For the past week I’ve been trying and failing to get a glimpse of the comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it passes by Earth for the first time in about 80,000 years. (For reference, the Neanderthals were still going strong at that time.) According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS got to within 44 million miles of the planet around Oct. 12, and is supposed to be visible with the naked eye until at least Thursday, Oct. 24. Earthsky. org recommends that those of us in the Northern Hemisphere look above the western horizon about an hour or so after sunset to watch the comet as it travels away from us, slowly getting dimmer as it pulls away, not to be seen again for another 80,000ish years. You can bet I’ll be standing in my yard hoping to wave goodbye.
Round and round
DEAR READERS,
This edition is all about the upcoming election. There is a two-page recap of the Oct. 15 candidates forum on Pages 4-6. Also, our usual candidates’ questionnaire published before every primary and general election starts on Page 13 and includes questions and answers for Legislative District 1 Senate and House candidates, as well as Bonner County commissioner candidates for Districts 1 and 3.
On another note, the Reader and the Bonner County Daily Bee are teaming up to host a press release writing workshop at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Heartwood Center. The workshop is free to attend and geared toward nonprofit members and anyone else who would like help learning how to craft an effective press release to send to local media outlets. All are invited to this workshop, where we’ll craft releases with you, give you tips and tricks, and hopefully help build good press release writing habits.
–
Ben Olson, publisher
READER
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368
Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (emeritus) Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus)
Advertising: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com
Contributing Artists:
Taran White (cover), Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, ,Vicki Reich, Jon Hagadone, Alissa Lantrip, Scott Unzen, Tricia Florence, Rich Milliron, Woods Wheatcroft, Clay Hutchison, Bill Border
Contributing Writers:
Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Gray Henderson, Lauren Necochea, Paul Graves
Though we don’t apply Christopher Columbus’ name anymore to the observance of Oct. 13 — now called Indigenous Peoples’ Day — it’s still that time of year to remind people that Columbus in no way, shape or form thought the Earth was flat. Greek scholars, including Pythagoras, knew that the planet was round as early as 500 B.C.E.; Aristotle declared it a sphere around 350 B.C.E.; and, about a hundred years later, Aristarchus and Eratosthenes went so far as to come up with a pretty darn accurate measurement for the size of the Earth. English scholar John of Holywood, a.k.a. Sacrobosco, predated Columbus by almost 300 years and his treatise — aptly titled The Sphere — was crystal clear that even regular people in the 1200s knew they were living on a round planet. So what gives with the myth that Columbus was out to prove the spherical nature of Earth? Washington Irving is to blame, via his biography of Columbus published in 1828. In that text, Irving concocted the flat-Earth story to prove a point about the anti-science stance of the medieval Spanish Catholic Church, thereby presenting Columbus’ voyages as a triumph of reason over religious dogma (which they most certainly were not).
Helpful hints
“For those who did not receive the last memo:
“THE VOID is for screaming.
“THE ABYSS is for staring.
“Please do not scream into THE ABYSS. And under no circumstances should you ever stare into THE VOID.
“That is all.”
— social media user Mark Pesce, @mpesce@arvr.social, Aug. 13, 2024
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We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person
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About the Cover
This week’s cover photo features Kara Berlin before a night sky filled with northern lights just south of Sandpoint. Photo by Taran White.
State and local election forum recap
Q&A with Dist. 1 legislative, county commissioner candidates
By Zach Hagadone and Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
About 60 people gathered Oct. 15 at the Sandpoint High School auditorium to hear contenders for the District 1 Bonner County commissioner position and Legislative District 1 Senate, and House 1A and 1B seats.
Participating in the forum were Dist. 1 BOCC candidates Brian Domke, Republican, and Steve Johnson, Democrat.
Dist. 3 BOCC Republican candidate Ron Korn and Independent candidate Glenn Lefebvre did not attend, though Korn submitted a written opening statement read by supporter Steven McKnight. Korn will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 ballot as an incumbent, while he serves out former-Commissioner Luke Omodt’s term following his resignation in September.
Candidates for Dist. 1 Senate Jim Woodward, Republican, and Dan Rose, Independent, also participated, along with Dist. 1A House contenders Karen Matthee, Democrat, and Republican incumbent Mark Sauter. Dist. 1B Democratic candidate Kathryn Larson also took part in the forum, though Republican Cornel Rasor was absent. Rasor will also appear on the ballot as an incumbent for the House 1B seat, finishing the term left open by former-Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, who stepped down in September.
Though he is running unopposed, Bonner County Assessor Dennis Engelhardt delivered an opening statement — promising to make the local assessor’s office the best run in the state, providing an update on the work of his staff to bring more properties on the tax rolls and with lower assessments. Uncontested incumbents Sheriff Daryl Wheeler and Prosecutor Louis Marshall did not attend.
Office seekers spoke for nearly two hours at the forum, hosted by 88.5 FM KRFY Panhandle Community Radio,
sandpointonline.com and the Sandpoint Reader, with Reader Publisher Ben Olson serving as moderator and presenting questions submitted by the audience. Find candidate questionnaires for contested state and local races starting on Page 13 and listen to a recording of the entire forum at krfy.org.
Opening statements
Domke kicked off the event by saying he’s “been really taken aback by the impact of growth” in the year’s he’s lived in the area with his family, and expressed the opinion that the county budget can’t bear the increased strain on its infrastructure. In his opening statement, Domke promised to use his background and professional experience to “make better choices that are thorough, well thought out, objective decisions” while treating citizens and fellow elected officials with respect.
He later emphasized his experience on the Natural Resource Committee and Priest River Planning and Zoning Subcommittee, as well as his time as a landscape architect, where he worked with federal, state and local agencies to construct K-12 and university campuses, managing budgets that exceeded $100 million.
Johnson stressed his deep roots in the area from his childhood in Sagle to his later work for the local school district managing employees and large budgets. He pledged to
bring back “common sense” to government while planning for growth and affordable housing and representing “the best interests of all Bonner County residents.” He added that he finds it “very troublesome” that “some candidates on the stage have been asked to sign a loyalty oath” pledging their adherence to the ultra-conservative platform planks of the Idaho GOP.
According to his written statement, Korn is alarmed that the county government has been “consistently taking from the residents” — citing that when he came to the county, there were no permits required to make changes to private property, but now there are more than two pages of necessary “itemized permissions.” He seeks to return to that policy, as well as bring back decorum to the commissioner office.
“We need to build bridges, not walls,” he stated, concluding by pointing out that, in his first meeting as interim commissioner, he voted to bring back public comment on each agenda item at BOCC meetings.
Rose identified his chief cultural values as, “faith in God and our savior Jesus Christ.” In addition, he cited “independence from government tax and regulation, good education — both public and private — moral health care, respect for neighbors, reliance on individual spirit and Trump populism.” He went on to list years
of experience with the Bonner County Republican Central Committee, work with the Save Selle Valley group, service on the Pend Oreille Hospital District Board, his roles as VFW vice commander and an entrepreneur, all of which would enable him to “carry the torch of liberty to Boise.”
Woodward began by referencing his previous two terms representing Dist. 1 in the Senate, until his primary loss to outgoing Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle, in 2022. Woodward’s keyword was “represent,” saying, “the job is really, truly about listening to everyone in the community and representing the community.” He described himself as a “traditional conservative Republican” who believes in the “light touch of government” and promoting “traditional Idaho values.”
Matthee pointed to her track record in journalism and the nonprofit sector, where she worked internationally with landmine survivors and as a marketing director for a humane society. “Service has always been important to me,” she said, going on to highlight priorities such as securing access to affordable housing, health care and long-term sustainability for school funding. She promised to study issues in depth and underscored that she’s not afraid to consult with others before voting. Finally, “I am not beholden to a rigid party platform,” she said. “I
will work for all of you.”
Sauter said that during his two years in the Statehouse, “I’ve done my best to represent our whole community,” focusing on education and health care, infrastructure and public safety. “We need to have a good place for jobs, and last but not least we need to have a good business community that’s supported with our own people” — specifically, ensuring workforce training opportunities that keep young people in the community.
Larson opened by saying that “party bosses have taken over” the Legislature — in particular the IFF, which has “bullied our legislators into signing loyalty oaths and then tells them how to vote when they get down to Boise.” She described North Idahoans as “fiercely independent” in her call to break party power in order to focus on infrastructure, schools, health care and a sustainable, robust economy. “It’s not serving us to give our power away to the party, so I’m running to bring pragmatic leadership,” she said.
‘Exodus’ of doctors
Asked how he’d propose to fix the “exodus” of doctors from the state — which began with the enactment of Idaho’s strict abortion laws following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in < see FORUM, Page 5 >
Candidates on stage at a candidates’ forum Oct. 15 at Sandpoint High School. Photo by Soncirey Mitchell.
2022 — Sauter said, “The first thing we need to do is pass a women’s health exception for our abortion law. ... I know we can do it; I’ve carried five other bills this year and got them all passed.”
Matthee said she agreed with creating an exception to the abortion law that protects the health of the mother — rather than only in cases of imminent death — but, “we need to go further. Politicians do not belong in our doctors’ offices.”
“We have to stop passing bills that criminalize doctors,” she added, describing the result as a “health care crisis.”
Larson said that rather than reduce the number of abortions performed in the state, the legislation has only chased away doctors.
“We need to take back this law and we need to trust doctors and women and their spiritual advisers to do the right thing,” she said. “It’s a law that’s not creating the intended outcomes but it is creating a lot of problems for us.”
In a rebuttal, Sauter cautioned pragmatism and a focused approach, noting that a majority of legislators who voted for the so-called “trigger laws” are still in power. In response, Matthee said, “We don’t know unless we try. And I’m telling you that it’s so unnerving for me that the freedoms that my mother and her generation fought so hard for are gone. In one fell swoop our GOP lawmakers have turned back the clock. We have to try; we just have to try.”
Woodward echoed Sauter’s point about the practicality of changing the legislation, though said, “It needs to be done,” and could be achieved incrementally with support from stakeholders like the Idaho Medical Association, Idaho Hospital Association and the people of Idaho.
Otherwise, he added later, “We’re going to put ourselves in a place in the state of Idaho where we don’t have a medical community to take care of us.”
Rose pushed back, saying that the comments he’d heard from other candidates “were mediocre to poor.”
“I represent the Independent Party and I have a conservative-libertarian and liberty bent. In this I will say that the current law ... states specifically that there are conditions for
abortion that are acceptable for the health of the mother, incest or rape,” he said, later adding, “The state has spoken, with the Republicans that run this state at the legislative level.”
He went on to propose penalties for performing abortions in violation of the law, including $25,000 and $50,000 fines for first and second misdemeanor offenses, respectively, followed by criminal charges.
“It’s a death agenda, not health,” he said, later adding, “The bill is fine, the penalties need to be corrected.”
Finally, Sauter said that, while policymakers can talk about morals, politics and direction, “the market is showing us what they think; [doctors] are beating feet out of here. ... Our medical community is leaving and we’re not having very much success bringing them back.”
LD1: Support for IFF and platform consistency
Partisan divisions — both inside and outside the Idaho GOP — have been a feature of the 2024 election season, as candidates have sought to define themselves ideologically.
As Democrats, it was unsurprising that both Larson and Matthee were clear on their opposition to the Idaho Freedom Foundation and its influence on the Legislature. Larson went on to say that she considers herself “very much an independent” and Matthee said that her support for the Democratic platform boils down to its emphasis on human rights.
“I don’t have to sign a loyalty oath and I wouldn’t anyway if they wanted me to,” Matthee said, adding that the IFF’s “bullying” of Republican lawmakers is “dangerous” — particularly for public schools, which she said the organization is trying to undermine in order to the clear the way for legislation redirecting funding to vouchers for private religious schools.
Sauter told forum attendees that he’s not only “not beholden” to the IFF or the party, “I’m censured. Many of you know last year I was censured by our local Bonner County Republican Committee and that one even went to the state GOP. I’ve pushed back [on the party] to say the least.”
What’s more, he said he disregards IFF’s legislative
ranking system and “I’ve cared less about talking to the IFF-ers in the hallway [of the Statehouse].”
“I am conservative in how I look at everything, but I vote for our community and I do what I believe we need to, to be a sustainable community,” Sauter said.
Rose cited his long service with the BCRCC and reminded audience members that Woodward, too, ran afoul of the committee in 2021, when members “voted almost unanimously — if not unanimously — to remove Woodward from the Republican Party because he didn’t follow the platform or meet IFF’s rankings.”
What’s more, Rose expressed his support for IFF, which he said stands for limited government and low taxes, and “that should be welcome to you that you’re seeing a ranking system that measures that stuff.” Both IFF and the Idaho Freedom Caucus —- which includes the most conservative lawmakers in the Capitol — “keep liberty-conservative agendas on the table,” Rose said.
Woodward said plainly, “I don’t have a relationship with the IFF. That went astray in the very first year that I served there in Boise.”
“I’m a lifelong Republican,” he added, going on to point out that despite Rose’s former affiliation with the Republican Party, he’s now running as an Independent cannot be endorsed by the party (though Rose said that he has the support of many members of the BCRCC).
“Whether the current local group thinks that or not, I’m an Idaho Republican,” Woodward said.
Stance on Proposition 1 Candidates’ responses were especially nuanced on the topic of Prop. 1 — the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative, which would create a single primary election accessible to all voters regardless of political affiliation, and a ranked-choice method for selecting winners in the general.
Sauter said that it’s not the business of elected officials to tell voters where to stand on a citizens’ initiative.
“It sounds like we like the open primary part ... but there’s questions about ranked-choice voting,” he added.
Matthee reiterated many
of proponents’ points about the initiative, including that it would expand participation for the 250,000 independent voters in the state.
Woodward said that he “grew up in an Idaho that had open primaries,” and since that changed in 2011 — when the Idaho GOP closed its primary — “we’ve veered off course.”
As for ranked-choice voting, he said, “it would still work and probably do just what it’s intended to do” — that is, reward candidates who have broad support and run “under the bell curve, not out on the fringes.”
“How can we cut out 2728% of the voters and say that we’re getting an election that really represents the people of idaho?” Woodward added.
Rose was strident in his opposition to Prop. 1, saying his “liberty and conservative principles tell me that this is not something to vote for,” as it would “turn Idaho ‘blue.’”
Specifically, he referred to Reclaim Idaho — which is among the groups in the coalition supporting Prop. 1 — as a “left-of-center organization” and said that the “civilian petition” isn’t fully understood.
“There’s no auditability and the county cost is going to be something that we don’t know about,” he added, later saying, “Integrity is at issue when you consider the vote that’s going to be counted in Boise.”
Larson said she supported the initiative and that rankedchoice voting would give Idahoans the opportunity to support who they think would do the best job, rather than cast ballots “based on the calculus of who is most likely to win.”
Domke stated that his opposition to Prop. 1 stems from the fact that, if elected, it would be his duty as a commissioner to certify the integrity of local elections, and he would “have no level of confidence that I could confirm, quantify and clearly audit the outcome of that type of system.” He further indicated that, though he had no official statistics, he believed that the county would incur unforeseen costs and hardships under the new system.
Johnson has no reservations regarding the validity of rankedchoice elections.
“We, as a group, are every bit as smart as those fine folks in Maine and in Alaska,” he said, referencing states that have already implemented ranked-
choice voting. “It’s not like rocket science.”
Johnson called himself a “strong supporter of Prop. 1,” as he believes it would make room for positive and communicative candidates to rise above the current divisive political climate.
“We don’t need culture wars, attacks and putting people down, and I think that Prop. 1 will be a big addition to a positive and productive election cycle,” he added.
BOCC: Acceptance of federal funds, avoidance of lawsuits and improved civility
In a political landscape that favors small government, the BOCC candidates were asked whether they would accept federal funds like the kind used by the previous board to replace seven local bridges. Domke vowed to consider the use of federal financing; however, his overall goal would be to “thoughtfully” reduce the county’s use of outside funding.
“The reality is that any time you accept outside funding there are conditions attached. We need to understand what those conditions are,” he said, adding that some requirements could add cost and complexity to a project or reduce local political autonomy.
In contrast, Johnson stated he would be “very, very reluctant not to entertain” federal funds to bankroll better county infrastructure and that federal conditions are usually “better safety requirements” or the like.
“I think we send plenty of money to the state — to Boise — and we send plenty of money to Washington, D.C. and we deserve to get as much of that money back as we can,” he added.
The issue of the county budget is complicated by the record-breaking number of lawsuits incurred in recent years. Domke believes these lawsuits are caused by “three types of reasons... commissioners violating constitutionally protected rights of citizens, county commissioners as a board choosing not to go through a thorough process of deliberation before reaching a decision, and then not applying the law equally or correctly.”
His proposed antidote included listening to citizens’ < see FORUM, Page 6 >
Early voting set to open for Nov. 5 election
By Reader Staff
Early voting in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election will open Monday, Oct. 21 and run through Friday, Nov. 1, according to the Bonner County Elections Office.
Hours will be Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Elections Office (1500 Highway 2, Suite 124, in Sandpoint).
As Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale told the
Reader in early October, voters are invited to visit the office to cast their ballots during the early voting period, or mail in a request for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be requested by Friday, Oct. 25.
“[W]e verify signatures then, and we verify the signatures again when we get them back,” Rosedale said. “That’s to make sure somebody didn’t intercept it. You can always drop it off at the Elections
Office — we have a drop box under a camera in the foyer.”
As always, Rosedale urged voters not to wait to request an absentee ballot.
“Every election we get ballots back the days following the election because they got hung up in the mail or received on Election Day after 8 p.m.,” he said.
Voters can register or update their registration up to and including Election Day,
with all information online — including how to check registration status — at voteidaho.gov/voter-registration.
The Bonner County Elections Office website also has all the necessary voting information, as well as a calendar of important dates and deadlines, at bonnercountyid.gov/departments/CountyClerk under “Elections” in the menu.
City distributes flyer on 1% local option sales tax, which will appear on Nov. 5 ballot
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Sandpoint residents recently received mailers outlining the details of a proposed 1% local option sales tax, which will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 ballot. If approved by 60% of voters, the LOT would be applied to retail sales within the city of Sandpoint, with revenues earmarked for road and sidewalk infrastructure work over a period of 25 years. According to the flyer — which was created and distributed by the city of Sandpoint — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average consumers spend about 8.4% of their household income on food at home. In Sandpoint, the 2022 U.S. Census found median household income was $60,208. Using those figures, the city’s flyer estimates that the median
Sandpoint household would spend about $5,057 on groceries over the year, amounting to $51 per year spent on the 1% sales tax increase.
Ponderay also has a 1% local option sales tax in place, which is on the 2024 ballot for renewal. At the same time, Sandpoint voters approved the increase and extension of a tax on short-term rentals and tourist lodging in 2022 from 7% to 14% through 2035, with additional revenue going toward street maintenance, reconstruction and pedestrian improvements.
City Hall’s informational mailer also pointed out that Sandpoint had another 1% LOT to pay for the renovation of Barlow Stadium and War Memorial Field. That tax sunsetted in 2020, raising a total of almost $6.9 million.
“It was observed that,
during peak tourist months, local sales tax collections rose by as much as 85%, reflecting that a significant portion of the tax was collected from tourists,” the city stated in its flyer.
Local option taxes are a tool made available to “resort cities” in Idaho, with populations 10,000 and under, and are labeled as “non-property taxes” with funds going toward “a particular purpose or purposes,” according to the city.
The infrastructure needs targeted by the proposed 1% tax include paving and resurfacing of Sandpoint’s roads, sealing and maintaining pavement to protect it against weather effects, improving stormwater management, graveling and grading alleyways, improving sidewalks and pathways throughout the city, and reconstructing failing roads.
According to a pavement
< FORUM, con’t from Page 5 >
opinions, thoroughly discussing issues before making decisions and abiding by the law.
Johnson additionally pointed to the 2019 lawsuit that the county filed against Sandpoint and the Festival at Sandpoint regarding gun restrictions at the summer music series as an indication that extremism in local politics has led to unnecessary legal battles.
“They’re extremists out on the edge, and they’ve somehow wound up in power and I think if we shoot for consensus then that will be the biggest single thing we can do to avoid costly lawsuits,” he said.
assessment by an independent specialist and commissioned by the city in 2019, the proportion of Sandpoint roads classified as “poor” or “very poor” “is double the national average.”
With 100 lane miles of road in the city — and 2016 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that one lane mile of road costs $1.5 million to reconstruct — bringing Sandpoint’s road infrastructure up to national standards will carry a high price tag.
The city stated that while dollars from the General Fund are budgeted for road and sidewalk infrastructure, “it is not enough to keep up with the cost of repairs and the continuing deterioration of our roads and sidewalks/ pathways.”
Learn more at sandpointidaho.gov.
Both candidates furth reached a “consensus,” in Domke’s words, regarding the necessity of civility among county elected officials, staff and citizens.
“I believe we have two ears and one mouth, and that’s a pretty good indication of how we should be getting along with other people. We should be listening twice as much as talking,” said Johnson, adding that so long as people stick to the facts, no one will have any reason to be offended.
Domke agreed that “we should all be quick to listen and slow to speak,” emphasizing the importance of asking questions and keeping an open mind.
“To me, if you’re electing a public servant, you want them to be willing to be challenged in any idea that they bring forward and they should be able to defend that idea and not do so in a way that they’re taking it personally,” he added.
Listen to the full broadcast of the Oct. 15 forum at krfy.org.
Top left: Vicki Reich and Jon Hagadone brought the Reader to the Great American Beer Festival in Dever, Colo. “I made the hats out of beer cans and the one I’m wearing is made out of ‘Drink the Reader’ cans,” wrote Reich.
Top right: The Granary tower under a beautiful autumn sky. Photo by
Bottom left: Sand Creek surrounded by fall colors. Photo by Scott
Alissa Lantrip.
Unzen.
Right: Lake Pend Oreille from the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. Photo by Tricia Florence.
Bottom right: Oktoberfest at Matchwood Brewing Co. on Oct. 12. Photo by Rich Milliron.
Bits ’n’ Pieces
Reader awarded national grant
Only 205 small, local news outfits in the U.S. receive grant
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Some news is a pleasure to share. This is that kind of news.
The Reader was one of 205 small, local newspapers across the nation awarded a grant, thanks to funding from Press Forward — a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. The grant comes from a shared $20 million dedicated to closing persistent coverage gaps in local media. The Reader’s grant totaled $100,000, with half awarded now and the remaining half at the end of 2025.
While Press Forward initially intended to award only 100 grants, “Motivated by the extraordinary quality and number of proposals, Press Forward is funding twice as many news organizations as it originally anticipated through its first open call,” the organization wrote.
The Reader’s was one of more than 900 applications submitted from across the nation and the only newspaper in Idaho to receive a grant.
To say this is a game changer is an understatement. Since I brought the Reader back into publication in 2015, this newspaper has survived mainly because we have learned to eliminate as much overhead as possible and wear as many hats as we can to ensure we live up to our motto: “Support an informed community.”
Those aren’t just empty words. Along with Editor Zach Hagadone and Staff Writer Soncirey Mitchell, we’re committed to making this a better place, one page at a time. Aside from our editorial staff, the Reader is thankful to have Sandy Bessler keeping the books with a smile, Chris Bessler at Keokee Media giving constant support of our endeavors, and all the many
writers and artists who have submitted their work over the nearly 10 years the Reader has been back from the dead.
This paper is a labor of love. It always has been, even during the first iteration when Zach, John Reuter and Chris DeCleur founded it after brainstorming over beers at the end of a dock in McCall. Counting those first eight years, the Reader has been a part of Sandpoint life for nearly two decades. We’ve seen some good times and quite a few bad ones. We’ve struggled, we’ve persevered, we’ve burned out and risen again. We’ve learned a lot about what our readers desire out of a free weekly paper, and each week brings its own set of challenges.
The grant will provide much-needed funding to help our paper remain vital for years to come. While it won’t solve the looming problem of print publications like ours shuttering at an alarming rate throughout the country, it will ease some of that pressure for a short time.
Thank you to Press Forward for including the Reader as one of their recipients. Thank you to our advertisers for keeping us afloat all these years. Thank you to all of those who have had their work published in the Reader — this is your paper as much as it is ours. Thank you to the many patrons who have donated to the paper over the years. We truly couldn’t have made it without you, and noting those donations certainly gave us an edge over the competition in our application.
Finally, thank you to you, dear readers. Your tireless support of this endeavor means the world to us.
From east, west and beyond
After being banned in Brazil for spreading misinformation on X, billionaire owner Elon Musk paid a $5.1 million fine and agreed to follow the nation’s media laws so his social media company could resume business, the BBC reported.
Presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris, who cared for her cancer-ridden mother, has proposed expanding Medicare to cover in-home aide for seniors. How to pay for it: Harris calls for expanding the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, and other reforms. CBS reported that Medicare now saves $31 billion annually from drug price negotiations.
Meanwhile, presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump has been making campaign history. At a town hall, after two audience members fainted (likely due to heat) The Guardian reported that Trump opted to stop questions and instead “Let’s just listen to music... who the hell wants to hear questions, right?” He “danced” for the next 39 minutes. As well, Trump has urged people to vote in January, says Democrats want to outlaw cows and windows on buildings, and called Harris “retarded.” He’s said he’ll fix any Election Day chaos — which he said would come from his opponents — by deploying the National Guard or the military.
At a recent economic forum, Trump refused to acknowledge that his tariff proposals would, as Bloomberg’s editor in chief pointed out, stop trade with China, impact 40 million U.S. jobs and have a “drastic” impact on the economy.
Inflation in the U.S. is at its lowest level since 2021, according to the BBC.
The website “Gateway Pundit,” claimed there was fraud in the 2020 vote count in Atlanta, but now says there was no fraud and has settled a defamation lawsuit for an undisclosed sum. The initial claim targeted two election workers with wrongdoing, resulting in the workers getting death threats and “severe harassment,” The Guardian reported. The women also settled a lawsuit with One America Network, which then broadcast a correction stating there was no fraud.
Hurricane Milton quickly morphed into a Category 5 hurricane last week, but subsided to a Category 3. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina also went from a Cat-5 to a Cat-3, still claiming 1,392 lives. Damages ran to $190 billion. Unlike in 2005, the president pre-approved emergency declarations. The Guardian reported that Florida had
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist
mandatory evacuation orders for 7.2 million people. Damages from high winds and flooding totaled an estimated $50 billion. At least 23 people died from Hurricane Milton.
As recent hurricane flooding in the Southeast recedes, insurance claims are providing a rude surprise: Unless bought separately, flood damage is typically not covered, The Guardian reported.
Insurance policy holders in highrisk climate-change disaster areas are being dropped. However, insurers are still covering the fossil fuel industry, according to The Lever. The Senate Budget Committee has asked insurers to disclose how much they earn from the fossil fuel industry.
Also according to The Guardian, while hurricane season ends in late November, FEMA funding until then is insufficient. Congress is in recess, and President Joe Biden said lawmakers may need to be called back to decide whether to shore up FEMA.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, of Louisiana, has resisted a callback. Bipartisan senators from hurricane-hit states say they want Congress to return to allocate more emergency hurricane relief funds. At the same time, Trump is falsely stating that the Biden administration is misusing FEMA funds to help immigrants so Democrats will have more voters (though they can’t vote unless they’re U.S. citizens). FEMA’s disaster funds are entirely separate from funds for immigration issues. But, The Washington Post reported, while Trump was in office he did use FEMA funds on immigrants.
North Carolina Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards has debunked the surge of hurricane conspiracy theories and hearsay, Mediaite reported. Edward said the $750 in FEMA relief funds for disaster survivors is a payment for essential items and not the total amount of aid to be expected. Edwards also debunked false claims that Hurricane Helene was geo-engineered by the government for the purpose of seizing and accessing regional lithium deposits.
After the National Guard reported seeing anti-FEMA militia in North Carolina, various media later reported that one man had been arrested, and FEMA disaster recovery centers remain open.
Blast from the past: “Even a dog knows the difference between being stumbled over and being kicked.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes, American writer and physician (1809-1894)
The Reader crew, past and present at Matchwood Brewing Co. at the Sept. 20 release party for the “Drink the Reader” community can. From left to right: John Reuter (former publisher), Cameron Rasmusson (former editor), Ben Olson (co-owner, publisher), Soncirey Mitchell (staff writer) and Zach Hagadone (editor). Photo by Woods Wheatcroft.
Claims vs. reality: The truth about the Open Primaries Initiative
By Gray Henderson Reader Contributor
Idahoans deserve an election system that empowers every voter, regardless of political affiliation, to have a say in our most important elections. That’s why Proposition 1, the Open Primaries Initiative, is so critical for the future of our state. This citizen-led initiative is about putting power back into the hands of the voters, not party elites or special interests.
But that doesn’t mean the initiative has been without criticism from oppositional groups, or from those who
currently hold political power thanks to Idaho’s closed primaries. This is the
Alisha Kowalski honored as the Sandpoint Chamber’s October Volunteer of The Month
By Reader Staff
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Alisha Kowalski as the October Volunteer of the Month, highlighting her numerous examples of service to the community.
Kowalski has volunteered at the Sandpoint Community Resource EnVision Center, NAMI, the Ethan Murray Foundation, Festival of Trees and is an active chamber ambassador, representing WaFd Bank.
In addition, Kowalski has served as a board member of Bonner Homeless Transitions and recently stepped into the role of interim president of the organization.
On top of her “day job” with
group who might say elections aren’t broken, so there’s no need for a fix.
But in reality, since Idaho’s primaries were closed in 2012, we’ve seen increased division and a political environment dominated by career politicians and party bosses. Proposition 1 is a necessary change to shift power back to the voters, making sure that every Idahoan can vote in every election, and ensuring our leaders are accountable to the people — not just to those who control the party machinery.
Right now, Idaho’s closed primary system blocks more than 270,000 independent voters from participating in taxpayer-funded elections unless they align with a political party. This exclusion undermines the very principle that all voices should matter in our election process. Proposition 1 corrects this by ensuring every voter can participate in every election, making our leaders more accountable to the broader community.
Some have expressed concerns that Proposition 1 would confuse voters or diminish transparency. For starters, that’s a low opinion of our voters and their abilities. In reality, the initiative is as simple as counting to four. Voters have the option to rank candidates, which ensures the elected
officials have the broadest support. Far from confusing, it’s proven successful in states like Alaska and Utah, where voters reported the system was easy to understand and effective in representing their choices.
Others worry that Proposition 1 will somehow diminish voter turnout. But by allowing more Idahoans to have a voice — and making sure our elected officials are actually accountable to the voters — Proposition 1 will actually increase voter participation. When voters know that their preferences are considered, they are more likely to engage in the process, resulting in leaders who truly represent their communities.
The Idaho Constitution affirms that all political power is inherent in the people, and Proposition 1 is a natural extension of this principle. It opens the door for all Idahoans to participate in our elections fully and fairly, regardless of party affiliation.
A “yes” vote on Proposition 1 is a vote to ensure that our state’s elections are transparent, inclusive, and truly reflective of the will of the people.
Gray Henderson is a resident of Bonners Ferry and a member of Veterans for Idaho Voters.
WaFd bank — and other volunteer commitments — Kowalski is participating in the chamber’s annual Leadership Sandpoint program. When asked about her decision to participate in Leadership Sandpoint, Kowalski shared that she looks at it as a way “to grow a deeper knowledge into the community I love to serve and how best to support this community in a leadership role in the future.”
The chamber honored Kowalski as the October Volunteer of the Month at the chamber’s Oct. 10 General Membership Luncheon.
Gray Henderson. Courtesy photo.
Alisha Kowalski and Chamber Board Chair Alison Dunbar. Courtesy photo.
Bouquets:
• To the kind soul who left an anonymous card under our door last week with $500 inside: Thank you! I’m sorry nobody was in the office to receive your donation. I wish I knew who to thank for the generosity, but I respect your wish to remain anonymous. Here’s a Bouquet for your kindness. Thank you again.
Barbs:
• Just so everyone is clear on this, the Reader does not endorse political candidates or ballot measures. It’s not because we’re afraid of upsetting advertisers. It’s not because we don’t feel passionately about political matters in our personal lives. It’s an ethical decision not to publicly tell our readers who to vote for. We provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. The rest is up to you. The only endorsement I make at election time is to tell every eligible voter to register and vote on Election Day, because the more people who vote, the more we live up to the representative system of government our founders intended for us.
• There is a newfangled invention in the automotive world I’d like to introduce to our readers. It’s that little lever on the left side of the steering wheel called a “turn signal.” Push it down and it tells other drivers you’re turning left. Move it upward and it tells other drivers you’re turning right. Magic, am I right? Keeping it straight where it is while turning tells other drivers, “Hey y’all, I’m an ass and I don’t really care to communicate with anyone about where I’m going.” Bonus points are issued when you use it while exiting a roundabout.
‘Vote
“yes” on Prop. 1’...
Dear editor,
Please join me in voting yes for open primaries on Proposition 1 on the November ballot. Voting yes sends the message that all Idaho voters should have a choice in the primaries. We shouldn’t be forced to choose a party. We should be able to choose the candidates of our choice regardless of affiliation.
Prior to 2011, Idaho had open primaries. The Republican Party sued the state to close them. Closed primaries force folks to register for a party they don’t necessarily agree with just to have a say. Voters who are independent get no say at all. That is not fair — especially when elections are funded with all of our tax dollars. This also leads to low voter turnout.
The people of Idaho have spoken, judging by more than 63,000 signatures gathered on petitions in 18 legislative districts.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who worked to get this initiative on the ballot.
Margie Corcoran Sagle
Give Kathryn Larson a chance to represent us in ID House 1B seat…
Dear editor, Kathryn Larson, wow! Now that’s a candidate for Idaho House Seat 1B. Kathryn has all the qualifications you would want for your representative in the Idaho Legislature. She is a no-nonsense, highly qualified candidate. She will focus on the things that are important to the citizens of District 1, such as quality public education, access to health care and improving infrastructure to support growth of the local economy.
Kathryn’s by-word is integrity; and, boy are we in some short supply of that these days. She has pledged to be open and honest and I, for one, believe her.
Come on, let’s give her a chance to focus on us locally, promote freedom and an economy that works for all rural North Idaho.
Vote for Kathryn Larson, District 1 Seat B.
Sylvia Humes Sandpoint
We have a great slate of candidates to bring about change for our great state…
Dear editor, Election day is nearing, and — nationally — it looks like a dog fight. My money’s on Harris over the old narcissistic convicted felon, draft-dodging, bully from Mar-a-Lago. Yes, it would be nice for the traditional GOP and independents
to vote country over party for once, but I’m not holding my breath. The extremists that control the GOP will probably get Idaho’s electoral votes.
We have a great slate of Democratic candidates in Congressional District 1, Legislative District 1 and Bonner County, with integrity, commitment to public service and dedication to serving the whole community. Not to be confused with the extremists who think that they should control women’s bodies as well as what we read, think or who we love.
Starting at the top with CD1 I’m going with Kaylee Peterson over her GOP opponent. Peterson over Fulcher is a “no brainer.” In LD1 we’ve got a twofer — both 1A, Karen Matthee and 1B, Kathryn Larson, are candidates who want to restore the freedoms lost to Idahoans over the past decades of GOP dominance. For county commissioner, I’m voting for Steve Johnson over his opponent. We need change if things are going to improve. Change can only happen when we vote.
Gil Beyer Sandpoint
Trust Matthee to work on women’s health care in Boise…
Dear editor,
For months now, Karen Matthee has addressed the loss of our doctors in Idaho. She will do something about it and that’s why I’m voting for her on Nov. 5.
She brought BGH staff to my women’s group to discuss how the hospital is working to restore labor and delivery. She understands the problem is complex and requires financial support from local, state and federal sources. She also understands — as the chief medical officer stated — that the Legislature will need to create an exception to the abortion ban to protect the health and fertility of a patient so OB-GYNs feel it is safe to practice here. Currently, our pregnant moms are driving to Coeur d’Alene for OBGYN appointments and delivery. OBGYNs there know that if a complication arises, a patient can be whisked across state lines for treatment in minutes. Still, doctors face each day dreading emergencies knowing they can intervene only to prevent death — not organ loss, paralysis or loss of fertility. This goes against everything they’ve been taught.
Send Karen Matthee to Boise in November, and she will help untangle this health care crisis created by the GOP supermajority. Trust Karen Matthee. Trust our doctors.
Lee Christensen Sandpoint
To ESPN: ‘I will smile at your demise’…
Dear editor, In my life, I rarely wish ill will on anything (maybe believing in Karma), but I now wish this happens to ESPN and all the powers to be that run this money-hungry outfit.
I am so old that I remember Sept. 21, 1970, when Howard Cossell and Don Meredith did the vocals on Monday night football. It made Mondays a thing to look forward to after the rush of so many games of NFL football on Sunday.
Now, spending millions to try to make money — with no regard for those who cannot afford ESPN — the conglomerate has screwed all the people who cannot afford or do not care about that station.
I do not wish to be forced to go to a bar to watch a football game.
I want to sit in my chair at home and maybe not even have a beer. (I indulge in good wine, which bars do not offer.)
So, ill will to ESPN. You have spoiled my Mondays and part of my happy life. I will smile at your demise.
James Richard Johnson Clark Fork
‘The right to lie’…
Dear editor,
As we are witnessing more than ever in this election season, leading national politicians are exercising their right to lie. It doesn’t even matter which politicians or which party you think are lying: this is a bipartisan issue.
Lying doesn’t go very far in our state and local elections, not with people who live and work together in a community. We agree on funding public schools. We appreciate our library just the way it is. We want our hospital back. We are tolerant of different religions, different lifestyles, different people and dogs.
An open primary is the only place where we can stop the right to lie from taking root. Through the use of the citizens’ initiative, we can pass laws when our Legislature isn’t getting anywhere useful. With open primaries, we will be able to choose people who will get things done instead of grandstanding.
Voting in every election, including choosing which candidates appear on the general election ballot, is the fundamental safeguard of democratic freedom.
If you want to take back our power from party elites and out-of-
state power brokers, vote for Prop. 1 (open primaries). Make Bonner County great again.
Nancy Gerth Sagle
Prop. 1 will widen the voting population…
Dear editor, Ranked-choice voting and open primaries are on the ballot in five states and Washington, D.C., this fall. In Idaho, Prop. 1 gives all voters the opportunity to vote in the single primary election, and to rank their choices in the general election, giving them more opportunity to have their vote count.
In the proposed initiative, all registered voters would cast one vote in each partisan race. Currently, over 270,000 unaffiliated registered voters in Idaho are left out of this process. The top four candidates from the primary appear on the November ballot. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they win. Currently that is not the case in Idaho.
Many states have a runoff election if a winning candidate lacks a majority. Ranked-choice voting is an instant runoff that saves time and money. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the last-place candidate is eliminated. Votes for this candidate are then transferred to those voters’ second choice. If needed, the process is repeated until the winning candidate has a majority. This is still a one-person, one-vote system, and federal courts have ruled that it is constitutional.
Kathleen Painter Bonners Ferry
Mark Sauter legislates for the betterment of all in Dist. 1A…
Dear editor,
I was introduced to Mark Sauter while he was helping to procure the BonFire Project grant money to better prepare and protect the lives and property of our Mountain Pine Shores community.
Mark has repeatedly proven his ability to work with ours and other communities in our district during the past legislative session. Mark has listened to the views, concerns and needs of the residents within our district as a guide when regarding new legislation that would affect us.
It is no secret that several of the far right-wing extremist Republican groups in Idaho are not pleased with Mark because he is not in lockstep with their agenda. Mark is
< LTE, con’t from Page 10 > for Ross Perot would probably have voted for George H. W. Bush as their second choice. Vote “yes” for open primaries and allow all Idahoans to vote.
a common-sense, thinking Republican, who has ignored the extremist pressure and will continue to vote for and create legislation for the betterment of all of us.
For the benefit of everyone who resides here in District 1A — and not just a small group. I’m voting to re-elect Mark Sauter.
Jim Johnson Sagle
Mark Sauter legislates for the betterment of all in Dist. 1A…
Dear editor,
My fellow Republicans, on election night 2016, while driving home from work, it became clear that Donald Trump would become the 43rd president. That same evening, as an adult Boy Scout leader, I had the privilege of giving the weekly meeting’s “Scoutmaster Minute,” which is intended to be a short inspirational thought to carry the boys through the week ahead. I told the boys that the beauty of our country was that, despite political differences, we would have a peaceful transfer of power, because that is who we are as Americans. And we did — in 2016. Fast forward to January 2020, and I had to eat my words, when a Trump-led coup d’etat attempted to violently overthrow a duly elected president. Is that the America we want, where violence replaces the rule of law? How can we Republicans continue to support Trump, who is a twice impeached, treasonous insurrectionist, convicted felon, proven sexual offender, six-time bankrupt businessman and a genuinely nasty person?
Is that really who you want as the leader of the free world?
If you choose Trump as your president, you are aiding and abetting his crimes. Think again before coloring in that box for president.
Daniel Haley Sandpoint
‘Opponents
of Prop. 1 assume Idahoans are stupid’…
Dear editor,
Probably the most important item on the ballot in Idaho this November is Prop. 1, the Open Primaries initiative. Currently, more than 250,000 registered Idaho voters are disenfranchised. If they prefer to remain independent they cannot vote in the primary elections. This is just un-American. Opponents of Prop. 1 assume Idahoans are stupid. Their signs claim that the initiative is “confusing.” How confusing are the numbers one to four? In the final elections, Idahoans can vote for only one candidate, or they can list a second choice or even a third or fourth if they so desire. How confusing is that? Alaska and Maine have this “ranked-choice” voting already. The final result will be a candidate with over 50% of the vote.
Had this been in effect in national elections in 1992, Bill Clinton would probably not have won, as he had less than 50%, and those voting
John Harbuck Sandpoint
‘Insulting the Idaho Club’...
Dear editor,
K.L. Huntley’s article on the Trestle Creek project [Perspectives, “Save the kokanee: Make your voice heard on proposed Trestle Creek project,” Oct. 3, 2024] concludes with a cheap shot at the Idaho Club and its residents. As a long-term resident of the Idaho Club, I am personally insulted by the claim that the Idaho Club is not doing anything to enhance the community. There is ample evidence to the contrary. Idaho Club residents are among the most generous benefactors in Bonner County. Our residents are heavily involved in local charities with both cash and muscle, including Rotary, PAFE, CREC, Festival of Trees and many others. The top-selling Christmas tree in 2023 went for $32,000 to an Idaho Club resident. The club itself has been very generous, donating use of the golf course at no charge to many local charities every year. Most importantly, The Idaho Club has donated to the Kalispel Indian Tribe a six-acre parcel, comprising 1,000 feet of frontage on Trestle Creek, from the lake to the railroad — property that will never be developed.
The Idaho Club project will not touch Trestle Creek, and will actually be a big bonus for fish. Opponents to this project should do their homework.
David Reed Sandpoint
Matthee
is ‘genuine in her concern and support for all her constituents’...
Dear editor,
Join me in casting your ballot for Karen Matthee, Seat 1A representative. Having met Karen and spent time with her, she is genuine in her concern and support for all her constituents. She really listens and candidly shares where she stands on issues. Her focus on public schools and libraries and bringing back our doctors to provide health care for all of us are topics that are near and dear to me.
In education, Karen wants to make more funds available, especially to rural school districts. Funding can come from the $5.2 billion in sales tax exemptions. She wants to keep public money in public schools; no vouchers for private schools with public money. Karen wants to review bond rules, making it easier to pass bonds for needed buildings. With libraries, Karen wants to reject House Bill 710, which has caused some libraries to close their doors to minors.
Read Karen’s website, kmattheeforidaho. com, for more about her platform, including lowering the cost of living.
You can see from her views that she lives by the motto her mother taught her: “Do right by others.” Join me in doing right and vote for
Karen Matthee for representative 1A.
Jan Geren Sagle
‘Karen Matthee won’t criminalize doctors’…
Dear editor,
This year, Rep. Mark Sauter voted for three bills that criminalize doctors for providing the best evidenced-based standard of care for their patients. The most controversial of these is S.B. 1329, which now requires youth 14 to 18 years old to obtain parental consent to access most medical care. It also requires providers to give a parent access to their minor children’s medical records in almost all circumstances. And the repercussions for non-compliance are severe.
Health care providers testified during the committee hearings for this bill. They all opposed it, and outlined the harm it would cause. Doctors continue to argue that the bill will increase teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, drug abuse and mental health issues.
In addition, law enforcement officials testified against this bill, because they know it would hinder reports of incest and rape.
Lastly, Gov. Brad Little cited these issues and more, and asked for amendments in 2025 before signing the bill into law.
Unlike her opponent, Karen Matthee will never sign a bill that will cause harm, reduce a doctor’s ability to do their job and that will ultimately need to be rewritten. That’s why I’m voting for Karen Matthee on Nov. 5.
Galen Hill Sandpoint
‘Support Mark Sauter, a good representative for both counties’...
Dear editor,
I hope Boundary and Bonner County residents will join me in voting for Mark Sauter as our District 1 House legislator. Over the past two years, Mark has demonstrated that he is a strong representative for our two counties. Mark spends much time talking to county residents from all walks of life and is the only candidate who truly understands the many local issues with our schools, our jobs, our businesses and our health care system.
Mark has backbone — he has demonstrated that he listens to his constituents and does not cave to the bullying by the phony Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF). Mark, an honest man with integrity and dedication, will represent our two counties and make good rational decisions.
Vote to retain Mark Sauter.
Kennon McClintock Moyie Springs
Send letters to the editor to letters@ sandpointreader.com. The word limit is set at 200 words or less until after the election. Please elevate the conversation. Trolls will be ignored.
We must unite to reject racism
Rep. Lauren Necochea, D-Boise Reader Contributor
When we elect someone to public office, we entrust them with substantial power. With that power comes responsibility. Elected officials must be held to an ethical standard. Those who abuse their positions or spread hate must be held accountable.
Dan Foreman, the Republican state senator for District 6, has consistently demonstrated behavior that is beneath the position of senator and dangerous for our state.
During a recent bipartisan candidate forum in Kendrick, Foreman yelled, “Go back to where you came from,” to Trish Carter-Goodheart, the Democratic candidate for House Seat 6B and a member
of the Nez Perce Tribe. He then stormed out, refusing to finish the debate. This shameful incident occurred after Carter-Goodheart respectfully shared examples of discrimination in Idaho. A room of witnesses, including Republican Rep. Lori McCann, can attest to his behavior. Every Idahoan should
stand with the Nez Perce Tribe, which made a powerful statement, including these words, “Given our history and presence in the region, it is difficult to interpret the recent incident as anything other than an attempt to racially divide people while diminishing the value of some relative to others. The Nez Perce Tribe refuses to tolerate this kind of hateful and divisive politics, and we ask other elected leaders in this region to stand with us in pushing back against such offensive behavior.
“The people of this region are amazing and diverse and deserve leadership that represents and respects us all. Working with and getting to know our neighbors is the most effective way to actively address and prevent ignorance from gaining a foothold in
this region. Together, we can make this region a home for everyone.”
Unfortunately, Idaho’s Republican leaders have zero interest in coming together to denounce racism. The Republican voters I know wouldn’t make excuses for a racist statement, but that’s exactly what the extreme-right leadership of the Idaho GOP did. Dorothy Moon dismissed the incident as “a setup,” which would be laughable if it weren’t so serious.
Meanwhile, Foreman refuses to apologize and only doubles down on hateful rhetoric with a nonsensical rant on social media, extending his attacks to gay people. Rep. Brandon Mitchell, who also represents the district, has been disturbingly silent, as has every Republican leader in the state.
Political life ‘on the bias’
By Paul Graves Reader Contributor
As we race closer to Election Day on Nov. 5, let’s pause for a moment and think about bias. We all have biases, particularly when it comes to politics. We may be biased about one party or another. We may be biased about whether or not to even vote.
So often, “bias” is simply a code word for a negative attitude toward someone else or some idea. But “bias” can be a positive trait. It all depends on what values and practices your bias supports.
Years ago, I learned about “bias” from my quilting wife. As she prepares material to be pieced, she often cuts the fabric “on the bias.”
Fabric cut on the bias simply means it’s cut across the grain. It not only creates a different look on certain patterned fabric, but it allows the fabric to be more flexible.
Political bias can go “across the grain,” not destroying anything but making
it more flexible to identify common interests.
A dramatic example happened in early October, when former-Republican Wyoming Sen. Liz Cheney campaigned in support of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency. Cheney really crossed the grain of MAGA Republicans by her actions. But her bias strongly supports the Constitution and the institution we call democracy.
I share that bias! My bias affirms that the election of president and all the way
down the ballot will say a whole lot about how serious we are to maintain an open, inclusive sense of democracy in America.
In Idaho, the political bias is a deep red color. But that doesn’t mean that people who are unaffiliated or are Democrats are any less important than the majority Republicans.
I believe the minority needs to be biased — to cut across the political grain — and keep the Republican majority honest in its efforts to lead the whole state. Many biased unaffiliated and Democratic persons agree. But more must show up if that bias is to be more effective.
The Proposition 1 Initiative on open primaries is the No. 1 example here! The Republican-driven closed primary started in 2012. One of its consequences has been to discourage non-Republican voters to not even bother to vote.
In the May 2024 primary, 59% of registered Republicans voted. Unaffiliated voters were at 27% and only 13% of
Idahoans are better than Foreman, and they deserve better. If Republican leaders don’t hold him accountable, voters can. Foreman’s challenger, Julia Parker, is a nurse and leader committed to representing all constituents, not just an extreme faction. She listens, engages respectfully and works to improve lives in her district.
Foreman is extreme, reckless and unfit. Voters must take a stand this November. It’s time to send Foreman home — this time, for good.
Rep. Lauren Necochea is the House assistant Democratic leader, representing District 19 in Boise on the Environment, Energy and Technology; Resources and Conservation; Revenue and Taxation; and Ways and Means committees.
registered Democrats voted. It’s clear that the Republican Party in Idaho has the political power for now.
And they will continue to hold that power until unaffiliated and Democratic voters begin to vote their bias toward expanding voting opportunities by non-Republicans and disaffected Republican citizens. The Open Primaries Initiative will give them a chance to get their motivation to vote back.
If you ask “why bother?” about voting this month (or on Nov. 5), consider adopting this acronym: GAD. It stands for Give a Damn!
The phrase drips with passion, purpose and courage — and positive bias. In our Republican-dominated state, we need all those characteristics to stand up for what we believe are the right actions to take to improve the life-quality of Idaho citizens.
GAD counters a long-ago phrase, “I don’t give a damn.” It has a history. According to A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, published 1785,
a “dam” was an Indian coin of little value.
One story goes that it was used by British soldiers traveling in mid-18th century India. They would say, “I don’t give a dam” (the “n” was left out). So the soldiers didn’t bother to give a worthless dam.
So today, I encourage us to GAD when it comes to voting. Your value as a human being is affirmed when you GAD.
But to GAD requires something of us. Like a healthy bias toward the common good and across the grain of political manipulation. Own your own personal and public responsibility. GAD and vote!
Paul Graves is a retired United Methodist pastor and longtime Sandpoint resident, where he served on the City Council and as mayor. He also works as a geriatric social worker, serving as “Lead Geezer-in-Training” for Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues.
Rep. Lauren Necochea. File photo.
Paul Graves. Courtesy photo.
2024 General Election CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Races for Bonner County commissioner Dists. 1 and 3, and Dist. 1 Legislature
Compiled by Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson and Soncirey Mitchell
Publisher’s note: Before each election, the Sandpoint Reader reaches out to candidates in state and local contested races to ask questions about how they would represent the constituents in the offices they seek. Below are questions and answers for the offices of Idaho Legislative District 1A and 1B House, District 1 Idaho Senate, and Districts 1 and 3 Bonner County commissioners on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election ballot.
All candidates who responded to our questions have been included below, with some answers edited for length.
The Reader joined KRFY 88.5FM and sandpointonline.com to host a candidates’ forum at Sandpoint High School on Oct. 15. Find a recording of the forum at krfy.org or read a recap on Pages 4-5 of this edition.
Finally, don’t forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Bonner County Commissioner
1. Why are you running for Bonner County commissioner?
2. Political tensions have reached an all-time high. If elected, what role will your political affiliation play in your future decisions? How will you strive to represent all your constituents, meanwhile maintaining a cordial relationship with county staff?
3. How will you balance the wants and needs of your constituents, your responsibilities as a public servant and your personal philosophies and priorities?
4. Which (if any) major decisions or precedents set by the previous board do you agree with and which would you seek to overturn?
5. The previous board focused on issues surrounding public comment, responsible land use and spending. Are these still the BOCC’s top priorities, and if so, how will you approach them?
District 1
Age: 49
Birthplace and residence: born in New Jersey, Bonner County resident
How many years lived in Bonner County: 10
Past/current government service (if applicable): chairman of the Planning and Zoning Sub-Area Committee for Priest River/Oldtown (2019-2021), member of the Bonner County Natural Resource Committee (2017-2019)
Profession: Landscape architect
Education: B.S., Cornell University; A.A.S., Morrisville State College
1. I am running for this office to bring decorum and effectiveness back to the board of county commissioners. The recent dysfunction within the BOCC has created an environment that is inefficient, creating unnecessary liability, a work environment that negatively impacts the retention and recruitment of county staff, and has resulted in an adversarial relationship between the BOCC and the public. It is my intent to reverse these negative impacts so that our county can rebuild a healthy relationship with the public, retain and attract talented county staff, reduce its legal liability and use tax dollars in an effective and efficient manner.
2. County business is typically focused on local services and infrastructure topics that impact all the citizens in our county, regardless of polit-
ical affiliations. I will focus on working with the public, county staff and fellow elected officers in a respectable manner to make decisions that are in the best interest of our county as a whole, not decisions that are politically driven. I will listen to the concerns and ideas of all county citizens to make better informed decisions and address the issues facing our county. I see the role of a county commissioner as one of being a public servant that has the best outcomes for our county in mind.
3. Balancing the wants and needs of our community will always be challenging due to differing opinions and the fact that our needs will be greater than our available resources. I plan to actively listen to all our county constituents to better understand the wants
and needs of our community, and then prioritize the “must have” items over the “nice to have” items. I will also run each idea through the filter of legal conformance and hierarchy to our national Constitution, state Constitution, state laws and county codes. I will strive to treat each person and issue equally under the law. As a public servant, I will accept feedback and strive to always improve in my service to our community. Our inalienable rights come from God and all political power is inherent in the people, so I will strive to serve with humility, while respecting both God and the people.
4. I support the board’s recent decision to allow public comment on each item of the business meeting agenda and to treat the public with respect. I stand in opposition
to many actions of the board, which include their decisions to ignore the need of including telecommunications facilities (such as cell towers) in the comprehensive plan to protect residential areas from harm and approving conditional use permits that are being used to circumvent obtaining a zone change, claiming that the private property rights of a permit applicant take priority over that of the adjacent property owners (all property owners have equal rights, which include not being harmed by your neighbor). I will seek to have language added to the comprehensive plan that protects residential areas from the harm that can be caused by cell towers and to revise the county code to remove loopholes from conditional use permits.
< see Q&A, Page 14 >
Brian Domke, R
(Domke answers con’t)
5. Yes, these issues are still top priorities for our county. I would address these topics by: helping to restore professional conduct within the BOCC through leading by example, such as treating others with respect and staying focused on each issue, not the personalities associated with the issue; improving the comprehensive plan and land use regulations to better assess and define which areas of the county can support stable growth without overtaxing the capacity of the land or harming the adjacent neighbors, plus adding development impact fees to place the burden of cost on the new developments; developing the county annual budget using a zero-based approach to reduce any unnecessary spending that can result from a lack of thorough review and confirming that each budget item is supported by state statute to be sure our tax dollars are being spent on appropriate services and infrastructure, not special interests. <
Age: 74
Birthplace and residence: Lifelong resident of North Idaho, farm in Sagle
How many years lived in Bonner County: 67
Past/current government service (if applicable): Bonner County Library District trustee, Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce education chair
Profession: Retired educator with 40 years experience
Education: M.A., education and administration, University of Idaho
1. I am running for Bonner County commissioner because I want to help return common sense leadership to our local government. Bonner County has been home for a long time and we deserve county commissioners who behave in a civil and productive man-
ner with each other and with the public. It has been embarrassing and unproductive to have commissioners who publicly disrespect each other and disrespect the public. I pledge to treat everyone with respect. We have serious issues and we need serious commissioners committed to finding solutions. I have 40 years of experience working with large, diverse groups of people and helping to solve complex problems. I’ve worked with groups on long-range planning, multi-million dollar public building projects and staff evaluations.
2. My role as county commissioner will include researching issues, listening respectfully to input from the public and from fellow commissioners and engaging in thoughtful deliberations that will guide my decisions. I do not believe political affiliation will impact my interactions with the public or with the other commissioners. I believe the county staff has the right to be respected and I pledge to demonstrate that respect. After all, county commissioners represent everyone in the county.
3. I have over 40 years balancing the wants and needs of individuals and groups. My primary responsibility is to the citizens of Bonner County and what’s in their best interest. Respect, civility and sincere listening will be my guiding principles.
4. I agree with the previous board when they made decisions about accepting state and federal programs that resulted in seven new bridges and the new EMS building. I will be a strong advocate for grants and programs that offer financial assistance to improve the lives of Bonner County citizens. I also approve of the previous board’s decision to develop and complete the Bonner County comprehensive plan. One area I don’t agree with the previous board of county commissioners on is litigation. They should not have sued the city of Sandpoint over the radical behavior of Scott Herndon at the
Festival at Sandpoint. It cost our county taxpayers over $100,000. I will not be supporting that type of litigation.
5. I believe the top priorities for the Bonner County commissioners are fiscal responsibility and transparency, regaining the public trust and confidence, completing the comprehensive plan and working collaboratively with private and public groups to develop solutions for affordable housing so we can all afford to live here. I believe in the freedom to vote in every taxpayer supported election and I will vote “yes” for Proposition 1.
District 3
Glenn Lefebvre, I DID NOT RESPOND
Age: 58
Birthplace and residence: Anchorage, Alaska; Bonner County
How many years lived in Bonner County: 58 years
Past/current government service (if applicable): N/A
1. I think Bonner County is at a turning point. The main reasons I am running are growth and land use and the dysfunctional board. As a lifelong resident, I have a vested interest in the direction
Bonner County is taking. I genuinely think I understand the people of Bonner County and can represent them well. Whether you are a newcomer, a lifelong resident or from a multigenerational family I think we all can agree this is a wonderful place to live. I want to preserve the natural beauty and slower way of life that is accustomed to the people of Bonner County.
2. My political affiliation will not play a role in future decisions. I am nonpartisan and will represent everyone equally and on the merits of each situation. It makes no difference to me what party you belong to or your status. Maintaining cordial relationships comes easy to me and I don’t intend to let politics get in the way of county business.
3. Having lived and worked in Bonner County most of my life, I think I understand the wants and needs of Bonner County residents. I speak with hundreds of people a week. I have also been following the Bonner County government very closely and I know and share the concerns being voiced. Those include: growth that is changing our rural character, rubber stamping development, public safety, waterways, natural resources, high property assessments and lack of trust, respect and professionalism. I hope to implement positive changes on all those issues, bringing back much needed balance.
4. I honestly can’t think of any major decision that I agreed with from the past board. I watched long-standing and normal business and hearing practices fall apart and I would like to get those back to normal. I support allowing 20 minutes of public comment at the beginning of business meetings, removing the oppressive standing rules and removing the requirement to sign in
5. I don’t want to see the new board focus any more unnecessary time and energy on the issue of public comment. By removing the obstacles mentioned above and listening to the public’s input, I foresee that issue going away. Responsible land use and spending are still a top priority. I would propose hiring a professional planning firm to evaluate whether the comprehensive plan (currently being updated) accurately represents the sentiment and goals of Bonner County’s unique communities. I suggest utilizing those professionals and the planning department to rewrite county code in a way that will meet those goals. I will consider putting the Planning and Zoning commissions back together again and reconsider the role of the hearing examiner. I think following a plan and closing loopholes in our land use and building code will go a long way toward responsible growth and spending.
Steve Johnson, D
Ron Korn, R (incumbent)
1. Why are you running for District 1 Senate?
District 1 Idaho Senate
2. What do you see as the top challenge facing District 1, and how do you propose to address it?
3. What’s your stance on Proposition 1 — the so-called “Open Primaries Initiative”?
4. According to the 2024 Boise State University Public Policy survey, a majority of Idahoans favor expanding exceptions to Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, which has effectively limited the availability of women’s reproductive health care in the state. Do you agree with loosening — or repealing — the law, and what do you say to constituents who are concerned that it’s too restrictive and has a negative impact on women’s health care?
5. Idaho’s Republican supermajority is visibly fractured at the moment, including different versions of the “Freedom Caucus” competing for leadership of the party. How do you see yourself operating in that political environment?
Age: 58
Birthplace and residence: Born in Boston, Mass., resides in Samuels, Idaho
How many years lived in Bonner Co.: 9.5 years, including Boundary County
Past/current government service (if applicable): Pend Oreille Hospital District trustee 2017-2023; Bonner County Elections, chief poll judge in Airport, Clagstone/Edgemere, East Priest River, Sagle and Southside/ Cocolalla districts
Profession: Retired Massachusetts state trooper, 22.5 years; VFW Desert Storm, 1990-1991; Military Police, enlisted E-6 and commissioned O-3, 10 years
Education: B.S., finance and investment, Babson College; M.A., criminal justice, Ana Maria College
Contact info: RoseforIdaho@gmail.com
1. I’m running for Idaho Senate to represent the taxpayers of North Idaho, not the Boise bureaucrat interests. I have a proven record of public service and integrity in promoting conservative principles to LD1. I am the only liberty/conservative candidate in the Senate race. I recognize the Democrat strategy being employed, initially, between the two Democrats in the LD1 Senate race. Jim Woodward had an unimpressive senator voting record, on par with Democrat peers in his prior years of Senate service. I believe changes will appear before North Idahoans in 2024. An international Central Bank Digital Currency system
akin to economic slavery, multiple-front wars, indirect U.S. support of Gazan genocide, a domestic border invasion, inflation, loss of medical sovereignty, election fraud, federal abuse of power against state and individual rights, and a loss of representational trust in elected officials all weigh heavily on the 2024 political discussions if we are to preserve valued liberties and freedoms.
2. Tax policy: Grocery tax repeal or an increased standard $190/person and/or an itemized rebate increase, property tax parity between commercial and residential properties by purchase of a CoStar assessment tool, school funding of public and private education by a $6,000 school voucher or a $10,000 tax exemption per student and removal of illegal immigration taxes by implementation of Trump’s deportation plan. Woodward has stated he will not provide you full tax relief. With ongoing revenue surpluses, I will seek taxpayer relief for you.
Misrepresentation: The Bonner County Republican Central Committee passed a nearly unanimous 2021 resolution seeking to remove Woodward from the Republican Party. Currently, the party refused to endorse him by nearly a ⅔ vote. Independent and newly registered voters were actively solicited to augment party crossover voters for the Democrats to push Woodward to a 2024 primary win. Friends and neighbors, as a liberty-conservative, Independent candidate, I’m supported by many of the ⅔ of the BCRCC.
3. The media calls this
question “open primaries” because Part 1 of the question has initial acceptance by some. However, the real problem is the second part of the Prop. 1 question, which many more recognize as unacceptable. I am against Prop. 1. The Prop. 1 question submitted by Reclaim Idaho is a policy design that does not address the county’s cost of implementation and is a citizen-proposed, unfunded mandate. There is no vote integrity in a local review of a ranked-choice vote, as tabulation will occur in Boise. Each round of voting takes additional time, and results may take weeks to determine. The ranked-choice process is not a one person/ one vote selection, but rather vote assignment to second, third and fourth rounds. Not identifying alternative, weaker or unacceptable candidates throws my successive round vote out, thus lowering the majority threshold level. There is no need to recreate the voting wheel, unless one is desiring to make Idaho blue.
4. First, a “near-total abortion ban” is a false condition, contradicted by I.C. 18-622. The abortion process is the killing of a viable life, it is not in many cases “health care.” Idaho does not have a health care crisis, unless we’re discussing vaccination and fentanyl injuries. The underlying question is do we have a choice-of-life crisis. Proverbs 19:18, “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.” Principles matter to the faithful. I.C. 18-622 allows for abortion for health
of the mother, rape and incest considerations. Legal penalties should be modified starting with a misdemeanor $25,000 and then a $50,000 financial penalty, before implementation of criminal and license penalty. By the third offense, it is clear that a doctor is violating the law. I’m sure there’s an abundant number of OBGYN pro-life doctors who would love to live and practice in LD1. With a pro-life marketing plan involving BGH and other regional hospitals, I’m sure LD1 can overcome any shortages of staff.
5. There the Reader goes again. The premise of the “supermajority” question is embellished. Though many legislators are registered Republicans, just like Woodward, they vote too often with the Democrat agenda. I am the Independent candidate in the Senate race. I identify with the liberty and conservative agenda. I will be able to help smooth over any conflicts, as I already have relationships with Republican leaders, but the disagreements are overstated. Politics requires thick skin and integrity, and all are positioning for the best legislative session outcome. When the dust settles, unity of the core mission will prevail. I observe weekly Reader comments and guest comments that dwell on Republican bashing, as their agenda promotes the hardline of socialist and Marxist opinions of Jim Jones and Lauren Necochea? I will seek to support both the Idaho Freedom Foundation and the Idaho Freedom Caucus leadership toward influencing
liberty Senate leadership, from the pro-tem to the committee chairmanships.has been home for a long time and we deserve county commissioners who behave in a civil and productive man
Age: 53
Birthplace and residence: Birthplace: Anacortes, Wash., residence: Sagle, Idaho
How many years lived in Bonner Co.: 28 years; 16 years in Boundary County
Past/current government service (if applicable): 21 years of Navy service in submarines, coastal warfare and physical security; Legislative District 1 state senator for four years; Sagle Fire District commissioner for seven years; Northern Lights board member for 10 years
Profession: Excavation and marine contractor
Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, University of Idaho
1. I would like to keep Idaho Idaho. I think most everyone is here for similar reasons, whether new to the area or from a multi-generational Idaho family. We enjoy our independence but with responsibility for our actions. We want small government that is fiscally conservative. We live and let live. We know that the best decisions are those made closest to home. I advo-
Dan Rose, I
Jim Woodward, R
cate for states’ rights in our federalist system and local decision-making by locally elected officials within the state. I believe the role of state government is to take on the tasks that we cannot accomplish as individuals. I disagree with the bills coming out of the Legislature that are an attempt to legislate morality based on individual ideologies.
2. I think growth is still the top challenge in Legislative District 1 and in Idaho. Through state and local government, we have to maintain and update our schools and infrastructure to maintain our quality of life. Aside from government functions, we should work together to maintain the Idaho lifestyle we’ve come to know. Times change, but we can hold on to our values and our community.
3. I would like to revert to the open primary we had for so many decades in Idaho. The closed primary has only existed for a little more than 10 years. The closed primary excludes Independent (unaffiliated) voters who are almost 30% of registered voters. When we shut out 30% of our voters, it is often hard to get an answer that reflects the makeup of Idaho.
4. Idaho has laws in place that are driving our doctors away and preventing new doctors from coming here. We all go to our doctor to fix what ails us and we do it with trust in that professional. We have let a minority remove our trust. It is time to get the situation turned around. We need to revisit Idaho abortion law, specifically in regard to complications during pregnancy and the criminalization of medical providers.
5. I see myself operating glass half full and with sincerity. I will continue my effort to find solutions that fix real problems, problems within the purview of the Legislature, without infringing on individual rights.
District 1A House
1. Why are you running for District 1A House?
2. How do recently passed laws such as the one targeting offensive materials in libraries or Idaho’s near-total abortion ban square with Idaho’s “small-government” philosophy?
3. How does Idaho continue to recruit health care professionals to live and work in the state after multiple maternity wards (including local hospital Bonner General Health) announced they were closing out of fears of litigation and professionals leaving the state due to inhospitable feelings involving women’s reproductive care?
4. Do you support Proposition 1, which has been called the “Open Primaries” initiative?
5. Aside from so-called “culture war” issues like offensive materials in libraries, limits on women’s reproductive rights and defining genders, what are three “kitchen table” issues you think Idahoans are most concerned about and which you would address?
Karen Matthee, D
Age: 67
Birthplace and residence: Redwood City, Calif.; now in Dover, Idaho
How many years lived in Bonner County: Almost 2 years
Past/current government service (if applicable): Worked for an NGO that had a State Department contract to help victims of landmines and cluster munitions in Afghanistan
Profession: Former journalist, then nonprofit communications director
Education: B.A., U.C. Berkeley; M.A., journalism, Northwestern University
1. I believe the state is failing Idaho families. Property taxes are still too high; our public schools remain underfunded to the point of schools closing and teachers leaving; Idaho is one of only three states that contribute $0 to affordable housing; GOP leaders cut off access for hundreds of low-income families to the only child care subsidy
program we have when $50 million in unspent federal grant dollars are available for for that very purpose; and the Medicaid eligibility threshold for pregnant women, new mothers and children is significantly higher than that of other states. Thriving families are the backbone of a thriving economy. These are economic issues, not welfare issues.
2. It doesn’t. It robs us of one of the most important freedoms we have: the freedom to read, and it breaks my heart that some of our smaller libraries are closing their doors to children. Laws like these bypass local decision-makers. Parents are responsible for what their children can access. It’s up to the families to determine this, not the government. Additionally, these kinds of laws create problems that don’t exist and encourage frivolous and costly lawsuits that congest our local courts. In the case of House Bill 710, there was already a process in place in every district through library boards to review incoming materials. These boards are elected and held accountable to the voters.
3. Bonner General staff have said it’s been extremely difficult to recruit obstetricians and gynecologists. That is why pregnant women from District 1 are driving 45 miles — sometimes more than once a week — for OB
appointments and to give birth. Other women tell me they’ve had to wait three to six months to get a gynecology appointment in Coeur d’Alene or Spokane. Medical providers say that at minimum, it will take an exception to the abortion ban to protect the health and fertility of pregnant women in a medical emergency to satisfy doctors. The current law, they add, is vague and only allows them to save a patient’s life. GOP lawmakers, my opponent included, could have made that correction in the last session, but they chose to do nothing. Only House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel introduced such a bill and was ignored by Republicans.
4. Yes I do, mainly because it will require candidates to be accountable to a broader spectrum of voters, not special interests, and will allow people to vote for the person, rather than the party. It will also give Independent voters, who have been shut out of Republican primaries, a voice.
5. Because of the resort nature of our communities and rising home values, many of our year-round families and seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to cover just the basic needs.
(Woodward answers con’t)
(Matthee answers con’t)
To relieve the pressure, the Legislature needs to:
a. Scrap the grocery tax and save households 6% to 7% every time they shop for food.
b. Bring back the index to the homeowners exemption, stopped in 2016, so the exemption can rise gradually with increases in home values and the tax burden is distributed more evenly between commercial and homeowner properties.
c. Switch to a more progressive state income tax structure so middle-income families aren’t paying a larger share of their income than wealthier individuals.
Mark Sauter, R (incumbent)
Age: 66
Birthplace and residence: Born in Downey, Calif.; resides in Sandpoint, Idaho
How many years lived in Bonner County: Owned property in Sagle since 1993, moved to Sandpoint in 2012 Past/current government service (if applicable): past president of Bonner County Fire Chief Association, current Idaho Legislative District 1A representative Profession: Worked and volunteered for Selkirk Fire for five years since being in Sandpoint, firefighter through fire chief covering 30 years, another three years in city administration after fire service work Education: Undergrad degree in fire administration, graduate degree in public administration Contact info: Mark@marksauterforidaho.com
1. I’m running for office so I may continue to be a responsible representative and to serve our district. I have spent my adult life serving my community. Serving our community is rewarding. There is more to do, we need to improve our health care system and other important issues outlined below. I ran in 2022 to support education, public safety and infrastructure, and I’ve stuck with it. I’ve voted for the four women’s health bills that have come before me. I’ve served our area for the last two years being mindful of our interests and values. Last session, I carried five bills for our district, all of them were signed into law by the governor. Simply stated, I want to continue my efforts and to carry legislation that will improve our district.
2. There is a conflict between the “light hand of government” approach,
the belief that “government closest to the people is best” and some of the recent decisions by the Legislature. Laws have been passed (or prevented from passing) in recent years that have had local adverse impacts. One answer is to oppose some of this overreach. Another answer is to craft legislative solutions that address the problems, specifically; build the coalitions necessary to get the bills heard and passed; and then actively support them. I’ve done this and had success passing controversial bills. This can be done again.
3. First priority, we need to pass a bill to provide an exception to the abortion ban for the health of the mother. This effort is supported by many and needs to be done. State attorneys have argued, in court, that our current abortion laws cover this. Let’s convert the attorneys’ points into law for the benefit of our community. It is clear our doctors are not comfortable with the current situation. A majority of doctors believe getting the “health of the mother” exception change will
make a big difference in retention, recruitment and training of medical professionals. There are other issues involved in this problem, like hospital operations, shifting patient bases, Medicaid funding and rural hospital finances, too. We must continue to fund our medical residency programs too. These programs feed our local hospitals with young Doctors who may stay where they train.
4. I support the initiative process in the Idaho Constitution. I respect the effort to qualify an Initiative for the ballot by those involved. I believe all voters should be voting on Proposition 1 without the influence or input of elected officials. Proposition 1 is a “citizens’” initiative that will give direction to the Legislature on the will of the voters. If I am re-elected, I will follow the will of our voters and vote accordingly if Proposition 1 comes before the House.
5. Our property tax situation needs attention. The homeowners’ exemp-
District 1B House
1. Why are you running for District 1B House?
tion needs to be adjusted up considerably and indexed to keep up with the rising assessments. Averaging the assessments over three to five years would help to dull the cost shocks. Capping the amount annual property taxes can rise would also help the situation. The formula for school funding is based mostly on student average daily attendance. The formula does not address the needs of rural schools (operations, class sizes, facilities, special needs students). A consistent annual funding source needs to be established for facilities.
The problems with Albeni Falls Dam are alarming, affect everyone and need immediate attention. Our water rights are being challenged. “We” have worked all summer building a coalition (local, state and federal officials) to address the spillway problems with Albeni Falls Dam and the future of lake operations. I want to keep working on solutions and speed them up. The grocery tax exemption needs to be increased and indexed as well.
2. How do recently passed laws such as the one targeting offensive materials in libraries or Idaho’s near-total abortion ban square with Idaho’s “small-government” philosophy?
3. How does Idaho continue to recruit health care professionals to live and work in the state after multiple maternity wards (including local hospital Bonner General Health) announced they were closing out of fears of litigation and professionals leaving the state due to inhospitable feelings involving women’s reproductive care?
4. Do you support Proposition 1, which has been called the “Open Primaries” initiative?
5. Aside from so-called “culture war” issues like offensive materials in libraries, limits on women’s reproductive rights and defining genders, what are three “kitchen table” issues you think Idahoans are most concerned about and which you would address?
Kathryn Larson, D
Age: 66
Birthplace and residence: Born in Dallas, moved 11 times before high school, raised children in Colorado, resides in Bonner County
How many years lived in Bonner County: Nine
Past/current government service (if applicable): N/A
Profession: Consultant helping organizations function more effectively, focusing on strategy, decision
making, risk and understanding tradeoffs
Education: B.S., geology; post-graduate work in education and organizational development Contact info: kathrynlarsonforidaho@gmail.com
1. I care deeply about this place and the people who live here. I want it to be a place where our children and grandchildren can afford to live, get a good education and have opportunities. I want our local businesses to thrive. I want the people who live and work here to be able to afford the time and money to enjoy this amazing place.
As a legislator, I will give it my all to create balance and bring practical, rational leadership that focuses on the needs of Bonner and Boundary counties. Party power has gotten out of control. The Idaho Freedom Foundation sets an agenda that focuses on culture issues, and pressures legislators to vote
for that agenda instead of advocating for laws that benefit the quality of life for people in their districts. My only pledge is to work for the benefit of the people who live here.
2. More government is not small government. And, good governing doesn’t just mean less government. It means governing with experts in the room, informing better decision making. Extremists ignore the judgment of highly trained experts, in favor of expanding political power. That is not small government. Government’s role is not to “parent” society. We’ve had no abortions in 20 years. Yet, we broke our local health care in order to reduce abortions? When politicians take power, local communities lose.
< see Q&A, Page 19 >
Science: Mad about
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
Though Reader Editor Zach Hagadone has expressed an aversion to the phrase it’s that time of the year again, that’s what it is — including wood fires, cozy sweaters and a paper cup of pumpkin spice latte.
The taste is immediately recognizable: homey, like pumpkin pie in liquid form. Interestingly, there isn’t any pumpkin in it whatsoever. In fact, most of the ingredients don’t even originate from the same continent as pumpkins.
Pumpkin spice is usually composed of three main ingredients: cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Ginger and allspice also make a frequent appearance in pumpkin spice blends.
It’d be pretty easy to wrap the article there and call it good for a week, but it’s a topic worth digging into a little deeper.
pumpkin spice
magnificent gift worthy of the monarchy. It was even used during the embalming process of royal mummies, which brings a whole new macabre vibe to pumpkin spice lattes during October.
Cinnamon was available to Europeans, but it certainly wasn’t cheap. European nobility who could flaunt cinnamon and other spices at their tables were telling the world they had the resources to drag an ounce of dried bark halfway across the world, eat it and poop it out. They were just that rich.
Cloves grew only on the Maluku Islands in Indonesia during the medieval period. Despite having been traded throughout prehistoric times and into antiquity, they never made it as far as Europe. It wasn’t until the period of European exploration and colonization that cloves entered the European diet, and even still it was likely that only the elite had the privilege to taste them.
Pumpkin spice as we know it is not a modern invention, but it is a modern evolution.
Pumpkin spice evolved from spices used as early as the 14th century called poudre-douce, or “sweet powder.” One of the biggest evolutions of this sweet powder was the inclusion of global spices like allspice and ginger that were unavailable to Europeans during the medieval period, but it may surprise you to know that cinnamon was.
Cinnamon spice is derived from bark of the Cinnamomum genus of trees, native to much of East Asia. Cinnamon was exported from China to Egypt as long ago as 2,000 B.C.E., and was considered to be a
design that stretches back before antiquity.
Nutmeg has a number of unique qualities seen beyond its taste. Produced by grinding the seeds of Myristica trees of Indonesia, it has a distinct and identifiable flavor that is curiously reminiscent of the Christmas holiday. Eggnog, pumpkin spice and Christmas pudding in the U.K. are all flavored predominantly with nutmeg — which is distinctly British, but does not grow in the British Isles or even the same hemisphere.
Nutmeg in shockingly small quantities can act as a psychoactive stimulant triggering dizziness, slurring, hallucinations and seizures.
colonialism in our history and the impact that it has had on modern society and the innumerable lives that it touched. Empires, despite being often violent hotbeds of corruption and political abuses in the name of power, prestige and profit, played a vital role in securing internal trade networks to bring goods from far and wide to the very edges of their borders.
The manner in which
these goods were procured are likely to leave some of high moral standing disgusted, but the truth remains that they effectively brought resources that didn’t exist in one area to another, thus making them easier for everyone to access.
In a way, the tragedy of colonial abuses are the reason you can enjoy a cheap pumpkin spice latte today.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
Ginger is a unique spice for myriad reasons. It has a sharp and distinct flavor profile and has often been touted as having medicinal properties, including the means to reduce inflammation.
Frequently referenced in holistic medicine and naturopathy, ginger as we know it is the definition of a genetically modified organism. Cultivated ginger has been bred to be palatable, unlike many of its natural counterparts. The ginger we consume today does not exist in the wild, and is strictly an organism that exists as a cultivar. This is not some atrocity of the 21st century; it’s thoughtful and intentioned human
Allspice originates from the island of Jamaica, though it has since been successfully grown and naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, as well as many Central American countries. Its distinct flavor was highly appealing to Europeans in the 1600s, utilizing it to enhance the flavor of spice mixes and create the basis for pumpkin spice centuries later. Despite its name, it’s not actually a collection of multiple spices, but instead sourced from a single plant.
Finally, there is the humble pumpkin. Associated with Halloween and harvest in Anglo-European celebrations, the pumpkin didn’t arrive in Europe until European explorers came to the Americas in the 1500s. Alas, the pumpkin has nothing to do with pumpkin spice, aside from being an excellent sugary vehicle in which to deliver the spice in the form of pumpkin pie.
There is currently a redhot debate about the role of
• Milk taken from cows contains higher levels of tryptophan and melatonin — both substances play a role in promoting sleep.
• Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria, but it can be removed through a process called pasteurization.
• Galaphobia is the irrational fear of milk.
• Soaking a fish in milk can make it smell less fishy because the milk proteins bind to trimethylamine, the compound that causes that unpleasant odor.
• The reason milk is white is because the fat and protein in it scatter light. Because it contains less fat than whole milk, skim milk has a slightly bluish color to it.
• When seeking relief after eating spicy food, milk is much better than water because milk has casein, which reduces the burning sensation. Yogurt and cream also work wonders.
• Some bakers prefer to use spoiled milk in baking because it’s highly acidic, which can make baked goods more flavorful. No thanks.
• Those who are lactose intolerant do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme produced in the small intestine that helps break down lactose. Alternatives to cows’ milk include soy and almond milk, which contain no lactose.
• Milk can help get rid of red wine stains. Soak the affected area until the stain lifts away.
• There is a blue-green-colored milk made from the algae spirulina, which is high in protein and minerals.
• Some people mix Pepsi with milk and call it “pilk,” claiming it tastes like an ice cream float. Again, no thanks.
• Expired milk isn’t useless. It can be used to water plants because it’s high in calcium, which helps plants grow.
We’ve lost doctors, librarians, our labor and delivery unit, and even spiritual advisers. First, it’s health care, then books, then children’s medical care. What important life decision or personal choice will they try to control next? Bad laws impact everyone by making our communities more divisive and diminishing precious resources. We need to find a path to common sense solutions. Untie the hands of our experts to improve and innovate our health care, education and libraries.
3. Our quality of life and spectacular environment is a natural advantage in attracting talent, but OB-GYNs, pediatricians and family practitioners will not want to practice here if legal risk prevents them from providing compassionate, evidence-based care. No doctor can be expected to watch patients suffer and die from treatable conditions. Legislators cannot interfere in patient-doctor relations. Change the law and:
• Improve state support for medical education and training including incentives for rural practice. Include nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, behavioral health care providers and other professions where shortages undermine our ability to access local health care.
• Improve wages for health care
professionals, entry level and home care workers.
• Improve affordability and availability of housing.
• Guarantee consistent and adequate funding for schools.
• Improve reimbursement models that disadvantage rural health care providers. Create incentives to develop innovative approaches to rural health care.
• Improve Medicaid payment.
4. I support Proposition 1. I encourage you to watch the documentary Majority Rules. It gives an unbiased view of how open primaries and ranked-choice voting work in other places. It breaks the power of either party to manipulate the outcome of elections. The one-time cost to switch to a trustworthy voting system is about 50 cents per person. Every voter has a vote in the primary. Ranked-choice voting gives third-party candidates a better chance of winning because voters don’t have to choose between the candidate they think will win and the candidate they believe is better. I cannot come up with a scenario in which parties can manipulate open primaries and ranked-choice voting. But I can come up with many scenarios in which parties can and do manipulate our current closed primary system.
5. Economy/affordability — Housing, child care, groceries, property taxes. The people who produce the value should reap the benefits of that value. That means workers as well as business owners. The state has a role in helping communities thrive through better economic policies, taxes and housing authority.
Education and opportunity — The state defunded schools for decades while piling on time-consuming regulatory requirements that do not improve quality. Throwing a pittance at schools through H.B. 521 isn’t enough. State legislators gave themselves line-item veto power to circumvent local and agency expertise. The current Republican Party platform calls for diverting much needed funds to private, often out-of-state for-profit schools and to defund postsecondary education, including trade schools.
Sustainability of our lands — A call to take back public lands and monetize them is ill-conceived. It will be an extremely costly and time-consuming effort with little likelihood of success. It’s projected to result in mostly privatization of our public lands. That is not a sustainable model.
A colorful stampede The Carousel of
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Volunteers paraded the Carousel of Smiles’ colorful herd down the street Oct. 12 to the organization’s new location at 504 Church St., which founders Reno and Clay Hutchison hope to make the attraction’s permanent home.
Restoration of the “Golden Age” 1920 Allan Herschell carousel began in 2018, and artisans have since polished and painted 85% of the classic ride. The finished elements are currently on display in the main showroom alongside new North Idaho-themed paintings submitted by the Art Panel Project.
“The new space is perfect for where we are with the project at this moment. It’s a great space so we can have a dedicated ‘showroom’ and areas for the ongoing restoration work,” said the Hutchisons. “We do intend to make this the ponies’ ‘forever home.’”
The organization is currently renting the venue with the intent to purchase and renovate it, making space for both the ride and year-round
gathering space that will make up the larger Carousel Pavilion.
“It is incredibly refreshing to have our location definitely identified with an actual pathway to success that is within our control,” said the Hutchisons, adding that they expect to have the carousel fully operational by September 2025.
Members of the community will be able to view the restored ponies at the Saturday, Nov. 23 Carousel Fun Fair at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (4203 N. Boyer Ave.), which will feature booths from local nonprofit organizations and well as family friendly activities.
“We would like the community to know that we are so grateful for all their support,” said the Hutchisons. “There will be lots of ways — big and small — to help us ‘raise the barn’ for the carousel. Stay tuned and look for ways to continue to help, love and support the carousel.”
For more information, visit thecarouselofsmiles.org.
Smiles relocates
Bette (last name undisclosed) wore her special pink hat to celebrate the Carousel of Smiles moving to its new location at 504 Church St. Photo by Clay Hutchison.
Kaniksu Land Trust finalizes purchase of Sled Hill Chamber of commerce names KLT Organization of the Month
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Kaniksu Land Trust officially took possession of the historic Sled Hill earlier this month, preserving the 48acre parcel for future generations in perpetuity. For their work on the Save the Sled Hill campaign, as well as their commitment to land conservation and stewardship in North Idaho and northwestern Montana, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce also honored KLT as its October Organization of the Month.
“[The Sled Hill] and its long history in our community exemplifies our mission of caring for the lands and people of the Kaniksu Region, today, tomorrow and forever,” KLT Executive Director Katie Egland Cox stated. “The connection that people have with this property goes back generations and now it will continue forever. Few places still remain where people can find their sense of place on public-ac-
cess land that is privately owned.”
With the community’s support, KLT was able to raise $2.1 million to buy, maintain and enhance the Sled Hill property, which sold for $1.9 million. The remaining funds will go toward improvements and safety projects, such as digging a new well to provide clean drinking water and fixing electrical issues on the property’s existing buildings and power lines.
Going forward, the organization plans to apply for a special use permit from the city of Dover to replace the property’s current road — which has a dangerous blind corner — install signage and construct a 70-car parking lot.
The Sled Hill conservation efforts are part of the larger Saving Space campaign, which raises funds to purchase and preserve land on behalf of the local community.
“Now that we have saved the Sled Hill, we will continue to work to grow this fund through private donations
and so that we are ready when the next special property becomes available,” Cox said. “We may not always have the time that we had with the Sled Hill, so having immediate access to funds as these places become available is super important for conservation work today.”
Other local accomplishments highlighted by the chamber include KLT’s Pine Street Woods project, which dedicated 180 acres near Sandpoint to public trails, recreational spaces and
educational programs, as well as the organization’s work to preserve wildlife habitats and healthy watersheds in Priest River and Priest Lake.
The chamber celebrated the award with Cox and her team at its General Membership Luncheon on Oct. 10.
For more information, visit kaniksu.org.
KLT staff, from left to right: Jeff Thompson, Marcy Timblin, Regan Plumb and Katie Cox. Far right: Alison Dunbar, Chamber Board Chair.
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
THURSDAY, october 17
Game Night 6:30pm @ Tervan
Trivia Night 7pm @ Connie’s Lounge Bingo 6-8pm @ IPA
Live Music w/ Son of Brad
5-8pm @ Barrel 33
Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes
6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon
Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Jordan Pitts
6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ Truck Mills
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Live Music w/ Matt Lome
6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Live Music w/ Justyn Priest Trio
8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Live Music w/ Trout Pond Sammy
6pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Karaoke Night
8pm-close @ Tervan Tavern
Live Music w/ KOSH
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Sandpoint Chess Club
9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee
Meets every Sunday at 9am
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi
7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
October 17-24, 2024
Litehouse YMCA open house • 5:30-7:30pm @ Litehouse YMCA Free event showcasing the YMCA. Games, prizes, arts & crafts
FriDAY, october 18
Live Music w/ Ponderay Paradox
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live Music w/ Jason Perry 5pm @ Connie’s Lounge
Live Music w/ Sully & Sim
6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ
Play: Steel Magnolias (Oct. 18-20) 7pm @ The Panida Theater Get tickets at LPOrep.com
SATURDAY, october 19
Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA / Blird
8:30pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge
Indie rock & shoegaze, two bands in one. Buster Brown opening at 8:30pm
Live Music w/ John Daffron 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
KNPS program: “Shedding Light on Nocturnal Pollinators”
10am @ Sandpoint Library
The critical role of moths and how you can support them presentation
SunDAY, october 20
Magic with Star Alexander
5-8pm @ Jalepeño’s Up close magic shows at the table
Karaoke Night
8pm-close @ Tervan Tavern
monDAY, october 21
Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome
tuesDAY, october 22
Live Music w/ Jonathan Nicholson • 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Live acoustic guitar to soothe you
Gaelic Storm in Concert
7:30pm @ Panida Theater
A band with a fanatical audience inspired by country, bluegrass and Celtic
Sip and Shop to benefit Rock Creek Alliance
5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
A portion of proceeds will benefit RCA, whose mission is to protect our lake from the proposed Rock Creek Mine
Paint & Sip w/ Nicole Black
5:30-8pm @ Barrel 33
$45 — includes all supplies
Exhibition Soccer Match
7pm @ Memorial Field
Sandpoint Legends vs. Washington State Men’s Club Team. $5 entry Sandpoint Lions Club Blacklight Bingo 6pm @ Sandpoint Lions Club, 609 S. Ella Dress up in your best costume. Food, fun, games and a spooky good time
Karaoke Night 8pm-close @ Tervan Tavern
Play: Steel Magnolias (Oct. 18-20) 7pm @ The Panida Theater Get tickets at LPOrep.com
U-Pick Pumpkin Patch 10am-5pm @ Bushel & A Peck Farm
Open Sat./Sun. through Oct. 27 w/ pumpkins, hay rides, gem mining, barnyard animals, bounce houses and more. 619-625-9038 for info
Play: Steel Magnolias (Oct. 18-20) 2pm @ The Panida Theater Get tickets at LPOrep.com
Irish Folk Jam — everyone’s invited! 3-6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Trivia Night 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Free Press Release Workshop • 3pm @ The Heartwood Center Join Daily Bee and Reader editors to learn how to craft successful press releases. Free and open to all
wednesDAY, october 23
Live Piano w/ Bob Beadling
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery
Years of talent on the piano
Live Music w/ John Firshi 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
ThursDAY, october 24
IPAC Sandpoint Movie Night Fundraiser
5pm @ MickDuff’s Brewing, 220 Cedar St. Join Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center for a night of reconnecting with winter friends, watching fun movies and maybe win a bran new pair of QSXT Echo skis
Gideon Freudmann — Cellobop
7pm @ Panida Theater
A unique mini cello concert followed by screening of silent film Sherlock, Jr. starring Buster Keaton
Open Mic Night
6pm-ish @ Tervan Tavern
Bring your song, instrument, comedy, improv or magic to show off
Little Theater of Horrors (Oct. 24-31) 5-8pm @ Panida Little Theater
The Panida and Nova High School are bringing a spooky haunted house experience to the Little Theater. Suitable for the whole family. $10 for 14+, $5 for under 14. Runs every night until Halloween is over
Sandpoint Teen Center throws enchilada dinner fundraiser
By Reader Staff
The Sandpoint Teen Center will host an enchilada dinner fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the center. Teens will prepare the food during teen center hours after school, and will serve hot enchiladas, beans, salad and dessert for their families and community members.
“The dinner is both an educational activity for our teens to practice preparing meals and learn kitchen and serving skills, while also raising money to buy food for healthy snacks and hot meals every day after school at the Sandpoint Teen Center,” organizers wrote.
The suggested donation is $20/person, with kids eating free. The dinner will raise funds for the Healthy Teens After School program, which provides healthy food, activities, homework help, community service and more — open to all Bonner County teens every day after school.
The Teen Center is partnering with
the Eat Together Idaho campaign for this event, which aims to promote families eating daily meals with their teens, which studies show reduces teen substance use, supports better academic outcomes, and bolsters confidence and success.
The Sandpoint Teen Center has 115-150 teens currently attending every afternoon at two locations: First Lutheran Church and the Portable No. 1 behind Sandpoint Middle School.
The fundraiser will also feature a silent auction with prizes from local businesses.
RSVP to sandpointteencenter@ yahoo.com.
Donate to the Sandpoint Teen Center at sandpointteencenter.com or mail checks to Sandpoint Teen Center; P.O. Box 1066; Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Budding chefs at the Sandpoint Teen Center prepare lasagna for a former dinner fundraiser. Courtesy photo.
ThePenguin is a crime drama masterpiece that transcends its comic-book origins
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
It’s been said by at least one critic at The Guardian that Colin Farrell should win “all the awards” for his remarkable performance as Oswald (a.k.a. “Oz,” a.k.a. “The Penguin”) Cobb in the Max series The Penguin. This viewer tends to agree.
Those who remember the 2022 film The Batman — starring Robert Pattinson as the titular caped crusader, Zoë Kravitz as Selina “Catwoman” Kyle and Paul Dano as the Riddler — might also remember that Farrell’s turn as The Penguin stole every scene in which he appeared.
Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman was generally regarded as “pretty good,” though its unrelenting grimness and taxing runtime of three hours made it a bit of a slog for some audience members (including me).
In that review, published in the April 28, 2022 edition of the Reader, I wrote that Farrell “submerges himself entirely in the role” and provided “the only glimmers of humor in this otherwise bleak environment of urban decay and rain-bloated skies.”
And while Dano’s unhinged Riddler drew much praise, it was really The Penguin who
deserved his own spinoff — and we are all fortunate that this has come to pass.
All that said, those who come to The Penguin from The Batman expecting to reenter the familiar D.C. Comics world of Gotham City will be surprised by a number of things. First of all, there’s no Batman (at least not as of the fourth episode, which aired on Oct. 13). There are references to the events of The Batman — specifically the Riddler’s demolition of Gotham’s sea wall and subsequent apocalypse-level flooding that ensued — while crime bosses Carmine Falcone and Salvatore Maroni loom large.
However, The Penguin is more Godfather-meets-Succession than anything heretofore entered into the Batman cinematic canon and is, quite frankly, a masterpiece of the crime drama/comic book genres. Given that, those who treat themselves to this series will be awestruck by the sensitive writing — giving Oz an affecting and complex backstory that leavens his brutality with a streetwise humanity that will lead you to root for him even though you know you shouldn’t.
Meanwhile, the cast of characters is deepened with Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone — the daughter of the
late-mobster framed her for murder and had her locked up in the Arkham Asylum for 10 years. Her sense of betrayal and ferocious ambition make her one of the primary engines of the plotline, as she whipsaws between trusting and suspecting the motives of Oz, whom she’s known for her entire adult life.
The showrunners have brilliantly woven a vein of paternal affection into Oz’s character, which shines through his complicated relationship with Sofia, as well as with young Victor (Rhenzy Feliz), who was orphaned by the Riddler’s aquatic terrorist act and has fallen under The Penguin’s criminal sway.
The Victor-Oz dynamic is another achievement of The Penguin’s writing room — while on one hand it’s a story of a traumatized kid trying to make his way in an uncaring world
with the only “friend” he can find, it’s also a sinister power dynamic by which Victor is ensnared in a life of crime.
Finally, there’s the sheer mastery with which Farrell inhabits the titular villain. The utter transformation achieved by the makeup artists is award-worthy in itself, but there’s also Farrell’s deft physicality — creating an indelible portrait of The Penguin through his painful, limping gait and rolling shoulders atop a body that is equal parts grotesque and graceful. Much has been made of the fact that Farrell’s performance is so absorbing that his own castmates didn’t even recognize him. Audiences are likewise entranced with the essential reality of the character — for which, yes, Farrell does deserve “all the awards.”
Episodes stream Sundays on Max.
A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint
Son of Brad, Barrel 33, Oct. 18
Daniel Mills — a.k.a.
Son of Brad — showcases his more than 20 years of experience with skillful and complex guitar stylings that demonstrate his passion for music. As an instructor and author of How to Improvise on the Guitar with Scales and Modes: The Son of Brad Method, Mills is a master of jazz’s playful improvisation, which he blends with mellow Americana sounds. The result
is an almost post-grunge emo sound, in which soft vocals meet fluid, intricate guitar parts. Stop by Barrel 33’s cozy dining area to hear his takes on hits from the ’50s to the present, with a few originals mixed in.
— Soncirey Mitchell
5-8 p.m., FREE. Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave., 208-920-6258, barrel33sandpoint.com. Listen at sonofbrad.com.
Listen to any of guitarist Jonathan Nicholson’s 10 albums and you’ll understand why he’s a frequent guest at weddings and black-tie events. His use of new American fingerstyle and classic techniques is subtle and soothing, setting the mood without distracting from good conversation and company. His older compositions reflect his love of artists like The Cure and George Win-
This week’s RLW by Zach
Hagadone
READ
This might seem self-serving, but “Read” the candidates’ forum recap on Pages 4-6 of this edition of the Reader, and also the answers to the candidates’ questionnaire that we lovingly curated for you starting on Page 13. Every election matters, and they all feel like they matter the most while they’re happening; but, this one feels like a biggie, people. Get registered and get thee to the polls in whatever form that takes for you. Listen to the recording of the forum, hosted by the Reader, KRFY 88.5 FM and sandpointonline. com, at krfy.org.
22
ston, whereas his 2023 album Outsider maintains that ambient sound but dives deeper, evoking themes of grief, hope and healing. His original work is both hypnotic and unobtrusive, making it the perfect score to wind down to after work.
— Soncirey Mitchell
5-7 p.m., FREE. Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., 208-2658545, powine.com. Listen at jonathannicholson.net.
LISTEN WATCH
It took me a criminally long time to hear the sound of De La Soul — the Long Island, N.Y.based progressive rap/hip hop trio that’s been kicking it old school since the late-1980s and still going strong. With incisive lyrics, a jazz rap vibe and earnest craft, De La Soul has been writing capital “T” truth for almost four decades and doesn’t get the play it should. Listen to “Stakes is High” from 2023 or “Say No Go” from 1989 and you’ll find it as fresh as ever. Go to wearedelasoul.com for more.
I’ve been waiting for weeks to tell all y’all about Charlie Hopkinsons’ YouTube channel, on which he employs pitch-perfect vocal impressions and brilliant deep fakes to create catty “reaction” videos about Lord of the Rings, Rings of Power, Game of Thrones, Star Wars and the like. His Rings of Power takedowns are particularly brilliant, with Gandalf, Elrond and Boromir at the center. There isn’t enough room here to tell you just how great Charlie’s work is. Find it on YouTube, and thank me later.
Jonathan Nicholson, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Oct.
Collin Farrell as The Penguin. Courtesy image.
From Northern Idaho News, October 17, 1907
MAN DROWNS AFTER ROCKING ROWBOAT TO FRIGHTEN COMPANIONS
Jorgen Strum, a lineman from the Northern Pacific railway, was accidentally drowned at Hope Sunday noon. The victim had just returned from a fishing trip with two Spokane friends Victor Miller, manager of the telegraph office and William Adderly, night wire chief. The men decided to go down to East Hope in a launch and by the request of Strum and Adderly, picked up the rowboat, in which the last named persons were, with the idea of towing them over to East Hope also. As they were starting, Strum stood up in the row boat and began to rock it back and forth with the idea of frightening Adderly. The moving launch at that moment gave the rowboat a sudden jerk which capsized it and cast the occupants in the water. Adderly, who could not swim, was fortunate enough to catch hold of the boat and managed to keep afloat until picked up by the launch. Strum was a good swimmer and began to paddle about while his companion was being rescued. He suddenly sank, however, and never came up again alive.
Efforts were made to recover the body but the water was deep and although grappling hooks and dynamite were used, the body was not recovered until about three hours afterward. The dead man was a good swimmer, but he wore a pair of heavy boots and a large mackintosh which made it impossible for him to keep afloat until he could be rescued. It is claimed that the watch found on his person was still ticking when the body was found.
Strum was in the employ of Northern Pacific railway for several months and his work kept him traveling chiefly between Sandpoint and Hope.
BACK OF THE BOOK
A fool’s paradise A
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
It’s a wild time to be alive.
In an age when information is so readily available, it takes seconds to answer a question with an online search that might have taken ancient thinkers a lifetime to deduce.
Some might think our population would grow more intelligent as information becomes more easily attained. If any of the past few years are an indication, that’s not happening at all. Rather, we’re living in a fool’s paradise, where anyone can search long enough to find “facts” to support any number of wild assertions. Instead of an Age of Enlightenment, we’re living smack in the middle of Dumb Time.
We are watching our society grow more ignorant and fearful, clutching to outlandish conspiracy theories to find a hold on a world that seems to be spinning out of control.
The latest comes in the aftermath of devastating disasters and flooding in the U.S. South, which have led to severe losses of life. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., planted a facepalm heard ’round the world when she posted to X last week that, “Yes they can control the weather,” after postulating that wicked Democrats are somehow lassoing hurricanes and unleashing them on “red states.”
Greene’s assertion is so dunderheaded I won’t even expend the paragraphs it takes to debunk it. Suffice to say, no, we can’t control hurricanes and slam them into specific states as we see fit.
What’s interesting about Greene’s post isn’t that it’s the usual bullshit you’d expect from someone who tweets like a recovering lobotomy patient. It’s that gullible, ignorant people read such
guide to handling conspiracy theorists
statements and begin spreading them around their gullible, ignorant social circles. As the saying goes, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Or I suppose in the parlance of our time, “A lie travels to the edge of the flat Earth and falls over the side before the truth puts its beer helmet on.”
But why have so many of our friends and neighbors chosen the Dark Side and aligned with these conspiracy theories? Experts say that people are usually attracted to conspiratorial speculation in order to satisfy three psychological needs: they want more certainty, they want to feel in control, and they want to maintain a positive image of themselves and their group.
During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed an uptick in conspiracy theories because the desire to make sense of the mad, mad world becomes more urgent.
Whether it’s believing that the government is controlling the weather or that Haitian immigrants are snacking on pets in Ohio, conspiracy theories are spread online in far-right circles, but there are many on the far-left who also drink their own flavor of Kool-Aid.
debunk their “facts” and change their mind. Ask questions like, “When did you first start believing in ___?”; “How has this impacted you psychologically?”; “What do these beliefs offer you?”
Critical thinking is... critical Conspiracy theorists often believe they are part of a tiny group of select people who “really understand” or “know the truth.” Ask them questions that relate to the evaluation of evidence — all pieces of evidence — so that you can both develop a baseline of understanding.
What can be controlled
Encourage your friend to look forward and inspire them to put their energy into areas of their life where they can experience more control. Help them list examples where they have the power and independence they desire, and go from there.
So how do you interact with someone who casually announces at the bar that the Earth is a pancake? Here are a few tips that might just help you maintain your sanity while all those about you are losing theirs:
Don’t try to change their mind
If you care about the conspiracy theorist, don’t immediately try to
It’s never easy talking to someone you love who has fallen down the rabbit hole of baseless conspiracy theories. If you care about them, try to find common ground, because gaining someone’s confidence is important to help prevent radicalization. But, if they’re a stranger or you don’t care about them, don’t apologize if you have to extricate yourself from the conversation.
Life’s too short to waste time talking to someone who can’t even accept basic facts that we’ve known for millennia.
Laughing Matter
Solution on page 26 Solution on page 26
By Bill Borders
guidon /GAHYD-n/ [noun]
Word Week
of the
1. a small flag or streamer carried as a guide.
“The soldiers rallied around their unit’s guidon during the parade.”
Corrections: In the Oct. 10 opinion piece “Dumb of the week — extended edition: Dan Foreman should go back to where he came from,” we misidentified the race for which Trish Carter-Goodheart is running. She is the Democratic candidate for the Dist. 6 House A seat in the Idaho Legislature. We regret the error.
If you’re being chased by an angry bull, and then you notice you’re also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn’t really change things.
Just keep on running.
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Confer happiness on 6. Regular
11. A long narrow passage 12. Dry, as a tree 15. Hereditary 16. Barren 17. Beer
18. Large tuna
Darjeeling or oolong
Frog
23. Render senseless
Fraud 25. Enormous
Rind
Interruption
Flower stalk
Arrange (abbrev.)
Suns 31. Handicapper
Satisfies
Anger
Role
Leg joint
Frozen precipitation
Arab ruler
Pleads 45. Leveling wedge
Pleasant
Female sheep
Popeye’s favorite food
“Eureka!”
Connecting
Poked fun at
Pained look
Graven images
Pens
Father
10. Animal skin
Water vapors 14. Crease 15. Wood strips 16. Ascertaining
Friendly
Most wealthy
Step
Utilizers 22. Relegates
Financial rescue
Blood line
East southeast
Thick slice
Peddle
Utilitarian
Antelope of India
On top of
Ever last one DOWN
Hone 26. Flat masses of soft material
Consumed
Misrepresent
D
Fragrance
Kabob stick
Cherubic
Gleams 44. Large mass of floating ice 45. A food flavoring 48. Male deer
