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DEAR READERS, The week in random review

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

56

Number of political flyers that came to my home address from April 28 to May 16. Included on those flyers there were 44 self-identifiers as “Republican”; 64 references to “Democrats,” “liberals,” “globalists,” “leftists” and/or “RINOs”; and 76 uses of the term “conservative.” (at right: a small sampling.)

fun/gross fact

According to genetic archaeologists, there was a virus about 33 million years ago that infected an unknown mammal species and spread globally for at least 15 million years. The evidence for this is a “molecular fossil” left “entombed” in the DNA of almost every mammal on Earth — that is, a piece of the virus’s own genetic material remains with us to this day. No one knows how it managed to spread to so many species — including land and sea creatures — or its effects. What’s more, 8% of our genome is made up of similar viral “fossils” — four times higher than the number of actual genes in our DNA. Looked at one way, the human genome is more virus than genes. (Don’t believe me? Check out the show PBS Eons on YouTube, episode: “The Pandemic That Lasted 15 Million Years”.)

overheard on social media “I’m a writer the way a potato is a battery.”

— Twitter user Lizzie Logan

weird uses for food

According to various sources — with testing — you can use Doritos for kindling, rubbing a shelled walnut (or other oily nut) on wood furniture will conceal minor scratches or scuffs, applying cold plain yogurt on a minor sunburn will relieve pain and soaking silverware in water that has just been used to boil potatoes will remove tarnish.

brain games

If you’re a Wordle junkie but need more such games to tickle your gray matter, check out Quordle. Playing it is essentially like doing four Wordles at once, but you get nine guesses rather than six. Another spinoff is Waffle, which gives you a square of scrambled words and 15 chances to “swap” the letters so they end up in the correct horizontal and vertical order. Finally, if you were a geography rather than spelling bee wiz, try the impossible-to-say Worldle, which gives you six guesses to name a random country based solely on its outline.

It’s been a rough couple weeks. The primary election is over. The votes have been counted and we can now move onto other matters except politics for a short period of time before the machine ratchets back up this fall.

In the meantime, here’s a cute kitten who has also had enough of life.

Sleep on, little buddy.

– Ben Olson, publisher

READER 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: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Ben Olson (cover), Bill Borders Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Clark Corbin, Becca Rodack, Rep. Ned Burns, Jen Jackson Quintano, Ranel Hansen Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID Subscription Price: $155 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.

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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 was designed

by Ben Olson.

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NEWS

Williams, Omodt and Dorman prevail in BoCo primary races

Despite accounts of polling place electioneering, country clerk reports 100-foot law was followed

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff

Bonner County government will see several new faces come January, as the May 17 primary poised three Republicans for uncontested November races for commissioner in both Districts 2 and 3, as well as for the assessor’s seat.

Out of 31,585 voters registered in Bonner County before Election Day, 14,083 cast a ballot in the May 17 election, amounting to a 44.6% turnout — bigger than four years ago during the last mid-presidential primary.

Bonner County Clerk Mike Rosedale said he wasn’t surprised by the sizable turnout.

“There were so many signs, so many campaign flyers,” he said. “It seemed like everybody was a little bit more interested in this [election], a little bit more amped up about it.”

The primary also saw several reports of alleged illegal electioneering. Rosedale told the Reader that “probably every single polling place, it appears, had people outside with signs,” handing out pamphlets, cookies and more.

“If it’s outside of 100 feet [from the polling place’s building], it’s their right to do that. If it’s inside 100 feet, it’s completely electioneering and illegal,” Rosedale said. “Every case that I was able to check out, it was outside 100 feet. …

That’s not going to the fact of whether it was tasteful or not, or whether it was over the top or whether that kind of thing is even effective or not.”

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Asia Williams. File photo.

Luke Omodt. File photo.

Grant Dorman. File photo.

added, property owners who host polling places have the right to extend that 100-foot rule by stipulating that political signage and campaigning isn’t allowed anywhere on their property.

The election results, which were finally tallied around 2 a.m., remain preliminary until canvassed and certified. None of the county races featured Democratic candidates, so all results refer only to the Republican contests.

In the District 2 commissioner race, Asia Williams earned 48.89% to incumbent Jeff Connolly’s 40.14%, marking a change of leadership on the county’s west side. Randi Flaherty, the third candidate in the race, garnered 10.97% of the vote.

Williams said she is “grateful to have the opportunity to serve” as the commissioner for District 2, and thanked “young conservatives” Lauryn Bowlin and Jess Herman for “their

efforts to help secure this election,” calling them “examples of the future of our county, our state and our country.”

“I am also thankful to Commissioner Connolly who expressed his congratulations and offer of support to ensure a smooth transition,” she continued in a statement emailed to the Reader. “My campaign was funded and supported by the people of Bonner County.

Whether you walked, talked, prayed or paid, I sincerely thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to representing the residents of Bonner County as a constitutional, liberty-minded, conservative Christian District 2 commissioner.”

Connolly and Flaherty did not reply to requests for comment before press time.

In the District 3 commissioner race, a five-way contest saw Luke Omodt victorious with 34.45% of the vote and challenger Ron Korn coming

in second with 27.3%. Dave Bowman earned the third most votes with 19.89%, followed

by Rich Harter and Brian Riley with 14.18% and 4.18%, respectively. Current District 3 Commissioner Dan McDonald did not run for re-election, leaving the race without an incumbent.

“Thank you to the Republican primary voters who supported my campaign,” Omodt wrote in an email to the Reader. “I look forward to sitting at the table with Commissioners Bradshaw and Williams to serve the people of Bonner County.

“Let’s be civil and work together,” he added. “Hold me accountable.”

In his post-election statement to the Reader, Riley offered his congratulations to Omodt.

“He worked hard and his efforts were rewarded,” Riley said.

Candidate Dave Bowman

said he expects Omodt “will respect and abide by the Will of The People as would I, and if so, he will have my full support.”

“I learned a lot during this campaign that I would never have had the opportunity to have known otherwise — some good, some not so good,” Bowman continued. “I also made new friends I would likely never have even met under different circumstances. For that I am grateful. My sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard and gave so much for my campaign; you kept it clean and respectful in a race where things got dirty. And thanks to the two opponents who didn’t resort to personal attacks — you did it right.”

Korn and Harter did not reply to requests for comment before press time.

As for the assessor’s race, Grant Dorman came out on top with 50.83% of the vote; incumbent Donna Gow came in second with 26.48%; and Jessi Webster rounded things out with 23.14% of votes.

While neither Dorman nor Webster replied to the Reader’s request for post-election comment before press time, incumbent Gow offered her congratulations to Dorman.

Preliminary results also show that the special revenue bond election in Clark Fork, meant to rehabilitate the city’s water system, passed on a 9517 vote.

To see all Bonner County election results, head to bonnercountyid.gov/elections.

NEWS

Contested District 1 primary results

Herndon bests incumbent Sen. Woodward, Sauter wins House A, Dixon holds onto House B seat

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

It was generally agreed by Idaho politicians and politics watchers alike that the May 17 primary election would be a game-changer for the Statehouse in Boise. It did not disappoint.

Aside from the big-name races, including for governor and lieutenant governor (for more on those, see Page 7), the hottest contest by far for residents of Idaho Legislative District 1 was between two-term incumbent Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, and challenger Scott Herndon.

Herndon ran against Woodward for the seat in 2018 but came in third in the three-way primary. This time around, he came to the race with a lot of money fueling a campaign unprecedented locally for its aggressiveness, both in flyers mailed to residents’ homes and in other print and digital media. In an email to the Reader in March, Herndon wrote, “Right now I think it is the leading fundraising campaign in a Republican race for any state legislative seat.”

Those efforts — despite riling many in the district for their frequency and intensity — seemed to have paid off, as Herndon won with 56.17%, or 7,771 votes, to Woodward’s 43.83%, or 6,064.

Herndon has for years been a vocal activist for a number of conservative causes, notably Abortion Abolition and gun rights — the latter spurring a pair of lawsuits against the city of Sandpoint initiated in 2019 challenging the Festival at Sandpoint’s no-weapon’s policy on publicly-owned War Memorial Field.

Both were dismissed by a judge.

Herndon also currently serves as chair of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee.

In his campaign, Herndon focused on issues such as “critical race theory” in schools, the participation of transgender students in school sports and the allegation that Woodward voted for legisla-

Scott Herndon. File photo.

Mark Sauter. File photo.

Sage Dixon. File photo.

tion “in favor of drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants,” as one of many of his flyers put it. He also criticized the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response as “tyranny,” routinely portraying Woodward on his flyers with a protective mask photoshopped over his face.

While Woodward’s campaign also made use of election flyers, they were frequently geared toward debunking Herndon’s claims and emphasizing his work on behalf of Idahoans in the areas of tax reform and funding for transportation and education — all related to the Education, Joint Finance-Appropriations and Transportation committees, on which he served.

Asked for a comment on the result of the District 1 Senate Republican primary, Herndon shared a statement from his campaign that began: “Scott Herndon shocked the Idaho political establishment last night by defeating two-term incumbent Senator Jim Woodward in Idaho’s 1st senate seat,” going on to state that, “Herndon’s campaign ran a data-driven operation, drawing a stark contrast between his conservative political views and Woodward’s voting record.”

Of his primary win, Herndon stated: “First thing’s first: All the glory belongs to God. I am humbled to have been chosen by the people of North Idaho to represent them. I want to thank Jim Woodward for his service to Idaho. While I had serious disagree-

ments with him on policy and his voting record, I never doubted his commitment to public service.”

Herndon will be unopposed in the November general election.

Woodward declined to comment on the election results.

The other high-profile race in Legislative District 1 — which covers most of Bonner County and all of Boundary County — was for the House A seat left vacant after redistricting put Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, in Legislative District 2. That contest drew five candidates for the Republican primary and only one — Steve Johnson — on the Democratic side.

In that five-way race, Mark Sauter came out ahead with 38.25%, or 4,816 votes. His next closest opponent, Spencer Hutchings, came close with 4,093 votes, or 32.51%.

Though with a crowded field, the House 2A race was less tense than for the District 1 Senate seat.

Sauter’s campaign was generally identified as being in sync with Woodward’s, including joint appearances on campaign flyers touting their endorsements by the Fraternal Order of Police and Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho.

Sauter’s top issues included job growth, support for first responders, border security and tax reform. Sauter also emphasized his priority to support quality education in the state that helps lead students to well-paying jobs.

“I humbly thank my support-

ers, endorsements and most of all voters of District 1,” Sauter told the Reader, adding, “It really is a pretty interesting experience [running for office]. It’s very humbling.”

Hutchings did not respond to a request for comment, nor did fellow House 1A Republican candidate Cynthia Weiss.

Travis Thompson, who came in third with 15.32% of the vote, told the Reader in a statement: “Congratulations to Mark Sauter for his election to Idaho House Seat 1A. I appreciate all of the community support received through our grassroots campaign.

I will continue to support and enhance the shared conservative values expressed through this campaign to add value to this place we call home.”

Adam Rorick, who came in fifth in the race with 5.95% of the vote, wrote in a statement May 18: “I am humbled and honored having received the support of voters who cast a ballot for me …

To my supporters, ‘Thank you.’

Unfortunately, we did not receive enough votes to be the nominee of the Republican Party. This primary race was hard fought. I respect and appreciate the views and efforts of my Republican opponents. Congratulations to the nominee of our party.”

Rorick added that he “will continue to be involved in the conservative movement here in our North Idaho home,” and announced plans to launch a weekly

podcast focused on conservative viewpoints in the area.

In the House 1B contest, fourterm incumbent Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, held onto his seat against challenger Todd Engel by the slimmest margin of any of the District 1 races: 52.28% of voters, or 7049, went for Dixon while 47.72%, or 6,435, chose Engel.

That breakdown became as close as it can get when looking at county totals. Dixon’s victory was solidly based in Bonner County, where he received 5,472 votes to Engel’s 4,859, or 52.97% to 47.03%. However, in Boundary County the spread was 50.02% for Dixon and 49.98% for Engel.

That represented a difference of exactly one vote: 1,577 to 1,576.

Dixon has made his legislative career on issues of tax reform; parental rights, including changes to the Child Protective Services system; “eradicating the curse of abortion,” as his campaign website puts it; and in past sessions fronting efforts to raise the requirements for bringing citizens’ initiatives to the ballot.

Engel is most well known for his participation in the 2014 armed standoff at the Bundy Ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., for which he was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. The court overturned that sentence and threw out the conviction after more than four years, ruling that his case and that of more than a dozen others related to the standoff had been mishandled by the government. According to press reports, in September 2021 Engel filed a $100 million civil rights lawsuit against the federal government.

Neither Dixon nor Engel responded to a request for comment on the results of the Republican primary. Dixon will advance unopposed to the November general election.

All results are preliminary until canvassed and certified.

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NEWS Idaho GOP primary sees more than a dozen legislative seats change hands

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff The top-of-the-ticket contests in the May 17 Idaho primary election resulted in still-unofficial wins for GOP incumbent Gov. Brad Little and Oakley Republican Rep. Scott Bedke (for more on those races see Page 7). Little will now face Democratic challenger Stephen Heidt and Bedke will go up against Democrat Terri Pickens Manweiler in the November general election.

Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad’s write-in bid to get on the Democratic ballot for governor garnered close to 20% of the vote, while Bonner County Commissioner Steven Bradshaw’s campaign for governor in the GOP primary captured just shy of 2%.

Phil McGrane prevailed in the Republican primary for secretary of state and will face Democrat Shawn Keenan; former-Congressman Raul Labrador unseated incumbent Lawrence Wasden in the GOP primary for attorney general, now with Democrat Steven Scanlin for an opponent; and Republican Debbie Critchfield came out on top for superintendent of public instruction and will run against Democrat Terry Gilbert in November.

Down the ballot and elsewhere in the state, the Idaho Legislature will almost certainly look and sound different when it gavels into session in January 2023.

In addition to changes in Legislative District 1 (see Page 5), a number of other districts saw upsets and significant moves between chambers of the Legislature. Democrats fielded very few candidates, and none of the Statehouse races were contested, so all the drama took place within the Republican primary.

In the newly redrawn Legislative District 2, former House member Phil Hart — who lost his primary bid in 2012 and left the Legislature under a cloud amid his long-standing refusal to pay taxes and the illegal cutting of timber on state school endowment lands — is not only back but nominated to serve in the Senate. He is unopposed in the November general election.

Meanwhile, former District 1 Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, won her new

District 2 seat unopposed.

Another new face likely to join the ranks of the Senate in January is Doug Okuniewicz, of Hayden, who previously served as the House 2B member from District 2 but is now in District 3. He will not face a Democratic challenger in November.

In District 4, three-term incumbent Rep. Paul Amador, of Coeur d’Alene, lost his seat to Elaine Price by a margin of 220 votes. In another loss for an incumbent, three-term Sen. Carl Crabtree, of Grangeville, was primaried out by Cindy Carlson in Legislative District 7.

In southern Idaho, two-term incumbent Rep. Tammy Nichols, of Middleton — frequently seen as a close ally of Scott, White Bird Rep. Priscilla Giddings and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin — successfully moved from the House to an uncontested seat in the Senate for District 10.

Four-term Caldwell Rep. Greg Chaney, generally regarded as one of the more “moderate” Republican House members, failed in his attempt to gain a seat in the Senate for District 11, losing to Chris Trakel.

Five-term Sen. Steven Thayn, of Emmett, was primaried out of District 14 by three-term Sen. C. Scott Grow after being pitted against one another by redistricting. In the same district, House B Rep. Gayann DeMordaunt, of Eagle, was unseated by Josh Tanner.

Finally, in one of the more interesting races in the Boise area, Family Forum founder and longtime nationally-known anti-abortion activist Dennis Mansfield won his GOP primary bid for the District 16 Senate seat, setting the stage for a general election contest with former Democratic Sen. Alie Rabe, who is seeking to succeed longtime Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Grant Burgoyne, who is retiring. In that race, Mansfield pulled 3,882 votes while Rabe drew 1,815.

Altogether, according to the Idaho Capital Sun, as of early May 18 a total of 19 Republican incumbents looked like they’ll be out of the Statehouse come January, in what the media outlet called “among the [most] consequential elections in years in Idaho.”

All results are preliminary until canvassed and certified.

Wednesday Morning Ladies Golf League begins at Elks

By Reader Staff

Women of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Wednesday Morning Ladies Golf League, which is set to begin June 1 at the Elks Golf Course.

The nine-hole golf league meets each Wednesday, and those interested in joining 6 /

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should arrive at the course (located on Highway 200 in Ponderay) at 7:30 a.m. on opening day.

The league will play a scramble followed by brunch and a meeting. A head count for brunch is needed no later than Monday, May 23.

Call Loris Michael at 208-610-5914 if interested in golfing and also to RSVP for the luncheon if planning to attend on opening day.

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: IRS audits on earnings of more than $1 million dropped 81% between 2011 and 2019, while the number of audits of large corporations was halved. As a result, U.S. coffers in 2019 lost more than $600 billion from noncompliance and tax evasion, according to Axios.

A new federal report on Medicare Advantage revealed the disadvantages of letting private health care insurers use Medicare funds to run their programs. It found that 13% of denied requests should have been covered, and as many as 85,000 beneficiary requests for prior authorization of medical care appeared to have been improperly denied in 2019. Payments for legitimate claims were also denied.

As Social Security Works pointed out, so-called Advantage plans have again put corporations in charge when deciding care, rather than doctors and their patients.

As well, according to SSW, Advantage plans are driving up premiums for all on Medicare and, if left unchecked, will cost Medicare an additional $85 billion.

Parents have felt forced to use watered-down formula after a recall that has led to a 43% shortage. It was triggered after four babies were hospitalized with bacterial infections from tainted formula, and two died.

The shortage highlights several concerns, Popular Information reported: FDA delays in addressing formula complaints; a company with $2.9 billion profits in first quarter of 2022 allegedly ignoring safety complaints; no guaranteed family leave from a job, which, if activated, would help promote free and healthier breastfeeding; the cost of formula ($130 to $428 a month), which is basically dehydrated cows’ milk, vitamins and sugar; and the control of an important product by a handful of corporations.

Former U.S. Labor Secretary and columnist Robert Rich has testified in favor of windfall tax profits bills to the Congressional Senate Budget Committee.

He pointed out that American corporations are experiencing their highest profits in 70 years.

One proposal would apply to big oil companies and tax half the difference between their current and average profits between 2015 and 2019. The proceeds would go to Americans in quarterly payments.

The second proposal would temporarily apply to companies with $500 million or

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

more in annual revenue. Both proposals would tax profits, not revenues, and companies that raise prices for legitimate reasons would not be penalized.

The group Patriotic Millionaires — proponents of higher taxes on those with $1 million in annual income and $5 million in assets — has found that both political parties have perverted the tax code.

Recent books on the topic: Jackpot: How the Super-Rich Really Live — and How Their Wealth Harms Us All and The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions.

Ukraine-Russian headlines: “Ukraine court begins first war crimes trial for Russian soldiers”; “Russian ships carrying stolen Ukrainian grain turned away from ports”; “Ukrainian defense minister predicts long war ahead”; “Polish PM says Putin is more dangerous than Hitler or Stalin”; “Biden aims to boost U.S. food production amid Ukraine war”; “Coup to remove Putin imminent, according to Ukrainian intel chief”; “McDonald’s announces it is leaving Russia”; “Russia has lost a third of its forces in Ukraine”; “Hundreds of Ukrainian troops evacuated from Mariupol steelworks after 82-day assault.”

An investigation by the Department of Homeland Security shows the previous acting secretary delayed and changed an intelligence report that warned of Russian interference in the 2020 election.

Last week, the U.S. reached the milestone of 1 million lives lost to COVID-19.

President Joe Biden ordered flags be flown at half staff on May 16, and has asked for more funding for maintaining COVID-19 testing supplies, treatments and vaccinations. Meanwhile, according to CBS, North Korea appears to be experiencing an explosion of COVID-19 cases.

Blast from the past: More than 50 Native American boarding schools out of 408 such schools identified so far in the U.S. have burial sites for child attendees, a new federal study reported. The discovery of more burial sites is expected. The schools were established as early as the early 19th century and intended to assimilate children (even 4-years-olds) into white society by removing them from their families. Many were abused. Schools were run by the federal government and church organizations.

Children who died at the schools were buried in unmarked or poorly maintained burial grounds, and record-keeping was poor to non-existent. Ground penetrating radar has been used to find remains.

NEWS

Idaho Gov. Brad Little wins GOP gubernatorial primary Little beat Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin after they became bitter rivals feuding over how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun Idaho Gov. Brad Little won Idaho’s 2022 Republican primary election for governor, with the Associated Press calling the race for the incumbent shortly before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17.

Little defeated Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin and a field of six other GOP hopefuls, according to unofficial election results released by the state.

At about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Idaho GOP Chairman Tom Luna introduced Little as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary at the Idaho Republican election celebration. Little received a standing ovation from the crowd, and he thanked all Republican candidates running in primary races.

“I’ve had a pretty well-known record for 3.5 years,” Little told the Idaho Capital Sun late Tuesday night. “People kind of know what they get with Brad Little.”

At 3 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 unofficial election results showed Little receiving 53% of the votes, while McGeachin finished second

Gov. Brad Little. Courtesy photo. with 32%. Ed Humphreys finished third with 11%. There were also five other candidates on the Republican gubernatorial ballot. Steven Bradshaw, Ashley Jackson, Cody Usabel and Lisa Marie all had captured less than 2% of the vote.

Little’s primary election win represents a victory for a traditional, establishment Republican over a more extreme, far right challenge from McGeachin. Over the past two years, Little and McGeachin became bitter rivals as they feuded over how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twice when Little was out of state and McGeachin was serving as

acting governor, McGeachin issued executive orders that banned mask mandates – even though Idaho never had a statewide mask mandate – and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations in schools. Little immediately repealed each of McGeachin’s executive orders and accused her of abusing authority to score cheap political points.

Little is a rancher from Emmett who served in the Idaho Senate, like his father, and as lieutenant governor before being elected governor in 2018. He ran a quiet, nontraditional re-election campaign where he refused to participate in statewide televised debates against his opponents.

“I never did quit governing; I was governing the whole time,” Little told the Sun. Little made four areas the focal point of his campaign, focusing on public education (particularly increased investments in K-3 reading and literacy and teacher pay), tax cuts, investments in transportation and infrastructure projects and the overall health of the state’s economy, which entered the 2022 legislative

session with the largest projected state budget surplus in history.

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s campaign had Trump’s endorsement McGeachin challenged Little from the right and won the endorsement of former President Donald J. Trump. On the campaign trail, McGeachin pledged to end medical mandates and vaccine requirements, threw her support behind a 50-state audit of the 2020 election that President Joe Biden decisively won, called for eliminating Idaho’s corporate income tax and grocery tax and vowed to put an end to cancel culture.

Over the past year, McGeachin engaged in a series of missteps that may have cost her politically. After McGeachin refused to release public records related to her 2021 education task force, a district judge ordered her to release the records and pay almost $29,000 in legal fees and costs to the Idaho Press Club, which filed suit in order to obtain the records. The legal fees caused a budget crunch for McGeachin, whose salary was deferred by the state to

help avoid a projected budget deficit for her office when the 2022 fiscal year ends June 30. McGeachin has been working without a paid staff to help reduce expenses, and an Idaho taxpayer filed a complaint with three state offices alleging McGeachin’s limited office hours two days a week violated a section of state law that requires state offices to be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Tuesday night’s primary election loss means McGeachin will be out of office once her term expires in January.

With a GOP primary win, Little advances to the Nov. 8 general election, which will also feature the winner of the Democratic gubernatorial primary election, independent and third party candidates. Idahoans may not know who wins the Democratic gubernatorial primary for about a week because of the write-in campaigns.

Tuesday night’s final election results will become available once they are officially canvassed over the next couple of weeks. The deadline for the State Board of Canvassers to meet and conduct the canvass and certify election results is June 1.

Scott Bedke wins Idaho Republican primary for lieutenant governor Idaho House speaker defeats state Rep. Priscilla Giddings

By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun House Speaker Scott Bedke won the 2022 Republican primary election for lieutenant governor Tuesday, May 17 according to unofficial election results released by the state.

Bedke defeated state Rep. Priscilla Giddings and Republican Daniel J. Gasiorowski would hold up.

“We are in good shape,” Bedke told the Idaho Capital Sun shortly before midnight. “I feel confident that our margin will hold.”

At 3 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 election results showed Bedke claiming 52% of the vote compared to 42% for Giddings. Gasiorowski won almost 6%.

Bedke is a rancher from Oakley and is the longest serving speaker of the house in the history of the Idaho Legislature. He has served 11 terms in the Idaho House of Representatives.

Scott Bedke. Courtesy photo.

Giddings is a fighter pilot from White Bird who has served three terms in the Idaho House of Representatives.

Lieutenant governor is a fouryear position and a part-time job.

The main requirements of the job include presiding over the Idaho Senate and being prepared to break a potential tie vote. The lieutenant governor also frequently serves as acting governor while the governor

is out of state. The lieutenant governor’s office has been a springboard to higher office for decades.

Gov. Brad Little and former Govs.

Butch Otter, Jim Risch, Phil Batt and John Evans all served as lieutenant governor before going on to become governor.

During the campaign, Giddings backed out of appearing in a statewide televised debate against Bedke after originally agreeing, which led to the cancellation of the planned lieutenant governor’s debate on Idaho Public Television.

Giddings backed out after her campaign team said they wanted to preauthorize the reporters on the panel who help ask questions during the debate. Idaho Gov. Brad Little and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, also declined to participate in debates this year.

“It’s time to move on,” Bedke said. “We’ve been through a tough primary, but there are a lot of

things that we all agree on. We all agree that we want our kids well-educated. We all agree that we want our roads and bridges and water systems up to snuff.

We all know that Idaho is the fastest-growing state. We’ve been discovered.”

Bedke’s primary election victory represents a win for an establishment, traditional conservative over the far right challenge from Giddings. In 2021, the Idaho House voted 49-18 to censure Giddings for conduct unbecoming of a legislator and remove her from one of her committee assignments after she shared and promoted a blog that identified and included the photo of 19-yearold intern who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger of rape.

Last month, an Ada County jury found von Ehlinger guilty of rape, and he is awaiting sentencing.

Bedke now advances to the

Nov. 8 general election to square off against Democrat Terri Pickens Manweiler and Pro-Life, who is a Constitution Party candidate formerly named Marvin Richardson.

Tuesday’s results will become official after they are canvassed and certified over the next couple of weeks. The deadline for the State Board of Canvassers to meet to conduct the canvass and certify the election results is June 1.

Both stories on this page were produced by the Idaho Capital Sun, a Boise-based independent, nonprofit online news organization delivering in-depth coverage from veteran Idaho reporters on state government and policy. The Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit funded by tax-free donations in 22 states. Learn more and follow daily updates at idahocapitalsun. com and statesnewsroom.com.

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Bouquets: • A Bouquet goes to all the candidates up and down the ballot who ran respectful races this primary election. It’s always a sign of someone’s integrity when they choose to promote their own candidacy instead of going after the low-hanging fruit and attacking everyone and everything around them. Character still means something to me, and I’m sure it does to many of you, too.

• A Bouquet also goes out to our friends over at KRFY 88.5 FM, who did a great job helping their listeners stay up to date on everything involving the primary election. Between candidate interviews, co-sponsoring forums and coverage on election night and beyond, we’re lucky to have such a great community radio station in our town.

• We have some really great people who contribute their writing to the Reader on a regular basis.

Emily Erickson’s column “Emily Articulated” is always insightful, providing an often-overlooked viewpoint from the millennial demographic in our community. Brenden Bobby is a force to be reckoned with, providing his column “Mad About Science” on a weekly basis and always entertaining us while educating us in the process. Marcia Pilgeram’s “The Sandpoint Eater” food column is also a constant joy to read. Marcia’s passion for food and life is contagious, and her recipes are so dang good. Sandy Compton emerges from the woods every so often to provide us with entertaining and intriguing commentary from the longtime local point of view. Jen Jackson Quintano’s “Lumberjill” column can be relied on to give readers a laugh while making them think. She has such a great way with words. Ranel Hansen’s “Dirt-y Secrets” garden column is a great source of information for everything related to the garden. These voices help define the Reader as a paper with a little something for everyone.

Barbs: • We’ve heard enough Barbs the past couple months. Chillax.

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A counterpoint to weed control ‘opt-in’ signage…

D’s will lose if they expect R’s to play by the rules …

Dear editor, I would like to address the May 5 letter regarding Bonner County’s noxious weed control efforts and procedures, specifically related to county right-of-way maintenance [Letters, “A proposal for more efficient weed control”]. Our offer to landowners to opt-out from operational herbicide treatments along their frontage on a Bonner County right-of-way is more than just putting up our signs and forgetting about it. The landowner enters into an agreement with the county accepting responsibility to control state and county listed noxious weeds in the right-of-way along the frontage — at which point they are issued the official signs (valid for one season).

Reversing this procedure would actually cost the county more money. There is an expense involved in procuring the signs and there would be significantly more administrative time spent handling an “opt-in” situation.

Additionally, the logistics would create operational inefficiencies.

There is precedent to back this up from a one-time roadside noxious weed contracting situation with Dover about a decade ago. On top of it all, there would be significant tracts of infested county right-of-way that would go unaddressed, and the material would end up needing to be applied on most of it anyway.

Counties need to do their due diligence in keeping the land in compliance with Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 24 (the noxious weed law). A noxious weed is defined in Code as, “any plant having the potential to cause injury to public health, crops, livestock, land or other property; and which is designated as such by the state of Idaho.”

Noxious weeds have an impact on far more than just agriculture, and the primary vector of spread is via transportation corridors.

Our control efforts have made a big difference in driving down populations and curtailing spread.

The proof is in the pudding. I have an open-door policy for questions and discussions.

Dear editor, I wish to remind my fellow Democrats what our opposition is doing leading to the 2024 elections. I was inspired to write this (Thursday, May 12) by a comment in the discussion page of Sandpoint March for Reproductive Rights. One ended with, “If there is any threat to safety we will cancel the event, as safety is number one.” Wrong! That is what they want us to do! The Dems have been “playing by the rules” for eight-plus years now, expecting honor, sanity and fairness from the Trumpist Repubs. Dems will lose with that strategy. Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, said, “There are no rules in war.”

The most outspoken Republicans are Trumpists. Remember, Trump solicited and received help from Russia in 2015-’16. He, his family and campaign officials are traitors to the USA. He is amoral, a criminal, a misogynist and serial abuser. And his supporters are fine with that.

Republicans continually accuse us Dems of being Satanists, pedophiles and baby killers. This is not harmless rhetoric. We are “the other.” The Doctrine of Competing Harms excuses criminal acts (such as murder) to prevent the occurrence of a greater harm (abortion? pedophilia?). Remember the firebombing of womens’ health clinics and the murder of their doctors not so long ago? As the amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that will likely overturn Roe, noted: “Acts of anti-abortion violence during the period from 1977 to 2019 include at least 11 murders, 26 attempted murders and at least 756 threats of harm or death, 620 stalking incidents and four kidnappings. Crimes directed at clinic facilities have included at least 42 bombings, 189 arsons, 100 attempted bombings or arsons and 662 bomb threats.” Repubs think that this is a good thing.

Chase Youngdahl Bonner County Noxious Weeds manager Sandpoint

Chris Mielke Sandpoint

OPINION

Book banning is dangerous policy

By Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue Reader Contributor Though our schools and public library systems already take great care to ensure that age-appropriate materials are in kids’ hands at the right time, a very vocal minority wants you to think differently. Much time was wasted this past legislative session “protecting” Idaho youth from bogeymen and needlessly villainizing dedicated professionals.

During the House floor debate on HB 666 (which would have potentially criminalized a librarian checking out a book to a minor), House members were shown a “secret” folder behind closed doors and amid much pearl clutching. This folder was said to contain concrete proof that Idaho kids were being exposed to harmful pornography and that librarians must be held to account.

Let me blow open the contents of this secret folder: Some of the pages were from literary classics, some of them came from bestselling family books on navigating puberty, some of them were single stanzas from poems or a single page from a graphic novel with no context to the overall theme of the story.

Most of the pages came from the teen and even adult section of the library, where much more scandalous content has existed in the pages of romance novels for decades (no offense to fans of the romance genre).

It’s easy to get outraged when cherry-picked pages are taken out of their original work. One could be shown a singular passage from the Bible and similar outrage could occur. By no means am I suggesting that the Bible be banned, but without context it is easy to misconstrue literary value.

Now, six weeks after the legislative session ends, we see the Nampa School Board bowing to intense political pressures and removing books from shelves.

The censorship is bad enough, but the process was egregious and deeply un-American. Following established policies, a committee of staff and parents was in the process of reviewing a list of books

to determine whether they should remain on the shelves or not. Then the board stepped in and unilaterally removed books permanently without receiving any recommendation from the committee.

These works were not salacious novels or pornography; many are considered classic literary works. Hopefully other school boards and library boards will show greater resolve in the face of a vocal minority and stick to policy before reacting impulsively.

Throughout history some of the greatest threats to authoritarianism have always been books and ideas.

Simply put, book banning and censorship is an ineffective and lazy response to ideas and people that scare us, and it’s been happening for centuries — as has our consistent response to censorship. It is human nature to seek out what is forbidden, we need look no further than the tale of Adam and Eve to remind ourselves of that.

While looking through that “secret folder,” as well as the list of banned books, it was not lost on me that many of the passages depicted “others” — particularly LGBTQ people. I refuse to believe that the mere existence of people different from me qualifies as “harmful.” That’s a very dangerous definition of harm.

The job of protecting your child from exposure to ideas and books you don’t like falls solely on your shoulders, not on a librarian’s. You are absolutely free to keep your family as protected as you’d like, however you are not free to extend that protection beyond your family unit because now you are censoring your neighbor’s freedom to explore provocative topics.

What you may find objectionable enough to keep your child from reading might not even raise the eyebrow of your neighbor, and that is what is beautiful about our freedom.

Ned Burns is a first-term Idaho House member representing Bellevue. He serves on the Health and Welfare, Local Government, and Resources and Conservation committees.

OPINION

ICL launches North Idaho Lakes Advocacy Program

By Becca Rodack Reader Contributor For 11 years, the Idaho Conservation League’s (ICL) North Idaho staff has worked to preserve the best of our area. From public lands, to wildlife like grizzly bears and wolverines, to the incredible diversity of forests and other habitats, staff members have collaborated with agencies and organizations to make sure that the things that make North Idaho special are preserved for now and future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

While, in recent years, we’ve worked to protect the Kootenai River from selenium pollution leaching from Canadian coal mines and preserve bull trout habitat from developments at Trestle Creek, water quality advocacy has not been a primary focus of our office.

Issues like land use planning and development, pollution and shoreline degradation required attention, but we did not have the staff power to adequately address them.

Last fall, the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper (LPOW) asked if ICL would consider taking on its water advocacy programs. Steve Holt, LPOW’s executive director, planned to retire and knew that these critical programs needed a permanent home. Seeing opportunities to address some of the significant water quality issues threatening precious waters of North Idaho, ICL agreed to take on this work. Over the next few months, planning began to ensure that the programs LPOW had developed over more than a decade of service would have a place with ICL. With the transition of these programs, ICL was able to secure funding to hire a full-time staffer dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing our waters that we had previously not had the capacity to address.

“We were really humbled to be asked by LPOW to take on their water quality monitoring program and lake advocacy work,” said Brad Smith, ICL’s North Idaho director. “LPOW has served a vital role in the community by protecting Lake Pend Oreille for the benefit of everyone.”

ICL’s North Idaho Lakes Advocacy

program has officially launched with the hiring of our North Idaho Lakes Conservation Associate, Jennifer Ekstrom.

Jennifer will work to protect the iconic waters of the panhandle, including Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Priest Lake, the Kootenai River and more from degradation and pollution.

As LPOW’s first executive director, Ekstrom helped develop the Water Quality Monitoring program for Lake Pend Oreille. This citizen science-led effort tracks key measurements to monitor the health of the lake, and will continue under her management. In addition to coordinating the Water Quality Monitoring Program, Ekstrom will play a leading role within ICL in identifying major threats to the integrity of North Idaho waters and working with partners to find solutions.

“I’m delighted to join the team at Idaho Conservation League and dive back into water quality protection for our North Idaho communities,” she said. “During the decade I’ve been away, the pressures on our waterways have only increased, and long-term solutions are necessary to protect these treasures that draw us all here.”

North Idaho’s waters are invaluable to our communities. As more people

move into the area, often drawn to the beauty of places like Lake Pend Oreille, it is more important than ever that we proactively put safeguards in place to protect these environments. We are excited to partner with other organizations and community members doing this vital work to preserve the places we all love.

A recent volunteer training for the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Courtesy photo.

Becca Rodack works as communications and engagement assistant for the Idaho Conservation League. Learn more about the organization at idahoconservation.org.

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Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Time is a tricky topic. On the surface, we all know what time is: It’s a measurement of our day.

So why do some days seem like they go more quickly than others?

Trying to reduce human perception, individual biases and experiences to a constant metric is nearly impossible. A number of factors may affect your perception of the passage of time: If you’re bored and anxious for a period of time to pass more quickly, you’re more alert and cognizant of your surroundings, which creates the illusion of slow-moving time.

Conversely, if you’re having fun with friends or hyper-focused on an enjoyable activity, you aren’t focusing on the flow of time, which suddenly seems to go by faster.

Interestingly, it’s been discovered that birds perceive the passage of time differently than humans. For instance, The brain of a starling slows down its perception of time so that it can react more quickly to stimuli, such as the movement of other starlings. This doesn’t mean that the flow of time is changing, but that their brains are processing the information more quickly and efficiently to be suited for specific tasks, like snapping up quick-moving insects while simultaneously avoiding mid-air collisions with other birds.

When you think about time, you probably think about a clock — whether it’s on your phone or the family grandfather clock ticking away down the hall.

Time doesn’t make the clock move, per se, but the clock is able to track time fairly accurately through a series of precise 10 /

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Brought to you by:

Time

mechanical actions. In the Aug. 12, 2021 edition of the Reader, we saw the various types of clocks and how they function.

Essentially, clocks receive an input, which is energy, and they output an action at certain, finely-calibrated intervals to denote seconds, minutes and hours almost exactly.

That said, the concept of seconds, minutes and hours are just measurement devices like degrees on a thermometer. They are close approximations for the passage of time, relative to our state of being. You might be wondering what that means.

To understand that, we need to zoom out to understand what time really is.

According to Einstein, time exists as a fourth dimension in the universe. Whereas the first three dimensions are length, width and height, time acts as a fourth dimension that keeps things moving and allows energy to travel. This might be a really difficult concept to visualize, and that’s OK. More powerful brains than ours have tried to get to the bottom of this for centuries and we still don’t have a clear answer.

The best way that I’ve found to think about this: Imagine the universe is a piece of fabric that’s growing outward at all times. For the sake of simplicity, let’s pretend this cloth is growing by one foot every hour. This is a very predictable and stable growth while the cloth is taut.

Now what happens if you drop a marble on the cloth?

If the marble is heavy enough, you’ll see the fabric distort. Now, part of the cloth might not be growing as quickly as the rest of the surrounding cloth. What happens when you drop a bowling ball onto the fabric? Suddenly a lot of it is being pulled down-

ward, and it’s taking longer for more of the cloth to grow.

This is part of a great experiment you can try at home.

While you might not have ever-expanding cloth, you can suspend a sturdy piece of fabric like a comforter a couple of feet off the ground and place heavy objects onto it. After the first object, you can apply directional force by rolling the object into the cloth and watching how it reacts with the other objects and the distortion of the cloth. This is a representation of gravity.

Gravity is a powerful force, and it’s capable of bending not only space, but time. In the case of this experiment, the bowling ball represents a black hole.

You’ll notice the black hole bowling ball is pulling down powerfully on the fabric. This gravity well is so powerful that it is even capable of pulling light. Light is the fastest moving energy in the universe that we’re aware of (though there are some exceptions we’ll talk about another day with our professor caps on), and as far as we can tell, the universe is expanding at a speed equal to the speed of light, or 299,792,458 meters per second. That means if the gravitational force of the black hole is strong enough to pull in light, it’s also strong enough to deform time. At some point, an atom being pulled into a black hole reaches a moment where time stops and becomes infinite.

You wouldn’t notice this from outside of the black hole, but if you were inside and looking in, it would be as though time had frozen for eternity.

Another very unique interaction of time and speed is something that happens to objects inside of other objects that are moving at incredible speeds.

Let’s pretend your Tesla is driving at precisely the speed of light. As the driver inside, your experience of time would be different from what it would be outside of the vehicle. At the speed of light, your perception of travel would be near-instantaneous. If you were traveling from here to exactly one light-year away, you would only experience the time during acceleration and deceleration. However, for someone watching you streak across space,

they’d have to wait a year for you to arrive at your destination.

Here’s a fun thought experiment: A man, John, living 50 light-years from Earth promised his twin brother, Dave, to visit him on their shared-50th birthday. On that day, John jumps into his light-speed Lexus and takes off. When John arrives, he is still 50, but Dave is 100.

Does your brain hurt yet?

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner titution

Six myths about the u.S. cons Myth No. 1: The U.S. Constitution was written on hemp paper.

Both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were written on parchment. Some working drafts of both documents may have been composed on paper made from hemp.

person to determine representation in Congress. However, the 13th and 14th Amendments ratified after the Civil War made the “Three-Fifths Compromise” obsolete and wrote the Declaration’s promise of equality into the Constitution.

Myth No. 3: The same Founders who wrote the Declaration wrote the Constitution. Only six Founders signed both the Declaration and Constitution: George Clymer, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, George Read, James Wilson and Roger Sherman.

Myth No. 5: The states quickly embraced the Constitution. After the delegates signed the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, five states immediately ratified it. The process slowed down, however, when the Anti-Federalists (who feared a strong central government and demanded a Bill of Rights) bitterly fought the ratification at state conventions. It took until June 21, 1788 for New Hampshire, as the ninth state approving ratification, to make the Constitution a reality and put it into effect.

Myth No. 4: The Constitution says, “All Men Are Created Equal.”

That phrase is actually in the Declaration of Independence. The original Constitution punted on the issue of slavery and included provisions such as the ThreeFifths Clause, which counted each enslaved person as three-fifths or a

Myth No. 6: All 13 states took part in writing the Constitution.

Rhode Island didn’t send a delegation to Philadelphia, fearing the new federal government would dominate the states and thus rejected ratification in 1788. Rhode Island finally approved the document on May 29, 1790 by a margin of 2 votes.

Myth No. 2: Thomas Jefferson signed the Constitution. Jefferson didn’t sign the Constitution. In 1787, Jefferson was in Paris as the United States’ envoy and missed the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

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PERSPECTIVES

It all began with COVID. (A phrase that can be said about much in this new-fangled world.) Our job became performative. And it all began with COVID. In March of 2020, everyone was stuck at home. In March of 2020, everyone was scared, unsure of what the future held, looking for ways in which to keep that fear at bay. Zoom gatherings and YouTube rabbit holes proliferated.

Sourdough starters experienced a baby boom. Peloton was ascendant, like the next Lance Armstrong, before falling from grace, just like Lance Armstrong.

In March of 2020, everyone was looking for escape: from unseen dangers, from boredom, from loneliness, from the confines of what was once a sanctuary — one’s home — and was now a prison. We were all wild animals, pacing the cage of our own experience.

Amid this milieu of existential ennui, the humble arborist became the best game in town. Turns out we beat Netflix (and maybe even PornHub, though that’s still up for debate), hands down.

By April of 2020, each of our job sites became populated by our clients, their neighbors and sometimes their friends. Lawn chairs, flip flops and beer coolers abounded. There were cheers. There was play-by-play commentary. There were drones. There might have been some hangovers. The peanut gallery was pent up and ready for some action. We were the action.

And why not? Even in the best of times, watching someone scale a tree and adeptly run a chainsaw at great heights is exciting. I still get a thrill when a top comes out of a tree and gracefully meets the ground. I mean, this is some cool

Jen Jackson Quintano. stuff. I understand.

In the past, though, no one was around to see it happen. (If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to see it, does it still make money? Yep.) Everyone was at work or hadn’t yet relocated to their second home, making it their primary home.

If the client was on site, they had better things to do. They might step outside for a brief ooh-and-aah session at the crux of a particular tree’s removal but, otherwise, they were busy.

Errands, appointments, meals out and vacation plans were all-consuming. Our work occurred in the shadows. Our work was secondary to the living of life.

Yet, with COVID, our entertainment value soared. There was nothing else to do but enjoy the tree show. Everyone had already binge-watched Tiger King or cruised the toilet paper aisle for the 15th time in a week, after all.

Even our cleanup efforts were stimulating. I’d never had someone watch me rake for 30 minutes before. But that happened.

Repeatedly.

At first, it was amusing, the predictability of it all. The lawn chairs, the drinks. No matter the neighborhood or demographic, people always settled in for the performance. We were the new Super Bowl.

Then it became slightly annoying.

Day after day, I felt like a spectacle. I felt like each of my movements was being analyzed and assessed. I felt like our safety and efficiency were secondary to our entertainment value. I felt like a performer, not a laborer. I felt like I needed more sequins.

The thing is, I’m not a performer.

The thing is, that’s the stuff of my nightmares: me, on a stage, having to sing a song or do a dance in front of a rabid audience.

Suddenly, in my waking world, tree work had become a song-and-dance routine.

In response, I brought a new self-consciousness to the job site. A self-consciousness that was constantly surveying how I looked rather than how I felt.

Do I look professional? Do I appear strong? Do I seem proficient?

Never mind that I am all these things. With an audience, the appearance of said qualities became just as important. To me, anyway.

Because performance makes me uncomfortable.

Never mind that all eyes are usually on the climbers (which I am not). Never mind that you may have no expectations of me whatsoever. Never mind that I might

be making up the weightiness of your gaze.

Just imagine me showing up with a six pack, a lawn chair and a small posse at your desk someday to watch you compose an email or pay the bills. Imagine my flying a drone around your head to capture all the action for posterity.

How do you feel?

Yeah. Me, too.

Now, two years later, we are not quite the spectacle we once were, but still garner far more attention than we used to.

Many more people work from home or simply don’t work at all. Many have retired to their Sandpoint vacation homes. Or if they haven’t retired here yet, they will drop everything to come here and watch us, so sick of the city are they. Many today have a flexibility of schedule that wasn’t common just a couple years ago.

In short, it is possible for most of our clients to make room for us as the Main Event.

But guess what? (And I’m addressing myself here just as much as I’m addressing you. Maybe, actually, this is mostly for me.)

The Main Event is not really the wow-factor of our work. The Main Event is our safety and yours. The Main Event is the aftermath, with the tree gone, the site cleaned up, and all property and people safe and sound. The Main Event is the paycheck — supporting our family, paying our employees a living wage and living to do it all again another day. The Main Event might not even be the work, but all the living and loving and exploration and growth that surrounds and is supported by that work.

But don’t set up lawn chairs to watch all that. Please.

However, I understand that liv-

ing in a retirement-friendly Zoom town means that our audiences aren’t going away. I understand that our work is imminently viewable, filmable and shareable. I understand that an element of our work will always be somewhat performative. I get it, and I can change none of that.

What I can change is my relationship to it. What I can change is my interior sense of being on display, of needing to meet certain expectations of toughness or speed or whatever. What I can change is my focus, because my crew’s safety deserves it more than you.

Unless you’re sitting in the drop zone, which happens sometimes.

Stay away from the trees, please.

For the love of God. We may be entertainment, but we’re not interactive entertainment. Go get a VR headset for that kind of fun, OK? My new mantra is, This is not performative. Even when I’m being filmed. This is not performative. And it helps. Because when I’m not an entertainer, I am just me. And that me is perfectly adept at what she does. That me moves through the world exactly as she should. The only expectations placed upon the shoulders of that me are the ones I place there myself.

And trust me, those expectations are weighty enough.

Enjoy the show, Sandpoint.

Jen Jackson Quintano writes and runs an arborist business with her husband in Sandpoint. Find their website at sandcreektreeservice.com. See more of Quintano’s writing at jenjacksonquintano. com.

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OUTDOORS

Dirt-y Secrets Payoff time

By Ranel Hanson Reader Columnist “Flowers are the music of the ground from earth’s lips, spoken without a sound.”

— Edwin Curran It’s payoff time! All of the work you put into your garden is now manifesting in flowers. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, allium, bulbs and trees of all kinds are blooming. What a glorious time of year!

Of course, the work contin-

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ues. Weeds are everywhere and just itching to crowd out your flowers. Dandelions are blooming in full force and now is the time to dig out the little critters.

The only weed killer that is safe to use is vinegar mixed with a little dish soap or a trowel. Be sure to get the root, if you can.

Otherwise, they’ll be back — and soon. Chemical weed killers are insect, bird, fish and mammal killers, too. And, by the way, the bees appreciated the dandelions that bloomed early. They provide much-needed sustenance after the long winter. But now,

flowers and trees are blooming and food is abundant. Get those dandelions out before they go to seed and send their armies to colonize your yard.

As I have mentioned before, I raise mason bees. Actually, they raise themselves, I just provide a house, mud and flowers. They do the rest, and that is plenty.

They can pollinate faster and better than other bees, including honey bees, and they are very self-sufficient.

Experts recommend removing the cocoons at the end of the season and storing them in your refrigerator. I have done that in the past. Last year, however, I simply covered the bee house in a tarp on my protected front porch and let nature take its course. When I replaced the bee house on the east side of my house, the cocoons hatched.

I think there was some winter kill, but many survived and are happily pollinating. I added 20 more cocoons — ordered from crownbees.com — just to be sure to have enough.

Less welcome this time of year is the reemergence of yellow jackets, and now is the time to put out your traps. It seems

there is an abundant crop of the nasty stingers this year. They can really ruin a barbecue and give you or your pet a sting to remember them by. If you see a nest beginning (like under the eaves of your house), wait until almost dark and spray with wasp spray. I know, spraying poison goes against everything I say, but there is no other way to get rid of them without a painful sting or many painful stings. Use the kind in a can that allows you to pinpoint the target nest, and try to confine the poison there.

Speaking of seasonal visitors, the resident moose in my neighborhood is back. He is big and hungry. He is also very mangy looking and is probably invested with fleas and ticks. Poor, itchy guy! But, here is the danger for you and pets: If a moose beds down in your yard, the pests that are plaguing it will fall off in its bed and wait for the next victim to pass by. It is wise to avoid those areas.

By the way, moose rarely eat flowers — they prefer twigs from trees and shrubs. They especially love apple twigs but usually move on before much damage is done. And, how great is it that we live where we can have a

creature as amazing as a moose in our yard?

Now is also the time to plant those annuals. We are most likely past frost worries — most likely, not absolutely — and we can enjoy making things beautiful. I plant a combination of seeds and starts so that I have a succession of flowering plants. This year, I am planting sunflower seeds everywhere I can fit them in. I am thinking of Ukraine and the only way I can show support is to grow their national flower and to stand for Ukraine every Sunday. You are welcome to join on the bike path on Highway 2, at 1 p.m. every Sunday.

After your annuals have had a chance to settle in (two weeks or so) be sure to begin fertilizing. Hanging baskets especially need a dose of weak fertilizer every time you water them because the water goes right through them. Bedding plants can go longer, but I try to give them some nourishment every two weeks or so. I use fish emulsion on baskets and Dr. Earth brand dry fertilizer on beds.

Composted steer manure is also good. Again, chemical fertilizers are harmful to our environment.

Next time, we’ll be talking about summer flowers.

Happy Gardening!

COMMUNITY

What’s with Dover’s road names? Find out soon

By Reader Staff The newly formed Dover Historical Committee is inviting the public to the premiere of the recently completed “Dover, Idaho Roads and Landmarks” project on Thursday, May 26 at the Dover City Hall at 6 p.m.

The project is a 20-page full-color booklet that traces the history of two dozen families with streets or park landmarks named after them in Dover Bay. Street names like Pomrankey, Ames, and Becker are a nod to those who have had an impact on Dover — some families with a legacy of nearly 100 years.

“For over a year, a group of Dover

neighbors have contacted these families, collected photos, written up histories and genealogies, and it is all compiled in this beautifully designed brochure,” said Joe Gibbs, chair of the group. “It has been an incredible labor of love.”

The ad hoc committee of 13 volunteers, many of them longtime Dover residents, began work on the project in January 2021. The May event will be the first time the public sees the results of their effort. Though it is not yet available in print, the project will be viewed on a large screen.

“The Dover City Council recently passed Ordinance 176 to form an official Dover Historical Committee,” explained

Dover Mayor George Eskridge, who also worked on the project. “This great ‘Roads and Landmarks’ project will help preserve the culture and rich history of our small town as it grows. We want that work to continue and we are excited to support the new committee at City Hall.”

Dover City Hall is located at 699 Lakeshore Ave., near Dover City Beach.

Donations for the printing of the project may be made at the event. For those who cannot attend and would like to contribute, checks or money orders may be sent to Dover City Hall, PO Box 15, Dover, Idaho, 83825. Checks should be made out to the City of Dover, with “Dover Historical Committee” on the memo line.

Finding and photographing Yaak wildlife and landscapes

By Reader Staff Trekkers are invited to explore the extreme northwest corner of Montana, finding and photographing wild birds and mammals among the remote waterways and landscapes of the Yaak area. Led by longtime forester and wildlife field researcher Brian Baxter, the excursion begins at 9 a.m. (Mountain Time) on Saturday, May 21 at the Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile, located in the community of Yaak, Montana, at 29238 Yaak River Road.

(Call 406-295-4706 or email yaakrivertavern@gmail.com for directions.)

Baxter, drawing on his 44 years of outdoors experience in the Northwest, will share tips and techniques on how to find and approach wildlife, the habitats in which to search for certain species, and

how to identify various birds and wildlife.

Photographer Randy Beacham will demonstrate outdoor photography tips such as lighting techniques, how to expose for various outdoor conditions and weather, and how to look for and compose dynamic photos of wildlife in the landscape.

Beacham, who has been working at storytelling with his camera for more than 26 years, will also show and discuss what he packs in his camera bag on a typical photo outing and why. View his work online at randybeacham.photoshelter.com and at instagram.com/yaakmontanaphotos.

The class includes short walks on private lands and a road tour, and will wrap up at approximately 2:30 p.m. (MT). Participants should come with full gas tanks, dressed properly for an outdoor outing and bring water, lunch, good footwear,

Montana’s state bird, the western meadowlark. Courtesy photo. binoculars, spotting scopes, bird I.D. books and a good sense of humor.

Spaces are limited and all participants must pre-register. For more info, and to register, call 406-291-2154 or email b_baxter53@yahoo.com.

Explore landscapes with the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society

By Reader Staff A key characteristic of landscapes is the ecological health of the vegetation they support, and there are some landscapes where any significant change in their stewardship or ecological character would render them irreplaceably destroyed.

To learn more about how to identify the health of landscapes through their vegetation, the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society will present a program titled “Floristic Quality Assessment of Terrestrial Landscapes” from Dr. Gerould Wilhelm, director of research at the Conservation Research Institute.

The free talk will take place Saturday, May 21 at 10 am. at the East Bonner

County Library Sandpoint branch (1407 Cedar St.) and on Zoom, and is co-sponsored by the library and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation.

Wilhelm is a botanist, research taxonomist and educator, with degrees in marine biology from Florida State University and botany from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He has co-authored studies and completed research on flora in the Chicago region, and is currently working on research related to lichens in the Southern Lake Michigan Region.

He is well known for developing the floristic quality assessment methodology that is now used in more than 34 states and provinces. The subject of Wilhelm’s presentation in Sandpoint, FQA enables bota-

nists to monitor and evaluate the integrity of landscapes by assessing the health of its vascular plants — helping in the rehabilitation and restoration of habitats, as well as predicting whether a landscape might be irreplaceably destroyed by development.

For those who attend the May 21 event in person, coffee and treats will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. To attend via Zoom, register at bit.ly/KNPS-Wilhelm.

The program will also be recorded for later viewing on the KNPS YouTube channel.

Organizers ask that in-person attendees be fully vaccinated and feeling well.

Masks are optional.

For questions, contact Preston Andrews at programs@nativeplantsociety.org.

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COMMUNITY

NINE BAKERS STRONG The Sandpoint hub of Community Loaves has grown nine bakers strong, with local founder Ann Neal reporting that those baking volunteers “donate an average of 25 loaves of freshly baked honey oat bread using 100% organic, locally-sourced whole wheat flour to our local food bank twice a month.”

Since its launch in April 2020, Seattle-based Community Loaves has grown to boast 63 hubs throughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California, all in the name of providing local families with nutritious, homemade bread. The Sandpoint group has donated 200 loaves to the Bonner Community Food Bank since launching in November 2021.

Learn more about Community Loaves and sign up for a volunteer info session by visiting communityloaves.org. Those with questions can reach Sandpoint Community Loaves hub coordinator Ann Neal at annealevi@gmail.com.

Pictured from left to right: Vicki Reich, Cheri Kessler, Ann Neal, Michelle Sebern, Food Bank Director Debbie Love and Debbie Crain. Courtesy photo. Words by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey.

Sherry Ennis honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

By Reader Staff For acts of service and volunteerism spanning the globe from Central and South America to Africa and Bonner County, Sherry Ennis has been honored with the Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Ennis joined the Peace Corps and volunteered in El Salvador for two years, managing a clinic for malnourished children. She also became a den mother for a group of Boy Scouts and remains in touch with her El Salvador friends.

Ennis went on to a career as an ESL teacher at Lewis and Clark College, helping foreign students with their English skills and cultural awareness in order for them to succeed in college.

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During that time she was also a leader and adviser, providing college students an opportunity to travel abroad. She led two different groups to Ecuador and another to Kenya and Tanzania. She also participated in the Big Sister program.

Locally, Ennis has spent many years on the board of the Community Assistance League and served in several positions, including two years as vice president and two years as president, during which the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary. She also regularly volunteers at Bizarre Bazaar and is a team leader.

Ennis’ vision, community care and leadership is also on display in other roles, including as a monthly volunteer with Partners in Care and giving support at various Kinderhaven Festival of Trees events. She is currently on the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society

board and a committee member of its community education program.

According to Women Honoring Women, Ennis demonstrated grace and courage when her husband of over 40 years was stricken with ALS and given two years to live. She learned to handle their newly purchased Airstream and took her husband on his desired last journey through Montana and Wyoming. Ennis was his constant companion as the disease progressed, all the while providing life-supporting assistance.

“Dignity, integrity and honor are all strengths of character that define Sherry Ennis and worthy of the Woman of Wisdom award,” the organization stated.

Sherry Ennis. Courtesy photo.

Festival at Sandpoint announces Woods Wheatcroft as 2022 poster artist

Woods Wheatcroft.

Courtesy photo.

By Reader Staff

The Festival at Sandpoint has announced local photographer Woods Wheatcroft as the 2022 poster artist for the annual concert series July 28-Aug. 7 at War Memorial Field.

Wheatcroft was born in 1970 in San Diego but, following a family divorce, came to Idaho in the mid-’70, where he attended second, third and fifth grades in McCall. Returning to California, he graduated high school in San Diego in 1988 and went on to study social science and photography at U.C. Berkeley, from which he graduated in 1993.

Travel became a major influence after college, as Wheatcroft hustled to photograph and put more stamps in his passport. He eventually settled back in Idaho and, trying to take the leap to working as a full-time photographer, received some life-changing advice from another Idaho photographer, Andy Anderson: “Don’t spend more money going back to school. If you want to be a photographer you have to shoot and shoot and shoot.”

Wheatcroft heeded that advice, parlaying his talents into work with Patagonia and Outside, as well as other mainstays in the outdoor industry.

About 20 years later, photography is still Wheatcroft’s bread and butter, as are other applications within the medium, including photo collage as well as

Polaroid and instant photography.

“I love what I do and I love the collaborative space of working with friends and all of the dynamic humans I meet along this path,” he said in a media release announcing his selection as the 2022 Festival poster artist.

In drawing inspiration for this year’s Festival at Sandpoint, Wheatcroft’s love of music and decades of documenting the local community will come together in a “Sgt. Peppers-esque” homage.

The creativity of the annual Festival poster reflects its evolution from an advertisement for the concert series to a way to celebrate and showcase Bonner County’s artistic talent. In that time, the poster artist has come to be selected by fellow artists whose work has been featured in years past. It is now the one facet of the Festival in which board members and staff do not have a say, as the panelists feel strongly that only a local artist can best reflect the beauty of the Festival.

Once unveiled in July, signed prints of the poster will go on sale to the public for $10. The original artwork is then bid on through the Festival until the winning bid is announced at the Grand Finale concert All proceeds go to the Festival.

For more info on the Festival concert series and its other programs, visit festivalatsandpoint.com. To learn more about Wheatcroft and see his work, visit woodswheatcroft.com.

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events May 19 - 26, 2022

THURSDAY, may 19

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet in concert 7:30pm @ Panida Theater Live jazz concert from the acclaimed jazz quartet. $27 admission. panida.org Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Ultimate Frisbee 5:30-7pm @ Great Northern Field 14 and up, join the league for pick-up game

Unplug, Be Outside & Be Active: Litehouse YMCA Catapults anyone 4-5pm @ Travers Park Ages 7-12 S.T.E.M. event. Free!

Unplug, Be Outside & Be Active: Pickleball • 3-6pm @ Lakeview Park Ages 12 and up, learn and practice w/ pros

Live Music w/ Truck Mills, Denis Swang and Ali Thomas Trio 6-9pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Lost in the ’50s live music 7:30pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds Featuring Darlene Love and Rocky and the Rollers. Tickets $55: 208-265-5678 Live Music w/ Sara Brown Band 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Live Music w/ Devon Wade 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Music w/ Miah Kohal Band 9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge (patio) Vintage car parade and street dance 6pm @ Downtown Sandpoint The annual Lost in the ’50s parade, followed by a street dance at 2nd & Main

Live Music w/ The Liabilities 2-5pm @ 219 Lounge (patio) Downtown Car Show 9:30am-3:45pm @ Downtown Sandpoint Hundreds of hot rods on display!

Sandpoint Bike Rodeo 11am-1pm @ Summit Church Youths are encouraged to bring their bike or scooter and helmet for this free event!

Bike safety check with minor repairs Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 9am-1pm @ Farmin Park Fresh produce, artisan goods, live music

by John Firshi. Food vendors, too!

Live Music w/ Truck Mills 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Live Music w/ Scott Taylor and the Endless Switchbacks 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Music w/ Unkle Daddy 9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge (patio) Lost in the ’50s live music 7:30pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds The Righteous Brothers and Rocky and the Rollers! Tickets $55: 208-265-5678 11th Annual Hope Spring Fling 8am-1pm @ Hope Elementary School Yard sale, plant sale, bake sale, car wash, bike rodeo and BBQ lunch. Bring the entire family and support Hope Elementary’s PIE (Partners in Education)

FriDAY, may 20

SATURDAY, may 21

SunDAY, may 22

Ponderay Bike Rodeo • 11am-2pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee Youths are encouraged to bring their bike or scooter and helmet for this free event! Bike safety check with minor repairs and a chance to learn about bike safety and practice Sandpoint Chess Club skills. Free BBQ from 12-2pm. 208-265-5468 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee

monDAY, may 23

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalapeño’s “Being Burdened with Blessings”

Group Run @ Outdoor Experience 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome, beer after

tuesDAY, may 24 wednesDAY, may 25

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park Cornhole at MickDuff’s 6pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Live Piano Music w/ Bob Beadling 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Live Music w/ John Firshi 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

ThursDAY, may 26

Festival Live from 525 concert: Love, DEAN 5:30pm @ Festival at Sandpoint office, 525 Pine St. Indie soul pop duo, Love, DEAN will bring back the feel-good vibes of classic Americana in this intimate concert at the Festival at Sandpoint’s office. Tickets $19.99 available at festivalatsandpoint.com. Doors open at 5pm 18 /

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STAGE & SCREEN

Off Broadway, on point

Exit, Pursued by a Bear to play at Panida Little Theater

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Twice a year, in her attempt to embrace the muse, Dorothy Prophet directs and produces a play with local actors. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Prophet is excited to announce the production of Exit, Pursued by a Bear.

Written for Broadway by Lauren Gunderson, Exit will play at the Panida Little Theater from Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29.

Doors open for the Friday and Saturday shows at 6:30 p.m., with a matinee at 3 p.m. and evening show starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Exit is presented by Cade Prophet Memorial Productions, a nonprofit creative organization started by Prophet to honor her son, who died in a tragic accident on Memorial Day 2017 at just 25 years old. Prophet produces two plays each year under this banner, with all profits from the May shows

benefiting her son’s most-beloved local organization, the Better Together Animal Alliance.

“That was Cade’s favorite place,” she said. “Even when he grew up and moved away, he always wanted to visit the ‘inmates’ at the shelter. We give them money because that’s what Cade would want us to do.”

Gunderson’s play is a quirky tale about a woman named Nan who has been in an abusive relationship and decides she’s over it.

Nan, played by Meredith Fields, decides to act out scenes from her marriage to her husband, played

by Seneca Cummings, who she has duct taped to a chair so he can see the error of his ways.

“It sounds weird to say this, but it’s a comedy about domestic violence, which sounds counterintuitive, but it really makes a point,” Prophet said. “You’ll get the point while you’re laughing.”

Rounding out the cast are

Cory Repass playing Simon, Nan’s best friend since junior high, and Valarie Moore playing Sweetheart, a stripper with a lot of heart. Prophet has worked with the cast in prior productions, but it’s Moore’s first play.

“I worked with her for the Follies, but she’s never worked with a theater production before,” Prophet said. “But I knew she could do it. I wanted to get her into the fold. Once you’ve worked with one of our plays, you don’t get out. We’re family.”

Prophet said she prefers directing plays with smaller casts because of the close-knit nature of the production.

“I always pick smaller-cast shows just because I like it better,” she said. “It creates better camaraderie when there’s a smaller cast.

With this May show, that’s the whole point. I just want to hang

The cast of Exit, Pursued by a Bear (clockwise from left): Valarie Moore, Cory Repass, Meredith Fields and Seneca Cummings. Courtesy photo. out with my friends and distract myself because I hate the month of May. That’s when Cade died.”

Tickets for the play cost $16 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors, and are available for purchase at Eichardt’s Pub. After such a long time away from the stage, Prophet said she’s excited to enter the world of theater again.

“I love to tell a good story,” she said. “With this play, after people come to see it, I think people are going to leave uplifted and inspired. It looks at things from a different perspective in regards to a very serious topic. It makes you laugh, but also makes you think.

I think art needs to change you in some way, whether it’s a play, a movie or a painting, because otherwise what’s the point?”

For more information on the play and Cade Prophet Memorial Productions, visit cadeprophet. org.

Don’t avoid ‘the void’ in Amazon series Outer Range

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Since its premiere on Amazon Prime Video in mid-April, the series Outer Range has racked up a lot of middling reviews. Despite star power from Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor and Will Patton in leading roles — not to mention solid performances by Imogen Poots and Noah Reid — its eight-episode first season garnered 3.5 out of 5 stars on imdb.com, 77% from Google users and 80% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes (alongside a pretty dismal 67% from audiences).

A common complaint about the show, which is described generally as “neo-Western sci-fi,” is that its many subplots are too obscure and thus bog down viewers.

Other critics ding Outer Range for being too on-the-nose with its exposition and, at the same time, remaining “evasive.”

When I read that many conflicting reviews, I figure a show must be doing something right;

and, in the case of Outer Range, I think a fair number of these critics just aren’t getting it.

The show opens on the Abbott family, whose sprawling multi-generational Wyoming ranch is on the ropes due to the often-bemoaned “changing of the West.” Meanwhile, their rich-and-insidious neighbors, the Tillersons, are trying to snap up 600 acres of the Abbotts’ spread.

Into this familial rift over land comes an actual rift in the land — a giant, perfectly symmetrical hole that Royal Abbott (Brolin) discovers on the exact tract that Wayne Tillerson (Patton) is trying to steal out from under his family.

Royal at first tries to fill in the “void,” as he calls it, but it’s bottomless (and made all the eerier by a layer of supernatural-looking dust that hovers just over its expanse). When he sticks his hand into it, terrifying visions flood his mind, prompting Royal to flee and then do everything in his power to keep the void a secret.

Things start to deteriorate in general following the appearance of the void. People start seeing things, people start disappearing and other people seem to appear from out of nowhere.

Into the mix is a tragic accident that threatens to expose everyone’s secrets, with all roads leading back to the void.

That’s the briefest of synopses, but what I argue many critics aren’t getting is the depth of the commentary at play over ownership of the West as a concept — not just its physical space, but the competing visions (both of the past and future) that have buttressed the cultures imposed upon it.

I’m a sucker for that mode of melding mysticism with the West, which explores the dark inner landscapes constructed by the

colonization and control of outer landscapes. Neither the Abbotts nor the Tillersons belong on the land they’re squabbling over, and the void stands between them as the great sinkhole of time and space — a reminder (or perhaps warning) of the insignificance of humans’ all-consuming need to “own” anything in life, including their own stories.

Tom Pelphrey, left, Noah Reid, center, and Josh Brolin, right, play the Abbott men in the Amazon Prime Video series Outer Range, streaming now. Courtesy photo.

That’s a lot, and my interpretation may be wrong; but, regardless of the woo-woo over- and undertones, Outer Range is worth a trip to the abyss for the scenery alone.

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COMMUNITY

Lost in the ’50s, lost no more Live music, street dance and classic cars galore are back in 2022

By Reader Staff It’s been two years since Sandpoint has been able to “get lost” in the 1950s, and organizers are back in 2022 with a slate of top-notch talent and the classic Lost in the ’50s events that have marked the start of North Idaho’s summer for 35 years, including the car parade, street dance and downtown car show.

Here’s what to expect as Lost in the ’50s returns on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21.

Friday, May 20 Lost in the ’50s ‘Vintage’ Car Parade 6 p.m. @ downtown Sandpoint All vintage and classic cars are welcome to participate by lining up at the Sandpoint High School parking lot at 5 p.m.

Organizers request that participants “please keep it to classic cars, etc.” The official parade route begins at Fifth Avenue and Church Street, with cars heading east on Church to First Avenue, then north to Cedar Street and ending at the corner of Cedar and Fifth Avenue.

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Second and Third avenues, next to Jeff Jones Square, for the Lost in the ’50s Street Dance right after the parade for street dancing with a DJ on site.

Live music with Darlene Love 7:30 p.m. @ the Bonner County Fairgrounds Lost in the ’50s is bringing Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love to Sandpoint in 2022, showcasing one of the most underrated vocal talents of her era. Love started her decades-long career as one of producer Phil Spector’s choice vocalists, and fronted several girl groups in the early ’60s. She went on to work with many of the music greats of the years to follow, and also made a name for herself as an actress both on Broadway and as Trish Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series of the ’80s and ’90s.

Tickets to see Love perform at the fairgrounds are $55 and can be purchased at Second Avenue Pizza (215 S. Second Ave.) or by calling 208-2655678 (LOST) or 208-263-9321.

Doors to the show open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Both nights of live music will also feature Rocky and the Rollers. (Read more on Page 21.)

Saturday, May 21 Lost in the ’50s Car Show 9:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. @ downtown Sandpoint Hot rods will decorate downtown all day Saturday, with First, Second and Third avenues, as well as Ceder and Main streets, blocked off for pedestrian perusing. An awards ceremony will take place at the end of the day at the corner of First and Cedar.

Live music with The Righteous Brothers 7:30 p.m. @ the Bonner County Fairgrounds The second night of rock ’n’ roll at the fairgrounds will feature The Righteous Brothers, including original member Bill Medley. The group is considered a mainstay of the soulful sounds of the ’60s, and their classic songs remain popular to this day.

Tickets to see The Righteous Brothers perform at the fairgrounds are $55 and can be purchased at Second Avenue Pizza (215 S. Second Ave.) or by calling 208-265-5678 (LOST) or

208-263-9321. Doors to the show open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Both nights of live music will also feature Rocky and the Rollers. (Read more on Page 21.)

A note from the city of Sandpoint on vendors during Lost in the ’50s: City street crews will be sweeping downtown streets in the early morning of Saturday, May 21 and car show participants will begin staging around 6 a.m.

The city of Sandpoint is once again providing a designated vendor court location in the public right-of-way for vendors not officially associated with Lost in the ’50s. The city has designated up to eight spots on the north side of Main Street, between Jeff Jones Square and Second Avenue, for any vendor who wishes to set up in the public right-ofway. This location was chosen to ensure that vendors are close to the event center while keeping city sidewalks and streets clear for public movement and emergency vehicle access. Addition-

Top left and right: The annual Lost in the ’50s Car Show in downtown Sandpoint. Photos by Ben Olson. ally, it addresses the concerns of car owners about the potential of damage to their vehicles.

“We have to protect the cars, or we don’t have an event,” said Carolyn Gleason, event organizer and founder of Lost in the ’50s.

These designated spaces can be reserved by contacting the city clerk’s office at 208-2651481. Vendors will be able to set up at their designated space beginning at 6 a.m.

With owner permission, a vendor may also set up on private property, but they must display a valid business license.

Mobile vending and alcohol consumption is not permitted on public sidewalks or rights-ofway, unless specifically permitted by the city, such as sidewalk cafés operated by a downtown business.

The city clerk’s office is located at 1123 Lake St. and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

MUSIC

Still rollin’

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff Gerry “Rocky” Seader has been playing the drums since the age of 10 and drumming on the road with classic rock ’n’ roll acts since the age of 18.

Barely a legal adult and touring with the likes of Dick Clark, Frankie Avalon and Danny & the Juniors, Seader remembers thinking: “What have I gotten myself into?”

“That’s it,” the 61-year-old artist said of his lifetime of performing music. “This is my day job.”

That day job has translated into more than 40 years in the business and led Seader to found his band, Rocky and the Rollers, in the early 1980s. The now eight-piece group has been the band for countless rock legends of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, traveling the world to play the favorites of generations of music lovers.

Rocky and the Rollers will do what they do best as they perform at the Bonner County Fairgrounds during Lost in the ’50s weekend on both Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 along with ’60s icons Darlene Love and The Righteous Brothers.

Seader called Lost in the ’50s founder and organizer Carolyn Gleason one of his dearest

Rocky and the Rollers will play both Lost in the ’50s shows at the fairgrounds May 20-21

friends, and said the event is made special by the “passion” she has for bringing great artists to Sandpoint for an affordable ticket price. Together, Seader and Gleason have been booking the acts for Lost in the ’50s for more than three decades.

“I still get goosebumps every time I go up there on that stage on opening night,” Seader said. “I can’t explain it.”

When inviting acts to come to Lost in the ’50s, Seader said artists rarely believe him when he tells them that Sandpoint is “the most beautiful place you’ve been in your life.”

“It’s a sleeper show. It’s a sleeper town. It’s a sleeper event. Everybody goes, ‘Sandpoint, Idaho — where’s that?’”

Seader said, adding later: “Then we cross the bridge into Sandpoint. They see the mountains and the lake and this little, quaint town, nestled in what I call God’s country. The acts look at me and go, ‘You were right.’”

That reaction is only heightened by the musicians’ experience playing at the fairgrounds, Seader said, as concertgoers’ enthusiasm and respect for the music is palpable.

“This is my favorite show to do, period,” he said. “I’m not just blowing smoke, OK? This is my favorite show to do — period — every year.”

Seader said the multi-generational “camaraderie” at Lost in the ’50s is also special, and is reflected in Rocky and the Rollers’ multi-decade musical act.

“We take people through a journey,” he said, adding later: “You’re getting lost in decades of rock ’n’ roll, not just the ’50s.”

Seader said he wants to give Gleason “all the credit in the world” for creating such a unique and enjoyable event with Lost in the ’50s.

“She believed in Rocky and the Rollers,” he said. “We believed in each other, and what

Rocky and the Rollers are ready to let loose at the Bonner County Fairgrounds this weekend for Lost in the ’50s.

Courtesy photo. we could do for each other. I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

Listen to Rocky and the Rollers at rockyandtherollers.com.

Tickets to see the band perform with Darlene Love on Friday, or The Righteous Brothers on Saturday, are $55 per night. Purchase tickets by visiting Second Avenue Pizza (215 S. Second Ave.) or by calling 208-265-5678 (LOST) or 208-263-9321. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint Scott Taylor and the Endless Switchbacks, MickDuff’s Beer Hall, May 21 Those in the know in the Sandpoint area music scene are already familiar with Scott Taylor, who has been bringing his blend of bluegrass-infused Mountain Americana to local venues for years.

Now the singer-songwriter is augmenting his sound with a new group: Scott Taylor and the Endless Switchbacks, which will make an appearance at MickDuff’s Beer Hall just in time for Lost in the ’50s on Saturday, May 21.

Comprised of Taylor on guitar, mandolin and vocals; Jim Rosauer on banjo

and vocals; Rich Simpson on bass; and Joe Sweeney on harmonica, the band describes its style as fitting into the Americana-bluegrass-string band genre, with a mix of Taylor’s originals and covers of the likes of Old Crow Medicine Show, Trampled By Turtles and Billy Strings.

— Zach Hagadone 6-9 p.m., FREE, 21+. MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., 208-209-6700, mickduffs.com. Listen on YouTube.

Uncle Daddy, 219 Lounge, May 21 Uncle Daddy & the Family Secret is a Sandpoint-based classic rock band composed of “three very talented inbred southerners that’ll rock yer gizzards loose,” according to the band. “These boys have most of their real teeth and sing real good!”

With Mike Thompson on guitar, Rob Packwood on bass and Corey Gula on drums, this trio of longtime Sandpoint locals all play in various other

groups in Sandpoint. With an emphasis on classic rock tunes that everyone knows and loves, Uncle Daddy will rock the Lost in the ’50s crowd back a few decades.

—Ben Olson

This week’s RLW by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey

READ

There’s nothing quite like a well-done profile story. To truly get a sense of someone — especially a famous person, who is shrouded in assumptions — isn’t easy.

I’m happy to report that Charlotte Shane nailed it in her Bustle profile of Mia Khalifa, an ex-porn star who remains notorious for her work in adult entertainment but who has also risen as a seemingly genuine social media figure with a large female following. Read the Bustle piece, titled, “Please Respect Mia Khalifa’s Rebrand,” online.

LISTEN

New York-based indie duo TOLEDO is an understated treat of today’s alternative rock world. Lifetime friends and musicians Dan Alvarez and Jordan Dunn-Pilz make up the band, which is only gaining steam in the indie world thanks to the 2021 EP Jockeys of Love. I’ve had the song “Dog Has Its Day” on repeat for weeks. It’s breezy, groovy and just right for spring driving. Also check out TOLEDO songs “Some Samurai” and “Sunday Funday.”

WATCH

I’m back with a shameless shout-out to another nature documentary series. This time, it’s Netflix’s Wild Babies. What makes the show, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, so great is not necessarily the unmatched cuteness of new life. Rather, Wild Babies is special because it tells compelling stories as documentarians follow each baby — all of whom have names — through the first few months of their lives. Lion cubs, otter pups, penguin chicks and more face the harsh realities of wild living, and it’s an emotional roller coaster.

9 p.m.-midnight, FREE, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208-263-5673, 219.bar. Listen at reverbnation.com/uncledaddyandthefamilysecret.

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BACK OF THE BOOK

The morning after the election

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

From Northern Idaho News, May 11, 1915

OCEAN LINER SUNK BY GERMANS LONDON — Twelve hundred persons lost their lives, the British admiralty estimates, when the Cunard line steamship Lusitania was torpedoed off Old Head, Kinsdale, on the Irish coast.

So far as can be ascertained the survivors number 487 passengers and 274 of the crew.

Forty-five persons have died from exposure or from injuries.

The Lusitania was steaming along about ten miles off Old Head, Kinsdale, on the last leg of her voyage to Liverpool, when about 2 o’clock in the afternoon a submarine suddenly appeared, and, so far as all reports go, fired two torpedoes without warning at the steamer. One struck her near the bows and the other in the engine room. The powerful agents of destruction tore through the vessel’s side, causing terrific explosions. Almost immediately great volumes of water poured through the openings and the Lusitania listed.

Boats, which were already swung out on the davits, were dropped overboard and were speedily filled with passengers who had been appalled by the desperate attack.

A wireless call for help was sent out and immediately rescue boats of all kinds were sent, both from the neighboring points along the coast and Queenstown.

Within 15 minutes, as one survivor estimated, and certainly within half an hour, the Lusitania had disappeared.

22 /

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/ May 19, 2021

The morning after the election, I took a walk. The dark computer screen across the room beckoned me to waggle the mouse and wake it while I tied my shoes, but I avoided the temptation. Sleep still clung to my eyes from the post-midnight refreshing of browser pages to see who ultimately prevailed in this important primary, but that could wait. There was some self-healing that needed to be done.

I grabbed the inches-thick stack of campaign flyers and pamphlets that had clogged my mailbox over the past few weeks and deposited them all into the recycling bin with a satisfying whump. I lamented the fact that so many trees had to be sacrificed to produce such garbage, but I was pleased that the election was over — for now.

Some neighbors were out tending to their garden, quietly weeding before the rain began to fall. With clouds building over the mountains, I quickened my pace. I had forgotten my rain jacket, hoping I could finish the walk and be safely behind my desk downtown before the weather turned.

A friend tooted their horn as they drove by in their work truck. A woman passed on the sidewalk with a dog wearing a tiny raincoat. Even the dogs had better sense than me in this weather.

There’s a certain feeling I get around midday every Thursday, immediately after I finish delivering the paper. Those first moments of freedom after the weekly grind to the finish on deadline night are some of the best I have all week. It’s the furthest away I ever get until the next deadline, and I try to use the time to focus on activities that bring me joy. I turn off the phone and leave the computer dark as long as I can on these days, knowing there’s probably a guy out there writing to me that I dangled a participle or filling my voicemail with long, cryptic messages about nuclear war or

STR8TS Solution

emailing that I am a cancer to this community because I share opinions that represent people whose voices are often drowned out by the righteously loud.

I use this time to play a game of golf, go for hikes in the woods, go snowboarding or sometimes just sit in a daze on my couch, enjoying the time as it silently passes.

I feel the same sense of relief after every election, knowing that the morning after is the furthest we will be from the next one.

I feel relief because politics brings out the worst in people, and going through an election cycle often leaves trauma inside at how low people will stoop to attain power.

The relief I feel doesn’t come because I’m pleased with the outcome. After enduring about a dozen elections in North Idaho, I’ve learned to accept the results with the phrase, “Well, it could’ve been much worse.” Because it certainly could have.

No matter which way you lean politically or which candidate you were pulling for, nobody ever comes away feeling like everything worked out 100%.

That’s politics. It’s a messy business of determining which way the checks and balances will swing to ensure this delicate form of democracy we practice in the U.S. remains strong, despite so many attacks on it in recent years by those who cannot gracefully accept defeat.

A few drops of rain began to wet the sidewalk, reminding me to turn back for home before it was too late. I thought of the people who had shown their true character during the latest election. Mark Sauter ran an honorable campaign in which he didn’t sling mud and was rewarded with a win. That was his character. Scott Herndon ran a despicable campaign filled with fear-mongering propaganda and mean-spirited personal attacks on his opponent, and was also rewarded with a win. In his lust for power he tarnished the name of a dedicated public servant and a good man. That was his character.

Back in the day, we were always taught

that bullies never prospered. Bullies were just cruel, cowardly figures who took advantage of those who were more vulnerable for their own glory. Nowadays, I’m not so sure. In the blood sport that is politics, bullies tend to come out ahead because they believe their cause is righteous enough to trample anyone who gets in their way and voters reward this behavior with votes. It’s disgusting and completely antithetical to this thing we call community, but they still prosper. I shudder to think of what young people have learned from politics lately.

As I approached home, the rain picked up in earnest. It turned from a sprinkling to a drumming, and finally a deluge as I ran inside mopping my forehead dry.

“Let it fall,” I said to no one.

Let it fall and cleanse us of this ugly time we’ve all endured. Let it wash away the inhumanity, the anger and the outrage.

Maybe — just maybe — “the better angels of our nature” will find their voices again in this era of powerlessness and incivility.

May we all get soaked with the realization that we are better than this.

We have always been better than this, but the politics of grievance and spite have succeeded by making us forget that. It’s well past time we remembered.

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution

Isn’t it funny how one minute life can be such a struggle, and the next minute you’re just driving real fast, swerving back and forth across the road?

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

saber

Woorf tdhe Week

By Bill Borders

/SEY-ber/

[noun] 1. a heavy, one-edged sword, usually slightly curved, used especially by cavalry.

“The horseman pulled out his saber and held it high before charging into the sea of fighting men with a battle cry that rang across the field.”

Corrections: In the story “One Last Run,” in the May 12 Reader, I should have noted that Schweitzer officially discourages anyone skiing on their mountain after the season ends. Violators can even be trespassed if caught doing so. I have been thoroughly scolded.

Just forget everything I wrote. Nothing to see here. — BO

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Scoundrels 5. Bunch 10. Skin disease 14. Melange 15. Earth tone 16. Aggravate 17. Twist 19. Fold 20. Half of a pair 21. Ice a cake 22. They connect points 23. Faucet attachment 25. Pungent edible leaves 27. Without precedent 28. Chastises 31. Costa Rican monetary unit 34. Clothe 35. Grassland 36. Similar 37. Not north 38. Seating sections 39. Butt 40. Forests 41. Value 42. Visor 44. Steal 45. Gyrate 46. Unbeatable foe 50. Allegation 52. Delete 54. American Sign Language 55. Memorization method 56. Loathsome 58. Cain’s brother

Solution on page 22 59. Dominates 60. Hemorrhaged 61. Linguistic unit 62. Cast out 63. Adjusts

DOWN 1. Chocolate 2. Companionless 3. Eatery 4. Boozer 5. Get temporarily 6. Thespian 7. Not that 8. Small hooked instruments 9. Female chicken

10. Creative person 11. Advisor 12. Pleasant 13. Large northern deer 18. Frequently 22. Not more 24. Any minute 26. Impetuous 28. Unrefined 29. Colorful salamander 30. Cummerbund 31. Worry 32. Alright 33. Calcium hydroxide solution 34. Flying bomb

37. Fly high 38. After-bath wear 40. Fancy 41. Adult females 43. A protective covering 44. Put up a struggle 46. What we are called 47. Expensive fur 48. A small island 49. Sleighs 50. Sticking point 51. Timber wolf 53. Part portrayed 56. Form of “to be” 57. Stomach muscles, for short May 19, 2021 /

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Marilyn Alvarez Marian Martin Eric Bender Selia Medeiros Erin Binnall Sam Morton Sandy Brower Denise Oselinsky Nickey Buy Kristen Pletcher Corey Clum Linny Poutre Sarah Faux Kendal Roos Brendon Fogarty Paul Storer Kiana Fosness Kim Thorpe Robin Heard Bethany Warner Paula Johnson Angelica Wunsch Elisabeth Lauber THANK YOU to the following businesses for contributing and offering discounts to hospital employees

Northern Grind Coffee Sugar Tooth Azalea Handpicked Style Eves Leaves Finan McDonald Clothing Co. Sharon's Hallmark I Saw Something Shiny Sand Creek Quilting