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PEOPLE compiled by

Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey

watching

“What is a hobby you use to keep your mind off things?”

“I read fiction books. I like fantasy fiction. That just gets me out of the real world and into a fantasy setting. It de-stresses me.”

Melissa Mankongvanichkul Librarian Clark Fork

“Weight lifting.”

Ron Mason Clark Fork High School math teacher Rathdrum

“Jumping on the trampoline.”

Clarissa Birch First-grader, drummer Clark Fork

“Reading. Gardening is my other one. I like fresh air.”

Amaryllis Hood Librarian Clark Fork

“MMA.” Alex Woodmansee Clark Fork High School CTE teacher Clark Fork

DEAR READERS,

Another election has come and gone. Thanks to all of those voters who turned out to the polling places. It wasn’t an incredible turnout, compared with more prominent recent elections, but I appreciate those who took the time to participate in democracy.

Whether you’re pleased with the results or angry about them, let’s all just enjoy this time now, which is the furthest away from the next election we’ll get. I, for one, have just about had it with politics and elections in general.

I’ve also had it with the incredible amount of selfish people who live in this state. I’m not a doctor. I have no medical training. I rely on the advice from those who work in the health care industry, and by a vast majority, health care professionals have urged us all to get the COVID-19 vaccination to help end this terrible era in history. Idaho residents are not heeding this advice. Overall, only 43% of Idahoans are fully vaccinated. That’s just not good enough, folks. I don’t know if you all have noticed, but people are dying from this infection. They aren’t just numbers on a chart, or people from another state or country. They are our neighbors, our fathers, our friends, our family. They are our community.

Susan Drinkard, who has volunteered to write the People Watching column on this page each week for several years, just lost her husband Stephen from COVID-19, and we’re so heartbroken for her. Stephen was a good man, a steward of this community and he didn’t deserve this. Nobody does, even those who refuse to get a simple shot. Start being part of the solution and stop being part of the problem. You can read an obituary for Stephen on Page 19.

Out of respect for Stephen and the many other people who have lost their lives to COVID-19, please consider getting the vaccine. Stop filling your head with conspiracies churned up by internet charlatans. It has gotten so old, so tiring.

I leave you with a parting thought: What if it was your father, your mother, your son, daughter or wife who lost their life to COVID? Would it change anything about the way you feel about vaccines? Is it worth the gamble? To date, 100 people in Bonner County have died from COVID-19. These are our neighbors, our family members, our friends. Thanks for listening.

– Ben Olson, publisher

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

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (News Editor) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Rob Osborn (cover), Ben Olson, Leslie Kiebert, Bill Borders Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Lorraine H. Marie, Carolyn Knaack, Brenden Bobby, Jim Ramsey, Jen Jackson Quintano, Don Otis, Jeff Rouleau, Jim Corcoran, Marcia Pilgeram 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.

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

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

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

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

About the Cover

This week’s cover features a photograph taken from about 300 feet above Sand Creek, looking south at downtown Sandpoint. Photo by Rob Osborn. Thanks Rob! November 4, 2021 /

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NEWS

Sheriff returns Rescue Plan funds, cites ‘strings attached’

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff

Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved a series of requests from Sheriff Daryl Wheeler during the board’s Nov. 2 business meeting, returning American Rescue Plan Act funds to the county coffers after Wheeler previously asked for the funds to cover COVID-related jail expenditures.

Wheeler asked to return the money — obtained in two resolutions totaling almost $28,500 to cover “COVID mitigation” — after Bonner County Clerk Mike Rosedale pointed out a condition in the U.S. Treasury Department’s guidelines for ARPA funds stating that recipients of the federal money must agree “to comply with all other applicable federal statutes, regulations, and executive orders, and Recipient shall provide for such compliance by other parties in any agreements it enters into with other parties relating to this award.”

In a phone call with the Reader following the nearly two-hour commissioner meeting, the clerk said that the specific mention of executive orders is the “great unknown” — noting a possible nationwide vaccine mandate as a hypothetical.

“That’s what’s causing [us] pause,” Rosedale said. “You just want to know what you’re getting into when you sign a contract, especially when almost $9 million is on the line.”

In an email following the board’s approval to remove the funds from his office’s budget, Wheeler explained his concerns further, sharing that he “cannot and will not” comply with “federal statutes, regulations and executive orders,” as the Treasury’s rule dictates.

“Those are the strings that are attached to accepting these 4 /

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ARPA Funds,” Wheeler wrote.

“Sheriffs do not enforce or follow edicts, mandates or executive orders passed by the Federal Government Agencies or of the President of the United States. By accepting these ARPA Funds, I would be agreeing to comply. I will not!”

This is the first case of an Idaho sheriff refusing the Rescue funds, according to Idaho Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Jeff Lavey.

“We have not heard about this in our state with any Sheriff’s Office until you mentioned Bonner County today,” Lavey told the Reader in an email on Nov. 2. “All Idaho Sheriffs are independently elected and operate on what they feel is best for their county. The Idaho Sheriffs’ Association does not have any statutory authority to oversee and/or review what an independently elected Sheriff has chosen to do in their county.”

Commissioners shared that the county’s legal team is currently reviewing the Treasury Department’s guidelines attached to the ARPA funding, which is generally limited to covering expenses incurred due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re waiting to find out from legal, after they do the research, where this stands.

The three commissioners passed a resolution … that we would obviously stand against the Biden administration,” said Commissioner Dan McDonald, referencing a resolution passed Oct. 22 securing the county’s stance against mandates, specifically relating to vaccines or masks. “But before we make the decision to not use any more of the money, we want to make sure that legal has a chance to give us an opinion.”

Bonner County EMS requested and received roughly $800,000 for its 2021 and 2022 budgets in September, meant to

mitigate lost income while first responders treated patients at home rather than transporting them by ambulance to the overcrowded hospital. Chief Jeff Lindsey also told the Reader in September that the ARPA funds would help pay for the inflated cost of medical supplies, automated CPR machines and UVC disinfecting lights for ambulances.

If the “strings attached” — as Wheeler called them — are deemed inappropriate by county legal officials, McDonald said Bonner County will refuse its share of the ARPA funds and write a check for the ARPA funds it has already spent.

“If it does come back that, yes, it does tie our hands to a degree, then we will certainly give it all back. That’s a nonissue for us,” he added. “That being said, if it doesn’t, then we are going to want to use this [money] because it is your money, and our money.”

When asked whether he’d be asking taxpayers to make up the difference now apparent in his budget, Wheeler said no. To account for some of the ARPA money Wheeler returned, he also presented a resolution to move nearly $18,500 from his office’s sal-

aries budget — meant to pay for jail positions “currently not filled” — to a separate line item “to cover the unanticipated costs of cleaning supplies.”

Commissioners also unanimously approved this request.

During that discussion, Wheeler rhetorically asked the room “how much is your freedom worth?” Rosedale chimed in to state that he’d be willing, as a taxpayer, to pay more in taxes to avoid depending on federal funds with conditions attached.

“As Daryl said, I would much rather pay it than be beholden to the federal government, especially executive orders from that fellow — Brandon,” Rosedale said, evoking laughs and cheers of “Let’s go, Brandon” from the crowded meeting room, referring to a now-viral moment at a NASCAR race during which a sportscaster mistook the crowd’s chants of “F*ck you, Biden” for “Let’s go, Brandon.”

The Nov. 2 meeting drew a packed audience, with several attendees using the public comment period to commend Wheeler’s retroactive refusal of the ARPA funds. Many denounced the fact that Bonner County accepts any federal

Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler speaks in Ponderay on Oct. 20 at a meeting for the Area 1N Peoples Rights Community.

Image courtesy screenshot from forum.

funds at all, and suggested the county “live within its means” without that money — a concept that commissioners pointed out would make operating the county nearly impossible.

“I want to clarify that this area, these rural areas, have survived on federal money for a long, long time,” Commissioner Jeff Connolly said in response to a commenter who lauded North Idaho for being a “beacon of freedom” that’s “not awash in federal money.”

“Now, I understand what you’re saying and I believe in what you’re saying,” Connolly continued, “but just to make a statement that we got here by not taking federal money or resisting federal money is not a true statement. … Bonner County has survived on federal money for the 63 years I’ve been here.”

McDonald said that once the county’s legal counsel is able to form an opinion on the guidelines and conditions of using the ARPA funds, the board would notify the public and likely discuss the issue further at future meetings.

NEWS

Idaho’s bipartisan redistricting commission proposes new legislative map

By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun Idaho’s bipartisan redistricting commission proposed a new map of state legislative districts Oct. 28, representing a potential breakthrough for the group working to redraw political boundaries.

The new map, titled L02, is available under the “maps” tab of the redistricting commission’s website. The map splits eight of Idaho’s 44 counties and has a population deviation of 5.91%, ranging from 3.77% below the ideal district population of 52,546 to 2.14% above the ideal population.

Limiting population deviations between districts and splitting as few counties as possible are two of the requirements commissioners must balance when submitting a map. Staff told commissioners that a population deviation of 10% or more is presumptively unconstitutional.

“I personally think it’s pretty remarkable that we are below 6%, at 5.91 deviation spread,” commission co-chairman Bart Davis said during the Oct. 28 meeting. “[Having] 5.91 and eight districts [split], I think that is really paying attention to ‘one person, one vote’ and it respects communities of interest and counties in a remarkable way and I hope our state values the hard commitment to that target.”

Redistricting takes place every 10 years using new U.S. Census Bureau data. The process is required by the Idaho Constitution and the U.S. Constitution to ensure political representation is as close to equal as possible.

Idaho was the second-fastest growing state in the county over the previous 10 years, according to the 2020 census. But that growth was divided and uneven.

That’s why Idaho’s two congressional districts and 35 legislative districts need to be thrown out and redrawn.

The new districts would go into effect beginning with the 2022 primary election, scheduled for May 17, and stay in place for 10 years.

The six commissioners produced the new statewide map by merging three regional maps using the Maptitude software that has guided the process over the past two months.

Idaho redistricting commissioners can see the finish line The new legislative map wasn’t the only step forward Oct. 28t the Idaho Capitol. Commissioners also reached consensus on an unofficial goal to finish the redistricting process before the Nov. 30 deadline and the Nov. 15 special session of the Idaho Legislature.

Commissioners developed a timeline that could guide them through the finish line: • By Thursday, Nov. 4, commissioners hope to have a new congressional map proposed and published online for the public to review.

• On Wednesday, Nov. 10, commissioners will meet at the Capitol and make any final changes to the new congressional and legislative maps and then, potentially, call for a vote that day on whether to approve maps and an overall redistricting plan to submit to the state.

“I had no idea how hard this was,” Davis said at the close of the Oct. 28 meeting.

Before wrapping up, Davis said commissioners would appreciate written feedback on the new legislative map.

The new map came gradually over the past few weeks following public hearings. Then things picked up somewhat unexpectedly.

Dan Schmidt, the other co-chairman of the commission, had nudged commissioners forward with a sense of urgen-

cy during meetings Oct. 27-28.

Commissioners had just come back from a nearly two-week planned break. Commissioners started slowly Oct. 27 as a commission staff member known for his proficiency with the mapping software was out ill.

He felt better and returned to the Statehouse the next day to help commissioners merge their regional maps.

On Oct. 28, some commissioners were originally batting around a timeline that would have called for commissioners to put out the legislative and congressional maps next week.

But Schmidt asked about moving quicker.

“I was thinking maybe we could put it up tomorrow,” Schmidt told commissioners.

Commissioners Nels Mitchell and Amber Pence also told the Idaho Capital Sun they hoped to propose a new map.

Commissioners have until

Nov. 30 to approve the legislative and congressional maps and submit a redistricting plan to the state. The new goal of voting Nov. 10 gives commissioners some margin before the Nov. 30 deadline and before the Idaho Legislature plans to reconvene Nov. 15.

After the plan is voted on and submitted, it will go to the Attorney General’s Office for a review, commissioners and staff said. It will take a minimum of four votes from the six commissioners to approve the maps and plan. Idaho’s redistricting commission includes three commissioners appointed by Republicans and three appointed

by Democrats. They have worked together, usually in bipartisan regional pairs, since Sept. 1.

But now commissioners know the plan will come under scrutiny. Because district lines were thrown out and redrawn, new districts are likely to lump together several incumbent legislators who

A map of a proposed redistricting plan, splitting eight of Idaho’s 44 counties.

Courtesy image. were once representing separate, neighboring districts. Now, they will have to decide by the March 11 filing deadline whether to run against each other or step aside.

“We’re going to find out that we put friends to run against each other, at least if past is prologue,” Davis said.

This story was 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.

November 4, 2021 /

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NEWS

Panhandle Health offering COVID-19 booster shots

By Reader Staff The Panhandle Health District announced Oct. 28 that it is now offering booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

PHD officials stated in a media release that the agency “supports authorization” by the FDA, as well as the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to administer booster doses of all three COVID-19 vaccines currently available: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

For those who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, people eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series include those 65 and older, as well as those 18 and older who live in long-term care settings; have

underlying medical conditions; or who work or live in high-risk settings such as health care, education or other crowded, high-contact work spaces.

For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC states that “booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.”

Those interested in scheduling a booster shot with PHD can go to panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/vaccine.

PHD recommends that those seeking another way to obtain a booster shot visit the Vaccine Finder at vaccines.gov for additional vaccine locations, the vaccine brands available and walk-in or scheduling details.

IDLEG special session nears as some worry of creep into ‘full-time’ lawmaking body

By Reader Staff As the Idaho Legislature prepares to reconvene in a special session Monday, Nov. 15, there are a number of questions surrounding what it might accomplish — specifically, its express aim to push back against federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates, as well as taking up the matter of an Ethics Committee recommendation that White Bird Republican Rep. Pricscilla Giddings be censured and removed from a committee position. Giddings went before the Ethics Committee earlier this year to answer for her posting on social media of the identity of a 19-year-old legislative staffer who accused former-Lewiston Republican Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, who resigned amid the allegations and was arrested in the fall on a felony warrant for rape and forcible penetration with a foreign object.

In a message to Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, and House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, Idaho Attorney General Chief Deputy Brian Kane weighed in on the challenges posed by the 2021 legislative session and the Idaho House decision not to adjourn sine die in May, instead going into an extended recess that “is unique and without precedence,” the AG’s office wrote.

The Idaho Legislature is a part-time body, composed of citizen-lawmakers, who convene for only a short period beginning in January and generally adjourning 6 /

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as a bicameral body in March or April. In recent years — and especially in the past year — those sessions have grown longer and longer, stretching into May and even including special sessions, such as the one planned for Nov. 15, focused on a narrow band of predominantly right-wing causes.

That has been a hobbyhorse of certain lawmakers, including Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, who did not respond to a request for a comment on the upcoming special session. She has been in the forefront of two failed attempts to convene a quorum of legislators in Boise to oppose such policies as COVID-19 mitigation policies by Gov. Brad Little and federally mandated vaccines for a range of employees in government and large companies.

Embedded in the argument has been the notion that the Idaho Legislature should have the power to put itself in session without approval from the governor.

“I did not sign up for this, being a full-time Legislature,” Rep. Colin Nash, D-Boise, said in April, as quoted by the Idaho Statesman. “I would like to get out of here, and I would like to not come back until next January.”

Furthermore, the Statesman quoted former Idaho Attorney General and retired Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones: “When I was attorney general, I saw what appeared to be an unsavory tendency on the part of the Legislature to try to grab every ounce of state power that they could get. It’s gotten much, much worse.”

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: Multi-billionaire Elon Musk is objecting to congressional proposals for a tax on the ultra rich. As author and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich pointed out, Musk became $36 billion richer on Oct. 25 and has frequently paid little to no taxes. It would take the average American 800,000 years to earn what Musk gathered in one day.

The U.S. House may vote on the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better legislation this week. Sen. Joe Manchin is again asking for delays on the vote, despite saying he would vote for the bill if it was whittled to half (it was). Current key components of the plan, reported by Americans for Tax Fairness: closure of tax loopholes and ending tax handouts for the rich, and a 15% minimum corporate tax rate, to pay for addressing the climate crisis, lower child care costs, eldercare, college, housing and healthcare; extending the Child Tax Credit, and no tax rises for people and businesses earning less than $400,000.

An inexpensive anti-depressant, fluvoxamine, could be repurposed and reduce the need for COVID-19 hospitalization for high-risk adults, CBS News reported. The cost would be $4 for a course of treatment. It was tested on 1,500 highrisk Brazilians with COVID-19, and showed 11% needed hospitalization and emergency care as opposed to 16% using a placebo. To be resolved: best dosage, suitability for low-risk patients, and if the drug could or should be combined with other treatments.

It’s called “pre-bunking”: Seeds of doubt, according to disinformation experts, are already at play since the FDA’s advisory committee recommended authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 for kids ages 5 to 11. Mother Jones recently shared a few responses to pre-bunking efforts.

Some say only kids with pre-existing conditions will have severe COVID-19 cases, but a third of kids hospitalized with COVID-19 had no known underlying conditions (COVID-19 risks in youth are enhanced by asthma, premature birth, obesity and immune system problems). In 2021 COVID-19 was the sixth leading cause of death among ages 5 to 11.

CDC data shows those who are unvaccinated are 4.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and 11 times more likely to die from the infection, com-

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

pared to those who are vaccinated. So far 21% of Americans have not had a single vaccination, according to The New York Times.

Facebook faces heat after a former employee released an internal document showing right-wing publications and politicians get favorable treatment, even when public safety is at risk, Accountability Journalism reported. Other notable problems: promotion of human trafficking, interference with voting, failure to remove blatant misinformation and putting profits above responsibility.

Deep dive: Using 25 reporters and staff to aid them, The Washington Post just published a review of video and court transcripts, social media posts and interviews of more than 230 people about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The conclusion was that extensive planning preceded the event. There was nothing spontaneous about it: ex-President Donald Trump orchestrated the event. As well, aid from the D.C. National Guard was deliberately delayed to aid the insurrectionists, and key federal agencies (including the FBI) that would normally investigate and stop national security threats were “frozen in place.” Trump is attempting to block release of more information, adding to suspicions about the further depth of his involvement.

Undermining the integrity of U.S. elections and playing political games with the debt ceiling is likely to create economic upheaval, the Investment Monitor recently warned. Example: In Texas, voter suppression is expected to cost $14.7 billion in annual gross product, along with a loss of more than 73,249 jobs by 2025, due to businesses and investments leaving the state. Political stability attracts investment. This is the first time since the Cold War there’s been concern about the U.S. being a risky business environment, according to Jonathan Wood, lead analyst at Control Risks. He blamed voter suppression acts and gerrymandering for the perception the U.S. may not be a predictable and stable country.

Blast from the past: “Socialism is a scare word they’ve hurled at every advance the people have made. Socialism is what they called public [electrical] power, Social Security, [bank] deposit insurance and independent labor organizations.

Socialism is their name for anything that helps all people.” — U.S. President Harry Truman, 1945-1953. He died in 1972.

NEWS

Local election results: 2021 Incumbents (mostly) out in LPOSD Zone 2 and Sandpoint City Council, local option tax fails

Sandpoint City Council winners include Joel Aispuro, far left, Jason Welker, second from left and Justin Dick, second from right.

Lake Pend Oreille School District Zone 2 trustee winner Jalon Peters, far right.

Courtesy photos.

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

With countywide elections concluded Nov. 2, area voters put in place a new slate of public servants, turning away from incumbents in a number of high-profile races and declining to support the Sandpoint 1% local option sales tax ballot measure with the necessary supermajority.

“It went better than I thought,” said Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale, who also heads the Elections Department, referring to an overall turnout of 31.33%.

“I thought we might have kind of a thin turnout, and I don’t know what the kicker was to get people to turn out,” he added, noting that even some residents who had nothing on the ballot during this cycle still turned up at their polling places, having not heard that their areas lacked active races and illustrating a high level of interest in local elections in general.

Of special note was the speed with which elections staff and volunteers were able to post results.

“It was very unusually quick last night,” Rosedale said.

Drawing on experience with between 22 and 24 elections, Rosedale said the Nov. 2 results beat the previous earliest returns by more than an hour, coming in before 11 p.m.

“Everything was working perfectly,” he said, from the technology to the consistent manner with which ballots arrived at the counting room. “Kudos to everybody

in the supply chain — the poll workers, the drivers of the vans bringing ballots from Priest River — everybody just did a great job.”

LPOSD Zone 2 trustee The LPOSD Zone 2 trustee race spurred the most public comment of any campaign in the eastern part of the county, with dozens of letters to the editor in local newspapers and robust social media conversation.

Challenger Jalon Peters unseated incumbent Gary Suppiger with 931 votes to 682 in a race that drew a turnout of 32.95% in the zone, which reaches from Sagle in the north to Careywood and Kelso Lake in the south.

The campaign focused on experience — Suppiger being a decades-long volunteer at Sagle Elementary School, and with children having attended local schools, as well as his prior service as a school board trustee, and Peters coming to Cocolalla about four and a half years ago and working as a handyman and citing no prior government service.

Hot-button national issues related to COVID-19 protocols and curriculum also featured prominently — Suppiger pointing to the success of LPOSD in pulling through the pandemic while maintaining in-person instruction, and dispelling the myth that “critical race theory” is a component of local classroom learning.

Yet, Peters’ message of parent involvement; educational and financial transparency “through

monitoring,” as he put it in the Reader’s candidate questionnaire published Oct. 14; opposition to COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates; and pledge to push back against so-called “critical race theory” curriculum in schools resonated with Zone 2 voters.

“THANK YOU! Thank you!

All of you who voted (and not just for me) thank you!” he wrote in a post-election email to the Reader. “Fair elections are one of the most important parts of our freedom in this country. Thank you to all those who voted for me, to all the volunteers, and donors.

Thank you Mr. Suppiger for your dedication to LPOSD. Lastly, thank you to my family for your support and for allowing me to sacrifice some family time to help the community where I can.

“As I have said from Day 1 of my campaign, I promise to get parents involved in their students’ education. The family is the most important part of education. I promise to be accountable and transparent to parents, teachers, students and taxpayers! I will do everything in my realm of influence to keep CRT [critical race theory] out of LPOSD. “I will fight for your rights and personal liberties under the Constitution, including your right to decide what’s safe for your family. I want to see students learn and grow into who they were designed to be. Not just while they’re in LPOSD, but when they graduate and start their careers and families.

< see ELECTION, Page 8 >

2021 Election Results at a glance Winner(s) denoted in italics:

Dover Mayoral: George Eskridge – 272 (79.1%) Ryan Wells – 72 (20.9%) Dover City Council: (two seats) Kim Bledsoe – 231 (36.0%) Merlin Glass – 161 (25.1%) Mark Sauter – 155 (24.2%) Amy Lizotte – 94 (14.6%) Kootenai City Council seat #1: David R. Sundquist – 69 (51.1%) Robert Rutan – 66 (48.9%) Priest River Mayoral: Kevin S. Wylie – 167 (51.7%) Tim Simpkins – 156 (48.3%) Priest River Council: (two seats) Candace Turner – 202 (39.2%) Billy Mullaley – 176 (34.1%) Sean Schneider – 138 (26.74%) Sandpoint Council: (three seats) Joel Aispuro – 1,316 (19.3%) Jason Welker – 1,229 (18.1%) Justin Dick – 1,224 (18%) Luke Omodt – 946 (13.9%) John Darling – 792 (11.6%) Frytz Mor – 612 (9%) Wayne Benner – 403 (5.9%) Arthur Bistline – 288 (4.2%) LPOSD Zone 2 trustee: Jalon Peters – 931 (57.7%) Gary Suppiger – 682 (42.3%)

W. Bonner School District Zone 2 trustee: Susan Brown – 176 (50.4%) Lonnie L. Orr – 123 (35.2%) Mark D. Caldwell – 50 (14.3%) W. Bonner School District Zone 4 trustee: Keith Rutledge – 244 (50.7%) Hailey Scott – 237 (49.3%) Northside Fire District Fire Commissioner – Sub Dist. 3 Vernon Roof – 593 (55.2%) Bob Howard – 481 (44.8%) Timberlake Fire District Fire Commissioner Zone 5: Sam Rick Conner – 24 (60%) Todd Amende – 16 (40%) W. Pend Oreille Fire District – Sub Dist. 1: David Van Natter – 678 (67.5%) Christine Coyle – 184 (18.3%) Tony Emord – 143 (14.2%) W. Pend Oreille Fire District – Sub Dist. 3: Samuel R. Hall – 628 (63%) Larry Larsen – 279 (28%) Stphen D. Bouche – 90 (9%) City of Sandpoint Local Option Tax: In favor – 1,269 (52.9%) *Against – 1,132 (47.1%) *Did not pass with supermajority November 4, 2021 /

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NEWS < ELECTION, con’t from Page 7 > “I can also promise that I will make mistakes, but I will own them — I won’t act like I’m perfect — and I will listen to parents and taxpayers.

“What a whirlwind ride! Thank you all for the journey! Time to get to work!”

Reached by the Reader on Nov. 3, Suppiger said in a phone interview, “I’m optimistic about our school system and I’m going to continue to be an advocate for our students. … I’m still bullish on public education and I support our staff and the resources for every student’s success.”

Sandpoint City Council In an eight-way race for three seats on the Sandpoint City Council — one of the deepest candidate fields in recent election cycles — residents returned incumbent Joel Aispuro for another four-year term, pulling the most votes with 1,316, or 19.32%. Following a vigorous campaign, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Jason Welker will also serve on the council with 1,229 votes, or 18.05%, as well as local restaurateur Justin Dick, who secured 1,224 votes, or 17.97%.

Incumbent Council member John Darling came in fifth, after challenger Luke Omodt, who received 13.89% of the vote to Darling’s 11.63%.

Of note was the lack of traction at the ballot box for firebrand Frytz Mor, whose highly visible campaign signage featured his distinctive beard. During the race, Mor spoke forcefully about big ideas involving local divestment from federal funding, health freedom and the rejection of regionalization at numerous public meetings — from the Bonner County Board of Commissioners to the Sandpoint City Council — as well as in forums and interviews with various media, including Redoubt News.

He came in sixth in the race, with only 612 votes, or 8.99%.

Sandpoint council candidates Wayne Benner and Arthur Bistline rounded out the ballot with 5.92% and 4.23% of the vote, respectively.

Aispuro, who along with Council member Deb Ruehle, is now one of the most senior elected officials in the body, said he is optimistic for the future — in large part because residents seem so enthused about being involved with local politics.

“I think that in the past few years, no matter how you landed politically, on either side of the fence, there were a lot of emotions, a lot of fears — a lot of people were like, ‘Hey, let’s get involved,’” he told the Reader in a Nov. 3 phone interview. “I think what COVID really showed was that we can’t really control what happens out there, but at least we can have influence in 8 /

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our own backyard.”

Nodding to his new fellow Council members Jason Welker and Justin Dick, Aispuro emphasized team work: “I’m not going to fix it all — Justin’s not, Jason’s not — but we can get together and make a difference.”

Welker, who in his time on the Planning and Zoning Commission has made headlines with his direct confrontation with affordable housing and housing availability, as well as the need to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan, told the Reader in an election night email that he’s, “honored to have been selected by Sandpoint’s voters to represent them on City Council and I look forward to joining Justin and the incumbents on council in January.

“I’m hopeful that with our combined efforts, along with support from the mayor and city staff, we’ll be able to begin tackling some of Sandpoint’s most pressing issues, including the workforce housing crisis and the runaway costs of living that are undermining local industry’s ability to fill open positions, expand, or even continue to operate in some cases.

“I’d like to thank the other candidates, all who I have grown to respect over the last two months, along with all the volunteers and donors who supported my campaign and the local organizations that hosted candidate forums or covered the race in the press. Democracy is alive and well in Sandpoint, and it is humbling to have had the chance to meet, speak with, and listen to so many of Sandpoint’s citizens throughout this campaign!”

Justin Dick did not respond to a request for comment by presstime.

Local option tax Proposed by the city of Sandpoint as a means to raise upwards of $13 million over a seven-year period, the local option tax would have levied a 1% sales tax that proponents emphasized would fall mostly on out-of-town consumers in order to help fund implementation of a range of Parks and Rec. Master Plan projects, as well as the priority sidewalk network, as outlined in the Multimodal Master Plan.

In addition, the ballot language stated that revenue from the tax would have been leveraged to purchase additional property for open space, parks and recreation.

The local option tax ballot measure received 1,269 votes in favor and 1,132 against — while a slim majority, not enough to put it over the top with a supermajority.

City officials have stressed that the LOT is a finite tool — only available to communities under the 10,000 population mark, under which Sandpoint barely

squeaked, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. In the meantime, it is crucial to securing matching funds for state and local grants, which could be applied to the design, engineering and construction of important infrastructure projects.

Opponents challenged the LOT on the grounds that it focused on perceived amenities, preferring that either the tax be shelved indefinitely or redirected in the future to infrastructure or affordable housing.

Mayor Shelby Rognstad, who had taken the point position in advocating for the LOT, told the Reader he was not surprised that the tax didn’t pass muster with voters, and cited a number of factors that he suspected led to its denial — including the broader political climate, which has become increasingly taxaverse, regardless of purpose.

“At the end of the day, what was encouraging is that it still carried a majority of the vote,” he said in a phone interview, adding that the 2015 LOT tax related to War Memorial Field benefited from an entire year of public outreach, whereas the recent ballot measure had only a few months.

Rogsntad said that the LOT will likely return to the ballot in the future, though with the benefit of “lots of time to reassess.”

“Clearly there’s enough public interest around this,” he said, though added that losing that funding mechanism for the time being means “it kind of ties the city’s hands and creates a situation where we might miss out on some other funds.”

“Maybe we could stew on that a little more,” Rognstad said, referring to how to best represent or recalibrate a future LOT proposal.

Aispuro, looking to another four-year term, recognized that “the word ‘tax’ is a bad word,” adding that fears of government overreach and misapplication of funds ran through the opposition argument.

Underscoring that the city of Sandpoint is especially transparent with its finances, Aisupro said that, “We educated the citizens as much as we could, but I feel there were still a lot of people who didn’t understand this tax. I think there was a lot of mistrust, from what I heard.”

Dick and Welker, in candidate forum comments, all expressed support for the LOT, and Aispuro said that in his next term he’d be in favor of a new proposal: “I like the form, personally, but I’m definitely open to ideas. .... If this would have passed I would have been happy with what we have on paper.”

Rognstad congratulated the new and returning council candidates, stating that “they’ll be a great addition.”

All results preliminary until canvassed.

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Pay a livable wage, like in the ‘good old days’…

Bouquets: GUEST SUBMISSION: • “After 25 years without we’d like to acknowledge Joe Epperly and the crew from Avista who just ran power to our house.

Pleasant, informative, efficient, thorough, professional. A credit to themselves, their employer and the trades that get the work done. Our sincere thanks.”

— By Rich and Barb Holub Trestle Creek GUEST SUBMISSION: • I have noticed, and been bugged by, the number of cars around town that have broken signal lights. It’s a hazard and includes some enforcements vehicles (state, county and local cities). It’s a scandal, it’s an outrage, as Oklahoma reminds us!

Good one, Howard.

— By Howard Child GUEST SUBMISSION: • Scott Porter at Sandpoint Super Drug once again went over and above for his clients. When my husband needed a vaccine and could not get out of the car because of a herniated disc, Scott quickly offered to administer the COVID injection through the car window, saving us from added distress. I sure appreciate our hometown businesses and personal relationships and service.

— By Dee Ann Smith Barbs: • Last week I griped about people not using their turn signals. This week, let’s talk about parking. I’ve see more people parking outside the lines downtown than ever before, some so blatant it almost seems deliberate. I even spied one truck at Super Drug that parked across the handicap space, but they were sideways and made it difficult for people to get in and out of the front doors. When you park like a jerk, it usually means you are a jerk. So cut it out, jerk.

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Dear editor, So much ink has been written about the mysterious lack of available employees in the past year or so. Lots of blame-laying on unemployment insurance (which proved to be wrong when it ran out), lack of people “willing to work” (again proven false) and lack of affordable housing (which is quite real).

However, instead of pointing fingers (and insulting) people who supposedly aren’t willing to work, how about recognize that people are not willing to work for less than a livable wage with no benefits and unreasonable hours. You want employees who want to work, like what they do and are willing to commit?

Pay them a livable wage.

Food for thought: When people start talking about, “I worked for minimum wage back in the day,” remind them that the minimum wage purchasing power 40 years ago is equivalent to about $20 an hour in today’s dollars. So if you want to compare to the “good old days,” pay your employees as if it were the good old days.

Pierre Bordenave Sandpoint

The subconscious of Sandpoint...

Dear editor, I have a confession: Sometimes I only glance at or even skip articles in the Reader. It’s not that they’re lacking, I just get burned out witnessing the gridlock of divisiveness or feeling depressed over a certain ignorant apathy that seems to encapsulate the times we’re living in. But [the Oct. 21] issue blew some fresh air into the room.

Thank you to Ben and his “Cult of a Thousand Cuts” for trying to remind us what continues to be at stake as we invest in our government, and thank you Zach and his “Card Carrying” for explaining why we need to support journalism and how precious it really is.

In our present society it is scary and sad to see that lying is not only acceptable — it is encouraged, anything to get elected and stay there.

We are weary with asking who can we even trust anymore? The Reader is one of the few publications around that takes the job of reporting factual information seriously and tries to get it right.

After such overwhelming adver-

sity these last few years we’re barely conscious anymore. We’ll wake up and figure it all out eventually. Until we do it’s nice to have the Reader carrying on as the subconscious of Sandpoint. Thank you for keeping us on track!

Cynthia LC Wood Sandpoint

Political virus...

Dear editor, What if an evolving virus rapidly spread through America and, instead of falling on the elderly, immunocompromised and health care workers, targeted a segment of the population holding a particular political view?

How could a primitive virus determine the political attitudes of its vectors? How could a biological organism made up of little more than long strands of RNA invade a multicellular host based on its political beliefs? How could it not only selectively infect a segment of a society with certain cultural attitudes but also hospitalize and kill this population in greater numbers than others with different political beliefs? How could a virus know anything about politics?

Certainly, if I were in control of a political party that had narrowly lost a major national election it might concern me that a novel deadly virus had learned to hospitalize and kill primarily members of my party and largely spare those with other party affiliations when my party needed every vote it could get to regain power. I might want to try to figure out how this deadly virus was able to discern the political attitudes of its host species and initiate measures to counter this targeting of voters that my party desperately needed in future elections.

I might consider that every death impacts the spouse, children, parents and friends of the deceased, who are likely to be of a similar political view and who may come to question how this virus was able to learn to primarily infect people who had beliefs like their own. They might start questioning the elected officials that did nothing to protect this most vulnerable segment of the voting public. They might even decide to change party affiliation to support politicians that were trying hard to protect everyone, including those who didn’t vote for them.

Robert Betts Sandpoint

Ostrichland…

Dear editor, After reading your article of Oct.28, 2021, regarding the county’s mandate resolution [“County passes anti-mandate resolution: Questions of authority, purpose surround the vote”], I changed my mind about never agreeing with anything the county commissioners do, to rarely agreeing with what they do. Specifically, Commissioner Connolly’s comment, “I think it was a waste of time,” and that it was a “political stunt” by Bradshaw. I agree with Commissioner Connolly that it was a waste of time but also a waste of taxpayer money.

Further, you state that it was “the county’s position against mandates,” but later it is stated

by McDonald that, “the resolution simply reflects the board’s ‘official opinion and position.’”

It is surely not my position, and thanks to Commissioner Connolly’s “consistently dissenting voice in regard to the anti-mandate resolution,” I believe others in Bonner County believe it was a waste of time and money.

Was the “draft after tailoring Bradshaw’s resolution — borrowed from an Arizona sheriff” the same Arizona sheriff who was convicted by a court in Arizona? If it was, Bradshaw, please sir, I remind you of your statement of July 2020, when you stated, “I thought, why do I care what they’re doing. We’re in Idaho. We are not Washington, Oregon, Montana or Wyoming.”

If you are going to play “political stunts,” don’t let your opponents accuse you of hypocrisy. Compromise is agreeing that each side will give up some of what it wants. Commissioner Connolly compromised “his guiding principle” by not voting his conscience.

“Should we vaccinate or should we mandate, “Should we Love or should we hate, “Should we continue to bury our heads in a Point of Sand “While living in Ostrichland?”

William Krause Sandpoint a.k.a. Point of Sand, Ostrichland

The open-carry crowd could be more careful…

Dear editor, I’m normally at ease around people who openly carry guns, whether it’s cops, trap-shooters, hunters, hikers or ranchers. There’s a good

reason for quick access to a gun in these cases, whether it’s to arrest criminals, dust clay pigeons (if you can find 12-gauge ammo), bag a deer, defend yourself against Yogi Bear or Freddy Krueger, or pop a cap in Wile E. Coyote during calving season.

But I get a little nervous when I see people open-carry in crowded stores. Open-carry affords you slightly faster access to a weapon than concealed-carry does, but it also renders your gun more accessible to everyone else in the store — including kids.

Besides, the odds of a quick draw affecting the outcome of a shootout are remote, unless you’re Clint Eastwood.

Most troubling is the carelessness and lack of situational awareness many of these people display.

Any criminal worth his salt could follow them into a crowded aisle and lift their weapon, possibly without them knowing it.

Concealed-carry makes much more sense if you’re in a store when it’s being robbed. If the thug doesn’t know you’re armed he won’t view you as a threat, and you may get a chance to pull your weapon when he’s distracted. You now have options, including doing nothing if you don’t have a clear shot. Let the cops track him down.

The best reason to open-carry is that a right not exercised is a right lost. It could also frighten snowflakes into fleeing back to California.

I don’t want to make open-carry illegal, or stop anyone from scaring snowflakes. I just wish people who open-carry in crowded venues were a little more careful.

Dave Mundell Sandpoint

‘Be a thinker, use your blinker’…

Dear editor, In your Oct. 28, 2021, issue of the Reader, you alluded to the fact that folks don’t use their turn signals enough [“Bouquets & Barbs”].

When my grandson, Tom Olson (no relation to Reader Publisher Ben Olson), was a senior at Sandpoint High School several years ago, the class was given an assignment to write an essay on the problems of current society. Classmates wrote about world hunger, crime, climate change, poverty, conflict and war. Tom’s essay was about the unuse of blinkers.

The two things I recall from reading his essay were the beginning and ending sentences: “Don’t be a stinker, use your blinker”; and, “Be a thinker, use your blinker.”

He got an A+ on his essay. Seems like some things don’t change!

Jane Holzer Hope

OPINION

Waterkeeper: Harmful algae blooms on the rise

By Carolyn Knaack Reader Contributor We can all agree that this has been an unusual year. This summer, the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper office received calls about multiple shoreline development violations, people using soap in the lake, swimmers’ itch reports and, most notably, green water.

In early August, a resident on Comeback Bay notified LPOW that the water was bright green from an algae bloom spreading around the shore of Sagle Slough. LPOW Executive Director Steve Holt drove out to the slough and reported the algae bloom to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Several days later, DEQ and Panhandle Health District posted a health advisory warning for the slough due to toxic algae in the water — one of the 25 warnings issued across the state.

This year there were three harmful algae blooms (or HABs) around our lake: Sagle Slough/Comeback Bay, Boyer Slough and Chuck Slough.

Typically, we rarely see algae blooms around our lake and seeing three in one summer was incredibly concerning.

Algae blooms are a natural part of surface water systems, and nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, are vital to healthy freshwater habitats.

These nutrients are necessary for the growth of plants that provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms. Unfortunately, too many nutrients can lead to excessive plant growth, such as algae blooms. Excessive nutrients often come from wastewater treatment plant discharge, failing septic tanks, agriculture, fertilizer from farms and yards, and urban stormwater runoff.

A HAB, also known as bluegreen algae or cyanobacteria, is the result of excessive algal growth, which can be dangerous to human health and other organisms. HABs can produce

toxins that can harm people, animals, aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources. If a body of water has an active HAB warning, people are advised to stay out of the water, keep their pets away from the HAB and to rinse off with fresh water if they come into contact with it.

Once a HAB is in a body of water, the water is unsafe to drink — even if boiled or treated. This is why it is so important to identify potential HABs as soon as possible and notify people who may visit the beach or drink the water.

HABs vary in appearance, often looking like bright green water or pea soup, pollen, grass clippings, spilled paint, mats, green or blue-green foam, or dense surface scum. They are the exact opposite of what you want in the perfect swimming hole or in your drinking water source.

Once a HAB has been identified in a body of water, DEQ and PHD officials will continue to monitor the waterbody until the bloom has run its course, usually thanks to colder weather or rain.

Unfortunately, DEQ and PHD do not have the time or resources to constantly monitor for HABs around our watershed and therefore rely on reports from the public, such as fishermen or shoreline property owners.

Unfortunately there seems to be an ever-increasing number of these incidents in our local area, throughout the state and around the globe. This year we experienced five HABs in Bonner County and 25 total throughout the state. This is almost twice as many as we see in a typical year. Brian Reese, DEQ’s Water Quality Standards analyst for the state, said that algae blooms are happening more frequently, lasting longer and becoming more toxic. This is due to increased nutrients in the water and increased temperatures.

This summer, we documented record high temperatures across Lake Pend Oreille and in the Pend Oreille River with our Wa-

ter Quality Monitoring Program.

At City Beach, lifeguards reported water temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of July. These temperatures were abnormally high for our area and almost certainly the result of human-driven climate change.

We have also seen a decline in the health of Lake Pend Oreille’s nearshore waters as indicated in DEQ’s 2015 TMDL review, which shows high levels of phosphorus.

With the increased development of our shoreline and increased number of people coming to our area, we will likely see an increase in nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) in our lake due to stormwater pollution, decreased vegetative buffers along the shoreline and increased wastewater treatment discharge.

In other words, we’re concerned that the number of algae blooms will increase in the future and threaten the health of our lake.

If you’re interested in learning more about this issue, please register for our Keeping up with the Waterkeeper Zoom event on Thursday, Nov. 4. Check lpow.

Above: An algae bloom as seen from a kayak on Boyer Slough.

Right: Another algae bloom around a dock on Comeback Bay. Courtesy photos.

org for more information. To report a potential HAB, take pictures and then call our pollution hotline at 208597-7188. Only professional water testing can confirm if HABs and toxins are present. And remember, when in doubt, stay out.

Carolyn Knacck is associate director of the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper.

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Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

flocking birds

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist You will often see gaggles of Canada geese flying overhead during autumn, as they migrate from one place to another. These are the most present and noticeable flocking birds we have in our area.

You may have noticed that geese fly in formation like fighter jets. Ever wondered why?

Understanding why birds do what they do requires some internal visualization. It’s all about the dynamics of air, and how it behaves when something pushes it out of the way.

This is difficult for us to do because we can’t see air, which is one of the reasons we also struggle to keep a lid on irreversibly altering our climate.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Even though we can’t see it, it’s important to know that air is there. Every time you walk to work you’re pushing through a three-dimensional wall of air and this generates friction.

Not very much, but you would find it a lot easier to move on the surface of the moon. This resistance is called drag, and it’s the reason that we design cars, planes and anything else we want to move fast in a slim, rounded shape. Large, wide objects need more energy to push air out of the way, while something like an arrow pushes through less air to travel.

The presence of air isn’t all bad, however. Planes and birds use air to generate lift so they can climb high in the sky.

What do you think air would look like after something passed through it?

Air likes to equalize pres12 /

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sure wherever it is — similar to water, it’s always looking for “neutral.” When a truck blows past you on your mid-morning walk and you feel that rush of air, that’s air being pushed out of the way by the truck, like snow from a snowplow. If you were to stand directly behind the truck, you would feel air swooshing back into where the truck had been a moment before. Air likes to swirl, a lot like the drain of your bathtub. This swirling motion is important for birds flying in formation.

This swirling motion creates two effects: an upwash and a downwash. The lead bird will flap its wings, displacing air and generating lift for itself. This motion pushes the air directly behind them in a downward motion (downwash), while causing the air behind their wings to swirl upward (upwash). This action generates free lift for birds that are behind another bird’s wings — if they were directly behind the leader’s butt, the air would be pushing them downward and they would have to flap harder and use more energy to stay aloft.

The birds that benefit the most from the formation are the birds in the center of the arms, while the lead bird and the trailing birds are working the hardest to keep flying. Because of this, you will often see members of the formation near the front and the rear swapping places in the formation. It may appear to be a struggle for dominance in a primitive social group, but it’s actually very intelligent teamwork.

You might wonder how birds managed to figure all of this out. As advanced as we

are, we can’t “feel” the air when we’re flying. We need a machine to do all of the work for us. We can’t really feel the effort the machine is putting in to fly, therefore we’re just approximating based on what the gauges tell us. Birds know when it’s time to move to a new space in the formation based on how tired they are.

As the lead bird or a trailing bird starts to get tired, they’ll begin to slow down — as their neighboring birds have enjoyed the luxury of an easier flight, they’ll begin to overtake the birds that are struggling and relieve them for a break. It’s as simple as that. This is extremely important for migratory birds like Canada geese, which can fly for thousands of miles in a given season.

There is another type of bird flock that functions in a much different way, and produces some incredible results. Starlings are small birds that gather in huge numbers, with flocks of up to thousands of birds.

The flocks will blacken out huge sections of sky with what appears to be a gargantuan coordinated cloud that twists, moves and undulates as though they were all of a single mind.

In this form, the flock is called a murmuration, and though it may appear as though the birds (and in some cases, bees and other insect swarms) are communicating through telekinesis or form some kind of hive-mind, it’s actually a very simple trick. One bird marks seven other birds in its visual field. These other birds act as vertices in a grid. Whenever a vector in the grid moves, it deforms the shape of the grid

and the starling reacts to the shape of the grid. This causes a chain reaction as that starling goes on to influence the reaction of other birds using it as a reference point.

This may be difficult to imagine as a human. How can the birds react so quickly? This is another case of humans applying our own experience to animals and misjudging the brilliance of nature. Many birds are capable

of processing their visual field more rapidly than humans can.

Because of this, they experience time passing at a different speed than we do and can track details in a moving mass more effectively than humans.

This is a tricky one to visualize unless you’re of avian descent, but if that were the case you probably wouldn’t be reading this paper.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner ind?

Don’t know much about the w • In Greek mythology, the anemoi were four wind gods, causing wind from the four compass points.

• An instrument to measure wind speed is called an anemometer.

• A gale is officially defined as a wind of between 32 and 63 miles per hour. A wind blowing from 4 to 31 mph is a breeze.

• The strongest winds in the solar system are on Saturn, where they reach speeds of more than 1,100 mph.

• The fastest wind gust recorded on the surface of the Earth (and witnessed by man) was 231 mph, recorded April 12, 1934. An unmanned instrument station in Barrow Island, Australia, recorded a new record of 253 mph in 1996.

• The first house in the world to have its electricity supplied by wind power was in Kincardineshire, Scotland, in 1887.

• The tips of the blades of wind turbines move at speeds of up to 200 mph.

We can help!

• Early wind turbines all turned counter-clockwise (as viewed from the front). Since 1978, however, changes in design mean they all turn clockwise.

• Former-President Donald Trump has claimed repeatedly that windmills “cause cancer,” but none of these claims have ever been proved. More than 20 studies indicate there are no direct links between wind turbines, the noise they create and any health problems. The claims most often come from anti-wind energy activists to cast doubt on the technology.

Trump’s aversion to windmills stems from the development of one of his golf courses in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 2012. When the city sought to install windmills nearby, Trump fought against the Scottish government, eventually taking legal action because he didn’t want to see the property “destroyed” by “monstrosities.” His legal efforts failed, and the windmills were installed in 2018, generating enough electricity for at least 75% of all homes in the city of Aberdeen.

PERSPECTIVES

Idaho can do better — and has in the past

By Jim Ramsey Reader Contributor Idaho hasn’t always been this way. It has not always been a state controlled by an ultra-conservative, “big lie” believing branch of the Republican Party that attacks and underfunds public education and rejects attempts to halt the surge of a pandemic, ranking us last in the nation in getting vaccinated.

It hasn’t always had a GOP-controlled state Legislature that tries to destroy the universal right of the ballot initiative for its fellow citizens, and with a candidate for governor who wants to put cameras in classrooms so that teachers will not teach history the way it actually happened.

There is no such thing as “The Idaho Way “or a “sanctuary state” — a fable of ultra-conservative thinking espoused by the GOP and its propaganda machine, the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Instead there is a state that ranks next to last in funding for education, using a budget surplus to cut taxes for businesses and the wealthy.

To the contrary, Idaho has a long history of bipartisan politics and of working together. There was a time when we had twoterm Democratic Gov. Cecil

The author Jim Ramsey, a retired Air Force fighter pilot, stands before a monument in Arles, France, dedicated to two American pilots who died fighting to help free France from the Nazis in the summer of 1944. Courtesy photo.

Andrus and Democratic U.S. Sen. Frank Church, who was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A newspaper once reported that Church was planning a speaking engagement in “liberal North Idaho.”

When my family and I first moved to Boise in 1971, I had a personal meeting with Andrus in the governor’s office and my wife attended a newcomers’ meeting at the governor’s residence — examples of the friendliness and informality displayed by the state’s first couple.

When we moved to Sandpoint in 1996, Jim Stoicheff was the Democratic state representative from our district and he was so respected across the political spectrum that when he passed away, the Republican governor at that time and his staff members attended Jim’s funeral

in Sandpoint. (His wife was appointed to replace him in the state Legislature.)

When did things begin to change politically in North Idaho? Probably, I’m told, it began with the demise of the timber workers unions that employed thousands in the state. Then it was abetted by discovery of the beautiful area by people from the more-crowded West Coast cities — especially from California — who were fleeing more liberal Democratic-controlled governments.

Shortly after our family arrived in Sandpoint, in 1996, my wife and I were having breakfast (similar to contributor Tim Henney’s experience), when we met a GOP state representative who asked where we were from.

When we said “California,” she said, “Oh, we like people from

California.” She didn’t realize we were not Republicans.

Later we learned we were in the minority of those moving from California.

The majority of people moving to Idaho from other states have been Republicans — including our two current District 1 representatives — both born in Ohio.

What does the future hold for bipartisan politics in Idaho?

There are already strong Democratic inroads in parts of the state, including Blaine County, Boise, Moscow, Lewiston and Idaho Falls. Both Bonner and Kootenai counties have strong, active human rights task forces.

Sandpoint was one of the first cities in the state to pass an an-

ti-discrimination initiative.

More recently, the Reclaim Idaho group was successful in winning a statewide ballot initiative to increase Medicaid coverage for Idahoans and is currently circulating another ballot initiative to increase public education funding. Meanwhile, the Idaho Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of ballot initiatives, despite an effort by GOP legislators to limit them.

Jim Ramsey is a former Air Force fighter pilot and retired journalist, reporting for United Press International in Denver and the Albuquerque Journal, and as a news editor for the Idaho Statesman in Boise.

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PERSPECTIVES

The path of life is often convoluted. To look back at the twists and turns of one’s journey is to admire all the forces at work beyond our knowledge.

My knowing at age 20 never could have predicted my position at age 40. For that fact, I am grateful. I would have been miserable in the mold my younger self made.

My early trajectory certainly wasn’t set on a career in physical labor. From a young age, the goal was always to get into a good college. And I did. With a full ride academic scholarship.

Unfortunately, I never delved into the “why” of that plan.

Where would a degree from a good college take me? What did I want to do besides be an excellent student and overachiever?

What brought me passion and purpose? I had no idea.

The only reason I chose public relations as a major was because my dad thought it was a good fit for me. I was a talented writer, but he didn’t want me scrounging for loose change in the couch cushions as an actual writer. So, he introduced me to one of his fellow Rotarians, the PR director from our regional hospital. She was kind and gave me some hospital schwag: a mousepad, some pens, a coffee mug. Looking back, I imagine myself as Chad, Pete Davidson’s character from recent SNL sketches, who is “an apathetic teenager with limited conversational skills.” (Thanks, Wikipedia.) To every great and not-sogreat thing that comes his way, his response is a slack-jawed, emotionless, “OK.” 14 /

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Jen Jackson Quintano.

That was me. Public relations? OK. I never questioned the choice.

I just followed that path and stacked up another four years of 4.0 GPAs. Because that’s what I knew how to do. When I thought ahead to my post-college life, I never could picture the working part of it. The only image with any clarity was me with an awesome wardrobe in a high-rise apartment, walls made of windows, kicking off my heels after another long day at the office, pouring myself some chardonnay and making plans for the amazing dinner party I was going to host that weekend.

The city lights twinkled below me. My makeup was perfect. My furniture was sleek and modern.

It was the equivalent of the 4.0 GPA of life.

Hahahahahahahaha.

I love juxtaposing this

vision with my current reality.

Wardrobe? Only the finest from Goodwill. Abode? There is a deer taking a poop out my window as I write this. Seriously.

Heels? Well, my logging boots have a bit of lift to them. Beer is my drink of choice, and I usually enjoy it not at a swanky dinner party, but while discussing the finer points of Peppa Pig with my daughter. I haven’t owned makeup in decades, my furniture is all dog-friendly hand-medowns and the stars twinkle pretty nicely above our rural home.

This is all great achievement, just quantified by different metrics.

So, what the heck happened?

How did I go from high rises to Miller High Life (the champagne of beers, mind you)? Well, it starts as many stories do: I fell in love and I followed it. But this romance isn’t girl-meets-boy; it’s girl-meets-great-outdoors.

When I was a kid, my family didn’t hike or canoe or ski. We read a lot, which is awesome in its own regard, but it’s not very… wild. So, when I had roommates my junior year of college that were way into the outdoors, it seemed new and exciting. I started tagging along for hikes. Somewhere on the Iron Mountain Trail, a hike I only remember for my epiphany, I decided that I was head over heels for hiking. I immediately commandeered my roommate’s hiking guide, which included 500 nearby trails, and began maniacally checking each one off my list. This is what an overachiever does to hiking. I don’t think my roommate ever

got her book back. Sorry, Ashby, wherever you are.

Then I learned about backpacking. What? People hike so far they have to sleep along the way?!? I put all my graduation money into backpacking gear, though I had never done it before. This, I believed, was my destiny.

Meanwhile, I graduated summa cum laude, received my PR degree, put together a solid portfolio, interviewed with several major PR firms, and waited for life to march inexorably forward towards heels and chardonnay.

But the woods kept calling my name. I felt compelled to answer.

I ignored follow up interview requests and drove my Volkswagen to Grand Teton National Park, where I took a $5-per-hour job as a bellhop at Jenny Lake Lodge. It was amazing. The summers I spent there still rank among the most magical of my life. I woke every morning to the sun illuminating the Cathedral Group and went to sleep at night to the sound of elk bugling nearby. I backpacked every trail, canoed the lakes,and learned how to navigate the myriad moose that were always standing in my way. I was happy. And I never looked back.

Since my early 20s, I have always lived in rural places with plenty of access to stunning country. Solitude and wildness are priorities for me. I guess you could say I’ve built my life around them. Strangely, though, there aren’t many public relations jobs in towns of fewer than 10,000 people, so my degree has gone dormant. I am totally

fine with that. Instead, this life devoted to the outdoors has found me working as a park ranger, a wilderness advocate, a librarian, a writer, an editor, an animal shelter director and more.

It eventually led me to working as an arborist with my husband, starting a decade ago.

It all began with a love affair with the great outdoors. Now my work finds me, every day, in the great outdoors. Success!

I would change nothing about my path. I am grateful for where it has taken me. Perhaps, in an alternate universe, there is a middle-aged woman sipping chardonnay with amazing views of the city below. Perhaps she’s really good at what she does, making bad companies look good and good companies look better. I wonder, though, if I could hop between dimensions and slip some beer in her fridge and some White’s boots in her closet, would she understand what she’s missing? Would she understand that the love of her life has passed her by?

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.

COMMUNITY

D.A. Davidson to host annual Economic Forum Forum to take place at Nov. 11 Chamber meeting

By Reader Staff D.A. Davidson will host its Annual Economic Forum at the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce meeting in the Community Room (Tango Café) at the Sandpoint Center/Columbia Bank, at 414 Church St. The meeting is from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and includes lunch. Register online at sandpointchamber. org for the event or call the chamber at 208-263-2161.

This year’s featured speaker will be Mark Eibel, director of Client Investment Strategies at Russell Investments in Seattle, Wash. Eibel holds a chartered

Mark Eibel. financial analyst designation and has more than 35 years of experience as an investment

professional at Russell, serving as the principal spokesperson for Russell’s investment process. He is a frequent guest on television and radio networks such as CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio.

As the director of client investment strategies for Russell Investments, Eibel implements model strategies into client portfolios and helps set strategic asset allocation targets. He is also responsible for helping to drive product innovation on the private client side of the business.

Mark is responsible for the quarterly investment manager outlook and represents the investment division on the board

of directors for the Russell Investment Company.

D.A. Davidson offers straightforward advice, personalized solutions and industry expertise — an approach rooted in the values of a company that is as independent as its clients. Davidson is proud to be employee owned and to have been serving clients since 1935. Headquartered in Montana with four major hubs located in Seattle, Portland, Denver and Los Angeles, the firm has approximately 1,400 employees working from 96 office locations in 27 states.

Four financial services firms comprise D.A. Davidson Companies: D.A. Davidson

and Co., Davidson Investment Advisors, D.A. Davidson Trust Company and Davidson Fixed Income Management.

Over the past dozen years, D.A. Davidson Economic Forum in Sandpoint has covered a wide range of topics, including banking, the timber industry, education, health care, manufacturing, workforce development and impact philanthropy.

A number of regional economists have also presented in years past. This will be Eibel’s third appearance at the Economic Forum in Sandpoint.

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OUTDOORS

Voices in the Wilderness

By Don Otis Reader Contributor I grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by asphalt, noise and a few people. My mom will tell you that, when I was a kid, I would beg and plead with her to drop me and my adventure-seeking friends at the base of a canyon somewhere. Canteens safely stuffed away, we would make our way up some high point and marvel. There is a reason Joni Mitchell sang, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot ... you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”

My escape was always to the mountains — any mountains.

Since then, I have climbed in Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada and throughout the U.S. Those of us who live in North Idaho are blessed with the confluence of two relatively small but impressive ranges — the Selkirk and the Cabinet mountains. Lake Pend Oreille splits these two ranges, leaving us with granite monoliths on both

sides surrounded by forest and streams and filled with creatures and flowers that delight the soul.

The pandemic sent people outward bound. The angst and uncertainty left us yearning for the high places, searching for respite, longing for a taste of beauty unspoiled by spin or disease. We discovered that our own little sanctuary in the wildness remained largely unsullied; just waiting for pilgrims to enjoy the same beauty we have here.

Scotchman Peak in the Cabinet Mountains may not be the highest summit, but at 7,009 feet it has the ingredients that make it a worthy challenge. According to Tom Lopez, the author of Idaho: A Climbing Guide, it is probably the hardest Class 1 (non-technical) peak in the state. If you have visited the airy summit ridge, you know why Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness wants to preserve this area as a wilderness escape — keeping it accessible but pristine.

Since 2015, I have made 47 trips to the summit. That’s nearly

400 miles on one peak and trail.

Why would anyone do that? The answer is simple; the challenge of a tough trail ends with some of the most spectacular views found anywhere in the world. There are goats in the summer, snowghosts in the winter resembling creatures from a science fiction movie and plentiful flowers in late spring.

The people I meet along the path are all shapes and sizes with stories that inspire. A few weeks ago, I met Ed. He told me Scotchman was on his bucket list as he neared his 80th birthday. Then I met 10-year old Titus, who was working his way up the ridge with his Army veteran dad. Most of the people I meet are first-timers hoping to catch a glimpse of a curious goat or two who wait unperturbed near the top. I am not alone in my multi-summit fever. My wife, my friends and my son, Landon, who has also been up 10 times this year himself, are part of a growing cadre of Scotchman Peak enthusiasts.

“We need adventure,” said

Multi-summit fever

Don Otis, front, and son Landon Otis, rear, summit Scotchman Peak on a snowy day. Courtesy photo.

Royal Robbins. “It’s in our blood.

It will not go away.”

We also need challenge. We need goals. Most of all we need an objective we can focus on. Scotchman Peak is just such an adventure.

Don is an avid outdoorsman living in the Sandpoint area. He has lived on three continents, climbed the Matterhorn in the

Pennine Alps, scrambled up the Great Pyramid of Giza and climbed all 66 of the 14,000-foot peaks in the lower 48 states. Still, he believes that the views from the summit of Scotchman Peak are some of the most spectacular views found anywhere in the world. He has summited Scotchman Peak 47 times since 2015.

Sharing the Schweitzer experience with less fortunate children

By Jeff Rouleau Reader Contributor People come from all over to enjoy North Idaho’s world-class outdoor activities. However, while tourists and those involved in the local ski industry clearly understand the joy that snow sports offer, many in the shadow of the mountain have no idea.

A large percentage of the children growing up with Schweitzer Mountain Resort in their “backyard” never experience the joy and freedom the slopes provide.

These kids, whose families are the hard-working backbone of the community, never experience what many of us take for granted.

Skiing and snowboarding is simply too expensive for many North Idaho families. Many local children go to school and hear their classmates recalling the great weekend they had on the mountain and yearn to experience such a fun sport.

This was illustrated by a note written by a fourth-grade student, 16 /

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who was given a free day of skiing and lessons: “Thank you for the best day of my life. I probably won’t see any of you ever again.

So goodbye.”

Helping to inspire a lifelong, positive activity North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, Inc. was founded to give children like this more than just one day on the mountain.

NIMSEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization recognized and governed by a volunteer board of directors who receive zero compensation. Its expenses are minimal, allowing the majority of donations to directly benefit the children sponsored by the organization.

NIMSEF exists to provide all children in the community an opportunity to participate in skiing and snowboarding — not only providing local kids with a lifelong activity, but giving them a sense of belonging, accomplishment and pride, all of which can help children do better in school, stay off drugs, have a good work

ethic and more.

The NIMSEF program not only teaches skiing and snowboarding, but engages kids, allowing them to work for a portion of their tuition and participate in fundraising. The organization believes this will help children value their gift, build their work ethic and learn to give back to others.

The specifics and how you can help Schweitzer has graciously agreed to work with NIMSEF and set up a program — at greatly reduced tuition — that will enroll our scholarship students in an eight-week, all-day lessons program. All children aged 7-17 who qualify based on economic need and live in Bonner and Boundary counties can receive a season pass, bus pass, and equipment rental and the lesson program via Schweitzer and NIMSEF. The program created by Schweitzer puts the children in groups of similar age and ability, and the group stays with the same coach

for the entire program (all coaches are certified instructors). This allday program takes place on either Saturday or Sunday, but the pass and equipment rental are valid all season.

NIMSEF greatly appreciates donations from the community and will help North Idaho children realize the dream of being a part of something special.

Jeff Rouleau is president of the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund. For more infor-

Jeff Rouleau, center, stands with NIMSEF volunteers and some of the many children who have benefited from the program. Courtesy photo. mation or to get involved in the program email nimsef@gmail.com or visit nimsef.com.

Donations can be sent to North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, Inc. (NIMSEF); P.O. Box 170; Ponderay, ID 83852.

OUTDOORS

Warren Miller ski film to play at Panida The iconic ski film series will show its 72nd annual movie to kick off winter

By Ben Olson Reader Staff There are few personalities more recognizable to skiers than Warren Miller.

Laid back, genial and at times goofy, Miller’s commentary on his annual ski films has heralded the upcoming ski season for generations.

Born in Hollywood during the roaring ’20s, Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific until his discharge in 1946. His first time filming skiing occurred in 1944, when he borrowed

a camera while vacationing in Yosemite.

Warren Miller ski film to be released in He never looked back.

1949 — a tradition that has continued to After leaving the Navy, Miller moved this day, including at the Panida Theater, with a screening of Winter to Sun Valley, Idaho, to live in a trailer with a Winter Starts Now Starts Now scheduled for friend while they worked Saturday, Nov. 6.

The 72nd annual as ski instructors. In their Miller passed away in Warren Miller ski film free time, the pair filmed 2018, but leaves behind an Saturday, Nov. 6; doors at 6:30 annual legacy of passion themselves skiing, alterp.m., show at 7 p.m.; $15. Panida and fun for winter sports, nately spending summers Theater, 300 N. First Ave., 208filming each other surfing. 263-9191, panida.org. With which Sandpoint snow The pair showed their COVID-19 restrictions in place, sports — and film — enthusiasts know all too well. films at parties with aconly 200 tickets will be sold for companying commentary, the show. leading to the very first

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COMMUNITY

Ponderay Rotary names JP Carver member of the month

By Reader Staff

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In recognition of his years of dedication and action, the Ponderay Centennial Rotary Club has named JP Carver member of the month for August.

“I am proud to be a member of Ponderay Centennial Rotary not only for the scholarship program or putting flag poles at the Ponderay police building and the fairgrounds, or building bus stop shelters, or supporting exchange students, or the Rotary Youth Leadership program or the high school Interact clubs, but especially because of the friendships among club members,” Carver said. “The food at the Christmas parties also stands out.”

Carver was asked by a friend to join Ponderay Rotary in 2005, and he has been actively participating ever since. He feels Ponderay Rotary is creating positive change in the community through educational opportunities and scholarships, volunteer efforts at nonprofits and helping the community in any way needed. He has held the position of president and is currently Rotary Foundation chair, Interact mentor, Scholarship Committee member and one of the infamous Rotary chili cooks at the club’s annual chili cook-off at Jacey’s Race.

With his wife Barb, Carver co-owns Curves in Ponderay along with help from their yellow lab Ruby, labradoodle Rory and the street cat Della. He graduated from University of Washington, is a diehard Husky fan and feels the best career decision he ever made in life was to join the Air Force ROTC. The Air Power model series and Walter Cronkite were the biggest impacts / November 4, 2021

JP Carver (the guy on the left who isn’t dressed as a duck) hard at work for Ponderay Rotary. Courtesy photo. on his career choices.

Carver spent 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of major, with his career highlight flying 100 feet off the ground at 600 miles per hour.

In 1994, he became an Episcopal priest and practices to this day, including volunteering as chaplain for the Sandpoint Police Department. In the past few years, he is most proud of his participation in the By Way Citizens Advisory Committee.

As a gregarious introvert, Carver is passionate about encouraging people to get to know themselves and hopes to have influenced others in our community and the world through his honesty, empathy and inclusiveness. In his “off-time,” Carver can be found cruising around the lake enjoying classic and ’60s rock music.

“We are so lucky to have JP as part of our team,” said Ponderay Rotary President Kari Saccomanno. “He takes on so much of the youth work. We couldn’t get along without him, nor his sage advice.”

What is his favorite bit of advice that he lives by every day? “Don’t be a dick.”

That’s something we should all live by.

The club welcomes new people and or businesses to join and help on its mission of improving the community. The club generally meets the first three Tuesdays of the month at 7 a.m. For more information about Ponderay Rotary, email PonderayRotaryClub@gmail. com or visit PonderayRotaryClub.com.

Members of the month for September and October have yet to be announced.

OBITUARY

Stephen Drinkard, all and everything for a purposeful life Longtime Sandpoint resident Stephen Charles Drinkard, 77, died Saturday, Oct. 30 at Bonner General Health after weeks of fighting a breakthrough COVID pneumonia he contracted while hospitalized for a surgery in Coeur d’Alene. His wife, Susan, was by his side.

Born March 3, 1944 in Detroit, Mich., to Charles Blackburn Drinkard and Gladys Ann McBride Drinkard, he was raised in Orange County and then in Culver City, Calif., near MGM Studios. He and his sister, Kristin, and parents lived for many years in rundown hotels, primarily at The Culver Hotel, a one-time palace for the stars. By the time Stephen and his family moved there, it was beaten up and partially owned by a besotted Red Skelton. The manager gave his family the use of an extra room so that all four didn’t have to sleep in the same room. From his tiny triangular room, he would climb out onto the metal fire escape and from across the street the red pulse of the Learner’s Men’s Shop sign would color him in faint pink.

Stephen survived the gritty urban life by playing sports — baseball in the city league before lettering in high school basketball.

He would admit he was a juvenile delinquent in high school, but he learned that, if you earned good grades, you were seldom held accountable.

In 1962 he began college at UCLA, where he became great at shooting pool before he settled into years of serious study.

He earned a Master of Arts in English literature. His great affection for basketball grew during UCLA’s extraordinary run of national championships in the 1960s under coach John Wooden, with players such as Marques Johnson, Walt Hazzard and Lew Alcindor — who later took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and was an acquaintance of Stephen’s.

Six months away from completing his doctorate, he left to join Gary Shusett in running an experiential high school, Sherwood Oaks, where hugs prevailed; it was the ’60s. He kept in contact with many of the students he knew there and some became lifelong friends.

He smoked a pipe and wore corduroy with patches for decades because the professorial role fit him perfectly. He worked for many years as an instructor of English composition and literature at the University of Hawaii, before he left academia to work with his hands. He and his partner at the time bought property near Sacheen Lake near Newport, Wash., where he and friends built an octagon house in the woods. He made stained glass for a living; many of his pieces still hang in professional offices and

homes in Spokane.

Seeking community after seven years in the woods, he moved to Sandpoint, where he taught Kindergarten at the North Idaho Learning Center. He always contended that the children grew up to have the same personality they had at age 5. It was there he met his future wife, Susan, who interviewed him for the Daily Bee because he was the first male Kindergarten teacher in Bonner County.

Stephen moved on to Rocky Mountain Academy, where he taught stained glass, great literature, Vietnam and World War II history, and much more. He enjoyed the preparation, research, implementation — every aspect of teaching.

At RMA he met staff members Dave and Meghan Yeats and Ed Katz, who became close friends for the rest of his life. He was especially proud of former students Rob Gluck and Mac Young, and loved to challenge Gluck on his political leanings.

Always a teacher, Stephen taught at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. He worked toward establishing the presence of North Idaho College in Sandpoint, even helping to build the walls in its first site downtown. He taught GED preparation there and said the reason students drop out of math is because they don’t know their multiplication tables and there is no way around learning them.

In 1996, Stephen earned a second master’s degree, this time in adult education, through the University of Idaho.

Susan and Stephen adopted a 14 yearold boy, Robert Jobe Drinkard, and cared for him for two years.

From 1999 through 2012 Stephen worked as the city of Sandpoint’s grant administrator, bringing the city $13 for every dollar they paid him during those years. He coordinated projects including downtown revitalization and started the urban forestry program. He spearheaded creation of the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency. He secured the funding, and managed projects for, the boardwalk at Sand Creek, the “Outstand-

ing Trees of Sandpoint” book, the 150 trees on Fifth and downtown, the bioswales, the curb-outs, the public art archway of leaping fish at Main and First. He worked with the late Dr. Bob Carlson to find funding for the bike path to Dover, and much more.

He began the Bonner Community Housing Agency in 2006 because he wanted to foster more affordable housing in Sandpoint. He worked for the Idaho Department of Lands for many years as a part-time consultant to develop urban forestry programs in the small towns of North Idaho.

In the past two years he learned the intricacies of Medicare and became a volunteer Medicare advisor, using his skills to synopsize very complicated information for people turning 65. He served as president of the Syringa Heights Water District and worked on both of those volunteer positions until his final days.

Stephen’s last community effort after nine months in recovery from a quadruple bypass surgery last December, was on a fundraising team for the Panida Theater, where he helped author a large grant application.

Stephen was a nester. He hated to drive anywhere and preferred being at home working on projects big and small. He was a thorough researcher and would spend hours to find the best deal for the money.

His pride and joy was his friends’ children and their successes as well as his two nephews, Colin and Daniel Pemp. He loved

being called “Uncle Dude” by Danny and “Wise Elder” by Colin and thought they were golden. He treasured many evenings with very long-time friends Chris and Sandy Bessler, with whom he and Susan shared holidays, traveled to concerts and to Gonzaga Bulldogs games. One of the best experiences was attending the 2017 PK80 basketball tourney in Portland, Ore. Stephen spent endless hours with his best friend, Ross Fulmer and his wife, Mary Armstrong of Sandpoint, solving engine, tree, car, tractor, and building problems, along with the political ailments of the world, which were the fault of the Republicans.

Stephen was a force. He had a bit of a rarified air and big energy. He was very opinionated and kept informed daily, even sending news of politics and updates on potential players for the Zags to his friends during the summertime, when no one else was interested.

He was an active member in the Gurdjieff Work in Sandpoint, first with Dennis Pence’s group and for the past six years under Jill Kahn’s leadership. He worked very hard on his spirituality, striving to keep an open channel to God by living in the present, residing in gratitude, and experiencing compassion for those suffering. He shared poems he loved with Susan frequently.

He also participated for two decades in the tai chi classes with Mark Evans, and he was a voracious reader.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Susan; his pups, Mercy and Otter, whom he lovingly called “dirt bags” and his beloved kitty, Beulah. More survivors are his sister, Kristin Linn Drinkard Oddy of Tucson, Az.; his sister-in-law, Barbara Pemp of Tucson; his niece, Jenna Sides of Tucson; his adopted son, Robert Drinkard of Sheridan, Wyo.; Joseph and LaTresa Pemp, in-laws of Bonners Ferry; and nephew Colin Pemp of Sandpoint; Rob and Brenda Pemp, in-laws of Hayden, and their children, Haley, Erika, and Kelton; Brenda Garrett, sister-in-law of Post Falls; father-in-law John Pemp and his wife Bobby of Post Falls; and nephew Daniel of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Jonathan Pemp, in 2009.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the Lakeview Chapel in Sandpoint with a dinner following upstairs. Masks will be provided at the door for any who forget theirs.

Memorials to the Panida Theater in his name are welcomed and encouraged.

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PERSPECTIVES

Get to know the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Community Watch program

By Jim Corcoran Reader Contributor Back in the day before cell phones, GPS tracking and the like, if you were like me, as a kid, I would spend my Saturdays roaming around the neighborhood from my school, to the park to the open woods and gulley down the street.

My mom never seemed to worry because she would be updated as to my location by neighbors in the community that would call her up on the phone to say, “Do you know where your son is?”

Neighborhoods have been looking out for themselves for a long time. In 1972, the National Sheriffs’ Association wanted to bring law enforcement and citizens closer together in their public safety efforts and this is how the neighborhood watch program was created.

While watch programs have existed in Bonner County in the past, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, with the help of volunteers, created a new Community Force Program in 2015 in order to further build the connection between law enforcement and their communities.

The goal of the program is to unite and educate citizens about what they can do to deter crime and have safer neighborhoods. By connecting neighbors, watch groups have been able to improve the quality of life and at the same time restore pride in their neighborhood.

Some of you may have already seen the Community Force signs in neighborhoods and communities around the county. When a neighborhood organizes, they have created a basic crime prevention program by practicing crime safety measurements and encouraging others to join in crime prevention efforts.

In addition, members in your watch group develop a sense of coming to the aid of others when they become aware of a victim of a crime and work for a better and safer 20 /

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neighborhood through protecting and honoring the rights of others.

As a group, you not only help law enforcement agencies identify problem areas in the county but also how they respond when suspicious activity is observed and reported.

You will learn how to provide more accurate information, such as the vehicle license plate number, make, model and color of the vehicle, or what the suspect was wearing.

Along with providing you an opportunity to get to know your law enforcement officers on a more personal and professional level, your neighborhood will become more aware of criminal activity in your area in the way of drug activity, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, thefts and the like.

You also have an opportunity to share suspicious activity with other community watch groups so they can be alerted to such issues as mail theft, suspicious vehicles or persons in the area.

Most important, you will build a stronger community by getting to know your neighbors. Watch groups give community members a reason to get together and talk about making their community a better place. Such programs reduce rumors about what is going on and reinforce the actual truth of what is happening in your community.

Lastly, an organized community lets the criminals know that you are watching them and will report all suspicious circumstances to law enforcement.

If you are interested in learning more on how the Community Watch Program works or how to start a program in your neighborhood, whether it be in one of our cities or out in the rural areas of the county, contact the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office 208263-4578 for more information.

Jim Corcoran is a Community Watch volunteer.

STAGE & SCREEN

Getting to know the new Panida director

Veronica Knowlton aims to bring passion and experience to the community theater

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Veronica Knowlton has passion — that much is evident after speaking with her for just a few minutes. The 28-year-old chosen by the Panida Board of Trustees as the new managing director for the theater has hit the ground running and is excited to be at the helm of such an important piece of the Sandpoint community.

Born in Alameda County, Calif., Knowlton had big dreams even at an early age.

“Growing up, I wanted to be the first girl on Mars,” she told the Reader.

From elementary school to high school, Knowlton’s other main passion was the world of highly competitive softball.

“The last years of my high school were focused on playing college ball,” she said. “But I had extensive damage to my rotator cuff and needed to get surgery.”

As she entered college, where she ultimately earned a business degree, Knowlton worked parttime in veterinary offices and as a nanny for years before responding to a Craigslist ad for a position as a summer marketing intern for the Alameda County Fair.

“It was good hands-on experience,” she said. “At the end of the internship I figured I’d be done and get to go back to college. When they onboard all their interns, it’s very clear cut that your last day would be Aug. 1, but that date came and went and they kept giving me projects.”

By her second summer, Knowlton was tasked with interviewing with news media, facilitating tours of the fairgrounds and being a lot more involved in the marketing department.

“By year three, they said, ‘Let’s host a cattle drive downtown for opening day of the fair,’ and they said, ‘Find me cows, find me cowboys.’ That’s how I got affectionately suckered into the fair business,” she said.

The cattle drive saw 166 head of cattle led down Main Street of Pleasanton, Calif., to celebrate the opening of the fair — by far Knowlton’s largest project to date.

Through the course of being delegated more responsibilities, Knowlton said she got to know the fair business inside and out. She put on year-round events, managed the box office, concessions and auditing, touching almost every aspect of operations other than maintenance.

“After the first cattle drive we did, it was joked with the Alameda Fair CEO that ‘Veronica’s going to become the next CEO; she’s coming for you,’” she said.

Knowlton brought that passion north when she interviewed with the North Idaho State Fair in Coeur d’Alene as the special events and marketing manager in spring 2021.

“I’d never heard of Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint before,” she said. “But flying in and seeing the pine trees, I knew I was in trouble. I thought I better get this job because I want to live here.”

Knowlton moved to North Idaho in March 2021 after accepting the fair position, but since fairs are seasonal and temporary, she began looking for bigger projects to take on that summer and noticed the Panida Theater was hiring a managing director.

Bringing seven years of large event management experience, a youthful energy and a can-do attitude to her job interview, Knowlton said she sees many similarities between fair work and community theater management.

“Working at a theater has so much community involvement, I almost don’t feel like I left the fair world,” she said. “Everybody loves the Panida. That was evident at the beginning of this process. … I went through the interview process and was fortunate to be selected.”

Moving to North Idaho in the middle of a real estate boom was challenging, especially with few affordable options available for renters and newcomers.

“I think through the course of me moving here, I’ve used every ounce of good karma in my life,” Knowlton said. “I found a room for rent in Coeur d’Alene on Facebook Marketplace and within three weeks of moving, the Wall Street Journal published an article that said Coeur d’Alene was the hottest real estate market in the country. I

thought, ‘I won’t be buying a house anytime soon.’”

But, after accepting the Panida position in August, Knowlton said she found a place to call home.

“The universe served up this cute little house in Cocolalla that’s just perfect for me and my dog,” she said.

Knowlton said the Panida Board presented many good questions during her interview, but she did her homework and was prepared with a marketing plan.

“I put together a hypothetical fundraising campaign and at the end of the interview, I said, ‘I could do this.’ You start small and you grow together, and here I am at the helm.”

One of her first priorities is making sure the math works out for the Panida’s revenue.

“For our promoters and clients, the math doesn’t work at 50% capacity,” she said. “Our board has done an amazing job securing operational grants. The question is, ‘How much revenue do I need to survive until the end of the year?’

With that being said, I see COVID as more of a present operational challenge. I have to live in this world right now.”

Knowlton said while she’s focused on the present, she also has a keen eye on the future.

“The Panida was built in 1927, so I’m jazzed at looking at a centennial birthday in about five years,” she said. “What’s our fiveyear vision? There’s a lot of talk about the Little Theater — how can we remodel that to fit long term goals and make the space more inviting. COVID is my current stomachache, but what excites me is the challenge of the centennial.”

A key approach will be to reach out to key players in the community to ask what is important to them.

“I’m working with POAC and the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, making sure the theater can be good partners and stewards of that relationship,” she said. “We’re meeting with some long-term local talents to see what’s important to them in the long term. I don’t have goals for more movies vs. live performances. First is fostering a good working relationship with people who value the Panida.”

Knowlton said one of her biggest pieces of confusion is the membership at the Panida.

“There’s almost a lack of communication on what a member is,” she said. “I’d like to rework the structure through our website and social channels and say, ‘Here’s what a $1,000 membership gets you, a reserved seat, some kind of perks package, etc.’ That’s one of my things to work on before the end of the year.”

Another aspect of running a nonprofit theater is grant writing, which Knowlton said falls under her umbrella of experience.

“Through the course of agricultural education and community outreach pieces, I have secured over $500,000 in grants,” she said.

“Compared to what [Board member] Foster Cline does on our board, my pinky toe barely went into the ocean. … I do think all grant money is good money, especially when we’re limited to 50% capacity.

Whether we host events or not, the floors need refinished and we still need a roof on the Little Theater.

I’m very thankful to have Foster spearheading that right now.”

Regarding the Little Theater, Knowlton said she’s had multiple discussions about whether or not to pursue the sale of the building to help fund main theater renovations and upkeep.

“The board passed a fundraising goal of $200,000 by the end of the year,” she said. “If they meet that goal, the sale of the building will be taken off the table. I have not been actively involved in that campaign, but I know a lot of peo-

Veronica Knowlton outside the Panida Theater. Photo by Ben Olson. ple have passionate opinions about the Little Theater. I have not done enough homework and talked to enough people to see which way I want to lean. I’m trusting the board and fundraising efforts and will take their recommendations.”

Living in North Idaho is a dream for Knowlton, who said she is passionate about anything outdoors.

“I have a mountain bike, snowshoes, snowboard,” she said.

“My kayak is my favorite toy I ever bought. I have a dog named Tater Tot, and I think when I retire I want to be a dog trainer. I love to waterfowl hunt and plan on going deer hunting later this fall. When the weather is terrible you’ll find me in the kitchen making everything from scratch. I love to cook and love to eat, which dovetails to hunting, because I love knowing where my food comes from.”

In the meantime, Knowlton said she’s hopeful for the future of the Panida and is honored to be the steward for the future of the “heart and soul” of Sandpoint.

“Stop and say hi and introduce yourself,” she said. “I’m doing my best to get out and meet everybody.

I’d love to meet you and hear your favorite memory for the Panida and hope to provide more future memories.”

The Panida Theater will hold its annual membership meeting Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at the theater, where they will also light the marquee after repairs have been completed.

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events

November 4-11, 2021

THURSDAY, november 4

Short Days DARK Nights tap takeover • Nov. 4-7 @ Idaho Pour Authority The biggest, baddest, dark beer tap takeover of the year. Embrace the darness and drink some of the best barrel-aged stouts around until Nov. 7. Dark swanky outfits encouraged!

Ecstatic Dance with DJ Yamuna 7-8:30pm @ Embody Studio, 823 Main St. Sandpoint Visit embodysandpoint.love for more information

Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs 6-8pm @ The Back Door

FriDAY, november 5

MCS Filmmaking Program Open House 5-7pm @ Music Conservatry of Sandpoint Meet Tim Bangle and learn about the new program coming in spring 2022, with special guest speaker cinematographer Erik Daarstad. sandpointconservatory.org Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 7-10pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 7-9pm @ The Back Door

Live music w/ Steve Rush & Scott Taylor and Artists opening reception 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery A duo combining guitar, banjo and other instruments, plus an artist reception for Jim Howard and Lori Salisbury from 4-8pm Live Music w/ Okay Honey 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Exra Life Game Day fundraiser 10am-5pm @ Sandpoint High School The SHS Esports Club is hosting this event to raise funds for Sacred Heart Hospital as part of hte Children’s Miracle Network Extra Life program. Admission donation $5. Bring your favorite child-appropriate content game to share with others. dalton.hawkins@lposd.org

Co-op Pop-Up Show 11am-5pm @ Hope Marketplace The Hope Marketplace will be open every weekend featuring works by local artists and crafts people. relumin8ed@ gmail.com for more information

SATURDAY, november 6

Live Music w/ BareGrass 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority A progressive mix of stringed glory

Free First Saturday at the Museum 10am-2pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum This month’s free event sponsored by Diane Brockway

Live Music w/ Daniel Hall 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Classic rocks tunes you love Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 8-10pm @ The Back Door

Shoreline Cleanup 10am-1pm @ Sandpoint City Beach Hosted by Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper and the city of Sandpoint. Everyone’s invited to help pick up trash along the Sand Creek and City Beach shorelines.

Wear mud boots and dress for weather.

LPOW will provide gloves and bags Warren Miller’s 72nd annual ski film 7pm @ Panida Theater Watch the annual film series that has ushered in winter since 1949. This year’s title, “Winter Starts Now” will cost $15.

Only 200 tickets will be sold online at panida.org

SunDAY, november 7

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee

monDAY, november 8

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi Blind Beer Tasting — Sour Beers 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub 6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority A fun event to try new beers and win prizes Outdoor Experience Monday Night Group Run – All levels welcome 6pm @ Outdoor Experience

Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalapeño’s “Religious Freedom: Standing up for What You Believe”

tuesDAY, november 9 Panida Annual Membership Meeting 6pm @ Panida Theater The community is invited to attend in person or virtually this annual membership meeting. The Panida will also light the marquee after repairs! panidatheater@panida.org 22 /

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Paint and Sip 5:30-7:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Join instructor Lori Salisbury for a paint and sip event. $45 includes supplies, instruction and a glass of house red or white wine. Sign up: 208.265.8545

STAGE & SCREEN

The next generation of storytellers MCS Filmmaking Program takes students from script to wrap

By Ben Olson Reader Staff With the advent of new technology and media, the art of storytelling has changed volumes in the millenia humans have inhabited the earth but, at its core, storytelling still relies on humans sharing their insights with others. And there are few media more powerful in telling stories than film.

The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint is aiming to bring up the next generation of artists with its forthcoming Filmmaking Program, slated to begin in spring 2022.

Course instructor Tim Bangle said he got involved with this program because he’s always had an interest in movies.

“I graduated in ‘96 and always had an interest in film,” Bangle told the Reader. “Coming from Sandpoint High School, being part of a filmmaking community seemed so unrealistic when I graduated. So I went down to California for 20-plus years before I came back to the area.

I graduated from film school and am currently wrapping up my master’s degree in creative writing.”

Bangle has also worked on several short films in his career and hopes to pass on what he’s learned to prospective film students interested in the MCS Filmmaking Program.

“We decided to start with a 16-week pilot program to teach the basics of filmmaking, which includes a bit of film history, storytelling, lighting and cinematography,” Bangle said.

The goal is to let students write two screenplays and film them from start to finish, teaching about documentary

filmmaking along the way and culminating in a red carpet event to present the movies to the community.

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Erik Daarstad, who has worked on about 300 films and as many television commercials, was also tapped as a guest instructor to help share some of what he’s learned in 62 years working in the film business.

“Hopefully it might light a spark in somebody to pursue film,” Daarstad told the Reader.

“Part of the appeal of having Erik involved is showing students that it is possible to make movies and be successful at it,” Bangle said.

MCS Director Karin Wedemeyer is excited about the forthcoming program, pointing

out that filmmaking is yet another aspect of the emphasis on performing arts at MCS. “If you put someone behind the lens, you teach them to see and view more,” Wedemeyer told the Reader. “It’s another angle of artistic expression. … Perhaps this will inspire students to look at life in a new way, captured through the medium of a camera. That fits what we do here. This lives under the umbrella of the stimulation of the mind and creative heart through different forms of media.”

The pilot program is open to students 12-17 years old.

No experience or equipment is required — just an interest in film. Starting in spring, classes will take place Fridays, both on-site at the MCS building

(110 Main St.) as well as offsite during field trips shooting around various locations.

MCS will host an open house Friday, Nov. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the conservatory for those interested in learning more about the program. Bangle will give a presentation and Daarstad will speak to the class about his experiences behind the camera, showcasing some of his life’s work and students a glimpse of what this experience will look like.

Organizers said there is quite a bit of interest already, and the class size will be limited to 10 students, so participants are encouraged to attend the open house or contact MCS right away.

“It would be wonderful to create the legacy of teaching

Tim Bangle, left, and Erik Daarstad, right, hope to usher in the next generation of filmmakers with the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint’s Filmmaking Program. Photo by Ben Olson. for the next generation of students to be inspired, especially in a community like this where it’s never offered,” Wedemeyer said. “‘If you build it, they will come,’ as the saying goes, and we are the epitome of this at MCS.” To learn more about the MCS Filmmaking Program, attend the open house Friday, Nov. 5 from 5-7 p.m. or contact MCS at 208-265-4444.

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater Lasagna, with love (and cookies, too)

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

This October was one for the record books. I don’t remember the fall foliage ever being more beautifully ablaze. It’s exactly 800 miles, doorstep-to-doorstep, from my son Zane’s home in eastern Montana to my cozy space in Ponder Point. Coming home, I sang along to my favorite tunes for 11 hours as I wound alongside lazy rivers and familiar mountain ranges.

It was a Norman Rockwell kind of postcard-perfect day — singing and savoring my Montana memories.

It was with high anticipation and great expectations that I spent weeks planning that trip, and every single moment was more than I had hoped for (especially our epic, $2,000 Costco trip in Billings, Mont.).

We made many trips to the grandkids’ school, where I cheered (loudly) during band concerts, football and volleyball games. Even more time was spent in Zane’s (newly) wellstocked kitchen, cooking hearty meals and filling the freezers full of favorites like lasagna, split pea soup, beef hash, smoked ribs and (lots of) cookies. I learned that I often worry needlessly about my son’s family. There’s an entire village/community that helps out on a daily basis.

They’re in excellent hands and, ironically, I just discovered a fantastic way to pay it forward — sharing love and lasagna, right here at home.

That’s right. I discovered Lasagna Love. It’s a national grassroots movement that aims to supply neighbors in need with homemade meal deliveries. They also seek to eliminate the stigma 24 /

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associated with asking for help.

At the beginning of the pandemic, a young mom started making and delivering meals — mostly lasagna — to struggling families. Whether the struggles were related to the pandemic, hunger or emotional stresses, they were all real. The effort has grown into a national movement in fewer than two years, with thousands of people cooking and delivering meals in their communities around the country. The mission is simple: feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities.

If you’d like to get involved, you can gather additional information at their website: lasagnalove.org/ get-involved.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to whip up a batch of lasagna, there are plenty of other ways to help your neighbors.

The Bonner Community Food

Bank can always use our help.

Canned goods are an excellent choice to donate, including non-perishable items like pasta, rice, oatmeal and baking mixes.

Cleaning supplies, diapers and dental care items are also welcome choices. If you’re feeling especially generous, monetary donations are the most helpful.

You can check the website for their most current needs (and volunteer opportunities): foodbank83864.com Another local community near and dear to my heart is Kinderhaven, the group foster home and emergency shelter for children removed from their homes for protection. It is staffed 24 hours a day by a devoted team of trained individuals. It’s the only residence of its kind in North Idaho, providing a home filled to the brim with love and compas-

Fun Bar Cookies Makes about four dozen cookies.

The chopped candy bars should weigh about 12-13 oz.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup white sugar • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 2 eggs • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 3 cups all-purpose flour • About 35 mini (fun-sized) assorted chocolate bars (Twix, Snickers, Nestles Crunch, Hershey’s, Mars, Almond Joy, etc.), unwrapped, chilled and coarsely chopped by hand.

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Whisk baking soda and salt into flour and set aside. In a standup mixer, cream together butter and sugars until smooth, then add the vanilla.

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour mixture and mix well. By hand, stir in the chocolate mixture; drop with large spoonfuls (or use a small ice cream scoop), onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 12-14 minutes in the preheated oven, until edges are nicely browned (rotate pans halfway through baking). Don’t overbake.

Loosen with spatula. Store cookies in an airtight container (before they all disappear!).

sion for its young residents.

I have nine perpetually hungry grandchildren and I can’t imagine keeping up with the needs of all those youngsters on a day-to-day basis. Kinderhaven welcomes donations and can always use individually wrapped snacks, such as granola bars, cookies, nuts and fruit rolls. They also accept personal hygiene products.

Like the food bank, monetary donations are genuinely appreciated. Check out their website to learn about their needs and to learn about one of our favorite annual events, the Festival of Trees: kinderhavensandpoint.com.

With a colossal crew coming for Thanksgiving, I’ve been stocking up dinner staples. I can’t lie — my last trip to Safeway gave me sticker shock when I spotted a $70 turkey (and it

wasn’t even organic). For years, my good friend Wendy Franck has sponsored a free Thanksgiving dinner at her iconic diner, The Hoot Owl. Last year, they fed more than 400 people and, with rising food costs, she expects to provide even more meals this year.

We are all stronger together.

So, if you can give, by all means do so. And if you’re in need, you are surrounded by a community of givers, waiting to help you.

Meanwhile, I’m baking up a few batches of cookies, inspired by those tasty little Halloween candy bars I can’t resist. These cookies are so good that I headed back to the store for more halfpriced bags. Hopefully, you can still snag a bag, too.

STAGE & SCREEN

A light in ‘unusual times’

Panida Theater marquee lighting, annual membership meeting slated for Nov. 9

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff The Panida Theater will unveil the full power of its newly refurbished marquee on Tuesday, Nov. 9, as the theater’s board and staff invite the community to attend a marquee lighting ceremony, followed directly afterward by the Panida’s annual membership meeting.

The Panida marquee, which is scheduled to light up First Avenue at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, features new neon, fresh paint and cleaned reader panels. Board members announced in August that they’d achieved their fundraising goal of more than $50,000 to give new life to the iconic signage, thanks in large part to community donations and grants from the Innovia, Equinox and Confidence foundations.

“These are unusual times for the Panida and elsewhere. The spectre of the pandemic hangs over everyone and every aspect of our society,” Panida Interim Chair Jim Healey told the Reader.

“The relighting of the marquee is a celebration of the resilience and endurance of the local community.”

Also slated for Nov. 9 is the Panida’s annual membership meeting, held in the theater’s main auditorium following the marquee lighting ceremony. During the meeting, new board member

candidates will be introduced and a vote will take place.

According to a Nov. 1 email from newly minted Panida Managing Director Veronica Knowlton, Panida officials were still accepting and reviewing board applications, and “aren’t releasing candidate names until the meeting.”

Aside from the vote, the membership meeting will also feature a manager’s report, as well as time for staff and volunteer appreciation. Panida officials said that attendees will “learn of offerings for the season and hopes for a very bright future shared by the managing director and board members.”

“You will be encouraged to share your thoughts, concerns, hopes and wishes,” theater organizers stated on the Panida website. “This board listens! We welcome and appreciate your

Managing director Veronica Knowlton, on the ladder, helps update the marquee with board members Foster Cline, left, and Ron Ragone, right. Courtesy photo. suggestions.”

The event will be Knowlton’s first high-profile introduction to the community at a Panida event,

as she was just hired in September (for more, see the Reader’s profile on Knowlton on Page 21).

“I am most looking forward to meeting the community and celebrating the collaborative effort in restoring the marquee,” she said, also noting that the Panida is approaching its 100th birthday in 2027.

“People should come witness local history and hear about the Panida’s renewed vision as we set our sights toward our centennial year.”

Healey echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the community has the chance to be a part of a bright future at the theater by participating in events like the marquee lighting and membership meeting.

“We are celebrating the Panida as a focal point for entertainment and community,” he said. “People should attend because they love themselves, their families, their community and the arts.”

Contact the Panida Theater with questions at 208-263-9191.

Learn more at panida.org.

This week’s RLW by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey

READ

… an old favorite.

I will admit that my extracurricular reading has been lacking as of late.

Between research for this job and pursuing daily news, I usually opt for some on-screen entertainment at the end of the day. However, I know reading makes better writers, so this is my public declaration of better intentions. I think I‘ll get back into it with a favorite author from my bookshelf, like Ivan Doig or Miranda July.

LISTEN

I recently discovered Noble Blood, an iHeartRadio podcast exploring the lesser-known, intricate details of the lives of royal people throughout history. Historian Dana Schwartz uses compelling, theatrical storytelling to share the final days of Marie Antionette’s life, the rise of Russia’s Catherine the Great, the scandals of 19th century Prussia and the witch-hunting endeavors of Scotland’s King James VI. Find this wildly entertaining podcast on your preferred streaming platform.

WATCH

I am extremely excited to see Spencer, a film about Princess Diana’s decision to leave Prince Charles, due in theaters Friday, Nov. 5. The trailers promise a beautiful and tense work of art, complete with that untouchable, chic Steve Rush and Scott Taylor, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Nov. 5 1990s British aesthetic. Kristen Stewart is already garnering rave The event is a kickoff for It will be a night where local reviews for her portrayal of “the the winery’s November Artists music and local art collide, as people’s princess,” and with The the Pend d’Oreille Winery hosts of the Month, Jim Howard and Crown and Harry and Meghan’s Lori Salisbury. With pieces an artist reception with live departure from royal life reigniting tunes and, as always, delectable described as “complex and the public’s scrutiny of the British diverse,” the artists will be on wine and pizza. monarchy, Spencer is sure to add hand to answer questions and Local talents Steve Rush to the conversation. mingle with guests. and Scott Taylor will team up — Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey to provide the music for the evening. The pair is known for their 5-8 p.m., FREE. Pend versatility and guitar harmonies, d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., layering on other instruments powine. such as the banjo to create their unique and entertaining sound.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint BareGrass, Idaho Pour Authority, Nov. 6 In a world where nothing is guaranteed, North Idahoans know one thing to be certain: If you want to host a party, incorporating local musical trio BareGrass is a surefire way to make it a memorable one.

Composed of guitarist Jared Johnston, bassist John Edwards and mandolinist Luke Levesque, BareGrass keeps their listeners curious about what’s next, ready to dance all the same. With original songwriting and a variety of covers, the trio uses bluegrass, jazz, country and reggae

influences to achieve their sound — highlighted all the while by three harmonious voices.

Idaho Pour Authority is launching its Short Days, DARK Nights tap takeover on Thursday, Nov. 4, promising to offer “some of the best dark beers and barrel aged stouts you’ll drink all year” through Sunday, Nov. 7.

— Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey 6-8 p.m., FREE. Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St., idahopourauthority.com.

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BACK OF THE BOOK

On losing From Northern Idaho News, Nov. 6, 1917

VACCINATE FOR SMALLPOX A number of people were exposed to Smallpox by one whose condition was well advanced before the diagnosis was made.

The Board of Health desires that all who have been exposed to watch carefully for the early symptoms and summon a physician immediately upon their development.

The early symptoms resemble grip with chill, fever, headache, sometimes vomiting and almost always a severe backache.

Some children were exposed. These should not attend school but should remain at home until after the 17 days from last exposure.

All who have not been successfully vaccinated within five years should be vaccinated at once.

— Board of Health

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By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff I hate losing.

I am competitive, to a fault. There are a variety of factors that made me this way. It’s partially hereditary (thank you, mom), but also a learned trait from years of enabled academic perfectionism and athletic participation.

Though not the most gifted athlete, I love strategy and the mental aspects of sports. Now, as a volleyball coach fresh off my fifth season on the bench, I strive to teach my players to use strategy and mental discipline to win.

I’m lucky to say that, for the most part, it seems to have worked. The Clark Fork varsity coach and myself pride ourselves on our robust volleyball program, thanks to our late mentor, Cindy Derr. Girls are given ample opportunity to play year round and, in recent years, we’ve dominated our league in North Idaho, appearing at the state tournament four years in a row leading into the 2021 season.

Despite being district champions for the fifth consecutive year, this season required one additional hurdle: a play-in game the Saturday before the state tournament. We would play the runner-up from District 2, seeing as their league includes far more schools than ours.

When our varsity coach fell ill and couldn’t make it to the game, the head coaching fell to me, the JV coach. It wasn’t ideal timing, but with the whole regular season behind us, winning wouldn’t come down to coaching decisions. I would just need to submit line-ups and call the occasional timeout. It was all up to the players now, and our three

STR8TS Solution

seniors had been playing their best volleyball in recent weeks.

The girls set the tone in the gym right away, swinging hard at the ball and communicating well. We came out strong but, once our competitor found their footing, it became a dog fight. The rest is a blur, full of ups and downs, elated shouts and internalized cringes.

In the end, we lost. We cried. We left the gym without a berth at state for the first time in five years.

Losing the game certainly stung. But what I hated more was losing one more week with the seniors, who were — not so long ago — my unruly and hilarious JV freshmen, still learning the finer points of the game that I love so much.

My only solace is that while we lost, I’ve also watched those three seniors gain so much over the past four years, including that love for the sport, which can’t be taken away. They learned to see it as the sport of strategy and mental strength that it is. They’ve gained confidence, perspective and the self-awareness so elusive to kids just starting high school.

Losing — both games and players

The author coaches from the sideline.

Photo by Leslie Kiebert.

— hurts. But as all coaches know (and as this young coach is still learning), far more is gained in athletics than a record of wins and losses.

On to next season. Go Lady Cats.

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution When you’re a little kid, and you’re learning how to ski, you learn a lot about the importance of getting up and trying again. At least, that’s what I told that kid I just knocked over.

Solution on page 26

Solution on page 26

ravenous

Woorf tdhe Week

By Bill Borders

/RAV-uh-nuhs/

[adjective] 1. extremely hungry; famished; voracious.

“The hikers were ravenous after three days without food in the mountains.”

Corrections: In the web version of the news story “When, where and how to vote in the Nov. 2 election,” from the Oct. 28 Reader, we accidentally loaded an image which stated Election Day was Nov. 3 instead of Nov. 2.

Thanks to an eagle-eyed digital reader, we fixed the mistake and apologize for any confusion. —BO

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Deadly snake 6. Mammary gland of bovids 11. Birdlike 12. Feed 15. Recognition 16. Pretending (Br. spelling) 17. What we breathe 18. Indecisive 20. A leg (slang) 21. Pear variety 23. Hastens (archaic) 24. L L L L 25. Margarine 26. A small wooded hollow 27. Delight 28. Meat from cows 51. Mug 29. Estimated time of arrival 52. One who lives 30. Songs for two through affliction 31. Funding 54. Bird sanctuary 34. Inebriated 56. Seabird having 36. One of the tribes a large bill of Israel 57. Mix together 37. Nile bird 58. Submit 41. Unusual 59. Glacial ridge 42. Arid 43. Area DOWN 44. Pigs 45. Infamous Roman 1. Open one-horse emperor carriage 46. Being 2. Supervise 47. Eon 3. Offer 48. Aircraft engine 4. Police action enclosure 5. Against

Solution on page 26 6. Unwind 7. People who accomplish 8. Responsibility 9. Before, poetically 10. Curl 13. Balances 14. Skirt lines 15. Kebab (alternative spelling) 16. Womanizer 19. 8th Greek letter 22. Chests 24. Compose an elegy 26. Declare untrue 27. Pistol 30. Eat 32. Anger

33. Christmas song 34. A thick and heavy shoe 35. Thirstily 38. A thicket 39. Underwriter 40. Leaky 42. 1/60th of a minute 44. Metal fastener 45. Pertaining to the oceans 48. Agreeable 49. Disabled 50. Nights before 53. 7 in Roman numerals 55. Bother

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RA/LWAY