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PEOPLE compiled by

Susan Drinkard

watching

“KRFY 88.5, our community-supported non-commercial radio station, is now 10 years old. What do you like about Sandpoint’s alternative radio station?”

“I enjoy ‘Otto’s Eclectic Mix,’ the Dead hour (Jerry Un-dead hour) and the ‘Juke in the Back.’ I don’t listen to the folk show because I feel folk music is droning and audio torture. If the CIA wanted to extract information from someone, all they would have to do is play Joan Baez all night long.”

Noah Grand

Substance Use Disorder counselor North Idaho Community Mental Health Sandpoint

“I enjoy the country music they play from time to time.”

Joy Dingman Baker Sandpoint

DEAR READERS,

What has happened to our quiet little town? It seems every day my inbox is flooded with messages from locals who feel they have lost touch with this town due to the sharp increase of newcomers moving here from all over the country.

I’ve noticed the vibe changing, too. Just the other day I parked downtown to grab something from the food court. Another vehicle pulled in behind me and parked about two inches from my rear bumper, forcing me to pull back and forth about eight times so I could get out. While accomplishing this awkward manuever, the car that blocked me in in the first place then blared on their horn, thinking I was going to hit their car or something. If I wasn’t so hungry, I would’ve thrown my burrito at them.

But seriously, we locals need to band together during these trying times. We need to show people what it means to live in a small community. Be kind to one another, don’t take the bait when newcomers show their impatience and don’t let this ‘dumbvasion’ get to you too much. I’m also talking to myself here, too.

Wishing you all peace out there in crazy town. God help us all.

– Ben Olson, publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert (News Editor) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Anastasia Osipova (cover), Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Susan Drinkard, Tanyia Oulman Photography.

Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Lorraine H. Marie, Emily Erickson, Diana Dawson, Brenden Bobby, Cameron Rasmusson, Timothy Braatz.

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID

“I like the ‘Morning Show’ because they were willing to interview me and air information about a controversial topic—the smelter—that will impact Sandpoint’s air quality, forests and vegetation because of acid rain. The smelter is back on the table again and we are working to fight it.”

Tracy Morgan Responsible Growth NE WA (RGNEW) Works at Washington State Tribal Extension Office Newport, Wa.

“I love ‘Otto’s Eclectic Mix.’ I am always surprised by the discoveries of great new musicians [in] the mix.”

Jen Plummer Executive director of Kinderhaven Sandpoint

“I mostly like the news shows.”

Joe Retired college professor North of Sandpoint

Subscription Price: $135 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

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

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink.

Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism.

Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 300 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover

This week’s cover features original artwork by Anastasia Osipova of a bighorn sheep.

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NEWS

To sell or not to sell

Panida board considers sale of Little Theater

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

About 35 people attended the Panida Theater’s Town Hall meeting June 7, where board members took the temperature of the community regarding an idea to sell the adjacent Little Theater to generate revenue and fund much-needed restoration projects for the main theater. By the end of the meeting, it was clear a majority in attendance favored exploring other options before making any quick decisions.

Board chairperson Keely Gray stressed at the beginning of the meeting that “no decision has been made by the board,” in regards to selling or retaining the Little Theater, and that the board wished to hear from the community first before any decisions were made.

“We have undergone many changes in our organization and we now find ourselves at a very important crossroads,” Gray told the crowd.

Gray said after consulting two different realtors, the board learned that with the real estate market at a record high, the Little Theater could potentially be worth anywhere from $700,000 to more than $1 million.

“Sandpoint as a whole is experiencing growth like it has never seen before,” Gray said.

“Eighteen years ago, when we purchased the Little Theater, there was a vision to connect the theaters. Unfortunately, this vision never came to reality.”

The seven board members outlined several issues with the Little Theater, including the roof that is in dire need of repair.

Other reasons to consider selling included the fact that a sale would provide funds to restore the main theater — the Little Theater never generated enough revenue to pay for itself, there is constant upkeep and repair needed, and the Little Theater 4 /

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was never incorporated into the larger theater.

The Little Theater was purchased 18 years ago for $300,000, according to former board member Marcella Nelson, which the board also listed as a reason to sell: “We could potentially quadruple our investment in the building next door,” Gray said.

The board also shared reasons for retaining the Little Theater, including the fact that that it could be rented as a commercial space, the Panida could control what moved in next door, a plan to merge the two spaces could still be realized someday and it is the only black box theater in town — a name referring to a smaller theater venue.

One of the market evaluations claimed the Little Theater was zoned commercial and a maximum height allowed would be 65 feet if used for townhomes or condos and 35 feet for commercial. The only prohibition would be single-family residences. This drew concern from some in the audience over having a potential four-story condo building downtown next to the Panida.

Audience members offered a variety of opinions during a question-and-answer period.

Most praised the board for its transparency and for including the community in the decision-making process.

Stephen Drinkard suggested the city of Sandpoint invest in the Panida, as it has with the Sandpoint Senior Center, as well as exploring more grant options before making any hasty decisions.

“We all saw what happened with the U of I extension property on Boyer,” Drinkard said.

“The city could have saved that property and they didn’t. Now it’s gone. Once you sell the Little Theater, that’s it. It’s gone.”

Dyno Wahl spoke, representing the Pend Oreille Arts Council, urging the board not to act too quickly and sell the theater

for a short-term financial gain.

“The one word that comes to mind when I think of the Little Theater is ‘potential,’” Wahl said. “Potential needs money, and there’s money coming into this town right now. I think you should hang on, put the brakes on a bit, because this real estate bubble isn’t going to burst any time soon.”

Former Panida board member Phyllis Kardo reminded the board that, “Twelve years ago, when plaster was falling from the ceiling, this board raised $760,000 in a six-year period. It is possible. I hate to give up on the building. I think this can be done.”

Michael Boge, a local business owner and host of the popular Banff Mountain Film Festival in Sandpoint, said it would be a blow to lose the Little Theater, but it was also important to identify the main priority.

“We need to ask ourselves, what’s the motherlode here?”

Boge said. “It’s the main theater.

It’s the Panida. That’s why we’re all here.”

Boge said long-term lease options should be considered for the Little Theater, with potential lessees undertaking the expense to repair the roof, while the Panida retains ownership of the building.

Dave Eacret, who said he worked as an economist involved with restoring the iconic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, said he saw analogies between the Panida’s situation and the Davenport’s.

“The Davenport is a worldclass hotel, known all over the world,” Eacret said. “This is a microcosm of that right here.

The opportunity cost of losing this building next door is an extreme move. … Let’s not lose an asset here. Once you do, you can’t redeem it.”

Some in attendance questioned the disparity between market evaluations, with a local realtor estimating the property was worth $700,000 only after $128,000 worth of roof repairs would be made. The other evaluation came from a Spokane realtor, who estimated the market value could be as high as $1.2 million in as-is condition.

Ellen Weissman offered an idea for the Panida fundraising committee to send out postcards to all performers who have played on the Panida stage urging them to offer any financial assistance they can to save the theater.

Another idea was introduced to hold an Extreme Makeover-type fundraising campaign

Chris Bessler, left, moderated a Panida town hall meeting called by the board, right, on Monday, June 7. Photo by Ben Olson.

to include area construction companies to donate their labor for repairs in exchange for sponsorship opportunities, including a corporate sponsor that could potentially have their name included in the Little Theater’s signage.

Board member Tari Pardini stressed that for the past two fiscal years, the theater has been operating at a loss to the tune of about $50,000 a year, not counting the past fiscal year, when COVID-19 affected attendance and revenue.

“Even with grants and donations, we’ve been running in the red,” she said.

“As a board, we are responsible for the financial operation of this theater,” Gray told the audience. “We need help, and we had to at least go through the effort to see if this is the right decision or not. That’s why we’re so grateful to hear your feedback on this idea.”

No actions were taken at the end of the meeting, but the board encouraged anyone who wants to get involved in the fundraising committee to step forward and help out before the option of selling the Little Theater moves from a choice to an imperative.

NEWS

COVID vaccines prove effective

Cases at state level continue to decline

The Idaho National Guard administers COVID-19 vaccines in Feb. 2021 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Gov. Brad Little visited the facility later that day. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

By Reader Staff It’s been almost a month since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — that is, two weeks post-second shot — can resume most normal activities without masking up.

Now, the CDC has released a study showing the reason behind the loosening of guidelines.

According to a June 7 media release, mRNA vaccines, such as the Moderna and Pfizer shots, reduce the risk of infection by 91%.

“This adds to the growing body of real-world evidence of their effectiveness,” the release stated.

The study also revealed that those who experienced breakthrough infections of COVID-19 after being fully or partially vaccinated “were more likely to have a milder and shorter illness compared to those who were unvaccinated.”

On June 9, Idaho health officials reported that 692,200 Idahoans had received at least one dose of a vaccine to date, while 138 new cases of the virus were reported that same day.

This brings the state’s running total of infections to 193,295,

with 2,116 Idahoans having died from COVID-19 complications.

According to Idaho Education News’ weekly trendline, Idaho reported fewer than 1,000 new and probable cases of the virus during the entire first week of June — the first time that’s happened in almost a year.

Yet, while cases continue to decline, Idaho is coming out behind the national curve when it comes to vaccination rates. As the state approaches about 50% of its adult population being fully vaccinated, that national number has already surpassed 60%.

Idaho public health officials have not actively offered incentives for people to get the shots, but they told the Idaho Capital Sun that “it isn’t off the table.”

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has come out strongly against “vaccine passports” — documented proof of vaccination in order to access certain places or services.

Those looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov to sign up for a provider to contact you, schedule an appointment directly or learn more about walk-in options at local pharmacies.

Stay up-to-date on current COVID-19 trends across the state by visiting Idaho’s virus tracking website at coronavirus. idaho.gov.

City seeking applicants for new Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Applications to serve on the newly created Sandpoint Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission are being accepted through Friday, June 25, with an online form available at lf.sandpointidaho.gov/ Forms/CommitteeApplication.

The new commission comes as a result of the city’s first-ever Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Master Plan, which the Sandpoint City Council approved in March.

The plan had been in the works for months, with public comment collected throughout 2020 before presentation of a draft in January.

Based on residents’ feedback related to arts, culture and historic preservation in Sandpoint, consultants compiled a “state of the city” report that put a finer point on the need for more broad-based coordination of the area’s various creative sectors — culminating in the recommendation that the Arts and Historic Preservation commissions be consolidated into one overall steering group that would hopefully encompass homeowners, tribal groups and businesses.

The new Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission would have a leading role in implementing the master plan, which aims to “retain and strengthen Sandpoint’s unique identity, character and sense of place in regard to cultural activity, cultural

and community events, public art and historic preservation,” consultant Nick Kalogeresis, of Lakota Group, which helped draft the plan, told the City Council in January.

According to the analysis, the nonprofit arts sectors in Sandpoint are responsible for generating $10 million each year in the local economy, supporting as many as 400 jobs. Yet significant gaps remain in the communication and coordinated leadership among the area’s many nonprofit arts organizations.

Planners emphasized that the new commission would serve that need for overarching leadership.

Other aspects of the plan include helping workers and businesses in the creative sectors identify and access outside fund-

The recognition and preservation of Historic Sandpoint buildings — like the Farmin Building at Second Ave. and Cedar St. pictured above — are key components to the Sandpoint Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Commission. Photo by Ben Olson. ing to support their various programs and projects, as well as find opportunities for additional space and assistance with marketing.

The plan also zeroed in on highlighting “heritage tourism activities” and doing a better job of signage for historic locations around town.

As for membership on the new commission, Mayor Shelby Rognstad will make the appointments — drawn from the applicant pool — which will then be considered by the City Council for final confirmation.

USFS comes out on top in Bog Creek Road lawsuit

Judge finds that grizzly bears will not be threatened by the project

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff A judge ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in a lawsuit June 4 filed by a number of environmental groups that argued the Bog Creek Road project would harm grizzly bear recovery on the Idaho-Canada border in Boundary County.

The project, proposed in 2018, is meant to improve east-west access to the U.S.-Canada border across the Selkirk Mountains for Border Patrol agents.

Despite allegations by the

plaintiffs — which included the Center for Biological Diversity, Idaho Conservation League, Lands Council, Selkirk Conservation Alliance and WildEarth Guardians — U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill found that reopening Bog Creek Road would not alter the core area of the BlueGrass Bear Management Unit, and would in fact improve bear habitat in the areas where the USFS plans to decommission roads as part of the overall project.

“While the project may reduce connectivity with Canada, it will also improve connectivity to the Trapper Creek burn area and other

[Bear Management Units] south of the Blue-Grass BMU, which will be beneficial for grizzly bears,” Winmill stated in the decision.

The judge also called the plaintiffs’ assertion that the USFS “failed to analyze the extent to which the project will impact bear recovery” under the Endangered Species Act a “contention ... without merit.”

According to the opinion: “The Final [Environmental Impact Statement] took a hard look at road use in the Blue-Grass BMU and the Forest Service considered ways to accommodate both administrative needs with grizzly bear needs.”

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NEWS Carpenter sentenced in Ramey killing Coeur d’Alene woman pleads guilty to murder of Hope resident in 2017

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Judith M. Carpenter pled guilty to second-degree murder on May 25, putting an end to nearly two years of court proceedings since her 2019 arrest in connection to the 2017 killing of 79-year-old Hope resident Shirley Ramey.

Carpenter pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in early 2020; but, following several months in an undisclosed Idaho Security Medical Program and a mediation ordered earlier in May, the Coeur d’Alene woman entered a guilty Alford plea. Alford pleas are used when the defendant does not intend to admit to wrongdoing, but acknowledges that the evidence against them could likely lead to a guilty verdict.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan handed down a prison sentence of 15 years to life. Court records show that Carpenter had already served 666 days behind bars — about two years — before her official sentencing on May 28, which will count toward her sentence.

Carpenter is accused of shooting Ramey in the head in April 2017, killing the woman on the porch of her Trestle Creek home.

Evidence suggests that Carpenter was driving through the area and targeted the Rameys’ home for no apparent reason, gunned down Ramey and then entered the home, taking with her a Savage Model 99 rifle owned by Daryl Ramey. She was

The booking photo of Judith M. Carpenter.

Courtesy Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. arrested on unrelated road rage charges later that same day in Lincoln County, Mont., and two weapons — the Savage and a Glock later determined to be the murder weapon — were found in her vehicle.

Those weapons remained in storage until a 2019 test firing matched casings from the Glock with casings found at the Ramey murder scene through use of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, which tracks and compares ballistics from crime scene evidence gathered all over the country.

According to her obituary, Shirley Ramey graduated from Newport schools in 1957, and married Daryl in 1960. They had two sons together. Ramey is known best for her work as the Hope city clerk for more than 25 years; her headstone at the Hope Cemetery notes that she never missed a city council meeting.

Register cars bought in Idaho online

ITD says people who buy vehicles at qualified Idaho dealerships can skip the DMV line

By Reader Staff The Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles is adding another option to its online DMV services: Idahoans who have recently purchased a vehicle from a licensed Idaho dealership may now qualify to skip the trip to a county DMV office and instead register their new or used car from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The transaction previously had to be completed in person, but is now available online at dmv.idaho.gov. It’s one of more than 15 DMV transactions ITD offers to customers online.

“We are excited to provide this online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “This gives you another choice to skip the line at the DMV to get your driver’s license, vehicle registration or license plates.

Skip the trip, save time and go online.”

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Customers will need the pink copy of the ITD 0502 form from the dealer to enter their vehicle’s information. At this time the service is not available for private party sales, and customers cannot transfer a current registration from one vehicle to their new vehicle online.

ITD processes close to 100,000 DMV transactions online every month, including address changes, driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals, personalized plate orders, release of liability forms and more.

A full list can be found at dmv.idaho.gov.

“Idahoans’ time is valuable and with the state’s quickly increasing population we know this now more than ever,” Gonzalez said. “Giving more people the ability to finish their DMV business online means better customer service for all.”

ITD’s DMV Customer Contact Center can be reached at 208-334-8000 if customers have questions or need assistance with online services.

Bits ’n’ Pieces From east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.

A recent sampling: The millions of dollars paid to cyberhackers who held Colonial Pipeline hostage have been recovered, CNN reported. CP had quickly paid the ransom while following FBI instructions that allowed tracing the money trail. It appears the hackers were based in Russia but not affiliated with the government.

Former-President Donald Trump’s Facebook account will be suspended for two years and only reinstated if “the risk to public safety has receded,” the company said. Under a new policy, Facebook said it will create suspensions based on behavior of public figures during times of heightened violence or unrest.

President Joe Biden has called for a 90-day study to determine origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Business Insider reported. The primary theories: animal-to-people and a Chinese laboratory leak. The latter has been doubted but not ruled out. The study plans to utilize a deep dive into text messages and emails.

China has announced Beijing will no longer cooperate with any further World Health Organization investigation.

While COVID-19 cases and deaths are down in the U.S., for the unvaccinated the rate of infection remains the same as in December 2019 — prior to when vaccinations became widely available.

Business Insider reported there are several states, including Michigan and Florida, where the unvaccinated are 50% more likely to require hospitalization. The Institute for Health Metrics calculates the true number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. exceeds 900,000.

CNN says the Biden administration plans to distribute 80 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations to the rest of the world by month’s end. The goal: to save lives and hasten an end to the pandemic.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examined House Republicans’ alternative 2022 budget plan and said it proposed ending Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as repealing the Affordable Care Act. Medicaid and CHIP would be replaced with block grants at rates characterized as inadequate.

States could either make up the funding shortfall or cut eligibility standards.

Block grant funds could also be diverted to other purposes at the state level. The likely

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

result of the House Republican plan, CBPP says, would be loss of Medicaid coverage by 17 million people due to repeal of the ACA, and tens of millions of people either becoming uninsured or underinsured. As well, the Republican budget proposal, according to info from Fox News and Social Security Works, also calls for increasing the retirement age, increasing the eligibility age for Medicare, establishing a closeddoor commission to further cut Social Security and Medicaid benefits, and another $1.9 trillion in tax cuts, which would be in addition to Trump’s $2 trillion tax cuts that primarily benefited the rich.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently convinced top international finance ministers to reverse a 40-year trend of tax cuts for corporations in favor of a 15% global minimum tax on multinational corporations, The Washington Post reported. Negotiators hope to expand the agreement this fall to other countries.

The 1980 average global corporate tax rate was 40% and fell to 23% by 2020 as countries competed for corporate presence in what has been called a “race to the bottom.” As a result, 2017 figures show multinational firms had tucked away some $700 billion in tax-dodging havens, thereby financially blocking new domestic programs designed to improve the economy.

Blast from the past: A lesson from Frederick Douglass, for grads: Douglass escaped slavery in 1838, after 20 years of experiencing a number of slave owners — some more humane than others. He worked in a Baltimore shipyard, earned good money for his master, and had some freedom and protection. A friend with free papers gave Douglass his papers so he could escape — as long as no one examined the papers too closely. Douglass took the risk and got on a train. If he had been discovered, he would be sold “down the river” into regions of the South where the harshest forms of slavery were practiced.

As historian Heather Cox Richardson points out, Douglass could remain in his relatively comfortable position or take a chance — the chance he took resulted in him becoming “a powerful voice for American liberty.” For new graduates, Richardson advises, “When the day comes that you have to choose between what is just good enough and what is right… find the courage to step on the train.”

PERSPECTIVES

Emily Articulated

A column by and about Millennials

Many loves

By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist

For the past few days, I’ve been binge-listening to the Modern Love podcast produced by The New York Times.

Based on submissions from the popular print column, the podcast is dedicated to people reading personal essays on the topic of love. Contrary to what I expected before tuning in, these love stories are really just life stories, highlighting our profound capacity as people to find meaning in and seek closeness with others.

Listening to stories of life and love in all of their forms has prompted me to reflect on the many types of love I’ve witnessed throughout my life.

As a child of divorce, I grew up in a home surrounded by tumultuous love. Tumultuous love is the kind of love that changes, not just from year to year — or even day to day — but from conversation to conversation and intention to intention. In this love, interactions are laced with the weight of all their predecessors; gas-soaked fuses yearning for the spark of conflict to set them ablaze.

Times of calm prickle with the anticipation of their inevitable end, and kind gentleness seeps through in rare, sincere apologies or the echoes of sweet, former companionship.

In growing older and becoming aware that different iterations of love existed outside the walls in which I lived,

Emily Erickson.

I witnessed another version of partnership: convenience love.

Convenience love is the kind of love that stays together because the alternative is difficult to reconcile. It manifests as separate lives lived in parallel, separate bedrooms and conversations reduced to the logistics of who’s paying the phone bill and when the dog was last fed.

Convenience love is dictated by the fear of being alone or facing a world in which the rhythms of a partner can’t be anticipated without the exertion of thought and consideration.

Convenience love is close in appearance to another kind of love, but the difference in the details is vast. This love is companionable love, born from the most intimate version of familiarity and comfort. It’s the kind of love that is displayed in small gestures, like a partner putting out the cream when their mate reaches for the coffee pot or pulling out a chair as reflexively as reaching for their own seat. It’s when the small of the other person’s back is an extension of an outstretched

hand and a newspaper left out to the exact page their partner reads first. Long silences linger, not from all the things being left unsaid, but for all the things they both know to be irrevocably true.

Companionable and convenience loves are usually the product of shared moments and passing years, all compiling into life-long partnerships. But new partnerships take a different shape, with blind love characterized by its novel intensity.

Blind love is a culmination of all the hope, desire and romantic expectation held by one person, promptly and unthinkingly projected onto another.

It’s a fierce recognition of all that is good in someone, and a blind disregard for their emerging flaws.

Blind love is rapacious curiosity and incessant pining for the feelings of one person to be shared by another. It’s a love of conviction, of an awkward exploration through the ordinary — made extraordinary — by the presence of another.

Sturdier than blind love, and born out of intentionality rather than time, is reflective love.

Reflective love is the kindness and care a person prioritizes in themselves, reflected onto the people around them. It’s an understanding that a cup continuously refilled is easier shared than a cup left depleted by the expecting mouths of others.

Reflective love is to be found in a person who understands their own experiences better by understanding the experiences of their partner. It manifests when needs aren’t anticipated

but are communicated, and the love, confidence and security each partner has in themselves is reflected back onto the person with whom they’re sharing their life.

Love, in all of its infinite iterations, couldn’t possibly be captured within the confines of a single column. It’s a side effect of being a person navigating the world alongside other people — a beautiful through-

line that connects us, ignites us, blinds us and teaches more about ourselves and each other the more we engage in it.

Emily Erickson is a freelance writer and bartender originally from Wisconsin, with a degree in sociology and an affinity for playing in the mountains.

Retroactive

By BO

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BCRCC: 30 against 20,000+…

Bouquets: • In my May 27 “Bouquets and Barbs” column, I included a post I saw on Facebook outlining some helpful etiquette tips for living in North Idaho. The question was if there was some kind of brochure available for newcomers on how they can better prepare themselves for life in North Idaho. Well, it turns out there is such a booklet, put together by the University of Idaho called “The Code of the West” handbook. Lisa Saldana at the Bonner County Road and Bridge department emailed me about it and said they often point newcomers to the handbook when they have questions after first moving here. Thanks for the tip, Lisa. You can access the handbook yourself here: bit.ly/WestHandbook • A reader notified me of a new support group in Sandpoint, which you can find on Facebook (North Idaho Autoimmune Disease Support Group). Their first meeting will be held Thursday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the East Bonner County Library Sandpoint branch in Meeting Room A. This support group is for anyone who is suffering from at least one autoimmune disorder and the meeting is free.

Barbs: • To those out there who enjoy “hate-reading” this paper and sending us emails with suggestions for where we can stick our heads, I have a word of advice for you: If you ever want us to take any of your feedback seriously, try being a little more polite, a little less acidic, and leave out the name-calling and accusations. I wish you could all walk a mile in our shoes and realize how hard we work every week to write balanced news stories, especially when a majority of our elected officials refuse to return our emails for comment. There isn’t some conspiracy where we leave out someone’s comments on purpose — it’s usually the fact that your elected leaders refuse to participate, then claim bias when news stories don’t include their point of view. Perhaps you should be sending them emails asking why they don’t participate?

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Dear editor, I read with interest the article about 30 Republicans thinking their voice is more important than the 20,000 who voted for Jim Woodward, who is a good senator and a good man. These 30 some people must be looking for someone who’s anti-education, anti-community and anti-rational. Maybe the candidate they’re looking for is the guy that’s starting the militia up in Bonners Ferry. He’s the one who wants Bonner County to be a white homeland, no public education, no diversity of thought and no democracy.

Steve Johnson Sagle

Doggone annoyed…

Dear editor, Sorry, Kim [Woodruff], that “small minority” of irresponsible dog owners aren’t being reprimanded [News, “Council approves loosening leash laws,” June 3, 2021]. It only takes one bite or chasing a bike (wreck) for a $5,000-$10,000 medical bill. Any of you been to Lakeview lately? Absolutely no enforcement.

And, Jennifer Stapleton, really?

Eight hundred people [surveyed about dogs in public spaces] in a city of 9,000?

By the way, I’ve owned multiple houses, worked/volunteered in Sandpoint for the past 20+ years.

Do you even remember the sidewalk threat? Let alone the survey.

Yep, I paid $6,000 for my intown sidewalks (mostly for kids walking to school). And I shoveled snow on them (look it up, it’s a city ordinance).

Nanette Heintzelman Sandpoint

Moose mural is a mistake…

Dear editor, Regarding the moose painting on the Foster’s Crossing building: It simply shows bad taste and it takes away from any talent the artist may have had. A moose with its tongue out, really?

This is Idaho — a state which stands proud of its wildlife, not to make fun and display them as a joke.

Margie Esposito Bonner County

The GOP has collapsed...

Dear editor, The collapse of the Republican Party now represents a danger to our democracy.

Because of Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the election was stolen from him, the GOP in many states are passing voter-suppression laws and using racial gerrymandering to make it harder for communities of color to vote. This is a blatant attack on our democracy.

Also, GOP senators voted against the Jan. 6 commission, which would have investigated the violent attack on our Capitol as Congress was carrying out its constitutional duty of certifying the nation’s electoral votes.

This deadly attack on our democracy will go down in history as not only a sign of domestic terrorism, but also as a warning sign of fascism. It is well known that white supremacist and fascist groups were involved. By not having the courage to vote for the commission, those senators appear complicit in the violence that took place on that day.

With slavish adherence to Donald Trump, an autocratic, malicious narcissist, it shows that the GOP has collapsed into a cult-following party. Its members are only interested in remaining in power by playing to a seemingly gullible base that is fed and believes delusional, unfounded conspiracy theories.

The GOP is also trying to suppress the knowledge and history of our country — good and bad — that is taught in our schools and universities. This is an attack on truth, free speech and academic freedom, which are fundamental attributes of a healthy democracy.

Perhaps the GOP needs shock therapy — like losing the next several elections — for it to see how far it has strayed from it’s supposed roots, such as the rule of law and support for our nation’s democratic institutions and ideals.

Philip A. Deutchman Sandpoint

Send letters up to 300 words to letters@sandpointreader.com. Please elevate the conversation.

Upcoming NW Montana outdoor programs

By Reader Staff The Libby Hostel Base Camp is hosting a number of outdoor education programs in June, covering topics from birds to botany.

First up, on Saturday, June 12, will be “Birding the Clark Fork River.” Participants will set out from Noxon, Mont., on a medium-paced road tour with stops at multiple locations for scoping out the local avian life.

Attendees are asked to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, lunch, cameras, field guide books (if possible) and a sense of humor. The tour is expected to last about six hours, beginning at 9 a.m. (MST).

Space is limited, so registration is

required at: b_baxter53@yahoo. com or by calling 406-291-2154.

On Saturday, June 19, will be the Libby-based “Wildflowers and Wings’’ birding/botany combo program, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(MST); and, on Saturday, June 26, McGregor Lake-based “Early Summer Birding.”

All programs are hosted by experienced, educated, humorous instructors who know the ground.

If accommodations are needed check visit the hostel online at airbnb.com or facebook.com/LibbyHostelBaseCamp/. If the hostel is full, organizers can recommend other lodging options in the Libby area.

Create in Newport announces art classes

By Reader Staff Create in Newport, Wash., has a busy early June planned with a variety of classes.

Weezil will be teaching “Get Twisting,” using copper wire for making a bracelet or ring on Thursday, June 10 for $15. Two classes are offered at 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

This class is meant for ages 10 and up and has been very popular.

Randy Haa will guide students in making a sunflower picture on canvas through the acrylic pour process. This is a fluid way of painting, with additives allowing the paint to move. The class is $15 and goes from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, June 11.

Olivia will be offering her well-liked antler basket class on Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for $45. Bring thin needle nose pliers, a sack lunch and your

prepared antler.

Lynn Walters will present a block printing class on Friday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for $15. Students will prepare a linoleum block and then print with it. Blocks can be used for making cards or other designs. All materials are supplied and the minimum age is 12.

Finally, on Friday June 19, Haa will offer a fused glass garden stake class for $15. The class is from 10 a.m.-noon. Participants can choose their critter type, shape and arrange the glass. All materials are supplied.

Mail registration to P.O. 1173, Newport, WA, 99156, or pay online at createarts.org. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday noon-3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 900 W. Fourth St., Newport, Wash. Masks are recommended and pre-registration is required, as class sizes are limited.

OPINION

Racism and antiracism

By Timothy Braatz Reader Contributor

Why do we categorize people according to skin and facial features? Why judge people by superficial characteristics that tell us nothing about personal character? Where did we get this idea of “race”?

Beginning in the 1400s, Europeans kidnapped people from western Africa to sell as slaves. They claimed that “Blacks” were inferior to “whites” and needed salvation. In short, Europeans invented racist categories and hierarchies to justify racist practices and policies.

For 250 years, whites in North America asserted Black “inferiority” to justify slavery.

After U.S. slavery was abolished, whites claimed “superiority” to justify another century of racist segregation and violence.

One hundred years ago — from May 31-June 1, 1921 — a white mob murdered approximately 300 Black citizens and injured 800 more in Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Okla. The mob also looted and burned Black-owned homes, businesses, churches,and public schools, leaving 10,000 survivors homeless and 35 square city blocks in ruins.

Adjusted for inflation, the Greenwood property damage was equivalent to $200 million today, but insurance companies used technicalities to avoid paying claims. City officials hindered distribution of Red Cross financial aid and rezoned the district to prevent Black residents from rebuilding.

Among wealthy nations, the U.S. is last in upward social mobility. Rich families typically stay rich, poor families stay poor.

Thus, there is a direct connection between the massacre and present-day poverty in Tulsa. The wealth of “Negro Wall Street,” as middle-class Greenwood was known, didn’t get passed down to succeeding generations.

In 2001, an Oklahoma state commission recommended creation of economic

opportunities in Greenwood, a scholarship fund, and direct payments to survivors of the massacre and their descendants. So far, the Oklahoma Legislature and federal courts have rejected such reparations. This doesn’t mean the legislators and judges are racial bigots; however, a legal system that perpetuates racial inequality fits the definition of racism.

During the Second World War, the U.S. government imprisoned 120,000 Japanese Americans, causing them to lose houses, businesses and farms. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, which paid $20,000 each to more than 82,000 of the former prisoners. This attempt to repair racist harm fits the definition of antiracism.

To summarize: Europeans invented race categories to justify racist injustices and our legal system today sometimes perpetuates those injustices (racism) while sometimes correcting them (antiracism). Scholars who like fancy terminology call this sort of analysis “critical race theory.” Basically, it means trying to understand the connection between historical racism and current racial disparities.

Recently, Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announced that the state must “protect our young people from the scourge of critical race theory,” which she considers, “one of the most significant threats facing our society today.”

Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, has said, “We need to protect our teachers from being forced to teach this garbage of social justice, including critical race theory.”

But they appear to misunderstand critical race theory. McGeachin’s ally on this issue, Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, described it as meaning, “white people are inherently racist and that our young people should be made to feel guilty for actions they have never committed.” The Idaho Legislature just passed a law (HB 377) which blames “critical race theory” for causing Idaho schools to teach that one

group is “inherently superior or inferior” or that current members of a group “are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members.”

This misinterpretation is dangerous because it is potentially divisive. It gives the false impression that white students today are being blamed and denigrated for past injustices. This may undermine support and appreciation for public school teachers and administrators who, in good faith and with great commitment, serve our communities.

If nothing else, the vagueness of the new law will likely discourage teachers from offering lessons on race and racism. Do Idaho parents really want their children unaware of the historical reasons for current racial disparities?

According to federal statistics from 2019, Black families had a median wealth of $24,100, while white families had $188,200. If you know the history of racist policies and practices that prevented Black families from acquiring wealth, this wide disparity is easy to understand. Two examples among many: Banks systemically denied loans to Black applicants. The Social Security Act of 1935 excluded farmworkers, maids and nannies because these were jobs typically held by Black workers.

But if you don’t know the history — if your teachers aren’t allowed to clue you in—you might wrongly conclude that people with dark skin tend to have far less wealth because they are naturally inferior.

Historical ignorance perpetuates racism.

To be clear, no one is morally responsible for things they can’t control — especially events from long ago. But we can all help make our society less racist and more equitable in the present.

Timothy Braatz is a professor of history and nonviolence and the author of Peace Lessons.

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Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

armor of medieval Europe

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist If one were to imagine the armor of the medieval ages, images of gallant knights in full—body platemail astride awe—inspiring steeds in full barding would likely pop into your head — in actuality, if we had lived and fought during that time, very few of us would be wearing that. Regardless, if any of us aspired to survive the battle of Agincourt, we would require some kind of protection.

The gambeson was the most widely—equipped piece of armor in the medieval period, and for good reason. It was a quilted coat stuffed with dense fibers such as horse hair or straw that was designed to disperse the amount of force delivered by a slashing or bludgeoning attack — this was done by adding dimensional surface area for the attack’s force to spread, lessening the chance that you may endure the biting edge of your enemy’s blade. Unfortunately, due to the insulatory nature of the gambeson, it was extremely uncomfortable to wear into battle for hours at a time during the summer. Imagine going eight rounds with a professional boxer in an outdoor arena in the middle of August. Additionally, due to the nature of the fabric, it was virtually useless for protecting its wearer from projectile or lance attacks, as the sharpened point of either would simply slip between the fibers that had just saved you from a sword slash.

If the gambeson was so ineffective against two of the most utilized weapons during the medieval ages, why was it so popular?

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be worn beneath other types of armor. The lack of metallurgical prowess involved with producing a gambeson also meant that it was easy for the rank-and-file soldiers of medieval armies to repair their armor on the go. Many of these soldiers were peasants or lower-class citizens seeking to make a quick silver before winter, and were already experienced at mending clothing, as it was a fairly common skill required for survival at the time.

On top of all of that, the gambeson is pretty stylish, even by today’s standards — especially once you make one sporting your favorite colors. Forget the football jersey, I want some quilted linen protection!

An upgrade from the classic gambeson is the brigandine, which was constructed of a heavier, layered cloth or leather and riveted with large iron studs.

Brigandines were drastically more expensive to produce because of the metal components, but they were well worth the money. A well-fitted brigandine was especially useful for nullifying sword strikes, as the long blades would collide with the iron studs, sapping the force of the impact before the cutting edge would even strike the cloth beneath. Additionally, these iron studs increased your chance of survival from projectile fire and lance strikes. When paired with a gambeson, you were considerably more likely to survive an engagement on the battlefield.

The drawbacks to the brigandine was that it came in pieces — most often a vest, but sometimes also shoulderpads and cuffs. This type of armor wasn’t designed to articulate, which left your joints and legs exposed.

Though not employed as frequently as other forms of me-

dieval armor, lamellar armor did appear as one of the oldest forms of armor ever used in combat — first seen sometime around 800 BCE in Assyria, it persisted into the medieval ages as a reliable form of armor. Lamellar armor was characterized by its layers of iron scales protecting the torso and thighs. These scales virtually nullified sword and hammer strikes and were quite capable at deflecting projectiles as well.

Unfortunately for most combatants in the medieval ages, the better your armor was at keeping you alive, the more difficult and expensive it was to produce and maintain. Flat iron scales damaged by projectile strikes were more likely to buckle should they be struck again, which opened the avenue for one of the most prolific forms of armor to ever grace the battlefield: mail armor.

Composed of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny iron rings linked together, mail was a game-changer for the European crusaders between 10951492 CE. The network of metal rings allowed for the force of an impact to be dispersed across not only the area a blow was struck, but rippled across the entirety of the armor’s structure — this created an effect similar to a rock splashing into a pond and creating ripples. Mail armor was such a tremendous military achievement that blacksmiths of the age made everything into mail armor. Helmets, gloves, trousers, boots and even some cloaks were lined with mail.

It wasn’t until the 14th century CE that the gallant, knightly plate armor we all know today would come into existence. The most ornate forms of this armor were crafted in Milan, and had come to be known as Milanese armor. Deemed the crowning

“Does this gambeson make my butt look big?”

Courtesy photo. jewel of militaristic technology at the time, only the richest aristocrats of the various kingdoms could actually afford to have this type of armor crafted for them — and it was often just for show. Plate armor was deemed obsolete by the time gunpowder made its way to Europe in the 15th century, and pike-and-shot

warfare became the norm.

Imagine refinancing your house to buy your dream car: a brand new Tesla roadster, just to find out that someone just released a flying car that costs half as much and uses solar power to run. Talk about buyer’s remorse.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner Don’t know much about june?

• The name June is the modern adaptation of the Latin word Junius, which has its origins dating back to the ancient Romans.

• There are multiple theories as to what the month of June was named after. One theory is that it was named after the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno. Another theory is that its name originates from the Latin word iuniores, which translates into “younger ones.” Yet another possibility is that the month was named after Lucius Junius Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic.

• June was called sera monath by the Anglo-Saxons, which translated into “dry month.”

• June used to be the fourth month in the year. Before Julius Caesar came to power in Rome, the calendar year only had 10 months.

In 46 BCE he created the Julian calendar by adding two more months to the year, which made June the sixth month.

We can help!

• June has both the longest and the shortest days of the year, depending on where you’re standing. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, then June 21 is the longest day of the year. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, then the 21st is the shortest day of the year.

• June has its own beetle named after it. Called the June beetle, or June bug, it’s normally only found within the months of May and June in the United States.

• The period of time from the middle of May to the middle of June was considered by the ancient Romans to be an ill-omened time for marriage. The story goes that Ovid, a Roman poet, consulted with the high priestess of Jupiter and asked when would be a good time for his daughter’s wedding. The high priestess decreed that he should wait until after June 15. Contrary to Roman beliefs about the best and worst times to get married, June is now considered one of the very best months for entering into matrimony.

OPINION

Time is short to save the Idaho Republican Party

By Diana Dawson Reader Contributor The demand by our Bonner County Republican Central Committee for the resignation of District 1 Sen. Jim Woodward is ridiculous, as well as a tragic commentary on the state of North Idaho politics. This demand has no credibility and is out of touch with what conservative voters of Bonner County want. However, it does indicate the extremism in the BCRCC and its desire to dominate the Republican Party.

In the past two decades, North Idaho has experienced an inward migration of far-right individuals. Often they are retired, have raised their families elsewhere and have no community commitment except to dominate the Republican Party. With the help of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, they have done that and gained control of both Bonner and Kootenai Republican Central Committees.

Instead of building a better Republican Party based on good conservative values, they foster extreme ideologies, create toxic environments and drive out respectable conservatives. Without any balance, the

extremists are free to stir the pot as they please. Suggesting that Sen. Woodward resign is such an example.

Sen. Woodward, R-Sagle, is a lifelong Idahoan who is a true Republican. Educated at the University of Idaho, he served his country in the U.S. Navy on nuclear missile submarines. Upon completion, he returned to Idaho and built a successful construction business. His decision to run for office was based on a desire to give back to the community — not for power or control.

Sen. Woodward listens to his constituents, researches and makes good conservative decisions for the good of North Idaho citizens. The voters rewarded him in the

last election of 2020 with 22,433 votes — a number above all other District 1 legislators. He practices conservative principles.

His voting record reflects what North Idaho conservatives want: economic growth; public education support; good infrastructure; and smaller, efficient government.

While Sen. Woodward has been working on our behalf, the BCRCC and the IFF were practicing “extreme government overreach.” Witness the 2021 legislative session, during which some representatives demonstrated such reckless legislative behavior that they managed to extend the session to 122 days and created a cost over-

run of $511,000. They held up educational funding, introduced irrelevant fringe bills and sought to take control from the governor. The conservative voters of Idaho did not benefit from this “excessive overreach,” but the far-right legislators did — generating per diem income from the extra days.

Sen. Woodward refused his pay.

Now, after disrupting the Legislature and creating time and cost expenditures, they want Sen. Woodward to resign. When do we as good conservative citizens say enough is enough? How long do we turn a blind eye to the extremism before us? And when do we the citizens say we are part of the problem?

Working together gives us the best solutions. But what happens when a group decides they know better than anyone else and that they want control and blind obedience instead of a democratic process? That is where we are today and it is unacceptable.

We need to get to it. Time is short. Our North Idaho way of life, our Republican Party and our democracy is at stake. It doesn’t take much. Get informed. Get involved. Get a voice and vote. The voters are the only ones that can make this right.

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FEATURE

A splash of safety

BoCo Marine Division, other local officials encourage boaters to take advantage of educational opportunities

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff As North Idahoans prepare for a summer on the water by dewinterizing their boats and stocking up on sunscreen and snacks, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division has been performing its own preparations, getting ready to make sure this year’s boating season is as safe as it can be.

Outside of the summer season, Marine Division personnel perform maintenance on all BCSO vessels. Before the boating season begins, all personnel attend a twoweek in-service training program, while newly hired deputies also undergo an 80-hour Marine Academy program.

Those deputies then spend the summer months patrolling area waters, “looking for safety violations, performing boat safety inspections, providing educational information and responding to calls for service,” according to Lt. Doug McGeachy, head of the Bonner County Marine Division.

McGeachy said there are currently six patrol vessels on Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River and Priest Lake. Deputies can also patrol the many other lakes and rivers in Bonner County, using smaller boats or personal

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watercraft. The department added thermal cameras to two of its vessels this year, which could help locate boats and people in the dark or during times of low visibility.

McGeachy said that common violations on local waterways include failure to display a ski flag when a water skier, surfer or tuber is downed; excessive noise from engines or stereos; and “carriage equipment violations” — failure to have life jackets, fire extinguishers and other required equipment onboard.

Marine deputies also keep an eye on non-motorized water recreationists, who have their own set of laws to follow.

“For paddle sport enthusiasts, it is common to see people on the water who do not have a personal

floatation device or a sound-producing device (whistle),” McGeachy said. “Our deputies carry and routinely pass out whistles to members of the public to enhance safety.”

Many community complaints come from alleged wake zone violations — a hot topic along the shores of North Idaho’s waterways in recent years. The Lakes Commission, an advisory board responsible for advocating for local lakes and rivers, has been leading the charge in educating the public on why it’s so important to comply with wake laws.

Large wakes can cause property damage to both structures and the shoreline’s natural buffers, speeding up erosion. As wake surfing and other wake-dependent, motorized sports have taken off, the Lakes Commission has spread campaigns like, “Avoid the Shore, Ride the Core,” and “Love Your Lake? Watch Your Wake.”

“Relieving tension between boaters and shoreline property owners is beneficial for all,” the commission states on its website.

“Thank you! Be safe and have fun!”

Under Bonner County Code, no-wake zones for lakes and the Pend Oreille River extend 200 feet from the nearest shore, structure or person in the water, and 50 feet from surrounding vessels. As for other local rivers, the no-wake zone is shortened to 100 feet.

According to Executive Director Molly McCahon, the Lakes

Commission has a Boater’s Guide available for Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake. These brochures are free to the public and include a map of the lakes, as well as information on boating safety, protecting water quality, the local fishery and water resources. Those who would like a map or, as a business, would like to hand them out to clientele, call 208-265-4568 or email lakescommission@gmail.com.

Beyond enforcement on the water and educational campaigns across the region, boaters can take their recreational responsibility into their own hands by taking a free boating safety course. When asked what he would say if he had every local boater in a room, McGeachy’s response was simple: “Please, please, please take a boating safety and/or paddlesport safety course.”

“These courses are not required in Idaho, but members of the community can learn valuable information about safety on the water to include navigation rules — ‘rules of the road’ — carriage requirements, navigation lighting

Bonner County Sheriff Marine Deputy Kurt Poeschel, boat caption of Marine 5, which services the Hope area. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert. requirements and other safety measures that will keep them safe on the water,” he added.

Courses can be attended online or in person, with the BCSO Marine Division offering a handful of free, in-person courses this spring and summer.

Remaining courses for 2021 include Saturday, June 12 at the BCSO Marine Division office (4001 N. Boyer Road) in Sandpoint; Saturday, June 26 at Priest Lake Search and Rescue (81 Cavanaugh Bay Road) in Coolin; and Saturdays, July 10 and Aug. 7 at the BCSO Marine Division office.

All classes begin at 9 a.m. and will last about six hours, so organizers encourage students to bring lunch.

Those who wish to know more or sign up for these in-person boating safety courses can call BCSO at 208-263-8417 ext. 3125, or email marine@bonnercountyid.gov.

OUTDOORS

Outdoor Experience turns 35

The little store on First Ave. is where adventure begins for many

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Sandpoint may have changed a bit in the past three decades, but one thing remains the same: we have always loved the outdoors in this community. For many, where adventure begins is buying the right gear and asking the right people for advice on trails and destinations. Last month, Outdoor Experience celebrated 35 years of being the brick-and-mortar nucleus for everything outdoors in the greater Sandpoint area.

OE, as it’s known by many locals, got its start in May 1986 as a joint venture between Kevin Nye and Mark DeLaVergne.

Known as the place where you can try on anything from the newest winter puffy jacket to rock climbing shoes, OE has always been the place to go for anything outdoors.

Current owner Jenny Curto took over the helm at OE in May 2019 after a fortuitous meeting with Nye’s wife, Julie.

Curto moved to Sandpoint from Seattle in 2017 with her partner — whose family lives in the area — and was eager to get involved with the outdoor scene here from day one.

“I’ve had about 10 years of experience in the outdoor industry,” Curto told the Reader. “More recently working in-house with Cascade Designs in Seattle.”

Curto said she was working remotely for the Seattle firm the first couple of years she lived in Sandpoint, but was eager for a new direction.

“The longer we lived here, I was trying to find a way to do something in this community,” she said. “It was kind of

sad working remotely and not being able to contribute. I started running with Julie [Nye] and her friends and [Kevin Nye] made an offhand remark in January of 2019 about, ‘Have you ever thought about owning an outdoors store?’”

That innocent question kicked off a five- or six-month period of research and evaluation by Curto, who dove head-first into the opportunity.

“Once he planted that seed, I couldn’t get it out of my head,” she said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something I cared about in this community I cared about. I felt like I had to make it happen.”

Curto said it was important to honor what Nye and DeLaVergne had created with Outdoor Experience.

“First and foremost, I wanted to preserve what they created and continue that legacy,” she said. “It’s been successful and been around for so long.”

Most of the staff stayed on during the ownership transition, including longtime employee and sales manager Jane Arndt.

Nye and DeLaVergne also help out with advice whenever Curto reaches out, and Julie Nye also assists with accounting.

“The crew we have this summer is so dialed in,” Curto said of her five employees. “I feel really lucky to get to come to work with them every day.”

Curto said the pandemic caused a disruption for supply, as it did with many other businesses, but it was a healthy sign that more and more people were interested in getting outdoors and recreating.

Along with offering a variety of gear, covering every season and outdoor activity, Curto said another important part

of the business is community outreach.

Every Monday evening at 6 p.m. she hosts a running group that gathers, rain or shine. The group will mark its 100th running session at the end of June. OE also participates in group rides, outreach with Sandpoint’s trail-building community, clean-up efforts in our wilderness and outdoor events like the Race the Wolf trail race held at Schweitzer.

“In this era of online shopping, people come in here all the time looking on their phones wanting to buy online, but what makes brick-and-mortar shops successful is the community building that we do,” Curto said. “The relationships we form with our customers and the education you get when working with a retail associate is priceless. If you build that trust, they might go out of their way to buy from you downtown instead of online. We really

Outdoor Experience owner Jenny Curto at the shop downtown. Photo by Ben Olson. appreciate that.”

Curto said she not only appreciates her customers, but fellow small business owners, who are always happy to lend an ear any time she needs advice.

“I’m so grateful for this community,” she said.

Curto said she’s honored to take the Outdoor Experience that Nye and DeLaVergne built from the ground up and keep providing gear, advice and a friendly smile to seasonal visitors and longtime locals alike.

“I intend for OE to be around for many more years to come,” she said.

Check out Outdoor Experience at 314 N. First Ave. in downtown Sandpoint or call them at 208-263-6028 for any of your outdoors needs.

Non-resident and vehicle entry fees to increase at popular Idaho state parks

By Reader Staff Out-of-state visitors to a number of Idaho state parks should expect to pay more for entry and camping, including at Farragut, Priest Lake and Round Lake state parks.

According to a media release June 9 from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, non-residents will pay $14 for the daily entry fee at those area parks — effective June 10, per a new state law — which is twice the $7 fee paid by Idaho residents.

Bear Lake and Hells Gate state parks, both located near Lewiston, will also see doubled entry fees.

In addition, camping fees for non-Idaho residents at Farragut, Priest Lake and Round Lake will rise to $48 per night for a basic site, and $64 per night for a site with full hookups. Fees for Idaho residents will remain $24 and $32 per night, respectively.

The same camping fee increases will be in effect for non-residents at Henrys Lake, just west of the Idaho-Wyoming border and Yellowstone National Park; and Ponderosa State Park, near McCall.

Fees at all other state parks will remain the same for both residents and non-resident visitors, alike.

State parks and rec. officials implement-

ed the fee changes in the wake of House Bill 93, which specified increases for some of the state’s busiest parks for day use and camping.

“The changes will keep Idaho competitive with surrounding states, which have similar surcharges for out-of-state guests,” stated IDPR Director Susan Buxton. “Even with these increases, our parks are a good value given the exceptional recreational opportunities.”

According to the department, visitations to Idaho state parks set a record in 2020 — almost 7.7 million came to state parks for day use and camping during the year, amounting

to “a surge” of 1.2 million more than the prior record. IDPR stated that about 30% of those visitors traveled from outside of the state.

Though Idaho residents won’t see any change to what they have to pay to enter and camp at state parks, the annual motor vehicle entry fee is also set to rise June 10 to $80 for all users, irrespective of their place of residence. The fee provides unlimited daily entry to parks for the year.

Idaho residents are advised to purchase the $10 State Park Passport, which provides unlimited entry into parks for a year, and is available at their local department of motor vehicles offices.

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Opening Night is June 18!

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COMMUNITY

Wheelchair fundraiser highlights community spirit

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Contributor

Don’t call Brigette Kucherry an inspiration — she prefers to be a motivator.

Rather than instilling vague, fluffy emotions in the people around her, she hopes she can spark positive change by her example. That’s exactly what she did for a group of local teachers who recently took notice of her rigorous exercise routine. What goes around, comes around, and those teachers decided to make a little positive change of their own.

Diagnosed with MS in 2002, not long after graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1999, Kucherry found exercise difficult for many years due to her large, bulky wheelchair. Almost 50 pounds and awkward to use for more intensive activities, it wasn’t ideal equipment, but it didn’t stop her from regularly traversing the Long Bridge for a workout.

“The Long Bridge was the best place for me to get exercise,” Kucherry said.

“I’m never alone there, so it’s a place where I feel safe.”

Rain or shine, she stuck to her routine,

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and people began to take notice. Among them was a group of teachers, including Malia Meschko, Wendy Auld, Lisa Barton and Zabrielle Dillon, who also walked for exercise. When they noticed how Kucherry never missed an exercise date, regardless of weather or circumstances, they found the motivation to maintain a similar commitment.

“They thought about it, and it really meant something to them,” Kucherry said. “They realized that if I can get out there in the rain, anyone can.”

The only problem?

Kucherry’s wheelchair. It just wasn’t designed for the long travel distances Kucherry covered when she was out exercising. Custom-made athletic wheelchairs are expensive, typically running many thousands of dollars. So the teachers cooked up a plan. Meschko organized an entire fundraising campaign and, in early May, they began actively collecting funds. Within just a few days, they’d raised more than $3,000.

“I have never had such an easy time raising money in this community,” Auld said. “We made a post on Facebook that was public and I pretty much spent the rest of the weekend meeting strangers on 4-by4s or Harleys. There were single moms.

Some handed me $100 bills and some gave me their tip money even though they probably could have used it themselves.”

Thanks to that generosity, the order is now placed for Kucherry’s new sports

Brigette Kucherry on her regular workout routine on the Long Bridge in her old chair. Delivery of the new custom-made athlethic wheelchair is expected to take place in the next week, thanks to the efforts of local schoolteachers and donors.

Photo by Tanyia Oulman Photography. wheelchair, which is being readied for a delivery either this or next week.

It weighs nearly half her previous wheelchair — 23 pounds compared to 44 pounds. The wheels are cambered, or set at an angle to handle rougher terrain and facilitate easier propulsion. Finally, the chair itself is fuschia pink, which should make for an eye-catching sight when Kucherry is out traversing the bridge.

When the wheelchair arrives, Kucherry hopes to debut it in style. She envisions gathering people together — particularly those who donated or organized the fundraising effort — and making her first trek down the Long Bridge, complete with drone camerawork to document it.

Perhaps more enduring than the donated wheelchair itself is the sense of gratefulness and community spirit it represents. Kucherry was skeptical that after a tough year like 2020, people — many of them complete strangers — would have the ability or even the desire to donate.

When the wheelchair was fully funded faster than anyone anticipated, it was a poignant reminder of how powerful the community spirit can be.

“It has shown me that the saying is true. A teacher never stops caring about you,” Kucherry said.

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events June 10, 2021

THURSDAY, June 10

Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Music w/ Alex & Maya 7-9pm @ The Back Door

Longshot Trivia 7-10pm @ The Longshot Compete in teams of 6 or meet someone new, prizes, free. Longshotsandpoint.com

FriDAY, June 11

Live Music w/ Lucas Brown Duo 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Live Music w/ Mike Wagoner, Utah John and Jack-O 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery The Mike Wagoner Trio always brings fun Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 8-10pm @ The Back Door

Live Music w/ BTP 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Baker | Thomas | Packwood live!

Cornhole Tournament 6pm @ The Longshot With 7B Baggers. Free to all. Wolf and Bele Illustration Workshop at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 12

Suzuki String Academy Spring Recital 2pm @ Sandpoint Events Center Free attendance!

Live Music w/ Daniel Hall 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Acoustic rock, folk, pop and blues Live Music w/ Turn Spit Dogs 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Live Music w/ Robert Crader and Holly Beaman (rock and blues) 4-7pm @ Davis Market & Cafe (Hope) Live Music w/ Devon Wade 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Idaho Free Fishing Day Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun fishing — no license required all day Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 10am-1pm @ Farmin Park Produce, arts, crafts and more Dance Party w/ DJ Fendiplex 8pm-late @ The Longshot DJ Fendiplex from Kansas City will be taking the dance party into the night Live Music w/ Chris Lynch & Friend 8-10pm @ The Back Door

SunDAY, June 13

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am Interactive Bingo 6-7:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Family Fun Day in the Forest 2-4pm @ Lakeview Park Hosted by Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, this fun day is open to all

monDAY, June 14

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Outdoor Experience Monday Night Group Run – All levels welcome 6pm @ Outdoor Experience

Blind Beer Tasting w/ Farmhouse Ales 6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Check out Farmhouse Ales and Saisons.

This is a fun way to learn more about beer styles, challenge your taste buds and win prizes. $15 gets you in on the fun

Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalapeño’s Restaurant “A Father’s Power: How Dads Shape Us—for Better or Worse.”

tuesDAY, June 15

Paint and Sip with Holly Walker • 5:30-7:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery $35 includes supplies, instruction and a glass of house red or white. 208-265-8545

wednesDAY, June 16

Benny on the Deck live music 5-7:30pm @ Connie’s Lounge Benny Baker and guest Sheldon Packwood Live Music w/ Wiebe Jammin’ 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park

Lakeside Bingo 6-8pm @ Hope Memorial Comm. Center $20 includes cards, dinner and drink

Live Music w/ Kerry Leigh 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Open Mic Night • 7-9pm @ The Longshot Music, comedy, poetry, whatevah!

Live Music w/ Samantha Carston 7-9pm @ The Back Door

ThursDAY, June 17

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STAGE & SCREEN

Beast of show

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff There are a couple of ways to interpret Samuel Johnson’s famous quote: “He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.” On one hand, it’s a chastisement for “beastly” behavior as a means of shirking the onerous responsibility of morality and self-awareness demanded by membership in the community of humankind. On the other hand (or paw), it’s a recommendation.

The latter reading seems more in line with the gist of Netflix original series Sweet Tooth, which premiered June 4 on the streaming service, and immediately captured the hearts and minds of critics and viewers alike.

Based on the DC comic book series by Jeff Lemire, Sweet Tooth currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and rogerebert.com calls it “riveting.”

The summary goes something like this: civilization has partially collapsed in the so-called “Great Crumble” (which sounds more like a really good coffee cake than the apocalypse, but is actually pretty bad), precipitated by a global disease pandemic. At the same time, all the newborns are coming into the world with hybridized features — that is, as human-bird, human-dog, human-cat, human-armadillo babies.

People don’t know what to make of these occurrences. Most think the hybrids caused the pestilence, very few others think they are nature’s way of preserving the human race by nudging it closer to its “animal” origins. Complicating matters is the realization that hybrids are immune to “The Sick,” as it comes to be called.

Though written long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and its subsequent social dislocation, Sweet Tooth couldn’t have come at a better time as it teases out the nuances of the “pandemic life” in a dare-I-say more “human” way than most every other ham-handed end-of-days sci-fi series. Its only sour note is James Brolin’s lame narration, but that’s easily swallowed.

At the center of the story is Gus — a deer-boy born in the immediate pre-Crumble.

Played with heart-wrenching innocence and tear-jerking pathos by Christian Convery, Gus is spirited away by his dad (Will Forte, flexing all his sweetness) to Yellowstone National Park, where they construct a society of two in blissful isolation. It’s a fairytale existence for about 10 years, as Gus and his “pubba” (that is, “papa”) build their forest

Netflix series Sweet Tooth is a treat for the eyes, ears and antlers

cabin, plant their crops, make the maple syrup that Gus happily sips straight from the bottle — hence the nickname “Sweet Tooth” — and spend their days simply loving one another and their surroundings.

Pubba fills Gus’ library with handmade versions of books like Tom Sawyer and does his darndest to provide him with everything a young kid could want — including stuffed animals, such as Dog, sewn from dad’s old socks and loved with the full ferocity and earnestness that only a child can muster.

This idyll, which is frankly Biblical in its evocation of the Garden of Eden, is of course shattered when the outside world invades.

There are bad people roaming the countryside, searching for hybrids to either hunt and kill or use for medical experiments that could potentially bring about a cure for The Sick. Whether or not such a cure is advisable is clearly up for debate, as the humans have made a hash of Earth and, led by the cartoonish Gen. Abbott (Neil Sandilands, in another sour note), the so-called Last Men militia goons are angling to set up a fascist dictatorship in which — with vaccines in hand — they will decide who lives and dies.

Gus gets in a tangle with these Last Men but is rescued by the Big Man, played to utter perfection by Nonso Anozie as a reluctant protector, who by stages warms to Gus and helps him on his journey to Colorado to find his mom. Anozie needs an Emmy for his role.

Eventually Sweet Tooth and Big Man meet up with militant teenage hybrid defender Bear (Stefania LaVie Owen) as they traverse the Intermountain West.

Two other narrative tracks operate alongside the tale of Gus and Big Man. One is centered on Dr. Aditya Singh (Adeel Akhtar) whose wife Rani (Aliza Vellani) has The Sick but has been kept alive with regular doses of a mysterious treatment.

They live in a suburban quarantine that is a playground for homicidal Karens; but then, I repeat myself.

The other focuses on Aimee Eden (Dania Ramirez), a former mental health counselor who has established a safe zone for hybrid kids in an abandoned zoo in what appears to be Denver.

All of these stories collide, naturally, with a lot of high-stakes, spoiler-rich details that I won’t divulge. Suffice to say, every episode is immensely satisfying.

At base, the joy of the show is Gus — Convery’s arresting performance will make all but the most dead-hearted openly weep as his character journeys big-eyed, deerhorned and achingly vulnerable into a vi-

cious world that only wants to put his head on a wall. I cried at least five times over the Season 1 arc of eight episodes.

Parents want their children to be better than them. This show shows what that really

Courtesy photo. means: Our little beasts are always and forever our betters.

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FOOD

Sandpoint’s summer plate

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff As North Idaho commerce awakens from its winter- and COVID-induced slumber, the local food scene is making big moves and unveiling new, exciting options. From “Giant Burgers” to fresh-squeezed juice, here are a pair of local notables.

Cafe 95 1109 Fontaine Drive, Ponderay; 208-265-5095; facebook.com/ Cafe95Sagle Cafe 95 is turning over a new leaf in a new location, all while maintaining the home cooked goodness for which the establishment is known.

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“After four and a half wonderful years in Sagle, we’ve decided to move to a new location in Ponderay,” said owner Claire Allen, who runs the mom-and-pop eatery with her husband, Joel. “The Sagle community was absolutely fantastic and we will miss our cute little hole-in-the-wall cafe, but unfortunately in the long-run the building just wasn’t big enough or set up right for what we needed.”

Despite moving north from its original Sagle location to the former home of Laughing Dog Brewing in Pondary, Cafe 95 is keeping its name, thanks to the close proximity to North Idaho’s main arterial highway.

“The new location in Ponderay has amazing views of Schweitzer Mountain, outdoor seating and lots of

parking,” Allen said.

Cafe 95 has set an opening date of Saturday, June 26, with hours of 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Our focus is our food,” Allen said. “We offer lots of home cooked comfort food and large portions, but also have smaller meals, fresh salads and sandwiches. And of course if you’re feeling daring, you’ve got to try one of our Giant Burgers.”

The new location will also feature beer on tap and prime rib every Friday night.

“We want to have the same hometown, fun atmosphere and great service that we always did,” Allen said. “We can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Stay up-to-date on all developments at the new Cafe 95 on its Facebook page.

Northern Squeeze Oak Street Food Court; Instagram: @northernsqueeze

What else is new in local food?

Mother-daughter duo Tamra and Callie Kellogg are bringing their passion for healthy living to the Oak Street Food Court in Sandpoint, where their new food truck — Northern Squeeze — has been slinging fresh, cold-pressed juice and clean eats for almost a month.

Callie said Northern Squeeze had been a longtime dream, and she and her mother have been juicing from home for many years.

“We are working every day, and believe strongly in eating raw, juicing and being as healthy as possible,” she said. “We all only get one body, and we want to help others the best we can.”

Northern Squeeze offers a wide variety of juice options, as well as gluten-free waffles, avocado toast, vegan donuts and ginger shots.

“We are striving daily to support and supply Sandpoint the healthiest, freshest cold-pressed juices possible,” Callie said. “My mom and I truly care about the community, and helping people on

Left: A cheeseburger from Cafe 95.

Above: Northern Squeeze at the Oak St. Food Court. Courtesy photos. a health-conscious journey. We are constantly learning, growing and improving ourselves to be there for you.”

Northern Squeeze is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Follow the business on Instagram to learn about specials and discounts. Juice and other offerings can also be ordered through the DeliverEats 7B food delivery app.

MUSIC

The long hiatus

By Ben Olson Reader Staff I once heard someone explain the difference between musicians and writers, and it has always stuck with me. Musicians are like dogs, they said — you can throw them a bone of applause once in a while and they’ll be happy as pie. Writers, meanwhile, are like cats; more aloof and not so desirous of instant gratification, but they still come sniffing around for a scratch behind the ears when they need the attention.

Speaking as a musician and a writer, I resemble those remarks.

There are a handful of industries that were hit particularly hard during the pandemic, including travel, bars, hotels and live music.

Musicians who play live and tour around the country were faced with an almost-immediate decline in gigs during the past year — some bands were even forced into a year-long hiatus, which hit them in their pocketbooks as well as put a dent in their creative drive.

My own band — Harold’s IGA — was also affected by the downturn in live music in Sandpoint.

We played our last full show as a band in Sandpoint in early March 2020 and promptly canceled every show for the remainder of the summer, except for an outdoor gig in Priest Lake on Labor Day. With CDC guidelines loosening on face mask usage and social distancing, venues are again offering shows with something approaching

Returning to live music after a long time away can be a fun challenge

a live show. Every venue and crowd is different. Sometimes we show up and realize it’s going to be “one of those nights” with drunk people shouting out nonsensical cover suggestions and even drunker people trying to play the drums while we’re on set break.

Harold’s IGA playing live in Sandpoint. Courtesy photo.

Oftentimes I have felt like a prop, playing background music the consistency with which they as tables right next to the stage appeared in pre-pandemic times. prattle on about whatever people The Festival at Sandpoint has talk about in bars, most of them released a dynamite lineup for its completely unaware that the band summer concert series, local venues are again promoting live music can hear everything they are saying. It can be quite distracting. every weekend and musicians are Other times we are delighted again finding their calendars filling to see a receptive, passionate with gigs that were nonexistent at audience that seems to be eager this time last year.

As summer looms closer, more to listen to what we have created.

It’s always a crap shoot, and that’s and more gig offers have come what makes it interesting. my way to play at local venues, We have a lot of live music in but we have made the decision not Sandpoint, which is great. It’s a to spring right back into playing sign that our community embraces three or four times a month like we used to. Instead, the time away culture and that there’s always from playing live music has forced something lively to listen to at a handful of local venues. But one us to reckon with the reality of thing I’ve noticed more and more gigging in a town like Sandpoint.

I have always enjoyed the stress during the past year (even before relief and fun that goes into playing the pandemic) is that musicians

playing live often have to battle for their audiences’ attention more than it seems we used to.

It’s not that bands demand their audiences sit at rapt attention the whole show, but there are times we’ve played for more than an hour and not even received any applause or even recognition that we just finished a song. There is nothing quite so loud as silence after finishing a song you wrote to a full, rowdy bar.

I’m not complaining, just pointing out that live music etiquette seems to have gone out the window. Live music is an interactive form of entertainment. Musicians often banter with the crowd and we notice when you just don’t seem to care what’s happening on stage.

As more and more local bands emerge from the long hiatus to play live again, do us all a favor and practice being a more attentive audience when a band is playing.

Even if you’re not a fan of the music, a little bit of interaction and attention is so vital for the show, because when you’re not into it, you can be sure that the band reverts to “paid practice” mode and phones in the rest of the set.

So throw us musical dogs a bone every once in a while and let us know you’re aware of our presence. A dollar in the tip jar also goes a long way, too, since many bands have been asked to play for free or for a reduced rate lately.

Happy listening.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint Benny on the Deck, Connie’s, June 16

By Reader Staff Benny Baker — one of Sandpoint’s hardest working musicians — is kicking off his summer-long music event Wednesday, June 16 called Benny on the Deck at Connie’s Lounge.

This weekly sampling of live music kicks off every Wednesday night at 5 p.m. and features a special guest every week.

Known for his work playing in bands like BTP and The Other

White Meat, Benny Baker is a household name around the Sandpoint music scene. Joining him June 16 will be Sheldon Packwood.

The music takes place right off the back patio at Connie’s Lounge and provides a casual atmosphere to sip mixed drinks and hear individual sets and collaboration between Baker and his weekly guest.

— Ben Olson 5-7:30 p.m., FREE. Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., 208-2552227, every Wednesday night.

Queen Bonobo, Lucas Brookbank Brown, Live at 525, June 18

By Reader Staff The Festival at Sandpoint’s intimate venue concert Live from 525 announced its next performance for Friday, June 18, featuring Queen Bonobo and Lucas Brookbank Brown.

Queen Bonobo is North Idaho native Maya Goldblum, who recently released her EP Sail From This Life, highlighting her whimsical music. Goldblum will be joined

by Alex Cope.

Lucas Brookbank Brown was born and raised in the Inland Northwest and combines folk, blues and Americana to offer an enthusiastic live performance. He is currently working on recording his first full-length album.

Live from 525 is a 30-person venue, so tickets often sell out fast.

— Ben Olson Friday, June 18; 4:30 p.m. happy hour, 5 p.m. music; $20.34.

525 Pine St., 208-265-4554, festivalatsandpoint.com.

This week’s RLW by Lyndsie Kiebert

READ

...the instructions. I was recently gifted an Instant Pot, and in my excitement to cook rice in record time, I burned a rock-hard coating of grains onto the bottom of my shiney new kitchen gadget.

Thanks to non-scratch sponges, hot water and a lot of elbow grease, I reversed my mistake, but life would have been easier had I just read the damn booklet.

LISTEN

Olivia Rodrigo, an 18-yearold Disney star turned chart topping musician, is enjoying some serious fame in 2021 following the release of her first album, SOUR. Rodrigo boasts solid vocals but, what’s more, her unapologetic lyrics and audible sass have women all over the world reminiscing about their most epic breakups. I recommend shouting tracks “good 4 u” and “deja vu” for a good dose of catharsis.

WATCH

While I’ve never been a gymnast, I have always been a loyal follower of the U.S. women’s national gymnastics team. I’ve been in a constant state of awe since Simone Biles made her Olympic debut in 2016. Over the weekend, she won her seventh all-around national title — the most anyone has ever earned.

Biles is no stranger to breaking records and inventing new, high-flying technical skills, and her work never stops being incredible to watch.

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BACK OF THE BOOK

Not normal From Pend Oreille Review, June 10, 1920

BANK ROBBERS LEAVE ABANDONED CAR The two bandits who last week Thursday at the noon hour held up the Citizens State bank at Priest River made a successful getaway.

A reward of $50 by the Fidelity & Deposit Insurance company which insured the bank against loss by robbery and a reward of $50 offered by the county for the apprehension of the two highwaymen sent many scouring parties in search of them, but the bold operators have apparently made good their escape. Sheriff Kirkpatrick returned Tuesday from a two days’ search of the upper Priest river and Priest lake countries in company with “Blue Lake” Johnson who turned detective from serving sentence in the county jail for moonshining. The best deduction that the sheriff and “Blue Lake” had upon their return was that the desperadoes were still in the upper country and were provisioned for a stay of a few days in the mountain fastness before venturing forth to civilization with their illgotten gains.

The Chevrolet car which was forcibly taken from John A. Kinnear of Henderson, Cal. near Spirit Lake the morning of the bank holdup, and with which the two holdups made their excursion into Priest River and out again, was found seven miles out from Priest River on the Coolin road

by Charles Johnson Friday forenoon. Johnson, near whose place the abandoned car was located, found the car in the brush about 15 minutes after Sheriff Kirkpatrick and Deputy Doust had gone by the place and told Johnson of the robbery.

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By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Not going to lie: The so-called “return to normalcy” has hit me with a brain-slam more severe than expected. In the words of Bilbo Baggins, “I don’t know half of you as well as I should have; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”

That’s in the best of times. These are not they, and my feelings about all y’all out there are even more conflicted than the Reddit thread on Bilbo’s above quote. (Spoiler: It’s a master class in benign ambivalence, bordering on a shrugging disdain mingled with grudging affection.)

I don’t know if this is an acquired case of agoraphobia or a true reflection of what I find when I enter the wider society. It’s definitely true that when I go out to eat or belly up to the bar, far more often than not the only people I know in the place (other than those with whom I came) are the owners, servers and/or bartenders.

When I venture out of my home office, which has become my simultaneous comfort zone and deeply hated mental womb, I find myself actively disliking at least 90% of the people with whom I have to engage, as well those with whom I don’t have to directly engage.

Just in the past week I was on the phone with one of my dearest friends when she was almost run down — in a downtown crosswalk — by some dingus in a too-bigto-be-reasonable truck with Texas plates.

In the middle of our conversation she screamed out an F-bomb and I thought I’d said something unpalatable. That happens.

Turns out she was yelling at the driver who almost killed her — some fat-neck who thinks there ain’t no laws north of the Mason-Dixon (what a bizarre turnabout in American history), and has apparently come

STR8TS Solution

A few thoughts on the state of ‘normalcy’

here to inflict himself on everyone else.

It’s a popular impetus, and this kind of soul-crushing minutiae also happens when I take my kids to City Beach and see dorks walking around with “wealth management” portfolios in arm, taking pictures of boat slips and (I presume, since she was looking down) piles of goose crap.

Meanwhile, I’ve heard countless other stories of general bad behavior by interlopers from dozens of fellow lifers, and personally have been honked at, heckled, harassed and otherwise hated on more in the past few months than the sum of my entire life here.

And that’s saying a lot, as a mouthy s.o.b. born here with a weird fashion sense and no shortage of unpopular opinions.

Of course, it’s no secret that there are multiple varieties of jerkwads in this place right now (some from here, but many orders of magnitude more who aren’t), and there are many, many more coming. God help us.

Needless to say, I’m not a big fan of “normalcy.” I don’t like the condition and I like the word even less. But here we are.

Living in “normalcy,” with the city of Ketchum setting up tent cities for workers because they can’t afford the average home sale price of $900,000+, nor rents in the $2,000+ range. These are employed people, many of whom have been rendered homeless because their already over-priced rentals were sold out from under them.

That’s absurd, but we’re getting there here, with a median listing price of $469,000, per realtor.com; but, just eyeballing the local listings, I feel like that average is closer to $600K. After a certain point it doesn’t matter, though. Without generational wealth, it’s impossible to afford a place priced above $1,500 per month. Crunch your own numbers if you don’t agree, but it’s a lived fact and I don’t have the space to break it down.

Here’s my question: Who’s buying?

Here’s my answer: In too many cases, the wrong people. I had a long, productive conversation with someone — a real-life local about 10 years older than me — who disagreed with my coverage of local politics, thinking it was biased or slanted in some way.

Over the course of an hour or so we argued and questioned each other, commiserated about some things and ended up still opposed in important ways but with (I hope) a sense of amity.

One thing we could come together on was the idea that “normalcy” isn’t feeling too good right now. Regardless of our differences, it was an interaction that felt more normal than whatever condition we’re supposed to be currently enjoying. Let’s make that the new “normal.”

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

banausic

Woorf tdhe Week

By Bill Borders

/buh-NAW-sik/

[adjective] 1. serving utilitarian purposes only; mechanical; practical.

“Mike prefers a banausic job where he can use his hands and get dirty.”

Corrections: It’s another week of nothing to report in this little box of mea culpa. We’ll see you next week. — BO

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. A pinnacle of ice 6. Chomp 10. Quick 14. Insect stage 15. Give temporarily 16. Learning method 17. A prejudiced person 18. “Wise” birds 19. Makes a mistake 20. Pre-car transport 22. French for “State” 23. Scarlet 24. Pass-the-baton race 26. Artist’s workroom 30. Chum 32. Film 33. Stretches 37. Component of urine 38. Condition 39. A style of design 40. Area immediately in front of the goal 42. Whiskers 43. Creepy 44. A wispy white cloud 45. Clear 47. Unruly crowd 48. Stalk 49. Unable to read 56. Against 57. Perished 58. Englishman 59. Nonclerical 60. Dregs

Solution on page 22 61. Sheeplike 62. Mining finds 63. Mongol hut 64. Nipples

DOWN 1. Brothers and sisters 2. Send forth 3. Indian music 4. All excited 5. Clique 6. A bodily fluid 7. Hawkeye State 8. After-bath powder 9. Revere 10. Sponge

11. Heart artery 12. Roam 13. Check 21. Chief Executive Officer 25. It comes from a hen 26. Self-satisfied 27. Lawn mower brand 28. Eye layer 29. Contradictions 30. Winged 31. Sweater eater 33. Decorative case 34. Rip 35. Beige 36. Mats of grass

38. Sleazily 41. Japanese apricot 42. A small decorative object 44. Small portable bed 45. Pertaining to the moon 46. Loosen, as laces 47. Center 48. Angel’s headwear 50. Place 51. Lascivious look 52. Rend 53. Dogfish 54. Canvas dwelling 55. Visual organs

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