Dec. 8, 2021 - The Newport Miner

The Newport Miner THE VOICE OF PEND OREILLE COUNTY SINCE 1901

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Council approves budget with $18 rate increase

Volume 119, Number 46 | 2 Sections, 20 Pages $1.00

BY MICHELLE NEDVED OF THE MINER

NEWPORT – The Newport City Council made the difficult but seemingly necessary decision to raise water and wastewater rates substantially Monday night. Rates are increasing $18 a month for residences, starting in 2022. A discount for senior citizens was also approved.

“You are in a very difficult position,” city attorney Laura McAloon said. She is also the city’s bond counsel. “You’re technically setting yourselves up to default on theses loans,” if the council hadn’t approved the increase.

Over the past two decades the city has taken out three bonds for the water and sewer systems.

“The agreement for each of these bonds came with a repayment timeline as well as an obligation that a portion of the rate to be dedicated to these repayments,” city administrator Abby Gribi wrote in a memo to the council. “To date the city has not met this obligation for the 2020 bonds. This is coupled with the fact that with our current rates we do not meet the threshold for applying for grants.”

Grants can cover between 5 and 30% of any given projects, depending on funding type, she said.

Councilman Mark Zorica asked what Plan B was. The alternative is defaulting on the loans, Gribi and McAloon both explained.

“Electeds didn’t make the tough decision to fund (them),” Gribi said. “The cost is the cost.”

Sewer rates will increase $8 a month to $59.60 and water rates will increase $10 a month to $45.51, for a total of $123.25, including taxes.

Councilwoman Nancy Thompson, whose term ends at the end of the year as she did not seek SEE CITY, 2A

MINER PHOTO|SOPHIA ALDOUS

A really good deal for the holidays at UCC The Newport United Church of Christ held its annual holiday gift and bake sale Dec. 3-4, complete with gift baskets, Christmas décor and numerous baked goods for sale. For more information about the event and how to participate next year, call (509) 447-4121.

Newport’s Christmas celebration starts Saturday NEWPORT – A re-decorated town Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa Claus and a surge of new community volunteers will highlight Newport’s Christmas celebration Saturday, Dec. 11, from 3-5 p.m. at Centennial Plaza.

City and fire department crews planned to repair and re-hang the lights on the town’s tree next to the museum after some people complained about their appearance, said Dave North, City of Newport public works director. The city is

also placing lights on the city light poles in the business district.

Since there isn’t enough time to buy new lights or develop a new lighting design this year, they hope SEE CHRISTMAS, 2A

PUD electric rates to rise

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

MINER PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Pend Oreille Utility District commissioners Rick Larson and Curt Knapp look at some numbers presented during the PUD’s open house Tuesday, Nov. 30, with commissioner Joe Olney also looking at numbers. At the commission meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 7, commissioners unanimously approved a 1.25% electricity rate increase.

NEWPORT – Pend Oreille Public Utility District electric customers can expect an increase in rates in 2022, after PUD commissioners approved a 1.25% increase to revenue at their meeting Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Commissioner Joe Onley, who had initially wanted no increase, reluctantly moved for a 1% increase Tuesday. His motion died for lack of a second.

Commission chair Curt Knapp initially wanted a 1.5% increase to keep up with inflation.

The commissioners

unanimously agreed to commissioner Rick Larson’s motion for a 1.25% increase. The 1.25% increase to revenue will generate about $250,000 for the PUD and will cost an average ratepayer about $2 a month, PUD General Manager Colin Willenbrock said.

The commissioners also approved the 2022 budget, which includes a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment for employees. The $64 million budget includes $61.62 million in funding and $61.23 million in expenditures. There is another $3.2 million budgeted from reserves to balance the budget. Willenbrock said the PUD has

about $75 million total cash reserves, but about $39 million is for restricted uses, such as paying off debt. That leaves nearly $36 million in unrestricted reserves, he said.

Town hall held Tuesday The PUD held an evening town hall meeting Tuesday, Nov. 30, at their office in Newport.

The PUD has two evening meetings a year so people who can’t attend the daytime meetings can attend. The Nov. 30 town hall started at 4 p.m. and wrapped up by 7 p.m., SEE PUD, 2A

B R I E F LY Free Christmas give-a-way Dec. 14 NEWPORT – There will be a free Christmas Give-AWay for kids newborn to age 12 Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newport Southern Baptist Church.

Parents come enjoy some Christmas goodies and get ready for Christmas. The church will be giving away new and gently used items. For each child families will get a Christmas stocking plus stocking stuffers. There will be a stuffed animal, a book and one clothing item

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or outfit per child. There will also be a raffle each hour.

This will be on a first come basis, while supplies lasts.

The church is located at 52 Sitton Rd., one mile southwest of Newport on Highway 2.

Christmas tree re-lighting ceremony Saturday NEWPORT – Join the community in re-lighting Newport’s downtown Christmas tree Saturday, Dec. 11, 3-5 p.m., along with some great festivities. Greater

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers will restring the lights for this year and plan for new lights next year. The lights will be put on the tree at 3:30 p.m.

Santa will be in attendance, with candy canes, hot cocoa, cookies, music, photographers, and more. All are available for free to the public.

The tree is being relit because of complaints about the lights, which were hung vertically down the tree.

The Christmas tree is located at 325 W. 4th St. in Newport.

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THE NEWPORT MINER

Hearing examiner hears appeal of environmental decision

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

NEWPORT - Following a daylong Zoom meeting with multiple witnesses, hearings examiner Dave Hubert asked for summations by attorneys by Dec. 17. A decision is not expected this year.

Hubert is being asked to decide on an appeal of a Determination of Non Significance filed by Responsible Growth * NE Washington, which was represented by attorneys, as was the county. RG*NEW is appealing Pend Oreille County Community Development Director Greg Snow’s Determination of Non Significance of an environmental review for the county’s comprehensive plan update, including the critical area code and development regulations and changes to the zoning map.

The county’s comprehensive plan update, due in 2020, is on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.

RG*NEW attorneys contend Snow didn’t have enough information to make such determination of non-significance.

“The proposed re-designations, rezones (text and map) and critical area code amendments would allow more impactful uses than are currently allowed,” attorney Daniel L. Bricklin wrote in the appeal. “The environmental checklist constantly avoids providing the required information by asserting that impacts will be assessed at the project stage. But at the project stage, the issue of whether the proposed use is allowed will already have been made—without the benefit of an EIS,” Bricklin writes.

He put on witnesses that testified to support his position, including those that said

the county didn’t consider climate change or adequately considers impacts to wildlife or the Stimson Lumber-Forest Service land exchange.

Snow testified that the county first adopted development regulations in 2005 and prepared a State Environmental Policy Act checklist disclosing the impacts of the comprehensive plan. The county had updated the comprehensive plan, future land use map and development regulations, with a DNS issued each time.

In the most current update, the county intended to eliminate the Public Lands zoning designation, amend the table of permitted uses, establish industrial and commercial uses, amend the development regulations to reflect current conditions and anticipated SEE HEARING, 10A

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CITY: New rates similar to Oldtown rates FROM PAGE 1

re-election, said the new rates are similar to what Oldtown residents pay now, which is $127 a month.

“It seems to me, and tell me if I’m wrong, we should have been doing that all along. We’re to the point now where we just need to catch up,” she said.

In addition to paying the bonds, a $5 annual increase was used from the sewer ending fund balance for a state of emergency in 2019 at the wastewater plant. Those funds need to be paid back, and they need to be paid back now, according to the state auditor, city clerk and treasurer Nickole North said.

The new rate includes the final $5 increase already approved for the 2019 payback, and a 5.9% cost of living adjustment for inflation that totals $3.

In 2020, there were bonds acquired for the water plant project, Gribi said in her memo.

“When this was approved it was indicated that a $16 increase was needed for the repayment of the bonds. There have been to date a total of a $6 increase, leaving a $10 obligation to still be funded,” she wrote.

City staff also proposed a 5.9% COLA for the water system, equating to $2, as well as an $8 increase.

The new total water/sewer bill before taxes will be $105.47. With taxes, which are paid for fire suppression and to assist with funding the Community Resource Officer and Newport Police Department, the total base rate will be $123.25.

CHRISTMAS: Tree donated in 1990 FROM PAGE 1

to make it look better by rearranging what they have, North said.

A group of representatives from the community will create a tree lighting plan for next Christmas and present it to the public.

Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce president Jason Totland said the negative attention brought by the tree lights this year has had a good side to it. The chamber has been able to sign up almost 30 new volunteers to help with the Christmas celebration Saturday and hopefully in the future.

“We have had about seven people working on the chamber,” Totland said. “There weren’t even enough members to form a board of directors.”

The town tree is on Pend Oreille County

Historical Society property. The blue spruce was donated in 1990 by the now closed Malm’s Tree Farm in Idaho. It was about half the size it is today and had to be moved with a special tree moving machine.

The city has a written maintenance agreement with the Centennial Plaza Association, the group that built the plaza with a goal of it being an old-fashioned town square. The agreement allows them to maintain the flower beds in front of the gazebo, replace the American flag and maintain the tree lights.

Sue Mauro took over the association president’s job this year.

She is also a historical society and chamber member.

Mauro said the association will lead the tree lighting design studies and make a proposal

to the community. She plans to include representatives of the various groups in town like Totland from the chamber and North from the city.

The lights have been paid for by donations from various people, businesses and organizations for decades, Mauro said. The tube lights used the past two years that people said they don’t like were tried out because research showed that they would last longer and be easier to hang. She said they will find other uses for them next year but not on the tree.

Mauro and Totland both said they appreciate the efforts of the many volunteers, the Pend Oreille PUD and City of Newport. They provided the work and money needed to keep the Christmas spirit alive in Newport for more than 30 years.

PUD: New policy ‘encourages’ proof of vaccination FROM PAGE 1

with one person from the public attending in-person and not many more watching over Zoom.

The meeting was similar to a regular meeting, with commissioners following an agenda.

General manager Colin Willenbrock gave commissioners a look at a proposed COVID policy at the town hall meeting. He said it appeared Gov. Jay Inslee would not require COVID vaccinations for companies with 50 or more employees, something that had been spoken about by Inslee publically. Instead, it appears Inslee will follow President Joe Biden’s path of requiring vaccinations for employers with 100 or more employees, as well as allowing regular testing for unvaccinated employees, Willenbrock said.

The PUD has just fewer than 100 employees, so it won’t fall under the Biden policy and Willenbrock said as far as he could tell wouldn’t fall under the vaccine mandate contemplated by Inslee.

Larson said he had concerns about the draft COVID policy, especially a part about keeping vaccination status on employees.

“I really question that,” Larson said.

Willenbrock said the vaccination status was voluntary and wanted for contact tracing purposes.

He said there had been “a couple of grievances from the union” filed over contact tracing.

Gretchen Koenig, the sole member of the public in attendance in-person, asked if PUD workers get paid leave if they have to miss work because of COVID. Willenbrock said when the pandemic first started that was the plan because the PUD thought it would be reimbursed. Now time off comes from the employees personal time, the total of all paid time off such as sick leave and vacation.

During Tuesday’s commission meeting, commissioners passed a COVID policy that that was changed to “encourage” employees to present vaccination cards to the human resources director, as opposed to requiring employees to provide proof of vaccination. If vaccination cards were not presented, the employees are presumed to not be vaccinated. The difference is that non vaccinated employees who were exposed as a close contact to someone with COVID would have to quarantine 10 days, while vaccinated employees without symptoms would not need to quarantine unless they had COVID symptoms.

PUD ready for CETA The commissioners

heard three presentations from PUD staff. Presentations were made on Washington’s Clean Energy Transportation Act, broadband grants and the budget and power supply.

Tyler Whitney, PUD attorney and assistant general manager, and Amber Gifford, communications director, talked about CETA. Whitney talked of the some of the key dates.

“We’re uniquely situated to benefit from CETA,” Whitney said.

The plan was approved by the legislature in May 2019. CETA commits the state to have an electricity supply without greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

By 2025, the state needs to have no coal in the electricity, by 2030 the state needs to be greenhouse gas neutral and by 2045 needs to be 100% clean.

As far as greenhouse gas, Whitney said the PUD is 100% compliant with the CETA standard right now. There is a part of CETA that the PUD will have to address, including addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and low-income people, especially low-income seniors. The vulnerable community includes the Kalispel reservation.

Whitney said about a third of the county’s population is low in-

come, which is 150% of the county’s median income. He said the county already has low electricity costs, with people spending about 2 1/2% of the household income. That compares to 6% in the rest of the state.

Even noting that, the PUD will continue its energy efficiency programs, which include smart thermostats and ductless heat pumps.

It will also continue its Neighbors in Need Program and may join with Rural Resources, which administers the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, to document income for people who seek assistance.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Dec. 7, Whitney said the PUD had budgeted $20,000 per year for the next four years for conservation.

Broadband grants Sarah Holderman gave a presentation on the PUD’s broadband grant prospects.

She said because of a Community Revitalization Economic Board (CERB) grant the PUD received for a feasibility study about broadband in the north county, the PUD had much of the data needed to be competitive for grants.

Holderman said costs have gone up since the feasibility study.

The feasibility study showed that it would cost $19 million to bring fiber broadband to the whole north county or $7 million to bring broadband to the populated areas.

Depending on the grant, there could be a $2-7 million match required from the PUD. That wouldn’t necessarily mean more bonding; the PUD could borrow from itself or finance the matching itself.

Power rates vary widely The final presentation was about the power supply and budget presented by Willenbrock and April Owen, the PUD’s director of audit, finance and power supply.

They emphasized the volatility of the electric market, with prices raising as high a $720 a megawatt hour in August 2020 and well over $400 in 2021. The price actually went to less than $0 a couple times in 2020. That didn’t happen in 2021.

Willenbrock said the PUD’s five-year agreement with Shell to buy all PUD electricity and sell back to the PUD what the PUD needs for customers allowed the PUD to avoid exposure to the volatile energy market. That contract runs through 2025.

THE MINER

B R I E F LY New members of the board at BASIC BLANCHARD – BASIC (Blanchard Area Seniors InCorporated) has a new board, including Ruthanna Cadd as president, Linda Niehaus as vice president, Nancy Curotto as treasurer and the new secretary is Michelle Kozeluh. Members at large are Barbara Blanchard, Bob Niehaus and Deb Pursifull.

For more information about BASIC and their work with the Blanchard Community Center, go to www.blanchardidaho.net.

Bonner County EMS November calls SANDPOINT – Bonner County Emergency Medical Service received the following calls for services at their stations for the month of November.

Station 1 in Sandpoint received 136; Station 2 in Priest River got 55 calls, Station 3 in Sagle had 67, Station 4 in Ponderay had 84 and Station 5 in West Medic had 23.

The total volume of calls for the month was 365.

Community Christmas Party Dec. 19 BLANCHARD – A Community Christmas Party will be held at the Blanchard Grange Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.

Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck and be available for photos. Each child will be able to pick a Christmas gift and there will be cookies, hot cocoa and a campfire.

BASIC/ The Blanchard Community Center will be providing Christmas gifts at the Community Christmas Party this year.

Monetary donations to help purchase gifts would be appreciated. Mail checks to BASIC/ P.O. Box 127, Blanchard, ID 83804, Attn: Michelle.

Join the 2nd annual Christmas Cruise NEWPORT – The Second Annual Christmas Cruise will be taking place on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to light up their rigs, UTV, ATV, semis, equipment, animals, etc. and meet at the Newport High School parking lot at 3:30 p.m.

The cruise starts at 4 p.m.

Check www.facebook. com/CityofNewportWA for the route to be posted.

Find ‘The Joy of Christmas’ this week SACHEEN LAKE – This is the last weekend to catch Northwoods Performing Arts “The Joy of Christmas,” at the Circle Moon Theater, directed

by Mark D. Caldwell. The show will inspire the gentle spirit of this special birthday season and shine a spotlight on the inspiring promise that remains constant throughout challenges, large and small.

“The Joy of Christmas” is Dec. 9-11. Tickets are $25 per person for dinner shows, or $12 for the show only. Senior and children tickets are $10. Dining service begins at 6:30 p.m. and the curtain lifts at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and reservations call 208-448-1294, go to www.northwoodsperformingarts.com or Seeber’s Pharmacy in Newport.

Circle Moon Theater is located on Highway 211, 3-1/2 miles north of Highway 2.

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

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Annual celebration draws holiday spirit to North County

BY TARA LEININGER METALINE FALLS MAYOR

and chili lunch, with Liz Ellsworth in charge, was held in the “Room at the Ramp.” A really nice feature is that the vendors can order their lunch and have it delivered by great young Cutter volunteers.

Thanks to the Wellness Coalition for the clean up at the end of the day.

There is nothing like

ending Deck the Falls with our Community Concert and Sing-along Sunday afternoon.

Nearly 70 people enjoyed the performances from young students and family groups. The tree/wreath raffle was held and winners of the poster contest were announced (see below) before everyone joined

METALINE FALLS What a glorious Deck the Falls! Three days of busy fun all over town.

For last Friday night, the thanks go to the Pend Oreille Patriots for a fantastic “Redneck Christmas Light Parade” and the fireworks. The Cutter Theatre supplied the hotdogs, cocoa and s’mores packages, while the NPOV Lions hosted the Visitor’s Center and Fire District No. 2 took care of a very inviting bonfire. There were vendors and businesses open, and the American Legion Auxiliary hosted a free movie – and small popcorn – at the NuVu Theatre. Thank you to Santa, who always makes lighting our town tree a special event.

Day Two moved Deck the Falls to the Cutter Theatre for the Arts and Crafts Faire. Thirty vendors this year on all three levels, with lots of shoppers making it an extraordinary day for everyone. Santa was COURTESY PHOTO|LINDSAY MATHES there for pictures with A sparkly Christmas tree set up by Northwest Mercantile was the kids, along with one of many decorations lining the hallways of the Cutter Thethe tree and wreath atre for the annual Deck the Falls Craft Faire last weekend. raffle, while the soup

Family Crisis Network helping kids for Christmas NEWPORT – Family Crisis Network is looking to raise $1,500 by Friday, Dec. 10 in order to provide Christmas gifts to the children in families FCN has recently served. FCN serves the residents of Pend Oreille County to prevent and advocate in matters of domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and other crimes. To make a monetary donation, text “GIVE” to 509-498-3511 and look for the Christmas option; send donations indicating that they are for Christmas to FCN to P.O. Box 944, Newport, WA. 99156, or bring donations directly to the office during regular business hours at 730 W. 1st Street in Newport.

One clerk working Priest River DMV PRIEST RIVER – The Priest River DMV was reopened on Dec. 6. At this time there is only one clerk working the office, so the office will be closed one hour a day for lunch. If the current clerk is unable to come to work at the office, the office will be closed. Hopefully in the near future, a clerk from Ponderay can be sent over to cover Priest River. There will also be no VIN inspections in Priest River unless a sheriff’s deputy is available to do one.

in singing some holiday favorites.

Someone recently posted she thought that Metaline Falls was like something from a “quirky Hallmark movie” – a sweeter compliment I couldn’t imagine.

At Christmas, this place is simply quirky and magical. Thank you to every volunteer, organization, and business that made this Deck the Falls so special.

SEE HOLIDAY, 6A

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| DECEMBER 8, 2021

Viewpoint

OUR OPINION

THE MINER

LETTE RS POLICY 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.

Remember: The work you’re criticizing was done by actual people There was quite the hullabaloo about Newport’s downtown Christmas tree this past week. While we’re encouraged that the situation convinced some people it’s time to step up and volunteer, it was heartbreaking to hear the mean-spirited comments made all over social media about the state of the tree.

Remember, there were actual individuals – your friends and neighbors – who worked to put lights on the Christmas tree. The disparaging remarks couldn’t have felt good after PUD workers spent hours in freezing temperatures trying to bring some holiday cheer to the community.

This is a common occurrence – especially on social media – when it seems people are quicker to criticize and complain than think about whose feelings they might hurt, or how they can help.

It’s wonderful that people are stepping up to make our Christmas tree brighter and better next year. We just hope all those people trashing the work of others don’t have the same thing happen to them and decide they don’t want to volunteer anymore.

It happens more often than you would ever imagine.

Thank you PUD linemen, for your work on the Christmas tree all these years, including this one.

-MCN

America’s recovery hinges on people returning to work

BY DON C. BRUNELL

To “Build Back America” people must return to work!

In a U.S. Chamber of Commerce poll released in early December, the findings spell trouble for America’s employers whether they are in the private or public sectors. It found that over 60% of the respondents are in no hurry to return to work and over a third of the unemployed are not actively going after a job or looking at all.

The problem is growing worse. A large number of respondents feel they can get by for at least another six months before they have to find employment. The survey discovered that one-sixth of the jobless say the amount of the money they are receiving from unemployment benefits and government programs makes it “not worth looking” for work, the Chamber added.

Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports there are 10.4 million open jobs and people are quitting at an all-time record high. Bottom line: there were 2.3 million fewer workers in the workforce last October compared with the same month in 2019.

COVID has changed work and workers. People, who traditionally commuted to the office, worked remotely. A Harris Poll in October found that 76% of employees want to make work permanently flexible.

“The desire for work flexibility is being met with a conflicting message—about three-quarters of their employers think they (workers) are more innovative and work harder in the office or on-site,” Harris found.

Not all work can be done remotely or with a flexible schedule. An obvious example is a utility line worker. Whereas, electric grid engineers can connect remotely to plan projects; however, when electric transmission line goes down, it is a whole other story. Sorting out jobs that can be remote is a challenge, but all jobs need people willing to work.

Employers are raising wages and benefits to recruit workers, but find it troubling when someone is hired and doesn’t show up on the first day or interview just to fulfill obligations to continue receiving unemployment check.

In Washington, Gov. Inslee and the legislature suspended the job search requirements at the start of the pandemic. With the economy recovering, job search requirements were reinstated. This means the jobless must look for work and document at least three approved job search activities each week in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

On the employer side, Harris found that a lack of concern for people’s work/life conflicts is a problem.

Roughly two-in-five people quit because the employer did not take their concerns into consideration during the pandemic.

Employer attitudes make a difference. Among those who work fully remotely, 40% who implemented practices and policies since the pandemic resulted in people staying on the job.

Looking ahead, here’s what needs to happen.

First, President Biden and Congress need COVID recovery programs that encourage return to work; SEE BRUNELL, 5A

WE B COM M E NTS 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 Crazy right wing world of make believe To the editor, Last week The Miner had “Holiday cheer is here” followed by some letters that wrecked any holiday or Christmas cheer. The letters claim vast conspiracies and predictions of political doom. On the other hand, I am glad that a local high school doesn’t have a bunch of dead students gunned down by a Kyle Rittenhouse wannabe. More children shooting guns seems to earn right-wing praise.

One letter writer implied that guns are the only thing preventing Biden from ordering the military from rounding up people and putting them in quarantine concentration camps.

Perhaps he is hoping for a shoot out with SEAL Team Six. He also believes that the new variant was created for medical tyranny.

A lot of unvaccinated people are going to be spending Christmas in an ICU and of course that’s much better than being forced to get a shot in the arm. Where do you think they put all those tubes that ICU patients have in them to keep them alive?

Then we have the guy that thinks that future pipelines and drilling leases are the cause of gasoline price increases.

Fracking isn’t profitable if the price of oil is low, so the US wells are shut down and the workers laid off when gasoline is <$2/gallon. Gasoline at $4/gallon makes oil companies have a merry Christmas. Does he think that big oil wants $2/ gallon prices and lower profits?

My final thought was about the reference to

our gay Secretary of Transportation taking leave to be with his husband and their twin adopted babies. Gay parents taking care of babies somehow prevents the supply chain fix in the crazy right-wing world of make believe. A rightwing Christmas has toys for tots and loaded guns for teens. Regardless, I hope everyone has a merry and safe Christmas.

-Pete Scobby Newport

Respect please To the editor, I don’t want to be the mask police. There is a sign on the office doors at The Newport Miner office stating wearing a mask is required. Not just because the governor made a rule, but because we prefer to be as safe as we can.

Two people who work in the office daily are over the age of 65. Two people have family members with compromised health. One has small children at home. A few employees have been exposed, some more than once. One came down with COVID and had to be quarantined.

Please, if you must do business in the office, wear a mask or scarf or bandana to respect our wishes.

-Jeanne Guscott Office Manager Newport Miner Newspaper

Trump backer’s claims rebutted To the editor, November 23rd has come and gone, and Joe Biden is still president.

Mike Lindell’s absurd claims about Trump being reinstated as

READE R’S POLL 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.

The parents of 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who was charged in the shooting deaths of four students in a mass shooting at Oxford High School near Detroit, were also arrested and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?

Yes, in this case they should. They bought the gun and overlooked signs their son was seeking ammunition and considering violence at school, even when told by school officials.

No, they didn’t do the shooting and had no idea their son would kill classmates.

president by the Supreme Court have failed to come through, just as all his earlier “predictions” have. Rational people have dismissed Lindell as a huckster, a fraud, and a lunatic.

Mr. Pierce (‘Tipping point?’ Nov. 24) recently wrote a letter in which he made several claims about the Supreme Court that are complete falsehoods and need to be corrected so people can know the truth as to why the “big lie” will not be acted on by the Court.

Pierce falsely claimed “26 attorneys-general will be in the Supreme Court on Nov. 26.” No, they were not and even if they had been it would have no effect. Pierce then inaccurately claims, “that should give it standing.” Wrong again Glenn. Standing is not determined by anyone being in the Court, unless someone is arguing a case. No one is arguing Trump’s false claims to the Court. The only way to get in front of the court is either an appeal from the highest state court or to come through the federal system, and Trump’s legal team has done neither.

I know a little bit about the Court as I have been a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association for 20 years and have studied Court cases and rulings for over 40 years, so that gives me greater insight into the workings of the Court then either Lindell or Pierce.

I wonder if Mr. Pierce can tell us why the baseless false claims advanced by Trump and Lindell are universally called “the big lie” and not the “big truth”? Just asking.

-Greg Hicks Spokane

Does Biden have it under control?

To the editor, Joe Biden said a few days ago ‘we are back.’

He’s right, since his first day in office he has taken this country back to the stone age! Joey, the Trump policies “were extremely popular.” We had energy independence, safety and security in the country, a secure southern border. Your stupidly from day one in office undid everything that was making this country prosperous.

Under your watch over 700,000 have died due to COVID so far. Trump had 600,000. Now you say you have it under control. Really? Joey’s build back broke agenda has $80 million to hire 89,000 IRS agents to spy on American bank accounts. This looks like some socialist countries around the world. That money could be better spent to help our veterans, better schools in low-income areas, mental health, etc., but you just love to create crisis as if you haven’t created enough.

Biden, now the hypocrite, accused Trump during the 2020 campaign that he was a racist and xenophobia for the travel ban against African countries. A few days ago he did the same thing.

Socialist Democrats (OK for me, but not for thee). With Joey’s open border policy more drugs are coming in especially (Fentanyl) and thousands are dying from it.

American lives mean zero to Joey (Afghanistan). His only concern is (terrorist and illegals are first) Americans last.

Example-his requiring SEE LETTERS, 5A

R E A D E R ’ S P O L L R E S U LT S

Resu lts N Avai o lable t

THE MINER

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

5A

Create gets creative with annual artist’s shop Create Art Center held its annual Holiday Artist’s Shop Dec. 2-5, featuring the work of over 20 area artists, from homemade toiletries to sculptures, baskets, fabric art, paintings and more.

For more information about local artists and upcoming classes, call Create at 509-447-9277.

MINER PHOTO|SOPHIA ALDOUS

BRUNELL: FROM PAGE 4A

however, they cannot make it more worthwhile for people who are employable to continue to postpone returning to work.

Second, those providing jobs, need to tailor work sites and jobs to fit into the post-pandemic economy.

For example, commuting daily into the inner city is expensive and time consuming. Monthly parking rates

are high, the price of gasoline is skyrocketing and pre-covid traffic congestion is not only time consuming, but frustrating.

One answer is to lease office space outside the city’s core for meeting and internet connectivity space.

People can come together and meet while still working remotely.

Finally, people must realize COVID is not a temporary inconvenience. It is permanent. Finding

ways to put people back to work is essential to our post COVID survival.

DON C. BRUNELL IS A BUSINESS ANALYST, WRITER AND COLUMNIST. HE RETIRED AS PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS, THE STATE’S OLDEST AND LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANIZATION, AND NOW LIVES IN VANCOUVER. HE CAN BE CONTACTED AT THEBRUNELLS@MSN.COM.

LETTERS: FROM PAGE 4A

mask and vaccinations for Americans, but none for illegals. Joey for you.

The difference between humans and animals is animals would never allow the stupidest one to lead the pack.

-Curtis Bedore Blanchard

Much about Rittenhouse trial reported wrong To the editor, Media lies about Kyle Rittenhouse: 1. He killed to Black BLM protestors. Nope! All three men were white, and none were there to protest. All three had prior criminal convictions – bad guys!

2. He crossed state lines.

Like that is illegal? His dad and other relatives live in Kenosha, and he worked there.

3. He illegally took an AR-15 across state lines.

Nope 4. His mother drove him to Kenosha. Nope.

5. The gun was illegal.

Nope. It is legal in Wisconsin for a 17-year-old to own a rifle.

6. He was an “active shooter.” This bit of BS was advanced by MSNBC’s local moron, Joe Scarborough. If this was true, Kyle was an incompetent “active shooter” as he ran past hundreds of potential targets as he was trying to escape the “protestors.”

7. He was a racist and white supremacist.

Wrong again. He was called this by our current President and advanced for political reasons and, recently because he had a picture taken with an alleged member of the Proud Boys and flashing an OK symbol (which is supposed to mean white power and has been debunked).

8. He wore surgical gloves to cover his prints.

Wrong. If he wanted to hide his identity, he would have been wearing a mask as well. Really stupid!

9. The trial judge is a “Trumper.” Absurd. He is a registered Democrat.

And has run for office as a Democrat.

Even after all the video evidence, the lamestream media continues to perpetuate many of these lies. Many want to make this about race! More BS! Lawsuits are on the way!

In the search for intellectual honesty, a big failure.

-LeRoy Leland Diamond Lake

Mike Lindell and his Thanksgiving telethon To the editor, The team of lawyers and investigators that Lindell hired compiled a trove of alleged election fraud in 2020. It’s archived on Mike Lindell TV home page and search the tabs.

The 82 page Complaint (filing postponed from Nov. 23rd) and hundreds of pages of exhibits.

According to what they found, Trump won 2020 by a large margin.

It showed Trump won all five swing states as well as three others. It also showed foreign interference in the election. It showed that it effected down ballot races. Laws were broken. If this is true, something needs to be done about it. Has the media been complicit in this, not reporting on any of it? Why? Assuming the evidence is true, what is the remedy? 1. The legislatures can investigate and decertify the elections in their states if necessary however it seems there are many from both parties blocking this for some reason.

2. Filing in court but the case must have “standing.” Most of the previous cases were dismissed for lack of standing, not lack of evidence.

If all legal means fail, and the evidence appears solid, could that constitute a Constitutional crisis?

Could the military step in? Their oath is to the Constitution. Again, if the evidence is solid, hopefully “We the People” could get it done.

My friend’s father retired from the army a couple of decades ago as a Major General. In early 2020 he was called back to the Pentagon to oversee investigations. He can’t/won’t say much but according to him, “in the coming weeks and months the lid

is going to blow off and big names will roll.” I don’t know exactly what that means but I can imagine.

Someone once said

“truth doesn’t fear investigation.” Research and think for yourself.

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

6A

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE MINER

Down Memory Lane 110 years ago 1911 The Pend Oreille County commissioners discussed holding an election for the sale of bonds to pay off the $110,000 county debt.

The city council raised Newport’s auction license fee from $5 to $25.

For $100 down and $1,400 total, a homebuyer could purchase a fiveroom bungalow complete with basement.

100 years ago 1921 Engineers were surveying for a new road between Priest River and Laclede.

R.P. Jared, a pioneer Tennessean who homesteaded near Usk, and the man for whom the settlement of Jared was named, died at the Newport home of his daughter, Mrs. A.F. Sadler.

An 8-pound pail of kippered herring cost $1.

90 years ago 1931 F.W. “Casey” Rhodes raised more than 1,000 turkeys on his Calispell

Valley turkey farm; his turkeys graced Christmas tables of such notables as Henry Ford.

Regular physical education classes for girls were held for the first time at Newport High School.

80 years ago 1941 One day after Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor, the Pend Oreille County commissioners created Civilian Defense Council to coordinate vigilance in the county.

Nearly 100-armed residents began 24-hour patrols of the Great Northern Bridge at Albeni Falls and the interstate bridge.

Sadie Halstead, chairman of the Pend Oreille County Red Cross, issued an appeal for contributions to a $1,700 Red Cross war relief fund.

70 years ago 1951 A fire that threatened the Albeni Falls Club was extinguished when local firefighters, faced with a shortage of water, hooked up the club’s garden hose to feed the fire truck’s storage tank.

Work on the Albeni Falls Dam resumed after delays in the delivery of steel.

Warnings were issued to Washington residents amid reports of outbreaks of Trichinosis.

60 years ago 1961

Earl H. Waring, owner of Kelly’s Tavern, filed suit against Stan Lobdell and his wife in a tax dispute involving pinball machines.

Public Utility District No. 1 sued the City of Seattle, its mayor, the superintendent of the Department of Lighting, and one plaintiff on allegations of trespassing on the shore lands of the Pend Oreille River.

50 years ago 1971 Lou Musso, Jr. was named best speaker, as Newport High School won two debates during the opening round of District 7 High School Debate Leagues’ contest at Eastern Washington State College. He argued the affirmative of the question ‘Should the Jury System in the U.S. be significantly changed?’

Margaret Blake, Dalkena correspondent for The Miner, fell and broke her hip the previous Monday.

“She was able to drag herself to her fence and stand upright for an hour and a half, holding on to the gate until her son Jim, who lives near Dalkena, came to do chores and found her there,” The Miner reported.

front-page headline describing criminal activity the week before. The story recounted a knifepoint home invasion on Idaho Hill and a kidnapping of a man from Spokane who was left in the hills west of Cusick in which a wounded victim was dumped half naked in the woods.

A 20-year-old Newport man filed a lawsuit in Pend Oreille Superior Court seeking payment for medical treatment against a man he alleged attacked him outside a Newport café. The café’ owner was also named as a co-defendant. The man claimed the dispute started in the café.

30 years ago 1991 The body of a person law enforcement believes was murdered last February was recovered

from the trunk of a 1977 Chrysler found on Scotia Road. The daughter of the person who owned the property found the car while horseback riding.

She noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle.

Law enforcement officers from Spokane and Pend Oreille counties had an idea who the person was, but the body couldn’t be identified because of its advanced decomposition.

The body was thought to be a man whose car and identification were found at the Spokane airport.

He was thought to have been robbed of $68,000 by a man held in Utah.

A man who said it broke down left the car at the Scotia Road location.

He offered the property owner $3,000 to bury it and threatened to kill him if he told the police about the car.

The Metalines Chamber

heard at their monthly meeting that the last shipment of cement had shipped from LaFarge Corp. in October. The Metaline Falls cement plant had closed the previous year. A speaker from the company was one of several speakers to address about 20 chamber members at Hoogy’s in Metaline.

20 years ago 2001 A Stratton Elementary fifth grader remembered what he learned in his second grade health class at Idaho Hill and called 911 when his mother fell down some stairs and badly broke her ankle.

Ned Byrkek, 10, stayed on the line and gave detailed information on how to get to the home, as well as checking on his mother.

SEE MEMORY, 9A

40 years ago 1981 ‘Crime worsens: Kidnap victim shot, dumped in woods; masked bandits raid Idaho home’ read a

COURTESY PHOTO|DON MCGUIRE

It is a good sign The Sons of the American Legion Post 217, Cusick, recently purchased this sign from the Cusick school surplus for $1. “With some TLC and internal updates it was installed by SAL and Legion members at the Post,” Post Commander Don McGuire wrote in an email to The Miner. Pictured from left to right: Don McGuire, Loyde Case, Allen Hilzer, Al Mix, Mike Sliva and Brian Hilzer.

Not pictured are Phil Benzo and Daryl Ratcliff.

HOLIDAY: FROM PAGE 3A

WINNERS OF DECK THE FALLS POSTER CONTEST

The judges for the Deck the Falls poster contest had a tough decision to make, with so many wonderful artworks to choose from. Be sure to see all of the posters in windows at Sweet Creek Creation, the Farmhouse Café, Falls Market, and Country Hardware in Ione.

The winners are found at the Metaline Falls Post Office. They receive a scholarship to the Missoula Children’s Theatre production or four tickets to a performance.

4-5 year-olds: Theme – Cameron Kiss Color & Composition – Emmy Ellsworth 6-7 year-olds: Theme – Kelin Rogers Color & Composition (tie) – Kendal Kelly & Layla Haskins 8-9 year-olds: Theme – Cameron Hastings Color & Composition (tie) – Annalee O’Donnell & Kaylee Janke 10-11 year-olds: Theme – Michelle Hyatt Color & Composition –

Sophie Rowley Father Christmas’ Favorite – Kinley Petrich Honorable Mentions: Jo Chantry, Blake Molina, Karter Rogers, Aliena Rowley and Taylin Sargent WINNERS OF THE CUTTER TREE & WREATH RAFFLE At the drawing held during the Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 5, the winners of the Cutter Tree & Wreath raffle were announced. Young performers at the concert did the honors, drawing the winning tickets for each item.

The Nature Tree – Nicki March Wreath from Brannon – Tara Leininger Holiday Basket – Christina Baumgardner Train Tree – Deb Mathews Silver Wreath – Patty Towne Bigfoot Tree – Angela Chambers Thanks go to all the donors for their time and generosity.

THE MINER

Boosters

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

Thrifting a force for good

7A

T

he Priest River Community Church thrift store remains busy, especially during the holidays. Proceeds from the thrift store help pay the wages of the eight employees who work there, as well as local and foreign missions, the Priest River Food Bank and various church projects. The church itself served as a cooling center during last summer’s record-breaking heat wave and a shelter during the Pioneer Fire in July.

All photos by Sophia Aldous.

Longtime employee Brandi Rauen sets up a display of donated Christmas decorations for sale. The store also provides job training through Northwest Center, a nonprofit based in Washington that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Volunteer Janet Browning bundles towels. The store also depends on some 24 volunteers along with the employees in order to process donations and keep the store open six days a week (closed on Sundays).

Thrift store manager Dee Denney smiles next to a mountain of donations in the thrift store’s receiving area.

Volunteer Lauren VanHoutan sorts through clothing donations.

The store has a washer and dryer to clean clothes, but clean, gently used donations are appreciated

Support Our Future Loggers

Dee Denney (left), Lauren VanHoutan (center) and Janet Browning take a quick break from sorting and cleaning donations for the thrift store. “We’re very thankful that the community has supported this store for over 50 years,” Denney said.

Trevor Favaro 208-290-4547 (Formerly Welco Lumber)

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8A

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

Calling All Poets

Lifestyle

THE MINER

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR POETRY WITH THE MINER NEWSPAPERS? EMAIL TYPED POEMS TO MINERNEWS@POVN.COM NO LATER THAN 5 P.M. ON FRIDAYS FOR POSSIBLE INCLUSION IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK’S NEWSPAPER.

BRING ME BACK BRING ME BACK TO A SIMPLE TIME A SMALLER WORLD, A NURSERY RHYME A BETTER DAY, A SAFER PLACE POTLUCKS AND GUNNY SACK RACE CHRISTMAS PLAYS, CAREFREE WAYS EGG TOSS, BEATLES CRAZE DAYS OF SUMMER, PURPLE HAZE TREE CLIMBING ON SUNNY DAYS COLORING BOOKS, GOOFY LOOKS TOYS IN THE DIRT INNERTUBE SLEDDING, SLEEPING BAG BEDDING THE FIRST INNOCENT FLIRT OH, THE SIMPLE TIMES LET THEM TICKLE YOUR MIND ANYTIME...ALL THE TIME -- DAN CHOTT

COURTESY PHOTO|CARL ADAMS

B R I E F LY Free Christmas program in Laclede LACLEDE – There will be a free Christmas program at Laclede Community Church Sunday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. There will be puppets, songs, readings and monologues. After the program there will be free cookies, punch or coffee. The public is welcome to attend.

The church is located at 25 N. Riley Creek Rd., Laclede.

Santa Claus is coming to Coolin COOLIN – Santa Claus is making his yearly stop at the Tyee Coffee Company for free holiday photos Saturday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a s’mores station on the patio and holiday decor sale.

Tyee is located at 354 Bayview Drive, Coolin.

For Love of Country spaghetti feed Dec. 19 NEWPORT – There will be a spaghetti feed fundraiser Sunday, Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. at Bear Paw Camp, hosted by For Love of Country (FLOC).

FLOC is a local group raising support for those locals who have lost their chosen profession due to the vaccine mandate and are transitioning into other employment.

There will be all-you-can-eat traditional or Alfredo spaghetti, salad, French bread, dessert and live music.

Cast is $7 for individuals or $25 for a family. Bring nonperishable food items or cash donations.

Bear Paw Camp is located at 581 Bear Paw Drive in Newport.

Christmas Turkey Bingo at American Legion CUSICK – Back by popular demand, it’s Christmas Turkey Bingo Friday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m. at American Legion Calispel Post No. 217. There will be an auction at intermission. The Legion is asking people to consider donating a baked good, bottle of booze, or something to auction.

There will also be chicken strips and fries for sale.

This event is kid-friendly.

For more information, call 509-445-1537 or email calispelpost217@gmail.com.

Calispel Post #217 is located at 105 E. Timber St. in Cusick.

Spirit Lake Christmas Parade Saturday The Spirit Lake Christmas Parade hits the streets Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. People are encouraged to bring their ATV/UTV, candy, Christmas lights and decorations to participate. Staging starts around 5 p.m. so the parade can start at 6 p.m. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available in front of the Salt & Pepper. All are welcome. In this photo, participants roll down the street in last year’s parade. The Salt and Pepper is located at 6242 W. Maine St. in Spirit Lake. The event is hosted by Carl Adams and North Idaho ATV/UTV Riders Club.

Huang is October’s Soroptimist Girl NEWPORT – Newport High School senior Annie Huang is the Soroptimist Club of Newport’s Girl of The month for October. She is currently the senior class treasurer on the ASB council and is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities such as HOSA-Future Health Professionals, National Honor Society, mentoring and golf.

Growing up, golf has been a major part of Huang’s life. As a freshman, she qualified for the state tournament and placed second at districts last year. Outside of school, Huang

has played the piano for the past nine years and enjoys performing at recitals and competitions. After graduating high school, she will attend WSU to pursue a career in nursing.

Eventually, Huang plans to further her education and become a nurse practitioner.

“Thank you for choosing me as the Soroptimist girl of October, I sincerely appreciate this opportunity,” Huang says.

For more information about the Soroptimist Club, go to www.facebook. com/siofnewport.

Senior Annie Huang

COURTESY PHOTO

Make ready for the Christmas Bird Count

Christmas Movie Marathon this Saturday

NEWPORT – The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be Saturday, Dec. 18. The 24-hour count happens in a 15-mile diameter circle from Newport in the east, to Highway 211 on the west, and from the Pend Oreille River in the north to Scotia Road on the south. Some people will be in cars and count a specific section of the circle and people who are at home are invited to count at their feeders or in their neighborhoods. For feeder watchers, the amount of time put in is completely voluntary and up to the individual to decide.

To help out, e-mail John Stuart and let him know if you want to count by car or at home. When Stuart has a list of volunteers, he will send out another e-mail with more specific details about counting and participating.

The CBC has been in existence for over 100 years.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count website has a long list of FAQs and a complete explanation of the entire process. Read more about it online at www.audubon. org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count.

For more information and to participate, email John Stuart at cjninebark@gmail.com.

NEWPORT – Put the Newport, Priest River Rotary Club’s Christmas Movie Marathon fundraiser on your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newport Roxy Theater. There isn’t a set admission price, but donations are requested.

All proceeds go to support charitable club activities in the community and the world. There will be free entry into drawings for prizes. Dress up in a favorite seasonal outfit or ugly sweater. Regular concession prices at the Roxy still apply. The event will start off with lots of kid-friendly fare before finishing with a more older teen/adult comedy classic, ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ Order of films: Disney’s Pluto’s Christmas Tree (7 minutes) NR; Disney’s The Art of Skiing (8 minutes) NR; How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 (26 minutes) NR; The Muppet Christmas Carol (1 hr., 25 minutes) rated G; The Nightmare Before Christmas (1 hr., 16 minutes) rated PG; National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1 hour, 37 minutes) rated PG-13.

For more information about Rotary, go to www. rotary.org.

THE NEWPORT MINER

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

9A

Idaho Supreme Court puts Bonner County jury trials on hold COVID cases are too high for region

BY SOPHIA ALDOUS OF THE MINER

SANDPOINT – Bonner County is one of five north Idaho counties in the state’s First Judicial District where jury trials have been suspended through Friday, Dec. 17 due to the region’s high coronavirus case rates and “crisis standards of care” designation.

The Idaho Supreme Court has authorized the suspension and people doing business at any of the courthouses in the district are required to wear a mask and maintain a distance of six feet from others.

The other four counties in the order, signed

by Administrative Court Judge Rich Christensen on Friday, Dec. 3 include

Benewah, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone.

Bonner County has already been postponing jury trials for the last two months.

Health guidelines like requiring people to wear a mask when entering the courthouse to do business and socially distancing were in place before last Friday’s order.

“It does affect court operations in the sense that all jury trials are now being continued into January and February,” Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall says.

“We have dozens of felony jury trials that are being continued and many more misdemeanors.”

Marshall adds that all other court proceedings go on as normal except they are conducted

by ZOOM as opposed to in person with a few exceptions.

“It has certainly been trying for us in the past 18 months, but we have adjusted fairly well and have done what we can to minimize the impact

MEMORY: FROM PAGE 6A

His second grade teacher, Candy Betz, was now teaching at Stratton.

More than 60 fouls were called between the Newport and Priest River boys’ basketball teams in a game Priest River won 75-60. Four Newport players fouled out and another was injured. Newport finished the game with four players on the court. Priest River senior Nick Ivie was high scorer with 24 points.

10 years ago 2011 The Newport Grizzlies boys’ basketball team beat Priest River 77-63. Newport’s Jake Wiley was high scorer, with 31 points, in a game coached by Jamie Pancho, Newport, and Ryan Bodecker, Priest River.

The nine members of the Pend Oreille County Planning Commission were to receive computer tablets next year. The tablets cost $600 each, community development director Mike Lithgow said. He said the department spent about $3,500 a year printing and mailing documents to planning commissioners.

W H O TO C O N TA C T WASHINGTON

Federal

President Joseph R. Biden (D) The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 www.WhiteHouse.gov/Contact Senator Patty Murray (D) 154 Senate Russell Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2621 Spokane office: 10 North Post Street #600 Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 624-9515 Senator Maria Cantwell (D) 511 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3441 Spokane office: W. 920 Riverside, No. 697 Spokane WA 99201 Phone: (509) 353-2507 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) 1035 Longworth House Office Bldg.

Washington D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2006 Colville Office: 555 South Main Colville WA 99114 Phone: (509) 684-3481

State

Governor Jay Inslee (D) Office of the Governor PO Box 40002 Olympia, WA 98504-0002 360-902-4111 Relay operators for the deaf or hard of hearing, dial 7-1-1 www.governor.wa.gov Legislative District 7 - Position 1 Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber (R) 425B Legislative Building PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600 Phone: (360) 786-7908 Email: jacquelin.maycumber@leg. wa.gov No home office yet Legislative District 7 - Position 2 Rep. Joel Kretz (R) 335A Legislative Building PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600 Phone: (360) 786-7988 Email: kretz.joel@leg.wa.gov State Senator - Legislative District 7 Shelly Short 409 Legislative Building PO Box 40407 Olympia WA 98501-0407 Phone: (360) 786-7612 Email: shelly.short@leg.wa.gov

Washington Legislative Hotline 1-800-562-6000 During session, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Legislative homepage: www.leg.wa.gov

Get fast relief for an upset budget with The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner Classifieds. They work for others; they’ll work for you! Call (509) 447-2433.

COURTESY PHOTO|BONNER COUNTY

The Bonner County Courthouse in Sandpoint.

on the justice system,” Marshall says. “We very much look forward to going back to business as usual and having jury trials again.”

Last month the Idaho Supreme Court said trials could be suspended when a county’s COVID case rates hit 25% per 100,000 people over seven days or when

hospitals are under crisis standards of care (CSC).

The Panhandle area has both.

Bonner General Hospital has been in CSC since early September. CSC is activated in the Panhandle Health District and the North Central Health District because of a severe shortage of staffing and available beds in

the northern area of the state, “caused by a massive increase in patients with COVID-19 who require hospitalization,” according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW).

“It doesn’t affect the court budget too badly,” Marshall says of the order. “It may end up costing extra with the

numerous trials we will need to have next year, but likely not a lot more than normal.”

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 6 there were 236 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Bonner County, according to the IDHW. Total cases of COVID in the county since the start of the pandemic are 6,538 with 133 deaths.

A reporting delay? Or an uptick?

New coronavirus case numbers increase

BY KEVIN RICHERT IDAHO EDUCATION NEWS

BOISE - Idaho reported an increase in new coronavirus cases last week.

But it might not necessarily reflect a worsening infection rate.

Case reports generally slow during holidays — and that might skew the comparisons between last week and the preceding Thanksgiving holiday week. In other words, this week’s numbers might reflect some catch up from the holiday.

Either way, last week’s new case numbers — for the overall population, and for 5- to 17-year-olds — are down from two weeks ago, the week before Thanksgiving.

As of Saturday, the state has reported no cases of the new omicron variant.

Here are the latest numbers: New cases. On Saturday, the state and its health districts reported 308,940 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases.

The 3,138 new cases represent a 28% increase from Thanksgiving week.

Child cases. The state reported 361 new cases involving schoolaged children, a 32% increase from the holiday week.

Case numbers for 5- to 17-yearolds had decreased steadily for the nine previous weeks.

Six children were hospitalized with COVID-19, up from three the previous week.

One Idaho child has died of COVID-19.

Hospitalizations. A two-month downward trend continues, but slightly.

On Wednesday, the state tallied 294 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 92 ICU admissions, down 7% and 2%, respectively.

Crisis standards of care remain in place in the Panhandle Health District, covering five counties in North Idaho.

Deaths. The state reported 71 new COVID-19 deaths last week, a 34% increase.

This brings Idaho’s COVID-19 death toll to 3,970.

Positive test rates. Unchanged.

For the seven-day period ending Nov. 27, 7% of coronavirus cases came back positive.

The positive test rate had decreased for 10 successive weeks.

State officials say a 5% rate suggests a virus is under control.

But the test rate has exceeded this threshold since early July.

Vaccinations. Still slowing.

While 3,761 Idahoans completed their vaccinations last week, that’s a 22% weekly decrease.

Current vaccination rates: Overall: 57%. (Last week: 56.7%.)

12- to 15-year-olds: 33%. (Unchanged.)

16- and 17-year-olds: 40%.

(Unchanged.)

18- to 24-year-olds: 46%. (Last week: 45%.)

Child vaccines slowed sharply.

For the week, 2,462 5- to 11-yearolds received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, a 55% drop.

In all, 17,962 children have received their first Pfizer dose.

K-12 thumbnails The current case numbers, as reported by the state’s largest school districts. (Case reports and numbers slowed the preceding week, as schools closed for Thanksgiving.)

Boise: 42 positive cases last week.

Bonneville: 10 active infections.

Coeur d’Alene: 25 positive cases last week.

Idaho Falls: 12 cases from Nov.

15 through Nov. 26.

Kuna: Six positive cases Friday.

Moscow: Three new cases.

Nampa: 13 cases for the week ending Nov. 27.

Pocatello-Chubbuck: Nine cases Friday.

Twin Falls: Three new student cases.

West Ada: Seven active cases.

Higher education thumbnails Here are the latest campus numbers. (College and university numbers also slowed considerably the preceding week, as campuses closed for Thanksgiving.)

Boise State University: 35 campus cases, 31 involving students, four involving staff. Positive test rate: 4.2%, up from 2.5%.

Brigham Young University-Idaho: 20 active cases Sunday.

College of Idaho: Eight recent student and staff cases, with seven students in isolation. The college has reported 63 total cases during fall semester.

College of Eastern Idaho: No new data available.

College of Southern Idaho: Two new cases last week, both involving staff and faculty.

College of Western Idaho: No recent cases reported.

Idaho State University: 11 total cases for the week ending Tuesday.

Lewis-Clark State College: Two active cases.

North Idaho College: One selfreported case last week, down involving an employee.

University of Idaho: One reported case for the week ending Nov. 26.

Editor’s note: School districts and colleges and universities do not necessarily count and report cases identically. The case numbers measure trends within a district, college or university, but they don’t provide comparisons between schools or districts.

10A

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE NEWPORT MINER

Benzo’s bail set at over $1 million in connection with Oldtown murder

BY SOPHIA ALDOUS OF THE MINER

MINER PHOTO|ROSEMARY DANIEL

Redneck Christmas lights parade Metaline Falls’ annual Deck the Falls celebration kicked off this past Friday evening, Dec. 3, with the Redneck Christmas Lights Parade. Vehicles of all sorts decorated with lights and Christmas decorations made their way up 5th Avenue, the main street in town. The last vehicle to arrive was the town fire truck with Santa on board. Santa then greeted the local children and families and joined Mayor Tara Leininger in lighting up the town Christmas tree.

SANDPOINT – Murder suspect Eric Loren Benzo, 46, was handed down a $1,050,000 bail after appearing in Bonner County First District Court Monday in relation to a shooting in Oldtown last October.

According to court documents the $1 million bail pertains to the shooting with an additional $50,000 bail that relates to meth trafficking, possessing a Benzo weapon as a convicted felon and persistent violation charges in Oldtown from Nov. 2020. Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall asked for the $1 million bail.

According to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a private residence near Silver Birch Lane and Solar Road in Oldtown on Oct. 12 at 6:37 a.m. after at least one gunshot was reported. Deputies reported that when they arrived Donald Bush, 48, was found injured from a gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were attempted, but Bush died at the scene.

Witness Rebecca Ahlers positively identified Benzo as the shooter. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, Ahlers was in a relationship with both Bush and Benzo. Ahlers and Bush came outside of the residence when they realized Benzo was there. Ahlers told detectives that Bush said to Benzo something akin to, “Let’s settle this like men”, before Benzo allegedly produced a firearm and chased Bush around a truck before shooting him twice.

According to court documents Bush was unarmed, though deputies found a set of brass knuckles close to his right hand when they arrived at the residence. By that time, Benzo had left.

Benzo is currently in the Bonner County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Joslyn mill site: A property with possibilities

BY SOPHIA ALDOUS OF THE MINER

PRIEST RIVER — The City of Priest River is one step closer to owning the former Joslyn mill and pole treatment facility site after a covenant was signed with the property’s current owners at Monday night’s city council meeting. The 48-acre property, located on the convergence of the Priest and Pend Oreille rivers, was donated to the city by owners Joslyn Manufacturing, Inc. officially in Oct. 2021, though the company and the city had been trying to reach an agreement that was best for both parties for approximately 18 years, according to mayor Jim Martin. The site was contaminated from creosote wood treatment

activities that occurred between 1920 and 1958, according to information from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).

According to a press release form the city in 2020, IDEQ officials, Bonner County Commissioner Jeff Connolly, and representatives for Joslyn Manufacturing reached an agreement for Joslyn Manufacturing, Inc, to enter into DEQ’s Voluntary Cleanup Program to assess and mitigate any contamination on the property prior to the transfer of the property to the city. The program allows a company that previously ran an industrial operation with some level of contamination to clean that property up without the use of

HOT BOX

Special deadline Tuesdays noon.

enforcement. An underground storage tank on the property was removed. The entire cleanup area for the former Joslyn Mill site was contained to less than one acre, according to IDEQ. IDEQ began hauling away the contaminated soil on Oct. 26, 2020.

According to Priest River City Clerk Laurel Thomas, the city is waiting for the purchase and sales agreement to come in, which is expected some time this week. The city has an as yet unapproved resolution to establish an advisory committee to decide what should be done with the property.

In other city news, former council member Sean Schneider has applied for the two-year council seat vacancy. Incumbents Schneider and Candy

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION at ELTC Law Group to support you and your f a m i l y. U n e x p e c t e d illness and death can happen and new tax changes that will affect everyone’s estate have been proposed. Make sure you are prepared and please call our office for your Estate Planning, Asset Protection, After Death Transfers, Long Term Care/ Medicaid and General Business needs (509) 447-3242.(28HB-tf) SNOW IS HERE! Honest Ed’s Tires full tire service. Remember us for all your snow tire needs.

9972 Deer Valley Road, Newport. (509) 991-3820, Monday- Friday 8:005:00, Saturday 9:00- 6:00.

(46HB-3p) EVERYONE HAS A STORY - TELL THEIRS The Newport and Gem State Miner newspapers publish obituaries free of charge. Contact us at minernews@povn. com or (509) 4472433.

COURTESY PHOTO|DAN ESKELSON

A portion of the former Joslyn mill site that was donated to the City of Priest River in Oct. 2021. Stipulations say that the property may be zoned for commercial, industrial or recreational, but not residential.

evaluate in discussion. I never make decisions based on my opinion, I always seek feedback and do a research, when needed.”

The City of Priest River is accepting letters of interest in the seat from qualified

citizens until Wednesday, Dec. 15. Letters can be mailed to the City of Priest River, P.O. Box 415, or dropped off at city hall at 552 High St. For more information call 208-448-2123.

HEARING: No comments from Ecology, WDFW FROM PAGE 1

VINTAGE VIDEO GAMES PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, Nintendo, XBox, XBox 360. Perfect condition, all with books. $5, $10, $20.

Owens Grocery, Saturday December 4th, 11th, 18th.

(45HB-2p) ROAD ATLAS Current, detailed road atlas, spiral bound with laminated cover. Pend Oreille County, Washington $39.00. Bonner County, Idaho $39.00. Available at The Miner Newspapers, 421 South Spokane Avenue, Newport. (509) 447-2433(26-AltTF) SNOW PLOWING 5 plus years experience, with references.

Blanchard, Priest River, Newport, Oldtown areas.

Call Josh (208) 500-9339.

(44HB-3) WHO SHOULD READ THE PUBLIC NOTICE SECTION? Ever y one. I m por t a n t meetings, surplus items, applications to the county, notices to creditors, tax sales, summons and more can be found in the Public Notice section.

Turner and former Priest River Mayor Bill Mullaley all ran for the two fouryear council seats that were open in the general election on Nov. 2. Schneider received the least votes, so he did not retain a seat.

Nobody ran for the twoyear seat that was open, so the vacancy needs to be appointed.

“I believe I would be a great asset to the City Council and I would always consider what’s in the best interest of the residents of our town,” Schneider wrote in his letter of interest. “I am aware some decisions are hard to make and not everyone can be pleased with the outcome, so I’ve learned its best to seek the opinion of the people surrounding you, take in consideration what the majority wants and

future conditions, and put PL zoned lands in new zones consistent with the county’s rural lands density criteria matrix.

Snow said the county held 13 meetings between June 2019 and May 2021, with public comment accepted. He said most of the comments in favor of the proposed update were in favor of economic development and the creation of jobs. He said such comments were not related to potential environmental impacts and were not

considered. Snow said most of the opposing comments were centered on the proposed silicon smelter.

According to a PowerPoint presentation he gave, Snow said one of the comments did deal with a specific element of the environment that should be addressed.

Otherwise, there were, “No specific facts received to positively show significant environmental impact to traffic, air quality, water quality or quality of life,” he said.

Snow said no comments were received from

the state Department of Ecology, Fish & Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources identifying elements that needed to be addressed or that a DNS would be inappropriate.

In response to the charge he lacked adequate information to make the decision, Snow said there were no projects or applications pending that needed the approval to proceed.

He said the county simply didn’t have data that supports the RG*NEW’s claim that there would be adverse environmental impacts.

He said that commercial designations were applied to lands within existing commercial corridors and industrial designations were placed on lands currently or historically used as industrial.

Under questioning from the county’s contracted land use attorney Nathan Smith, Snow said that there had been no applications for a smelter and that he hadn’t heard from those hoping to build a smelter for more than two years.

He said any future proposals would be evaluated under SEPA.

Under cross-examination

by Bricklin, Snow was asked if the updated comprehensive plan and documents would change uses for the smelter land.

“What smelter land?”

Snow said. He said the county had not received an application for a smelter.

“We analyzed the data we had and determined there was no impact,” he said.

“If we get a project, we’ll analyze that.”

Bricklin asked if Snow has analyzed unstable soil conditions, erosion or safer water.

“You did not do an analysis, right?” Bricklin said.

Bricklin asked how much the county was spending on this, which drew an objection from Smith as to the relevance of how much the county spent.

Bricklin said it was relevant to judge credibility on whether the county expects development or not.

Huber, the hearings examiner, agreed it was not relevant.

Snow said the bulk of what the county was doing with the comprehensive plan and documents is to eliminate non-conforming uses.

THE MINER

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

1B

Amaze Guests with Great Grape Appetizers A

FAMILY FEATURES

long with the delicious food, gift giving and cheer of the holiday season, getting together with friends and family is also cherished. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner with friends or time for festive merrymaking, you can enhance any gathering with unique small plates and appetizers.

Make the season special with California grapes, which are abundant into January, as an ingredient in your favorite dishes or by decorating with them for colorful pops of red, green and black.

If time is of the essence, they also offer an easy, fresh, healthy snack or side dish that adds color and flavor to your table.

As a versatile ingredient that adds taste and visual appeal, grapes can help you create memorable appetizers that will surprise and delight friends and family. For easy and delightful hors d’oeuvres, turn to Tricolor Grape Pizza with Goat Cheese and Thyme or Smoked Chicken and Grape Bruschetta, each offering simple yet flavorful ways to please a crowd.

Send guests home with Easy Grape Compote, or give it as a fun host or hostess gift for friends and family, so they can enjoy a little taste of the holidays even after all the excitement winds down.

Find more tasty appetizers, meals, desserts and more at grapesfromcalifornia.com.

Tricolor Grape Pizza with Goat Cheese and Thyme Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound prepared pizza dough flour 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups halved green, red and black California grapes 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese freshly ground pepper, to taste Position rack in bottom of oven and place inverted baking sheet on top of rack; heat oven to 500 F. On lightly floured surface, press pizza dough into 10-inch round circle and cover with towel while preparing toppings.

Sprinkle large baking sheet lightly with flour. Stretch pizza dough into oval, about 14-by-10 inches, and place on sheet.

Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with grapes, thyme and walnuts.

Place baking sheet on top of sheet already in oven and bake until crust is bubbling and golden, 8-10 minutes.

Remove pizza from oven. Sprinkle with goat cheese and Parmesan. Season with pepper, to taste. Transfer pizza to board, cut into pieces and serve warm.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 350 calories; 10 g protein; 47 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (36% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 580 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Smoked Chicken and Grape Bruschetta

Smoked Chicken and Grape Bruschetta Yield: 24 pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 French bread baguette 8 ounces smoked chicken breast (1 3/4 cups), shredded or cut into bite-size strips 1 1/2 cups red, green or black seedless California grapes, halved 12 ounces fontina, port salute or Monterey Jack cheese, grated 1 tablespoon chives, snipped 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat broiler to 550 F. In small bowl, combine garlic, olive oil and salt. Set aside. Slice baguette on bias into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush baguette slices with garlic-oil and place on cookie sheet.

Toast in broiler about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from broiler.

On each bread slice, place about 1 tablespoon chicken breast and three grape halves then top with 2 tablespoons grated cheese.

Place cookie sheet about 8 inches away from broiler and broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Place on serving platter and sprinkle with snipped chives and pepper.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 125 calories; 7 g protein; 9 g fat (68% calories from fat); 3 g carbohydrates; 24 mg cholesterol; less than 1 g fiber; 154 mg sodium.

Tricolor Grape Pizza with Goat Cheese and Thyme

2B

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE MINER

Make the Holidays COLORFUL Creative gift ideas for children

S

FAMILY FEATURES

eeing a child’s face light up with excitement during the holiday season is a sight that can bring feelings of joy to everyone gathered around to celebrate.

Though many wish lists are filled with tech gadgets and gizmos, gifts that allow kids to explore their artistic sides and foster imaginative play are still popular picks as well. For example, options like these from the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie line can spark young imaginations and encourage children to express themselves creatively and colorfully. A perfect option for animal lovers, these themed playsets allow girls and boys to unlock endless hours of playful fun as they color, wash and color their pets again.

Find more inspiration for presents that allow kids to create colorful memories this holiday season at crayola.com/productfeature/scribble-scrubbie-pets.

Scan to Learn More

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Colorful Pet Fun in the Clouds

Reimagine Underwater Animals

With colored pets for added fun and excitement, kids can take imaginative play to new environments this holiday season with an option like the Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets Cloud Clubhouse. The set includes Crayola’s most recent innovation: colored pets.

Featuring a Uni-Owl and UniKoala as well as a rainbow slide, a rainwater shower, three washable markers and a cloud environment that doubles as a storage solution, the entire collection is washable so children can color and customize then wash and color again.

Take your gift giving off the beaten bath this year and help kids dive into adventure with an award-winning present like the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Ocean Pets Lagoon Playset.

Young explorers can add bright, fun designs to shark, octopus, whale and clownfish pets. Using the six included washable markers, children can color and customize the ocean pets for nearly endless underwater imagination. Then simply dip the pets in the kid-powered lagoon shower to wash in style before recoloring and playing again and again.

Easy Grape Compote Festive, Fruitful Decor Naturally beautiful, fresh grapes make for an easy, classic way to decorate for the holidays. Consider these ways to enhance your home and table: n Drape bunches of red, green and black grapes in decorative bowls and alternate with candles for dazzling centerpieces. n Fill a flower vase with grapes and water for color and texture to complement and support the flowers in the arrangement. n Bedazzle your ham or turkey platter with small bunches of grapes and fresh herbs. n Accent a perfectly cooked steak with grape rosemary skewers for a colorful, fragrant sidekick. n Adorn dessert plates and trays with sugarfrosted grapes to add a special sparkle.

Prep time: 5 minutes, plus cooling Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 4 cups black or red California grapes 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 strips fresh lemon peel 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2/3 cup water 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter 1 teaspoon high-quality balsamic vinegar (optional) In bowl of food processor, finely chop grapes and sugar using one-second pulses. Transfer to deep, medium skillet or wide saucepan; stir in lemon peel, salt and water. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Cover pan with lid, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 18 minutes until fruit is tender.

In small bowl, stir lemon juice and cornstarch then stir into grape mixture with butter; simmer 6 minutes, or until desired consistency. Stir in vinegar, if desired. Serve warm or cool.

Cooled jam can be stored in cov­ ered glass jar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 160 calories; 0 g protein; 41 g carbo­ hydrates; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 170 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Easy Grape Compote

THE MINER

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

3B

Rum and Cola Holiday Ham

F

FAMILY FEATURES

ew things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love.

Forging a fabulous holiday experience for the special people in your life starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat to serve as the centerpiece of the meal. Hand-cut by expert butchers, options like Spiral-Sliced Ham, Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast and Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons from Omaha Steaks can serve as the focal point of a mem­ orable holiday dinner. Flash frozen to capture freshness and flavor, you can select a standout cut of meat from the comfort of your home and have it delivered directly to your door in time to put together a tender, juicy main course.

Find more holiday recipe inspiration at OmahaSteaks.com/blog/recipes.

Suya-Dusted Filet Mignon with “Red Rice” Risotto Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 4 Suya Dust: 2 cups roasted cashews 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 teaspoons. ground ginger 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder “Red Rice” Risotto: 3 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup diced yellow onion 3 fresh garlic cloves, smashed 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 large beefsteak tomato (about 1/2 pound), chopped 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided (optional) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice 4 cups warmed chicken stock, divided 1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Rum and Cola Holiday Ham Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 80 minutes Servings: 10-12 Ham: 1 Omaha Steaks Spiral-Sliced Ham (8 pounds) Glaze: 1 3/4 3/4 2 1 1/4

cup cherry fruit spread cup dark spiced rum cup cola teaspoons Worcestershire sauce tablespoon Dijon mustard teaspoon kosher salt

Filet Mignon: 4 Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (6 ounces each) kosher salt ground black pepper 4 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 clove garlic 1 thyme sprig To make suya dust: In food processor, blend cashews, chicken bouillon, paprika, cayenne pepper, bell pepper, black pepper, ginger, garlic powder and onion powder into fine powder.

To make “red rice” risotto: In medium saucepan, warm canola oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic and red bell pepper, sauteing until lightly caramelized, about 1 minute.

Add tomato paste to pan and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped tomato, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; continue sauteing until tomato starts to break down and soften, 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and finely blend in food processor. Set aside.

In separate medium saucepan, warm olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Add Arborio rice and stir until slightly nutty and translucent, about 1 minute.

Add pureed tomato-pepper mixture and 1 cup chicken stock; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium.

Add 1 cup stock each time Arborio rice absorbs almost all broth. Continuously stir risotto each time stock is added to rice. Keep adding stock until risotto is al dente and still viscous then stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper, if desired.

To make filet mignon: Pat steaks dry with paper towels and liberally season with salt and ground black pepper on both sides.

In large cast-iron skillet, warm canola oil over medium-high heat.

Place filets in skillet and sear 3 minutes.

Flip steaks and add butter, garlic clove and thyme. Baste steaks with butter and allow filets to finish cooking, 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness.

Rest filets 7-8 minutes. Serve over “red rice” risotto and sprinkle suya dust over filets.

Suya-Dusted Filet Mignon with “Red Rice” Risotto

To make ham: Thaw frozen ham in refrigerator 24-48 hours.

Remove from refrigerator and let ham come to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from foil and film.

Return ham to foil wrapping and place in oven-safe roasting pan.

Roll foil down leaving 2 inches of foil around bottom of ham.

Place roasting pan with ham in oven on lower rack and heat uncovered 60-75 minutes, until ham starts to brown. While ham cooks, make glaze.

To make glaze: In medium saucepot, whisk fruit spread, rum, cola, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and salt until well incorporated. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium.

Simmer over medium heat 10 minutes then remove from heat.

Cool to room temperature.

During last 15 minutes of cooking, glaze ham every 5 minutes.

eat, d cook onally. slowly ring it ding um­high stirring om heat

4B

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE MINER

H

FAMILY FEATURES

earty snacks, seasonal sides, flavorful main dishes and tantalizing desserts all complement one another perfectly for holiday cele­ brations among loved ones. This year, when planning your menu, be sure to consider recipes that keep family and friends content from the moment they hang up their coats to the goodbye hugs.

These delicious options for a satisfying bread bowl, pumpkin spice potatoes, artfully glazed lamb chops and fresh apple pie can bring your guests running to the kitchen (and keep them there) as you celebrate all the season has to offer.

Find more recipes fit for holiday festivities at Culinary.net.

Beckon Holiday Guests with a Bread Bowl

While your loved ones wait patiently for the main course to be served, hearty appetizers like bread bowls can keep appetites at bay. This Spinach­Ham Dip is the perfect combination of comforting and satisfying when served with bread cubes, crackers or tortilla chips for a warming snack ahead of the big meal.

To find more seasonal appetizer inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Spinach-Ham Dip

2 cups ricotta cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 1/4 pound ham, cubed

3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 round bread loaf (16 ounces), unsliced Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, blend ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Add spinach, ham, Parmesan cheese and green onions; mix until blended.

Cut 1­2­inch diameter circle out of top of bread loaf. Reserve top.

Remove bread inside loaf, leaving about 1 inch along sides. Pour cheese mixture into bread bowl.

Replace top. Cover bread loaf in aluminum foil and bake 60 minutes, or until warmed through.

Take bread removed from inside bread bowl and cut into dipping sized chunks.

Remove bread from aluminum foil and place on platter. Scatter bread chunks around bread bowl to use for dunking in cheese sauce.

Spinach-Ham Dip

Spinach-Ham Dip

Serve Up a Seasonal Treat

No seasonal gathering is complete without dessert, and quality baking during the holidays results in fresh favorites like Apple Pie. Allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon add spice to this festive favorite while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel sweetness with a nutty, moist, subtle molasses flavor that’s ideal for use in desserts of all kinds. The trusted performance of an option like Domino sugar helps make this a recipe you can turn to when it’s time to savor the season.

Find more holiday dessert ideas to bring your family and friends together at dominosugar.com.

Apple Pie

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 8 1 prepared 9-inch double-crust pie pastry, divided Pumpkin Spice Scalloped Potatoes 3/4 cup Domino Light Brown Sugar

A Seasonal Side with a Tasty Twist No matter what life may look like this holiday season, you can put a smile on loved ones’ faces with classic meals and sides that memories are made of.

You can use a traditional holiday ingredient, potatoes, to make easy yet delicious recipes like these Pumpkin Spice Scalloped Potatoes. Perfect for serving with your favorite main course, they’re a tasty twist on a classic sweet potato casserole.

Plus, they’re made with Little potatoes that come ready to potatoes, use with no washing or peeling , nutmeg, required, perfect for busy fam­ during bustling holiday on with ilies gatherings. Try them roasted, ; mix well.boiled, smashed or mashed in nch bakingyour favorite seasonal dishes. For ides in a time­saving hack, use the slicer xtra baconattachment in a food processor to remains evenly slice potatoes in minutes. sauce Visit littlepotatoes.com for more holiday recipe inspiration.

Pumpkin Spice Scalloped Little Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 4 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 2 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 pounds Terrific Trio Little Potatoes, 1/8-inch sliced, kept in water until ready to use 5 slices thick-cut bacon, sliced, cooked until crisp and drained 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons water 1 cup pecans, rough chopped

dium­high nd water. allow to . Add Lay on sheet and l, chop

m oven r top.

dd Color and Flavor to the Holiday Table

hen a holiday celebration calls for a truly memorable eal, it’s a perfect opportunity to serve a dish that just might come a family favorite. Combining a seasonal staple like anberries with naturally flavorful lamb could be your ticket a newfound tradition.

These festive Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass­Fed Lamb ops can brighten up your holiday table with an irresistible p of red and deliciously pure New Zealand grass­fed lamb. w Zealand is home to some of the world’s most naturally sed beef and lamb, where the animals are allowed to roam Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass-Fed Lamb Chops d graze freely over lush green hills and pastures, resulting a beautifully tender meat that tastes just as nature intended.

Visit beefandlambnz.com to learn more and find where buy grass­fed meat for your holiday meals.

ranberry Maple Glazed Grass-Fed Lamb Chops

ep time: 5 minutes ook time: 15 minutes rvings: 4 aze: 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 2 teaspoons orange zest

Serve Up a Seasonal Treat

1 2 2 1/4 1/8 1 1 2

tablespoon all-purpose flour No seasonal gathering is complete without dessert, tablespoons butter and quality baking during the holidays results in fresh teaspoons cinnamon favorites like Apple Pie. teaspoon ground nutmeg Allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon add spice to teaspoon salt this festive favorite while brown sugar adds a hint tablespoon lemon juice of caramel sweetness with a nutty, moist, subtle molasses flavor that’s ideal for use in desserts of teaspoon finely grated lemon zest all kinds. The trusted performance of an option like pounds apples, cored, quartered Domino sugar helps make this a recipe you can turn and sliced to when it’s time to savor the season.

1/4 teaspoon allspice Find more holiday dessert ideas to bring your Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 9­inch pie pan with half family and friends together at dominosugar.com. pastry then prick bottom and sides with fork.

In large saucepot, combine brown sugar, Apple Pieflour, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice and Prep time: 30 minutes lemon zest. Add apples and toss toCook coattime: evenly.

40 minutes Slowly heat over medium­low heat, stirring Servings: 8 occa­ sionally, until sugar dissolves and apples begin to 1 prepared 9-inch double-crust pie soften and cook down to about 6 cups. pastry, divided Turn apple mixture into lined pie plate.

Top with Light Brown Sugar 3/4 cup Domino remaining pastry. Trim and flute edges with fork. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake 35­40 minutes, or until crust is golden.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Preheat oven to 375 F. In pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to low then slowly add milk gradually, ensuring it is incorporated before adding more. Turn heat to medium­high and cook until thickened, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and set aside.

In bowl, add drained potatoes, sauce, bacon, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; mix well.

In greased 8­by­11­inch baking dish, line potatoes on sides in desired pattern. Stuff extra bacon between potatoes from remains left in bowl. Pour extra sauce over potatoes.

Bake 60 minutes.

In small pot over medium­high heat, add brown sugar and water.

Cook to melt sugar and allow to bubble, about 5 minutes. Add pecans; stir 2 minutes. Lay on parchment­lined baking sheet and allow to cool. Once cool, chop into pieces.

Remove potatoes from oven and sprinkle pecans over top.

1 2 2 1/4 1/8 1 1 2

tablespoon all-purpose flour tablespoons butter teaspoons cinnamon teaspoon ground nutmeg teaspoon salt tablespoon lemon juice teaspoon finely grated lemon zest pounds apples, cored, quartered and sliced 1/4 teaspoon allspice Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 9­inch pie pan with half pastry then prick bottom and sides with fork.

In large saucepot, combine brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Add apples and toss to coat evenly.

Slowly heat over medium­low heat, stirring occa­ sionally, until sugar dissolves and apples begin to soften and cook down to about 6 cups.

Turn apple mixture into lined pie plate. Top with remaining pastry. Trim and flute edges with fork. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake 35­40 minutes, or until crust is golden.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Dijon-Herb Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Dijon-Herb Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3 hours Servings: 4-6 Dijon-Herb Rub: 1/4 cup minced fresh Italian parsley 1/4 cup minced fresh oregano 1/4 cup minced fresh thyme leaves 1/4 cup minced fresh rosemary leaves 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/2 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Prime Rib Roast: 1 Omaha Steaks Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast (4 pounds), thawed kosher salt, to taste 2 garlic cloves, minced Add Color and Flavor to the Holiday Table ground black Dijon pepper, to taste 2 teaspoons mustard When a holiday celebration calls for a truly memorable 1/4 cup 1/2 canola teaspoonoil salt

Apple Pie

meal, it’s a perfect opportunity to serve a dish that just might cracked black pepper become a family favorite. Combining a seasonal staple like Garlic Butter Mushrooms: cranberries with naturally flavorful lamb could be your ticket Chops: 6Lamb tablespoons olivegrass-fed oil to a newfound tradition.

8-10 New Zealand lamb rib chops 1/2 cup diced yellow These festive Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass­Fed Lamb 1 small teaspoon brown sugaronion Chops can brighten up your holidayApple tablePie with an irresistible 1 teaspoon chili powder 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon paprika pop of red and deliciously pure New Zealand grass­fed lamb.

1 pound buttonsmoked mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most naturally cleaned and quartered 1 teaspoon garlic powder raised beef and lamb, where the animals are allowed to roam 1 pincholive kosher oil salt, plus and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures, resulting

additional, taste, divided in a beautifully tender meat that tastes just as nature intended.

To make glaze: In to small bowl, whisk cranberries, maple 2 garlic cloves, minced Visit beefandlambnz.com to learn more and find where 1syrup, pinch ground plus orange juice, black orange pepper, zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and pepper.

Set aside. to buy grass­fed meat for your holiday meals.

additional, to taste, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt lamb chops: 1/2 To cupmake chicken stockPat lamb chops dry with paper towel.

In small bowl, whisk brown sugar, chili powder, cracked black pepper Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass-Fed Lamb Chops 2smoked tablespoons unsalted butter paprika, salt and garlic powder.

Prep time: 5 minutes 1/4 Sprinkle cup finely chopped dry rub on lambItalian chops and press mixture into meat.

Lamb Chops: Cook time: 15 minutes parsley In large skillet, heat thin layer olive oil over medium heat 8-10 New Zealand grass-fed lamb4 rib chops Servings: untilrub: dropIn ofmedium water sizzles in pan.

Searparsley, rib chops 2 minutes To make bowl, whisk oregano, thyme, 1 teaspoon brown sugar Glaze: on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 140 F. rosemary, garlic, Dijon mustard, oil, salt, black pepper and 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries Remove chops from pan and set aside. paprika Add untilglaze welltoincorporated.

1/3 cup maple syrup pan and cook 3­5 minutes, whisking constantly 1 teaspoon smoked paprika To make primebyribhalf. roast: Pat prime rib roast dry on all sides 1/4 cup fresh orange juice until reduced 1 teaspoon salt Drizzle glazeSeason over chops before serving. with paper towels. generously with salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons orange zest

olive oil To make glaze: In small bowl, whisk cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.

To make lamb chops: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towel.

In small bowl, whisk brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and garlic powder.

Sprinkle dry rub on lamb chops and press mixture into meat.

In large skillet, heat thin layer olive oil over medium heat until drop of water sizzles in pan. Sear rib chops 2 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 140 F. Remove chops from pan and set aside.

Add glaze to pan and cook 3­5 minutes, whisking constantly until reduced by half.

Drizzle glaze over chops before serving.

to taste. Allow roast to come to room temperature about 30 minutes.

Rub Dijon herb rub all over prime rib roast and allow to stand 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 250 F. In large cast-iron pan, warm oil over medium-high heat.

Sear roast on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.

Place seared prime rib on wire rack-lined sheet pan and place in oven.

Cook until internal temperature is 10 F below desired cooking doneness.

Rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

To make mushrooms: In large pan, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and saute about 1 minute.

Add minced garlic and lightly saute until fragrant, about 20 seconds.

Add mushrooms and pinch of salt and ground pepper to pan.

Saute 3-4 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.

Add chicken stock and reduce to one-third in volume, 3-4 minutes.

Add butter and parsley to pan and saute until butter is melted and incorporated. Immediately remove from heat and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Serve mushrooms with prime rib roast.

Sports

THE MINER

B R I E F LY Selkirk boys’ basketball charged

by Chargers IONE – The Selkirk boys’ varsity basketball team took to the court against Springdale Friday, Dec. 3 for a non-league game that saw the visiting Chargers (2-0) beat the Rangers (0-2) 73-40.

Springdale consistently scored 17 points in the first, second and fourth quarters, bumping it up to 22 points in the third quarter. Meanwhile the Rangers countered with seven points in the first quarter, 15 in the second, eight in the third and 10 in the fourth.

Silas Petrich led Selkirk scoring with 17 points.

Logan Link scored 11 for Selkirk.

The Valley Christian Panthers took on the Rangers at home, Thursday, Dec. 2, defeating Selkirk 54-11 in another non-league game.

Petrich led Selkirk with seven points.

Selkirk travels to Almira/Coulee-Hartline for a game at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10. The Columbia High School Lions come to Selkirk for a game Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Newport girls struggle with Reardan REARDAN - The Newport girls’ basketball team had their hands full with Reardan, losing 56-25 at Reardan Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Reardan’s defense clamped down on the Grizzlies in the first half, allowing only three points in the first quarter and a single point in the second. Reardan was up 30-3 at the half.

The third quarter was more of the same, with Newport outscored 14-3.

The Grizzlies got some traction in the fourth quarter, when they outscored Reardan 18-12.

Newport will be at home Friday, Dec. 10, for a game with St. George’s that starts at 5:45 p.m.

The Grizzlies make the trip to Priest River for a game Saturday, Dec. 11.

That game will start at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Grizzlies are back at home for a game with Freeman. That game will start at 7:30 p.m.

Lady Rangers split week between win, loss IONE – Selkirk girls’ basketball was victorious Friday, Dec. 3 with the Lady Rangers beating Springdale 38-27 in a home game. Madison Chantry had 16 points and went four for eight at the free-throw line and the Rangers (1-1, 1-0) beat the visiting Chargers (0-2, 0-2) in the NE1B game last Friday.

Britney Lyons had 12 points for Selkirk.

Earlier in the week Selkirk lost to the Valley Christian Panthers 4537 at a home game on Dec. 2.

Britney Lyons and Madison Chantry notched 12 points apiece for Selkirk.

The Lady Rangers play at Almira/Coulee-Hartline Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., then host Columbia at Selkirk Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

5B

Second half hurts Spartan boys

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

PRIEST RIVER - The Priest River boys’ basketball team took on the defending 2A state champions in the SparON DECK: VS. NEWPORT: Saturday, Dec. 11, 3:30 p.m.

VS. LAKELAND: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

tans’ opener Tuesday, Nov. 30, losing 64-36.

Priest River stayed close in the first half, trailing by five at the break after outscoring St. Maries 16-15 in the second quarter.

The second half didn’t go so well for the Spartans, however.

They only managed five points in the third quarter and three in the fourth.

Jace Yount Kraeger led Spartan scoring with 10 points, Trentyn Kraeger scored nine points, Luke Butler scored six, Blake Barrett scored five, Nadin Thompson scored four and Teigan Marinello scored two points.

Priest River took on Riverside Tuesday, Dec. 7. We’ll have results next week.

Priest River hosts Newport Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.

The Spartans will take on Lakeland at home Tuesday, Dec. 14, with the game starting at 7 p.m.

MINER PHOTO|JASON DUCHOW

Priest River’s Travis Mathews blocks a shot in the Spartans’ opening game at home with St. Maries Tuesday, Nov. 30.

After a good first half, the Spartans lost to the 2A defending state chmpions.

Newport wrestling opens at Freeman FREEMAN – The Newport High School wrestling team is slated to go to Freeman High School Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. After that the Grizzlies will travel to Connell for an invite Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

Newport goes to Colville for another 6 p.m. bout

Wednesday, Dec. 15.

The first home match is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m., against Deer Park. Newport traveled to Deer Park for a tournament Saturday, Dec. 4. Results were not available before deadline.

Lady Grizzly wrestlers

competed at the Central Valley High School Girls’ Classic Dec. 4. Results were not available before deadline. It’s off to the Warden Women’s Invite Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. The girls’ first home match is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 10 (TBD).

Cusick boys beat Inchelium CUSICK – The boys’ varsity basketball team took guests Inchelium to task Saturday, Dec. 4, defeating them in a home game 70-25. Cusick’s Colton Seymour had a good night, with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and five steals, helping the Panthers (1-0) beat the visiting Hornets (0-1) in a Northeast 1B home game. Celias Holmes added 16 points, six boards, and six assists for Cusick. Bode Seymour had eight points,

as did River Edminston.

Amari Pakootas led Inchelium with eight points.

Cusick blitzed ahead in points right out of the gate, scoring 24 to Inchelium’s four in the first quarter. The second quarter saw more of the same with Cusick outscoring Inchelium, 31-8. It was a tighter race in the third SEE CUSICK, 6B

George Wild Tournament this Friday PRIEST RIVER – The Spartan varsity wrestling team’s schedule says Priest River will travel to the George Wild Tournament at Kellogg Friday, Dec. 10.

The event starts at 3 p.m. After that there is a wrestling dual at Moscow High School Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.

Spartan girls get Clark Fork win

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

CLARK FORK - The Priest River Spartans girls’ basketball team broke the ice and got ON DECK: VS. TIMBERLAKE: Friday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

VS. NEWPORT: Saturday. Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

AT WALLACE: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

their first win of the young season, a 27-19 victory at Clark Fork Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Priest River got out to a five-point lead in the first quarter, up 9-4. But Clark Fork came back in the second to pull within two at the half. The Spartans were up 11-9 at the half. A steal and a basket by Priest River’s Lilly Freitas just before the half gave the Spartans the lead.

Priest River extended

the lead in the third quarter and put the cap on the game with a 10-8 fourth quarter to get the win.

The Spartans was dominant on the boards, pulling down 45 rebounds to 24 for Clark Fork. Allyson Barton grabbed 23 rebounds for Priest River.

Freitas ended up the high scorer of the game with 13 points.

She also had 10 steals and seven rebounds.

Addison Kingery and Samantha Pound each scored five points for Priest River.

Priest River played Riverside Tuesday, Dec. 7. We’ll have results next week.

Priest River will host Timberlake Friday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. The Spartans will take on Newport at home Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, Priest River will travel to Wallace for a game at 6 p.m.

6B

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE MINER

Lady Panthers start season with win

Thompson sisters help team go the distance CUSICK – The crowds packed the Cusick school gym to see the season debut of Lady Panthers’ basketball Saturday, Dec. 4, as they beat the ON DECK: AT COLUMBIA: Friday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

AT WELLPINIT: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

Inchelium Hornets 5930. The star attraction was the three sisters who led the team to a big win. Between the three Thompson sisters they made 40 of the 59 points scored. LaNia, the eldest, had 20 points. Middle child Dalia was an uncontainable force with ball handling, rebounding and six points, and the new-to-the-scene eighth grader Tameira scoring 14.

LaNia Thompson is a senior and is described as quiet and calm, but sure knows how to motivate her sisters to set the pace. The team of friends has decades of playing together so the familiarity on the court of skills and strengths are great.

Dalia, a new mother, kept the pace and finished out last season as athlete of the week several times. She was a top rebounder and scorer for a few games until ending

COURTESY PHOTO

The Cusick panthers played to a packed house last Saturday, as they ruled the court against the Inchelium Hornets, winning 59-20.

last season three games early to start motherhood.

Tameira, the baby of

the sisters, has made a huge splash in her high school debut. She is only an eighth grader but has

earned her spot on the varsity with her sisters.

The speed and drive she has to set the pace

is what the Cusick girls needed.

Cusick heads to Columbia High School Friday,

Dec. 10, then it’s off to Wellpinit on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Both games start at 6 p.m.

Newport boys basketball at home Friday, Tuesday

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

NEWPORT - The Newport boys’ basketball team will be at home for two of their next three games, with a short trip to Priest River for the away game Saturday, Dec. 11.

The Grizzlies opened their season on the road with a 67-43 non-league loss Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Reardan.

Newport played close in the first quarter, trailing 16-13, but was hurt in the second quarter COURTESY PHOTO|MEGAN SCOTT

Student plays football in regional championships Preston Wacenske, 12, is a sixth grade student at Sadie Halstead Middle School. He plays running back for the Eastern Washington Team in the Football University (FBU) League. The team played in Portland, Ore. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Northwest Regionals for a chance to go to the National Championships in Naples, Fla. Eastern won 12-0 against Oregon and lost to Cleveland 28-0, ending the team’s season. Next up for Wacenske is waiting for basketball and Newport Little Guys Wrestling to start. He is also looking forward to heading to the local ski hills for snowboarding. Wacenske also played for the Newport Youth Football and Cheer Association.

CUSICK: FROM PAGE 5B

quarter with the Hornets scoring six to the Panthers five baskets. It was not enough to undo Cusick’s lead and the Panthers finished the fourth quarter with 10 points to Inchelium’s seven.

In other opening games involving Northeast 1B League teams, Curlew beat Northport 69-41 Dec. 1, Springdale beat Republic 66-42 Nov. 30, Valley Christian beat Selkirk 54-11 Dec. 2 and Wellpinit beat Oaksdale 54-50 Dec. 3.

Cusick heads to Columbia High School in Hunters for a game Friday, Dec. 10. Next Tuesday, Dec. 14 it’s off to Wellpinit. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

when they were outscored 20-11. Newport trailed 36-24 at the half.

Both team’s defenses were effective in the third quarter, although Reardan extended its lead by five points after a 13-8 quarter. Reardan added another seven points to its lead in the fourth quarter to win.

Newport coach Brett Mackey says the team got its first game jitters out of the way, but didn’t have a good night shooting, although this early in the season isn’t

surprising.

“It’s hard to win many ON DECK: VS. ST. GEORGE’S: Friday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.

AT PRIEST RIVER: Saturday, Dec. 11, 3:30 p.m.

VS. FREEMAN: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 5:45 p.m.

games shooting 23% from the floor,” he says.

“Our kids are still getting used to playing at the pace we want, so having a low shooting percentage is not too surprising.

I was really thrilled with our effort throughout the game. When things weren’t going our way our guys never hung their head and just kept grinding.”

Newport will play another non-league game Friday, Dec. 10, when they host St. George’s at 7:30 p.m. The next day they will travel to Priest River for a game that starts at 3:30 p.m. The Grizzlies are back home to host Freeman Tuesday, Dec. 14 for a game that starts at 5:45 p.m.

FOR THE RECORD

THE MINER

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

7B

OBITUARI ES Kenneth Erick Perin PRIEST RIVER

Kenneth Erick Perin, 73, was the eldest and only son born to Eloise (Johnson) and Eddie Perin on Jan. 18, 1948 in Spokane, Wash. Ken Perin was raised in Priest River, Idaho, joined by sister Janis a year later, another sister, Lisa, six years after that, and finally 11 years after that, little sister Shirley. Ken also had an older half-sister, Sandra, born during World War II from a former marriage.

Although Sandra lived thousands of miles away in Scotland, the siblings were able to build a strong relationship and were very much connected through their bright red hair and love for one another.

Ken picked up the clarinet in the 5th grade and found the joy of music.

He also enjoyed choir and ballroom dancing with his mother. Unfortunately, four days after Ken’s 14th birthday, tragedy struck the family with the death of his mother, Eloise. The family remained resilient and continued forward, although they felt the loss deeply.

Aside from excelling at the clarinet and gaining the honor of first chair in high school, Ken was a great athlete in high school. He was a four-year football letterman at Priest River High School. He was nominated by another coach in the league and made 1st Team All State his senior year. During high school, he worked at Safeway in Oldtown.

He attended the American Lutheran Church in Newport where he was confirmed in 1963. Upon graduating from Priest River High School in 1966, he was presented an award for four years of perfect attendance.

After high school, Ken attended Lewis & Clark Normal (now Lewis & Clark State) in Lewiston, Idaho. He continued to play the clarinet and became the conductor of the band in college. Ken completed his student teaching in Priest River and graduated with a degree in Education in 1971.

His first teaching job out of school was in Troy, Idaho, where he taught English for a couple of years. After that, he returned to his roots and began teaching English at Priest River Lamanna High School.

Ken was a member of the Pend Oreille County Posse, enjoyed going dancing, and played in the recreation adult softball league. By 1989 Ken accepted an English teaching position at Newport High School until he retired. Ken coached

football, wrestling, taught drama, and advised the students in annual (The Bruin). Ken always remembered every detail about each of the students that walked through the hallways he taught no matter how many years passed. It didn’t matter if they sat in his classroom or not. Mr. Perin cared about every student, every day. He expected decorum, and wanted success for all of his students.

Ken fought a long battle with multiple health issues and passed away on Dec. 2 at Cheney Care Center with his niece, Kaitlyn (Austin) Stoudt of Spokane, and nephew, Jordan Perin (Kayley), by his side.

Ken is preceded in death by his mother Eloise, his father Eddie, his sister Shirley Perin, and his half-sister Sandra Goldie. Ken is survived by sisters Janis (Denny) Martindale of Newport and Lisa (Roger) Vallieres of Spokane, stepdaughter Becky (Joel) Fishburn and her three children of Newport, uncle Sonny (Lavelle) Perin of Alaska, and aunt Bonnie Flatum of Spokane.

Ken also leaves behind a trove of nieces and nephews, Charlotte (Keith) Brown of Montana, Shawn (LuAnn) Gillespie of Arizona, Terry (Christi) Gillespie of Wenatchee, Caroline (Farquhar) Wilson of Scotland, Jason (Andrea) Vallieres of Spokane, Allen (Patricia) Goldie of Scotland, Laurie (Nicole) Vallieres of Lacey, and Cory (Mariah) Martindale of Post Falls.

Ken is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews along with one greatgreat-niece and many cousins.

Ken’s entire family has enjoyed and will miss his various (sometimes long) stories of his students and athletes over the decades.

The school was his life; he was a dedicated teacher and coach his entire career.

The service for Kenneth will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral home in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Newport Maws and Paws Booster Club for athletic scholarships.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at shermancampbell.com.

Sidney “Degn” Hansen WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS

Degn Hansen, 57, left our world the morning of Dec. 3, 2021, unexpectedly, but peacefully, in

Hansen

his sleep. He was born in the Midwest to Sidney and Raynell Hansen Feb. 15, 1964,

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8

Sandpoint METALINE TOWN COUNCIL: 7 p.m. - Metaline Town Hall

PEND OREILLE CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD: 9:30 a.m. - Newport Post Office Building

PONDORAY SHORES WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT MEETING: 9 a.m. - Pumphouse, Newport

PEND OREILLE COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD: 2 p.m. - Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Newport

MONDAY, DEC. 13

SACHEEN LAKE SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT BOARD: 5 p.m. - Sacheen Fire Station, Highway 211 WEST BONNER WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT: 6:30 p.m. Oldtown City Hall BONNER COUNTY DEMOCRATS: 6:30-8 p.m. - Panhandle Health, 322 Marion St.,

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

PEND OREILLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 9 a.m. Pend Oreille County Courthouse PEND OREILLE FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: 4 p.m. - Fire Station 23, 390442 Highway 20, Tiger NEWPORT SCHOOL BOARD: Noon - District Offices OLDTOWN URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT BOARD: 5:30 p.m. Oldtown City Hall, as needed

Fathered two children, gained a bonus daughter and loved his life until the passing of his soul mate Barb in 1995.

SEE OBITUARIES, 10B

P O L I C E R E P O RT S EDITOR’S NOTE: The police reports, taken from dispatch logs provided to The Miner by law enforcement agencies, are not intended to be an exact report, but rather a comprehensive list of police calls in Pend Oreille and West Bonner counties. Dispatch also fields calls for the Kalispel Tribe’s property in Airway Heights.

Certain police calls are generally omitted because of space constraints. These include, but aren’t limited to ambulance calls for illness, unfounded alarms, traffic stops, dogs at large, abandoned vehicles, 911 hang–ups and civil standbys.

All dispositions for the police reports are assumed to be active, assists or transfers at press time.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: Conklin Meadows Rd., person reports someone has been in his home ripping him off.

Ave., Newport, Shannon M. Jones, 48, of Newport was transferred from Bonner County Jail.

WEST BONNER COUNTY

FIRE: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report of burn pile possibly going into the trees.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PHYSICAL: Whitetail Place, report male subject pushed mother.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: W. Wisconsin Ave., Ione, report that male hit female in the hand.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: Hwy. 211, person believes ex-husband may have been at residence.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Koyokuk Trl., Spirit Lake, Gwendolyn Latham, 54, of Spirit Lake, was arrested for battery and malicious injury to property.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: N. Washington St., Newport, report that kitchen window looks like it has been shot at.

MONDAY, NOV. 29 THEFT: Hwy. 2, Newport, report of Jeep Cherokee taken about 15 minutes ago, has video of it and says he gave his mom permission to drive the vehicle but his brother is the one who took the vehicle and he doesn’t have permission.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: Hwy. 20, Newport, report that male subject was trespassing on her property trying to serve her papers and came up on her back deck.

VEHICLE PROWL: Hwy. 2, report that someone broke out a window and took items out of the vehicle.

VIOLATION OF ORDER: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report of inmate violating a DV NCO. MALICOUS MISCHIEF: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report that someone cut the fiber line in that area and found out about it this morning.

SRUCTURE FIRE: Gray Rd, Newport, report of fully engulfed structure on fire.

NO INJURY MOTOR VEHICLE COLISSION: Woodard Rd., report of 2 vehicle accident, no injuries non-blocking.

RECOVERED VEHICLE: S. Newport Ave., impounded a vehicle and it was reported stolen out of Spokane.

BURGLARY: Fertile Valley Rd., report of trailer broken into, tools and propane tank and heater, damage to door.

HARASSMENT: S. Calispel Ave., Newport, report that girl from school has been harassing son, she pulls on him and calls him names.

NOISE COMPLAINT: Bluebird Lane, Newport, report of loud music, ongoing issue.

TUESDAY, NOV. 30 FRAUD: W. 1st St., Newport, report that three subjects put in applications for rent subsidies on property they have no ties to.

VIOLATION OF ORDER: Houghton St., Ione, caller states that there was a violation of order over the holiday weekend.

THEFT: Hwy. 20, Newport, report that driver’s license and two medical cards were stolen in August.

JUVENILE PROBLEM: W. 5th St., Newport SUSPICIOUOS CIRCUMSTANCES: S. Newport Ave., report that person found 2 Glocks in the glovebox while getting it ready for auction.

JAIL HOUSING: S. Garden Ave., Newport, transporting inmate to jail.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 AGENCY ASSIST: S. Garden Ave., Newport, request assist with court.

AGENCY ASSIST: S. Garden Ave., Newport, request assist with court.

APPLIANCE FIRE: N. Halford Ave., Newport, person reports smelling something burning around the hot water tank that is in the basement.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: S. Scott Ave., Newport, report that yesterday a DV occurred.

JUVENILE PROBLEM: S. Calispel Ave., juvenile problem.

BOOK AND RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport VIOLATION OF ORDER: Houghton St., Ione, subject in order contacted protected person through Facebook saying he was going to pick up the kids from school then said he would go to the bus stop and take them fishing.

BOOK AND RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport ANIMAL PROBLEM: LeClerc Rd. N., Cusick, report that vehicle hit a deer and deer may need dispatched.

ARREST: Houghton St., Ione, Martin G. Chamberlain, 27, was arrested for violation of a domestic violence no contact order.

CUSICK TOWN COUNCIL: 6 p.m. - Cusick Community Center

TUESDAY, DEC. 14

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 THREATENING: Scotia Rd., person reports receiving threatening text.

RECOVERED VEHICLE: S. Washington Ave., Newport, recovered vehicle by owner.

STRUCTURE FIRE: Tweedie Rd., person reports some sort of structure looks burnt to ground but sees flames.

BURGLARY: Fan Lake Rd., report of storage shop broken into.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VERBAL: Willys Way, report that ex was just at the door, yelling at complainant.

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION: Kings Lake Rd., report of vehicle slide off.

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION: Hwy. 20, report of vehiclemedic unit collision.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 ARREST: W. 7th St., Daniel M. Sullivan, 32, of Newport was arrested on local warrants.

MOTOR VEHICL COLISSION: Hwy. 2, report of one vehicle rollover, unable to get doors open.

ARREST: W. 7th St., Christian T. Lee, 40, of Newport was arrested for fourth degree assault domestic violence.

ARREST: Qlispe River Way, Cusick, Ashley M. Shelgren, 31, of Newport was arrested on a local warrant.

FRAUD: Hwy. 57, Priest River

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Hwy. 41 & Spirit Lake Cutoff, Spirit Lake CITIZEN ASSIST: Rocky Mt. Ranch Rd., Spirit Lake, report of people shooting.

TUESDAY, NOV. 30 FELONY ARREST WARRANT: E. 5th St. N., Oldtown, Shannon Jones, 48, of Oldtown, was arrested as a fugitive from justice.

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 41 & Spirit Lake Cutoff, Spirit Lake ANIMAL PROBLEM: Hwy. 57, Priest River VEHICLE THEFT: Dufort Rd., Priest River

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 SHOPLIFTING: Tank Rd., Oldtown, a 54-year-old female from Priest River was cited and released for commercial burglary.

THURSDAY, DEC. 2 HUNTING & FISHING VIOLATIONS: Eastside Rd., Priest River RECKLESS DRIVING: Old Priest River Rd., Priest River ALCOHOL OFFENSE: Hwy. 200 & Elm Ave., Ponderay, a 23-year-old male of Spirit Lake was cited and released for possession of alcohol by driver and second offense failing to provide current proof of liability insurance.

MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY: Dry Creek Rd., Oldtown, report of a woman slashing a tire after a drunken argument.

ATTEMPT TO LOCATE: Cape Horn Rd., Coolin

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PHYSICAL: E. 4th Ave., report of domestic issue taking place.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PHYSICAL: E. 4th Av., report of male pulling out with female hanging on to vehicle.

ACCIDENT, HIT & RUN: Silver Birch Ln., Oldtown

ERRATIC DRIVER: Hwy. 2, report that semi-truck with trailer, bed is blue, went into oncoming lane.

MOTOR VEHICLE COLISSION: W. 1st St & N. Quail, Newport, report of two-vehicle collision, non-injury.

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION: E. Blackwell St., Ione, report that drunk driver hit power pole and drove away. Power lines down and pole is in the roadway.

WEAPONS OFFENSE: Camden Rd., report of neighbors shooting at night.

DUI, ALCOHOL OR DRUGS: Hwy. 2, Oldtown, Anthony Maddalena, 30, of Oldtown, was arrested for driving under the influence.

THURSDAY, DEC. 2 DISTURBANCE: N. Warren Ave., Newport, report that female tried to steal items and refusing to leave.

THREATENING: Northshore Diamond Lake, person reports receiving a threatening text.

BOOK AND RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport THEFT: Conklin Meadows Rd., report or license plate stolen off truck within last couple days.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: W. Walnut St., Newport THEFT: W. Spruce St., report that juveniles attempted to take package off porch.

INMATE TRANFER: S. Garden

PEND OREILLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HEARINGS: 6 p.m. - Cusick Community Center

BONNER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 8:45 a.m. - Bonner County Administrative Building

LACLEDE WATER DISTRICT: 7:30 p.m. - Laclede Community Hall

PEND OREILLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 9 a.m. Pend Oreille County Courthouse

PEND OREILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 8:30 a.m. - Various Locations

WEST BONNER LIBRARY DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 9 a.m. - Priest River Library

PEND OREILLE COUNTY PARK BOARD: 2 p.m. - Cusick Community Center

PORT OF PEND OREILLE COMMISSIONERS: 9 a.m. Usk, 1981 Black Road

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 4 COMMISSIONERS: 6 p.m. - Dalkena Fire Station

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: Noon - Priest River Library

WEST BONNER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: 6 p.m. - District Office, Priest River

METALINE FALLS TOWN COUNCIL: 6 p.m. - Metaline Falls Town Hall

DISTURBANCE: W. 7th St., Newport, report of numerous people screaming and yelling.

MONDAY, NOV. 29

JUVENILE PROBLEM: S. 7th Ave., Ione, report that juvenile screaming in the background is upset and has packed her bags, complainants are afraid she is going to run away if they go to sleep.

PU BLIC M E ETI NGS

PEND OREILLE CEMETERY NO. 1: 8 a.m. - Newport Cemetery

and lived there with his two sisters until he took off to Idaho in his teens, where he fell in love with the trees and the mountains. Found his first love and then his last love.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15

IONE TOWN COUNCIL: 7 p.m.

- Clerk’s Office

SUNDAY, DEC. 5 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: Jorgens Rd., person reports hearing a loud explosion in the area.

CHIMNEY FIRE: Hwy. 211, report that neighbor can see chimney fire.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VERBAL: Hwy. 2, report of domestic argument.

ARREST: S. Garden Ave., Newport, Sean D. Womack, 32, of Newport was arrested on a warrant.

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION: LeClerc Rd. S., report of deervehicle collision.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 THEFT OF PROPERTY: Hwy. 2, Oldtown

HUNTING & FISHING VIOLATIONS: Lost Creek Rd., Priest River THEFT OF PROPERTY: 6th St., Priest River NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: Dufort Rd., Priest River DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Old Priest River Rd., Priest River

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE: E. Lincoln Ave., Priest River ASSAULT: Sierra Ln., Spirit Lake

SUNDAY, DEC. 5 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: Hwy. 2, Oldtown, a 43-year-old female was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Classifieds CALL (509) 447-2433 TO PLACE YOUR AD

8B

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

All ads appear in

THE NEWPORT MINER [Pend Oreille County]

G E N E R A C Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions.

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and GEM STATE MINER [West Bonner County] On the Internet at www.pendoreillerivervalley.com

To place your ad, call 447-2433 email: minerclassifieds@povn.com

Mon. thru Fri.., 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or come in to The Office at 421 S. Spokane Ave., Newport.

Mail to 421 S. Spokane Ave., Newport, WA 99156

Deadlines

Monday at noon. Late Ads until Tuesday 12:00 p.m. In The Hot Box.

N E W S PA P E R D E L I V E RY NEWPORT AREA Rates The Spokane First 20 Words plus bold, centered head....... $14.50/Week Spokesman- ReEach Additional Word....................................................65¢ ea. view is seeking Add a color logo or picture ................................$5.00/Week (2) independent Special: 2 Weeks Consecutive Run................3rd Week Free c o n t r a c t o r s t o Hot Box: First 20 Words, bold centered head$17.50/Week deliver newspaEach Additional Word....................................................80¢ ea. pers 4 mornings Classified Ads require pre-payment a week. Route 33250 available Free ads December 28 de• Items for Free: One week run only, 20 words or less. livers the Diamond Offer limited to One Free Ad per Week.

Lake/ Scotia/ • Found Ads: Items found will be run one time FREE, 20 Davis Lake/ FerWords or less. tile Valley Road and the Pend Payment terms Oreille County All classified ads require pre-payment. We accept Visa, Park area. Route MasterCard and American Express.

33227 available December 14 deClassified Display Ads livers the City of $10.80 Per Inch. Deadline: Monday, 12:00 Noon Newport & areas along Highway 20 to Usk and CuStatewide Classified sick. Newspapers Reach more than 1,100,000 Homes in 115 Washington typically arrive State Community Newspapers.

One Week, up to 25 Words, Prepaid - $195- 25 Words, $8 by 1:30 a.m. in Newport and deeach additional. liveries are Sun•Reach 325,000 Homes in 48 Idaho State Community day, Wednesday, Newspapers. One Week, up to 25 words prepaid $125.

Thursday and FriDeadline: 12 days before publication. day mornings with deadlines no later Acceptability than 7:00 a.m.

The Miner reserves the right to edit, reject or reclassify weekdays/ 8:00 any advertisement. a.m. Sunday. Applicant must have Corrections suitable transporPlease check your ad the first time it appears and tation, valid liimmediately report any error to the Classified cense and autoDepartment. We regret that we cannot be responsible for mobile insurance. more than a one-time incorrect insertion if you do not call If you or someone the error to our attention. you know is interested in delivering newspapers, please contact the Spokesman Review at (509) 481-0685 days or (509) 459-5099 anytime. Or visit our website to complete a contractor application http://www. spokesman.com/ open-routes/ (463p) BIRTH? WEDDING? ENGAGEMENT? The Newport and Gem State Miner Newspapers are looking to share your life events with the community at no charge. Contact us at 509-447-2433, minernews@povn. com or visit www. pendoreillerivervalley. com online, or stop by the office at 421 S. Spokane, Newport.

Your Right to Know

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details, 855-6354229.

2021300 PUBLIC NOTICE S U P E R I O R C O U R T, S TAT E O F WA S H I N G T O N , C O U N T Y O F PEND OREILLE NO. 21-2-00102-26 S U M M O N S B Y P U B L I C AT I O N HORIZON CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, v.

MICHAEL E. GILBERT individually and the marital community of MICHAEL E. GILBERT and JANE DOE GILBERT, husband and wife, Defendants.

The State of Washington to the said Michael E. Gilbert and Jane Doe Gilbert:

USE SEAL N HEAL® to seal wounds on dogs & cats with a bitter taste to prevent gnawing, allow healing. At Tractor Supply® (www. fleabeacon.com) ANNOUNCEMENTS ADVERTISE STATEWIDE with a $325 classified listing or $1,575 for a display ad.

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KNOW LOCAL When you need to know what’s happening in our community, turn to the source for all things local – The Miner Newspapers.

You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 17th day of November, 2021, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Horizon Credit Union, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys’ for plaintiff Horizon Credit Union, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. This is an action to recover on a deficiency after repossession and for defendants failure to pay.

Dated this 9th day of November, 2021.

P H I L L A B A U M , L E D L I N , M ATTHEWS & SHELDON, PLLC By: /s/Benjamin D. Phillabaum BENJAMIN D. PHILLABAUM, WSBA# 48089 Published in The Newport Miner November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2021.(43-6) __________________________

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS

Estate & Long Term Care Law Group Wills, Trusts, Probate, Medicaid, Business 418 W. 3rd Street, Newport, WA (509) 447-3242

CHIROPRACTIC

Thomas Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Dr. Chris Thomas 129 S. Union Ave. • Newport (509) 447-9986

COUNSELING

Pend Oreille County Counseling Services Substance Abuse Treatment/ Prevention/Mental Health Offices in Newport & Metaline Falls (509) 447-5651

DENTIST

2021322 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pend Oreille County Redistricting Notice is hereby given that on December 14, 2021, 11:00 AM, the Pend Oreille Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at the Commissioners’ Office, located at 625 W. 4th Street, Newport, WA. The matter is concerning redistricting, based on 2020 Census data. If you require any reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, contact the Clerk of the Board at 509-447-4119, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. A proposed map will be available on the county website, as it becomes available.

Meeting is available via Zoom, https:// zoom.us/j/5094474119, meeting ID: 509 447 4119 Or dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US or +1 253 215 8782 US. Meeting ID: 509 447 4119

LOOKING FOR ASSISTED LIVING, memory care, or independent living?

A Place for Mom simplifies the process of finding senior living at no cost to your family. Call 1-855913-2628 today! Published in The Newport Miner on December 1 and 8, 2021.(45-2) __________________________

Your right to know and be informed of the functions of your government are embodied in public notices.

In that self-government charges all citizens to be informed, this newspaper urges every citizen to read and study these notices. We strongly advise those citizens seeking further information to exercise their right of access to public records and public meetings.

PETS

THE MINER

Newport Dental Center Robert Harrison, D.D.S. James Cool, D.M.D. Family Dentistry – Evening Hours 610 W. 2nd (509) 447-3105 • 800-221-9929

2021323 PUBLIC NOTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF WA S H I N G T O N COUNTY OF SPOKANE NO. 21-4-02325-32 P R O B AT E N O T I C E T O CREDITORS R C W 11 . 4 0 . 0 3 0 In Re the Estate of: Don D. Fish, Sr., Deceased.

The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: December 1, 2021 Personal Representative: Robin Lea Gentry Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katharine Elizabeth Tate, WSBA 55310 Address for Mailing or Service: Tate Law Offices, PLLC 23403 E Mission Ave, Ste 103 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Court of Probate Proceedings: Spokane County Courthouse 1116 W Broadway Spokane, WA 99260 Continued on 9B

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REAL ESTATE

Richard Bockemuehl Century 21 Beutler - Waterfront Office (509) 321-1121 Cell (509) 951-4390

VICTIMS ASSISTANCE

Family Crisis Network Serving victims of all crime & the homeless Office: 447-2274 24 hr Helpline: 447-5483

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Contact The Miner Newspapers to get your professional service in this space for only $9.90 a week for 3 lines!

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CLASSIFIEDS

THE MINER

Continued from 8B Case Number: 21-4-02325-32 DATED this 24 day of November, 2021.

Published in The Newport Miner December 1, 8 and 15, 2021.(45-3) _______________________ 2021292 PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE PORT OF PEND OREILLE SMALL WORKS ROSTER Notice is hereby given that the Port of Pend Oreille (Port) is updating its Small Works Roster for 2022.

Contractors who wish to be included on this Roster need to complete an application form available at the Port office at 1981 Black Road, Usk, WA. 99180, 509-445-1090. Forms are also available on the Port’s website at www.povarr.com.

Applicants, where required by law, must be properly licensed or registered to perform work in the State of Washington. Contractors whose names appear on the Roster may be contacted from time to time to submit job proposals for contracts for $300,000 or less.

Qualified applicants will be placed on the 2022 which will expire on December 31, 2022. /s/ Kelly J. Driver, Manager Published in The Newport Miner December 8 and 15, 2021.(46-2) __________________________ 2021316 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2022-2027 SIX YEAR

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM & 2022 ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Notice is hereby given that the Pend Oreille County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public hearing to receive comments on the 2022-2027 Six Year Transportation Improvement Program and the 2022 Annual Construction Program.

This hearing will take place on December 21, 2021 at 11:30am in the Commissioners Chambers, County Courthouse, 625 W. 4th Street, Newport, Washington. For more information, contact Mary Jensen at 509-447-4513.

There is very limited space for inperson attendance, due to the social distancing mandate, so virtual attendance is encouraged.

Zoom Meeting Info: https://zoom.us/j/5094474119; Meeting ID: 509 447 4119 Or Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US or +1 253 215 8782 US. Meeting ID: 509 447 4119 Clerk of the Board Published in The Newport Miner December 8 and 15, 2021.(46-2) _________________________ 2021324 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WA S H I N G T O N FOR PEND OREILLE COUNTY NO. 21-4-00048-26 P R O B AT E N O T I C E T O CREDITORS ( R C W 11 . 4 0 . 0 3 0 ) (NTCRD) In Re The Estate of: Dollie Dianne Brownson Deceased.

The person named below has been

DECEMBER 8, 2021 |

appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: December 8, 2021. /s/ Bill Brownson Personal Representative Print Name: William W. Brownson Address for Mailing or Service: William White Brownson III 371 Devils Rd. Cusick, WA 99119 509-792-4073 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: 21-4-00048-26 Pend Oreille County Superior Court

9B

2021325 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING CHANGE CUSICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 59 P E N D O R E I L L E C O U N T Y, WA S H I N G T O N The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Cusick School District No. 59 (the “District”) hereby provides this notice that they will NOT meet for their December 21, 2021 Board Meeting due to holiday scheduling conflicts.

LEGAL NOTICE Let it be publicly known to all persons that Cusick School District No. 59, Pend Oreille County, State of Washington, that the Board of Directors will not meet on December 21, 2021 for their regular scheduled meeting. The Cusick School Board will resume regular scheduled meetings on January 18, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the high school library. All inquiries regarding this notice should be directed to Don Hawpe, Superintendent, at (509) 445-1125.

CUSICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 59 PEND OREILLE COUNTY, WASHINGTON By: /s/ Don Hawpe Don Hawpe; Secretary, Board of Directors Published in The Newport Miner December 8 and 15, 2021.(46-2) _________________________

Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 15, 29 and 29, 2021.

(46-4) _________________________

2021326 PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF IONE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Business Directory

Continued on 10B

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10B

| DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE MINER

OBITUARIES: FROM PAGE 7B

After losing her, he left the Pacific Northwest and went to Texas to be closer to family. After some ups and downs, he eventually found his passion as a long haul truck driver. He drove for many years until the COVID pandemic hit and work slowed down. He

then reacquainted with an old passion, riding his Harley and enjoying that Texas life to the best of his ability. He spent his final days quietly and reclusively, close to his little sister Michele, enjoying the little things in life.

Degn is preceded in death by his lifelong love Barbara Perry, parents

Sidney Hansen and Raynell Oliver, and sister Cheryl Gipson.

He is survived by two children, Dazia Louxley and Sid Hansen, a stepdaughter Yolanda Perry, two grandchildren Malcolm and Alyonna Bujko, little sister Michele Hansen and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. There will be no services.

2021327 PUBLIC NOTICE MARTIN HALL BOARD 2022 MEETING SCHEDULE January 27; February 24; March 24; April 28; May 26; June 23; July 28; August 25; September 22; October 27; November 17; December 15.

PLACE: Martin Hall Juvenile Detention Facility, 201 Pine St., Medical Lake WA MEETING TIME: 10:00AM- Noon

by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney of record at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court.

The claim must be presented within the later of; (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the Notice to Creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1); or (2) four months after the date of the first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate assets and non-probate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 8, 2021.

DATED this 31st day of October, 2021. /s/ Carolee Gutierrez Carolee Gutierrez, Personal Representative PEAK ELDER LAW, PLLC By: /s/ Ross S. Anderson Ross S. Anderson Attorney for Personal Representative Peak Elder Law, PLLC 400 S Jefferson, Suite 400 Spokane WA 99204

Published in The Newport Miner December 8 and 15, 2021.(46-2) ___________________________

Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 15 and 22, 2021.(46-3) _________________________

2021328 PUBLIC NOTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF WA S H I N G T O N , C O U N T Y O F PEND OREILLE P R O B AT E N O T I C E T O CREDITORS NO. 21-4-00049-26 In the Matter of the Estate of: DAVID E. GEAUDREAU Deceased.

The personal representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the Estate of Carolee Gutierrez. Any person having a claim against the decedent MUST, before the time such claim would be barred

2021329 PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 O F P E N D O R E I L L E C O U N T Y, WA S H I N G T O N VENDOR LIST Pursuant to Washington State Statue RCW 39.04.190, the Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County is soliciting vendors to add to its Vendor List, notify the public of its existence and make current vendors aware of the need to re-apply. The purpose is to seek vendors who can provide materials, equipment, supplies or services for the District (i.e. electrical equipment, office furniture, communication equipment, vehicles and other equipment, supplies and services).

The Public Utility District invites all current Vendors, Vendors who are not currently on the Vendor List, and who are interested providing materials to apply. Registration must be completed at popud.procureware. com. Vendors can email contracts@ popud.org if they have questions.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and if for any reason it is not approved, you will be contacted.

Minority and women-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

Continued from 9B NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Ione Town Council in Council Chambers, 112 Central Avenue, Ione, Washington 99139 at 7:10 p.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

The purpose of the hearing is for public comments on the final 2022 Budget and Ordinance 635 approval. /s/ Sandy Hutchinson, Clerk-Treasurer Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 2021.(46) ________________________

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising or real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800927-9275. (31tf)

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Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 2021.(46) _____________________

Jacky (Collins) OCEAN SHORES

Jacky, who owned the Golden Spur Motel from 1974 to 1992, moved on with her husJacky band Steve, stepson Dan and son Rick loyally by her side, Oct. 1, 2021.

She was born Feb. 28, 1935.

She successfully built and operated the Caroline and Judith Ann Inn in Ocean Shores, Wash., with a never ending faith her future was always radiant.

Her sons are Rick Collins, Ted Collins and Rod Collins.

Beauty does not define a beautiful life. But undyingly pursuing love in the face of an ill riddled storm proved courage. Mom, ascend through the clouds past the summit and

2021330 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF T H E S TAT E O F WA S H I N G T O N IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH NO. 21-4-01973-31 NOTICE TO CREDITORS ( R C W 11 . 4 0 . 0 3 0 ) In re the Estate of: BRIAN SHIZUO NAKAMOTO, Deceased.

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having claims against decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court.

The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

Date of first publication: December 8, 2021 KERRI M. NAKAMOTO, Personal Representative c/o Sarah E. Duncan, Attorney 3128 Colby Avenue Everett, WA 98201 425-339-8556 Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 15 and 22, 2021.(46-3) __________________________ 2021331 PUBLIC NOTICE BUDGET HEARING-PEND OREILLE COUNTY The Pend Oreille County Commissioners will hold a budget hearing via Zoom at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in their meeting room, 625 W. 4th, Newport, for the purpose of 2021 Supplemental Budget Appropriations. Meeting is available via Zoom, https://zoom. us/j/5094474119, meeting ID: 509 447 4119 Or dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US or +1 253 215 8782 US. Meeting ID: 509 447 4119.

In-person seating is limited, and masks and social distancing are required. If you require any reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, contact Clerk of the Board, 509-447-4119, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

struggle no more. I love you forever!

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version contained errors. We regret any confusion.

Earl Huffman IONE

Earl Huffman of Ione passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at the age of 78.

He was born Jan. 2, 1943.

An obituary will be run at a later date. No service announcements at this time.

2021332 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF T H E S TAT E O F WA S H I N G T O N IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PEND OREILLE N O : 2 1 - 2 - 0 0 11 2 - 2 6 S U M M O N S B Y P U B L I C AT I O N CRAIG E. SHAFER and STEPHANIE JEAN SHAFER, husband and wife; and BARRY COLLISON, a single man, Plaintiffs, vs.

MINERVA M. SHACKELTON, a widow, her heirs, successors and assigns; and all other persons or parties unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described in the Complaint herein, Defendants.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO: MINERVA M. SHACKELTON, a widow, her heirs, devisees, successors and assigns; also all other persons or parties unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described in the with the Court, Defendants: You, and each of you, are hereby Summoned to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of first publication of this Summons, to wit, within sixty (60) days after the 8th day of December, 2021, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled Court, and answer the Complaint of the Plaintiffs and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned Attorney for the Plaintiffs, at his office below stated, and in case of your failure to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demands of the Complaint in this action which has been filed with the Clerk of the Court.

The object of this action is to Quiet Title unto Plaintiff to real estate in Pend Oreille County, Washington, described as: Lots 13, 14, 15, and 16 Block 2, in the Town of Metaline Falls, according to the recorded Plat thereof, in Pend Oreille County, Washington.

Tax Parcel Nos. 433921-51-0013 and 433921-51-0014 against the Claim of the Defendants and any one of them.

DATED this 6th day of December, 2021. /s/ Chris A. Montgomery Chris A. Montgomery WSBA #12377 Attorney for Plaintiffs Craig E. Shafer, Stephanie Jean Shafer, and Barry Collison 287 E. Astor Ave., P.O. Box 269 Colville, WA 99114-026 Published in The Newport Miner December 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2021 and January 5 and 12, 2022.(46-6) __________________________

Published in The Newport Miner December 8 and 15, 2021.(46-2) ________________________

2021318 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Notice is hereby given that the Newport School District, hereinafter referred to as DISTRICT, will receive sealed proposals from qualified transportation contractors, hereinafter referred to as CONTRACTOR, to provide pupil transportation services for five (5) years commencing on July 1, 2022 up to but no later than 12:00 P.M. on December 29, 2021 at the following location: District Administration Office, 1380 W 5th Street, Newport, Washington 99156 at which time, date and place, proposals will be opened and read aloud for the purpose of providing student transportation services as provided by the district. Proposal materials can be found on the district website: www.newportgriz.com Any proposal submitted may be withdrawn at any time prior to the time scheduled for the opening of proposals.

After the time scheduled for opening of proposals, no proposal may be withdrawn for sixty (60) days.

The DISTRICT reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities in any proposal or the proposal process. The DISTRICT also reserves the right to select any proposal that the DISTRICT believes is in the best interest of the DISTRICT and which may not represent the lowest prices submitted.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: December 1, 2021 and December 8, 2021 Newspaper Notice Published December 29, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. Proposals Due December 29, 2021 at 12:15 P.M. Opening of Bids via Zoom January 7, 2022 Vendor Announced January 25, 2022 Board of Directors Contract Award The Newport School District No. 56-415 reserves the right to change or adjust any or all of the above dates at its sole discretion.

Published in The Newport Miner December 1 and 8, 2021.(45-2) _____________________________________________________________