Reader_August24_2023

The week in random review

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

the definition of sass

Because we’re both literary nerds, my wife and I last week had a spirited “discussion” over whether “positivity” is a word — I contended it was, and she held that it wasn’t. We consulted Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, and discovered a delightful feature of the site, in which some puckish etymologist offers snark-laced explanations of the history and usage of such controversial terms. An excerpt: “Given that positivity has been a collection of sounds with a fairly consistent meaning in written use for over 350 years, it seems likely that we can say that it is indeed a word. Asserting that a collection of sounds or letters which are understood to mean a certain thing is ‘not a word’ because you do not care for it makes no more sense than to assert that the 1975 Gremlin your grandparents gave you is ‘not a car’ because you do not like the way it drives.” Touché. Meanwhile, my hatred for the term “normalcy” — and longheld belief that Warren Harding coined it in the early 1920s — was strongly disabused: “It is with a deep and abiding sense of regret that we at Merriam-Webster must inform you that your sense of order in the world is misplaced. No, we do not know whether you will have a job next month, but we can state with certainty that Warren Harding did not coin the word normalcy.”

florida man

There’s been a trend floating around social media in recent weeks inviting internet users to search for the phrase “Florida Man” followed by the month and day of their birth (though not the year). The search will almost always return some fantastical thing that Florida Man did on that date. In my case, Florida Man was arrested for brandishing a samurai sword during a fight with a passerby over items scavenged from a neighborhood trash pile. Specifically, a disused wheelbarrow. Oh, Florida Man, you never know what he’ll get up to next.

novel mash-ups

I belong to a number of literature-themed Facebook groups and, the other day, a member of one of them — the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society — proposed an interesting thought experiment in which classic novels are slapped together and their ensuing plots imagined. For instance: Rather than hunting Moby Dick, Captain Ahab is on the trail of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus, and the two megalomaniacal seafarers duke it out over a series of increasingly brutal naval battles culminating in an epic final duel. Or, instead of going on a rip through Las Vegas, Raoul Duke and his sidekick Dr. Gonzo experience “fear and loathing” in Transylvania, as the bats they encounter swirling around their car are actually vampires and they must penetrate the dark heart of Dracula’s domain in a drug-crazed frenzy. I’d read either of those.

DEAR READERS,

I’m not sure about the rest of you, but when that rain rolled in earlier in the week and gave us blue skies again, I felt like Tim Robbins’ character in The Shawshank Redemption, after he’d escaped from prison and stood free with his arms wide as the rain poured down on him.

OK, maybe it wasn’t that dramatic, but it sure feels good to breathe clean air again. Special thanks go to all the wildland firefighters who have endured hot temperatures and nasty terrain while protecting our wilderness from the ever-present danger of wildfire. It’s a tough job and they have all earned my respect for their hard work.

There are a couple of important dates to note coming up, including the special election Tuesday, Aug. 29 in the West Bonner County School District to recall two of their trustees, Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown. Dilligent readers of our newspaper will likely have seen some of the dozens of letters to the editor in these pages over the past several weeks, advocating both for and against the recall effort. As with any election, I urge all voters to participate in this sacred process so that the outcome is decided based on the largest percentage of registered voters in the district. The results of this election will be reported in the Thursday, Aug. 31 edition of the Sandpoint Reader.

In other news, Kaniksu Land Trust is throwing a fundraising party called SledFest to help raise money to purchase the property where the historic Pine Street Sled Hill is located. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 and will feature live music from a handful of great bands, and it all goes to a good cause. To obtain tickets, or if you’d like to show KLT some support for this community cause, visit kaniksu.org.

Stay classy out there, folks.

–Ben Olson, publisher

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About the Cover

This week’s cover features a daring windfoiler on Lake Pend Oreille during a particularly smoky day. Thanks Karley Coleman for the great cover photo!

BoCo commission drama reaches boiling point Commissioner Williams files protection order against Chair Bradshaw alleging threat

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

The in-fighting that has for months characterized business meetings of the Bonner County board of commissioners reached a higher pitch in the past week, with Commissioner Asia Williams filing a temporary protection order against Commission Chair Steven Bradshaw, alleging a verbal threat.

Bradshaw declined to comment on the issue in an email Aug. 18 to the Reader, while Sheriff Daryl Wheeler on Aug. 19 wrote that his office “has been asked to conduct a criminal investigation. As such, I am unable to comment.”

According to an Aug. 21 all-county email shared with the Reader by Williams and apparently originating with Bonner County Human Resources Director Alissa Clark, H.R. had been given confirmation of the protection order, and stated that, “At this time, Commissioner Bradshaw is not permitted on county property. He is to conduct business electronically and is not to come within 1,000 feet of Commissioner Williams.”

Clark declined to comment further when reached Aug. 23 by the Reader.

Bradshaw participated in the Aug. 22 BOCC business meeting remotely, but did not address the issue.

Williams said at the meeting that she’d had “a busy week.”

“There are a lot of questions coming regarding the visible change at these meetings and I will say that I’m not answering individual questions,” she added, referring to Bradshaw’s in-person absence at the county administration building.

Williams pointed to a statement she had issued Aug. 21, and said, “the business meeting isn’t the platform from which to discuss the change on this particular board at this time.”

According to the statement, which Williams shared with the Reader, “a high-level county employee” had come to the prosecuting attorney and sheriff with a report that Bradshaw had “verbalized death threats against me,” which she had also been made aware of.

“Death threats should never be ignored or taken lightly,” she wrote, noting that affidavits and additional documents were provided to the court regarding the alleged threat, resulting in the protection order upon further review.

The exact details are unclear, as the filing is confidential.

Multiple sources have indicated that the matter is scheduled to go before First District Magistrate Court Judge Justin Julian as early as Wednesday, Aug. 30 in a closed hearing.

“It is by many accounts a completely unprecedented situation wherein the courts have taken action against a sitting county commissioner for making death threats against a co-commissioner,” Williams wrote in her statement. “Regardless of precedence, the county has a responsibility to take every reasonable action to provide a safe work environment. In this situation, I and the county employees are owed that protection and assurance of a safe, hostile-free work environment.”

Williams referred to the Aug. 21 email from Clark making county employees aware of the situation, adding:

“Up to this point, the county has relied on the civil action that I brought before the court to restrict Commissioner Bradshaw from county property and my immediate presence. In my opinion, the county administrators have an obligation outside of my civil action to protect my safety, and the safety of all employees of the county building. As such, I have requested that the county administrators take action to protect me and ensure a safe work

environment for all who work and conduct business with the county. Law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office and human resources are diligently working on this very difficult issue.”

In a lengthy statement received from Bonner County Republican Central Committee Chair Scott Herndon late Aug. 23, he wrote in part that Bradshaw “regularly exhibits zero ability to control himself next to Asia” and has “been unable to conduct meetings following basic rules of governmental order.” What’s more, Bradshaw’s “public conduct brings shame” to the party, and, “We are at the point where Commissioner Bradshaw should resign” or issue a public apology, then resign as chairman.

“What I am calling for is repentance — a 180-degree turn in his conduct by Commissioner Steve Bradshaw,” Herdon wrote.

The exact nature of the alleged threat that prompted Williams to file the protection order remains unclear, but tensions at the BOCC business meeting of Aug. 15 ran particularly high, as Williams pushed back against a range of policies that she has argued stifle public comment and participation. As she has at past meetings, Williams introduced multiple agenda items to broaden public involvement, which have been consistently sidelined by Brad-

returned from the recess, though Williams objected, saying she wasn’t finished deliberating and wanted to vote on her appeal. That debate again broke down, with Bradshaw turning to Williams, and in a raised voice saying, “I am the chairman and you will respect that. Do you understand how this works?”

shaw and Commissioner Luke Omodt — both of whom have stated on a number of occasions that the BOCC is under no obligation to provide for public comment during business meetings.

Williams has chafed particularly at the use of Robert’s Rules of Order during the meetings, which she claims have been improperly applied to silence deliberation and kill her various motions either by lack of a second or by calling the question.

The sparring between the commissioners continued throughout the Aug. 15 business meeting, becoming especially heated during the second half of the almost two-hour-long proceedings.

Bradshaw called for a vote on two Planning Commission reappointments, which Omodt had moved to approve and Bradshaw stepped down as chair to second. Williams opposed the reappointments because she felt they “boxed out” members of the community from serving.

Williams then appealed the decision to move to a vote without what she considered to be the conclusion of discussion, and further deliberations broke down into disagreements over Robert’s Rules of Order, resulting in a recess.

Bradshaw again called for the vote after commissioners

“There’s how it works right there,” he continued, bringing his hand down on a sheet of paper apparently detailing the rules of order. “That’s why you don’t want the rules of order, because you don’t want to follow them. And all you want to do is fight; you want to start an argument and fight and that’s all the hell you want to do. You will follow these orders or you will not. Your choice. You can be an idiot in front of these people all you want to.”

Further statements between the three commissioners over the rules contained interruptions and cross-talk, resulting in the defeat of Williams’ appeal and the approval of commission reappointments.

“Stop with all the hate and vitriol,” Williams said following the vote.

“I don’t hate you, I just hate how you behave,” Bradshaw said.

Omodt asked Bradshaw to return to the order of the agenda, to which Williams responded, “I love how you ask for the order yet you don’t have anything [to say] when he [Bradshaw] starts screaming. So you guys are inconsistent.”

“Oh no, we’re consistent Ms. Williams,” Omodt said, again asking to “get back to the order of the day, Mr. Chairman, and can we conduct the business of Bonner County? I am not interested in arguing or fighting.”

Another vote on a Zoning Commission reappointment turned into more disagreement over Robert’s Rules of Order and what provisions it provides

< see COUNTY, Page 5 >

Bonner County Commissioners Asia Williams, left; and Steve Bradshaw, right. File photos.

Voters head to the polls Aug. 29 in W. Bonner School District trustee recall election

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

Amid ongoing community debate, conversation and organizing, voters in Zones 2 and 4 of the West Bonner County School District will go to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 29 and be asked whether or not they support recalling Board of Trustees Chair Keith Rutledge and CoChair Susan Brown.

The recall effort grew out of opposition to the board’s appointment in late-July of Branden Durst as superintendent of the district. Durst lacks the necessary certification to serve in the top education job and, despite WBCSD trustees’ vote to declare an emergency in order for him to apply for a provisional certificate from the Idaho State Board of Education, he has yet to do so.

According to an Aug. 22 report from Idaho Education News, the State Board told the district in a recent letter that the “codes strongly suggest your board’s decision to allow an uncertified or doesn’t provide for requiring deliberation.

“Calling the question without deliberation isn’t a slap in the face to Commissioner Williams, it’s a slap in the face to the community that comes here to listen to how we deliberate,” Williams said.

The final 25 minutes of the meeting saw Williams return to her opposition to the use of Robert’s Rules of Order as “rules for thee and not for me” and “an argument by which to stifle me.”

“The only thing that is transparent from this board is a concerted effort to stifle the process by which we conduct business,” she said, moving to discontinue the rules of order and revert to Bonner County’s prior method

individual to serve as superintendent violates Idaho law.”

After an emergency meeting Aug. 21, the WBCSD board voted to direct Durst to apply for the provisional certificate “no later than Aug. 31.”

Opponents of Durst’s appointment have also pointed out his past work as an education policy analyst for the ultra-conservative libertarian group Idaho Freedom Foundation, and its often-stated goal of eliminating publicly funded education in the state.

Recall supporters have stated that Rutledge and Brown, in particular, are pursuing “a hidden agenda,” and don’t respect their constituents’ rights, nor “the opinion and ideas” of their fellow trustees. Other arguments in favor of the recall cite the votes made by Rutledge and Brown to rescind the purchase of a language arts curriculum, costing the district money; the trustees’ alleged failure to “recognize that a majority vote makes the decisions and the outcome needs to be supported by all members”; and that both need to be “open,

of conducting business meetings.

It died without a second, though Williams continued to state her opposition.

“There was a motion, there was no second, it is dead. Item 2, Ms. Williams. You’re not a stranger to this, you know how this works. Go forward please,” Bradshaw said, prompting Williams to respond, “As you two call for respect, you can start by: stop calling me ‘darling,’ stop calling me ‘little miss,’ stop lowering my position on this board and you’ll be treated with equal respect.”

Williams’ further motions to stream county budget meetings on Zoom and have a discussion on the plan moving forward related to a proposed RV campground at the county fairgrounds both

fair and honest.”

Rutledge and Brown have “shown that [they] do not have the first and greatest concerns for the educational welfare of West Bonner County School District students attending public schools,” the pro-recall arguments conclude.

The Zone 2 ballot contains Brown’s “argument against” the recall, stating in part that she has “demanded financial transparency from the previous administrators even though they tried to block it at every turn.”

Furthermore, she claimed she “led the investigation” into the language arts curriculum, which “was riddled with CRT [Critical Race Theory] derived teaching methods and was 20% over budget.” Those methods, her rebuttal claimed, included Social Emotional Learning “being pushed by the recall organizers” as “a backdoor through Idaho law to promote CRT and LGBTQ+/agendas.”

She characterized the effort to recall “the conservative board members” as being fronted by “a small group … allied with the

died without a second, which she described as “arrogance” that “doesn’t serve our community.”

Another motion by Williams for the chair to specifically identify what the public should do to get comment returned to business meetings spurred Bradshaw to respond, “Adult behavior, with civility.”

“How is it that you can have a greater expectation to tell someone they can’t stand up out of frustration when you literally use your position to do way worse than what has been done in these meetings on the part of the public,” Williams responded.

More back-and-forth followed, with Williams calling on Bradshaw to further explain his statements regarding public comment and Bradshaw main-

Bonner County Democrats and their front groups.”

The Zone 4 ballot features Rutledge’s rebuttal, which states in part that, “Voting AGAINST my recall will keep a conservative majority on the school board that is working hard to improve the outcomes for our district’s children. Voting for my recall will hand control of our district back over to the very same people that are responsible for 60% reading competency rates and call that ‘a success.’”

Rutledge also contended that organizers of the recall “want to keep you and the whole state from seeing the results of our forensic audit. They want to keep you and the whole country from seeing how a conservative led school district can improve poor educational outcomes and give our children a better chance at actual success.”

As with Brown, Rutledge raised the specter of Critical Race Theory, claiming that voting “no” on the recall would mean the district “rejects” those curricula.

According to Bonner Coun-

taining he already had.

“I think you ought to agitate the hell out of me some more and see where that ends up,” he said, announcing that Williams’ motion had died for lack of a second.

Omodt seconded a proposed ordinance from Williams that would inform the public how to place items on the agenda, but moved to hold a public workshop regarding how best to do that. The amendment died, followed by Williams’ proposed ordinance, which failed to secure a second.

“I would love to have the three-minute comment part [of the BOCC business meetings] back, but I want it back the way it was prior to January, where people would come and speak and be respectful and behave,

ty Clerk Michael Rosedale, for the recall to be successful more voters must vote “yes” than initially put Rutledge and Brown into office (244 and 176, respectively) and the “yes” votes must outnumber the “no” votes by a simple majority. Petitioners gathered 337 valid signatures to put Rutledge on the recall ballot, and 243 valid signatures to put Brown on the ballot.

Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the regular polling places in the five precincts of Zone 2 — which includes Blue Lake, Oldtown and West Priest River — and the seven precincts in Zone 4 — which includes East Priest River, Laclede and parts of West Priest River.

If the recall succeeds, the remaining three board members would vote to appoint replacement trustees. The canvas date for the election is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.

For more information, including full sample ballots, visit the Bonner County Elections website: bonnercountyid.gov/departments/CountyClerk, and click on “Elections” in the menu.

like most of you do,” Bradshaw said. “But there are those who absolutely refuse to and they are ruining it for everybody.”

Williams then stood and left the meeting room.

“Why don’t you puff up and leave the meeting like you always do, prior to recess,” Bradshaw said, adding that he’d be willing to reintroduce the three-minute comment period to business meetings and, “if it works we will continue, if it does not work then it will be dead in the water until the first week of January, at which time we’ll switch chairmans.”

Additional reporting by Ben Olson.

< COUNTY, con’t from Page 4 >

Rain brings relief from area wildfires

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Wildland firefighters breathed a sigh of relief earlier this week as substantial rain fell across the region, resulting in the return of blue skies and smoke-free air.

The Ridge Creek Fire — the largest fire in the immediate region — is measured at 4,293 acres and listed at 15% containment, with a total of 545 fire personnel still attached to the fire. Burning 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, the Ridge Creek Fire’s cause is listed as “Human/Under Investigation.”

According to a news release from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, cooler, wet weather Aug. 22 gave crews the opportunity to rehabilitate equipment in preparation for operations Aug. 23. An estimated 0.1 to 0.75 inches of rain fell throughout the region, with the west side of Ridge Creek Fire receiving more than the eastern and northern parts of the blaze.

Crews were able to improve Forest Service Road 406, giving better access to the fire in order to build fireline from F.S. Road 406 at Sage Creek Saddle toward Bunco Road near Tapper Creek.

Closer to home, the Buckskin 2 Fire, located about eight miles south of Clark Fork on the upper end of Twin Creek and Buckskin Saddle, is listed at 75% contained, with a total of 242 acres affected. With almost a half-inch of rain dropping on the conflagration, the release from the Sandpoint Ranger District stated, “There continues to be no growth on the fire in several days, and the fire behavior is just a smoldering interior allowing crews and equipment to improve the direct line along the west flank of the fire.”

The fire remains 1.8 miles from the nearest structure.

Bits ’n’ Pieces

From east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

“We in Hawaii have been through hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions — but we have never seen such a robust federal response. Thank you,” said Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, commenting on actions after the devastation in Maui, which suffered the deadliest fire in modern U.S. history Aug. 8 and 9. Federal action began Aug. 9, with President Joe Biden ordering all the island’s federal assets to help, which encompassed road clearing, addressing power grid needs and hazardous waste, and aiding state fire responses. A federal disaster declaration came the next day, releasing federal funds to help with housing, property loss, cleanup and hazards. FEMA provided one-time $700 payments for families now houseless and the Department of Agriculture activated food benefits. Small business loans were put into place and Medicare and Medicaid were granted greater flexibility. From multiple media sources.

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

minimum prison sentences. Because the charges are in state and not federal courts, a Republican president would not be able to issue pardons until five years after completion of a sentence.

After promising a public report he said would completely exonerate him from charges of racketeering and election interference he faces in Georgia, Trump canceled the press conference. According to Axios, Trump claimed his lawyers want him to instead put the material into a legal filing.

Trump gained the presidency in 2016 with 45.9% of the vote, which has been attributed to third-party candidates siphoning votes from Democrats. To win in 2024, Trump will again need a third party, political observers are claiming.

“Until a season-ending event occurs, smoke may be visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire,” the release continued. “The smoke that has settled into the area is from existing and new large fires in Washington and British Columbia.”

After several days in the orange, red and even purple zones, airnow.gov listed the air quality in the green Aug. 23, bringing relief to many in the area.

Stage II fire restrictions are still in effect across the region, which prohibit campfires of any kind; smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreational site or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials; operation of motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails; and operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for woodcutting or firewood gathering purposes.

Weather forecasts call for milder temperatures in the coming days, with a chance Aug. 29 of thunderstorms and showers.

Worst wildfire season on record: Canada has at least 1,000 fires, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. BBC reported that experts fault climate change for hotter and drier weather that increasingly draws moisture out of the ground, thereby creating more fuels for fires.

Massachusetts passed a 4% tax increase on incomes over $1 million, generating $1 billion for 2024. Funds from the wealth tax will target free school lunches, transportation and projects like clean energy, child care and free community college for students older than 25, The Lever reported.

Prominent conservative legal scholars recently argued that the post-Civil War 14th Amendment remains relevant. The amendment stipulates that people are disqualified from holding office for engaging in an insurrection or rebellion against the government if they had previously taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. In their 126-page argument for the 14th, originalist constitutionalists William Baude and Michael Paulsen claimed the 14th prohibits Donald Trump from running for office. Legal scholars from opposing sides of the political spectrum reviewed the paper, according to The Atlantic, approved it and said Americans should support the “faithful application and enforcement of their Constitution.”

Charges against Trump and 18 co-defendants recently indicted in Georgia include racketeering for trying to overturn the 2020 election. CNN reported that Georgia’s use of RICO laws includes mandatory

The son of refugees who fled Hitler, Yale Professor Jason Stanley says fascism is not confined to ultra-nationalist values, but also uses authoritarian strategies to grab power for a select few. Stanley is the author of the book How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Fascist tactics include propaganda, anti-intellectualism, “unreality,” hierarchy, victimhood, law and order, sexual anxiety, and “a dismantling of public welfare and unity.”

PragerU materials are now being allowed for use in some Florida public school curricula. Observers reported that the material includes claims that wind and solar pollute the planet and that climate activists are Nazis. According to PragerU’s webpage, it is not an accredited university and doesn’t offer degrees, but “we do provide educational, entertaining, pro-America videos for every age.” One example: A video involves two children time traveling and meeting Christopher Columbus, who tells them he ordered his men to treat the natives well.

Historical letters by Columbus however clearly show that he quickly saw the potential for enslavement of Indigenous peoples, and, “I took some natives by force.” Over the span of two years of Columbus’ influence, half of the 250,000 native Haitians died. The PragerU video glosses over that reality when a cartoon Columbus says, “Being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no? I don’t see the problem.”

Blast from the past: “Some people can be reasoned into sense, and others must be shocked into it.” — Thomas Paine, U.S. founding father and author of Common Sense (1737-1809).

And another blast: “Tyranny hates memory.” — American historian and author Tom Christensen.

A particularly intense portion of the Buckskin 2 Fire that burned above F.S. Road 332. Photo courtesy USFS.

One year’s seeds, seven years’ weeds

Herbicide treatments for flowering rush in Lake Pend Oreille

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

Lake Pend Oreille’s noxious weed problem has worsened over the past six years, as blooms of invasive Butomus umbellatus, or flowering rush, have joined Eurasian milfoil to clog area waterways. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been unable to treat invasive aquatic weeds since 2017, due first to lack of funds and then complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

That changed Aug. 8-14, when the Corps enacted targeted herbicide treatments at portions of Riley Creek, Morton Slough, Oden Bay East, the Pack River and Clark Fork River deltas, and the Clark Fork Drift Yard. Flourishing yet manageable patches of the weed were identified in each of these locations.

“Applying herbicides on these colonies will control most of the flowering rush, limiting its spread to unaffected areas and preventing dense monoculture stand development,” the Corps wrote in a statement to the Reader.

According to the Corps, the densely packed flowering rush can “degrade water quality (including impacts on irrigation and potable water), decrease aquatic biodiver-

sity, negatively impact fish and wildlife habitat (including bull trout), harbor swimmers itch and interfere with shoreline activities.”

Swimming, fishing and boating are just some of the activities threatened by the invasive plant, which mainly reproduces by cloning itself from small bits of growth, called rhizomes. Fragments of flowering rush can be transported on many kinds of recreation equipment, including fishing gear, boots and all manner of watercraft. Without proper cleaning, the rhizomes can spread from location to location, where they quickly establish themselves in thick patches.

As is common with noxious weeds, flowering rush is difficult and tedious to remove.

“Hand digging and removal of rhizomes and buds after drawdown has occurred in various locations around the lake with some success,” Idaho Conservation League North Idaho Director Brad Smith told the Reader in an email, “but care must be taken to contain and remove all plant fragments from the water because the dispersal of rhizomes can contribute to further spread.”

Smith said flowering rush was likely introduced to Lake Pend Oreille from Flathead Lake in

Montana, and the Corps anticipates that Lake Pend Oreille’s native plant population will regrow once the flowering rush is eradicated, preventing its future growth.

As there is not one specific herbicide proven to work best on flowering rush, the Corps uses EPA-approved diquat dibromide (a.k.a. Reward), diquat dibromide and endothall (a.k.a. Aquastrike) or glyphosate (a.k.a. Rodeo), depending on the site. The treatments are different from the herbicide ProcellaCOR used to eradicate the Eurasian milfoil population.

Herbicides are used both in conjunction with — and as an alternative to — physical control methods; however, they have the potential to harm native plant species growing in or near the application sites. Additionally, the leftover decomposing plant matter draws oxygen from the water, which can harm nearby fish.

“From our perspective, there is a need to strike a balance between treating aquatic invasive species and the introduction of potentially harmful herbicides,” added Smith. There were no fishing or swimming restrictions in place at the treatment sites, however, locals were advised to wait three days before drinking the water or irrigating their landscapes, and

five days before watering their crops, according to the Corps’ treatment notice.

“The extensive toxicology studies required for aquatic use labels clearly indicate that there are no dermal (skin) uptake issues with swimmers, and fish metabolize and depurate the products very quickly, so no uptake problem with them either,” the Corps stated.

The drinking water restrictions are an added safety precaution, though all the herbicide treatment plots were at least 600 feet from any potable water or irrigation sources.

The treatment notices were posted only 48 hours in advance — according to the Idaho Conservation League, that isn’t adequate.

“Notification and awareness associated with treatments is of critical importance because different individuals have different

sensitivities to exposure,” wrote Smith. “The most critical failure on the part of the Army Corps and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture was their failure to adequately notify the public of their plans.”

Going forward, the Corps hopes to use the herbicides imazapyr and imazamox. The products would be applied to the flowering rush in early spring while the lakebed is exposed.

“No issues with water quality or bull trout would occur because there will be no water present during treatments,” according to the Corps. “After water returns to the treated areas, and native plants start to sprout, the product has already degraded, and native plants grow unharmed.”

Idahoans for Open Primaries kicks off initiative signature drive in Sandpoint

By Reader Staff

Idahoans for Open Primaries, a coalition of statewide citizen and political advocacy groups, launched its signature drive for a ballot initiative that would bring ranked choice voting to Idaho with a kickoff event Aug. 19 at Evans Brothers Coffee in Sandpoint.

The proposed Open Primaries Initiative would implement an open primary in Idaho, as well as ranked choice voting for general elections throughout the state. Currently, volunteers are col-

lecting signatures to qualify the initiative to be included on the November 2024 ballot.

Representatives of Idahoans for Open Primaries and local volunteer leaders organized the event in Sandpoint, which included remarks from Luke Mayville, representing the IOP coalition. Born in Sandpoint, Mayville co-founded Reclaim Idaho, which led the successful citizens’ ballot initiative effort to expand Medicaid in the state in 2018.

Mayville expressed excitement at the level of turnout from the community.

“It’s thrilling to see so many people come out from all different parts of the county to participate in the kickoff of this signature drive and work together to give all Idahoans, regardless of party, the right to vote in primary elections,” he said.

Following discussion of the details of the initiative, several attendees offered personal reasons for supporting the petition, including dissatisfaction with a lack of options for independent voters under Idaho’s current closed primary system. About 70 volunteers attended the event, primarily from Sand-

point and Bonner County.

Signature collection for the initiative was temporarily delayed by a lawsuit brought by IOP against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador over misleading language in the initial short and long ballot titles for the petition. Signature collection began only after a unanimous decision from the Idaho Supreme Court instructing Labrador to issue a revised title, accepted by the court on Aug. 16.

“I’m just so excited that we are going out. Even with smoke, we are going out to collect our first

signatures at the doors in Bonner County, and we’re off to a great start,” said IOP volunteer organizer Abi Sanford.

Signature collection will continue until April 30, 2024.

Volunteers plan to canvass events throughout Bonner County until then. In addition, members of the community can sign the petition at Vanderford’s Books (201 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint) during business hours.

Learn more about Idahoans for Open Primaries at openprimariesid.org.

Flowering rush seen near Riley Creek. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bouquets: GUEST SUBMISSION:

•“Earlier this year, a group of students from the Forrest Bird Charter School became interested in radio broadcasting and took up studying the hows and whys of putting a podcast together for radio play on KRFY. We would like to thank teacher adviser Mark Weber, and the students who took the time to create a music podcast that played each Monday throughout the spring. Student broadcasters include: Lincoln Balch, Hunter Borges, Daniel Borisov, Gabriel Herron, Colette Hooper, Tyler Kurwicki, James Riddle and Annabelle Shobe. The station received feedback from KRFY listeners about how much they enjoyed hearing each student’s show. Good job students.”

— By Suzi Prez, KRFY 88.5FM

Barbs:

•Have you ever heard the phrase, “What could go wrong?” I found out last weekend. I rarely turn my phone on silent while going to bed, out of some strange fear I might miss an important call. Well, this weekend I decided to do just that — at one point even uttering those famous words, “What could go wrong?” Cut to several hours later, as I awoke at 1 a.m. to see something like 20 missed phone calls from my landlord and the Sandpoint Police Department, all telling me that my car alarm had been going off for hours. I was staying at my partner’s house across town and obviously hadn’t heard the alarm. When I pedaled over to my place to shut it off, I found two of Sandpoint’s finest waiting for me with the exasperated expressions that only come from having to listen to a car alarm go off for hours and hours.

I apologized profusely, unhooked the battery cables on the truck and scurried home with my tail between my legs, confident that all of my neighbors were plotting my murder. For obvious reasons, this week’s Barb goes to me, for causing such a long disruption for my neighbors. I’ve heard car alarms going off for a long time before and it’s so incredibly annoying. I can’t imagine how horrible their night was. To all my neighbors, as well as Detective Aerni and Officer Hopman, please accept my apology and my promise that I will never, ever go to sleep with my phone on silent again.

Dear editor, Pesticides accumulate in our bodies and, over time, all the minor but very many exposures add up. So, even though we may be exposed to a chemical at an EPA-approved level, it is the continuous exposures that cause diseases as well as possible infertility. Long-term effects can occur from repeated exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make you immediately sick. This is the problem we all face today because of the many, many chemicals we are exposed to in our water, our air, our food, our clothing, etc.

The local aquatic herbicides sprayed in six locations in our lake recently may not affect us today or even tomorrow, but down the road we would be better off to limit our exposures today to a minimum.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, as well as their directing agencies (EPA & DEQ), will tell you to not worry about poisons in the water because the amounts are at an “approved” level for exposure. But maybe you have a compromised immune system or maybe you are elderly or maybe you are pregnant or maybe you just have had one too many exposures in your life already?

I am not saying that we ought to just let the invasive aquatic species take over our lake. But we must find and implement ways to manage these lake weeds without harming ourselves as well as all the other critters that depend on the lake. We must take action before it is too late. Before we and our friends and families have had that one too many exposures.

As of May 2023, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has a 10-year program to control invasive aquatic weeds. Let’s make healthy and sustainable choices.

Meryl Kastin Sandpoint Dear editor,

The problem: Scott Herndon is the current leader of the extremist wing of the Republican Party in District 1 (Bonner and Boundary counties). Since he has come to power there has been chaos, conflict, deceit and disrespect throughout District 1.

Extremists have intimidated and harassed the public library staff in Bonners Ferry; the school board and teachers in Priest River; the county commissioners in both Boundary and Bonner counties; and the librarians

and teachers in Clark Fork, Priest River, Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint. These extremists have made plans to remove elected officials from their positions for lack of sufficient kneeling to their demands.

Herndon ran a deceitful primary campaign in 2020 and, because only certain people get to vote in a “closed primary election,” he got the most votes.

The solution: The Open Primaries Initiative. This citizen’s initiative guarantees every eligible voter gets to vote in every election. No more secret closed primaries controlled by extremists.

This citizens’ initiative requires thousands of signatures from registered voters in order to be placed on the 2024 ballot. Hundreds of volunteers statewide, including myself, will be gathering signatures this fall, winter and spring.

Please join us in making sure this Open Primaries Initiative gets on the ballot and is voted into state law so every eligible voter gets to have their vote counted.

Steve Johnson Sagle

Dear editor,

I’ve been a witness to the conduct of Commissioner Steven Bradshaw’s behavior over the past six months. The behaviors have escalated to the point he has become unhinged — a complete lack of self-discipline, respect and good behavior as a public servant.

Bradshaw is on video provoking a constituent in the county building parking lot. Bradshaw exhibited a readiness to become physical with Commissioner Asia Williams during the Aug. 15, 2023 regular business meeting. It is no secret, and entirely inappropriate, that Commissioner Williams has had to work in such a hostile working environment for months.

I was on Bradshaw’s initial election campaign team and, as of months ago, wrote the Bonner County Republican Central Committee’s “no confidence” against Bradshaw that was passed unanimously in May 2023 by the BCRCC.

How far has Bradshaw fallen out of the grace of so many.

Sadly, from a strictly political perspective, it must be demanded that Bradshaw resign from elected office — yesterday — for the good of the county. Most certainly he would have been fired for this behavior in

the private sector. Thanks to local media for being on top of this story.

Dan Rose Samuels

Dear editor,

“If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” That’s a quote that I read a long time ago that has always stuck with me. I don’t know the author so I can’t give credits, but I feel it really applies to all of us now. Meaning we have to get out to vote on Aug. 29. We can’t depend on the other person to do it. We have to do it ourselves.

This is so, so critical.

If you need a ride to the polls make a call, arrangements will be made to accommodate you. If you’re not mobile enough to get into the polling place a poll worker can come out and hand you a ballot and take it back in for you. Two people will work together to do that.

Your vote remains secret, as you put it in the sleeve and they slide it into the ballot box for you.

Some of you may remember when I used to announce the football games, which I did for over 25 years. At each game I asked that everyone stand up for the kickoff. It was kind of a rally cry to support the team. Same thing here: Get up and go vote, no excuses. Do it.

We have approximately 2,200 registered voters in Zone 2 and 1,600 in Zone 4. My earlier challenge of 90% turnout would be about 1,980 votes in Zone 2 and 1,440 votes in Zone 4. Let’s go for it. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”

Ernie Schoeffel Priest River

Dear editor,

Nice, informative interview [“A recap of the 2023 Festival at Sandpoint,” Aug. 17, 2023], thanks to Ben Olson of the Reader. When it came to the question surrounding the playing of the national anthem, in my opinion, what a cop-out response — “Isn’t industry standard, artist’s contracts not allowing for that time.”

If the opening act is scheduled to start at 7:30, do the announcements and the national anthem at 7 or 7:15. I personally would be totally surprised if an artist’s contract specifically states, “Don’t allow time for any announcements or the playing of the national anthem.” To that point, on the second evening, the opening act in fact played the national anthem, on their own.

The opening act to REO Speedwagon, came on stage, basically said he was not sure what the policy was in North Idaho about introducing acts; therefore, he would introduce himself. Time was found on the opening night for comments and announcements, and the ladies that started singing the national anthem on the final night and were joined by those of us in the audience, did not interrupt the opening of the wonderful final evening of music.

If one is going to manage, manage.

K.J. White Sandpoint

Dear editor,

Is it me or does the city applying for a grant to move the traffic light from Church and Fifth back to Pine and Fifth seem excessive, especially when the city is upping its budget for next year by 6.7% to nearly $53 million? Did I mention they plan to spend $350,000 improving a handful of sidewalks people seldom use as it is? All the while ignoring all but a few blocks of city streets they should be ashamed of for repaving so that our cars aren’t shaken to pieces as they spend huge amounts on sports fields and waterfront improvements.

Oh, and over 23% of the budget for 116 full-time-equivalent employees, or an average of $107,000 per employee. Wish I knew that song. This for a town of under 9,000. Is it me, or does this seem a little top heavy? Just wish my income could go up an average of 6.7% a year.

Lawrence Fury Sandpoint

Dear editor,

Mr. Bradshaw, over the past several months, you have treated the residents of Bonner County with disrespect. It is time you resign as a Bonner County commissioner. Even your church congregation is losing faith in you.

Your treatment of Commissioner Asia Williams is abysmal. I could write an entire column on that alone. She has held her posture when dealing with you, showing tact, where you have not, yet you continue to badger and berate her.

There are many examples of your verbal abuse of the public, both

We need healthy, sustainable choices for protecting our lake…

‘A problem and a solution’…

Bradshaw has ‘fallen out of grace’ with many…

‘Get up and go vote’…

‘Cop-out response’… ‘Mr. Bradshaw, please resign’...

City budget is ‘top heavy’…

during meetings and outside the county building. You may not even realize the recordings of you during your church sermons. Read your Bible: Luke 6:46, Ephesians 4:29-32, Colossians 3:23-14 and James 1:26.

Please don’t think it makes you less of a man to resign. Many people believe that your stress level has become so outrageous, that you may suffer physically from it.

Now there is a two-week temporary restraining order forbidding you from entering the county building. Our county is being jeopardized by your behavior and deserves better.

How much more is going to happen in the future? Save yourself, Bonner County residents and county officials from your wrath.

Please resign!

William Atwood Sagle

Dear editor, Idaho Freedom Foundation’s report “Florida’s Blueprint for K-12 Education” is a plan to do away with public schools.

The first action item in the plan is, “establishing universal education savings accounts (ESAs) for all K-12 students” — that is, fund private schools. Idaho rejected ESAs during the last legislative session.

Other action items include measures restricting classroom topics, affecting who gets hired and eroding tenure protections. This at a time when teachers are fleeing Idaho.

IFF has already gotten one of IFF’s unqualified members hired for the top position in West Bonner County School District, where he can restrict classroom topics, teacher hires and tenure. He has already replaced staff without an onboarding process from the outgoing staff, resulting in delayed paychecks, unanswered records requests and lack of communication with parents and staff.

Sounds iffy to me.

Idaho is not Florida and IFF doesn’t control Idaho voters. The power of their out-of-state funders to wreck public education in Idaho is no match for the power of voters to defend it. The recall is about representation, restoring honesty and integrity and prioritizing children first.

Voters in Zones 2 and 4, please, vote to recall West Bonner County school board members Aug. 29.

Nancy Gerth Sagle

Dear editor,

The Planning and Zoning Commission violated the people’s trust last Thursday when they approved and advanced the 116-unit Providence Subdivision. Two-plus hours of protests fell on deaf ears. A hearing without listening was no hearing at all. Despite “hearing” pleas for fire safety measures, the commissioners allowed the Providence Subdivision to have only one egress point. Wonder what the people in Medical Lake and Elk have to say about the probability of being trapped in an emergency?

Also not addressed is the enormous impact this subdivision imposes on the surrounding community while the developer bears zero responsibility, accountability or conditions. No street connections, no sidewalk, nothing for parks, no building permits and zero revenue to the city of Kootenai. Win for the developer. Losses all around to the community.

Also not addressed was how Sandpoint utilities offered a “will serve letter” for water to this developer in direct opposition to its Comprehensive Plan, and despite 12 years ago making annexing to Kootenai a condition for such a development when 39 homes were proposed. In addition, Mayor Shelby Rognstad is on record that water to Kootenai and Ponderay is already at low flow and volume.

Was this a hearing or a sales transaction? Because the residents in this area were just sold down the river.

Jeanelle Shields Sandpoint

dump on Pine Street into athletic fields, the city agreed to “hold the land into perpetuity for outdoor recreation.” The city doesn’t have the paperwork to start construction — at least not yet.

I also learned through a public records request, the city’s $560,000 grant application for a million-dollar artificial-turf playground did not divulge their plan to destroy 10 large, healthy park trees. Clearly this would’ve affected the evaluation scoring regarding “potential resource damage” had they been completely honest.

The needs of our community are being well served with Travers Park’s sturdy ADA-access playground. Yes, a splash pad and some more features for younger children would be wonderful to add (the operative word).

Regarding the new James E. Russell Sports Center, the city’s property just north of Travers Park (called Great Northern Park) is suitable, according to the architect. Its land was not developed using LWCF funds and is without trees. Its poorly draining fields often result in canceled games in the spring.

This is public land and Sandpoint residents should have a voice in this decision.

Please contact the mayor and council members to weigh in, before it’s too late. We need a better direction than the way this has been steered by the city administrator. Travers Park is for outdoor play!

Rebecca Holland Sandpoint

burned, neighbors in Elk, Medical Lake, Farragut and Hayden Lake would be alarmed to know that wildfire concerns for private landowners are irrelevant to our land use planning policies.

I’m left with these questions: What’s the criteria for accepting applications for planning commissioners? Can they be dismissed for such statements? How do citizens ask for their resignation? How are local land use plans/policies addressing wildfire — and other impacts of climate change?

Numerous resources exist that could help our county assess vulnerabilities, generate solutions, and rewrite codes and ordinances to make us safer. Counties nationwide are getting assistance. Call your local officials and request the creation of a Bonner County Resiliency Plan that then integrates into all our land use planning processes.

My final question: Do certain commissioners prefer we’re ostriches hiding our heads in the sand?

Dr. Nancy Gilliam Sagle

Dear editor, Where are you “Smokey”? We need you!

When I was growing up my father worked/retired from the Forest Service. “Smokey Bear” was a God-like figure and we highly respected him.

My Pa taught us well and he would go to schools to talk to children, visit campgrounds with speeches and movies about the forests. Do you have your ax, bucket and shovel? Don’t play with matches and put your campfires dead out.

Dear editor,

Dear editor,

In April, City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton announced there’d be a groundbreaking ceremony in July to begin construction of an indoor sports facility at Travers Park. Then, quietly, it was postponed, claiming “construction supply shortages.” She recently told several residents that electrical and HVAC were specifically the hold-up. Hmmmm?

Consider that a cover story. The truth is, a special permit from the National Park Service is needed to build any indoor structures at Travers Park. In 1985, when a federal-funded Land and Water Conservation grant turned the city

Last fall while making a presentation to the Bonner County Planning Commission regarding the Comprehensive Plan, I stated that land use decisions must address the increasing chance of wildfire. I was told my concerns were irrelevant and that wildfires only happen on public lands.

Yep, that’s what one commissioner said.

Commissioner: “A lot of the things you are referring to do not have anything to do with private lands. You’re talking about forest fires, which are mainly on state and federal lands.”

Me: “We are just as susceptible to forest fires. Forest fires don’t know the line between public and private land.”

Now with hundreds of homes

However, upon closer inspection of all the incomprehensible and irrational decisions he has made (i.e., “Let’s fight the Idaho Board of Education!”; “Let’s hire a Special Education director based in Texas!”; etc.) Two things are abundantly clear:

1.Durst doesn’t care one whit about the students of this district; they are a means to an end (neither does Rutledge, nor Brown, for that matter).

2.The decisions Durst is making have only one purpose: to dismantle the district, and replace it with charter schools. His “bad” decisions are by design.

It is an extremely underhanded tactic that has been initiated by the IFF.

Board-Chair Rutledge and ViceChair Brown are responsible for bringing this to our town. They are the ones who have put politics in front of the students’ best interests. They are the ones who have hired a failed politician whose only value to them is his ability to obfuscate, deceive and lie. Rutledge and Brown don’t care what he says or does, as long as their goals are achieved. Don’t let them get away with it. Tuesday, Aug. 29 is your opportunity to set this right, and to tell the IFF in no uncertain terms that this community won’t stand for their unwelcome intrusion.

Vote for the recall of Rutledge and Brown. Recall, replace, rebuild.

Glenn R. Hines Priest River

Dear editor,

We need to bring the “Smokey Bear” issue back. I still have my 60-year-old “Smokey Teddy Bear” and he is special to me! Thank you.

Kathy Neumann Clark Fork

Dear editor, I’ve just read that the Special Education director that “Superintendent” Durst lined up has quit. It’s just another item in a long list of screw-ups that has plagued this district since he was hired. We haven’t even started the school year, and we’re already in deep, deep trouble due to his “leadership.”

I can’t imagine how much worse off the students of West Bonner County School District will be once the school year starts.

While citizens of WBCSD try to correct the mistake that was made (admittedly by ourselves), and recall Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown from the WBCSD board, it has made us stronger as a community. We now know more about what we are made of, and how strong we are when we come together. Never again will we become complacent about elections, uninformed about candidates or blindly trust those who we elect.

The extremist agenda supported by Rutledge and Brown, and being implemented by Durst, must be rejected. If allowed to spread, our children and community will suffer.

We are conservatives, independents, libertarians and liberals. We are parents, grandparents, community members, taxpayers and educators. We are P.R.!

Vote yes Aug. 29 to recall Rutledge and Brown.

Nichole Banks Priest River

‘We need a better direction’ for Travers Park...

‘Recall, replace, rebuild’…

‘We are P.R.’…

County needs a planning policy for wildfires…

‘Salute to Smokey the Bear’…

‘Commissioners have a hearing problem’...

Florida school plan pushed by IFF is ‘iffy’ for Idaho…

Science: Mad about

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist

Have you spent any time arguing with someone about how to spell aluminum? Is it “aluminum” or “aluminium”? It turns out that both are correct, and though the world at large tends to use aluminium, the American version may have come first.

Aluminum is a metallic element with an atomic number of 13.It has a density that is about one-third that of steel, which makes it lightweight. You’ve undoubtedly encountered aluminum in your daily life on several occasions — from foil to parts of your vehicle — though one of its greatest uses is in aircraft. Being lightweight and malleable means it’s great for forming specialized parts that can generate lift when forward energy is applied.

While steel components are used in aircraft, the importance of aluminum in the field of flight cannot be overstated.

Aluminum is an abundant element in the universe and on Earth, but extracting enough of it to do something meaningful is an energy intensive process that requires multiple stages to achieve. The bulk of aluminum is extracted from the mineral bauxite, a sedimentary rock with a dull red sheen attributed to the oxidized iron also found within the mineral.

Metals like copper, iron, gold and silver are often extracted by applying heat directly to the ore. This causes the elemental metals to melt into a liquid, which gives metallurgists a way to extract impurities by separating them from the rock. Aluminum, however, requires a consider-

ably more complicated series of processes, beginning with the “Bayer process.”

This process begins when the bauxite is ground up and blended into a slurry, which is then mixed with a hot solution of lye. The mixture is fed into a pressurized digestion chamber, where steam is generated and released to cool it down and allow for an easy extraction of the bauxite and other impurities. During the cooling process, aluminum hydroxide that had evaporated begins to precipitate for collection.

Another, even more energy intensive process, is called the “Hall-Héroult process.” This process involves mixing aluminum oxide in a solution of molten cryolite and calcium fluoride, and then subjected to an electrical current in a process called electrolysis. The aluminum sinks to the bottom of the solution, where it is cast off in large rounded billets that are then used for manufacturing.

As you can imagine, these processes eat up an immense amount of energy. That’s worth thinking about the next time you’re trying to bank that crushed soda can off your trash bin’s back stop. Recycling aluminum requires much less energy, which means less carbon going into our atmosphere, which means less crazy hot summers in our future, more plants and animals in our present, and cleaner air for everyone. Those are some pretty great rewards for something as simple as not throwing a can in the garbage.

Aluminum is nonmagnetic, so it becomes more difficult to sort out of landfills. Metals like iron and copper can be pulled from waste with large magnets, but

aluminum will sit right where it’s at and have to be sorted out through different mechanical means, which will consume even more energy and generate more pollution. While current recycling methods may not be perfect, it’s certainly better than poisoning the environment because a waste bin was easier to use at the moment.

You may be wondering what the recycling process for aluminum looks like. It’s fairly straightforward: simply heating the material up to a melting point and casting it back into billets for manufacturing. However, it’s not a perfect system and does produce a waste material called dross. Dross is an ashy substance of oxides mixed with bits of aluminum — this aluminum can be extracted industrially, but the resulting waste from the process is extremely volatile and reacts explosively with the air.

Interestingly, dross is frequently mixed with asphalt and concrete, partially because there are very few other uses for it that don’t involve highly volatile chemicals, and partially to lock up the waste mixture in a substance where it can do the least amount of harm while still being a beneficial building material.

Aluminum in the home is almost exclusively an alloy — a metal mixed with other metals. Copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc are the most common elements mixed with aluminum to create alloys for aircraft, automobiles, cans and foil used in the kitchen. Aluminum as an alloy is more pliable and far more lightweight than steel, while remaining nonmagnetic, corrosion resistant and nontoxic.

Despite the fact that alumi-

num is nontoxic and nonreactive to most biology, the presence of acids can cause detrimental environmental effects to fish and plants. The presence of aluminum in acidic soils causes slow growth in plants, and aluminum in acidic water can cause disorders among gill-breathing animals like fish. Unfortunately, both of these are at equal risk in areas near aluminum smelters that produce sulfur dioxide, a

precursor to acid rain that ends up in water and soils, in addition to particulate aluminum released into the air during the process of refinement.

The next time you crack open an ice cold beer, stop and ponder for a moment where the metal may have come from. Chances are, it has already been recycled more than once.

Stay curious, 7B.

•There are two main kinds of sunscreen; chemical and physical. The former contains ingredients that absorb ultraviolet rays before they penetrate the skin, and the latter reflects ultraviolet rays from your skin.

•UVB rays are the type of UV rays responsible for sunburn. Dermatologists suggest buying sunscreen with an SPF of 30, as it protects your skin from 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.

•Sunscreen can expire and become ineffective.

•Franz Geiter, the inventor of sunscreen, created it in 1938 after getting sunburned while climbing a mountain on the Swiss-Austrian border.

•Sunscreen alone doesn’t protect you from the sun’s harmful effects. Dermatologists recommend wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak UV hours, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

•The old wisdom about getting a sunburn on a cloudy day is actually based on truth. On cloudy days, 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still hit your skin.

•Ever get sunscreen in your eyes? The reason it irritates the eyes is because of a chemical called avobenzone, which converts UV rays into heat and is less harmful to the skin.

•The “shot glass rule” means the amount of sunscreen you put on your skin should be equivalent to a full shot glass, or about one ounce.

•When you swim in the ocean with sunscreen on, chemicals like oxybenzone can seep into the water, where they are absorbed by corals. These substances contain nanoparticles that can disrupt the coral’s reproduction and growth cycles, ultimately leading to bleaching.

•Kids younger than 6 months old should never wear sunscreen.

In praise of imperfection Suzuki String Academy opens fall enrollment

Tirrell’s chicken and what makes Sandpoint great

By John T. Reuter Reader Editor Emeritus

The cafe next door to the Panida Theater had caught fire. As firefighters rushed to put out the blaze, they caused water damage to a small, lower section of the Panida’s neighboring wall. Mr. Tirrell, a plasterer, was hired to make the repair.

While the work was structurally sound, theater proprietor F.C. Weskil was not satisfied with Tirrell’s finished product. He wanted the Panida’s elaborate mural, including one of its phoenixes, restored.

“No bird, no pay,” Weskil declared over Tirrell’s objections that he was not a painter.

The result was Tirrell’s chicken. Despite bearing only a vague resemblance to the phoenixes otherwise gracing the Panida’s walls, Weskil was satisfied after just a brief glance and immediately paid.

Over a decade ago, I remember sitting in a Panida board meeting talking about restoration and being shocked when someone suggested painting over Tirrell’s now locally infamous creation to bring back the original design. The proposal was immediately dismissed, as everyone else in the room felt as I did. But this brief conflict illustrates the terms of a longer debate that’s been going on for decades about Sandpoint’s ideal future.

One side is powered by the belief that Sandpoint is on the cusp of being another great small-town destination. It has so much promise, so much going for it, and it just needs a bit of tidying up with the right vision applied. Perhaps a few more amenities and a new en-

WEIRD NEWS

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

By Reader Staff

the vision was humble: ensure people can continue to enjoy a walk along the shore as they have for decades.

The same is true of keeping the historic train depot in operation: preserve Idaho’s last Amtrak stop in a place where you could run directly from a downtown bar as you heard the train pulling in and still catch your ride (an act I saw pulled off more than once by the current management of this publication).

CHINESE ZOO DECLARES BEARS ‘REAL’ AND NOT ‘HUMANS IN DISGUISE’

trance with a welcoming arch built hundreds of miles away but obscurely referencing some bit of history — if you look at it from the right angle and have it explained to you.

On the other side are those of us who celebrate Sandpoint for its untidiness. Who fervently believe that what makes Sandpoint great is its imperfections, its quirks, its grit. We delight in a town whose only “five star” establishment is a “dive bar.”

In the case of the Panida, this struggle could be understood as whether we ought to think of the theater as a palace or Sandpoint’s living room. The reality is that, in their own way, both of these are true, but it’s a matter of balance and emphasis. To me, the “living room” mindset must always win out.

Perhaps the most important advice I can provide is to be wary of giant transformative projects. We certainly did our share of significant projects when I was on the Sandpoint City Council, but when we did them well it was usually because we remembered that the old and loved is more important than the new and exciting.

For example, preserving the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail was certainly a big project. But

The truth is that greatness takes time. It is rarely built or even conceived overnight. It comes about through accidents and stubborn small business owners and brilliant plasterers-turned-painters.

Greatness can also be fragile at times. A bit of paint and the wrong idea can mean the loss of something special forever.

On the other hand, we can’t simply freeze things in time and expect to keep what we love. Affordability, for example, demands new and more housing. But we should be cautious that alleged progress doesn’t sweep away what we treasure in search of something new.

Progress must be rooted in who we uniquely are rather than mimicking the generic dreams of others. They must make room for humble individual actors to imprint their own quirks. We must protect the chicken.

John T. Reuter is the former president of the Sandpoint City Council; former chair of the Panida Theater; former president of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association; and co-founder, former-publisher and editor emeritus of the Sandpoint Reader.

Suzuki String Academy has opened fall enrollment and its next parent orientation class is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 28-Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. both days. The class is designed for new families joining the Suzuki community to connect and receive the tools and resources to support their students’ practice both at home and during lessons.

Classes begin Monday, Sept. 11 with weekly violin, viola and cello private and group class instruction, as well as string chamber ensembles and choir.

New this year is the beginner Suzuki violin group class for students ages 4-6 years old. The Interactive group class with parent involvement meets once per week on Wednesday afternoons and is the first step in preparation for private lessons. Students will learn proper playing posture and setup, instrument care, rhythm, listening and music theory games. Instructors work closely with parents to show them how to help with productive practice at home.

“Learning a stringed instrument at an early age is so beneficial for cognitive, social and behavioral development,” Suzuki staff wrote in a news release. “In addition, all learning pathways are open at a young age, making learning more fluid and quicker while building consistent habits.”

The Suzuki Method views learning music “like learning our mother tongue,” according to the academy. “First we listened, then we imitated, and gradually built our vocabulary and began to read. Music is a gateway to all other learning.”

For more details or to register for classes visit suzukistringacademy.com.

A zoo in China recently denied suggestions that some of its bears are people in costume after photos circulated online of at least one of the animals standing in what appeared to be a strikingly human-like posture.

The sun bears, from Malaysia, are smaller than other bears and look different, but are in fact real, according to the Hangzhou Zoo’s social media account.

“Some people think I stand like a person,” the post stated, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”

The debate raged online after internet users found the circulated photos showing one standing upright on slender hind legs with wrinkles on its back, resembling to some viewers the folds of a costume.

“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the Hangzhou Daily said.

Accusations about Chinese zoos have also included claims that dogs have been dyed to look like wolves or African cats and donkeys have been painted to look like zebras.

John T. Reuter. Courtesy photo.

Photo courtesy Hangzhou Zoo Facebook page.

The Idaho Club renews push to develop Trestle Creek, threatening imperiled fish

Public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 6

By Jennifer Ekstrom Reader Contributor

A proposal to build luxury housing and a large private marina at the mouth of Trestle Creek on Lake Pend Oreille poses major threats to bull trout, which are classified as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Trestle Creek is the most important bull trout spawning stream in the Pend Oreille Basin and one of the few places where families can easily observe spawning bull trout and kokanee. The mouth of Trestle Creek is a gorgeous area with important wetlands that are teeming with wildlife.

The harmful development proposal, put forward by The Idaho Club, aims to remove an island, excavate the lakebed, fill wetlands and waterways, and straighten and harden the shoreline. The development would severely undermine critical spawning habitat for imperiled bull trout. Local community members and fisheries experts have been concerned about the project for years.

Nearly 1,000 community members submitted comments to the Idaho Department of Lands expressing opposition to the proposal. IDL will decide whether to grant The Idaho Club a lakebed encroachment permit, which is required for the construction of the marina. So many people have spoken up that the agency has extended the comment deadline until Friday, Sept. 1 and announced a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 6, ensuring everyone’s voice can be heard.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Idaho Department of Water Resources would also need to issue permits before the development can move forward. The Corps is in charge of deciding on the island removal and dredging of the lakebed, as well as filling in areas of the lake and wetlands with rock, dirt and other debris. IDWR is responsible for permitting creek relocations. Neither agency has announced their public comment opportunities.

The Idaho Club has long sought to develop Trestle Creek for its private

residents. In October 2022, the Corps suspended a permit it had issued that would have allowed the club to move forward with the development. This permit was canceled in response to litigation filed by the Idaho Conservation League and the Center for Biological Diversity.

The Idaho Club’s current proposal is similar to past designs and calls for the construction of five single-family luxury estates and 105 fixed-pier docks. The boats accessing this marina would increase the risk of introducing invasive species and would churn up the flowering rush that already exists in the area, causing it to spread.

The boat propellers would also agitate the sediment on the lakebed, causing more nutrient pollution to mix into the water column. The nutrient pollution feeds the invasive weeds and also increases the risk of toxic algae.

The areas along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille are not currently meeting Clean Water Act standards because there is too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. The marina and the residential units would only add to the problem.

Additionally, there is currently no plan for a sewage pumpout station to service the boats, and most of the marina’s 105 proposed docks are large enough to accommodate boats that would likely have toilets and blackwater holding tanks on board.

There is already a problem with inadequate sewage pumpout stations to service all the boats on Lake Pend Oreille, and this new marina would further stress the other providers. If The Idaho Club were proposing a commercial marina, a sewage pumpout station would be required. Adequate restroom facilities should also be required, to serve the hundreds of Idaho Club residents and guests who will arrive by boat but do not have access to bathrooms in one of the five proposed residences.

The Idaho Club is proposing a community dock rather than a commercial marina, in part because commercial marinas require that 50% of the boat slips be available to the public. The Club wants all of the slips to be allocated to the residents

of their private club.

Another problem with their community dock proposal is that this type of dock system is intended for people who live adjacent to or near each other along the shoreline — but 100 of the slips at Trestle Creek are intended to be used by Idaho Club members who live miles away.

It would be a dangerous precedent for Lake Pend Oreille if this marina were approved as a community dock. The Idaho Club needs to call it what it is: a commercial marina.

When deciding whether to grant the permit, IDL must consider if the project is in the public’s interest. Given that the project would only benefit a small number of people — residents and owners of The Idaho Club — this project is not in the public’s best interest. The public would be better served by recovering our endangered bull trout and protecting natural wonders like Trestle Creek for generations to come.

Along with being designated as critical habitat for bull trout by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Trestle Creek provides important habitat for other species including bald eagles, migratory birds, beavers and kokanee salmon. This proposed development would destroy important shoreline vegetation, a beaver dam, nesting trees for bald eagles and osprey, and peaceful recreation opportunities for the public to enjoy.

The public hearing will be held on Sept. 6 from 5-10 p.m. in the Sandpoint High School auditorium, at 410 S. Division Ave. Residents are encouraged to show up and speak up, and submit written comments by Sept. 1 to ensure they are processed and included in the record prior to the hearing. Find more info at takeaction.idahoconservation.org/yKZqgs9.

Jennifer Ekstrom is the North Idaho Lake Conservation associate for the Idaho Conservation League in Sandpoint

Kokanee spawning in Trestle Creek. Photo by Brad Smith.

Panida raises the roof — literally

By Reader Staff

Organizers at the Panida Theater celebrated a major milestone in their years-long, ongoing efforts to improve and maintain the historic downtown institution, announcing Aug. 22 that the theater now has a new roof, made possible by “the generosity of its many committed supporters.”

“The Panida Board of Directors, along with their staff, volunteers and patrons, want to express their gratitude to all those who worked together to raise $130,000 for the new roof,” stated Board Member Foster Cline, who serves as chair of the Fundraising and Grants Committee.

“We sincerely thank all those in Idaho, and especially Bonner County residents, who helped us,” he added. “Although a new roof may not be an exciting or visually evident project, without that roof all that goes on beneath it is endangered. It was a priority, and we thank everyone who made it a reality.”

The Panida went on to give special thanks to Heather Upton with the Sandpoint Arts Culture and Historic Preservation Commission; Sandpoint Grants, Contracts and Procurement Manager Cheryl Hughes; Chris Bessler, CEO and Publisher of Keokee

Media + Marketing; Jerry Miller with Idaho Department of Commerce; and Cody Pearson with Fisher Roofing.

In addition, the Equinox, Confidence and Laura Moore Cunningham foundations; Community Assistance League; Idaho Department of Commerce Gem Grant Program; and The Idaho Heritage Trust provided critical support.

According to the announcement, “The beloved First Street icon is ready for many more years of community service in the arts, thanks to the wonderful people who love the Panida Theater.”

The brand new roof at the Panida Theater, paid for with donations from community members and organizations. Courtesy photo.

August-September Parks and Rec. programming

By Reader Staff

Sandpoint Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces will be offering the following programming during the remainder of August and September of 2023.

• Game night with the Lions Club. A FREE family game night at Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.) on Friday, Sept. 15. Event runs every third Friday

of the month, through December, from 6-8 p.m. Both card games and board games will be available, or bring your own to share.

•City of Sandpoint historic walking tours. The city of Sandpoint’s Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission, in collaboration with the Bonner County History Museum and Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theatre,

hosts “A Walk Through History ” — a series of free walking tours Friday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Sept. 29, through Sandpoint’s historic downtown. Tours will be offered on the last Friday of the month and occasional Saturdays through September. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.). Tours are roughly one hour. Pre-register with Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. Pop-ins are also welcomed.

•Rails to Resort Hill Climb. Sandpoint Parks and Rec. has again organized the Rails to Resort Hill Climb, a.k.a. Schweitzer Hill Climb. The race takes place Saturday, Aug. 26, Participants meet at the Red Barn parking lot on Schweitzer Road. Although a competitive event, it is open to riders of all skill levels who like a challenge. Online pre-registration encouraged. Day-of, late registration and check in will be available from 8 a.m.-8:45 a.m. The pre-ride meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. Fee: $25/person.

•Adult pickleball. Registration is open for both beginning and intermediate Pickleball for ages 18+. All classes will be held 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at the Lakeview Park pickleball courts. Participants need to bring their court shoes, water, sunglasses, a hat and layers for cool weather. Each session is $25/person ($5 non-resident fee) Register by Thursday, Aug. 24 for Session 4 beginning pickleball held on Saturday,

Aug. 26. Register by Thursday, Sept. 7 for Session 4 intermediate pickleball held on Saturday, Sept. 9.

•Contra dance. Parks and Rec. partners with Emily Faulkner to bring this series, which runs the second Friday of each month. The Friday, Sept. 8 dance at Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.) will take place 7-10 p.m. No experience necessary, all ages are welcome and no partner needed. Beginners are encouraged to attend introductory dancing at 7 p.m. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and bring non-marking shoes to change into for dancing. No outdoor shoes on the dance floor. A $5 donation is suggested for each dance.

•Introduction to (skate park) skateboarding. Beginners and intermediates, ages 7 and older. Participants will learn skate park skateboarding basics, including etiquette. Skateboard and helmet required. Knee, elbow pads and wrist guards recommended. Class meets at the Concrete Lake skate park (2100 Pine St., in Sandpoint) on Sundays, Sept. 17 and 24, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Register by Thursday, Sept. 14. Fee: $35 ($3 non-resident fee).

Register for any Parks and Rec. program at secure.rec1.com/ID/cityof-sandpoint/catalog, visit the office at City Hall (1123 Lake St.) or call 208263-3613.

To submit a photo for a future edition, please send to ben@sandpointreader.com.

(TOP ROW)

Left: Buddhist Maggie Murray chants in the sun in a Sandpoint field. Photo by Susan Drinkard.

Right: Skyla, outfishing everyone with her Paw Patrol pole, on Muskrat Lake. Photo by Rachael Tetachuk.

(MIDDLE ROW)

Left: “I think the fly-in kind of got smoked out, but there was a lot of airplanes to see and the breakfast hangar was packed with hungry folks.” Photo by Rich Milliron.

Middle: “Who are you looking at?” Two owls eye the camera from their perch. Photo by Steve Klatt.

Right: A bullrider tries his luck at the Challenge of Champions tour at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

Photo by Karley Coleman, 5MW Photography.

(BOTTOM ROW)

Left: Niko enjoying a day on Lake Pend Oreille. Photo by Hillary Berry-Behan.

Middle: Ken Thacker and Bonnie Jakubos took the Reader along to the northeast shore of Lake Superior at Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Courtesy photo.

Right: “Even when you find yourself stuck or maybe broken there are ways to get out. My wife Pamela found that out earlier this year.” Photo by Bob Seaman.

LITERATURE

Former Reader illustrator releases book Schweitzer gift brings community closer to saving the Pine St. Sled Hill

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Reader fans might recognize the name

Daniel Cape

Daniel Cape’s 300+ Uses for Nalgene Bottles explores fun, absurd uses for the common object

By Reader Staff

as a talented illustrator who helped this newspaper find its voice during the first few years after returning to print in 2015. Cape’s character illustrations can still occasionally be seen today in various nooks and crannies of the newspaper, but the lion’s share of his work remains in the archives since moving away from Sandpoint in 2017 to further his career.

Cape’s latest venture is authoring the book 300+ Uses for Nalgene Bottles, a fun read that delves into unexpected,

practical, untested and sometimes completely absurd ways to harness the power of this common object, which most of us have owned at one point in our lives.

With his hallmark vibrant illustrations and a nod to the legendary innovator George Washington Carver, this volume will be the first installment in a series Cape is producing titled 300+ Uses.

With more than 60 illustrations bringing the applications to life, Cape helps spark his readers’ imaginations while also tickling their funny bone. One tip offers “Have a Nalgene bottle race down a river,” while another suggests, “Drop it off the edge of a large cliff and listen to how long it takes to hit the ground.”

Cape, who is producing this series under the moniker The Creativity Doctor, holds a Ph.D. in the psychology of creativity and is dedicated to helping individuals uncover their inherent creative potential. He has worked a variety of careers, including as a caricature artist at Universal Studios, serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and drawing for the Reader during his time in Sandpoint.

To learn more about the 300+ Uses series or about Cape’s work, visit thecreativitydoctor.com.

In a show of community support, Schweitzer donated 50 chairlift chairs to Kaniksu Land Trust to bolster its ongoing “Save the Sled Hill” campaign. The chairs, previously part of the Musical Chairs chairlift at Schweitzer — also known as Chair 2 — are being replaced by the new Creekside Express high-speed quad.

According to KLT, the gift will make a significant impact on the fundraising effort to purchase and establish the Pine Street Sled Hill property for the community.

The first 10 chairs will be available for purchase with a $2,000 tax-deductible gift to KLT at the upcoming SledFest event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26. Community members will be able to select their preferred chair numbers from the available 50. The remaining chairs will be made available for online purchase at kaniksu.org starting Monday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m., ensuring that a broader audience has a chance to contribute to the cause.

Proceeds from the chairlift sales will go directly toward the “Save the Sled Hill” campaign. KLT will designate pick up dates for chairs over the coming weeks.

“We are immensely grateful for Schweitzer’s extraordinary donation of these chairs from the Musical Chairs lift. It’s so fitting that the small community hill where recreational skiing first took root is being saved with the help of Schweitzer,” stated KLT Executive Director Katie Cox. “This gift not only underscores Schweitzer’s commitment to our community’s well-being, but will also take us considerably closer to achieving our fundraising goals for the ‘Save the Sled Hill’ campaign.”

The Sled Hill had been the site of a community ski hill in the 1940s — prior to Schweitzer opening in 1963 — and later served as a community sledding hill until 2021. Kaniksu Land Trust announced its intent to purchase the 48-acre parcel in the fall of 2021, upon learning that the land would be listed for sale. Friends of KLT purchased the property in order to give the community time to raise the $2.1 million needed to buy the land and pay for establishment costs required to make the land accessible to the public.

The SledFest event was organized so that community members could come

together to share their memories, celebrate the future of the sled hill property and take part in contributing toward the success of the campaign.

The all-day music festival will include food trucks and beverages, a Kaniksu Folk School mercantile with blacksmith demonstrations, a sled art silent auction and the Musical Chairs sale.

The full-slate of musical guests includes local indie folk-rock favorites Harold’s IGA and their side project, the shoegazy, downtempo Blird; Spokane-based jazz-soul artist Kaitlyn Wiens; San Francisco-based jazz-funk-rock-jam band Thrown Out Bones; rock trio Dammit Lauren!, hailing from the self-described “middle of nowhere” in Montana; singer-songwriter Matt Mitchell Music Co., out of Spokane; Coeur d’Alenebased blues-rock-folk-soul-Americana musician Jackson Roltgen; and Fireside Collective, a progressive bluegrass quintet from Asheville, N.C.

In order to welcome as many community members to the sled hill for the event as possible, KLT created a “Community Ticket” to ensure that all can afford to attend. Details and tickets to the event are available at kaniksu.org/sledfest.

“It’s an honor for Schweitzer to lend a helping hand in preserving a valuable piece of our community’s history,” stated Schweitzer President and CEO Tom Chasse. “For nearly a century, the Sled Hill has been a place where memories are made. Our hope is that future generations have access to places that help develop an appreciation of the natural beauty in our area as well as a passion for winter recreation.”

For more information about the campaign, SledFest, and the “save the Sled Hill” campaign, visit kaniksu.org or contact KLT at 208-263-9471.

Above left: Daniel Cape at a TedX Asheville event.

Above right: The front cover of Cape’s book, 300+ Uses for a Nalgene Bottle.

Courtesy photo.

Equinox Foundation Fund awards grants to regional nonprofits

By Reader Staff

Thirty-seven nonprofit organizations serving Bonner and Boundary counties were recently awarded $374,538 in grants from the Equinox Foundation Fund at Innovia Foundation.

This family foundation was founded on the values of wisdom, integrity and environmental stewardship.

“Innovia Foundation is pleased to partner with Equinox Foundation in facilitating the grantmaking process for their grant program,” stated Dig Chrismer, Innovia’s Rural Engagement manager for the northern region. “They continue to set the precedent for generosity and show how vital philanthropy is in making a lasting impact on our community.”

Equinox awards include:

A $10,000 grant to Boundary County’s 9B Trails to help build 3.3 miles of connecting looped beginner access trails in phase two of the Enchanted Forest trail system.

A $20,000 grant to Panhandle Alliance for Education to help fund the residential carpentry program at Sandpoint High School that serves more than 100 students.

A $10,000 grant to Community Coalition for Families to help improve the health and well-being of children, families and the community by providing emergency hous-

ing and transportation assistance to those in Boundary County.

A $50,000 grant to the Panida Theater for their Panida Century Fund to help with long-deferred maintenance and restoration before its 100th anniversary in 2027.

See below for a full list of grant recipients:

• Angels Over Sandpoint; $5,000; 2023 Back to School Program;

•Bonner Community Food Bank; $10,000; Feeding Families and Individuals of North Idaho;

•Bonner County Historical Society; $16,093; “Come What May, We Will Play” exhibit;

•Bonner Partners in Care Clinic; $5,000; Providing Financial Assistance for Health Care;

•Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District; $2,500; 2024 Pend Oreille Water Festival;

•Boundary County Free Library District; $3,000; Battle of the Books teams;

•Boundary County School District 101; $7,500; 2130 Alpha + Robotics;

•Boundary County Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence Hotline, dba Boundary County Victim Services; $6,855; facilitated discussions for healthy teen relationships;

•Community Cancer Services; $10,000;

Cancer Burden Relief Project;

•Festival at Sandpoint; $5,000; 2023 family show with Michael Franti and Friends;

•First Judicial District CASA Program; $12,000; Bonner and Boundary County operations

•Food For Our Children; $3,000; weekend food and midmorning snacks for food insecure kids;

•Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness; $8,000; Winter Tracks Youth Education Program;

•Friends of the Shelter, dba Better Together Animal Alliance; $10,000; community support programs;

•Kaniksu Land Trust; $10,000; ReWilding the Playground: Kootenai Elementary School;

•Music Conservatory of Sandpoint; $10,000; program staff;

•National Forest Foundation; $7,500; SnowSchool;

•Pawsitive Outreach Spay/Neuter Alliance; $10,000; community spay neuter;

•The Pearl Theater; $20,000; 2023-’24 season support;

•Pend Oreille Arts Council; $5,000; Ovations Performing Arts Educational Outreach Program;

Chamber of Commerce welcomes Smokesmith Bar-B-Que

By Reader Staff

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Smoke Smith Bar-BQue to its membership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Owners Sean and Katie Smith fell in love with Sandpoint when they moved here seven years ago, attracted by what the chamber described as “the vibe and community centered nature of the town,” which convinced them it would be the right place to share their passion for craft barbecue.

“What makes their business unique is a fire craft-style barbeque in which only wood is used to smoke the meats,” the chamber stated in a news release.

When asked what they hope to bring to the community, Katie Smith stated, “We hope to bring a lively atmosphere to the neighborhood with our new restaurant. Barbecue is meant to be shared

and enjoyed among friends. We really want to nurture that concept here at Smokesmith.”

Plans for the future include expanding the menu, as well as eventually having music and mov-

Courtesy photo.

ies on the lawn at its 102 S. Boyer Ave. location.

For more info, visit smokesmithidaho.com.

•Pend Oreille Pedalers; $10,000; Sandpoint Youth MTB Skills Park;

• Priest Lake Nordic Club; $10,000; equipment to expand winter recreation;

•Priest River Ministries; $15,000; support for domestic violence survivors;

•Project 7B; $3,000; Bonner County waterways access and awareness;

•Sandpoint Area Seniors; $15,000; building community;

•Sandpoint Nordic Club; $10,000; program gear and facilitator;

•Sandpoint Youth Center; $10,000; healthy teens after school;

•Selkirk Conservation Alliance; $5,000; Pillar Programs: Education, Scientific Research and Advocacy;

•Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education; $10,000; Project WILD;

•Trinity Lutheran Church of Bonners Ferry; $10,000; Boundary County Weekend Supplemental Food Program;

•Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs; $7,500; special needs fitness, therapy and recreation;

•Valley View Elementary; $7,590; Classroom Desk Project;

•YMCA of the Inland Northwest Litehouse Branch; $5,000; Membership for All Assistance Program.

Pend Oreille Arts Council hosts its annual art party

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

Tickets are sold out for the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s eighth annual auction and gourmet dinner Friday, Aug. 25. Guests will be treated to a party inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting “The Starry Night,” as well as a meal catered by Ivano’s.

Local artists and supporters have donated paintings, sculptures, gift baskets and more for the night’s silent auction.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the many local art projects sponsored by the POAC, as well as the organization’s move to a new building.

“We’ve always needed more space,” said POAC Arts Coordinator Claire Christy. “We’ve been thinking about moving for a long time and we got the final push because the

music conservatory is expanding and needs the space [where POAC is currently based].”

Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint Organic Agricultural Center, 10881 N. Boyer Road. Tickets are SOLD OUT, though if you’d still like to support local artists, visit artinsandpoint.org/art-party to make a donation.

events

August 24-31, 2023

Free Family Show: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

10am @ Sandpoint Cinemas

Sandpointcinemas.com

The Travelin’ McCourys live

7:30pm @ Panida Theater

Join this renowned bluegrass group for a special concert. Grammy award winners and Instrumental Group of the Year by IBMA. Tickets at panida.org

Movies on the Mountain: Frozen

8pm @ Crow’s Bench (Schweitzer) Free film. Schweitzer.com

Live Music w/ Chris Paradis

6-9pm @ BlueRoom

Live Music w/ Meat Sweatz

6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Rock

Live Music w/ Courtney & Co.

7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge

Live Music w/ Matt Lome

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Live Jazz w/ Bright Moments

5:30-8pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

Live Jazz w/ The Liabilities

9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge

Classic rock with soul. 21+ Food by Killer Tacos

THURSDAY, august 24

Live Music w/ Steven Wayne

6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Live Music w/ Doug & Marty

6-9pm @ BlueRoom

FriDAY, august 25

Live Music w/ Luke Yates and Christy Lee

6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip

7-9pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Live Music w/ Devon Wade

8pm @ The Hive

Sandpoint country artist. Doors @ 7, Opener @ 8, show @ 9

7th Annual POAC Art Party

5pm @ Sandpoint Org. Ag. Center

“A Night to Celebrate Our Stars” includes gourmet dinner by Ivano’s, no host bar, live entertainment and silent/live auctions. Tickets at artinsandpoint.org

Live Music w/ Nobody Famous

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

SATURDAY, august 26

Kids Day at Sandpoint Farmers’ Market

9am-1pm @ Farmin Park

Produce, crafts, food and more. This one-day event features local kids selling from booths. sandpointfarmersmarket.com for info

Old-Time Fiddlers jam

2pm @ Lakeview Park Pavilion

Join the District 1A Idaho OldTime Fiddlers for their annual family potluck picnic and jam. Meal at 2pm, music starts at 3pm. Join to make music or sit and listen. All are welcome

SledFest

10am-10pm @ Pine St. Sled Hill

A musical festival fundraiser for Kaniksu Land Trust to Save the Sled Hill at Pine Street. There will be vendors, food, beverages and live music by Harold’s IGA, Kaitlyn Weins, Thrown-Out Bones, Dammit Lauren and more. Tickets $50/adults, $12/kids. Kaniksu.org

Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Sandpoint Senior Center, Inc.

3-5pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center Call for reservations 208-263-6860

SunDAY, august 27

Sandpoint Chess Club

9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee

Meets every Sunday at 9am

Magic with Star Alexander

5-8pm @ Jalepeño’s Up close magic shows at the table

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi

7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Game Night

6:30pm @ Tervan Tavern

Hikes, Bikes and Brews @ Rowdy Grouse yurt (Schweitzer)

Pack a picnic and head up to the yurt at Schweitzer for painting and beer. $45/person gives you all supplies. schweitzer.com for info

Live Music w/ Thrown-Out Bones

7pm @ Eichart’s Pub

Experimental rock and multi-genre band from San Francisco playing jazz, funk, rock and psych

Live Music w/ Steve Neff & Liam McCoy

6-9pm @ BlueRoom

Local Cottage Market

10am-6pm @ Farmin Park

Vendors selling artisan wares, leather works, pottery, etc.

monDAY, august 28

Outdoor Experience Group Run

6pm @ Outdoor Experience

3-5 miles, all levels welcome

tuesDAY, august 29

Free Family Show: The Croods: A New Age 10am @ Sandpoint Cinemas

Sandpointcinemas.com

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market

3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park

Produce, crafts, food and more

Live Music w/ Chris Paradis

6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

wednesDAY, august 30

Live Piano w/ Paul Taylor 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Live Music w/ Steve Neff

6-9pm @ BlueRoom

Weekly Trivia Night

6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Hosted by Zach Hagadone and other rotating hosts

Benny on the Deck music

6-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge

ThursDAY, august 31

Free Family Show: The Croods: A New Age 10am @ Sandpoint Cinemas Sandpointcinemas.com

Game Night 6:30pm @ Tervan Tavern

STAGE & SCREEN Born into the bluegrass tradition

Renowned band The Travelin’ McCourys to play Panida concert

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Brothers Ronnie and Rob McCoury were literally born into the bluegrass tradition. Their father, Del, is among the most influential musicians in the bluegrass genre, with his famed Del McCoury Band recognized as one of the most awarded and respected bluegrass bands in history.

Following in the tradition of the Del McCoury Band is The Travelin’ McCourys, a group that takes what Ronnie and Rob hold in their DNA and pushes the music forward into the next phase of bluegrass. While the McCoury brothers still play with Del’s band, they’ve taken The Travelin’ McCourys onto their own path to greatness, one string at a time.

out with fiddler Jason Carter, bassist Alan Bartram and Cody Kilby on guitar. To say each band member stands alone is an understatement. All five have been recognized with an International Bluegrass Music Association Award at least once, but together their collective output has captured the attention of not only a legion of fans, but critics as well.

The Travelin’ McCourys released a self-titled record in 2018, which ultimately won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2019, cementing their place in the annals of bluegrass stardom.

The Travelin’ McCourys

Friday, Aug. 25; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.; $34-67. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., 208-263-9191, panida. org. Listen at: thetravelinmccourys.com.

The Travelin’ McCourys will play a special concert at the Panida Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, with doors opening one hour before showtime.

With Ronnie on mandolin and Rob on the banjo, The Travelin’ McCourys is rounded

While the Del McCoury Band generally sticks to the traditional roots of bluegrass music, The Travelin’ McCourys’ sound is both a nod to the old and an embrace of the new.

“It’s also allowed us to open up more on arrangements and extending our solos,” Ronnie told the Reader “It’s been pretty gratifying to step out more.”

Rolling Stone called their performance at the annual DelFest,

“a sublime combination of rock and bluegrass, contemporary and classic, old and young. The best set of the festival.”

“I reckon it’s natural for any art form to evolve into something different from the original, and then want to categorize the new styles and give them definition,” Bartram told the Reader when asked about how traditional bluegrass has evolved into new subgenres.

“The bluegrass instrumentation and the limits therein are what informs these later iterations,” he added.

The Travelin’ McCourys’ style of blending the best of the old in a new, progressive format has led to collaborations with some big names like the Allman

Brothers Band, Phish, Keller Williams, String Cheese Incident and more. They also attend the Grateful Ball, an annual concert that brings together some of the biggest names in bluegrass.

When asked what it is about bluegrass that makes it such a great live music genre, Bartram said, “Part of it is certainly the music being mostly uptempo. A big part of it for me is the vibe of the listeners, many of which are players themselves.”

For The Travelin’ McCourys’ Panida show, Bartram said audience members can expect, “A mix of originals, blazing instrumentals and covers. There’s something for everyone. It’s a family friendly show that may introduce your young ones to an

original American art form. I’d wager you’ll leave with some songs stuck in your head and your foot involuntarily tapping.”

“I’ve been playing in my dad’s band for 42 years now,” Ronnie said. “Practically everything I’ve learned in the music world has been from playing and traveling with him. Together we’ve seen his rise and accolades in the music world. We’ve had many collaborations and friendships along the way. My dad’s enjoyment on stage, his musicianship, his longevity and open mind are some things I’ll carry with me.”

Tickets are available starting at $34 at panida.org.

Screening of CovenantoftheSalmonPeople at The Heartwood

By Reader Staff

The Idaho Salmon Partnership is offering a special screening of the 60-minute documentary Covenant of the Salmon People at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The event will take place at The Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St., in Sandpoint.

The film is a portrait of the Nez Perce Tribe as they continue to carry out their ancient promise to protect

the chinook salmon.

Covenant of the Salmon People — produced in collaboration with the tribe — explores the intertwined fate of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), salmon and the landscape from which both evolved.

Covenant of the Salmon People

Wednesday, Aug. 30; 7 p.m.;

$5. The Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St., Sandpoint, 208-263-8699, heartwoodsandpoint.com.

The Nez Perce people are the oldest documented civilization in North America, with archaeological sites along Idaho’s Salmon River dating back

16,500 years. Today, the tribe is facing the extirpation of their most prized salmon species despite decades of recovery efforts. The widespread construction of dams across their traditional lands has continued to challenge salmon recovery.

The film explores a remaining option for the tribe, which is to breach four dams on the lower Snake River to help boost the chinook salmon population back to sustainable levels.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/heartwoodsalmon.

Courtesy photo.

Courtesy photo.

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

There’s no escaping the smoke, a stark reminder that wildfires ravish us in every direction. Last Friday, as my flight approached Spokane, I could see the growing fire firsthand. As I headed home from the airport, I sat, stalled in traffic on Eastbound I-90 for more than an hour. Though safe enough, I was starkly aware that just a few miles east — within the ominously billowing smoke — homes and worldly possessions were being reduced to ash and rubble

When I arrived home, my Moscow family was here, prepared for a final weekend on the lake before the gaggle of grands returned to school. Instead, as one of the kids had asthma, we mostly stayed indoors. We all suffered burning eyes and even sore throats, but felt guilty even to mention our minor discomfort when all around us, entire towns were going up in flames. At one point, roads were closed to the west, north and east of us, including Highway 200, near Plains and Paradise, Mont.

I love driving that route, and it was also the route for the passenger train I managed. We operated the train on Montana Rail Link’s 10th subdivision, paralleling the highway and the Clark Fork River. I’ve traversed that path hundreds of times and was sad to learn that a huge old barn — one of the treasured landmarks I loved — could not be saved.

Farther away, Lahaina, Hawaii, is no more. Maui is a top travel destination not only for many of my clients but a favorite destination for me; and, for the past year, I’ve been planning a Thanksgiving trip to the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows for my family of 16.

The Sandpoint Eater Tending the fires

We’ve been up in the air about our plans. Still, after last week’s trip to a luxury travel show in Las Vegas (with more than 6,000 attendees representing 130 countries), I had the opportunity to meet with more than a dozen travel suppliers from Maui.

All shared the same message: “The island outside of Old Lahaina is not damaged. Give us a month to get reorganized, but please don’t stay away. Hawaii and her people depend on your tourism dollars.”

Meanwhile, the Royal Lahaina has already raised $460,000, via a GoFundMe campaign, for the immediate needs of their 280 employees.

If you’ve been to Maui, you’ve probably eaten at the iconic Mama’s Fish House — one of the best-known restaurants there. A recent email from the restau-

rant also encouraged us to head to Maui. The restaurant is not closing because the fisherman, farmers and restaurant staff need our support.

Speaking of support, it’s pouring into all of the areas mentioned above affected by the fires. In Lahaina, Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen has mobilized, serving hundreds of meals daily. Another group, Mercy Chefs, joins the relief efforts with hot meals and their Family Grocery Box Program for those who still have the means to cook.

Closer to home, in Plains, Mont., the VFW and Church on the Move feed evacuees, first responders and firefighters. Likewise, to the west, the victims and crews of the Medical Lake fire are being offered food and clothing by businesses throughout Airway Heights and Spokane. Giving Back Spokane,

an organization born out of the pandemic, has already raised nearly a half million dollars.

All over Facebook, I see offers for temporary housing for displaced humans, pets and livestock. The outreach for human connections is mind-blowing. How good we can be when we help our fellow humans.

I remember the long lines of hollow-eyed faces when I helped prep and dish up relief meals at Hurricane Katrina. Once people got close enough to make eye contact with us, some of them were so overcome with gratitude they cried. And I will never forget how good it felt to serve them.

Though I wish I could sign up as a World Central Kitchen volunteer and head to Hawaii, it’s impossible for me to do so now. Instead, I will make donations that are closest to my heart.

Garden caprese frittata

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

•6 large eggs

•⅓ cup heavy cream

•1 ½ tsp sea salt

•Fresh ground black pepper to taste

•3 ripe heirloom tomatoes, seeded and diced. Place on plate and salt well, then drain liquid

• ¼ cup loose packed basil leaves, torn, plus additional whole leaves for garnish

• ½ cup cubed mozzarella cheese

• 1 tbs olive oil

• Mixed baby greens, for garnish

Prepare the tomatoes first. While they are resting in salt, whisk the eggs, cream, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the tomatoes, torn basil leaves and mozzarella.

Coat the bottom of a heavy oven-proof skillet and place over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking.

Pour the egg mixture into the pan and give it a few shakes as it cooks, until the sides of the frittata begin to set and bubble slightly, about 2 minutes. Using a spatula, push the sides of the frittata toward the center of the pan and slightly tilt pan so uncooked egg runs down to the bottom of the skillet.

Lower the heat to medium, cover and continue cooking for an additional 4 or 5 minutes, pushing sides in again and allowing uncooked egg to run to

Give what you can, where you can — just be careful to select legitimate funds. Though it’s hard to imagine that scammers would prey on the vulnerable, they are out there, so beware.

Gift cards, GoFundMe and Venmo are the easiest ways to give. Many centers don’t have the people power for storing and distributing supplies.

Worrying about all those affected by the fires has left me out of sorts, but I finally managed a few steps forward and mustered the energy to whip up a frittata. It was filled with simple garden ingredients (from generous greenthumbed friends) and a few eggs. It took little effort to prepare and was on the table in 20 minutes. It was delicious, and good for what ailed me. If you’re also looking for comfort food, give it a try.

Frittata can be made and served in a seasoned cast iron pan. Salting the tomatoes will reduce the liquid and intensify the flavor. Serve anytime of day. Serves 4.

the bottom. Once nearly set, place the skillet under a hot broiler to brown. Loosen the frittata by gently shaking the pan (use a spatula if

necessary) and slip it onto a large platter (or leave in frying pan). Cut into wedges, garnish with basil leaf, and serve.

Punk’s not dead it’s just a millennial

Why the 30th anniversary of Green Day’s Dookie should be celebrated in the streets

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

Pop-punk royalty Green Day has come out with a pile of Dookie merchandise in honor of the seminal album’s upcoming 30th anniversary in February 2024. Commemorative dog bowls and brown-splattered albums are just some of the mementos available for pre-order for devoted fans.

If it seems excessive to start the celebration months in advance, that’s only because Dookie and Green Day have yet to receive the recognition they deserve for their impact on the music industry. The band’s smash hit paved the way for an entire musical movement in the ’90s, and their influence can still be felt in everything from the pop hits of Billie Eilish to Fall Out Boy’s emotive rock.

The Dookie revolution began in Berkeley, Calif., at the Alternative Music Foundation on 924 Gilman St. — known simply as “Gilman” to fans. The venue catered to punks, metalheads and grunge fans, and organizers prided themselves on the exclusive showcase of underground talent. The worst sin a band could commit was making it big. That’s exactly what Green Day did.

Their third studio album, Dookie, was perfectly curated to transcend the homogeneous sounds of post-grunge punk and achieve true “pop” popularity

with its angsty earworms. Songs like “Basket Case” blended discussions of mental health and sexuality with classic punk aggression and a chord progression from Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”

While classic punk celebrated a paired down, almost garage band sound, songs like “She” demonstrated Green Day’s thoughtful melodies and precision on their instruments.

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain was leading the grunge movement with angry and depressing lyrics that revealed the singer’s crumbling mental health. In contrast, Green Day’s singer-songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong used humor and catchy tunes to enhance his explorations of teenage heartache and the pains of losing your childhood.

“I’m not growing up, I’m just burning out,” Armstrong sings in “Burnout,” while Tré Cool hammers out one of his distinctive drum beats. Coupled with the talents of Mike Dirnt on bass, the album took the music world by storm. In short, their sound was what the scene needed to make punk relevant again.

Reprise Records, the decidedly-not-punk company founded by Frank Sinatra, picked up Dookie For landing such a lucrative con-

tract, fellow punks labeled Green Day a sellout and banned it from playing at Gilman. That, in itself, made the album all the more punk.

As a result of their revolutionary sound, Dookie went on to earn a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album, a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America and to sell more than 20 million copies.

Dookie’s popularity sparked a punk renaissance and opened the music industry to a variety of alternative genres. Bands like Blink-182 — which had been struggling to find a dedicated fanbase — skyrocketed to fame in Green Day’s wake. In turn, Green Day went on to inspire the

next generation of bands beloved by edgy teens with big emotions.

Now nostalgic bands like Panic! at the Disco, My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy (FOB) owe their sounds and popularity to Dookie’s success. For that reason, FOB inducted Green Day into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

In his induction speech, Patrick Stump, lead singer of FOB, said “a silhouette of [Armstrong] playing guitar would be as recognizable in posture to any punk rock kid as Michael Jordan’s mid-air dunk would be to a sports fan.”

Even Gen Z “Queen of Pop” Billie Eilish — the first artist born in the 2000s to hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 — says her musical inspiration can be traced back to Green Day.

“Growing up, there was no band more important to me or my brother,” Eilish said at the 2019 American Music Awards.

Green Day’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of punk made room for the diverse bands and genres on the radio today. The music industry owes a lot to three friends and a turd-themed album. Pop star or small-town reporter, everyone should wish Dookie a very happy early birthday.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint

Thrown-Out Bones, Eichardt’s Pub, Aug. 26 Benny on the Deck, Connie’s, Aug. 30

Members of the San Francisco-based trio Thrown-Out Bones describe themselves as a “swanky rock group” that “slides from jazz to funk to rock to psychedelic jam breakdowns” That’s called truth in advertising.

Featuring Liliana Urbain on drums and lead vocals, Nick Chang on guitar and vocals, and Sam Miller on bass and vocals, Thrown-Out Bones’ discography features contemplative, earwormy ballads like “They Beckoned Me Here” and “Floorboards”;

rollicking torch song anthems like “Feel It in Your Bite” and “Hoodiladiloo”; and all-out sonic chaos on “Loaded Gun.”

Thrown-Out Bones will break the fourth wall at Eichardt’s on Saturday, Aug. 26, following a daytime show at SledFest (see Page 16 for more on that). Maybe go to both shows? Just throwing it out there.

—

Zach Hagadone

7 p.m., FREE. Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St., 208-2634005, eichardtspub.com, listen at thrownoutbones.com.

Benny Baker is often described as “prolific,” but that doesn’t quite cut it. He’s lent his voice and guitar to local bands including The Other White Meat, Beatdiggers, the Miah Kohal Band, BTP and who knows what others over the years.

Even that isn’t enough. For six summers Baker has led a weekly Wednesday night concert series on the patio at Connie’s Lounge, aptly titled Benny on the Deck and featuring a rotating slate of the top

players around.

The upcoming installment of Benny on the Deck on Wednesday, Aug. 30 will welcome Mike Wagoner to the mic, inviting listeners to sit a spell as he slings his signature blend of folk, Americana and rock-country.

— Zach Hagadone

6-9 p.m., FREE, 21+. Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., 208-2552227, conniescafe.net.

Ever wonder where I get some of the humbug quotes I often use in my installment of the “Junk Drawer” column on Page 3? It comes from a book Zach and I keep close to our desks called The Portable Curmudgeon, compiled by Jon Winokur. The book was gifted to us by a longtime friend of the paper, who identified our curmudgeonly nature and gave us an endless supply of quips to inflict on the unsuspecting Sandpoint populace. It’s a fun bathroom book for that special grump in your life.

READ LISTEN

You’ll either fall in love with Daniel Johnston’s music or you won’t. Though he struggled with mental illness most of his life, Johnston left behind a mountain of songs that speak to the love, loss, pain and joy of life from his unique perspective. There is an innocence to his home-recorded songs, but pull away the teeth and you’ll see the fangs. For bonus points, watch the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston for a full story of his singular life.

WATCH

As a fan of Michael Connelly’s books, I recently started watching Bosch on Amazon Prime, starring Titus Welliver. This tightly wound cop drama folds in many of Connelly’s storylines from the Harry Bosch novels, changing a fair amount of the details but preserving the titular detective’s hardboiled, no-bullshit essence. The showrunners do an exceptional job of pivoting to multiple storylines within the same universe, keeping ongoing investigations fresh and incorporating new elements to keep the viewers happy. Stream it on Amazon Prime.

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

Cover art for Green Day’s seminal album Dookie. Courtesy image.

From Pend d’Oreille Review, August 24, 1917

MAN MAKES DEROGATORY REMARKS

Mat Westlund, a prominent Sagle resident, was accused under the city ordinance with being drunk and disorderly in Sandpoint Tuesday evening.

The local officer making the arrest told Police Judge Davis next morning that Westlund made remarks derogatory to the president of the United States. Westlund told the court he had no remembrance of making any such remarks and if he did it was because of his condition. Considering that Westlund is a pretty good citizen as a general thing no effort was made to press a government charge and he paid a find of $25 and costs on the drunk charge.

WOMAN CLAIMS TO OWN BOOZE LADEN AUTO TAKEN AT COCOLALLA

According to complaint filed this week in district court May Black, presumably a Spokane woman, owns the 7-passenger 1917 model Mitchell car taken at Cocolalla on the night of August 4. Gust Wilke, who was driving the car through from Heron, Mont., with 45 gallons of booze on board, jumped his bail bond in probate court. The sheriff has since had the car in his possession.

BACK OF THE BOOK

Greetings from 2023: Send help

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Part of my weekly duties as publisher of the Reader is skimming through old newspaper archives for interesting news stories of the past for the column at left, “Old School Bonner County News.” Some headlines depict horrendous murders and inglorious deaths, while others plainly explain that Mr. and Mrs. So-andSo “traveled to Spokane to visit relatives and will return from their respite before the next Kiwanis meeting.”

I often think about those ink-stained drudges of the early 1900s, documenting this rough-and-ready logging and mining town through its early days of homesteading and prostitution. They walked these same streets, probably with a notepad in their breast pocket, staring up at the same brick facades and wondering what the future might hold for this magical place we call Sandpoint.

Perhaps it’s just vanity, but I wonder if there will be another journalist 100 years from now, combing through their holographic archives of our dumb era, accessing the documents with direct-to-brain laser transmission. These future Sandpointians will set aside their lotus blossoms and chuckle over our quaint ways and meaningless squabbles, wondering what life was really like back in 2023.

Well, this column’s for you, Sandpointians of the future. Here is the state of affairs in Sandpoint and the world at large, from this wretch’s perspective, in 2023.

The air is hazy from wildfires burning around the West, but it’s a “good” summer because only about half the days have been hazy, and only a few “hazardous to breathe.” It’s not like a few years ago, when we had the worst air quality

in the nation and you were lucky if you could see the car in front of you while driving down the highway.

The city of Sandpoint staff recently set up displays in Farmin Park filled with artistic renderings to show off the new city they intend to build. The residents eyed the displays with a mixture of reactions: some nodding slowly, some excitedly and others struggling to hold the screams from their gaped mouths.

A couple months ago, almost 200 Canada geese were rounded up and executed, because they had the audacity to defecate on the City Beach, where tourists take selfies by the tiny, fake Statue of Liberty that someone donated from their garden to the city.

The Bonner County commissioners and sheriff continue to hen peck one another, bickering about everything from ice skating rinks to Robert’s Rules of Order, and providing an endless supply of quips and quotes that haunt the pages of this newspaper like a ghost banging its head against a wall. Perhaps in 100 years, your own county electeds are still squabbling about ARPA funds and RV parks.

Mass shootings are a regular occurrence in America, which makes sense, because there are more guns than people in this country, and any attempt at regulating gun ownership is met with figurative (and sometimes literal) saber rattling and indignation.

Artificial intelligence is slowly taking the world by storm, putting artists of all stripes on notice that their creative work is no longer needed.

Overall, our country has begun a troubling turn towards moral fascism; but, like passengers on the Titanic, we play on — except, instead of suited violinists playing, “Songe d’Automne,” we have tank-top wearing Trump-hatted blowhards

blasting country songs that celebrate small-town lynchings.

Yes, I think I have to explain Donald Trump. It is my sincere hope that you Sandpointians of the future read this and say, “Donald who?” That means we’ve finally pinched off this dangling turd of a man who has so damaged our national psyche that we currently live in a “PostTruth” world, in which facts don’t matter, up is down, and accountability doesn’t exist if you wear the right kind of propaganda and have the right kind of friends.

As of now, Trump has been impeached twice, found liable for sexual assault and is under four separate criminal indictments for a whopping 91 felony charges. Yet, incredibly, Trump remains the leader of the field of Republican candidates and could even win the election, serving his term in office behind bars.

The climate continues to warm, but you can’t talk about that in certain circles because they don’t “believe” in science. As I write this, there are millions of people out there who believe the Earth is flat, that we didn’t land on the moon, that chemtrails spray nanodust robots that we breathe in and that control our bodies, and there’s a cabal of Hollywood actors who eat babies.

Most of us don’t believe this garbage; but, sadly, many of us do and a whole lot of us vote for people who do. That has sent us all into a weird dark age in which those who use logic and reason are shunted aside by the glad-handlers, bullshitters and bullies who continue to use their anger and outrage to gin up support for the next grift.

It’s a mad, dumb world right now, but we’re whistling past the graveyard here in 2023. I’m not sure if someone has invented a time machine in your time period, but if so, please send help. We could use it.

Laughing Matter

Solution on page 22

By Bill Borders

CROSSWORD

Solution on page 22

abscond

Word Week

of the Corrections:

1. to depart in a sudden and secret manner.

“Carl absconded into the night after the outburst, leaving the entire wedding party searching for his whereabouts.”

Nothing to note this week, except that one reader reminded us that “scry” is an actual word, but I like my version better.

If you’re ever giving a speech, when you start out, act nervous and get mixed up a little bit. Then, as you go along, get better and better. Then, at the end, give off a white, glowing light and have rays shoot out of you.