Reader june11 2015

READER

June 11, 2015 / free / vol. 12 issue 21

fire season 2015:

Haunted Sandpoint the reader interviews

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(wo)MAN

Susan Drinkard on the street compiled by

Do you believe in ghosts? If so, do you think there are any haunted buildings or places in Sandpoint?

DEAR READERS,

I can’t think of a single witty thing to say this week, so I’ll just show you a photo I took up Pack River last winter. The water was frozen and it was 20 degrees out. Sounds pretty cool about now, eh?

-Ben Olson, Publisher

“I’ve always believed in ghosts.

There are good and bad ones.”

Zach Hagadone (emeritus) Contributing Artists: Kari Greer (cover), Ben Olson, Jodi Rawson, Chuck Smith, Malia James, Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Louie de Palma, Tim Henney, Phil Hough, Sandy Compton, Jessica Bowman, Marcia Pilgeram, Jodi Rawson

Sam Rasor Bonner County Employee Sandpoint

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

“Yes. I believe in ghosts—spirits who haven’t been let go. When I ride my bike around Sandpoint, I feel (spirits) in the old Coldwell Banker building and upstairs at the (former) Coldwater Creek wine bar. As far as places go, I believe there was a sacred Indian ground by the lake on the south side of town. And I have spirit guides that protect me.”

Subscription Price: $75 per year Advertising: Jen Landis jen@sandpointreader.com Clint Nicholson clint@keokee.com Web Content: Keokee

Gail Cameron Optician Sagle

LIVE MUSIC

it’s nice to meet you, neighbor

Demos Payne Security Specialist, National Guard Sandpoint

Ev ery turday Friday & Sa summer

u gh N ight t hro Beer Hall @ the Fri. May 29 @ 6:30 p.m.

“Yes, I do believe in ghosts and in spirits. I’ve heard rumors that LPO is haunted.”

$10 Lunch special mon-fri 11-4

ROB SMITH

Sat. May 30 @ 6:30 p.m.

HAROLD’S IGA

BREWERY & BEER HALL 220 Cedar St. 209-6700 FAMILY FRIENDLY BREWPUB 312 First Ave.

“Yes, I believe in ghosts because I’ve seen them while camping out in the graveyard in Seattle.”

Brian Adelson Retired Sandpoint

www.sandpointreader.com

Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com

“No. My personal belief is that when someone says there are (ghosts), it is demons trying to give illusions they are somebody.”

Kylie Lindsay Searching for work Sandpoint

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

Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Gina Lembeck Bartender Elmira

“Yes, I believe in ghosts. About two years ago I spent two nights straight with UVA cameras inside the Lake Pend Oreille High School and there were doors opening and closing. There were cold spots in there and that building has an even-temperature system.

Also, I’m Native American and we believe in spirits of the ancestors.”

READER

255-4351

124 South 2nd Ave. sandpoint, IDaho (208)597-7499

www.sandpointpub.com

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 500 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 photo by Kari Greer.

It is an El Cariso Hotshot on a night burn operation on the Castle Rock Fire near Ketchum, Idaho. Kari is a wildland fire photographer who shoots under contract to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) on a call-when-needed basis.

She is based out of Garden City, Idaho.

Stunning work, Kari!

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COMMENTARY Road kill etiquette by the Grim Taxi Reaper (yes it is legal to salvage those delectible road treats in Idaho)

By Louie de Palma Reader Road Warrior People who have survived neardeath experiences commonly report seeing a bright light. I can’t verify that myself. From my memory of my last near-death experience, I only recall seeing the murky darkness at the bottom of the lake. I can tell you, however, that a bright light is the last thing that more than a few animals see before they are taken to the River Styx—a brilliant light that reads “taxi.”

I didn’t sign up to be a dealer of nighttime animal death. No one wants to be the Grim Taxi Reaper. Plus, I can’t take you all the way to the underworld because the meter would charge too much and critters don’t carry cash (for the record, we don’t accept nuts, berries or bugs as payment. On the other hand, I have accepted jam and it was delicious).

It’s just another part of the job that comes with driving all the time. I imag-

LETTERS Imagine having a beer...

Dear Editor, Imagine having a beer over the weekend and losing your job. Imagine taking your medicine to control your seizures, help you through your chemo treatments, treat your PTSD or to relieve your chronic pain and then being arrested, prosecuted and jailed for doing so. These are very real consequences that people in the state of Idaho face when they choose to use cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes.

These outdated laws no longer make sense when considering that the US gov-

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ine truckers have it worse.

But a cabbie never shirks responsibility. It’s just one more danger out there to deal with in addition to the twisting roads, spazmatic weather, cliffs and drunk drivers. It ain’t no thing but a chicken wing once you know how to handle it. Well, usually it’s a bat, turkey or grouse wing, but it’s still just a thing.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far. First and foremost, never swerve when you’re about to hit an animal—brake if you can safely do so and try to stop before impact. It’s your best bet unless it’s a whole herd of deer and there’s a gap in the middle you can shoot like you’re Dale Earnhardt. That only worked for me once though, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

By the way, deer are everywhere around here, so try to resist looking when someone points one out. Just believe them.

Then there are the bears. Never get out and check on a bear after you hit it.

They are very independent beasts and get embarrassed if people help them.

ernment holds a patent on the beneficial effects of cannabis as stated in this quote from U.S. patent #6,630,507. “The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

(Source: http://www.foxnews.com/ health/2010/08/09/patent-pot/) If you would like to see Idaho’s laws change to better reflect the needs of its citizens please sign the New Approach Idaho petition . You register to vote and

Then they get really angry. Also, bears are terribly dyslexic when it comes to rights and lefts, so using your blinker to pass them almost always ends in impact.

Skunks and bats love intentionally screwing with the taxi, so much so that they’ll end up committing suicide over it. Skunk equals funk, and that funk becomes really awkward when you pick someone up in an Idaho cab at the Spokane airport. Explain that you hit a skunk all you want, but they just smirk in a way that says, “Well, somebody likes visiting Washington.”

If you ever find yourself in a cab that hits an animal, here’s how you should proceed. Absolutely never ever scream, cry, pray and rock back and forth at the same time. I have had this happen entirely too much, and it is just confusing and completely unhelpful. Plus, it frightens me into thinking you might be a witch and are casting some sort of modern stealthy sacrifice spell. Just remain calm and think of what cut you want from the roadkill.

sign the petition at the event listed below.

You may also sign seven days a week at Common Knowledge. Thank you for your continued support.

Then there’s June 11’s Get up ... Stand up event at Eichardt’s Pub. Register to vote and sign the New Approach Idaho petition.

The night inludes music by MC King, free door prizes like T-shirts and more. $1.00 Beer after 8:00 pm. It’s a night of fun with a little bit of activism mixed in.

Join the celebration as we work to right the wrongs.

Luna Anderson Sandpoint

Yes, you read that right. Idaho changed its roadkill salvage laws, allowing you to bring home animals that you hit and makes delicious use of them. It’s our personal policy that we will give you the first pick due to the inconvenience.

If there is more than one passenger, everyone pulls on leg and you just get what you come away with. The head always goes to the house. Oh, and of course, we turn the time off on the meter while this is all decided.

It’s a bummer killing animals on the road, and I truly hope it never happens again. I like to think they were all really unhappy and suicidal and are in better places now, just chilling and staying cool in someone’s freezer. We firmly support fresh free-range, woods-to-mouth humane eating.

As far as death goes, I’m not sure if people really do see a light at the end.

But if you do and it reads “taxi,” I promise we won’t eat you. However, the animals might. Fair is fair.

Dear readers,

Want your business to grow? Give us a shout and we’ll help you find the right advertising options.

As always, our rates include free ad design and photography.

READER

support an informed community

265-9724

PERSPECTIVES CHAFE 150 and swim officials declared biased

By Tim Henney Reader Humor Contributor

Several decades ago when my wife, Jacquelynn, and I were even younger than we are now and were effete East Coast corporate urbanites (having already been collegiate California quasi-beatniks), the Boston Marathon was won, temporarily, by a pseudo-distance runner named Rosy Ruiz. Perhaps aware that she was in well over her head among globally famous marathoners, Rosy hopped a subway train and then, mere yards from the finish line, burst splendidly out of the underground station and trotted to victory. Devious cheater though she was, one could hardly help from obliquely admiring Rosy’s chutzpah, creativity and derring-do.

Perhaps with Rosy Ruiz embedded in our subconscious, Jacquelynn and I rode last summer in Sandpoint’s CHaFE 150mile bike race—and won it. The biased and picky-picky ride officials, however, refused to award us the blue ribbon.

Possibly because we rode a 2003 Dodge Durango SUV with our bikes lashed to the back instead of riding the bikes themselves. I mean, our mamas didn’t raise no fools. However, our caring, CHaFE-riding Sandpoint son, Justin, showing parental compassion, said our failure to receive the blue ribbon was probably not from a lack of talent but because the officials didn’t like our stupid, bourgeois bikes. Featuring 1940s balloon ties, furry seats and rubber duckies on the handlebars, we considered them state-of-the-art. In furious bike races on rural Selkirk Road, we sometimes zoom up behind unsuspecting neighbors riding even more dated bikes, move deftly into professional drafting position, and squeeze our duckies. Quack! Squawk!

Scares the hell out of people, especially bikers. Some fall off their bikes. De-

72 years of love...

Dear Editor, What can I say about the fact that my parents have been together longer and happier than most of us get to live and love on our small planet. I say to myself “Boy I’m grateful—wow this is wonderful, I’m delighted and blessed.” The fact that they have one another, live in their own dwelling, drive, are active every day and in relatively great shape for two adults 92 and 91 years of age is great.

Dave and Dixie have been married since WW II days—gone through the

jected yet still capable of good sportsmanship despite discrimination by the CHaFE officials, we declined to file a complaint. Instead, like troupers, my 1957 bride and I repaired to the adjacent Trinity bar with family members who had come to celebrate our anticipated win. There we pouted the evening away over rum punches.

Not the sort to toss in the towel, Jacquelynn and I then entered the vaunted Long Bridge Swim. Except we elected not to swim. Sissies, like son Justin, always swim with the herd, like lemmings.

Head lemming is local entrepreneur Jim Zuberbuhler, who has too little hair and too difficult a name to properly organize a Long Bridge Swim. Marching to the proverbial different drummer, Jacquelynn and I took a more rigorous route. The bikes in question. Photo provided by the author, who turns 84 years young this August.

Hiding the Durango behind trees at Dog kids and dogs and, most annoying of all, out of the way as swimmers came tumBeach, we pedaled bikes down the trail old people. bling over the finish line. Fed up with to the bridge, then over the bridge to Wary of judges because of our huinferior officiating, my bride and I drove the starting line. We dodged masses of miliating experience with the CHaFE the Durango straight to the bar at Baxthoughtless walkers, joggers and bikers 150, we paused furtively near where ters on Cedar. There we commandeered who kept getting in our way, clogging the swimmers would soon stagger onto a bottle of Pinot Noir—and sulked. up the trail, many with dogs. There were the beach. Jacquelynn, who despises also too many old people. Old people cheaters, especially me, hid in the Duamble and talk, rather than rush madly, rango. Emulating the great Rosy Ruiz of as one should. If kids, dogs and old peo- the Boston Marathon, I stealthily posiple were prohibited from watching the tioned myself at the finish line amongst Long Bridge Swim, it would be better for the race officials and beneath the time trained athletes like us. Whereas some clock. Tossing my head athletically, as 900 swimmers merrily splashed their if shedding lake water, I said, “It was way from one end of the Long Bridge really choppy out there,” and, “Dang, to the other in the refreshing, cool lake two seconds slower than last year.” Rewater, we lurched and skidded across the grettably, I was not wearing a speedo or hot, jam-packed bridge cement on bikes, wetsuit. I wore hiking boots, shorts and honking our handlebar duckies, blast- a floppy hat—more a sagging L.L. Bean ing through cheering throngs. Throngs, wannabe than a Michael Phelps lookaI regret to say, cheering not for us but like. Alas, one can’t think of everything. for those in the water. And then we rode The race timers, who suspiciously reA book by Allan Bopp back again! As they say, when the going sembled those who had rejected our vicgets tough, the tough honk their duckies. tory at the earlier CHaFE 150, were just BUY AND READ THIS BOOK And we did, as we battled our way back as inept. Clearly lacking in community through applauding crowds, aggravating relations skills, several told me to move OR THE TERRORISTS WIN! Depression, Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley and the Comets, the Beatles, Vietnam, Wall Street crashes, bra burning, Nixon, Elvis, inflation, “weapons of mass destruction,” and everything Billy Joel sang about earlier.

Let us raise our glasses and give a shout out and a tear of happiness to love, family and togetherness. As my parents David and Dixie have said for 72 years of marriage on June 6, “Never go to bed mad.” I love you guys.

From their son Stephen Berenson

"Here are to be found timeless questions that loop round and round like an infinity symbol. Pick up the book, open to any page and read a question. Close the book and think about your answer. Here's one taken at random: "Is God separate from His creation?" Hmmm... It’s good mental Rinso."

-Rapid Lightning Reader “Unexpectedly cool and insightful.”

-Richard Lane, Amazon Review Now available at Vanderford’s, Common Knowledge, Bonner’s Books and Amazon www.watermelonskin.com June 11, 2015 /

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NEWS

First recipient named for Patrick Orton Scholarship

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Patrick Orton was an individual who followed his dreams relentlessly right to the moment of his untimely and tragic death.

Now his memory is paving the road for other dreamers to follow in his footsteps.

The Live Your Dreams scholarship, a fund set up by parents George and Kristina Orton in Patrick’s memory, issued its first scholarship after a year and a half of pursuing 501(c) (3) nonprofit status. The $1,000 scholarship will help 18-yearold Emily McKay pursue her goal of making the world a better place as a pediatric nurse.

She will soon leave Sandpoint

for Boise State University to make that dream a reality.

“When you read about these kids and the amazing things they’re doing, it’s very, very heartwarming,” said Kristina Orton.

McKay spotted the opportunity on a list of available scholarships handed out to Sandpoint High School seniors.

She immediately connected with the Live Your Dreams mission and Patrick’s life. When the Orton family received her application, they were impressed by her passion and her desire to help others in need.

“I knew [pursuing this]

and uncertain while battling medical issues.

She was born with a condition that placed her knees too high on her legs, making dislocation a frequent and painful reality for her.

She’s required several surgeries to correct the problem—a reality that’s haunted her as she’s pursued her love of dance.

However, it also Emily McKay. Photo by Cameron Rasmusson. prompted her to redoumight be difficult and there ble her efforts in pursuit of a may be obstacles, but you have nursing career. Already, she’s to push through it if you really shadowed professionals in the want it,” McKay said. field, and thanks to a program For her part, McKay knows through the high school, she alwhat it’s like to feel vulnerable ready holds credentials as a cer-

tified nursing assistant.

“That’s really helped me make my decision to go into the medical field,” she said. “I’ve seen it from both ends.”

It’s just one of the reasons why the Ortons selected McKay as the first beneficiary despite competition from 30 other terrific candidates. The selflessness and purity of her vision impressed both them and fellow board member Cynthia Mason.

“Passing out the scholarship was the fulfillment of our dream,” said George Orton. “It was quite a journey to get to the point where we could hand out that first scholarship.”

Fourth of July parade centers on American heroes

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

America has generated its fair share of heroes over its history; individuals who deserve celebration.

It’s not just the frequently-praised individuals either— the great historic figures or the military men and women—that warrant recognition either, according to Judy Dabrowski of the Sandpoint Lions Club. Teachers, police, firefighters and students all do noble and selfless actions every day without recognition.

That’s why this Independence Day, the community is rallying to honor heroes of all stripes. “[The theme] is wide open,” Dabrowski said. “We hope people really think about it and come up with their own examples of everyday heroes.”

The idea of honoring unrecognized heroes extends to the selection of the parade grand marshal. In an unprecedented move, the Lions Club has picked not just one individual but the entire Sandpoint High School student body to serve in the honorary position.

Indeed, a large percentage of the student body plans to participate in the parade, according to teacher Erica Haynes. Members

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of the student council, National Honor Society, jazz band and several sports, dance and academic teams or clubs are all turning out to represent their group.

“I think it will be really fun for the kids because they’re being noticed by the community and the Lions,” said Haynes.

The high schoolers will enhance what is already a day packed with activity. At 9 a.m., the children’s parade kicks off, with kids trucking along on decorated bicycles (line up by 8:30 a.m. to ensure your place). Then the grand parade begins at 10 a.m., with sign-ins available between 7-9 a.m. Starting 2 p.m., kids’ games will take place at City Beach, and the talented folks at Creations will be paying a visit at 4 p.m. to paint faces.

Meanwhile, music by Fiddlin’ Red and Moore Music will occur at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. As always, fireworks start at dusk.

It takes a lot of work to make all those events fall into place, Dabrowski said. Planning begins in earnest at the beginning of the year, and Lions Club members vote to determine the year’s theme and grand marshal.

“The Lions Club has been doing this forever—50 years or more,” she added. “The plan-

ning process is pretty fine-tuned at this point.”

Independence Day events also require significant cash to get off the ground. Every year, Lions Club members raise money for the fireworks show— and parade. You can support the effort by buying raffle tickets to potentially win a John Deere Gator utility vehicle. Keep at eye out at North 40 on Monday, the Sandpoint Co-op on Tuesday, Wal-Mart on Wednesday and Saturday, Super 1 Foods on Thursday and Yoke’s Fresh Market on Friday to buy a ticket. The Lions Club can also use volunteers as they prepare for Independence Day celebrations.

In addition, Pierce Auto is hosting a barbecue 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

June 19 to benefit the Lions.

Any money that doesn’t go toward Fourth of July celebrations supports community initiatives. For instance, this year the Sandpoint Lions Club ensured every grade schooler in Lake Pend Oreille School District received hearing and eye exams.

“That was a biggie for us this year,” Dabrowski said. “It was the first time we did that, and it was wonderful.”

Brelynn Converse, pictured here coaching a children’s basketball camp at the Sandpoint High School gymnasium, is one of many high school students honored as this year’s Fourth of July parade grand marshal. Photograph by Ben Olson.

Tax referendumreferendum shot campaign downto ensure

From the Roman Empire to Rome, Ga., citizens across centuries have come to rely on roads for their transportation needs. Thing is, the darn things still cost money. So when Idaho legislators approved a 7-cent gas tax hike, Athol retiree Alan Littlejohn decided to be the fly in their infrastructural ointment.

The Spokesman-Review reports that Littlejohn launched a

voters got say in the tax increase.

One problem— he needed to secure 47,432 supporters to trigger a referendum but turned in 32. No, we don’t mean 32,000.

We mean 32 signatures.

While this effort came up a little short, Littlejohn is not discouraged. He aims to continue working on tax-related issues in the future. [CR]

Fire season ramping up to be a big one

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Coming out of one of the driest winters in over a decade, and with above-average temperatures headed our way, this fire season is already looking to be one of the most dangerous on record.

Last week, the National Interagency Fire Center released a report spotlighting North Idaho and northwestern Montana, as well as the Pacific Northwest in general, as being at high risk for wildfire.

May and June are typically the wettest months in the lower elevations of North Idaho, but so far this year, precipitation has been anywhere from 25 percent to 60 percent of normal the past two months, advancing dryness levels weeks ahead of schedule.

In addition, according to the Western Regional Climate Center, the average high monthly temperature has been about three degrees higher than normal for the past 12 months, a trend that has dried combustible materials in the region.

The Federal Fire Occurrence Database cites an average of over 600,000 acres have burned annually in Idaho since 1992.

Already this season, we’ve seen an abnormally high amount of incidents that have local officials worried.

“Currently, on any typical year, we’ll have a couple of fires in the spring time,” said Shawn Hicks, fire warden detailing for Idaho Department of Lands.

“Typically, we’ll have maybe one acre of total area burned. As of now, we’ve already seen over 50 acres burned.”

According to Hicks, the combination of low snow pack, above-average temperatures, a low spring precipitation and an early freeze last fall that failed to allow water to seep low into the ground make for a dire scenario.

Sandpoint Fire Chief Ron Stocking’s jurisdiction covers not only Sandpoint, but everything south of the Long Bridge to the county line.

“It’s hard to predict the future,” said Stocking. “But if the future is anything like the past, this past winter we saw more brush fires escaped from people burning slash piles than we’ve ever seen before.”

Stocking said he and his crew have responded to eight escaped fires in the month of March alone, when normally there is still a fair amount of snow on the ground.

“That is highly unusual for this region,” he said. “If that’s any indication of what the summer is going to be like, we could be in for a dangerous fire season.”

The leading culprit for fire incidents, says both Hicks and Stocking, are escaped slash piles. In Bonner County, 65% of fires are human caused. Lightning is the next biggest culprit, causing about a third of the fires.

While IDL and Sandpoint’s Fire Department handles most of the lower elevations, the Sandpoint Ranger District branch of the U.S. Forest Service will oversee all burns at higher elevations.

“We’ve had several fires ourselves and have assisted the state as well with numerous

A hand crew hiking up the fire line on the Springs Fire near Garden Valley, Idaho, 2012. Photo by Kari Greer.

fires, which is almost unheard of in this area,” said Brian Hicks, the assistant fire management officer for the Sandpoint Ranger District.

While the lower elevations see the majority of starts from human factors, lightning is the leading perpetrator with higher elevation starts.

“We may have some hiker fires, but ... 80 percent of our fires are lightning caused,” said Hicks. “Normally those lightning storms don’t start up until later, but we did pick up one lightning fire near Green Bay on May 29.”

The Sandpoint Ranger District has increased its staff this season thanks to a big turnover at training facilities.

“Our guard school and basic training was huge this year,” said Hicks.

With a normal staff of 16 permanent and seasonal firefighters, the Sandpoint Ranger District will see an additional five people brought on staff this year.

One common precaution that all fire districts have stressed is educating yourself on good burning habits.

“The m a i n thing is to follow the rules and regulations of how to burn,” said Stocking. “Fires burn so rapidly in brush. Every person I’ve talked to this year has said the same thing; ‘I didn’t know fire would move that fast.’

It does, it moves that fast.”

We are currently in a “closed fire season,” which means from May 10 through October 20 you must apply for a burn permit if you plan to have a fire of any kind, excluding campfires. Web addresses to obtain permits for inside and outside city limits will be listed at the end of the article.

Good burning habits include having someone attending the fire at all times, having a water source nearby, not burning on windy days or at night, and keeping your fires small and manageable. Stocking also recommends creating a defensible space around your home and property.

“This eliminates fuels around the house,” said Stocking, “so if a fire does come up to someone’s property, that fire does not climb up ladder fuels like wood piles, brush and lawn furniture.”

Kachina Aviation Bell 212 dropping water on a flareup on the Springs Fire near Garden Valley, Idaho (2012). Photo by Kari Greer.

“We like to see vegetation pulled back 66 feet from the structure,” said Hicks. “Also, have your trees limbed up and brush and firewood removed.”

Defensible space is especially important for communities like Sandpoint, which lie within the Wildland Urban Interface, which is anywhere there are homes and improvements located close to forested areas.

“It’s a higher risk area,” said Shawn Hicks. “There is more value to the risk. You have homes, people, it adds another complexity. If there is a fire, if it’s threatening structures, there are issues with evacuating people if need be.”

Hicks continued, saying that preparation is first priority: “If you’re burning, make sure you’re aware. Check the weather, and have all the precautions ready. Out means cold to the touch.”

To apply for a burn permit within Sandpoint city limits, go to SandpointFire.com and follow the links. Outside the city limits, BurnPermits.Idaho.gov will be your resource. For safe burning habits, visit FireWise.org.

Boise Hotshots saw team Alison Lund and Dan Walker working on the Mack Fire near Idaho City, Idaho (2014). Photo by Kari Greer.

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Bordering on complete sanity: Lame-ass drivers and big-ass trucks

By Sandy Compton Reader Columnist

This is a new feature at the Reader. Every week, we’ll offer a bouquet to a person, place or situation that we feel is deserving of a pat on the back.

Conversely, we’ll offer a barb to those that have caused distress in some way.

(Secretly, this is just a ploy so I can rant and rave each week to a captive audience).

Bouquets: •I don’t think enough thanks can be bestowed upon the individuals that helped save the Sandpoint Train Depot. There are so many that have helped over the years, it would take this whole column to list them, but on behalf of history buffs and fans of “old” Sandpoint: Thank you very much.

•One thing I’ve always enjoyed about going to the Post Office is the front door. It is the most polite place in town, hands down. Nowhere will you see more people go out of their way to hold the door and greet you with a smile. It’s like this federal vortex of civility. I love it.

Barbs: •I don’t care how bad ass you think your truck is, when people go racing up Cedar Street away from the light at Second with their loud mufflers drowing out all other noises, it always makes me want to throw a rock through their windshield. Grow up... you’re not that cool.

•Parking enforcement in Sandpoint deserves a big barb.

Averaging around $50 per ticket, we’re only alienating the people who we want to shop downtown. It’s so easy for people to shop in the big box stores out of town with free parking, we should be a little more forgiving when they choose to shop with our downtown retailers. Stop taxing the customers who keep downtown alive!

Got a bouquet or barb you’d like to offer? Write me at ben@ sandpointreader.com with “BB” in the subject line.

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This is for those who drive too close, too fast and too irresponsibly to deserve a driver’s license.

When you bought the car (or your parents did to get you out of the house), you didn’t buy the road, too—though you act like you own it. And acting like you own it makes you a dumb-ass driver.

Or should I say, “lame-ass driver.”

Some of you can probably speak.

If you don’t understand that, I won’t be surprised.

When you blast up behind me when I’m already at the speed limit, hover 20 feet off my bumper until traffic (barely) clears and then pass on a double yellow line, my middle finger glues itself—of its own accord— against the driver’s side window as you go by. Consider that finger a big san serif capital “I.” It stands for “Idiot!”

You are acting like an idiot.

Double negative points if you

are driving a $50,000 2500 HD, four-wheel-drive, gas-guzzling, wallet-emptying status symbol with a hood higher than the top of my car.

Not everyone driving a bigass truck is a lame-ass driver.

But when some of you climb into your overpriced, overweight, jacked-up chunk of glitzy metal, your brain ceases to function. Or your personality changes from mild-mannered whatever to total jerk bully. It doesn’t seem to have much to do with gender, either.

Do you think that you are entitled to that truck? Do you think that while you are in it, you are entitled to act any way you want?

If you act the way you act on the road while pushing a cart through the supermarket, you’ll get punched in the face. Hard.

Maybe that’s why my middle finger plasters itself against the window. I’m just leading with my left.

I often feel bad after I flip you the “I.” I tell myself not to act that way, to be kinder, to be less

temper-ridden. But, if you stay in sight long enough (as if I can keep up with you, even if I want to), I nearly invariably witness you doing something else that justifies my initial opinion.

No matter what you’re driving, you should develop the intelligence to stay far enough behind me that you can see my license plate over your hood. If you are less than 30 feet behind me at 70 mph, and I touch my brakes— just touch ‘em—it’s going to loosen your bowels a bit. If I have to really get on the binders—for a deer, a dog, a skunk or some other unplanned event—your shiny ride is going try to drive up my tailpipe, and your life and mine are going to change, perhaps irrevocably. And it’s going to be your fault. Even worse: you are going to be responsible. Not that you seem to be any good at it, judging by the way you drive.

Even if we’re both lucky, you will become intimately acquainted with my insurance company when they come after you for

wrecking my car.

And you won’t like what your insurance company has to say, either. When the investigating officer cites you for reckless driving—I’m going to stand witness to that—your rates are going through the ceiling.

If we’re both lucky.

It can only get worse from there. If you kill yourself, that’s one thing. By the way you drive, you seem to have a death wish.

But if you kill me or somebody else, before it’s all over, you’re going to wish you were dead.

Sandy was angry when he wrote this, and tried to stay that way long enough to finish the piece. You can read more of his stuff at www.bluecreekpress.com/ whats-up/

FSPW sees encouraging signs from Wash., D.C.

By Phil Hough Reader Contributor

With a stack of resolutions and endorsements in hand, we (Phil Hough, Brad Smith and Kate McAlister) recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Idaho and Montana congressional delegation. We returned with encouraging signs that they are listening to our communities’ call for action on the Scotchman Peaks.

Sen. Jim Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Raul Labrador and their staff members are hearing from many people in the community about the Scotchmans. The vast majority of what they hear is very positive. Their Montana counterparts, Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke are following this closely too.

We presented the unanimous resolution from the Bonner County Commissioners calling for action on the Scotchman Peaks. Kate McAlister, president of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce presented a letter from the chamber signed by every board member also asking for the Idaho delegation to take action on the Scotchman Peaks.

Just before our trip to D.C., the

Missoulian, Spokesman-Review and Bonner County Daily Bee all wrote editorials supporting the Scotchman Peaks. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock recently weighed in with a glowing endorsement. Important voices from a wide range of community, civic and business leaders have been calling and writing the congressmen.

Our visit to D.C. this time was to present a community proposal for wilderness. We are being heard!

Risch was especially supportive. Right now he is working on legislation to designate the Boulder White Clouds as wilderness. He is making good progress on that and wants to finish it before taking on another wilderness bill. But he acknowledged the diverse support for the Scotchmans and sincerely suggested that we come back and talk with him again after the Boulder White Clouds bill is done.

While we were in D.C., we attended the Senate Public Lands Committee hearing on the Boulder White Clouds. During this hearing, Risch demonstrated strong support for the Boulder White Clouds, stating, “This is one of the most remarkable places in the world. You can travel all over the world but you will always remember your trip to the Boulder White

Clouds, it is truly unique.”

At the very end of the hearing he changed subjects and had this to say about the Scotchman Peaks: “For those of you who are interested in looking to the future. Here in the audience today we have people representing the Scotchman’s Peak area of North Idaho. Another, probably the next, candidate in Idaho. It may be in my fourth or fifth term in this job, I don’t know. I hope you don’t have to wait that long, but there is no doubt that there will be movement. And they are, I wanted to compliment them right now. They have seen and picked up on the collaborative method by which these public lands issues have been resolved in Idaho.

They have been moving forward in that regard. They are making substantial progress and, indeed, they have an impressive list of people who are supporting that work in that regard and so this committee will in all likelihood in the future be seeing them.”

These unscripted comments turned a lot of heads in the room, including ours. Risch publicly confirmed the support that he had shown to us in our meeting the previous day.

The timeline for the Boulder

White Clouds passage (and our return trip to D.C.) is uncertain, but we are most likely talking about months, not years. In the meantime, these encouraging words from Risch continue to echo in the halls of Congress, as well as in our community.

To find out more about the Scotchman Peaks visit: www.

ScotchmanPeaks.org

Brad Smith (left), Kate McAlister (center), and Phil Hough (right) in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Unfortunately, McAlister wasn’t allowed inside the building as she didn’t meet the minimum height requirement.

The Sandpoint Middle School Library

By Jessica Bowman Reader Contributor Ghost stories. Everyone knows at least one good one.

Sandpoint is no exception. Talk to the right person, and you can find out which buildings are really haunted in town.

Some people think that you have to believe in ghosts for them to be real—that somehow not believing will create a barrier between the ghost world and ours. But how do you explain the unexplainable? The lights that turn themselves on and off, the feeling that someone is standing next to you, the voices in an empty room. We, the believers, call those ghosts.

In some places, to some people, these ethereal beings are more prominent, more persistent. My own experiences of late have prompted me to explore and question just who or what is out there.

It was on a regular day, busy at work alone in the Sandpoint Middle School library, that I heard her: “Mom. Moooooom.

Mom.” Over and over, I heard it. Being a mom, I thought it sounded like my daughter.

“Isabella?” I called out, getting up and looking around. I knew she wasn’t in the library— she was at school by herself.

But I also knew what I’d heard,

and there was no one else in the library that I could see.

I began wondering if I’d actually heard anything. But throughout the year, other small things would catch my attention. I might see a student out of the corner of my eye and would go to ask them if they needed some help, only to find that I was the only person there.

Other times, I would come into work and find books on the floor. My suspicion that I was not the only being in the library was confirmed in January.

After school one day, there was a cluster of teachers and custodians standing in the hall in front of the library. Bill, one of the night custodians, was telling a language arts teacher about the woman that he’d seen leaving her classroom.

“I saw her walk right out of your room and out the door. Are you sure you weren’t here?” he asked.

She was insistent that she was not. “It must be Oh Mom,” she replied.

Curious, I asked who Oh Mom was.

“Oh, she’s the ghost here,” she answered. “Sometimes you can hear her calling out, ‘Mom. Oh mom.’”

Right then, I knew I wasn’t just imagining things. There really was a ghost living here.

Curious about the ghost who shared the library with me, I asked other teachers and staff if they had ever encountered her and found that several staff members had. Mixed amongst the typical haunting stories: the feeling that something is there, hair standing on end, goosebumps, books falling off off shelves. A few at the middle school have had more personal encounters with Oh Mom. Some of these were years ago, some as recent as last week.

Eighth-grade science teacher Susan Augustyn recalled that she “was standing at the board with a student, and we both saw something brush past us.

My hair was on end and so was his. No one else in the class saw anything. But we both did.”

Augustyn also told me she “used to come in and work on the weekends, but I don’t do that anymore. I could just feel a repelling, pushing me out. That space [the library and the conference room] you can just feel like something is there.”

Dave DeMers, school athletic director, has several stories about her. “One night, it was after a game so it was late,” he said of his favorite incident.

“My daughter and I were in my office. And we hear this noise, like someone is out in the gym playing basketball. But when

Photo by Ben Olson (Photographer’s Note: while photographing the library at night during a thunderstorm (!), an odd thing happened to my camera. After getting light levels, the shutter freaked out and started firing off photos like crazy, showing error messages and blinking on and off. I had to remove the battery and reboot the camera, which worked fine after that. I’ve never had my camera do anything like that before. It was creepy, to say the least.)

we went out there, there was just a ball. And I know I’d put those all away.”

Just a few weeks ago Jim Goodin, the school’s head custodian, was here early in the morning. The lone person in the building, he started at one end of the hallway turning on lights as he went. Soon he reached the last light switch.

“I took my key to turn on the light—it’s a special key,” he said. “And as soon as I flipped on the switch, the door across the hall opened slowly and then closed slowly. I looked around to see if someone had come out of the room. Now, that door was locked.” The room that the door had opened and closed on was the same door that Bill had seen someone leaving from a few months before, just down the hall from the library.”

Knowing I was researching this story for the Reader, Dale Clark, night custodian for the middle school, sought me out. “[Last Wednesday] I saw her,” he told me. “I was outside locking up the quad and I shone the flashlight on the windows, and all of them curtains was movin’ ... like she was running up and down with her hands on the

blinds. Oooh. Gave me goosebumps.”

The curtains Dale was referring to were the blinds in the library. Facing the quad, the entire length of the library is windows covered in blinds.

The staff here thinks that she is becoming more restless as summer approaches. We aren’t sure if it’s because she is excited to have the school to herself for the summer, or if it’s because she will be lonely without all the noise from staff and students.

What I do know is that after being around her all school year, there is no doubt in my mind that ghosts are real, and I’m sure that there are several other buildings in Sandpoint with similar stories.

This is going to be an ongoing feature here for the upcoming summer months. About once a month, Jessica Bowman will research a handful of different locations that have been rumored to be haunted. Know of any locations we should check out, or have ghost stories to share? Write to ben@sandpointreader.com with “GHOST” in the subject line.

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Troy Bullock A Sandpoint Native

www.bullockpaydirt.com

Friday, June 12th @8pm

Panida Theater

Buy tickets now at www.panida.org

For more information call (720) 282-4909

Vegas Trip Courtesy www.lasvegasconnexx.com 10 /

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The Conversation 6pm - 8pm @ Ivano’s Ristorante This month’s guest is local artist and author Lisa V. Maus. All artists are welcome to attend this free monthly event. For more info, contact Mary Maio at maryLPmaio@gmail.com

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“5 to 7” film 7:30pm @ Panida Theater

Live Music w/ Gleewood 5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Acoustic folk rock meets western folk

Contra Dance Live Music w/ Hilary Scott 7pm - 10pm @ Spt. Community H 7:30pm @ Di Luna’s Cafe Nashville comes to Di Luna’s! Scott’s voice has been described Live Music w/ Chris Lynch as “absolutely extraordinary in its emotional greatness.”

6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes Live Music w/ Wilder Band 7pm @ La Rosa Club 9pm - 12am @ 219 Lounge Live Music w/ Marty Perron and Doug Bond Country and country rock favorites 5pm - 7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Sandpoint Farmers Market 7th Annual Sand Creek Paddler’s Challenge 9am - 1pm @ Farmin Park 10am @ City Beach Pavilion Live music by Selkirk Society Band Register from 9-9:30am, $10 per boat. Call Live Music w/ Monarch Mountain Band 236-3613 for more info Free Fishing Day 7:30pm @ The Pearl Theater (Bonners) No license needed to fish this day. Sponsored by High energy bluegrass / newgrass / folkIdaho Fish & Game and Spt. Parks and Rec. rock. $12. Cafe opens at 6:30pm Pack River Bird Walk Team Laughing Dog Send Off Party 8am - 10am call 263-9471 to sign up and for direction 11am - 6pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery Live Music w/ Mike and Shanna KRFY Commu Stop by for a beer and send off 2015’s 5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery 9am - 9pm @ Team Laughing Dog on their quest membership dr to compete in the 2015 bicycle Race Live Music w/ Johnny Knapp drawings, live m Across America. Live music, BBQ, and Dan Thomason (FREE!) 5pm - 8pm @ Squeeze Inn (Clark Fork) prizes, lots of fun!

Live Music w 6pm - 9pm @ Local Composer Forum Concert 3pm @ First Lutheran Church (526 S. Olive) Live Music w/ Truck Mills Music w/ DJ The Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra features 9pm - 12am @ 9pm - 12am @ 219 Lounge world premieres of local composers’ music. Free!

With local be

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Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Kaniksu Land Trust Trail Running Series 5pm @ Western Pleasure Guest Ranch Kaniksu Land Trust, in partnership with Outdoor Experience, hosts the 2015 KLT Trail Running Series. Register for the 5k for $25 at Outdoor Experience. 304-0477 for more info

Live Music w 5:30pm @ Id

Karaoke Night 9pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

Trivia Night 7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s Finally, a place to showcase how muc stuff you know. Finally, a purpose!

Bingo Night Sandpoint Farmers Market Fundrai 6:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 3pm - 5:30pm @ Farmin Park 4pm - 7p Don’t be a sissy. Real men play bingo Live music by Doug Bond A Pike B Five Minutes of Fame and Dou 6:30pm @ Bodega Cafe (Foster’s Crossing) the even Welcome all writers, musicians, listeners. and their Dinner starts at 6pm In the Field Flat Repair Bonner County Farm Tour 6pm @ Greasy Fingers Bikes n’ Repair 8am - 5pm (call University of Idaho Extension, Bring your bicycle and learn how to fix a County office at 208-263-8511 for registration a flat tire on the trail/road in this free class The tour stops include a blueberry farm, a quart ranch, a weed presentation, a forestry site, a horse “Anita” documentary film stration and more. Pre-registration is $30 per per 7:30pm @ Panida Theater Cinematography by local Erik Daarstad

ful

June 11 - 18, 2015

ery ern folk

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

Get Up Stand Up Petition Event 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub New Approach Idaho is seeking signatures on a petition to legalize medicinal cannabis and decriminalize less than 3 ounces. Live music by MC King, and dollar beers after 8pm. Free door prizes, including hats, tee-shirts and more

Benefit Dinner for Chuck Reeves KRFY Community Membership Drive 5:30pm @ BoCo Fairgrounds 9am - 9pm @ Bernd Building (311 N. First Ave.) Proceeds help Chuck in his recent diagno- All day membership drive featuring on air gift sis with prostate cancer. Dinner provided drawings, live music and lots more!

by Ivano’s at $10/person, or $20/family.

Field Day Fridays 9am (MST) @ Ross Creek Cedars parking lot Live Music w/ Kent Euland g Bond A class on Old Growth Ecology led by Brian Bax5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery ter, sponsored by Friends of Scotchman Peaks Songs about real life, especially allenge when life gets dark and messy Take a Seat at the Table Fundraiser Live Music w/ Troy Bullock 6pm @ Columbia Bank t. Call 8pm @ Panida Theater Choose your favorite redesigned chair and visit with Enjoy a night out with friends as Sand- the artist who created it. NAMI Far North Fundraiser point-born Troy Bullock brings his nsored by high-energy, nationally toured country Local Composer Forum Concert Rec. 7pm @ First Lutheran Church (526 S. Olive) music show to town. Tickets $20 The Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra features Live Music w/ Rob Smith directions 6:30pm - 9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall world premieres of local composers’ music. Free!

mmunity Hall ynch torante ginnes

Y Community Membership Drive Sales and Tails - 8am - 1pm @ Hope Memorial Comm. Ctr. 9pm @ Bernd Building All day Shop for great stuff, plus grab a bite to eat, buy some treats ership drive featuring on air gift from the Bake Sale. Free and open to the public. ngs, live music and lots more!

Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA 6:30pm - 9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall e Music w/ Chris Lynch Indie rock for drunk people m - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante “5 to 7” film 1:30 & 7:30pm @ Panida Theater sic w/ DJ Cakemix Summer Sounds m - 12am @ 219 Lounge 4pm - 6pm @ Park Place Stage Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz h local beatboxer Davey Mullen Featuring music by Trumpetman 7pm - 9pm @ La Rosa Club e Music w/ Justin Lantrip King of the Cornhole Tournament Bonner Mall Farmers Market 0pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 9am - 1pm @ Mall Parking Lot 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

unge

how much useless urpose!

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 19 - Artwalk Opening June 19 - Relay For Life June 20 - CHaFE 150 bike race June 20 - Battle of the Bulls

June 25 - Summer Sampler June 27 - John Craigie @ Panida Theater June 28 - John Craigie @ Reader Office June 28 - 7B Sunday @ Schweiter

Fundraiser for Jacey’s Race 4pm - 7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority A Pike Brewing fundraiser for Jacey’s Race. Featuring live music by Marty Perron and Doug Bond and complimentary appetizers. A raffle will be held at the end of the evening with all proceeds going to Jacey’s Race. Help support local children and their families during treatment of cancer and other life threatening diseases.

Extension, Bonner stration and info) m, a quarter horse te, a horse demon30 per person

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Live Music w/ Zach Pohl 5:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Austin-based soul/folk musician

Open Mic w/ Scott Reid 6pm - 9pm @ Monarch Mtn. Coffee Come one, come all!

20th Anniversary Winemaker Vintage Retrospect Dinner 6pm - 9pm @ Bistro Rouge The event features wines dating back to the early Pend d’Oreille Winery days

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A Publisher’s Dilemma

Finding a good piece of cover art is always a daunting task. Sometimes it snaps into place hours before deadline, sometimes I have it planned out weeks ahead. This week, to tease our story about the coming fire season, I located an Idaho photographer named Kari Greer who works with fire crews documenting the impossible shots. She graciously allowed us to use her photographs free of charge, and sent in so many amazing photos, I had a terrible time choosing which one to use. Here are four other options. Which would you have chosen? Weigh in your opinion on our Facebook post today.

To submit your own pet photos, please send a photograph and a little bit of information about your special friend to ben@sandpointreader.com.

Please put “PET PHOTOS” in the subject line.

-Bibi-

Bibi is Swahili for “young lady.”

She’s an orphan girl from Kalispell, Mont. Loves people and is very food oriented, or for that matter is an affectionate food whore.

After dinner she retires to the sofa to catch a nap before dinner. Loves to dive from docks into the lake.

Loves to travel, too.

The above shot was taken at Laughing Dog Brewery, where Bibi was serving beer and allowed to wander freely.

Steven J. Anderson Sandpoint

Broadcasting in Sandpoint on 106.7 FM and in Digital HD 12 /

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An Interview with

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Yeah, three years ago I think we started that.

I spoke to Ziggy Marley on the phone this week about his upcoming show at the Festival at Sandpoint. The six-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter and producer was gracious enough to make time for our small publication.

The interview follows:

What brought that on?

Music today is not just about music.

You know, you have to expand. The ideas that we have cannot live in one place alone, so we expand into books and into food, because the ideas, that’s how you spread it. Doing the food thing is a good way to bring the organic coconut oil to the world, it is something I grew up with in Jamaica. It’s something that the world should take more advantage of. People need to realize it more, I think. The general population needs to be aware of these things. It’s just a vehicle to get the ideas out.

Ben Olson: So you’re playing the Festival at Sandpoint in August...

Ziggy Marley: Ya mon, on my last tour we stopped in Idaho twice. We didn’t play, we were on our way to somewhere, and I was like, ‘Why am I stopping in Idaho twice without playing?’ It don’t make any sense. So I was like, ‘Next time when I go to Idaho, I’ve got to play.’

How do you feel about the recent decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in some states?

Your latest album “Fly Rasta” makes about 12 albums you’ve released, is that right?

I think it’s a matter of the truth coming out. It’s a matter of accenting reality.

It’s a good thing. Marijuana is not like a bottle of Pepsi. You need to educate the children properly, which should be a part of this whole legalization. Educate them about what it’s all about and what it is. It’s something that shouldn’t be taken too lightly. It’s something that can alter your life, if you’re not careful what you do. Educate the children, that’s the key.

(laughs) I don’t keep count.

How do you stay so creative and prolific? Do you have a secret?

I don’t know, because I’m starting to write songs for the new album, it’s just flowing. Everything is super flowing. I don’t have a secret. I don’t know the secret. It just happens, you know.

You released a children’s book called “I Love You, Too” recently. What inspired that?

The children’s album [I released] a few years ago, “Family Time.” Doing that album was a really interesting point in my music because it made me relax a little and let go a little bit more. After doing that kid’s album, I wanted to speak to kids. The book is very important for my voice to have a place in children’s world.

Your father [Bob Marley] is one of the most influential and important musicians in the world. Do you feel that you are furthering a legacy with the Marley name?

I don’t think about it like that. It might be so, I might be part of a legacy, but it’s not something that you think about.

Speaking of children, do you play Ziggy Marley with his usual mile-wide smile. Photo by Malia James. music with yours?

That legacy is just something happening, it’s not something on the forefront of my mind. It’s something natural happening.

Where is reggae music going in the future?

It depends on the people that are making it. My mind is open so the music opens. If more artists or more individuals open their minds, then the music will open. But if some people’s minds are set in one direction, the music will be set in that direction. Music really depends on the person who is doing it, and who they are, what they are. As I said, my music is original because my mind is open and

I’m not trying to compete with anything else, I’m just trying to be creative and be as natural as possible.

What inspires you?

Experiences inspire me, different types of experience. Experiences that take place in nature, with people, with animals, with the world in general, the planet in general. These experiences inspire me, and some of these experiences are spiritual. Really experiencing life inspires us to do what we do.

You released a line of non-GMO organic food products a while back...

Oh ya mon, we play all the time, we write songs together.

Thank you for your time, and we’re really looking forward to seeing you at the Festival at Sandpoint in August.

Looking forward to coming. We’re going to have a good time and enjoy ourselves.

Ziggy Marley plays the Festival at Sandpoint Aug. 7. For more information, call 265-4554 or visit FestivalAtSandpoint.com

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Badges, guns and boats: A day on the lake with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Division Story and photos by Cameron Rasmusson Reader staff

The temperature is a solid 80 degrees come Sunday at City Beach. There’s barely a wisp of cloud in the sky. The water temperature rests at a steady 69.4 degrees—still technically cold water at under 70 degrees, but only just.

No wonder that City Beach is bustling with bodies, among them boaters eager to get back out on the lake. And they’re not the only ones. When the boats come out of storage, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Division also rouses from retirement for another summer in uniform.

The job brings Bob Descaro and Eric Ahrens to City Beach that afternoon in what is shaping up to be a routine day.

It’s their job to keep boaters aware of responsible lake use—a job they say they prefer to tackle through friendly education rather than hard-line enforcement.

“We’re all about making sure people know what they should be doing,” Ahrens said. “They’re out here to have fun, and we want them to have fun.”

Ahrens and Descaro man the docks of City Beach upon arriving from a lakeside patrol a short time earlier. The purpose of their visit: to conduct boat inspections verifying that weekend lake fans are packing the right safety equipment. A 24-foot motorboat—a very nice vessel, Ahrens and Descaro agree—backs into the water alongside the dock, and they check for the presence of essentials like fire extinguishers, life vests and flotation devices. The interaction with the boat owners is congenial. They’re happy to demonstrate their full compliance.

“That’s how 90 percent of these [inspections] go,” Ahrens said. “People are usually very cooperative.”

A few moments later, Descaro encounters one of the surly 10 percent. He accuses the marine deputies of harassing him for no good reason. Descaro shrugs it off—there are always moments where they’re seen as joy-kills, and you just have to move past them, he said.

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call if they run into trouble out there?”

Descaro asks.

Sure enough, trouble can come quickly on a lake as big and deep as Lake Pend Oreille. And a boating accident or malfunction can have far greater consequences than the immediate loss of property. Danger to human life is always top concern, but a damaged boat can also leak oils and other contaminants that prove an environmental nightmare requiring serious manpower to clean up.

A pair of kayakers dock at City Beach.

Ahrens gives them a once-over and recommends they purchase and display an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker. A requirement of for all motorized and non-motorized boats, the sticker program is one line of defense in the fight against invasive species. A true nightmare for ecologists, menaces like eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, curly leaf pondweed and quagga and zebra mussels spread like wildfire and can quickly turn a pristine lake or healthy fishery into an environmental wasteland if uncontrolled.

With inspections complete, the deputies head back out onto the lake in their sheriff’s boat, a 32-footer packing dual engines. Despite the power, the boat tops out at only around 35 mph. It’s another major reason boaters need to exercise safety, Ahrens said. Response times can vary wildly depending on how far a boater in distress is from a manned sheriff’s marine unit.

The patrol goes smoothly over the next hour and a half. Still, there’s no telling what calls might come over the computer, Ahrens and Descaro said. Last

week, for instance, the sheriff’s marine division was called alongside Sagle and Sandpoint firefighters to address an attempted suicide incident.

Perhaps the wildest experience in recent memory for both of them was the violent windstorm last summer. The incident was an explosion of natural fury on both land and water. As the storm threat loomed, emergency personnel frantically worked to empty the lake of boats.

And when the storm finally died down, the destruction was incredible, Ahrens said.

Boats all along Pend Oreille were sinking or cast adrift.

Under gentler circumstances, boaters still need to be aware of risks, they added. For instance, anyone spending significant time in water need to take measures to avoid hypothermia. Any water

...when the storm finally died down, the destruction was incredible ... Boats all along Pend Oreille were sinking or cast adrift.

under 70 degrees is considered cold and can advance hypothermia faster than many believe possible. Another danger is the exhaust that billows from the back of most motorboats. Those sitting in the back near the exhaust for prolonged periods of time can gradually contract carbon monoxide poisoning, which is fatal at high levels.

As a largely seasonal branch of the sheriff’s office, the marine division is made up of deputies with a wide variety of backgrounds. Most are retired police officers, but backgrounds range from former smoke-jumpers to accountants to firefighters.

“We get to tease the firemen,” Ahrens said. “We tell them their dreams are coming true—they finally get to be cops.”

It’s ideal work for public service retirees who still want to stay involved, Ahrens said. And while the job can sometimes throw crazy circumstances their way, it’s tough to beat a day on the lake, even if you’re wearing a uniform instead of swim trunks.

Sheriff’s deputy Eric Ahrens conducts a boat inspection. Photograph by Cameron Rasmusson

STAGE & SCREEN

Local cinematographer introduces film about feminist icon Sandpoint’s Erik Daarstad talks about his role with the docuemtary film ‘Anita.’

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff In 2010, Anita Hill received a strange voice mail.

It was from Virginia Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, whom Hill had accused in 1991 of sexual harassment during his Senate confirmation hearing to the highest court of the land. In the voicemail, Virginia Thomas asked Hill to apologize for her testimony 20 years ago.

It was a bizarre incident, but one that exemplifies how Hill’s infamous testimony still colors her life. Those colors come in darker shades—Hill was vilified for her testimony by Thomas’ supporters and still receives hate mail to this day. But she has also become a hero to many for giving voice to the issue of workplace sexual harassment. Now the subject of a new documentary featuring cinematography by Sandpoint’s own Erik Daarstad, Hill proves herself to be a public figure who still has much to say about gender and race issues in America.

“She’s a really impressive woman in a lot of ways,” Daarstad said.

Once again, Daarstad teamed up with longtime collaborator and friend, Oscar-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, to tell Hill’s story. Mock suggested a profile of Hill as their next project while making “G-Dog,” a documentary about gang outreach program Homeboy Industries. Daarstad signed on to direct photography for the film along with a few cinematographer friends, who would handle cinematography when he wasn’t available.

For his part, Daarstad said he was fascinated to work on a project covering

such a pivotal figure in American politics and culture. He still remembers when the televised confirmation hearings played out before the American public in 1991.

“My wife and I sat glued to the TV, watching it with a lot of interest,” he said.

Given his awareness of her as a public figure, Daarstad said getting to know her and her family personally was a revealing experience. That was only enhanced by a trip to Oklahoma, Hill’s home state, where the filmmaking team covered her upbringing as the youngest of 13 children in a family of farmers. For him, it was the highlight of an altogether positive work experience.

“There’s always a lot of little moments [during a project] that you come to appreciate,” he said.

Even more impressive to Daarstad was the poise with which Hill handled her time in the harsh spotlight of public conversation. Called to testify at the hearing, Hill faced an all-white, all-male panel of senators, many of them nakedly adversarial.

As always, Daarstad enjoyed a terrific working relationship with Mock.

Their professional partnership goes back decades, time enough to cultivate a very efficient, productive and friendly rapport.

“We kind of know how the other thinks by now,” he said.

“Anita” premiered to acclaim at Sundance Film Festival in 2013, an event attended by both Mock and Hill.

According to the New York Times, the initial screening earned a standing ovation, with Hill being swarmed like a red carpet celebrity by people eager to share their own stories.

“The Sundance Film Festival went very well,” said Daarstad, who wasn’t

Erik Daarstad on set. Photo courtesy Erik Daarstad.

able to attend the event. “I think they sold out two or three screenings.”

“Anita” later went on to limited theatrical release in major cities. Mock and Hill also took the film overseas, reaching out to women in India and Thailand, Daarstad said.

Sandpoint residents finally have a chance to see Daarstad’s latest project for themselves when “Anita” screens at the Panida Theater June 18 and 19. Both showings begin at 7:30 p.m. and will include an introduction by Daarstad. Advance tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.panida.org and accessing the “tickets and events” tab. Tickets cost $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $6.50 for students and $5.50 for children.

Anita Hill today. Photo courtesy of ‘Anita.’

Anita Hill testifying at a Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991.

Photo courtesy of ‘Anita.”

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

Rhubarb: it’s not just for granny’s cobbler anymore

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist Rhubarb’s not just for granny’s cobbler anymore. The past couple of years, this short-seasoned garden staple has been making the big city scene, featured on menus as the buzz ingredient for cocktails, piquant sauces and spicy chutney. Fresh from the perennial patch, it has an unmatched, distinctly tart taste that causes one to pucker up in anticipation of the first bite.

It’s a proverbial resident in many summer gardens, and I eagerly wait for those first little buds to shoot up into crisp, brightly-hued red and purple stalks. In the U.S., rhubarb was originally classified as a vegetable for taxation purposes but was reclassified as fruit in 1947.

Anyone who was raised around livestock (or spent the summer with their country cousins) has heard the warning, “Don’t let the horses eat the leaves, they’re poisonous.” And that’s no wives’ tale. It’s also not a good idea to eat stalks which have frozen before being harvested as the Oxalic acid in the leaves seeps down and can impart poisonous properties into the stalks.

I come from a long line of rhubarb lovers and draw much comfort knowing my mother’s original stock grows strong in my garden. I’ve dug it up, hauled it west and replanted it through many seasons of my life. When 16 /

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Ryanne (my oldest) settled into her new home, I dug some up for her garden and now it thrives too, in Moscow.

Three years ago when Casey (my youngest) became engaged, I learned there was to be no Sandpoint nuptial. Instead she wished for a wedding in her beloved, adopted city of Chicago. We were fortunate: though the reception venue was smack in the middle of the big city, they were understanding of Casey’s desire to bring “a little bit of Sandpoint” to Chicago and allowed me to bring a few homegrown specialties, including signature drinks. The first that came to mind was rhubarb-infused vodka.

Calculating that I’d need about 40 pounds of rhubarb for my ambitious endeavor (more than my darling mother’s plant could deliver), I queried the community groups on Facebook. And true to the spirit of Sandpoint, a generous soul up Pack River was more than willing to share his abundant crop. Armed with his address, a friend with a GPS and rhubarb whacking implements, we headed up Pack River and easily found the spot, a beautiful little hide-away, overgrown and well off the grid. What we couldn’t find was the rhubarb.

Time and again we circled the boundaries, searching close by the river, near sheds and other obscure areas until we gave up and headed home, disappointed and empty handed. As it turned out, the GPS sent us to an erroneous location, and I am forever grateful we didn’t find rhubarb that day. Can you imagine any explanation to the irate landowner who’d have caught us, arms filled with contraband

rhubarb? A second, more fruitful (no pun intended) trip to the correct property yielded the goods.

As Casey’s wedding drew near, I shipped a case each of rhubarb, huckleberry and raspberry infused vodka to Chicago (disguised with the label, “Contents: Artisanal Vinegar”) holding my guilty breath until they arrived safely below the radar of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (did you know the ATF frowns on the shipment of homemade hooch?).

Sandpoint seems synonymous with huckleberries, so I was surprised to see the wedding guests’ vodka of choice

was the rhubarb (no doubt that my dear departed mother was delighted). Possibly they were drawn to the pretty color, a pale pink-tinged hue or maybe it was the refreshing and natural tartness that brought them coming back for more. We raised many a glass of our signature cocktail, “Summer in Sandpoint.”

Before this summer (and my rhubarb supply) ends, I will have whipped up all the family favorites which includes many pie variations. Rhubarb is so synonymous with pies that sometimes it’s still referred to as “pie plant.” As a youngster, my son Zane coined his favor-

ite pie, “Blubarb.” These days I mostly replace the blueberries with hand-picked huckleberries, but thirty years later all combination of rhubarb and berry are referred to as Blubarb to my gang of pie fans.

Soon I’ll begin with the baking, but first, this hot weather calls for a cool drink so I’m going to whip up a batch of refreshing and tart syrup for my Killer Rhubarb Cocktails. Why not whip up your own batch in time for the warm week-end?

The variations are endless—I’ll help you get started.

Killer Rhubarb Cocktails The syrup base is delicious and easy to make—it takes no time at all to whip up a batch. You can mix and match your own flavor preferences.

I use equal parts alcohol and syrup (about 2 oz each) and a dash of additional juice or soda.

Shake in cocktail shaker and pour into rocks glass, or strain into martini-style glass and garnish, per recommendations below, or create your own from-the-garden garnish (like a thin rhubarb stalk or a snap pea vine).

Here are some of my favorite cocktails: •Tequila, rhubarb syrup, fresh lime juice, garnish with salted rim and lime wedge •Vodka, rhubarb syrup, garnish with lemon twist •White wine, rhubarb syrup, splash of soda, garnish with fresh mint •Gin, rhubarb syrup, Rose’s Lime juice, garnish with lime twist •Rum, rhubarb syrup, garnish with sugared rim and pickled or candied ginger *Non alcoholic: •Orange juice and rhubarb syrup, garnish with orange twist •Iced tea and rhubarb syrup, garnish with mint •Club soda and rhubarb syrup, (for Italian soda, add cream), garnish with strawberry.

Rhubarb Simple Syrup – Cocktail base INGREDIENTS: •4 cups water •2 cups sugar •4 cups chopped rhubarb stalks •2 tbs fresh lemon juice

PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients in saucepan, bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.

Cook for five minutes.

*Strain through cheese cloth or jelly bag. Pour syrup into glass jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Infuse the syrup with a good amount of lemon or lime peel, lavender, mint or ginger before refrigerating, Chill overnight. *Reserve the pulp and serve it warm or cold over ice cream, pound cake, waffles or scones.

MUSIC

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

Sandpoint’s musical wizard

By Jodi Rawson Reader Contributor

Witnessing Mark Reiner conduct during a performance, with his disheveled white hair and magical wand, waving dozens of musicians into oneness, proves to me that he is a modern wizard. Last December, he and his wife, Caren, led a majestic performance that packed the house and earned a standing ovation. After 20 years of dedicated service, they continue to inspire Sandpoint.

Because the Pend Oreille Choral and Chamber Orchestra is all-inclusive, I decided to attend their free concert last year.

It was dessert to my ears, so this last autumn I decided to join.

“It is more fun being in the middle, being a part of it, than just listening,” says Cate Huisman, and I couldn’t agree more.

The two hours each week that I am with my choir are some of the most empowering moments of my week. Like a great yoga session, I am stretching, and entirely present in the moment. While the Reiners are quite intense, they always thank us for our hard work.

I was welcomed into their off-grid home recently, and they offered me their undivided attention for hours. Aside from music, Caren specializes in gardening and cooking vegetarian masterpieces, while Mark ornately carves wooden sculptures that adorn their home. Then there’s the music, which is divine to them and encompasses much of their existence. Caren earned a master’s degree in piano performance, and each day her fingers fly over the keys of her Steinway grand piano. Their library includes the finest classical tunes for listening, and for reading they have biographies on the likes of J.S. Bach.

In this upcoming spring recital, we are performing com-

positions never before heard.

This composer’s forum features pieces created by local artists.

One of Mark’s pieces unfolds like a story or painting, transforming like a seed into a flower. This 20-minute piece entitled “Transformation” features both the choir and orchestra.

Another composer featured is Marj Cooke, a teacher and accompanist for the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.

Like Mark, Cooke wrote her first composition in high school and went on to receive her master’s degree in music theory and composition. Her nine-minute orchestral piece entitled “The Bears” was inspired by watching the bears in her own North Idaho back yard. Other local composing geniuses are: Rich Beber and his saxophone quartet, Mike Young and his piano and woodwind quintet and Caren, who plays cello in a quartet.

Cindy Borup wrote “There Is a Place.” She is the only composer that will not be physically present to lead her piece. Sadly, she has passed on, but Beth Pederson, the singer and songwriter that partnered with Borup, will pick up her guitar and do the solos. This piece is an interesting merger of folk and classical with a deep message.

The composer’s forum is a vision that Mark has nurtured for years and will be a spectacularly uplifting event. Beyond gratitude, there is often a sense of awe for the Reiners. Their marriage is an awesome union of teaching, composing, writing and performing music. Their desire to share has inspired countless people to rise.

The “Composer’s Forum” will take place on June 12 at 7 p.m. and June 14 at 3 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church on Olive Street. Admission is free.

Composer Mark Reiner hard at work (note the missing eyeglass leg). Photo Jodi Rawson

READ

I started reading Dennis Lehane’s novels last year and realized very quickly how good of a writer he is. I now hunt down his titles at thrift stores whenever I’m shopping for books.

“Prayers For Rain” is a great take on detective style fiction, but without all the cliches of the genre.

His characters are all delightfully messed up and entertaining, and the story moves along like a Coen Brothers film.

LISTEN

Last week, I ran into Laurie Shook (of Shook Twins, of course) and met her new boyfriend, Gregory Alan Isakov, prompting me to cull through his work again.

Isakov has a style that immediately puts you at ease. Playing with the likes of Jolie Holland, NaReiner’s last performance in December. Photo by Chuck Smith. thaniel Rateliff and Brandi Carlile, he’s well on his way to breaking through to the mainstream. You can listen to all his music free on Spotify.

WATCH

“Basquiat” (1996) is a biopic feature film that highlights the interesting life of postmodern neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Jeffrey Wright plays the artist, Caren and Mark Reiner at home. Photo by Jodi Rawson. and is supported by a great ensemble cast including David Bowie, Courtney Love, Dennis Hopper, Benicio del Toro, and Gary Oldman.

The film follows Basquiat’s early days in the NYC street art scene, and his brush with stardom, and contempories such as Andy Warhol (played

by Bowie), all the way up to his drug overdose death in 1988.

Crossword Solution

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w o N & Then compiled by

Ben Olson

Each week, we feature a new photograph taken from the same vantage point as one taken long ago. See how we’ve changed, and how we’ve stayed the same.

Historical information provided and verified by Bonner County Museum staff and volunteers. The Museum is located at 611 S. Ella — (208) 263-2344.

The Bigelow Building on First Avenue, with Ben Franklin 5 and 10 store at the ground floor and apartments upstairs.

CROSSWORD

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

c.1960

ACROSS

The same building today. A Scandanavian Affair now occupies the ground floor.

2015

Corrections: Another week of spelling things correctly. Our mothers are so proud.

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1. Young cow 5. Chills and fever 10. Head 14. Listen 15. Unit of weight for gems 16. So be it 17. Murres 18. Coherent 20. Mutt 22. Coach 23. Chart 24. Daft 25. Resembling sleight-of-hand 32. Spy 33. Sidekick 34. Explosive 37. Lean 38. Prevaricators 39. Sneaker or pump 40. American Sign Language 41. Verse writers 42. Jaegers 43. Road lamp 45. Gash 49. Take in slowly 50. Maybe 53. Storm 57. Obese 59. Type of sword 60. French for “Head” 61. Assumed name 62. Liturgy 63. Sow 64. 1000 kilograms 65. Glance over

DOWN

1. Buddy 2. Relating to aircraft 3. Reclined 4. Shard 5. Hold as true 6. Jail (British) 7. A large vase 8. Where the sun rises 9. Blend 10. Terrace 11. Catkin 12. Basic belief 13. Vestibule 19. In an unfortunate way 21. Awestruck

25. Information 26. Auspices 27. Mobile phone 28. Less friendly 29. Give a speech 30. Like the Vikings 31. Autonomic nervous system 34. Goon 35. Ark builder 36. Exam 38. A parcel of land 39. Boat captains 41. “Hogwash!”

42. Slender

Solution on page 17 44. Sleeping sickness carrier 45. Blots 46. Embankment 47. Mountain crest 48. Rip up 51. Kind of moss 52. Storage cylinder 53. Part of a comparison 54. Sweeping story 55. Bristle 56. Adolescent 58. Martini ingredient

If you lose your job, your marriage and your mind all in one week, try to lose your mind first, because then the other stuff won’t matter that much.

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