Reader november 17 2016

READER November 17, 2016 |

FREE

It’s coming...

| Vol. 13 Issue 46

I would like to thank all of my constituents for your continuing support.

I app appreciate the assistance from my family, friends, supporters and donators.

We’ve got a good foundation to build on with plenty of work to do.

Please don don’t hesitate to contact me and the County with your ideas and concerns.

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For more information or to schedule a visit call 208-597-0483 or 208-263-8699 / November 17, 2016

(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

How do we draw more businesses to Sandpoint and keep them here?

“I think businesses and individuals find it more to their liking in Coeur d’Alene because the choices are so limited here in the way of shopping availability.”

Barb Rosenau Retail Elmira

DEAR READERS,

I wish I’d have printed 500 more copies of last week’s Reader. As of Saturday, we were out at most of our distribiution points around Sandpoint. They simply flew off the racks. Undoubtedly it was the post election news and the cover featuring Donald Trump superimposed on top of Rosie the Riveter. I guess it’s also fire starter season, and nothing starts a fire like a free newspaper, right?

I’m glad everyone seemed to appreciate the cover. Trump supporters saw it as a show of strength. Anti-Trump people saw it as an analogy for the perversion of American ideals. As is the case with most newspapers coming out right after momentous news, I had designed two different covers - one with Trump and another with Hillary Clinton. Originally, I had placed Clinton’s face on Rosie’s face, but after the election started to sway toward Trump, I thought it was actually very appropriate to put his head in her place. There was one gentleman who called on Wednesday to shout at us for comparing Trump to Rosie the Riveter, but he hung up before we could explain to him the meaning of irony. Oh well, you can’t please them all. Hope everyone’s having a good day out there.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

“If we improve our infrastructure, including our schools, we can bring in high-tech, non-polluting businesses. People look at quality of life issues such as affordability and healthcare, as well. The regional natural beauty is its own draw, as well as our fabulous library.”

Stacy Black Bowler Laclede

Lily Yeats Sweetheart Sagle

Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Ben Olson (cover), Bill Hawkins, Jessie McCall.

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“A giant dog park would be a great enticement.”

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com

“It’s difficult because the cost of housing is prohibitive for most workers and the schools are overcrowded. The issues that need to be addressed first are affordable housing and schools.”

“Advertise on the radio in big cities about our area and the great events here such as the Festival and Special Olympics, my favorite.”

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

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Nick Gier, PollyAnna, Zach Hagadone, Mary Haley, Drake, Dianne Smith, Keven Penelerick.

Phil Deutchman Former physics instructor at U of I Sandpoint

Carina Winget Mary Kay consultant and stayat-home mom Sagle

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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 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

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

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

About the Cover This week’s cover was photographed by a tired, underpaid, overworked publisher of a small town rag. Ten guesses who it is?

Want to submit your own cover for the Reader? Send ben@sandpointreader.com your ideas and he’ll get back to you.

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November 17, 2016 /

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COMMENTARY

Idaho’s religious shield law and tragic child deaths

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist

“Dead children don’t care about the First Amendment.”

—John Gannon, Idaho Democratic Legislator

It is estimated that 40 to 100 Idahoans die each year because they have no health insurance.

The primary cause of this senseless tragedy is the Republican Legislature’s refusal to extend Medicaid to 78,000 Idahoans.

Regarding preventable deaths, the U.S. ranks last among 16 high-income industrialized nations.

Hundreds of Idaho’s children have died because of Idaho’s religious shield law, which prevents the prosecution of parents who fail to provide medical care for their sons and daughters.

Even though the Governor’s Task Force on Children at Risk has recommended changes to this law, a legislative committee assigned to study the issue this summer adjourned without doing anything.

Appearing before this committee, a member of the Followers of Christ testified that his church believes that children are property, and that they do not seek medical care because doctors are from the

How the World Gets Better...

Dear Editor, Ancient wisdom suggest: “When all else fails - read the directions.”

I believe common sense now suggests a way to find “The Directions.”

First, every human being is invited to answer personally and courageously one little question: How would you like the world to be? (From the heart—important stuff—just pretend it!).

Then we facilitate the asking and answering of this question all the world around. We do this—one person, one voice— beyond the powerful politicians and pundits can be quiet and listen. We will all listen very carefully—because our answers are “The Directions.”

Please note, this question is not about “all that’s wrong and who’s to blame.” We’ve had enough of that. That’s how politicians get elected and war and most other stupid misery happens. This question cuts through all the “us vs. them” in the world (and maybe more). It’s about finally learning how we, the 4 /

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“Parents may be free to become martyrs themselves. But it does not follow they are free to make martyrs of their children.”

—Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U. S. 158 (1944)

Devil. Child activist Linda Martin, a former member of this fanatical sect, claims that two of this man’s children died of untreated pneumonia.

“Pro-life” legislators are fiercely committed to the unborn, but they appear to give less value to their lives after birth.

There are honest differences of opinion about whether the fetus is a person, but there is no question about the issue with regard to children and adults.

Linda Martin is touring the state and speaking about the effects of Idaho’s failure to protect its children. She left the Followers of Christ at the age of 16, and, at a meeting in Moscow, she testified to the needless child deaths in her family and members of her former church.

During a panel discussion in Moscow, Martin showed slides of headstones from Canyon County’s Peaceful Valley Cemetery. Of the 613 graves, 210 were child burial sites. This mortality rate is ten times the Idaho’s pedi-

atric population as a whole.

Some of these children no doubt died from accidents or illnesses that defied treatment, but even with this qualification, this number is totally unacceptable. This is only one cemetery, so there definitely more graves of shame in Idaho.

One of Martin’s cousins died due to a case of untreated pneumonia. Suffering for 10 years, another cousin died because he received no insulin for his diabetes. An unrelated 15-year-old girl in the church fell ill from food poisoning. She vomited so hard that she ruptured her esophagus. Without medical care she bled to death.

Martin experienced outright hypocrisy and discrimination by some church members. They would take one child to the doctor but let others expire of treatable medical conditions. Some would neglect their sick children completely, but then seek medical help for their own illnesses.

Americans have a First

Amendment right to follow their own conscience, and to lead a life of their chosen faith. We have always held that the integrity and validity of beliefs are unimpeachable, but here we have clear examples of religious belief being used inconsistently and cynically with fatal results. It seems to me that these people have disqualified themselves from claiming a religious exemption.

Joining Martin on the Moscow panel was UI law professor Shaakirrah Sanders. Her most salient point was that religious exemptions for medical care may violate the Free Exercise Clause.

The government cannot prefer one religion over another, nor can it discriminate against people who have no religious faith. This means that atheists who neglect their children could be prosecuted, but believers are protected by the shield law. This is discrimination plain and simple.

Sanders maintained that children have a right to their own legal counsel and the right

to petition a court. With the aid of a guardian ad litem a child could asked a judge to overrule its parents’ refusal to provide medical care.

Most of the Followers of Christ reside in Canyon County where the coroner has done few autopsies on their members’ deceased children. This county requires no permit to bury human remains, and many church children have no birth certificates.

Idaho has no proof of their existence or the nature of their deaths.

One cannot murder in the name of religion, and one cannot consume illegal drugs (except ceremonial peyote) in the name of religion. But nine states, including Washington, still allow believers to neglect their children to the point of death.

people of this planet, would like it to be here!

So simple a question and so obviously profoundly fundamental—so why have we never asked? Perhaps because it cuts to the bone and we feel all the world’s pain that comes from never asking. Simple question, yet not easy, is it?

Not when hearts feel broken by the bad news and poisoned by the fear. Be brave. Answer anyway! It will help us all get started if we listen to the children answer first.

We’re at the exciting part of our story with “the Fair Lady in deep trouble, time for heroes,” etc. and it’s just us. Lots of us. Seven billion or so and nobody likes how it’s going (rather begs the question, yes?)

Our technology puts us all in the same room. Let’s use it! But please, also face to face, in person too, all of us everywhere, “How would you like the world to be?”

From the heart—important stuff—just pretend it!.

Listen to each other.

Leave the Country...

so many people hate president-elect Trump. It’s my opinion that most of this hatred is a result of mainstream media editing some of Trumps statements and purposely omitting key facts.

Example: The mainstream press has often stated that Trump is against immigration; that he said Mexican immigrants are rapists, killers and drug smugglers; that he will ban Muslims from entering our country, that he will start deporting illegal immigrants immediately.

Fact: Trump is against illegal immigrants (the word illegal almost always omitted). In fact, Trump has stated that legal immigrants are essential to making our country strong and prosperous.

He has stated that some illegal immigrants (again, the word “some” almost always omitted) are rapists, killers and drug smugglers, this is a fact that has been proven repeatedly in our country.

Trump wants a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country until they can be properly vetted. Even the

Department of Homeland Security says it can’t properly vet Middle Eastern refugees because of the lack of a viable data base from that part of the world.

Trump has stated he would start deporting iliegals with criminal records, gang members and drug dealers immediately.

It’s amazing to me that the press won’t comment on his thousands of employees, men and women of all ethnic groups and religions who openly voice their praise and respect to this blue-collar billionaire.

My hope is that the left’s “all inclusive and tolerant” Trump haters would give president-elect Trump a chance to “Make America Great Again.”

Greg Flint Sandpoint

Dear Editor, Let me make it perfectly clear that I happily voted DJT. My reasoning? I wanted no more Clintons and no more Bushes in the White House.

No matter how you voted it is a truism that every cloud has a silver lining, and this election is proof. The bright spot(s)? Barbara Streisand says she’s moving to Canada.

Samuel Jackson said he’s moving to South Africa. Cher said she’s going to Jupiter, which is the perfect place for her… it’s a gas giant.

To the people of Canada, South Africa and Jupiter… your loss is our gain. Is this a great country, or what?

God bless America, and God bless our military.

Steve Brixen Sandpoint

Is It Fair to Hate Trump...?

Dear Editor, After being programmed by biased news reporting, it’s really no surprise that

Nick Gier taught philosophy and religion at the University of Idaho for 31 years. A longer version of this article is available on www.SandpointReader.com.

Cliff Kattner Sandpoint

Send in your letters to the editor to letters@sandpointreader.com. Must be under 400 words and refrain from using libelous statements or profanity.

PERSPECTIVES

underpants

By PollyAnna Reader Columnist My family is prone to humorous life choices. This means they feature heavily in my conversations after a half a beer, or in anything I try to write, especially in the seasons when the skies are grayer than three-month-old bread.

For instance, my sister Faye— bless her pointy little soul—has recently taken up fostering cats in urban Illinois.

Fostering cats is an activity for people who want to be crazy cat ladies, but aren’t yet ready to completely ax their social lives. Let’s be honest, being a foster cat-parent brings you as many friends in college towns as using hamster droppings for chocolate cupcake sprinkles. It’s just not cool.

Unless ... cat-fostering brings you the opportunity to meet people as strange as you are. Cue cat adoption events.

I didn’t even know these things existed. Here in town, the Panhandle Animal Shelter has such an amazing adoption rate that they frequently fly in unwanted animals from other states to meet local demand. So, I had this idea that pets were sort of a bigger deal now than when I was a kid. But, apparently there are now cat swaps where people get together and talk about the cats they might give up for adoption sometime soon.

Faye and her husband met a gentleman at one of these events recently. As he was talking through how wonderful the cat was, he became so distressed at the thought of giving it up that he teared up and choked himself into silence. Faye awkwardly rescinded her previous admiration of the cat and encouraged him to keep the darn thing.

“I couldn’t do it,” she told me afterwards. “There was no way I could have taken that cat from the guy, no matter how much I loved it.”

As far as I understand (though Faye would surely correct me), the idea behind fostering a cat is that, at any time, you can claim that you don’t actually want to keep the cat, to protect your faltering coolness levels. To preserve the claim’s appearance of validity, however, you have to do odd things. A few months ago, Faye had to drive her new cat child to a local TV studio

cat people...

for morning news “Adopt Me!” segments. And then when her cat acted like a cat and didn’t ham up for the camera, it was her job to act surprised and make sure everyone knew all of its typically amazing personality traits.

By practicing extracurricular activities and slightly dishonest bragging, you can also claim your pet-parenting is a form of practice for human child production.

This is hogwash, as my boyfriend Dan likes to remind our friends at dollar beer night.

Recently, over the hubbub of a boisterous Eichardts crowd, a couple that we know fairly well informed us that they were getting a puppy to “practice” for the “next step” of children. Dan laughed and glanced at a three-deep parent across the table. “Nope,” Dan said confidently, “that’s not practice.”

There was a hearty cheers from the bearded dad.

“When my dog does something dumb,” Dan said, “I can put him on a leash. Or smack him on the nose.

And I never have the worry that he’s going to accidentally impregnate somebody in his social circle.

Definitely not the same thing.”

“That’s right!” A raised glass

from the beery beard.

Since I’m personally inclined to remain childless as long as possible, my own pet-parenting is more likely to give me practice in caring for my older family members. Two years ago, my parents confirmed my suspicions that they’re phasing out of the responsible-decision-making stage when they bought a 2,500-squarefoot pole barn on ten isolated acres near Deer Park, Wash. My mom had been dreaming of a tiny turtleshell of a house encrusted with solar panel scales for years, so when they up and bought the worst-constructed building I’d seen this side of the Continental Divide, I was a wee bit shocked.

The “Barndominium” is a work of pure genius. Someone built the place with a couple of empty pockets, a gutfull of lard, and a unique sense of creativity. The electrical outlets are literally installed at 45 degree angles in several places... to reduce time spent dusting, I’m assuming? There isn’t a square piece of drywall in the entire living room, and the mudding is artfully crude (to prove that some degree of mudding was actually accomplished). The washer and dryer

were installed in the guest bathroom before the door was framed, and somehow no one thought to measure the door to see if they could come back out again.

My parents’ ever-ongoing remodel makes your need for new kitchen tiles look like child’s play.

Plus, there’s the creepy part. Every time my dad removes a sheet of drywall, he finds kids’ toys and random house objects framed into the crawlspaces, which is starting to give my mom the heebie-jeebies. They haven’t found any skeletons, but they’ve found a few random photographs propped up on supporting beans as they’ve peeled back the drywall.

Since I obviously don’t get the cat-fostering thing, my parents’ house gives me something appropriate to fret over with Faye whenever she calls. I’m not too worried, though. My folks and I have already agreed, when it’s time to move them out of the apocalypse house and into a place that needs

Understanding Makes Future Better...

were threatening you or your family with execution just because you thought differently than they do.

We are the home of the brave. That means we don’t run away every time things don’t go our way, and that means we don’t casually threaten our opposition when it has been beaten. We stand up, we speak how we feel, and we open our hearts and minds to compromise and understanding to make the future better for everyone.

Anger, fear and division drove us into a very nasty election. Continuing that pattern will only drive us deeper into that messed up rabbit hole.

We all want the same thing, we want our country and our community to succeed. We all have a different idea on how to get there in the end, so the next time you talk disagree with someone, don’t dismiss them or threat-

en them. Ask them why they feel the way they do.

Dear Editor, I am submitting this letter from my own personal email, on my own personal time. This is not a reflection of anyone else’s thoughts, just me. I’m writing to talk about my morning after the election, and the way some people conducted themselves in the wake of it on either side of the aisle. I saw several posts proclaiming jumping ship to Canada and how everything was about to go to hell. I also saw no less than three posts proclaiming “Hang the dirty Dems and their supporters!”. That’s a lot for my small friend list.

This behavior has no place in civilized society. If you take joking about death threats lightly, think of how it would make you feel if the night had gone differently, and someone

Brenden Bobby Clark Fork

Defying Racism Takes Courage...

Dear Ben Olson and Cameron Rasmusson, Though at times I have disagreed with the tone of some of your responses to persons who have written to the editor on various subjects, I want to thank both of you for discussing and standing up to racism in our community. It took courage and I want to thank both of you very much.

Also, if you put this in letters to the editor even though I was not able to send it by email, as I don’t have email, I would like to thank

more care, they’re headed straight for Luther Park. That place gets rave reviews from all my clients, who have informed me that Luther Park residents get to enjoy a daily happy hour. Score!

In the meantime, as I watch my parents try to prove that sheer willpower will make this place into a home, I think to myself -- yeah, those are my people, and chances are, they’ll pull it off.

Optimism has brought our family (and our pets) through worse before. We may not be fit, but we’re surviving, and what doesn’t kill us makes us weirder.

PollyAnna lives, writes and loves the “good stuff” in Sandpointian life in between cuddling her new kitten from PAS, or jogging the Pend Oreille Bay Trail with her Lab-mix step-child. all of the people who have written against racism in the Reader, all of the Democratic candidates and writein candidates that ran in a hostile environment and Ken Meyers specifically for his informative letter about the harassment the Democratic Party organizer suffered.

Camisse Nitkowski Sandpoint

Camisse, We appreciate your letter and your concern about this important issue. We don’t tolerate racism in our newspaper, our community or our world, and will continue to stand up against those who promote racist ideas or actions. Your letter comes at an opportune time, in fact, since we are going to be launching an ongoing series soon regarding racism. Thanks for reading and for caring.

-Ben Olson, Publisher November 17, 2016 /

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NEWS

BNSF reaches coal dust settlement

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

BNSF Railway has agreed to investigate car covers for coal transportation, addressing a longtime complaint of local environmental and conservation groups.

Company officials announced this week that they had reached a settlement with several Washington environmental groups in the wake of a long-running lawsuit. While BNSF continues to deny any violation of environmental laws, it has committed to a twoyear study of covers for coal and petroleum coke rail cars. It also agreed to put up $1 million in funding for environmental projects throughout Washington. The settlement postpones a trial between the company and environmental groups that began Nov. 7, according to the Associated Press.

The settlement puts the brakes on a 2013 lawsuit between BNSF and several environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and National Resources Defense Council.

The plaintiffs “originally sued BNSF for $4.6 trillion, claiming that coal dust penetrated waterways across the Pacific Northwest,” according to a company press release. In the terms of the settlement, the groups have agreed to hold off on similar litigation for the next five years.

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

A train loaded with coal navigates a bend in the track. Creative Commons photo.

Environmental groups involved in the lawsuit hailed the settlement as a win for their cause, but the settlement will impact waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest. Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, for instance, has highlighted coal spillage and coal dust dispersal

Racial slur spray painted on Spokane MLK building

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Racist graffiti spray-painted on the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in Spokane is the latest in a string of alleged hate crimes following the presidential election.

The Spokesman-Review reports that a racial epithet was painted Monday night on the building, which hosts education and recreational events for 6 /

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Trial begins in SilverWing case

families. The next day, dozens of people gathered to paint over the racial slur. Spokane officials, from City Council President Ben Stuckart to Mayor David Condon, denounced the vandalism.

In a “60 Minutes” interview on Sunday, president-elect Donald Trump condemned all hateful actions in the wake of the election, saying, “I am so saddened to hear that, and I say, ‘Stop it.’”

as a major hazard to Lake Pend Oreille. In 2014, executive director Shannon Williamson said that they removed more than 40 pounds of coal from the lake in the course of their water quality testing.

A resolution to the longstanding legal battle between Bonner County and SilverWing is in sight with the beginning of a jury trial this week.

Jurors will face an up-tofive-day marathon in tackling the case, which carries about 10 years of baggage. According to First District Judge Rich Christensen, the aim is to complete the civil trial no later than Monday to accommodate jurors’ Thanksgiving plans, although proceedings may not require the full five days allotted.

The trial kicked off Wednesday with the jury selection, where the court and the opposing sides faced the challenge of finding jurors free of bias or preconceived opinions.

Christensen read a long list of individuals who would likely factor into or testify in the trial, and the pool of potential jurors disclosed any existing relationships. Given the small Sandpoint community and the tendency for people to know their neighbors, Christensen

emphasized that prospective jurors should only disqualify themselves if they genuinely felt they could not judge the case fairly.

There will be no shortage of information to parse through in the course of the trial. The conflict reaches back to an alleged through-the-fence agreement between Bonner County and SilverWing, a residential fly-in development of houses and hangars. In 2008, the Federal Aviation Administration said the through-the-fence agreement rendered Sandpoint Airport out of compliance, leaving the airport ineligible for federal funding.

SilverWing sued Bonner County, claiming it backtracked on the through-the-fence agreement, leading to serious financial damages. Company officials also said the county did not properly disclose plans to relocate a runway. The county has since counter-sued for breach of contract.

Council OKs revised parking agreement

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Sandpoint City Council members approved changes to a parking agreement with Kaniksu Health Services Wednesday night, paving the way for the company’s proposed downtown relocation.

Ostensibly organized to revise a few deal-breaking terms for Kaniksu, the meeting also provided a forum for community members to express their support or opposition for the planned leasing of city-owned parking spaces to the business. Some owners of

smaller businesses were concerned about the impact to their own parking, while others supported the new construction, jobs and business Kaniksu would bring to downtown Sandpoint.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Kaniksu Health Services will lease 60 parking spaces from the city. In addition, it will build its own covered parking area with 40 spaces that will be open to the public outside of business hours. According to developer Dick Villelli, the parking is key to guaranteeing financing for a potentially $7

million facility development in downtown Sandpoint.

Councilman Stephen Snedden introduced several tweaks to the agreement before it was approved. Under the amended terms, the number of Kaniksu Health Services’ leased spaces will be linked to the proposed facility’s square footage, meaning the business will not be entitled to all 60 spaces if they build a smaller facility. He also recommended some spaces be parceled to other parking areas and not centered exclusively on the city parking lot.

EDC seeks input on FEATURE commercial kitchen Sandpoint looks forward following Thorne Research loss

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

A heavily utilized commercial kitchen at the former Sandpoint Business Incubator might return if demand still exists.

The Bonner County Economic Development Corporation is seeking community input in re-establishing the commercial kitchen, which was removed from the city business center to make room for biomedical device company Lead-Lok’s expansion. The immediate task is to ensure that entrepreneurial interest in the kitchen still exists.

“If we can demonstrate that there’s a clear need, we already have a site selected and already have the [commercial kitchen] equipment,” said Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad.

As a part of the deal struck with Lead-Lok owner Graphic Controls, Sandpoint officials agreed to let the company occupy its entire business center rather than risk losing the company to another state.

That meant evicting all the other tenants of the building, as well as removing the commercial kitchen that additional small businesses relied upon. According to city records, more than 30 businesses used the kitchen between 2010 and 2013.

BCEDC executive director Paul Kusche said the economic development corporation is

working with Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, Bonner County, the Bonner County Fair Board and the city of Sandpoint. The hope is to attract old clients, who made everything from pizza sauce to huckleberry cordials, as well as reach out to new would-be entrepreneurs.

The BCEDC also wants to provide business coaching and other resources to new start-ups.

“While I am a strong proponent of the ‘If you build it they will come’ strategy, it is important that we learn the level of demand that might exist today,” said Kusche, himself a veteran of food manufacturing through a career with Litehouse Foods.

If enough interest exists, planners should be able to complete engineering and begin construction at a Bonner County Fairgrounds location by springtime.

“Providing a leasable kitchen facility – one that’s FDA approved and capable of handling refrigerated, frozen and cooked products – would would be a great asset to Bonner County and our surrounding communities,” Kusche said.

Those interested should contact Kusche at 265-6402 or at kitchen@bonnercountyedc. com; Dennis Weed, director of the Boundary County Economic Council, at 267-0352; or Amy Emmons, Priest River Development Corporation at 448-1312.

Idaho women gain ground in Statehouse

By Ben Olson Reader Staff For the second time in nearly two decades, 31 members of Idaho’s state lawmakers are women, the Idaho Statesman reported Wednesday. The last time more than 30 women served in the Statehouse was in 1994.

Twenty-two women will serve in the House, while 9 women will hold seats in the Senate. Eleven of the legislators are Democrats, while 20 are Republicans.

“There are traditional issues that women still face that make it challenging for them to run for political office,” Katherine Aiken, a history professor at the University of Idaho, told the Idaho Statesman. “It’s difficult for women to get the same amount of experiences needed to run for the Legislature, especially if you have young children, and those challenges are still hurdles for many women.”

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

It was no surprise to Sandpoint officials when Thorne Research announced it was moving to South Carolina.

The possibility was on Sandpoint City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton’s radar as soon as she was hired last year.

Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Director Aaron Qualls and Bonner County Economic Development Corporation Director Paul Kusche had been working on the problem even longer.

“It felt like their minds were made up about a year ago,” Qualls said.

Company officials broke the news to their 270 regional employees last week, detailing the move to Summerville, S.C., and the construction of a 270,000-square-foot production facility. The announcement left community members wondering how the local economy would be impacted by the loss of jobs. While it’s still too early to say how many employees will leave and how many will be absorbed by other local companies, Kusche and Qualls said the loss will likely ripple into other markets.

“It does have an impact on retail, and it does have impact on housing that will now be available,” said Kusche.

It’s not easy to compete in the globalized market of business courtship. Idaho lacks both the resources and policies of a state like South Carolina, which Qualls said offered close to $35 million-worth of incentives for Thorne Research to relocate.

“Our strategy is primarily on retaining our existing companies, which has been, I think, a good strategy so far,” said Qualls.

Retaining Thorne proved untenable, as Qualls said one of the city’s strongest perks—its quality of life through amenities,

The entrance to Thorne Research in Dover. Courtesy photo. recreation and natural beauty—was unpersuasive. While the North Idaho lifestyle is a major factor in retaining growing businesses like Litehouse Foods and Kochava, the location was more a detriment than a bonus for Thorne executives.

They disliked the full day of travel required to visit company headquarters and had trouble with spotty cell service, Qualls said. They also complained of a common problem in Idaho: a dearth of qualified workers.

That problem is why Qualls and Kusche are steady advocates for improved workforce training and education. It’s a priority they’d like to see on both a state and a local level, from increased support by the Idaho Legislature to an expansion of training and education programs in North Idaho.

Qualls also said it’s important to maintain and protect the signature Sandpoint quality of life, a goal the city seeks to accomplish through projects like the Memorial Field renovation project. What’s more, recent analysis shows that the local option tax funding the Memorial Field project should bring in a surplus, meaning that other parks will benefit from additional improvements. One possibility is a proposed City Beach master plan, which would guide the city park’s development for

the next several years.

While the loss of Thorne Research is a setback for the regional economy, local economic planners take heart in the job-friendly improvements already under way. The expansion of fiber internet is accelerating with the city, Bonner County and Lake Pend Oreille School District’s selection of FatBeam to supply its internet service. And Stapleton said Ting is poised to initiate its Sandpoint expansion in 2017, bringing another source of high-speed internet to the community.

Perhaps most encouraging for economic planners are the several growing companies that are committed to staying in the Sandpoint region. Kochava recently completed its move to its new downtown headquarters.

Litehouse Foods is preparing to expand its local production facility. And following Quest Aircraft’s purchase by Japanese firm Setouchi Holdings, the company has only made overtures of strengthening Sandpoint’s international business and cultural ties.

“You see companies making a lot of investments, expanding their workforce, equipment, facilities,” Stapleton said. “You can only look at that as a positive sign.”

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Cedar St. Bridge Public Market open for business

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Bouquets: •Every once in awhile I’ll sit and think about people that don’t get recognition for the work they do. I’m going to try to be better at shining a light on these folks whenever I can. First of all, I’d like to recognize the men and women of the Sandpoint Post Office who work tirelessly six days a week to bring us the mail. Did you ever stop and think about a world without the ability to drop something in a little blue box and know, with some level of certainty, that it would arrive at the destination you write on the envelope? My hat is off to you at the post office! Especially as we enter the hectic holiday season. We appreciate what you do.

•Last week, I saw the crew that was hanging lights on all the trees around downtown Sandpoint in the pouring rain.

What a transformation that occurs after nightfall, when those twinkling lights give Sandpoint a festive feel. Thanks for enduring the elements to make our town even more beautiful.

Barbs: •Though I count myself as one of those deeply disappointed by these presidential election results, the answer is not to riot in the streets. I’ll always be an advocate for peacful, nonviolent demonstrations to get your point across, but the ongoing protests/riots aren’t doing anyone any favors. I know there are a lot of people around the nation that feel cheated, dejected, doom-struck and pessimistic about our future. Let’s not forget that the United States will endure. When the pendulum swings in a direction we don’t like, the only thing you can do is grit your teeth and continue to believe what is important to you. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Keep participating in democracy. If you want to see change in the world, fight for it by electing good people to serve us. We’ll get through this in one piece, folks.

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The Cedar St. Bridge is about to return to its roots.

Owners Cindy and Jeff Bond are excited to announce the launch the Cedar St. Bridge Public Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

The revamped Public Market will feature local artisans, vendors, consignment shops, produce, jewelers and gift shops aimed to cater to both locals and visitors alike.

“Our vision has always been to provide a public market with local artisans,” said Bond. “When the Bridge was built in the ‘80s, it had a vibrant public market with lots of local vendors and artisans. We want to foster the idea that the Bridge is not just a place to shop, but a community center where people can gather when the weather is foul.”

The Public Market will be open year-round, featuring special Saturday events, while offering vendor space throughout the week. According to Bond, it’s a way to promote local artisans, while also bringing attention back to the historic Cedar St. Bridge.

There will be a smattering of different options for shoppers.

“We’ll feature consignment shops as well as permanent storefront space open during regular business hours,” said Public Market Manager Patti Fulton. “There will also be a couple of farmers who will sell produce year round.”

There are over a dozen vendors already lined up to sell their wares for the grand opening. Moose Meadows Farm will sell produce grown in their indoor Clark Fork facility.

Thunder’s Catch will feature fresh salmon caught and frozen in Alaska. And Ramstead Ranch will sell locally raised meat.

There will also be a consign-

The Cedar St. Bridge Public Market. Courtesy photo. ment shop called CSB Treasures, selling high-quality items for lower prices.

Vendors interested in offering their wares during the Public Market will be pleased to note they will only be charged a flat fee—no percentages of sales will be collected. During the Saturday Public Market, cart rentals will be $15 per day, and during the week, it will be $20 per day. If renting by the week, rentals will be $10 per day, and if rented by the month, rental fees are reduced to just $5 per day. Cart space is available on a first come, first serve basis by reservation only. Interested parties should contact Patti Fulton at cedarstreetbridgepublicmarket@gmail.com.

The Cedar St. Bridge has a storied history in Sandpoint. It served as a walking bridge to connect downtown Sandpoint with the Train Depot until it had fallen into disrepair in the late 1970s. In 1981, local entrepreneur Scott Glickenhaus, inspired by the Ponte Vecchio marketplace-on-a-bridge in Florence, Italy, started construction on the Bridge out of tamarack

timbers selectively harvested in Idaho and Montana. It opened in 1983, boasting an assortment of cart vendors, an “artisan’s corner” featuring a potter, a kite maker and specialty seamstress, as well as bookstores, jewelers and boutiques.

In 1988, a tiny mail order retailer from Sandpoint called Coldwater Creek leased a small space, establishing its first retail presence in the country. By 1995, in response to its rapid growth, Coldwater Creek leased the entire Bridge, but by 2005, it had established a new retail center in the Bernd Building on First Avenue.

After Jeff and Cindy Bond purchased the Bridge with John Gillham in 2006, it underwent $1.25 million in renovations and repairs, but the economic downturn in 2008 slowed commerce to a standstill. Recently, as the economy is rebounding, the Bridge is bouncing back with it, featuring several storefronts that have established themselves over the past decade.

Carousel Emporium’s array of fashion, accessories and antiques has made a splash in

Sandpoint. Creations features children’s toys and clothing, as well as classes catered to educational entertainment for Sandpoint youth. Meadowbrook Home and Gift has flourished in their storefront at the Bridge, and Cedar St. Bistro even has plans to expand their dining area to include an on-site coffee roaster, a wine store and tastings.

For those interested in renting a storefront, there are limited spaces available. Interested parties are asked to contact Cindy Bond at 255-8360.

“I think it’s important to note that we’re not doing this for the money,” said Bond. “We’re doing this for the community, to create a gathering place for locals and tourists. That’s what we’re all about.”

Come down to celebrate the new Cedar Street Bridge Public Market on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be live music by Jake Robin.

The Public Market will also be seeking live music, carolers, choirs and local entertainers to perform during their market times.

FEATURE

HEARTSLocalTO HOMES: man hopes to establish nonprofit housing village

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Lenny Guerrero knows what it’s like to not have a roof over his head. On the one hand, Guerrero is a tech-savvy entrepreneur, a self-starter and innovative thinker. On the other hand, his lifelong bout with anxiety and bi-polar disorder has often left him in situations of despair.

“I’ve been homeless for the past year,” said Guerrero. “It was something I was thrown into.”

Guerrero is frank and honest about his issues, not shying away from the uncomfortable reality we often sugarcoat: “I don’t want to come across as a pity story, but the truth is, we get into situations sometimes that are beyond our control. The reason I got into my situation is because of my mental and emotional state. I’m professional enough to know what needs to be done, but I couldn’t get the help I needed.

I’ve spent the past 15 years in therapy and counseling and have been making tremendous progress the last few years.”

Instead of succumbing to a downward cycle, Guerrero is looking forward to how he can solve an issue that has plagued Bonner County for years: how do you provide housing to those who can’t afford it, while also offering job training? Guerrero might just have the answer.

Guerrero’s idea, along with business partner Dani Parsons, is to provide a community of portable cabins clustered around a place of business, which would serve as the anchor to the community. The cabins would provide a semi-permanent place for people to stay when they can’t afford rent elsewhere, and the businesses attached to the community would give them a place to work off their rent and learn valuable skills that will help them find jobs in the future.

“I got the idea of building

tiny houses two years ago, when I was in Denver,” said Guerrero. “I tried to get involved with a tiny house village there, but it didn’t work out. I went on a manic high for a couple weeks and that’s what got me into my homeless situation.”

Guerrero recovered and returned to Sandpoint so he could be with his seven yearold son Ezra: “I slept by the railroad tracks all summer and met the good people at the Food Bank and offered to volunteer. I realized what I needed to do. I went to a board meeting at Creations and it seemed more of my style. I didn’t want to work to get rich, I wanted to get involved with a nonprofit.”

It is Guerrero’s aim to establish a nonprofit called Heart to Home to get the housing project off the ground.

“Our hope is to be able to provide shelter, food, job placement opportunities, medical care, mental health care and essential life skills,” said Guerrero.

Guerrero and Parsons have drawn up a prospectus outlining costs for potential investors. The $150,000 project includes six dry cabins, shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, job training, annual salaries for the two co-presidents and incidentals like utilities, blankets and hygiene products.

The project will have a few phases. Initially, Guerrero and Parsons want to start with smaller units to build up a stable working community. He’s already found a few people who want to sponsor building the cabins.

“Right now, it’s important to provide simple cabins with access to the things they need done, the necessities,” said Guerrero. “At least they’ll have somewhere to sleep inside and get warm.”

The cabins will be simple, rudimentary living quarters.

Bathroom and kitchen facilities will be centrally located within the village and shared amongst

Lenny Guerrero, center, sits with his son Ezra, left, and business partner Dani Parsons, right, on the porch of a portable building that will be very similar to the cabins proposed for Hearts to Homes. Photo by Ben Olson.

the residents. When the family has gotten more of a foothold, they can then transition into a larger unit.

“The goal is to create a stable, working community,” he said.

The businesses attached to the village will feature various services such as construction, smart phone repair and other user-friendly industries. Guerrero’s own extensive work experience will help dictate the services offered, as well as provide job training to the residents.

“I started working at a young age,” he said. “I did landscaping and HVAC construction. Then I had a mobile auto detail business when I was 16. I also started a Dish Network dealership and did a lot of home construction.”

While Guerrero applauds the tiny house movement, he sees his project as a cheaper alternative, utilizing portable buildings that cost fractions what a tiny house costs to build.

“The whole goal is to find a cheaper solution,” he said.

“People are spending $15,000$20,000 for tiny homes for the homeless. If we can spend $5,000-$10,000 for a cabin, that will be much better.”

Guerrero sees his project as a way to curb the rising issue of homelessness in Bonner County, which is often overlooked because it is not in plain site.

“It’s definitely a problem in Bonner County,” he said.

“There are a lot of people coming through on the trains,

< see HOUSING, page 15 > November 17, 2016 /

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SOFT WOOD, HARD PROBLEM The first U.S.- Canada trade dispute Donald Trump might face affects Idaho

By Zach Hagadone For Boise Weekly (used by permission) Among the stated goals of President-elect Donald Trump has been the renegotiation of, or withdrawal from, a number of international trade deals.

When news of his election victory over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spread around the world Nov. 8, financial markets were in an uproar and trading partners like Canada and Mexico started to fret.

In the hours and days following Trump’s win, markets stabilized and even gained ground. Still, as economists struggle to forecast what a Trump presidency will mean for global trade, one agreement at the heart of a long simmering trade dispute with Canada is already hanging in the balance. How it is resolved—or not—will have an impact on Idaho.

According to a University of Idaho analysis, the sales value of the forest products industry in Idaho was estimated at $3.5 billion in 2013 and directly employed more than 10,500 workers. Exports supported another 9,000 positions via indirect employment. Jobs in the sector pay well: 27 percent higher than the state average across all other industries.

Those jobs have long been imperiled by trade policies that allow Canadian timber companies to undercut U.S. competitors. In 1995, shortly after passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it was estimated Canadian softwood lumber—the type of wood used to build homes, for instance— accounted for 39 percent of the U.S. market. Policymakers blamed subsidies offered by the Canadian government that allowed its producers to pay fully three times less per million board feet than those in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

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In this vintage photo by Bill Hawkins, a logging truck drives down a mountain road in North Idaho.

Exacerbated by other factors like increasing technology, the influx of below market-priced Canadian lumber helped devastate the timber industries in the Northwest in the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2003, NAFTA officials approved U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood—a move that was applauded by then-Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter, who represented Idaho in the House.

Three years later, the parties agreed in 2006 to the so-called Softwood Lumber Agreement.

The SLA, which was renewed for two years in 2013, refunded $4 billion in U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duties and divvied up another $1 billion between the feds and the forestry industry.

It also established an export charge to be paid by Canadian producers should prices fall below a given level and barred

the U.S. from filing any further anti-dumping cases.

Those provisions expired on Oct. 13, 2015 and, more than a year later, no agreement has been put in place to alter or renew them.

In a letter headed by U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), 18 other senators from both political parties pressed President Barack Obama on Oct. 21 to act on a commitment with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to secure a new agreement that would stabilize trade policies regarding softwood lumber.

“Only this type of agreement will allow U.S. lumber mills the opportunity to compete fairly in our own market and to make the investments necessary to grow the domestic industry to its natural levels of production and employ-

ment,” they wrote, concluding, “Hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and thousands of U.S. rural communities depend on fairness in trade in softwood lumber. That is why we will continue to urge you, and any future Administration, to seek a fair, effective, and sustainable agreement with Canada on softwood lumber trade.”

While Obama has made clear his desire for some kind of SLA, it is widely regarded as unlikely the issue will be resolved before his successor is inaugurated in January 2017— potentially making it the first U.S.-Canada trade issue Trump will face. Meanwhile, the president-elect’s staunch protectionism has aroused fears that trade disputes between the close neighbors may become the new norm.

According to an Oct. 26 report from Reuters regarding the

absence of a new SLA, U.S. Lumber Coalition Chairman Charlie Thomas said, “the U.S. industry will eventually have no choice but to use our rights under U.S. trade laws to offset the unfair advantages provided to Canadian industry.”

That could lead to the kind of escalation that experts say can result in trade wars.

“If we were to stumble into a trade war,” said U of I economist Steve Anderson, “we have no way of knowing how disruptive that would be to industries inside Idaho.”

Zach Hagadone is the editor of the Boise Weekly and former editor/co-owner of the Sandpoint Reader. This article was previously published in the Boise Weekly.

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GRAND OPENING! Saturday, Nov. 19 @ 10am

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Live Music w/ Patrice Webb 5:30-8:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Great originals and covers from a local singer/songwriter Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Multi-instrumental duo with lots of originals and covers to brighten your day

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Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration 6:30pm @ 41 South The 2016 Beaujolais, by Joseph Drouhin, promises to be a delightful, light and easy drinking wine. $45/person. 265-2000 Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

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Girls Pint Out 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Cool chicks! Great beer! No dudes! This month IPA is talking about and tasting different beer styles, so come gain valuable information on ingredients, flavors, color and all that makes craft beer delicious

Live Music w/ Devon Wade 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Celebrate Third Fridays with Sandpoint country singer Devon Wade Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6-9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante DJ Josh at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge

The New Mastersounds and Turkuaz live in concert 9pm @ The Hive Get ready for a tour de FUNK when The New Mastersounds and Turkuaz team up for what will be an incredible night of music at The Hive. $20

Live Music w/ High Treason Ammunition 8pm @ 219 Lounge With special guest Knuckledragger. Punk fringe with original and cover tunes! Kickass

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Cedar Street Bridge Treasures Artisan Shoppe 9:30am-6pm @ Cedar St. Brid The Bridge Treasures Artisan be open Wednesdays throug through the holidays. Find you

Holiday Boutique 10am-4pm @ Spt. Community Shop for holiday gifts with l vendors, plus check out incre and a delicious bake sale. Pro ward Priest River Ministries A Women helping families affecte tic violence, sexual assault and

Cedar Street Bridge Public Market Grand Opening 9am-1pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Live Music w/ Still Tipsy and the Hangovers 7-10pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Great lounge music that goes well with microbrews Fall Serenade Instructors Concert and Harvest Buffet Sandpoint Chess Club 5pm @ First Lutheran Church 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Game Night at the Niner Music Conservatory of Sandpoint hosts its annual Fall 9pm @ 219 Lounge structors Showcase Concert and Dinner Reception Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Art On The Go with Jules 4-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Join Julie Ellis for a few hours creating art from recycled materials

Crafternoon 2pm @ Sandpoint Library Enjoy free family crafting fun!

Puppy Power Hour 12-1pm @ Pend Oreille Pet Lodge, 895 Koo

Geezer Forum 2:30-4pm @ Tango Cafe The Geezer Forum is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, and is sponsored by Elder Advocates

3D Printing 5pm @ Sand Learn what to design yo class is beg pre-registrat

Live Music w/ John Firshi 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

9th Annual Turkey Trot Dollar Beers!

9am @ Travers Park (near tennis courts) 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Presented by Sandpoint West Athletic Club and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department, participants can choose between a 1k, 5k or 10k walk or run. This is a low-key, untimed, fun event – all ages and all paces welcome (no dogs, please). Best costume wins a fresh pie from Sandpoint’s Pie Hut! Bring/ donate a non-perishable food item for the Bonner Community Food Bank

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Dec The Brot

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November 17 - 24, 2016

This difable olor s

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

Reader recommended

Introduction to Bike Maintenance 6-8:30pm @ Sports Plus, 315 S. Ella This introductory class will teach you how to keep those bike parts running and operating like they were new; plus learn tips and rules for prepping and storing your bike for winter. $22 fee (city discount $2); pre-register by Nov. 4 at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, 1123 Lake St. 208-263-3613

Beer Valley Night 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

‘Hamlet’ by Unknown Locals 7:30pm @ Heartwood Center A father’s death. A son’s madness. A grief that will tear asunder an entire kingdom. Don’t miss this passionate tragedy featuring some of Sandpoint’s best talent, presented by Unknown Locals. $14/$12 Live Music w/ Ron Keiper Jazz 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

“Living Voices: Native Vision” 7pm @ Panida Theater A film about the Navajo Nation, sponnt sored by Idaho Mythweavers Annual Turkey Bingo 6-8pm @ Bonner Mall Bring the family to this fun kick-off for the Lions’ Club “Toys for Tots” project ‘Hamlet’ by Unknown Locals Panida’s 89th Birthday Open House 7:30pm @ Heartwood Center hoppe 5-7pm @ Panida Theater r St. Bridge Come down to celebrate the Panida’s 89th ‘A Fair to Remember’ s Artisan Shoppe will birthday with some cake and a no host bar 4-8pm @ Columbia Bank Attend this benefit for Bonner Homeless ys through Sundays Christmas Fair Transitions and Bonner Community Food Find your treasure!

9am-4pm @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds Bank. There will be a raffle, great food, Shop for gifts from a wide variety of entertainment and lots of fun. $20 local artisans and vendors. For the mmunity Hall Annual Turkey Bingo kids, Santa will pay a visit from noon fts with local artisan 12-4pm @ Bonner Mall until 2 p.m., and there will also be a out incredible raffles Bring the family to this fun kick-off for chaperoned Kids’ Room for $5 which sale. Proceeds go tothe Lions’ Club “Toys for Tots” project includes crafts, games, snacks, movnistries Advocates for Live Music w/ John Firshi ies and fun. Free admission to the fair ies affected by domes5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority ssault and trafficking Live Music w/ Chris Lynch A Fair to Remember est Buffet Fundraiser 6-9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante 4-8pm @ Columbia Bank A benefit for Bonner Homeless Transitions and the Bonner nual Fall Serenade InCommunity Food Bank. Attendees will receive an empty bowl, on soup, bread, and a chocolate truffle. There will be games, music, and lots of local items to be raffled off. $20/person

, 895 Kootenai Cut-Off Rd.

D Printing Workshop m @ Sandpoint Library arn what 3D printers are used for and how design your own 3D printable object. This ass is beginner level. Space is limited and e-registration is required by calling 263-6930

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Nov. 26 Shook Twins @ The Panida Theater

Dec. 1 The Chris Robinson Brotherhood @ The Hive

Classic Karaoke 7-10pm @ Ol’ Red’s Pub Karaoke Night at the Niner 10pm @ 219 Lounge

Dec. 2 Backcountry Film Festival @ the Panida Dec. 3 Cedar Street Bridge Public Market @ Cedar St. Bridge in Sandpoint Dec. 3 Holiday Ball @ Sandpoint Community Hall

Dec. 5-8 Parade of Trees @ Bonner General Health

Dec. 8 Toast the Trail @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Dec. 9 Sandpoint Contra Dance @ Sandpoint Community Hall

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y a d h t r i B 89th ! e s u o H OpenSaturday, Nov. 19 5 - 7 pm

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Where the only thing better than our sushi is the view

41 Lakeshore Drive (across the Long Bridge)

208.265.2001 ShogaSushi.com

Enjoy our Asian fusion cuisine while taking in the beautiful waterfront and spectacular sunset views

I want to thank you, the citizens of Bonner County, for your votes and support on election day. I am grateful for the opportunities we shared to discuss law enforcement in Bonner County.

-Terry Ford  You'll Find a Fashion and Gift Extravaganza at Carousel Emporium.

Mention this ad to Buy one regular price item and get one 20% off.

Find us upstairs at the Cedar St. Bridge, Sandpoint Listen in Sandpoint to KPND @ 106.7 in HD 14 /

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LITERATURE

< HOUSING, con’t from page 7>

‘The Far Journey’ in review

Mary Haley reviews local author Tom Reppert’s latest novel

By Mary Haley Reader Book Reviewer

“A Far Journey,” by local author Tom Reppert, is a young adult novel that throws a modern teenager back in time to the Oregon trail. The young heroin, Paula Masters, is not a typical senior in high school. She is part of the elect, beautiful, popular and feared at school. At home, however, she deals with a disabled brother she adores, and parents so caught up in their own messy divorce that they use her missbehavior as one more tool against each other.

Her final defiant stunt in high school gets her suspended.

She isn’t worried—her lawyer mother will get her off. But Paula’s world turns inside out when she faints and wakes up to find herself with a broken arm, wailing in pain, in the back of a covered wagon. Paula assumes that her parents have

shipped her off to a tough love camp of reenactors, who are hell-bent on showing her how cushy her life is compared to the 1800s. This is where this book takes a wonderful turn as Paula slowly discovers this new life is all too real, and she must adapt to it or perish.

A young adult, or YA, novel is for ages 13 to early 20s. YA novels must have a character in that age range and deal with problems faced by mid and late teens. “The Far Journey” deals with one of the most important aspects of that age--belonging. It reads at adult reading level and it contains some sex.

Paula, like many of her real life peers, is not a virgin, but the non-graphic sex is an important part of the plot and I personally wouldn’t worry about a 13-year-old reading it.

This book takes flight when Paula reaches the Oregon trail. She meets some very famous people, but in a realistic way.

Her life is hard, and requires her to find pioneer strength within herself.

As a reader I could taste the dust rising off the trail and feel the fear as Paula encounters the dangers on the trail. It doesn’t have a Disney ending. The story leaves the reader, like life does, wanting more.

This book is available at Vanderford’s in Sandpoint as well as an e-reader format, and as an audio book. Although it is a YA, anyone who loves history and smart character development will enjoy it.

Mary Haley is a local author of the grade-school fiction and author of “The Great Potato Murder.” For more book reviews visit her on her blog, ghostwriterreviews.blogspot. com.

Collection of personal wilderness tales from Montana released

‘Voices in the Wilderness’ features writers and stories from Montana’s Kootenai National Forest

By Reader Staff Blue Creek Press of Heron, Mont., announced this week the publication of “Voices in the Wilderness: A Collection of Wild Essays,” a collaboration of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and Montana Wilderness Association. “Voices in the Wilderness” is a collection of essays written by everyday people from the communities of Libby, Troy, Heron, Noxon, Thompson Falls and the rural areas surrounding these towns in Lincoln and Sanders Counties, Mont. The commonality of these essays is that they are narratives of personal experiences in wild places, sometimes Wilderness with a capital W, sometimes other places both remote and not-so-remote.

The writers of “Voices in the

Wilderness” range in age from 15 to 75, and subject matter rambles from hunting trips, solo hikes and family reunions at high mountain lakes to big elk, tiny fish and windblown terror.

The stories are funny, touching, scary, inspiring and all rooted in a personal relationship with a place with no roads.

Most of the essays were published by arrangement with FSPW and MWA in The Western News of Libby or The Sanders County Ledger of Thompson Falls as part of an ongoing series of columns called “Voices in the Wilderness.” When it came time to publish the collection, Blue Creek Press undertook editing and design. The 160-page book’s first edition came off the press in October.

“This is a fine book,” said

FSPW executive director Phil Hough. “People from all walks of life can have meaningful experiences in wild places, and the varied stories in ‘Voices in the Wilderness’ are proof of that.”

High school students, teachers, professionals, politicians, scientists and working class contributors tell their personal backcountry stories in this book, emphasizing that wild places are instructive, inspiring and essential to all sorts of people.

Profits from the sale of “Voices” will benefit FSPW and MWA. Voices in the Wilderness is available on Amazon. Use the link bitly.com/ WildKootenaiVoices.

“Voices in the Wilderness” is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

sleeping in the trees. There are a lot of people out of work. I met a guy recently who has been sleeping in a tent for three years. I’ve met a dozen chronically homeless people here, but the problem is, it’s not just the ones sleeping outside.

There are also a lot of families sleeping in their cars.”

Currently, Guerrero sleeps a few nights a week in a barn, and couch surfs a few nights a week with his son at Parsons’ home. He is channeling all of his energy and finances into the housing project he thinks will help get countless individuals back on track in life.

When asked how his project differs from a traditional homeless shelter, Guerrero said, “They don’t direct you to the right resources at a shelter. I’ve had some bad experiences at shelters. I’ve gotten really sick.

Everybody’s sick there, and they are very unsanitary. People use the bathroom right next to you on the floor, the lines are really long to get a bed.”

Guerrero and Parsons are currently submitting their proposal around to obtain a location and funding. They initially had a site picked out near the University of Idaho extension campus on North Boyer, but it fell through. They are also interested in grants, monetary donations, building materials, transportation donations, food, clothing, bicycles, skilled labor and volunteers to make this project a reality.

“We want to build a community,” he said. “We’re not going to turn anyone away for not having money. We’ll figure out a sliding scale, or they can do work in exchange for rent.

There are a lot of people on the verge of being homeless. Maybe they’re in an unsafe place, a dysfunctional situation or a place of domestic abuse. Whatever the reason, they should have a safe place to live. We want to provide that for them.”

If you are interested in participating in the project, or donating much-needed resources, please contact Lenny Guerrero at 208-610-5088, or email HeartsToHomesSandpoint@ gmail.com for more information.

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The Straight Poop:

The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho

By Drake the Dog Reader Pet Columnist

Where am I taking my humans on this beautiful, sunny fall day?

Gotta get some exercise, vitamin D, and jump in some of those big piles of leaves! I nudged the Missus to ‘pony-up’ with the daily hair and makeup routine, ‘cause today we’re lettin’ the cat outta the bag, which is a lot easier than putting it back!

Yee-haw, git along little dawgies!

The Sand Stallion is back in a new location: smack dab in the middle of the Cedar Street Bridge. Owner Gail Trotta, originally from Duluth, Minn., always wanted to own a western store.

Her love of horses, mountains and dogs brought her in this direction to live close to her dream.

Years ago, she was on a train headed west to vacation on a dude ranch, when she discovered our neck of the woods.

After her doggone good vacation, she returned to Duluth where she was ridin’ ahead of the herd with her real estate business. She would take look back every now and then to make sure that her beloved western town, Sandpoint was still with her. After a few more trips out west, she decided to climb in the saddle (actually it was the BNR). She was hankering to ride the range (the rails), and set a stake in Sandpoint with an essentially western store.

“We all got a piece of crazy in us, some pieces are bigger than others.”

That was the cowboy wisdom tucked in her saddlebag when Gail opened the Sand Stallion on Cedar Street. The store got its name from Sandpoint and her love of horses. The artfully swirled “S” in the logo is actually a rearing stallion.

She was finally living her dream—the life of a western shop owner!

Two years later, she had to return to Minnesota for personal reasons and closed the store. However, she kept the website open. She told me that she missed the personal contact with her loyal customers and their dogs. When a small space became available in the historic Cedar Street Bridge recently, she lassoed it.

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Gail has always loved animals.

Her companions over the years have been Big Bertha, a 175 pound Saint Bernard and Malamute mix. There was also Chooch, a part quarter, part draft horse. In Italian Chooch means stubborn as a mule, and she was. To this day, in memory of Chooch, Gail never misses a draft horse show. In her spare time, she volunteers for the Horse Rescue Ranch on Highway 200. Donations for the Rescue Ranch are accepted in the shop.

I had to take a deep breath when I stepped into the “pony” version of The Sand Stallion today. As ya’all know, I only bark at horses, but Gail’s welcoming “howdy” and my favorite treats (Boomer’s) put me in the mood to climb in the saddle and be ready for the ride. There are so many barkin’ good things here for everyone on my holiday list, including my four footed BFF’s.

Check out the western hats, jeweled belts, wallets, purses (with concealed carry compartments), wildlife sculptured mugs, western and animal holiday ornaments, boot jewelry, baby accessories, tingle cups, tack, home décor and more. Everything is so affordable, there is nuttin’ over $60. Need western jeans, boots, jackets or vests? Are you planning a western wedding? Gail will help you corral these items with her special “pawdners.” The inventory is continuously changing, so come on little dawgies…. git it while it’s hot!

Sand Stallion dog rules: 1. Tail waggin’ = broken items = you own it—cash or check only.

2. Lick up the crumbs before leaving 3. Shaka-paw tricks for hugs and treats.

Wondering if a business is dog-friendly? Look in their window to see if they have a paw sticker, which means Drake has sniffed them out already!

Gail Trotta poses with Drake in her store Sand Stallion. Courtesy photo.

Zany Zebra: same name, new store

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Sometimes you just can’t keep a good thing down.

When Ranel Hanson announced she would be closing her Zany Zebra store down last September, many people lamented the potential loss of a fun, vibrant downtown business. In a fortuitous turn of events, the store was purchased by a new owner, who not only is keeping the name, but is also interested in continuing the sale of off-kilter fun items that has made Zany Zebra a favorite shopping destination in downtown Sandpoint.

New store owner Julie Martin will feature a grand opening for Zany Zebra on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. It will be a great time to check out the new items, plus see many of your favorites.

Shoppers will be able to enter a drawing for a gift certificate, with winners drawn both Saturday and Sunday.

Martin recently relocated from Seattle, Wash. to open the storefront in Sandpoint. The decision, as is the case in life, came all of a sudden.

“My daughter turned 18 and moved to Florida with her boyfriend,” said Martin. “My mom and sister had moved to this area, so I was feeling stagnant in Seattle. This store felt like a good fit for my personality.”

Previously, Martin worked as a financial director for a nonprofit organization.

“It was a high-stress, demanding environment,” she said.

“It was high pay, but it wasn’t doing it for me anymore.”

When Martin’s mother retired to the Priest River area

three years ago, plans began forming to move this way eventually, but when Martin saw Zany Zebra for sale, she was immediately taken by the store’s funky style. This is her first experience owning a business.

“This store fits my personality,” said Martin. “I like stuff that is different. Different is good.

I wanted something that was really fun.”

Martin plans to feature much of the same boutique items that Zany Zebra has been known for over the past decade, including fashion, funny gifts and cards, and truly oddball items you can’t find anywhere else.

However, she is planning to add her own flair to the store’s inventory with items like lava lamps, handmade Native American crafts, Native jewelry, quilts, potholders, ethnic items like African candles and lots of fair trade items. She’ll also feature items from Etsy wholesale, such as screenprints and casual styles.

“We’re also going to be

Crossword Solution

featuring plus sized clothing for women,” she said. “I have some ideas about adding shoes soon, too. We truly want to have a little bit for everyone.”

Martin lives in Priest River near her mother and sister and is getting used to having more trees than buildings around. She enjoys arts and crafts and reading, and also has a Lhasa Apso and two cats that are adjusting to the move.

In the past, Martin has housed over 50 foster children from all walks of life: “I’ve seen all kinds of different scenarios.

Sometimes I’ve even had to take kids during the night to get them away from the situation they were in. I’ve had kids live with me for a few days, and some that have lived for over a year at a time. You have to be flexible.”

One pleasant surprise Martin encountered is the relationship with Zany Zebra founder and former owner Ranel Hanson: “She’s been great, mentoring me through this transition. She

Julie Martin prepares for the grand opening of Zany Zebra on Saturday, Nov. 19. Photo by Ben Olson. didn’t have to do any of that. I’m really thankful for the help.”

As far as transitioning goes, Hanson said she couldn’t be happier with how it has gone: “I feel great about having the store continue on. I love the idea that I’m going to drive down First and see the Zany Zebra sign. I really feel good about the fact that Julie seems to be the perfect proprietor of Zany Zebra. She’s got a funky side, she’s got a sense of humor and she has a good eye for things. She’s bringing new enthusiasm to the store, so I’m happy.”

Come down and meet your new downtown store owner on Saturday, Nov. 19, while also satisfying some holiday shopping needs early. Zany Zebra is located at 317 N. First Ave. in downtown Sandpoint.

This week’s RLW by Jen Heller

READ

Several of Erik Larson’s other bestsellers have been recommended by other readers in our weekly attempt to trounce Oprah’s Book Club. I’ll be unoriginal and add to his trophy tally. Larson’s newest history book, “Dead Wake,” explores the world of the Lusitania.

In its pages, you’ll meet U-boat captains, turn-ofthecentury Broadway stars, a female architect, a lovesick president, and the secret group of men who could have prevented the entire catastrophe. A top-notch read for conspiracy theorists and history buffs alike. Who needs fiction when the facts are so darn interesting?

LISTEN

…to your grandmother. And, if your grandparents aren’t around this holiday season, make an effort to listen to someone locally who’s older than thyself and has the time to tell you as much. Stop in at the senior center; download an oral history interview online; buy a coffee for an older friend.

There’s stories galore out there just waiting for a good listener to show up.

WATCH

The best viral video to emerge from Halloween this year was the girl who tried sticking her head inside a giant pumpkin. Yeah, I know. Not that clever. Still, if you missed it, you should probably watch it. Then, over Thanksgiving dinner, you can take votes on which person at the table would be most likely to “go viral” someday.

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Living Life: Volunteerism

Corner Bookstore moving from current location

“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” - Winston Churchill

By Dianne Smith Reader Columnist As the volunteer education and youth liaison for Sandpoint Community Resource Center I have the pleasure of connecting with many wonderful groups who provide services to the community. At the last meeting I attended, the discussion of volunteers came up and many programs talked about how wonderful their volunteers are and how they wished they could clone them. We have so many awesome opportunities to give back to our community, and with the holidays growing closer it highlights these opportunities.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer; however, there are so many benefits for you and the community. The right match can help you to reduce stress, find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills and even advance your career. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health and researchers have found that human beings are hard-wired to give to others. Giving makes us feel good both mentally and physically, and the more we give, the happier we feel. Who wouldn’t like to feel happier and nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.

Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new purpose and meaning in their lives by helping others. For teens and young adults, volunteering can help them grow as people and learn about others; as well it looks good on resumes and college applications.

For families, volunteering together provides bonding time and a sense of connection as well as building great childhood memories. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest and meaning to your life.

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience and is a way to meet people in the field. Places often like to hire their volunteers when jobs open because they already know the program and are familiar with the job. Even if you’re not planning on 18 /

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changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management and organization.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available and North Idaho has so many wonderful organizations. The key to a successful volunteer experience is to find a position you would enjoy and where you will feel good. One way to find local organizations who might be seeking volunteers is to go to the Sandpoint Community Resource Center’s webpage which serves both Bonner and Boundary County.

Using the self-help directory, which is awesome if you are looking for help, search under the area where you have some interest. You will find services and programs that provide all types of opportunities.

Want to work with teens? There is the Sandpoint Teen Center, or you can mentor a student at the local alternative high school. If you enjoy working with the elderly, there are senior centers and assisted living facilities. If you want to work with budding young artists, offer to provide an art class for Creations at the end of the Cedar St. Bridge. One of the youth I know loves to volunteer at the animal shelter in Bonners Ferry, so there are even opportunities for youth and families to give back. What a wonderful way to role model for your children how to give back to the community.

Volunteers and helping others are an essential part of any thriving community. In North Idaho there are so many wonderful opportunities where I see people reach out to help and give to others in such a caring and supportive way. Volunteering can only make our communities a better place to live and raise children. Look around and see where you can give back even if it is only a onetime thing. The benefits to you and others are great.

Dianne Smith, LMFT is a licensed counselor who works with both children and adults. She has offices in Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint and can be reached at 951-440-0982.

Jim Orbaugh stands amidst his thousands of books at the Corner Bookstore.

Photo by Ben Olson.

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Jim Orbaugh has seen a lot of Sandpoint from amidst his stacks of books. He’s watcherd families grow up, long time customers evolve into friends—all the while, his exhaustive collection of new and used books has proven that the written word is in no danger of going away.

The Corner Bookstore, on the other hand, will be finding a new location by the end of the year after 19 years on the corner of First Ave. and Main St. Orbaugh announced the transition earlier this month, after learning that the new building owner Ben Tate, owner of Finan McDonald, would not be renewing his lease.

Although there has been some confusion due to an article written in a different publication, Orbaugh claims the decision by Tate did not come as a surprise.

“My five-year rental was always up in October,” said Orbaugh. “I have to be clear about that.”

When Tate bought the building, he said it was always his intention to obtain that space for an expansion to Finan McDonald: “He’s known for two years that I’ve wanted that space. That’s why I bought the building.”

Tate purchased the building from John Gillham earlier this year and expressed his desire to obtain the Corner Bookstore space to Orbaugh on several occasions.

“When I bought the building, I told him three or four times I was planning on moving in there,” said Tate. “He must’ve thought I was joking. I feel bad for him. I even offered to move him out and pay for all the hauling of the books and taking shelves apart.”

Tate expressed frustration

that he was painted in a negative light in an article appearing in the Bonner County Daily Bee earlier this week: “This story comes out in the Bee a few weeks [after I talked to him] and I didn’t like the tone. I felt I was blindsided by it.

I never heard from their reporter. I can’t believe they wrote an article without asking both sides.”

After the move, Tate plans to expand his already crowded Finan McDonald space to allow more room for displays and merchandise.

As it stands, Orbaugh is looking for a new location.

“I got spoiled after 19 years at the corner of First and Main,” he said. “I’m considering the old liquor store [on Fourth]. I could have good signage there and the two-way traffic will help.”

Looking back over two decades of selling books, Orbaugh said his fondest memories are of the customers he has seen grow up over the years.

“There was one guy who I used to see a lot,” said Orbaugh.

“He and his wife stopped in on their way to China to pick up an adopted little girl. They returned to the store four or five years later and showed me this cute little girl, and I watched her grow up on each visit. She went away to college and has gone on to become quite a talented artist.”

Orbaugh is still recovering from a serious operation this year due to prostate cancer. Though he has been given a clean slate, he is still feeling the residual effects of the surgery. At 76 years old, that goes without saying.

To help prepare for the big move, Orbaugh has been featuring a sale all month, with used books going for 20 percent off

and new books a whopping 50 percent off.

Orbaugh’s love of books began in the early ‘80s when he started collecting horror novels by authors like Stephen King and Deen Koontz.

The most expensive book in his shop is a rare first edition of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” by Roald Dahl he happened upon in a fortuitous situation.

“A customer’s parents passed away in Cocolalla and they asked if I wanted the books from the collection,” said Orbaugh.

“They said I couldn’t cherry pick, I had to take them all. After three SUV-loads of books were removed, one of them caught my eye. Due to a printing error, the first edition of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is quite rare. Collectors pay hundreds of dollars for the second edition, but this first edition is worth $7,000.”

While he isn’t sure exactly when the last day will be at the current location, the Corner Bookstore will be open for holiday shopping. Of course, if you’re looking to get someone a special present, books are always happily received.

Orbaugh is very thankful for all those who have patronized his store over the past two decades.

He looks forward to obtaining a new location to continue serving bibliophiles in North Idaho.

“Kudos to all the people that have offered to help me move,” said Orbaugh. “Especially Carl.”

Thanks for all the books, Jim. The Corner Bookstore is located at 106 Main St. (the corner of First Ave. and Main St.).

265-2886.

STAGE & SCREEN

Fall Serenade provides sweet support for Music Conservatory

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

It’s easy to see the sense in supporting local music for its own sake, but the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint still aims to sweeten the deal.

This year’s Fall Serenade brings together the best in the world of music and local desserts for an unbeatable combination.

Audience members will enjoy the work of classical music’s great masters before bidding on sweets prepared by Sandpoint’s own artisanal community.

“We’ve been very fortunate with our dessert auction this year,” said MCS board member Amelia Hess. “Out of all the [businesses] we asked, we didn’t receive a single no.”

The evening will also feature a buffet dinner. To aid the digestion, MCS students will serenade attendees as they eat.

“We have a saying in Germany: ‘Love goes through the stomach,’” said MCS director Karin Wedemeyer. “So we also have a wonderful meal as well [for this event.]”

The Fall Serenade is one of the primary events supporting the conservatory’s scholarship program. For students without the means to afford classes, the fund is essential to pay for instruction and access to instruments. Between 30 and 40 students benefit each year from the program.

“It’s removing all financial barriers, so everyone can participate who wants to,” Wedemeyer said.

Of course, the Fall Serenade is also a celebration of student achievement throughout the year. The primary event features music performed by MCS instruc-

The Fall Serenade will feature operatic singing by Karin Wedemeyer, right, Brenda Rutledge, center, and Katie Skidmore, left. Caren Reiner is pictured to the far left playing the piano. Photo by Ben Olson. tors, while the students get to show off their stuff during the dinner.

“Part of the idea of this fundraiser was to build the community of the school,” said Wedemeyer. “It allows us to highlight and celebrate our teachers.”

The ultimate goal is to support the students, who have been thriving according to Wedemeyer and Hess. At the moment, there are 38 students in the choir program and 25 in the orchestra, with more students in the advanced ensemble. That represents a 20-percent increase in enrollment this year.

“All of these things feels like a flower that is just beginning to blossom,” Wedemeyer said. “I feel the programs are really blossoming.”

Wedemeyer and Hess believe the students are blossoming, too. Hess said MCS programs represent an essential extracurricular activity for students without interest in athletics or other traditional school programs. Music education gives

‘Hamlet’ enters last week of performances

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

This week is the last chance to see William Shakespeare’s masterpiece “Hamlet” like you’ve never seen it before.

With two successful performances under their belts, the cast and crew of Unknown Locals’ “Hamlet” production hope to finish strong in their final weekend. Following up on the success of last year’s “Macbeth,” the unique take on “Hamlet” is an intense, brooding and oftentimes funny envisioning of the perennial theater classic.

Featuring a cast of actors well-known within the Sandpoint theater community, “Hamlet” follows its title character as he seeks the truth about his father’s death.

His inexorable thirst for revenge leads

them the discipline they need to grow their mind and their cultural awareness.

“It gives kids an extracurricular activity that is really important for building brain development,” Hess said.

The Fall Serenade takes place 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Lutheran Church, 526 Olive St. The suggested minimum donation for the event is $10. For more information, call 265-4444 or visit www. sandpointconservatory.org.

nov. 17 @ 7:30pm | Nov. 20 & 27 @ 3:30pm | Nov. 25 @ 5:30pm

“A Man Called Ove” Friday, Nov. 18 @ 7pm

POAC presents “Living Voices” saturday, nov. 19 @ 5-7pm

Panida’s 89th birthday open house celebrate the 89th birthday of the panida theater with an open him down a path that can only end in blood and tragedy.

Directed by Michael Bigley, Unknown Locals’ production of “Hamlet” is full of thematic insight and rich with tradition. From the costumes to the set design, the producers and creative team worked to capture the essence of a Shakespeare production, emphasizing the beauty of the language and the subtly of the characters.

Catch “Hamlet” Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Heartwood Center. The doors open at 7 p.m., with the curtain at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and are available at Eve’s Leaves and the door.

house and free birthday cake! Donations happily accepted

saturday, nov. 26 @ 7:30pm

shook twins “giving thanks” The annual holiday show featuring shook twins full band, plus opening act john craigie and friends. get your tickets now before they sell out!

Friday, Dec. 2 @ 7pm

SOLE ‘Backcountry film festival’ Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 6:30pm

Allegro - winter showcase thursday, Dec. 8 @ 6:30pm

“elf” film

$5 for adults kids FREE!

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ART

A door in the forest:

An interview with artist Rebecca McCormick

By Kevin Penelerick Reader Contributor

There are many kinds of art and many kinds of artists. Here in North Idaho we have a variety of both.

Our region is probably best known for those that capture the majestic landscapes, the scenic views and magnificent wildlife that are all around.

While I enjoy those types of artistic imagery, my eye has always been drawn to those that are doing something different, that are expressing a piece of themselves for us to see in a unique way. When the opportunity to pitch an idea for an article came about, I decided I wanted to dive into the North Idaho art community and see just what was out there, How are our artists expressing themselves in a unique way? That’s what this column is all about.

We begin with an interview of Sandpoint area artist Rebecca McCormick. Her primary medium is acrylic, which she likes to use in her paintings because they don’t require any chemicals. She paints in a surrealistic style and her most recent art endeavors include a series of “retablos,” Southwestern-themed paintings on fold-out wood canvases that allows her art to have both an inside and an outside. She also completed a series of gypsy-themed miniature tarot cards for Sandpoint’s Shakespeare in the Park.

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Rebecca McCormick poses by her work at Infini Gallery earlier this year. Courtesy photo.

Rebecca’s journey as an artist began as a little girl when she both wrote and illustrated her own book at the age of 8.

This taught her about voice and personal expression and set her up for wanting to be surrounded by a life of beauty.

Like many, her young adult life became busy raising kids and living in the adult world. While she put her artistic expression on hold during that time, she finds that raising her children and finding creative ways to guide them to make good choices has been the most creative thing she has ever done.

She got back into creating art at the age of 35, returning to college to get a degree in visual arts and creative writing. She published many poems, short stories and a book of memoirs titled “Jezebel & The Peterbilt Mac Truck.” Throughout her life she has felt a pull between the two forms of expression,

but for the last several years has focused on her paintings.

For Rebecca, creating art is all about connecting to beauty in the outside world and within.

Her life took some ugly twists, as the raw, honest stories in her book depict. Both her art and her children are her opportunities to express and revel in the beauty of life. She has an artist’s soul and finds that creating connects her to the little girl within that loves to play.

She has lived in the Northwest for 15 years, spending the last six in the Sandpoint area, raising her youngest daughter Casey. She has found inspiration in living here, stating, “There’s a more laid back approach. Artists are allowed to do their own thing.” This has allowed her to follow her inner-voice, to be genuine in her artistic expression and to create the beauty she has always wanted to surround herself

with. She also mentioned that the local belly dancing community, of which her youngest daughter is a part of, has been hugely inspiring.

For artists that are in the beginnings of their artistic journey, Rebecca advises, “Go and do it.

Spend time with it everyday and make it a part of your life. Find your vision and follow it. Don’t let it slip by. Create for your passion. Tune everything else out and go for it. Be genuine, don’t try and fit into a mold.

Translate what is in your mind back out onto the canvas.”

McCormick stated the biggest challenge to creating is, “Sticking with it everyday.”

Making time and space to create has been crucial for her, “Having my own space(a studio) allows me to flip a switch and be in that creative mindset.”

Rebecca’s journey is about to take a new direction as she

packs up her family and relocates to Oregon for the beginnings of her youngest’s college education. If she had the opportunity, she’d love to see Sandpoint have its own artists collective studio, where artists could come together and create in a shared space, to learn from and inspire one another.

While her relocation may prevent future opportunities to view her work locally (it was on display at the Infini Gallery downtown this summer) you can find her work online at http://rebeccamccormick. weebly.com/ Are you an artist(or do you know one) that is doing something unique or different that might be a good fit for a future DITF article? Than drop me a line at grivante@gmail.com.

MUSIC

Shook Twins return for ‘Giving Thanks’ show

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

If you live in North Idaho and haven’t seen a Shook Twins show, you might want to get your head examined. Over the years, we’ve watched these Sandpoint darlings launch their successful career in music, playing to larger and larger audiences in their quest to bring love and community back to the forefront of the music industry.

Twin sisters Katelyn and Laurie Shook were born and raised in Sandpoint and have always kept this little gem in North Idaho as a sacred place in their hearts. As part of their love for community, the Shooks return every year around Thanksgiving for a special holiday show at the Panida Theater. While in years past, the duo have featured performances with just the two of them, or special musical guests, this year, Shook Twins will showcase their full band, including Niko Slice on the lead guitar, Barra Brown on drums and Josh Simon on bass.

The “Giving Thanks” show is presented this year by the Panida Theater and Sandpoint Reader. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Panida’s main stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Along with Shook Twins, the ever popular John Craigie will be opening the show with special musical guests Brad Parsons, J Cobb and Tyler Thompson from Portland, Ore. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. They are available at Eichardt’s Pub, Pedro’s and online at www.Panida.org. These shows have sold out in the past, so don’t delay in obtaining your tickets early.

I gave Katelyn Shook a call earlier this week and talked to her about the upcoming event, the latest album in the works, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment where they got to meet and open for their idol, Ani DiFranco.

Ben Olson: So, Katelyn, what’s been going on lately?

Shook Twins is: Josh Simon, Laurie Shook, Niko Slice, Katelyn Shook and Barra Brown. Photo by Jessie McCall.

Katelyn Shook: Well, we’ve been on tour most of the month, which has been going good. We went on a short tour after we played Red Rocks. Oh man, that show… once you go that high, it’s hard to go down low.

BO: That’s right, you opened for Ani DiFranco!

What was that experience like?

KS: It was by far the best night of our lives, career-wise at least. The whole day felt surreal.

It was a stressful day. I wasn’t nervous about performing. We got 35 minutes and we felt solid, but I was worried about the level of expectation I had.

BO: How many people were in the audience?

KS: I think around 8,500 people, which is way more than I expected. But they were seated and they were paying attention.

Our set went great and we were so pumped. They even gave us a standing ovation.

BO: How did this all come about?

KS: Gregory Alan Isakov picked us. It wasn’t favoritism [Laurie Shook and Isakov are

currently dating]. He had a lot of people on the list, but none of them were as pumped about playing with Ani as we were.

He knew we loved Ani and wanted to make our dreams come true. ... Four days before, we did a cover video of a song we do of Ani’s and we sent it to her through our mutual booking agent. … After our set, when we were sitting in the audience listening, she thanked the Shook Twins and started playing that song we had covered of hers, and she said, “This one goes out to the Shook Twins, who did an amazing cover of this song.”

Laurie and I held hands the entire song, which is a big deal because we don’t really touch each other much. The whole night was perfect.

BO: Was it hard to go back to tour after such a huge show?

KS: Yeah, it was literally so high and then so low. Some of our shows were really bad after that. Nobody seemed to care. I was so frustrated with humanity, also with the state of the country. … Why do people spend money to come to a show and then talk to their friends the whole time? I think the biggest part of the equation is that we’re

behind this veil, that we’re impervious when people are in the front row talking loudly. I think they don’t realize that they are part of the show too, the audience.

BO: Are you guys working on any new material? Is there an album in the works?

KS: We’re actually finished tracking everything for our next album. We’re working at a studio in Portland called Hallowed Halls. We’re trying to get to the next step and get mixing, hoping for a spring release. In August, we released one of the singles from it called “Call Me Out.” It’s a different thing for us. It’s a little more dancy, more pop produced.

BO: What does it mean to the band to return to the Panida every Thanksgiving for these holiday shows?

KS: I like the fact that when we come home every year for Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite holidays. All the people I love come back to Sandpoint at that time and it’s a great opportunity to show them what we’re doing and give them something special. The Panida is the most comfortable venue in Sandpoint.

BO: Any surprises this year?

KS: This is the first time we’re going to have the whole band. The past couple years Niko hasn’t been able to come.

Our drummer is new and has never played Sandpoint with us.

We also have a new bass player named Josh Simon. And, John Craigie will be opening for us again. He’s always with us for these shows, but this time, he’s got some homies from Portland joining him – Brad Parsons, and J Cobb and Tyler Thompson from the band Fruition.

BO: Any final words for your fans?

KS: We just can’t wait to show you what we’ve been doing! We’re really excited to see everyone again!

Shook Twins will be playing the Panida Theater on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 from Eichardt’s Pub, Pedro’s and online at www.Panida.org.

If any remain, they will be for sale the day of the show for $20.

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w o N & Then compiled by

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

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

The Chevron Standard station on the corner of Fifth Ave. and Cedar St. in Sandpoint, looking north.

CROSSWORD

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

1959

ACROSS

The same view today. The station is still selling Chevron gas and still located on the same corner.

2016

Wortdhe of

Week

soupbone

/SOOP-bohn/

[noun] 1. Baseball Slang. a pitcher’s throwing arm.

“Cubs’ relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is known for his stinging soupbone, capable of throwing 105 m.p.h. fastballs.”

Corrections: We spelled Jeremiah Campbell’s name wrong in the photo caption last week. Sorry about that Jeremiah! You rock. -BO 22 /

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1. Road or bridge fees 6. Gush 10. Half of ten 14. Bay window 15. Novice 16. Always 17. Anagram of “Space” 18. Arab chieftain 19. Former Italian currency 20. A large African antelope 22. In order to prevent 23. Composer Jerome ____ 24. Jinx 26. Fecal matter of animals 30. Big wine holder 31. Airport code for Ottawa b Canada 32. Region 33. Black, in poetry 35. Mentally prepare 39. Make pure 41. Coastal 43. Performed 44. Therefore 46. Weightlifters pump this 47. Hemp 49. In the past 50. Church benches 51. Materialize 54. Carryall 56. Anger 57. Beyond belief 63. Harvest 64. Well-behaved 65. Small islands

Solution on page 17 66. Skin disease 67. False god 68. Hints 69. Clairvoyant 70. Declare untrue 71. Brusque

DOWN 1. Nonsense (British) 2. Killer whale 3. Teller of untruths 4. Past tense of Leap 5. Streamlined 6. Capable of being directed 7. Salad pepper 8. Anagram of “Sire”

9. Deserving 10. Companionship 11. Overgrown with ivy 12. Left-hand page 13. Muse of love poetry 21. Chamfer 25. Klutz’s cry 26. Early 20th-century art movement 27. Relating to urine 28. Where a bird lives 29. Doorman 34. Grudging 36. Bygone era 37. Gloat 38. Female chickens 40. Bright thought

42. Hangman’s knot 45. Omnivorous nocturnal mammal 48. Cold 51. Tapestry 52. Portion 53. Aircraft 55. Decree 58. Connecting point 59. Small island 60. Make unclear 61. Dregs 62. Being

Whenever you read a good book, it’s like the author is right htere, in the room, talking to you, which is why I don’t like to read good books.

208-627-4200 for tee times

SANDPOINT’S FIRST INDOOR GOLF FACILITY

•Play over 90 courses, such as: •Golf Year Round!

•Great for kids and beginners, as well as experienced players Pebble Beach •New lighting and new St. Andrews cameras providing •Use your own clubs, or borrow Bandon Dunes 100% realistic spin a set at no extra charge Spyglass Hill •Authentic playing •Ask about our 2-person leagues experience on 3 •Indoor Putting Green forming in December high definition screens Monday-Saturday

9am - close

(Last tee time @ 7pm)

Sunday

9am - close

(Last tee time @ 6pm)

Also available for birthdays and private parties

75 McGhee Rd.

(across from Litehouse)

www.SandpointCountryClub.com November 17, 2016 /

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