Reader_Dec21_2023_V2

2 / R / December 21, 2023

DEAR READERS,

The week in random review

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

doppleganger films

There is a strange phenomenon in Hollywood, in which two feature films are released at roughly the same time as another and tackle very similar (or identical) subject matter, while remaining otherwise unrelated. The most famous doppelganger films are probably Armageddon and Deep Impact, which both dealt with an asteroid about to strike the Earth. They were both released in the summer of 1998 and both suffered from mediocre reviews. Other famous doppelganger films include 1989’s Turner & Hootch and K-9; both about a grumpy cop who is forced to partner with a canine partner, whom they first hate and then love. In 1994-1995, there were two films released about a gender-bending romp in the desert: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.

Priscilla won an Oscar for best costume design, but they were both enjoyable. The year 1998 also saw another pair of doppelganger films in Antz and A Bug’s Life. The latter took in more at the box office, thanks to its Disney pedigree, but they were both well received. Finally, 1993 and 1994 saw the release of Tombstone and Wyapp Earp, both retelling the story of the shootout at the OK Corral and Earp’s life.

Tombstone wins the gunfight with Kurt Russell’s take on the lawman and Val Kilmer stealing the show as Doc Holliday.

New highs and new lows

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a milestone on Dec. 13, surpassing 37,000 points, marking an all-time high for the stock market index. During the 2020 presidential campaign, then-President Donald Trump claimed, “If Biden wins, you’re gonna have a stock market collapse the likes of which you’ve never had.” Biden’s campaign released a video after the all-time high was reached, showing a video of Trump’s baleful prediction. “Good one, Donald,” Biden wrote in the post on X. In response, Trump discounted the achievement before a rally crowd in Reno, Nev., claiming, “The stock market is making rich people richer. ... We are a nation whose economy is collapsing into a cesspool.” It’s worth pointing out that Trump took credit dozens of times for highs in the stock market during his presidency, at one point telling reporters, “The reason our stock market is so successful is because of me.”

self-care packages

Christmas is the time of year when we think of others before ourselves. We spend hours working on handmade presents. We elbow through busy shopping crowds to find that perfect something for our loved ones. We watch them open gifts with smiles, hoping they fit the bill. By the time the reindeer dust settles and the presents have been doled out, our wallets and purses are often feeling quite empty. So are we, for that matter. For those about to feel the post-holiday hangover, here’s a simple suggestion: Buy yourself something nice, too. It’s not selfish to buy a present for yourself at Christmastime. I’d argue that it’s a healthy way to show yourself some love and attention. So, if you can afford to, buy that pair of hiking boots or new pair of skis you’ve been eyeballing. You’re worth it.

’Twas the deadline before Christmas and all through the town Lots of creatures were stirring and partying down; But not in the palatial Reader headquarters Where there came the busy typing of reporters; Writing the news and everything else that fits These two boys and one girl doing the work of six; They hope you’ll find this week’s edition grand And not find too many typos with red pen in hand; With visions of whiskey dancing plum in their heads They put in the final touches and sent the paper off to bed; Before they went home to greet all their loved ones, They stood there in the doorway wide open; They shouted to all and sundry to hear, “Merry Christmas you dogs, let’s go have a beer!”

– Ben Olson, publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368

sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Soncirey Mitchell (Staff Writer) soncirey@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (emeritus) Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Kelsey Kizer kelsey@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Woods Wheatcroft (cover), Ben Olson Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Schweitzer, Bill Borders, Clarice McKenney Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Emily Erickson, Clarice McKenney, Sandy Compton, Chris Kaisler Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID Subscription Price: $165 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

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

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Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: sandpointreader.com About the Cover

This week’s cover photo features T. Mo. gladly accepting a launch into bliss from da Boyz. Photo taken

by Woods Wheatcroft on the Schweitzer side country.

December 21, 2023 / R / 3

NEWS Sandpoint council approves traffic alignment, intersection plan affecting Pine St.

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff The Sandpoint City Council made big steps toward changing how traffic will flow on First Avenue, Superior and Pine streets at its regular Dec. 20 meeting — the last gathering of the body before the new year.

Amid a lengthy agenda, councilors unanimously approved amendments to both City Code and the Multimodal Transportation Master Plan, eliminating truck routes on First, Superior and Pine in downtown Sandpoint, with the goal being to reroute heavy vehicles and relieve congestion, thus easing through traffic of passenger vehicles in residential neighborhoods in south Sandpoint.

Approval of that change dovetailed with a realignment of Pine Street to two-way traffic and, ultimately, the reconfiguration of the intersection of Pine and Fifth Avenue — the latter which doubles as U.S. Highway 2 — which would see the relocation of the current signal at Fifth and Church Street to Fifth and Pine. The council approved the reconfiguration in a unanimous vote.

The change would move the crosswalk at Euclid Avenue across

Pine to a new signalized location immediately west of the Pine-Fifth intersection, as well as add a new signalized crossing on the east side of the intersection across a northbound right-hand turn lane from Pine to Fifth.

“It is hugely beneficial and will really set us up for our downtown improvements when we’re encouraging downtown traffic not to use First Avenue as a cut through and instead use Pine,” said Sandpoint Construction Manager Holly Ellis.

“It’ll also position us well for growth, so from a modeling perspective it’ll reduce stacking, so when you’re waiting for a traffic light to change on Pine, that queue will reduce by half when implementing this turn lane. It will also decrease emissions downtown, which is immensely beneficial.”

Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon was also in favor of the change, stating, “We really want to encourage traffic to get out of our residential area. If we make this more congested, we’re not going to see a decrease in traffic on Superior and Lake.”

Coon’s comment touched on the broader strategy of eliminating large truck traffic from main thoroughfares such as First, Superior and Pine, so that everyday mo-

torists won’t feel the need to seek alternate routes through mostly south Sandpoint.

“My hope is if this becomes a well-designed intersection, with the technology that they have planned, will see some of those vehicles that are using Lake and Superior as cutthrough traffic now start using Pine Street because it’s more effective and faster,” Coon said, adding, “This might be one of the better designs we have.”

There were a few sticking points, however. Councilor Jason Welker questioned the elimination of the Euclid crosswalk, asking whether it would be possible to put a crossing from the south curb of Pine to Sixth Avenue, enabling south Sandpoint residents to more efficiently cross to destinations such as the Granary District.

“I’ll probably never use the new crosswalk [at Pine and Fifth] because it’s in the wrong direction,” Welker said, noting that he is a resident of south Sandpoint.

“I foresee this as not being a very used crosswalk,” he added.

Ellis said that planners had not considered a crossing to Sixth Avenue because it would be a mid-block crosswalk, which “are just generally not safe.”

Councilors agreed to add con-

sideration of that modification to the plan in their approved motion to go forward with the intersection design.

Ellis summed up the intersection project as “truly designed with the intent of, ‘If you build it they will come.’”

During public comment on the agenda item related to the Fifth and Pine intersection, Sandpoint Mayor-elect Jeremy Grimm voiced some concerns about setting the plan in motion lacking an adopted Comprehensive Plan, which is intended to guide future growth and development in the city.

“First and foremost, I’d say let’s get the Comp Plan done before we move forward with this plan,” said Grimm, who will be sworn in as

A map showing Sandpoint’s no truck signage. Courtesy image. mayor in the first weeks of January 2024. He went on to question the use of development impact fees for the project, noting that those funds — collected from new development — are intended to pay for “deficiencies.” Incoming City Attorney Fonda Jovick, who was appointed to the role on Dec. 20 following the retirement of Andy Doman, said that while the question of the appropriateness of using impact fees for the project wasn’t germane to the immediate decision, it would be in the future.

“This is a big one for you, so give it some thought,” Grimm told councilors.

ITD officials share Dist. 1 project details

Plans in the works for improvements to Hwy. 200 in Kootenai, U.S. 95 in Sagle

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Representatives of the Idaho Transportation Department spoke to the Sandpoint Kiwanis on Dec. 18, sharing an update on ITD’s various projects — both ongoing and planned — in District 1, which includes the five northernmost counties of the state.

Dist. 1 ITD Public Information Officer Heather McDaniel walked members of the service organization through a plan to add a center turn lane at State Highway 200 from McGhee Road to Kootenai Street, as well as the department’s work with the city of Kootenai to incorporate a pedestrian trail on Railroad Avenue using grant dollars and leveraging a Strategic Initiatives Program lo4 / R / December 21, 2023

cal transportation grant to repave Railroad Avenue.

In addition, McDaniel touched on the relocation of the traffic signal on U.S. 2 from Church to Pine Street in the city of Sandpoint, along with the two-way realignment of Pine Street and elimination of truck through traffic.

The biggest item, however, is the ongoing reevaluation of U.S. 95 from Dufort Road to Lakeshore Drive in Sagle.

“Obviously that community through that area has changed quite a bit [since the previous design studies in the late-1990s and early-’00s] and so we’re going through and reevaluating the plan against the changes in the community and how best we can serve everybody through that area,” McDaniel said.

The preferred concept, which is undergoing environmental assessment, would be to widen U.S. 95 to a four-lane divided highway with frontage roads on either side throughout the Sagle corridor, build an interchange at Dufort, and construct two overpasses at Ivy Drive/Algoma Spur Road and Gun Club Road. Farther to the north, the concept includes building an interchange at Brisboys Road and an overpass at Bottle Bay Road.

Also included in the plans are considerations for maintaining bicycle and pedestrian pathways and potentially adding to the non-motorized infrastructure.

Most significant, McDaniel said, are the number and locations of the interchanges, which are intended to provide controlled access to the highway and function

as on and off ramps.

“If you’ve ever driven through Athol, that’s an interchange,” she said.

Marvin Fenn, ITD engineering manager for North Idaho, said work on the Sagle corridor represents the next in a series of project phases to improve freeway access from Coeur d’Alene to the Long Bridge. The overall work has been broken up into five segments, with the most recent being from the Athol area to Granite Hill.

Fenn said that ITD will first need to secure funding beyond the department’s “meat and potatoes” sources — which are made up of mostly federal and state gas tax revenue — to utilize state Transportation, Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds for bonding and pursue additional grants.

“Basically [we’re] trying to keep up with growth, mostly,” he said, later adding that those “meat and potatoes” sources “will never compete against the growth that’s going on.”

“We’re just getting ready. If we get that environmental document, we are almost shovel ready,” Fenn said.

In the meantime, the process of reevaluating the corridor will provide a clearer picture of the overall footprint of the work in Sagle, as well as how it might affect the land around the project.

However, the best estimate for when that work could actually happen is seven years at the earliest, though Fenn said it could be upward of 15 years.

“We’ve got such a big list of needs statewide,” he said.

< see ITD, Page 5 >

NEWS

BOCC alters code of conduct for meetings Commissioners adopt standing rules, eliminate public comment on individual items

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff In response to the now-routine hostility between county elected officials, employees and members of the public during the Bonner County board of commissioners’ meetings, the board reinforced and altered its code of conduct going forward at the Dec. 19 regular business meeting.

Chair Luke Omodt instituted the first change, stating that “the chair will no longer entertain public comment on agendized items,” due especially to negative statements directed at the Clerk’s Office at its Dec. 12 meeting.

Members of the public can instead submit questions prior to the meetings, which the commissioners will ask on their behalf.

“The employees of Bonner County are invaluable to our organization. For months our employees have been subjected to abuse, misstatements and lies about their character, service and conduct at the weekly business meetings.

Not any more,” Omodt wrote in a statement Dec. 19 and shared with the Reader.

The bulk of the “abuse” has stemmed from the controversy over the issue of fraud at the Bonner County Fairgrounds and current audit, though many issues — from county spending to the use of coarse language — have elicited strong reactions during the meetings.

< ITD, con’t from Page 4 > Much nearer on the horizon is installing the center turn lane on Highway 200, which is coming in the summer of 2024. Likewise, the relocation of the signal at U.S. 2 from Church to Pine Street and realignment of Pine to two-way traffic is also forthcoming next summer (see Page 4). However, Fenn said those are the only projects ITD contemplates occurring in that area of U.S. 2 in Sandpoint.

“We blessed that, that’s OK with us. That’s all a city job,” he said.

“Other than that, there’s no projects on the books to realign that curve — what you guys call ‘the Curve’ — using old railroad grade.”

Audience members will still have the opportunity to speak during the scheduled public comment section, which, as of Dec. 19, now occurs at the very end of the meeting after the commissioner reports.

The first action item was a motion by Omodt to adopt a set of 10 standing rules — many of which reinforce pre-existing meeting regulations — which he stated in the Dec. 19 email will be “vigorously enforced.”

Building on his decision to limit public comment, rule No. 7 states that, “Under no circumstances will attacks against a member or their motivation be considered appropriate. Debate against or for the question/motion must be confined to the merits of the motion.”

The standing rules further clarify the duties of the sergeant at arms and limit debate on motions to “twice per speaker and five minutes per time,” unless altered by a majority vote.

Omodt’s motion to adopt the standing rules passed with Commissioner Asia Williams dissenting.

A complete list of the BOCC standing rules is as follows: ‘Standing Rules for Meetings of the Bonner County Board of Commissioners’ 1. All items to be agendized for the regularly scheduled business

meeting will follow the BOCC Meeting Agenda Submission Procedure. Action items without an attached memorandum with a written motion will not be considered.

2. The chair presides over the meeting and will conduct meetings in accordance with state statute, county ordinance and the standing rules. The chair is responsible for enforcing the rules and designating who is to speak at any given time. The sergeant at arms will assist with enforcing the rules.

3. All remarks will be addressed through the chair to include the BOCC, elected officials and their deputies, employees, and members of the public.

4. There will be no debate on

discussion items or motions without a second.

5. Debate on all motions will be limited to twice per speaker and five minutes per time; debate can be extended or limited by a majority vote of the BOCC. 6. Remarks will be confined to the merits of the pending question (motion); remarks must be germane to the motion on the floor.

7. When a question (motion) is pending, the proposed motion, not the member, is the subject of debate. Personal or ad hominem attacks will be considered out of order. Under no circumstances will attacks against a member or their motivation be considered appropriate. Debate against or for the

Fenn had some additional comments on the so-called Curve project, which kicked up no small amount of community opposition earlier this year, when the city brought forward a concept to create a new intersection east of Boyer Avenue on U.S. 2 feeding a north-south connection between the highway and Fifth Avenue via a “couplet” on land formerly home to a railroad line.

“Last time, politically, we got shot down, so we wanted the city to have full support and actually try to at least politically … get everyone’s blessing,” he said, explaining that only when the city feels it is ready and congestion

has become too great will it approach ITD about resurrecting the “Curve” realignment.

“We put that in as an expansion job two years ago and we just didn’t get a bunch of benefit-cost, only because the cost is so high and it dragged the numbers down.

So that got parked,” Fenn added.

“But I see one day at least using the railroad grade as one or two lanes, at least from Dub’s and not trying to do any fancy intersections at Dub’s or any monster improvements — that kind of was the emotional part of the last time we tried to do the big Curve job. So except for what the city’s doing, we don’t have a project in

the program.”

In response to an audience question, Fenn also spoke about the future of the Long Bridge and its adjacent pedestrian bridge. ITD has put between $18 million and $20 million into the bridge in recent years — including wrapping the piers — adding a further 15 to 20 years of life to the span, which he said “is relatively young in the bridge world.”

However, the older bridge immediately to the east “is no more than a walking path” to the department, Fenn said, and, “If Bridge had their way, they’d pull that out tomorrow.”

As it is, that bridge has been

Bonner County Commissioners Luke Omodt, left; Asia Williams, middle; and Steve Bradshaw, right.

Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey. question/motion must be confined to the merits of the motion.

8. Any ruling of the chair can be appealed and overturned with a majority vote.

9. The National Association of Counties The Right Way to Run a Meeting Guide is the reference for meeting norms.

10. These rules are not and cannot be the totality of all BOCC activity. Federal law, state law and relevant county ordinances may also be applicable to BOCC matters. shored up to withstand the pressure placed on it by non-motorized users, but, “We wouldn’t even allow a scooter on that bridge,” Fenn said.

It’s unlikely that Road and Bridge will undertake any major projects on the Long Bridge until the pedestrian span wears out, at which time “it’ll bring the department to some kind of action,” he added, suggesting that could come in the form of “adding another half a bridge to get some northbound lanes in there.”

For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov.

December 21, 2023 / R / 5

NEWS

The future of family planning in Idaho

Launch of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff The new Idaho Contraceptive Education Network launched Dec. 4 with the goal of preserving and expanding access to contraceptives throughout Idaho by educating the public about their various functions, dispelling misinformation and giving Idahoans the opportunity to advocate for their needs.

“Birth control is well known as a tool to prevent or delay pregnancy, but it can also be essential to supporting fertility treatments and treating health conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, anemia, acne and others,” said Tara Malek, a former Republican candidate for Idaho Senate who spearheads the ICEN, alongside former-Reps. Kelley Packer (R-McCammon) and Laurie Lickley (R-Jerome).

In a recent press release, ICEN stated that the “majority of Idahoans” support access to contraceptives and believe they are essential to reducing unplanned pregnancies. The issue has remained at the center of U.S. domestic politics since the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022 that gave states the option to regulate abortion access, thereby overturning the landmark case Roe v. Wade that had guaranteed access to abortion as a constitutional right.

“The most important message we can

6 / R / December 21, 2023

share is that life is so important and precious, and it should be prepared for in a thoughtful way. Contraceptives allow people to do that,” Packer stated in the press release.

In April 2023, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 374 into law, clarifying that birth control does not violate Idaho’s strict abortion laws. Since many have conflated these two elements of family planning, ICEN seeks to ensure that the laws protecting citizens’ rights to access contraceptives remain intact in the current political climate.

“Access to birth control empowers individuals and couples to exercise their personal liberty in choosing when and if to have children, and it enables couples to thoughtfully plan to grow their families,” Malek told the Reader.

“This helps to ensure couples are emotionally, financially and mentally prepared to provide a nurturing environment for their children.”

According to ICEN’s website, 80% of Republican voters throughout the nation support increased access to contraceptives, making restrictions on birth control “highly unpopular.”

Individuals and businesses are invited to join ICEN’s network at idahocen.org/join to receive educational resources and information about events and activities, and to share personal stories.

“There is nothing more pro-life than giving our families access to this important family planning resource,” Lickley stated in the press release.

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: If your airline luggage goes missing, search the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Ala. The center is contracted to sell unclaimed baggage after 90 days, according to ABC. Airlines are being criticized for high baggage fees while losing 2 million of about 700 million suitcases last year alone.

Former-President Donald Trump drew attention this weekend with several presidential campaign comments, perhaps most outstanding of all, comparing himself to the “great great” mafia boss Al Capone, various media reported. Capone’s history included conviction for tax evasion and becoming infamous as a brutal mob boss, who committed an estimated 200 murders, either directly or indirectly.

Without better pay “one or more justices will leave soon,” Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned a Florida Representative in 2000, ProPublica recently reported. The justice’s pay then was $173,600 annually. Higher pay legislation was written but dead-ended. Instead, wealthy donors began supplying perks to right-wing Supreme Court justices, such as a sizable loan to Thomas that was later forgiven. In return, those justices have facilitated decisions such as unlimited campaign funding by big donors, gutting the Voting Rights Act and deciding favorably for anti-abortion interests.

Historian Heather Cox Richardson noted that permitting those secret gifts “undermines our judicial system’s ideal of Equal Justice Under Law,” and failure to disclose gifts is unlawful.

A review of hundreds of federal financial disclosures by The Lever: in 2021 and 2022, two conservative billionaire-funded legal interests funded more than 100 federal judges on 251 trips to conferences, both in-country and overseas.

Former-New York City Mayor and Trump legal adviser Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a jury to pay two Georgia election workers $148 million for false claims he made about them regarding the 2020 election cycle, Business Insider reported. The two women continuously dodged serious threats stemming from Giuliani’s statements.

Republicans in the House recently authorized an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The Guardian report-

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

ed the White House is cooperating with the investigation.

“Highly sensitive” Russian intelligence related to Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election went missing at the end of Trump’s time in office and has yet to be recovered, CNN reported.

Trump’s handling of sensitive records has led to 40 felony counts for retaining documents after he left office and for obstructing efforts to retrieve those documents.

That case goes to trial next year.

Palestine’s last election was in 2006, when Hamas won a third of the votes, according to The Nation. Since then, Hamas forcibly gained control over the Gaza Strip. Pre-Oct.7, polling showed half of Gazans didn’t want Hamas calling for the destruction of Israel and preferred a two-state solution.

For a decade, Israel’s prime minister “bolstered” Hamas with the aim of dividing Palestinians to discredit their cause, the magazine reported, seeing that as effective for thwarting a Palestinian state. With Israel hammering Gaza, polls show more people there are now siding with Hamas.

The Nation also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was personally notified 10 days prior to Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, but the Israeli government took no action, despite Hamas doing practice runs in plain sight and posting videos about the practices. Survivors of the Hamas massacre largely fault Netanyahu for failing in his responsibility and want either his resignation or ouster.

Meanwhile, Israel has “flattened” most of northern Gaza and driven 85% of the territory’s 2.3 million people from their homes, according to ABC. While not happy with Israel’s killing of Palestinian civilians, media reports stated that Biden has supported more weapons for Israel, while also telling Israel the harm to Palestinian civilians needs to stop.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been seeking a timetable for winding down intense combat. But Israel’s military leaders have vowed to attain “complete victory,” which will “take time.” Several media reports claim a number of staffers within the White House disagree with Biden’s weapons stance.

Blast from the past: “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.”

— Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese artist, poet, essayist and novelist (1883-1931).

NEWS

ICL appoints Brad Smith as new conservation director

By Reader Staff

a master’s degree in public policy and administration at Boise State University.

Stemming from that experience and Longtime Idaho Conservation education, collaboration has been a League North Idaho Director Brad cornerstone of Smith’s success at ICL. Smith has a new title with the statewide He worked with the Idaho Forest Group organization: conservation director.

— Idaho’s largest timber company — to Well known for his conservation endorse the proposed Scotchman Peaks work throughout the region, Smith Wilderness in 2015. This support was began his career with ICL in 2007, part of a broader agreement on a land Brad Smith. File photo. management plan for the Idaho Panfocusing on public lands and wildlife with an emphasis on responsible recreation. He handle National Forest, encompassing proposed most recently collaborated with snowmobilers, wilderness areas and timber management areas. backcountry skiers, the U.S. Forest Service and In 2022, Smith launched ICL’s North Idaho other North Idaho stakeholders to develop a winter Lakes Program, aiming to maintain the cleanlirecreation plan for the 1 million-acre Kaniksu ness, swimability and fishability of the region’s National Forest. lakes, rivers and streams.

“Brad’s experience and expertise makes him As conservation director, he will oversee ICL’s the perfect person to lead our conservation team initiatives to restore salmon, protect public lands, forward,” stated ICL Executive Director Justin conserve wildlife, reduce greenhouse gas emisHayes in a news release. “His passion for the natu- sions and clean up the Snake River. ral world and the people of Idaho will make ICL’s “I am honored to be selected for this role,” work resonate with people across the state, and Smith stated. “I look forward to leading staff and make a real difference for Idaho’s clean air, water, collaborating with our members and others who lands, wildlife and communities.” care about Idaho to safeguard our air, water, wildHaving grown up in North Idaho — and seeing lands and wildlife for the benefit of present and among the last woodland caribou to be found in future Idahoans.” the region — Smith felt inspired by the animals’ Smith succeeds Marie Callaway-Kellner, who, plight and pursued a degree in environmental after a decade at ICL, accepted a position at the science at the University of Idaho in Moscow and University of Idaho Law School.

Land Board distributes $61 million to Idaho public schools

By Reader Staff The Idaho Board of Land Commissioners delivered an early holiday gift to students in the state Dec. 19, presenting a symbolic check of $61,532,200 to Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield and the youth members of the Capital Singers at a celebration in the Capitol rotunda in Boise.

Gov. Brad Little was on hand to give the check, which represents the largest portion of the more than $100 million distributed to all beneficiaries of the land endowment, with dollars drawn from earnings accrued by managing endowment lands and investments.

“It is exciting to receive this check on behalf of Idaho’s school children from the hard-earned money from the endowment fund,” Critchfield stated in a news release. “The men and women of Idaho Department of Lands and the Endowment Fund Investment Board believe in the endowment mission. The revenue made from endowment lands and endowment investments makes a difference.”

The endowment fund currently holds $2.9 billion, which supports cur-

rent and future beneficiaries. Reserves are held to cover about seven years of distributions for the nine beneficiaries, protecting future distributions when problems arise in the economy.

The EFIB manages the endowment fund and IDL manages nearly 2.5 million acres of endowment land held in trust for the financial support of beneficiaries. The Land Board oversees both the EFIB and IDL. “It is important to have both the endowment fund and endowment land working together to generate returns for the beneficiaries,” stated IDL Director Dustin Miller. “Coupled together, the financial assets and timberland provide reliable and consistent sources of funding for beneficiaries like our public schools.”

Miller added that more than half of the beneficiary distributions come directly from land revenue — mainly timber harvests.

The Capitol holiday event featured Christmas songs from the elite singing group, the Capital Singers, from Capital High School in Boise, which has become a tradition in the rotunda.

Dist. 1A Rep. Mark Sauter to seek a second term

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

Republican Rep. Mark Sauter has announced he will seek a second term serving in the District 1A seat of the Idaho Legislature.

Stating in a news release that, “It’s been a good learning and working experience. I believe there is more to do for our district, and I want to be a part of that process,” Sauter threw his hat in the ring for the May 2024 GOP primary, going on to add, “I ran as a Republican [in 2022] with a conservative platform to support our community and way of life in our district. My campaign message and flyers contained the bullet points I stood/stand for.”

Those priorities included support for education; commitment to a comprehensive review of the state’s tax system, and especially property taxes; standing for public safety and ensuring the state’s business environment remains attractive; and promoting the need for improved career technical education for Idaho students and

Rep. Mark Sauter. File photo. communities.

Sauter highlighted his engagement with residents throughout his first term, pointing to his attendance at public events and meetings, where he “learned a great deal more about our district and the needs and interests of our voters.”

“Our health care system is one important example,” he added.

“We have a sizable population of residents who utilize Medicare and Medicaid insurance. Half of those depending on Medicaid are children. The funding for both

these programs directly funds our health care providers, not individual residents.”

In his announcement, Sauter also underscored that the 2023 legislative session included the successful passage of “some property tax relief, improving funding for schools and investing in our state.”

Additionally, Sauter noted increased state support for career technical education through the Launch program, which is targeted toward high school graduates with an interest in careers in high-demand sectors.

“We passed balanced budgets for our state services as required and supported prioritized improvements. We were fortunate to have the revenue to make such investments,” he stated.

“It’s been said that government should be boring. Afterall, our families, health care system, education community and businesses have many other issues to focus on,” Sauter continued.

Portions of Sauter’s term in office so far have been less than

“boring,” with a vote of “no confidence” coming from the Bonner County Republican Central Committee in April 2023, which alleged that he had failed to “represent the Republican Platform and the principles of the Idaho Republican Party,” according to the BCRCC. Sauter told the Reader in April that he hadn’t run for office in the May 2022 primary seeking the endorsement of the BCRCC, yet still won a majority of votes in the election.

“Their endorsement, you could say, is their vote of confidence. I never asked for it, never got it, but now they’re going to pull it back and say, ‘By the way, we don’t have confidence in you.’

Well, you never gave it to me,” he said at the time.

Rather, Sauter reiterated that his goal is to focus on the business of the state, rather than intra-party politics.

“Our residents depend on our state to provide a foundation of services they can count on,” he stated in his announcement. “We

all support this foundation with our tax dollars and our community service. It’s also our responsibility to allocate these funds wisely, with an eye on the future.”

Referring to his experience at the Capitol, Sauter stated that he has the leadership skills and community relationships to “responsibly represent our district,” and asked for voters’ support “so that I may continue to serve them.”

“We have had success. Idaho is an attractive place to live, raise a family and work. I know with persistent effort; we can maintain what we have and continue to improve,” he added. “It’s an honor to serve our community as one of the elected representatives.”

Pointing to the “potential for ‘turbulence’ during the campaign season,” Sauter invited voters to contact him directly with questions or comments at msauter@ house.idaho.gov. In addition, he stated that he plans on making frequent weekend visits to the district for meet-and-greets and other events during the 2024 legislative session, which begins in January.

December 21, 2023 / R / 7

Inspired by a ‘Raye of hope’…

Bouquets: • One of my favorite things is when I’m out and about and see that one of our readers has clipped something from the Reader and tacked it up at their business — or, if I’m at someone’s house, their fridge. It’s high praise, in my humble opinion. Just the other day, I was in 7B Boardshop and saw they had clipped out a snarky Barb I wrote informing Sandpoint drivers that mufflers exist and should be used at all costs. It felt like an A+.

• The Idaho Land Board just announced that Idaho public schools are receiving a $61,532,200 distribution for the current school year.

Funding for this distribution comes from money earned from managing endowment land and investments.

It’s always a good thing when Idaho public education receives extra funding. We so desperately need it to ensure our future generations have better access to education than previous generations. This is something we should all agree on.

Barbs: • I try not to write about our former president much. Those who support him will support him no matter what he says or does (cult, anyone?).

However, Trump’s latest remarks are a step too far, even for him. At one of his recent feverish rallies, Trump directly parroted a talking point from Adolf Hitler while ranting about immigrants, saying, “They’re poisoning the blood of our country. They’re coming into our country from Africa, from Asia, all over the world.”

Hitler spoke in similar terms in his manifesto Mein Kampf to criticize the mixing of races, specifically German “blood” being harmed by Jews. At the same rally, Trump also praised Kim Jong Un and quoted Vladimir Putin.

In a surprise — and fitting — ruling released Dec. 13, the Colorado Supreme Court barred Trump from the state’s ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who swore an oath to support the Constitution and then “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to have the final say over the ruling, but it’s a sign that perhaps the wall of grievances Trump has built around himself is slowly crumbling.

8 / R / December 21, 2023

Dear editor, Thank you for your feature article, “Raye of hope” and your piece, “The Days of Innocence” [Reader; Dec. 14, 2023; by Ben Olson]. What a joy to read about this young lady.

It is so refreshing to read about kindness and unconditional love in real practice. Raye is giving from her heart to the unhoused of Spokane to make their lives a bit more comfortable and make a difference.

At the tender age of 4 to feel sad about seeing the unhoused out in the cold and deciding she could actually do something to help is mind blowing, really. How many children want to spend their Christmas passing out supplies needed by people for living on the streets?

How many children can inspire the adults and community around them to contribute to her cause?

She is the embodiment of the leadership and inspiration we all need. I am in awe.

If you feel inspired, as I was, she has a list of supplies you can contribute at makerslongacres.com.

Thank you Raye for being a ray of hope for all of us at a time when it is sorely needed.

Cynthia Mason Hope

Memories and visions…

Dear editor, My brother Lester was a box boy in the 1960s at Roger’s Grocery store (where Winter Ridge Natural Foods is now). He came home one evening and told us there was going to be a “ski hill” in the mountains close to Sandpoint. We weren’t sure what that meant.

We lived on our farm at the end of the county road. Winter in the early ’60s meant tire chains on the rear-wheel drive Belair and the International H tractor. Winter meant splitting kindling and filling the woodboxes. Winter meant hand milking our Guernsey cows in the faint light of the barn lanterns because the electricity had been knocked out by snow-heavy branches. Winter meant work and family closeness and cold linoleum floors in the morning.

And now, years later, winter means chairlift rides and majestic views. Winter means powder mornings and twilight runs.

I love the memories.

I admire the visionaries.

Steve Johnson Sagle

Thanks for the support in 2023…

Dear editor, For almost 35 years, The Idaho Mythweaver has shared stories of Native Americans of the Plateau Region, primarily over public radio.

Today we’re also creating podcasts that are available at mythweaver.org (and Spotify and Apple Podcasts) as Voices of the Wild Earth. Thanks to grants from the Idaho Humanities Council, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Idaho Forest Group, 11 programs to date offer Indigenous wisdom about living in harmony with nature and each other.

Back in October, we hosted a live production of Nez Perce storytelling, dance and song called “According to Coyote” at the Panida Theater. It featured Nez Perce actor Kellen Trenal and was an amazing show, concluding with an insightful conversation with Kellen, who will soon be traveling to perform at the Smithsonian.

This special evening and celebration was also a fundraiser for our ongoing podcast and radio work. This community event was made possible only by the generosity of Ting Internet, as well as in-kind support from Keokee Media and Marketing; the Panida Theater; Evans Brothers Coffee; The UPS Store; Hotel Ruby Ponderay; Rock Creek Alliance; and Mythweaver volunteers Josh Anderson, Colleen Mooney, Sharon Anderson and Paula Vincent.

We are indebted to those who gave so generously to our silent auction: Talus Rock Retreat, Nieman’s Floral Market, Tango Cafe, Mountain West Bank, Rustique Bakery, Sandpoint Farmers Market, Trinity at City Beach, Syringa Cyclery, Thunder’s Catch Salmon, Winter Ridge Natural Foods, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Matchwood Brewing Company, Blue Fingers Farm and Sharon Anderson, as well as the highest bidders who went home with these gifts. Thank you everyone!

We’re still selling chances until Dec. 31 for the donated oil painting, “Spawning Grounds,” of kokanee salmon by Terrel Jones. Donate $10 on our website or at Misty Mountain Furniture.

Help us keep the stories coming.

Jane Fritz Sandpoint

Positive changes for Sandpoint truck traffic…

Dear editor, Earlier this year the city began the redesign of Pine Street between Fourth and Fifth to return it to two-

PERSPECTIVES

Another view on the city’s snow parking policy

By Chris Kaisler Reader Contributor Regarding the Dec. 14 letter from Mike Jewell about his parking ticket, I sense his frustration but feel another perspective might be warranted.

The city of Sandpoint posts signage that explains the parking policy during the winter months; in fact I have one right in front of my house. In order to accommodate the large equipment that is used to remove the snow it is important to have a larger area to work in, therefore one side of the street gets sacrificed to this effort.

If you watch the snow removal process you can see why.

I guess I would say, as far as the parking ticket goes, the employees of the city are just doing their jobs.

The city cannot help it that the system crashes on a day when a ticketed individual wants to make an appeal online. The individual at City Hall is not able to make an exception because the system crashed. The next step remains available: go in and make an appeal in person. If we want the city to charge less, we need to contact City Council members and get involved.

The city cannot help it that the system crashes on a day when a ticketed individual wants to make way traffic. I had serious concerns about the impact this would have on the already high amount of truck traffic on Pine Street, so I reached out to businesses and residents to hear their thoughts. It was uniformly agreed that Pine should be protected from heavy truck through traffic, and many of those I reached out to came to an August council meeting to express their desires for the city to amend its truck route map to reflect this.

That night Councilor Deb Ruehle and I urged our fellow councilors to amend the city’s truck routes to remove Pine and Superior. To better inform the decision, council that night requested an impact study, which has since revealed that, indeed, making Pine two-way would substantially increase the amount of through traffic by heavy trucks on our downtown streets.

I believe Pine Street has the potential to become a thriving commer-

an appeal online. The individual at City Hall is not able to make an exception because the system crashed. The next step remains available: go in and make an appeal in person.

Case in point: I recently received a ticket for not registering my car. It is a new car and I did not receive the annual notice and it did not occur to me that I was delinquent. The officer who pulled me over had to give me a ticket, as is required of her. She told me I could appeal. I went into the county clerk’s office to request an appeal and was given a court date.

The county clerk did not have the authority to waive my ticket as I had to go through the process. I arrived on the date and sat in the courtroom for an hour waiting for my time to dispute the ticket.

Because I had paid the delinquent amount the day I received my ticket, the ticket was dismissed.

Now, did I want to sit outside the county office to wait to pay my registration until my number was called; did I want to go to the courthouse and get a court date; did I want to sit in the courtroom and wait my turn? No. But this is how it works in a civil society where individuals have rights but also have to abide by a process so that it works for all parties involved. cial corridor, reflecting the charm of Cedar Street to the north. Increased heavy truck traffic following the return of two-directional travel would have undermined the corridor’s potential for economic development.

After Wednesday night, heavy trucks (not including those making local deliveries) will be banned from using Pine, Superior, First Avenue and Church as shortcuts between Highway 95 and Highway 2. Trucks will be directed to stay on the highways when heading from west to south or vice versa and Sandpoint residents will at long last have our quiet streets back to ourselves.

Thanks to the neighbors and business owners along Pine who took the time to make their voices heard and to my fellow City Council members who listened to the community’s desires and took action to improve Sandpoint residents’ quality of life.

Jason Welker Sandpoint

PERSPECTIVES

Emily Articulated

A column by and about Millennials

Tomorrow’s problems

By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist

The ground crunched with every step I took, its dirt pocked with vertical frost crystals midway through heaving themselves from their depths to the sky — a journey cut short (satisfyingly) under my feet.

I took a deep breath and exhaled, the cloud of warm air swirling as it mixed with the landscape before me. I was at the start of a rock field, barely visible beneath a layer of fresh snow. As I began my route, hopping from snow mound to rock tip to ice-dusted earth, “Don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems,” popped into my head.

The phrase had been following me around for weeks, dredged up by some show or podcast, and inserting itself in my life and mind, in snatched conversations, in the line of my book and of my own creation, as if wanting to single-handedly prove the Baader-Meinhof frequency illusion.

This latest resurfacing was another example of the phrase not perfectly matching my surroundings, but hardly straining my brain’s ability to weave metaphors and draw connections between themes.

I get it. Without knowing the exact makeup of the rocks under my feet — and despite not knowing the conditions I’ll encounter with each step — I trust myself to react, adjust and find balance with every new and inevitable change. I had faith in my feet to figure it out,

Emily Erickson.

to make the right moves when the time came for them to be made, without any need for preparation or worry.

It was yet another reminder that there was a part of me, deeper and more native than my recent foray into anxiety, that knows I can handle the unknown.

If I had to pinpoint the start of my experience with anxiety, I’d pick the pandemic, with every extension of isolation and iteration of fear-inducing headline fueling my existential dread. This generalized worry about the state of the world was sharpened into personal experience, with news that my dad’s liver was failing and that I would be the person responsible for helping him navigate his end of life, 2,000 miles away.

Ruminating on the “big things” — like the state of the world, safety and equity for people in our country, the growing divisiveness in our community, the health and wellness of the people I love, and my own bouts of injury and sickness — was quickly

compounded by the “little things,” too.

Three o’clock in the morning became my time to build to-do lists for work, to reenact my latest uncomfortable conversations, to make plans for getting a mole checked on my back, to contemplate my dad’s care and to wonder if I paid my latest cellphone bill.

In the mania of racing thoughts, my body searched for fast-paced distractions to counter it all, pressing play on an audiobook while listening to music and scrolling on Instagram. The spaces in my mind that I used to dedicate to thinking, drawing connections, processing feelings and finding closure, were filled with a cacophony of misplaced fear and distraction.

Then there’d be moments of respite — physical reminders of the calm below the surface, like the race I ran with my goal being to “enjoy the downhills.”

After every big climb, I dug into present-ness, allowing myself to revel in the absolute freedom that came from not fighting gravity, and not diminishing my joy by fixating on the impending uphill.

Or my trip to see the towering peaks of the French Alps, somehow so big that my brain didn’t have room to think about anything else but their absoluteness. As I took in their magnitude, I was reminded that I was built for witnessing beauty (and not just the kind that was so immensely in my face).

Slowly, and with a leveling of my “big things,” these

moments of respite grew in frequency, tunneling into my mind like placeholders for the to calm to which I wanted to return; like the frost in early winter, dredged up from its deepest places just to reconnect with sky.

So now, I welcome every “Don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems,” for the simple and applicable message of it, and as a signal that I’m reforging

the space to think in metaphors, to tune in to my surroundings and to rediscover the parts of myself previously lost to worry.

Emily Erickson is a writer and business owner with an affinity for black coffee and playing in the mountains. Connect with her online at www. bigbluehat.studio.

Retroactive

By BO

December 21, 2023 / R / 9

Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

weird volcanism

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist We learned about funky volcano behavior last year while exploring fumaroles, mud pots and cryovolcanoes. Surely that was all the weirdness that exists in the world of volcanism, right? Wrong!

In the world of hot rocks, there is no limit to the strangeness that can be achieved. Here are a few examples: Kirkjufell, Iceland You may recognize the hill of Kirkjufell from multiple scenes of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Located in western Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell is an impressive structure called a nunatak, from an Inuit word describing a peak or ridge that rises out of an ice field or glacier — in this case, two separate glaciers. What’s particularly interesting about Kirkjufell is not that it survived thousands of years of glacial erosion, but that it’s a volcanic structure that isn’t actually a volcano.

The rock of Kirkjufell is layered in bands from multiple eruptions across millions of years. It’s viewable from three angles on the peninsula and emerges a stone’s throw from a magnificent 54-foot waterfall that drains into the sea.

While only standing 1,519 feet tall, it has been the site of numerous fatalities, likely related to the sharpness of its ascent.

Due to the hill’s home in the distant north, visiting during the summer may allow you to experience a midnight picnic in brilliant sunlight. Its location also allows you to view the aurora borealis in vivid closeness.

Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania Located in northeastern Tan10 / R / December 21, 2023

zania in part of the Eastern Rift mountain range, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a curious peak. The summit has an elevation of 9,718 feet, roughly 10,000 feet below that of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite its shorter size, Ol Doinyo Lengai has a reputation for presenting a vicious climb.

A conical stratovolcano, the trek to Ol Doinyo Lengai’s summit is practically vertical in either direction. Still actively erupting, with an eruption as recently as 2008, much of the ground is actually very loose debris that could result in aspiring hikers meeting the mountain’s namesake: The Mountain of God. The verticality of the mountain isn’t what makes it so quirky.

Most volcanoes erupt and eject red-hot silicate compounds with temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Ol Doinyo Lengai instead belches out a calcium carbonate mixture that reaches its peak temperature at 950 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t hot enough to transform the lava into your typical Mt. Doom-ian red-orange flow. Instead, this mountain expels a slow-moving carbon black sludge that forms wild arcs that look like something from H.R. Giger’s canvas. As this mixture cools the carbon binds with oxygen to create carbon dioxide, leaving white chalky calcium behind. This gives the mountain the illusion of being snowy from a distance. Upon closer observation, it’s very clear that these streaking white patterns aren’t in fact snow.

Those planning to hike Ol Doinyo Lengai can expect a 12-hour journey that begins around midnight and ends around lunchtime.

The reason for this is to catch the sunrise from the caldera and see where to put your feet during the near-vertical descent.

Aino Planitia, Venus If you’re planning a spring trip to the Aino Planitia, I have one bit of advice: don’t.

Despite being considered Earth’s sister, our nearest planetary neighbor is a vapor-choked hellscape with a surface temperature hot enough to liquefy lead and a day that lasts longer than the planet’s year. This weird Alice in Nightmareland planet understandably has some of the most bizarre volcanic activity in the solar system.

Some of the strangest volcanism happens in the Aino Planitia, a low plain on the surface of Venus. These plains play host to a number of active volcanoes, many with features that span up to 100 kilometers wide and one of which is a funky dome 100 km wide and one km high flanked by many thick-fanned lava flows.

These flows range in height from 120 to 540 meters high — considerably taller than the Empire State Building at 443 meters.

Stranger than these building-sized lava flows is their viscous structure. Viscous lava flows on Earth are formed by a large presence of water and non-basaltic rock.

As we know, the surface of Venus is hot enough to melt lead, so liquid water simply cannot exist here which really leaves scientists scratching their heads about the state of Venus’ weird lava flows. It’s unknown how the extreme atmospheric pressure of Venus combined with its obscene level of heat may affect the volcanic dynamics of the world.

Another curious volcanic feature on Venus is the presence of “ticks.” These structures are large and relatively flat domes spanning up to 70 km wide with a collapsed crater near the center.

The plains crack along the edges to create the illusion of spindly tick-like legs around a bulbous

Kirkjufell volcano in Iceland. Courtesy photo.

body, very closely resembling the parasitic arachnids here on Earth.

The biggest difference between Earth ticks and Venus ticks, apart from their size, is that Venusian ticks are loaded with hot magma and completely devoid of horrible bloodborne pathogens.

Everything we understand about Venus’ volcanoes comes from radar imaging. Despite its nearness, relatively few missions have been flown to Venus in comparison to bodies like Mars

and Jupiter. We actually possess more knowledge of the workings of very deep space and galactic mechanics than we do of our own next door neighbor. That’s set to change, as NASA currently has three missions in the works to explore Venus — hopefully from the safety of orbit, as the handful of landers that were sent by the Soviets were crushed and melted over the course of hours.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner ?

Don’t know much about eggnog ​​• Eggnog is a popular winter drink enjoyed at Christmastime that is made of eggs, yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract.

An average of 135 million pounds is consumed every year in America alone. With eggnog weighing in at 8.55 pounds per gallon (according to Flavor West), that totals nearly 15.7 million gallons.

• The drink is said to have been a product of a beverage called “posset” from medieval Europe. Posset was made from hot milk, mixed or curdled with wine or ale and spices.

• Developed from posset, eggnog came from the British aristocracy.

The new drink contained egg, milk and sherry, and became a popular aperitif for making toasts at parties.

• The etymology of the word eggnog stems back to East Anglia, England, where there was a type of beer brewed called “nog.” The word nog was first used in 1693 to describe an alcoholic drink. Another thought is that the word eggnog comes from the word “noggin,” which was a small wooden cup from which a person would drink. The us-

We can help!

age of the full term “eggnog” wasn’t recorded until it emerged in the American colonies around 1765.

• Eggnog originally contained alcohol not for taste, but for safety.

In medieval times, it was risky to drink milk straight, so the solution was to add alcohol in order to kill any harmful bacteria. Most people would leave their eggnog to sit for a few days to ensure the absence of bacteria prior to consumption.

• In the winter of 1826, a riot broke out at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. It is said that a young cadet smuggled whiskey into the barracks and then spiked the communal eggnog. After a few glasses, the cadets started to become rowdy. Fighting broke out, guns were fired and windows were smashed before the ruckus could be brought under control.

• George Washington had his own recipe for eggnog: “one quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum and ¼ pint sherry.”

COMMUNITY

Dec.-Jan. Parks and Rec. programming

By Reader Staff

Sandpoint Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces will be offering the following programming during the remainder of December 2023 and January 2024: • Open gym basketball for adults and youth. Every Sunday at the Sandpoint High School Gym (410 S. Division Ave.) through March 10, 2024. (No open gym on Feb. 11). Adults play 4:30-6 p.m. and pay a $3/player fee at the door. Youth (grades 3-12) play 3-4:30 p.m. for FREE. • Stories and S’mores in the park.

Sandpoint Parks and Rec., the Bonner County Historical Society and the Bonner County library host local authors who will tell a story while listeners enjoy a s’more by the fire with the kids. Each month features a new park location and author. The next installment takes place Friday, Jan. 19 with Waldorf storyteller Julie McCallan from 6-7 p.m. at Great Northern Park on North Lincoln Street. The program is FREE and no registration is required.

• Schweitzer Own the Night Twilight Ski Program. Half the proceeds from online ticket sales made under the option to support Parks and Rec. will benefit the department’s youth scholarship program.

Twilight skiing will be offered from 3-7 p.m. from Tuesday, Dec 26-Sunday, Dec. 31; then Fridays, Saturdays and select holiday Sundays from Jan. 5 to March 2.

Select holiday Sundays include Jan. 14 and Feb. 18. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance at schweitzer.com.

• Youth basketball league. Open to third- to sixth-graders, play is split into separate boys and girls third- and fourthgrade divisions, and fifth- and sixth-grade girls and boys. There will be a coach’s meeting before play begins. Teams will meet at the Sandpoint Middle School (310 S. Division Ave.) and practice once a week with a game on Saturday. Season runs Feb. 3-March 9, 2024. Register by Jan. 7. Fee is $36.20 ($5.50 non-resident fee). Scholarships and sibling discounts are available upon request. Sign up to coach during program registration and receive an automatic full scholarship for your student player. Parks and Rec. has resources to share coaching techniques, skills and drills upon request.

• Little dribblers basketball. Open to first- and second-graders, the clinic-style program is designed to introduce kids to the sport of basketball, teaching the basics with an emphasis on dribbling and ball handling. The program meets at Kootenai Elementary School (301 Sprague, St., in Kootenai). First-graders meet 2:30-4 p.m.

Second-graders meet 4-5:30 p.m. Season runs February-March, 2024. Register

by Jan. 15, 2024. Fee is $36.20 ($5.50 non-resident fee). Scholarships and sibling discounts are available upon request.

Adult volunteers are needed. Sign up to volunteer during online registration and receive an automatic full scholarship for your student player. No special basketball background is needed. Parks and Rec. supplies a step-by-step guide and coordinator to help with drills.

• J-Pop music dance class. For ages 8 and up, Chika Orton introduces learners to Japan’s upbeat pop music style known as J-Pop through choreographed dance.

The class uses theme songs from famous Japanese anime and easy-to-follow dance moves. Opportunities will also be available to explore more Japanese pop artists and songs. Classes take place at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 N. First Ave.) from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, and Feb. 7, 2024. Fee: $55/ person for five classes ($5.50 non-resident fee). Scholarships available for children.

Register by Jan. 8, 2024.

• Contra dance. Parks and Rec. partners with Emily Faulkner to bring this series, which runs the second Friday of each month. The Friday, Jan. 12 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.

• Adaptive fitness classes for teens and adults. The Unique Center for Athletes of all Needs (UCAN) and Parks and Rec. partner to offer free fitness classes tailored to kids with disabilities ages 1120. Youth classes are from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and adult classes are offered 1 p.m.-2 p.m. on Thursdays through May 2024 at the UCAN gym (1007 W. Superior St., in Sandpoint). The class aims to provide a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment. Register

online with UCAN ucansandpoint.org/ book-online.

• Come work for Parks and Rec. Sandpoint Parks and Rec. is hiring the following part-time temporary positions: youth basketball coordinator, $15/hour and youth sports referee (basketball), $10$12/hour. Youth basketball league runs Feb. 3-March 9, 2024, Little Dribblers basketball runs Wednesdays from February-March 2024. Apply online: governmentjobs.com/careers/sandpoint. Get more information at 208-263-3613.

Sandpoint Parks and Rec. also acts as a clearinghouse to connect the public with other recreational opportunities in the community. Visit the online activity catalog to view listings. Outside organizations and individuals wishing to list their activities are encouraged to contact the department with their program information at recreation@sandpointidaho.gov.

Register for any Parks and Rec. program at secure.rec1.com/ID/city-of-sandpoint/catalog, visit the office at City Hall (1123 Lake St.) or call 208-263-3613.

• Pilates. For ages 15 and up, Chika Orton will teach students correct posture and movement through low-to medium intensity exercises using Pilates Mat Technique. Classes take place at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 N. First Ave.) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 and Feb. 1 and 8, 2024.

Fee: $55/person for five classes ($5.50 non-resident fee). Scholarships available for children. Register by Jan. 8, 2024.

• Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society presentation. Monthly meeting Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 features “Down the Rabbit Hole: What is a Native Plant?,”delving into the results of a recent Arboretum survey and exploring priorities for the future of the Arboretum on its 25th anniversary.

Meet at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.), at 10 a.m. Admission is FREE. December 21, 2023 / R / 11

12 / R / December 21, 2023

BY THE NUMBERS

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

$4.5 trillion

The amount spent on health care in the U.S. during 2022, which represents 17.3% of the nation’s overall economy. The $4.5 trillion number is a 4% rise from 2021.

more than 400

The number of false bomb threats sent to Jewish institutions across the U.S. over the past weekend. According to the FBI, the threats are connected and are believed to have originated from outside of the country. To date, none of the emailed threats have involved any actual explosive devices or credible risk of harm to congregants at Jewish synagogues and facilities.

13.3 million

The amount of oil barrels estimated to have been produced every day in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of this year, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Last month under the Biden administration, weekly U.S. oil production hit 13.2 million barrels per day, which is just above the Trump administration’s record of 13.1 million barrels set in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic sent prices crashing.

$53 billion

The amount of the $4.6 trillion worth of pandemic federal relief funds that went to arts and entertainment. Those funds came from the CARES Act, the American Rescue Plan, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.

Throughout the country, 96% of all counties received some form of arts relief.

December 21, 2023 / R / 13

COMMUNITY

Performances by Supaman Santa hits the slopes Dec. 23-24 thrill local audiences

By Reader Staff Santa and Mrs. Claus got the sleigh packed early and decided to take a quick vacation to Schweitzer Mountain to spread some holiday cheer. On Saturday, Dec. 23 and Sunday, Dec. 24 from 1-3:30 p.m., jolly old Saint Nick will ski beginner and intermediate runs, passing out candy to all the good children he meets.

On Sunday at 1:45 p.m., kids should visit Mr. and Mrs Claus at the top of the Basin Express for a balloon parade — the perfect opportunity for parents to snap some photos. Each skier will get their own balloon and take their place in the parade before following Mrs. Claus down the slopes.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet skiers at Schweitzer. Photo courtesy of Schweitzer.

appearances around the village and in the Selkirk Lodge lobby, where everyone can visit for hot chocolate and cookies. For a final treat before they leave for Santa’s flight around the world, Mrs. Claus will read holiday favorites like “The Night Before Christmas” around the lodge’s fire.

Bring the whole family up to the mountain to experience the holiday magic and expend some energy so that everyone can sleep soundly on Christmas Eve. For a complete schedule, subject to change, visit, schweitzer.com/event/ski-withsanta-clone-2023.

MCS presents Amahl and the Night Visitors

By Reader Staff Amahl and the Night Visitors has been a staple of the holiday season since it premiered on Dec. 24, 1951 in a special broadcast by NBC, which drew a then-record-breaking audience of about 5 million viewers.

After that, the one-act opera composed

by Gian Carlo Menotti went on to become the centerpiece of the TV network’s annual Christmas programming until 1978, meanwhile gaining popularity in Australia via broadcasts by the BBC. The story is of a young boy and his

14 / R / December 21, 2023

mother facing financial straits, who receive a magical visit from the three kings — or magi — of the Christmas story. As last year, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint is bringing a live performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors to local audiences, with two presentations of the children’s opera Thursday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church (526 S. Olive St., in Sandpoint).

Admission is a $10 suggested donation.

For more info, visit sandpointconservatory. org, call 208-265-4444 or email mcs@ sandpointconservatory.org.

Supaman, a member of the Crow Nation of Montana, delighted a big audience from Boundary and Bonner counties in Bonners Ferry on Nov. 27. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho worked with the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force and the Boundary County School District to provide performances for schools and the greater community.

The performer gave historical references to his interpretation of “fancy dance.” He said it originated with the Ponca people of Oklahoma who wanted to join Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. He adopted the style, but it was obvious to the crowd he had made it his own.

— Photos and words by Clarice McKenney

COMMUNITY

Merry Christmas and a happy new fear Dark myths of the holiday season

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

conjunction with the local government, police were ordered to “arrest the devil at sight.”

Beloved Christmas traditions like giving gifts, baking cookies and caroling make the modern celebration the most saccharine holiday of the year — at least in the U.S. Christmas wasn’t always how it’s portrayed in Miracle on 34th Street or the Santa Clause movies, though, and in many parts of Europe where ancient myth and Christianity have been entwined for over a thousand years, the holiday season still has darker undertones and worse punishments than coal for naughty children.

Jólakötturinn: the man-eating Yule Cat The Icelandic Yule Cat is likely a far more modern invention than Krampus, first appearing in 1932 in the book Jólin Koma (“Christmas is Coming”) by Jóhannes úr Kötlum. The figure quickly gained popularity, and by the ’70s, the ferocious feline was so fashionable that public and personal Christmas decorations often included the silhouette of a black cat. It has since become the subject of Björk’s song “The Christmas Cat.” Unlike most dark Christmas legends, the Yule Cat does not specifically punish naughty children. Kötlum’s original poem simply stated that it “hunted men” and “picked on the very poor” who received no new clothes for Christmas.

“Now you might be thinking of helping / Where help is needed most. / Perhaps you’ll find some children / That have nothing at all.” The poem encouraged readers to share necessities with the less fortunate to spare them a gruesome death by giant cat. Be grateful for those boring socks and underwear beneath the Christmas tree.

‘Arrest the devil at sight’: Krampus The demonic figure of Krampus left his alpine origins in Germany, Austria and many Eastern European nations and cemented his place in pop culture in a recent slew of horror movies. It’s unclear how ancient the Krampus myth actually is, but his description has remained relatively the same since the early 20th century — he’s hairy with horns, cloven hooves and a pointed tongue, reminiscent of depictions of the Devil popularized in the Middle Ages.

The horror movies stem from the most extreme versions of the Krampus myth, wherein he kidnaps, tortures and eats children. In most holiday celebrations nowadays, Krampus usually only scares children, though he’s often shown beating them with a birch switch. He accompanies St. Nicholas on Dec. 5, called “Krampus Night,” to dole out punishment to naughty kids.

Austrian celebrations like Perchtenlauf, Klaubaufe and Krampuslauf, which means “Krampus run,” became increasingly popular in the late 20th century as a celebration of cultural heritage. Festival-goers dress up in elaborate, grotesque costumes and try to chase and scare onlookers.

Religious leaders have historically tried and failed to kill off the Krampus myth. In a Dec. 23, 1934 New York Times article, an unnamed writer lamented the fact that “Fascist Austria” and the Austrian Catholic Union were waging war against the “harmless, if not necessary, Krampus.” The organization declared Krampus a socialist, and in

The family business: Grýla and the Yule Lads Far from the benign-if-creepy Elf on the Shelf, Icelandic tradition is full of trolls and ogres that, like their feline counterpart, eat children or otherwise cause mischief throughout the month of December.

The ogress Grýla is an ancient and well-documented figure who first appeared in 13th-century texts like the Íslendinga saga, but only became widely associated with Christmas because of the 1932 poem “Yule Lads” by Jóhannes úr Kötlum, which describes her 13 trickster children.

“Throughout the year, it is said that she [Grýla] collects whispers about children around the island misbehaving, and when winter sets in, she sets out to gather them,” according to Guide to Iceland, the nation’s tourist information website.

The ogress makes the children into a hearty stew to snack on throughout the harsh winter.

The threat of Grýla became so terrifying that, in 1746, the Icelandic government banned the use of scary stories to discipline children, according to the Smithsonian’s website.

Unlike their mother, the Yule Lads have largely morphed into benevolent — albeit annoying — Christmas figures. With descriptive names like Spoon Licker, Door Slammer and Meat Hook, these Santa-like men enter children’s homes at night to leave presents, steal food and pull minor pranks.

Another reason to fear the French: Père Fouettard Like Krampus, Father Christmas and Père Fouettard — literally Father Whipper — travel together, delivering candy or beatings to little French children. Many claim that the original myth of Fouettard stems from the mid1200s or 1600s; however, the oldest document with the complete story is a song collected by Gérard de Nerval in 1842 and housed in the National Library of France.

In the song, three young boys stop

by Fouettard’s cottage and request to spend the night.

“The butcher [Fouettard] seized a knife straitway, And did the little creatures slay. / He put them in a tub of brine, In pieces small as they were swine.”

Seven years later, after the children are thoroughly pickled, St. Nicholas arrives and resurrects them. In some versions, Fouettard accompanies Old St. Nick each December to repent for his crime — though since his punishment for murdering children is beating more children, it doesn’t sound very effective.

This dark counterpart to Santa is a standard archetype in European myth and includes at least 16 other identified figures, including Hans von Trotha, Belsnickel and, of course, Krampus.

People may joke about the jarring transition from Halloween decorations to Christmas music blaring in the supermarket, but remember, this icy holiday is equally as monstrous.

Top: A depiction of St. Nicholas from the book Grandes Heures d’Anne de Bretagne, completed in the early 1500s.

Above: Krampus, from a 1911 postcard.

Courtesy images.

December 21, 2023 / R / 15

COMMUNITY

Gift Guide 2023: Last-minute shopping

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

It would be disingenuous to describe last-minute holiday shopping as an “art” — it’s too frantic for that. Rather, the 11th-hour scramble is better understood as a series of raids that sacrifice strategy for shortterm success. Think piracy (and indeed, there is also often a fair amount of booze involved with this kind of full-contact consumerism).

Yet, a great many of us do it.

While a Statista survey found that nearly 90% of respondents planned to celebrate the Christmas holiday, another poll — reported by People magazine, just to be clear — found that two in five people admitted to waiting until as late in the game as Christmas Eve to do at least some of their shopping.

That’s just brutal (though I confess to having done exactly that more than a few times). But even if you’re hitting the shops in the final days leading up to the Main Event, that still qualifies as “last-minute,” and so here we are.

To assist in getting you across the finish-line even as the race is ending, below are a handful of suggestions that we hope will provide some solutions if not inspiration. If you’ve already thought of them, good for you. If not, we can assure you that they will be a hit under the tree or in the stocking(s).

Evans Brothers Coffee Holiday Blend If you’re of a certain age, you might remember those coffee commercials in which some good-looking relative makes an unexpected return home for the holidays, enters the house without notice and brews a pot of coffee — the smell of which wakes everyone up and they all

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go downstairs to be dazzled by their presence and love them for their coffee-providing skills.

You can be that person, or at least facilitate that experience, with the gift of a bag (or two) of Evans Brothers’ Holiday Blend beans.

The seasonal offering is a medium roast with tasting notes of “marshmallow, pomegranate, fudge and baking spices,” and originates via a direct relationship with countries of origin including Guatemala, Kenya and Ethiopia.

The Holiday Blend retails from $18. Order it online at evansbrotherscoffee.com or at the shop, located at 524 Church St., in Sandpoint. Visit evansbrotherscoffee.com/shop-2/ holiday-blend-cheer-and-joy for more info.

Litehouse Specialty Foods Whether you’re a longtime local or newcomer — or have either or both on your holiday list — few things beat the gift of local specialty foods. Litehouse is one of the pillar employers of the area, and the pioneering purveyor of local delicacies and accouterments.

Litehouse’s storefront at 125 S. Second Ave., in Sandpoint, offers a smorgasbord featuring everything from cheeses to jams; dressings, dips and spreads; to all things huckleberry, ranging from pancake and hot cocoa mix to syrup and, well, you name it.

Whether it’s stocking stuffers or full gift items, you’ll find something — or some things — to fit the bill and, extra bonus, be buying local. Check out some of the options at litehouse-specialty-food-store.business.site, or, better yet, swing by the shop.

Museum Guild There are a lot of places that sell “Sandpoint” things, but only one of them has the gravitas and

authenticity of being associated with the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum.

The Museum Guild storefront at 300 N. First Ave. (next door to the Panida Theater) opened in the spring of 2022 and has since established itself as a source of what’s been described as “bespoke museum merchandise.”

That’s right, you can buy a little piece of local history from rotating selections of boutique-quality vintage clothes to locally made products to historyand culture-related books penned by area authors.

Speaking for myself, I’ve perused the little shop more than a few times — looking both for gifts for others and myself — and rarely come away empty handed.

Every purchase has the added benefit of helping support a vital local institution. And if you don’t know about the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, go to bonnercountyhistory.org and get learned up. Then head downtown to the Museum Guild and get stocked up on oneof-a-kind gifts.

Sandpoint Cinemas Gift Cards Though we live in an age where everything is streamed online, there remains no substitute for watching a movie in a real-life theater.

We’re lucky to have the Panida for our jewelbox theater, but we also have Sandpoint Cinemas for all the first-run flicks.

Located at 300 Bonner Mall Way, in Ponderay, Sandpoint Cinemas plays on six screens and features full concessions, high-quality seating and topnotch audio-visual technology for stellar theatrical experiences.

For real, there are no bad seats in the house.

For a gift that literally can’t fail, consider giving your favorite cinephile(s) an online pass to catch the movie(s) of their choosing. Go to sandpointcinemas.com/giftcards and enter the email address to which the gift should be sent and the dollar amount to be given. Recipients will then be able to hit the theater whenever they want and have the option to check their balance online at the Sandpoint Cinema website. It’s that easy.

Courtesy image.

Vanderford’s As with all the other entries in this guide, there is nothing particularly “last-minute” about Vanderford’s Books & Office Products, located at 201 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint.

It’s just that when you’re racing around and the clock is ticking, you don’t have time to waste time. Vanderford’s will all but certainly have something for anyone who likes books, puzzles, fun little toys, art supplies, maps… the list goes on (and you could write down that list with any number of high-quality pads of paper and pens at the store).

Speaking from experience, Vanderford’s has long been my go-to (whether I’m in a hurry or not) for new books, classics and kids books, but also stationary and other gifts for both creative and utilitarian work. I’ll tell you to go to bookshop.org/shop/ vanderfords for more info, but you’re in a rush, so maybe just head to the store and get that gift list handled.

COMMUNITY

Northside Fire celebrates three retirements

By Reader Staff

The Northside Fire District will be honoring three of its retiring members at a celebration Saturday, Dec. 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Ponderay.

Together, Chief Brad Mitton, Fire Commissioner Ray Yaw and Lieutenant Eric Parker have collectively served the citizens of the district for more than 100 years.

Mitton has been with the district serving as both a firefighter and later as chief of the district from 1983 to 2023, during which time he has seen and participated in the growth of the district from an all-volunteer organization to the present day — with both paid and volunteer staff working together to serve the community.

Yaw served the citizens from 1975 to

2023 and held the positions of firefighter, fire captain and fire commissioner.

“Serving as an elected official can sometimes be as challenging as the duties of a firefighter,” Northside Fire officials stated.

Yaw’s family was also instrumental in forming the beginnings of the fire district in 1961.

Finally, Parker served as a firefighter and was later promoted to the rank of fire lieutenant. While responding to countless emergency calls from 19982022, Parker also established an exemplary record of almost perfect attendance at every district training session.

Northside Fire invites the public to the Elks Lodge (30196 ID-200 in Ponderay) to wish Mitton, Yaw and Parker a healthy and happy retirement.

Sandwiches, appetizers and cake will be served.

December 21, 2023 / R / 17

events

Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com THURSDAY, december 21

COMMUNITY

December 21-28, 2023

Amahl and the Night Visitors Happy Hour at Matchwood A DanceWorks Christmas 4 & 6:30pm @ First Lutheran Church 4:30-5:30pm @ Matchwood 7pm @ Panida Theater The Music Conservatory’s Bel Join family and friends at Local Sandpoint dance studio Canto annual Christmas Concert will Matchwood Brewing for happy brings their dancers to the include this children’s opera. Donahour. Live music with Buster Panida stage. Tickets on sale at tions welcome Brown and shareable platter studio or on day of show Game Night Cribbage League Bingo Night 7pm @ Tervan Tavern 7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Luminosity & Libations 4-7pm @ Teascarlet Fine Art Sip, mingle and soak in the creative glow at Bonners Ferry studio Teascarlet Fine Art. Beer, wine, wassail. Raffle for $250 gift cert. 208-946-8415

Live Music w/ Thom Shepherd 6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ Live music, BBQ and beer — the perfect trio!

FriDAY, december 22 Live Music w/ Nobody Famous 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Island music, rock and pop Live Music w/ Chris Paradis 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Live Music w/ Truck Mills 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Blues, Latin and global infusion Live Music w/ Steven Wayne 7-9pm @ The Back Door

Live Music w/ Liam McCoy Trio 7-10pm @ Eichart’s Pub Live Music w/ Double Shot Band 7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge

SATURDAY, december 23 Live Music w/ Headwaters Live Music w/ Hogwire Ski with Santa (Dec. 23-24) 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall and line dancing lessons 1-3:30pm @ Schweitzer Catch Santa on the slopes before Mountain string music 9pm @ The Hive Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes Line dancing from 7:30-8:30 and he begins his big travel around music at 9 with country/rock band the world. He’ll have candy to 5-8pm @ 1908 Saloon Live Music w/ The Sevens Hogwire from Sandpoint. 21+ $5 pass out to good boys and girls 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Live Music w/ Game Night all day Featuring Samantha Carston and Right Front Burner All day @ Idaho Pour Authority TJ Kelly, playing a blend of Amer9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge Bring your own games or play icana, blues and ’90s grunge. Free Woooo, synth party some of ours Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

SunDAY, december 24

An Evening of Christmas Movies 5pm @ The Heartwood Center Movies start at 5pm and go until 8:30pm. This is a free event and you’re welcome to BYO food and beverages. More info at mattoxfarm.com Live Music w/ Truck Mills 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Blues, Latin and global infusion

Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalepeño’s Up close magic shows at the table

monDAY, december 25

Merry Christmas ! tuesDAY, december 26

Tipsy Tuesday Trivia 7-9pm @ The Back Door Live Piano w/ Peter Lucht 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Jazz favorites on the grand piano

Happy Hour at Matchwood 4:30-5:30pm @ Matchwood Join family and friends at Matchwood Brewing for happy hour. Live music with Buster Brown and shareable platter 18 / R / December 21, 2023

wednesDAY, december 27

Open Mic 6pm @ Tervan Tavern

Live Music w/ John Firshi 7-10pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Line Dancing Lessons 6:30pm @ The Hive Lessons start at 6:30 and then there’ll be time for dancing, eating and some drinks. 21+ $10/person

ThursDAY, december 28

Sushi Rolling and Saketini Pairing with My Sushi Sensei 6-8pm @ The Hive Join My Sushi Sensei owner Isaac Cunnington for a special 2-hour rolling experience where you’ll learn the tricks of the trade, paired with saketinis and a curated cocktail menu. Come hungry! $100/person includes everything you need for the class plus an alcoholic beverage.

Come with a group or solo and we’ll partner you with a group. 21+

Game Night 7pm @ Tervan Tavern

208 Fiction contest submissions close Dec. 22

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Reader’s third annual fiction writing contest, dubbed 208 Fiction, is still open for submissions, but you’ll have to act fast because Friday, Dec. 22 is the last day we’ll accept stories.

The contest rules are simple: submitted stories need to be exactly 208 words long, not including the author’s name or title. Submissions must also be a work of fiction.

The winner will receive a grand prize of $150, while second- and third-place finishers will take home gift certificates from Reader advertisers. All of the top three finishers’ stories will be published in the Jan. 11 edition of the Reader, as well as a handful of honorable mentions. Winning stories and honorable mentions will be judged by Reader staff.

To submit stories, please send them to stories@sandpointreader.com and include the subject line, “208 Fiction.” Writers are welcome to submit as many stories as they like, but each story has an entry fee of $5.

Send payment for stories to paypal.me/ sandpointreader or send checks or cash to Sandpoint Reader, 111 Cedar St. Ste. #9, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Please be sure to include your name with any payment.

Best of luck to everyone.

STAGE & SCREEN

Slouching toward mayhem

Leave the World Behind is a post-post-modern apocalypse for our times

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff By their nature, apocalypse movies are unsubtle. Regardless of the trappings, every film in the genre follows the same basic narrative arc: one day things are normal, the next day things change, then keep changing with increasing intensity until everything changes, and all for the worse. The only space for creativity is with the personalities and context of the characters, and the specific extremities they must endure.

In the new Netflix streamer Leave the World Behind, released on the platform Dec. 8, those personalities are almost universally unlikeable, the context is insufferably bougie, and the extremities are as vague and quotidian as they are maddening and, ultimately, world-ending.

All that is to say, Leave the World Behind is a disaster movie that could only work during this particular time, freighted as it is with radical wealth disparity, misguided tech messianism, fractured (or nonexistent) social connections, and a general feeling of cultural and political helplessness.

Here’s the setup: A couple of clearly quite well off white New Yorkers Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke) decide on a whim to shrug off what passes for the pressures of their life in a tony neighborhood of Brooklyn and take the kids on a quick getaway to a vacation rental house in “the country.”

Almost immediately, the

audience is clued into the fact that Amanda is galaxy-class narcissist and misanthrope, as she gives her husband the reason for packing up their stuff and leaving the world behind, as it were: “I fucking hate people.”

Amanda is some kind of P.R. and marketing person and Clay is an English and media studies professor. Their kids are mostly cardboard cutouts: the son is a standard-issue teenage screen junkie and the younger daughter is obsessed with the sitcom Friends, which she watches like it’s her job, and is anxiously nearing the finale that occurred in real life about six years before she was born. (You know, because she lacks any real human connection and Friends “makes me happy.”)

Their rural escape turns out to be a palatial home on Long Island, outfitted with all the ultra-techno conveniences of someone who is obviously even richer than they are, and they settle in for a few blissful days of being generally useless in someone else’s nicer house. (Sound familiar?)

The first sign of ominous things to come arrives when they spot a crusty looking local (played with side-eyed menace by Kevin Bacon) at the grocery store as he loads up his truck with cases of bottled water and other cliched “survival stuff.”

Amanda and Clay — the Sandfords — shrug it off, as they also shrug off an enormous oil tanker that soon after runs aground on the beach where they’ve decided to

sit around, also being useless, for the afternoon. The funny bit here is that their daughter notices the ship approaching for more than an hour before it becomes clear that its navigation software is leading it on a slow-motion collision course with the spot where they’ve spread out their towels. It isn’t until the thing is almost upon them that they think it might be time to pack up and leave.

That’s the first major event that indicates something has gone very wrong. The second major event is when the owner of the house in which they’re staying shows up with his daughter in the middle of the night, tells the Sandfords that the city is experiencing a blackout and can they please stay the night.

Amanda, being the wretched creature that she is, immediately doubts the man, who introduces himself as G.H. Scott (Mahershala

Ali), and his 20-something daughter, Ruth (Myha’la), are really the homeowners because, despite the fact that G.H. is wearing a tux and Ruth is decked out in an elegant-yet-hip party dress, they’re Black.

Clay, meanwhile, welcomes them in with an apparent gesture of hospitality; but, of course, it’s their home. His display of “we’reall-cool-bro” geniality is even more insidious than Amanda’s blatant racism, as it illustrates how easily he has slipped into the idea that he’s the one in the position of power.

It’s in these constant microaggressions that Leave the World Behind shines as a disaster movie.

Meanwhile, things go from bad to worse, as the cell service goes down, then the smart TV. That’s the last straw, and the Sandfords venture out into the much-changed world only to scurry back to G.H.’s house.

Screenshot from the film. Courtesy image.

What follows is mounting uncertainty about what’s happening — cyber attack, terrorist attack, inside job? It’s every conspiracy theory come to life, and G.H. knows a lot more about it than his increasingly unwelcome guests.

All the while, the Sandfords and the Scotts must navigate each other amid a woozy sense of amorphous calamity. That’s been done better by the likes of Don Delillo in White Noise, but where Leave the World Behind excels is in running the awful Sandfords through their paces, step by step shattering their illusions of control, racial and class position, and even value as functioning human beings. But will their daughter ever see the finale of Friends? No spoilers here.

Like I said, it’s a disaster flick for our age. Stream it on Netflix.

December 21, 2023 / R / 19

MUSIC

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

During the first thousand years of Christianity, Christmas played second fiddle to Easter, the most important feast and celebration of the year. That might sound hard to believe in today’s context, where even secular people celebrate Christmas, while Easter is often deemed a secondary holiday for many except the pious.

With regard to music, very little appeared for either occasion until the second millennium C.E., when Christmas songs — notably carols — began to appear. Even though they were not originally exclusive to Christmas, carols eventually became an important tradition for Christmastime. Here’s a quick explanation of where carols came from and how they fit into our modern idea of Christmas.

The origins of carols are complex and often disputed, but most agree their humble beginnings stemmed from Anglo-Saxon round dances that had repetitive choruses. These songs were more likely sung in celebration of the winter solstice rather than the Nativity.

These tunes proved a useful tool for early Christians — namely the Franciscans — who borrowed them for enactments of Biblical stories that the poor, illiterate and non-Latin speaking common peo-

20 / R / December 21, 2023

ple could understand. It was much easier to explain Latin words in song, so many of the terms — and songs — stuck.

Carols came into their own during the 15th century, when the growing popularity of the story of the Virgin Mary became subject matter for these folk songs. Tunes such as the medieval “The Holly and the Ivy” were commonly sung, blending pagan naturalism with Christian ideas.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, some Protestant reformers grew cool on Christmas, thinking it was not a Biblical holiday because it was too concerned with the story of the “Catholic” Virgin Mary. There was even an attempt to ban the holiday in 1561 by the Scottish Kirk after the Reformation of 1560. Almost 80 years later, the Scottish Parliament passed a law that made celebrating “Yule vacations” illegal. Incredibly, the ban lasted 400 years, with Christmas not being re-listed as a public holiday until 1958.

Modern Christmas traditions began to emerge during the 1800s, including decorating trees, giving presents, and feasting with a close circle of loved ones. Naturally, music became an integral part of these gatherings. Popular songs such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Away in the Manger” emerged first as children’s songs, as did

Courtesy image.

Where did Christmas carols come from?

“Jingle Bells,” which was written in Boston in 1857 for a children’s Sunday school Thanksgiving celebration. That’s right, “Jingle Bells” is technically a Thanksgiving song, not a Christmas song.

The 20th century saw attempts by many to build sentimentality around carols. Perhaps the British Anglican priest Eric Milner White is most responsible for certain Christmas carols being so closely tied to the holiday during modern times, as he introduced the service

of “Nine Lessons and Carols,” which was first broadcast in 1928.

To this day, the BBC still includes White’s service as a major part of its Christmas programming.

During the WWII era, many carols emerged with more of an emphasis on the season, rather than specifically referencing the Nativity. These include Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” in 1942 and Judy Garland’s performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 1943. However,

songs of this style reached farther back in history than that. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” first appeared in 1780, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” has origins dating to the 1830s — both of which contain lyrics which sideline spirituality for playability in seasonal commercial spaces.

By the 1840s, marketers began to see Christmas as a prime opportunity to sell more goods. The first in-store Santa appeared at Macy’s in New York City in 1862. It only seemed natural that the explosion of secular songs would also accompany the rampant commercialism that was now associated with the holiday.

Perhaps the line from Berlin’s “White Christmas” sums up the idea of Christmas carols best: “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas / Just like the ones I used to know.”

Modern Christmas music, whether by design or by accident, has become part of an imaginary but powerful recreation of an imagined past that still brings people together.

MUSIC

This week’s RLW by Soncirey Mitchell

The Sevens to play pre-Christmas show at IPA, NYE at The Back Door

READ

If you’re looking for the perfect book to inspire those warm, nostalgic feelings for the holiday season, then you’ve come to the wrong place. John Dies at the End by Jason Pargin (a.k.a.

David Wong) is a dark-comedy horror novel that was originally serialized online, so it feels a bit like several books in one paperback. The story follows two best-friends-turned-paranormal-investigators with the ability to see the ridiculous, Lovecraftian monsters threatening the world. Prepare for a hefty dose of coarse language and cartoonish violence.

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

There’s a new musical duo in town, but its members are anything but newbies to the stage. Practicing together for about a year, Samantha Carston and TJ Kelly are making an appearance as The Sevens with a show Saturday, Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Idaho Pour Authority (203 Cedar St., in Sandpoint).

Playing a blend of Americana, Blues and ’90s classics, The Sevens’ repertoire runs from covers of Sonny and Cher to Sublime, as well as some of Kelly’s originals.

Carston’s name should be well known to local music fans, as both a longtime soloist and from her time playing with Browne Salmon Truck. Fellow local Kelly has made a name for himself as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter as

TJ Kelly and Samantha Carston are The Sevens. Courtesy photo. far afield as Seattle, where he fronted The Mama Rags and, before that, helmed the TJ Kelly Band playing rock, alternative and pop in Fort Myers, Fla. Following the IPA show on Dec. 23, The Sevens will again be playing New Year’s Eve at The Back Door (111 Cedar St., in Sandpoint) starting at 8 p.m.

Both shows are free.

LISTEN

For anyone already counting down the days until gardening season, spend a few minutes of your commute listening to the podcast Two Minutes in the Garden by Empress of Dirt, available on your favorite podcast app or empressofdirt.net. Episodes range from two to 10 minutes and cover every topic of interest for gardeners and nature-lovers — from frogs to houseplants. Though people listen to their educational deep-dives around the world, these Canadian gardeners live in a similar climate to Sandpoint, making it easy for local listeners to implement their advice.

WATCH

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint Headwaters, MickDuff’s Beer Hall, Dec. 22

Right Front Burner, 219 Lounge, Dec. 23

Chances are, you’ve strolled into one of the many venues in Sandpoint and heard a group of guys jamming out on stage without a care in the world.

That’s Headwaters, where brothers-from-other-mothers Jared Johnston, John Edwards, John Firshi and Mick Taylor play their own truths.

Whether they’re performing soul-satisfying Grateful Dead covers, rock, blues, country, funk

Dr. Carolyn Purnell of Psychology Today claims that most people favor a stove’s front, right burner for a variety of reasons related to ergonomics, muscle memory and functionality. If their list of past performances is anything to go by, local dance band Right Front Burner has the same natural appeal. With more than 86 years of combined experience, this funky trio plays energetic disco, groove and rock hits that

or jazz, Headwaters does it all and makes it look so damn easy. It’s the kind of band that you can lose yourself in, or one that provides an excellent soundtrack to your night at the Beer Hall. Either way, they’re worth your time.

— Ben Olson 6-9 p.m., FREE. MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., 208209-6700, mickduffs.com. Listen at facebook.com/Headwaters123.

have audiences up on their feet and moving to the beat. Don’t miss partying through the night at the 219 Lounge with bassist Paul Gunter, drummer Dave Pecha and keyboardist Alvah Street.

— Soncirey Mitchell

I hope you’ll agree that every classic tale becomes exponentially better when reimagined for The Muppets. If you need proof, sit down and watch The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and the distinguished Sir Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. There’s something about watching a man who’s been acting since the ’60s call a felt frog with a crutch a “remarkable child” that makes for an unparalleled cinematic experience. Give this Christmas classic a watch (or rewatch) to see why The Muppets are the only celebrities you should care about.

9 p.m.-midnight, FREE, 21+.

219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208-263-5673, 219.bar. Listen at facebook.com/rightfrontburner.

December 21, 2023 / R / 21

BACK OF THE BOOK

On holy holidays

By Sandy Compton Reader Columnist

From Northern Idaho News, December 22, 1908

PICTURE SHOWS RUN ON SUNDAY There will be no warrants issued for the arrest of the managers of the theaters of this city as has been noised about the past week or more. It has been definitely decided by Prosecuting Attorney Peter Johnson that the shows are not liable under the Sunday rest law for operating Sunday so long as their entertainments do not actually disturb the peace.

Last Sunday a week ago the Empire theater announced that it would give a Sunday performance in the afternoon of that day and it was announced the following day that a warrant was to be issued for the arrest of Manager F.B. Walton on the charge of a violation of the Sunday rest law. Regardless of the fact that the threat had been made, the show was operated on that date as well as last Sunday.

Sunday morning, however, an attempt was made to have a warrant issued for Walton’s arrest but the complainant was informed by Prosecuting Attorney Johnson that the show manager had not violated the law and was therefore not guilty of any misdemeanor. It then was talked around that if the theaters were allowed to operate on Sunday ever saloon in the city would do as much, but the saloon men were advised by Mr. Johnson not to be so hasty in the matter for in case the saloons did open, the matter would be called in the attention of the district judge and a grand jury called forthwith and proceedings and against the offenders.

Inquiry on the part of a News reporter proves that the saloon men in the city as a whole have no intention of opening their places of business on Sunday and in fact are more than anxious that the rest law be observed, as that is practically the only day they have to rest.

22 / R / December 21, 2023

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” asserts the song. The reference of lyricists Edward Pola and George Wyle and performer Andy Williams was, of course, to the Christmas holiday. The song was written in 1963 and recorded for the Andy Williams Christmas Album. It has some long legs. It’s still heard in stores as the annual runup to the “the holiday of giving” (and getting) spreads from its Black Friday sendoff. It’s been recorded by Garth Brooks; Harry Connick, Jr.; and J.Lo herself. Every time, it’s climbed the charts. Legs. Big legs.

The song seems completely unreligious.

No mention of the Christ child, Bethlehem or the Wise Guys. Only one verse is sort of religious, but it’s also Halloweenish: There’ll be scary ghost stories, and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.

Maybe that stanza alludes to the legendary virgin birth that Christmas was invented to celebrate. And maybe it was like this when the idea was run up the Church flagpole: “I know,” someone said, 400 years after Jesus, “let’s make a holiday to celebrate Christ’s birth!”

“Hmmm. Good idea. What would be call it?”

“I know, I know! Christ’s Mass. But when should we celebrate it?”

“I know! Let’s co-opt the Roman Solstice holiday, when they celebrate turning back toward the sun. Get it? Son? Sun? The empire isn’t going to be around much longer anyway, right?”

I’m making fun. But it is to a point.

There are two humongous holidays in Christendom: Christmas and Easter. These celebrations of miracles (uh, oh! He’s talking about miracles again) are two of the biggest annual “Hallmark moments,” right up there with Valentine’s Day (another celebration of Christian origin, but we’re not going there now — check back in February). There are huge lead-ins to each: Advent and Lent are laden with special days, admonitions, require-

ments and prohibitions. Included are joy and sorrow, special decorations and dispensations, guilt and gilt, and a colossal dose of seasonal hullabaloo celebrating both — not to mention arguments about how to celebrate.

And don’t get me started on the secular celebrations. Oops! Too late.

The social requirements, routines and rites for Xmas and Bunny Day are completely bizarre. If I were an anthropologist from another planet, I would be boggled by the variety of both traditions, furiously trying to record the myriad ways of having these big annual parties. At Christmas, there’s the lightup-the-neighborhood contest held nationwide in America, plus ritual overspending. The kerfluffle over Sinterklaas and Black Pete in the Netherlands. The “pooper” who sneaks into Catalonia nativity scenes. Mistletoe. Hasty pudding. Elf on a Shelf. Fruitcake! (Egads!)

Want to scare your children half to death without fruitcake? Introduce them to the Germanic Krampus, Santa’s not-so-little, really scary horned helper who snatches up misbehaving kids and threatens to beat the badness out of them.

Come spring, there’s the Easter Bunny.

Easter hats. Easter candy. Full-contact Easter egg hunts. Hot-cross buns. (It’s not all bad.)

France celebrates with the world’s largest omelet. Sweden has Easter witches (freaking socialists, anyway!). In Florence, Italy, a big cart gets blown up by a rocket — launched by an archbishop, for Christ’s sake! (Hahahaha).

These holidays have become like idols; bejeweled, filigreed with precious metal, called holy and bowed to. They stand on the calendar horizon, glowing like monstrous, golden billboards, calling us to kneel, sing, genuflect, pray, prostrate ourselves, confess and get out the credit cards. Like huge, ornate bookends that weigh as much as God Himself — or Herself or Whatever — they mark the allegedly miraculous beginning and end of the life of one person: Jesus. But… Here’s the “but”: Stuck between those incredibly glitzy bookends is a slim, brown volume; a tiny

STR8TS Solution

Sudoku Solution

little book hardly big enough to be perfect bound, though it does have a spine. It’s bravely and humbly written, sometimes hard to figure out, and not as well-read as other more ornate tomes that weigh 20 times as much and say 20 times less.

I’m not sure of the divinity of Jesus. Maybe someday I’ll find out. In the meantime, the guy had some important things to say about how to live, how to get along with the neighbors, how to conduct oneself honorably, how to be a good friend, how to deal with the Spirit (it’s personal, you know), how to be.

There are some these days — and there have been many others — who use Jesus’ name to advance some very un-Jesus-like ideas. Racism. Sexism. Exclusivity. Inequality.

Xenophobia. Militance. They seem unfamiliar with that tiny book stuck between the big, shiny bookends. As we celebrate “that most wonderful time of the year,” they — and we — might consider taking a peek inside.

Sandy Compton’s newest book, Her Name is Lillian, is also about miracles. Buy one for yourself and one for a Christmas present at the Sanders County Ledger, Vanderford’s, The Corner Book Store or amazon.com.

Crossword Solution

If you make ships in a bottle, I bet the thing that really makes your heart sink is when you look in and there at the wheel is Captain Termite.

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD

By Bill Borders

jollify /jol-UH-fahy/

Woorf tdhe Week

[verb] 1. to make or become jolly or merry.

“The cheerful decorations and lively music jollify the atmosphere at the holiday party.”

Clarification: Due to a misinterpreted statement, we incorrectly reported Dec. 14 that accounting firm Hayden Ross would be preparing Bonner County’s audited financial statement for fiscal year 2023. While Hayden Ross conducted that work from FY’13-FY’22, the county has not identified an independent auditor for FY’23, though has advertised for one. We regret the confusion.

ACROSS 1. Smile 5. A city in Nebraska 10. Border 14. Fair attraction 15. Formula 1 driver 16. Close 17. Spontaneous disease 19. Chooses 20. Bigheadedness 21. Direct 22. Explode 23. Retrieved 25. Feudal lord 27. Possessed 28. Foretell 58. Condo alternative 31. Colorful parrot 59. Pee 34. Call 60. Dam 35. South southeast 61. Not his 36. Swill 62. Discourage 37. Regards 63. Countercurrent 38. Facial covering 39. Evening (poetic) DOWN 40. Reveals 1. Sorrow 41. Foot lever 2. Chain of hills 42. Political moderate 3. Blockhead 44. Farewell 4. Modern 45. Delete 5. Spoke 46. Longhand 6. Paired 50. Breakfast strip 7. Dull pain 52. Line of poetry 8. Passed-down 54. Dike valuables 55. Countertenor 56. A young unmarried woman 9. Circle fragment

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22 10. Sufficient 34. Persist 11. Dispirited 37. Speaker’s place 12. Handguns 38. V V V 13. Formerly (archaic) 40. Fiber source 18. Exclamation 41. Funeral piles of contempt 43. Soldiers 22. A detested 44. More hectic person 46. Hag 24. Fella 47. Twiddled 26. Charged particles one’s thumbs 28. Piece of paper 48. Legitimate 29. Largest continent 49. File 30. Scream 50. German baroque 31. Millisecond composer 32. Away from 51. Balm ingredient the wind 53. Broadcast 33. Something 56. Flop that connects 57. Female sheep December 21, 2023 / R / 23

• January 2024! Internal Medicine

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