The Latah Eagle, June 2014 by thelataheagle

June 2014 Local Postal Customer

The

Latah Eagle Vol. I, Issue 1

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Darc y An d erson

Tiffan y Bentle y

An g ela Carpen ter

Jessic a Dahlinger

Jarrod Nichols

128 E. 3rd St.

Tan ja Rankin

Tami Storm

Gar y Tribble

Patrick Venzke

Sean Wilson

Moscow, ID 83843

208-883-1525

For All Local/MLS Listings: please visit www.LatahRealty.com

The Latah Eagle

Here at The Latah Eagle, two of our three favorite things in life are good food and vintage cars. We were reminded of that on a warm spring day recently when over 50 members of the Lewiston-based Crankers Club descended on the Hoo Doo Cafe in Harvard for their monthly luncheon, parading cars dating back to the 1930’s. Each month, we will write our own “Dine ‘n’ Dash” column doing much the same by highlighting good eats and great rides throughout the county. See our pick for June on pg. 18, and contact us at The Latah Eagle if you have ideas for future columns.

inside Memorial Day remembrance, pg. 4 Latah citizens took time on Memorial Day to pay their respects to veterans and loved ones.

Genesee Community Day, pg. 6 Genesee holds its 54th annual community day on Saturday, June 14. Support our towns and join the fun.

Moscow Farmers Market, pg. 8 The farmers market in Moscow highlights growers and artisans from throughout the county.

Community Calendar, pg. 16 We want you to know what’s coming in the month ahead for our communities.

Dine ‘n’ Dash: Helmer Cafe, pg. 18 Good food is just around the corner and we’re hitting the back roads to ﬁnd it. Helmer Cafe was a great start!

Nonproﬁt Spotlight: APOD Productions, pg. 24 This small theater group is putting on great shows and getting people involved, while having loads of fun.

June 2014

bringing back something good

The Latah Eagle is more than just a newspaper In starting this new venture to bring back the newspaper, I had the chance to visit with dozens of people throughout the county. Everybody was genuinely enthusiastic to see The Latah Eagle return. Inevitably, I was asked one simple question: “Why?” Having grown up in Lewiston and Winchester, the son of small business owners, I always knew I would return to northern Idaho after my career in the military. There is simply no place in the world more beautiful, and it is the only place I’ve found where I feel at home with the people and the communities around me. The thing you miss most as a servicemember is your sense of community. In my case, I moved 19 times over 27 years. With each change, I longed for that eventual move back home.

YOU GOT IT, BECAUSE T THEY GET IT.

These great local businesses put their advertising dollars in The Latah Eagle, so you can get it in your home, for free. If you like what you see, pay them a visit and say, “Thanks!” Latah Federal Credit Union Chipman & Taylor Clearwater River Casino Lewis-Clark State College Guy’s Outdoor Equipment Tri-State Outfitters Deny’s Auto Service Filling Station Espresso Gritman Medical Center Largent’s Appliance & Electronics

Latah Realty Sam Dial Jewelers Northwest Auto Parts & Paint Paciiﬁc Northwest Farmers Coop Ridge River Realty Strom Electric Uncle Sam’s Flags & Gifts Hoo Doo Cafe & Pizzeria P.S. Espresso Swiftwater Outfitters

About six years ago, I chose the Potlach area as the place I wanted to be after the Army, buying some property and beginning the process of making it my home. I finally made the jump from uniform to civilian clothes last spring. I came home with the notion that I could still help others. It was simply a matter of how best to do that. Time and again, I heard friends and neighbors say how much they miss The Latah Eagle, because it recognized people in the small towns who are doing wonderful things for their neighbors. I wanted to be a part of giving that back to our communities. And thus the rebirth of this newspaper began. I have many people to thank for making this possible. Most of all, this paper never would have taken flight without the great businesses who were willing to take a chance and advertise in a paper they hadn’t even seen yet. I hope you pay attention to who those businesses are and, when walking through their doors, thank them for giving back this little slice of rural life that has been missing for too long. Finally, I hope you will share with me your ideas and stories, to help keep this paper alive. Just drop me a note at editor@ thelataheagle.com, or give me a call at (208) 310-2769. I hope you will truly feel that this is YOUR paper.

- Barry Johnson, Owner & Editor, The Latah Eagle

Welcome Back Latah Eagle

The

Latah Eagle

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The Latah Eagle

Latah Veterans Keep The Faith

Memorial Day ceremonies honor deceased comrades Veterans groups hosted ceremonies in Potlatch and Moscow on Memorial Day, attended by hundreds of local citizens to honor our nation’s veterans throughout our history. That history plays out in stark detail when visiting cemeteries across the county, both large and small. In each one, our roots are seen in markers displaying service from every conﬂict since the Civil War. On this day, each headstone also bears a small ﬂag to commemorate their service. These men and women will always be remembered by the communities they embraced. Small cemeteries not forgotten For retired Army Master Sergeant Ken Alsterlund, his semi-annual trek to the small and remote cemeteries in the Potlatch and Palouse area is an act of respect and a time for reflection. “These are peaceful and beautiful places,” Ken said. “I’ve enjoyed doing this for 19 years now, since I retired from the Army and came home.” On the day we joined him, Ken was visiting the Woodfell Cemetery, near Harvard. He had seven flags to place at the headstones of veterans dating back to the Civil War, including a World War I nurse. Ken, a past commander for the Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars and a stalwart volunteer for the Potlatch VFW, said the effort never ends. Four new cemeteries outside Palouse had come to his attention this year. He expected to find a few veterans’ graves at each, although some of the cemeteries had not been taken care of for many years. With help from others, including area Boy Scout troops and veterans, Ken expected at least 381 flags to be placed at cemeteries in the Potlatch and Palouse areas, although more were likely to come to his attention. Ken is determined to honor every veteran, no matter how remote his or her resting place may be. It is the mission of one veteran who will never forget.

June 2014

What Patriotism Means to Me By Allyson LeForce, 7th grader from Viola

Patriotism to me is momentous because when I think “American” I think “patriotic.” I think of celebrating the Fourth of July with huge, vibrant, booming fireworks that sound like thunder. I think of people waving little American flags and little kids dressed up in red, white and blue from head to toe. I also think of wars our country has endured, and the veterans that fought in them. But today, I will talk about the bigger aspects of patriotism: liberty, honor and devotion. “We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their plows, but to secure liberty for their souls.” – Robert McCracken. To me liberty means being free to make our own choices. It means freedom to speak our minds. I hope all Americans strive to have liberty in their lives because it is what our country was founded on and no United States citizen should forget that. I hope we never forget what the citizens of our country went through to give us liberty. “My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue.” – Author Unknown. I feel that honor is standing and putting your hand over your heart while saying the pledge of allegiance or while someone sings the National Anthem. Because by doing that, you honor every one of our veterans, dead or alive. Veterans are the most important people in our country, because without them we would not be free. I am honored to know and be related to many veterans. “Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.” – James Bryce. I think being devoted to your country is trying to make it the best it can be. Devotion to your country means questioning everything the government does and deciding whether or not it is the best thing for your country. Devotion is putting thought into which candidate you are going to vote for in political elections. Devotion is also seeking correct and true information instead of just believing what you are told. I think devotion of citizens makes a country strong. Liberty, honor and devotion – these things are what the United States of America was founded on. To me, they make this country great. I hope all Americans will continue to show patriotism for the rest of their lives.

Eagle Scout candidate finds Freeze Cemetery needing helping hands When Micah Lloyd, 17, of Potlatch, considered community projects to earn his Eagle Scout award, preserving the history of Freeze Cemetery appealed to him. “Repairing the old headstones at the cemetery sounded interesting and worthwhile, particularly with Memorial Day coming,” Micah said. That interest led him and his fellow scouts of Troop 385 to spend many hours at the cemetery on Memorial Day weekend. They spent that time digging, lifting, cleaning and bracing headstones that had sunk into the ground or were hidden away by overgrowth and grime. Some had not seen the light of day for decades. “Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who have died,” Micah said. “There are plenty of veterans here, some from as far back as the Civil War. This project shows respect by cleaning and leveling their headstones.” He said the effort wasn’t limited to just veterans, though, and the troop was committed to improving every headstone that needed work. “Most of the veteran ones that need care are hidden by bushes. I want to get those uncovered,” Micah pointed out. Micah, son of Sterling and Dominique Lloyd of Potlatch, conducted all the planning for the project, solicited community support, and was in charge on the ground. Jim McMillan of Princeton, who has been involved with See SCOUT, pg. 27

The Latah Eagle

 Genesee Community Day on June 14th has good times for all with oldfashioned style 

Photo courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society

A Genesee parade, circa. 1935. This year’s Genesee Day activities take place on Saturday, June 14. 54th ANNUAL

GENESEE COMMUNITY DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH, 2014

“SUPPORTING THE AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY IN GENESEE ” Highlighting our local agriculture businesses

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

6:00-9:00 8:00-10:30 8:30 9:00-4:00 10:00-2:00 10:30 10:30 11:00

AFTER THE PARADE

12:00-2:00 12:30 1:00-7:00 1:00 until dark 3:00 3:00 6:00-9:45 10:00

BREAKFAST- Friends of Genesee 9th Annual CAR SHOW-CHECK IN COW CREEK RUN 33rd Annual: 2 and 5 mile course QUILT SHOW Raffle Tickets: $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 Admission: Adults $2.00, under 13 free SLINKY THE CLOWN PIE STAND- Ladies of St. Mary’s KIDDIE PARADE Registration 9:30-10:15 MAIN PARADE Line-Up 9:00-10:30

Grand Marshall– PNW Cooperative Formerly Genesee Union Warehouse

Fire Hall/Main Street PNW Parking Lot/Chestnut St. Corner of Walnut (Main) & Fir Senior Center

Main Street/Park Lower Fire Hall Corner Pine & Main Street Main Street

EGG TOSS-Directly after the parade East Main Street Kids Games– After the Egg Toss Main Street 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL-BPA Main Street Registration- 12:15-12:45 Game @ 1:00 Main Street HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT Main Street Park Registration- 12:15-12:30 Game @ 1:00 BOUNCY HOUSE– Cub Scouts Main Street Park DUNK TANK-GHS Spanish Class Main Street Park FFA ALUMNUI TRACTOR RACES East Main WHITE SPRINGS RANCH TOUR North on Hwy 95 2.0 miles HISTORICAL POSTERS-”Local Agriculture” displayed on windows Main Street CITY INFORMATIONAL BOOTH Main Street ALUMNI GATHERING– Corner Bar Main Street VARIETY OF VENDOR BOOTHS Main Street FOOD BOOTHS Main Street PULLED PORK, CHILI, DRINKS– Moscow Grange SAUSAGE DOGS, BAKED POTATOES, COTTON CANDY-American Legion AND MORE! LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE- Extraordinary Book Sale Main Street/Library Sponsored by Friends of the Genesee Library WALKING TOUR OF THE SCHOOL– One tour only School BEEF ON A SPIT W/ All the fixings Main Street TRAP SHOOT– Genesee Sportsmen’s Assoc.-Concessions Football Field TURTLE RACES Intersection on Main Street CAR SHOW AWARDS PNW/Chestnut St. DANCING IN THE PARK- LIVE MUSIC w/ DOWN SOUTH Main Street Park FIREWORKS Set off at Football Field

CLASS REUNIONS– 1944, 1954, 1964, 2004

The Genesee Civic Association would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers for their contributions to this day. Thank you to the Latah Co. Arts & Culture Committee for the grant that provides the live music in the park. Thank you to the City of Genesee for providing the fireworks display!

Events to include breakfast, fun run, car show, parade, games throughout the day, and an evening of music in the park. Although Genesee Community Day is oﬃcially marking its 54th celebration this year, the people of Genesee have always known how to have fun. All you have to do is walk into any of the great businesses in Genesee, like the Pasttime Bar & Grill, to see pictures dating back to its origins in the late 1800s and its thriving history as a prosperous farm town. This year, the celebration embraces those roots with an appropriate theme, “Supporting the Agriculture Community in Genesee.” For those who like to be on the move early, the Genesee Cow Creek Run starts at 8 a.m. with both 5-mile and 2-mile courses. Sign-up forms can be found on the city website, www.cityofgenesee.com, with late registration on the day of the race beginning at 6:30 a.m. in the park. Another perennial Genesee favorite is the Community Cruisin’ Car Show. Check-in for the show is from 8-11 a.m. Entry forms can also be found online at the city website.

June 2014

Railway preservation group takes top honors for small nonprofit fundraising during “Idaho Gives”

Karen Rohn, owner of BlackBird at the Depot, and Robin McKinney, owner and seamstress at Thread It, are active in the WI&M Railway History Preservation Group and have invested their businesses in the Potlatch Depot.

The Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway History Preservation Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the old train depot in Potlatch and the history of the railway, took top honors for their category during Idaho Gives fundraising in May. The generosity of 161 donors helped the WI&M group secure an additional $2,500 from Idaho Gives for having the most donors in the small nonprofit category. Overall, the day brought in more than $9,000 that will be used for the preservation and upkeep of the depot and railway history. Jim West, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit, said they received the sixthmost donations among over 560 groups participating – an impressive showing for a smalltown preservation group, reinforcing how important history is to our communities. “We won’t see a check until June, but we’re estimating material needs and looking for dozens of old replacement doors with frames and transoms,” Jim said. “Most of the doors were removed decades ago.” Although Jim now lives in Coeur d’Alene, his roots are in Princeton, where his greatgrandparents married in the 1880s and donated lumber for the Freeze Church. “Most of my family are buried there,” Jim said. Jim is quick to point out that the key to success was the hard work of all the members of the preservation group. Although he would like to thank everybody by name, the list is much too long and he hopes to see them at upcoming depot events to thank them in person. “Most deserving of mention are Don Somers, and Jack and Barb Coyner of Princeton, See WI&M, pg. 27

The Latah Eagle

Moscow Farmers Market draws rural growers, artisans to town Ask the residents of Moscow-Pullman, not a sales pitch; it’s an education.

“It’s easy to have an egg certified as organic,

and many may tell you the real evidence but that does not mean it is nutrient-dense; it of springtime on the Palouse is not means only that the chickens were not exposed

to non-organic feed, hormones or antibiotics. “Our eggs are pastured, meaning the chickens have access to pasture, not just free-ranging budding of tulips, but the blossoming inside a chicken house under artificial lights. of those perennial tents that burst right Thirty percent of the diet our hens consume is from the insects, minerals and grass in the through the pavement on Main Street pasture. The key to their nutrition comes in Moscow every Saturday morning for through the health of the soil that supports our pastures.” Farmers Market. Pamela points out that all creatures great and small need sunshine as a component of good Tourmaline Farms & Feed, Deary. Among the health, humans and chickens among them. “Our free range, beyond organic eggs contain many small-farm enthusiasts who have sprouted in Latah County are Glenn and Pamela Holloway, six times the vitamin D as factory eggs, almost twice the vitamin A, three times the vitamin E, proud proprietors of Tourmaline Farms in Deary. The eggs they oﬀer are packaged in an array of and seven times more beta carotene” So what? colorful shells, just perfect for keeping the yoke “Imagine an and whites contained “You can pay your farmer for nutritious food that egg as a vitamin until maintains good health and tastes good, or wait capsule that the light and pay your doctor to treat your illnesses with will boost your immune system, rapping on medicine that doesn’t!” contribute the frying Pamela Holloway, Tourmaline Farms to cancer pan. And prevention, the yokes? maintain healthy sight and taste great for The color of the skin of a blood orange--not the faded banana-yellow of the last egg you probably breakfast!” Four bucks for a dozen eggs too much? Pam fried. speaks the truth: “You can pay your farmer for Pamela explains her zeal for the real deal. It’s

the greening of the rolling hills, or the

Story by

Thornton Sully Thorn Sully is the Editorin-Chief of Moscow’s own A Word with You Press, publishers and purveyors of fine stories, and can be reached for your comments and story suggestions at thorn@awordwithyoupress. com .

Sticky Fingers Farm Troy

East Rock Creek Studios Princeton

Big Sugar’s Bake Shop Troy

Sewell Watercolors Viola

June 2014

nutritious food that maintains good health and tastes good, or wait and pay your doctor to treat your illnesses with medicine that doesn’t!” Pamela’s husband Glenn Holloway was a Marine in Vietnam and retired as a colonel from the Army. He laughs at the similarity of his new career. “I was a leader of men. Now I am a leader of chickens and cows!” Both Pamela and Glenn believe they can impact lives of those in the Palouse by providing healthier food that not only maintains good health, but can restore health as well. Their passion extends to veterans who continue to suﬀer from PTSD, and believe that components of good therapy include the kind of diet the farmers of the Palouse create, and immersion in something as gratifying as farming. Homestead Farm, Worley. Equally passionate about farming is John Cady, owner and genius behind Homestead Farm in Worley. Like the Holloways, John espouses the virtues of free-range animals, and he is working to create an elite flock of Katahdin sheep. Why sheep? Why not cows? John explains; “I’m sixty-seven years old. A cow weighs a thousand pounds. My sheep weigh a hundred and fifty, and are easier to handle. Seven sheep equal one cow and five sheep equals one horse, as far as feeding them.” John is a pretty sprite young lad, and the claim that the cows are less work may not be the whole truth for his choice of how to utilize his farm. “These sheep can breed twice in a year, and almost always produce two lambs with each birthing. I got ninety-three lambs from forty five ewes this year. I can reach my goal of having a great, sustainable flock in very short order.” And just what is a great flock? “A great flock produces high quality milk. Good milk means not only better cheese, but the young will mature more quickly. So I engineer the breeding as best I can. A ewe with a lot of solids in the milk is what I am after, because the solids are the basis for good cheese, and other products.” Like smudge. That’s sheep’s

Fiddler’s Ridge Nursery Potlatch

See MARKET, pg. 10

Tourmaline Farms Deary

Hadley Farm & Garden Juliaetta

Bush Creek Creamery Deary

Cochrane Farms Princeton

The Latah Eagle

around the towns

Crusaders make a day of it in Juliaetta, Kendrick

Genesee real estate market looking good for sellers By Sean Wilson, Latah Realty Latah Realty welcomes the return of The Latah Eagle and its first issue and we plan to support it with columns on real estate news in the communities. Welcome back Eagle! Prospects look good for the summer 2014 real estate market in Latah County. Since our office focuses solely on Latah County, knowing this is the core of our business. This month our focus is primarily on the Genesee residential market. We will highlight other towns in subsequent issues. To understand Genesee, you must first understand Latah County. I like to think of Latah County like a target and each

Market

ring of that target represents a different school district or zip code. Moscow is the bulls-eye where the values and activity levels are at their highest; followed by Viola, which shares a different zip code but has the same school district as Moscow. Troy and Genesee, although distinct, are very similar for residential real estate purposes. Potlatch/Harvard/ Princeton/ Deary/Helmer share the next ring of the target. The outer ring is then comprised of Kendrick, Juliaetta and lastly Bovill. Genesee has a couple wellknown unique real estate traits: First, Genesee farmland is a world of its own. It behaves and See REAL ESTATE, pg. 12

The Crusaders Motorcycle Club of Lewiston held their 12th annual poker run in mid-May, with proceeds going to the Veterans Home in Lewiston. Businesses benefiting from their fund raising included Archie’s Place, Hillbilly’s Bar & Grill, and the Bottoms Up Tavern. Pink flamingos mysteriously roosting in Potlatch area

A flock of pink plastic flamingos have been found in yards and businesses across the area, as seen here at P.S. Espresso in Potlatch. The flamingos are fundraising ambassadors for community Vacation Bible School, finding their way to a new home once the recipient pays a small $10 fee to send them on their way. Insurance to keep them from coming back costs extra.

continued from pg. 9

milk fudge. And lotions and skin cream. “I had a fella, a dermatologist, buy some of my skin cream, because he lost a client, who said she didn’t need him anymore because my creams solved her skin problems. He wanted to see what the competition had!” Homestead Farms has a live-cam in their birthing room that runs 24/7. It’s free to watch and nobody can pull the wool over your eyes. People from all over the world (sometimes as many as 50,000 a week, according to John) will log on to watch miracles. Find details on his website www. homesteadsheep.com. Or better still, come find him every

Saturday at the Farmers Market on Main Street in Moscow. Glenn and Pamela’s chickens just scratch the surface; John Cady’s Katahdin sheep just graze the surface; Guy Spencer’s contributions that end up at the Farmers’ Market are rooted in the surface, of what is truly amazing soil. Guy and his mother Beverly run Runner Bean Ranch in Palouse, riding herd over radishes, tomatoes, and an array of vegetables. Hard work? “If you find something you love to do, you never work another day in your life…and it’s better than roofing!” says Guy, with a twinkle in his eye

that really let’s you know he loves what he does. Their mission statement: “To provide our community with fresh, all natural produce. We believe that healthy food shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be the standard.” This seems to be the guiding principle of all the farmers who one day a week are venders, selling not only food that is healthy, but food that will make you healthy. And what a bonus that it all tastes so much better than anything you had to buy this winter before those white tents opened up like lilies along Main Street in Moscow. Spring is here!

June 2014

Work begins on new Potlatch medical clinic Current clinic remains open during construction; building complete by November Potlatch residents will soon enjoy a bigger, better clinic, after Gritman Medical Center broke ground on 2,400 square-foot clinic there Wednesday, May 21. Dozens of business leaders, local elected officials and members of the public joined Gritman Medical Center’s administration, board of directors and staff for a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Potlatch Family Care location, 150 N. 6th St. Kara Besst, Gritman President and CEO, said the new facility underscores Gritman’s commitment to serve the health care needs of all Latah County residents. The new building will have three exam rooms and one procedure room and will be easier to access than the current location.

The upgraded facility will better accommodate both scheduled and walkin appointments and offer better privacy. Gritman Medical Center held a groundbreaking for its new Potlatch Mayor Potlatch clinic May 21. David Brown Gritman’s existing clinic at 225 N. 6th St. thanked Gritman Medical for their will remain open as usual. commitment to building the new facility, Gritman has invested in upgrading its noting that it will be a great addition to clinics recently. In addition to Potlatch, Potlatch. Gritman operates Family Care Clinics in Associated Architects, LLP designed the Kendrick and Troy. The Troy Clinic was building and Sprenger Construction will remodeled June 2012. Kendrick Family build it. Site work will begin immediately Care moved into their newly-remodeled and the building should be open for building in December 2013. business in November. In the meantime,

FAMILY CARE CLINICS KENDRICK FAMILY CARE: 606 East Main St. (208) 289-3841 POTLATCH FAMILY CARE: 225 6th St. (208) 875-2380 TROY CLINIC: 412 South Main St. (208) 835-5550

With ceremonial helmets and golden shovels, Potlatch community leaders join Gritman administration May 21 to put the first dent in the hard soil at the future location of the Potlatch Family Care clinic. Heavy equipment went to work the following day, making more substantial headway.

T H E W AY T O

GRITMAN.ORG

Real Estate

The Latah Eagle continued from pg. 10

is valued much more like a commercial property because of its well-known high agricultural yield potential. When tillable land actually comes to market in larger parcels, (which is very rare and instead usually passes neighbor to neighbor or within farm families) it is very popular and commands a premium. Second, Genesee is unique where it is located handily between Moscow-Pullman and LewistonClarkston, that means more potential economic inputs from both economies creating greater market stability. As a rule in Latah County, the trends of the season for communities like Genesee are usually set early in the season in Moscow. Moscow is the economic hub of the county, and most of the trends we see in the county are set there first before they ripple out to the other communities. A lot of this is because there are just more people and homes in Moscow, so trends in the market and corresponding data are easier to identify earlier. Moscow is off to one of the strongest starts I have seen in several years. At times this spring I have seen that fevered pitch that we last experienced in 2007, but with existing homes only. I credit a lot of this to buyer confidence, which seems to have brought a lot of people who would have otherwise been sidelined come into the game, but they want and they want it now. I expect this will likely ripple into the other communities in Latah County as summer progresses. In Genesee, Latah County Multiple Listing Service statistics from 2013 show from January 1 through June 1 there were seven sold properties in the Genesee area. Six of those were in town and one was on acreage. The average days on the market were 251. In 2014 through May 20, there have been just three solds with three others under contract. For those sold, the average days on the market were 89. This points at a market where supply is down and demand is up. There are currently a total of seven active listings, three of which came on the market in mid/late May (as of the writing of this article). If you’re looking for a house in Genesee, the data appears to point to a seller’s market. However, the influx of new inventory will likely bring Genesee into a balanced supply of sellers versus buyers, unless demand increases even more. In any case I would expect property values in Genesee at a minimum to hold with a slight nudge to some ever so slight appreciation potential this summer/fall. Sean Wilson is the Designated Broker and Co-owner of Latah Realty, LLC based in Moscow. Latah Realty has been in the real estate business in Latah County over 30 years.

Juliaetta Community Library Summer Reading Program 2014 NEW – “Easy to participate” program! No more having to keep track of times or titles - just READ! Read ANY day and/or EVERY day ~ that’s all you need to do to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program! Read for a total of 45 days throughout the summer and earn a grand prize. In addition to the prize, The Friends of the Juliaetta Library will host a Bingo Family Fun Night – including prizes - to celebrate our new Reading Program. Registration at the Juliaetta Community Library will begin the ﬁrst week in June – though joining the program can be done at any time during the months of June or July. All participants receive a free book bag when registering. After signing up, all you need to do to participate and earn a grand prize is read; E-books, magazines, newspapers, books – just have fun and read! Anyone, infant through high school age, may join the fun! Read or be read to – it all counts!

Come visit the Juliaetta Community Library and have some summer fun! Library phone: 208-276-7071

June 2014

friends and neighbors

A good day from the hands of Will Boyd When Seth Toebben heard that The Latah Eagle was hitting the presses again, his ﬁrst thought was giving credit to his friend Will Boyd of Troy for his dedication to community and family. We of course told Seth that we would love to hear Will’s story and share it with our readers. We hope their examples spread to others. Story by Seth Toebben “Dad,” my son asks, “why do some people just throw their stuff away wherever?” I want to answer his question, but I start with praise and a little teaching: “Good question, son. We call that littering.” Over the next couple of hours, as we alternate between picking up trash and discovering the natural wonders of Troy Forest Park, we talk about man’s relationship to the environment, our responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth, and all the amazing possibilities that the Earth’s natural resources hold for life and society. By teaching my son these lessons at an early age and in a hands-on way, I trust that they will stay with him as he grows to be a man. Will Boyd, a local 4-H Extension Associate and the founder of the

Homeschool Institute of Science (HIS Inc.), shares my conviction – that is why he organized the clean-up day for families at the park. This is not the first Idaho park to have caught Will Boyd’s eye, though. In 2004, Will took on the role of Education Director at Friends of the Will Boyd, right, of Troy with his four Clearwater, a grassroots advocacy sons, along with the sons of writer Seth group that works to protect the public Toebben, on a park clean-up day in Troy wildlands, wildlife, and waters in the recently. Boys from left to right are Shep Clearwater Basin. Boyd (4), Matthias Toebben (6), Abe The Wild Clearwater Country is part Boyd (6), Cyrus Boyd (10), Owen Boyd (8) of the largest undeveloped wildlands and Emeth Toebben (7). complex in the lower 48 states, and it is right in our backyard. Over the next Commenting on Will’s work and six years, Will developed the Education character, Gary McFarlane, the Executive Director into a full-time position, leading Director of Friends of the Clearwater, said, Friend’s outreach effort in designing and “Will is honest, an intellectual and critical presenting educational programs to local thinker, and with his feet in many different area colleges, high schools, and community groups. See WILL BOYD, pg. 14

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The Latah Eagle Potlatch 4-H’er Shasta Ockerberg, 13, of Princeton, presents to 4-H members the fine art of tattooing a goat. Holding said goat is her mother, Paula. In a note to The Latah Eagle, Shasta said other presentations for May included Randon Lusby demonstrating “Swine Vital Signs,” Dawni Jo Sheffler on “How to Wash a Pig,” Jordan and Mikey Sheffler with “Cuts of the Pig,” and Jaidyn McKinney and Taila McGreal on “What cut of meat are you eating?” The 4-H Club is one of many civic organizations taking part in the Potlatch City Wide Yardsale on June 14 to raise funds. Bargain hunters are encouraged to arrive early and to stop by the VFW Hall for nourishment in order to keep shopping.

Will Boyd

continued from pg. 13

settings he is able to speak to anyone.” The bottom line, he says, “Will just makes people feel comfortable.” It was during this time that two other passions would join with Will’s love for creation to guide his next steps: science curriculum development and his rapidly growing young family. From 2006 – 2008, Will served as the science chair and taught biology, chemistry, and physical science at Montrose Christian Academy, a small K-12 college preparatory school in Moscow. His experience there not only reaffirmed for him that he loved teaching young people, but also expanded his understanding of curriculum development and various pedagogical tools and methods. Excited for all the possibilities, Will would talk with his wife about how they were going to raise and educate their, at first, one, then two, and now five wild

boys. Deciding to homeschool and hoping to create new curricula and opportunities for homeschoolers in science education, Will and his wife thought it best for him to go back to school. So in 2010, Will entered the University of Idaho’s Department of Conservation Social Sciences in pursuit of his Masters Degree and Teaching Certification in secondary science. In 2013, he graduated with both. For his certification Boyd completed his student teaching at Deary High School. Through the course of his studies and experiences with the U of I, Will’s interests lead him to develop a research project that culminated in the creation of the Homeschool Institute of Science (HIS, Inc.). He tells the story of the project and the institute’s development in the paper: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Education and Community Building

in a Local Homeschooling Population: A Process-centered Success Story. As founder and board president of HIS, Inc., Boyd hopes that the organization will promote a reverent exploration of the natural world and the sciences among families and their children. Upon graduation, Boyd took an associate’s position with the University of Idaho’s 4H Extension. There he serves as the Assistant Director of the Idaho Robotics Opportunities for K-12 Students (Idaho ROKS™), which promotes, supports, and manages a K-12 continuum of pre-collegiate programs designed to educate and inspire youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Idaho ROKS™ is the official FIRST® Partner responsible for managing FIRST Lego League & FIRST Tech Challenge programs in Idaho. Through Will’s influence the program has gained new energy and

is making good strides in providing the area’s young people with helpful hands on learning opportunities in these exciting fields. As we unload a couple of big pieces of trash at Will’s home in Troy for him to discard of later, I survey his backyard. It is filled with kids, toys, and chickens. My body is a little achy and my belly’s empty, but the air feels a bit cleaner, and my spirits are lifted. Driving away I tell my son, “Thanks.” “For what, Dad?” he replies. I want to answer his question, but first I reach over and rustle his hair, knowing that he will understand when he is a man. For more information on Will Boyd and his work with the University of Idaho and HIS, Inc., please check www. uidaho.edu/extension/4h/ pages/directory, www. homeschoolscienceinstitute. org/, or www.facebook.com/ HisInc .

June 2014

The

Latah Eagle Want more? Support our sponsors.

It is that simple. The businesses advertising in this paper are the ones who will keep it coming to you, for free. Every one of them took a chance this month, without even seeing an example of the newspaper. Why did they do it? Because they know how important this is to the people living in our small towns. These businesses have our sincere thanks for helping us make The Latah Eagle ﬂy again. We hope you will give them your thanks as well.

Latah Federal Credit Union Chipman & Taylor Clearwater River Casino & Lodge Lewis-Clark State College Guy’s Outdoor Eqipment Tri-State Outfitters Deny’s Auto Service Filling Station Espresso Gritman Medical Center Largent’s Appliance & Electronics Latah Realty Sam Dial Jewelers Northwest Auto Parts & Paint Paciﬁc Northwest Farmers Cooperative Ridge River Realty Strom Electric Uncle Sam’s Flags & Gifts Hoo Doo Cafe & Pizzeria P.S. Espresso Swiftwater Outfitters

16 What will you celebrate in June?

✔ Adopt-a-Cat Month ✔ Country Cooking Month ✔ Great Outdoors Month ✔ National Accordion Awareness Month ✔ National Camping Month ✔ National Rivers Month ✔ World Naked Bike Ride Month

advertise@ thelataheagle.com

SUNDAY

Say-SomethingNice Day

MONDAY

The Latah Eagle TUESDAY WEDNE

Old M

Once-A-Month-Church

Potlatch Grace Lutheran Church, Dinner 6 pm, Worship 6:30 pm

Pet Appreciation Week

9 Donald Duck Day

Univesity of Idaho National Flag Week

15 Father’s

Day

Troy Rendezvous

17 Eat-Your-Vegetables Day

Join us for a snack during the Potlatch City Wide Yardsale on Saturday, June 14th. Our kitchen is open!

Old Time Fiddlers Week

Glob

7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Potlatch VFW Hall 735 Pine St.

P.S. Espresso & More

Espresso, Ice Cream, Snacks Potlatch, Idaho Mon-Fri, 5 a.m. - 5 p.m Sat, 6 a.m. - Noon Closed Sunday

Carpenter Ant Awareness Week

Log Cabin Day

Do you h particul

June 2014 ESDAY

Maids Day

THURSDAY

National Moonshine Day

FRIDAY

D-Day 70th Anniversary

Raising Poultry Workshop

Harvest Foods/Busch Fuel Lot Potlatch FFA Plant Sale, 4-7 pm Potlatch High School

Extreme Science Show

National Trails Day

Potlatch Football vs. Boy Scouts Car Wash

9 am-4 pm, Tourmaline Farms in Deary (208) 877-1700

SATURDAY

For all Ages, 2 pm, Potlatch Library

Potlatch FFA Plant Sale, 10 am6 pm, Potlatch High School

Blame-SomeoneElse Day (ﬁrst Friday the 13th of the year)

o 4-H Teen Camp

Flag Day & Army B-day

Juneteenth

Make Some Noise

Music & Fun with Miss Elaine 10:30 am, Juliaetta Library

HOO DOO Cafe & Pizzeria Hwy 6 - Harvard, Idaho Open 5 Days a Week Year Round 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. Closed Tuesday - Wednesday

Community Meals Monday @ 1 p.m. Everyone Welcome!

GENESEE DAY Potlatch City Wide Yardsale Troy Rendezvous

Elk River ATV Fun Run

The

Potlatch FFA Plant Sale, 4-7 pm, Potlatch High School

Potlatch FFA Plant Sale, 10 am6 pm, Potlatch High School

Eagle 20 American Day

21 Summer Solstice

G�� C�� D�� E�� A��

6-9 am, Breakfast by Friends of Genesee 8 am, Genesee Cow Creek Run

- 6:30 am registration at City Park

8-11 am, Check-in for Community Cruisin’ Car Show 9 am-4 pm, Quilt Show

10:30 am, Kiddie Parade

Oil & Water Don’t Mix Fun Experiments with Moscow Recycling, 10:30 am, Potlatch Library

11 am, Main Parade

12-2 pm, Library Open House

12:30 pm, Walking Tour of School

bal Beatles Day

Spaulding Center Museum

10:30 am, Juliaetta Library

The Reptileman

PTSD Awareness Day

Fun w/ Water Rockets

Experiments with NASA Space Program Ambassadors, 10:30 am, Potlatch Library

Live Specimens, All Ages, 3 pm, Potlatch Library

have an event to share? Give us the lars and we will include it if we can. editor@thelataheagle.com

1 pm-Dark, Trap Shoot

1-5 pm, White Springs Ranch Museum Open House 3 pm, Turtle Races

3 pm, Car Show Awards

6-9:45 pm, Dancing in the Park 10 pm, Fireworks

Looking for a fun family activity, birthday celebration or bachelor/bachelorette adventure? Booking now for summer sturgeon and fall salmon & steelhead guided fishing trips.

(208)476-3976

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The Latah Eagle

aDine

‘n’ Dashb

All-American Food and All-American Cars

We’re taking our passion for good oldfashion comfort food and great old American cars on the back roads of Latah County to ﬁnd the best meals around.

Helmer Store & Cafe

5588 Highway 8, Deary, Idaho (208) 877-1468 Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (till 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday) Saturday is Steak Night! Story and Photos by Barry Johnson When it came time to pick one of the county’s great eateries for our first Dine ‘n’ Dash column, the choice came pretty easy since there is only one that features a big eagle on their storefront – the Helmer Store and Café. Besides, rumor had already reached us that they have the best burgers for miles around, making it a destination of choice for serious meat eaters throughout the region. So we hopped in the old ‘Vette and headed for Helmer. We weren’t disappointed. Sarah Roberts, who goes by Sally to her friends, made it clear that the store’s history dates much further back than her 24 years as proprietor. “I’ve only been here a short while,” she said wryly of her quarter century at the helm. “The store has been here for nearly 100 years. If you want to see its history, just go over and look at that wall,” she said, pointing to dozens of old pictures hanging nearby, showing

My ‘62 in f ro Cor v e nt of tte c on the Hel verti b me r S le, si Helmer tor t e & ting and other Ca prett fe! y towns in the area

during much busier times. Today, Helmer boasts exactly one business: Sally’s store and café. “This place doesn’t stay open by depending on people who live around here to stop by,” Sally said, noting there are only about 22 households in Helmer today. “We have wonderful neighbors, but they just can’t eat that much. “It stays open because people come from a hundred miles around for the food.” And for good reason. The burgers are indeed amazing and every plate coming out of the kitchen made us stop and stare, wishing our stomachs had room for more. Sally serves up burgers with a full half-pound of top-grade beef and the freshest fixings. If that’s not enough, you can double up the patties and enjoy a full pound of ground beef that will put a hasty end to even the heartiest pangs of hunger. On this day, we opted for something slightly less intimidating than the signature Helmerburger, which oﬀers the works with additional ham and mayo, on lightly toasted buns. That combination seemed like a surefire way for us both to end up in an afternoon food coma. Instead, my order was a cheeseburger deluxe. My friend opted for the fried egg sandwich. We threw in a side order of fries to

June 2014

share for good measure. As Sally went back to the kitchen to start cooking up our lunches, we took a moment to explore the rest of the store, which features the handiwork of 23 consignees, most of whom make their wares in the nearby area. The store is everything you would expect of a country establishment. It is authentic. The products sold are made by hand, by people who care about what they put their name on. Just walking around the store makes you proud to be a part of Latah County and proud of Sally for putting quality above all else in her small establishment. Sally was busy on the grill, cooking our lunches. Her usual right-hand and cook at the café, Penny O’Neil, had the day oﬀ. When the lunches arrived, we hurried back to the table only to find that we were intimidated with the amount of food in front of us anyways, despite what we thought Sally ’s great-g rand son Jax, 2, ha was a bit of restraint yet learned that som sn’t e days th gets yo u.. e bear . when ordering. We “It stays open because people sat and stared at our come from a hundred miles around plates for several long moments, trying to decide how to tackle so much food. for the food.” Sally pointed out the obvious – it was unlikely we would be leaving Sally Roberts, Owner of the Helmer Store & Cafe hungry. Silence followed. There was no time for small talk. The entire lunch consisted of much chewing, with sighs of pleasure between bites. Sally was busy cooking up another big order of burgers for the gentlemen who came in behind us. They went big. Helmerburgers all around. As we finished up our plates – too full to eat another bite, but unwilling to leave a bite uneaten – Sally had a few minutes free between customers and we chatted a bit. She reminded us how hard the past several years have been on small businesses in places like Helmer, Bovill and Elk River. The downturn of 2010 took a heavy toll and many business shut their doors for good. Sally fought the hard times by sticking to what she believes in: Serving up the best quality food that people will go out of their way to enjoy. She has certainly stayed true to her beliefs. It won’t take much to get us back to Helmer soon. With Saturdays being steak night at Sally’s Helmer Store and Café, the next warm weekend is all it will take for us to put the top down on the old ‘Vette and roll that way again.

Got an appetite and a nice ride?

The Latah Eagle wants to buy you and a friend lunch at one of your favorite Latah County eateries. Drop an e-mail to editor@thelataheagle.com for your chance to win. Just let us know the year, make and model of your car, truck, motorcycle or whatever else you may ride, along with your favorite place to eat. If selected, we will contact you to arrange a day and time. Even if you’re not the chosen one for a free lunch, you are still welcome to join in the fun and help support a great local

we ile l h w a ing t, loc k o a t! o e len n c he gr a e t h c of ll t kit he g at a isplay t d in in ack lo ok essive b t s r wa f ron imp ly ry e Sal e out V s. wer craft d han

The Latah Eagle

ATV, cycle enthusiasts swarm in Elk River for annual fun runs

Elk River had over 500 participants in its first of two summer ATV-Cycle Fun Runs, covering 44 miles of trails outside the town. Proceeds go toward the annual Elk River fireworks show on July 5.

Photos courtesy of Latah County Historical Society

Four-wheelers and motorcyclists of every age were on hand in Elk River May 17 for the first of two ATV-Cycle Fun Runs being held before the Fourth of July. Mayor Jim Martin said they have been organizing the runs for the past 22 years as part of the Elk River Fireworks committee. “This was the first run of the season and people want to get out for some fun,” Jim said. He said the next run will be held on Saturday, June 14, with registration from 9-11 a.m. The runs are not intended to be races, but rather fun rides along a route of approximately 40 miles, with five checkpoints along the way. The fun runs cost $8 for the first card and $5 for each additional card, Elk River mayor Jim Martin, standing at per person. The cards are used to draw numbers at checkpoints. At the right, helps a long line of participants at end of the run, prizes are awarded to the first checkpoint of the ATV-Cycle Fun Run on May 17. winning cards.

Elk River c.a. 1910-11

These photos show Elk River during its early growth after being purchased by Potlatch Lumber Company in 1909. By 1911, the town’s population grew to over 1,200, with about 40 businesses operating till 1930. In the lower picture, you can see the old school house on top of the hill, which was commissioned by the Elk River School Board in 1911 and still stands today. The construction on the lower right of the photo is the church building. When timber rot decimated logging in the area around 1930, most residents moved on. Potlatch deeded the town its property in 1936, when only about 400 people remained living there.

June 2014

21 The next Elk River ATV & Cycle Fun Run will be Saturday, June 14, 2014. Registration is from 9:00-11:00 am. • Cost for the Fun Run is $8 for the first card and $5 for each additional card PER PERSON. • There is a $5 per vehicle Potlatch User fee which is required for all vehicles that have not purchased a Potlatch User permit. • ORMV stickers are required on all machines. • Helmets are required for participant’s age under age 18. • All ages may participate. • The ride begin and end in the community of Elk River. • UTV’s are allowed on the Fun Run. • The course will be on Potlatch, State of Idaho and partially on Clearwater National Forest lands. • This event is an equal opportunity provider.

R.J. Styre, 6, of Elk River, is one of the ATV-Cycle Fun Run’s youngest participants. Here he draws his lucky number at the first checkpoint for his chance to win prizes at the end of the 44-mile course. There is an additional $5 per vehicle Potlatch user fee for vehicles that don’t already have them. Jim said the runs are expected to raise at least $5,000 toward their annual fireworks display, which will be held on Saturday, July 5, beginning at dusk. He also gave special thanks to the Retired Eagles group from Lewiston, which helps sponsor the runs and provides volunteers to work the checkpoints. Having been mayor of Elk River for 24 years, Jim said these events are important for the town and the “Fireworks in the Mountains” show is well worth the eﬀort. More information on the fun runs is at www.elkriveridaho.com .

The Latah Eagle

day tripper Giant White Pine offers hiking, camping and a great excuse to get outdoors National Trails Day is June 7, part of an awareness campaign sponsored by the American Hiking Society to get people excited about discovering local trails and to experience the outdoors. The society expects hundreds of thousands of hikers, cyclists, paddlers, horseback riders and volunteers to take part in events across the country. What does this mean for us here in Latah County? It’s a great excuse to pack up the family and head to the woods for a weekend adventure. A mere 7.7 mile drive from Harvard on Highway 6’s White Pine Scenic Byway (35 miles NE of Moscow) brings you to one of Latah County’s many outdoor treasures – a nationally recognized trail system and campground, rich in natural beauty. The Giant White Pine Campground and Trailhead, kept so beautifully by the Palouse Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, is open from May-October. It has 14 developed campsites that can be used for $8/night. There are restrooms and drinking water available from two quaint hand pumps. The Giant White Pine Campground earned its name from a famous 600-yearold tree that spent its life in a beautiful

park-like setting on the edge of Mannering Creek. The tree was cut down due to disease but the huge stump and fallen tree are impressive, none-theless. There are three major trails that begin from the Giant White Pine Campground that are all suitable for a day hike for beginner to intermediate hikers. Trail 221A (Old Sampson Connection Trail) is 2.3 miles long and takes about an hour to walk. This trail follows a little creek and is great for kids. Trail 224 (East Fork Meadow Creek Trail) is 5.8 miles and will take about 4 hours, ending at the Palouse Divide. Trails 224A, 224B and 224C (East Fork Meadow Creek National Recreation Trail) are from .8 to 1.1 miles long and access trails 224, 26 (to the Palouse Divide), and 228 (to Bald Mountain) while following East Fork Meadow Creek. These trails offer stunning scenery and are easy to follow. While enjoying the opportunities of the trail system recently, Potlatch resident Heather

Cummins said the White Pine trails are close to home, yet they seem like a world away. “My dogs and I enjoy hiking into the dense forest, leaving the open fields behind for a while. I love that there are short hikes with manageable inclines just right for me as I try to get back into shape. It is a great place to meet up with friends for a brisk walk, a splash in the creek, and maybe a picnic in the shade on a hot day.” National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of June each year. Groups or organizations that would like to host events such as hikes, trail maintenance or trail runs can register with the American Hiking Society online at www.

americanhiking.org. National Trails Day is also part of Great Outdoors Month - a month-long effort in June to get Americans outside. Help celebrate the great outdoors on National Trails Day. See you on the trails!

June 2014

Muzzleloader club brings frontier history to life Troy area residents are likely to see small bands of mountain men and women descending on the town over Father’s Day weekend, harkening to an earlier age in American history as the Hog Heaven Muzzleloaders host Rendezvous 2014 at a nearby private camping area. According to Vern Illi, one of the event’s organizers, Hog Rendezvous has been an the history of rendezvous on annual event since 1981. the American frontier. “We started in 1979 with a “The Rendezvous was first small group of guys that had set as a gathering of Mountain muzzleloaders that they were Men to reusing supply their for the The Latah Eagle’s pick goods that special had been hunt in for Father’s Day: Idaho Hog Rendezvous 2014 depleted throughout and the year. other states,” Vern said. “These guys The first was in 1825 on the Green River in Wyoming. were looking for a reason to The American Fur Company shoot their muzzleloaders had employed men to collect more often.” beaver fur and trade for buﬀalo Although the first robes, which were highly Rendezvous was held on a sought after in the east. The rainy weekend in May, Vern beaver fur supplied felt for said the event shifted to Father’s Day the following year, stylish top hats.” He said the Hog Heaven since they felt it was an event Muzzleloaders re-enact the fathers would enjoy attending Fur Trade Rendezvous on and taking their children to. “From then on, Father’s Day a small scale with shooting contests, tomahawk and knife has been our gathering day.” throwing, pistol and primitive He also explained some of

bow shooting contests, along with traders selling 1800’s merchandise in a primitive setting. They have held the Rendezvous at Dutch Flat for the past 28 years. “It is on private property

and we are very fortunate to be allowed to use this ground, which allows a wonderful setting for this recreation,” Vern said. He also emphasized that visitors are always welcome, as are new shooters. “We do try to keep the muzzleloaders of the style common to the American West of the early 1800’s,” he emphasized. “If you want to step back into the early American West, stop by and check us out. Camp opens starting Friday afternoon, running till 1 p.m. on Sunday.” For information, contact Vern Illi at verncyn@tds.net.

The Latah Eagle

Big Theater for Small Towns APOD Productions brings out the best in community talent

Walking into a room ďŹ lled with the cast and crew of APOD Productions between theater performances is electrifying. People are talking and laughing, kids are playing and acting, sets are being rearranged, and wonderful baked goods are spread across a table for snacking. You get the sense that something special is happening here. You feel energized.

June 2014

“We feel compelled to share our passion with the community,” says Rebecca Payne, who co-founded the theater production company with her husband Todd when moving to the Palouse in 2005.

for us long term.” While other towns have offered their assistance in providing facilities, Rebecca says they are committed to staying in Potlatch. “Potlatch has a rich history and leaders that have a vision for the future. We have a good relationship “The Importance of Being Earnest” Algernon & Jack with local business owners fighting over the muffins. Played by Jake Bauer and and want to do our part in John Howard. seeing the town flourish.” truly enjoying themselves.” Dave Cada, a Potlatch City “We desire to give rural children and That professionalism and talent is a Councilman, says APOD Productions is adults alike an opportunity for a handsdirect reflection of Todd and Rebecca‘s filling an important historical role in the on experience in the performing arts that untiring dedication to performance arts. town. they would normally have to drive into the They have been working in theater for “When one looks at the history of city for.” more than two the City of That passion has led them to produce decades, to Potlatch, one “When one looks at the history of 11 theater shows in Potlatch and Sanders. of the first include acting, the City of Potlatch, one of the fi rst Their goal is to find a permanent home directing, things you things you notice is how important for their not-for-profit performance writing, notice is how the arts, culture, and sports have workshops in the Potlatch area, where producing and important the been in our community.” they can conduct rehearsals and put on teaching. They arts, culture, Dave Cada, Potlatch City Councilman even more community-oriented shows. previously and sports “We wish there was a community started a theater have been to center in Potlatch large enough to host group in Portland before moving to the our community,” Dave says. our theatre productions, provide storage Palouse. “In recent years, APOD has added a for our growing collection of costumes, “We provide classes, workshops and great deal to our cultural experience here props and set pieces, and provide mainstage productions that draw people in Potlatch. Upon attending any of their classroom space for from the surrounding communities,” performances one is ourselves as well as immediately struck by Rebecca says. “Kids, teens and adults other community come from Potlatch, Princeton, Harvard, the professionalism organizations,” Bovill, Viola, Moscow, Pullman and and the talent which Rebecca says. Sanders.” is demonstrated.” “We are very Needless to say, they take their Dave notes that he grateful to the and his wife attended productions and performance workshops American Legion seriously, expecting high standards from the most recent for allowing us to all their participants. Their attention to production, Anne of use their building detail shows through in every aspect of Green Gables, at the all week for each their shows, with incredible stage sets and American Legion of our theatre Cabin in Potlatch. “On professional lighting that complements productions. We the evening which my the wonderful performances they coax Esther Bauer, Rachel Mitchem & Shasta are also very from actors and actresses of every age. wife and I attended, Okerburg perfrom in “A Little Princess.” grateful to the area “One of the benefits to what we do is the house was churches, schools to create a community for those that have packed, the acting and the city for allowing us to use their was superb, the costumes were absolutely not yet found their place,” according to various spaces for rehearsals and classes. authentic, and everyone seemed to be See Theater, pg. 26 However, this is not a realistic situation

Theater

The Latah Eagle continued from pg. 25

Rebecca. “In small towns, kids and teens who are not sports oriented can easily feel out of place and may withdraw, become the ‘class clown’ or get into trouble. We help these young people realize their potential. We take them seriously and give them responsibility which helps them to grow and develop confidence Natalie Payne painting a prop for and skills they will use the musical “Pollyanna.” throughout their life.” As a not-for-profit, Rebecca emphasizes that APOD Productions is a volunteer-driven organization. “It really takes a community effort to put together a theater production,” she says. “When we do a musical we have volunteer music directors, vocal coaches, choreographers and rehearsal pianists. We have half a dozen women who sew costumes and others who iron or mend or sew on buttons. We have several people who build set pieces or paint or hunt through antique and thrift stores for props. “We also have a solid make-up and hair team. There are also those who help out with the off stage aspects of a production such as public relations, poster design, a church in Moscow that does all our printing, running to Costco for concession drinks or baking cookies or selling tickets.” It has been a family affair for Todd and Rebecca. “Our families have also been incredibly supportive.” Rebecca’s parents own Mimi’s Bakery in Palouse. “They have donated dozens of pastries for our concessions and helped to feed our family during the week before the show.”

“My mother has also helped sew costumes. Todd’s parents have helped out setting up and managing our online ticket sales. His mother has also ironed costumes. My sister and her family are very involved in our productions. When we do a musical she and her husband have directed the music, coached the vocalists, and played piano for rehearsals and sometimes performances.” Having just completed workshops and three performances in May of the full-length stage play Anne of Green Gables in Potlatch, they will soon be announcing their class schedule for the fall. “We do two main stage productions each year, at least one of which involves both children and adults. Our second show is usually a smaller cast show of just teens and adults.” Rebecca added that, “Because we are still unknown to a lot of people in the area, our auditions mainly spread by word of mouth. We also use posters, facebook, e-mail and our website: www.apodproductions.org. We are always looking for more ways to get the word out.” The Latah Eagle says it will definitely help spread the word as well. Their positive energy and the extraordinary contributions being made by Todd, Rebecca and all of APOD Production’s volunteers for our communities are well worth sharing.

Tristen Dudley painting books on a prop for the musical “Pollyanna.”

N.W. Auto Parts gets it!

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LCYAC hosts talent night for youth throughout county Got Talent!, a county-wide awards night and talent show hosted by the Latah County Youth Advocacy Council, held its second annual event on May 8th at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Showcasing 12 diﬀerent acts, and highlighting six budding artists, the event put Latah County’s K-12 youth in the spotlight and acknowledged the community members who make it possible. The talent show promotes community and family values in Latah County and sustains Latah County Youth Advocacy Council programs. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three in both art and talent categories. First prize will receive 150 dollars, second will receive 100 dollars, and third will receive 50 dollars. Winners in the Art Category: First Place: Hannah Marcoe; Second Place: Angel Cowan-Esquivel; Third Place: Reghan Mead.

Community Service Award Winners: Youth: Alec Henson, Juliaetta; Adult: Peggy Jenkins, Moscow and Don Renz, Potlatch; Group: Ron and Heather Morgan, Moscow. Community Leadership Award Winners: Youth: Cory Shattuck, Potlatch; Adult Rick Minard, Moscow; Group: The Moscow Chamber of Commerce.

Winners of the Talent Competition: First Place: Lynsean Young, Piano; Second Place: Kamri Sams, Dance; Third Place: Sister Act, featuring Savannah and Allyson LeForce, Vocal.

Lynn Cameron/Coalition Support Award: Youth: Summer Harris, Troy; Adult: Wayne Krauss, Moscow; Group: Moscow High School Buddy Club, Amanda Singleton and Tony-Quesnell, Co-Presidents. Pat Eck Community Award: Kathi Jo Nygaard, Potlatch.

Awards were presented to community members and groups based on their support of youth in Latah County, drug-free programs, and community service.

Commissioner’s Award: Dean Bruce Pitman, University Of Idaho. Latah County Youth Ambassador Spirit Award: Lance Funke, Genesee.

Scout

continued from pg. 5

scouting in the area for 20 years and through four sons, leads the Potlatch-based troop. He said the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post proposed the project about two years ago. “This is a great project for Micah to take on, showing respect for the community,” Jim said. The VFW agreed to fund the project, with gravel donated by Anderson Gravel of Potlatch. Jim noted that after the work was done at the cemetery, Micah still had much paperwork to complete in order to certify the project and earn his Eagle Scout award. “It won’t be easy, but he’ll get there,” Jim said. “He’s shown that he’s willing to work hard to earn his Eagle Scout.”

WI&M

continued from pg. 7

Brian Magelky of Moscow, and Bob Behal of Troy,” Jim said. “They’ve volunteered thousands of hours and have donated generously.” “The ‘Idaho Gives’ win has provided us with much-needed funding and enhanced our statewide profile but, more importantly to me, the town of Potlatch made us all winners. The overwhelming response we’ve received locally is both vindicating and humbling for me.” He also noted that fundraising is not done yet and there is still much work to be completed at the depot. Upcoming events include booth space available for the Potlatch City Wide Yardsale on June 14 and the much-anticipated Speeder Weekend on July 12.

June 2014

The Latah Eagle

snapshots

Photos shared from around the county...

Karen Rohn, owner and resident artist of BlackBird at the Depot in Potlatch, shared some photos of spring around the farm.

Sherry Pixley of Viola shared this great photo of Carl Osborne at the Potlatch Memorial Day ceremony. Carl, a retired Air Force oﬃcer and decorated pilot, volunteers tirelessly to support veterans activities throughout the region.

Signs of simpler and more prosperous times in Bovill.

Young future hunters complete their required education with a field day at the Troy Gun Club recently. One of their tasks: Learn the fine art of building a fire. And what better way to reward their success than to roast marshmallows?

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River Ridge Realty gets it!

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June 2014

inspiration An important part of Latah County heritage is our churches, which were established as foundations for our communities - places where generations of families worshipped, christened their children, married, and celebrated the lives of lost loved ones. To recognize these beautiful places in our towns and in the countryside, The Latah Eagle is visiting a historic church each month to celebrate the role they’ve played in our rural lives.

Bethany Memorial Chapel The area in which you are now standing is called Big Bear Ridge and was homesteaded in 1895-1900 by ten to twelve Norwegian families of Lutheran background who came to the West directly from Scandinavia. Settling close together, the families met in July 1902, for the purpose of building a church. The church property was donated by two neighbors and plans were immediately drafted for a church building. Construction of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethany Congregation, was a joint eﬀort of families between 1906-1908. The cemetery section of this property was determined in 1904 and the first burial in 1906. There are many Big Bear Ridge Pioneer Members buried in this cemetery. Bethany Memorial Chapel has been described by the architectural historians as “architecturally significant as a picturesque and well-preserved country church.” As a local landmark and a reminder of the values of an earlier generation, it is one of the best surviving examples of a rural church in Idaho. The chapel is bordered by many pine and locust blossom trees and flowering shrubs. The quiet, peaceful location is a reminder of its modest, but dedicated beginnings. The bell tower is original and its enclosed bell is rung from time to time, echoing across the farmlands. The lack of running water and plumbing add to the humble uniqueness of the building. Small weddings continue to be a part of Bethany Memorial Chapel’s activities. Donations are always accepted and appreciated to further building and grounds maintenance. For further information, please contact Nels Sneve at (208) 289-5326 or Ron Jones at (208) 289-3943. (Note: This article is an excerpt from information posted at the church about its history.)

The Bethany Memorial Chapel is located north of Kendrick on the Deary-Kendrick Highway.

The Latah Eagle

Where’s the sports page?

The Elk River News in 1925 - Bill Marineau, Witt Adams and J. Les Clark.

Photo courtesy of Latah County Historical Society

Volume 1, Issue 1 Editor & Publisher: Barry A. Johnson editor@thelataheagle.com Advertising Agent: Rachel Schiell advertise@thelataheagle.com Contributors: Thornton Sully Seth Toebben Gina Cretser On the Cover: Josephine Pagel, Potlatch The Latah Eagle P.O. Box 497 Potlatch, ID 83855 (208) 310-2769

Submissions: Announcements and story ideas are welcome. Contact us through the editor e-mail or send a letter to our P.O. box. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for consideration in the next issue.

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About The Latah Eagle: This newspaper is privately owned. Financial support is received through advertising. We will always strive to be an equal opportunity, community, and family-oriented publication. We will only accept materials or advertising that meet these standards. The newspaper is non-political and will not publish political commentary, although political advertising is welcome. Overall, we strive to reflect the values of our communities.

Advertising: The deadline to guarantee inclusion in the next monthly issue is the 15th of the month prior. Complete ads must be received by the 20th. For rates and more information, contact advertise@ thelataheagle.com.

The Latah Eagle

If there is one thing The Latah Eagle can’t do without, it’s a sports page. But that was a bit more than we could bite off and chew on for this ﬁrst issue. We continue looking for people in every town to share the local news and help cover important activities like sports, schools, new business openings and all the other things that come with rural life. If you want to get involved, drop us a note and we can chat over coffee about the direction the paper should take and how you can help. - editor@thelataheagle.com

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June 2014

The Latah Eagle

June 2014

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