The Newport Miner THE VOICE OF PEND OREILLE COUNTY SINCE 1901
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
www.pendoreillerivervalley.com
Volume 117, Number 17 | 2 Sections, 20 Pages
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Local economies get local attention at EDC BY SOPHIA ALDOUS OF THE MINER
CUSICK – The Pend Oreille County Economic Development Council got an update on the north part of the county at its monthly meeting, this time held at the Camas Center for Community Wellness Wednesday, May 15. While it wasn’t the main focal point of the meeting, EDC board members shared projects they were helping facilitate. Sonya Scauflaire, Director of the Pend Oreille River Tourism Alliance (PORTA) said that the North Pend Oreille Chamber of Commerce is alive and well, with 27 people attending last month’s meeting and three logging in
MINER PHOTO|MICHELLE NEDVED
Each of the four wings or “neighborhoods” in the new River Mountain Village Advanced Care includes a dining room and kitchen.
Advanced care facility nearing completion
Open house scheduled for June 28; move-in Aug. 1 BY MICHELLE NEDVED OF THE MINER
NEWPORT – One of the many key points advocates for a new long term care facility used to get voters to approve a construction bond was that residents at the current facility share bathrooms located in the hallway, with only a curtain to provide any semblance of privacy. The spacious, modern and private bathrooms at the new River Mountain Village Advanced Care are just one of many features that set the new faONLINE: VISIT THE MINER ONLINE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE RIVER MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ADVANCED CARE UNIT. WWW.PENDOREILLERIVERVALLEY.COM.
cility apart from not only the current Long Term Care, but a good majority of hotels and resorts. A date of Aug. 1 has been set for residents to move into the new fourwing, 47,000-squarefoot facility located on a park-like 1.5 acre lot in Newport. “What’s exciting is that families will be more
likely to come visit,” said Jenny Smith, Newport Hospital and Health Services’ Marketing and Foundation Director. Smith, along with hospital commissioners Ray King and Lynnette Elswick, Directory of Residential Care Sue Schwartz and Activities Manager Jenny Cooper attended a tour with Education Manager Casey Scott, Friday afternoon. Each wing, or neighborhood, is a combination of private and semi-private rooms, clustered around a dining room with kitchen, sun room with gas fireplace and balcony. Just about every room in the building will feature a television with all the technological features available, from blue tooth to WiFi. The semi-private rooms are built for two residents, as some people prefer to live with someone else, whether that be a spouse, sibling or friend. The semi-private rooms do not have their own shower, but do include a restroom. The larger communal bathrooms with showers are large enough to accommodate any assistance residents might
‘If we can attract 10 businesses that employ at least 12 people, that can be good for the north county.’ Sonya Scauflaire
North Pend Oreille Chamber of Commerce
online. The North Pend Oreille Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization serving the communiSEE EDC, 2A
Candidate filing closes with many uncontested races BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER
be furnished and used initially, but the fourth will be available when the census grows. The advanced care unit is designed for assisted living and advance adult residential care. It is located adjacent to River
NEWPORT – There are 65 positions up for grabs this coming November but only a handful of the races are contested and some didn’t draw any candidates when the candidate filing period came to a close Friday, May 17. The Hospital District commissioner race drew several candidates. Incumbent Ray King is being challenged by Sue Johnson for the position 4 commissioner seat. The position 6 commissioner seat is being sought by Jeff Upton, Robert Rosencrantz and Rick Obrien. Both positions are for six-year terms. They are non partisan positions, as are all the positions in this election. The Cusick Mayor race is being contested by incumbent Chris Evers and challenger Duane Schofield. It is to fill out a two-year term. The No. 3 position on the Riverside School Board drew two contenders – Joslyn James and Sandra Huggins. It is for a four-year term. The Newport city council position No. 3 drew two contenders, Christian J. Meador and Troy Falardeau. It is to serve the remainder of an unexpired term for the position held by Brad Hein. Hein was appointed to the position two years ago when nobody else ran. There may be more appointments again, as
SEE FACILITY, 2A
SEE CANDIDATES, 2A
MINER PHOTO|MICHELLE NEDVED
Pend Oreille Hospital District No. 1 commissioner Lynnette Elswick inspects a closet in one of the private rooms at the River Mountain Village Advanced Care. An open house is scheduled for June 28. Move in is Aug. 1.
need with showering, as well as wheelchairs and lifts. Private rooms include a full bathroom as well as a kitchenette. Each of the neighborhoods include six semiprivate and six private rooms. Only three of the neighborhoods will
B R I E F LY Memorial Day services listed NEWPORT – Memorial Day ceremonies will be held through out the area Monday, May 27. The day will start at 10 a.m. with a color guard ceremony at the Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River. At 11 a.m., a ceremony will take place at the Newport Cemetery. At noon there will be a ceremony at the north cemetery on the Kalispel Indian Reservation, followed by a ceremony at the south cemetery about 12:30 p.m. There will be a ceremony on the Cusick Boat Launch
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CLASSIFIEDS
at 1 p.m., followed by a meal at the American Legion Post in Cusick at 1:30 p.m. The flags will be ceremonially taken down at the Newport Cemetery at 3 p.m. In the north part of the county, ceremonies will take place Sunday, May 26. There will be a ceremony at the Ione Cemetery at 11 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the Metaline Cemetery at noon and a ceremony at the Metaline Falls Bridge at 1:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall at 200 E. Fourth Ave., in Metaline Falls.
People are invited to join in remembering the men and women who served their country.
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Miner closed for Memorial Day NEWPORT – The Newport and Gem State Miner Newspaper office will be closed Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day. The deadline for classified ads is Friday, May 24 at 2 p.m. The Hot Box deadline remains 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28.
OPINION
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RECORD
6B
SPORTS
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LIFE
3B
POLICE REPORTS
6B
OBITUARIES
6B
PUBLIC NOTICES
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BOOSTER
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VISIT PRIEST LAKE THIS WEEKEND! SPRING FESTIVAL SEE PAGES 4B-5B