an's m o w y r r a c e W on i h s a f y r a r o p contem s and curvy sizes in misse 317 N First Ave. • Sandpoint, ID
208-263-2178
15
$
each
Sweetheart Gifts Galore!
We Deliver!
•Fresh Wildflower Arrangements For •Unique Houseplants •Rosemary - Basil - Herb Starting Kits
HIM and HER
Call Early for Guaranteed Delivery 31831 Hwy 200 E. - Sandpoint, ID
208-265-2944 Order anytime online at
www.allseasonsgardenandfloral.com
2 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
(wo)MAN compiled by
Susan Drinkard
on the street
What do you recall about the winter of 1996-1997? “I had just moved here from Los Angeles, and it was my introduction to North Idaho. There was a six-foot snowdrift across my driveway, and I had to dig it out by hand.” Mary McGinnis Nutrition coordinator Sandpoint
“I remember the five steps out the front door and the back door steps were gone. The top of the fence was only six inches high, and the dogs could’ve easily walked over the fence due to the height of the snow. They were good and stayed in the yard.” Ellen Weissman Executive Director Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. Sandpoint
DEAR READERS,
Love is in the air. So is a lot of snow. As I write this on our deadline evening, the flurries are starting to add up. I wish I could call in sick tomorrow and ski some more of that awesome powder at Schweitzer, but somebody has to deliver this newspaper. Yes, that’s right; I’m a 35-year-old paperboy once a week. Dreams really do come true. Honestly, the skiing has been phenomenal this week. I was waist-deep on Chair 6 at one point on Monday. I even aired off a small cliff and didn’t even know it because the snow was so deep. This is what winter is all about. We’ve got a lot of fun stuff inside this issue. Paul Bannick’s stunning cover photo is only one of an assortment of beautiful owl shots (check pages 12-13 for the full story and more of his photographs). Ever want to get your Valentine an absolutely terrible gift? Check out page 9. Want to identify an animal track? Try page 8. On other fronts, for those of you who park downtown, I’ve been getting complaints left and right about Diamond Parking issuing tickets for parking too far from the curb. They are using a tape measure and they will write you a ticket if you are more than 18 inches from the curb. Of course, that’s assuming we can even see the curb with all this snow. Yes, it seems unfair, but regulations are in place and we must follow them. Congratulations to Ande Berliner, who was chosen at random as the big winner of a $50 gift certificate to Eichardt’s Pub. Ande was one of 411 people who filled out our annual media survey this month. We have a quick synopsis of the results on page 25, but we’ll delve deeper into the results in next week’s issue. The long and short of it is that, out of 411 respondents, more people said they read the Reader than any other print publication in town. The top three were the Reader (67.32%), the Sandpoint Magazine (65.85%) and the Bonner County Daily Bee (52.09%). While these results aren’t scientific, they do show a growing trend that North Idaho is reading the Reader. Perhaps it’s time to advertise?
-Ben Olson, Publisher
“Yes, I remember walking to work at Dr. Rust’s and arriving with icicles on my hat, my hair, my long coat and on my glasses.”
OPEN 11:30 am
GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS
Narlene Flagg Retired insurance biller Sandpoint “We moved here from Middletown, Calif., that winter. We had to have a cat come in to move snow so we could bring in our first load. Snow was pushed over the top of the 24foot Ryder truck. We looked up and standing on top of it, looking down on us, were a mama and baby moose. It was cool.” Judy Whitmire Retired banker Colburn-Culver “Vodka. Oh, and that was the year I got my ankle bracelet off! No, actually, we were living on Lavina, and only four inches of the six-foot tall fence showed, and the kids could walk right over it to go to school.” Rob Nielsen Pole dancer Sagle
LIVE MUSIC RON GREENE 7-10pm BRIAN JACOBS & CHRIS LYNCH
7-10pm
Valentine’s Day Singles Speed Dating and Game Night
6-9pm
BREWERY & BEER HALL 220 Cedar St. 209-6700 FAMILY FRIENDLY BREWPUB 312 First Ave.
255-4351
The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS
212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint
208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994
READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Paul Bannick (Cover), Ben Olson, Jodi Rawson, Melissa Hendrickson. Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Shelby Rognstad, Nick Gier, Jim Mitsui, Scarlette Quille, Christian Rose, Tim Henney, Brenden Bobby, Jodi Rawson, Brenda Hammond, Beth Weber, David Cole, Amy Craven, Rev. Bob Evans, Melissa Hendrickson, Dianne Smith, Drake. Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash. Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics. Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion. Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers. Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook. About the Cover
This week’s cover photograph by Paul Bannick: “A female Northern Hawk Owl flies from the nest after delivery prey to her 2 week-old nestlings. At this time they are insatiable and continue to beg immediately after being fed.” February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 3
LETTERS Letters to the Editor Supplemental Levy... Dear Editor, Vote YES on the Lake Pend Oreille School District (LPOSD) Replacement Supplemental Levy. This vote reflects well-deserved confidence in our staff, our students, our children, our grandchildren, and our future. Each Lake Pend Oreille school, especially the small rural ones, rely on local support to fund essential academic programs, services, and activities. In Idaho, our state does not fully fund schools. Each school district receives partial funding based on the number of students served. Then each district must go through a rigorous and transparent budgeting process to determine its actual needs. Bonner County patrons and students can rely on the integrity, honesty, and professionalism of the staff and leadership of LPOSD when supporting this Replacement Supplemental Levy on March 14, 2017. Voting YES to support community and academic excellence provides an excellent return on your tax dollars. LPOSD is consistently one of the highest performing school districts in Idaho. When exemplary student achievement for every student is discussed, all heads turn to North Idaho and the home of LPOSD. In addition, LPOSD has implemented new programs in direct response to stakeholder feedback. Successful new programs include full day kindergarten and the Homeschool Academy. Most importantly, our community must come together in solidarity, united and focused, to make certain this levy passes. Not going to the polls on March 14 is the same as voting NO. If the Levy doesn’t pass, it will certainly be disastrous for our community and students. The safety of our students will be compromised. Class sizes shall increase and elective opportunities shall be reduced. Schools will be consolidated resulting in an elimination of services to our small rural schools. Lastly, well over 100 full-time positions will be lost affecting every economic facet of our community. Vote YES to support community and academic excellence within the boundaries of LPOSD. This levy will allow our schools to continue to provide essential academic and athletic opportunities. In addition, a YES vote will maintain effective teaching and learning for every child. Respectfully submitted, Judy Hull Sandpoint 4 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
Health Care Reform... Dear Editor, Healthcare is 17.8 percent of the U.S. economy. The largest insurance agency in the country is the government, it covers its workers, military, plus 42% of children, 25% of adults under 65, and of course all adults over 65 and over. So, before Republicans get rid of the majority or American’s health care perhaps we ought to slow down and decide on a replacement system? According to the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, the last effort to repealing the Affordable Care Act House bill 3762 would cause 18 million Americans to lose their health care the first year, which would rise to 27 million the next year. Everyone’s premiums would increase 20 to 25 percent the first year and up to 50 percent the next year. Republicans correctly point out that they are not trying to pass that bill, like they did a year ago, they don’t know what they will pass yet. It will probably be much larger. This is also bad for the economy. The CBO estimated that repealing ObamaCare will increase the deficit by $137-353 billion over 10 years. One reason is because sick people without care can’t work, so they don’t pay taxes. Here are some of the other things on Paul Ryan’s list: a repeal of Medicaid as it is. Instead states will get block grants to divvy out as they see fit. The grants will not relate to the actual costs of care. If there isn’t enough money, states would have to raise taxes or cut people from their program. Congressman Ryan wants to repeal Medicare and replace it with a health insurance exchange (which strangely enough is ObamaCare). Seniors would get a small subsidy depending on their age, not health. A healthy 80-year-old may get enough, until he gets sick, but someone 65 with a history of cancer would be in a lot of trouble. The reason is cost. Twenty eight percent of the federal budget is health care. Of course, the government collects specific taxes, like the Medicare payroll tax, to fund it. The tax would stay, the coverage would go. Medicare, Child Health Insurance Plan and Medicaid have a promise built in them. We will give basic medical coverage to our seniors, children, and the most vulnerable. What Ryan wants to do is take away that promise. The government may help you a little, but the burden will fall on you in ever increasing amounts. As a retired nutritionist who worked with Idaho’s Republican Senator Larry Craig on health care reform in the 1990s, I am going to explore some of the possibilities of health
care reform. Maybe congress and the president should do the same. Sincerely, Mary Haley RD LD Sandpoint
Trump: A True Minority... Dear Editor, It seems ironic that Donald Trump, often criticized for being less-thanfriendly towards minorities, should prove to be such a minority himself. We all know about the popular vote, but when you consider losing the popular vote by the second largest margin of any president in history (which has happened five times, the electoral college favoring a Republican every time) and you combine that with one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent times (55 percent), it turns out that only 26 percent of eligible voters voted for Trump. On the issues, only 16 percent of Americans believe there is not enough evidence to support global warming and 65 percent of our population believes that humans are in part responsible. Of all Americans, 57 percent believe abortion should be legal. I was unable to find statistics on public perception of the EPA, but it does exist to enforce the Clean Water Act (1972), the Clean air Act (1970), and the Endangered Species Protection Act (1973)--three landmark Acts that resulted from a groundswell of public sentiment and bi-partisan support—and the EPA does this despite being underfunded and understaffed. Solar energy has been described as “ice cream” in its almost universal approval across party lines. I could not find any statistics on the percentage of Americans who believe in facts, but I like to think that this is also a majority. Trump, at a net worth of $3.7 billion, is often mistakenly referred to as part of the “one percent.” Most everybody knows 100 people, and if this were true, each one of us would know someone in Trump’s income bracket—we’re talking major CEO money, major campaign donor money, cabinet member money—actually the .0000001 percent. (Today, the richest 62 people have more wealth than half of the world combined, while only six years ago, it took 388 of the richest people to achieve the same status.) Also, the majority of Americans pay taxes. There are other things things that make Trump a minority among Americans: beliefs regarding “the wall”, civil rights, tax breaks for the wealthy, private takeover of public land, health care, torture, education—but what I wanted to say is this: if you believe that our new president does not rep-
resent you or your beliefs, you are not alone. Most of America is with you. Ed Ohlweiler Sandpoint
Final Response to Mr. Katner... Dear Editor and Cliff Kattner: This will be my last installment in the dialog I started with Cliff Katner by replying to his letter of Jan. 19. So, if the Reader publishes this letter and you elect to respond, Cliff, I am giving you the last word. Cliff wrote (gleefully, I think): “In the last six years, Dems have lost the Senate, Congress and over 900 legislative seats.” Although I can’t dispute those facts, I can point out that much of the Dems’ losses can be attributed to voter suppression, gerrymandering and, sadly, and perhaps most importantly, the intense reaction and outpouring to state-level and mid-term election polls of many deplorables who were outraged that a black man was in the White House. And here are some more numbers for you Cliff: Hillary won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes; 20 million people have signed up for Obamacare; and Obama’s approval rating at the end of his second term was 60 percent as opposed to Trump’s 40 percent approval rating. Cliff, if you haven’t yet realized that our “so-called” President Trump does not give a damn about the middle class or the poor (all “losers”) and that he seeks only to exercise power, enrich himself, his family and his billionaire buddies, then you just aren’t paying enough attention. Based upon the enthusiasm and numbers of the protesters against Trumpism, I am hopeful that progressives will begin to prevail in two years. So, Cliff, enjoy your glee while it lasts. That glee may be shorter lived than you expect, especially if the toxic wastes that Republicans are allowing to spill into our rivers begin to destroy the beauty of our lake. Stanley Birnbaum Sandpoint
Scotchman Peaks... Dear Editor, The January 25 article about the proposed Scotchman Wilderness by Cameron Rasmusson was much better than the ridiculously slanted Daily Stink Bug article on the recent Clark Fork meeting, but still needs help with basic journalism. I am happy to help. Rasmusson states that “several people” opposed the legislation. A better description would have been “most”
or the “overwhelming majority” of the attendees were opposed, but maybe Cameron slipped out with Cary Kelly, who skedaddled before the majority could speak? We see Sen. Risch telling us “there has been no process,” when in actuality, the USFS has been in “process” with it for decades, even proudly telling the audience of the many meetings and comment periods, yet leaving out the part where the USFS violated federal law by not holding ANY public hearings in the areas potentially affected by such actions. Then we read that “significant push-back only emerged at Clark Fork.” It would have been clearer to write that “At the first public meeting in held outside of Sandpoint in Bonner County, in the 12 years of FSPW campaigning and decades of the USFS process, the meeting that was held at the request of concerned local citizens, there was significant push-back, even a rejection of this proposal.” Too bad our former commissioners chose also to represent just Sandpoint and not Bonner County on this issue, but maybe that is why two are gone and the third still couldn’t find the time to go to Clark Fork, even though our two new commissioners did (thanks, guys). So Darren Parker, the Risch staffer, decided that most concerns were ideological? Isn’t most of the support founded in ideology too? All that gushy stuff about the need for wondrous solitude and soul-enriching, enchanted wilderness experience? We did hear from the get-go, a lot of anger about use restrictions (snowmobiles, game carriers, wood cutting, etc), USFS mismanagement of surrounding areas to create the next wilderness, poor USFS (non-existent) public communication about supposed wilderness-like management, concerns about wildlife, fire and timber management, the government’s authority to ban entry and firearms in wilderness, stacked rules, regulations and restrictions in Wilderness. Call the new Bonner County (not the previous and exclusive Sandpoint) Commissioners at 265-1438 and tell them you oppose this wilderness, the past shameful process and land lock-up in our backyard! Stan Myers Hope
Got something to say? Write a letter to the editor at letters@sandpointreader.com. Please keep letters under 400 words, and please elevate the discussion.
PERSPECTIVES
State of the City address By Shelby Rognstad Sandpoint Mayor For the Reader
Happy belated new year to all of you readers. As mayor of the city of Sandpoint, I’d like to take this opportunity to give you an update on the state of the city. I’m very proud of what the Sandpoint has accomplished in the last year. Here are a few of the highlights: •We started the year with the addition of a new staff position, the city administrator. Jennifer Pearson Stapleton joined our leadership team at the beginning of the year and has been a powerful addition to our staff. We also hired a new public works director, Ryan Luttman, who likewise has demonstrated proficiency and effectiveness in his role. Both Jennifer and Ryan are team players and a pleasure to work with. •The city has done a lot to stimulate economic development and job growth. We’ve completed PHASE 1 of our dark fiber network, bringing ultra-high-speed, affordable internet to Sandpoint. City Hall was lit up with 1-gig service at the end of 2016 and we expect to see service extended to downtown and the rest of Sandpoint soon. Providing high-speed, affordable internet throughout Sandpoint is one of the most powerful steps we can take to stimulate job growth and quality of life. •The city approved an economic development initiative which provided incentives to growing local businesses and gave the city some leverage to attract new employers. The initiative targets well-paying jobs, medical and technology sectors and offers significant savings through waivers of all
Mayor Shelby Rognstad.
kinds of city fees. This gives the city a powerful tool for retaining growing businesses and makes Sandpoint competitive for attracting good jobs. •This administration also reduced the “new user hook up” fees (NUFFs) by nearly half. This reduces the cost of new housing and stimulates development and job growth in the construction sector. This is one of the most significant changes the city can make to support all job growth as many of our local workforce are challenged to find good, affordable housing without having to commute from neighboring communities. This improves the economy, quality of life, environment and reduces cost of living among other benefits. •A new parking plan was developed this year which gave downtown users more options in parking downtown. Free allday parking is now available in three downtown locations: the City Lot on Third and Oak, the Sandcreek Lot on the east side of Sandcreek and the ITD lot west of Fifth Avenue. The plan expanded the hours for free parking everywhere but the east end of the downtown core. It also expanded parking permit
zones throughout most of downtown. This improved parking for businesses and made life easier for the downtown workers and tourists. •I convened the Sustainability Committee to address recycling and a host of other issues relating to sustainability. We now have a city-wide recycling program for residents and businesses. If interested you can contact Waste Management to initiate commercial service. •Engineering of the downtown streets redesign project is under way. We are accepting public input on streetscape design for First Avenue and Cedar Streets through this winter. Included in this process is the design for Farmin’s Landing between the pedestrian bridge and the Panida Theater. This will accommodate a safe multimodal path, stormwater control, landscaping aesthetics and perhaps parking. Public feedback is also being sought to minimize the impact on downtown businesses and users throughout the project. •Construction for the downtown reversion to two-way traffic is virtually complete. When the snow melts and the pavement dries we can restripe the streets. I expect we will see traditional two-way traffic throughout downtown by the end of April. This will beautify our downtown, improve access and utilities, create new pedestrian appeal and improve on-street parking. •The first phase of the Watershed Crest Trail is complete. Thanks to the Pend Oreille Pedalers, Equinox Foundation, Schweitzer Mt. Resort, the Selkirk Rec District and the city of Sandpoint, we now have an epic, eight-mile scenic trail that connects Sandpoint to the top of Schweitzer.
•After years of citizen concerns regarding the Business Improvement District (BID), the city in partnership with Boise State University developed a survey to assess the BID’s effectiveness and identify areas opportunities for improvement. We asked BID members to provide feedback that will help inform the mayor and council when considering the future of the BID. •The successful SPOT public transit system is continuing to grow and extend its services beyond greater Sandpoint. Service is expanding to Bonners Ferry and van pools are now serving the local workforce with shuttles to Coeur d’Alene. By next winter SPOT will take over Schweitzer’s Mountain shuttle. Other improvements in local bus routes are expected this coming year. Through partnership with the Eureka Institute’s Construction Basics Initiative, SPOT plans to build shelters at bus stops throughout the system. •After one full year of collections for the 1-percent resort city tax, I’m happy to report that
we’ve exceeded our projections. That means that not only will be able to pay for the popular Memorial Field grandstands and field renovations with the tax, but we will likely have funds left over to go towards other parks improvements throughout the city. •Good news for water and sewer rate payers; we were able to refinance our wastewater bond saving taxpayers a million dollars and allowing the city to pay off the bond five years early. This gives the city flexibility and leverage when developing its plan for upgrading and possibly regionalizing wastewater service in the future. In the meantime, those funds can go towards other needed infrastructure improvements. It could also mean lower rates in the future. There are many more successes I’d love to share if space permitted. Stay tuned for my next column where I will discuss what to look forward to in 2017. Thank you all who contributed in 2016 to making our community a better place to live, work and play!
Writers wanted
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
It takes a village to raise a... newspaper? I’ll be leaving the country for a month in March for a much-needed vacation away from deadlines, hate mail and an overflowing inbox. While I’m away, Cameron will be the sole editorial presence in the office, which means it’s time to ask you, dear readers, to submit any and all writing you’d like us to publish in the Reader. What are we looking for?
In a word: everything. It can be articles about engine repair, about banjo tuning, about a nonprofit you love. There are no restrictions. Just make sure that it’s interesting enough for our savvy readers. So, think you have what it takes? Send your articles to cameron@sandpointreader.com for consideration. We’d love if you kept them around 500 words, but if a subject matter requires more space, we’re flexible.
February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 5
OPINION
Refugees and immigrants are people, too Bouquets: By Nick Gier •There’s a guy who I’d like to Reader Columnist give a bouquet of thanks to, but I don’t know his name. Every time “Truly I tell you, whatever you did it snows, he can be seen plowing for one of the least of these brothers a neighbor’s parking lot. What is and sisters of mine, you did for me.” especially awesome is that when —Matthew 25:40 he is finished with the lot, he usually plows out the public streets around the lot, which includes The Declaration of Independence where I and my neighbors park promises “unalienable rights” to “life, our vehicles. He probably never liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” receives a thank you for his work, These are universal human rights rebut it really means a lot, especial- gardless of citizenship, race, ethnicity, ly when it snows heavily. sexual orientation or religion. These apply to those who live here as well Barbs: as those just coming to our shores. •The ideologues are at it again Refugees and immigrants are people, in the Idaho Legislature. This too. week, House State Affairs ChairThe basic rights of refugees, man Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, essentially the same as the citizens introduced a bill in his committee this morning targeting tribal of the host country, are guaranteed gaming. The bill specifically goes by the 1951 United Nations Refugee after slot machines, claiming that Convention, of which the U.S. is a their presence violates the Idaho signatory. People qualify when there Constitution. However, as House is a “well-founded fear of being perAssistant Majority Leader Brent secuted for reasons of race, religion, Crane, R-Nampa, said, “...it’s been or nationality.” Refugees are thoroughly investito court twice, and the court has always found in favor of the tribes.” gated for 18-24 months before they This after the House over- are allowed to live in the U. S. At whelmingly rejected the “an- a recent League of Women Voters ti-touch tabs” bill calling for presentation, University of Idaho the abolition of Idaho Lottery’s Professor Kristin Haltinner reported touch-tab machines. These same that “in 2010 the incarceration rate machines bring in $3 million for non-native born people in the U.S. to the state coffers. Also, you was 1.6 percent, and for native born guessed it, Rep. Heather Scott Americans it was 3.3 percent.” was one of the 18 representatives About 785,000 refugees have that voted for the bill. come to the U.S. since the 9/11 Finally, in the next installment attacks, and only three have been arof “wasting time in the Idaho rested for suspected terrorist activity. Legislature,” we have a bill looking to be introduced by Rep. Rob- None of these people were, contrary ert Anderst, R-Nampa that would to Kellyanne Conway’s fake news ban “motorcycle profiling”—the about a “Bowling Green Massacre,” arbitrary use of the fact that a per- able to execute their plans. Even though he admits that it is son rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle-related paraphernalia discriminatory, Idaho Gov. “Butch” as a factor in deciding to stop and Otter has agreed with Trump that question, arrest or search a per- Christian refugees should be givson or vehicle. To be fair, I, too en priority over Muslims, action oppose profiling like this, but do proscribed by the U.N. Refugee we really need to take up valu- Convention. Trump of course was able time to pass such a nonsen- wrong (as he is about 70 percent of sical bill? I can think of so many the time) that the U.S. has admitted other issues that affect us more Muslims but not Christians. Since than “motorcycle profiling.” 6 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
2002, according to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. has admitted 399,677 Christian refugees as opposed to 279,339 Muslim refugees. The Swedes now have, as a percent of population, the largest number of Iraqis living in their country. Of these nearly 132,000 Iraqis, 40,000 are Assyrian Christians, from some of the oldest Christian communities in the world. About 80 percent of the Swedes surveyed in a 2014 Gallup Poll say they are not religious or are atheists, but they are expressing basic Christian virtues of embracing the stranger and following Christ’s imperative to care for “the least of my brothers and sisters.” Trump’s claim that Germany is now “crime riddled” because it has accepted almost a million refugees is false. Federal crime reports show that refugees commit crimes at the same rate as native Germans. The 567,000 Syrians in Germany have committed crimes at a lower rate than those from Tunisia and Morocco, most of them not refugees. Only nine Syrians have been arrested for suspected terrorist activities in Germany. Last July Syrian refugee Jaber Albakr, on the run from federal police, was caught, tied up and held by other Syrians until authorities arrived to arrest him. There have been only three terrorist attacks in Germany. In December a Tunisian immigrant killed 12 people when he drove a stolen truck into Berlin’s Christmas market. Last July a knife- and ax-wielding Pakistani injured five (two critically) on a train near Würzburg. Also in July a Syrian refugee blew himself up, injuring 15 people, at a concert in
the Bavarian town of Ansbach. Right next door Canada has laid out the red carpet for 39,000 Syrian refugees. In December 2015 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met the first plane load of Syrians, giving them winter coats and promising them permanent residence. Soon after Trump announced an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees, Trudeau tweeted that Canada would be happy to accept them instead. World Relief Spokane has had a superb record in settling refugees in its area. Director Mark Kadel reports that all the people they accepted have found jobs within six months. Kadel states that “nationally, refugees spend the least amount of time on any public assistance than any other group of people.” The refugee center in Twin Falls has come under criticism, and the City Council has defended itself against unfounded rumors of refugee crimes. The employers in the region are happy to have them as workers, many in jobs that natives don’t want. Furthermore, more than 200 new businesses in southern Idaho have been started by refugees. Jen Heller, who volunteers on projects all over the world, recently worked alongside refugees from Bhutan outside Boise. She admires their work ethic and exclaims: “These people are so beautiful, it makes my heart swell. They are now Idahoans, and they are home.” Nick Gier taught philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. Read the long version of this column at www.sandpointreader.com.
COMMENTARY
A Tale of Two Cities Read your history to in the Age of Trump understand the present By Christian Rose Reader Contributor Acknowledging it may spark riots down on Cedar Street, I should say this straight-away; Donald Trump has already won re-election. Since he’s trademarked the slogan, “Keep America Great,” I suspect he thinks so as well. I realize this may not sit well with the Subaru-driving, Patagonia-wearing, Winter Ridge cafe crowd. But it’s not difficult to see. That is, if you’re willing to log out of Facebook, turn off cable news and actually read his inauguration speech. It’s all there. He didn’t hide a thing. Subdue your gag reflex for a minute. You’ll be fine. Just read two sentences. That’s all it takes. Ignore it, and I promise you’ll still be depressed in 2020. Oh, full disclosure: I own a Subaru, wear Patagonia, and yes, I love the Winter Ridge Cafe, too! In fact, those who know me can attest I’m no Donald Trump sycophant. I didn’t support him during the Republican primary. To be fair, I didn’t support most of them at all. Now that I’ve clarified that, and assuming you’re still with me, let me explain why Trump is winning. Two sentences best encapsulate his movement. Speaking of the D.C. establishment: “Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs and, while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.” You’re thinking, it can’t be that simple? Sorry, it is. Washington is so corrupt and dishonest that both the Democrat and Republican parties have devolved into irrelevancy. You thought Trump was nothing more than a soon-to-be-forgotten vulgarity. A scatological enigma doomed to fall prey to the Clinton Machine. You were wrong. It’s time to start acting like adults. Hooliganism won’t change a thing. This left-wing narrative of his “illegitimate” presidency won’t stop him. In fact, even if he upholds only a small part of his campaign promises, he’s already won a
second term. Anti-Trumpers have nobody to blame but themselves. Folks like me viewed our election choice pretty simply: imminent danger or certain death. Since Trump could only garner roughly 40 percent of the Republican primary electorate, yet in the general election still won 33 of 50 states and more counties since Ronald Reagan, it’s safe to say most chose the former as well. I’m serious, folks, hear this: Americans are tired of narcissistic disquisitions by self-important movie-stars, petulant media talking-heads and partisan politicians. We’re sick of being labeled racists, homophobes, sexist, wing-bats, and uneducated red-necks by coastal elites and Twitter trolls. Americans instinctively know something is truly sick in D.C. They know establishment Democrats and Republicans are too far gone. Remember, 2008 was billed as post-racial America. A time for renewed hope and a return to a focus on the folks that actually pay for all this stuff: middle-class Americans. Instead, we just got run over in the street by Marquis Evrémonde. Nothing changed. Americans lost hope. It can’t all be blamed on Obama, despite what Sean Hannity says. It was foretold 16 years ago. During the Bush/Obama years America has been at war nearly every year, the federal debt has grown from $5.7T to $19.9T, and the number of Americans not working has ballooned to 95 million. Nobody in D.C. seemed to care. Here’s the point. “Their triumphs have not been your triumphs...” Boy, has the D.C. establishment been triumphant. Would it surprise you that seven of the 10 wealthiest counties in the U.S. are in the suburbs of D.C.? Talk about Dickensian. But hey, I understand. Trump won, and you’re mad. Regardless, the D.C. establishment must be overthrown. I know that it won’t be as cathartic as Sydney Carton on the guillotine. But it’s a good start. Christian Rose is lakeside Sagle transplant, recovering poet, small business owner and amateur constitutional historian.
By Tim Henney Reader Contributor For those disposed to intellectual exploration in a time of national emotional havoc, a recent Reader issue offered a timely recommendation: read, or re-read, William L. Shirer’s “The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich.” It was written by a man who served 35 distinguished years as a foreign correspondent, war correspondent, author and historian. A self-scribbled note on the title page of our copy recently reminded my 1957 bride and me that we acquired the book in 1960, when first published. Our home was a log cabin on Mohawk Trail in PInes Lake N.J. and we had begun to construct a fledgling library along with a family. Shirer’s scholarly, 1,143-page epic was a Book Of The Month Club charter member of our bare bones book collection. It is no walk in the literary park, but if one wants to know, in horrifying detail, what can happen to a nation, to a people, to a culture, when they bend to a despot masquerading as a leader, one might consult Shirer. If you want the same terrifying tale but 16 years fresher I suggest John Tolan’s two-volume set, “Adolf Hitler,” (published in 1976 following his Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Rising Sun:The Decline And Fall Of The Japanese Empire”). For those who prefer their history with less heft and newer still, Ian Kershaw’s “Hitler,” published in 2000, depicts in 841 graphic pages civilization’s near destruction by Nazi Germany. Many leading critics of the day found Kershaw’s “Hitler” even superior to Shirer’s massive work. I’d be pleased to lend the above to any curious reader. So would the world’s best library, coincidentally and conveniently located in Sandpoint. But why should one bother? Well, the guy named advisor in chief to our new con man-in-chief sounds so much like Heinrich Himmler in his hateful, nationalistic pronouncements it’s starting to feel like 1930 all over again. Personally, I suspect this creep wears jackboots. And the guy
handling White House press relations? Sounds suspiciously like a Joseph Goebbels wannabe (“You miserable media people actually prefer facts to fake facts? We’ll tell you what you need to know. We don’t like you”). And when the new con man-in-chief’s cabinet member generals start wearing dark glasses to meetings we gotta problem. Oops, they’d be despots and dictators, not Nazis. There’s a difference? To say nothing of the Big Oil-lovin’, climate change-denying new energy poobah from Texas, who’s finest trait is that he’s a lot like George W. Bush — except, as someone famously said, not as smart. Or the new guardian of our environment from Oklahoma who thinks science sucks, wants to shut down the Environmental Protection Agency and is in the pocket of the infamous Koch brothers. Naturally, he’s the new EPA boss. And the proposed new education czarist? She never attended public school, but she’s a billionaire. And a big contributor to the con man- in-chief’s recent campaign. Just as dangerously, pantywaist Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and his Senate toadies are making sure all this occurs. Have we gone nuts? It’s going to be a bumpy, scary ride. But let’s not just hold on and hope. Protest hikes are a start, but much more must be done. And soon. Otherwise we might awake one morning to find that, like November of 1938, Kristallnacht thugs have busted windows and burned books with impunity. In fact, by tweeted executive order. German Jews? American Muslims? Readers and thinkers? Who cares? The gullible, intimidated Germans couldn’t imagine such terror. One madman made it happen. Tim Henney retired in 1986 as corporate public relations director of “the old” AT & T in New York City when it was parent company of the erstwhile Bell Telephone System. He claims he never did understand how the telephone worked.
February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 7
Name This Animal Track
Retroactive
By BO
I was out snowshoeing the other day near the Clark Fork Driftyard and saw a lot of these tracks coming out of the water. Instead of looking on the internet (boring), I thought I’d open it up to you, dear readers. What animal made this track? Share with us on Facebook. -Ben Olson
Photo by Ben Olson.
Letters to the Editor Five Things... Dear Editor, 1. With Trump’s signing of an executive order reinstating the abortion global gag rule, one has to ask, “Will Israel be exempt?” Israel has one of the most liberal abortion programs in the world. According to a 2011 Israel Central Bureau of Statistics report, about 40,000 abortions take place in Israel every year. The Evangelical Christian right offers unquestioning support of Israel. They also do and say nothing against abortion in Israel. This fact makes the Evangelical Christian right complicit in Israel’s abortion policy. 2. The way to save ObamaCare is to change its name to Trump Care. There is no way our “Megalomaniac in Chief” would get rid of anything with his name on it. 3. I now understand why Trump 8 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
was elected. This is the Chinese year of the rooster. It makes sense that a cock of the walk, who is constantly crowing about himself, would be elected president in the year of the rooster. 4. Our “so-called president in chief” actually tweeted “so-called judge” referring to Judge James Robart’s ruling. This is an obvious case of the pot calling the kettle black. 5. Suggested titles for our so-called president: Cock-of-the-Walk in Chief; Liar in Chief; Lunatic in Chief; Draft Dodger in Chief; Pussy Grabber in Chief; Conman in Chief; Major Embarrassment in Chief; Sociopath in Chief; Psychopath in Chief; Megalomaniac in Chief; So-Called President in Chief; News Faker in Chief. Lee Santa Sandpoint
Sunnyside Cedar Grove... Dear Editor, I recently signed a petition urging
IDFG to reconsider logging the 52-acre Sunnyside Cedar Grove. Here are my comments: As the authority tasked with protecting and preserving all of Idaho’s wildlife in perpetuity, you have a weighty responsibility. With limited funding and the constraints imposed by human resource needs, conservation can be a balancing act. The stand in question is unusually mature in an area with extensive logging history. The Sunnyside Peninsula is a rich, diverse area, providing habitat for waterfowl, ungulates, shorebirds, ospreys, bald eagles, migrant and resident songbirds, and many less conspicuous forms of wildlife. How important is this stand’s contribution to habitat diversity and species richness on local and intermediate geographic scales? How will extensive logging affect the existing wetland? Lowland amphibians are experiencing unprecedented pressures with as-yet unknown implications. Salamanders have been
seen in the forest; how will tree removal and forest floor disturbance impact their foraging habitat? Moonworts, a group of rare ferns associated with moist cedar habitat, are very small, notoriously difficult to detect, and don’t necessarily emerge every year. What impact would logging have on Moonworts? This forest is rich in moisture, mycorrhizal fungi, mosses, and trees with long lives ahead. As the stand continues to mature, forbs will diversify in the understory, lending further biological richness. Beyond the direct conservation value of this stand, this place has substantial potential for fostering human connection with nature - vital for conservation. I urge you to explore options for securing public access to this property; its proximity to Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille, and a diverse mix of habitats presents an unusual opportunity for education and recreation. The deep public concern for this grove and the interest in its thriving lifeforms is
very positive, and hints at the potential this fecund forest has for teaching us about ecology and conservation. This forest has far greater value living than sawn. The controversy over the future of this stand highlights the complex issues of effectively funding conservation work. I encourage you to explore non-traditional funding means to supplement license revenue and ease the conditions which encourage sacrificing healthy, old forests in order to accomplish other conservation goals. Options such as a modest yearly non-hunter usage permit for Fish and Game lands would increase public funding for conservation. I urge you to see the concerns the public has voiced as an opportunity for collaboration. Shane Sater Boundary County
HUMOR
Worst. Gift. Ever. Want to get your Valentine a terrible gift? Read on, weirdo.
The Sweetheart Hoodie Nothing says, “I have abandonment issues” like a strange two-person hoodie. Doesn’t he look thrilled?
Valentine ’s I’ve written this column for around 10 years, which means I have had this column longer than any job, lover or car in my life. I’ve had this column longer than FACEBOOK or my smart phone. The part that I can’t believe is that I still like coming up with funky ass shit like every other week (intentional Snoop Dogg reference). That being said, I’ve written a lot of columns about snow and Valentine’s Day. I don’t love either one. The reason I don’t care for snow or Valentine’s Day, has nothing to do with either one conceptually. It’s more about the people who live for snow and focus on Valentine’s Day that make this time of year annoying. Let’s examine this… I wake up Monday morning. I’m sick, because there are people who go around all winter hacking and snotting their way through life, infecting even the most diligent hand sanitizers. The air is putrid and hanging with germs in all public places because the Arctic temperatures necessitate limited access to fresh air flow. I look outside. My car, my driveway, and essentially my escape, is covered in three feet of snow, two feet having magically appeared overnight. The snow plow has diligently kept the road clear of snow by creating a two foot-by-four foot berm in front of my driveway. This means that I will have to back up, possibly get stuck, shovel my way out and hit the berm Dukes of Hazzard-style to make it on to the road and to work. I’m so happy for you powder worshiping snow bunnies who get to go to your place of worship, AKA Sch-
weitzer, on these days. I will not hate on you. Winter ends. You haven’t had a “good” one like this in a couple of years. I don’t know if you are funneling money to the sadistic groundhog or what. Well played, snow bunnies. If there is something sexy and exciting about winter, I haven’t figured it out. I’m guessing that’s why the holiday puppet master plunked a celebration of love—Valentine’s Day—in one of the more depressing and cold months out of the year. I think the idea must have been that it would be a therapeutic endeavor for people to focus on love instead of freezing their asses off. You know, be thankful for your lover, even though they are pasty white and sniffling and infecting you with germs from their workplace for the third time this winter. What if you don’t have a lover? That’s OK, don’t be depressed. You can focus on getting one or getting some instead of snow-covered misery. The way I see it, there are three ways to handle Valentine’s Day. The first, and most common way people celebrate this holiday by forcing young children to give tiny love-themed cards to their classmates. My six-yearold son is extremely nervous about this. He has been telling me for months that he has to “run for his life” at recess in order to avoid the advances of some of the more amorous female kindergarteners. He doesn’t want to encourage them with a suggestive card. The only thing worse than attention from girls would be not having attention from girls, or being the only kid in class who didn’t have cards to hand out. So as a parent,
it is our duty to supervise this task until completion. There are just some things in life that don’t make sense, kid. The second way, is to lavish your lover, spouse, partner—whatever we are calling them these days—with romantic gifts and dinner. This practice is typically carried out in new relationships, setting up unrealistic expectations and future disappointment in the later years of the relationship. I will tell you something, here and now. The last thing I want to do after I eat a box of chocolates and go out to steak dinner is squeeze my bloated, pale and frigid body into an ill fitting lacy nighty for a night of love, but that’s just me, I suppose. The third and final way to experience Valentine’s is to pretend you can ignore it by: 1. Treating yourself to a night at a local watering hole with other loveless souls. 2. Listening to the “love song” station on Pandora—or better yet, to the mixed tapes you have saved from high school for such an occasion— while drinking a bottle of your favorite libation and pining over what could have been. 3. Or maybe you take up religion, get your ass up to Schweitzer and snag yourself a bunny. The choice is yours. I’ll be your Valentine, Scarlette Quille
Brief Jerky Ever get down and dirty with your lady and have a craving for beef jerky? I thought I was the only one!
Novelty Toilet Paper Ah yes, equating love with diarrhea. Classy. In case you’re not thrilled with this design, there are others available that are equally terrible.
His & Her Tongue Scrapers Does your inamorata have a bad case of halitosis? Are you constantly perturbed by tongue fur? Look no further! These his and her tongue scrapers both freshen breath and remove tongue fur. But don’t worry; if you get your lover this gift, you won’t be kissing anything for awhile.
Fundies Nothing says sexy sexy like one big-ass pair of underwear with two butts. As the tag line says, “Half the fun is getting in them, the other half is up to you.” I’ll take your word for it, bub. February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 9
NEWS
LPOSD Taking preventative action against Spokane mumps outbreak By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Columnist Lake Pend Oreille School District is circling the wagons in hopes a mumps outbreak in Spokane doesn’t reach North Idaho. With Spokane mumps cases growing worse by the day, LPOSD officials are contacting parents in preparation for the possibility of a local outbreak. While no confirmed mumps cases have been identified in North Idaho, LPOSD Superintendent Shawn Woodward said parents are being notified of the requirement for unvaccinated students to stay home if two or more mumps cases are confirmed at their school. “We just follow recommended guidelines in the health department,” said Woodward. “We definitely don’t want to contribute to a mumps outbreak.” In a letter sent to LPOSD parents in late January, registered nurse Dana Williams said the staff is going over records of all district students in light of the nearby crisis. If mumps cases are confirmed and unvaccinated children are required to stay home, LPOSD will likely follow Panhandle Health District and the Center for Disease Control’s recommended exclusion period of 26 days after the last case is reported, according to the letter. Once proof of vaccination is obtained, a child can return to school immediately should exclusions be enforced. “We wanted to notify families that don’t do vaccinations about how this would affect their child’s education,” Woodward said. According to Woodward, he’s heard anecdotal reports of local parents choosing to vaccinate their children with the MMR vaccine, which protects against mumps, measles and rubella, in response to the outbreak. As for the parents who choose to not vaccinate their children, they have offered relatively little 10 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
push-back to the school’s policies, Woodward said. “I was actually surprised,” he said, later adding, “I think the real push-back will be if we have to exclude any students from school.” In the meantime, it’s worth keeping a careful eye out for symptoms of mumps. A virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing or contact with infected saliva, mumps typically results in a low-grade fever and a headache. The most signature symptom is a painful swelling of one or more salivary glands, often those located in the cheek area near the ear and at the back angle of the jaw. While rare, mumps is also known to cause more serious complications. These include inflammation of the brain or brain and spinal cord tissue, inflammation of the ovaries or breast, sterility, spontaneous abortion, deafness and swollen testicles in some teenage and adult males. According to Woodward, it’s worth taking a cautious approach given the extent of the outbreak in Spokane and East Washington. KXLY reports that at the beginning of the week, 152 cases have been confirmed, with CNN reporting an additional six cases by Wednesday. The outbreak affects 28 schools across three districts. Of the 158 cases confirmed, at least 91 people were vaccinated. Health officials are certain that, given the long incubation period for vaccines, more waves of the outbreak are on the way. “We’ll probably have another couple of waves to experience, so we expect that this will likely go on for another several weeks to two months,” epidemiologist Anna Halloran told KXLY. “But it will eventually get better.” A county-by-county canvass of Washington state by CNN, meanwhile, turned up 400 confirmed and probable cases of mumps. The outbreak affects eight counties, with 179 confirmed or probable cases in King County, 158 in Spokane
County, 44 in Tacoma-Pierce County, nine in Grant County, five in Snohomish County, three in Ferry County and one in both Thurston and Yakima counties. In the wake of the outbreak, CDC officials urge families to seek out vaccinations. According to the center’s data, the mumps component of the MMR vaccine
is 88 percent effective at two doses and 78 percent effective at one dose. While it’s more effective in some individuals than others, health officials say that a broader range of vaccination coverage lessens the chance of the virus incubating and spreading among populations. Even so, that will be a tough
sell for parents suspicious of vaccinations, many of whom evidently live in Idaho. CDC data from the 2015-16 school year indicates that Idaho is among the lowest states in the nation in kindergarten vaccination coverage, ranking in at 90.2 percent. At 91 percent, Washington state doesn’t rank much higher.
record as U.S. Attorney in Alabama. King filed the letter in objection to Sessions’ nomination to a federal judgeship, a position the Senate eventually denied him. “Mr. Sessions has used the awesome power of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters,” the letter reads. “For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.” Risch believes the letter is an attack on Sessions’ character, and his fellow Republicans agreed, ultimately voting to silence Warren for the remainder of Sessions’ confirmation debate. Warren received several warnings before the vote was cast. “You can’t hold up a writing
that impugns another senator and say, ‘Well, this is what someone else said. I’m not saying it, and that’s OK,’” Risch said. Risch is backed by Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who defended the rare move to invoke Rule 19 and silence Warren. “She had appeared to violate the rule,” he said. “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” However, the decision outraged Warren’s supporters and received widespread reporting Tuesday and Wednesday. McConnell’s phrase, “Nevertheless, she persisted,” has since become a rallying cry for Warren supporters.
Risch defends Warren silencing By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Columnist
Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, does not regret his part in silencing Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, Tuesday night. In a statement on the Senate floor Wednesday, Risch vigorously defended his objection to entering a letter by Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.’s widow, into the record. Warren intended to read the letter as a part of her objections to Sen. Jeff Sessions’ appointment as U.S. Attorney General, which the Senate confirmed in a 52-47 vote. “We have rules around here, and the rules are very clear that you don’t impugn another senator,” Risch said. “Now, you can’t do that in your words, and you can’t do it with writings.” The letter in question, written in 1986, criticizes Sessions’
Brought to you by:
about
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist If you’re reading this article with dire anticipation to procure your next pick-up line at the bar, you might be in luck. I mean, probably not, but stranger things have been said that didn’t end with a slap in the face! Heat is important for just about everything. It’s related to energy, which lets things move and do work, which is important when you want to build a house or not be frozen in place for eternity. We all encounter sources of heat every day, from the truck heater that takes a solid 20 miles to offer a refreshing gasp of dusty warm air to the sun boring a hole through your face at midday. In your average livable area, a comfortable temperature for most people is about 73F. It’s not really hot, but it’s not really cold, either. Meanwile, inside of our bodies, it’s a balmy 98.6F, unless you’re running a wicked fever. Then you should probably go see a doctor. How about some hot things? An ideal campfire for making s’mores is about 1,571F. That’s like the inside of your body 16 times over. All to make some delicious golden brown (or charred husks of) marshmallows! That also means you can use your campfire to melt lead, which has a melting point of 621F. Not that you should, because if you happen to inhale even some of it, it can poison you indefinitely. If you are trying to melt a penny (which is another bad idea considering that’s sort of illegal and all), you’ll need a bigger fire. Copper won’t melt until 1,984F. Big Brother is watching. For science! Ever wonder how hot lava is? When it’s erupting, fresh from
hot stuff
the source, it’s about 2,192F. You could drop a copper ingot into the mouth of a volcano and it would melt like a stick of butter. I don’t really know what would happen if you threw a stick of butter into a volcano, but I’m pretty sure it would be momentarily awesome. If you had to guess, which do you think would be hotter: the surface of the sun, or the Earth’s core? Surprisingly, the one closer to home is quite a bit hotter than the surface of the sun. While the surface of the sun seethes a warm 10,000F, the Earth’s core burns around 10,832F. Though really, at those kinds of temperatures, it’s just like a couple of teenagers measuring how much their mustaches have grown. Know what’s even crazier? Humans have made fire (and raw heat) at even higher temperatures at ground level on Earth. The fireball of a nuclear bomb can get to be around 18,032 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to boil Tungsten, the element with the highest melting point of 6,192F, and a boiling point of 10,706F. Wondering what the difference there is? Ice melts above 32F, changing from a solid to a liquid: Water. Water boils at 212F, changing from a liquid to a gas. Tungsten, in case you weren’t aware, is a metal. Even more awesome than that is that some industrial arc welders can create temperatures up to 30,000 degrees, carving metal like a katana (samurai sword) through a single sheet of paper. We’re not done! Ever wonder how hot a supernova can be? You’re about to find out. The gas from a supernova can
be heated to a temperature of at least 99,000,000F. It’s hot enough to fuse basic atoms into incredibly dense structures like uranium or tungsten. I mean, pressure plays into a huge part of that equation, but we’re focusing on heat here, and boy is there a lot of heat. If you were standing on Earth as a star went supernova, you wouldn’t feel anything. You wouldn’t even see anything. By the time the heat, light and energy hit you, your atoms would be instantly scattered and reformed into a superheated gas. Just don’t try that one at the bar. “Girl, you’re so hot you make me gassy.” Whelp, that’s probably the hottest thing you can think of. I mean, an explosion that engulfs an entire star system: It doesn’t get hotter than that, right? Wrong! It gets WAY hotter than that! We’ve MADE way hotter than that! We’re awesome physics-wrecking monsters, we humans. We see a bar and we don’t just raise it, we throw it as high as we can, and when that’s not high enough, we use science to strap rockets to the bar and launch it into orbit. LHC, the Large Hadron Collider. Remember when we were all stupid and went: “Eeeek, they made black holes. The entire Earth is going to get sucked into one and I’ll never see who wins ‘Survivor!’”? We should’ve been awed, instead, by the ridiculous temperatures they created inside the collider by smashing lead ions together. Lead, one of the more dull elements you can name (How many times have you used the insult “you’re denser than lead?”), with a meager melting point of
621F. Our stupid campfire could melt the stuff. It turns out when we smash lead atoms together at incredible speeds, we can create some pretty awesome temperatures. How awesome? 10,000F? 50,000F? 100,000,000F? Ha! Lead ions laugh at your puny heat levels. Lead smash! We’re talking 9,900,000,000,000 degrees freaking Fahrenheit. That’s Trillion with a T. Yep, we made that. Because Science. What’s even crazier is that’s not even remotely close to the upper limits of heat. Physics
doesn’t even start breaking down until 1,420-followed-by-30-zeroes degrees Celsius. Which, for the record, is called Planck Temperature or unofficially: Absolute Hot. If you’re still reading this article looking for your next pickup line before Valentine’s Day, well, don’t say I didn’t warn you: “You’re hot enough to melt Tungsten… And my heart.” “You’re so hot, they should be studying you at the LHC!” “The only thing hotter than you is Planck Temperature. Oh, my mistake.” If any of this terrible cheesiness gets you a date, you owe me a stick of butter and a volcano.
Random Corner ine’s day?
Don’t know much about Valent
We can help!
• Valentine’s Day is the day that Saint Valentine was beheaded for supporting soldiers getting married. • India celebrates Children’s Day on Nov. 14, exactly nine months after Valentine’s Day. • A festival practiced in ancient Rome is thought to be the origins of Valentine’s Day where men would sacrifice goats and make whips from their skin while women would line up to receive lashes as a fertility ritual and to ease childbirth pains. • Valentine’s Day was promoted by companies such as Hallmark to boost purchases in February- the time of year sales revenue was the lowest. • About $13 billion is spent on Valentine’s Day every year in the U.S. alone. An average man spends about $158 every Valentine’s day! • Around 15 percent of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. • Valentine’s Day is banned in Saudi Arabia. • In Japan for Valentine’s Day, instead of giving chocolates, men can have gummy bear replicas of themselves made to present for their partners to eat. • The first box of chocolates was produced by Richard Cadbury for Valentine’s Day in the late 1800s. February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 11
Survey results are in! By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Every January, we host a media survey to ask you, dear readers, what you read, listen to and watch in the region. The data is in. While we’re still compiling everything into a neat format, we’d like to share the results and announce a winner to the $50 gift certificate. Ande.berliner@gmail.com was chosen randomly out of 411 total responses as the winner of a $50 gift certificate to Eichardt’s Pub. You can use the credit for food or beer. Now, down to the results. We received 411 surveys, of which 355 were filled out online and 56 were filled out offline at locations including the library, coffee shops, restaurants and more. Here’s a breakdown of the results. We’ve given the percentages of people who answered that they read, listen or watch a certain media. Print Sandpoint Reader - Sandpoint Magazine - Bonner County Daily Bee - Co-Op Roundup - Spokane Inlander - The Spokesman-Review - The River Journal - Sandpoint Living Local - Northern Journeys - The Wise Guide - SHS Cedar Post - River Valley Beacon -
67.32% 65.86% 52.09% 37.10% 35.38% 25.06% 23.34% 22.85% 6.88% 6.63% 3.69% 1.72%
Radio KRFY 88.5 FM - 32.19% KPND 95.3 FM - 29.98% KPBX Spokane Pub. Radio - 26.78% KPND 106.7 - 17.20% K102 Country - 13.02% KSPT 1400 AM - 12.04% ROCK 103 (102.9 & 103.3) 8.60% KBFI 1450 AM - 2.46% Website SandpointOnline.com - 48.89% BonnerCountyDailyBee.com 33.42% SandpointReader.com - 25.80% Sandpoint.com - 14.99% SandpointLivingLocal.com 3.19% We appreciate everyone who took the time to fill out these surveys. Needless to say, if you are an advertiser, this can help hone in what media people are really using in North Idaho. 12 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
TheReadSilenced Majority: the letter that Sen. Elizabeth Warren was silenced for trying to read By Ben Olson Reader Staff On Tuesday, Senate Republicans voted to halt the remarks of Sen. Elizabeth Warren after she criticized a colleague, Sen. Jeff Sessions, the nominee for attorney general, by reading a letter from Coretta Scott King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s widow. The silencing of Warren ended up having the
opposite effect. Instead of her message being quieted, it was amplified. Sen. Jeff Sessions was ultimately confirmed and sworn in as U.S. Attorney General on Wednesday. In support of equality and disclosure, we would like to publish the original letter written by King over 30 years ago that Sen. Warren was not allowed to read.
Wisdom in the Wild:
Celebrating photographer Paul Bannick’s book “Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls” By Ben Olson Reader Staff
L
ooking through photographer Paul Bannick’s intimate portraits of owls, it’s easy to see why these mysterious birds have captured his attention for more than a decade. Their silent grace is matched only by haunting, beautiful eyes that speak of wisdom in the wild. Bannick will share the fruits of his research and field work that it took to create his book, “Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls,” at the Little Panida Theater on Friday, Feb. 10. He will host presentations at 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m., utilizing video, sound and stories of how he obtains those dramatic images while following 19 species of owls through the
various stages of their lives . When asked why owls appeal to him so much, Bannick said, “I love every owl. Oftentimes the last owl I spent time with is my favorite. I have spent tens of thousands of hours with research and field time.” Bannick said he painstakingly learned about each of the 19 species he photographed in the book and “tried to spend time with each at the four critical seasons of their lives; courtship and nest selection, the raising of the young, helping the young gain independence and finally migration and survival in the winter.” The critical response to the book has been overwhelmingly
positive, which is not hard to believe when gazing into these arresting photographs of owls alighting on branches, or peering from nests with their all-knowing eyes. The book is a magical combination of fine art photography and intriguing study of the relationships owls have with their habitat. It’s clear that Bannick has done his homework. In Bannick’s first book, “The Owl and the Woodpecker,” which is still one of the best selling bird books in North America, he looked into the relationships owls had with woodpeckers. In “Owl,” Bannick helped people compare their own habitats with that of the owl.
“In this book, people can relate to the lives of owls,” he said. “Through their struggles, people get a better sense of why these elements of habitats are important for all of us.” While Bannick photographs owls all over North America, he found an abundance of them in our neck of the woods. “A lot of my photos were taken in Idaho,” he said. Of particular interest to Bannick was exploring the owls of the agricultural landscapes, how a variety of owl species can survive by using the exact same farmer’s fields and public lands, but each retreats to a different habitat to nest. “Owls are critical,” said
Main: A snowy owl prepares to launch into flight from a piece of driftwood just after sunrise. Photo by Paul Bannick.
Bannick. “They help control the farmer’s pests. They have an irreplaceable aspect with people. That type of story is repeated on every landscape in America.” To obtain such intimate portraits of these creatures, Bannick spends a lot of time in the field, trying to stay warm. While researching courtship for the Snowy Owl, Bannick discovered a lack of photographs capturing the ritual.
< see OWL, page 25 > February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 13
Sunshine
GOLDMINE
fine jewellers & goldsmiths
repairs custom jewelry
event t h u r s d a y
9
Lovis e 10 in the air...
(208) 263-6713
110 South First Ave. Spt, ID
www.sunshinegoldmine.com
Valentine’s Day comes once a year and this year it’s on Tuesday!! Fabulous Flowers, Unique Plants and Clever Gifts
208.265.7900 www.PetalTalk.com 120 West Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint 14 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
f r i d a y
s a t u r d a y
11
s u n d a y
12
m o n d a y t u e s d a y
w e d n e s d a y t h u r s d a y
13 14 15 16
Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Learn to dance the Country Two-Step 7pm @ Sandpoint West Athletic Club With instructor Diane Peters. 610-1770 Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Multi-instrumental duo Live Music w/ Ron Kieper Jazz 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Great food, great people, great music DJ Night w/ Josh Adams 9pm @ 219 Lounge Live Music w/ John Firshi 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority A great guitar player and singer Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs and Chris Lynch 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall “Share the Love” Reception 5-8pm @ Artworks Gallery Proceeds Benefit SHS Art Student Scholarships
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Pint Nigh 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall There will be a short video; all are welcome to s The Thursday Night Solo Series features Mar probably turned your head with his tunes and vo “Hidden Figures” film 7:30pm @ Panida Theater
Live Music w/ The Powers Commu 5:30-8:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery 8-10pm Indie folk and country blend Featurin recyclin Live Music w/ Ron Greene $12-25 p 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Mu A dynamic musical presence Live Music w/ BareGrass 6pm @ A 9pm @ 219 Lounge Get your fun and funky bluegrass and jam groove on with this Sandpoint bluegrass trio of misfits
“McManus in Love” 7:30pm @ Panida Theater This hilarious one-man show, written by nationally recognized and Sandpoint-grown humorist Patrick F. McManus, starring Pat’s indentured actor, Tim Behrens. $17 /$10 ages 18 and under
Native Heritage Film Series - “Barking Water” 12:30 & 3pm @ Sandpoint Library A tale of great love that looks at what brings us all together
Foundation for Wil Fundraising Banqu 4pm @ Bonner Co. F Dinner, auctions, gam for all. For info, call “Love Me Tender” 7pm @ Pearl Theate Bring your Valentine and romance with E Brad Mitchell from S Sandpoint Contra D 7pm @ Sandpoint Co
Sandpoint Chess Club Game Night at the Niner 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee 9pm @ 219 Lounge Meets every Sunday at 9am. All are welcome Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Valentin 7-8:30p Grab yo registrat
Karaoke at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge NIC: Advising and Information D Lotus live at The Hive 12-6pm @ NIC Sandpoint Center ( 8pm @ The Hive College advisers from NIC, U of I Sandpoint Winter Carnival opening concert Lotus. College will be available at the NIC This show will be a feast for the senses as Jam Band and Financial Aid advisers will al meets EDM. Tickets $20. LiveFromTheHive.com 4594 for more information or to ma Free screening of “Being Mortal” film 10am-1:30pm @ Bonner General Health Services Bldg, Ste 101 BGH Community Hospice in partnership with Hospice Foundation of America is hosting a screening of PBS Frontline’s film, “Being Mortal,” exploring patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with the physicians treating them Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry
Girls Pint Night Out 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Cool Chicks! Great Beer! No Dudes! Join Vicki at the big table where she will be pairing Chocolate with 6 different beers
A Taste of Music 4-7pm @ Pend d’Or Featuring the celesti Marj Cooke on the ha by string duet Sam M list, and Tess Halvers
ful
February 9 - 16, 2017
Pint Night and Thursday Solo Series
A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com. Reader recommended
“Owl: a Year in the Life of N. American Owls” 3 or 6pm @ Little Panida Theater Acclaimed wildlife photographer Paul Bannick will be presenting images and stories from the field from his new book. $5 admission. sponsored by Kaniksu Land Trust, American Heritage Wildlife Foundation, and Idaho Conservation League Sadie Sicilia in the Spotlight • 7:30pm @ Panida Theater Community Trance Dance Breaking out on her own, Sadie Sicilia, formally known as “Sa8-10pm @ Embody Center (823 Main St.) Featuring DJ MSea King. Learn about Koch die Wagoner,” wows big by bringing it to the Panida’s main recycling program & warm-up. Sliding Scale: stage. Sadie will be joined by musical guests. Tickets are $12 ‘For the Love of it” art show • 7pm @ Evans Brothers $12-25 proceeds go to Koch Recycling A photographic slide show by Woods Wheatcroft that Live Music w/ Chris Lynch highlights expressions of Optimism near and far 6pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Teen Writers Club MickDuff’s Mountain Top Trivia 3:30pm @ Sandpoint Library groove 6:30pm @ Taps on Schweitzer sfits Taps and MickDuff’s team up for trivia! Collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming
come to support them and discuss issues. ures Marty, a great local artist who has nes and voice. Free and open to the public
n for Wildlife Management ng Banquet nner Co. Fairgrounds ctions, games, raffles, and fun info, call 208-610-4455 Tender” Elvis Tribute arl Theater (Bonners) Valentine for a night of fun ce with Elvis impersonator hell from Spokane Contra Dance ndpoint Community Hall
Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Menopause At Ease 9am-3pm @ Aspen Wellspring Natural Support and iRest Meditation Tools For an Easy Transition into the Fullness of Life. One day workshop. $90 (includes iRest recording) 265-2213 Cedar St. Bridge Public Market 10am-2pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Come enjoy indoor shopping on the bridge spanning Sand Creek
Pizza & Politics 12-1pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall Democratic legislative leaders will discuss the 2017 Idaho legislative session and answer questions from the public regarding education, job creation, and governmental ethics to name just a few. Bring your questions, concerns, and comments Walk for a Stronger Heart 10am @ Sand Creek Trail (near Beach) Jane Hoover will lead an hourlong inspirational walk filled with health tips and laughter. Free and open to all
Valentine’s Day painting class for couples 7-8:30pm @ Infini Gallery Grab your sweetheart and attend this special Valentine’s Day painting class. Pre registration required by Facebook or email. Infinigallery@yahoo.com
Valentine’s Day Singles Speed Dating and Game Night 6pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall rmation Day Valentine’s Day can be fun if you’re single t Center (102 S. Euclid) C, U of I and Lewis and Clark State and to prove it, we’re hosting a Singles Speed at the NIC Sandpoint Center. Career Dating event at the Beer Hall. No cost, but be rs will also be available. Call 263- sure to reserve your spot. Dating portion will take an hour, then Cards Against Humanity! n or to make an appointment
Feb. 15-26 Sandpoint Winter Carnival Feb. 17 Celebration of Strings: Spokane Live Music w/ Neighbor John Kelly Five Minutes of Fame 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Str ing Quartet @ 6:30pm @ Cafe Bodega Neighbor John is one of Sandpoint’s most is hostWriters, musicians, listeners Panida Theater amilies beloved performers, with his authentic ... all are welcome to this Fe b. 17 blues style and infectious personality open mic night Tennis @ MickMusic Live Music w/ Ben Olson Duff’s Beer Hall Pend d’Oreille Winery 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Feb. 18 he celestial sounds of Ben Olson will play as part of MickDuffs’ Annual 219 pare on the harp followed Thursday Solo Series. Olson, who plays with uet Sam Minker, cel- Harold’s IGA, will play a bevy of songs he ty @ 219 Lounge
ss Halverson, violinist
Sandpoint’s premier arts + entertainment venue 615 Oak St. • Sandpoint, ID
She Said yes!
Have your wedding at the beautiful Heartwood Center!
•Our beautiful hall can seat up to 96 for a full sit down dinner. •Conveniently located in town with plenty of parking. •Elegant venue for weddings, receptions & rehearsal dinners
For more information or to schedule a visit call 208-597-0483 or 208-263-8699 www.HeartwoodSandpoint.com
BlueStreak Bluegrass Band
Sat. Feb. 18th
BlueStreak delivers the “high-lonesome” harmonies and instrumental chops of a great blue grass band!
Doors @ 5:30pm Concert @ 7:30pm Tickets $12 in advance or $15 day of the show
207 Cedar St.
• 263-0846 •
dilunas.com
normally doesn’t get to play
Owner-Designer 406-690-9451
201 A. North First Ave. Sandpoint, ID 83864
Owner-Designer 208-597-3868 February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 15
Want a sitter for Valentine’s Day? Look no further. We pride ourselves on our reputation for offering a high-caliber, professional and personal service to our clients, and we enjoy a high volume of repeat business as a result. We know that your time is precious so we make every effort to respond to our clients in a timely, meticulous and comprehensive manner, ensuring the recruitment process is as efficient and seamless as possible. Our priority is quality over quantity, and as such we will only ever send you the most compatible candidate.
1. Open an account. 2. Select your service plan 3. Request your sitter’s hours
As low as
$10/hour Always hiring awesome caregivers!
www.ridersnanny.com
208-366-0606
FORREST HOMES & LAND 208.255.2244 www.SANDPOINT.com
FORREST SCHUCK, REALTOR RRRR: (208) 610-6049 999: (208) 255-1771 1111 : (800) 205-8771 @. 316 N. SECOND AVENUE, SUITE A-1 - SANDPOINT, IDAHO 83864 16 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
Chase Loves Me
A story of love and loss for Valentine’s Day
By Jodi Rawson Reader Contributor Prior to this season, I had not skied in 21 years. Chase was my ski buddy that day at Willamette Pass when we were both 13. I dreamed of sharing a first kiss with him on the chair lift, but when we were together that day, we always found something to giggle about. There was never an awkward pause, never a moment to squeeze in an awkward kiss. I met Chase in the middle of our fifth grade year (the beginning of 1993), when my family moved to his rural community north of Eugene, Ore. Our tiny public school was painted pastel green on the outside and reminded me of an Easter egg. There was an average of eight kids per grade and spanned from kindergarten to eighth grade. The students were mostly farmer’s kids. There were a few that spoke Spanish and lived in a community near Detering’s Orchards on the Willamette river, and other families, like mine, who didn’t farm, but loved quiet space. Chase and I were class clowns, athletes and sensitive lovers of life. We easily blossomed into buddies. I worked a couple of summers on his family’s blueberry farm. I didn’t make much money because I ate most of what I picked, but I was healthy and in love. We got into blueberry fights, water fights and any other game that would give us an excuse to play together, while dodging the boss (Chase’s dad). By eighth grade Chase had stretched several inches taller. With his bronze tan and lean muscles from farm work, I thought he was the most beautiful human being I had ever seen. The summer before high school I had this hope of somehow getting alone with him in the middle of our homes. We could each bicycle about three or four miles to this little shady, treed spot along a dirt road off of a little water canal owned by a grass seed farmer. We would have a picnic lunch I packed, and then our first kiss—a real French kiss. Each time I played out this fantasy, my stomach fluttered with a hundred butterflies tickling a thousand naked nerves. What could be more desperate, raw and beautiful as this sort of giddiness? The picnic never happened,
nor did that ideal first kiss, nor did I ask for it. After that summer, Chase and I were separated by different high schools and our meetings were so brief during those years, they could hardly be called connections. In May 2004, my Mom sobbed, while informing me of Chase’s death in Iraq. He was only 21. Shock wouldn’t let me react that day and my mind denied the information for years. Eventually I faced the reality of the loss, wept, wrote my goodbye letter, and to this day I keep in contact with his sweet mom. For the last several years Chase has visited me in my dreams. He has grown up to be a confident, handsome man, remaining my age in each dream. Eye contact is the climax of our intimacy, and his eyes exude wisdom and peace, as though he understands all. Have I made Chase into a divine figure or has he graduated, in his afterlife, to be this divine presence in my life? “Chase Loves me!” is the thought that wakes me after such a dream, because the love we share in dreamland is nearly as tangible as my first chairlift kiss this season (with my husband of 13 years). The sense of being sure that I am loved is a medicinal sort of magic that can come from connections past and present. I feel loved when I am smiled at by a stranger, understood by an author, physically kissed by my prince or visited by a deceased buddy. And when a moment like this is granted me, I am the richest person in all of the world. Chase Ryan Whitham 1982-2004
Illustration by Michael Reagan from the Fallen Heroes Project.
LITERATURE
the bayview mariner
beth's room
by David Cole
by Brenda Hammond
This open Window
Vol. 2 No. 3
poetry and prose by local writers
edited by Jim mitsui
August 27, 1997 she would have been 89. We have given clothes away, the cane, the walker, the wheelchair that mark the stages of her going. But much in her room remains the same. Same plants in the window. At the foot of the bed an afghan folded, waiting still to warm her.
On the dresser, the lamp that lit with a touch of her hand. A heart-shaped box holding ties for her hair. A brush by her bed still holds long, fine strands. I don’t remove them as tonight---I take the brush and brush my hair.
-Brenda Hammond Brenda is a Mental Health Specialist at Early Head Start, and a long time member of the Board of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force. She is making plans to work less and spend more time with her four beautiful grand-girls.
who is the senator, the representative by Beth Weber
In my last column I was talking about writing down your memoirs and the benefits of keeping a journal. Writing is such a physical act, recording your thoughts on a page. In this day of texting, twittering and using email instead of actually talking to someone face-to-face, it becomes even more important to actually write something down on a page instead of going right to your iPhone, iPad or computer. I see people texting each other across restaurant tables or while waiting for a movie to start. Schools no longer teach kids how to write in cursive. I think this is a big mistake. Writing physically on a page gets you more involved with what you write; the connection is closer to what you think and feel. Schools don’t use the Parker Penmanship System, but you can bet that they have a computer lab. The emphasis in today’s world is on convenience and speed, not so much on thoughts and feelings. If you are addicted to your computer, routinely make hard copies, and “mark up what you’ve written.” It’s important to see how your work looks on the page. Back to your journal. Writing in it exercises your imagination. It helps focus your feelings and what you really want to say in a piece of writing, whether poetry or prose. Later you can come back to what you’ve written and have something written to work with rather than a blank page. This was an Ernest Hemingway trick. Instead of finishing a chapter he’d stop halfway down the page and stop. The next day he’d finish that page and maintain the momentum of his story. By doing so you’ll come closer to the center of your being, the day-to-day activities and events of your world, while finding out how you honestly feel. It doesn’t matter if you write or print, if you’re sloppy or only you can read what you’ve written. A journal or writer’s notebook is not meant to be a published text. It’s a place to practice, try out things and make rough drafts that eventually can be shaped to a publishable state. Also, a computer which obliterates deletions, your journal will allow you to go back and reconstruct and retrieve what you’ve crossed out. And don’t worry about becoming obsolete or out of style. The poems and stories will make it all worth while, and make your life more relevant. -Jim Mitsui
for the rooted ripped by fitful winds
for sprouts wheezing
for surges preferred falling pure
for the migratory, homeless from industry
for spawners dying to vault barriers
for the stupendous, choked with plastic
for free fliers anchored with crude
for the buzzing aloft that feeds us?
for cascades, sullied straightjacketed
Who casts a ballot for Gaia? We must know.
for clarity, overtones scorching vision
-Beth Weber Feb. 2017
Beth conducts the Festival at Sandpoint’s Youth Orchestra and teaches violin lesson in her home in Cocolalla.
For many years on ocean Pend Oreille, he lectured teenagers about life jackets, tied a few sturdy knots, smoked an old pipe. In this quiet weekend, bayside community, known for submarines and sailboats, where families spend summer days, and retirees wait their turn to die quietly, they call him Cap’n Bob. Although, really, he never commanded men, or even owned a seaworthy vessel, at least any remembered these days. He drinks beer at Captain’s Wheel or JD’s. His bearded face weathered less by voyages, more by divorces and last calls for alcohol. I always picture him rounding up a group, half a dozen or so boat owners, maybe in the 1970s, maybe the early 80s. Forming a rescue for a flipped sailboat. A gusty September storm left its crew clinging to the side of the vessel, waves loosening grips. Rescue on Idlewilde Bay!, the headline blared. Bob recalls it clearly today, like a story from the Bible. He became a captain that day. In his own mind, in unguarded moments, he’s a little surprised himself, frankly. Decades passed, the ‘Cap’n’ just stuck. Today storms pass, boats and people come and go. Cap’n Bob mans a stool at the bar, his hands, tobacco stained, remain steady as ever as they dive into baskets of deep-fat-fried foods, searching for salty bits to fill his brave belly. Waves slosh, toss and froth in his mug of beer. The Mariners battle the Marlins on the TV. -David Cole David was just looking for a home for a poem. It’s entirely fiction, although he did see a decorative sign once in somebody’s yard about a captain Bob. It’s snowing out today but preparations for boating is certainly going on in various boat shops.
pride, frailty, and my father by Amy Craven
It was about twelve years ago when I really took notice — The scariness of our winding staircase became a nagging worry to me I made sure to wake up early, not just to see my parents off on that summer morning, but to carry the suitcases down those precarious steps Dad probably admonished me for trying to do too much I think he knew that I was trying to atone for the thoughtlessness of my younger days A few years later, on a back East visit I noticed that my six foot father wasn’t, anymore Several surgical procedures and the years had cost him inches
His spine and his spirit seemed diminished And then, in 2014, while he tried to hide his dying from us, I went back to spend time, knowing that after the previous hip break and my father’s age of 88, an extended visit was warranted One afternoon in May, I heard a thud from my parent’s bathroom Against any puritanical holds, I flew into the room to find him sitting on the floor, next to the tub You can’t pick me up, you’ll hurt yourself But I could— his bones felt surprisingly light and brittle, like nothing was inside them I hated that day The awkwardness of need and the knowing of need The terms of the Father-Daughter contract unbalanced Mom was napping in the bedroom, not twelve feet away Unaware She wasn’t with me when I took him to the emergency room a couple of days later Dad would be admitted and would start down the three month pathway to his end February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 17
RELIGION
Museum History Mystery: ‘Love’ is God’s Traditions ‘A Vaudville Review’ From a Christian’s perspective
By Rev. Bob Evans Reader Contributor We have freedom of religion and separation of church and state because the founders of our nation knew something; no one tradition has favor in the eyes of the Divine. It is time to get over ourselves. Each has its own unique expression of the Divine that is the blessing each tradition brings to the world. And each tradition’s scripture must always speak to the seeker personally in the present tense, because that alone is the voice of beingness/I Am, the mystery we call God. God is the God of the living – everyone who is alive and awake to this moment. There is a wonderful Jewish story about God inviting all the Israelites up the Holy Mountain with Moses and Aaron to see God face-to-face. As they all started up the mountain behind Moses, God began to speak with the guttural “ayin.” But when God speaks worlds may be created. Every letter of every word of God is creative and destructive. God’s voice was so powerful that the Israelites were too frightened to continue up with Moses, and they turned and fled back to the safety of their tents at the foot of the mountain. The amount of people who had started up the mountain and heard God begin to speak numbered 600,000. This guttural which signaled the beginning of God’s words, being creative, planted a powerful truth in the heart of each Israelite that revealed something of God’s relationship to humanity. This guttural, this personal gift to each Israelite, was to be shared with each other that we all may know our beginning and who we are as children of the living God. Each person becomes a mini tradition of shared love. This is true of all the traditions whose founders have been to the top of the Holy Mountain and I haven’t done this story justice, but I know you get the 18 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
point. Each tradition is like the individual Israelite, complete with a teacher/ revealer worthy of following, and a gift to share with all other traditions. Jesus says to his followers that we must be “awake,” be ‘reborn,” to begin to see the things of heaven wherever they may turn up. Jesus makes it very clear in the Gospel of John. When asked which mountain of learning was the most powerful, or right one, he says that no tradition is above another but that God seeks those who worship the Divine in truth and in Spirit. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship God in spirit and truth. It is these worshippers who God seeks. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth” (my translation). “How do we fully worship the present moment in spirit and truth in a way that transcends all traditions and fulfills the law?” Here, I will follow the advice of the one called Christ: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Again it says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Unqualified love seems to play a big part of being in the moment. Be in every moment a presence for God’s love and when one succeeds, “On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” All traditions claim to be special, and they are. I am a Christian minister who loves the Christ, who is a special gift to me. It is because of this special gift that I wish to share it as an offering to other traditions, not as a challenge or as the childish taunt, “My creator is better than yours!” We should ask each other, “What can you share with me about God’s love?” Bob Evans is the reverend for the Emerge n’See Church, located at 2232 Algoma Spur Road in Sagle.
By Reader Staff
The Bonner County History Museum is proud to announce that tickets for their Third Annual History Mystery Fundraiser: “A Vaudeville Review,” are on sale now. The museum’s annual fundraiser, which includes dinner and a show, will be held on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Ponderay Events Center. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $45 for BCHS members. Guests will be transported back in time to the Sandpoint Rink Opera House in 1909, for an evening of Vaudeville-style entertainment and intrigue including opera, dancers, magic, music, Shakespeare, drama, juggling, acrobats and of course a mystery waiting to be solved, and a prizes to be won, all while enjoying a full dinner buffet by Skeye’s the Limit Catering. All of the proceeds from this event go to the Museum, to help support its ongoing mission of “History Creating Community.” Tickets can be purchased at the museum by calling (208) 263-2344 or going online at www. bonnercountyhistory.org. This event is generously sponsored by Ponderay Events Center, Co-Op Country Store, Idaho Pour Authority, Skeyes the Limit Catering, Studio One and Sandpoint Reader. Founded in 1972, the Bonner County History Museum has been collecting and preserving the Bonner County region’s significant stories for over 40 years. The Museum is located in view of Lake Pend Oreille in beautiful Lakeview Park. The park has many amenities including picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts, and the Native Plant Society arboretum. Adjacent to Lakeview Park is Memorial Field which has a boat launch and is home to the Festival at Sandpoint every August. The Bonner County History Muse-
um is a private, non-profit educational organization (I.R.S. 501 (c) 3). The museum is a membership organization, open to all. We operate thanks to community support, membership fees, gifts, retail sales and donations, and grants from private foundations Hours: Tuesday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is free admission the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OUTDOORS A column all about snow safety
By Melissa Hendrickson Reader Columnist Melissa here, the forecaster from the St. Regis/Silver Valley forecast area, sneaking in an article about our region down here. If you ever need a mini vacation away from the backcountry of the Selkirks or the Cabinets, come down and check out the St. Joe’s and the Bitterroots. Our forecast region encompasses the mountains that parallel the length of I-90 from Cataldo to the Idaho/Montana Border above Taft. We go out every Thursday to an area we feel is representative of the snowpack and conditions that the region is experiencing to get the weekend advisory out to you. Tuesday briefings are based off weather forecasts, trends we have seen since the weekend, and info that the avalanche patrollers up at Silver Mountain report to us about conditions they are seeing. If you come down this way, make sure to check out our past advisories to get an idea of what the snowpack has been doing this winter as well as any public observations that are posted on our website, www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org. Another great resource for local data is on the Panhandle Backcountry website’s trip report forums, www.panhandlebackcountry. com. I also try to get a Thursday field report posted to Instagram and Facebook. For snow depth, make sure to check out the three most relevant SNOTEL sites: Humbolt Gulch (535) for mid elevation data, and Sunset (803) and Lookout (594) for higher elevations. You can also utilize the variety of webcams available in the area to get “eyes” on the
Come visit the St. Regis/Silver Valley Forecast Area
One of the many delicious tree runs above Elsie Lake. Photo by Melissa Hendrickson. ground. The Idaho Transportation Department has cameras at Lookout Pass with weather and driving information, and there are slope webcams at both ski resorts, Lookout and Silver Mountain. Be sure to check the Silver Mountain snow gauge webcam early in the morning before they reset it for the day! Since you are working on gathering the most information possible to assist in your decision to come play in the backcountry, check out www. Windytv.com to see the wind patterns associated with storms as they roll through and where
potential windloading zones might be so you can safely plan your routes if the forecast warns about windslabs. And don’t forget to check NOAA! So where should you come to ride or slide? It somewhat depends on whether you are motorized or non-motorized. If you are headed out on a non-motorized backcountry tour, we have plenty of places to choose from for all ability levels. Those people just starting out getting into backcountry touring should check out the area on the north of the highway at Lookout Pass,
referred to as the FAA area or “The Training Grounds”. This low angle, open slope terrain is an easy way to test out your new set up and get some good turns in without a long approach. If you are looking to expend a little more effort and your backcountry skills are more refined, check out the Stephens Lakes Trailhead. From here you can access West Willow, the bowl around Lone Lake, and the bowl around Stephens Lakes. As with any mountain terrain, make sure your avy game is dialed in; these are
places that you need to properly prepare for before visiting. Feel like extending your ski season into shorts weather and taking a dip in a (very cold) mountain lake? I had a 1000ft run off Stephens Peak last year in June! From Wallace, north of the highway up Burke there are some places to get to on Tiger and Grouse if you are willing to put the time in on the skin tracks. Cooper Lake and St. Regis Lakes Basin are a bit further of a skin, but deliver classic terrain for this area of Idaho. I wouldn’t call it cheating, but you can also utilize the lifts at Lookout or use a snowmobile to access St. Regis Basin. For those who are using snowmobiles for ski or board approaches, or are into snowmobiling or snowbiking in the high country, the options expand greatly. Pick any Forest Service Road with a snowmobile trailhead and see where it takes you! (You can get your snowmobile map for Kootenai and Shoshone Counties at the Forest Service Office) Most of the trails receive a pass with the groomer periodically, but when you get high enough, you can pick your open country for playing. As always, know before you go! Some of the summer favorites in this area are also spectacular in the winter. I have a particular fondness for high lakes, so I enjoy the area around Upper Glidden Lake and Elsie Lake. Both of these areas have terrain to suit all ability levels and also allow you to mitigate your risk level. See you in the backcountry.
February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 19
Living Life: By Dianne Smith Reader Columnist As parents it is always hard to hear our child is struggling. Our heart hurts if our child’s feelings are hurt or someone has been mean to them—but what do you do if your child is part of the “mean group?” Finding out from a teacher or another parent that your child is being mean or is friends with children who are being mean is hard. All the same your heart hurts because you know your child is struggling and you may be questioning what you could do to be more helpful. All children struggle with bumps in the road of life, and being mean might be your child’s way of telling people that they are in a self-esteem slump or struggling in some other way. Your child may need a little more support and encouragement to work on seeing a different point of view or better ways of handling their emotions and feelings. Wonderful opportunities like this help us have heartfelt discussions with our children about life lessons such as empathy for others and “getting along.” A previous boss who I respect very much called them “teaching moments.” It is helpful to think about mean behaviors as falling along a continuum. Your child may not be the ring leader, but they may be standing by and laughing while the leader is mean. They may be part of a group that practices exclusion and will not let other children join them. Helping children understand that a kind word goes a long way and not saying
Meanie?
anything is also being a part of the problem is important. The “teaching moment” is that we don’t have to like everyone or agree with their point of view and opinions, but we do have to treat everyone nicely and stand up to those who do not. We teach children skills to manage life that they will carry with them into the adult world. Learning how to handle others is an important life skill to have. Not being part of meanness and gossip is an important life lesson, the earlier learned the better. Along with teaching children how to get along with others it is important to teach them empathy and understanding of how others might feel. Again, another wonderful skill to take into the adult world that will help your child make the transition into adulthood more successfully. The transition is hard enough and the more skills we can teach children the better. We want to help children navigate the rough social waters with kindness, empathy and respect for others along with being assertive and standing up for their opinions in a way that is respectful to others. Raising kind children requires an active effort to teach them the social skills they need to be confident in their relationships—without hurting others. Dianne Smith, LMFT is a licensed counselor who works with both children and adults. She has offices in Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint and can be reached at 951-440-0982.
Listen in Sandpoint to KPND @ 106.7 in HD 20 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
‘Barking Water’ film perfect for Valentine’s Day
By Reader Staff “I want to be holding your hand when I go,” says Frankie to his former lover, Irene, in “Barking Water,” a poignant love story perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend. Screened at the Sandpoint Library, it was the 2009 official selection at the Sundance Film Festival from Cherokee-Creek filmmaker, Sterlin Harjo. “Barking Water” is the Feb. 11 fulllength feature film offering as part of the free, monthly Native Heritage Film Series sponsored by The Idaho Mythweaver, in partnership with the East Bonner County Library District and Vision Maker Media. Saying goodbye one last time is never easy, but between two people who have been hurt by one another, and despite what the outside world sees, Frankie and Irene are still devoted to that love. Sometimes told in flashbacks, and at times with comedic irony, “Barking Water” takes us where the journey to forgiveness begins with a daring rescue and ultimately finds grace in the long road trip home. Two free screenings of “Barking
A still frame from “Barking Water.” Courtesy Image. Water” will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 12:30 and 3 p.m., in the Rude Girls Room of the Library’s Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar Street in Sandpoint. Light refreshments will be served. Jane Fritz of the Idaho Mythweaver will lead an interactive discussion following both screenings of the film. The next film in the free Native Heritage Film Series is “For the Generations: Native Story and Performance” to be screened twice on March 11. Six Native American performers infuse contemporary genres of dance and music with traditional elements from their Tribal heritage. After each monthly screening, a DVD copy of the film shown will be released into the Library’s circulation for public check-out. This film series has been generously underwritten by TransEco Services along with grants from the Idaho Humanities Council — a state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities — and the Bonner County Endowment Fund for Human Rights of the Idaho Community Foundation.
STAGE & SCREEN
Dive bar comedy tour
The 219 Lounge hosts comedians Morgan Preston and Harry J. Riley
By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Despite Sandpoint’s reputation as a strong performing arts community, stand-up comedy is a rarity in the local nightlife. Mel Dick, owner of the 219 Lounge, is working to change that. For the past two years, the bar team has been keeping an eye out for comedians living in or traveling through Sandpoint. After several successful shows, the 219 is set to host its biggest night of comedy yet on Feb. 25 featuring veteran comics Morgan Preston and Harry J. Riley. “[These shows are] fun, upbeat, and entertaining,” said Dick, later adding, “People are looking for something entertaining and different.” The 219 started experimenting with in-house comedy sets in 2015, following up on efforts to help produce fundraiser shows at the Panida Theater in 2012 and 2013. In all cases, the shows raised funds for Team Laughing Dog and 24 Hours for Hank, local philanthropic efforts advocating research for the rare genetic disease, cystinosis. “[The comedy events we have had at the 219 Lounge ] were well received,” said Dick. “[They] draw people from our regular customers as well as others looking for different entertainment such as comedy,” he added. This year, the team is planning its most ambitious comedy show yet. Joining forces with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce for its suite of Winter Carnival events, organizers are bringing in Preston and Riley for a co-headline night of comedy. Preston will be familiar to those who have attended past 219 comedy shows. An inexhaustible touring comedian, he returns to the 219 with his in-your-face comic style. “Alternative is a word that is thrown around in the comedy world, and I’m starting to think it means ‘not funny,’” he said. “Alternative means doing things in a different way from the norm
thinking outside the box, and being successful at it.” After partnering with Preston on a successful show, Dick is excited to bring him back for another night of comedy entertainment. “We are fortunate to have developed a relationship with Morgan Preston, a nationally known comedian who lives in the Seattle area,” he said. “In addition to being a great comedian, Morgan is also a comedy show producer, author and actor who is well-known in national comedy circles with access to talent from all over the U.S. and the Pacific Northwest.” Riley, meanwhile, hails from Spokane but brings much of his southern upbringing into his comedy. He’s been making some serious waves since debuting as a performer after a stint in the U.S. Air Force, winning the Spokane Valleyfest PG Comedy Competition twice and placing in the semi-finals of the prestigious Seattle International Comedy Competition. He also landed a role in the cable TV series “Z Nation.” Between the laughs and a host of drink specials, this is a night of comedy locals won’t want to miss. It all takes place Saturday, Feb. 25, at the 219 Lounge, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and include a Captain Morgan drink special.
Left: Morgan Preston. Right Harry J. Riley. Courtesy photos.
Feb. 9 @ 5pm | Feb. 11 @ 3:30pm | feb. 12 @ 6pm Feb. 14 @ 5:30 & 8pm | Feb. 15 @ 7pm
“la la land” film
Feb. 9 @ 7:30pm | Feb. 11 @ 1pm | feb. 12 @ 1 & 3pm
“Hidden figures” film
Tickets $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, $5 Students, $4 Children
little theatre
Friday, Feb. 10 @ 3 & 6pm
Meetvideo, the Author of ‘OWL’ Paul Bannick sound, stories from the field, and dramatic images of owls Friday, Feb. 10 @ 7:30pm
SADIE SICILIA IN THE SPOTLIGHT (SADIE WAGONER) Saturday, feb. 11 @ 7:30pm
‘McManus in Love’ starring Tim Behrens FEb. 16-19
oscar shorts check website for times - $10 Friday, Feb. 17 @ 6pm
SMC hosts spokane string quartet coming soon: LION, THE DATING GAME SANDPOINT STYLE February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 21
Love
is the answer
Illustration by Jodi Rawson
22 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
MUSIC
This week’s RLW by Ben Olson
Love songs that save the day By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with it come the usual dilemmas. Whether the holiday means scrambling for last-minute gifts and reservations, painstakingly planning the perfect evening or cursing the heightened awareness of single status, it’s a day with its own unique headaches. At the very least, music doesn’t need to be counted among the stresses. Love songs are just about as old as music itself, and over the years, songwriters have penned some stirring poetry about the elation and complexities of romance. If you’re looking for a few additions to your Valentine’s Day soundtrack, you could do worse than these classics and newer gems that have earned my affection. “In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine and Iris DeMent John Prine and Iris DeMent’s ode to loving your partner, imperfections and all, deserves a place among country music’s great duets. Both sweet and funny, the song finds a man and woman trading observations of the other’s strange habits and qualities. The woman might “swear like a sailor when she shaves her legs,” and the man might “drink his beer like it’s oxygen,” but they know that “in spite of ourselves, we’ll end up sitting on a rainbow.” “Say Yes” by Elliott Smith Elliott Smith is best known for his songs grappling with melancholy and pain. But the legendary singer-songwriter was just as adept at capturing the joys and happiness of life. There’s no better example of that than “Say Yes,” a quietly hopeful song about finding renewed optimism through the prism of a new relationship. Smith sings that he’s “in love with the world through the eyes of a girl who’s still around the morning after,” and it’s just enough to get him through the day.
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
Eric Clapton, “Wonderful Tonight”
A song beloved by music critics and the public alike, “God Only Knows” stands the test of time for its harmonies and unique musical structure. But where the song finds its true poignancy is in its lyrics, which find the singer contemplating life without his or her lover. There’s an undeniable beauty in lines like its iconic opening: “I may not always love you. But as long as there are stars above you, you never need to doubt it.”
The inspiration of Clapton’s 1977 ballad is nearly as famous as the song itself. Smitten with ex-Beatle George Harrison’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd, Clapton wrote the song while he waited for her to finish preparing for a party. The result is one of the most enduring classics about unrequited love, a time capsule preserved before Clapton and Boyd’s subsequent marriage and divorce.
“To Be Alone With You” by Sufjan Stevens
“Don’t be Afraid to Sing” by Stars
Sufjan Stevens’ near-perfect album “Seven Swans,” the Christian artist’s most religious album, is filled with beautiful love songs. “The Dress Looks Nice on You” is a shy song about young love still developing a sense of comfort, and “A Size Too Small” explores a similar relationship in a more mature place. But the best love song on the album is the one with the most overt religious references, “To Be Alone With You.” The song finds Stevens exploring the depths of love by drawing parallels to the gospels, but the writing is subtle enough to allow for multiple interpretations.
The capstone to one of Canadian indie pop band Stars’ strongest albums, “Don’t Be Afraid to Sing” examines the uncertainty of a blossoming relationship and the fear that comes with commitment. Singer Torquil Campbell admits, “I won’t pretend that I can see the end,” and acknowledges that time can create distance between two people. But after some worrying and equivocation, the song ends on a confident note: “We all end together.”
READ
Sinclair Lewis’ more well-known novels like “Babbitt” and “Main Street” are worth a read, but an especially apropriate choice for this era might be his acclaimed novel “It Can’t Happen Here.” The novel was published in 1935, during the rise of fascism in Europe. While bitingly satirical, the novel also hauntingly predicted the rise of such figures as Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini, as well as the rise of populism that left a swath of devastation across the world.
LISTEN
For fans of indie folk with meaning, check out Nick Mulvey’s first and only studio album, “First Mind.” Though hailing from England, Mulvey actually went to Havana, Cuba to study art and music. He then played a “hang drum” in an experimental jazz band called Portico Quartet, but soon left to pursue a genre change to indie folk. If looking for what Mulvey sounds like, you take a dash of Nick Drake, add a splash of Paul Simon and Sam Beam from Iron & Wine and you’re there.
WATCH
OK, show of hands, when is the last time you watched “The Breakfast Club” by John Hughes? I just watched it again last week and was reminded of how familiar and comfortable this film always makes me feel. And how absolutely cringe-worthy some of the scenes are. Yes, it’s chock full of ‘80s montages that make you squirm. Yes, the stereo stereotypes of the main characters are pretty someon-the-nose. Yes, the acting is some times a little... lacking. But after over 30 enteryears, this film is still enter taining and inspirational. Go to the library and check out a Totalcopy. Total ly!
February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 23
A Flying Leap
Due to the current storms, we are shoveling roofs to protect your home or business •Technical removals •Pruning to promote strong, healthy trees •Planting
Julian Reichold, center, prepares to jump off his roof onto a mound of snow on Monday while friends look on. Photo by Ben Olson.
FROZEN PIPES got you singing the winter blues? We can help take
$25 OFF your next service!
•New Construction •Remodel •Commercial
Exp. 01/31/17
•Drain Cleaning •Leak Repair •All Aspects of Plumbing Tyler Case 208-304-3883
tylermcase@gmail.com Licensed, Insured & Bonded
24 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
< OWL, con’t from page 13 > “Snowy owls only breed every few years, and it is challenging and expensive to travel where they breed, so it was risky to try,” said Bannick. “On my second try, I was able to follow and photograph the male in rare courtship display after snowshoeing several miles across the frozen tundra, miles from any town and pushing against punishing Arctic winds. Then I waited exposed on the tundra, lying on the icy surface to capture the action.” Needless to say, Bannick got the shot. For Bannick, owls are more than just a bird, they are a shared piece of the wild that people all across North America should pay attention to.
“Owls are indicator species,” said Bannick. “Their relative abundance tells us of the health of our natural systems. Owls represent every habitat in North America except the alpine tundra. From the Sanoran Desert to the Grasslands, Shrubbe-steppe, wet forests, dry forests, SE forests, boreal forests, burned stands and Arctic Tundra, there is an owl.” Paul Bannick’s presentations will take place on Friday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Little Panida Theatre. The cost is $5, and copies of Bannick’s new book will be available for signing. The event is sponsored by Kaniksu Land Trust, American Heritage Wildlife Foundation and Idaho Conservation League.
Top Right: A burrowing owl balances atop an old sage brush snag. Center Right: Snowy owls lay eggs over many days, usually with a day or more between each, resulting in youngsters of various ages, a hedge when food is unpredictable. Bottom Right: Paul Bannick in the field. Bottom Left: A great gray owl nestling leaps from its nest atop a dwarf mistletoe broom, 50 feet off of the ground. Great gray owls leap from the nest when they are about a month old and cannot yet fly.
Check out Paul Bannick’s website to see more images of owls: www.paulbannick.com.
Top Left: A family of barn owls peer from the entrance of their nest in a cliff-side cave. All photographs by Paul Bannick. February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 25
The Straight Poop:
The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho
By Drake the Dog Reader Pet Columnist
Where am I taking my humans today? Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy, but today it’s snowmeggadon! I’m ready to ditch the winter jacket. Enough already! Where are those tropical breezes? The sidewalk has been shoveled, I stop, and wowza! How much are those pictures in the window? As I open the door of 323 North First St., I hear, “Well, hello Drake. Good to see you!” (Hey, this guy knows my name, and hugs the Missus!) As I settled in at this dog friendly the studio, I begged our buddy Dann Hall to tell me about this place. Once upon a time, the studio was called Hall Land Gallery. Today, it’s known as Hallans Gallery. This is Sandpoint’s time capsule that has been preserved by Dann Hall, son to master photographer Ross Hall (1905-1990). In 1931, Dick (the mayor of Sandpoint) and Nellie Hines owned a studio downtown. When Dick passed away, Nellie called Eastman Kodak and asked for someone to come help her run the store. Ross, a graduate of Illinois College of Photography in Effingham, Ill., accepted the job. He was published in nearly every major periodical of his time, including London Illustrated, Life Magazine and National Geographic. After a year, he went back to Colorado to negotiate with his sweetheart, Hazel, to get married and move to Sandpoint. She said yes! With sixty cents in his pocket, the couple arrived via train and observed hundreds of town-folk at the station welcoming them with gifts. Hazel fell in love with Sandpoint. Over the years they had three children: daughter Louyce, and sons Ross and Dann. When Dann was three, his parents gave him a Kodak Brownie camera. He walked outside, took 12 black and white shots of the sidewalk, and was hooked on photography. His family traveled extensively. Over the years, he realized that his Dad was held in high esteem. Ross and Hazel built a thriving business, earning national recognition for barkin’ winter, wildlife, people and scenic photography. At its peak, the Ross 26 /
R
/ February 9, 2017
Hallans Gallery
Hall Studio employed 100 people. Ross was asked to photograph sailors that were stationed at Farragut Naval Base for their records. These were large format negatives—over 400,000 to be exact. He did not have the space, nor could he afford to store these classified negatives correctly ($15-$20 per negative). Hence, one day, Hazel, decided to take these negatives to the dump. Ross was very upset, as these precious photographs were lost for good. When the flood of ’48 hit and the lake rose 19 feet over pool and reached First Avenue, many other negatives were lost. During Ross’ retirement, Dann worked with companies in New York and San Francisco. These were fabulous commercial photography jobs with open budgets and a lot of travel that consumed his summers. Since he wanted to be in Sandpoint, he looked at his dad’s negative file and wondered if there was something there for a business. He made an about face, opened Hallans Gallery, and the rest is history. The Ross Hall Collection boasts over 60,000 negatives. The studio currently displays on average 60-100 prints and showcases other photographers such as Mark Story, Chris Campbell and Viggo Mortensen. Dann always puts his best paw forward when it comes to dogs. His companion dog, Ozone, a collie-coyote, called Dan’s first underground studio home, and went with Dann everywhere. One summer Dann worked at Schweitzer, cleaning up trails while earning his season pass. While he rode the chairlift one day, Ozone ran all the way to the top and caught him when he got off. On another occasion during
Right: Dann Hall takes a break from his busy schedule with Drake at the Hallans Gallery.
his childhood, a mongrel dog followed his brother, Ross, home. Dann named him Mongo, because he could not pronounce mongrel. They were inseparable for over 14 years. The joke was when his parent’s couldn’t find Dann, they just looked for Mongo. Now, thanks to his wife Paula, he has two corgis—Milo and Macy. So come visit the studio. The rules are that there are no rules. Dann will tell you stories and offer doggie treats and fresh water. Bring your humans and learn about our region’s history, but no drooling on the prints please.
Crossword Solution
If your friend is already dead, and being eaten by vultures, I think it’s okay to feed some bits of your friend to one of the vultures, to teach him to do some tricks. But only if you’re serious about adopting the vulture.
More than a store, a Super store!
r u o y t o We've g e's day n i t n e l va ! s t e e sw Copyright www.mirroreyes.com
CROSSWORD ACROSS
buy local! MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-8PM / SATURDAY 8AM-6PM / SUNDAY 10AM-6PM
1. Pear variety 5. Short run 9. Stepped 13. Countertenor 14. Ancient Mexican 16. Fully developed 17. Bobbin 18. Gift of the Magi 19. Distinctive flair 20. Fool 22. In a barely adequate manner 24. Prima donna problems 26. Heaps 27. Strong and proud 30. Accumulate on the surface 33. A through route 35. Anoint (archaic) 67. Judges 37. Weep 68. Ear-related 38. Path 69. Bygone era 41. Woman 70. Recent events 42. 1/100th of a ruble 71. Scallion 45. Administrators 48. Ransom DOWN 51. Candidate 1. Leavening agent 52. Open, as a bottle 2. Margarine 54. Exposed 3. Mental representation 55. Ostracized 4. A perfumed liquid 59. Abrasive 5. Water barrier 62. Region 6. Unleavened bread 63. A kind of macaw 7. Thin piece of wood or 65. Satisfy metal 66. Rhythm 8. Rupture in smooth
mythopoeic
Woorf tdhe Week Corrections: In last week’s Tilikum story, the word “masochistic” was used when it should have been “sadistic.” -BO
muscle tissue 9. Treachery 10. Small brook 11. Iridescent gem 12. Declare untrue 15. Infant 21. French for “Black” 23. Plateau 25. Hissy fit 27. Deficiency 28. Mistake 29. Hearing organ 31. Rejuvenate 32. Cacophony 34. Flee 36. If not
Solution on page 26 39. Tin 40. A round handle 43. Teach 44. Gambling game 46. Nursemaid 47. Fire opal 49. Toward the outside 50. A wardress in a prison 53. Wampum 55. Tot 56. Chocolate cookie 57. 365 days 58. Sketched 60. Anagram of “Ties” 61. “Darn it!” 64. Donkey
/mith-uh-PEE-ik/
[adjective] 1. of or relating to the making of myths; causing, producing, or giving rise to myths.
“His actions on the battlefiend were so unbelievable they were mythopoeic.” February 9, 2017 /
R
/ 27