READER DEAR READERS,

I was born at Bonner General. After May, that statement will completely fall out of usage after our beloved local hospital announced it will suspend delivery services for babies, citing the “legal and political climate” of Idaho (see Page 4).

There’s a reason this story has not only capitivated our immediate region, but also national and international news. We’re starting to see the actual consequences of living in a state torn apart by political extremists. I fear this is just the beginning of a long exodus of sane, normal Idahoans who just want to live and let live in peace.

I don’t blame physicians for leaving this state. They already get paid less than their peers an hour away. Now they might face criminal charges and lawsuits, just for providing health care? Just for doing their job? It’s not fair to ask that of them, just like it’s not fair for extremist lawmakers like Scott Herndon, Sage Dixon and their ilk, to pass their own politcial and religious views off as if they represent the entire state. They don’t. We need a serious wake-up call, or I’m afraid we’ve got nothing left but to continue watching our once great state decline further into madness.

–Ben Olson, publisher

111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 946-4368 www.sandpointreader.com

Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com

Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (News Editor) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com

Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus)

Advertising: Kelsey Kizer kelsey@sandpointreader.com

Contributing Artists: Robens Napolitan (cover), Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Tom Kramer, Rich Milliron, Tom Trulock, Bill Preuss, Tina Scherr, Glenn Florence

Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Rep. Mark Sauter, Rep. Lauren Necochea, Jennifer Ekstrom, Marcia Pilgeram, Jen Jackson Quintano

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com

Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID

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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

SandpointReader 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

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About the Cover

No context iPhone notes, 10/6/22

Shit my mom says: “Jiminy Christmas!”

This week’s cover features a painting by Robens Napolitan called “Good Question.”