My Nana always had a dark sense of humor, a flare for the dramatic and a rebellious side. Growing up in the Great Depression, it was practically mandatory. When I was around 10 years old, she told me about a game her sister invented when she was my age. Her older sisters would lead little 5-year-old Patty to the closest bus stops, and they would all crawl along the gutters looking for old cigarette butts. Whoever had the most won the game, though only the oldest girls got to smoke the profits. Nana told me she’d sometimes hide the butts she found and, being a 5-year-old, eat them later. She never said why she ate them or how it affected her physically, and at the time, I didn’t know enough about how cigarettes worked to ask.
Years later, when she moved into her nursing home and still had all her faculties, she told me about a new game she and her octogenarian friends created. Everyone in the home sorted themselves into little cliques and would sit together at the same tables every day for every meal. Nana decided that each table was a team competing to outlive their ancient rivals. Every time someone at a different table died, she’d award her team a point — deducting a point when one of her teammates bit the dust. In the end, I’m not sure who won. The last I heard, Nana’s group had a narrow two-point lead and she was threatening to slip some crushed pills into another table’s porridge. I’m 80% sure she was joking.
Like that hamster meme
There’s a joke that every pet hamster’s role in life is to teach children about death by killing themselves in the most traumatizing and unlikely way possible. For instance, my childhood hamster, Hammy, managed to freeze to death in a cage full of bedding by a fire in a living room where the thermostat read “60 degrees.” C’est la mort. My most traumatic experience, though, was the death of my salamander, Sally. Sally was not good at life. I found Sally on a walk through the woods, drying out on the top of a stump. He’d apparently been hunting ants and managed to wedge his head between the wood and the bark with no escape plan. I pried him out, set him up in a cushy penthouse indoors and then my mom and I headed to the pet store to find out what salamanders ate. The store sold us a case of live crickets. Before heading to school the following morning, I dropped one into Sally’s enclosure and buzzed with excitement until I could get back home to him. When I returned, he hadn’t eaten the cricket — the cricket had eaten him. A little chunk was missing from Sally’s side, and the fat little bug was staring at it, smugly. There was nothing left to do — we buried Sally and released the super cricket to wreak untold havoc on our ecosystem. He’d earned it, after all.
DEAR READERS,
I can think of no allegory more appropriate for this week’s cover than Sisyphus, rolling his eternal boulder up the hill.
In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a devious king who killed visitors to his kingdom of Ephyra to show off his power. The gods punished him for his trickery, forcing him to roll an immense boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each and every time it neared the top. Sisyphus was to repeat this action for eternity.
Sometimes I feel like the Reader is my own boulder. I push it to the top every week and, on Wednesday night as we finish each week’s edition and send it off to the printer, the rock begins to roll back. By Thursday morning, when I’m out delivering the paper, the boulder has settled at the bottom of the hill again, taunting me as another long trip up the mountain looms ahead next week.
Tonight we celebrate 10 years of the Reader back from the dead. It’s a strange anniversary for us. It’s been a decade since I brought back the Reader, 20 years since it was founded in late 2004 and a total of 18 years in publication if you take into account the two-and-a-half years the Reader went dark from 2012-’15.
Come on down to Matchwood Brewing Co. this evening (Thursday, Jan. 16)from 5-8 p.m. to celebrate with us. Enjoy some free food and the Reader staff will be on hand to share a beer with our readers.
Albert Camus believed the allegory of Sisyphus was a fantastic metaphor for the meaninglessness of life; you go to work, return home, watch Netflix, eat dinner, go to bed, rinse and repeat. Eventually we die and our names are forgotten. Such is life.
While I appreciate Camus’ perspective, I also think there’s something more to it than that. I may have been condemned to roll this boulder up the hill each and every week, but nobody said I couldn’t have a smile on my face while doing it, did they? And what a view it is when you’re near the top. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks for 10 years, Sandpoint.
–Ben Olson,
publisher
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368 sandpointreader.com
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Contributing Artists: Zach Hagadone (cover), Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Hanna Falk, Emily Levine, Rich Milliron, Ron Bedford, Jason Duchow, Bill Borders, Rocky Montaño Photography
Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Kyle Dunphey, Emily Erickson, Diane Wheeler, Dr. Paula Kellerer, B.C. Democrats, Jeremy Grimm, Lauren Necochea, Sandy Compton
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The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned by Ben Olson and Keokee, devoted to the arts, entertainment, bluster, 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 bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. For back issues, contact the publisher. Free to all, limit two per person, please.
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About the Cover:
This week’s cover was drawn by our very own Zach Hagadone about 20 years ago.
County swears in new, returning officials
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Bonner County welcomed the newest batch of elected officials in a swearing-in ceremony Jan. 13, which introduced Dist. 1 Commissioner Brian Domke and reinstated Dist. 3 Commissioner Ron Korn, Assessor Dennis Engelhardt and Sheriff Daryl Wheeler.
In his first public appearance as a commissioner, Domke emphasized the importance of faith in his life and approach to public office, adding the words, “So help me God,” to his oath — which he swore on his fifth-generation family Bible.
“My sincere thanks to God the Father, the Son and the Spirit for providing me with clarity, with wisdom, with strength to be a public servant,” said Domke, going on to thank his family, friends and the public for their support and guidance.
Domke won the general election against Democrat Steve Johnson and replaced former-Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, who did not run for reelection but instead led an unsuccessful campaign for sheriff against Wheeler.
The Bonner County Republican Central Committee, led by Chair Scott Herndon, later voted to appoint Domke to the District 1 seat before the end of Bradshaw’s term, alleging that Bradshaw had forfeited his position upon moving out of Bonner County.
Bradshaw sold his home and business — the Cocollala Cowboy Church — and bought property in Texas in August 2024; however, he maintained a lease on his previous residence until the end of his term.
Though Bradshaw attended meetings exclusively via Zoom, he maintained that he was still an active board member and refused to surrender his seat early. After months of arguments involving the
public, county officials and the Idaho Governor’s Office, Domke declined to assume the Dist. 1 seat to avoid potential legal consequences.
During his Jan. 13 speech, Domke asked that members of the public continue to involve themselves in county politics during his time in office.
“I appreciate the feedback. I appreciate the ideas. I appreciate the sincerity,” said Domke. “I ask you to hold me accountable to the oath that I just took; and, if I stray from that, call me out, publicly, and I’ll correct it. And I also ask for you to hold me accountable as a follower of Christ, that my actions would portray that.”
Unlike Domke, Korn assumed office early following the September 2024 resignation of former-Commissioner Luke Omodt, whom he beat in the Republican primary in May 2024. Korn went on to win the seat in the general election against Independent candidate Glenn Lefebvre.
Like Domke, Korn swore on his family Bible, which dates back to the 1800s, and added, “So help me God,” to his oath.
“I’m blessed that I have another Christian on the board of commissioners. I pray that the board will follow the Lord’s laws and the Lord’s will,” said Korn, adding that he didn’t want to take up too much time and “take away from Brian’s day.”
“It’s not easy being in public service, but that’s why we do it,” continued Korn. “We want to see some changes happening, and if we want to see changes happening, you’ve got to put yourself out there. All I can say to Commissioner Domke is, dress yourself in the full armor of God,” added Korn.
The commissioners then selected a chairperson — a role Williams had filled since Omodt’s resignation. Domke made a motion to reelect Williams to the position,
though began with a “preamble” about his vision for the board’s future.
“I see the chairperson of the board as being an additional level of responsibility that that person is taking on. The commissioners are equals — equal in authority — but that’s yet another responsibility, and so I believe over time it would be appropriate for the three members of this commission to share that responsibility,” said Domke.
Though he said it had no bearing on the current nomination, Domke suggested that, going forward, the chairperson should change every eight months so that each commissioner spends an equal amount of time in the position over each two-year period. Domke promised to bring forward a motion on the subject in eight months.
The motion to make Williams the chair passed with Williams abstaining. She then called for a nomination for vice chair, though she did not voice a preference between Domke and Korn.
“The board has progressed significantly since months passed, and one of the biggest changes was ensuring that the public has its rightful seat at those [BOCC business] meetings, and whether you’re chair
emony. “One of the things I would like whoever is going to take the second seat to address is the continuation of standing rules on the Bonner County agenda.”
Domke nominated Korn for the position of vice chair, and the motion passed with Korn abstaining.
The Jan. 13 celebration also saw the return of Assessor Dennis Englehardt, who ran unopposed as the incumbent in both the 2024 primary and general elections. Englehardt initially assumed office in June 2023, following the resignation of former-Assessor Grant Dorman.
or vice chair, for me, that’s paramount,” said Williams, adding that it “doesn’t matter” how many comments are made or how long the meetings run.
Former-BOCC Chair Omodt instituted a series of changes that required members of the public to sign up to speak before the start of the meeting, banned public comment on individual agenda items and moved the public comment section from the beginning to the end of the meeting. Omodt also established 12 standing rules, defining and limiting deliberation among the board and clarifying the chair’s powers.
Omodt made the changes in an effort to limit the length of weekly meetings, which often ran in excess of three hours.
During her first meeting as chair, Williams again began calling for public comment on each agenda item and made a motion to strike the standing rules. Neither Korn nor Bradshaw seconded the motion and, as stipulated in the standing rules, it died without deliberation.
“For each position, whether chair or vice chair, we need people that recognize that the business meeting is the people’s meeting for our business, and that is my focus,” said Williams at the Jan. 13 cer-
“There were very, very few changes in staff after I came in, and now you’re left with an Assessor’s Department that has nothing but professional people with a strong desire to serve the community, and we’re going to keep it that way,” said Englehardt in his Jan. 13 speech.
The ceremony concluded with Sheriff Wheeler’s fifth oath of office, which he swore in the presence of his extended family.
Prior to the start of his fifth term, Wheeler took a 30-day absence from the county from Dec. 13 to Jan. 13, leaving the department under the command of Undersheriff Ror Lakewold. Wheeler’s temporary resignation allowed him to file for his retirement benefits under the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, and he will continue to collect those benefits, along with his salary, during his current term.
As of his last paycheck, Wheeler earned $4,338.40 per 80-hour period.
“I am so blessed, and I am so glad that I have this opportunity to serve you as your sheriff for one more term, and I look forward to keeping this county safe. Thank you for your support, and thank you for the support of my family, who encouraged me to run for another term,” said Wheeler.
Bonner County commissioners at the swearing-in ceremony, from left to right: Asia Williams, Brian Domke and Ron Korn. Photo by Soncirey Mitchell
U.S. Army Corps: Albeni Falls Dam gate design expected to be complete in July
Rehabbed Gate No. 3 planned to return to project in time for spring runoff
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spoke before the Lakes Commission on Jan. 10, providing updates on a range of issues related to Lake Pend Oreille; but, of particular interest was the current state of the gate replacement project at Albeni Falls Dam.
During a routine maintenance check of the dam in 2023, the contractor discovered delaminations on Gate No. 3 — that is, cracks and pits that had developed in the steel used to fabricate the gate in the 1950s.
Following that, the Corps was advised to keep gate movements to a minimum, and put in place restricted operations in spring 2024 that resulted in a slower-than-typical refilling of the lake. Meanwhile, analysis of the other 10 gates at the dam indicated the presence of similar structural damage, which has led to a larger project to replace all the gates.
According to the Jan. 10 presentation by USACE Natural Resources Chief Taylor Johnson, Gate No. 3 has been removed and replaced with a spare gate while it is undergoing rehabilitation.
“We are expecting that gate to be returned back to the project in time for the spring runoff period,” Johnson said, adding later that once it is returned in spring 2025, the gate will be reinforced with a fiber reinforced polymer to serve as a “Band-Aid” in order to “get us back to somewhat normal operations.”
At the same time, design of the new gates has been funded and is in progress, with design completion expected in July.
“That’s probably the biggest update that I have from our public meeting last fall,” Johnson said, noting that
the previous timeline showed design would be concluded in September.
“The concern that we have is through the movement of those gates,” he said.
“There’s concern that those gates could suddenly fail, which will then result in damage to infrastructure on the spillway, damage to our crane, damage to the operator. The risk is really on the Corps, to the infrastructure. ...
“There’s a lot of different scenarios that would have to take place, and we can’t even begin to speculate,” Johnson added. “We are being cautious.”
Continued progress on the gate replacement project will be informed by two “Industry Day” events scheduled for online attendance from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and in-person at the dam from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Those events are intended to attract parties interested in bidding on the contracts to build the new gates, including sharing capabilities and timelines.
Johnson said the Corps is expected to learn much more about the industrial capacity to deliver the gates, though the agency expects the first gate to be delivered in 2027, followed by nine other gates and a spare in six-month intervals.
More information about the project solicitation can be found at sam.gov by searching for Notice ID W912DW25R13H0.
In addition to the Albeni Falls Dam updates, the Lakes Commission hosted Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, and Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, who attended remotely from Boise to announce a new study that would analyze how Lake Pend Oreille levels affect the local economy.
Professors from the University of Idaho and Wash-
ington State University would conduct the study, looking at impacts to marinas, hotels, lakefront housing, service businesses and more during times of uncertainty about when lake levels will reach the necessary pool to accommodate the recreational season.
“This has been a long time coming,” Sauter said, adding that delivery of the report is scheduled for the early summer. “We’re excited to get some real science and math, rather than just our beliefs that the lake level directly affects our local economy. ... I’m excited to look at it.”
Lakes Commission Chair Ford Elsaesser said the legislation that created the Albeni
Falls Dam had been in part intended to provide seasonal consistency for recreational use.
However, “it’s a continuous struggle to get a full season,” he said. “We believe that there is a serious economic impact that results from that uncertainty.”
What’s more, Elsaesser added, “This is an issue that the folks at Priest Lake and the folks at Coeur d’Alene Lake or Hayden Lake don’t have to deal with because their seasons are set. ... [T]here is not a question that from Memorial Day from the very least until well into the fall that those bodies of water have a guaranteed season. We
are put in a position where we’ve seen it’s the second week of July before we have a full, stable lake.”
The Lakes Commission voted unanimously Jan. 10 to contribute $35,000 from its state-allocated budget to support the economic impact study.
“The confluence of the events of the last year and the assistance provided by our legislators — particularly Mark and Jim — have given us now this opportunity to get the study done,” Elsaesser said.
Woodward added that his hope for the analysis is to identify “a different answer on how we operate the lake to benefit the people surrounding it.”
Beloved retired coach, educator Dave DeMers joins LPOSD Board of Trustees
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
The Lake Pend Oreille School District Board of Trustees added a new member Jan. 14, but one with whom local schools will already be acquainted: David DeMers.
Born and raised in Sandpoint and a 1978 graduate of Sandpoint High School, DeMers attended Boise State University on track and football scholarships before returning home to pursue a teaching and coaching career.
He worked seven years at SHS, followed by 26 years at Sandpoint Middle School, where he taught and served as athletic director. Meanwhile, DeMers served 28 years as the Bulldogs’ head track coach, and coached both football and basketball at the middle and high schools.
Upon his retirement in 2018, and in honor of his 34 years working in the school district, the SHS track and
surrounding grounds were renamed the Dave DeMers Track and Field Complex. “I’m really excited about working for the city of Sandpoint and Bonner County and LPOSD to carry on the tradition of great public education and to make sure that our kids have all their aspects of education met — both in cocurricular, extracurricular and anything that they need that we can bring them,” DeMers said in a video posted Jan. 15 by LPOSD. “I’m excited for that.”
— and east of Highway 95. The term now being served by DeMers will end on Dec. 31, 2027. The board voted to select Zone 3 Trustee Lonnie Williams — who was first elected in 2017 — to serve as chair. His term is scheduled to expire in 2025.
Tonya Sherman, representing Zone 5, was elected to the vice-chair position. Her term also expires this year.
The board congratulated DeMers for his selection to complete the term left vacant by the resignation of former-Board Chair Geraldine Lewis in December. Lewis represented Zone 4, which is defined as the area south of Highway 200 — including Sagle
Other trustees include Scott Wood, for Zone 1, and Jalon Peters, for Zone 2. Wood was elected in 2024 for a term that expires in 2027, and Peters joined the board in 2022 with a term ending in 2025.
“DeMers is a great addition to a hardworking group of trustees, committed to providing the best education opportunities for all LPOSD students,” the district stated in a Jan.15 announcement.
Dave DeMers. Courtesy photo
Fish and Game looking for person who shot and killed bald eagle near Sandpoint
By Reader Staff
Idaho Fish and Game is looking for information after a bald eagle was shot and killed near Sandpoint.
According to the agency, the eagle is believed to have been killed between Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 around Sunnyside Road near Fisherman Island on Lake Pend Oreille. The bird was initially reported and recovered alive; but, following a medical examination, the bird was euthanized due to its injuries.
Several steel BBs were found throughout the eagle’s body, IDFG reported.
Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which stipulates that it is illegal to “pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb” the birds.
Anyone who might have seen or heard something related to the incident is encouraged to contact Conservation Officer Will Fuller at 208954-3302 or call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Information can also be reported at idfg.idaho.gov/enforcement/citizen-
Bits ’n’ Pieces
From east, west and beyond
Various media reported that Elon Musk has admitted the Department of Government Efficiency is unlikely to be able to cut $2 trillion from the budget.
The convicted “Pizzagate” gunman, who entered a crowded restaurant with weapons in 2016 in response to extreme right-wing rumors, was fatally shot in a North Carolina traffic stop. CBS News reported that Edgar Maddison Welch was wanted on an outstanding warrant, and pointed a gun at one of two officers. When he refused to drop the gun, both officers opened fire and Welch died two days later.
sagainstpoaching.
A monetary reward will be requested for individuals who provide credible, detailed information that leads to the identification of those involved and leads to any relevant charges.
Information about the incident can also be reported to the IDFG Panhandle Regional Office at 208-769-1414.
Selkirk Fire expands with resident firefighter at Bottle Bay station
By Reader Staff
The Selkirk Fire District is expanding its personnel and adding new technology, according to a pair of announcements at the beginning of January.
Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS will assign a resident firefighter to the Bottle Bay Fire Station, tasked with fire suppression, EMS and responding to other incidents.
The addition of Water Tender 1271 to the district’s staff “is part of the larger plan to further develop and enhance our volunteer program,” Selkirk officials stated in a news release.
“Volunteers serve an important role in our community,” they added. “While their roles are limited and response times usually longer, they provide an important depth to the organization and serve as an effective firefighting force.”
“Utilizing a resident firefighter at Bottle Bay will allow Selkirk Fire to make a minimal and manageable investment but significantly improve our services in that remote community,” the district stated.
Meanwhile, Selkirk Fire is rolling out two new programs to improve efficiency and reduce costs: First Due and PS Trax, which will function with the dispatch process and handle vehicle and inventory management, respectively.
First Due is also intended to strengthen record keeping, as well as monitor performance, improve payroll processing, centralize scheduling and more. According to the district, the program will combine activities currently performed by multiple systems and add features not available with the technology being currently used.
PS Trax is meant to augment Selkirk Fire’s vehicle inspection process and monitor maintenance trends and costs. The system will also monitor station and equipment supplies, tracking trends and analyzing costs in order to remain in budget.
“Efficiency in government can often seem like an oxymoron; but, throughout my fire service career, I have always worked very hard to ensure we are highly accountable for our expenditures,” Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong stated.
Numerous media reported that the U.S. Department of Justice’s special counsel on election interference findings regarding Donald Trump’s involvement with the Jan. 6, 2020 insurrection will be publicly released. As well, Trump is now officially a convicted felon in the hush-money case in New York state. It appears there will be no fines in the latter case, no probation and there will be an “unconditional discharge.”
Dovetailing with 2024 being the first year to pass the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold, Los Angeles was beset by evacuation orders as Santa Ana winds up to 100 miles per hour fed fires that devoured buildings in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades areas. The flames began early last week; high winds grounded aid from firefighting helicopters. Various media reported one arson suspect was arrested and another person was detained. Early this week, 24 deaths were reported.
Cost estimates of the L.A. fires range from $50 billion to triple that. Paying for damages is predicted to be “messy”: private homeowner insurance companies have been pulling out of California and the state-run FAIR Plan has limited insurance coverage, thus putting the focus on taxpayers paying or on a political solution via the federal Polluters Pay Climate Fund. The proposed bill would require the nation’s largest fossil-fuel extractors to pay into a $1 trillion fund, with the amount based on a percentage of their global emissions. Vermont and New York have already passed similar bills.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the L.A. wildfires will be one the nation’s worst natural disasters. Others look at the political framework that worsened the outcome: builders who would not hear “no” for building in
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist
high-risk fire areas and regulators that caved to them. The Lever reported that a proposed state bill in 2021 would have stopped further irresponsible building sites, but lobbyists killed the bill.
According to the BBC, L.A.’s fire chief had warned against budget cuts that he said would hamper emergency responses. That is being debated. One reservoir was down for maintenance, and some fire hydrants went dry. Experts are blaming the fires on climate change, such as two wet years that fanned vegetation growth giving way to a dry year that turned the growth into “kindling.”
Also according to The Lever, urban sprawl creates its own kind of fire hazard. Along with flammable dry vegetation, climate change fires have greater heat intensity that more easily ignites homes. Added to that are more petroleum products found in household items, and opposition to urban housing policies restricting yard flammables.
Some Republican politicians are calling for aid for L.A. fire victims to be conditional based on the adoption of Republican policies. But economist Paul Krugman disagrees, since California “is literally subsidizing the rest of the U.S.” — and red states in particular. In 2022, the state paid $83 billion more into federal coffers than it got back.
Former-Clinton era Treasury Secretary Robert Reich wrote that President Joe Biden has left Trump with the best-possible economy “in living memory,” but Trump will likely claim it’s his own doing. Biden administration economic accomplishments include: 16.6 million jobs created; inflation reduced to lower than 3%; and cracking down on corporate price-gouging, monopolization and the damages from trickle-down economic theory.
Blast from the past: “It was the experience of power which turned Hitler into an irreconcilable fanatic. It took most of 1933 to realize that the demon had entered into him.” — Hitler’s foreign press chief, Ernst “Putzi” Hanfstaengl, writing in Hitler: The Memoir of a Nazi Insider Who Turned Against the Fuhrer.” Initially, the Nazi Party promised in its “25 Points” policy statement that it would dissolve once in power. What actually ended was Hitler agreeing to discuss ideas contrary to his own.
An X-ray image of the euthanized bald eagle showing pellets inside its body. Photo courtesy of IDFG.
SCOTUS will not hear Utah’s lawsuit to control 18.5
million acres of public
land
State had petitioned court to declare it unconstitutional for BLM to hold onto land without formal designation
By Kyle Dunphey Utah News Dispatch
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Jan. 13 that it will not hear Utah’s sweeping public lands lawsuit, in which the state argued it should take over 18.5 million acres of federally controlled land within its borders.
The state can still file another, similar lawsuit with a lower court. But as of Jan. 13, Utah’s ambitious legal challenge, which could have set the precedent for a massive land transfer across the West, is at a dead end.
In a joint statement Jan. 13, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Attorney General Derek Brown — all Republicans — in vowing to keep fighting “to keep public lands in public hands because it is our stewardship, heritage and home.”
“While we were hopeful that our request would expedite the process, we are disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision not to take up this case. The court’s order does not say anything about the merits of Utah’s important constitutional arguments or prevent Utah from filing its suit in federal district court,” the statement reads.
The statement noted that the incoming Donald Trump administration shares “our commitments to the principle of ‘multiple use’ for these federal lands and is committed to working with us to improve land management.” The state is still able to challenge management decisions from the Bureau of Land Management, they said.
Filed in August, the state had petitioned directly to the nation’s high court, asking justices to declare it unconstitutional for the BLM to hold onto land without a formal designation.
Utah lawsuit had potential to unravel federal government’s land management system
About 34% of the entire state, roughly 18.5 million acres, is “unappropriated land.” Controlled by the BLM, that land is still leased for grazing, mining or recreation, but lacks a designation, like a national forest or national park. Much of that land is in Utah’s West Desert.
In its complaint, Utah argued that it’s unconstitutional for the BLM to hold that unappropriated land in perpetuity. Utah invoked original jurisdiction, which allows states to petition directly to the U.S. Supreme Court in certain cases rather than go through lower courts first.
The lawsuit had the potential to unravel the federal government’s system of land management, as it would have likely set a precedent for other states to take over unappropriated land. A number of
conservative politicians and Republican-led states filed briefs in support of the suit, including Idaho.
“The [Supreme] Court’s refusal to hear Utah’s case is a victory for Americans that cherish public lands, clean water, and fish and wildlife,” said John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife director for the Idaho Conservation League, in a press release. “But this fight isn’t over. Utah could refile in lower courts, and the case might eventually return to the Supreme Court. The threat is real, and we must stay vigilant.”
In the release, ICL listed areas in Idaho that could be affected if a similar proposal were to be successful in the future.
“Examples of BLM lands at risk in Idaho include: the Hulls Gulch National Recreation Trail in the Boise Foothills, the lower Salmon River, the South Fork Snake River, the Discovery Hill Trail System near Salmon, Bald Mountain Ski Area in Ketchum (40% is unappropriated BLM), St. Anthony Sand Dunes, the Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail near Coeur d’Alene, public boat ramps that provide access to Lake Coeur d’Alene, and more,” the release stated. “These beloved lands represent what is special about Idaho’s way of life.”
Utah’s state leaders called the lawsuit “historic” — the state is better poised to manage land within its borders, they argued. The red tape that stymies forest management, permitting and industry would be gone, and local governments could generate more tax revenue. They launched a media campaign called “Stand for Our Land,” which included billboards, print, TV and radio ads, and a website advocating for the state’s position in the lawsuit. That P.R. campaign, along with attorney fees, cost taxpayers more than $1 million.
Environmental groups called the suit a “land grab” — they have little faith in state leaders who promised they wouldn’t privatize the land if they got it, and worried that it would result in environmental degradation while costing the state an unknown amount.
“I don’t even know if Utah has the infrastructure to manage 18.5 million acres. How are we going to pay for this?” Utah House Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, said on Jan. 11 during a public lands rally.
But early on the morning of Jan. 13, the Supreme Court succinctly wrote: “The motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied,” marking an end to the lawsuit — for now.
Environmental groups celebrate SCOTUS decision
It’s unclear what the state’s next steps
are. Cox previously told reporters that if the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, they would file in a lower court — the joint statement on Jan. 13 suggests state leaders are considering that.
Environmental groups celebrated the decision, including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, which just a few weeks ago sued Utah over its Supreme Court challenge. The group argued that Utah had to dispose of that land for it to become a state, therefore any attempt to take it over violates the Utah Constitution.
“For more than 100 years, the Supreme Court has affirmed the power of the federal government to hold and manage public lands on behalf of all Americans,” said Steve Bloch, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance’s legal director, on Jan. 13. “If successful, Utah’s lawsuit would result in the sale of millions of acres of public lands in redrock country to the highest bidder, an end to America’s system of federal public lands, and the dismantling of the
American West as we know it.”
The Center for Western Priorities, a public lands advocacy nonprofit, called the announcement an “embarrassment” for the state, which has already “wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on this misguided lawsuit.”
“Even this staunchly conservative Supreme Court refused to take up Utah’s complaint, likely because it relies on a blatant misreading of the Constitution and would disrupt over a century of legal precedent and property law,” said the group’s executive director, Jennifer Rokala. “The state of Utah should give up on its wild goose chase and not waste even more taxpayer money fighting this losing battle in the lower courts.”
This story was produced by nonprofit news outlet Utah News Dispatch, which — like the Idaho Capital Sun — is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. Idaho Capital Sun Editor-in-Chief Christina Lords contributed reporting.
County ordered to pay Avista Utilities $564,108
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Bonner County board of commissioners confirmed a $564,108.71 payment to Avista Utilities during the Jan. 14 business meeting, following the 2023 ruling by the Idaho Supreme Court in Idaho Power Company v. Idaho State Tax Commission. Due to a new interpretation of state and federal law, counties must now repay a portion of the two utility companies’ property taxes collected in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
“That was a court order at a state level, so it’s not anything that Bonner County did wrong,” said Commissioner Brian Domke.
Idaho Power and Avista brought lawsuits against ISTC over its 2020, 2021 and 2022 property tax assessments, basing the challenge on the Idaho Constitution’s Uniformity Clause and the federal Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976.
According to an ISTC publication, “The Uniformity Clause requires all operating property to be taxed uniformly. This means that if the property of one operating property is taxed at market value, then all operating property is taxed at market value.”
The plaintiffs argued that the Uniformity Clause worked in tandem with the 4R Act, which stipulates that “if commercial property is assessed at less than 95% of its market value, then states must either increase the value of
commercial property or lower the value of railroad property to match commercial property,” according to the ISTC publication.
ISTC claimed that the 4R Act only applied to railroads — not utility companies — and that the Uniformity Clause did not extend the act’s jurisdiction. The district court initially sided with ISTC; however, the Idaho Supreme Court reversed the decision, ruling that when railroad property tax assessments drop, “operating property” assessments should as well.
The state calculated the amounts the utility companies overpaid in property taxes and required that counties pay back the money by issuing a cash refund, giving the companies a tax credit or a combination of the two.
Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale clarified at the Jan. 14 meeting that Assessor Dennis Englehardt was not involved in the state’s new appraisal.
“Avista disputed property taxes for a few years back, so this was the final court settlement. This is Bonner County’s portion of it — some of that will be recouped from other taxing districts throughout the tax turnover process,” said County Comptroller Jessica Stephany, who presented the bill at the Jan. 14 meeting.
Bonner County is required to charge a proportionate share of the $564,108.71 refund to each taxing district. To make up for the loss, the districts will be able to issue an additional property tax levy within two years of the payment.
Bouquets:
• A Bouquet goes out this week to a couple of our readers from Bonners Ferry — Fred and Vicky Kingsland — who recently donated seven beautiful antique Royal typewriters to our collection in the office. If I’m not rich in dollars, at least I’m rich in typewriters. Seriously Fred and Vicky, thanks for reading and thanks for letting us give your beloved typewriters a warm place to live.
• Like many of you, I was a bit surprised last week when reading the Bonner County Republican Women, Inc.’s excellent editorial, “Privatization of City Beach,” in which the group came out swinging against the idea of charging for public parking at our public beach, which (to my knowledge) has never been a thing in the history of Sandpoint. I was also pleased when the BCRWI invited “our Democratic sisters and brothers” to join in supporting the cause to protect the beach. In this week’s edition, Bonner County Democrats answered with their own editorial, thanking the BCRWI and symbolically joining forces on this issue, pointing out that “Democrats and Republicans have more to agree about than we might think.” I couldn’t agree more. Not only is it important to advocate for protection for City Beach, but also for more respectful discourse like this. Fill my paper with it, please. We’ve gotten so polarized, it’s important to recognize small examples of bipartisanship like this. Perhaps the city of Sandpoint will take note that the privatization of City Beach is a rare issue that both ends of the political spectrum agree is important to stop from happening. Locals have it hard enough as it is here; let’s not make even more excuses to alienate our own community.
Barbs: Nothing this week.
In
support of BoCo Republican Women’s stance on City Beach…
Dear editor,
The Bonner County Republican Women, Inc. submitted an article to the Reader (Jan.9, 2025) entitled “Privatization of City Beach.” Since the article comes from a political entity, I must interject that, as an independent voter, I am unhappy with both major political parties (especially the Trumpists). Nevertheless, I agree very strongly with this article, which appropriately decries the “usurping” of City Beach, thereby favoring tourists over locals.
Richard Sevenich Sandpoint
‘A question’…
A bill is being introduced in our Legislature as I write this letter, which would require a 60% vote to pass a citizens’ initiative. The argument in support of the bill is that there is too much money coming from out-of-state donors.
ly and send your kids there. If you want to send your kids to private or religious schools, that is your choice, and it is also your responsibility to pay for it. Not mine and my fellow taxpayers.
Pierre Bordenave Sandpoint
‘Reject the agents of chaos’…
Dear editor,
On March 4, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in his inauguration speech as the 37th president of the United States: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
President Roosevelt knew the terrifying power of fear.
The use and strategy of fear has once again raised its ugly head in our country. Some politicians have deliberately exploited fear by creating chaos that attempts to divide us as Americans. This strategy intends to create so much confusion and fear that many people just decide to give up, and many others decide we need a powerful dictator to solve our problems.
Steve Johnson Sagle Dear editor,
It looks to me like raising the bar to pass a citizens’ initiative would probably increase the amount of money coming from out-of-state donors to help get over a higher bar.
A question: Does it seem that way to you?
Here’s an idea: Pass a law making out-of-state donations for or against citizens’ initiatives illegal.
Any questions?
Nancy
Gerth Sagle
‘Hypocrisy’ in school funding debate…
Dear editor, So let’s get this straight. When private and religion-based schools are told they need to meet certain standards, the cry is “get those oppressive state and federal mandates off our back,” and “freedom of (nominally Christian) religion” and “free to choose,” and all that other freedom and liberty, “don’t-tread-on-me” stuff. But then when it comes to our tax dollars being stolen from our public schools to fund private and religious schools, it’s “lets all jump on the state funding bandwagon.”
If I were a teacher, this would be a perfect lesson and example of hypocrisy.
I have a novel idea: Let’s use our taxes to fund our public schools ful-
PERSPECTIVES
Steady, in the name of love
By Linda Navarre Reader Contributor
Dan Rather is one of my favorite journalists, and I enjoy his writing on “Steady” on substack.com. Bono and U2 are one of my favorite bands. Thank you, Dan, for your Team Steady’s recent “A Reason to Smile” offering. It connects Bono and his Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martin Luther King, Jr. “One man come in the name of love”, Bono sang in 1984.
It was a long trip back in time to 1984, watching that video again. I did not know this young Irishman wrote about Martin Luther King, Jr. when he and U2 performed “Pride (In the Name of Love).” I do know Bono is an activist. I have followed his part in the (RED) movement that fights the injustice the AIDS campaign drags in its wake. AIDS and poverty are two of Bono’s causes.
This ugly strategy has been used throughout our history. It has been overcome time and again by our American resilience and determination to maintain our precious democracy.
We must continue to reject the agents of chaos and the politicians who thrive on fear.
A lesson on how air quality affects global temperatures…
Dear editor,
The temperature on the Earth’s surface is determined by radiation from the sun, which heats it, and deep space, which cools it. An increase in the Earth’s temperature increases the heat radiating into outer space, which keeps the Earth’s temperature from rising unchecked. Likewise, a drop in the Earth’s temperature reduces the heat radiating into outer space, preventing the Earth’s temperature from dropping unchecked.
Engineers call this “positive dynamic stability”: If you release a ball on the side of a bowl, it will drop, cross the bottom, climb almost to the top on the other side and, after a few cycles, come to rest at the bottom of the bowl. On the other hand, if you turn the bowl over and put a ball on top of the bowl and give it a little nudge, it will pick up speed, never to slow down, like snowboarders at Schweitzer. This is “negative dynamic stability.”
While the above argument applies when the air is relatively clean, it does not apply if the atmosphere is so fouled that no radiation from the sun can get through. Then it’s, “Hello shrinkage.”
Of the two scenarios, global cooling is more likely, since creating a dirty atmosphere (fires, volcanoes, man-made emissions, etc.) is much easier than creating a clean one. If we keep the air clean, climate change will take care of itself.
Dave Mundell Sandpoint
President Joe Biden, thank you for choosing Bono for a Presidential Medal of Freedom and the honor that accompanies it. The connection between Ireland with traditional “poetry and protest” highlights his work here, showing us his love of the U.S. Bono, along with his band U2, use their art as musicians. This music is a gift to our world, to our country.
As Bono sang: “What more in the name of love” could we do in 1984? And what can we do to honor MLK’s legacy today?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. resisted peacefully. He spent time in jail. He remained dedicated to peaceful protest. King had his house bombed. He remained dedicated to peaceful resistance. King gave his life to the movement. “Free at last, they took your life,” sang Bono.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. persisted and resisted peacefully.
This year, on Monday, Jan. 20, King’s birthday recognition is a day (and probably there will be many more) that will require peaceful persistence and dedicated resistance. Remember “they cannot take our pride,” sang Bono.
Thank you to “Steady” and Dan Rather — you who connected your readers to a band supporting Dr. King in 1984, 16 years after his assassination, and who have connected us often since, with their lyrics “in the name of love.”
Linda Navarre is president of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force.
Idaho firefighting teams support California’s wildfire efforts
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Teams of Idaho firefighters are lending their efforts to protecting communities under threat from the wildfires burning across Los Angeles County, which have so far consumed thousands of structures, claimed dozens of lives, and wreaked damage estimated at between $135 billion and $150 billion.
The Idaho task forces were announced Jan. 8 by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, in response to a request from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
The IOEM and Idaho Fire Chiefs Association coordinated efforts to evaluate available resources across the state. As of Jan. 8, 104 firefighters and 25 fire engines were gathered
for deployment on Jan. 9 to support California’s response efforts and arrived in the Golden State on Jan. 10.
The task forces were mobilized from fire agencies across Idaho, including Kootenai County and the Idaho National Laboratory. According to southern Idaho news station KIVI-TV, crews were gathered from 25 agencies.
Citing reporting from NBC News, the Idaho Capital Sun reported Jan. 9 that upwards of 100,000 Los Angeles area residents had been evacuated, and five or more fires were burning on 45 square miles.
“Emergencies like these remind us of the critical importance of teamwork and mutual aid,” stated Idaho Fire Chiefs Association President Kirk Carpenter. “Idaho firefighters are prepared to join the fight in California, standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners to protect communi-
ties in harm’s way.”
“The Emergency Management Assistance Compact has been invaluable in ensuring that states can rely on each other during crises,” added IOEM Director Brad Richy. “After receiving support during our own wildfire seasons, Idaho is proud to return the favor by providing resources and personnel to help protect California’s communities.”
Firefighters and equipment from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico have all responded to the unfolding crisis, which began sometime in the morning of Jan. 7 in the Pacific Palisades west of Hollywood in the greater Los Angeles area.
The L.A. Times on Jan. 13 referred to sources speaking “on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly,” who “said it appears to have human origins, but that the investigation is ongoing. They
Thomas Family Foundation donates $10,000 to Sandpoint Senior Center on behalf of Mary Faux
By Reader Staff
Jan McKeough, a past resident and good friend of longtime local volunteer Mary Faux, has donated $10,000 in her honor to the Sandpoint Area Senior Center, Inc.
According to a news release, Faux — who is well known for her collection of distinctive hats — was pleased to have SASi receive the donation on her behalf.
“Faux plays bridge every Tuesday at the Senior Center and she asked that we acknowledge this donation publicly, as she is aware that the Senior Center is always in need and this help is so appreciated,” SASi added in the release.
The Thomas Family Foundation has supported
SASi in the past, including a $20,000 donation last year toward a new vehicle.
“The Senior Center cannot continue to serve without the generosity of our donors,” the organization stated. Mary Faux with acting SASi Board President Loris Michael. Courtesy photo.
noted that [the] area is frequented by hikers, teenagers and others.”
The fires spread beyond the Palisades, driven by winds that rose to a reported velocity of 100 miles per hour.
According to the IOEM statement, the Emergency Management Assistance Compact “is a vital interstate compact that provides a proven mutual aid framework allowing states to share resources
during times of disaster or emergency. All costs associated with deploying resources under EMAC are paid for by the requesting state.”
As efforts continue to beat back the flames in L.A., the IOEM — part of the Idaho Military Division — will monitor additional requests from the affected areas and “further support may be deployed if needed,” Idaho officials stated.
Science: Mad about
great famine of ireland
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
The Great Famine, which took place in Ireland between 1845 and 1852, is something many of us learned about to some degree in school. It was a tale with all the makings of a great and terrible story rife with political intrigue, greed and the long-lasting effects of the abuses of power. It was an event that echoes many of the political fears people face globally today: food scarcity, overpopulation, and consolidation of wealth and power into the hands of an elite and careless few.
The roots of the Great Famine began with greed surrounding real estate amid a population boom in Ireland. As the population of Ireland grew, landlords began to subdivide their properties to cram more people into smaller spaces. In theory, this allowed the propertied classes to extract greater wealth from the same amount of acreage. In actuality, this greatly reduced the amount of space tenants had to grow food, which led to a unique problem. Tenants had to optimize their food sources, which meant a reduction in crop variety — essentially reducing the majority of tenants’ crops to a single variety of potato that grew well in the environment: the Irish Lumper.
A singular type of crop yield means all yields are predictable and uniform, something we see nationally in grocery stores today. Select breeds of vegetables are produced en masse for their reliability and optimization. This sounds great, until you realize there is very little genetic difference between beefsteak tomatoes sold in
California and Maine. The problem emerges when a parasite or disease arises to exploit a specific genetic niche that carries the potential to wipe out an entire species over the course of a few years.
This is exactly what happened during the Great Famine. Potato blight, a water-based parasitic algae called Phytophthora infestans, had been ravaging potato crops through Europe since at least the 1840s. This had been problematic for agrarian countries, but it became devastating for a country whose sole source of food and income was a monocrop.
It is believed that the initial infection of P. infestans originated from an American ship traveling to Ireland for trade.
The population of Ireland in 1845 was estimated to be just more than 8 million people, with the majority of the population being extremely poor and reliant on agriculture for their own survival. The crop yields from 1844 were projected to be around 15,000 tons of potatoes, dropping sharply to barely more than 2,000 tons in 1845. The country’s production wouldn’t recover from blight for at least another decade.
One may begin to wonder: Why wasn’t more food simply shipped in? Wouldn’t there be a sudden spike in demand with the sharp drop in supply?
A major obstacle prevented exactly this from occurring: the Corn Laws. The English Parliament had passed these laws, which were effectively steep tariffs against grains and other cereal-based products that made importing grain-based products virtually impossible. Foreign entities weren’t willing to enter the English market and the
English government was more than happy to reap the rewards for their elite while their neighbors in Ireland suffered from starvation.
At the height of the famine, Irish farmers were faced with a conundrum: to keep and eat their harvests to avoid starvation, or sell their scant crops to pay rent and likely starve in the process to avoid eviction and homelessness.
Unfortunately, the landlords had other ideas and were quick to evict tenants by the thousands, with as many as 30,000 people being evicted by a single landlord in one day. Landlords held immense power at this time and could evict tenants at a moment’s notice for no reason and with impunity. Many of these landlords were dubbed “absentee landlords,” as they often held their own lands in England and simply collected rents through middlemen in Ireland. They frequently made decisions to evict tenants, burn down the housing and convert the property into grazing fields for cattle that would return a higher monetary yield.
All of this was exacerbated by the way in which English media of the time disregarded Irish news, often calling Irish news outlets alarmist and largely dismissing the plight of the starving people.
By 1852, it was projected that more than 1 million people died from effects of the famine, whether from starvation or disease. A further 2.5 million were projected to have permanently left Ireland for other places in the British Empire, including Canada and Australia due to cheap sea-based travel. Many people came to America, setting up in dense urban areas where they could find work and send
money back home to Ireland to support their families.
Imagine living at a time when it would take anywhere from a month to three months to send a small amount of money across the sea to your family in the middle of a great famine.
It was easy to paint a picture of the crisis being solved by the spark of the “American dream” — this is how the famine was framed by textbooks while I was in school. In actuality, the Great Famine
set the stage for generational animosity and a century and a half of turbulent violence. No singular act would lead to the creation of the Irish Republican Army, better known as the IRA, which would commit numerous violent acts against the English throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, but the Great Famine and everything that surrounded it helped stack a mountain of kindling for the inevitable blaze of violence.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
•The earliest mentions of yogic practices come from religious texts called the Vedas, specifically the Rigveda, written around 1000 B.C.E. These traditions originated in the northern regions of India, but yoga back then differed from its modern counterpart; it was then much more focused on meditation and breathing exercises.
•In Sanskrit, the word for yoga has the root word yuj, which means “to yoke,” “restraint” or “union.” The idea was to “yoke in” one’s senses and clear one’s mind.
•Yoga became popularized in the West thanks to Swami Vivekananda, who toured the globe in 1893 and spread his knowledge in Europe, North America and Japan. Three years later, he simplified his teachings for a Western audience and published a book titled Raja Yoga, which became the basis of the Western understanding of yoga.
•The world record for the greatest number of people who gathered to do yoga at one time is 147,952, who achieved this goal on
June 21, 2023 in Gujarat, India. The previous record was set in 2017, with 54,522 people.
•The International Yoga Book of Records (yogaworldrecord.com) serves as the authority on all impressive yoga feats. Users can find records that show everything from people who have sustained yoga classes for more than 56 hours to the youngest yoga teachers in the world.
•Traditionally, there are 84 different asanas, or poses, in yoga.
•Multiple studies have shown that yoga increases brain function and health, helping to slow the effects of aging on the human brain.
•Laughing yoga was created in 1995 by a doctor in Mumbai, India. During the sessions, people force themselves to laugh as a breathing exercise while performing normal yoga poses. According to those who practice this form of yoga, intentional laughter can help relieve stress and depression.
The Famine Memorial sculptures in Dublin, Ireland. Courtesy photo
PERSPECTIVES
Emily Articulated
Winter people
By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
I remember the feeling of being zipped into my snowsuit, a bright yellow overstuffed sausage with barely contained cheeks spilling over a fleece neck warmer. I liked the coziness and the subtle restriction of my movements — my snowsuit, a soft cocoon padding me from the sharp edges of the world. I’d flop into the snowbank and let the cold flakes melt across my nose.
Winters in Wisconsin were cold, but they were also full — full of snow days and frozen lakes, woodstoves and frosted tree tops. I loved the crunch of ice underfoot, my boots’ imprints feeling permanent; my impact on my surroundings pressed firmly into the frozen earth.
Back then, winter wasn’t a season of sport for me. I didn’t ski or skate or ride, but I did know a hundred ways to wield a shovel. I employed the sharp edge of plastic like a pickaxe and scooped and scraped and slapped to excavate a bodysized tube of air from a snow berm. After a day’s labor, a tunnel of ice would give way to a glistening frozen dome — a snowy kingdom, my palace of winter wonder.
When I moved to Sandpoint it was in the middle of a snowstorm. I crossed the Long Bridge blinded to the water and mountains just beyond by a whiteout. That winter, dubbed “Snowmageddon,” I snowshoed every day, falling in love with a place that combined endless views with milder temperatures than I’d grown up in. I learned to snowboard and cross-country ski and winter was forever cemented as a season of activity. I no longer
needed to create palaces of winter wonder. Instead, I simply lived inside of one.
But recently, the guarantee of snow in winter feels past tense. Now, it’s something found after a drive up the mountain, an escape from the monochromatic browns and grays of town. The sun stays hidden in rain-heavy fog, anything frozen seems to melt as soon as it touches the ground.
The Seventh Oregon Climate Assessment, released this week, gives empirical weight to the feeling that, regionally, our collective “best winters” are likely behind us. The report predicts longer, more severe summer droughts and heavy winter rains instead of snow, with snowfall projected to decline 50% by 2100 at current warming rates.
It details regional temperatures rising by five degrees in the next 50 years, and 7.6 degrees by the end of the century.
In a community where a few degrees mark the difference between winter wonderland and puddles of mud, we’ll be increasingly forced to reckon with who we are if denied the conditions that warrant the title of “winter people.” How many seasons will we bus in
snow for the K-9 Keg Pull or send kids up the mountain to learn to Nordic ski on trails that never quite fill in, before we admit it might not make sense anymore?
How many winters will we manufacture snow on a mountain that increasingly gets doused with rain? Perhaps most poignantly, who are we to be in a mountain town without snow?
When I saw An Inconvenient Truth it was from a sticky seat in an air-conditioned community theater in Boulder, Colo. I remember feeling shocked by the clarity of the argument — the imminent nature of global warming — but not actually that worried about it coming to fruition. I believed science would prevail; that solutions would emerge or be forged from the same human force that created the Industrial Revolution and the internet.
I had faith that our drive toward making improvements in our world, our capitalist instincts to make our lives easier and more efficient, and our compulsion to increase our convenience at all costs would certainly be applied to a rapidly changing planet. Because what is more inconvenient than asphyxiating on our own noxious fumes?
But now, I wonder if convenience has become our downfall instead of our engine — if the answers to the planet’s problems demand sacrifices we’re unwilling to make, regardless of the consequences. As we continue to trade long-term preservation for short-term ease, the price is measured not only in snowfalls and degrees but in the pieces of ourselves that disappear with them.
Winters, once full of snow and possibility, grow increas-
ingly tenuous, slipping through our grasp like melting flakes on a warm palm. With each season that passes, with each solution moving further from viable, we’re left with all the large and small changes to which we’re tasked with growing accustomed.
Perhaps the lesson lies as I did in my childhood snowsuit in the palace I built out of a frozen snow bank. The joy was in the making, in the work of shaping my world with the tools I already had. Maybe
that’s what we’ve forgotten — or it’s a lesson that’s scary to confront. To save what remains, we must stop waiting for future solutions and tomorrow’s interventions, instead, picking up our shovels and getting to work.
Emily Erickson is a writer and business owner with an affinity for black coffee and playing in the mountains. Connect with her online at www.bigbluehat.studio.
Retroactive
By BO
Emily Erickson.
A determined vision for Sandpoint’s future
By Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm Reader Contributor
As we welcome the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly reflect on your city government’s 2024 projects and activities and share priorities that will guide my efforts in the year ahead.
Over the past — very productive — year, our city has achieved several transformative milestones. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to improving our infrastructure, enhancing transparency, diversifying our economy, and fostering a conservative financial philosophy of needs over wants.
Engaging
the community: citizen advisory boards
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of my administration. We succeeded in reestablishing several citizen committees and commissions that had been dormant for years, including those focused on parks and urban forestry, pedestrian and bicycling concerns, and sustainability. These committees have brought, and will continue to bring, fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and invaluable feedback to city governance, ensuring our decisions are more inclusive and reflective of the needs of our residents.
recreational offerings. These spaces are now more inclusive, welcoming residents of all ages and abilities.
On the infrastructure front, we’ve made significant progress on the preliminary engineering report for replacement of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This 70-yearold facility is a top priority, with an estimated cost of $130 million. Securing grant and low-interest loan funding for this essential project is an ongoing effort that remains at the forefront of our plans.
ation as a way to fund the estimated $300,000-per-year maintenance and replacement costs.
This approach offers the potential for non-residents to contribute to the cost of wear and tear to these facilities, ensuring they are managed to reduce the financial burden on Sandpoint residents and taxpayers.
Empowering leadership and transparency
This year we eliminated the city administrator position, which returned us to the pre-2016 structure where appointed department heads lead their respective areas of Planning and Community Development, Finance, Central Services, Fire, Police, Legal and Public Works. This shift has empowered individual leaders with decision-making authority while enhancing accountability through regular reports to the City Council.
This structure has strengthened the resilience of our city government, ensuring that operations remain stable and effective, and avoids a situation where the loss of a centralized administrator could disrupt all city services. For the first time in years, our organization is fully staffed, which allows us to address challenges proactively rather than reactively.
By decentralizing the administrative structure of our city government, we’ve also fostered a direct connection between city leadership and residents. This approach en-
sures that decisions are made with the input and insights of those who know our community best — our staff and residents.
Strengthening local services: Sandpoint Fire Department
Decoupling from the Selkirk Fire Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) was another pivotal achievement. Previously, Sandpoint was responsible for the administration, accounting, human resources, payroll and associated functions of the Sagle, Westside and Sandpoint Fire Departments. This decision to separate allowed us to restore the Sandpoint Fire Department to a locally focused operation with nine full-time employees. Our team is now wholly dedicated to serving the needs of Sandpoint residents.
This transition has reduced administrative burdens, created cost savings and improved efficiency. More importantly, we continue to coordinate with our former partners through mutual aid, maintaining our ability to respond to emergencies.
Our launch of a new, user-friendly city website has improved access to information and services for residents and businesses. Now, finding updates on city projects or submitting a concern, locating records or catching up on public meetings, is easier than ever.
A
roadmap
for
the future: Comprehensive Plan
The adoption of Sandpoint’s updated Comprehensive Plan marked a critical milestone. This 15-year roadmap outlines a shared vision for how we live, work, and grow as a city. With zoning revisions and updates underway, we are translating this aspirational document into actionable policies that guide sustainable, thoughtful development.
Investing in infrastructure and recreation
This year, several key projects were completed. The James E. Russell indoor sports facility, offering climate-controlled recreation space, is now open. This long-desired modern facility provides a hub for activities and gatherings.
Phase 2 of the Skate Park and the reopening of the playground at Travers Park have further enhanced our
In 2025, I remain focused on tackling the challenges ahead and seizing opportunities to strengthen Sandpoint’s future.
Water service policies
Sandpoint serves water to neighboring towns and county areas outside our city limits. We will evaluate whether to continue this arrangement or transfer service administration to local jurisdictions. This decision will ensure that water service aligns with broader land-use policies and priorities of each town or area rather than involving Sandpoint in the management, maintenance and governance of these issues and decisions.
Downtown and infrastructure upgrades
Planning for the final phase of the Sandpoint Urban Renewal-funded downtown revitalization — First Avenue from Bridge Street to Superior Street — will begin this year, with construction scheduled for 2026. Robust public engagement will be a cornerstone of this effort, ensuring the project reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.
Additionally, decades of deferred maintenance requires immediate attention to cityowned downtown and beach parking lots.
Implementing paid parking is one idea under consider-
With the limited available funding, our project will be to rebuild Cedar Street between Division Avenue and Lincoln Avenue this summer. In the coming months, we will gather resident feedback to refine future proposals for a road repair funding ballot measure, likely in the spring of 2026.
Economic diversification
While tourism remains a significant part of Sandpoint’s economy, diversification is crucial for long-term stability and opportunity. We are pursuing multiple non-tourism economic development projects that promise to bring high-skill, high-wage jobs to Sandpoint, creating opportunities for residents and fostering resilience against economic fluctuations. By attracting and supporting industries that complement our community’s character, we will build a more complex, robust and diverse economy.
Addressing housing challenges
This year, more than 130 new apartments and 50 single-family homes were permitted, reflecting progress toward the goal of adding a greater variety of housing options in town. We will monitor housing availability and costs, working to ensure that local businesses, government institutions, schools and health care providers have the workforce support they need. I strongly believe that the best way for the government to
Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm. File photo
address our housing affordability challenge is for the city to provide sufficient infrastructure capacity and a clear, consistent development process to allow the private sector to respond to the demand for housing.
Parks
Rather than expanding parks and facilities, I will continue to prioritize maintaining and rehabilitating our existing parks and amenities. This practical approach ensures we maximize the value of our current resources benefiting Sandpoint residents.
As my grandmother always said, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
I will continue to encourage Bonner County commissioners to address the recreational needs of residents by expanding their park and recreational offerings beyond existing levels.
I feel that with all the growth in the county, the
cities of Sandpoint and Ponderay cannot continue to be the sole sources of developed recreational amenities for the residents of our county. It’s time for Bonner County to step up.
Gratitude and collaboration
None of the accomplishments of the past year would have been possible without the dedication of our city staff, the guidance of the City Council and the active participation of our residents. Your collaboration, feedback and involvement are essential to shaping Sandpoint’s future.
Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to stay engaged. Attend City Council meetings, join a citizen committee, and share your thoughts and ideas. Working together, we can ensure that Sandpoint remains a safe community defined by its natural beauty, innovative spirit and strong sense of connection.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me as your mayor.
kchnorthidaho.org
Who is fighting for Idaho families?
By Lauren Necochea Reader Contributor
Every legislative session, we see whether our leaders protect freedoms, lift families and plant seeds for stronger futures. The opening week of the 2025 session highlighted the sharp contrast between the priorities of Idaho’s Democratic and Republican legislators. Democrats are working to protect financial stability, economic opportunity and health care access. By contrast, the Republican supermajority’s agenda is driven by out-of-state voucher interests and far-right ideology.
Education is a prime example. Idaho Democrats support public schools that welcome every child in every neighborhood. We also support investments that advance student learning, like preschool access, tutors, reading specialists and career technical training. In contrast, Republican legislators push voucher schemes, siphoning taxpayer dollars from public education to private, religious and for-profit entities with no accountability.
We simply can’t afford these subsidies to the tune of $50 million, as Gov. Brad Little proposed, caving to voucher lobbyists. And we certainly can’t afford the $250 million voucher bill recklessly proposed by Rep. Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls, on his third day in the Legislature and his fourth year in Idaho.
Republicans’ health care priorities are also dangerous. House Speaker
Mike Moyle, R-Star, announced his caucus would seek to repeal Medicaid expansion, taking coverage from 85,000 Idahoans. Idaho voters overwhelmingly enacted Medicaid expansion, which has saved lives, stabilized rural hospitals and provided peace of mind to families. Meanwhile, Democrats pledged to protect this lifeline and ensure rural communities aren’t left without care.
Idaho’s extreme abortion ban continues driving doctors out of state and endangering women’s lives. We’ve lost over half of our high-risk maternity specialists and nearly a quarter of our OB-GYNs, who fear prison time under vague, punitive regulations.
Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to restoring common sense and personal freedom to abortion policies. Republican leaders announced they will oppose even modest health exceptions to their
abortion ban as they appeal a court ruling allowing doctors to provide abortion care in narrow medical emergencies.
This decision helped slow the need to airlift women out of state, happening once every two weeks.
Affordable homes and child care remain top Democratic priorities because they are top challenges for working families. We delivered deciding votes for Idaho’s first-ever workforce housing investment, which has already helped families, and we’re working to secure additional investment.
Democrats oppose the governor’s cuts to child care assistance for families earning modest wages. His move forces parents out of work, costing taxpayers more long-term. What measures did Republican legislators announce to make homes, child care or other necessities affordable? None.
Idaho Democrats may be outnumbered, but we are united in fighting for the issues that matter most: quality public education, accessible health care, affordable homes and protecting your freedoms.
All Idahoans should ask: Who is working for my family’s future?
Lauren Necochea is chair of the Idaho Democratic Party and served as a District 19 House member in the Idaho Legislature. Necochea spent a decade leading nonprofit programs dedicated to research and advocacy in tax policy, health care and children’s issues.
Lauren Necochea. File photo
By Dr. Paula Kellerer Reader Contributor
Do you remember staying home from school as a kid when you were sick? Maybe you watched The Price is Right. It was always interesting to hear the actual retail price revealed, and to compare the actual cost of a new car or a shiny display of cleaning products.
I’m reminded of that exciting reveal when the topic of school vouchers arises. In Arizona, an education savings account program (a.k.a. vouchers) was sold to taxpayers at a cost of $33 million. Actual retail
School voucher sticker shock: Sold to Arizona taxpayers for $33M with an $800M cost Regulations follow the student
By Diane Wheeler Reader Contributor
More than 30 years ago, the National Advocacy of Private Education produced a white paper on “school choice” that circulated across the nation. Despite the rhetoric of the school choice promoters, the detailed findings in the white paper revealed that:
price: $800 million, and rising. That’s a 323% increase in two years.
As of September 2024, 69% of Arizona’s voucher enrollees were already attending private schools. Parents who could afford to pay tuition are now reimbursed by taxpayers from across the Grand Canyon State. A closer look at the program shows the vast majority of voucher dollars are going to the wealthiest neighborhoods. Two research studies found that well-to-do suburbs in the Phoenix metro area gobble up a disproportionate amount of the voucher program’s funding, leaving rural
• Government subsidies to private schools increased the cost of private education;
• Government subsidies to private schools compromised both the freedom and independence of those private schools;
• Government subsidies to private schools increased taxes for the general public.
In a nutshell, government subsidies increased taxes and enlarged government.
parts of Arizona footing the bill. Arizona vouchers have created a new spending stream. Because most of the participating students were already attending private schools, the dollars haven’t followed them out of public school and into private school, as voucher proponents suggest. It’s a new subsidy for already wealthy families paid for by the Arizona taxpayers. There are differences between the Gem State and the Grand Canyon State. Arizona is looking at a huge budget deficit — $1.4 billion — to contend with and, in Idaho, we’ve passed four tax cuts in four years. While that’s great for Idahoans, it’s not necessarily a good strategy for long-term funding. Most of our tax cuts came out of a budget surplus bolstered by federal dollars during the pandemic.
Rural schools in Idaho are al-
ready struggling with aging buildings and hiring and retaining teachers in places with scarce housing resources. Vouchers would add another line item to education expenses — one that the state is already struggling to pay for properly (we rank No. 49 in per student spending).
If voucher programs are meant to create competition in the system, I have to ask: Who wants losers in education? Public school contestants may have to shuffle off The Price is Right stage while their private school competition wins yet another trip to Hawaii. To me, that price is wrong.
Dr. Paula Kellerer is the president and CEO of Idaho Business for Education. Before joining IBE, Kellerer was superintendent of the Nampa School District from 2017 to 2022.
Proponents of “school choice”
argued that their proposals had carefully crafted language that precluded governmental interference. But what they failed to mention was that subsequent legislation could redefine the terms of the protections that were put in place, plus courts and judges could interpret language any way they wanted.
Proponents argued that parents should be able to use their “own” tax dollars for the type of education they desired. “Money follows the student” was their mantra. This argument was emotionally appealing, but it had no basis in fact. Once tax money is collected, it no longer belongs to the individual taxpayer, but to the governmental machine.
This raises a legitimate question of principle: Should private institutions receiving public monies avoid public accountability? The principle
of public accountability is either valid or it is not. One cannot pick and choose where the principle is to be applied.
The bottom line is that regulations follow the student, when tax dollars follow the student. The better way to achieve educational choice is through a substantial increase in the Dependent Tax Exemption. This way families can retain more of their own hard-earned income to spend on their children as they see fit.
Why would anyone want to jump up on the hamster wheel of government, called “school choice”?
Certainly, there are many things wrong with the state of public education and its funding; however, change must not be equated with improvement. The passage of any school choice measure, including tax credits, will mean that private schools in Idaho will become just another form of public education.
Diane Wheeler has been a private school advocate for the past 40 years. She teaches a class entitled “Liberty and Law.”
Dr. Paula Kellerer. File photo
Diane Wheeler. File photo
Top left: A selfie taken atop Schweitzer on a sunny morning. Photo by Hanna Falk.
Top right: “Thought to share this shot of the Clydesdale ranch on Selle Road taken under the full moon and the fog,” wrote photographer Emily Levine.
Bottom left: A view of the Pend Oreille River taken from the Memorial Field parking lot. Photo by Rich Milliron.
Bottom right: “Taken at the Memorial Field parking lot, standing within the ‘osprey cam poop zone!’ on Saturday, Jan. 11. Note the rock art heart in the sand... not my doing,” wrote photographer Ron Bedford.
Food bank honored as the chamber’s December Organization of the Month
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored the Bonner Community Food Bank as the Organization of the Month.
Established in 1980, the Bonner Community Food Bank’s mission is to assist area residents with supplemental meals in times of personal crisis, serving Bonner County through two locations in Priest River and Sandpoint. The food bank provides food distribution, nutrition education, resource referral and volunteer opportunities — and usage is rising, logging a 53% increase, according to a news release.
Bonner Community Food Bank Board Members Anita Porter and Nate Rench were present Dec. 12 to accept the award at the Chamber’s General Membership Luncheon.
“The chamber honored the incredible work that the Bonner Community Food Bank does for our community,” the chamber stated, adding that the organization “thanked the staff, volunteers, board members and those in our community who donate to the Food Bank to keep this vital service healthy, so they can continue to serve those in need.”
For more info on the Bonner Community Food Bank, visit bonnerfoodbank.org.
Northwest Autobody honored as January Business of the Month
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently named Northwest Autobody as the Business of the Month, describing the business as “a cornerstone in North Idaho since 1976, delivering top-notch technical expertise and unwavering commitment to the community.”
Brothers Eric and Cory Donenfeld have continued the business their father started, and expanded “to emphasize their dedication to quality, community involvement, and family values,” according to the chamber.
“Family is the keyword here,” the chamber stated. “Family is at the heart of everything they do. They learned that their business extends beyond their immediate family to their employees and customers. Treating everyone like family ensures they never lose sight of what’s important.”
Northwest Autobody also maintains a commitment to community involvement, partnering for the past eight years with the Bonner Community Food Bank through its Deervember program, raising more than $25,000 to help local families in need.
The initiative is a collaborative effort supported by longtime donors like Washington Trust Bank and AGE Heating and Cooling. For every animal vs. vehicle collision in November, they donate $50 to the food bank. They do this to raise awareness and to provide much-needed financial support.
According to the chamber, “Their partnership with the food bank reminds us that we can all make a difference together.”
Bonner Community Board Members Anita Porter (left) and Nate Rench (center); Sandpoint Chamber Executive Director Mickey Quinn. Courtesy photo
L to R: Northwest Autobody team member Cindy Worley-Bahret, Northwest Autobody co-owners Eric and Cory Donenfeld, and Sandpoint Chamber Executive Director Mickey Quinn. Courtesy photo
Marty Andrews named January Volunteer of the Month
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to Marty Andrews as the January Volunteer of the Month, agreeing with the nomination by Pend Oreille Pedalers Executive Director Emily Strizich.
“Marty has always had that can-do spirit and believes strongly in the students he works with,” Strizich stated. “Marty spent his one day off to share the joy of biking at the Carousel of Smiles Fun Fair that took place in November. He came early to the event to bring features for the obstacle course and he tirelessly taught students from the smallest tricycle riders to all of the big kids. Marty is the first to say ‘yes’ when asked for help and he brings 100% to his coaching.”
Andrews told the chamber team
that the inspiration to volunteer comes from his upbringing in the north Seattle area. There he learned from an individual who was very caring of others and always willing to lend a hand when needed. They brought others into the fray by bringing them along to help with Special Olympics basketball, soccer, track and field, as well as holiday food drives and delivering holiday baskets.
“Like so many of us, we learn from those closest to us,” the chamber stated. “This amazing community member that Andrews learned from was his mother. She showed him the importance of helping with unconditional love and action.”
In Sandpoint, Andrews he has given back to the Pend Oreille Pedalers, Snowboard Northwest, CHAFE 150, East Bonner County Library and to his neighbors.
“Every little bit counts when it comes to giving back unconditionally to your surroundings, whether
it’s a little or a lot, it makes a big difference,” the chamber stated.
Early bird registration now open for CHAFE 150
By Reader Staff
The CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo is one of the most scenic charity bicycle rides in the nation. Every year, hundreds of riders gather to make the trek down idyllic North Idaho roads, all to support local education initiatives.
This year, the 18th annual CHAFE 150 will take place on June 14, 2025, and early bird registration opened on Jan. 15. Riders are encouraged to secure their spots before Saturday, Feb. 15 to take advantage of discounted registration fees.
Each year the Sandpoint Rotary organizes the CHAFE 150 and sends proceeds earned from registration fees to support local education for Lake Pend Oreille School District students. This year, Sandpoint Rotary and CHAFE 150 will directly support LPOSD’s “Every Student Graduates a Reader” initiative and other Sandpoint Rotary youth programs. This program equips more than 3,800 local students with the tools they need to develop strong literacy skills, ensuring they’re ready for academic and personal success.
In September 2024, Sandpoint Rotary and CHAFE 150 awarded $100,000 to LPOSD and its affiliated program, Book Trust.
“Every student graduates a reader — that is our goal,” said LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer at a Sept. 4 Rotary luncheon.
“There’s not one school district, I don’t think, in the whole entire country that can say that every single student graduates as a reader. This is our goal for LPOSD and I have no doubt that we will succeed.”
Current reading programs have already led to a 74% literacy rate in the district, which is nearly 10% more than Idaho’s average.
Riders have difficulty options when registering, including 150-, 80-, 40-
and 25-mile loops that wind around the Cabinet Mountains and alongside lake views and river valleys. There are also two gravel routes that are 75- and 55-mile options as part of the new Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.
Participants are required to fundraise a minimum of $60 (or $30 for
riders 16 and under), which is separate from the registration fee.
For more information about the CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo, or to register for the ride, visit chafe150.org.
Marty Andrews and Chamber Executive Director Mickey Quinn. Courtesy photo
CHAFE 150 riders on the scenic course.
Photo by Jason Duchow
‘More to agree about than we might think’
Bonner County Democrats respond to City Beach privatization article
By Bonner County Democrats Reader Contributors
We’ve been saying it for years — Democrats and Republicans have more to agree about than we might think. The submission by Bonner County Republican Women, Inc. [Perspectives, “Privatization of City Beach,” Jan. 9, 2025] is a great example of that. For the record, we agree entirely. City Beach is a vital part of our community, and anything that reduces our access to it fundamentally diminishes Sandpoint.
We agree that reducing the number of parking spaces makes City Beach less accessible to people, and that the people who will be affected the most are our residents.
We know how it is — rent and property taxes on top of inflation, with increased pressure on our infrastructure from a huge surge in growth in the county has been challenging for all of us the past couple of years. The thought of asking our residents to pay for limited access to a public space that used to be free and big enough for everyone is pretty painful. We take no comfort from the idea that this pain will benefit a hand-
ful of private property owners looking for tourist money.
As Bonner County Democrats, we’re happy to stand up with our neighbors from any part of the political spectrum and raise our voices to demand accountability from our government. In this case, we gladly join our friends in the Bonner County Republican Women, Inc.
We demand transparency in all processes. We welcome tourists, but we also expect that our local leaders focus on local people first, protecting the resources and public goods that make the community in which we live the kind of place people want to visit. We respect private developers as an important part of our growth and improvement as a community, but we insist that we consider the public good equally.
Consider us co-signed.
While we’re in agreement on City Beach, let’s take a moment and appreciate some of the other public goods in our community together. Let’s recognize the library as an important hub for the people of Bonner County, just as appreciated and just as vital to the character of our community. Let’s work together to make sure it stays strong,
vibrant and (most importantly) free for all.
Let’s remember that we all agree that a good education for all children is vital for resilient and innovative societies, like we envision for Idaho.
Let’s find ways to ensure that the families across Bonner County who appreciate and rely on public schools to provide that education to their children can continue to make that choice and feel confident in it.
Let’s hike, hunt, mountain bike, ski the backcountry together, and let’s ensure that
the vast expanses of Idaho public lands that give us access to that amazing lifestyle remain open to everyone and preserved for our children and grandchildren.
Let’s come together to protect our access to City Beach here in Sandpoint, and let’s keep working together for all the other public goods that we love about our community.
After all, together we’re all “the public.” Public goods are good for all of us.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
3%
The percentage of decrease in the national fertility rate in the United States from 2022 to 2023, which was noted as a historic low. Aside from a brief 1% increase in the birth rate from 2020 to 2021, the national birth rate has been on a steady decline since 2007, with live births shrinking about 2% annually. Birth rates aren’t just dropping in the U.S., but also across the globe as people opt for different parenting choices due to increased costs of living or lifestyle changes.
6
The number of air transports from Idaho to surrounding states due to pregnancy complications in the first four months of 2024, marking a sharp increase since federal protections for emergency abortions lapsed. By comparison, there was one in all of 2023.
0 and $0
The number of days in jail and the amount of fines Donald Trump will pay after sentencing for committing 34
$50
The amount a first-offense parking ticket costs in Sandpoint.
0
The amount of accountability left in the United States of America for politicians and rich people in
Written by the Bonner County Democrats.
Courtesy image
Farmin-Stidwell students create care baskets for hospital patients
By Reader Staff
Fifth-grade students at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School decided they wanted to give something back to the community during the holiday season, sending care baskets to kids and adults at Bonner General Health.
“There is nothing greater than receiving heartfelt gifts from children during the holidays,” the hospital stated in a news release. “Bonner General Health is honored to be the recipient of Farmin-Stidwell fifth-graders’ generosity.”
Teacher Rebecca Benoit said the idea came from her students’ “what I need” time during the school day. She asked the students to focus on a service project for the community and were asked to look at areas of need.
Benoit had each project group research the organization they chose, create a spreadsheet with all the necessary tasks to complete their
mission and listed costs.
Among the projects they selected were the BGH care baskets, which included curated items to make anyone feel better: a felt blanket, various games, books, candy and other items.
Students held a popcorn sale to raise funds for purchasing the items, which resulted in 15 baskets being delivered to the hospital.
When asked what the students thought about the project, Benoit said several responded, “It makes you feel good to do good things.”
“It is always great to see our young people learning about our community, including thinking about those in need,” BGH CEO John Hennessy stated. “We sincerely appreciate these beautiful baskets and our patients will be happy to receive them.”
Back row: BGH Volunteer Coordinator Kate McAlister, Farmin-Stidwell fifth-grade teacher Rebecca Benoit, BGH CEO John Hennessey. Front row: Broc and Madeline Benoit.
Native Plant Society programs highlight small groups with big impacts
By Reader Staff
The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society will host a pair of presentations Saturday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 15 featuring speakers representing grassroots efforts in small communities that have resulted in effective conservation, restoration and education projects with both local and global impacts.
Hosted at the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library (1407 Cedar St.), the presentations begin at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month, preceded by a half hour of coffee, tea, cookies and socializing. The public is welcome to attend or may stream the events on Zoom by preregistering at nativeplantsociety.org.
The Jan. 18 event is titled “Jacksonville’s Emerald Necklace: From Goldmines to Woodlands Trails” featuring Larry Smith, who serves as de-
velopment director of the Jacksonville Woodlands Association in Oregon.
Smith’s presentation will explain how southern Oregon’s historic village of Jacksonville created the most successful citizen-based, volunteer-driven conservation group in that state.
Founded in 1989, Jacksonville Woodlands Association has protected 320 acres, established the Beekman Native Plant Arboretum, and constructed miles of hiking and interpretive trails — preserving and maintaining area woodland habitats for present and future generations.
In February, KNPS members and friends will hear from Chris Duke, Ph.D., who is executive director of The Phoenix Conservancy in Pullman, Wash.
Duke will speak about the Palouse Prairie Restoration project, which addresses one of the most endangered ecosystems in the continental United
States.
While agriculture and settlement have destroyed 99% of the native Palouse Prairie’s dominant flowering plants, by reintroducing native species into small, neglected, urban weedlots in eastern Washington and northwestern Idaho, The Phoenix Conservancy creates “pocket prairies” that inhibit the growth of non-native invasive species, attract native pollinators, birds and wildlife, recharge aquifers and provide a riot of bloom color from spring to fall.
Other Phoenix restoration projects have benefited local communities in the American Great Plains and Madagascar.
“These two exciting speakers will clearly show that small communities can have a big impact on a local level,
and can export their successful projects to other endangered areas around the country and the world,” KNPS organizers stated in a news release.
KNPS programs are co-sponsored by the East Bonner County Library District and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, and are free and open to the public.
For more information about KNPS and upcoming events, visit nativeplantsociety.org.
A monarch butterfly rehabilitation program at Pullman High School IN Washington. Courtesy photo
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
THURSDAY, january 16
Reader Community Party and 10th anniversary
5-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Come down for some free appetizers and a celebration of 10 years of the Reader. No need to RSVP — all are welcome. This will be the last night to buy “Drink the Reader” beers at Matchwood
Live Music w/ Picked Up Pieces
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ Chris Paradis
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Son of Brad
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Pamela Benton
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Benny & Sheldon
6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ
Live Music w/ Eclectrick
9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge
Indie electronic party band
Live Music w/ Vance Bergeson & guests
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Vance is an excellent songwriter, musician and luthier
Live Music w/ Mobius Riff
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Chris Paradis
6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
Live Music w/ Ben Vogel
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Float Like a Buffalo
8-11pm @ 219 Lounge
Horn-driven funk/ska/reggae band from Denver. $10 adv / $15 day of
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi
7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Live Piano w/ Malachi
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Piano w/ Bob Beadling
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Studio 1’s Jazzy Nutcracker
5:30 & 7pm @ Panida Theater
Jazzy tapping and acrobatic performance with lovely touches of ballet throughout. $25 adults, $15 children
January 16 - 23, 2024
Brim, Band and Sip
5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
Customize your own wide brim hat. First drink included. $85-$95
Cribbage Night (double elimination)
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge ($5 entry)
FriDAY, january 17
Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes
6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon
Live Music w/ Jason Perry
5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Banff Mountain Film Festival (Jan. 17-19)
7pm @ Panida Theater
One of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world, with films on mountain culture, sports and lifestyle
SATURDAY, january 18
Live Music w/ Ten String Smile
5:30-8:30pm @ The District Bistro
Featuring Drew Browne and Pam Burns, a violin/guitar duo you might recognize from Trinity house gigs
Live Music w/ Tim G. 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 1970s rock
Art, Live Music w/ Dario Ré 6pm @ Bluebird Bakery w/ The Dirty Birds rock/country band. Closing mixed media art reception
SunDAY, january 19
Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Up close magic shows at the table
Banff Mountain Film Festival (Jan. 17-19) 6pm @ Panida Theater
monDAY, january 20
Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
tuesDAY, january 21
wednesDAY, january 22
Live Trivia ($5 per person)
7pm @ Connie’s Lounge
ThursDAY, january 23
Paint and Sip
5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
Learn how to paint a beautiful masterpiece. $45 includes instruction, supplies and your first beverage
Live Jazz w/ Bright Moments
6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
No Ego Nights Ski Weekend w/ DJ Haymaker and friends
8pm @ The Hive
A night of dancing with DJ Haymakers and friends. Techno/house music. $10. 21+. Doors open at 7pm
Live Music w/ John Firshi
5:30-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness
1-4pm @ The Yellow Room, 102 Euclid Ave. A workshop by Terese Luikens. yellowroom.org/events for details
Live Music w/ Marcus Stephans 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Banff Mountain Film Festival (Jan. 17-19) 7pm @ Panida Theater
Live Music w/ Ian Newbill
6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon Country and classic rock
Live Irish Folk Jam
3-6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Sandpoint Chess Club
9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am
Trivia Night
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Pool Tournament ($10 entry fee)
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Cribbage Night (double elimination) 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge ($5 entry)
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Panida for 30th annual showing
By Reader Staff
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will return to Sandpoint for its 30th time with three nights of screenings on Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Panida Theater (330 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
All tickets will be sold through panida.org/events; and, new this year, attendees have the option to purchase a three-day festival pass.
Local audiences will be treated to 21 films in the 2025 tour, featuring a variety of entries encompassing mountain sport, humor and culture — including the 2024 Best Film on Snow Sports, Wild Days, which will be part of the Jan. 18 program.
Wild Days involves four friends from the Savoie region of France who come up with the idea of 50 days of self-sufficiency in Alaska’s Denali Massif. The
journey is grueling, involving skiing, climbing and the use of kayaks.
In the film Sliding, outdoor adventurers forgo the ski hills for a faster experience sledding head-first down the course.
The Best Short Film in 2024, The Bird in My Backyard, will also be screened, focused on window salesman-turned-hummingbird expert
Eric Pittman, whose passion fires his multi-generational family to go to the Karakoram Mountain Range in Asia and tackle Nameless Tower.
Jeff and Doti Rouleau will be on hand Friday, Jan. 17 with raffle items to support their North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Foundation, which helps provide underserved youth in the area with the opportunity to ski.
Karen Brenner will be heading up the Independence Ski Team’s “Taste of Sandpoint” on Jan. 18, raffling off a prize of dining experiences at Sandpoint area restaurants. Finally, Jeff
Thompson will be heading the firstyear Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Centers raffle on Jan. 19 to support their efforts to advance avalanche safety in the North Idaho.
The Banff World Tour immediately follows the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in November, where a selection of the top films submitted to the festival go on a tour worldwide.
The world tour reaches more than 550,000 audience members through more than 1,100 screenings in 500 locations in 40 countries — some including Antarctica.
For more information and a complete list of films, go to mountainfever. us. Get tickets at panida.org/events.
A screenshot from the film Wild Days. Courtesy photo
Documentary film ClarkAshtonSmith:TheEmperorofDreams, rediscovers one of 20th-century literature’s true originals
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Of the many hazards of being an artistic trailblazer is that your creations turn into tropes while your hand in inventing them gets forgotten.
That’s the fate suffered by Clark Ashton Smith, who has been credited as one of the greatest unsung romantic poets of the early 20th century; a writer instrumental in developing the genres we today refer to as “weird fiction” and “fantasy”; and an outsider artist working in sculpture, ink and paint.
However, odds are almost no one beyond a small cadre of aficionados knows of Smith’s work, much less appreciates it for its stunning originality and quality. It’s hard to believe just how complete Smith’s obscurity has been over the 100-or-so years since he first put pen to paper — especially considering that he moved in the same circles as Ambrose Bierce and Jack London, and a Providence, R.I.-based writer by the name of H.P. Lovecraft sent him a piece of fan mail that spurred a cor-
respondence that lasted until Lovecraft’s death.
Other members of that group of letter-writers included Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian), Smith was published by August Derleth and, among the writers who have credited Smith as an inspiration, include Ray Bradbury, Stephen King and Harlan Ellison.
The latter writer features prominently in the 2018 documentary Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams, which reveals its subject as one of the true, great original minds of 20th century art.
Smith is widely considered to be a more technically gifted writer than Lovecraft, and his poems and short stories tread into landscapes and whole planets that the more famous of the two could only hint at. In Smith’s worlds, evil wizards conjure dire apparitions in lonely towers; fur-clad
barbarians stalk through fantastical forests full of sentient, carnivorous plants; hideous gods and demons dwell in caves, luring the unwary to their doom; necromancers raise whole cities of corpses to do their foul bidding; and continents drift into a future so unfathomably distant that even the name of “Earth” is forgotten.
However, as The Emperor of Dreams makes clear, Smith’s creative genius was as boundless as his physical life was proscribed. Born in Long Valley, Calif., Smith grew up in Auburn, Calif., which he didn’t leave until his marriage at the age of 61 and relocation to Pacific Grove, Calif., where he died in 1961 at the age of 68.
He never finished school but followed the path of the autodidact, devouring the bulk of the books in his local library and teaching himself French and Spanish along the way.
Smith started writing in earnest in his teens, with his first major recognition as “the Keats of the Pacific” coming at the age of 19, but his literary star waned even in his own lifetime, despite continuing to produce writing into the mid-1930s and sculpture, paintings and sketches until nearly the end of his life. That’s unfortunate on a number of fronts — primarily the forgotten fact that one of the pioneering practitioners of fantasy writing was a small-town Californian whose works of magic and high adventure were contemporaneous with J.R.R. Tolkien (only one year older, almost to the day, than Smith), but envisioned entirely independently.
And that’s the greatest service of The Emperor of Dreams: Putting Smith’s name back on the roster of influential writers in the English language and, hopefully, creating a few new devotees to the art of “Klarkash-Ton,” as Lovecraft playfully referred to him.
Rent or purchase Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams on Amazon prime.
Courtesy image
MUSIC
Denver funk reggae band to play 219
By Reader Staff
Bust out your dancing pants, the 219 Lounge is about to have a party.
The six-piece horn-driven funk band Float Like a Buffalo will play its debut show in Sandpoint at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Niner. Tickets are available at the 219 or Eichardt’s Pub.
Known for high-energy live performances, Float Like a Buffalo brings an electrifying fusion of funk, ska, reggae and jam influences.
“This is our first time playing in Idaho and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Cory Pearman, lead
vocalist and guitarist. “We’ve heard about the amazing music community in Sandpoint, and we can’t wait to bring the energy and make it a night to remember.”
The Denver-based band has performed at some of the country’s most iconic venues, including the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, has shared the stage with legendary acts like WAR and was named Denver’s “Best Funk Band,” by Westword in 2019.
Fans can expect to hear horn-driven grooves, soulful
jams and songs that highlight the unique chemistry of a live performance. There are nods to the funk style of Lettuce and The Motet, jam vibes from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, rock elements of Red Hot Chili Peppers, soul styles of James Brown and
the high-energy guitar licks of Jimi Hendrix all wrapped into one band.
Listen at floatlikeabuffalomusic.com.
Unique Hillstomp duo plays Eichardt’s
By Reader Staff
Some bands are so unique that mere words fail to describe the cacophany of sound they produce. Hillstomp is one of those bands.
The eclectic duo will play Eichardt’s Pub at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. There is a $10 cover for this show.
The two-man-band featuring Henry Hill Kammerer and John Johnson is almost as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to. Kammerer plays the banjo like a hurricane and Johnson beats mercilessly on
the drums like a demon loose from hell, creating a sound that has been described as a “boom box blasting from a shopping cart.”
The band uses megaphones, a washboard and a kick drum. They play guitars, buckets, car parts and anything else that makes a funky sound. Hillstomp is folk music in its purest, most strippeddown form. It’s loud and gritty, it’s intricate and poignant and, most importantly, it’s always heartfelt and true.
The last time Hillstomp played Eichardt’s it was one of
those “Pull all the tables out to the sidewalk in a hurry” kind of parties. You have been warned.
A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint
Coeur d’Alene-based Pamela Benton is making a return visit to the Pend d’Oreille Winery, bringing her ever-popular energetic electric violin for a dance-inspiring Friday, Jan. 17 show.
Reeling out pop, classic and rock favorites, Benton’s classical training shines through but with an inimitable high-octane style. Beyond electric violin, she’s a skilled
multi-instrumentalist on guitar lead, rhythm, slide, and finger picking, as well as mandolin.
As always, the winery strongly recommends bringing along your dancing shoes for a Benton show.
— Zach Hagadone
5-8 p.m., FREE. Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., 208-2658545, powine.com. Listen at pamelabenton.net.
Hailing from Seattle — land of white boy funk — the three players that make up Eclectrick are nothing short of original. Sky Phoenix, Taylor “Taysty” Dumas and TJ “Tempo Jesus” Orgovan get decked out in their best space print overalls and bucket hats to bring boogie-licious music to worthy West Coast venues. Imagine if the Bee Gees were millennials and grew up sing-
This week’s RLW by Ben Olson
READ
Several of Dennis Lehane’s novels have been adapted into feature films, including Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone and Mystic River. But some of my favorites of his are the “Kenzie & Gennaro” series covering two private investigators as they navigate their old haunts set in and around Boston. Lehane writes crime well and mystery even better. My favorite from this series is Darkness, Take My Hand.
ing along to pop punk — now you’re halfway to picturing Eclectrick’s sound. Get ready to have a wiggle in your walk and a few new earworms in your brain after listening to this trio’s funky beats.
— Soncirey Mitchell
9 p.m., FREE, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N 1st Ave., 208-2635673, 219lounge.com. Listen at eclectrickmusic.com.
LISTEN WATCH
I’ve been obsessed with the broody dream pop band Still Corners for the past few months. This duo has a desert noir vibe about them that is almost hypnotic, with catchy laconic beats peppered with ambient vocals and romantic, Twin Peaks-esque lyrics. Overall, there is a seductive quality to this British-American duo that has my attention. My favorite album is their 2021 release The Last Exit.
There was an explosion of ski and snowboard films in the late 1980s and early 1990s, most of which were terrible but entertaining. One that always sticks in my mind is the 1993 film Aspen Extreme about two working class buddies driving out to Aspen to become ski instructors and navigating the culture shock. The fashion choices in this film are often hilarious, and it’s a pretty basic plot line, but it always gets me in the mood to head up to the mountain for some fresh powder turns.
Float Like a Buffalo. Photo by Rocky Montaño Photography
Photo by Julia Varga
From Pend Oreille Review, January 7, 1910
COMET IN THE WESTERN SKIES
James McGreevy, keeper of the poor farm, came forward yesterday as the discoverer of a comet. He does not believe it belongs to Halley as he is enough of an astronomer to know that it appeared in the wrong direction to be that celebrated and expected denizen of the heavens.
Mr. McGreevy states that the stranger to the skies appeared at 7 o’clock Wednesday evening and disported itself in all its radiance for fully fifteen minutes.
“The comet appeared just over the peak next south of old Baldy,” said Mr. McGreevy yesterday. “It was bright and radiant and had two tails, one long and sweeping and the other short. I called the attention of my family to the phenomenon and they all saw it. It is too early for Halley’s comet and besides the Halley shooter is to appear in the northwest, so this could not be that. I am ready to make a sworm statement that I saw it and lick the man who says I didn’t.”
ICE HARVEST A BUMPER CROP
The ice harvest is on on Lake Pend d’Oreille and the ice harvesters are securing a fine harvest and are busy. The ice is fourteen and fifteen inches thick and as clear as a crystal with but little snow on the surface. The lake is frozen across to Bottle bay and it is possible for pedestrians to cross from there to Sandpoint, although the lower end of the channel at the N.P. bridge is open.
Harvesters are busy on Lake Cocolalla too, with the ice for the Northern Pacific being put in a new ice house owned by private parties.
BACK OF THE BOOK
On learning to ski
By Sandy Compton Reader Columnist
Winter has finally arrived, though the frosting on my small forest looks more like December than January. Thankfully, the frosting is much thicker on our mountains. I’ve not had to use the snowblower or shovel down here — at least not yet. Up there is plenty to ski on.
Those who first took me skiing put me in leather boots and Head 210s at the Alpine Shop in the day lodge at Schweitzer. Then, they loaded me on Chair 2 (née Baby Bear) and waved goodbye. By 1 p.m., I was beat up, soaking wet, blue cold, frustrated beyond anger and completely demoralized. I took the skis off and walked back to the lodge. I’m stubborn, but not that stubborn.
A few hours later, my “friends” showed up, all happy about their day of skiing. I let it go then, but I have come to see that it was not fair. Not that life is fair, but if this happened today, I’m not sure we would stay friends without a sincere apology. Hence, I learned to ski late. My first attempt was such a disaster, I swore I’d never ski again. I kept that promise for 20 years.
Two decades after the disaster, when the Great Escape came online, I was working at Jean’s Restaurant in what’s now Selkirk Lodge. My fellow waitstaff insisted I try again.
“You have a pass!” they cried, as if
STR8TS Solution
it is mortal sin not to use it. Which it may be.
I relented. The snow evangelists directed me to a group lesson, in which I learned ski “physics”: how to stop (very important); how to get up; how to put skis back on after they pop off, which they did often. I also learned to “weight” a ski into an arc, and set a path to the next arc. I became somewhat addicted.
My friends found me a set of poles and advised me on clothing. They made runs with me, though they sometimes had to wait at the bottom of the lift. Sometimes they didn’t wait, but gave me a tip or two before skiing away. A patroller friend gave the “Best 19-Word Ski Lesson” when he growled, “If you don’t get your hands out in front of you, I’m going to kick you in the butt.” His wife was equally helpful regarding glade skiing: “Don’t look at the trees. Look at the holes between.”
That season, with the help of friends and many positive experiences — combined with my stubbornness — I traversed from the bunny hill to the top of No Joke, where I stood on the last day, wondering if I could survive a black diamond all the way to the run-out. A friend — on ancient Head 210s — came to a halt beside me; his ski tips hovering well over the edge. He pushed his goggles up, grinned and said, “What are you waiting for?” Then, he dropped in, and I chased him. I survived it, and have many times since.
Skiing is transcendental. If you get
Sudoku Solution
off on the right foot, many adventures await — some less than pleasant, perhaps, but many more that will make you grateful for learning how, and have you blessing those who gave you a hand up and hints about your next few turns.
Since that first real season of skiing, I’ve watched for people who might be having a similar first experience to mine. I’ve taught a few to ski better, if they were willing to listen.
Friends shouldn’t let friends learn to ski — or board — alone. It’s only fair to help.
Sandy Compton’s new book, Something About Miracles, is available at Vanderford’s in Sandpoint, or online at bit.ly/ ComptonOnAmazon.
Crossword Solution
To us, it might look like just a rag. But to the brave, embattled men of the fort, it was more than that. It was a flag of surrender. And after that, it was torn up and used for shoe-shine rags, so the men would look nice for the surrender.
Solution on page 22
Laughing Matter
By Bill Borders
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1.Sleighs
6.French cheese
10.Mother
14.Safe place
15.Extend credit
16.Fragrance
17.Swelling
18.Mimicked
19.Tubular pasta
20.Belittling
22.In Europe, they’re “Zeds”
23.Brainy
24.Hesitate
25.Domicile
29.Siren
31.Distinguished
33.Golden
37.Made into coins
38.Cheated
39.Agitated
41.Cultivation
Solution on page 22
Solution on page 22
Word Week of the
[adjective] 1. retaining its relevance, popularity
“That story is evergreen; there isn’t a time element to it, so it can run anytime.”
Corrections: No corrections have plagued our inboxes this week. Have faith, none of us are participating in “dry January,” so there will likely be corrections before the month is over. — BO
