Panhandle Health District considers informed consent standards for vaccines
City advances plan to reconstruct downtown parking lot
‘Government is not a business. Government is a service,’ and USFS job cuts imperil that service
PSNI outlines plan for new campus
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The week in random review
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Piano alternatives
Some months ago, I used a “Junk Drawer” to look into the future and glimpse my inevitable death, postulating — and hoping — that the architect of my demise would be a falling piano. I’d be happy with that melodic end, but it has occurred to me that, given the economy and the government defunding the arts, my outro fortissimo might be a tad expensive. So, I’ve been trying to think of some alternatives. It’s always good to have options, anyway. The first one that came to mind was having someone piloting a retro Cessna aircraft drop a grilled cheese sandwich from 14,000 feet. The sandwich, glued together with the finest cheese, would fall onto my head, killing me instantly and providing a delicious aroma to mask the scent of death. The more I looked into this, the less viable the plan seemed. Assuming the average grilled cheese sandwich has a mass of 3.7 ounces and a cross-sectional area of 20 square inches, it would likely reach terminal velocity at 25.125 miles per hour, which feels too slow to kill me on impact. Shame. Thankfully, my friend gave me an excellent idea based on her answer to the question, “How do you want to die?” She said she’d like to be flung off a roller coaster, experience the thrill of flying, then have a heart attack and die just before hitting the ground. This, in my opinion, is the most excellent answer given to any question in the history of ever, and it got me thinking — what if we timed it so she landed on me? This is immediately much more probable than the grilled-cheese scenario, given that the average human has a terminal velocity of anywhere from 120 to 180 MPH, depending on the circumstances. Still, she’d likely need to be shot out of the world’s fastest roller coaster — the Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi — to approach the speed I’m looking for. The Formula Rossa can go from 0 to 149.1 MPH in 4.9 seconds, whereas Silverwood’s Aftershock, by comparison, only reaches 65.6 MPH. Cost throws a wrench in my plans yet again, though, because this idea requires that both my friend and I have enough money to book flights to Abu Dhabi, get tickets to Ferrari World (where Formula Rossa is located) and pay for all related travel expenses. It’s hard to say what’s less likely — me having that kind of disposable income or someone ordering a $12,000 grand piano to their third-story apartment and hiring the Three Stooges to deliver it. I’ll just have to wait and see.
homework
If you’re having difficulty deciding on your own gruesome end, visit Wikipedia’s lists of unusual deaths. You may never look at dishwashers the same way again, but at least you’ll get some good ideas to make your passing as bizarre and unsettling as possible.
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‘It’s the zeitgeist of this moment in America — maybe the whole world’ Panhandle Health District considers informed consent
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Panhandle Health District board devoted its Feb. 20 meeting to the topic of informed consent for childhood vaccinations, which drew a crowd of medical professionals and members of the public to the usually sparsely attended meeting.
PHD Board of Health
Chair Dr. Thomas Fletcher and Medical Director Dr. Duke Johnson brought the issue forward, arguing that the district should supplement the vaccine information provided to patients and guardians by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with research chosen by the board.
The board heard several ideas before deciding to revisit the topic at the Thursday, March 20 meeting, at which point it may vote to create a subcommittee to further explore the issue.
Members of the public interested in serving on the potential subcommittee can contact PHD Director Erik Ketner at eketner@phd1.idaho.gov.
Meeting attendees were divided on the topic, with some repeating widely debunked claims that vaccines cause autism, male infertility and cancer, while other medical professionals cautioned the board against using “dangerous rhetoric” and “misinformation” about vaccines.
“Vaccines have been a cornerstone of public health for many years, and they have consistently proven to reduce both morbidity and mortality in children and vulnerable populations,” said Tina Ghirarduzzi, reading a statement on behalf of Lakeside Pediatrics in Coeur d’Alene.
“Misinformation about vaccines can lead to fear and hesitation, ultimately endangering our public health, which is ironic that we’re — as a public health department — entertaining this conversation,” said Ghirarduzzi, adding that “casting doubt” on the efficacy
of vaccines during North Idaho’s current Pertussis outbreak endangers children.
In their discussion, both Johnson and Fletcher repeatedly stated that they did not “have an agenda.”
“Our goal is not in any way, shape or form to induce fear or to make the assumption that our information is going to be misinformation. A lot of the information that we wanted to present to people comes from the World Health Organization, CDC, research that’s been done, etc.,” said Johnson, later adding that he is not “anti-vax.”
Johnson, Fletcher, Board Member and former-Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey and current Commissioner Ron Korn — who attended as a member of the public — all went on to question the reliability and accuracy of those institutions. Johnson argued that, though the information “may not be ideal,” the district should still attempt to provide unbiased breakdowns of the benefits and “concerns” for each vaccine.
“Right now, there’s so much distrust in the medical industry and established medicine that there are millions of people who don’t trust established medicine at all, and what I think we should try to do is try to reestablish some of that credibility, rather than letting some blog or somebody who knows absolutely nothing with a loud voice to be the one who is directing them,” said Johnson.
“We would have a much better chance of providing good information than the average person on the internet,” he added.
Peggy Cuvala, representing Benewah County, and Vice Chair Jessica Jameson, of Kootenai County, agreed that the initial supplemental information provided by Johnson and Fletcher seemed “pretty slanted toward the risk.”
“I’m kind of wondering, No. 1, where did this information come from? Why is it
being presented now? What’s behind this?” asked Cuvala, going on to question whether Fletcher and Johnson cited any studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, or whether they had first consulted area epidemiologists or pediatricians.
Johnson did not and had not, but offered to look into her concerns.
Answering Cuvala’s second question, Fletcher said, “It’s the zeitgeist of this moment in America — maybe the whole world.”
Several board members suggested holding a town hall with area medical professionals and establishing a subcommittee to set standards for
standards for vaccines
informed consent and explore any supplemental information that could be added to the vaccine packets.
Though most agreed with this path, Fletcher called the subcommittee a “total, complete waste of time,” because, “we will never come to an agreement” on the efficacy of childhood vaccines.
“The data is not there. We can’t say whether the childhood vaccination schedule, in the aggregate, is good for the children of America, or we can’t say it isn’t... So, sadly, even with the best data available, you may not know ‘truth,’ as in capital ‘T’ truth. Now that’s just a sad reality,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher proposed instead to require anyone administering a vaccine to tell the patient or guardian the length of its clinical trial, adding that “the Hepatitis B vaccine” had a clinical trial lasting “five days.” This figure relates only to RECOMBIVAX HB and does not pertain to any other brands or generations of HBV vaccines developed since 1969.
“The mom is going to go, ‘Is that enough?’ Timeout. We’re not going to answer that question. I don’t know,” said Fletcher.
The board ultimately returned to the idea of a subcommittee and town hall, entertaining several motions but failing to vote on anything.
Idaho House unanimously passes media shield law bill protecting journalists’ sources
By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho House of Representatives on Feb. 25 threw bipartisan, unanimous support behind a bill that would create a media shield law protecting sources who provide confidential information or documents to journalists.
Without any debate, the Idaho House voted 69-0 to pass House Bill 158.
The bill states, “No person engaged in journalistic activities shall be compelled to disclose in any legal proceeding, trial before any court, or before any jury the source of any information procured or obtained and published in a newspaper, print publication, digital news outlet, or by a radio or televi-
sion broadcasting station with which the person is engaged or employed or with which the person is connected.”
Supporters said the bill would help combat frivolous lawsuits and provide protections similar to whistleblower protections available in existing state and federal laws.
Rep. Barbara Ehardt, an Idaho Falls Republican who co-sponsored the bill, said without a media shield law, journalists could be forced to reveal the identity of confidential sources or risk being found in contempt of court, fined or even jailed.
“The only thing right now protecting or stopping a journalist from revealing their sources is their own personal ethics,” Ehardt said.
“Many have gone to jail,” Ehardt added. “They’ve been sent to jail, and they sat there at their own [volition] trying to protect the sources. And at some point, that’s not right.”
The bill’s other co-sponsor, Rep. Marco Erickson, R-Idaho Falls, said Idaho is one of 10 states without a shield law protecting sources who provide confidential information to journalists.
H.B. 158 heads next to the Idaho Senate for consideration. If a majority of members of the Idaho Senate vote to pass the bill, it would head to Gov. Brad Little for final consideration. Once a bill reaches his desk, Little may sign it into law, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
City of Sandpoint: Do not disturb the baby moose
By Reader Staff
The Sandpoint Police Department and Idaho Fish and Game are aware of the baby moose that has been observed in the area without its mother. As spring approaches, baby moose — or calves — may be spotted alone, seemingly orphaned. According to the city, “While it may be tempting to intervene, wildlife experts urge the
public to leave them undisturbed.
“Mother moose often leave their young alone for extended periods while foraging,” City Hall added. “Interacting with or attempting to ‘rescue’ a calf can not only put the animal at risk, but also trigger a defensive response from its mother, which can be dangerous.”
If you encounter a moose calf:
• Do not touch or move it.
The mother is likely nearby;
• Keep your distance. Moose are large, powerful animals and may become aggressive if they feel their young are threatened;
• Report concerns to wildlife officials. If you believe a calf is truly orphaned or in distress, contact local wildlife authorities for guidance.
The Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region Office can be reached at 208-769-1414.
City advances plan to reconstruct downtown parking lot
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm cast a tiebreaking vote at the Feb. 19 meeting of the Sandpoint City Council, advancing the preliminary design for a reconstructed downtown parking lot — provided it takes into consideration the recommendations of the city’s Urban Forestry Commission.
The repaving and rehabilitation of the city-owned lot between Oak and Church streets has been budgeted by the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency since 2014, but finally gained traction this year with a plan to get the work completed before Lost in the ’50s in May, which traditionally marks the beginning of Sandpoint’s busiest season.
Public Works Director Holly Ellis said “time is of the essence,” and with the preliminary plan in place, the city is “no longer kicking the can.”
Attending remotely, Grimm described the socalled “city lot” as a “welcome gateway/entrance mat to all our visitors.”
“It reflects tremendously on the first impression someone has of our community,” he added. “I’ve been a huge proponent of this project since 2014 [when he made the motion to fund the project while serving on the SURA board] and I’m thrilled it’s before you.”
According to the Feb. 19 presentation, the fiscal year 2025 budget includes $150,000 for the project, though with a total cost estimate of $400,000, funded by SURA.
Councilor Joel Aispuro, whose popular restaurant is across from the parking lot on Church St., later in the meeting said, “Although I think redoing the parking lot is a really good idea, I personally don’t think Sandpoint has a problem with people not wanting to come here because of an ugly parking lot. I see it everyday.”
Concerns raised over tree removal, access points
However, Aispuro joined Councilor Justin Dick and acting-Council President Deb Ruehle in voting for the design.
Councilors Pam Duquette, Rick Howarth and Kyle Schreiber voted “nay,” stating that the city was moving too fast with finalizing the design and advertising it for bid before addressing several key issues: specifically the elimination of the north and south entrances to the lot in favor of a single ingress/egress on Third Avenue, and the removal of mature shade trees on the property.
Paige Belfry, a member of the city’s tree commission and a certified arborist testified that the current plan was “incomplete,” needing to address maintaining as many trees as possible and including permeable pavement options and larger tree wells.
“I’m here to tell you that trees are not easy to replace. ... [M]ost people don’t understand that young, unestablished urban trees almost never thrive and many have to be replaced again and again and again, which starts that clock
over,” she said, going on to cite the ecological, physical and mental benefits of mature trees in urban areas.
“It would be a misstep to rush an incomplete approval tonight, as it has no professional input from a credentialed arborist and it can be improved,” Belfry later added.
The mayor and council agreed that the plan should go to the Urban Forestry Commission before proceeding.
But Grimm said that while the commission’s input would be incorporated into the design and the council would be briefed on the final version, it likely wouldn’t appear in a meeting before going out to bid.
Both City Forester Eric Bush and Civil Engineer Brandon Staglund warned the council that there would be tradeoffs with retaining the existing trees, including with the sizes and number of the parking spaces, turning movements around the lot, and costs associated with protecting the roots and asphalt damage from tree growth.
“I just think we’re always going to have that discussion of progress versus preserva-
tion,” Duquette said.
The lot is envisioned to include about 128 spaces (including compact and ADA), as well as increased stall size and realignment, improved lighting, and infrastructure for future paid parking technology and EV charging stations.
Howarth raised concerns about eliminating the access points on the north and south ends of the lot — feeding into Oak and Church, respectively — in favor of a single entry/ exit point on Third.
Specifically, he worried about motorists having to circle multiple times through the lot in search of an open spot, calling it “highly inefficient.” Schreiber also pointed to possible congestion on Third and throughout the lot if drivers have difficulty with the paid parking system, and whether it was adequate access for emergency services.
Grimm argued that the north-south entrance alignment is a “worst-case scenario,” particularly on the north side, with vehicles crossing two dedicated bike lanes and a sidewalk into free-flowing traffic on Oak ending with a controlled stop
on Oak and Third.
“It’s just a recipe for an accident; there’s just too many things going on,” he said.
While recognizing that certain aspects of the plan weren’t “ideal,” Grimm said, “I was looking for a quick, simple project to start to make our community look nicer and show that we care about our infrastructure, so I’m not of the mindset of letting perfection be the enemy of the good. I’m really looking at what we can do that’s practical that reflects our investment in our public spaces and can be accomplished.”
The plan will now be presented to the Urban Forestry Commission, downtown businesses and SURA at its March meeting. Also in March, the city plans to advertise for bids, with construction planned for about three weeks from April to May, with completion prior to Lost in the ’50s, which this year is scheduled for May 15-17.
An overhead view of the proposed new city parking lot in Sandpoint. Courtesy image
BOCC greenlights Idaho Sheriff Connect app
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Bonner County board of commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 25 to enter into a one-year agreement with Idaho Sheriff Connect, authorizing OCV, LLC developers to tailor a facet of the app to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. The customized app will cost $8,467.25 for the first year, which will be split between the sheriff, marine division, dispatch and jail.
“[The app] allows us to push updates in the field on fires and accidents and things that are happening that have a lot to do with the public, and they need to know it,” said Sheriff Daryl Wheeler in his initial proposal on Feb. 11.
“What’s nice is, right now, if we push anything, it has to be on Nixle; and, also, we push things on our Facebook, and that means staff has to go and put together a notification, and it takes time, and usually it’s either later in the day or the next day when those notifications are sent out,” he added.
The Sheriff’s Office will continue to send alerts via Nixle, but the new app will allow it to post longer, more immediate notifications, as well as more general updates such as fraud warnings and job openings. Users can view updates, submit anonymous tips and keep track of the incarceration status of inmates at the county jail.
“You also have [the] ability to see all those that are in custody in the jail and the charges and a picture of that
inmate that’s in there,” Wheeler said. “And what’s crucial about that [is] this app also allows you to sign up for the Victim Notification Services, which is called VINE.
“So if you see someone in custody and you want to follow that particular individual on the court dates and when they’re released, with this app, you can sign up immediately, and you don’t have to go through websites to do that,” he added.
Wheeler brought the agreement forward for approval during the Feb. 11 and 18 meetings, at which the commissioners tabled the decision to give themselves more time to explore the app’s privacy policy. Wheeler read aloud responses from the developers to the commissioners’ questions during the Feb. 25 meeting, beginning by clarifying that the app does not “share, sell or mine data.”
“The only data collected is anonymous usage information to help the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office improve its services and ensure the app remains as useful as possible to the community,” Wheeler stated.
What little data that is collected is stored using Amazon Web Services, “a highly secure, industry-standard cloud platform,” according to the developers’ statement.
Since Wheeler was able to address the board’s privacy concerns, the motion to enter into an agreement with Idaho Sheriff Connect passed unanimously.
Army Surplus arson suspect pleads ‘not guilty’
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Jennifer S. Meyer was back in Bonner County court Feb. 20, entering a plea of “not guilty” in the suspected arson that destroyed the Army Surplus 1 store in Sandpoint on July 4, 2024.
Meyer was arrested July 16 after investigators reviewed surveillance camera footage and conducted interviews that put Meyer at the Army Surplus at the time of the fire. Upon searching her residence, officials found a bag located near the door containing about $1,000, a 9 millimeter handgun and ammunition, $1,200 in silver, vehicle titles, passport, birth certificate and college transcript, among other personal documents.
Based on those items, the court determined in an August hearing that there were “great concerns with regard to flight,” resulting in a $1 million bond.
Bits ’n’ Pieces
From east, west and beyond
Trump on Feb. 21 conducted a purge of U.S. military leadership — primarily women and people of color. According to former-U.S. Naval War College Professor Tom Nichols, writing in The Atlantic, “Now that Trump has captured the intelligence services, the Justice Department and the FBI, the military is the last piece he needs to establish a foundation for authoritarian control of the U.S. government.”
Axios: Most government agencies and unions told federal employees to ignore a recent Elon Musk email telling them to account for their work or resign. Legal actions are pending against Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and a judge is questioning DOGE’s constitutionality. Newsweek: More than 20 DOGE staffers have resigned, saying they don’t approve of their work and many of Musk’s DOGE recruits lack skills for finding fraud and waste. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley accused Musk of disrespect for veteran employees by telling them to justify their work, and said “this out-of-touch, privileged, unelected billionaire” has never performed honest public service.
Musk claimed DOGE has saved $16 billion in government contracts. Various reports say his figures are off: $55 billion of “savings” lacked specific documentation; ICE “savings” were actually $8 million, not $8 billion; and claims that dead people were getting Social Security checks were verified as false.
Meyer was uncommunicative during her previous appearances before the court, leading to a judge’s order in August that she be evaluated to determine her competency to stand trial. Finding that her competency was “significantly impaired,” Meyer was then committed to the Idaho State Hospital North for further evaluation and treatment.
That order was extended in November but terminated on Jan. 30, after it was determined that Meyer was fit to proceed and returned to the Bonner County Jail.
She faces the charge of first-degree arson. If convicted, the 50-year-old Meyer could face up to 25 years in jail, fines of up to $100,000 or both.
Following Meyer’s “not guilty” plea on Feb. 20, the court set a pre-trial conference for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21, followed by the opening of a jury trial Monday, May 12 at 9 a.m.
Various media: This week House Republicans are expected to vote on a budget that includes the following cuts: $230 billion from nutrition assistance; $800 billion from life-saving Medicaid and $330 billion from education. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., proposes instead cutting $1 trillion from the military budget, and says it would cost just $11 billion to end U.S. homelessness. Republicans are asking for $150 billion more in military spending over the next decade, and $175 billion more for border security.
Numerous media report that in his first month back in office, Trump spent $10.7 million of taxpayers’ money to play golf.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act introduced to Congress requires voters to show either their passport or birth certificate to register to vote. Critics say 150 million Americans don’t have a passport and 69 million women don’t have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name.
On Fox News, “border czar” Tom Homan confirmed he asked the De-
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Contributor
partment of Justice to investigate Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for holding a “Know Your Rights” webinar related to complying with ICE officials. Ocasio-Cortez responded, “I am well within my duties to educate people of their rights.”
During his recent stop at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Vice President JD Vance refused to meet with Germany’s ant-fascist chancellor and instead met with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party, which is associated with pro-Nazi sentiments. Russia, Trump and Musk praised Vance’s speech about stepping away from democracy. The Bulwark’s Bill Kristol: “It’s heartening that today the leaders of the two major parties in Germany are unequivocally anti-Nazi and anti-fascist. It’s horrifying that today the president and vice president of the United States of America are not.”
Pertinent headlines: “French FarRight Leader Cancels CPAC Speech over Steve Bannon’s Nazi Salute”; “IRS Employee Purge ... Could Disrupt Tax-Filing Season”; “Court Rules Trump Can’t Shut Down Birthright Citizenship”; “Trump Administration Yanks CDC Flu Vaccine Campaign”; “Missouri Republicans Propose State Registry to Track Pregnant Women”; “Fox News Host and Senate Majority Leader Thune Agree Trump is Wrong About Ukraine” [Trump said Ukraine started the war with Russia]; “Republicans Aim to Extend a $684 billion Tax Break that Benefits Many of Them”; “Trump Expected to Take Control of USPS”; “Trump’s Department of Transportation is Gutting Over $20 billion in Infrastructure Funding Congress Already Approved”; “[Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth Refuses to Say he Would Abide by the Geneva Conventions, and Condemn Torture.”
Three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in more than 700,000 Russians dead or wounded and 426,000 dead or wounded Ukrainians, The Atlantic reported. According to the Institute for the Study of War, at the current rate, it will take Russia 83 years to capture the remaining 80% of Ukraine.
Blast from the past: Ninety-two years ago this week, Hitler found it convenient when Germany’s parliament building was set on fire by an unemployed Dutch construction worker with Communist ties. Hitler blamed the fire on Communists and Jews. A month later, he pushed through draconian legislation suspending civil rights.
Idaho House introduces bill to cut Medicaid expansion costs — without repeal trigger
As ‘reform-or-repeal’ bill faces pushback in Senate, House introduces cost-focused alternative
By Kyle Pfannenstiel Idaho Capital Sun
A North Idaho lawmaker pushing for Medicaid expansion reform introduced a new bill meant to contain expansion’s costs — without the threat of repealing the voter-approved law.
The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee on Feb. 25 introduced the new bill, House Bill 328, by Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene.
Dubbed the “Medicaid Reform and Cost-Containment Act,” the bill doesn’t include many of the 11 policy changes a previous Medicaid expansion reform-or repeal bill by Redman demands to avoid triggering the repeal of Idaho Medicaid expansion. That bill narrowly passed the full Idaho House last week.
But the new bill proposes Idaho submit to the federal government a plan for “comprehensive Medicaid-managed care,” which is when private companies manage Medicaid benefits, and end Idaho’s use of doctor-managed care, which is commonly called value-based care.
Introducing the new bill in committee, Redman said the bill is based on feedback to his previous Medicaid expansion reform-or-repeal bill and has been worked on since that other legislation passed the Idaho House.
“This is part of a negotiation between myself, the good chairman and Senate leadership to bring forward a path for meaningful Medicaid reforms,” Redman told the House Health and Welfare Committee.
He also told the committee that the bill was not responding to any threats. On Feb. 22, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported that local police were
investigating a threat against Redman’s office that originated on social media.
The new bill is co-sponsored by the chairs of the Legislature’s Health and Welfare committees, Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, and Sen. Julie VanOrden, R-Pingree, along with Sen. Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur d’Alene.
The bill could save Idaho $15.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and even more in the future, the bill’s fiscal note estimates. But the timing depends on federal approval, the fiscal note adds.
Redman: Medicaid expansion reform-or-repeal bill is still active this legislative season Redman told the committee the new bill doesn’t include several of the policy changes from his reform-or-repeal bill, like the three-year cap on Medicaid expansion enrollment, capping expansion enrollment at potentially less than half of the current almost 90,000 enrollees — and the Medicaid expansion repeal trigger if all 11 policy changes were not implemented.
Redman’s new, complex Medicaid cost-containment bill proposes a range of other program policy changes — including work requirements for able-bodied adults enrolled in Medicaid expansion, which is also in his reform-or-repeal bill.
The new bill also calls for Idaho to seek federal approval for “participant cost-sharing,” submit a plan for “comprehensive Medicaid-managed care,” and stop contracting with and reimbursing Idaho’s value-care program by Jan. 1, 2026.
Similar to a provision in Redman’s previous bill, the new bill has a provision to address if the federal government reduces its financial matching rate for Medicaid expansion, which is 90% compared to
Idaho’s typical federal Medicaid match rate of 70%.
If the federal financial participation rate in Medicaid expansion reduces outside of a state legislative session, the bill directs the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to “take any action necessary to offset the increase in state funding,” such as by cutting optional benefits or reducing provider payment rates.
In an interview after the committee meeting, Redman told the Idaho Capital Sun his Medicaid expansion reform-or-repeal bill, House Bill 138, is still active this legislative session.
“It’s still sitting over in the Senate. However, meeting with the Senate leadership ... it’s going to be a hard lift for them, so we decided to bring this bill” so they can have a choice, Redman told the Sun.
He said he believes House Bill 138 is awaiting scheduling for a committee hearing in the Senate while lawmakers wait “to see what happens with this one.”
Redman said he thinks the expansion repeal trigger in his previous bill was the biggest concern to Senate leadership, but he said they were also
concerned about the enrollment cap and lifetime limit.
In a text message Feb. 25, Senate Health and Welfare Committee Chairwoman VanOrden told the Sun that the Medicaid reform-or-repeal bill “will be staying at my desk for now.”
“I appreciate the work my colleagues in the House have done to contain costs and protect Idahoans from the growing burden of abuse and fraud. I also have heard the concerns from many of you about the full repeal of Medicaid expansion,” she said.
“Working closely with Chairman Vander Woude and Rep. Redman, as well as Vice Chair Bjerke, we have introduced a new bill that will ensure access to health care in rural Idaho and implement reforms that Medicaid desperately needs,” VanOrden added.
In a statement, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Randy Johnson celebrated “the defeat” of the Medicaid expansion reform-or-repeal bill, but expressed concern about the new bill.
“The defeat of H.B. 138 is a critical victory for Ida-
hoans who rely on Medicaid expansion for life-saving care, including cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses,” Johnson wrote in the statement. “However, we remain deeply concerned about the remaining waiver proposals in [the new bill] that would impose unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately leading to health coverage losses for hard-working families.”
The Idaho House Health and Welfare introduced Redman’s new bill with little discussion. Introducing the bill tees it up for a full committee hearing, with public testimony and a possible vote to advance it to the House floor.
To become law, Idaho bills must pass the House and Senate, and avoid the governor’s veto.
This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. For more information, visit idahocapitalsun.com.
A person stands in front of the Liberty Bell replica at the Idaho State Capitol building in Boise on Jan. 11, 2023. Photo by Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun
Bouquets:
• Here’s a Bouquet to the guy who left a hilarious voicemail on our office line. He was so incensed about the fact that the Reader printed a photo and brief story of the protest against President Donald Trump in our Feb. 20 edition that he could barely get out his words. The voicemail brought a few good laughs to the newsroom, so thanks for that. Also, to his point about claiming he wouldn’t even “wipe [his] butt” with the Reader, my only response is that I don’t think it’s a good idea to use newspaper as toilet paper, sir, (especially while your head is lodged up there). Also, since he didn’t answer my return call to clear up a few matters, nobody who works with the Reader is a “Californicator” so we can’t “go back from whence we came,” because we’re already here, bud. I’ll be willing to bet a dollar that he’s not from Idaho, though, because locals know how to properly complain. This call was just comical. As always, thanks for reading.
Barbs:
GUEST SUBMISSION:
• “Folks, plastic particles are now found in our brains; plastic is floating in huge swaths in our oceans. It is not good for the earth, nor we who depend on this planet. Bringing your own grocery bag into the store is easy (a small habit change) so you don’t have to answer when asked for plastic or paper. You will feel a twinge of good feelings each time you present your bag.
“Grocery stores: Your signs aren’t working very well. Start charging 50 cents for bags. Get more serious about your request. Thanks.”
— By Chris White
‘Wisdom
Dear editor,
The following was written by Alexander Hamilton in 1792:
“The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion. Tired at length of anarchy, or want of government, they may take shelter in the arms of monarchy for repose and security.
“Those then, who resist a confirmation of public order, are the true Artificers of monarchy — not that this is the intention of the generality of them. Yet it would not be difficult to lay the finger upon some of their party who may justly be suspected. When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the advantage of military habits — despotic in his ordinary demeanour — known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty — when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity — to join in the cry of danger to liberty — to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government and bringing it under suspicion — to flatter and fall in with all the nonsense of the zealots of the day — It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may ‘ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.’”
Georgia Earley Bonners Ferry
Remember self-serving Idaho GOP policies in November 2026…
Dear editor,
To paraphrase a classic country song, “They got the mine and we got the shaft.” The GOP-controlled Legislature has screwed the Idaho taxpayers. By passing the school voucher and Medicaid poison pill bills, they have managed to screw most Idahoans.
We fought hard to get Medicaid expanded in 2020 with a 61% approval of a referendum in 2018. The Idaho Freedom Caucus went totally nuts and has worked ever since that date to get it overturned. They got their wish — the arrogant, self-serving SOBs.
The same is true for the school voucher bill. Charter schools in Idaho were established in 1998.
In just about every year since, the Legislature has tried to allocate some portion of public education to those schools. Now they’ve got $20 million of the inadequately funded public education budget to hand out to private/religious schools. This makes less money available to students and districts throughout the state and increases the burden on local property owners to bridge the gap through their county tax bill.
This is just flat wrong. Low-income Idahoans earned expanded Medicaid and their children deserve the constitutionally mandated public education. Those in office are out of touch with their constituents. Remember this in November 2026.
Gil Beyer Sandpoint
Thanks for testifying…
Dear editor,
I want to heap much praise on Sandpoint Reader co-owner and Publisher Ben Olson.
I read that Ben did the extra hard work of testifying before a legislative committee in support of House Bill 158.
In journalism school in 1972, we learned how essential protection for our work and sources would be. I always had that comfort working as a reporter in New York, Oregon and Washington; but, as a journalist working in Idaho before retiring, I was blissfully unaware that we lacked that basic protection in this state.
Thank you, Ben, for testifying on behalf of yourself and all journalists in Idaho, who do not have this protection. Although I’m sorry for what he went through in his noble profession, I’m grateful he shared his horrific experiences in support of the bill.
It was refreshing to write and thank the sponsors of House Bill 158, Idaho Falls Republican Reps. Marco Erickson and Barbara Ehardt. As I often have the occasion, I thanked our own Republican legislator Mark Sauter, too.
Sure felt good for a change to have something worthwhile for all of us emerge from the Idaho Legislature.
Between the bill to prevent children from seeing what sponsors determine to be “obscenities” in Gay Pride festivities and drag shows and the one to make us the only state to use firing squads for executions, my hair’s on fire. This bill, if it passes, will deliver some salve for my burns.
With sincere appreciation, Clarice McKenney Bonners Ferry
Get involved with city business to ‘Keep Sandpoint Real’…
Dear editor, I’m happy to share that there’s now an easy opportunity for the community to be informed, get engaged and make a difference. Those with internet access can sign up to receive notifications of city meetings, open houses, etc. at sandpointidaho.gov. Click “Get Involved,” “Subscribe,” “Alerts & Notifications” and “Sign up for New Account.” You can choose to receive any announcements you wish via email or text.
Also, there will be two more workshops offered on the replacement of our wastewater treatment plant, March 6 and March 20, from noon-1 p.m. at City Hall. If the midday time does not work for you, Public Works Director Holly Ellis is willing to hear from you on possible alternatives: hellis@sandpointidaho. gov, 208-946-2087 or drop in. I look forward to hearing from you as well with ideas, concerns and/or questions relating to city business at pduquette@sandpointidaho.gov. “Keep Sandpoint Real!”
Pam Duquette Sandpoint city councilor Sandpoint
‘Pride is not about shame — it’s about joy’…
Dear editor, When elected representatives respond to their community, they must do so with curiosity and a genuine effort to understand the issue at hand. They should avoid weaponizing their power due to personal religious trauma.
Pride celebrations are often misrepresented as “indecent”; but, in reality, they are about joy, love and authenticity. We don’t label weddings or anniversaries as inappropriate, even though they, too, celebrate love and sexuality. Pride is no different — it simply embraces love in all its forms.
Like any celebration, Pride events vary. Drag is a legitimate performing art with deep historical roots, from early theater, when women weren’t allowed on stage, to military performances, vaudeville and speakeasies. Some drag shows are family-friendly, while others are designed for adults — just like many other forms of entertainment.
It’s crucial to separate discussions about Pride from conservative Christian views on sexuality and the human body. These are distinct topics and should not be conflated. Legislators must recognize how their biases, religious beliefs and ingrained shame about the body influence their policies.
For instance, female breasts are not inherently sexual, yet Christian-influenced society has conditioned people to think otherwise. If laws regulate breasts, they should apply to all genders, or risk reinforcing shame-based double standards.
Pride is not about shame — it’s about joy. Instead of projecting unresolved religious trauma onto legislation, lawmakers like Rep. Jeff Cornelius, R-Nampa, should seek therapy around their own sexuality and shame of the human body, rather than impose their personal struggles on others’ rights and freedoms.
Sandi
Nizzoli
Dover
Have some pride...
Dear editor, “Liberals Suck.” That was the bumper sticker on a pickup in the parking lot. I wonder why the person didn’t get a bumper sticker that said, “I’m a Proud Conservative.” Instead of demeaning others, maybe he could just say how proud he is of himself. I also wonder if he realizes Jesus was a liberal. Also, the vast majority of our Founding Fathers were liberals who risked death by declaring their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, not some King.
Steve Johnson Sagle
Send letters to the editor to letters@sandpointreader.com. (300-word limit)
By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
What if you never had to think about work outside of the office again? No stress, no emails, no lingering dread of Monday mornings. The cost? Just losing half of your memory.
This is a bargain I would have considered seriously at my first desk job — managing HUD-funding cases through the monotony of data entry and paper filing, all while fielding complaint calls from people whose assistance changed due to factors outside my control.
I was a cog in a machine I didn’t quite understand, my work having real-world consequences for people I would never meet.
The idea of turning off my work brain at 5 p.m. and completely detaching from my in-office experiences would have been more than tempting. The idea also happens to be the premise of Severance, the Apple TV+ hit streaming series that takes the concept of work-life balance to its most extreme conclusion.
At Lumon Industries, employees on the “severed” floor have undergone a procedure that splits their consciousness into two distinct selves: their “innie,” who only exists at work, and their “outie,” who has no memory of the office. The two lives are entirely separate — one never worries about deadlines or office politics at home, while the other never experiences personal life at all.
The show is the brainchild of Dan Erickson, with the idea coming to him while employed at a door factory (an environment that surely
Emily Articulated
Severance
inspired the show’s themes of workplace monotony and dreams of detachment).
Plucking the script out of relative obscurity — the only prior item on Erickson’s writing resume being an episode of Lip Sync Battle — Ben Stiller championed Severance, drawn to its unique premise. He quickly became a driving force behind bringing the show to fruition, helping assemble the cast, directing and producing.
Though Severance shares some DNA with workplace comedies like Office Space and The Office, it quickly veers into much darker territory, pulling from other sci-fi and dark comedies, like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which also explores memory repression.
Its darker edge hits a more resonant cultural note, digging into current attitudes toward work-life balance — particularly the sentiments in the height of post-pandemic attitudes toward “the workplace.”
While shows in the ’90s and aughts leaned on watercooler conversations and blundering bosses, Severance digs into the fear of corporate mundanity and our own feelings of inconsequentiality, which are so significant that people might literally segment their existence
to avoid it.
But the beauty of the show, in addition to its commitment to tone and the sci-fi level of detail applied to world-building, is the care with which it grounds the absurd in human and emotional storylines. The main character was driven to severance seeking respite from grief, other characters from desperation and others still, absolution. It makes something unrelatable (losing all memory of what you did that day, the nature of your work or how you’re treated behind the thick, metal doors), relatable.
Because, while most viewers haven’t undergone brain surgery to split their consciousness, we have felt the dull repetition of office life, the desire to escape and the struggle to define ourselves outside of our jobs. Severance works because, despite its extreme premise, its emotions are painfully real.
Perhaps it was because of that relatability (or maybe Apple TV+’s incredible budget to bring it to life), that Severance didn’t just resonate, it became an obsession.
Apple TV+ reported that Severance became its mostwatched show in history, topping viewership charts from January to February 2025, when it released its second season. It’s not another psychological thriller-comedy, it’s a full-fledged cultural conversation; and one with time to grow.
In an era dominated by streaming, it shirked the normal bulk-release format, opting instead for once-weekly episodes, hearkening back to the days of live TV. Each new episode is watched by the masses at the same time, inviting dissection, analysis
and theorizing, followed by fans flocking to Reddit threads to decode clues, share conspiracies and unravel the show’s intricate symbolism.
I think this is the show’s true triumph. In a time when online discourse is dominated by political vitriol, the show’s fandom feels refreshingly pure. Participating in it feels like a collective game — one that is blissfully detached from real-world chaos.
And finding neutral things
to share is a lot like a life raft amid a sea of tumult; something for just about everyone to grab ahold of and enjoy (so long as they have access to Apple TV+).
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.
Emily Erickson. Retroactive
Science: Mad about
gridfinity
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
As a tinker-minded individual with ADHD, I can attest to the fact that organization is hard. I marvel at folks with immaculate workshops in which every bit, tool and piece of scrap has its own perfect place. My own art station — and especially my workshop — are cluttered messes with repurposed storage containers procured from bargain bins and odd jobs throughout my life. My supplies roll and rattle around while other, larger objects just end up being strewn out since they won’t fit into an inherited bin.
Anyone who has ever had their own workshop knows that even once they get everything exactly how they want it, a new toy purchase will completely upend the equilibrium of the space. Adam Savage, of Mythbusters fame, views workshops as living and evolving organisms that adapt to the people who use them, therefore there is no “perfect standard” by which to design one’s workspace, just a ceaseless pursuit of unobtainable perfection.
Until recently, we have all been at the mercy of large-scale manufacturing to create injection-molded bins at premium costs, specialized housings that need to be fabricated and shipped in, or ill-fitting tool sets that never go into the right drawer and end up scattered all over the garage thanks to the mischievous paws of a cat that loves the sound of clattering metal and rage-filled human cries.
3-D printing has completely revolutionized all of that and given workshop and
home organizers a solution that is fully customizable for their space without requiring an iota of knowledge in 3-D design — at least to a certain extent. We’ll cover that later.
Gridfinity was developed as a customizable solution to workshop organization that has evolved into a wholehouse solution for everyone. The basis of the system is that you 3-D print grids of a preset size that act as a baseplate for interlocking bins you also 3-D print. There is no concern about the bins not aligning or linking up with grids even if your space changes, because the interlocking pieces are always the same size.
One common concern is if you have a toolbox that was measured out in imperial, but the grids print out in metric. Rather than expanding the grids to perfectly fit into the toolbox and jeopardizing the ability for your bins to fit, you are able to rough out the maximum width and length in a simple program and add an extra buffer of plastic on either side to lock the grids into place.
The real simplicity of this system is the Gridfinity generator, which is a browser-based program that lets you very easily customize grids and bins with text input and requires zero knowledge of CAD or 3-D design. Simply measure your space in metric and plug those values into the generator and voila! You now have a file ready to download and feed into your 3-D printer’s slicing software.
“Whoa, Brenden, I don’t have a 3-D printer. Those things are huge and expensive!”
They’re actually incredibly small and inexpensive now.
However, not everyone has the expendable income or the space for a 3-D printer and that’s totally understandable. Your local library branches in Bonner County both have 3-D printers at your disposal; for a small fee to cover the cost of filament, the library can print out any STL file you provide, so long as it meets some important criteria.
The library wants to ensure everyone has fair and equal access to the 3-D printers. Because of this, we limit the number of prints anyone can order at one time to 10, while also capping print time per print at 10 hours. We can make exceptions to these rules, but it will have to run through a supervisor first.
Some of the most frustrating items to try and store are oddly-shaped tools like scissors and clippers. There are some high-tech tricks available at our disposal that require very little effort or knowledge to utilize in order to create a custom cutout to slot into our Gridfinity setup.
The first step will be to trace an outline of the object you’re trying to make an inset for onto a piece of white paper — use a Sharpie for great contrast. Take a picture of the outline with your phone and then feed it into a free SVG converter on your internet browser. You can then take this SVG file and load it into another browser-based program called Tinkercad that should create a three-dimensional version of your outline. You can import a Gridfinity bin from the generator, overlay your custom tool shape and convert it into a hole and merge the two shapes and you’re done! The hole will cut out of your bin, which you
can then 3-D print. If you blacked out a little bit there, don’t worry. The library has a free Tinkercad class on Wednesdays at noon in The Lab. We have limited computers available, but you are free to bring your own laptop to learn a few tricks in a very exciting new skill. 3-D design for basic functions like this is extremely empowering and gives you agency in the design of your space — no more worrying about buying some-
thing from a department store and realizing it doesn’t really fit your space. These skills can also be incorporated into creating things other people want to buy, turning your hobby into a source of income.
Are you curious about 3-D design or 3-D printing in general? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the library via email at 3-Dprinting@ebonnerlibrary. org, or my email: brenden@ ebonnerlibrary.org.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
• Until the 1970s, most people believed the board game “Monopoly” was created by Charles Darrow, but it was really based on a game called “The Landlord’s Game,” invented by Elizabeth Magie, who held the patent in 1904. Magie was a trailblazer who followed an economic movement called Georgism, which advocated for only landowners to pay taxes. Magie’s version of the game was actually critical of the land-grabbing mentality and helped to promote the single tax movement Magie advocated for.
• Magie’s game became a folk hit, and people often made their own boards with local place names. Darrow first played it when a group of Atlantic City Quakers, who renamed the properties to reflect their region, which included the misspelling of “Marvin Gardens,” which was important 50 years later in a court case over the true origins of the game.
• Darrow drew up a new design of the game and retained some of the Quakers’ names, hiring a graphic artist to establish all the familiar icons that the game still uses.
• Darrow filed for a copyright in 1933 and, after the game was acquired by Parker Brothers, he made up an origin story, omitting all mention of Magie’s original game — as well as a spinoff called “Finance,” created by Daniel W. Layman. To this day, Hasbro, which currently owns “Monopoly,” continues to publish Darrow’s false origin story.
• The true origins of the game only became widely known after economics professor Ralph Anspach created a game called “Anti-Monopoly” to illustrate the principles of both monopolies and trust-busting. Parker Brothers took Anspach to court over trademark infringement, destroying copies of “Anti-Monopoly” in the process. It was during this trial that Anspach researched the true origins of “Monopoly” and how Magie’s invention was the precursor to the game but never given credit. The parties reached a settlement in 1979, and Anspach won a U.S. Supreme Court case in 1983 granting him the right to continue selling his game. He died in 2022 at the age of 96.
Beyond politics
‘Government is not a business. Government is a service,’ and USFS job cuts imperil that service
dumb of the week
Now with more fascism!
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
By Pat Hart Reader Contributor
I am retired. I worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 46 years, all of it in Boundary County, Idaho. I am not acting as a spokesperson for the Forest Service or any other agency.
I cannot speak for farmers, or the Tribe or volunteer firefighters reliant on grants from FEMA.
I am not a politician.
I speak as a citizen with deep care and commitment to Boundary County. As a citizen, I have grave concerns for the well-being of this county over current actions taken by the national administration.
About 75% of the lands within the county are managed by the National Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands and the Bureau of Land Management. These forests provide the basis for a strong timber economy, as well as recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, winter sports, rafting, etc.
Like it or not, we have a National Scenic Recreation Trail traversing the county. The county is being inundated with new homeowners. Recreationists visit from all over the country. County lands provide wealth for this community.
Government is not a business. Government is a service.
The Bonners Ferry Ranger District has been a skeleton workforce for years. The current reduction in employment will weaken their ability to produce timber sales; keep roads, trails and campgrounds open; provide information to the public; assist law enforcement and search and rescue; and fight wildfires. It will likely mean more closures and less responsiveness to the public.
Seasonal employees currently provide the backbone for the workforce. They do the heavy lifting of road, trail and campground maintenance. They survey and provide basic plant, watershed, wildlife and forest information necessary to develop responsible timber harvest contracts. They fight wildfires.
The incredibly sad fact is that most of the seasonal workers laid off have worked 10 to 30 years. Many had just been offered permanent jobs. The
reduction in employment has additionally reached the permanent workforce.
Because government is a service, the Forest Service has supported this community in ways well beyond seasonal employment and forest work.
Likely, there will no longer be youth work programs. Over the past 50 years, many hundreds of county youth have been employed at the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. For most, it is their first work experience and it provided them a foundation of work integrity and ethics.
Likely, there will no longer be training programs for people, especially senior citizens or people with disabilities, who need to update their skills so that they can enter a competitive private work force.
Likely, there will be a reduction in road and forestry work contracts or supply purchases because there are not
enough people left to develop contracts or administer them.
Although it may sound good to reduce the size of agencies, there are endless services to this community that will be cut. This is one agency in one small county.
I was trained by a man 55 years ago who said, “We were proud to be government men.”
There are men and women throughout all government agencies who believe that, with all their hearts. It is offensive and insulting to be handed a “fork-in-the-road” letter when you really have no choice which fork to take. The fork provided appears to lead only to havoc.
Pat Hart is a retired U.S. Forest Service employee, who served 46 years in Boundary County. Her opinions are her own, and not meant as representative of the USFS.
It’s been a banner week in the business of Dumb. Here are some lowlights:
• Idaho House Republicans continued to thumb their noses at constituents by passing House Bill 138 out of the House Health and Welfare Committee and later the House, undoing the will of 61% of voters who voted to pass Medicaid expansion in 2018. While the bill is still technically active, it was apparently panned by the Idaho Senate, so the original bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Jordan Redman, introduced a new bill without the repeal trigger that worried the Senate. Here’s a novel idea: How about we just leave Medicaid expansion alone and allow people to keep their health care?
• A woman was dragged out of a recent Kootenai County Republican Central Committee town hall meeting, reportedly for “heckling” legislators. Video of the incident went viral as Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris directed unidentified plainclothes security personnel, “Guys, get her,” after threatening to pepper spray the woman. The Coeur d’Alene police chief responded critically to the incident, stating, “We have to respect everybody’s First Amendment rights, regardless of what side of the aisle you happen to sit on.” The city of Coeur d’Alene reportedly dismissed the misdemeanor battery citation against the woman for biting her attackers and revoked the security company’s business license. Funny how the ones who complain about “snowflakes” the most end up being the ones who can’t stand hearing opposing voices.
• President Donald Trump referred to himself as a “king”; claimed only he and the attorney general could interpret law (perhaps he needs to return to American government class in high school to learn about the three branches of the federal government); tweeted, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law”; and refused to label Vladimir Putin a “dictator” after calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the same. In fact, the U.S. opposed a resolution condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine, voting alongside Russia, Belarus and North Korea — all havens of democracy, of course. OK, I’ve had enough, let me off.
Parking requirements are not what people think in Sandpoint
By Jason Welker Reader Contributor
There’s a lot of misinformation about what the city “requires” of private developers in Sandpoint with regard to off-street parking. Recent op-eds and posts on social media have claimed that the city is somehow letting the developers of the 56 Bridge Street Hotel at City Beach off the hook by allowing them to provide less than the “code-required” amount of parking spaces.
To be clear, there is no single “code-required” number of parking spaces for any new development in Sandpoint. In fact, for most of the downtown area, there are no requirements for off-street parking whatsoever. Any new development within the city’s vast “parking exempt zone” is free to provide as much or as little off-street parking as the developer feels is necessary to support their business.
The developers of 56 Bridge Street, by virtue of owning property immediately outside the parking exempt zone, have three options for determining how much off-street parking they will
provide: 1. either calculate the number of spaces using a convenient table in City Code called “minimum and maximum surface parking requirements”; 2. pay a parking in-lieu fee of $10,000 per parking space to reduce the amount of parking determined by the table by up to 50%; or, 3. conduct a site specific demand analysis to determine “the actual demands of the project,” which may then be used by the planning director (that’s me!) to set parking requirements.
Through options No. 2 and 3, the developer of the City Beach hotel has committed to providing 145 off-street parking spaces, based on the demand study results (prepared by a registered professional
traffic engineer licensed in the state of Idaho), who determined that the actual level of parking demand generated by the hotel would be 141 spaces — the required number of parking spaces for the new hotel at City Beach.
In fact, given this number, the hotel could have then, by right, paid $70,000 in inlieu fees and reduced their off-street parking to just 71 spaces. Rather than allowing that, the city negotiated an in-lieu payment of $400,000 (which was not a requirement of code), which will go directly into improving the city’s public parking facilities — specifically the resurfacing, landscaping, stormwater treatment and new lighting at City Beach.
Let me be clear: This is a huge win for the city and the public will directly benefit from this in-lieu payment through an improved and enhanced public facility.
Opponents of the hotel project and the city’s proposed paid parking policy, which was a recommendation of both the 2022 Downtown Parking Study and the city’s Comprehensive Plan as a tool for “applying creative, cost-effective methods to address public parking
needs while preserving our traditional urban environment,” want you to believe that backroom deals were made to “reduce parking fees for a developer” while “putting fees on the community.”
In reality, all developers in Sandpoint are either entirely exempt from having to provide any off-street parking or are invited to do a site-specific parking demand analysis to determine their true level of parking demand.
Ultimately, Sandpoint’s City Code supports urban development that puts people over cars, and the opportunity for developers to pay in-lieu fees or conduct site-specific studies reflects the city’s commitment to “people-first” urban development that does not require overprovision of vehicle parking, which, over time, would result in an urban landscape dominated by paved parking lots and vertical concrete parking garages.
Under Sandpoint’s current leadership, the Planning Department is committed to fulfilling the community’s vision of a dense, vibrant, downtown commercial area that puts people over cars, preserves historic buildings,
Sandpoint Dance Team clinches district championship, heads to state competition
By Reader Staff
The Sandpoint Dance Team claimed the 5A District 1-2 championship title on Feb. 15, taking first place in both the kick and military categories, with the lowest total ordinal score at the competition.
The team’s performance earned its dancers a spot at the upcoming Idaho High School Activities Association State Dance Competition, set for Saturday, March 1 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.
The team will be representing Sandpoint with three routines at the state competition: kick, military and hip-hop.
“We are incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished,” wrote coaches Frances Clark and Mikah Little. “Their hard work, unity and love for dance have truly paid off.”
“We’re so excited to compete at state,” said Team Captain Camille McClelland. “And we’re grateful for all the support from our coaches, teammates and the
community. We’re ready to give it our all!”
Following the state competition, local dance and cheer teams will take part in the Dance Madness Showcase on Saturday, March 8 at 3 p.m. at Sandpoint High School (410 S. Division Ave.). For the latest updates, follow the Sandpoint Dance Team on Instagram at @sandpointdanceteam.
The Sandpoint High School Dance Team celebrates their stellar performance.
and promotes public gathering spaces while prioritizing open spaces and skylines characterized by historically contextual architecture and views to the surrounding mountains over an environment dominated by asphalt and concrete parking facilities that sit underutilized for 10 months of the year.
No code must be violated or ethics breached to fulfill this vision, and we look forward to working with property owners who care to promote these values through their work in our lovely city.
I would encourage anyone with questions or concerns about parking management in City Code or the proposed paid parking policy to contact me directly, and not to believe everything (or perhaps anything) they read online. I will always return your email or phone call if you are interested in talking facts, not railing against a fiction you heard third-hand or from someone with an agenda: jwelker@ sandpointidaho.gov or 208255-1738.
Jason Welker is the Planning and Community Development director for the city of Sandpoint.
Jason Welker. File photo.
Courtesy photo
All photos taken by Karley Coleman
Women Honoring Women seeks 2025 nominations
By Reader Staff
Women Honoring Women is now accepting nominations for the Women of Wisdom Class of 2025. Started in 1999, the organization recognizes women who have made Bonner County a better place to live through
their service and leadership. To date, WHW has recognized more than 130 recipients.
Candidates must be 65 years or older, possess vision and achieve goals through collaboration, love to learn and share that learning with others, show a long-term commitment to impact life in a positive manner in Bonner County, and demonstrate leadership and inspire others.
“Facing life’s challenges with dignity, grace, integrity and honor is paramount,” organizers stated, adding that examples of service include the “day-to-day commitment” of checking in on an elderly neighbor, volunteering to help fundraise for a school, or seeing a need and organizing others to help fill it.
“These activities are often done without fanfare or recognition, but make no mistake — they are critical
to the fabric of any community,” WHW stated. “They are the foundation of quality of life.”
Write a letter of recommendation, describing how the nominee meets all of the criteria. Letters of support from others may be included. Include the name, phone number, and email of both the nominee and the nominator.
Posthumous nominations are welcome.
Nominations can be emailed to womenhonoringwomen@gmail. com or mailed to Women Honoring Women, 419 Upper Humbird Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Nominations will be accepted until May 1.
“This is a beautiful way to honor the woman — or women — who have made an impact on your life,” organizers stated.
CAL accepting grant applications March 1
By Reader Staff
The season of giving from the Community Assistance League of Sandpoint has arrived, with applications for funding available starting Saturday, March 1 for Bonner County nonprofits. CAL awarded more than $150,000 in grants in 2024. CAL’s primary source of fundraising is the upscale resale shop, Bizarre Bazaar.
“The monies we are able to give back to the community are really from the community,” stated CAL Treasurer Beth Drain. “People donate goods, our volunteers polish them up and price them, and people come into the store and buy them. ... Our friends and neighbors here in Bonner
are the reason we can continue to do this. We are so appreciative of their support.”
CAL funds go to support projects that will have a significant and positive impact on the community, are innovative and address important community issues.
Find application forms at local libraries in Clark Fork, Priest River, Oldtown or Sandpoint; the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce (1202 Fifth Ave.); or Bizarre Bazaar (114 S. Boyer Ave.). Download an application at CALSandpoint.org.
All applications must be submitted or postmarked by Monday, March 31. For additional information about the grants, email CALSantpointGrants@gmail.com.
Idaho nonprofits invited to apply for Youth in Philanthropy grants
By Reader Staff
The Idaho Community Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025 Idaho Youth in Philanthropy Project, which disburses grants to nonprofits addressing critical local needs.
Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, faith-based organizations and public entities such as cities, counties and libraries.
YIPP is a hands-on leadership program that empowers high-school students in rural Idaho to get involved with tackling challenges facing their communities.
“By learning about philanthropy and nonprofits, students gain the tools to strengthen their hometowns and foster lifelong civic en-
gagement,” the Idaho Community Foundation stated.
Six participating high schools will distribute $5,000 in grants to local nonprofits. Sandpoint High School is the only school in North Idaho participating in the project.
The grant application deadline is Friday, March 7, with downloadable forms at idahocf.org/grants-scholarships.php. Submit completed applications to grants@ idahocf.org. The application should outline how the organization serves the community, the challenges it addresses and how grant funding would be used.
“This project is a winwin,” stated Tim Adams, ICF
board member and consultant serving YIPP schools. “Nonprofits have the chance to secure funding for vital programs, and students learn the value of giving back to their communities while addressing real-world challenges.”
For more information, visit IdahoCF.org or contact The Idaho Community Foundation at grants@idahocf.org or 208-342-3535.
Courtesy photo.
Legislative update
By Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint Reader Contributor
We are in the middle of the legislative session and, to no one’s surprise, there are a considerable number of bills being printed every day. Some of the bills are predictable (appropriations) while others have unknown origins (immigration, changes for public education, etc.).
So far, the bill gathering the most attention has been House Bill 93. It’s a tax credit bill that sends public tax money to parents with children in private schools. H.B. 93 was presented as a “school choice” bill, whose sponsors noted that it would help to offset the costs of private school. The funds would be allocated as a refundable tax credit for parents who qualify.
Many believe the bill is a redistribution of wealth. An argument can be made that most tax exemptions are a shift of wealth. In this case, $50 million from Idaho taxpayers being sent to some of the 30,000 private school kids for tuition. There are approximately 300,000 Idaho kids in public schools (this includes charter schools).
When the bill was considered on the House floor, I debated and voted against it. The number of emails and phone calls I received encouraging me to vote against H.B. 93 was amazing.
Waiting to see what happens with H.B. 93 — the ‘school choice’ bill
While I was campaigning, support for sending public tax revenues to private school families was not something I heard was important to District 1 constituents. The requests for property tax reform and grocery tax reduction were loud and clear, and reducing both taxes helps considerably more residents than private school funding.
We have private school options in Bonner and Boundary counties; however, they are somewhat limited. The experience in other states that have decided to send public revenues to private schools is that private schools often increase their tuition prices. Whether due to increased demand or because the funds are available is unknown. I cannot predict what may happen, but
I recall how the stimulus money many received a few years ago contributed to the inflationary spike we experienced afterward.
The Idaho Constitution directs the Legislature to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools. The courts have found the Legislature has not adequately funded public education in several cases. Although our “per student” funding amount is very near the bottom nationally, each legislative session more bills are introduced to require more of public schools. Despite the funding levels — and the poor condition of some of our aging school facilities — I believe our students remarkably perform above the national average.
There are other issues with H.B. 93, as well. When Idaho tax revenues are spent, there are usually accountability measures included. With H.B. 93, the tax credits are tracked by the Idaho Tax Commission. I don’t see that process as
competent in the arena of educational accountability.
Our public schools are saddled with considerable reporting and requirements to teach all students. H.B. 93 doesn’t make those demands. During the floor debates, we heard stories of students being turned away from certain schools because their faith was different from that of the religious school they were considering. These types of decisions being made with public funds involved are troubling.
H.B. 93 passed through both the House and the Senate and now sits on the Gov. Brad Little’s desk, awaiting action. His choices are to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to go into law. He has exercised all these actions over the course of his time in the Capitol.
Since last week, thousands of Idahoans have called upon the governor to take action. We should know his position by Friday, Feb. 28.
Rep. Mark Sauter is a second-term Republican legislator representing District 1A. He serves on the Agricultural Affairs; Education; and Resources and Conservation committees.
Rep. Mark Sauter. File photo
FEATURE
Raising the roof
PSNI outlines plan for new campus
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
After 50 years at the same address, Panhandle Special Needs, Inc. is embarking on a capital campaign to open a modern campus across the street from its current location. While it’s a long way to go and a lot of money to raise, PSNI staff and board members are optimistic and excited about the move.
With a stated mission to “champion the self-respect, economic empowerment and social inclusion of individuals with disabilities within their communities,” PSNI has been quietly improving the community with every one of its many services and activities.
“Our services not only launch individuals with disabilities into adulthood successfully, but we also play a big role in the health of our community,” said Executive Director Trinity Nicholson.
Nicholson outlined several of the many positive impacts PSNI achieves, including providing school-to-work transition programs; preventing homelessness and institutionalization of individuals; providing crisis intervention; education and training in tandem with law enforcement for individuals with disabilities coming out of the justice system; providing more than 40 jobs; supporting local employers through employment programs and life skills training to shop, live and play locally; as well as advocating for medical and dental care and funding needed for critical disability supports and services.
The campaign to build a modern PSNI campus is split into several phases to accomplish the eventual goal of moving across North Boyer Avenue.
Phase 1 involves organizing fundraising efforts to prepare for a long-term capital campaign to acquire the proposed $7.3 million necessary to reach the goal toward a modern campus.
Phase 2 will begin after funds have been committed to complete the construction of the core services unit.
A contractor will be selected and PSNI will continue to use The Cottage Thrift Store and begin construction of the service core, including the adult day care unit, life skills training unit, the administration unit and services area. Phase 2 is projected to be the most costly of the project, with $4.25 million needed to complete the entire phase.
Phase 3 will see the addition of a work services unit and Phase 4 will include the expansion of the adult day care unit and life skills unit, as well as the creation of the cafeteria and kitchen area. Landscaping and parking will be completed during this phase, as well.
Once everything is completed, PSNI will then consider the option of discontinuing the lease at the current facility at 1424 N. Boyer Ave. and move across the street to the new campus.
A final phase will establish an endowment fund, which will aim to offer financial security for decades to come.
Funding for the move will come from a variety of sources, Nicholson said, but a lion’s share will likely come from private donors.
“We have always received donations from private donors, especially donors with an understanding of how vital our services are, either through a disabled relative or other experience with our program,” she told the Reader
So far, PSNI has raised approximately $900,000 toward its goal thanks to donations, both big and small.
Nicholson said PSNI currently has a waiting list of more than 40 individuals who are seeking services, but the current location does not present the opportunity to expand. With a region growing as fast as North Idaho, the decision to launch a new facility to expand with PSNI’s growing services became a common goal for staff and board members.
PSNI engaged with Reid Weber, of North Root Architecture, to take on the lengthy project, which Weber told the Reader he was excited to join. Having grown up in Sandpoint, Weber admitted he didn’t know much about PSNI until starting on the project.
“Learning how much PSNI contributes to this community has been amazing,” Weber said. “I definitely feel really thankful to be on this team with such a committed staff and board of directors. It’s great when everyone is on the same page in wanting to accomplish this thing.”
Weber said if fundraising efforts prove fruitful, shovels can be in the ground as soon as two years from now,
with the final phase possibly taking anywhere from five to 10 years to fully build the modern facility.
For Nicholson and the PSNI board of directors, the services they provide are driven by a profound truth: “Disabilities are entirely unbiased,” Nicholson said. “They transcend age, race, religion, economic status and culture, reminding us
that they can impact anyone at any time, making our role vital to everyone.
“For adults, programs like ours are essential in ensuring a high quality of life — not only for the individual with a disability, but also for their families.”
For those interested in donating to the PSNI capital campaign, visit panhandlespecialneeds.org.
the
PRESENTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 7:30 PM doors at 6:30 PM
Image courtesy North Root Architecture.
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
Live Music w/ Ellie’s Open Irish Jam
5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Cribbage (double elimination tourney)
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Justyn Priest
6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ
Live Music w/ Truck Mills & Carl Rey
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ The Hot Cheetos
5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Four local teachers who harmonize like The Mamas and the Papas
Live Music w/ Kerry Leigh
6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ The Night Mayors
9pm @ 219 Lounge
An infectious blend of funky grooves
Live Music w/ Sydney Dawn
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Kosh
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Andru Gomez
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Chris Paradis
6-8pm @ Baxter’s on Cedar
Sandpoint Chess Club
9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee
Meets every Sunday at 9am
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi
7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Trivia night
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Piano w/ Carson Rhodes
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Family Hour w/ music by John Firshi
5-7pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Madeline Hawthorne in concert
7:30pm @ Panida Theater
A night of well-crafted songs and great stories from the road. Also featuring Kevin Dorin
THURSDAY, february 27
February 27, 2025
Sip & Shop: Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
All day @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Support FSPW with a percentage of proceeds. John Firshi plays live 5-7pm
FriDAY, february 28
Live Music w/ The Wardens
7pm @ Panida Theater
Canadian national park wardens give tribute to the wilderness they have safeguarded. $10 students, $25 adults
Live Music w/ Snacks at Midnight + Desperate Electric
8pm @ The Hive
Indie rock five-piece and soul-pop duo
SATURDAY, march 1
Gothard Sisters Celtic Celebration
7:30pm @ Panida Theater
Internationally acclaimed Celtic folk group of three sisters playing Celtic fiddle tunes, Irish songs and more
Prime Tap Takeover benefiting Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Prizes, free merch
Artist Reception: Brandon Puckett
5:30pm @ Barrel 33
Nature photography by Brandon Puckett
SunDAY, march 2
Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Up close magic shows at the table
monDAY, march 3
Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
Pool Tournament ($10 entry)
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
tuesDAY, march 4
wednesDAY, march 5
Taste of Tango Dance Class
5-8pm @ Barrel 33
No experience/partner necessary. $15
ThursDAY, march 6
Artist Reception: SHS artists
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
SHS advanced art students’ work on display. Acoustic music by Conner McClure and Miles Wheatcroft
Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs
6-8pm @ Baxter’s on Cedar
Live Music w/ Hannah Meehan
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Bakerwood Bros. 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon
Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale 10am-2pm @ Sandpoint Library
Large selection of genres, great prices
North Idaho Old Time Fiddlers Jam 2-4pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center
Join in or come to listen. All welcome
The Snow Queen play
3 & 5:30pm @ Northside Elementary School
Presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre, with more than 50 local students performing! Tickets $3, kids free
$5 Movie: Best in Show
2 & 7pm @ Panida Theater
Director Christopher Guest’s acclaimed mockumentary about dog people and their biggest event
Intro to Salsa Dancing 5pm @ Barrel 33
Social hour 5pm, class at 6pm. No experience/partner necessary. $15
Live Trivia ($5)
7pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Piano w/ Dwayne Parsons
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Cribbage (double elimination tourney)
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
The Substance features a lot of substance, but without the need to overthink it
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
A lot of reviews of The Substance are filled with thinky references to an uncommonly large number of other films, from Carrie to The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Re-Animator, The Invisible Man and (in the case of Forbes) Death Becomes Her. Special prize goes to The New York Times, whose critic went all in to frame their take through the lens of a 1930 Vladimir Nabokov novel.
The most common comparison is with David Cronenberg, whose body horror-centric oeuvre includes classics such as Scanners, Videodrome, The Fly and Naked Lunch. He’s also responsible for Crash, A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, which all feature unsettling ruminations on the self-hating barbarity that lurks just beneath the veneer of almost all our social interactions.
Most of that is fair — if you’re trying to show off your cinema history credentials — but mostly it’s indicative of the fact that so many professional movie watchers weren’t quite sure what they were watching, and grasped
at whatever handholds they could find. What seemed to evade a lot of reviewers was that The Substance isn’t trying to be thinky. Quite the opposite, and that’s among its chiefest accomplishments.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film has garnered five nominations in the 2025 Academy Awards: Best Actress (Demi Moore), Best Directing (Fargeat), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Screenplay (Fargeat) and Best Picture.
Despite all the name-dropping and cultural analysis attempted by so many critics, The Substance has such deep resonance for a few simple reasons: it makes blunt satirical points about the objectification of female beauty and how that translates into self-destruction; it makes blunt satirical points about the fool’s game of seeking perpetual youth; and it is bluntly grotesque, cringe-inducing and so woozy with horrific gore that it transcends repellence to achieve true gallows humor.
You aren’t supposed to “think” about The Substance, nor are you supposed to whip out your college film stud-
Panida to host double screenings of classic mockumentary Best in Show
By Reader Staff
Some may not know that writer-director Christopher Guest is also a baron and member of the British House of Lords. What everyone already does know is that Guest is peerless when it comes to mockumentary filmmaking, with such iconic examples of the genre as This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind.
Sandwiched amid that list is Best in Show, which delighted audiences in 2000 with its send-up of the world of competitive dog shows and the quirky pets and people who populate them. Co-written by and starring Eugene Levy, the cast also includes the likes of Fred Willard, Catherine
ies notes and start analyzing. You’re supposed to experience this film and take it for what it is unequivocally telling you. Likewise, the plot is easy to summarize: Moore plays a still-gorgeous but aging former-A-list film star who has been relegated by the studio system to performing on a daytime TV exercise show — until she’s fired because she’s “too old” to be sexy. That throws her into a self-loathing doom spiral, out of which she attempts to climb by injecting herself with the mysterious, titular “substance.”
What it does is promise you’ll regain a younger version of yourself, but only for seven days at a time. Literally: It’s a younger version of yourself, that is cloned and birthed out of your body with all the gore that would entail. For those seven days, “young you” walks around and lives life while “old you” has to be kept in a husk-like state of living death until the seven-day transfer happens again.
Of course things don’t play out that way, as Moore’s character’s younger version comes to run the show — literally and figuratively. As their dualism gets increasingly out of control, everything (and that’s everything) falls apart.
The odds that The Substance will win all those Oscars is slim — the Academy has long resisted honoring horror with most of its top awards — but it does deserve the recognition. And particularly for Moore, who puts so much of herself into the role that even in its most over-the-top moments,
she manages to tether the story in real human emotion and cements her as one of the best artists (though critically unappreciated, except for her recent Golden Globe) of her or any other generation.
Stream The Substance on Amazon Prime. Watch the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2 at 4 p.m. (PST) on ABC or streaming live on Hulu. For other options, go to oscars.org/ how-to-watch.
O’Hara, Jennifer Coolidge, Bob Balaban, Will Sasso and Guest himself.
Each character is more unique than the last, as they prepare for and compete in the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show with hilarious results.
The Panida Theater will present two showings of PG-13-rated Best in Show on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (doors 30 minutes before the show). Part of the theater’s $5 Sunday Cinemas Series, tickets are available at panida.org and at the door (300 N. First Ave.).
The series is sponsored by Joni MacNeill, DDS, of MacNeill Family Dental; Ben Richards, CPFA, of Merrill; Retro Play Arcade; and SkyRight Roofing and Gutters.
10-15% of sudden cardiac arrests occur in those under
Demi Moore in The Substance. Courtesy photo
MUSIC
Snacks at Midnight, Desperate Electric, The Hive, Feb. 28
Spokane band Snacks at Midnight has captured the attention of the local music scene with their high-energy blend of indie rock and pop, infused with funky rhythms that make it difficult to remain seated.
Their shows are always energetic, with the talented five-piece swinging for the fences at every live gig.
Hailing from the mountains of Montana, Desperate
Electric is a soul pop duo that knows how to put on a good show. With their flashy outfits and magnetic stage presence, Desperate Electric is like a futuristic R&B band playing retro dance grooves. Throw in a dash of rock, funk, soul and pop influences, and it’s a fusion of melodies that offer catchy hooks, thought-provoking lyrics and beats that seem to pull you onto the dance floor like a tractor beam.
— Ben Olson
Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., $5, 21+. The Hive, 207 N. First Ave., 208-920-9039. Tickets at livefromthehive.com. Listen at snacksatmidnight.com and desperateelectric.com.
The Wardens, Panida Theater, Feb. 28
Some of the best performers blend stories and images with their songs, culminating in a multi-sensory experience that leaves you feeling complete. That’s exactly how a live performance from The Wardens makes you feel.
The band is made up of Canadian national park wardens who sing haunting three-part harmonies and craft songs that give tribute to the
land they’ve spent their lives protecting.
It’s the type of music that transports you to the mountains, where you feel the dig of pack straps and the plodding wonder of a long hike at the top of the world.
The Wardens’ high, lonesome sound feels like an old friend coming to call after you haven’t seen them for a long while. Their music embod-
ies Canadian authenticity and folk sensibilities, giving listeners a magical, historical trip through a world that still remains. Show presented by Pend Oreille Arts Council.
— Ben Olson
Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.; $10 students, $25 adults. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., 208-2639191, tickets at panida.org. Listen at thewardensmusic.com.
This week’s RLW by Ben Olson
I’ve always been a fan of novels of the “unflinching” variety. William S. Burroughs’ Queer is one of those. Though he wrote it in 1952, the book wasn’t published until 1985. The book follows Burroughs’ character William Lee as he travels through the expat scene in Mexico City. It’s daring, political, humorous and absolutely viscerating — just what the doctor ordered for this foul time in which we live.
Madeline Hawthorne, Panida Theater, March 6
The greatest source of inspiration for Montana-based singer-songwriter Madeline Hawthorne is the open road, and it shines through her multi-instrumental sound.
Hawthorne blends Americana, roots, folk and rock into a unique output of music that has gained her attention from some of the biggest names in Americana, including John
Craigie and Nathaniel Rateliff.
Speaking of her latest release, 2024’s Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives, Hawthorne said, “It’s the perfect road trip record. It was mostly written while I was on tour. ... This is me stepping onto the stage with more miles under my boots.”
Hawthorne will be joined by special guest Kevin Dorin,
Andru Gomez, Connie’s Lounge, March 1
Moscow-based Andru Gomez has built a good gig out of working as a professional event musician — handling everything from acoustic and processional music to cocktail parties and live DJ sets. Even provides professional sound services, and all that expertise shines through with his live performances.
Technically classified as an indie Americana singer-songwriter, Gomez’s sound is liveli-
er, sunnier and more inventive than that descriptor lets on. There are hints of early Mason Jennings mingling with peak Jack Johnson in his rhythms and vocal delivery, but it’s all Gomez.
—
Zach Hagadone
6 p.m., FREE. Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., 208-255-2227, conniescafe.com. Listen at andrugomez.bandcamp.com.
who has captivated Sandpoint with his tunes for years.
—Ben Olson
Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., $15. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., 208-263-9191, tickets at panida.org. Listen at madelinehawthorne.com.
Sydney Dawn, Barrel 33, March 1
Though singer-songwriter Sydney Dawn is young, she’s already traveled up and down the state performing her wide-ranging selection of covers to delighted audiences. She lends her voice and guitar to jazz, bluegrass, indie, Celtic and folk songs, giving them a light, effervescent sound. Dawn’s voice has a Disney-like quali-
ty that will pair well with quiet conversation and a few glasses of wine at Barrel 33. Catch her Saturday, March 1, before her travels take her back south.
— Soncirey Mitchell
5:30-8:30 p.m., FREE. Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave., 208920-6258, barrel33sandpoint. com. Listen on Instagram.
LISTEN
Ever since I watched the news after Jeffrey Dahmer was captured when I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated with psychopaths, sociopaths and serial killers. The abnormal psychology class I took in college only added to the dark mystique of these evil people who walk among us. One podcast I return to on those long, foggy drives is Serial Killers by Spotify Studios. They cover the famous ones and the obscure tales with the same dedication to facts and detail.
WATCH
Films from the U.K. hit a little different than our homespun varieties. I’m all for it. My new favorite dark comedy is Frank, starring Michael Fassbender as the eponymous avant-garde songwriter who always wears a huge papier-mâché mask over his head. We enter Frank’s surreal, beatific world through the eyes of a young wannabe musician named Jon and, frankly, it’s a weird one. It’s a movie that is as sad as it is hilarious, but most importantly, I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. Available on most major streaming services.
Snacks at Midnight, left, and Desperate Electric, above. Courtesy photos
The Wardens sing their high, lonesome sound in concert.
Photo by Andy Stanislav.
Madeline Hawthorne. Photo by Dan Bradner Photography.
From Pend Oreille Review, February 25, 1910
RAILROADS TIED
UP BY HEAVY SNOW
With the heaviest fall of snow of the winter the Northern Pacific and Great Northern were entirely tied up yesterday and for twenty-four hours did not get a train through east and few trains west. The Cascades are filled with snow, and both railroads were put out of commission Wednesday night being unable to get a train through. Traffic has been very little better from the east, the heavy snow in the Rockies tying up traffic.
Yesterday morning between 9 and 10 o’clock the North Coast Limited on the Northern Pacific west-bound was derailed between Clark Fork and Cabinet, three coaches leaving the track because of the heavy snow. The derailment “laid out” all traffic from the east all day yesterday and it was last night before No. 1 got through. No one was hurt by the derailment, according to advices received here.
“Trouble” was anticipated by the local telephone lines and although the Bell system had some trouble Tuesday and Wednesday with the connection around to Priest River by the way of Spokane, both telephone exchanges got through pretty well. The interstate manager states that that company’s lines were not down at any point.
Nearly a foot and a half of snow fell in Sandpoint during the three days of the storm. Yesterday the snow turned to rain and now it is feared that with sudden warm weather, a serious flood may ensue.
BACK OF THE BOOK
The life of the author
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
There are three books by Neil Gaiman on my shelves: Good Omens, American Gods and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. The sight of them, which used to make me smile, now makes me gag; and, for the first time in my life, I have the desire to burn books.
Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson broke the story of the numerous rape allegations made against Gaiman in the podcast Master. Shortly after, Lila Shapiro wrote an 11,000word exposé for Vulture, recounting in nauseating detail the physical and psychological abuse perpetrated by Gaiman against multiple women over many years.
I have loved Gaiman’s work since I was a child, watching Stardust and Doctor Who. He has an undeniable talent for crafting impactful, whimsical stories — and that’s what gave him enough money, power and influence to brutalize a host of women, forcing them to commit degrading acts that stripped them of their humanity and permanently scarred them.
It’s been more than a month since the story broke, and I’ve come to accept the two conflicting images in my head: the beautiful stories full of love and the sadist who created them. I’ve yet to come to terms with what it means for me.
The internet and the power of the Me Too movement brought the idea of ethical consumption to pop culture and ushered in the age of “cancel culture,” where the public agrees to boycott celebrities for immoral and illegal behavior. This is the only punishment most of Hollywood’s elite will ever
STR8TS Solution
face for sexual harassment or racist/ sexist/homophobic/bigoted actions.
The idea that we have a moral obligation to monitor the kind of media we consume isn’t new — John Milton was ruminating on the topic in the 1640s — but what is new is the scale on which we produce that media. Hundreds of people work on any given film, from actors to interns, each contributing to the final product. How much involvement must a person have before they irrevocably taint the art they helped create?
It was easy for critics and moviegoers to ignore Peter Five Eight in 2024 and deny its star (Kevin Spacey) the fame or money it might have garnered him. It’s equally as easy for me never to buy another of Gaiman’s books — that transaction is simple. To do so would be to give money to a monster who has driven women to the brink of suicide.
It’s not so simple when it comes to producers like Harvey Weinstein, who had a hand in films like The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
LOTR is the single most important piece of media in my life. Still, I can’t definitively say that financially supporting it — whether by buying DVDs or merchandise — and publicly talking about it isn’t playing into the culture that has turned a blind eye to sexual abusers for years. I also can’t say boycotting it would make any difference, aside from stripping me of a source of joy and comfort I’ve relied on for nearly 20 years.
The gut-wrenching truth is that if we boycotted every piece of media with a writer, editor, actor, producer or director accused of sexual assault or who was a known bigot, we’d have
Sudoku Solution
next to nothing left. There will always be influential people willing to abuse their power, and they will always be tied to pop culture because pop culture creates influential people and vice versa. So, though the philosophy of ethical consumption is sound, it will never truly align with practice because it asks too much of people.
The only practical solution is to leverage pop culture’s influence to discuss consent, mental health and recovery from abuse. It’s impossible to erase these creators or their works, which have lodged themselves in the public consciousness; and, regardless, doing so inadvertently erases the victims.
Since these works cannot be ignored, their influence must be used to change the cultural narrative so that, in the future, creators can’t use their popularity as a shield to hide from the consequences of their actions. Making the pain mean something is the best way to honor the survivors and save generations from suffering the same fate.
Crossword Solution
If you’re robbing a bank, and your pants suddenly fall down, I think it’s okay to laugh, and to let the hostages laugh too, because come on, life is funny.
Solution on page 22
Laughing Matter
CROSSWORD
By Bill Borders
[adjective] 1. tumultuous or turbulent
“The university experienced a tempestuous season of faculty protests and disputes.”
Corrections: Have you ever seen such an empty corrections box while eating string cheese? Yup.
ACROSS
1. Asp or viper
6. In the center of 10. Is endebted to 14. Flowing garments
