042617newportminer by The Newport Miner

The Newport Miner the voice of pend oreille county since 1901

Wednesday, APRIL 26,2017

www.pendoreillerivervalley.com

Volume 115, Number 13 | 2 Sections, 24 Pages

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It’s official: Train rides in Newport By Don Gronning Of The Miner

NEWPORT – The Newport/Priest River Rotary Club bought out the North Pend Oreille Valley Lions interest in the North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Excursion Train Rides, finalizing the deal with a $20,000 check. The check was presented Friday, April 21. “It’s now the Rotary’s,” Rotary president Sam Brooks said. “We have to put up or shut up.” He said the train rides have the potential to bring new people to Newport. The two clubs have been talking for months after it became apparent the ride couldn’t continue in the north county. The tracks needed significant upgrades to comply with federal regulations and there was no money to make the upgrades. The Lions approached the Rotary Club about taking over the rides, said Dick Norton of the Lions. Both the Lions and the See train, 2A

Miner photo|Don Gronning

Newport/Priest River Rotary Club Treasurer Brad Mingay presents North Pend Oreille Valley Lions club president Kim DiRienz with a $20,000 check for four railroad cars, a database and miscellaneous equipment associated with the train rides. The train rides moved to Newport after the track up north required expensive upgrades that couldn’t be afforded. The Lions Club sold their interest to the Rotary Club.

ATVs, A-Z, biking discussed at Forest Roundtable

Officials contemplate ‘No Wake’ zones

McMorris Rodgers listens to group on forest issues

By Don Gronning By Sophia Aldous

Of The Miner

Of The miner

COLVILLE – U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., held a Forest Roundtable in Colville Wednesday, April 19, giving an invited group a chance to let her know some of their issues with forest management. Curtis Vaagen of Vaagen Brothers Lumber brought her up to date on the A to Z project. A-Z is an innovative project that called for the company to pay for an independent company to do all the environmental assessment (EA) work without guaranteed returns. The advantage is that they will not have to bid on each phase. The cost of the EA was originally estimated at $1 million but company officials said

court in Seattle June 13. The Alliance is suing over

DIAMOND LAKE – With plenty of snow and spring run off, residents on local lakes, particularly Diamond Lake and Sacheen Lake, are contemplating No Wake Zones. Some are in favor and some are against. The final decision rests in the hands of the Pend Oreille County Commissioners, but there is no rush to make a decision, says Commissioner Karen Skoog. “There have been no official votes on it, though we’ve heard from both sides regarding the issue,” says Skoog. “We’ll most likely wait to make any decision after Friday’s town hall meeting.” A Town Hall meeting will be held with Pend Oreille County Commissioners at the Boat Launch Restaurant in Diamond Lake Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and address the No Wake Zone issue, as well as other concerns. The definition of a No Wake Zone is defined as a vessel traveling at or below idle speed, or at such speed that the boat or its waves is not ample enough to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats, or property. Specifically as it pertains to local lakes, there has been some concern that the high lake levels will

See round table, 2A

See wake, 2A

Miner photo|Don Gronning

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers listens during a Forest Roundtable discussion she held in Colville Wednesday, April 19. Colville National Forest Supervisor Rodney Smoldon and Pend Oreille County commissioner Steve Kiss look on.

they have spent more $2 million. Vaagen said the project was going well, although

there was a court challenge from the Alliance for the Wild Rockies that will be heard in federal

B r i e f ly Grizzly Auction this Saturday

NEWPORT – The Grizzly Maws and Paws Booster Club ‘Grrrreat Grizzly Auction,’ is this Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Beardmore Bistro Wine Bar and Tap House in Priest River. Some of the items donated to the auction include an instant wine cellar with 50 bottles of wine, a guided Montana fishing trip for four and a night at Northern Quest and dinner at Maselow’s. There are also a number of themed baskets, all valued at more than $100. There will be hors d’oeurves and a silent auction from 6:30-8 p.m., with the live auction getting underway at classifieds Follow Life on us Facebook Obituaries

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8 p.m. All proceeds support students of the Newport School District. For more information, email mawsandpawsboosterclub@gmail.com.

Newport High School to get new vice principal NEWPORT – The Newport School District has hired a new high school vice principal and athletic director, after Geoff Pearson announced he would take a teaching position in the district starting in the 2017-2018 school year. Brett Mackey, Principal at North Beach Junior High and High School in Ocean Shores, will replace Pearson beginOpinion

Record

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Police Reports

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Public Notices

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Health and Wellness 1B-7B

ning July 1. In March, Pearson applied to fill the vacancy left by former science teacher Saraya Pierce. Pierce accepted a job as Special Programs Coordinator for the Newport School District. Pearson, who has worked in the district for three years, says he would like to return to teaching. “I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old daughter, and currently my job doesn’t allow me a lot of time to spend with my family,” Pearson says. “A teaching position will allow me to do that.” Pearson was formerly a science teacher for eight years at Pullman High School and two years at Hoquiam High School.

Voice of Pend Oreille River Valley Religion feature See pull out section insdie

f r o m pag e o n e

| APRIL 26,2017

The Newport Miner Serving Pend Oreille County, WA

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Wake: Some against ‘no wake zone’

Master Gardener Plant Sale April 29

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Miner photo|Don Gronning

A “No wake” sign stands at the Diamond Lake boat launch. From Page 1

exacerbate flooding in houses built near the shoreline. However, some residents think that the answer isn’t a No Wake Zone. “The lake isn’t as high as it was in 2012, the last time we had a No Wake Zone,” says Paul Moore, Vice President of the Diamond Lake Improvement Association. “Lake levels are actually starting to go down. Most of the snow around the lake is gone except for a few patches here and there.” According to Moore, the levels for Diamond Lake in 2012 were more than 2,343 feet. This year the lake levels are at the 2,342 mark. Moore was one of several Diamond Lake residents, including Dan Holman, Doug Gorder and LeRoy Leland who wrote to Pend Oreille County Commissioners in the last week of March and the first week of April to voice their opposition to a No Wake Zone. Skoog says she has received phone calls from residents requesting that a No Wake Zone be implemented.

“There’s a couple of us that take lake level readings, including at the Northshore Road culvert, and it’s all volunteer,” says Holman, also a member

‘The final decision is up to our elected officials. We just keep track of things because we live here, we love it here and we want to take care of it.’ Dan Holman

Diamond Lake Resident

of the Diamond Lake Improvement Association. “I get a lot of calls about the lake levels, but there’s nothing we can do officially. The final decision is up to our elected officials. We just keep track of things because we live here, we love it here and we want to

TRAIN: Rides start in August From Page 1

Rotary formed committees to see what was possible. The two committees met and after a lot of discussion, it was agreed that a new ride could be possible, Norton said. The Lions Club was asked to develop a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU). At this point, it was understood by all that nothing would be final until both full clubs’ membership signed off, Norton said. The Lions wrote the MOU and forwarded it to the Rotary Club train committee. It was passed on to Rotary membership, who voted to approve it. The proposed MOU was then presented to the Lions board of directors and then the Lions Club’s full membership. The Lions Club felt the Lions train committee had not covered enough

in the proposed MOU and required some changes be made, Norton said. The Lions Club made those changes and forwarded the amended MOU to the Lions club board members and the Rotary train committee. The Rotary train committee presented the amended MOU to the Rotary’s full membership, which then rejected the new MOU and declined further negotiations, Norton said. It looked for a time that the ride wouldn’t come to Newport, said North Pend Oreille Valley Lions president Kim DiRienz. That only lasted a couple hours before the clubs were back in discussion, this time to buy the Lions’ interest. “When a door closes, a window opens,” DiRienz said. The window that opened was the Rotary being willing to buy out the Lions’ interest for

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$20,000. Lions Club members voted Saturday, April 22, to approve the deal. The Rotary bought four railroad cars, a database of past customers and various pieces of equipment and costumes that go with the ride. The original proposal was for the Lions to get 50 percent of any net profit and to share in any losses. It was the sharing in any losses part that the Lions objected to and changed, along with some other items. One of the benefits of the deal is that Lions Club members will help out on the first couple trips. “We’re committed to seeing it be successful,” DiRienz said. “We’re glad the train rides will remain in the county.” The new ride will go from Newport to Dalkena and back. It is scheduled to start in mid August.

ROUNDTABLE: From Page 1

the outsourcing of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Vaagan says Vaagen Brothers hired the firm, but after that they were not involved, except for paying for the assessment. He said, depending on the outcome of the court challenge, Vaagens are looking for somewhere to do another A to Z style project. “We’re looking anywhere in a 100 mile radius of Colville,” he said. McMorris Rodgers was glad to hear that. “Maybe it could become a national model,” she said. Stan Christie was attending representing motorized recreation in the national forest. He urged McMorris Rodgers to work to open up Forest Service roads to ATV travel. Mike Peterson of the Lands Council agreed, although he wanted legislation allowing ATV use on forest roads. “The challenge of doing it by designation of the agencies, is that it can go away,” he said, as administrations change. Peterson said it was rally a no brainer to allow ATVs on Forest Service roads, as cars, trucks and motorcycles are all permitted. McMorris Rodgers said she was open to the ATV suggestion. She asked Peterson about wilderness areas. Peterson said that when he went to the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, he learned that visits there had tripled since it was declared a national monument. He said the area draws a lot of international visitors, including visitors from Europe and Japan. Pend Oreille County commissioner Stave Kiss told McMorris Rodgers that the north part of Pend Oreille County was having economic

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take care of it.” At the April 17 commissioners’ meeting at the Pend Oreille County hearing room Sacheen Lake Association President Don Hill was present to speak about the lake levels and requested a No Wake Zone on Sacheen Lake. The restriction would be lifted as soon as lake levels go down, says Hill. “We (Sacheen Lake Association) have a mission that includes protecting recreation and the environment,” says Hill. “We’re trying to find a balance between protecting the lake and enjoying the gift that it is to live on it.” The gauge that monitors the lake levels is at the pier adjacent to Fertile Valley Road. It is currently at 9.4 decimal feet. Hill says boat recreation would be more ideal if the gauge was at 7.9. Otherwise, he contends that boat traffic on the lake will cause shoreline and property damage, along with siltation. “No one says you can’t play on the water; that’s why most of us live at the lake,” Hill says. “We want to safeguard what we have, though.”

The 19th annual WSU/Pend Oreille County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held Saturday, April 29, at the Stratton Elementary School Gymnasium at 1201 W. Fifth St. in Newport. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the sale will go until noon or until plants are sold out, whichever comes first. Master Gardeners have put their plant growing expertise and enthusiasm to good use this late winter and early spring to bring only the best and healthiest plants to this sale. There will be veggie starts, herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and berries for sale. Master Gardeners have also been busy gathering donations from the community for a raffle. Tickets for the raffle will be sold all morning the day of the sale – $1 each. Participants do not have to be present to win. The winning tickets will be drawn the morning of the sale. Proceeds from this plant sale will be used to fund a long list of Master Gardener educational projects including plant clinics, the garden tour and dinner, the new demonstration garden located just west of the WSU/Pend Oreille County Extension Office, SNAP Ed schoolyard programs at all County elementary schools, and other educational and gardening programs, classes, and displays for the residents of Pend Oreille County. For further information concerning the plant sale or other gardening programs contact the WSU Extension Office in Newport at 227-A S. Garden Avenue, 509447-2401.

Wednesday Thursday Mostly cloudy Showers

Cloudy and sun w/ Showers

50/35

las t w e e k

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Saturday

Mostly cloudy Shower

Sunday

Monday

Mostly cloudy Showers

Tuesday

54/33

57/36

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troubles. “We have three towns there that are dying,” Kiss said. He said he hadn’t seen any benefit from the Salmo-Priest Wilderness area. He said the mine would be open through the end of the year but there was no commitment past that. Kiss said the county had to turn back $600,000 in funding because they didn’t have the grant money. He expressed concern that the Secure Rural Schools funding was jeopardized. Kiss also expressed concern about the Kalispel Tribe’s proposal to change the air quality classification of reservation lands to Class I, up from Class II. That would require large air polluters to get expensive permits. McMorris Rodgers said that she was working on the Secure Rural Schools money and would look into the Class I designation. Earlier in the day McMorris Rodgers hosted an Ambulance Roundtable. “The group represented several transport agencies from four counties, the CEO of Colville’s hospital, county government, and a volunteer fire district,” she said on her Facebook page. “The closing of the Newport Ambulance was a blow to the area, and I’m concerned about the Stevens County Sheriff’s ambulance’s ability to stay open. Our discussion today focused on identifying the root cause of what is causing rural ambulances to suffer, and considering solutions to provide a secure future for ambulances.” After the Forest Roundtable, McMorris Rodgers was asked if she would hold any events in Pend Oreille County. She said she would be at the Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner at the Cusick American Legion Friday, May 5.

Morning Showers Showers

Source: National Weather Service and Accuweather.com, Newport, WA

Last Year: The weather this week last year dryer, mostly cloudy with highs in the 70s at the end of the week.

Apr. High Low Prec. 19 54 35 0 20 63 35 .05 21 50 35 .23 22 62 34 0 23 65 35 0 24 55 40 .01 25 53 38 .04 Source: Albeni Falls Dam

APRIL 26,2017 |

Judge orders home monitoring

b r i e f ly President Trump approves major disaster declaration for Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced this week that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Washington to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from Jan. 30 to Feb. 22. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the Adams, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Lewis, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whatcom counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Thomas J. Dargan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Dargan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of damage assessments.

County fair market hog weigh-in May 20 CUSICK – The Pend Oreille County Fair Market hog weigh-in will be held May 20 from 9-11 a.m. at the Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds in Cusick. The weigh-in is optional. However, if you choose to not attend the weigh-in you must register your hog with the Hog Superintendents by May 20. No late registrations will be accepted. If you choose to not attend the weigh-in you will not be eligible for the Daily Rate of Gain Contest. To be eligible to show a hog at the fair, exhibitors must have completed the third grade. Classes will be as followed: Juniors (third, fourth and fifth grade); Intermediates (sixth, seventh and eighth grade); Seniors (ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade) must be under 19 years of age as of Jan. 1. Exhibitors should have received their Market Hog paperwork via mail. If you have any questions please contact the Hog Superintendents. Contact Jennifer Gaffaney 509-292-2783 or Tracy Schweiger 509-2929624 for more information.

Public invited to Child Abuse Awareness Walk NEWPORT – The Child Abuse Awareness Walk is Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Newport City Park. Family Crisis Network hosts the event. This year’s theme is “Build up a Child Today, So That They Can Build a Future for Tomorrow.” T-shirt proceeds will go towards a $500 scholarship fund for high school seniors who have overcome adversity. A Lego competition will be held after the walk that is open to youth and adults. For more information contact Lea Porter at Family Crisis Network 509447-2274.

By Don Gronning Of The Miner

Miner photo|Don Gronning

Jason Butler of Diamond Lake was out bright and early Saturday. “I got my first fish at 6,” he said. He had three by mid morning.

Cold weather makes slow opening day, better fishing later NEWPORT - The opening day of the fishing season saw anglers taking fish out of Diamond and Sacheen Lakes, but because of the cold, wet winter, fishing was slow opening day, says Madonna Luers of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “That means there’s a lot of good fishing ahead of us,” she said. Opening day this year was more like March. Some veteran fishers may have stayed away knowing it was a little early for a lot of action. But there were plenty of fish planted at Diamond Lake, including 300 jumbo rainbow trout released – fish Miner photo|Don Gronning a pound or larger. There were 21,500 fish Tom Fredenberg of Sacheen Lake shows off some rainbows he planted in April, rang- caught at Diamond Lake on power eggs. ing in size from 1/10 to ½ pound. There were a similar sized plant also 25,000 planted planned for this comlast May and June, with ing May.

Early wildfire suppression bill signed into law OLYMPIA – Under legislation sponsored by Rep. Joel Kretz and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee, much of the groundwork for Washington state’s next wildfire suppression response will be laid months in advance as the state seeks to enter into preemptive agreements with local contractors. “We’re continuing to respond to the devastation and experiences of the record wildfires our region has seen over the last few years,” said Kretz, R-Wauconda. “This bill is a direct result of some hard lessons that were learned when folks in Central and Eastern Washington were in the thick of it. It’s a positive step in the right direction and I’m grateful legislators on both sides of the aisle can agree wildfire suppression and forest health are critical issues that needed to be addressed this year.” House Bill 1489 specifically requires the state Department of Natural Resources to enter into preemptive wildfire suppression agreements with local contractors as well as land owners. The department must take into consideration the availability,

NEWPORT – Pend Oreille County Superior Court Judge Jessica Reeves wasn’t convinced Troy Rauter would not be a threat to his former neighbor if she went along with the lawyers’ plea bargain and let him out of jail after a three-month stint. Rauter, 49, pleaded guilty to several charges in Superior Court Thursday, April 20, including

‘If you’re not too disabled to commit crimes, you’re not too sick and disabled to go to jail or prison.’ Judge Jessica Reeves Superior Court

possession of methadone, second degree unlawful possession of a firearm, harassment threats to kill and obstructing. Prosecuting attorney Greg Hicks said he was recommending a four-month sentence on each of the charges, with the time to be served concurrently. Since Rauter had been in jail about 90 days, with good time he would be released within a day or so, if the judge went along. Hicks said that Rauter had substantial medical problems that were costing the jail money, one of the reasons for the plea deal. Hicks said Rauter had barricaded himself in his home with a firearm and challenged deputies to come get him, Hicks said, in an apparent attempt to get law enforcement to kill him. The deputies left and came back later to arrest him, Hicks said. Defense attorney Brett Billingsly said Rauter had been called a walking paraplegic by his doctor. He said Rauter had been in a number of car wrecks, starting when he was a child. He said he had been with pain for years. See SENTENCING, 5A

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| APRIL 26,2017

Viewpoint

our opinion

ThE mineR

l e tt e r s p o l i c y We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Letters should be typed and submitted to The Miner office no later than 5 p.m. Friday for publication the following Wednesday. No letter will be published unless it is signed by at least one individual, even if the letter represents the view of a group. The letter must include a telephone number and address for authentication. The Miner reserves the right to edit letters. Political letters will not be published the last issue before an election. Letters will be printed as space allows.

All aboard! Trains arrive in Newport

ewport is the new official home of the scenic train rides, now known as S.P.O.R.T., Scenic Pend Oreille River Trains, and we couldn’t be happier. This is the boon the Newport/Oldtown/Priest River area has needed for a long time, and as Rotary President Sam Brooks said so eloquently, it’s time to put up or shut up. The North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club train rides sold out nearly every time it was held. That’s thousands of people visiting northern Pend Oreille County that will now be gracing the streets of Newport. Retailers, restaurants, coffee shops, and every other business in town should get ready. Getting the train rides to Newport was no easy task and pulling them off will be an even bigger challenge. But we are up for it. A handful of weekends a year, the Newport/ Priest River Rotary Club will need all hands on deck – volunteers from all service organizations, private citizens and the business community need to come together to make this a success. Volunteering should be fun as well. This is a great group of people who have worked so hard to negotiate a deal between the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. Both groups deserve a round of applause for doing what is best for all involved. There have been naysayers along the way, people who didn’t think there would be enough people willing to give up their weekends, evenings and brainpower to make this a success. Their warnings should be taken to heart. The hard work is just beginning, and we can’t take for granted that “other people” will get the work done. Anyone interested in volunteering can talk to a Rotary member. We have four working at The Miner. We all hope to see you at the train rides. -MCN

Beehler a champion of economic development

w e b c o mm e n t s We welcome comment on select stories on our web site. You may comment anonymously. We will review comments before posting and we reserve the right to omit or edit comments. If you want to comment only to our writers and editors, let us know that you do not want your comment published.

yo u r o p i n i o n Sell China coal, degrade North Korean economy To the editor, President Trump has pointed out the strong linkage between China and North Korea, and he correctly assumes China can influence North Korea’s weapons development program. We must work with China on resolving this situation, and also on the Chinese encroachment in the South China Sea and the trade deficit imbalance. At this juncture, the North Korean nuclear missile program is of primary concern. China can bring pressure on North Korea to stop its development of these weapons systems by reducing its trade with North Korea. One area of trade that comes to mind is the large quantity of coal China imports from North Korea. It is estimated this amounts to 22 million tons per year, which is 40 percent of North Korea’s coal exports. A reduction in the importation of North Korean coal would significantly impact the North Korean economy, and could force it to change its position on arms development. The U.S. has large quantities of coal available for mining, which could be sold to China, if cost ef-

Former Publisher of The Miner Newspapers

See Beehler, 5A

Killing regulation doesn’t create jobs To the editor, President Trump is signing ceremonial executive orders to repeal federal regulations that he and his followers claim are “job killing regulations.” The premise is that regulations were created and enacted for the purpose of eliminating jobs. This is faulty thinking. I would like to see one example of a regulation that was enacted for the sole purpose of eliminating a job. I would also like to see one example of a job that was created by President Trump’s executive orders repealing that regulation. The main reason that regulations are created comes from American’s inability to tolerate anything going wrong or any mishap. The media picks up on the crying and outrage, and the congress or agency overreacts by imposing a regulatory fix.

We should note that the same kind of ceremony happens when a president signs a new law that addresses a problem that Americans couldn’t accept. An example would be toxic chemicals being released into the public water supply like the lead seen in Flint, Mich. Regulations usually create jobs when compliance measures are undertaken. In 1970 I recall many safety jobs that were created when President Nixon signed the OSHA into law. It would be ridiculous to think that jobs were eliminated because of OSHA. It would be more ridiculous to think that fewer safety regulations would result in more jobs being created. I suppose a worker being killed on the job would open up a spot for a new worker, but it wouldn’t result in a new job being created. I expect that President Trump will repeal an unpopular federal regulation for smokers. I am waiting for the President to repeal the federal regulation that says an airplane passenger can’t disable a smoke detector in a lavatory. I wonder how many airline jobs that will create. -Pete Scobby Newport

Locals meet with McMorris Rodgers

By Fred J. Willenbrock

Whenever Arlin Beehler started waving his hands enthusiastically while explaining his latest idea to us during the 1980s, I knew we were about to go down a new roller coaster ride in the name of economic development. But we always jumped on board. He made us feel like there wasn’t any project that was impossible for the small group of community members he led – the goal was to create jobs and improve the economy. Something he did very well for many years behind the scenes of Pend Oreille and west Bonner Counties. Arlin passed away on March 28, at the age of 81. His memorial service is Saturday in Newport. Like many families of a community leader, they had to share a piece of his life with the public. I would like to do that one more time – I know Arlin would understand if he thought his story might inspire someone to help the community he loved. Arlin believed it was possible to recruit new industries and businesses to this rural area. He believed it could be done because he had done it. As a young electrical engineer, he designed and oversaw the building of the Key Tronic keyboard manufacturing plant now owned by Zodiac Aerospace behind McDonalds in Newport. Then he managed the plant as it grew to 600 employees. Later he and his partners started Pend Oreille Bank in Newport. He saw a need for retail space and built it in Newport with his Radio Shack store as an anchor. A Miner reader study showed the number one thing people wanted at the time was a shoe store; so, he started a shoe store in Oldtown. But in the late 1980s, the area’s economy was in trouble. The Key Tronic building was empty, Pend Oreille Mine was closed and Ponderay Newsprint didn’t exist. The sawmill industry was up and down. Unemployment hit 25 percent. No more time to sit around waiting for something to happen. It was time to form a group to recruit new industry. The non-profit organization was called Pro Pend Oreille and Arlin was the obvious choice to be the first manager – he also worked for free. Advertising, phone calls, networking and visits to industry leaders became the organization’s recruitment effort. When the owner of an aerospace manufacturing company that employed thousands around the world was persuaded by Arlin to look at the Key Tronic

fective, to fill its coal importation needs. This would help our trade imbalance with China, boost our coal mining industry, and put our coal miners back to work. -Donald Moskowitz Londonderry, N.H.

SPOKANE - Three Newport residents, who are also members of the local grassroots group Indivisible Pend Oreille County, participated in a “Coffee with Cathy” event with Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers in Spokane on April 13, according to a news release from the group. They were invited to attend the roundtable style forum with the Congresswoman at her Spokane office along with nine other constituents from Spokane. Carol Schaffer, Kath-

leen Werr and Bob Schutte of Newport were extended the invitation by her staffers to represent some of the viewpoints from northeast rural counties. They were selected because they had traveled to Colville March 27 along with five others to hand deliver a letter with over 80 signatures from Pend Oreille, Ferry and Stevens Counties to staffer Andrew Engell to present to the Congresswoman, requesting she hold a Town Hall meeting in Colville during the spring

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recess. McMorris Rodgers denied that town hall request, so the three agreed to attend the small group format to repeat the request in person, and to express rural concerns and questions, as well as to read letters from rural constituents not able to attend, regarding her positions on several emerging policies and proposals by President Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress. McMorris Rodgers was initially welcoming,

informal and conversational, saying she wanted to “listen and learn from” her constituents. She limited her opening remarks, turning quickly to begin discussion around the table, appearing to want to give each person a chance to express their area of concern. However, it soon became evident that the hour she had scheduled for the meeting would not be enough to accommodate the many issues See Rodgers, 5A

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Visit The Miner Online to answer our readers’ poll question through Monday afternoon. Find it on the right-hand side of the page at www.PendOreilleRiverValley.com. The results will be printed next week on this page. You need not be a subscriber to participate. If you have any ideas for future readers’ poll questions, submit them at minernews@povn.com.

What do you think of the situation between the U.S. and North Korea?

With an unusually wet spring local lakes are at high water marks. Some lake residents think a no wake ban should be imposed, keeping boats from sending wakes into the shoreline, causing erosion and other damage. Others thing that’s too strict, that people want to use their boats on the lake.

Regardless of who’s fault it is, we’re on the brink of World War III.

Should the county impose a no wake zone on area lakes until the water goes down? No Yes It depends on the lake

It’s about time the U.S. stands up to Kim The situation will die down. Nothing to worry Jong Un. Trump is doing a great job. about.

11% 16% 50% 24%

The U.S. is aggravating an already tense situation. We should leave North Korea alone.

Total votes: 38

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BILL: Signed during closing day of session From Page 3A

In addition, participating contractors will work under the supervision of recognized wildfire personnel and at a pre-determined operating rate identified beforehand. Kretz gave credit to the Washington Forest Protection Association for its efforts to help educate lawmakers on the need to engage local fire suppression assets and for assistance in crafting the bill. “The Washington Forest Protection Association was a real asset for us to get this across the goal line this session,” said Kretz. “There’s more to be done but I’m extremely grateful for their assistance and look forward to working with them on other wildfire

and forest health issues.” “We really need to keep small fires small,” WFPA executive director Mark Doumit said. “And the way to do that is to engage with local private contractors already in the county. Larger fire suppression efforts have their time and place, but we see a need for a local quick reaction fire suppression force that knows the terrain and is able to step up with short notice. This new law will help get us there.” Kretz’s bill was signed into law during the closing days of the 2017 regular session. “We’ve done a lot over the last few years to help avoid another awful wildfire stretch like we saw in 2014 and 2015,” Kretz said. “But we also have a lot more to do.”

SENTENCING: Going to AA, Bible study in jail From Page 3A

Billingsley said the victim had been Rauter’s caregiver for a time, as well as his landlord. The relationship turned bad and the caretaking ended. He said when released, Rauter would move to Elk, where he had a place to stay arranged. Rauter said he had struggled for years with pain following an automobile wreck he was in as a child. He counted six hip surgeries, two back operations and a fused neck as among the medical procedures he has had. He said he also struggled with alcohol and drugs. He said the main reason he was pleading guilty was because of his daughter. She was mad at him, he said, over these charges and he wanted to get back in her good graces. Rauter said he had been going to Alcoholic Anonymous and Bible study meetings in jail. He said he had a support system in place. Reeves said Rauter’s physical problems hadn’t stopped him from committing crimes against people. “You’ve made life rough on other people,” she said. Firearms were a deadly business, she said. “I’m concerned that you’re not safe.” As far as going to AA and Bible study while in jail, Reeves said people tend to stay on track when in jail. Reeves asked about Rauter’s income. Rauter said he made about $700 a month on Social Security disability. Reeves said she was considering sentencing Rauter to electronic home monitoring. Rauter would have to pay for EHM. Rauter said he has people who would help him pay. Reeves then sentenced Rauter to four months on the charges, with two of the sentences to run consecutively. He would get credit for the time in jail, then would have to serve another eight months of electronic home monitoring. Reeves ordered he not be released until the EHM was in place. She suspended eight months jail time and ordered he be on community custody for 12 months. In addition, he was ordered to pay the minimum in legal financial obligations, $1,800. The prosecution’s sentence recommendation was made in part because of the medical expense of keeping Rauter in jail. “If you’re not too disabled to commit crimes, you’re not too sick and disabled to go to jail or prison,” Reeves said.

APRIL 26,2017 |

Mcmorris rodgers: From Page 4A

that were raised in the detailed and respectful questions presented, reflecting the quiet intensity of the 12 people in the room, according to the news release. Issues raised included: the repeal of subsidies and Medicaid funding in the GOP health care proposal; cuts in local Public Health program and AIDS funding; drastic cuts to the EPA and Superfund sites impacting the Spokane and Pend Oreille Rivers; her recent vote allowing the dumping of industrial waste into streams; privatization of public lands; Syrian refugee restrictions and changes to Middle East policy; and reversal of orders and powers to protect privacy rights on the Internet. In regard to her denial of a request for a rural town hall, McMorris Rodgers became stern and complained that the dialogue had become too “divisive” for town halls “all over the country” and she found it more “productive” to meet in small selective groups such as these, according to the news release from Indivisible. One participant from Newport urged that she collaborate with local groups to assure a respectful dialogue, and observed that while this small group format was also valuable, it was clear the 12 voices at this table were only beginning to be heard and she needed to hear from more people in her district to effectively represent her constituents. She simply smiled at this suggestion and did not indicate she would change her mind. In general, McMorris Rodgers responded to

BEehler: From Page 4A

building he showed him the building. But he also shrewdly took him for a boat ride on the beautiful Pend Oreille River on a warm summer afternoon. When that company didn’t work out he found another wood products one that did. Establishing an aluminum boat manufacturer, recruiting early retirees and finding more doctors were just a few things on

questions and expressed concerns by steering attention to bills she had sponsored, the “burden” of regulations, and classified briefings she had been given, which often did not quite correspond or were a quite limited response to the issues being raised. Participants with relationships to disabled adults and children had questions about her position on repeal of the Affordable Care Act and her support of the recent GOP proposals eliminating or severely reducing coverage for those on Medicaid and low-income families. Spokane Public Health professionals present appealed to her not to support reducing funding to public health programs serving AIDS and other disadvantaged populations. According to the news release, at times she seemed to be skeptical of the daily limitations of many low income and disabled Americans, and the idea that local economic or chronic health conditions would prevent them from benefiting from the so-called “free market” and “free choice” solutions she has sponsored and supported, such as tax free Health Savings Accounts or vouchers to replace health care premium subsidies. McMorris Rodgers listened as another letter was read aloud from a rural constituent with two uninsured part-time jobs as a rural teacher detailing her own disability with multiple chronic conditions and health challenges, including a child with disabilities, and whose family now depends on Medicaid for the drugs to survive and she is terrified to lose it. The

the expanding work list during Arlin’s time. He never gave up. If one plan failed or someone brought up a community deficiency that hindered recruiting like the lack of doctors at the time, he got to work to correct it. His hands would start waving and he would start pitching the next action plan to us. In his eyes, there was always hope, if we all just kept trying and selling the community he loved.

Congresswoman seemed impressed by her situation and applauded her for working in spite of her challenges. She then referred to the bill she introduced for tax-free “ABLE” accounts for those with disabilities, which won’t reduce their eligibility for disability benefits. When it was pointed out that while her own child could benefit from such a program, many families with such challenges have no disposable income to invest in such “opportunities,” she was silent and did not seem to make the connection. When challenged about proposed caps on Medicaid funding, she flatly denied there were caps on Medicaid being proposed, though a cap on funding to states, which would affect funding capacity for state Medicaid programs, is part of the recent GOP AHCA proposal, which McMorris Rodgers has vocally supported. A participant from Newport asked about the Congresswoman’s support for recent proposed cuts to the EPA, including for clean air and water programs and Superfund sites, citing her recent vote to allow release of coal waste into streams. He asked her if she would likewise vote to support release of industrial waste into those streams flowing into the Pend Oreille and Spokane Rivers. He noted that past history of mining and other industrial waste dumped into the Spokane River had required a still active Superfund site to clean up and it still was not safe to eat the fish. She curtly responded that she “supported all rural communities.” When questioned about her position on the selling of public lands, McMorris Rodgers responded that she supported opening

public lands to gas and oil exploration. The Congresswoman appeared to be surprised by now well-known facts about the difference between immigrants and refugees. She believed that Syrian refugees were at fault for the Paris attacks, when in fact nine of the 11 known attackers were European nationals, and she confused the visawaiver vetting program with the refugee vetting program. She also stated her mistaken impression that the U.S. had admitted more Syrian refugees than any other country, according to the Indivisible press release. Two couples from Spokane who were hosting Syrian refugee families described the suffering and obstacles to resettlement faced by the families in their care. McMorris Rogers responded that she had received classified briefings from Homeland Security regarding vetting that influenced her to support a “pause” in refugee admissions, without explaining further. In response to arguments against the severely drastic cuts to so many federal agencies being proposed or implemented by the current Administration, such as the EPA, FCC, and the Department of Interior, she complained about the “burden” of too many regulations and rules created by “unelected” federal agencies, insisting that only Congress should be making all the laws and regulations. This struck many as a bit challenging for members of Congress to micromanage considering her apparent lack of knowledge of the most current information available on several of the topics provided by the participants in the room.

Chewelah’s 8th Annual Community Wide Yard Sale Over 45 sales!! “Enjoy a day full of bargain hunting fun”

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| APRIL 26,2017

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Come to the Cutter for magic show METALINE FALLS Magician and illusionist, Isaiah Daniels, performs on The Cutter stage Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 by reservation and $15 at the door. Selkirk “studentstandby” is available (if seats are open, Selkirk students may attend free).

A spaghetti dinner, at 6 p.m., is available for $10, and reservations for the dinner are required. For more information on upcoming events or to make reservations, call The Cutter Theatre at 509-446-4108. The Cutter is located at 302 Park Street in Metaline Falls.

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In Southeast Asia, an elephant leads the Kathina procession to the temple. At Sravasti Abbey, they settle for a moose.

Sharing the Dharma Day May 7

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NEWPORT – Sravasti Abbey, the Buddhist monastery in Newport, combines the Buddhist celebration of Kathina (kuh-teen-ah) with its monthly Sharing the Dharma Day program on Sunday May 7, from 9:45 am to 3:30 pm. People of all faiths and backgrounds who would like to know more about the Buddha’s teachings are welcomed to attend. The Sharing the Dharma Day schedule is offered in the morning, with a guided meditation followed by talk from An Open-Hearted Life, a guidebook for developing compassion by local psychologist Dr. Russell Kolts and Abbey founder Venerable Thubten Chodron. After a vegetarian potluck lunch, the Kathina ceremony will begin.

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World War II veteran John Delay and Korean War veteran Fred Lenhart visited Washington D.C. April 17-18 on the well known Honor Flight. The Pend Oreille County Knights of Columbus No. 14628, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly No. 3063, the American Legion Post (Cusick) No. 217, and the Inland Northwest Honor Flight program co-sponsored two guardians to assist Delay and Lenhart, on their visit to war memorials in Washington, D.C. The Inland Northwest Honor Flight program provides transport for war veterans from eastern Washington and northern Idaho to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their services and sacrifices. Volunteers act as guardians on the trips to Washington, D.C. to ensure that the veterans have a safe and enjoyable trip. “It is our honor and patriot mission to as-

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Veterans Fred Lenhart and John Delay took part in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. April 17-18. In the front row are Fred Lenhart (Korean War Vet), Maria Pence (guardian), in the back row are John Delay Jr. (guardian), John Delay (WWII Vet), Greg Meyer, Stephen Sommer, Darrell Wehr, Ed Zupich and Frank Capehart.

sist worthy veterans by funding the expenses of guardians so the veterans have a more to enjoyable experience visiting our national war memorials,” said Greg Meyer a member of the Knights of Columbus and

the American Legion and lead of the sponsorship program which started in summer 2016. The next honor flight is scheduled this fall and the groups are looking forward to sending two more local veterans.

Contact Greg Meyer (509863-8386) for application. Contributions are being accepted for that flight by the American Legion Post 217 at Cusick or Knights of Columbus, P. O. Box 494, Newport, WA 99156.

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shorts are discouraged. Friendly curiosity and openness to learn are the only prerequisites. Bring a vegetarian lunch item to share. The first session begins at 9:45 a.m., potluck lunch is at noon, and the program ends about 3:30 p.m. There is no charge, and offerings—of food for the community and/or financial gifts—are always welcomed. A list of suggested offerings for this special Kathina ceremony is on the Wish List page of the Abbey’s website, Sravasti.org. Sravasti Abbey is located at 692 Country Lane, Newport. For more information and directions, check the website or call 509-447-5549 or email office.sravasti@gmail. com.

Lenhart, Delay visit D.C. via Honor Flight

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The Kathina is widely celebrated in Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia. It is a time when lay followers make offerings of the four requisites—food, clothing, medicine, and shelter—to replenish the monastery’s supplies after concluding their three-month winter retreat. The monks and nuns accept these offerings, and ceremonially offers a “robe of merit” to a worthy senior monastic. The Abbey’s version of this celebration includes a procession, chanting, and another talk that celebrates and explains history and symbolism of the ritual. It is a festive occasion and, again, all are welcome. Dress is casual, although modesty is appropriate for a monastic environment. Short skirts and

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your child’s sensitive information from identity thieves.” That’s the advice of the Idaho Department of Finance, which wants to send a clear message to parents and adults in Idaho who are raising children. Citizens are bombarded with warnings to guard their personal identification numbers (PIN), review their deposit accounts daily for fraud, and shred documents that

contain sensitive information before disposing of them. But seldom are they reminded that their children’s sensitive information also could be targeted by identity thieves. Children under 18 generally do not have credit reports, nor do children typically build credit before the age of 18. But keep in mind, a child’s credit report will not be accessed for years, thus making the child’s sensitive information an attractive tidbit for

fraudsters. Warning signs of child identity theft: • Credit card pre-applications in your child’s name arrive in the mail • Collection calls for your child • Bills for products and service are received in your child’s name If you think your child’s information may be at risk, review the FTC’s child identity theft tips linked through the Department of Finance’s website.

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APRIL 26,2017 |

Girl Power brings together Tri-County youth

round 75 junior high ages girls from the TriCounty area came together for the 10th annual Girl Power Conference at Chewelah Peak April 14-15. The conference brings together young girls for a two-day retreat of that focuses on practical, daily applications for physical, emotional, and mental health. According to event volunteer and Pend Oreille County YES Program Director Martina Coordes, 44 girls from Newport, six from Selkirk and 12 from Cusick attended the event.