Regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 5 election — and I’m writing this on the morning of Nov. 5, long before any results are known — it’s clear that we’re all winners in Bonner County. That is, as far as our poll workers are concerned. I recently changed addresses and so had to vote in a new precinct for the first time in almost five and a half years. Meanwhile, I haven’t updated my drivers’ license yet (my bad), so I was a little concerned about what I’d have to do to make sure the Elections Office believed that I live where I live. When I showed up at 8 a.m. sharp, it was clearly marked where I’d need to go to sort out my registration issues; the worker gave me clear instructions about the form I’d need to fill out and the proof I’d need to provide; and, before I knew it, I had my ballot in hand with only about 10 minutes added to the process. While I was walking to work after voting, I thought about the scenes of Election Day chaos in other parts of the world and was grateful that we don’t have to muscle through unruly crowds or face intimidation at the polls. I realize that elections are more fraught in other places — including in the U.S. — but here in Bonner County, the system functions as it should: organized, efficient and (above all) peaceful.
Mis-told history
Over the past week I dipped my toe in the murky waters of Ancient Apocalypse, a so-called “docuseries” that premiered its second season Oct. 16 on Netflix. This installment, a followup from 2022, focuses on the Americas and again inflicts on audiences the profoundly bogus theories of British journalist-turned-pseudoscientist Graham Hancock. The 74-year-old traipses around the world peddling the notion that there was a great “lost civilization” that spanned the globe during the most recent ice age but was destroyed during a climate upheaval known as the Younger Dryas caused by chucks of a comet smashing into Earth about 12,000 years ago (this has been roundly rejected). Not only is his “evidence” pure speculation and a master class in confirmation bias, but it completely erases the history of Indigenous peoples around the world. What’s more, this season inexplicably features cameos by Keanu Reeves, which only underscores how fictional it is. Hancock is a charlatan of the first order, and can’t be discredited because he wasn’t credible to begin with. The only reason I’m writing about it is that it has a 7.3/10 on IMDb, an 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and 87% of Google users “liked” it. It’s also been ranked in the top 10 most-watched series on Netflix, including in the U.K. That’s terrifying. Consider this a public service announcement: Graham Hancock is a crank. Don’t believe anything you see or hear on this show. You’d be better served reading H.P. Lovecraft or Clark Ashton Smith.
DEAR READERS,
I’m so sorry about the printing mishap in last week’s edition (Oct. 31), which resulted in the final four pages of the Reader left off of the printing. In nearly 10 years of publishing a newspaper, I’ve never seen anything like that happen before. Apologies to all for no puzzles, no Bill Borders comic (it was a good one, too), no “Back of the Book” and no music page.
Pivoting to the election, I have good news to report: The election is over. Whether or not your preferred candidates won their races, it’s now time to return to being productive members of a community, not enemies or adversaries.
Congratulations to all those who won their races and an especially big pat on the back goes out to Bonner County voters, who set a new record for the highest turnout to a presidential election in our local history.
That’s all the optimism I can muster at this time. Take care.
– Ben Olson, publisher
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2024 election results
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
The 2024 general election was historic by every measure. Former-President Donald Trump won both the popular and Electoral College vote, besting Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris by a comfortable margin and — once he’s inaugurated in January 2025 — becoming only the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office.
Trump, a Republican, accomplished his victory despite numerous felony convictions; two impeachments during his first term; numerous scandals, including alleged sexual assaults; and the attempted overturning of the 2020 election, which prompted a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 that triggered months of congressional hearings into his culpability for fomenting the attack.
Nationally, Republicans tallied up big wins in Congress, gaining three seats in the U.S. Senate for a 52-member majority and picking up one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of press time, the GOP had 205 House seats to the Democrats’ 190, with numerous races still undecided. Either party needs 218 seats to win a majority. Meanwhile, 27 states have Republican governors, compared to 23 with Democrats in the top executive office.
The significance of the widespread GOP wins wasn’t lost on MSNBC Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough, who on Nov. 6 called Republicans’ election night “the biggest red wave I’ve seen since Reagan’s victory in ’84.”
Idaho’s ‘red wave’
The rightward trend on election night continued down ballot across the nation, and while unsurprising in Idaho, it also translated into record-breaking voter turn-
out numbers with consistent partisan trends throughout the various contests.
Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher retained his seat in Congressional District 1 against Democratic challenger Kaylee Peterson with 325,771 votes to 115,293 — or 71.2% to 25.2%. Likewise, in C.D. 2, incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson won against Democrat David Roth with 249,387 votes to 124,525 — a similar, though somewhat tighter, margin of 61.6% to 30.7%.
In the Idaho Legislature, the Republican Party flipped four seats from Democrats statewide, strengthening its already powerful supermajority. Even Ada County — the state’s highest population center, with the capital of Boise as its seat — saw a reliably Democratic seat flip to the GOP.
Republican voters also turned out in big numbers to approve a constitutional amendment explicitly stating that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Idaho elections (which is already prohibited by federal law) and reject Proposition 1 — the so-called Open Primaries Initiative, which would have created a single primary election in which all voters could participate regardless of party affiliation, and a general election determined by rankedchoice voting. (See Page 5 for more on those results).
The “yes” vote on the constitutional amendment
Nationwide ‘red wave’ returns Trump to the White House, propels record-setting state and local turnouts
amounted to 565,303 votes to 305,156 (64.9% to 35.1%), and Prop. 1 failed with 611,854 votes against to 265,151 in favor (69.8% to 30.2%).
Statewide, turnout totaled 904,884 votes cast, amounting to 84.6% of registered voters — 3% higher than the 2020 general election and almost 9% higher than in 2016.
That was mirrored in Bonner County, where 29,929 ballots were cast, totaling 86.63% of registered voters.
“It was enormous,” Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale told the Reader. “I believe it’s more than any other presidential election. ... It beat the last turnout by thousands.”
Local election results
In Legislative District 1 — which includes Bonner and Boundary counties — that turnout produced big wins for Republican candidates.
Republican Senate candidate Jim Woodward bested Independent challenger Dan Rose with 23,402 votes to 7,286 (76.3% to 23.7%); incumbent Republican House 1A Rep. Mark Sauter won 24,189 votes to Democrat Karen Matthee’s 6,923 (77.7% to 22.3%); and Republican Cornel Rasor — who is serving out the remainder of former-House 1B Republican Rep. Sage Dixon’s term following his resignation in September — overcame Democrat Kathryn Larson
with 22,565 votes to 9,067 (71.3% to 28.7%).
Similar margins were seen in the Bonner County races. Republican Brian Domke won a two-year term as District 1 Bonner County commissioner with 20,127 votes to Democrat Steve Johnson’s 8,428 (70.49% to 29.51%), while Republican Ron Korn — who is filling the District 3 seat left vacant by the resignation of former-Commissioner Luke Omodt in September — secured a four-year term on the board with 19,368 votes to Independent challenger Glenn Lefebvre’s 8,365 (69.84% to 30.16%).
Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler, County Assessor Dennis Engelhardt and Prosecuting Attorney Louis Marshall all ran unopposed. Finally, a total of 18,818 voters (82.5%) voted to retain Magistrate Judge Tera A. Harden.
Meanwhile, all three local ballot measures fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority to pass, including West Bonner County School District’s one-year $1.1 million supplemental levy, which failed with 4,332 voting against, compared to 3,921 in favor (52.49% to 47.51%).
Ponderay voters also rejected the renewal of a 1% local option sales tax, which had been previously approved to support funding for large-scale projects such as the Field of Dreams sports complex and creating a connection between
the community and its lakeshore. The measure fell short with 267 votes against and 263 in favor (50.38% to 49.62%).
Finally, the city of Sandpoint’s proposed 1% local option tax — fronted to fund long-needed street reconstruction and maintenance, paving, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalk and pathway improvements, gravel and grading for alleys, as well as property tax relief — was turned down with 2,092 in favor to 2,085 against (50.08% to 49.92%). If approved, that tax would have been in place for 25 years and raised an estimated $3 million per year.
Responding to the local results In a phone call with the Reader, Sauter said, “I’m grateful for the support that I’ve had through this process. So, many thanks to the community and let’s get to work and work for our district. That’s really what it’s all about. You get reelected and you jump in and immediately say, ‘What bills do we need to run and what are our highest priorities?’”
Sauter said that by the morning after the election he’d already heard feedback from constituents asking for action on property and grocery taxes, school funding and facilities, and women’s health exceptions.
“It’s time to get to work,” he said.
< see ELECTION, Page 5 >
Winners in Idaho include (from top left to right): Donald Trump, Russ Fulcher, Mike Simpson, Jim Woodward, Mark Sauter, Cornel Rasor, Brian Domke, Ron Korn, Daryl Wheeler, Dennis Engelhardt and Louis Marshall. File photos.
Matthee told the Reader that she is “thankful for all the support I received from numerous volunteers and all of those who voted for me. My intent from the beginning was to shine a light on the issues that so often go unaddressed here in North Idaho. I think my campaign did that. And I will continue to do that as a local Democratic activist, working on a 2026 ballot initiative to restore our reproductive rights in Idaho and so many other issues.”
In a message to constituents shared with the Reader, Rasor wrote, “I would like to express my gratefulness to God for His kindness, to the people of Bonner County for their unprecedented turnout and to Kathryn Larson for running a respectful campaign.
“Thank you to all the people who contributed, knocked [on] doors, made phone calls, encouraged me, prayed for me and ensured that we had a marvelous turnout. Legislative District 1 is truly a wonderful place to live.
“I intend to work hard for the citizens of this district and I count it a privilege to serve.”
Korn did not respond to a request for comment from the Reader, but wrote on his Facebook page (in part): “I am blessed and humbled by yesterday’s vote outcome.
“Our Lord blessed our community and our nation yesterday! We must have faith in Him and change our wicked ways. We must come back together as Americans and fight for what is right to save our republic.
“I give the glory to God for laying His hand upon us, lifting us up from the evil and giving me the wisdom, strength and courage to fight this battle,” he wrote, later thanking supporters for standing by him “through the lies and wickedness of a political campaign.”
“Now we as a community move forward working together to make our county stronger, more liberty minded and a better place to live,” Korn wrote.
In an email to the Reader, Lefebvre wrote, “I mostly want
to thank my supporters. I am very proud of our grassroots campaign and I couldn’t have done it without them. The outcome reflects the very reason I ran, which is that I don’t recognize the Bonner County community I grew up in. However, I won’t give up hope for Bonner County. Thanks again to all my supporters.”
Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm responded to the defeat of the 1% LOT, telling the Reader in an email that he appreciated the voters’ consideration of the measure and recognized that it informed City Hall’s understanding of the priorities and needs of residents.
“Over the next few months, I will discuss the subject with the City Council and we will determine through survey and outreach to our residents whether to bring the subject back to the voters on a future ballot measure,” he wrote.
That would include taking a second look at such elements as the duration of the tax, expanding the scope of the projects to be funded or learning what additional information would be helpful for voters.
“In the interim, with a 23% increase in health insurance cost for employees this year, the city will continue to be strained to address our backlog of road deficiencies,” Grimm wrote. “With a 3% cap per Idaho Code on property tax increases and operational costs rising far faster, the situation is difficult to say the least. We will do our best to allocate our available funding to address the most significant road failures and continue pothole repair throughout town.”
Candidates Woodward, Rose, Larson, Domke and Johnson did not respond to a request for comment by press time, nor did Ponderay Mayor Steve Geiger.
How it all went down
According to Rosedale, who oversees the county Elections Office, this election saw an uncharacteristically high number of absentee and early voting: 5,753 and 5,494 ballots, respectively.
“That’s more than a full
third of our votes altogether,” he said. “That’s very unusual.”
Rosedale attributed those high participation numbers to the county’s rapid population growth over the past four years and the intense interest surrounding the presidential election.
That translated into busy polling places — “Everybody was hammered. I think every precinct set precinct records,” he said.
Though busier than in past election cycles, Rosedale added that there were no problems at the polls, which were fully staffed, and the only complaints his office received were related to alleged electioneering — specifically the question of whether wearing politically themed clothing constituted a violation of the state’s rules, which limits campaign-related activity to 250 feet from a polling location.
“The secretary of state said passive wearing of stuff is not electioneering. It’s the active act of electioneering [that’s not allowed],” he said. “You can’t talk to someone about a candidate, you can’t hand out flyers, you can’t stop cars within 250 feet [of a polling place].
“Whether it’s a wise or a nice thing to do is a whole other story. ... I would not ever recommend people do that,” Rosedale added. “It’s distasteful for certain people — even people of the same party.”
Overall, he urged civility after a particularly fractious election.
“As soon as you’re done voting, go and take your neighbor who votes differently from you out to dinner, because they’re still your neighbor,” he said. “We do all live in the same place.”
All election results are preliminary until canvassed, which is scheduled to take place Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. in the third floor Bonner County commissioners meeting room at the county administration building (1500 U.S. 2, in Sandpoint). The public is invited to attend. For more state and local election results, visit voteidaho.gov/election-results.
Idaho voters reject Prop 1, the open primaries and rankedchoice voting ballot initiative
By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun
In one of the most closely watched elections in Idaho, the Proposition 1 ballot initiative that sought to end closed party primary elections and bring ranked-choice voting to general elections, was defeated, according to unofficial election results released on election night (Nov. 5) by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office.
The Associated Press called the race at 12:45 a.m. on Nov. 6.
According to results released at 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 6 by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, 69.6% of Idaho voters voted against Proposition 1, while 30.4% of voters voted for it, with 33 of Idaho’s 44 counties fully reporting. Incomplete election results show 537,553 voters voted against Proposition 1, while 234,407 voters voted in favor of it.
“We’re looking to have some big wins tonight and defeat Prop 1 big time,” Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon said to a round of applause at the Idaho GOP election night watch party in Meridian.
Proposition 1 required a simple majority of votes to be approved.
Supporters of the ballot measure issued a news release at 11:30 p.m. Nov. 5 conceding the initiative did not have the votes to pass.
“We are full of pride that we dared to take on the biggest structural problem facing Idaho: the closed primaries,” Idahoans for Open Primaries spokesperson Luke Mayville said in a written statement. “It’s never easy to reform a broken system. But one thing is clear to us after talking with hundreds of thousands of voters: Even if Idahoans didn’t support our specific proposal, the vast majority believe the closed primary system is broken. It’s only a matter of time before Idahoans demand reform.”
Election results do not become official in Idaho until
they are certified by the Idaho State Board of Canvassers, which will happen Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise.
“We are all hoping that Proposition 1 goes down,” Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said at the Idaho GOP election party.
Before the election, the Idaho Republican Party, Republicans in the Idaho House of Representatives and Gov. Brad Little came out in opposition to Proposition 1. The Idaho Education Association, former Republican Gov. Butch Otter, the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition that includes Reclaim Idaho and the Idaho chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, as well as a group of about 50 former Republican elected officials, came out in support of Proposition 1.
How does Idaho’s Proposition 1 work?
In Idaho, a ballot initiative is a form of direct democracy in which the voters — not the Idaho Legislature – decide whether to pass a law. If it passed, Proposition 1 would have changed primary elections and general elections in Idaho. Proposition 1 would have repealed Idaho’s closed party primary law, House Bill 351, which the Idaho Legislature passed in 2011. Under the 2011 closed primary law, political parties do not have to let voters vote in their primary election unless they are affiliated with that political party.
In Idaho, more than 275,000 of the state’s 1 million registered voters are unaffiliated with a party and therefore not allowed to vote in closed party primary elections, such as the Republican, Libertarian or Constitution Party primary elections.
Only the Idaho Democratic Party allowed outside voters to vote in its primary elections, the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office said.
< see PROP 1, Page 7 >
Commissioners approve final Camp Bay trail agreement with conditions
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
After more than two years of work and litigation, the Bonner County board of commissioners voted Nov. 5 to approve the easement at Camp Bay, taking the final step toward opening the long-awaited public trail to Lake Pend Oreille. The approval is conditional, requiring several revisions and must be agreed to by Arizona-based developers
M3 ID Camp Bay, LLC, then officially filed before the trail opens to the public.
In April 2021, the previous board — made up of Dan McDonald, Jeff Connolly and Steve Bradshaw — agreed to vacate the last 2,550 feet of Camp Bay Road in Sagle to M3. Neighbors Fred and Jennifer Arn, who had frequently used the public road to access the water, challenged the decision. After legal review, the district court remanded the issue to the commissioners.
The BOCC subsequently voted against vacating the road in February 2022, sending the matter back to the court, which recommended approval and sent the decision back to the board. The BOCC approved the vacation in December 2022, providing that M3 create and maintain a public trail on a “permanent, perpetual, non-exclusive pedestrian easement,” which guarantees access to a 50-foot-wide section of shoreline.
M3 completed the trail, as well as nearby construction work, and brought the final easement agreement to the board for approval Oct. 15. At that time, Chair Asia Williams and Commissioner Ron Korn tabled the agreement, requesting that staff work with the developers to address concerns voiced by the commissioners, including removal of a paragraph detailing how rules would be enforced on the easement.
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw was absent from both the Oct. 15 and Nov. 5 meetings.
Meanwhile, following a visit from Williams and Korn to the trail, M3 widened the natural path by approximately two feet and lined it with small logs.
Williams brought forward additional concerns during the Nov. 5 meeting, requesting further alterations to the newly revised agreement.
“I don’t understand why the board is being asked to agree to things that aren’t just something as simple as, ‘The road is done,’” said Williams.
“We don’t have an obligation for any additional terms. We just need a 10-footwide trail that leads to 50 feet [of waterfront],” she later added.
The agreement specifies a 10-foot-
wide easement, not a trail.
Some minor changes proposed by Williams included striking the word “pedestrian” from “non-motorized pedestrian travel” — making it clear that bikes were permitted on the trail — and adding the phrase “including but not limited to” to the list outlining expected maintenance of the trail.
She further requested to add language clarifying that the statement, “Grantor hereby declares, grants and conveys to Bonner County ... a permanent, perpetual, non-exclusive pedestrian easement ... subject to the terms and conditions further set forth herein,” does not remand the property back to the county should the public violate the conditions of the agreement.
Deputy Prosecutor Bill Wilson testified that the statement was not a “right of reversion” and only meant that the easement, not the road vacation, was subject to the conditions. Still, he agreed to add language explicitly stating that the property would not return to the county.
Williams further requested to strike Paragraph 9 from the agreement, which stated that the “prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs” due to any potential litigation.
“This has nothing to do with the county,” she said.
The lion’s share of the discussion pertained to Paragraph 5 of the agreement, which affirms that the owners are not liable for any injuries the public might sustain while on the trail.
“That is something that you would typically see in an easement where the public is coming onto private property,” said Wilson.
By signing a document stating that, “Any use by the public is at that individual’s sole risk,” Williams felt that the county was using its authority to guarantee the landowners’ protection from liability.
“I personally don’t see a problem with No. 5. I don’t think I’d grant public access across my private property without not being held liable for something that they did,” said Korn.
Williams proposed simplifying the language to state that the use of the trail is governed by Idaho Code 36-1604, which the paragraph already referenced. That piece of code limits landowners’ liability, making it easier to open their property to the public for recreational purposes.
Wilson supported the change, as he didn’t believe it altered the meaning of the paragraph, but said that M3’s legal advisers would still need to review it.
The board unanimously approved the easement agreement, pending revisions.
City turns on the lights at new Fifth and Pine intersection
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Almost two months to the day since work began on installing a new traffic signal at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street, crews turned on the lights Nov. 4.
The city started the project Sept. 3, relocating the signal and equipment from Fifth and Church Street and converting that intersection into one controlled by stop signs. In the interim, Pine was closed between Fourth Street and Fifth.
With the new signalized intersection at Pine and Fifth, traffic on Pine will return to two-way between Fifth and Fourth and the street will be removed from the city’s designated truck routes.
“One objective of the proj-
ect is to create a direct eastwest link between Highway 95 and Highway 2, reducing cut-through traffic in South Sandpoint,” Sandpoint Construction Manager Holly Ellis told the Reader
“Relocating the signal is expected to ease congestion and minimize delays downtown,” she added. “Also, the Pine Street location should offer better intersection efficiency than the Church location.”
The Fifth-and-Pine intersection change is part of a larger project that includes restricting both the intersections of Euclid Street and Sixth Avenue with U.S. 2 to right turns in and out, with posted signage.
Work is ongoing and expected to be complete by the end of November, so final numbers won’t be available
for a few more weeks, but Ellis put the cost of the project at about $500,000, funded with impact fees paid by developers.
Body found in Missoula-area Clark Fork River identified as former-Bonner County woman
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Authorities announced Nov. 1 that they had recovered the body of Eva Masin Prather, 43, from the Clark Fork River in the Missoula area.
Prather grew up in Bonner County, but later made her home and established a family in Missoula. She went missing there in the early hours of Dec. 30, 2023, when she left her house amid a reported mental health crisis, leaving behind all her forms of identification, personal items and dressed inappropriately for cold weather.
At the time, Missoula police indicated that she may have been headed west toward Idaho.
Prather’s remains were discovered on Oct. 13, but officials didn’t release the news of her identification until Nov. 1. Meanwhile, Missoula police are investigating the cause and manner of her death.
In a Nov. 1 post on the Search for Eva Facebook page, which had amassed
1,200 followers, Dave Prather — Eva’s husband — wrote that the family is “devastated” and is heartbroken “as we held out hope, however slim, for a different outcome.”
“While the coming months will be difficult, we are certain that this news will eventually lead to some closure for our family and for those close to Eva,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to extended family, friends, neighbors and the community for their support and efforts to locate Eva.
That effort included nine and a half months of searching by the Missoula Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department, Missoula Fire Department, Missoula County Search and Rescue, Life Guard, K9 Task Force, and other agencies in Montana and elsewhere — to all of which Dave Prather expressed special thanks.
Meanwhile, missing person posters were displayed throughout the area.
“We know that many who we have never met across the region devoted time and
resources to search for Eva and shared prayers and well wishes for our family across these months,” Dave Prather wrote. “For this, we remain grateful.”
Asking that community members “keep missing people and their friends and family in your thoughts and prayers,” he added that details related to a celebration of life service will be shared at a later date. In the meantime, he also asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
Ultimately, “Enhanced safety for all road users is anticipated, including safer pedestrian crossings,” Ellis said.
< PROP 1, con’t from Page 5 >
Instead of closed party primary elections, Proposition 1 called for a single, nonpartisan primary election that is open to all voters and all political candidates, regardless of party affiliation. The four primary election candidates who received the most votes all advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. That would have meant that there could be multiple candidates from the same political party — or even races with candidates all from the same political party — in the general election.
For the general election, Proposition 1 would have created a system of ranked-choice voting, which is sometimes called an instant runoff system. Under that system, voters pick their favorite candidate and then have the option to rank the remaining candidates in order of preference — second choice, third and fourth. Voters are not required to rank all candidates if they don’t want to. Voters’ ballots will still be counted even if they don’t rank the candidates.
To count the results in the general election, the candidate with the fewest votes would have been eliminated and their votes would have
transferred to the next-highest-ranked active candidate on ballots where other candidates were ranked.
That process would have continued until there were two candidates remaining and the candidate with the most votes would be elected the winner.
Even if Idaho voters approved Prop 1, the Idaho Legislature could have still blocked it or changed it
Even if voters had approved Proposition 1, the Idaho Legislature could have still amended or repealed it, just like any other state law. In the lead up to the election, two prominent members of the Idaho House of Representatives — House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls — told the Idaho Capital Sun that they foresaw scenarios in which Republicans in the Idaho House would amend or repeal Proposition 1, even if voters approved it.
The 2025 Idaho legislative session is scheduled to convene on Jan. 6, 2025 — fewer than nine weeks away.
This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom. For more :idahocapitalsun.com.
The newly opened traffic signal at Pine St. and Fifth Ave. in Sandpoint. Photo by Ben Olson.
Eva Masin Prather. Courtesy photo.
Bouquets:
• To all the many poll workers who volunteer their time on Election Day: Thank you. I don’t mind voting early or by mail, but there’s something special about going down to the polling place and casting your ballot in person as your fellow community members filter in and out of the room. It’s a tiring job, and one that often goes unthanked, so don’t be shy in praising those who volunteer to make sure our elections are safe, secure and easy.
• Looking at the post-election numbers, it appears we set a new record for voter turnout for a presidential election in Bonner County at 86.63%, which is the highest percentage in history. Great job getting out to vote, everyone. Whether or not you’re pleased with the outcome of the election, it’s always important to participate. To those who are happy with the outcome, be gracious with your celebrations because not everyone feels the same optimism as you do. To those unhappy with the outcome, don’t let defeat push you away from participating in — and caring about — politics. As Theodore Rooevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty... I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”
Barbs:
• After a bruising election cycle, the last thing you need is me carping about something or other in this space. Hug your loved ones and have a good day. That’s all.
Tribal artifacts uncovered during McArthur Lake project could rewrite history
By Reader Staff
What started as a highway construction project in Boundary County has resulted in archaeological findings that have the potential to rewrite the earliest history of human habitation in the region — as well as earned an award from the top transportation governing body in the nation.
Archaeologist Jyl Wheaton, of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and Idaho Transportation Department Project Manager CarrieAnn Hewitt received the award Oct. 31 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in Philadelphia.
The AASHTO
President’s Transportation Award is the most prestigious accolade that state transportation departments can receive, and recognizes the discovery of hundreds of tribal artifacts during excavation along U.S. 95 near McArthur Lake.
“The U.S. 95 McArthur Lake Bridge showcased excellent tribal teamwork, to solve wildlife safety with cultural preservation success,” stated ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney.
With a price tag of $11 million, the project rebuilt an existing twolane section of roadway, added wider shoulders and replaced a box culvert over Deep Creek — which provides an outlet to McArthur Lake — with a 300-foot-span bridge to provide safe animal passage under the highway.
Discovery of the artifacts initiated a process of collaboration between ITD, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and contractors to ensure their collection and preservation. One of the discoveries was described as a “game-changer” for understanding the timeline of human existence in the upper Columbia River Basin — indicating that people had been living in the area a full 4,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Wheaton is a member of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho with an M.A. in applied anthropology, and served as the lead archeologist on project discoveries.
“The Idaho Transportation Department deserves a lot of credit for recognizing early on that this had the potential to change the history of the Kootenai Tribe and the history of the area as well, and to not only encourage our work but also to play an active role in fostering the spirit of inclusiveness that came to define this project,” she stated.
Following collection, the artifacts are being cataloged and will undergo more investigation.
“It has been a pleasure working with the Kootenai Tribe on this,” said Hewitt. “In addition to keeping our project on schedule, I’ve developed a tremendous respect for the tribe and their willingness to work together. They’ve been a great partner and hopefully we’ve been able to reciprocate that in their eyes.”
Above: Crewmembers dig into the earth at the McArthur Lake project dig.
Right: An aerial view of the project site at McArthur Lake north of Sandpoint. Photos courtesy of ITD.
By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
Rarely am I at a loss for words; but, sometimes, my stream of consciousness feels tangled and stuck, lodged in my throat or thick on my tongue. It usually happens when I’m overcome by insurmountable emotions — anger, grief or both.
Today, in the wake of the Nov. 5 election, is one of those times. Yet, at moments like these, when my own voice feels lost, I’m fortunate to have others around me whose words can speak for and alongside me. So, today, I wanted to share the simple, powerful wishes of the women in my life.
Before the results came in, I asked them, “What do you want for the future? And what does a perfect political system look like to you?”
Their answers resonate even more deeply now.
Many of the women I spoke with shared a desire for a system in which fear does not define their lives. One friend said, “I want a future where I don’t need to fear the election every four years. Where, even if the other party wins, I can trust that they still have the best interests of the country and its citizens at heart. I want to live without worrying about my health just because I was born a woman with a uterus.”
Another wrote, “I want to live in a country where my value and worth are inherent. Where I’m not afraid that my basic rights to health and medical care will be undermined by whoever’s in office
Emily Articulated
What now?
— especially now, when I’m thinking about starting a family. I want leaders who don’t treat citizens as chess pieces for their next profit move. And I want to feel fully represented, as a whole person and a woman.”
And another shared, “I want to live in a place that values human lives in the sense of ‘humans that are already alive and well,’ not just the unborn. I want to feel like becoming a mother isn’t a possible death sentence because of a lack of health care or concern for my own health and life.”
Other women I spoke to described their experience as mothers and the desire to raise their children in a safe, supportive society.
A friend expressed, “I want to know that my children can go to school without constant fear of dying because someone with an assault rifle and agenda had no concern for their lives. And I want a future in which I don’t have to teach them to note the nearest exit whenever we’re in a public space.”
Another wrote, “I want a future where I don’t have to
tell my son that even though the men in power may be accused of terrible things, or say things that are racist or sexist, that isn’t how you treat people.”
And another shared, “I want to know my wife and I have a chance at having a family in a safe and protected way; to know that although we’re not ‘traditional,’ we can still have the same rights as anyone else to create a meaningful life.”
Almost everyone I talked to expressed a desire for a united country — one in which “equality and justice for all” is more than an ideal in an old document.
“I want a future where empathy and kindness come first. A world that isn’t driven by the interests of individuals alone, but by a collective commitment to each other. I want an America that doesn’t feel divided: rural vs. urban, rich vs. poor, Republican vs. Democrat.”
“I want political leaders who work to bring the country together, not just pursue their party’s agenda. I want a government with moderate voices from both sides, without the extremes that only deepen divisions. I want politics to take a backseat in our daily lives.”
And finally, one woman captured a desire for compassionate, forward-thinking leadership: “I want a leader who genuinely cares about equality and equity for all Americans, not just the wealthy or businesses. A leader who values education, social programs, women’s rights and marginalized people’s rights. Someone who believes
in investing in a green, sustainable economic future.
“I want a future when everyone can access the American dream, and in which we still have a world to pass on to the next generation.”
At a time when many women feel unseen and unheard — when so many of us feel undervalued, afraid and angry — we still have each other.
Our fear is valid, our voices are worthy and our
desire for something different is sound. So, as I ask myself, “What [the f*ck] now?,” at least I take some comfort in knowing I’m not asking alone.
Emily Erickson is a writer and business owner with an affinity for black coffee and playing in the mountains. Connect with her online at www.bigbluehat. studio.
Retroactive
By BO
Emily Erickson.
Science: Mad about
rhinovirus
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
Two months into the school year and a biting chill falls upon the land. Overnight, everyone is coughing, hacking and oozing all manner of vile ichors — the tide of sickness cannot be stopped; and, try as you might to avoid it, eventually it will consume you too.
That’s what happened to me, anyway.
Two days into a mind-numbing sickness-induced stupor, one begins to ponder the origins of this dreaded illness. Why do we always get sick this time of year? What is it that makes us sick? Is running around outside with a wet head really how you’ll catch a cold?
The common cold is a broad term for respiratory illness caused by viral infection. Most frequently, this is caused by a rhinovirus infection. I know what you’re thinking, and no, this has nothing to do with the rhinoceros. Rhinovirus is a mash-up of Greek and Latin, essentially meaning “virus of the nose,” as this is its primary infection vector and where the bulk of symptoms occur.
In some ways, the common cold is caused by an infection and spread of the rhinovirus within your respiratory system, but the bulk of the damage occurring is actually from the response of your own body. The human immune system takes a scorched earth approach to most viral infections, destroying everything within reach to curtail the spread of the threat.
This is probably good, as you don’t want unrestricted viral reproduction occurring throughout your body, but it’s also unfortunate because all
of the swelling that causes the mucus, the coughing, the headaches and sore throat is your body’s equivalent of firebombing a city to neutralize a petty thief who stole a loaf of bread.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all well aware of how viral agents spread. They hitch a ride on respiratory droplets and stick to things those droplets impact. Our respiratory system is a humid place and most viruses are extremely small, ranging from 30 to 120 nanometers. These tiny viruses use microscopic droplets of water to travel from one infection point to another. Sometimes this is effective, and sometimes it requires a lot of luck to end up in a new host.
It’s difficult to accurately imagine how many viruses we spread with every breath because we can’t see the air we’re breathing. The droplets are too small to be seen, and our brains are really bad at picturing things we can’t see.
Imagine the viruses are the soldiers in the beginning of Saving Private Ryan, about to storm the beaches of Normandy. In this case, many soldiers are packed into a little transport vehicle that’s being moved from England to the beaches of Normandy. The military threw tons of these crafts at the beach in multiple places to maximize the effectiveness of the invasion, to establish a toehold and push into France at large.
This is the exact same thing viruses do, but instead of France, they’re trying to find other humans by being flung out in every direction, grappling onto any object they can, and hoping that another human’s hands sweep across that surface and deliver them to another face.
Human beings really enjoy
touching their faces. There are many nerve endings in our faces; they’re the center of our social interaction with other humans; and we’re perpetually checking them for things like food debris in our teeth, dried mucus in our nostrils, hair or water in our eyes, and more.
Rhinovirus is an exceptionally fast-mover and highly efficient virus. We learned that COVID-19, a coronavirus, could incubate in the body for up to two weeks after infection before the host begins to show symptoms. Rhinovirus begins attacking receptors in our upper respiratory tract immediately and a full-blown infection can begin as rapidly as two days after initial infection.
The quick-moving nature of rhinoviruses is one of the reasons no effective cure or vaccine has been developed for them. They move very rapidly, spread and replicate astoundingly fast and mutate just as quickly, leaving few opportunities for artificial vaccines or cures to remain relevant for long. This is likely why our body takes such an aggressive approach to dealing with the virus. Additionally, there are more than 150 varieties of rhinovirus present at all times. Pair this with the relatively non-lethal nature of the virus and there isn’t a tremendous reason to pursue a cure. It’s a seasonal, sometimes monthly annoyance, while a potential cure could carry insane side effects that wouldn’t outweigh the benefit of not being sick for a couple of days.
That being said, it’s not an entirely riskless disease to contract. Infections can be serious for the elderly or immunocompromised. Infections that develop into pneumonia can become a chronic problem or even a terminal one for those who don’t have the
natural immunity to deal with the infection.
We learned about rhinoviruses in 1953, when Winston Price of Johns Hopkins University isolated and observed samples of the virus from nurses. It’s likely these viruses have been around for as long as humans have existed, but we never had a name for them until 1956, when Price’s studies were published.
It’s evident that globalization has been a tremendous boon to virtually all pathogens.
In ages past, when travel between places would take days or weeks, the opportunity for viruses to effectively propagate was reduced. Now, we can circumnavigate the globe in fewer than 48 hours and regularly interact with goods shipped from across the world within a timeframe that could allow persistent pathogens to survive long enough to infect us.
Rather than fret about it, I think I’ll just take some vitamins and hope for the best.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
• In the United Kingdom, seeing a magpie on its own is thought to be a sign of bad luck. There is a specific action that apparently wards off the bad luck: Wave or salute at the bird and say, “Good morning, Mr. Magpie. How is your lady wife today?”
• According to Polish superstition, bakers should stay standing the entire time their cakes are in the oven. Some believe that cakes come out flat and sunken when their bakers sit down during the baking process.
• In Korea and Japan, the word for “four” is the same word for “death,” so the number carries a negative connotation. Some buildings skip the fourth floor, while other countries don’t include the number four on license plates, car models or phones.
• Also in Korea, some believe that ghosts and evil spirits are drawn in by the sound of whistling, so many people avoid whistling at night. Another version of the superstition is that hissing snakes
will invade the whistler’s home after hearing their tune.
• In some countries — mainly those with large populations of people practicing Hinduism, such as Japan and India — cutting your hair and nails at night will leave dirt around the home. Hindu goddess Lakshmi is thought to visit people’s homes at night, and dirt is a sign of disrespect. According to the lore, if Lakshmi becomes angry, it may bring bad luck and poverty to the home.
• According to Kenyan folklore, if your palms are itchy, it means you will receive a huge amount of money in the future; but, if you scratch the itch, you might rub away your luck.
• In France, Germany and certain bars in North Idaho, if you don’t look someone in the eye while toasting, you ask for seven years of bad luck.
• It’s supposed to be bad luck to give someone yellow flowers in Russia.
Taking stock at the brink
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
There was an internet phenomenon from 2015 called “The Dress,” which seems appropriate to remember right now.
A week before her daughter’s wedding, a British woman posted a picture of a dress colored with blue-and-black lace. What followed was a worldwide viral sensation as some people saw the dress as blue-and-black, while others swore it was white-and-gold. There was no convincing either side that they were wrong, because both sides perceived they were viewing the dress accurately. Scientists have even shrugged when asked for explanations on why such discord exists.
In the case of the recent presidential election, I can think of no anecdote that better explains the outcome. Some viewed Donald Trump as a savior, a strong leader, an iconoclast who will “save” America and usher in a new era of prosperity. Others saw him as a force of evil, a narcissist, a convicted felon, a sexual abuser, a grifter and the physical embodiment of
the worst American traits all packaged into one human form.
No matter what evidence, testimony or pleading came from one side to the other, it was never going to be enough to convince people they were seeing Trump in the correct light; just like with “The Dress,” they saw the colors their brain told them were there.
No matter which candidate you supported, the outcome of this election will affect our nation for generations. With two U.S. Supreme Court justices due for retirement in the next four years, it’s a certainty that Trump will nominate two more to replace them, meaning he’ll have stacked the court with five picks — a move that will ensure a conservative ideology baked into American jurisprudence (and life) for at least the next 40 years.
Also, the question remains how Trump will deal with his supposed “enemies,” i.e. those who weren’t loyal to him; what kind of nefarious characters he’ll appoint to his cabinet; what governmental programs he’ll eradicate; and, perhaps most importantly, how four more years of toxic, pejorative rhetoric will affect the col-
lective psyche of the American people.
Anyone who thinks Trump will make a pivot to becoming “presidential” at this point might want to check their homes for a gas leak, because it ain’t happening.
One thing worth pointing out is how quickly Trump’s “election fraud” claims went away the moment he won the election. It’s magical how that happens, isn’t it? It almost seems as if it was all bullshit to begin with.
Also, how about the fact that when Democrats lose an election, they accept the results. They don’t go on a yearslong grievance tour and claim the election was “stolen” just because they don’t like the outcome. They pick up the pieces, move on with their lives and plan for the next election. No saber rattling, no threats of civil war, no insurrection attempts. Just a bunch of sad people coming to grips with what might be the waning days of our American system of representative democracy as we’ve known it.
The fact that a person like Trump exists is not the problem. People like him have risen to power throughout history and they’ll continue to long
into the future. They live in a world separate from ours, where accountability is absent, where up is down and wrong is right.
The problem lies with the broken system that we use to elevate these types of people to power, the broken information network that separates us into silos where truth takes a backseat to entertainment and outrage, and the broken back of American democratic institutions.
Come what may, we deserve this, America. You get what you pay for, and we put a large down payment on four more years of the Trump chaos that culminated in an insurrection that nearly wiped our system of government off the map. Perhaps this time he’ll be able to finish the job.
Either way, I’m not hopeful about our future. Running a newspaper through his first term was probably some of the ugliest four years of my life; and, more than anything else, I’m just bummed out that we have to go through all that again.
One step forward, one leap back. That’s the American way.
Good luck, everyone. We’re going to need it.
Florida man jumps into crocodile pit, gets bit, claims he was held captive
A Florida man was captured on surveillance video in 2018 jumping into a pond filled with crocodiles at an animal farm in St. Augustine, Fla. the later claiming he was “held captive” by the reptiles.
“Crazy. Absolutely crazy,” one worker at the farm commented. “How could somebody be so stupid?”
The workers found a pair of shorts and Crocs (the shoes) the next morning by the enclosure. They thought it was a prank until they saw blood and called police. When law enforcement arrived, they looked at surveillance footage and saw the man jump into the pit and get attacked by a 12-foot crocodile before struggling over a fence and escaping.
Neighbors found the man limping around the neighborhood the following day, muttering something about being kidnapped.
“I think his thing was he kept saying, ‘I was held hostage in a ... pool with gators,’” one witness told local news affiliates.
The suspect was treated and released at a nearby hospital. No gators were harmed during the incident — just the dude’s pride.
Ribbon cutting celebrates new location of Base Camp Design
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently joined Base Camp Design in celebrating the grand opening of their new location at 1411 N. Division Ave., Suite B. The interior design company shepherds projects from the architectural drafting phase through to the finishing touches to create perfect, custom spaces for their clients.
Founder and Principal Designer Kate Lyster grew up in Sandpoint enjoying all the activities the region offers, including skiing, hiking, camping, mountain biking and every activity available on Lake Pend Oreille. Lyster brings 18 years of design work to the table and draws from a multitude of life experiences like spending her youth on an off-grid ranch in the Selkirk Mountains, where she learned to see and appreciate nature to the fullest extent. She built her interior design firm to suit the area’s outdoor recreation and lifestyle and to reflect her deeply rooted appreciation of nature
and our space within it.
Base Camp Design offers a wide variety of services: project coordination with build teams, exterior and interior finish selections, space planning, window treatments, procurement of all interior selections, white-glove instal-
lation and more.
For more information, visit createyourbasecamp.com.
Base Camp Design team members, from left to right: Thais Alfieri, Katie Korn, Kate Lyster, Carolyn Jordan and Piper Wahlin. Courtesy photo.
Top left: The Heartwood Center on a bright fall day. “I love the fall!” wrote photographer Rich Milliron.
Top right: The famous “Heart of Hope,” as two kayakers paddled from Hope to Pearl Island and back. Photo by Cynthia Mason.
Bottom left: Oak Street in Sandpoint gives some of the best examples of fall colors, as captured in this photograph by Susan Drinkard.
Bottom right: Schweitzer reported they have received over two feet of snow during the past week. The resort has set Nov. 22 as opening day, and with snowfall like the past week, they’ll meet their goal (photo taken Nov. 5). Photo courtesy of Schweitzer.
OUTDOOR Cornhole tourney fundraiser to benefit sober housing
By Reader Staff
Call it cornhole for a cause, when the Harvest Valley Worship Center hosts its indoor cornhole tournament
Saturday, Nov. 9, with all proceeds benefiting Freedom House, Inc.’s Safe and Sober Housing Program, which provides help to men and women in overcoming addiction.
From noon to 4 p.m., cornholers of all skill levels are invited to compete for cash prizes and participate in a silent auction. The event also features a kids’ play area and food and refreshments.
Registration costs $80 for teams and $40 for single players in the advanced category, and $50 for teams and $25 for singles in the amateur category.
The auction will include items worth a total of $1,000, including gift cards to
Courtesy
area restaurants and services, outdoor gear, home goods, gifts and more — even a cord of firewood.
The Harvest Valley Worship Center is located at 86 Hidden Valley Road, about three miles north of Ponderay. For more details or to register, visit hvwc.com/cornhole.
Festival at Sandpoint now accepting 2025 Festival Street vendor applications
By Reader Staff
Local food and beverage providers interested in participating as vendors at the 2025 Festival at Sandpoint Summer Series are invited to submit their applications.
With more than 25,000 guests in attendance, the Summer Series offers the opportunity for vendors to gain exposure, increase their customer base, showcase their culinary talents and participate in the community.
“We know how important delicious food is to the overall Festival experience, and we’re looking for the most innovative and delectable options to cater to our diverse audience,” stated Festival Executive Director Ali Baranski.
According to the Festival, vendors are encouraged to get creative with their menus, featuring a wide range of culinary offerings that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Due to space constraints, the Festival will only be considering applications from food and beverage vendors. Applications are due Feb. 12, 2025.
The Festival at Sandpoint’s 2025 Summer Series will take place from July 24 through Aug. 3.
To learn more and apply to become a Festival Street vendor, visit festivalatsandpoint. com/festival-street.
Cornholers gather to toss the bags in downtown Sandpoint at a past cornhole tournament.
photo.
Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit connects every level of the food industry
By Reader Staff
The annual Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit returns Friday, Nov. 8 to the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N. Boyer Road), providing a space where every level of the industry — from farmers to foragers, residents to retailers — can gather and celebrate the regional food they produce.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will listen to five-minute presenta-
tions from area experts, participate in skill-building workshops, network and enjoy a locally catered lunch.
The first workshop, “Expanding Your Market,” explores the financial benefits of attaining certifications for sustainable practices like organic or salmon-safe farming. Later on, the workshop “How to Apply for a Business Builder Grant from the NW & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center” will discuss the
funding program, which is designed to strengthen local food systems by aiding small farmers and other food-related businesses, as well as how to qualify for the financial aid.
The day ends with an apple and apple cider tasting from the property’s heirloom orchard.
Tickets are $35 for adults or $15 for students or those living lightly.
For more information, visit idahofoodworks.org/sp-food-summit.
Giving Tree seeking donations
Annual charitable program provides winter clothes for community members in need
By Reader Staff
Donations are needed for the annual Giving Tree program, which provides winter clothes to members of the community with special needs, as well as low-income children, adults and seniors.
Organized by Tammy Shivel with support from Creations, the program has served more than 150 clients each year for the past 15 years, providing about $20,000 worth of donated coats, boots, hats, mittens, pajamas, socks and warm blankets every season.
The program starts in November, with special needs and low-income individuals filling out Giving Tree tags that include their age, gender and needed winter items. Next, small Christmas trees with those tags — called Giving Trees — are set up at local supermarkets and the Cedar Street Bridge.
During December, members of the community pick up tags, buy the needed winter items and then wrap the present, attach the tag and place it back under the Giving Tree.
Program organizers collect the presents, match the tags to the clients on the list and deliver the holiday gifts to their recipients.
One example of the impact of the program shared by organizers includes a local young mother with a 1-yearold and another child on the way, living in an RV because the father had
been laid off for the winter. From the Giving Tree, the family received a playpen, baby bassinet, car seat, diapers and warm baby clothes.
Other Giving Tree stories include a 17-year-old who needed winter boots and was nominated by the Teen Center because he kept arriving with wet sneakers during the winter cold; a senior who didn’t have family in the area and lived in a nursing home, who received a warm blanket and holiday card; an 8-year-old boy who needed snow pants and a warm blanket; and a special-needs adult receiving warm pajamas and socks.
Those stories “and hundreds of other tags filled each year through the Giving Tree show the generous heart and soul of our Bonner County community,” organizers stated.
Beyond items, the all-volunteer run Giving Tree program also has financial
BY THE NUMBERS
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
86.63%
The voter turnout percentage in Bonner County, according to Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale, who told the Reader it was probably the largest-ever local turnout for a presidential election.
34%
overhead to cover. Creations assists each year to raise $1,000 to cover supplies, such as organizing and printing tags, signs for the Giving Trees and to purchase items for the few unfilled tags, so that all clients who sign up receive their needed winter item. Creations also manages the donation funds each year.
Donations are needed now to help print signs and tags to get the program going for the upcoming season, and can be mailed to the Giving Tree at Creations, 334 N. First Ave., Suite 213, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
To refer community members in need of warm clothes to the program, contact Shivel at 208-627-6446 to sign up.
For other information, contact Shery Meekings at Creations: 208-3047384 (text is best).
The percentage of self-identified independents who voted in the 2024 presidential election, according to Edison Research exit polling, up 8% since the 2020 election. This marks the first time since Edison began exit polling in 2004 that independents’ share of overall turnout has exceeded one of the two major political parties. Republican turnout stood at 34% and Democrats accounted for 32% of the turnout.
$10.5 billion
The amount that has been spent on campaign ads in the 2024 election cycle — about $1.1 billion less than Americans spent on Halloween, but an increase of $1 billion from the 2020 election. Democrats outspent Republicans $5 billion to $4.1 billion. In the swing state of Pennsylvania alone, $1.2 billion was spent on election appeals, marking the first time in U.S. history that a single state has seen more than $1 billion in ads.
81%
The percentage of state and local government employees who worry that they won’t have enough money to last through retirement, according to MissionSquare Research Institute, which also found that 78% worry they won’t have enough money to live comfortably in retirement and 73% worry about being able to retire on time.
Above: Shery Meekings and Tammy Shivel delivering Giving Tree items. Right: A close up of a “giving tree.” Courtesy photos.
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Everyone needs a little help from time to time. That’s the mantra of North Idaho Firewood Rescue. Now, the nonprofit organization — which has helped locals heat their homes in dire situations since 2017 — is asking for volunteers and delivery drivers to help the community access their services.
“In the beginning, when we first started, we would hear stories of people who were facing cold households because they were running out of wood,” founder Paul Krames told the Reader. “Our mission was to create an emergency resource so that any family that was dependent on firewood to heat their home would not find themselves without when they were in circumstances that were not of their doing. We became a stopgap measure and we responded quickly — usually within two days.”
Krames is seeking volunteers to help further that mission.
“Specifically, we need people who are willing to help make wood deliveries,” Krames said. “If they have a pickup truck, a trailer or a two-inch ball on their vehicle, we have a small utility trailer they can tow behind their car, thanks to a grant by the Community Assistance League. But we have a decent supply of wood to serve all calls this winter. We just don’t have someone to deliver because several of our volunteers are out of town.”
Firewood Rescue was founded after Krames received a call from someone in the area who was running out of firewood. Their husband was disabled, but not a veteran. Since there is already a firewood program that supplies wood to vets in need, Krames realized he could expand his program to help elderly, disabled and financially strapped people. North Idaho Firewood Rescue was born, and for seven years the organization has grown, despite operating on a shoestring budget.
The most recent expansion is a 30-foot-by-50-foot firewood shelter to keep the wood out of the elements, thanks to a little help from the community.
“Rob Osborne, a retired builder looking for a project, agreed to head up building the shelter,” Krames said.
Rescue seeking volunteers and delivery drivers
COMMUNITY Keeping the home fires burning North Idaho Firewood
“We got the concrete donated from Interstate, which was over $1,000.”
To help fill the shelter, CAL provided a grant to Firewood Rescue for the purchase of a log truck filled with red fir, which was then bucked up and stacked to season for the winter.
“This shelter has been a major improvement,” Krames said. “Half the time, we’d have to take a sledgehammer to dislodge the wood frozen in place whenever we had to make a delivery.”
Firewood Rescue also received a grant from the Alliance for Green Heat to help acquire a utility shed in which to store equipment.
Aside from grants, Firewood Rescue is sustained by donations from the community — both in monetary form and with seasoned firewood. It’s important to note that Firewood Rescue does not contract with homeowners to fall and buck trees.
“Whenever there is a windstorm, people tell us they have wood to donate and trees down,” Krames said. “I guess they think we’re a tree service. We’re very polite about it, but we tell them most of our volunteers are seniors.”
While Firewood Rescue supplies those in need in emergency situations, they also apply “tough love” to their recipients, according to Krames.
“We always ask them how you’re going to get your firewood in for the rest of the year,” Krames said. “We’re an emergency resource, we don’t keep people stocked with firewood for the whole winter.”
More often than not, Krames said his organization works closely with emergency assistance groups like the Community Action Partnership to help their recipients get access to the help they need after firewood deliveries.
“At the end of the day, we’re just making sure people get the help they need,” Krames said. “We just want to serve the community the best way we can.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact Paul Krames at firewoodrescue2020@gmail.com or visit firewoodrescue.com for more information.
Above: North Idaho Firewood Rescue volunteers (from left): Paul Krames, David Yeats, Diane Cook, Shawn Stewart, Mike Lang, Bob Taggesell and John Harbuck. Courtesy photo.
Right: A log truck filled with Douglas fir logs was purchased thanks to a grant from the Community Assistance League. Courtesy photo.
Get Plowed with KLT
A fundraiser for Pine St. Woods winter road maintenance
By Reader Staff
Opportunities abound year round for recreational opportunities in North Idaho, but Pine Street Woods holds particular appeal for Bonner County residents.
Offering hiking, biking and Nordic skiing trails across 180 acres of protected outdoor space, Kaniksu Land Trust maintains access to Pine Street Woods through every season and all kinds of weather, but its dedication to keeping the road open costs as much as $6,000 a year.
To help cover the costs of fall and winter maintenance on the Pine Street Woods access road, KLT hosts the annual Get Plowed fundraiser, which this year takes place from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at MickDuff’s Beer Hall (220 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint).
“Don’t let the name of the event
fool you — it’s family friendly and all are welcome,” organizers stated.
Aside from live music and the KLT crew and supporters, there will be an appearance by the Schweitzer Mountain Ski Patrol avalanche dog and participants can fill a snowplow with pocket change. Meanwhile, participants can enter raffles for merchandise from KLT, Sandpoint Nordic Club and Pend Oreille Pedalers, as well as a range of experiences.
For those who can’t attend Get Plowed but still want to support keeping the road safe and open year round, donate at kaniksu.org.
Powder Hound Pizza hosts 3rd annual Hot Wing Challenge
By Reader Staff
Powder Hound Pizza is turning up the heat with their Hot Wing Challenge at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. Participants will be served 10 wings with rare and extreme level hot sauces. Those who finish all 10 wings will win prizes and have their names inscribed on the PHP Wing Challenge finisher plaque. Plus, there will be a lifetime of bragging rights.
To register for the challenge, sign up at Powder Hound Pizza, 201 E. Superior St., in Sandpoint. The entry fee of $35 covers the 10-wing challenge plus two beers. The event is limited to 30 participants.
Cedar Street Bridge to host charity event
‘Give Back at the Cedar St. Bridge’ set for Nov. 9
By Reader Staff
The community is invited to gather Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Cedar Street Bridge for a charity event titled “Give Back at the Cedar Street Bridge.”
From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., vendors on the bridge — located at 334 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint — will be donating a portion of their sales to their favorite local charities.
Recipients will include Bonner Community Food Bank, Food For Our Children, Angels Over Sandpoint, Community Assistance League, 7B Care Clinic, Arts Alliance, Helping Hands and Healing Hearts, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, Sandpoint High School Volleyball Program, Bonner Gospel Mission, Life Choices and BUILD at Creations.
Participants will receive a Cedar Street Bridge “Give Back” bracelet or keychain at the entrance, while supplies last. Each vendor will then provide their individual charm for attendees to collect. Enter a special giveaway for a chance to win $100 in “Bridge Bucks” to spend at any of the bridge vendors.
Free coffee will be offered by Paneah’s Bistro (opening this month), snacks, face painting and more.
“It is our desire for the Cedar Street Bridge to transform into a hub of generosity, where shoppers can not only support their favorite small businesses but also make a direct impact on local causes,” organizers stated.
“Whether it’s picking up a gift for a friend or discovering a new treasure, every purchase made on Nov. 9 has the power to give back to the commu-
nity we all cherish,” they added. “Together, we can ‘Give Together, Grow Together and be Grateful Together.’” Get more info at thecedarstreetbridge.com/event-list or by visiting the bridge’s social media pages @thecedarstreetbridge.
Courtesy photo.
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
Artist Reception: Jenny, Christian Benoit
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Acrylic large-scale paintings and wall art wood designs
Bingo
Game Night
6:30pm @ Tervan Tavern
Live Music w/ Tim G.
November 7 - 14, 2024
THURSDAY, november 7
Get Plowed fundraiser for Pine Street Woods • 5-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
A percentage of profits will be donated to Pine St. Woods to cover the $6,000+/year it takes to do fall and winter maintenance on access roads and Pine St. Woods. Family friendly event
A dynamic blend of taiko and Japanese folk dance rooted in tradition. Hosted by POAC. (See Page 21)
Live Music w/ Hannah Meehan
6-8pm @ Baxter’s on Cedar
Karaoke (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) 8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Carli Osika
5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
SATURDAY, november 9
Warren Miller’s 75 ski film
7pm @ Panida Theater
The 75th Warren Miller ski film. Tickets at panida.org. Get stoked! Between Borders folk art exposition
12-4pm @ Sandpoint Organic Ag. Center Demos, music, docents, local artisans in this traveling exhibit (see Page 20)
Live Music w/ Zach Simms 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Mobius Riff 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
SunDAY, november 10
Sandpoint Swing dance
6-9pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall
Doors at 5:45pm, basic dance lessons at 6pm, general dancing 7-10pm. $8 cash at the door. All levels welcome
monDAY, november 11
Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
Trivia w/ host Dave 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
tuesDAY, november 12
Little Live Radio Hour: Blird • 7:45pm @ Little Panida Theater and 88.5FM
Join shoegaze band Blird for this free intimate live show at the Little Panida Theater, also broadcast on 88.5FM. Show up at 7:45pm to be seated before 8pm
Sandpoint Middle School renovation talk • 9:30am @ Bernklau Cafe
Join LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer to learn about planned renovations to SMS. She’ll talk again at the SMS cafeteria at 4pm, followed by board mtg.
Live Piano w/ Peter Lucht
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Open Mic Night
6pm @ Tervan Tavern
CASA Purse Party
4-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
An evening of community, purse shopping, wine and apps while raising money for child advocates
Contra Dance
7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall
All dances taught and called, live music. New dancer session 7pm. No partner or experience needed. $5 donation
Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit
9am-4pm @ Sandpoint Organic Ag. Center
One-day event that celebrates farms and foods of the region. Local food tastings and more: idahofoodworks.org
Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon
7B Cornhole Tournament & Funder 12-4pm @ Harvest Valley Worship Center Register at hvwc.com/cornhole
Turkey Bingo
12:30pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center
Play starts at 1pm, four cards/$25, raffles, prizes and snacks for purchase
Live Music w/ Ian Newbill
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Country and classic rock
3rd annual Hot Wing Challenge 2pm @ Powder Hound Pizza
Finish all 10 wings with extreme levels of hot sauce, win a prize. $35/entry. Sign up at Powder Hound (downtown)
Dogsmile Adventures annual celebration, auction 6:30-8pm @ bit.ly/DogSmileAuction Storytelling and testimonials from the water at this online activity. Register at URL above
Live Trivia 7pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Game Night 6:30pm @ Tervan Tavern
Bingo 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Netflix series ChimpCrazy lives up to both parts of its title
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Like many people — probably too many people — I binged Tiger King in its entirety when it arose as a short-lived cultural behemoth during the early dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What else was I — or we — to do?
The 2020 Netflix series from director Eric Goode and centered on the bizarre blood feud between big cat fanatics Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin was too lurid to be true, and perfect fodder for panic-stricken people confined to their couches and wondering whether civilization was collapsing outside.
There’s no sense in recapping the many grotesqueries of Tiger King — suffice it to say, it was a prolonged staring contest with the abyss about people who use and abuse exotic animals for their own psychological, emotional and financial benefit.
While the show made Joe Exotic and Baskin household names (and even spawned an unwatchable sequel), it also vaulted Goode into the spotlight and made him among the most reviled men in the world by roadside zoo operators, the people who supply them with their rare attractions and the private owners
of such creatures.
That’s why Goode had to take an unconventional approach with his newest “docuseries” Chimp Crazy — which hit Netflix in August — hiring a “proxy” director to stand in for him when interviewing subjects who otherwise would have slammed their doors in his face.
Therein is the first of many ethically compromised elements in the four-part series, which explores the phenomenon of humans keeping chimpanzees as pets. At least that’s the broad scope of the project.
Really, it begins with Connie Casey, who started a business in the 1970s supplying individuals and businesses with captive chimps. Based in Missouri — which we learn had almost no regulations regarding the breeding, trafficking and ownership of exotic animals — Casey rose to be probably the biggest player in the chimp game, with her facility coming to house upward of 42 of the animals, some of whom had featured on nationwide greeting cards and starred in movies.
The biggest celebrity ape was Tonka, who appeared in early-1990s films George of the Jungle, Babe: Pig in the City and Buddy — the latter performing opposite actor Alan Cumming. More on that later.
Decades later, chimp-ob-
sessed Tonia Haddix volunteered with Casey’s so-called Missouri Primate Foundation, quickly falling in love with Tonka.
“He loved me as much as I loved him,” Haddix says at one point. “It was meant to be ... like your love for God.”
And that’s where we get the “crazy” in Chimp Crazy.
Haddix dominates the narrative arc of the series, as the “proxy” filmmaker delves deeper and deeper into her many neuroses, delusions and fixations — all revolving around what she calls “monkey love” (despite chimps being apes) and describes as being “totally different to love for a child.”
“When you adopt a monkey the bond is much, much deeper,” she says, while acknowledging that not only does she have a human son, but she loves chimps more. “A human child is meant to grow up and bond with other people in society. But not chimpanzees. Their mother is their whole life.”
As the episodes unfold, viewers see Haddix spiral
further into “monkey love,” behaving with increasing recklesness as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals starts coming down on the Missouri Primate Foundation for mistreatment of the animals (who we see living in almost barren concrete cages and being fed a regular diet of fast food and soda).
Casey fades into the background and Haddix comes to the fore, doing battle with PETA to keep “her kids.” Cumming enters the fray when he realizes that his former co-star, Tonka, is one of the imperiled apes and goes to bat through PETA to save him.
As the legal conflicts mount and Haddix continues to flout court orders, things get even more bizarre and
tread into ever-dicier moral and ethical territory — both on the part of Haddix and the filmmakers.
Meanwhile, throughout it all, Goode — via his proxy — makes side trips into other stories of chimp ownership gone horribly awry, including gruesome and often fatal attacks by the animals against their owners.
I won’t give away the big mystery that animates the second half of the series, but it’s probably crazier than you might guess. And, by the time of the final reckoning, one thing becomes clear: When people get this wrapped up in their pets, it stops being clear who the “animal” really is.
Warren Miller’s 75 film kicks off ski season
By Reader Staff
Nothing ushers in the North Idaho ski season like the annual Warren Miller film screening at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
This year, Warren Miller’s 75 will feature 10 all-new original segments showcasing diverse snowsports at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. Doors will open one hour prior to the event and tickets are $15 per person.
Presented locally by Mountain Fever Productions, Warren Miller ski films have been a part of mountain culture in Sandpoint for decades. This year’s film will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes from around the world, including Canada, Colorado, California, Utah, Finland, Japan, Austria and New Jersey. Included in the cast are snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls and world champions, including snowboarders Shaun White, Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis and Toby Mill-
er, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont and more.
Warren Miller has released ski films since 1949, with this year’s film marking the 75th installment in the series. Featuring the iconic narrative voice of the late-Warren Miller and wry humor geared toward skiers and boarders, the franchise was taken over by Warren Miller Entertainment in 2020, two years after Miller died at age 93.
Learn more at warrenmiller.com and buy tickets at panida.org.
Photo by Moritz Ablinger.
Courtesy screenshot from Chimp Crazy.
‘Between Borders’ folk art exhibit comes to Sandpoint
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The traveling exhibit “Between Borders: Folklife through the Coeur d’Alenes” will take up temporary residence in the Sandpoint Organic Agricultural Center (10881 N. Boyer Ave.) Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10, showcasing regional folk art and the cultural heritage it represents.
The free event, open from noon to 4 p.m. daily, will also feature live demonstrations from local artisans.
“Celebrating folk art is crucial for preserving it. In our rapidly developing area, recognizing and honoring these functional art forms ensures that they receive the respect and attention they deserve, safeguarding their cultural and
historical value for future generations,” said Pend Oreille Arts Council Arts Coordinator Claire Christy.
POAC collaborated with Arts of Idaho, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum to bring the exhibit to Sandpoint and incorporate local artists, including quilters from Bosom Buddies and Panhandle Piecemakers.
“I especially enjoy the wooden decoy ducks by Frank Werner,” said Christy. “Although originally created for practical use, Frank’s pieces transcend function, achieving a level of craftsmanship that makes them deserving of a place as collectible art.”
Traditional, practical art such as quilts, instruments and beadwork will be on display
alongside demonstrations in blacksmithing, fly tying, weaving and more.
Visit artinsandpoint.org/
between-borders for more information and an updated demonstration schedule.
Quilter Jan Stolz (left) and Carol Deaner (right), POAC Visual Arts Chair, preview the exhibit “Between Borders,” at the Sandpoint Organic Agricultural Center on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Courtesy photo.
MUSIC
Bye bye Blird-ie
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
The Panida Little Theater will open its doors Tuesday, Nov. 12, for the year’s final installment of KRFY Community Radio’s Little Live Radio Hour, featuring lo-fi, downtempo electronic band Blird. Watch the free show in person, listen on 88.5 KRFY or stream it on krfy.org at 8 p.m.
This will be Blird’s second appearance on LLRH, though attendees will recognize members Cadie Archer, Josh Vitalie and Reader Publisher Ben Olson from their main band, Harold’s IGA.
“Those who know Harold’s IGA know these are strong musicians, and Ben Olson’s songwriting is as sharp as any-
Indie band Blird to play final Little Live Radio Hour of 2024
thing coming out of this area,” said KRFY Programming Manager Jack Peterson. “As Blird, the sound is completely different and fresh and especially different from anything that I’m aware of being performed around here right now.”
Blird’s blend of psychedelic singing and grunge-adjacent guitar takes inspiration from the indie, alt-rock subgenre “shoegaze,” which came out of the U.K. in the ’80s. The style highlights guitar playing with distortion, feedback and other effects to create a phantasmagorical sound.
“I’m excited by the possibilities presented by the mix of a specific style of music that’s got a really strong culture surrounding it... and what might result when you remove that music
from its ‘scene’ and let it loose out here in the woods of North Idaho,” said Peterson.
The night will also include a skit from the Mighty KRFY Players, a rotating group of actors who lend their talent to LLRH while the band takes a much-needed break.
“Our hope has always been to get people to turn on their radio to get the feeling of a kind of entertainment that was once common and is quite
rare now: the live radio variety show,” Peterson said. “But as time goes on, I think we’ve come to realize that as fine a product as we put out over the airwaves, it’s still more fun to see it come together in person.”
To watch this free performance live, arrive at the Panida Little Theater (300 N. First Ave.) by 7:45 p.m. For more information, visit panida.org.
POAC welcomes Japanese folk dance performance
By Reader Staff
The Pend Oreille Arts Council will host Unit Souzou’s project titled “Constant State of Otherness” on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
Through a dynamic blend of taiko, Japanese folk dance, song and personal storytelling, six performers guide the audience on a four-part journey inspired by feelings of isolation and the quest for belonging.
“Unit Souzou’s performance
promises to be a powerful experience that will resonate with everyone,” stated POAC Executive Director Tone Stolz.
“We’re excited to offer this unique opportunity for the audience to connect with the blend of tradition and innovation in taiko drumming.”
In addition to creating groundbreaking professional theatrical works, Unit Souzou is committed to sharing taiko through school-based education programs and will participate in POAC’s Ovations program, which provides educational experiences in the performing
arts for K-12 students.
Tickets for “Constant State of Otherness” are $25 for adults and $10 for youth. They can be purchased at artinsandpoint.org, at the POAC
gallery (313 N. Second Ave.) or at the Panida box office on the night of the performance.
The Buckley Storms are one of those bands that thrive during a live performance. Energetic and unpredictable, the Buckleys play a mix of dynamic rock ’n’ roll with an indie verve — think Wilco, Dawes, The Wallflowers and U2 with an Inland Northwest flair.
The Buckleys have gained a loyal following for their eclectic take on American
alternative rock, making new fans after every live show thanks to their dedication to performances that bring audio and visual together in harmony.
— Ben Olson
9 p.m., FREE, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208-263-5673, 219lounge.com. Listen on streamers and at thebuckleystorms.com.
The many faces of Mobius Riff should be familiar to any and all locals, whether they’ve dropped by Idaho Pour Authority or taken a lesson at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint. Denis Zwang, Tom Duebendorfer, Larry Higgins and Larry Guldberg have diverse musical backgrounds that include genres as different as Celtic and early jazz and a mastery of more than 12 instruments between them, according to their website.
This week’s RLW by Zach Hagadone
It’s been a bruiser of an election cycle — and that “cycle” could really be compared to the time it takes Jupiter to orbit the sun: about 11.86 years — so it’s been hard to maintain nuance in the issues that have animated our national animus. The Nampa-based Idaho Press newspaper did just that with its Nov. 4 story “Project 2025’s architects’ vision for education spills into Idaho politics.” It’s a deeply sourced, understandable and essential read. Find it at idahopress.com.
LISTEN
Whether collaborating on originals or putting a unique spin on covers, the group seamlessly blends their specialties to create a one-of-a-kind sound. Cozy up with some good food and drink and listen to their eclectic mix Saturday, Nov. 9, at Barrel 33.
— Soncirey Mitchell
5:30-8 p.m., FREE. Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave., 208-920-6258, barrel33sandpoint.com. Info at mobiusriff.com.
There’s nothing quite like Yaelokre, a self-described “storytelling project” helmed by Filipino artist Keath Ósk. The “band,” if it can really be called such, is a surreal melange of art and sound that feels simultaneously ancient and hyper-modern, with four-part harmonies represented by illustrated fictional characters in a fairytale with its own lore. Think of it as Gorillaz if they were Druids. Listen on Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube and elsewhere.
WATCH
The new film Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini, is described as a “thriller” full of Vatican “intrigue,” but that doesn’t quite cut it. It’s the story of how a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, and all the machinations that entails. There’s back-stabbing, greed, deceit and crises of faith — including stellar performances all around. However, it all kind of falls flat. And with a two-hour runtime, you better really be invested in the investiture. In theaters now.
Photo by Ross Peter Nelson.
From left to right: Josh Vitalie, Cadie Archer and Ben Olson of Blird. Courtesy photo.
From Northern Idaho News, November 7, 1907
HOUSES TO BE NUMBERED - CITY
DIRECTORY ISSUED
The regular meeting of the city council was held without a quorum, so matters were discussed informally. William Hubbard and A.M Brown were in attendance representing the Hubbard-Brown Amusement company, who desire to establish a moving picture show in this city and wished to know what the license fee would be. They stated that the show would be strictly first class and the entertainment wholesome, so that even the most fastidious might attend and find enjoyment.
It was reported that though the kindness of Mr. Humbird the council had obtained permission to use two acres adjoining Chuck Slough and south of the brick yard as a city dump. The members present thought it advisable to have an agreement by contract so that if any one later on opposed the dump because they had secured land nearby, that the matter could not be unsettled again.
Messrs. D.M. Williams and H. Caldervale were present and asked the council about their project for the numbering of the homes of town. The plan proposed by them was briefly this: That the council should order the numbering of all residences and places of business in town and give them permission to do the numbering, the prices charged to be 50-cents for the numbering when the numbers are nickle plated and higher prices for extra quality. The plan was as outlined would cost the city nothing and was viewed favorably by the council. It will be necessary, however, for the council to pass an ordinance requiring all houses to be numbered in order to make the plan uniform and to insure that all houses are numbered.
BACK OF THE BOOK
Bruce Willis, I am not
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
My intense fear of crashing into the ocean and being eaten by sharks has never stopped me from having a good time on an airplane. All my experiences — with the exception of a few delayed flights — have been largely positive.
That is, until recently, when a cross-country trip turned into a three-part disaster.
I arrived at the Spokane Airport to a security line that looped in on itself five times and extended past baggage claim. After three hours stuck in line (and a few tears), the airline ended up canceling the flight, and I soon boarded a redeye with three lengthy layovers that would get me to my destination by 7 a.m. the next day.
I rolled with the punches.
My second flight was delayed while the crew switched planes because the original Boeing had suffered a “catastrophic failure.”
Though I’m sure that’s the technical term, I question the flight attendant’s decision to announce that over the PA system and then refuse to elaborate.
I hoped I’d get some sleep on my final flight. I did not.
Shortly after takeoff, the cabin lights flared on, waking everyone. A panicked flight attendant screeched through the loudspeaker, “We’re having a medical emergency. Is anyone a doctor? We need a doctor or a medic... or a nurse. We need someone.”
I turned around to see a pallid
STR8TS Solution
man, slick with sweat, projectile vomiting down the aisle. Two attendants held his shoulders to keep him upright, one held an industrial-sized garbage bag in front of him and one was on her hands and knees attempting to mop up the bloody puke that was soaking into the carpet.
Right on cue, as if I’d landed in an episode of Hallmark’s The Good Witch, a photo-ready, salt-and-pepper doctor stood up, slapped on a pair of gloves and jumped into the fray. He was wearing neatly pressed slacks, a button up and — for some reason — a stethoscope.
He cared for the man for the remainder of the flight and helped load him onto the gurney when the paramedics arrived to cart away his unconscious body. They assured us that our fellow passenger would be fine.
As this medical drama played out, my adrenaline-fueled, sleep-deprived mind could form one coherent thought: It must be nice to be needed.
I was shocked by the selfishness of that idea and the overwhelming longing to help someone — anyone — not for the acclaim, but to know immediately that I’d made a difference in someone’s life.
I know I’m not cut out to be a doctor or a firefighter or a politician. I know I help people as best I can by working at the Reader. I know all that — but that doesn’t make it easier.
American culture idolizes heroes — Superman, Buffy, Bruce Willis characters — above all else. Though we know we’ll never be literal superheroes, some of us come close: boaters picking up stranded hurricane
Sudoku Solution
survivors, teachers shielding their students from school shooters. Those heroes deserve accolades, celebrations and massive outpourings of love.
Most of us will never be that kind of hero. That’s OK.
The problem is, when we’re blinded by the brilliance of the few, we lose sight of the importance of the many, everyday people who shape the world.
It’s hard to remember that help comes in all forms, and whether we’re hugging a friend or voting in an election we have no hope of winning, we’re working toward a better future. Each time we push to make our world a kinder, more inclusive place, we add a brick to a growing foundation. The future will be built on all the little choices we make.
I still have hope we’ll create a world that we can be proud of, brick by brick.
Isn’t it funny how whenever we go to a county fair or a state fair, the first thing we do is see if they have some kind of pornography booth.
Laughing Matter
By Bill Borders
manqué /mahng-KEY/
[adjective]
1. having failed, missed, or fallen short “He was a writer manqué, having never completed the novel he dreamed of publishing.”
Corrections: Hoo boy, we have the correction of all corrections to report in this edition. The last four pages of our Oct. 31 edition were left off during the printing of the Reader, leaving many of you wondering what in the heck was going on. Apologies to everyone — it was an unfortunate printers’ error and let’s hope it never happens again. Also, in the Oct. 31 article “Commissioners table rezone and map amendment of 1,565acre Schweitzer parcels,” we reported that Schweitzer’s Alterra Mountain Company requested the rezone and map amendment. The request actually came from Schweitzer Mountain Properties, which handles the development of land outside of resort operations. We regret the error.
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Tiny
6. Regard
10. Not at home
14. Small part 15. Sea eagle
16. Lacquered metalware
17. Growing old
18. Parcels of land
19. Roman robe
20. Biblical blessings
22. Towards the back
23. Apple-based alcoholic drink
24. Femme fatale 25. Boys
29. Human-powered taxi 31. Frigidity
33. Ceremonial peace pipe 37. Edit
38. Stop working 39. Parental volunteer 41. A poison 42. Allegorical story 44. Plate 45. Fanatical 48. Remarkable thing 50. Nile bird 51. In a bitter manner 56. Golly
Solution on page 22
Declare untrue
Anagram of “Sale”
Woody plants
57. Decorated, as a cake 58. Eagle’s home 59. False god 60. Identical 61. A Finnish steam bath 1. Sign of healing
A magician
Dogfish
Advanced
Rationale
Worn away
Intestinal
Clutter
10. Ascribed
Beau
Seaweed
Long for
Informant
The business of selling goods
25. Former Italian currency 26. Passed with flying colors
