters in 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts, as proposed bills to increase those requirements were not passed during the 2019 legislative session.

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Lake Pend Oreille School District will be holding a stakeholder meeting to aid in the search for the new district school superintendent. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, at the Ponderay Events Center and is expected to take 45-60 minutes.

The district hired consulting company McPherson and Jacobsen Executive Recruitment and Development Firm to coordinate the search. The

recruitment firm will communicate with the general public at the meeting to hear their concerns and suggestions for the next superintendent of Lake Pend Oreille School District.

This is a free meeting, open to all Bonner County residents.

For more information or questions, call Kelly Fisher at (208) 263-2184 ext. 1019.

LPOSD is seeking a new school superintendent after Shawn Woodward announced last week he would be taking a position in the Mead School District in Washington State.

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NEWS

Repair mission restores Sandpoint osprey cam

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLASSROOM

Kerry Berg of Video Security Technology and Dennis McIntire of Best Way Tree Service repair the web cam as a concerned winged onlooker keeps watch.

Photo by Chris Bessler.

By Reader Staff The osprey pair at Sandpoint’s Memorial Field, dubbed “Sandy and Pete,” have returned from winter migration — and the avian stars already putting on a show as they build their nest and prepare for first eggs, likely to arrive any day now.

It’s action everyone can witness, thanks to the web cam on community website Sandpoint Online that streams a real-time picture and sound from the nest.

Watch live at: ospreys.sandpointonline.com.

For the first time since the web cam was installed in 2012, a camera malfunction had knocked the cam offline for Sandy and Pete’s return in earlier April. The camera failure necessitated a mission to replace it, successfully carried out on Friday.

“And I’m really happy to say, the new camera and the great internet connection we’re getting from Northland Communications are giving us the best picture and sound we’ve ever had,” said Chris Bessler of Keokee Co., which produces 6 /

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Sandpoint Online.

Getting up to the cam for the replacement was a tall order – literally. The nest platform is above the light standard on the field, 100 feet up. Dennis McIntire of Best Way Tree Service provided his tall bucket truck to access the cam. Kerry Berg of Video Security Technology donated his hands-on expertise to replace the camera — as the anxious ospreys circle and waited nearby.

“Best part for me was enjoying the bird’s eye view of the osprey flying in close around us while we worked on the camera,” Berg said afterwards.

“Both birds kept a close watch on us and returned shortly after we completed it all.”

The saying “it takes a village” surely applies to the osprey cam. It’s on the field only thanks to the partnership of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department — but no tax money is used for cam operations. The equipment and operations are provided by Sandpoint Online.

Raptor biologist Janie Veltkamp, director of Birds of Prey Northwest, provides oversight

to ensure the ospreys’ health and safety. Another volunteer, Robin Werner, is the official “Nest Watcher,” monitoring the ospreys and moderating comments provided in the live chat, nest blog and osprey FAQ. Northland Communications donates the high-bandwidth internet connection. The city’s electrical provider, Avista Utilities, has provided support annually since the cam first went up, as have many individual donors, who chip in contributions via the web cam page.

Bessler noted that the cam typically serves up a quarter million page views to 100,000 or more unique visitors — who view it from around the world.

“Sandy and Pete don’t know it, but they are right up there as our most famous local residents,” said Bessler. “Mother Nature gets the last word, but all of us osprey fans have fingers crossed for them to have another successful year hatching and raising their chicks.”

To check out the web cam, visit ospreys.sandpointonline. com.

The fifth-grade students pictured here created the winning design for the sign marking Kootenai Elementary’s Learning Landscape. The students helped Kaniksu Land Trust Director of Education Dave Kretzschmar install the sign Tuesday. KLT and Kootenai Elementary have been working together to prepare the Learning Landscape for over a year in an effort to “create inviting outdoor learning spaces close to the school, and then empower teachers to take education outside,” according to Cami Murray, KLT outreach and development coordinator. Kootenai Elementary Principal Kelli Knowles said students are excited to get out into their new outdoor learning area on a regular basis now that the weather is getting nicer. The 10-acre space is located just north of the school and features several paths, wooded areas, wetland habitat and fruit trees.

“It’s really a magical piece of land,” Kretzschmar said.

From left to right: Dave Kretzschmar, Kamren Ziarnick, Kale Wright, Kelli Knowles and Gage Kunsky.

Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

OPINION

A belated Easter message

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist

Easter was late this year, and the date changes every year according to an astronomical calculation. After much controversy in the early church, it was finally decided that Easter will be on the first Sunday after the first full moon that falls on or after March 21.

Easter can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25, depending on the appearance of the full moon, which is also the date of the Jewish Passover.

Those of the Greek Orthodox faith will celebrate Easter on April 28, because they follow the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar. I just watched a Rick Steve’s Easter Special in Europe, and I was struck by the difference between the rituals in the West as opposed to the East. Swiss volunteers playing Jesus were scourged and allowed themselves to be hung on a cross, while in Greece an icon of Jesus was paraded in a non-violent manner.

Designating Easter Sunday at the beginning of spring indicates that the date was of pagan origins. Even the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary agrees: “The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the goddess of spring, in whose honor sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year.” The 8th-century Anglo–Saxons who converted to Christianity turned from, as someone artfully phrased it, “worshiping the rising Sun to the rising Son.” There are many contradictions and historical errors in the Bible, and an interesting one concerns the date of Jesus’ death. In the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) the Last Supper is a Passover meal on the eve of the day before the Jewish Sabbath. By this account Jesus probably died on April 3, A.D. 33.

In the Gospel of John, on the other hand, Passover and the Sabbath coincide: the Last Supper is not a Passover meal, and Jesus died simultaneously with the slaughtering of the paschal lambs, probably April 7, A.D. 30. Jewish sources definitely support John’s account: “Jesus was hanged as a false teacher and beguiler on the eve of the

Passover which was also a Sabbath.”

Some conservative Christians go to amazing lengths to harmonize the Passion chronologies of John and the Synoptics. For example, they reinterpret Passover in the phrase “day of Preparation of the Passover” as a seven-day festival, thereby avoiding the obvious conclusion that it was really Passover Eve. C. C. Torrey introduced this thesis back in the 1930s, and although quickly dismissed by scholars, it is still used by some to insist that the Bible does not contain errors of any sort.

Mark writes that “at noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon” (15:33), and Jesus then died at 3 p.m. There were no solar eclipses at that time, and some have suggested a big sand storm. Most likely, however, we have here yet another instance of alleged astronomical events, many quite spectacular, common in the stories of the world saviors.

There was much discussion in the early church about how to set the date of Easter. Jewish Christians wanted it to coincide with Passover, but Gentile Christians were very much against this idea. Some believed that the church should support the Synoptic account, but John’s chronology won out for theological reasons.

Around A.D. 200, Hippolytus of Rome condemned Christians who followed the Synoptic date for daring

to suggest Jesus ate a Passover meal before his crucifixion. Hippolytus insisted that Jesus could not have eaten the ritual meal because he himself was the sacrifice.

Previously I have written that the Christmas story is a redeeming myth, and the death and resurrection of Jesus is of the same kind. We who are not Christians can celebrate Easter as pre-Christian Anglo-Saxons and other

pagans did. For them the arrival of spring redeems both the earth and all living beings.

Nick Gier of Moscow taught religion and philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. Read his essays on religion at webpages.uidaho.edu/ngier/ religion.htm. Email him at ngier006@ gmail.com.

Laughing Matter

By Bill Borders

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COMMUNITY

US Assistance to Foreign Countries... the administration to reverse this

‘Tis the season for tennis

By Reader Staff Bouquets: • Last week, a guest submission thanked the Kubiaks for placing a trash can at the base of the Syringa Heights/Sherwood Forest trail system for dog poop bags.

This week, I’ll turn the Bouquet back to the person who submitted it, who is part of the Pend Oreille Pedalers group. Thanks to the POP volunteers, this same trail system was improved after a bunch of trees came down over the winter.

Walking it the other day with my love, I was so impressed at the removal work that was done. Great job, Pend Oreille Pedalers.

Barbs • My Barb this week is not a serious matter, but it can often be frustrating. When bicyclists roll up to a stop sign, and the cross traffic doesn’t have a stop sign, drivers will often stop and wave the bicyclist across. Then the bicyclist will wave them to keep going, since the car has the right of way. Then the motorist will again wave them across, until both parties get frustrated and try to go at the same time. Motorists, if a bicyclist doesn’t go when you wave them across, it’s because you have the right of way, and they’re just trying to adhere to the rules of the road. Bicyclists, if a motorist insists on letting you go, just go, man. Bottom line: It’s always great to stop for pedestrians, but you don’t need to give way to bicyclists.

• I don’t know how I became the default person people talk to when they want to complain about something. Maybe they think I have actual power or can change anything. The fact is, I’m just a guy. While I’m always interested in feedback from the community, please don’t use me as your venting source. If you have a legitimate question or concern, please let me know. But if you just want to bitch about stuff and have someone listen, seek another avenue.

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The Sandpoint Tennis Association and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation are again offering Adult Doubles Tennis League for the summer for ages 16 and up.

Matches will be played at Lakeview and Travers Park tennis courts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. A maximum of 64 players will be allowed in the league.

Participants can register via three options: the regular season (May 21-Aug. 7), the extended season (Aug. 13-Oct. 2) or as a substitute player covering both seasons. The deadline for registration is May 14. To register,

visit www. sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation.

STA has a $30 membership fee which includes discounts off the season fees.

Regular season fees are $60 for non-STA members, $15 for STA members (with a $2 discount for in-city members).

Extended season fees are $55 for non-STA members, $10 for STA members (with a $2 in-city discount). Substitute fees are $51 for non-STA members, $6 for STA members ($1 discount for in-city residents).

Dragonfly Art Class in Hope

By Reader Staff The Memorial Community Center in Hope is hosting a Dragonfly Art Class on Tuesday, May 7. All supplies, along with instruction, will be provided to complete two dragonfly art pieces.

There will be a light lunch at 11:15 a.m. followed by the Dragonfly Art Class at 12 p.m. The cost will be $25, of which 40% goes to

support the Memorial Community Center. To RSVP, call (208) 2645481.

KNPS to give presentation on permaculture Saturday

By Reader Staff Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society bring free monthly presentations at Sandpoint Community Hall. The presentations covering a variety of natural resource related topics ranging from wildflower identification to forest tree management to mushroom gathering and much more.

Presentations take place from 9:45-11:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month (September, through June (except December).

No need to pre-register.

This month’s presentation takes place Saturday, April 27, and features Jason Smith: “Per-

maculture and the Ecologies of a Positive Future.”

Jason Smith, a designer and consultant specializing in cold temperate climate agroforestry systems, will provide an introductory view into the ecology-based agricultural models described by the systems-arranging design science called permaculture. He will outline the origins and fundamental structures of the permaculture movement and articulate the positive solutions it offers to the global challenges we will face in the future with climate and social changes. The program will highlight the most common and relevant applications of permaculture in the Idaho Panhandle.

Dear Editor, We are all familiar with the cliché: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There is a lot of truth in that saying. We have to go “upstream” and get to the roots of a problem to have lasting impacts.

The roots of the U.S. problem with mass migrations from Central American countries like El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are violence and poverty. President Trump recently declared his intention to suspend foreign assistance to those three countries in reaction to increased family migration to the U.S. This decision cuts almost $700 million in aid designated to fund vital programs in those countries, programs aimed at long-term, in-country solutions to violence and poverty. These programs work: In El Salvador and Honduras, homicide rates have plummeted by up to 78% in neighborhoods where U.S. aid has the resources to operate.

In 2017, Vice President Pence said, “To further stem the flow of illegal immigration and illegal drugs to the United States, President Trump knows, as do all of you, that we must confront these problems at their source. We must meet them – and we must solve them – in Central and South America.” To coin another cliché, with these cuts in foreign aid: We are cutting off our nose to spite our face. The whole purpose of foreign assistance is to sustainably improve the lives of the most vulnerable so that children and their families may safely remain home.

I ask Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to call upon

decision and reaffirm the need for foreign assistance that addresses the root causes of migration, violence and poverty.

Stanley Norman World Vision Advocate Sandpoint

Rep. Dixon’s Answers Go Nowhere...

Dear Editor, After reading Ben’s interview with Sage Dixon in last week’s issue, I walk away with the impression of an 11 year old after hearing his parents talk about a complicated financial matter now trying to explain it to his school yard buddy.

His answers go nowhere at best, some nearly incomprehensible.

Sage Dixon is nothing more than a front man for monied out-of-state interests trying to stymie the power of the citizens which in the past he supposedly championed. Why he should be re-elected next year is beyond me.

I find myself in the unusual position of rallying in support of Heather Scott on this single issue.

We agree on almost nothing else, but on this holds true to her principles of the constitutional power being in the hands of the people.

Bottom line, if you don’t like someone who only pretends to represent you in Boise, quit automatically for a candidate with an “R”in front of their name. We need a more balanced government. I doubt we’ll suddenly turn into another California if you just once happen to vote for a Democrat in the next election.

Lawrence Fury Sandpoint

‘A Dinner to Die For’ gala

By Reader Staff The Sandpoint Rotary Club has partnered with Food For Our Children for a night of mystery.

The Rotary’s 2019 gala will feature “A Dinner to Die For” murder mystery dinner and auction on Saturday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Business and Events Center, 102 Euclid Ave. Be prepared to bid on the auction’s unique treasures and experiences, including travel and one-of-a-kind desserts prepared

by Sandpoint’s finest chefs and

dessert masters.

Donations will benefit Food For Our Children, which provides food security for children in the community, and the Sandpoint Rotary’s community projects and services focused on our youth.

Tango Cafe will be providing a delicious gourmet dinner, also.

For more event details and to purchase tickets, go to www.dinnertodiefor.org. Only 200 tickets will be available for this event, so don’t delay as it will sell out.

PERSPECTIVES

Journalism matters

By Jackie Henrion Reader Contributor David Barsamian, founder of Alternative Radio Boulder, gave a talk to a packed house in the “Rude Girls Room” at the Bonner County Library on Thursday, April 18. He could be Woody Allen’s brother.

With humor and self-deprecating charm, Barsamian ultimately delivered a dire warning. With gesticulating hands — an inflection implying his New Yorkbased youth and Armenian ancestry — he shared that his family was part of the diaspora from the Turkish invasion and persecution, not often discussed in world affairs. From this he presents a moral framework of the psychological and philosophical roots of fascism.

As a journalist and radio host, his research led him to Noam Chomsky and wide ranging material on social and political analysis. This lends credibility to his views on the propagandist strategies used to concentrate power and wealth in the name of improving economic conditions.

Barsamian disclosed that those improvements involve corporations who benefit from public funds, assets and resources, while pointing at social programs as the cause of economic ills. Part of this process was to identify the weakest, marginalized groups: immigrants, elderly, sick, minorities and “alternative” lifestyles, and (take note) artists and intellectuals, in other words, most people reading this paper.

After vilifying these populations, they become targets for violence by radicals already inflamed by the Twitterverse who burn churches and buildings such as three recent burnings in New Orleans. Barsamian reminds us — we are on the list and doing nothing means no one will remain to speak for us.

As a founder of Alternative Radio Boulder, he points out that all major media is now owned by a handful of

entities and, with only a few exceptions, no longer practice journalism.

Rather, they have dumbed-down to diversion and infotainment. They have become commercial propaganda channels. Barsamian is not shy about citing parallels to the pernicious rise of Nazism, originally dismissed as a bunch of crazies, but through the passionate and continuous repetition of misleading slogans, entered the minds of listeners and stuck there. Most German citizens “didn’t realize what they were doing.”

Outrageous lies and behavior became excused, normalized. Consider for a moment our own local “crazies.”

When I wrote a letter objecting to adoption of the latest Bonner County Natural Resources plan last year, I received a response identifying the word “coordination.” After some research about the special use of this word, I came to find that it was adapted by Cheney to implement policies which give corporate stakeholders a chance to evaluate exploitation opportunities of public assets, like forests, drilling, grazing and mining rights. Consider also the reaction of specific legislators to the Idaho Medicare initiative and further work to prevent limitations on the interest charged for pay-day loans.

It is unfortunate to see in my lifetime the concept of good corporate citizenry devolve to corporate cancer in the local and national body. I am not one to go to marches and sit-ins. But I realize that if I am complacent, I am complicit. So now even in normal conversation and letter writing I want to politely say, “I have beliefs which differ from yours” and I support those organizations which represent them.

With that in mind, I am deeply grateful to The Bonner County Human Rights Taskforce, KRFY Radio and the Reader for sponsoring this presentation, which I understand will be posted as a podcast shortly on krfy.org.

Schweitzer passholders donate nearly $10k to Food Bank

Schweitzer Mountain Resort presented a check for $9,890 to the Bonner Community Food Bank on Wednesday, April 18. The money raised came directly from the passholder silent auction held over closing weekend. The Food Bank has been a recipient of the silent auction proceeds for the last several years. Items auctioned off included old Snow Ghost signs, a “Name-Your-Run” option, as well as various other items. A huge thanks to the Schweitzer passholders for their continued generosity year after year!

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Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

odd medical cases

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Full disclaimer: This is not the article to read three spoons into your yogurt.

The human body is gross, or so we’re programmed to believe.

A primal fear surges through us when we see blood. Blood is a big red warning sign that something terrible has happened, and when our brains process that we’ve seen it, they make a mental note to avoid what caused the blood to appear.

It’s that same rush of primal fear that fuels our fascination with things like bloodsport and violent media. Watching two people wail on each other until one drops is dramatic, terrifying and exhilarating.

By the same token, the human body is basically a machine with moving parts designed to accomplish certain tasks. Blood vessels work similarly to hydraulics in a tractor or backhoe, increasing liquid pressure to exert force, while also being equipped to seal breaches and maintain pressure via coagulation. Pain is our body’s way of saying, “Hey, something is wrong, inspect this site and don’t do that again!”

With that in mind, let’s look at some really weird medical cases from our near-history!

In 2018, a 36-year-old man was in the hospital suffering from heart failure. He was on a machine that helped his heart pump blood to keep him alive.

Unfortunately, these kinds of machines also increase the chance of blood clots forming in the body. To counteract this, doctors put him on a blood thinner, which also makes someone more likely to bleed internally or externally. The unexpected side 10 /

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effect was that the man coughed up a lung; rather, a large blood clot that was molded into the shape of his right bronchi. Gross as this may have been, it was also an extremely rare glimpse into the interior of the human lung and showcased the odd versatility of our own blood.

Speaking of gross liquids, the urinary tract is our body’s way of eliminating toxins via plumbing.

Our kidneys pull toxins from our blood stream, store them up and release them through the ureter, which connects to the bladder which connects to, well, you know. A 43-year old man in Qatar had an unusual affliction called a calcified bladder. This is exactly what it sounds like: your bladder wall becomes calcified, like bone. This happens more than you’d think from a parasitic infection around the world called Schistosoma, caused by waterborne snails we talked about a while ago. The calcification happens as an immune response from the body trying to attack the snail eggs in the bladder. If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, imagine having one sitting inside of you two to six inches long.

Interestingly enough, when most people think about kidney stones, they imagine the most painful part being trying to pass it. You’re essentially trying to urinate a rock. The reason for the pain has nothing to do with what the rock is scraping against, it’s because it’s causing a backup of fluids in the ureter between the kidney and the bladder. If you put a giant blockage on a firehose that the water couldn’t move, eventually the water would start to blow out the sides of the hose. If that hose is surrounded by nerves, well…

There’s pain for ya’!

Tumors are bad business.

They’re most often associated with cancer, but they’re not always caused by that. Sometimes, our genes just go haywire and start growing tissue where it doesn’t belong. In the case of a toddler in 2014, that included a brain full of teeth.

Wait, what?

Apparently, it’s not uncommon for tumors to grow teeth.

For this kid, the tumor was growing inside of his brain and contained several teeth that looked to be the early stages of a lower jaw forming. The doctors were able to remove the tumor and the teeth, and the kid made a full recovery and has one hell of a story to tell at bars in couple of decades.

Everyone loves soda. We hear about how unhealthy it is for us, but we drink it anyway.

Soda plays directly into our brain’s reward system. Sugar is our brain’s reward for just about everything, and it may have been one of the reasons we achieved sentience (scientists have traced key points of human evolution to when we started consuming fruit as a dietary staple, as well as growing it agriculturally.)

So what happens when you drink nothing but soda for 15 years?

For one thing, your teeth rot out because most dark colas have enough acid to clean corrosion off a battery terminal, but it also pulls potassium from the rest of the body to process stools. The caffeine also blocks potassium reabsorption and eventually the body will start to suffer from heart problems, becoming light-headed, high blood pressure and diabetes.

A woman in Monaco found

that out the hard way, but she recovered to full health after completely cutting soda from her diet after one week.

Now that I’ve ruined your lunch break and the 2 o’clock

diet soda, I’m going to retreat to my evil mad scientist lair and find new ways to ruin everyone’s life in interesting and informative ways!

See you next week!

Random Corner t The craziest objects pulled ou

of humans

• When a 21-year-old Tennessee woman was booked into jail in 2014, she wanted to ensure she was protected while in jail. So, she shoved a loaded gun into her vagina to smuggle into the facility. The woman was caught and charged with introducing contraband into a penal facility. Also, the gun was stolen, which added to her charges.

• An anonymous male checked into the emergency room after a night that went awry quickly. The man used a vibrator inside his anus, but it became lodged far inside. Instead of seeking help, the man tried to correct the problem himself by fishing the vibrator out with a pair of salad tongs. Then they got stuck, too. After a painful trip to the ER and thousands of dollars, doctors were able to remove both items.

• A woman in the Netherlands was admitted to the hospital with stomach pains. An X-ray showed that she had somehow, inexplicably, ingested an entire 78-piece cutlery set of forks and spoons. Doctors theorized the reason why she ate the items was because of a rare disorder called pica that affects pregnant women, causing them to crave non-food items.

• An 8-year-old girl swallowed nearly 30 magnets and other chunks of metal, probably thinking they were candy. Since magnets attract each other, they can destroy stomach lining, major organs and also disrupt blood flow patterns. After a major surgery, the girl healed completely.

• A man heading to prison in Florida packed himself a care package... inside his rectum. The man shoved 17 Oxycodone pills, one cigarette, six matches, one flint, one empty syringe with an eraser over the needle, one lip balm container, one condom, one CVS receipt and a coupon all up his rectum inside a condom.

• During a heated lovemaking session, one homosexual male poured enema fluid mixed with concrete mix inside his lover, and the stuff hardened and nearly ruptured very crucial anatomy. The mass was successfully removed.

Do not try this. Ever.

• A 60-year-old man claimed that “thieves” shoved an entire Coca-Cola bottle into his anus, causing him to be constipated for days. After he finally admitted himself in the hospital, doctors used extra long forceps and a vacuum to remove the refreshing beverage.

•A Georgia lawyer claimed he was showering with his cell phone and slipped on a tile and fell against his dog, plopping right down on top of his ringing phone (insert butt dial joke here). During the removal surgery, the phone continued to ring three separate times, causing surgeons to try to silence the ringer (and their laughter).

PERSPECTIVES

On the Lake:

A column about lake issues by the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper

A response to Mr. Bordenave

By Steve Holt Reader Contributor As the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, we are unapologetic in our call for a thorough and independent Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed BNSF Sandpoint Junction Connector project. Contrary to Mr. Bordenave’s assertion in his recent opinion, our Board of Directors made a conscious decision to remain neutral on the proposed project as a whole at this point in time. We think it’s premature to decide otherwise for a project of this magnitude before all the facts are on the table. The best way to fully understand all the potential risks and benefits of the proposed project is through an EIS. Our sole mission is to protect the water quality of a national treasure, Lake Pend Oreille. Strongly advocating for an EIS for the proposed

project is the least we can do. As a consultant to one of the largest infrastructure projects in our region, I’m disappointed that as someone who touts his environmental reputation, Mr. Bordenave wouldn’t want a review of the highest level of consideration.

As for an EIS only being more thorough than an Environmental Assessment due to the number of letters in its acronym, I’m practically speechless. We have educated ourselves on the NEPA process, and there is a significant difference between and EA and an EIS. Mr. Bordenave knows it. You don’t have to be “somewhat of an expert” on NEPA to know that an EIS is necessitated when a project will have significant impacts on the human and natural environment. A project that will last anywhere from three to five years in the very heart of Sandpoint as three new bridges are built —

one over the lake, one over Sand Creek and one over Bridge Street to City Beach — will undoubtedly have significant impacts, most which have been ill addressed or outright ignored in the EA. If there isn’t a difference between an EA and as EIS, then why such a fuss on behalf of BNSF? If BNSF is as much of a community partner as its full-page ads try to imply, why not just give much of the community what it wants, which is an EIS? Because an EIS is a much more thorough review than an EA, which identifies real risks established with real data and mitigation measures that could have negative consequences for BNSF, including cost and time. I sense that this is what the fuss is all about.

I would like to thank Mr. Bordenave for clearing up one of the great inconsistencies inherent to the EA. Specifically, this statement was extremely helpful: “The project has

clearly and repeatedly defined its need due to that continued increase in transportation demand.” Please forgive my former confusion based on statements to the contrary peppered throughout the EA. For example, under Spill Risk the EA states,”…the Project would not increase the amount of freight moved or rail miles traveled.” It then goes on to determine that the risk of spills would not increase because the project would not contribute to an increase in rail traffic.

It’s clear that when the rationale for the project needs defending, then transportation increases necessitate it. When risks are assessed, then there is no way to know how train volumes will change because traffic is market-driven. Given this ever-flawed rationale, it’s easy to conclude no additional risk. Mr. Bordenave references his co-author’s efforts to collect data and produce

“documents,” yet the actual existence of data to back up the EA’s assertions are glaringly absent.

Including numerical projections of future rail volumes which are essential when evaluating impacts to spill risk, traffic congestion, emergency response, the local economy (which wasn’t considered at all) and more.

The proposed project has the potential to change the very fabric of our community and place Lake Pend Oreille in harm’s way from the transport of hazardous materials alongside over 30 miles of shoreline and over the lake itself.

We feel it’s the Coast Guard’s duty to require it under law. So yes, this project, at the very least, deserves the highest level of environmental review, and no, the sky is not falling.

Steve Holt is the president of the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper board.

Earth Week continues into the future

By Nancy Gerth Reader Contributor Rain held off last Saturday until two minutes before 4 p.m., just time enough for the third annual Earth Day in Farmin Park. Less than an hour afterwards, the park was clean and empty, but the spirit lives on.

Hundreds of people of all ages attended. Ninety-nine children earned a set of bamboo cutlery, to replace the plastic forks and straws which now end up on beaches and up turtles’ noses.

Each youngster visited five of 25 booths with information and children’s activities: face-painting, recycling, pollinators, trees, skins and skulls identification, seed-planting, corn hole tosses, cloth bag painting, slime station, green lunch, CO2 experiment, butterfly wands, a glass-blower,

giant bubbles and a fire truck.

Volunteer monitors made the day go smoothly.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rognstad welcomed us and awarded “keys to future cities” to local students, including sixth graders of Washington School, who have been chosen as U.S. representatives to a global meeting of youth this fall. They proceeded to treat us to three performances about plastic recycling.

Master of Entertainment Sam Cornett incited children to dance and sing, including his talented daughters, Savannah and Addison.

“Blue Tutu” danced nearly three hours, giving it everything she had. Miss Paige’s dancers were spell-binding to the strains of earththemed music. Gaia’s Daughters belly-danced us into a trance.

Giant-winged butterflies signaled the end of the afternoon with a gorgeous display of color and calm.

Schools, a church, businesses,

nonprofits, families and friends gathered to celebrate and learn from each other. A big tide turned: A younger generation is grabbing the baton from the gray hairs like me and running into the future.

“It was very fun participating in an event that contributes to helping the Earth,” said student Taylor Mire: Student Aubrey Knowles echoed Mire’s words.

“The Earth Day Celebration was really fun to help (with),” she said. “It was really good for our program. … The activities were very fun, and it was really easy to learn everything about our Earth.”

High school students raised $1,000 last Friday for their trip to save coral. Watch for a second showing of “Chasing Coral” coming to The Panida. Contact for donations: john.hastings@lposd.org.

The library’s Earth Week activities were well attended, too:

discussions on climate change, extreme weather, the threat to journalism, challenges to the winter sports industry; virtual reality movies; Earth Day-themed storytimes and crafts, and a team of young people picking up trash along Division Street in their #TrashTagChallenge project.

Next April is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Three more people volunteered to help do it again next year. Perhaps 50 years from now we will have

Washington School’s 6th grade “Ted Talk”: Payton Polhemus, Elle Meneghini, Fiona Macdonald, and Hana Luttmann. To donate or buy a shirt to fund their fall trip to Rome call Ann Dickinson at (208) 263-4759.

Courtesy photo.

Earth Year! If you have ideas, talent or time to help make it equally fun (could we make it any better?) please contact me at nancy@350Sandpoint.org. It takes a community to hold a festival!

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HEALTH

A grain of salt

A health column... sort of

Why you should care if your tomatoes are huge

By Ammi Midstokke Reader Health Columnist

other pesticide ingredients. These are often labeled as “Round Up Ready” and are patented In my office, the quesby Monsanto. This tions of, “Should I eat means a plant can organic?” or, “Are GMOs be sprayed heavily bad?” come up almost daily. with these pestiThe answer to both is, yes. cides and not die.

But that isn’t always possiEverything else ble, and we have a culture in the field dies that seems to think if we (though we’re seecannot be perfect 100% of Ammi Midstokke with Freya the Brown Dog. ing an insurgence the time, then why bother of ‘super weeds’ that are beginning to resist anyway? spraying as well — similar to antibiotic What has become blatant is a lack of resistant bacteria). education about what Genetically Modified The pro-camp will argue that hunger Organisms are, how they function and why can be fixed with these farming techniques. one group of people support them (mostly Meanwhile, the starving Haitians burned those who profit) and others do not (those the Monsanto seeds and politely declined a who consume them, typically). dependency on the industry. African farmGenetically Modified Organisms are ers are seeing livestock die, and U.S. crops organisms that have had genes from a different species spliced into their own genetic are being contaminated. Organic farmers in the U.S. will argue that they can produce as code. This is different from a hybrid fruit much as GMO farmers, and studies show tree or a hybrid tomato (a process we’ve that in times of flood or drought, their crops been using since the dawn of agriculture). actually perform better than the GMO Rather, in GMO, DNA from bacteria, crops. viruses, humans, plants, animals and fungi Regardless of the potential to resolve may be inserted. It is a fascinating science world hunger with corn meal and tofu, that will surely resolve and prevent many the issue of the biological impact of these diseases. In the case of food, the evidence products remains. The FDA has allowed that it can cause disease is mounting. companies like Monsanto to self-police and In fact, Monsanto, the producer and test the safety of their products in many distributor of GM seeds and the pesticides cases, which should raise more than a few these seeds are resistant to, just lost an $80 ethical concerns. Many of those tests, such million dollar lawsuit in a cancer case in as a three-month study on rats, showed no San Francisco, a potential turning point in impact. But when the study was repeated the ongoing legal battle against GMOs and by independent labs and lasted two years, toxic pesticides. those rats were covered with fatty tumors, But why are these things bad for us? developed cancers, lost fertility, had liver It is not known that simply splicing genes and endocrine disruptions and more. is dangerous. The often vague argument, What we also see in the research — “It’s not natural,” does not have any valid independent research by white-coat folks science to it, though one might argue that working in labs financed by sources other nature is doing a fine job managing things than biochemical companies — is study herself. Rather, it is what the GMOs are after study that shows glyphosate (a key intended to do that is concerning. ingredient in RoundUp) is directly impactThere are typically two major genetic ing the gastrointestinal tract in a myriad of modifications made to plants. One of them ways that damage its tissues, function and is to make the plant toxic to pests, so when health. Even in doses that are far less (three the pest chews on the plant, it actually dies. to 20 times less) than comparable doses Unfortunately, farmers have found that considered dangerous to humans. other animals feasting on these plants (for When we hear things like “the jury is example, sheep grazing on GM cotton) also not out” on the impact of GMOs, this is died. simply not valid because there are many The other modification is to make a studies that indicate that these products are seed and plant resistant to glyphosate and 12 /

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having a harmful impact on everything from the soil to the farmer to the consumer. It is estimated that there are currently 11,200 open lawsuits against Monsanto alone.

Those juries might not be out yet, and we’ll have to see who runs out of money first.

So should we avoid GMOs? That is an individual decision that each of us must make. We cannot make an intelligent decision unless we’re adequately informed.

First of all, we need to have access to the information of which foods have GMO in their ingredients (the fight for clear labeling) and then we must seek objective information about the impact of consuming these products. In the mean time, hit up our local Farmer’s Market, look for the non-GMO Project label, and do a little reading.

To read more about GMO, access studies, or find other resources, check out https://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education/

COMMUNITY

How one pup came back from the dead

The story of Lazaruff, a rescued pooch that traveled across the country to get here

By Dr. Marty Becker Reader Contributor Lazaruff/Relic was supposed to be dead.

That’s what the workers who found him in an abandoned house thought — that he had died of thirst and starvation. When animal control came to pick up the body and found out he was still alive, they rushed him to the vet.

Once there, they gave his emaciated little body — he weighed 19 pounds — fluids, and discussed his poor outlook for survival. Reluctantly they decided euthanasia would be the most humane course. Then he wagged his tail.

My wife, Teresa, and I met Lazaruff after he was a robust 27 pounds (he now weighs 66, to give you an idea of how bad it was) while we were volunteering at a clinic for homeless pets and the pets of low-income people in St. Landry Parish, La. Although we’d vowed not to adopt that day, we took one look at this tail-wagging skeleton covered in skin and broke that vow so fast it caused a sonic boom.

They’d called him “Relic,” but in recognition that he’d come back from the dead we named him Lazaruff. We planned to bring him into our family, but he had a long road ahead of him first. He had heartworm, but he needed to get up to a better weight and in better condition before starting treatment. We willingly paid for everything he needed, from heartworm treatment to consultation with nutritionists and behaviorists to working with a trainer to teach him about things like leashes.

What we all learned is that this boy has a huge heart and loves people with complete devotion. He is happiest on his back, head in your lap, getting his tummy rubbed, and going for long sniff-fest walks.

While we had intended all along to bring him into our family, as Laz continued his amazing recovery, his team real-

Lazaruff received a warm welcome at the Panhandle Animal Shelter by Bryant Baxter, left and Dr. Marty Becker, right. Courtesy photo.

ized that he was probably not going to be happy with us for a number of reasons.

They felt he’d do best as an only pet in a quiet home where he’d get a lot of attention. We have a huge menagerie, live on a ranch and travel all the time. Despite

the disappointment, we hadn’t come this far to turn back now. We reached out to Panhandle Animal Shelter, where we adopted our little dog QT Pi Becker. They set up a quiet foster home for him to stay while we work to find him the perfect home – maybe with YOU? We wanted to fly Lazaruff to Idaho, but we found that no commercial airline would fly a dog they considered a pit bull. As a longtime pit bull family and a veterinarian who knows all dogs are individuals and opposes breed discrimination, it was a sobering reminder of what these dogs face. A friend of ours generously offered to fly to Baton Rouge and drive Laz to us in Idaho, but Teresa and I made the decision to drive him ourselves. We’ve gotten to know him really well on the trip, and we can promise you that whoever adopts this amazing boy will have unconditional love and joy in abundance!

If you’d like to take Lazaruff or any other animals home, contact the Panhandle Animal Shelter at (208) 265-PAWS.

Rights of Nature workshop offered

By Reader Staff The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund is an organization that helps communities gain rights for themselves and nature. Responsible Growth NE in Washington is working with the defense fund to offer a workshop for participants to learn about the legal rights of nature and what it takes to establish them.

Kai Huschke of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund will walk participants through what it means to establish the rights of a natural entity in support of its long-term survival and sustainability. Many of those who oppose the proposed silicon smelter in Newport will find this workshop informative.

The workshop will take place Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Oldtown Rotary Park, 68 Diamond Mill Rd. in Oldtown. Refreshments will be provided at no charge.

Please RSVP at tmorgan.rgnew@ gmail.com. Call (971) 301-2521 with any questions.

THE READER MAKES IT TO THE DEVIL’S TOWER Bike to School Day coming up soon Brad Johnson of Sandpoint took the Reader along on his trip to Casper, Wyo., last month. Brad can be seen here at the Devil’s Tower National Monument on March 22. You may recognize the Devil’s Tower from the 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Thanks for taking the Reader along on your trip, Brad. If you take the Reader on your upcoming quest, send us a photo: ben@ sandpointreader.com

By Reader Staff Lake Pend Oreille School District invites your family to join students nationwide on Wednesday, May 8, for the annual Bike to School Day. Bike to School day raises awareness of the need to create safer routes for biking and emphasizes the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, biking safety, traffic congestion and environmental concerns.

National Bike to School day is a national event sponsored locally by LPOSD #84 Safe Routes to School. For more information, call (208) 263-2184 ext. 1124.

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Brews For Benefit and Yappy Hour VolunteerMatch Live Dollar Beers!

6-8pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery 3-5pm @ Utara Brew 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Featuring live music w/ Kerry Leigh Everyone is welcome Good until the keg’s dry opportunities by Sand Story Pour-y Hour: Emotions Sandpoint Community Sing N 4-5pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. 7pm @ Downtown Yoga A Listen to our resident storyteller help understand A 90-minute exploration of D emotions through stories.

PJs and pillows encouraged song, open to all

Live Music w/ Ruff Scrumpie and Miah Kohal Trio Live Music w/ Brendan Kelty Trio a 6-9pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Crooked Tooth DJ Skw Hang out by the fire and drink some fine local brew 8pm-12am @ 219 Lounge 9pm @ with this dual headline show at Matchwood Two bands, one night, all good Wake Live Music w/ High Trees & Ammunition Live Music w/ BareGrass @ Pur 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Open Live Music w/ Mike and Sadie Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin www.

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery 8-10pm @ The Back Door Eichardt’s 25th anniversary party 6pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Come down and listen to Neighbor John Kelly play live music, and celebrate 25 years at the Pub Live Music w/ The Groove Black 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Mugs and Music w/ Brad Keeler 6-8pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

Live Music w/ Devon Wade Studio 54 ‘ 9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge 9pm @ A&P Get down with Sandpoint’s country music ro Festival Fundraising Extravaganza 5pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds Unlimited tastings of 150-plus premier win tered five-star gourmet dinner, silent, live live music w/ Brown Salmon Truck and mo Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs 8-10pm @ The Back Door

Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 4-6:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Karaoke 8-close @ Tervan Piano Sunday w/ Peter Lucht Best song selection i 3-5pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Night-Out Karaoke 9pm @ 219 Lounge Join DJ Pat for a night of singing, or just come to drink and listen

Lifetree Cafe 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexican Restaura An hour of conversation and storie week’s topic: “The Heroin Addict Next

Triva Night 7pm @ MickDuff’s Show off that big, beautiful brain of yours

Djembe class 5:45-7:30pm @ Musi servatory of Sandpoint Join Ali Thomas fo djembe class. (208) 26

Kootenai Elem. School PTA fundraiser 5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority With Ecliptic Brewing beer on tap, live music by Marty Perron and Doug Bond, silent auction items and raffle prizes.

Complimentary appetizers will be served

Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Mills and guest musician Andrew Browne

Magic Wednesday 6-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Enjoy close-up magic shows by Star Alexander right at your table

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

Idaho Gives All day @ Idaho nonprofits Show some love to your local nonprofits with the annual 24-hour fundraising event Idaho Gives.

Alzheimer’s Support Gro 1-2pm @ Sandpoint Senio for families, caregivers, an Free respite care is availab during group session with a

ful

April 25 - May 2, 2019

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

Match Live!

Trivia Takeover Live and Kootenai School Sip & Shop ara Brewing Co. 4-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery welcome to come and check out the volunteer Proceeds from 4-8pm will benefit school. Triva 6-8pm s by Sandpoint Community Resource Center Neighborhood Nights: Adoptive Families • 6-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. rstand A monthly event, with this month’s theme partnering with North Idaho CASA and raged DiscoverFamily.net to discuss adoptive families. Sign up via Facebook

elty Trio and Thursday Night Solo Series w/ Kyle Swaffard • 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall DJ Skwish CDA’s Kyle Swaffard will be in the house, with food by Sandpoint Curry 9pm @ A&P’s Bar Sandpoint Area Seniors Massage Fundraiser od Wake the Squatch Mtn Havoc Qualifier (Apr. 26-28) 5:30-8:30pm @ Evans Brothers Everyone is invited, food donated by Winter @ Purcell Trench Ranch (Bonners Ferry) Ridge, music by Wild Crafters, plus enjoy free Open wheeling mountain havoc qualifier. chair and table massages, raffle prizes and more www.mountain-mafia.com for more information

udio 54 ‘70s Night Greasy Fingers Birthday Bash m @ A&P’s Bar 1-5pm @ Greasy Fingers Bikes n’ Repair Celebrate 9 years with the “Thanks for y music rocker Your Cash Bash.” As a way of saying nza thanks, Greasy Fingers will have BBQ, ds emier wines, a ca- music, refreshments, raffles, discounts lent, live auctions, and good times. Biggest party of the year!

Rocket League Tournament ck and more!

12:30pm @ Sandpoint High School Bring a controller with USB cable

#No2ndBridge Protest #3 1pm @ Dog Beach Park Tervan A rally to protest the second rail selection in Sandpoint bridge w/ speakers, drums, snacks

Restaurant and stories. This ddict Next Door”

@ Music ConSandpoint homas for this . (208) 265-4444

ndraiser

tap, live ug Bond, e prizes. be served

Swingin’ in the Rain Dance 7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall The night begins with a one-hour East Coast Swing dance lesson, followed by general dancing from 8-10 p.m. There will be refreshments, door prizes and mixers. (208) 699-0421

BYOB - Blend Your Own Bistro 1-5pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Join us at the facility and blend your own!

Reserve at (208) 265-8545 Karaoke 8-close @ Tervan Best song selection in Sandpoint

Sandpoint Variety Night @ A&P’s Bar Sign up 48 hours in advance. Cash prizes for winners.

Land Rezoning Meeting - Newport, Wash.

4-4:30pm @ Pend Oreille Co. Courthouse Public meeting to allow the proposed silicon smelter to build without going through environmental protection practices. “If you oppose this blanket rezoning, then it is crucial to attend these meetings,” says smelter opponents

Rights of Nature 6-8:30pm @ Oldtown Rotary Park, 68 Diamond Mill Rd. Oldtown Sponsored by Responsible Growth NE Washington, Kai Huschke walks through what it means to establish the rights of a natural entity in support of its long-term survival and sustainability. Free admission. 971-301-2521 for more info

pport Group oint Senior Center egivers, and friends of those with Alzheimer’s. is available at the Day Break Center next door sion with advance reservations (208) 265-8127

May 3 Hospice Camp Kids Concert @ Bonner County Fairgrounds May 4 3/4-Minus Cykeltur bike ride @ Matchwood Brewing Co. May 4 Sandpoint Farmers’ Market opening day!

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OUTDOORS

A Walk in the Park

Camping solo in Glacier Nat’l Park

By Marjolein Groot Nibbelink Reader Contributor

Being single has its downsides.

I want to take a trip but have only camped solo once before.

However, there is simply no way I will not be camping, so I chucked my gear in the Montero and set off east, ignoring the many stressing recommendations to carry a gun.

After a stop in Whitefish, I decide it is wrongly compared to Sandpoint what with its 12 blocks of thriving tourist shops versus our more authentic, raw-edged town with empty store fronts.

I want to pay the $25 entry fee to Glacier National Park, but there is no one at the booth, and the only other way to pay is with a QR code. I’m a bit of a technophobe, so I drive on feeling very cheeky indeed.

Campgrounds are closed in winter, but you can stay overnight at the Apgar picnic area right on Lake McDonald for free. Men are ice fishing, and some vagabonds have parked their rusty van for the night. I shovel a minimal footprint in the snow and use all my blankets for insulation before starting a fire. The sunset is spectacular, painting the Rockies from white to pink to green to gray. Fire attracts bohemians, and I’m soon joined by interesting vagrants, talking into the night.

Snow camping bring several significant benefits for Glacier: • No mosquitoes • Few people • Beer stays cool for a really long time SUNDAY The only drawback of this campsite is that the sun doesn’t hit it until 11 a.m. Soon thereafter I set out for the Apgar lookout trailhead, a hike described as, “Roughly three-quarters of a mile from the parking area the trail begins a steady climb up 16 /

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the southwestern slopes of the mountain. Over the next 2.7 miles hikers will climb roughly 1,700 feet to reach the ridge just below the lookout.” Sounds easy, which is why I allowed myself to set out late.

12 p.m. — The trailhead is moved back 1.9 miles in winter, so round-trip my hike suddenly turns into 9.2 miles (14.8 km).

Meh, I’ve had worse, and I brought a light.

A quarter mile in I strip off three layers to my long underwear because it’s 50 degrees. I meet a couple who turned back because of avalanche danger (sun-exposed on a hot day, little vegetation, no fresh tracks, avalanche lines showing in area).

I self-consciously try to ignore my exposed, furry legs. She says: “That was our call and yours can be different.” Another couple stopped short due to that advice, and a younger couple turned back at the halfway point because they had to get wasted at a St. Patrick’s Day party wearing funny green hats, no doubt.

3 p.m. — All alone on the trail now, just done following the fresh

tracks of the young couple to the second switchback. Can’t be bad if they did it. The snow is slushy and unpredictable. There is less than a mile left. The slopes are steeper now, and large treeless areas are exposed to full sun. I don’t know much about avalanches beyond what I was just told and that they can kill you. My gut tells me this might be one of those moments I should consider turning around, but I often get unnecessarily anxious alone in the wild and want to push through the angst. What would Jim Mellen do?

There are vague tracks of someone that pushed on maybe yesterday, or it could be last week. Very gently I follow these, imagining a young handsome person telling me encouragingly, “You’re doing great, just put your foot right here.” When the snow breaks and I slide a few feet, I stop to calm down. Here is a spot where a stream might run in the summer and today big rollers have come down across the trail.

Walk like an elf. I suddenly realize my imagined guide may have been an unwitting tourist like myself, completely oblivious to

the very real danger and that they and we are both lucky if we make it out alive.

4 p.m. — I’m getting close, and the ridge is flattening out to my left. The tracks are nearly invisible here, covered in melting snow, but I see them ahead right under a large steep slope. Yeah, I’m not doing that. I remember reading something about the ridge being the safest route in snow, so I hook a left to find a clear break line I just cleared. Danger is now officially not imagined and can no longer be ignored.

It is a treat to break a snowy ridge, seemingly alone to find the world stretching on forever in all directions. Soon I’m waist-deep in a hole. I take off my pack, put on tails, cross my poles and get out in 10 minutes. Time is getting short now – less than two hours to sundown. Where in the world is this darn lookout? I find it two humps over to my right and walk closer. Don’t feel like going down and up all that landscape, so I settle with the peak I’m on which is higher anyway.

4:30 p.m. — Eat as much as I can (not hungry) and change

Marjolein Groot Nibbelink atop the Apgar lookout overlooking Lake McDonald. Courtesy photo.

socks. Best to head down.

5:15 p.m. — Make it past the “danger zone” to the second switchback. The sun is still strong.

6:30 p.m. — You know that moment when you consider taking off your snowshoes because the ground feels pretty solid?

Don’t, just don’t. But once you have tied them to your pack, you’re not going to stop and put them on again, even if you’re sinking into snow every 20 steps again.

6:45 p.m. — It is now officially dark, but the moon offers enough light not to get my headlamp out.

7:15 p.m. — Take off soaked shoes and socks (note to self: must buy gaiters) and climb into warm car. I call my best friend Sandy Compton, who thoughtfully sent me a track analysis while slowly driving back to camp. A coyote jumps out of the woods

< see GLACIER, page 18 >

PERSPECTIVES The

Late Night Buddhist

Freedom isn’t free. Or is it?

By Scott Taylor Reader Columnist I recently went to visit a friend in Port Townsend, via Anacortes, and while sitting in my car in an interminable line waiting for the ferry from Whidbey Island to PT, I texted my friend to tell him it would be a while before I arrived due to the long wait for the ferry. He replied “There’s a saying out here on the peninsula: You’re a slave to the ferry.”

This got me to thinking: To what else are we all slaves? I suppose being a slave to the ferry isn’t the worst thing. But as we examine our lives, we may recognize other masters which are less benign to our freedom and well-being, and therefore our happiness.

Although we, as Americans, like to laud the freedoms that our Constitution guarantees can’t be taken by the government or others, we often choose to forgo our own, more personal freedom. Some of these choices are fairly harmless, like being a slave to caffeine or sugar (“Oh Great Pepsi God, becalm my nerves”) or “The Walking Dead” or Joel’s tacos.

Some come with minor consequences, such as addictions to overeating or shopping, and some impact us more severely.

Sometimes these are obvious, as in the case of drug and alcohol addiction, but some can be quite subtle. How many of us are slaves to our house or car? If we ask ourselves, “Why do I go every day to a job I don’t like?” we find that the answer is often, “To pay for my house, my car(s), my boat, etc.,” and there we find where lie our masters. Yes, we’re all slaves to food and shelter to a certain extent, but when our desires and avarice exceed our actual needs it’s our freedom that we begin to give away.

Another aspect of freedom is our sense of inner freedom, which is wholly up to us. Our happiness can have a direct correlation with our sense of personal freedom, and when we let others restrict or invade that freedom, we let them restrict and/or control our happiness.

When the Chinese invaded and took

control of Tibet, they imprisoned many Buddhist monks and nuns who were outspoken critics of the invasion. One such nun, when questioned how she maintained her faith and compassion for all humans – including her captors – during years of torture and abuse, said, “It was precisely my faith and compassion for my torturers that allowed me to keep my sanity and maintain my sense of freedom. It was only when I let anger and hatred dwell in me that I was in danger of letting them take away my freedom and inner peace.”

We can ask ourselves, “Does anyone or anything besides me hold the key to my sense of freedom?”

To be completely free (or as free as possible), we need to make a decision to never be a slave to anything. Not caffeine or sugar, not TV or internet or a cell phone or video games, not drugs or alcohol, not a job or a bigger house or nicer truck, not fashion or societal acceptance or material goods, not hatred or anger or envy. We can simply say “These are not my masters, I will not let them control my life.” We’ve probably all seen the bumper stickers that proclaim “Freedom Isn’t free,” but (and no offense to those who fought/fight for our Constitutional freedoms) our own personal freedom is free, and it depends on one person: ourselves.

We can make the decision to be free, and happy. Choose happy!

Cycling safely in Sandpoint:

The Idaho Stop, sharrows and not getting yourself killed

By Ben Olson Reader Staff May is Bike Month, so it’s time for my annual harangue about biking rules.

Whether you ride a bicycle every day or whenever it catches your fancy, it’s important to know the rules of the road. Also, on the flip side, motorists should know the law to avoid any potential collisions.

The best rule is to remember the role of a bicycle: when a rider is atop a bike, it should be thought of as a vehicle. When a rider is off of the bike, pushing it or holding it, they should be considered a pedestrian.

What’s the difference? Quite a bit, actually.

Vehicles should always stop for pedestrians crossing the street, including those pushing bicycles. Vehicles do not, however, need to stop and let bicycles cross. Just think: Would you stop and let a car go?

Often, when vehicles are trying to be polite and let a bicycle cross, they are in fact jamming up traffic even worse.

Also, there is a law called “The Idaho Stop” that allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. It was named as such because it was first instituted in Idaho in 1982.

The law was enacted in an attempt to make cycling easier and safer, de-emphasizing criminalization of cycling infractions and placing the focus on yielding the right-of-way safely. The Idaho Transportation Department said the “Idaho bicycle-collision statistics confirm that the Idaho [Stop] law has resulted in no discernible increase in injuries or fatalities to bicyclists.”

Here’s how the Idaho Stop works: A bicyclist can roll through a stop sign as if it is a yield sign, taking care to ensure both lanes are clear. At a red light, the cyclist must come to a stop, and if the way is clear, they can cross while there is a red light.

The reason for these laws is evident if you ride a bicycle in a city. Stopping and starting at intersections without traffic causes a loss of momentum, which is a big deal on two wheels.

I have been yelled at relentlessly for following these bike laws, often by motorists who aren’t aware of the Idaho Stop and think I’m running a red light on my bike. It’s best to educate yourself on biking/motoring laws before extending the middle finger of fury.

Let’s all ride safe out there.

rules of the road 1. Ride on the right side of the street • Ride with the flow of traffic and make full turns into travel lanes • Ride in the correct direction on one-way streets.

• Don’t ride on the left side against traffic. That is for pedestrians only.

2. Full stop at red lights • Use extended arm signals when making left and right turns.

3. Rolling stop at stop signs • Slow down to look and listen for oncoming traffic.

• Full stop when needed; proceed through when there is no traffic

4. Share the road with drivers •Sandpoint’s preferred cycle routes are marked with “sharrow” pavement lines.

• Ride single file and keep a steady pace with the flow of traffic.

• Try to avoid making erratic movements.

5. Sidewalks are for pedestrians • Walk your bike when using downtown sidewalks.

• Yield to walkers and give special consideration to the elderly.

• Use common courtesy... it’s always appreciated.

6. Use safety gear • Wear a helmet and light-colored clothing for maximum visibility.

• Bright headlight and red taillight are needed after dark.

• Lock your bike frame for theft protection.

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< GLACIER, con’t from page 14 >

and runs in my headlights for a while. He stops, looks back and I see his red reflecting eyes.

8:30 p.m. — Change clothes in the warm car, put some food into a bag and crawl into my sleeping bag. There is a Dutch saying, “After a hard day of labor, it feels good to rest”.

9 p.m. — Some animals make a trademark sound you’re likely to recognize even when you’re hearing it for the first time.

Two years ago, I knew instinctively when I heard a rattlesnake and now, I jolt upright, pull my hat off my ears and stop breathing.

AwawOOoooooohhhhhh…. Wolf!

I look down to a spread of cheese, chocolate, chips and elk sausage all around me. Don’t know much about wolves, but they say bears will plunder tents for food, and I’m pretty sure wolves like meat.

Speaking of bears, the bear spray is in the car. Somewhat panicked, I stuff my face with a finale of well-deserved treats before jamming what’s left in a bear canister, open the tent and hurl it as far away as I can. The howling continues.

MONDAY 4:21 a.m. — A sharp, hollow sound which can only be described as “running” across the lake wakes me. ZakOOwww …

WipAowww … It must be the ice sheets pushing each other as the temperatures reach their low, and there’s not enough space for the expansion.

9 a.m. — I pack up and head out to East Glacier with the hope of camping at St. Mary campground. In my opinion, road trips require you to stop at every other pullout, so I don’t get to East Glacier until 11:30.

This is the Blackfoot reservation, and I have not interacted much with Native Americans so am unsure what to expect.

The man at the gas station is 6 feet 5 inches and must weigh 400 pounds. He tells me in a friendly way the only diner in town is the 2 Medicine Grill, three blocks that way. I drive back past without seeing it, 18 /

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The Apgar Lookout road. Courtesy of Google Maps. park, walk past the three blocks of rickety storefronts, don’t see it. I walk up a block across mud and ice to see a young Native woman walking my way in a similar sort of Super Mario fashion, hopping from ice sheet to ice sheet, surrounded by five large dogs. She points me back at where my car is parked for the diner, and I look even closer at the signs and in the windows.

Nothing. She calls me back after following me to make sure I found my way: “It’s right here!” She holds the door for me where I finally see a tiny piece of bleached paper saying “2 Medicine Grill” in the window.

12 p.m. — I order the special (ham and cheese grilled rye sandwich with chips and a cup of beef-vegetable soup: $9) and take my maps out. Soon, the couple on the next table open a conversation and tell me many of the roads I was planning to take are closed in winter. Gratefully sipping my first coffee of the day, I reconsider my itinerary. I’m sunburned and tired and don’t feel like driving major highways, so I decide to turn back but take a long drive around north of Whitefish because I’ve never seen Eureka (not much to see, it turns out) and back along the Koocanusa reservoir. It’s a gorgeous day for a drive through the country, and I am rewarded with the surprise of finding Montana’s longest and tallest bridge named in 1972 as the world’s most beautiful long-span bridge.

First solo camping road trip was a marvelous success.

After deciding the Netherlands did not offer serious adventure opportunities, Marjolein moved to Sandpoint in 2014 after roaming the planet for some years.

She works for the international magazine MultiLingual. She keeps an irregular blog at marjoleingoestoamerica.wordpress.com.

COMMUNITY

Camp Kaniksu:

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

When it comes to combining education and adventure, Dave Kretzschmar brings his A-game to Camp Kaniksu.

During the 2018 camp, Kretzschmar — who serves as director of education for Kaniksu Land Trust — said kids “caught bugs, frogs and snakes, climbed trees, made a 30-foot grass rope and played tug-of-war, built forts, ate wild berries, wove cattails, studied animal tracks, listened to bird language and became wild animals for a feast in the forest.”

“I hear a lot of worry about this generation and their addiction to technology and subsequent disconnect from nature,” Kretzschmar wrote in a reflection on the KLT website following last year’s camp.

“These three weeks of camp have shown me once again that given the opportunity, kids are happy to leave the screens behind and go outside to experience the real thing.

And they fall in love.”

It’s a philosophy that echoes through everything KLT does: provide the resources for community members to get outside, and surely, they will. This is especially true of youth, and one major way KLT impacts area children is through their annual Camp Kaniksu — a series of nature-based camps for kids ages 6 to 12.

KLT Outreach and Development Coordinator Cami Murray said most people assume kids — especially rural kids — are getting enough time outside, but research shows that the opposite is actually true.

Camp Kaniksu aims to provide those opportunities and foster a desire for more time in nature after camp has ended.

“If you let kids outside and give them permission to play, they will play,” Murray said. “We see camp as an opportunity for kids to learn that joy.”

Camp Kaniksu is held in the Pine Street Woods: 180 acres of woodland KLT recently acquired after years of planning and fundraising. During camp, children are told to find “their place,” where they will return to several times during the camp to spend quiet time and observe their surroundings.

Now that the Pine Street Woods officially belongs to the public — and is intended to remain that way forever — Murray said kids have the unique opportunity to feel a sense of ownership and pride for the woods early on.

“Kids can find their place when they’re 6, and go find it later in their life,” she said.

Camp Kaniksu 2019 activities will include making natural shelters, fire by friction, harvesting plants/plant salves, WildCrafting (hands-on creation of traditional crafts), primitive cooking, sensory awareness games, tracking and plaster casts,

Kaniksu Land Trust provides kids the chance to learn and play in the wild through annual summer camps

capture the flag and camouflaging, bird language, archery and throwing sticks and naturalist training.

Tim Bearly said his children, ages 7 and 9, have both attended and loved the camp. The oldest, Freya, has been to other camps and says Camp Kaniksu is her favorite. Bearly described Kretzschmar as “a bonafide outdoorsman” and said the nature projects he facilitates during the camp educate and entertain the kids.

“It’s helped both of them develop a stronger appreciation and love for nature,” Bearly said of Camp Kaniksu. “They can’t wait to go back this summer.”

KLT is offering five weeklong camps this year starting in late June. Each camp is Monday-Friday and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some camps are for children ages 6-9, others for ages 9-12. The first four sessions are $80 each, and the final camp — which includes an overnight stay —is $100.

Scholarships are available, no questions

Dave Kretzschmar teaches kids how to start a fire using a traditional bow-drill method. Photo

by Fiona Hicks Photography. asked, Murray said. While some sessions are already full, email Murray at cami@ kaniksu.org with your name, your child’s name and age and which session you’re interested in to be added to a waitlist.

To learn more and check camp availability, visit www.kaniksulandtrust.org/ klt-education or call the KLT office at 208263-9471.

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COMMUNITY

Free community track meet next week

By Reader Staff On your marks, get set, go! Sandpoint High School cross country and track team is joining forces with Sandpoint Parks and Recreation to host an open track meet for anyone ages 9-14 years old. The event will be held at the SHS track Friday, May 3, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is necessary for this event. Call (208) 263-3613.

Ultimate Frisbee league

By Reader Staff Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact action sport full of fast-paced action. The league is co-ed, and all skill levels are encouraged to participate. The game is played on a field with two end zones to catch the final throw, which scores a point.

Games for ages 16 and up will be Mondays and Thursdays, May through October at the Great Northern Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The fee is $20/person. The general public is invited to the Unplug & Be Active event pick-up game Thursday, May 8 from 6-7 p.m. This is a free game.

Call (208) 263-3613 for more info.

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It’s time for Idaho Gives!

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

While local nonprofits rely on donations year-round, there’s only one day a year when Idaho Gives.

The annual statewide event brings together nonprofits from Bonners Ferry to Boise in the shared goal to raise as much money as possible. If there’s one day a year to pull out your wallet and support your favorite nonprofit, Idaho Gives is a great choice thanks to a chance that your donation will be enhanced with bonuses from event organizers. Check out which nonprofits are participating this year at www.idahogives.org and start planning who to support when the event rolls around Thursday, May 2.

“Idaho Gives is a great day of collaboration, celebration and fundraising. Panhandle Animal Shelter will be focused on social media awareness, peer-to-peer fundraising and, of course, celebrating at Idaho Pour Authority,” said Mandy Evans, executive director of Panhandle Animal Shelter.

“We look forward to working with other nonprofits to honor the great work being accomplished in our community.”

Idaho Gives isn’t just a reason for state nonprofits to rally together and mutually boost fundraising, although that alone is valuable. The event also gives nonprofits a chance to earn extra cash when donations meet certain benchmarks.

The Training Titan $1,000 prizes are randomly distributed to nonprofits that participated in all seven Idaho Gives training sessions. The first organization to receive a donation at 12 a.m. Mountain Time on May 2 receives the $1,000 First Donation prize.

Three nonprofits that receive donations between 12 a.m. and 6:59 a.m. Mountain Time will randomly receive a $250 Early Riser Rush prize. Donations received before May 2 qualify nonprofits for the random

$500 Scheduled Donation prize. That’s just a fraction of the prizes to be awarded this year. To get a full list (and potentially plan your strategy for winning prizes), check out www.idahogives.org/prizes.

It all adds up to a big day for dozens of North Idaho nonprofits. And it goes a long way to fund the very worthy work they do.

Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, for instance, hopes people to donate to their youth scholarship fund, which gives individual families, schools and youth groups access to the organization’s nature-based experiential learning programs. But the organization is also spreading awareness of its Mountain Field Campus at Schweitzer, which is being developed as an outdoor learning center.

“Because over 50% of the 1,200 youth we served last year live in poverty we will be encouraging folks to make contributions to provide safe, affordable access to SOLE’s place-based experiential education programs,” said Dennison Webb, executive director of SOLE. Several local nonprofits are teaming up to provide one convenient location for people to donate. They will operate booths from 8-10 a.m. at Evans Brothers Coffee and from 5-8 p.m. at Idaho Pour Authority on May 2. It’s the perfect time to stop by, grab a drink and learn more about the diverse collection of nonprofits in North Idaho.

HEALTH

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL

A column about the trials and tribulations of Parkinson’s Disease

it ain’t all good

By A.C. Woolnough Reader Columnist

ally and spiritually. But we do it anyway. They are there for us, and they make an easy target.

My angel and care partner, A little while ago, I wrote Pamela, has done a fair amount a piece titled “It Ain’t All of work about care partners Bad.” Before anyone thinks (including a presentation at last I live in a fantasy land where year’s Northwest Parkinson’s Parkinson’s Disease is all Foundation HOPE conference) glycerin and rose water, let me and works with care partners in acknowledge that living with our region and elsewhere. While Parkinson’s is not a pleasmaintaining confidentiality, she ant task for anyone. My PD A.C. Woolnough. has shared stories of care partners brothers and sisters deal with it from one who are at the end of their rope — and do of two perspectives: the care partner or the not have the energy to tie a knot and hang PwP (person with Parkinson’s). A positive on. They feel as if they are drowning with no attitude can greatly influence the course of rescue in sight. Pamela wrote the following Parkinson’s, much less the trajectory of our poem to help her crystalize what she has life. I try to maintain such an attitude but get been hearing and feeling: shut down on occasion due to apathy. Apathy is my major non-motor symptom. Although Wholeness into Pieces it may seem like depression, it is distinctly Supporting one another— different. Apathy does not make me feel sad, Together we worked, guilty, shamed or suicidal. Rather, it is simTogether we planned, ply a feeling of lack of interest — in doing Together we were each other’s right hand, things, in being involved or being social. But I do know PwPs with severe depression. I Now alone, supporting us both, is where I stand. have friends who live with slowness of gait Exhaustion haunts me, and others with dystonia (muscle contracMemories taunt me, tions causing jerking or repetitive motions) Where did the “we” go?

— often accompanied by pain. Throw in Where did I go? the folks with hallucinations and cognitive Longings whisper in me, decline, and Parkinson’s is revealed as an Shortcomings drown me, incredibly difficult condition to live with.

Doing my best, still no rest.

Don’t forget, it’s also chronic (it’s not going away) and progressive (it’s going to get Sorrow and guilt flowing through my veins, worse). I’m amazed any of us ever smile.

Thoughts, positive and negative fighting to reign, Attention, care and concern are foSpeeding like a runaway train, cused on the PwP. The care partner (also Smashing through my heart’s domain. called care giver) often gets left out. I’ve Stop! Stop! Damned disease, acknowledged in the past that these folks I beg you please down on my knees. are the real heroes. We, those of us with My loved one is precious to me…

Parkinson’s, deal with many issues. The Leave us together, leave us in peace. meds may make us nauseous; we may get frustrated not being able to do the things Pamela often asks me to just listen. I we used to; we may hurt all over; we may don’t have to (nor can I) always fix things. get angry about our dementia or cognitive After painting this picture of life as a care decline; and we sometimes get pissy for partner, Pamela suggested I read it twice: no apparent reason. Let me share a little once for my head and once for my heart. secret that often goes unseen. On occasion, After doing so, I want to leave you, dear or even more frequently, we take our hurt, reader, with some simple suggestions. If anger, frustration and pain and dump it on you know a care partner, give them support, our care partner. We get snotty, verbally validate their work, or offer to help. Just abusive, we yell and scream, we withdraw, be there for the care partner as they are for we do our best to make our care partner as the person with Parkinson’s. Amazing, that miserable as we are. It makes no sense to sounds like the Golden Rule — some of us attack the one person who is doing the best with PD need to be reminded. they can to care for us physically, emotionApril 25, 2019 /

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COMMUNITY

Elope in Hope:

WEIRD NEWS Local businesses are teaming up to offer pop-up weddings — like a regular wedding, but smaller, and for a fraction of the price

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

It’s a sunny June day on Lake Pend Oreille. Small waves land peacefully on the beach as boaters criss cross the bay in front of Beyond Hope Resort, where a wedding is being set up.

Two boats make their way to the resort docks, and about a dozen people unload. They make their way to the shore, a couple leading the way, headed straight for the wedding venue.

That crowd is here for Elope in Hope — a pop-up wedding to last just two hours and host their closest family and friends.

Pop-up weddings are ideal for couples wanting a complete event without the massive guest list or stressful planning, and Elope in Hope is bringing the concept to the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at Beyond Hope Resort this June. Whether wedding parties boat in, take a seaplane or roll up for a weekend of camping, pop-up weddings take the set up, clean up and worry out of the hands of

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the people meant to enjoy the event most. According to Elope in Hope organizers Kiera Bortz, Michelle Ostrom and Jennifer Pratt, anything is possible.

The organizers each bring a unique talent to Elope in Hope.

Bortz operates special occasions event planning and manages Beyond Hope Resort. Ostrom brings the decor through Lucky

7 Prop Co. And Pratt is Fresh Sunshine Flowers. With the help of an officiant, photographer, baker and more, Elope in Hope offers all the tenets of a traditional wedding, just on a smaller scale and for a fraction of the price.

“It’s a legit wedding on a tiny scale,” Bortz said. “You get all the goods, but it happens quick and all the planning is done for you.”

Couples who take part will be able to invite up to 20 guests, and the venue will be fully styled and ready upon arrival.

The event includes a bridal bouquet, boutonnière, photo session, music, appetizers, champagne toast, a cutting cake, cupcakes for guests, a marriage license and official send off. The event is tailored to the couple who maybe “doesn’t have their ducks in a row yet” as far as planning their special day, Pratt said, or maybe even a couple seeking to renew their vows.

Elope in Hope will host four pop-up weddings this summer: one on Friday, June 21, at 6 p.m. and three others at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday,

Lucky 7 Prop. Co.’s horse trailer bar, “Lil’ Ida.” Courtesy photo.

June 22. Each wedding will last two hours and requires no setup, clean-up or planning on the part of the wedded couple.

Ivano’s Del Lago Italian Ristorante is right next to the resort’s venue space, making dining after the ceremony a possibility, and campsites can be reserved ahead of time for wedding-goers looking to spend the night nearby.

For Bortz, Ostrom and Pratt, it’s all about making a dream wedding into a stress-free and beautiful reality.

“It’s fun,” Pratt said. “It’s a chance to get creative while providing a service for somebody on what is most likely one of the happiest days of their lives.”

Those interested in having a summer solstice wedding as a part of Elope in Hope 2019 should call 208-264-5251 or email beyondhoperesort@ gmail.com to learn more about pricing and availability.

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

CALIFORNIA AMPUTEE LOSES LEG SKYDIVING, FINDS IT IN NEARBY LUMBER YARD A California man who had his leg amputated two years ago after a skydiving accident made headlines last week... after losing his $15,000 prosthetic limb during another jump.

The man said his prosthetic limb detached and tumbled to the earth during an otherwise successful jump.

“I tried to watch where it was falling, but I was so overwhelmed in that moment I could not keep track,” the man said.

A lumberyard employee eventually found the limb in the yard after first mistaking it for a soda can.

“Oh, that’s not a soda can, that’s a leg,” the lumber worker recalled thinking when he took a closer look at the object. “It was a nice-looking Nike.”

A sheriff’s deputy took possession of the leg and set out to find the owner, even posting a classified ad on social media titled, “Missing a leg?”

When deputies contacted people at the nearby airport in the hopes of finding the leg’s owner, workers there connected the dots.

The skydiver was reunited with his prosthetic leg and noted it was in “perfect shape — survived 10,000 feet.”

The sheriff’s office posted the man “promises to make a tether and learn from this, but fully plans to stick with his passion.

Good luck... Great spirit!”

COMMUNITY

A happening place:

The Cedar Street Bridge is enjoying a boom of new merchants

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff A new golden age may be dawning for Cedar Street Bridge.

The building that spans Sand Creek has a storied history of ups and downs, but nothing in recent years matches the rebound it’s taken in 2019 under new ownership. With managers Shery and Scott Meekings given free rein to operate the Bridge as they see fit, the building has filled nearly all its vacancies in a matter of four months. “(New owner Jim Gissy) told us, ‘This is the kind of deal I live for. It’s a win for everyone. … I bought it on faith, and I’m so glad I did,’” said Scott Meekings.

The sheer variety of the businesses the Bridge will house this summer is impressive alone.

Longstanding anchors like Creations, Carousel Emporium and Cedar Street Bistro are rounded out by the nutty confections of Panhandle Nut House, the artistry of Syndicate Tattoo Company and multiple gift store options.

What’s more, the Bridge is slated to welcome some truly unique new offerings soon, including an arcade combining the fun of video games with food and drinks. The Meekings said its a great assortment of stores that should enhance the unique appeal Cedar Street Bridge holds for tourists.

“Most tourists tend to find this building, but I think we’re actually going to attract more locals in here too, because they’ll be curious to check the new businesses out,” Shery Meekings said.

Much of the shift toward proactively seeking new businesses came after Gissy, a Florida-based businessman and investor, purchased the property in December.

He told the Meekings to run the building as if they owned it, so the couple set about doing just that.

At the outset, Scott told Gissy that it would likely take a year or two to fill up the building. Just about everyone was blown away when the building was close to full in a quarter of a year. According to the

Meekings, only one space remains available — and even that has offers on the table.

“It did not take very much to get people in here,” Scott Meekings said.

The Meekings said Gissy has been a pleasure to work with as an owner. He’s hands-off on the details but attentive where it counts.

During sales negotiations, he spent days in Sandpoint meeting everyone involved in the Cedar Street Bridge, from the Meekings themselves to the business owners that fill the building. According to the Meekings, he is a good judge of character and knows when to delegate responsibility. But he’s also quick to act when a need emerges. For instance, even before the Cedar Street Bridge sale was complete, he contributed $10,000 to ensure the it was outfitted with Christmas lights. That helped

The Cedar Sreet Bridge from the second floor. Photo by Ben Olson.

the Bridge stand out during the holiday season, enhancing its reputation as a Christmas destination built through its numerous gift shops, The Little Christmas Store and special events featuring Santa Claus.

Ultimately, that’s what the Meekings hope to cultivate at Cedar Street Bridge: its reputation as an essential Sandpoint experience. After all, internet giants like Amazon simply can’t capture the fun and excitement of a retail destination with its own character and personality. And that’s something the Cedar Street Bridge has in spades.

Jeweler finds new home at Bridge

AquaGem Jeweler’s journey to Sandpoint started in the Philippines

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The road to Sandpoint for AquaGem Jewelry co-owner Angelito Marapao began in the Philippines.

A 13-year-old just starting to learn the craft of jewelry, he could never have predicted that the next several decades would take him to a new country and eventually to a new home in North Idaho. But together with his wife, Theresa Drake, they are working to set up not just one, but two jewelry stores in Bonner County. The couple intends to take ownership of the well-established Sayers Jewelers in the summer while also operating the recently-opened AquaGem Jewelry in the Cedar Street Bridge.

“I want this store to be the store that can compete with jewelers in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene,” Marapao said.

With 50 years of jewelry experience under his belt, Marapao works in silver, gold and platinum. He has a knack for jewelry repairs that other professionals find impossible and is able to work jewelry in his own unique style. AquaGem also aims to showcase the work of local jewelry artists, giving a platform for the community’s jewelry artisans.

Marapao learned the jewelry craft at 13 years old, apprenticing himself at his aunt and uncle’s store in an effort to learn a useful trade and build a better life for himself. He picked up everything the store’s jeweler knew within a week, and by 16 years old, he was the top jeweler in the store.

Marapao’s talent for the craft eventually took him to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where he oversaw a large jewelry business.

Despite a successful life in his native country, his father eventually convinced him to move to California, where the 37-year-old Marapao found work waiting tables. He longed to return to his chosen vocation but faced discrimination for his background.

Eventually, he decided to travel to Las Vegas with only $1 in his pocket. Marapao believes it

Angelito Marapao in his new shop at the Bridge. Courtesy photo. was serendipitous that just when he was about to despair of ever finding work, he turned around to find a jewelry store with an owner willing to hire him. His employers sent him to school to become a certified gemologist, an opportunity that eventually led to him taking ownership of the store, located in the Riviera Casino. During this time he worked for the occasional celebrity client, including then-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

When the economy went bad in 2008, tourism to Las Vegas dried up, and Marapao decided to sell the store and move to Texas.

He met Drake in Austin 10 years ago while working as an independent jeweler, and together, they decided to pursue store ownership once again. They learned that the owner of Sayers Jewelry in Ponderay intended to sell the business, and they struck up an agreement to buy the business.

The AquaGem opportunity was somewhat unexpected, although it was always Marapao and Drake’s intention to open a second store. When they noticed that space was available in Cedar Street Bridge, however, they couldn’t resist snapping it up.

They believe that AquaGem will be complementary to Sayers Jewelers, which will focus primarily on its existing clients.

“The feedback (for AquaGem) has already been pretty great so far,” said Drake. “We’re finding Sandpoint to be very welcoming.”

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

One sweet trip soula. She’s a badass, tattooed to be honest, a lot of credit for ner. Flour, water and butter are boiled until thickened and then baker, known as the godmother her baking expertise goes to her tempered eggs are added one at a of Chicago pastry chefs (who country school in Savage, Monnow also peddles a sophisticattana, where they offer a program time and beaten by hand before ed line of edibles). At the time, that is, well, genius. the dough is piped onto baking she autographed a copy of her Genius Hour is a projsheets, egg washed and baked.

By Marcia Pilgeram Miley’s dream is to somerecently-released cookbook for ect-based learning movement Reader Food Columnist Chicago-based Casey, and we day own her own bakery, and a where Miley and other students spent some time discussing our couple of months ago I decided explore their own passions and As the westbound Empire favorite restaurants there. curiosities for a set amount of I would try and plan something Builder ground to a halt at the bakery-related to both reward HotChocolate Café, in Bucktime, usually ranging from one Williston, N.D., train station, Miand encourage my aspiring town/Wicker Park, will forever hour per week to 20 percent ley, my 11-year-old granddaughtop my list.

After we met up with young chef during our trip to the of their total class time.

This ter, gave me one last hug on the approach allows for self-directed city. The perfect tour would have Casey for a delicious lunch of vestibule of our sleeping car classic Americana comfort foods before stepping onto the platform learning and passion-based work, been my own alma mater, The (and, according to Miley, the such as photography or music (or French Pastry School of Chiand waving goodbye before I cago, but they were closing for best vanilla milkshake in the unireturned to the cozy (and lonely) baking). verse), Miley got an autographed spring break.

So I placed a call This was Miley’s first foray little roomette to complete my copy of Cookie Love and then a into Genius Hour, and in the to HotChocolate Café, the eatery trip to home. tour of the lively, urban bakery/ of James Beard Award-winning past couple of months she has Miley and I were returning pastry chef and author of Cookie kitchen. mastered the art of Eclairs, from from a long-awaited trip to ChiI will forever be indebted to Love, Mindy Segal. scratch, including the Pâte à cago, where we split our nights I met Mindy a couple of years Mindy’s incomparable kitchen Choux pastry (for the shells), between a fancy girl’s stay at ago at the Montana Master Chef staff, who treated Miley not which, containing only four the historic Palmer House Hotel as a kid, but as a professional program at Paws Up Resort, a ingredients, can be a daunting and my daughter Casey’s home pastry-making peer. It was a luxury guest ranch near Misproject, especially for a beginfor Easter. And though many 11-year-old girls visiting the Windy City would have visions Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms, Peppers of the flagship America Girl doll store on the Magnificent Mile, Tasty main dish for vegetarians or a great side with smoked ham Miley was keen on picking up a few pastry-making supplies and shopping at Eataly, the Italian food mecca.

As a single parent raising four • 1 lb Brussels sprouts Preheat the oven to 400° F. children, my son Zane has his Wash the Brussels sprouts then • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms hands full, and though she’s just trim the stems and cut the Brussels • 1 orange pepper, diced barely 11, Miley prepares many sprouts in half. of the meals and all the desserts • 4 cloves garlic, crushed and Add the sprouts, mushrooms, for her family. She’s been my chopped pepper and garlic to a large bowl. shadow in the kitchen since she • 3 tablespoons olive oil Drizzle with the olive oil, add was 5 years old. I don’t see her • 2 tbs soft butter soft butter, rosemary, salt and nearly as often as I’d like, but pepper.

• 2 tsp fresh minced rosemary we always look forward to the Toss well by hand to coat. Pour coveted time we spend together • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 in the kitchen, where she loves • 1⁄4 teaspoon coarse black pepper to 25 minutes or until the Brussels hearing childhood stories about • Age balsamic vinegar sprouts are nicely browned and her daddy while we whip up some of his favorite foods, like tender when pierced with a knife. twice-baked potatoes and exDrizzle with aged balsamic and tra-gooey cinnamon rolls. serve hot.

I’d secretly like to take culinary credit for her baking skills, and it is possible some of these skills seeped into her DNA, but

INGREDIENTS:

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DIRECTIONS:

transcending experience in the life of an impressionable young lady who has a lot of life decisions coming her way the next 10 years.

I’m not sure which recipes in Mindy’s book will become Miley’s favorites, but I have no doubt that Miley will use that book as an inspiration and her baking bible for many years to come. And we’ll both covet those sweet memories even longer!

I am sure that, after our indulgent week of sugared-coated bliss, Miley and I were happy to prep some savory veggies to serve at Aunt Casey’s Easter spread. Miley’s pastries were a big hit, but my roasted Brussels sprouts (with mushrooms, peppers and garlic) recipe faired well, too.

and Garlic Recipe Serves 6

MUSIC

Put the Festival in your pocket

Curious about this year’s lineup? Listen to the Reader’s specially-tailored Festival playlist

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff I’m always eager to discover new music, so when the Festival at Sandpoint recently announced several acts I wasn’t so familiar with, I got to searching them up on Spotify and adding the tracks I liked to my personal playlists.

It got us here at the Reader thinking: Why not make a Festival playlist for the community to share? So let it be known, “Festival @ Sandpoint 2019” is live on Spotify right now, hosted by our “The Sandpoint Reader” Spotify account.

For the playlist, I chose five of the most popular songs from each headliner — Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Walk Off The Earth, Jackson Browne, Lake Street Dive, The Avett Brothers and Kool & The Gang — as well as one personal pick from each discography. For the supporting acts — Lucius, Shook Twins, Darlingside, Che Apalache and Leroy Bell — I choose three random tracks, some popular and some just my personal choices.

My personal top five tracks from “Festival @ Sandpoint 2019” are:

Screenshot from the Spotify playlist for the Festival at Sandpoint 2019.

1. “You Worry Me” by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats 2. “Turn It Around” by Lucius 3. “Stay Wild” by Shook Twins 4. “Ain’t No Man” by The Avett Brothers 5. “Ladies Night” by Kool & The Gang If I had to sum up this year’s lineup in just one word, it would undoubtedly be “groovy.” Sure, the genres vary, but it seems every artist set to grace the Festival stage in 2019 brings their own brand of groove, and I can’t wait to tap my feet to the beat.

The URL link to the playlist is horrifically long, so instead, the best way to access it is to search for either “The Sandpoint Reader” or “Festival @ Sandpoint 2019”

Auditions held for Festival Community Orchestra

By Reader Staff All instrumentalists, students, amateurs and professional alike, are invited to audition for the Festival at Sandpoint’s Community Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform at the Festival’s Family Concert Sunday, Aug. 4.

The Festival’s principal conductor Gary Sheldon will lead an exciting program, “A Musical Zoo,” with selections by Haydn, Vivaldi, Verdi and Saint Saens, as well as a medley from “The Lion King” and “Memory” from the musical “Cats.”

Auditions will be held Tuesday, May 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Festival at Sandpoint office,

525 Pine St. in Sandpoint. Auditions are open to all orchestral instruments. Please bring a solo piece to perform.

Contact Rachel Gordon at (303) 746-2565 or email gordon. flute@gmail.com to set up a specific audition time with Maestro Sheldon. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Rehearsals will be Fri., Aug. 2 and Sat. Aug. 3. Dress rehearsal and performance will be Sun. Aug. 4 with a pizza lunch compliments of the Festival. All volunteer musicians will receive two complimentary tickets to the Festival concert of their choice. Travel stipends will be paid to musicians who are college age and above.

within your Spotify app — mobile or desktop, either will work — then hit the “follow” and “download” buttons so you don’t lose it.

Plug your headphones in, hit play and get hyped for those summer nights of lakeside jams at the Festival at Sandpoint.

Talking Heads tribute show planned at the Hive

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Have you always wanted to transport back in time to see the Talking Heads perform live in their heyday? You’re in luck, friends.

Portland-based band Life During Wartime, known as LDW to their fans, will be swinging through the Hive on Friday, April 26, to perform their acclaimed tribute show to the Talking Heads, and specifically, “Stop Making Sense,” one of the best concert films ever made.

The group formed in 2013 over a love of the Talking Heads’ music, putting together a seven-piece band inspired by the 1984 film, “Stop Making Sense.”

“There was so much funkiness, movement and excitement to the music in that movie and we just knew it would get people excited and feel fresh” said Lawrence Orleck, co-founder and singer in the band.

The band will play April 26 at 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in

advance or $20 at the door.

For more information, visit www.ldwband.com or The Hive’s website at www.livefromthehive. com.

This week’s RLW by Ellie Kiebert

READ

If you are in the mood for some summertime vibes and adventures you wish you would have experienced yourself, the book “Valley Girls” by Sarah Nicole Lemon gives you insight of what a troubled 17-year-old, Rilla, has been doing for her summer break. After being sent to her sister’s ranger station in the Yosemite Valley, Rilla takes daring chances, breaks some rules and has fun while discovering something she never thought that she would enjoy.

LISTEN

Whether you’re into rap or country, I think that you will find something you enjoy out of “Old Town Road (Remix)” by Lil Nas X featuring the one and only Billy Ray Cyrus. I know what you’re thinking: “That thing you described, yeah, it sounds like trash, and I will never listen to that.” And yes, you will hear it one way or another. It has been a popular song throughout social media and should soon be on the radio. Trust me. The lyrics will be running repetitively in your head as soon as you do take a listen.

WATCH

The popular Netflix series “On My Block” follows high school students through the tough life of growing up in a dark neighborhood of gangs in the suburbia streets of LA. Being a teen, I often get hooked on the drama, surprises, tears and especially the laughter that is expressed in this show. It truly shows the things that teens have to go through in daily life while also giving us fun story lines.

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The Straight Poop: The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho Home Sweet Home Consignment

From Northern Idaho News, May 16, 1922

CLARKSFORK MERCHANT IS BEATEN UP BY THUGS J.B. Whitcomb, well known and highly respected merchant of Clarksfork lies at the Central hospital suffering from a well nigh facial beating-up which he sustained at the hands of two thugs who entered his store Saturday night; while one of his assailants is held at the county jail to answer to a charge which will not fall much short of attempt to murder.

The assault occurred at 9:15 Saturday night, just as Mr. Whitcomb was closing his day’s business. He had made up the cash, put it in the safe and had locked the safe, locked the front door of the store, switched off the lights, and started to a room at the rear of the building which he uses as a sleeping apartment, when he was attracted by a noise at the front door. On going to the door he was accosted by a man who was a stranger to him and who stated that he wished to buy a pair of overalls. Whitcomb then turned on the lights, and let the man in. He then turned to the pile of overalls and began searching for the proper size when the bandit hit him over the head with the gun. Though dazed by the blow Whitcomb was still able to defend himself and clinched with the robber. At this time the accomplice came in, switched off the lights and opened the till and took the contents amounting to $2.50 in small change. This he did while the other men were fighting in the dark. Whitcomb managed to get the better of his assailant and had him down on the floor when the accomplice coming up from the rear struck him a blow over the head partly stunning him, whereupon both men beat, kicked and trampled him. Whitcomb, however, managed to crawl to where he kept his gun, but while he was doing so, the burglars fled.

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By Drake the Dog Reader Columnist

Where am I taking my humans today?

Spring has sprung. It’s time for the annual ritual of spring cleaning. While the Missus started with the refrigerator and the pantry, the Mister spiffed up the convertible. It’s amazing what mystery items hide away in the corners.

Now it’s time to tackle the big stuff. Can you guess where we’re going?

1. The average life of one of their products is 56 dog years 2. This product will host 782 visitors in its lifetime 3. And this piece will be center stage for eating 1,261 meals 4. A car dealership used to operate on the current site 5. Unique treasures of many spring cleanings will be found here Did you sniff out the answers? Ding, ding, ding: The answers for one, two and three is couch! Now for four, five, six: get up couch potatoes, raise your dust rags, we’re on our way to Home Sweet Home Consignment, located at 205 Cedar St. in beautiful dog friendly Sandpoint.

Rich and Linda Gendreau have owned the store since 2007. Sage, their 14-year-old Siberian Husky would greet me when we came looking for furniture for our home. He enjoyed being the official shop dog. Now he’s a pampered pet and takes dog naps in the comfort of his own home sweet home.

As Realtors in the Bay Area, Rich and Linda frequently visited their favorite Los Altos consignment furniture store. They loved the hunt (kind of like me), finding treasures not only for the homes they were staging but for their own doghouse as well.

When they moved to town, Linda’s brainchild was to open a similar store, where folks can experience a unique and convenient way to sell and purchase previously-loved quality furniture, home décor and jewelry. This place feels like a home, hence Linda had the name Home Sweet Home, before they opened the store.

Today Realtors come in to find treasures to stage their homes. Customers say this is their favorite store because it is filled with unique, cheerful and interesting items. And if you ask Rich and Linda to describe their inventory, they’ll tell you that Home Sweet Home Consignment “is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what’s inside” until you visit. Run, Forrest, run! You’ll be like a dog with two tails in here!

Guidelines for consignment items are: • Smoke free.

• Clean (Grandma’s featherbed is OK, because we didn’t get a lot of sleep here).

• No broken, thread bare, clawed, chewed or scratched pieces .

• Current, vintage and/or antique furniture.

•Jewelry, precious stone, cool costume pieces and even wedding rings are accepted.

Want to make some extra cookies?

Bring in your furniture — 60% of selling prices goes to store and 40% to seller, while décor is 50-50. Items are kept approximately six months, or longer depending on weather and snowbirds’ schedules.

Rich and Linda Gendreau inside Home Sweet Home Consignment, with Drake, of course!

Crossword Solution

Home Sweet Home has always been dog friendly, especially when your fur-babies are: 1. Friendly and well behaved.

2. Are on leashes.

3. Toting their own blankets to sit on the rugs and not the furniture.

4. Not laying down a paw on the couches or shedding 50 shades of fur.

For further information contact: Homes@RichAndLinda.com Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m.

Wait, wait, wait: Stay tuned for the rest of the story in next month’s Straight Poop!

See you on the second floor!

Hugs and slobbery spring dog kisses.

Drake Xoxo

If you want to sue somebody, just get a plastic skeleton and lay it in their yard. Then tell them their ants ate your baby.

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Acted like 5. Shame 10. Covetousness 14. No more than 15. Cokes or Pepsis 16. Hawaiian feast 17. Image breaker 19. Arab chieftain 20. Wander aimlessly 21. Smelter waste 22. What’s happening 23. Burdensome 25. Type of drill 27. Mineral rock 28. Bond 31. Bunches of hair or grass 34. Novices 35. Spy agency 36. Historical periods 37. Jesus’ betrayer 38. Stringed instrument 39. Atmosphere 40. Windows 41. Spoofs /VUR-suh-fahy/ 42. Tropical evergreen tree [verb] 44. Deity 1. to relate, describe, or treat (something) in the form of poetry 45. Climb of the 46. Photo devices 50. A piece of information “He versified me in last week’s poetry column.”

52. Andean animal Corrections: We had a couple of misspelled words in last week’s Reader: It’s 54. Not in “superintendent” not “superintendant,” and we used “too” instead of “to.”

55. Urine component Egg on our faces. -BO 56. Primary 58. Food from animals

Word Week

versify

Solution on page 26 10. 1 less than a dozen 11. Relating to numbers 12. Conceited 13. Mongol hut 18. Smells 22. Auspices 24. Decays DOWN 26. Flying saucers 28. Assisted 1. Chum 2. Smooth brown oval nut 29. Rubber wheel 30. Blabs 3. Wear away 31. Nipple 4. Lair 32. Murres 5. Grow 33. A farm with its 6. Style of neckties buildings 7. “Oh my!”

34.

Burrowed (British 8. Laurel spelling) 9. Eastern Standard Time 59. Basic belief 60. By mouth 61. Invited 62. Mire 63. Being

37. Prison 38. Conceal 40. Baby buggy 41. Adult female 43. Pointed 44. Reproductive cell 46. Dromedary 47. Lion sounds 48. Vibes 49. Pizazz 50. Lacking intellectual acuity 51. Region 53. Extend credit 56. Estimated time of arrival 57. Foot digit

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MONARCH MARBLE & GRANITE

335 McGhee Road, Sandpoint • monarchmarble@frontier.com

(208) 263-5777 • w

.SandpointGranite.com