Jan-Feb Round Up 2020

THE

CO-OP

Country Round Up

A paper for, and about, country people.

County Extension Winter 2020 Classes Page 4 SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder When to ask for help Page 5 Down the Road Kickin’ Rocks Joseph Smith Page 9 Weed of the Month - Houndstongue Page 10 BCGA Membership Class

Page 11

LIBRA Cryptocurrency

Page 12

George’s Annual Tree Sale Page 13 Acceptance of the Gift of Gratitude

by Gabrielle Duebendorfer Page 14

is a proud sponsor of Kinderhaven at Sandpoint.

Home & Hearth - Recipes for the Season - Baked Rice Pudding Page 15 Idaho master Naturalist Pend Oreille Chapter

Page 17 Page 19

dedicated to supporting children in crisis and giving them back their right to thrive by providing a safe, secure home in which their emotional, physical, and mental well-being are protected and enriched.

Visit us online at www.kinderhavensandpoint.com and on Facebook!

ERCWSS Postal Customer

Real Estate and You

Kinderhaven is a community organization

208-263-7288 105 S. 3rd Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864 • 7BTV.com

Presorted Std. U.S Postage PAID Spokane, WA Permit #7

January / February 2020 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho 83852 coopcountrystore.com

2

From the Editor

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Journaling Our Dreams

January is dreaming month and yes, I have written that thought before - many times. January is also when we try to make needed changes in our lives. To make those changes we need a plan - a plan we can actually live with. That’s why journaling is important.

When we journal we keep track of our lives, the changes that come from day to day and year to year. How we feel about those changes matters. Were we resilient? Did we stay on the diet? Did we ever get around to hiking that trail or moving into the new office? Why or why not? All this is in the journal mapping of our life. It helps us know where we were when it all happened, when it all changed and where we ended up because of it.

At the CO-OP we have been keeping records for the entire 85 years the cooperative has been in business. Of course we have. This cooperative answers to the members, to the community it serves, and to each other when we ask the hard questions about change and moving forward into the future. Not all change is easy, or welcome. But it is usually necessary and requires that we not just make the best of it but make the very most of it with a positive attitude.

This last year was very, very hard on our community. We saw quite a lot of human loss which is far more challenging than the loss due to forest fires, business dollars, or social interactions with people or governments. And we came together like we always do to help rebuild around the losses. This is why people want to live here.

Moving forward is different with a business than it is with social structures or even with a community. While we hold tightly to the relationships we have developed over time with our customers and members we also have the responsibility to grow the business, not let it sit for too long after significant changes. And the CO-OP Gas & Supply Company is making some changes.

You’re going to notice that the CO-OP Energy logo is being slowly removed from our communications. You will find that by the end of January some of our Admin and the propane offices have moved to the new building to the south of the retail store. And you are going to see some changes in the store itself as remodeling occurs and some new shopping spaces are established. The CO-OP has been dreaming for a while and making plans to grow and expand. How do you journal your dreams? Is your dream a bigger garden? A travel experience? Starting a new business? We know how important keeping history is to the success of your hopes and dreams. It tells you why you are going where you are going. This is true for us too.

We wish you well on your journey to making your dreams into goals, and your goals into reality in the coming year. We hope you will take the time to drop in and see ours. We are pretty excited about it.

And maybe share yours with us.

611 South Ella Ave. * Sandpoint, ID * 83864 (208) 263-2344 * bchs@frontier.com www.bonnercountyhistory.org

Read Away Your Winter Blues

The weather may be gray and cold and the days can easily make you want to sleep in and stay under the covers all day long. GREAT NEWS! Books are pretty much tailor-made for getting rid of the doldrums in mid-winter. Pick up a copy of one of these great books written by local authors at the museum gift shop today and watch your winter blues melt away.

Lawnmowers * Trailers * Garden Carts * Wheelbarrows

Innovation today to better serve you in the future.

CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Continues to Expand Into 2020

This last summer The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company acquired land and buildings directly to the south of the existing Tibbetts Lane property. You may remember it as the old Pape Machinery building.This addition to the CO-OP will allow for the propane offices and some CO-OP admin to be housed in the same space as well as CO-OP Advertising and Marketing. Moving some of the offices to the new building will increase retail space in the store.

We are excited about the changes coming to the cooperative in the coming year and beyond which will benefit members, employees, and the community. As we move through January, please come in and see the remodel and come visit the new building next door.

Proven Track Record at Keeping Propane Prices Low

NEW THIS SEASON!

No Minimum Use Fee!

Co-op Energy has been your locally owned and operated propane company since 2000. Our outstanding customer service and attention to reasonable pricing has set us apart from all other propane companies in the area.

If you are looking for a new propane company to supply all your propane needs at home, the office or on the farm now is the time to call Co-op Energy!

Our new 30,000 gallon bulk plant in Bonners Ferry makes servicing our Boundary County customers even more efficient. And as always, switching out your tank is FREE. 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho

208.263.3338 www.co-openergy.org

4

Bits and Pieces

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Upcoming Bonner County U of I Classes for Winter 2020

One Agent for Life

Sustainable Small Acreage Farming & Ranching: Whole Farm Planning

This Cultivating Success™ course helps participants explore the unique challenges associated with starting up and successfully running a farm or food business. Whether you are just exploring the opportunities available or already have an existing operation, you’ll learn what it takes to create, sustain, and grow a viable small farm enterprise.

This course also offers a crucial opportunity to build your community network with your cohort and with presenters including local growers, organizations, and university specialists with expertise in direct marketing, value-added processing, production planning, agronomy, livestock production, and more.

Course Components & Dates: Jan. 14th: Introductory Webinar (online) | 6pm PT/ 7pm MT Jan 18th: Whole Farm Planning | 9am-3pm PT/ 10am-4pm MT February 22nd: Sustainable Crop Production | 9am-3pm PT/10am-4pm MT March 21st: Sustainable Livestock Production | 9am-3pm PT/10am-4pm MT

and Annuities and Farm/Ranch Succession and Estate Strategies Together, we’ll develop a customized plan that’s right for you.

It’s your future. Let’s protect it.™ Agent Photo

Kendon Perry

Farm Tours & Class Potluck: TBD 1/14/20, 1/18/20, 2/22/20, 3/21/20 9am – 3pm (unless otherwise stated) Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center 10881 N. Boyer Rd. Sandpoint, ID $115

Agent Info

302 Main St Sandpoint (208) 265-5895

Logo

Women in Agriculture Conference: “HEALTHY FARMS” is the theme for the eighth annual Women

in Agriculture Conference. Experience an engaging, interactive day full of inspiration, learning and networking with other women farmers. This is a one-day event held simultaneously at sites throughout Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana and Washington.

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Visit the website for more information: www.WomenInAg.wsu.edu or contact Jennifer Jensen (jenjensen@uidaho.edu) 1/25/20 8am – 4:30pm Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center 10881 N. Boyer Rd. Sandpoint, ID $30 early-bird price (until Jan. 17) $35

UI Extension, Bonner County, Master Gardener Program:

Are you interesting in learning more about gardening while helping out other gardeners in the community? The Idaho Master Gardener Program serves as an educational and volunteer organization.

The program’s purpose is to provide technical assistance and information in the area of home horticulture to people in all Idaho communities through qualified volunteers.

HEALTHY FAMILIES ARE OUR GOAL.

The training is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from January through April. Each class will run from 9:00am—noon.

1/28/20 – 4/9/20 9am – noon Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center 10881 N. Boyer Rd. Sandpoint, ID $110

UI Extension, Bonner County For more information or to register for these classes, please contact the Bonner County extension Office at 208-263-8511.

Our goal is to help you and the people you love most stay healthy. Since 2002, we have provided our patients with quality, affordable and accessible care; because to us, they are not just people in a waiting room, they are part of our family.

We accept Medicaid, Medicare & most insurance. No insurance?

No problem. A low-cost sliding-scale fee structure is available for those meeting income guidelines. No one is excluded due to inability to pay. Accepting new patients.

Your Healthcare Home Medical - Dental - Pediatrics - Behavioral Health - VA (208) 265-2242 Sandpoint Pediatrics

(208) 267-1718 Bonners Ferry

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(208) 263-0450 Sandpoint VA

Ponderay

(208) 448-2321 Priest River kaniksuhealthservices.org

Then and Now

5

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Do I Just Need to Go for a Walk, or Might It Be Something More?

At this writing it is December 21, the winter solstice, the beginning of winter. There are those among us whom would argue that for north Idaho winter began back in September when we had a bit of a chill in the air and some snow. And we had more chills and more snow in October. It is a bit confusing here because while cold and snow is unusual for September and October, it has happened in the past. Plenty of older locals can relate stories of heading out to Trick-or-Treat in the snow. On the other hand these autumn months have been known to be as warm as summer. We just never know what Mother Nature is going to bless us with weatherwise from year to year. But one thing we can count on, by the time winter solstice rolls around we will have less sunlight and far more cloudiness.

This lack of light combined with cold and the gloominess of near constant cloud cover can produce a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD for short. And SAD describes how many people feel this time of year.

Feelings of hopelessness and sadness Thoughts of suicide Hypersomnia or a tendency to oversleep A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods Weight gain A heavy feeling in the arms or legs A drop in energy level Decreased physical activity Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Irritability Increased sensitivity to social rejection Avoidance of social situations While most people with SAD will have at least some of these symptoms few will exhibit all. SAD is considered a seasonal condition closely tied to winter when there is less natural light present but can also occur in the spring and summer. Further, SAD can affect people with otherwise normal mental health.

Until about 30 years ago feelings of depression, sadness, or lethargy in January, or early winter, was considered to be part of the post-holiday blues so many feel when the parties end and the sugar highs subside. It was not until 1984 when SAD was formally described and named in 1984 by Norman E. Rosenthal and colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health.* However an awareness of the winter slump was noticed as far back as the 6th century. Predisposition to the condition include being female, being a young adult, and lack of natural sunlight. However, men can be affected as well.

It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.** * Rosenthal NE, Sack DA, Gillin JC, Lewy AJ, Goodwin FK, Davenport Y, Mueller PS, Newsome DA, Wehr TA (January 1984). “Seasonal affective disorder. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy”. Archives of General Psychiatry. 41 (1): 72–80. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1984.01790120076010.

PMC 2686645. PMID 6581756.

Marshall, Fiona. Cheevers, Peter (2003). “Positive options for Seasonal Affective Disorder”, p. 77. Hunter House, Alameda, Calif. ISBN 0-89793-413-X. **Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information mayoclinic.org

Spokane Home & Yard Show, Feb 27 - Mar 1 Spokane County Fairgrounds Spokane Home & Garden Show, Apr 3-5 Spokane Convention Center

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Ag Education

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Winter 2020 Boundary County Extension Classes being Offered

Please call to register for any of these classes. Scholarships are available. Classes take place at the Boundary County Extension meeting room unless noted otherwise. 208.267.3235

Making Jerky $10 Thursday, January 9, 2pm-3:30pm In this class we will be sampling jerky and learning how to safely make your own jerky using an electric food dehydrator. This handson class will cover how to make jerky from a variety of meats including beef and wild game. You will also learn some techniques for drying other foods at home such as fruits and vegetables. Class size is limited to 12 people.

Gluten Free Cooking $10 Wednesday, January 15, 1pm-3:00pm Do you or someone in your family have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten? Come join us and learn how you can prepare gluten free meals for your family while skipping the stress and frustration. This class will help you navigate the world of gluten free cooking by providing you with helpful tips as well as give you strategies to avoid the common mistakes many beginners make when switching to gluten free cooking. Class size is limited to 12 people.

Local Food System Community Potluck and Speaker Series: FREE Local Entrepreneurship: Cowcreek Blueberry Farm Wednesday, January 15, 6pm-8pm Debbie Woods and partner Don Smith will talk about their various farming enterprises at Cowcreek Blueberry farm, including a fall festival at their pumpkin patch, honey, and blueberries. Recently, they installed a high tunnel for producing trellised blackberries. Please join us for our 2nd year of celebrating our local food system! Bring a dish to share. Hot beverages, paper plates and plastic utensils will be provided.

Bonners Ferry Cereal School, FREE Thursday, Jan. 23, 8am-2pm Eight cereal school events are held across Idaho, sponsored by the Idaho Wheat Commission, the Idaho Barley Commission, and the University of Idaho. These educational workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn about issues in their region, including insect issues, disease updates, variety trials, weed control, canola issues, markets, and government program sign-ups. Pesticide recertification credits will be available. Includes a catered lunch.

Women in Ag Conference Saturday, January 25, 8am-3:30pm For more information and to register: http://WomenInAg.WSU.edu Cultivate your self-care and mindful decision-making tools during stressful times! “HEALTHY FARMS” is the theme for the eighth annual Women in Agriculture Conference. Experience an engaging, interactive day full of inspiration, learning and networking with other women farmers. This is a one-day event held simultaneously at sites throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon and includes a local panel of farmwomen. Our capstone speaker will teach you how to use mindfulness to change our brain for the good! Call to reserve your spot: 208-267-3235. Registration is online (details coming soon) and costs $35 but scholarships will be solicited to underwrite a portion of the expenses. Registration must be done online at WomenInAg.wsu.edu.

Graft Your Own Apple Trees, $20 Friday, January 31, 1pm-3pm In this two-part class, we will learn about collecting scion wood from your favorite apple trees while they are dormant (Part 1) and then we will graft the scions on to hardy rootstock later this spring (Part 2). Course fee covers grafting supplies and rootstock (and scion, if you don’t have your own) for grafting two apple trees. Class size is limited to 16 people.

Backyard Forests, $10 Thursday, February 6, 1pm-4pm Remedies for bark beetles, root disease, and similar forest health problems are usually preventative. Even people with only a dozen native trees grouped together must understand and apply some fundamental principles of forest ecology to keep those trees healthy.

Cooking Under Pressure, $10 Wednesday, February 12, 11:00am-1:00pm Have an electric pressure cooker or thinking about buying one?

Come join us to learn how to make quick and easy meals for your family. This is a hands-on class, so don’t forget your apron. We will also be comparing various brands of electric pressure cookers and seeing how each one operates in order to help you decide which type of electric pressure cooker best meets your needs. Class size limited to 12 people

7

Landscaping for Fire Prevention, $10 Thursday, February 13, 1pm-4pm In western forest environments, wildfire should be anticipated and planned for, not unexpected and dismissed. Taking the steps presented in this class will help you protect your property and will increase your chances of escaping serious damage and death from wildfire. Forest homeowners learn how to make their home site less likely to burn and easier for firefighters to access in the event of a local forest fire.

Farmers Guide to QuickBooks, $25 Saturday, February 15, 9am-3pm In this course, you will learn how to set up your QuickBooks software specifically for farm and ranch accounting, both small and large. We will be using a desktop version of QuickBooks Pro, version 2014 or later. You will receive a manual in class. In order to participate, you need to be confident in your ability to use a computer. Please arrange to bring a laptop to class. You will learn how to set up your business in QuickBooks, then we will work through various transactions with an in-class assignment. Refreshments will be provided but please bring your own lunch.

Local Food System Community Potluck and Speaker Series: FREE Local Entrepreneurship: Market Gardener Marsha Semar Wednesday, February 26, 6pm-8pm Marsha Semar shares her wisdom gained from 40 years of raising organic vegetables on her 1-acre, off-grid market garden in Moyie Springs. Please join us in our 2nd year of celebrating our local food system! Bring a dish to share. Hot beverages, paper plates, and plastic utensils will be provided.

Fermentation: Sauerkraut and Other Veggies, $10 Friday, March 20, 1pm-3pm Learn the basics of fermenting foods for preserving the harvest and enhancing the nutritional value, healthfulness, and digestibility of foods. As part of this hands-on class, you’ll take home a jar on its way to fermented goodness!

Storing Produce: Root Cellars & More, $5 Wednesday, March 25, 1pm-3pm In this class, you learn how to store your garden produce, so it lasts!

Jen Jensen, Bonner County Extension Educator, will explain general principles for produce storage, including how to plan for storing your produce, and alternative sites for storage if you don’t have a root cellar. Then, she will discuss root cellars, including designing and maintenance.

Sandpoint Organic Ag Center (Bonner County location): Cultivating Success: A Whole Farm Planning Course N. 10881 Boyer Road Sandpoint, ID Cost: $135 Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 6 PM Introductory Webinar Saturday, January 18, 2020, 9 AM – 3 PM Whole Farm Planning Saturday, February 22, 2020, 9 AM – 3 PM Sustainable Crop Production Saturday, March 21, 2020, 9 AM – 3 PM Sustainable Livestock Production This course will guide new and intermediate farmers through a series of steps to develop a whole farm plan. You will learn to set/refine your personal and farm business goals, assess physical, financial, and personal resources available to you, and explore production enterprises that are the best fit for you and your land. You’ll leave the course with a whole farm plan and a better understanding of how to make your farm a success. Participants will be exposed to a variety of farming and ranching systems, network with other participants, get exposure to local resources, hear from experienced farmers, and visit local farms. Registration is required as space is limited. Register by contacting the Bonner County office at 208-263-8511. For more information, see https://www.cultivatingsuccess.org/wfp-sandpoint.

Check our website for current classes and our newsletter: https:// www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/boundary For all things ag, check our blog: BoundaryAgBlog.wordpress.com

Chaffhaye is premium bagged, Non-GMO Alfalfa sold in 50pound bags that captures the key characteristics of alfalfa, while also offering a guaranteed level of nutrition. It is ideal for ensuring maximum health and well-being of all classes of horse, deer, goat, llama, chickens, camelid, house hold pets and other exotic animals.

Now Available At The CO-OP.

Country Life

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The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Down The Road A Kickin’ Rocks

The morning sun burns hot in the sky As I walk down the road, kickin’ rocks, With my jacket and thermos in one hand In the other, my battered lunch box.

I take aim at one shaped like an apple, And my work boot connects with a ‘thump’, It skitters across the gravel road, And lands in the ditch by a stump.

I could have called my wife to come by, And pick me up at the mill, But I figured the walk would calm me down some, I can feel my hands shaking still.

The Boss man and I didn’t ever, Seem to see quite eye-to-eye, I took the job last fall, and figured, That we’d work it out by and by.

But there’s some folks who’ll never be happy, Regardless how hard you may try, Still, I worked day and night through the winter, Though often, I asked myself why.

Then finally the winter was over, And the frost came out of the logs, But now the logs were dirtier than ever, As they rolled them around in the bogs.

When the Boss burst into the filing room, Ranting about why the saws, Kept scratching and marking the lumber, I felt like just breaking his jaw.

But again, I tried to explain to him, That these saws won’t cut rocks and dirt.

Then he flew into another rage, And grabbed me up by the shirt.

Yelling “I’ve half a mind to fire you!”

I said “Half a mind is all you’ve got!

But you can’t fire someone who’s already quit!”

Then he looked at me like he’d been shot.

He said “You can’t leave now.

You’re the only one here That can make this old sawmill run,” I said “Watch real close and soon you will see, How a Saw Filer quits when he’s done!”

Then I grabbed up my stuff and said “Mail me my check, I’ll be back next week for my tools.

I am sure you will find someone to take my place, The world is full of greenhorn fools.”

So I headed out through the sawmill, And stopped by the old green chain, Said goodbye to my carpool buddies, Maybe we’ll cross paths again.

Now I kick some more rocks in the gravel, And I think about how my Dad Had never stayed long at any one job.

“Twas a peculiar trait that he had.

He once told me , “Son, a man needs to quit, At least every once in a while, “Cause a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”

And then he said with a smile.

It’s one of the things that separates us, From the folks in the communist lands, Only free men can quit whenever they want We must quit, just to prove that we can.”

Then the day, it suddenly seems brighter, As I kick some more rocks and then smile, With that lousy job done, for now I’ll have fun, Down the road, kickin’ rocks for a while.

By Joseph Smith

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10

Our Environment

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Weed of the Month : Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)

Manage Your Forest

What exactly is a weed? Spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with what they sell in Washington for psychoactive effects. :-) A weed is any plant, native or non-native that interferes with your land management objectives. Could be dandelions in your lawn, could be cattails on the shores of your pond, it could be Pine saplings populating a fallowed portioned of a hay field that you’re ready to convert back to productivity. These are just a few examples of many. Is a weed different from a noxious weed? Yes! A noxious weed is a non-native plant, introduced through human actions that create major issues across the native landscape. The issues can include toxicity to livestock, destruction to agricultural crops, as well as the choking out of indigenous plants and displacement of wildlife. The biggest distinction is that a noxious weed needs to be designated as such by law. There are currently 67 weeds that the Idaho legislature has declared ‘noxious weeds’. The noxious weed law is subject to change any given year, and the list may be added to or subtracted from. I’m not aware of any proposed changes in the upcoming legislative cycle, but will continue to monitor it. In addition, county and municipal ordinances may be put in place on weeds that are not state listed but still create issues, locally. The objective here was to just give succinct definitions and related examples, however I’d be happy to discuss the topic in further detail if you wish. Phone call or email works for me.

Weed of the Month is one of those 67 Idaho noxious weeds; Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale). Being a biennial, it germinates and creates a rosette of basal leaves the first year; then bolts, flowers, sets seed and dies in the second year. The leaves are shaped like the tongue of a hound, and the flowers are reddish-purple before developing Velcro-like seeds. At maturity, the seeds break away and cling to everything. Everything…and then some! The bristles on the seeds are actually shaped like miniature hooks—they latch on to animal fur, clothing, shoe laces and vehicles (including felt-lined inner fender wells on some newer model pickup trucks & SUV’s). Since Houndstongue is a biennial, it cannot spread from roots or other vegetative parts, only seeds. But these seeds are built to spread, so it’s important to not let an infestation reach maturity.

Houndstongue contains alkaloids, making it poisonous to horses and cattle; consumption of enough causes liver failure. The most likely scenario for poisoning occurs from consuming contaminated hay, as live plants have a scent that discourages grazing. Even if they leave it alone as far as grazing, the seeds may become embedded in their eyelids causing extreme discomfort at best, permanent vision issues at worst. It is primarily found in pastures and forest margins, but may also be found in rights-of-way or other disturbed sites.

If caught early, mechanical control is effective. First year rosettes can be hand pulled, and second year plants can be mowed prior to flowering. Additionally, the rosettes will not withstand regular cultivation. The objective with annuals and biennials is to prevent them from dispersing seed. With larger infestations, chemical control is the most effective and feasible. A combination of aminopyralid (Milestone®), metsulfuron (Escort®, MSM60, etc.) and 2,4-D amine with a surfactant is the ticket for a two-pronged approach of postemergent and preemergent control. If you have a brand new infestation that has yet to create a seedbank, you can go without the aminopyralid in the above combination. Other herbicides are labeled for use on Houndstongue as well.

A root mining weevil is abundant in Canada and has shown significant Houndstongue stand reduction. This biological control agent did not pass muster with APHIS for use in the United States due to damage it causes on a native in the same family as Houndstongue. The weevil has already migrated on its own from British Columbia into Idaho, so efforts are being put forth by university bio-control specialists to gain approval for intrastate transport since the native borage suffering collateral damage only exists in Texas. Noxious weed control professionals are following the progress, as this weevil would be a tremendously helpful biological control option for managing Houndstongue throughout the state, including Bonner County. Fingers crossed!

Feel free to reach out anytime for updates or information.

Grow a

Golden Rule Roofing

By Chase Youngdahl, Bonner County Weeds Manager

cy a g e L

Mike Wolcott Lee Andrews Steve Bloedel John Ailport

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LOG PRICES Species

October 2019

December 2019

$360 - $430/MBF

$375 - $430/MBF

Grand Fir/Western Hemlock

$340 - $430

$370 - $430

Lodgepole Pine

$340 - $430

$370 - $430

Ponderosa Pine

$325 (6-7”) - $380 (12”+)

$325 (6-7”) - $375 (12”+)

Western White Pine

$390 - $420

$390 - $420

Western Redcedar

$750 - $850

$700 - $860

Douglas-Fir/Western Larch

*$1,700*

*$1,700*

Pulp

$22 - $32/ton

$25 - $40/ton

Tonwood

$52/ton +/-

$50/ton +/-

Cedar Poles

Note that these figures represent prices paid by competitive domestic facilities in the Inland Northwest, and are based on average-sized logs and standard log lengths—usually 16’6” and 33’. MBF = Thousand Board Feet. *Pole value varies widely depending upon length. Market information as of December 19, 2019.

Well, it seems like the same story month in and month out lately – too many logs chasing too few mills and prices remain stagnant. Lumber prices have also displayed little movement in the last few months. As we roll into the heavy winter months there is hope for a modest improvement in prices later in 2020 as spring break-up recedes. Time will tell. - Mike Wolcott, ACF, Certified Forester This information is provided by Inland Forest Management, Inc., a forestry consulting company. For additional information, they can be contacted at 208-263-9420, IFM@inlandforest.com or www.inlandforest.com.

The Gardener’s Corner

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

BCGA Membership Course to Begin

by Ann Warwick

Are you new to the area? Do you want to know more about gardening in our climate? Have you always wanted a group of enthusiastic gardeners for friends? You are in luck, because the annual BCGA Membership Course begins the first week of February, and there is still time to apply for a seat in the class. The BCGA Membership course uses the Idaho Master Gardener curriculum plus expert instructors for each of 14 classes in a comprehensive introduction to gardening in North Idaho. The course includes classes in Botany, Soils, Entomology, Plant Problem diagnosis, and how to grow everything from veggies to trees, shrubs, perennial ornamentals, and how to care for your plants. Hands on pruning workshops and much more are provided in this course. The classes meet on Monday and Friday mornings from 9 to 1, and the cost of the course is $150, which includes a large manual and many helpful brochures and handouts on each subject. The classroom is limited to 17 students; an early reservation will insure a seat. Upon completion of the course, students become members of the Bonner County Gardeners Association, which offers discounts on classes, field trips, potlucks at members’ gardens and other social events, opportunities to volunteer, and many new friends. To learn more, visit our web site at bcgardeners.org.

The Lure of Seed Catalogs January is the month when mailboxes fill with seed and plant catalogs, all with tempting descriptions of hundreds of plants and with pictures of bountiful produce or beautiful flowers. A person can get carried away with the temptations, and end up ordering way more than she can possibly grow. Here are a few tips to encourage selectivity in ordering seeds: 1. Assess your garden. How much of each type of plant do you want to grow? You may only need one or two squash plants to keep the family in zucchini dishes. How much space do you want to devote to carrots or beets, or lettuce? A garden diagram will help you decide these questions.

2. Do you have seeds left over from last year? Look at your collection; some of the seed packages may contain enough seeds for this year’s crop. Check the date on the package, and if it is more than five or six years old, the seed may be too old, but seeds that are only a year or two old may germinate well. To find out, you can take ten or twenty seeds, fold them into a moist paper towel, place the bundle in a plastic bag, and wait. The information on the seed package should give you an idea of how long that particular seed takes to germinate.

Keep looking at the seed; a little root will start to emerge from the viable seeds. When they stop germinating, count the seeds that did germinate. This gives you an idea of how many extra seeds to plant from this left-over package.

3. If you only plan to have one or two plants of a particular variety, you might be better off to buy the plant at a local nursery. This applies especially to ornamental perennials and many annual flowers that take a long time to get to transplant size. You will have earlier blooms buying at a nursery. This is also true of veggies that you only want one or two of, such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash. An exception is if you desire a more unusual variety that is not commonly found in nurseries. Seed catalogs have more exotic offerings.

4. Many plants need to be started 8 or 10 weeks before they can move to the garden. Do you have a place to start them? It is usually best to grow these plants under lights in a warm environment. A windowsill will usually not provide sufficient light to keep plants from getting too leggy from stretching to reach light. If you don’t have much room, select just a few types of plants to start inside. If you don’t have a good habitat for them, ordering a lot of seeds is a waste of money.

5. Local businesses have many seeds available; if you are looking for a common type of carrot, peas, beans, beets and other veggies or flowers, many are readily available locally. Also, local outlets offer such items as seed potatoes and onion sets. No need to order these.

6. Be aware of our growing season when ordering seeds. Read the description to see how long it takes for that cultivar to achieve maturity. Our growing season here is fairly short and the nights can be cool.

Without season extenders such as a hoop house or greenhouse, some plants will rarely get ripe and ready to eat. Select varieties with a shorter maturity time for assured success.

7. Do read the catalogs. Most of them have valuable tips on achieving success in growing plants from seed. They usually include information on how deep the seed needs to be planted, how warm the soil needs to be, and other considerations such as whether the seed needs light or dark to germinate.

11

12

Our Changing World

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Libra Cryptocurrency Set to Roll Out in 2020 by Kathy Osborne

The world is ever changing, continually morphing into something different every day. Access to everything by everyone appears to be the dream of those driving this wave of the future. A wave we are riding, all of us, to one degree or another. While many have chosen to unplug from the power and social grids, soon we will no longer be able to avoid it.

Until recently, most people around the globe could choose either based on a personal comfort level or governmental restriction, just how connected to the rest of the world he or she wanted to be. This choice is about to be tweaked.

We will soon be introduced ever so slightly, to a delicately massaged, palatable invasion of the very thing the global economic machine is constantly trying to separate people from: our private wealth structure.

In 2020 Facebook is planning to roll out something we, all of us, are going to have a very hard time ignoring : LIBRA, a cryptocurrency. A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology—a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers. A defining feature of cryptocurrencies is that they are generally not issued by any central authority, rendering them theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.* Libra is brought to you by Facebook, a social network that connects 2.7 billion people worldwide at any given moment.

Facebook, whom the world has come to know and trust with all things social even if it is not loved, however, will not be controlling LIBRA. Money, any money, only has value because we believe it does. We believe this because (any) government has said so. The ability to affix value to something in order to trade it for goods or services we need is about as basic a connection we are likely to find in the real world.

Facebook plans to take this completely embedded social structure and move it from the real world into the cyberverse, and strangely, vice versa. If we understand that our money only has value because the government says it does, or because we all agree it does, then we also understand that the government can remove that value. We can quickly see the appeal here. Crytocurrency could stabilize the world economy because the value of it would be linked to the real world. It would be safe and could be used anywhere worldwide. And there is no opting out.

If neither world governments nor Facebook will have control of Libra, who will? The control is expected to fall to the Libra Association, a Switzerland based group which as of the end of 2019 had in excess of 27 founding members made up of venture capitalists, non-profits, and various academic institutions. The final membership list could reach 100. ** The website currently expresses that no Libra coins have been issued nor is the association involved in any offering of Libra coins. The site also points out that the association charter is not yet complete.

While the delivery date of Libra is still unknown the underlying structure of the rollout and all it entails is well underway. *https://www.investopedia.com/ t e r m s / c / c r y p t o c u r r e n c y. a s p **libra.org.

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Georges Annual Tree Sale Friday April 24, 2020 8:00 AM Sharp

We are looking forward to another great tree sale event in 2020! We hope you can join us.

Here are the trees, shrubs, and berries we plan to have available.

As always, availability is subject to any changes made by the supplier over which The CO-OP Has NO Control.

Flame Maple

Ozark Strawberries

Aler Sall Silver Maple

Ft. Laramie Strawberries

Quaking Aspen

BlueRay Blueberries

Burning Bush

Patriot Blueberry

Pink Lilac

Fallgold Raspberry

Purple Lilac

Heritage Raspberry

White Lilac

Red Mal Apple

Rainier Sweet Cherry

Snow Sweet Apple

Sweet Pie Cherry

Yellow Transparent Apple Bing Cherry

Pembina Plum Waneta Plum Brookcot Apricot

For more information on this event and for a list please visit our web site.

coopcountrystore.com 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, ID coopcountrystore.com

14

Your Health

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Acceptance and the Gift of Gratitude Gabrielle Duebendorfer, NMD

I recently attended the Living and Dying Well event at the Panida.

This might sound like a morbid way to start an article about gratitude, but remembering the movie screenings still makes me chuckle in a content kind of way. For me personally there were two especially memorable parts that I would like to share and then tie into a larger context of acceptance and gratitude for the holidays.

The first one actually is twofold but both have to do with caskets – again kind of morbid, but actually quite inspiring. One movie clip showed New Zealand Casket Club members building their own caskets, decorating them and using them in their homes as benches, storage chests, or places to lay in :-) The whole clip was in the form of a musical and made the potential of death more of a normal life event that can be prepared for in an enjoyable fun kind of way.

The second casket experience was hearing about green burials, in which people weave baskets to be buried in on their land. The prior week the community was invited to participate in weaving a whole casket, which was then carried down the aisle during the event. I could envision being on my deathbed and having every visitor add to the weaving with their own gifts and wishes. The thought of being buried in such a holding place seems very comforting – filled with gratitude.

The second impressive moment was when Dan Mimmack shared his experience about living with an aggressive form of Alzheimer that has been found to lead to an early death. What struck me was his comment that he is living with the disease instead of dying from the disease. It was apparent that he was rather grateful for the opportunity to fully live, taking all the chances he can to share his experiences and gifts, such as being a “real life” pirate on a boat, in the community.

He and his wife Pam shared that his acceptance to live with the disease had opened up a huge social network of support in the community. In fact it gave him the freedom to go to town alone, knowing that he would find support wherever he went - even if lost or disoriented. It reminded me of wheeling my dying mother in her wheel chair through our small town in Germany, which started so many wonderful, though sometimes painful conversations – re-establishing connections.

Most of the time we either ignore the fact that we ourselves – I mean personally I myself and you – will have our capacities restricted and die, or we actively resist that potential with the diagnosis of a chronic disease by reaching for every possible conventional or natural straw to get rid of it. There is a saying that what we resist persists. This resistance leaves skid marks and uses up a lot of energy. Really this applies to anything that suddenly changes in our life and upsets the status quo. We feel safest with things just as they are, even if they don’t actually benefit us.

Having said that I want to point out the opportunity that arises when the applecart is upset – a chance to accept that things have changed, the applecart cleared out, space to fill it anew – perhaps more aligned with what life or God really wants you to manifest in that short life of yours. Out of that arises immense gratitude for another opportunity to really be able to use our given talents.

I recently have had to personally face such a radical apple cart upset. Before the acceptance phase I had two very vivid dreams. In one dream I realized someone had knocked over a cabinet and destroyed many precious, valuable items, cleaned it up, and pretended it wasn’t a big deal. Well for me it was huge because those items were tied up with my personal identity as a human being. I had such a screaming two year old temper tantrum that I woke in literal panic not being able to breath – a very unusual thing for me.

In the other dream I entered a room that I really wasn’t supposed to be in. It was very spacious without walls; very white, bright and seemingly sterile; on top of a huge passenger airplane; without a way out. I was panicked trying to find an exit for my family, and myself, but when I found one I realized that I was caught in a very overwhelming place packed with people and activity. It was very clear that this was a kind of death dream that I wasn’t ready for but couldn’t go back either.

My trusted mentor pointed out to me that clearing out your closet creates space to totally rearrange the content and fly (on the airplane) in the direction your deepest heart’s longing has been wanting to go all along and hasn’t been allowed to because of ideas of certain conditioned expectations. Realizing that not just mentally but in a more visceral way, together with acceptance of the circumstances, is incredibly liberating – like shackles falling off. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, today is another opportunity to fully live. With that comes tremendous gratitude for everything that has been given to us.

Here is another example – I talk with many people who are literally depressed about the impact of climate change. I live out in the middle of the woods and every time I see another tree dying I just cringe and anger arises. Fear surfaces when I hear the fire reports from Califor

rnia – grateful that my parents-in-law don’t live in Santa Rosa anymore. Sadness prevails when I talk with young people facing an uncertain future. Until this message of acceptance hit me here as well.

Our actions have caused us to move down a road that cannot be reversed anymore. Mentally and emotionally resisting that has caused a lot of suffering – just adding to the direct suffering here already.

Surrendering to the facts has liberated more compassion, more love for nature, as it still exists, and more motivation to take action and connect with others – building bridges.

The holidays often bring anxiety or depression, especially if we have recently lost a loved one or don’t have a good social network. Instead of wishing things were different, why not this season consider the option of accepting how you got here, evaluate what is really important to you, and then take one specific action to connect.

I recently was working with a patient with all kinds of sudden onset symptoms, who didn’t realize the connection with having moved away from her kids who didn’t want to keep up connection with her. She felt extremely isolated, which brought up all kinds of memories of being abandoned, catapulting her into a downward spiral both physically and mentally. Accepting how she got here allowed her for the first time to write down her current experience and shared that with her children without any attached expectation. She found that very empowering and got some curious responses, which established at least a cautious connection again. Most of all it was gratitude for a new perspective to take action that validated her experience.

Another way to approach gratitude and acceptance is from the home ground of Being. When we accept where and how we are there is an opening to connecting to something or somebody way bigger than ourselves in form of our personality. Out of that presence arises the gift of gratitude in form of service to others. How can you best use your talents and be of service with that life of yours today, every moment again and again? Maybe make the holidays just a little more joyful for somebody else?

Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer has practiced for close to 30 years as a licensed naturopathic physician combining natural medicine with mindfulness tools. Her other passion is to advocate for climate change action so that her grandkids and patients will have a future in a healthy environment.

208-265-2213 Editor’s Note: This article did not run in its entirety in the November issue. Please enjoy the full article. We regret the oversight.

Some Winter Weather Trivia: Q.What sort of weather conditions warrant a blizzard?

A. Officially, the National Weather Service defines a blizzard

as a storm which contains large amounts of snow OR blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours) Previously, the term blizzard referred to a cannon shot or a volley of musket fire. By the 1880’s, the use of the word blizzard was used by many across the United States and in England.

1 https://www.accuweather.com

Home & Hearth

15

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Recipes and more...

3-1/2 cups whole milk 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice 1/4 cup raw sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ground nutmeg, optional

WHERE ACTIVISM GETS INSPIRED

Hosted by F R I E N D S

O F

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Sponsored by

Artwork by Lawrence Lander

The holidays are over and it’s back to normal life. Normal foods, normal drink. We’ve now sworn off goodies for the rest of the winter and are down to high fiber blueberry pancakes, vegetable stuffed whatever and have rekindled a friendship with the stationary bike, or at least, our Yak Trax.

In this issue of the Round Up I want to take a look at a recipe that is old, tried and true, always tastes good and is actually good for you.

It has Zero gluten, very little sugar, can have (and probably should have) added fruit, is a little spicy and as flexible as the day is long. I give you Old Fashioned Rice Pudding!

While you can use brown rice for rice pudding I don’t recommend it. If you want to go whole grain choose a short, whole grain rice like Sweet Brown Rice. Other than that, Basmati, Jasmine, or regular long grain white rice will works best, unless you like it sticky. Then go with a short grain. Rice naturally has a nutty, sweet flavor so a lot can be done to enhance that flavor by using whole milk, half & half, a bit of nutmeg and a little raw sugar.

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Preheat oven to 325°. Place first four ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish.

Bake, covered, 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in fruit and vanilla; bake, covered, until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

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For a slightly different texture try baking the pudding in a cast iron skillet greased with butter. This can yield a crunchy outer edge to the pudding! Enjoy!

Milgard Windows offers Energy Star ratings that will keep your home warm and cozy during the cold winter months and Save You Money. Our professional team offers you FREE estimates and we can professionally install any time of the year to upgrade your windows and doors.

Fall in Love with ENERGY EFFICIENT.

401 Bonner Mall Way, Ste G Ponderay, ID 83852 (208) 263-7373

Next to Sandpoint Furniture 401 Bonner Mall Way • Ponderay, ID

(208) 263-7373 www.SelkirkGlassAndCabinets.com

Celia Therrien

Window & Door Sales

Home & Hearth

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

15

Recipes and more...

The holidays are over and it’s back to normal life. Normal foods, normal drink. We’ve now sworn off goodies for the rest of the winter and are down to high fiber blueberry pancakes, vegetable stuffed whatever and have rekindled a friendship with the stationary bike, or at least, our Yak Trax.

In this issue of the Round Up I want to take a look at a recipe that is old, tried and true, always tastes good and is actually good for you.

It has Zero gluten, very little sugar, can have (and probably should have) added fruit, is a little spicy and as flexible as the day is long. I give you Old Fashioned Rice Pudding!

While you can use brown rice for rice pudding I don’t recommend it. If you want to go whole grain choose a short, whole grain rice like Sweet Brown Rice. Other than that, Basmati, Jasmine, or regular long grain white rice will works best, unless you like it sticky. Then go with a short grain. Rice naturally has a nutty, sweet flavor so a lot can be done to enhance that flavor by using whole milk, half & half, a bit of nutmeg and a little raw sugar.

3-1/2 cups whole milk 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice 1/4 cup raw sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ground nutmeg, optional Preheat oven to 325°. Place first four ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish.

Bake, covered, 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in fruit and vanilla; bake, covered, until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

For a slightly different texture try baking the pudding in a cast iron skillet greased with butter. This can yield a crunchy outer edge to the pudding! Enjoy!

Milgard Windows offers Energy Star ratings that will keep your home warm and cozy during the cold winter months and Save You Money. Our professional team offers you FREE estimates and we can professionally install any time of the year to upgrade your windows and doors.

Fall in Love with ENERGY EFFICIENT.

401 Bonner Mall Way, Ste G Ponderay, ID 83852 (208) 263-7373

Next to Sandpoint Furniture 401 Bonner Mall Way • Ponderay, ID

(208) 263-7373 www.SelkirkGlassAndCabinets.com

Celia Therrien

Window & Door Sales

The Great Outdoors

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

Idaho Master Naturalists - Pend Oreille Chapter

The mission of the Master Naturalist Program in Idaho is to develop a group of well-informed volunteers to actively work towards the stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment. This statement actually has a different meaning for each member, with the unifying purpose being to care for our natural world and Idaho in particular.

In 2007 Idaho Fish & Game (IDFG) introduced the program to the State of Idaho. It has grown to 9 chapters statewide. Our chapter works closely with the IDFG volunteer/hunter education coordinator for the Panhandle Region.

On Friday, March 20, & Saturday March 21, 2020, our chapter will begin new membership classes. After the beginning weekend, classes are held approximately every other Thursday and Saturday, with most classes being from 2 – 4 hours. New members complete 40 hours of classroom and field training, plus 40 hours of volunteer hours. Our diligent education coordinator has put together a great lineup of classes & field trips. The training can vary, but centers around fish, wildlife, plants, water, geology, conservation, ecology and natural history.

Many of these classes are also open to the public, watch Sandpoint Online for information. To remain certified in following years each member must complete 40 hours of volunteer work, plus 8 hours of continuing education. You may also remain a member without certifying each year. There are volunteer opportunities for all fitness levels.

The Pend Oreille Chapters main volunteer activity is IDFG’s Waterlife Discovery Center on Lakeshore Drive or the ‘old fish hatchery’.

It is now a wonderful science center with lots of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. The Master Naturalists staff what used to be the hatchery manager’s home, during the summer. The inside exhibits include a bull trout video, replica of the original manager’s cabin, wetlands exhibit and other hands on activities. This is a great place to bring your out of town guests.

Members also volunteer on other IDFG projects, or with other groups in the area. We have Memorandums Of Understanding (MOUs) with, KLT, Trout Unlimited, Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and Idaho State Parks, to name a few. Volunteering with any of these entities counts as volunteer hours.

We welcome anyone with a love of the outdoors to become a Master Naturalist and join this dynamic group. Also be sure and come to the Waterlife Discovery Center this summer. If the indoor exhibits are closed you can still enjoy the grounds and outdoor exhibits, it is open from dawn until dusk.

For any questions or information about joining the new classes email: imn.sandpoint@gmail. com.

17

Real Estate and You

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

19

State of the Market – What do the Buyers Look Like?

Jim Haynes, Associate Broker, Realm PartnersHome

Sales Trends Below are two tables comparing the year-over-year (YOY) change (Chg) in the number of single-family homes sold and their median1 sales prices for the three counties of North Idaho and the total United States: Three North Idaho Counties Unites States

Number YOY Chg Median YOY Chg # Sold YOY Chg Median YOY Chg Year 2016 2017 2018 2019

Sold 5147 5342 5729 5521

(%)

3.8% 7.2% -3.6%

Sales Price $234,000 $259,900 $290,000 $317,500

(%)

11.1% 11.6% 9.5%

North Idaho data for 2019 are 12/1/18 to 11/30/19

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019

(1,000s) 5450 5510 5340 5286

(%)

1.1% -3.1% -1.0%

Sales Price $233,800 $247,200 $259,300 $268,900

(%)

5.7% 4.9% 3.7%

United States data for 2019 are 11/1/18 to 10/31/19

North Idaho data for 2019 are 12/1/18 to 11/30/19 United States data for 2019 are 11/1/18 to 10/31/19 Source: National Association of Realtors, Coeur d’Alene MLS and Selkirk MLS (1/1/2016 to 11/30/2019, information deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

Last year our local market was expanding with 7.2% more homes sold in 2018 than 2017 unlike the United States where year-overyears sales of homes was on the decline (-3.1%) for the same time period. This year the North Idaho market contracted with 3.6% less homes sold this year than last year. The US market is still contracting but the rate of contraction has lessened. The lack of inventory of homes for sale is blamed by experts for the decline in sales. Higher prices also contribute to the decline. Note that for the last three years the increase in median homes sales prices for the US has gone up an average of 4.8% while the North Idaho market has increased and average of 10.7%, more than twice the national average.

There are many contributing factors to our local real estate market trends. Our local market, like the total US market, is pressured by the lack of inventory. The number of active listings currently available in the Selkirk MLS are 20% less than they were at the same time last year. In addition, our state and region are experiencing strong population growth. For the last two years Idaho has been the fastest growing state in the rate of population growth. The US Census Bureau reported that Idaho’s population growth rate was 2.1% for the most recent year data are available. This compares to 0.7% for the US. This means people are moving to our region and many are looking for homes to buy.

What does the buyer look like?

The US Census Bureau data show that the median age of the population in North Idaho is increasing. For Bonner County the median age has increased over eleven years from 36 in 1990 to 47.3 in 2017.

Kootenai County over the same period experienced a lesser increase in the median age from 35 in 1990 to 39.7 in 2019. People, and many of them of retirement age, are attracted to our area. Coeur d’Alene is one of the fastest growing areas in the country for retirees.

The Idaho Department of Transportation keeps track of the number of driver’s licenses that are surrendered and where that driver came from. For the three North Idaho counties the states that made up more than 5% of the drivers surrendering driver’s licenses were Montana (5%), Oregon (5%), California (23%) and Washington (28%).

Conclusion The north Idaho real estate market is appreciating at over twice the rate of the national market. Many people are moving to our state and region and many of them are retires and over half come from Washington or California. Interest rates are once again near historic lows (3.7% for a 30-year fixed interest rate loan). Lower interest rates mean buying power is high and there are still opportunities in our market. Contact you real estate professional and see what opportunities there are for you.

1.

The median home price is that price at which half of the homes sold for more than that amount, and half sold for less than that amount.

The median price is used to remove bias from home prices introduced by high end properties.

Information compiled by Jim Haynes, Associate Broker, Realm Partners, 208-290-7249, jim.haynes@frontier.com Single Family Home Sales (number of units) United States * Kootenai County ** Bonner County ** Boundary County **

2012 4,660,000 2,414 615 121

2013 5,090,000 2,973 645 150

2014 4,940,000 3,159 734 155

2015 5,250,000 3,758 776 188

2016 5,450,000 4,133 840 174

2017 5,510,000 4,304 881 157

Dec. 1, 2018 % Change from 2018 to Nov. 30, 2019 2018 5,340,000 5,286,000 -1.0% 4,512 4,367 -3.2% 1,000 923 -7.7% 217 230 6.0%

Single Family Median Home Prices (houses sold) United States * Kootenai County ** Bonner County ** Boundary County **

2012 $176,800 $170,907 $175,000 $135,000

2013 $197,100 $184,413 $199,000 $152,750

2014 $208,300 $198,900 $225,500 $159,900

2015 $222,400 $214,000 $235,000 $172,450

2016 $233,800 $230,330 $257,500 $175,000

* Existing homes ** Homes, condominiums and townhomes (existing and new) Source: National Association of Realtors, Coeur d'Alene MLS and Selkirk MLS (1-1-2012 to 11-30-2019, information deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

2017 $247,200 $257,583 $280,990 $199,900

2018 $259,300 $292,000 $305,000 $194,000

Dec. 1, 2018 % Change from to Nov. 30, 2019 2018 $268,900 3.7% $320,000 9.6% $329,000 7.9% $229,800 18.5%

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Was $1019. Triple Dresser and Mirror In rough sawn solid lumber & iron. ............. NOW

Was $339. 3pc dropleaf hardwood set. ........................................................ NOW

Was $989. Queen bed-solid wood construction In a weathered Grey finish ................ NOW

$249 $399

MORRISON

Recliner Recliner Was $1099. 42” Round oak table ReclinerWas $629. Plank top table w\4 chairs- Counter height ............................................. NOW $465 w/ heavy iron base-counter height. Floor sample w\blemish.

NOW $299 .......... over 70% OFF! HOME OFFICE & TV

399

$

$599 $625

ea.

Was $469. Queen size sleighbed in Cherry finish.

YOU R CH OICE ........................................................

NOW

$299

LE ATHER RECLINERS

Was $329. 5 dr. chest-pine finish. ........................................................ NOW

$249

Bunkbeds in different styles & finishes .......................................................FROM

$219

699

$

JASPER

MORRISON

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE!

Recliner

Was $2800. Family sized oak dining table w/ 6 heavy chairs. 1 only ....................NOW

JASPER

349 RECLINERS!

COLL AGE

Y O U R BEDROOM CHOICE RECLINERS

MORRISON

Was $719. 48” round oak table w/ durable Laminate top. ................................. NOW

DON’T MISS OUT!

Recliner

299

P O W E R A N D / O R a i r f o r m™ U P G R A D E S AVA I L A B L E O N A L L R E C L I N I N G S T Y L E S

$1899

Now $399 ........ 50% OFF!

3 colors available: Coffee, Charcoal & Mushroom

2018!

Recliner

499 $349 $

a i r f o r m™ U P G R A D E S AVA I L A B L E O N A L L R E C L I N I N G S T Y L E S

CE

on

PRICES NOV. 24TH TOO LOW TO MISS!

COLL AGE

ea.

Recliner

Recliner

Was $239. Pair of Meadow Green Table lamps. Nice design.

Now $99 for the pair!

ROWAN

Recliner

JASPER

GREAT VALUE! Recliner

MORRISON

Recliner

Was $499. Hand Woven New Zealand Wool Rug…..5’X7’

........................ Now $199

All 3 Recliners in Leather Match Construction

Was $929. Bookcase in solid wood-vintage 70% OFF Finish-6’ tall...................NOW

$278

ONE OF A KIND!

Was $1449. 60” Round dining table - Solid Hdwd Thick Top Table Floor Model.

Now $499 .................... 65% OFF YOUR CH OICE RECLINING S O FA S

Was $3049. Gorgeous Amish corner $ Cabinet inea. solid Maple.

Now $1499 .......... over 50% OFF

899

$549

Was $1499. Handsome Executive Desk By Flexsteel w\locking file-power bar- Dovetailed drawers .......................................... NOW

$899 All office\desk chairs ADDITIONAL 20% OFF

Was $2199. Handsome sofa with chaise In a sand tone fabric...................................NOW

$1399

$899

Was $1429. Massive floor mirror Was $2359. Large sectional with chaise. In a slate fabric with 4 down pillows..........NOW $1499 w/ stand.

7’ tall-thick live edge S Reclining Sofa E A S T O N Reclining Sofa hardwood frame.

Was $3359. Flexsteel ALL top grain ....................................Now $799 leather Loveseat with contrast accent Visit La-Z-Boy.com for your stitching chance ......................................NOW to $1999

WIN $15,000 in La-Z-Boy Furniture!* Was $489. Down sized sofa in gray Tones w\2

KID STUFF

A message from Clint: Video Rockers.

pillows ............................................ NOW

$389

Our reputation Quality Asst’d for colorsHigh and themes. $549 While last ...................... continues tothey grow!

Everything $29 we do is crafted to ensure the best possible experience. Was And$1449.

Nobody 3 pc, sectional w\chaise. Choice of 2 colors ..........................................NOW $1099 matches our Hometown Service!

EXTRA GUESTS?

Wasand $719.Value Double reclining sofa in a Durable Style earthtone fabric ............................. NOW

Padded folding chairs.

Heavy Duty - 2colors. ............................. Only $39 each

MATTRESS Twin size mattresses-medium firm.... JUST Queen size mattress sets-medium Firm ......................................................... JUST

S O FA S

$289$ $319

Simmons Bevington Plush Queen Set .................................................

King Set .....................................................

H AY E S

Reclining Sofa

$496 $799

Select Floor Models ..................PRICED TO SELL! Adjustable Power Bases - Queen size ....

Large square cocktail ottoman.

Was $249 ... Now Only $99 E ASTON

Reclining Sofa

LARGE SELECTION!

Of Newly Reduced Prices on to our Visit La-Z-Boy.com for your chance

Large

DON’T MISS THIS ONCE A YEAR SALE!

A message from Clint:

OCCASIONAL PIECES

Our reputation for High Quality Style and Value continues to grow! Everything we do is crafted to Was $169. Chairside table w/ drawer ... $109 UNIQUE & DIFFERENT! ensure the best possible experience. And Nobody Was $299. Lift top cocktail table-bun feet Was $719. Farm House matches our Hometown Service!

$219 Was $149. Murphy lamp table w/ shelf .... $99 ...................................................................

Was $639. Vintage white 5 dr. Accent Chest ......................................................... Now

$375

$269

Was $439. Cocktail table w\shelf in a Driftwood Black finish ...................................... Now

2 ONLY! Power reclining chair. Priced at

$299

Was $2319. 6’ Floor Clock by Howard Millerartisan contemporary ................ Now

$699

899 ea.HOLY COW!

Inventory. Some are one-of-a-kind. $499 WIN $15,000 in La-Z-Boy Furniture!*

Reclining chairs SALE.......... Priced from

Was $919. Queen sleep sofa w\memory Foam mattress ......................................... NOW

BARSTOOLS!

Asst’d one of a kind.

Choice of styles and wood finishes. UP TO 65% OFF! CHOICE

YOUR $95 RECLINING

Queen size memory foam mattress In a box Was $599 ..................................... NOW

Was $1479. Large Club chair and ottoman with Comfortable down and feather both pcs. seating. ......................... NOW

WOW!

$399

Was $1099. Entertainment Console w\glass 50% OFF Doors-60” solid pine ....NOW

LIVING ROOM

NEVER AGAIN!

Was $619. ELEMENT Queen size platform Bed. Contemporary style ....................... NOW

GD_BF_US_A

4TH

$

WHILE THEY L AST!

SALE ENDS

3 colors available: Coffee, Charcoal & Mushroom

CASEY

$267

$1599

Was $779. Credenza in burnished silver finsish.

50% OFF! 6dr with double bow front ...

$389

Dressing Chest Ebony finish w\drop down desk 1 ONLY .................... $399!

ONE ONLY!

Was $1099. Top grain Leather Ottomon With handsome nailhead.

$399......... over 65% OFF!

We’re unique! We’re different! And we’re worth the drive!

Your hometown furniture store...Since 1945!

(208) 263-5138 www.sandpointfurniture.com www.sandpointfurniture.com