March - April Round Up

A paper for, and about, country people.

News from the Museum

2

Boundary County U of I Classes

7

Women Painting Women

Spring 2020 Extension Classes

Local Producer List

8

Find locally produced foods and more

11

Yellow Toadflax - Ornamental Gone Noxious

12 & 13

Of Ponderay, Idaho will hold its

Saturday March 14, 2020 At The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Country Store 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho beginning at 9:30 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to elect 2 directors

BCGA Home Horticulture Series Pruning, Mushrooms, & Preparedness

14

15

Disrespectful Equine Relationships

19

Private Mortgage Insurance

22

The Human Element

for the term of 3 years and any other business that may come properly before this assembly.

CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc.

Idaho Farm Bureau Reaffirms Ag Hemp Support

How it Works

The CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. 85 th Annual meeting of the membership

Weed of the Month

CO-OP Annual Meeting & Country Spirit Day

NOTICE • NOTICE • NOTICE

Liz Robinson, Secretary

7BTV is a proud supporter of Sandpoint Rotary’s CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo

Call us today to see how you can help!

7BTV 208-263-7288

105 S. 3rd Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864

www.7BTV.net

ERCWSS Postal Customer

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

March / April 2020 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, ID 83852 coopcountrystore.com

2

From the Editor

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

A New Beginning- A New Perspective I don’t know one soul whom is not ready for spring. It isn’t just the change of weather with increased sunshine and warmth, but the idea that somehow spring is going to bring better days.

More often than not people have been dealing with outside life pressures most of which are not within their control - the challenging kind. They seem to be endless in scope and require great courage to manage. From family to friends, co-workers and grocery clerks everyone seems to be feeling it. This has been yet another hard winter here in North Idaho.

Spring will come. It always does. It may be rainy, and muddy, and full of new beginnings. And it will bring a new perspective on everything. Sometimes something as simple as the change of season is enough to change how we see things.

At the CO-OP Gas & Supply Company we have begun a new chapter this spring with the addition of our new Propane and Marketing Annex to the CO-OP campus, just south of the store. It is populated with Marketing staff and staff from the old propane office. The drivers are in and out and Jan, whom you may meet at the front desk, is helper to all of us here. Terressa and George have been dreaming about how to use the new space on the west side of the building. Exciting times!

This issue of the Round Up you will find information about our upcoming CO-OP Annual Meeting and Country Spirit Day Celebration.

This year it will be on March 14, 2020 at the store, 125 Tibbetts Lane in Ponderay. The Annual meeting of the cooperative membership will take place in the warehouse at 9:30 am. If you are a voting member of the co-op this is your opportunity to hear about everything the co-op has been doing over the last year and to participate in the governance of it. Your vote for directors is an important part of your membership.

As usual, out in the store we will have vendors, community booths, a Kid Zone and pizza from Papa Murphy through the lunch hour. You can find out more about this event on pages 12 and 13 of this publication.

Please come join us! We think you will experience your community and the co-op in a fresh, new way. See you there!

Women Painting Women

A SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT PEND D'OREILLE WINERY

Presented by the Pend Oreille Arts Council & Bonner County History Museum Using historical photos and documents from the Bonner County History Museum, twelve POAC artists have been commissioned to create stunning portraits of local women who helped shape our community.

Opening Reception

Pend d'Oreille Winery Friday. March 6 4 -7pm

Meet the Artists and

Learn the Stories of these

Incredible Women Exhibit on display

March 6 - 27

Historic photo of filmmaker Nell Shipman, and a portrait of Nell by artist Peggy Tessema Compton.

11am - 8pm at the Pend d'Oreille Winery

THIS PROJECT GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Innovation today to better serve you tomorrow.

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 March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Idaho Master Naturalists Membership Class Coming Up

The Pend Oreille Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists are beginning a new membership class on March 20, 2020. Anyone with a love for the outdoors is welcome. The membership cost for this year is $55.00. The first year you need a total of 40 hours of classes, plus 40 hours of volunteering. The easiest way to get those hours are to work at the Waterlife Discovery Center (WDC) in Sagle. This chapter is sponsored by Idaho Fish and Game, who also own the WDC. It is the fish hatchery on Lakeshore Dr. No fish are being raised at this time, but the outdoor runs are used to hold trout that are moved up from southern Idaho, to be stocked into our local lakes. This unique facility is a treasure, it has been made into a science center. Be sure to bring your family and visitors this summer.

There is a wonderful assortment of classes and field trips for this year.

Fish, mammals, geology, watershed concepts, entomology and local plant identification to name a few. The current members are also encouraged to attend any of the classes that they would like, plus it’s a great time to meet the new members.

Kendon Perry - Agent

Coleman Frank - PA

A sample of volunteer activities are stream monitoring, bumble bee and native slug studies, Grizzly Bear rub collections, helping with field trips, plus planting on the Clark Fork and Pack River Deltas. Another opportunity has been to put in hundreds of hours towards the Kokanee Fishery Restoration on Lake Pend Oreille. In 2019 this dedicated group of individuals volunteered over 3000 hours. The IMN invite anyone who enjoys Idaho’s natural world and would like to meet other people with similar interests to join. For a complete class schedule or with other questions please email: IMN.sandpoint@gmail.com.

Briana Staglund - PA

Thank you to all our valued customers!

We appreciate your confidence in working with our team to:

Victoria Kuhfeldt - PA

Samantha Long - CSR

Kendon Perry - Agent 302 Main Street Sandpoint ID,83864 (208) 265-5895 kperry@idfbins.com

Protect your assets, Protect Your Income, and Prepare for the Future 2019 was a great year and we look forward to continued success in 2020

We know Idaho.

We grew up here.

Then and Now

5

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Bonner County Sportsmen’s Foundation to Host 9th Annual Brownells/NRA Youth Day at the Range Now is the time to register youth, ages 8 to 18, for the Brownells/ NRA Daughter’s and Son’s Weekend at the Range, sponsored by the Bonner County Sportsmen’s Foundation. The program teaches boys and girls about gun safety, and gives them the opportunity to shoot .22 rifles at the City of Sandpoint Outdoor Range. Father’s Day Weekend, June 20th and 21st, is the date, and eight two hour sessions are scheduled. Attendees must pre-register, and choose which session they prefer, as only 14 youth per session can occupy the 14 benches at the range. There is one adult instructor at each bench, so kids get individualized instruction. Brad Kruger, the NRA Western Region Director and a City of Sandpoint resident, teaches the safety session before youth can enter the Range. Youth are introduced to the fun, excitement, and safety involved in shooting .22’s, and parents participate in both the safety class, and by being observers when their child shoots. This event is sponsored by Brownells/NRA Day, hosted by the Bonner County Sportsmen’s Assn., and Sandpoint Parks & Recreation. Additional thanks go to North 40 Outfitters, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, National Rifle Association: Women on Target, Brownells, Co-Op Country Store, and many local gun shops and businesses for their support.

We now have online registration at https://secure.recl.com/ID/city-ofsandpoint/catalog. Only 14 spots are available per session and they are first come first served. You can stop by the Sandpoint Parks & Recreation Department at 1123 Lake St. and use their public kiosk if you need access. More information and fliers are available at: nraday. nra.org or on the BCSA website at: www.bonnercountysportsmen. org. If you have further questions, please contact Cathie Malison, jcmalison@gmail.com or 208-266-0141, who co-chairs the program with Kathy Konek, an NRA instructor. Remember, preregistration is a must, as we can handle only 14 kids per class. This is a perfect family event to attend on Father’s Day weekend!

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Ag Education

7

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Spring 2020 Extension Classes

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

How to Successfully Start Your Own Plants from Seed, $5 Monday, March 9, 1-3pm In this class, we will be starting seeds in order to create transplants for your garden after the weather warms. You will learn how to care for your plants to keep them strong and healthy until it’s time to put them in the garden, and how to transition your seedlings for life outdoors. There will be a number of seeds to choose from, or you can bring your own. In addition, a good selection of locally adapted seeds from our seed bank will be available for you to take home.

Pruning Fruit Trees: Restoring Older Trees and Shaping Young Trees, $5 Monday, March 16, 1-4pm Kyle Nagy, who manages the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Ag Center’s heirloom apple orchard, will be teaching this class on pruning fruit trees. A classroom portion will be followed by a demonstration and some hands-on activity at the GROW community garden located on the grounds of Trinity Lutheran church. Please come prepared to be outdoors following the classroom presentation.

Storing Produce: Root Cellars & More, $5 Wednesday, March 25, 1pm-3pm South Boundary Fire Hall, Stage Coach Road, Naples 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.

Gluten Free Cooking, $10 Friday, March 27, 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.

Soil Sampling, Testing, and Interpretation: $35 (includes one laboratory analysis) Part 1: Monday, April 13, 1-3pm / Part 2: Friday, May 8, 1-4pm In this class you will learn what soil nutrient additions, if any, are necessary to optimize your soil for specific crop(s). In part one, you will learn how to sample your soil so you will have a representative sample of the area you wish to have tested. After this class you will use what you learned to sample your soil and then bring it to the Extension Office. We will ship it to a lab for testing. In part two, we will interpret the results of these soil tests, and make fertilization recommendations.

Raising Mason Bees for Better Pollination, $10 Monday, April 20, 1-3pm Mason bees are very effective pollinators. Just two or three females can pollinate a mature apple tree! As a homeowner, you can play an important role in attracting these gentle, non-stinging bees as well as other pollinators. In this class, you will build your own mason bee hotel and learn where you can order cocoons.

Being Prepared: Food Storage & Food Safety for Emergencies, FREE Monday, April 27, 1-2:30pm Want to learn how to be prepared for emergencies? Come to this class and learn how to store your food safely in order to be prepared for an emergency. We will also cover how to know what foods are safe to consume during and after various types of emergencies (power outages, flooding, etc.). We will also provide you with a list of resources you can use to help make sure you and your family are prepared.

Freeze Drying Class, $10 Thursday, April 30, 1pm-2:30pm Want to learn about freeze dryers designed for home use? This is the class for you! During this hands-on class you will learn about the various freeze dryer models, purchasing and maintenance costs, how to operate a freeze dryer, and proper storage of freeze-dried goods. You will be given the opportunity to prep food and begin the freeze drying process. We will also be sampling a variety of freezedried foods.

Cheap Eats: Eating Healthy on a Budget, FREE Monday, May 11, 3:30-4:30pm Looking for ways to feed your family nutritious foods without going over your budget? Come to this class and learn some tips and tricks to feed your family healthy meals for a reasonable price. Participants will get to sample some tasty dishes and also be provided with re-

resources and recipes for preparing foods at home.

Container Gardens for Growing Veggies, $5 Friday, May 15, 1-4pm It’s easy and fun to grow your own veggies in containers! Plant needs vary by cultivar, but growing in containers has many advantages. More than 20 Little Free Garden containers and raised beds around the county have been producing a variety of vegies all season. Learn how you can participate in the Little Free Garden project, or just create a variety of container veggie gardens for your own use.

Cooking Under Pressure, $10 Monday, May 18, 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.

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

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Local Foods, Producers, and Services and Where To Find Them The following farms can all be found in your neighborhood. If you find  something that really interests you or you want to sign up for a CSA (Community Support Agriculture) call the farmer or visit your local Farmers Market and start eating local. Also, visit www.localharvest.org and post your  farm for others to see what you produce. 

ABC Farmers Market (Athol, ID): Fridays 2pm-6pm Opening May, ending sometime in Oct. Located at the Athol City Park. Follow them on Face book @ABCFarmersMerket 



Angela and Millie (Sandpoint, ID): Goat milk and Cheese 208-263-3343 or 208-610-0694



Annie’s Orchard (Clark Fork, ID): Landscaping/ Nursery Products- Terry  and Carol Chowning 208-266-1245 anniesorchard.com



Black Ridge Trading Post & Gardens (Priest River, ID): Hatching eggs ,Free Range eggs, All Natural goat milk soaps & lotions, Organic soups & spices, and over 3000 varieties of Iris’s and Daylilies– Barry and  Lana Peterson 208-265-0585



Bella’s Barn (Bonners Ferry, ID): Creamery, Raw Jersey Milk, Yogurt, Raw Butter, Butter Milk– Bob Peterson 208-263-8208 Karyn Sullivan 208-3047201 peterson71@yahoo.com



Bill’s Berries (Laclede, ID): U-Pick and Pre-picked Blueberries—208-2638982

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Bonners Ferry Farmers Market (Bonners Ferry, ID): 8am-1pm Saturday at the City Parking Lot Bristow Country Gardens (Sagle, ID): Fresh Produce & Flowers (while in season)- Garry and Susan Bristow 208-290-8642 & 208-263-4224

Greentree Naturals (Sandpoint, ID): CSA, Farm Stand, Certified Organic Farm, Fresh Produce, Flowers, Garlic, Herbs, Hops, Organic Gardening Workshops - Diane Green 208-263-8957 www.greentreenaturals.com Hoot Owl Farm (Libby, MT): Locally grown Vegetables and Herbs. Libby and Troy Farmers Markets & CSA. Rudy and Bonnie Geber, 406-3185339, info@hootowlfarm.net, hootowlfarm.net J&M Farms (Athol, ID): Poultry Butchering Service– Judy 208-819-2781 McKerracher Family Farms (Careywood, ID): Pastured Poultry, Market Garden, and Bedding Plants – Julie McKerracher 208-818-0208 also find them at the ABC Farmers Market Mountain Glen Farm, LLC (Sagle, ID): All things poultry from duck & chicken eggs to hatchling & pullet services. Bee Hive construction & maintenance, honey extracting and seasonal honey sales- Susan & Bob Lesniewski 208-255-7818, www.mtglenfarm.com Moose Meadow Farm (Clark Fork, ID): Certified Organic Fresh Produce, CSA Subscription 2018 spots available. Free choice & Weekly deliveries.

— Katherine Creswell & Spencer Nietmann 208-304-6492 moosemeadoworganic@gmail.com moosemeadoworganic.com



Naturally Good Things (Libby, MT): Health Food, Bulk Foods, Supplements, Spices, and Local Raw Honey– Georgina Powers 406-293-6771



Pack River Yaks (Sandpoint, ID): Yak Meat & Fiber—Christine Stoneham 208-263-4785



Queen Bee Honey (Clark Fork, ID): Raw Honey– Andrea & Kelly Cope 208-597-5433

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Byrum Family Farms (Hayden, ID): Pasture Chickens, Heritage Turkeys, Eggs– Paris & Jonathan Byrum 208-664-9793

Rams Head Orchards (Evans, WA): Lamb sold by full or half (Must order ahead of time call for more info), Premium Lamb Burger $9.50/lb (While Supplies Lasts) – Lisa and Mike Whytock 208-818-7825 or 509-684-5425



Cascade Creek Farm (Bonners Ferry, ID): Grass fed Beef, Pasture Poultry  – Rob & Mimi Fueling www.cascadecreekfarm.com

Raven Rock Ranch (Libby, MT): Grass Fed Beef, and Farm Fresh Eggs– Georgine Powers 406-293-6771 also sold at Naturally Good Things



Celestial Natural Farms (Careywood, ID): Eggs, Rabbits, Heritage Turkeys, Goats, Fresh Goats Milk, Goat Milk Products, Beauty Products made with organic &natural ingredients– Celeste Ricci 208-610-9289 Feeds locally grown & non gmo feeds, also become a friend of the farm on Facebook (Celestial Natural Farms) and by email Celstialnaturalfarms@yahoo.com

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Red Wheelbarrow Produce (Sandpoint, ID): Naturally Grown Produce in Selle Valley, and Plant Starts– Emily Levine 208-265-2689 Can be found at the Sandpoint Farmers Market and Winter Ridge www.redwheelbarrow.com



Riley Creek Farms (Laclede, ID): Blueberries, Jam, Vinegars, Vegetables, Raspberries, and Strawberries– Stan Urmann 208-263-4114 stanurmann@yahoo.com



Clear Skies Sheep Company (Bonners Ferry, ID): Lamb, Pigs, Beef, Eggs– Lou & Marva Maring 208-267-6107 find them on Facebook and  www.clearskiessheepcompany.com



Deerfield Farms (Sagle, ID): Over 20 varieties of certified organic tomatoes, including 16 heirloom varieties– Jerry and Susan Petrina 208-9466113

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Double Shoe Ranch (Dover, ID): Katahdin Lambs pasture raised– Randy and Gail Curless 208-263-4633

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Farm to Market Store & Bakery/Deli (Libby, MT): Produce & Meat (Seasonal) - Leona Mast 406-293-9775 hours Mon-Sat 9am-6pm



Four Peas Family Farm (Priest River, ID): Herbal Tonics, Tinctures, Raw Milk Goat Cheese, Raw Wool & Yarn, Handmade Crafts & Toys– Jim and Kim DesJarlais 208-597-0644 fourpeasfamilyfarm@gmail.com

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Four Seasons Farm (Priest River, ID): CSA, Produce, Pasture Pork, Fresh Eggs, Chicken, Goat, and Turkey– Ron and Toni Carey 208-255-9193



God’s Little Acre (Careywood, ID): All Natural Grass Fed Beef, Berkshire Pigs, Free Range Chickens, Heritage Turkeys & Fresh Eggs– Susan Bourguigon 208-683-2907 or 208-659-6270 Must place order a head of time for Chickens and Turkeys

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Sandpoint Farmers Market: 9am-1pm Saturdays and 3pm-5:30 Wednesdays. Located at the Farmin Park on 3rd and Main. The market always opens the 1st Saturday in May and ends the 2nd Saturday in October. www.sandpointfarmersmarket.com



Spencer Heritage Farm (Cocolalla, ID): Grass Fed Beef, Bulk & Wholesale Root Crops– Vern Spencer 208-597-1855 vernveggies@gamil.com

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T&T Farm (Priest River, ID): Fresh Produce, Pepper Plant Starts, Raspberries, Goat Milk Caramel Sauce, Goat Milk Soap and Cheese– Vickie and Darwin Tenney 208-448-2414 and also find them at the Sandpoint Farmers Market



White Dove Ent. (Athol, ID): Poultry Processing—18 years experience (By appointment only, call for more info.) Non-GMO Grass Fed Beef, Non-GMO Chickens & Turkeys for your freezer (Must order ahead of time, call for more info.) Round Bales of Grass hay, Oat hay, and Straw– Mike & Misty Heuett 208-660-5375 mmheuett



Woods Meats (Sandpoint, ID): Inspected locally grown natural beef – 208-263-3077

Good Shepard Lamb Co. (Bonners Ferry, ID): Fresh naturally grown lamb, no hormones or antibiotics– Gordon and Marlene Stanley 208-267  -5882 can also find them at the Sandpoint Farmers Market Granite Lakes Goats (Libby, MT): Goat meat, Highland Cows & Beef, Chicken, Eggs– Amy Hughes 406-293-8957

Sacred Earth Farm (Sandpoint, ID): Vegetables, and Bedding Plants– Martinson & Higgens 208-263-7647



The Plant Sale (Priest River, ID): Old Fashioned Perennials, House Plants Pots, Hanging Baskets & Vegetables. 208-448-2464 (ask for Donna) Cloud Eleven Mountain Farm LLC (Moyie Springs, ID) Local Produce; Jams & jellies, garlic, flowers & plant starts Ed & Julie Newcomb 208-267-4743 Instagram@cloudelevenmountainfarm.

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10

Country Life

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020

Do You Have the Winter Blues?

Submitted by Kathleen J. Neumann, Clark Fork, ID

This is a Test! Do these things to see if you really do have the winter blues.

1. Relax in your chair for one minute then get up and sit back down 5 times in a row.

2. Walk from room to room 5 times and then sit down for 10 minutes.

3. Stand up and do 5 jumping jacks and 5 minutes of hoolahooping. Move that body around and around!

4. Sit back down for 1 minute, relax, and then stand on one foot for 1 minute and then the other foot for 1 minute.

5. Sit back down and relax.

If you have done all of these things you have completed the test and now you can say “I did it!” Now do you feel like you have the winter Blues?

Volume 20 Issuue 3

Dr. Rick Baker is Back . . . and accepting new patients!

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Our Environment

11

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Weed of the Month : Yellow Toadflax

Manage Your Forest

By Chase Youngdahl, Bonner County Weeds Manager

In reality, we still have a ways to go until proper spring. However, I would encourage folks to start thinking ahead and planning for spring happenings. It’s easy to fall behind (no pun intended, soon the clocks will spring forward) when it comes to weed control, and if you don’t have a plan in place, it could turn into a stressful scramble at a point in the year when life in general is starting to become more hectic for many. My department has resources to help—including sprayers for rent, access to some biological control agents, weeds identification assistance and advice/recommendations for herbicides along with other control methods. Additionally, previous programs are still tentatively funded and intact; the Neighborhood Cooperative Cost Share offers some reimbursement for herbicides used to control listed noxious weeds on private property, and the Flowering Rush Cost Share offers reimbursement for a professional herbicide application on the lake bed [prior to summer flooding] around your dock and swimming area. Get in touch anytime for additional information. Allow me to help with your weed control planning!

I’m presenting Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) as the Weed of the Month. This is an Idaho state listed noxious weed with scattered populations throughout Bonner County. It’s a creeping perennial, so it primarily spreads by lateral roots, but also spreads by seed. The seeds will not blow onto your property from elsewhere, they need to be carried, as they disperse just a few feet away from the parent plant(s).

Unlike some other weeds in the same genus, Yellow Toadflax is very herbaceous and usually tops out at relatively low heights, 1-2 feet.

The main identifying factors are the lance-shaped leaves that are very pale in color, as well as the bi-colored flowers (dark yellow to orange encapsulated by pale yellow). The flower color combination inspired an additional common name; some refer to it as ‘Butter & Eggs’. It has been reported to cross with its relative, Dalmatian Toadflax, but I have yet to confirm a hybrid in Bonner County.

Yellow Toadflax was intentionally introduced from Eurasia as an ornamental and did not take long to become an aggressive invader, prompting several states to list it as a noxious weed. It can be found in an array of sites; pastures, forest margins, turf, landscapes and along roadsides. This is one that creates issues in rural, suburban and urban settings due to its resolute adaptability and relative difficulty in controlling it. In rural settings, it displaces native vegetation in natural areas, and outcompetes desirable feed in pastures. This drives out big game and puts pasture animals in a bind, respectively.

Yellow Toadflax does contain alkaloids, making it toxic to livestock— most cases of poisoning occur as a result of contaminated hay consumption. In suburban/urban settings, it can quickly overtake a lawn or landscape. This is problematic due to the lack of labeled herbicides for quality control on turf sites.

Biological control agents are available—while they are not as effective at reducing overall density as the agents that target Dalmatian Toadflax, they could help provide some suppression in forest margins or other areas difficult to manage by other means. The most effective control measures for Yellow Toadflax are either specific herbicides, or frequent cultivation. Tilling on arable lands throughout the growing season will keep it at bay, and needs to be repeated for several seasons to deplete the root fragments of their resources. The most effective herbicide combination for range & pasture sites is chlorsulfuron (TelarXP® or generic) + 2,4-D (several trade names) + an MSO surfactant (Syl-Tac® or generic). Chlorsulfuron is labeled for unimproved, industrial turf—but not residential or commercial turf. A residential/commercial turf product needs to be used on those sites and would likely only provide suppression as opposed to full control. If Yellow Toadflax gets into your turf, catch it early to achieve a successful treatment. If it has taken a stronghold, you may need to start over with a new lawn.

Imazapyr (Polaris® or generic) is a non-selective herbicide and a tool that could be helpful in a ‘start over’ process.

Bonner County Weeds will have a table at the CO-OP Country Spirit Day. Come by for a chat and to get your hands on some helpful weed control literature.

Left: Toadflax rosette Right: Toadflax mature

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(208) 263-9420 • IFM@inlandforest.com

Saturday March 14, 2020 CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Country Store 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho

On March 14, 2020 the CO-OP Country Store is the place to be for fun, food, prizes, vendors, balloons, face painting, great deals throughout the store, demonstrations and a whole bunch more! This is the day we celebrate you, our treasured customers, and we want to make sure you know you are invited to join us for this fun day. Vendors will be in place from 9 am into the afternoon. We will be serving Papa Murphy’s Pizza from 11:30 am - 1 pm and you don’t want to miss that.

The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company is celebrating 84 years in business here in Bonner County. This is no small thing. The Cooperative has been here almost as long as Sandpoint has been on the map. Many changes have come and gone and the face of the CO-OP itself has changed as well. In the past, when the CO-OP first opened, farmers and ranchers were those mainly coming through the doors. Timber workers have also depended on us and we have always had a soft spot for the homemaker.

Our past newsletter, “The CO-OP Bulletin” , was printed monthly by the CO-OP and featured such information as sales in the store, new products, shipping issues, political issues impacting the agricultural world, and a reminder of what part the cooperative played in everyones lives. It ran from about 1939 through the late 40’s. Just two sides of a legal sheet of paper, it contained the heart and soul of the CO-OP penned by caring souls. We often look back at these newsletters as a guide for the current Round Up so we don’t miss the flavor, the intense commitment of the CO-OP to be there for the customer and the community for many years to come.

But we also find among those pages trends that have changed over the years. One 1939 newsletter referred to the free ranging of laying hens as being “out” . This had to do with changes in feed and breeding stock for increased, up to 3 times, the normal egg production in laying hens. But these days we find many people preferring eggs produced by free range chickens. Today we are more likely to hear about “GMO” food or the need for more small farms, not less. How times do change.

The Annual Meeting of the Cooperative will be held at 9:30 am on March 1, 2020 at the CO-OP Country Store in Ponderay with registration begining at 8:30 am. We hope all members will attend as this is where we do the business of running this very old, and very important community cooperative. Come and see what the cooperative has achieved over these last year and how our Board of Directors have worked together to make the CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. a strong, vibrant business able to weather the economic challenges facing us all.

Country Spirit Day out in the store will be filled with vendors and community information tables on everything from beekeeping, to gardening, weed management, homestead life and more. We will have our very popular Kid Zone again this year as well so bring the whole family! We look forward to seeing you there!

at e l b a t ! h r t u 4 o 1 t i h rc vis a e M m y o a C tD i r i p S y Countr

14

The Gardener’s Corner

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

BCGA Offers Spring Garden Classes

by Ann Warwick

Now is a good time to start thinking about spring gardening projects. To help you get in the mood and to arm you with new ideas, The Bonner County Gardeners Association is presenting a series of eight Spring Home Horticulture Classes on a variety of topics. With the exception of one field trip on April 25, the classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm at our office/classroom in the Ponderay Event Center building at 401 Bonner Mall Way, upstairs in Suite F. The classes are open to the public. A fee of $10 for each class covers handouts, snacks, and classroom expenses. To reserve a seat for any of these classes, you may visit our web site at bcgardeners.org, or call and leave a message at 208 265-2070, and someone will get back to you.

Here is the schedule: March 18: Pruning Basics, with Gail Locke. Winter is hard on woody plants, and spring is the time to rejuvenate them. Gail will show you how to improve your landscape with thoughtful pruning of shrubs and trees.

March 25: Raised Bed Gardening, Becky Reynolds will provide a variety of methods of growing vegetables in raised beds and containers. Explore the advantages of using raised bed gardening methods.

April 1: Spring Mushrooms, with Art Church. Learn which mushrooms appear in the spring, and how to identify them. This class will help you identify wild fungi you find in the spring.

April 8: Small Orchard Care, with Kyle Nagy, manager of the Sandpoint Organic Agricultural Center. This class provides information from planting to month by month care of your orchard. If you have fruit trees or plan to plant some, this class is a must.

April 15: Preparedness for the Rural Resident. Tim Gift, a retired fire fighter, will discuss forest management and landscape practices to reduce fire hazards, and will also provide general guidelines for preparedness for any natural disaster.

April 25, Saturday. Compost, presented by Ann Warwick and Janae Dale. This class is a field trip to 768 Samuels Road, and will take place from 2 to 4pm.. Ann will introduce you to her compost pile and discuss care and maintenance for good production. Janae will demonstrate worm bin composting and will show you how to build your own worm bin and harvest wonderful compost.

April 29: Herbs and Edible Flowers, with Monica Mitzel. Monica has a vast knowledge of edible plants and flowers, how to grow them, when to harvest and how to preserve them for future use.

May 6: Cooking with Spring Greens, with chef Alex Jacobsen. This class will show you how to incorporate spring greens into delicious meals, and includes tastes of Alex’s creations.

PLANNING THE SPRING GARDEN March is too early to plant most vegetables, but it is a good time to plan the garden. A well planned garden can make a big difference in results later in the season.

First, sketch your garden layout. Make an outline of the whole vegetable garden, then draw in the individual beds or rows. Label the areas occupied with crops that stay from year to year, such as rhubarb, asparagus, and berries. Next, make several copies of this drawing. Now, stretch your memory and write in what was planted in each of the beds last year. Mark this sketch “2019.” Keep this record in a file for use this year and in following years. You will want to create an ongoing record of previous gardens.

Why do that, you ask. It is important to “rotate” crops each year.

This means that it is best not to place a member of the same plant family in the same area year after year. If you put such plants in the same location, you risk depletion of nutrients essential to optimum development. In addition, if pests were present on the produce, they could overwinter and wait for you to provide their favorite food again the next year. Moving plant families to different places in the garden can confuse and deter those pests.

Some examples of plant families: Legumes: Peas and Beans Cabbage family: Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli Nightshade Family: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Potatoes Squash Family: Summer and Winter Squash, Pumpkins, Cucumbers

Alliums: Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks

Beets and Chard Other considerations in planning the garden are sun and shade areas. Some plants are more shade tolerant than others. Lettuce, for example, is not happy in a hot, full sun location. One can plant a row of lettuce behind trellised beans or peas to take advantage of the shade provided by the beans.

Now, take a blank copy of the garden sketch, and label it “2020.” Consulting your “2019” sketch and following the guidelines above, determine where to plant your crops for this year’s garden. If you make a habit of keeping records and rotating crops from year to year, you can prevent problems from developing, or reduce them once they appear.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that grapes were grown to make wine about 8,000 years ago in Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq), although the ancient Egyptians were the first to record the process of making wine about 5,000 years ago.

Our Changing World

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 2

15

Farm Bureau Reaffirms Hemp Support During 80th Annual Meeting

Gov. Brad Little wished Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members a happy 80th birthday Dec. 3 during the group’s annual meeting.

“Happy 80th,” Little, a farmer and rancher, said during IFBF’s 80th annual meeting. “Farm Bureau has always had a big part in Idaho …

I know full well you’re the backbone of rural Idaho.”

The meeting attracts several hundred farmers, ranchers and their families, as well as industry leaders who come to watch as Farm Bureau voting delegates from across the state develop the policy that will guide the organization during the coming year.

IFBF President Bryan Searle, a farmer from Shelley, also praised Farm Bureau members for helping the organization remain strong for 80 years.

“That’s a long time,” he said. “We recognize each and every one of you for helping to make Idaho Farm Bureau the strong organization that we are.”

IFBF is Idaho’s largest general farm organization and represents 14,000 people involved with agriculture.

Little made clear his stance on industrial hemp, which was a major topic of discussion during the House of Delegates meeting, where farmers and ranchers vote on proposed changes to IFBF’s policy book.

The 2018 farm bill, which was passed into law last December, made it legal, for the first time in the United States, for farmers to grow, process and sell industrial hemp, which by federal law can only contain a minimal amount of THC, the psychoactive compound that gets marijuana users high.

According to experts, it is virtually impossible to get high from industrial hemp. The farm bill left it up to states to create their own policy on hemp and Idaho is one of only three states in the nation that doesn’t allow hemp production. Attempts to pass legislation that would legalize hemp production in Idaho are expected during the 2020 Idaho Legislature, which convenes in January.

Little said he has no problem with hemp as long as it’s not used as a means to camouflage marijuana.

“I have no problem with hemp but I do have a huge problem with … marijuana,” he said.

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation policy has supported industrial hemp production for more than two decades.During their policy development session Dec. 4-5, Idaho Farm Bureau voting delegates confirmed IFBF’s position on industrial hemp.

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16

Your Health

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Like a Fish out of Water

by Gabrielle Duebendorfer, NMD

I recently had the opportunity to do a pleasure dive at a coral reef in Thailand. After very rudimentary instruction in the pool the instructor told me not to worry - he would take care of everything. With some trepidation as to whether I would be able to breath under water, remember how to get water out of my goggles, inflate and deflate my flotation device, recapture my breathing device in case it got lost, decompress my sinuses, etc, I ventured into the water. What an experience!!!! It was a different world. Once I stopped worrying about all the potential looming disasters - including sharks - I reveled in greeting shoals of fish in ever varying configurations, individual lion fish hovering in one place, moray eels lurking under corals, and corals appearing in all kinds of formations and colors.

Just like I relied on my guide in this adventure, I relied on my oncologists on my recent journey with surgery and radiation for breast cancer.

It was important and laborious to find one that I really trusted as, like diving, having my body invaded was a completely new experience. Even though I felt very comfortable with my treatment and practitioner choices, and had accompanied quite a few cancer patients myself as a naturopathic physician, I felt like a fish out of water going through this myself. I was reassured that major side-effects are rare and that somebody will be available if needed. Together with my own naturopathic resources and trust in my body and mind I ventured ahead.

Well, I overestimated the rarity of the side effects, the power of my naturopathic tools, as well as the availability of my practitioners, just like I overestimated my ability to dive by myself on the third dive. The idea of navigating myself wherever I wanted to go and the challenge of controlling my own buoyancy was too tempting. Besides I was hoping for a turtle or a whale shark on the third try. The first 10 minutes or so were exhilarating but then my lack of training became evident quite quickly. Wanting to not touch the coral below me, which came closer with long exhales, I kept inhaling over and over again. However, it was drilled into me to not hold my breath. That’s when panic struck - and you don’t do that under water!!! It took me awhile to convince my guide that I needed to get to the surface where we agreed for him to take over again.

I wish I had not agreed to that third dive as by then I was cold, shivering, exhausted and just wanted to be done.

Similarly I was not prepared for how exhausting radiation was going to be. The power of ionizing radiation is way stronger than any natural remedy could hold up to. Besides all the stress getting my work and life schedule arranged and rearranged to accommodate 20 minute treatments five times a week, which often were changed without me being notified and involved a 3 hour round trip, I had to face having my body be zapped. Though my radiologist had convinced me of the long term benefit in my particular case, I dreaded getting under what I called my zapper. I had never knowingly done anything harmful to my body that had immediate and potentially long term consequences. Having to lie still and have these outer space modules turn around me, laser beams scanning, and photon beams penetrating my breast, I felt like I was in outer space somewhere with aliens surrounding me - threatening to say the least.

It didn’t help to have the well meaning technician say that the machine really is my friend as it will get rid of all the cancer. At that moment the thought of destroying my immune system and potentially harming my lymphatic system was more prominent than potential cancer cells getting killed that might still be lurking within my tissue. What changed was the reminder from my beloved mentor, who reminded me that really it’s all just energy working in harmony. Next time I looked my zapper straight in the face and sang my favorite healing chant. It changed my relationship with it to the point of being able to surrender rather than resist.

The radiologist had reassured me that I would basically experience a form of moderate sunburn and that, besides firmer breast tissue and potential spider veins, there were very rare chances of other long term side-effect like breathing or swallowing issues or other cancers. One morning, about two weeks into radiation, I woke up not being able to breath with my heart beating so hard that I thought it would jump out of my chest. That’s where I started to feel like I was falling through the cracks having to repeatedly pull myself out. I wished I had some trusted guide who I could rely on. As it turned out it was me who had to determine where to get the proper help as I refused to go to the ER as advised.

Luckily I have a lot of medical knowledge and resources and together with my oncologist sister, after some imaging and blood work, figured out that it probably was a blood clot in the lungs caused by the radiation and ameliorated by the anti-inflammatory protocol I had been on. In the meantime, once I actually got a hold of someone, I was told that this can’t be due to radiation, and that it’s probably dehydration or anxiety. At the end, we all agreed that we probably never will find out exactly what happened as this was a quite unusual occurrence. All I know for sure is that I still have some breathing issues that were not there before radiation.

I was able to deal ok with the moderate sunburn until radiation therapy was over, especially as one kind nurse happened to give me some non sticky bandages to alleviate worsening irritation of the radiated skin. The problem then was how to keep them in place on top of all the oils and creams I was using without ruining every top I had. After my last radiation treatment and radiologist visit, the 20% chance for me to get open oozing wounds became reality. I was told that radiation damage would continue for up to 2 weeks after treatment stopped, but I wasn’t prepared for this. This continued for two weeks and just before I was ready to leave for my trip, I experienced sudden swelling on top of it.

That’s when I really felt left out in the cold.

Basically I was told to tough it out as it would all get better soon - not much help when you are in the midst of it all and getting ready for a 24 hour airplane/airport transit. Once again I was to rely on my own resources and connections. An online oncology wound care site was helpful in preparing me for even worse scenarios. Knowing what to expect and what tools to use was very empowering. Similarity, visiting with a local PT who specialized in manual lymph drainage was most helpful. She explained how to differentiate radiation induced swelling from lymph edema, gave me drainage exercises to begin immediately to prevent the latter, and fitted me with custom fitted pads to insert into a special bra to assist fluid drainage.

Reassured and well equipped I embarked on my flights. It seemed half of my backpack’s weight was creams, lotions, supplements and bandages. Go figure that it got lost in Shanghai - though I had a major temper tantrum with very unhelpful Chinese officials, I managed to Medical - Dental - Pediatrics do without most of the stuff for the Behavioral Health - VA first week. I had the home made cream I needed most and within that week my skin really did heal 267-1718 Bonners Ferry like the nurse had predicted.

265-6252 Ponderay What I had been missing for 265-2242 Sandpoint Pediatrics the last 6 weeks in this medical 448-2321 Priest River world was somebody who really cared; who prepared me for 263-0450 VA what was coming; who was there kaniksuhealthservices.org when I needed them; who guided me through the maze of tests We accept Medicaid, Medicare & most and decisions. It was not surprising that I found myself just crying insurances. No insurance? No problem. when I arrived at the meditation A low-cost sliding-scale fee structure is retreat in the middle of the jungle available. No one is excluded due to - a place where people took time inability to pay. Accepting new patients. to sit down and listen or share; Same day appointments. provided little things like a metal

We treat superheros and princesses every day

Fish Continued on page 17

Our Community

17

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Scholarship Applications Available

The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company is pleased to announce the establishment of scholarships available for the upcoming 2020-2021 college season. These scholarships are available specifically for continuing education in the areas of Agriculture and Conservation.

However, conditions for two year programs do apply. The scholarships vary in value from $500 to $1000. Applications are available on line at coopcountrystore.com/programs/scholarships. If you do not have access to our website please email kathy@coopgasandsupply. com for assistance. The applications are due April 30, 2020.

Bonner County Sportsmen’s Foundation Scholarship Applications Due April 15th

Know someone who is planning on attending a college or trade school next year, and needs help with a scholarship? Bonner County residents who have passed a Hunter Education course are eligible to apply for scholarships given by the BCSF. Interest in the outdoors, community service, and financial need are some of the criteria considered by the scholarship committee. Further information and applications are available on line at www.bonnercountysportsmen.org and also at the Sportsmen’s table at the 2020 Gun ’n Horn Show. The Bonner County Sportsmen awarded $1750 in scholarships in 2019. Winners were: Emily Jo Miller, North Idaho College -$500; Michael Myers, University of Idaho -$500; Victoria Deanne Hewitt , Boise State University -$250; Thomas Luckey ,University of Idaho - $250; and Anthony Storro, University of Idaho -$250.

Charitable donation tax receipts provided to Donors.

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Think Remodel • Think Fish Continued water refill bottle, a basket to carry one’s stuff across the raft pathways, a sarong to cover oneself after swimming in the lake. The simple fact that somebody had thought of all the things one might need to make life a little easier felt so caring. The opportunity to practice in community and reconnect with my own inner resources while being held by my surroundings allowed me to find my way back “home” again.

The past two months had been so focused on getting rid of the cancer and preventing infection that my humanity had gotten lost somewhere. I felt like I had been dropped and fallen through the cracks and had to pull myself back out so many times that it had become exhausting. I am not usually a person who cries easily, but during this process I had been on the verge of tears many times. The most memorable time was when a practitioner just greeted me by pulling up his chair and said “how can I best help you today?” That simple gesture meant so much more to me than any medical advice. Having the sheets tucked in around me after proper positioning for radiation felt like I am still a human being and not just one more number to be put through the machine.

It was the being thrown into unknown waters, just like my diving experience, that had made me very vulnerable. There are so many thing to learn, become familiar with, decisions to make; so many fears to face; so many new experiences to digest and surrender to; so many long term body changes to deal with. Of course I am grateful to be free of cancer now, but having somebody who truly cared and was there for me ended up being the most supportive thing - like my husband’s flexibility to pick up the chores and listen to my gripes; my friends’ and family’s willingness to inquire how I was doing; the renewed friendships that grew out of the many offered rides.

0.0

%% 0.0 FINANCING

APR

APR

for 84 months

FINANCING

for 84 months

It was like the bounty and beauty offered by the underwater world as I was willing to dive deep with the help of a trusted guide. For both journeys, I found that proper preparation of what to expect, access to helpful tools, and somebody who is available and responsive to attend to my need was crucial. It didn’t matter how perfect the facility, set up, and plan was. It was being heard and being empowered with my own tools that was the most helpful - and somebody who was willing to ask “what do you really need right now?” Had I known, like my husband explained to me later, that diving takes a lot out of you energetically and physically, I would not have agreed to this third 45 minute dive. Now that I know how vulnerable one gets going trough cancer treatment, I hope to hold the space for future patients in a way more empowering, caring way.

Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports 195 Triangle Drive Ponderay, Id 83864 208-263-1535 sandpointmarineandmotorsports.com

Hayden Equipment 11258 N. Warren Hayden, ID 83835

Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer is currently on semi-sabbatical through the month of April to restructure her practice to better serve patients with cancer and other chronic disease. She is currently not seeing new patients but can be reached at 208-2652213.

18 Recipes etc.....

Home & Hearth

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

by Kathy Osborne

At this writing it is late February and already the weather is tempting us with thoughts of working outside and getting a jump on the garden! Alas, no matter what it feels like outside it is still winter and we must take care not to try to bring spring on too soon.

Even under the snow some plants will come out, such as daffodils, primroses, and herbs such as the mints will begin to emerge.

These are perennials and they come up when they come up - no stopping nature. But this is not the time to place new plantings in the soil. The weather remains too cold for regular gardening but there is all manner of planting that can go on in the greenhouse.

For one, HERBS! If you have always wanted to grow your own herbs, either culinary or for crafts, this is the time to make those dreams a reality. All it takes is a little planning and patience.

The CO-OP stocks herb seeds this time of year as the bedding plants will not be available until late April / early May. And for some herbs such as the various basils May is still too early to place them without adequate protection. So this is a good time to sow herb seed in the greenhouse.

Excellent options are the parsleys, basils, oregano, rosemary cuttings, and some companion flowers such as Crackerjack Marigold. These companions combat garden pests whom like to attack tomato plants.

Parsley is notoriously slow to germinate so be patient. Sow the seed in good seed starting mix and make sure to follow seed packet directions for soil moisture until the seedlings appear. This herb is so worth waiting for! And when you succeed, you’ll be rewarded with at least two more years of production.

This is also a great time to sow your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in the greenhouse.

Make sure these plants get plenty of light from plant lights. Some people use fluorescents but I prefer the T-5 lights. For me they just work better. And with these plants I want a strong, vigorous stem before they go in the garden later. In fact, I like strong stems on all my bedding plants. Legginess, which results from relying on only a sunny window for light, leads to a weak plant overall.

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Rural Life

19

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Disrespectful Equine Partnerships: The Human Element

As I travel worldwide to work with horses, a common question I get is, “How do I establish safe interactions with my horse?” The initial motivators to seek a change in the relationship tend to stem from events where the horse overwhelmed the handler. For many people, mundane tasks with the horse such as catching, leading, passing through a gate, grooming, standing for mounting, loading into the horse trailer, standing for the farrier, or accepting being hosed down, can quickly turn into dangerous scenarios if a respectful partnership has not been created.

When unwanted behavior occurs with the horse, many people react passively and disbelieve the potential severity of a situation. Misinterpreting the horse’s response as “bad, stubborn, and resistant” without recognizing that it is the animal’s way of asking for help, support, guidance, and boundaries can be detrimental when attempting to build a trusting, safe partnership.

Before folks believe they might need professional guidance, they tend to compromise by learning how to work “around” their horse.

This band-aid approach may seem “successful” in the short term. But it also builds an anticipative and defensive partnership, because each participant is reacting to the other, leaving no leader, no boundaries and no specific intention.

Horses can quickly learn their dramatic behavior will keep the human at bay. Common scenarios where people avoid potentially bothering their horse may include: I let him graze while I try to close the gate so that he is distracted while I shoo off his pasture mate.

I have to mount him in this specific location; otherwise, he might try to __________.

I have to hide the halter and offer a treat so that he doesn’t run off when I go to catch him.

I keep him cross-tied so that he can’t turn around to bite me when I saddle/cinch him up.

I have to put him in the horse trailer in between rides so that he doesn’t cause a problem when we are at a clinic/show/event.

Once I turn onto the trail for home, I don’t ask my horse to halt because he’ll just fight me the entire ride home.

If I’m with a group on a ride, I stay on my horse to eat my lunch as I don’t think he’ll let me back on if I dismount.

My horse loads fine, as long as he has a buddy in the trailer.

Many riders are fixated on dodging the unwanted apparent behavior, which is a symptom, rather than addressing the underlying question: WHY are they continuing to ask and present overwhelming scenarios to their horse when a solid foundation based on clear communication has not yet been established?

So let me back up... most colts do not initially “begin” as problem horses. It is generally a lack of equine-related education and misinterpretation of horse behavior that leads a person to make inappropriate choices in how they interact with their horse. The horse’s behavior may not seem “all that bad” initially. But the continual miscommunication can soon evolve to where the horse’s responses have become unreasonable. I find people put more effort into not offending their horse rather than seeking support from an equine professional.

As riding has evolved into a pleasure, past-time sport rather than one in which our daily survival and lifestyle is based upon, modern-day riders have limited experiences among horses. Their perspective and perceptions are often inadequate when trying to translate why a horse is behaving in a certain way. The inability to recognize the finite communication the horse is continuously offering in seemingly insignificant moments winds up being a massive contributor to long-term unwanted situations.

The following three scenarios usually have occurred in many of the human-created dangerous horses I work with.

The owner’s initial desire to be their horse’s “friend,” rather than a leader. Many cases of trying to be nice, often lead to the animal not receiving specific and fair boundaries in the interaction.

Owners not having a “standard” when they work with their horse, such as the horse being respectful of the human’s personal space, learning to wait patiently, physically responding softly to a human’s communication, etc.

People tend to be in the “gray area” when making decisions rather than operating in the “black and whiteness” of how horses respond.

A horse is either mentally or emotionally okay or he is not. When he asks for guidance, direction or support, a lack of immediate specificity from the human creates limited support towards the horse, who will wind up taking over in the decisions making process to “protect” himself.

Another factor is focus in the human. The last statistic I read according to Microsoft Corp. was the human’s attention span lasts eight

seconds, having decreased by four seconds from 20 years ago. With an increased continual stimulus of technology, stresses of life, work, family, etc. people seek out quick-fix solutions for most problems in their life, including when dealing with their horse. This approach is why every tack magazine has multiple gadgets to “fix” unwanted behavior. But this is masking the symptom and not addressing the root cause.

Time constraints also tend to create limited follow-through by the human. The “starting” of a conversation by the rider and then bailing midway, creates a vicious cycle teaching the horse he will be “abandoned” by the human at some point mid-interaction. So the horse begins to anticipate and take-over sooner during each ride.

There can be a steep learning curve as people realize they can have a standard of respect when communicating and interacting with the horse. It takes thought, knowledge, trial-and-error, effort, and experimentation to learn how to influence changes in both themselves and their horses. Building trust, respect and a partnership with a 1,000lb prey animal can be a life-changing experience. It forces the human to become the best version of them to grow into the respectful leader their horse needs.

Offering Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey, for 16 years Sam has been based from May through October at The Equestrian Center, LLC, located just 12 miles north of Sandpoint, ID. For over 20 years she has offered lessons, training, guest lectured, demos and clinics nationally. She works with students and horse of all levels and disciplines. For more information please visit www.learnhorses.com 208-265-2644

LOG PRICES Species

February 2020

December 2019

$360 - $445/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 February 14, 2020 Due to consistently high log inventories and a fairly stable lumber market, log prices continue to experience little movement across all species.

However, lumber prices have been trending slightly upward and the lumber futures market has increased significantly recently, which bodes well for a stronger log market as we come out of spring breakup. That being said, it is my opinion that log prices will be higher this spring, but only modestly so considering the plentiful log supply. - 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.

20

The Great Outdoors

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Get Your Body ready for Spring and Summer Recreation

We all know we need more exercise. We also know that if we have been sedentary during the winter there are some things we can do before we head out into the great out doors to have some fun! Here, Sherry Granader of Healthy Living shares her thoughts on getting fit.

Understanding how your body responds to exercise is like how it feels when you press on the gas pedal in your car and you get up to 55 mph in a heart beat. Spring is here and it is time for a tune-up by making sure you body is ready for a great workout that yields results. lunge.jpgHere are 5 must-do exercises that really drive your body to increase metabolic rate and reduce body fat: Step-Ups - use a step or platform that is about 4-6 inch• Metal Machining, • Transmission & es high. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and jump Welding & Rear-End Rebuilds onto the step or platform at least 15 times. Repeat after Fabrication & Exchanges walking around the platform in a complete circle.

Squats - stand with your feet hip-width apart and place • Custom U-Bolts & • Driveline Rebuilds your arms to your side. Pretend there is a chair behind Hydraulic Hoses& Repairs you and almost sit bringing your arms out in front keepwhile you wait! ing your back flat and abdominal muscles pulled in.

Push-ups - begin on your knees or feet and place your REPAIR • PARTS • SERVICE • EQUIPMENT • TRUCKS • RVS hands shoulder-width apart on the step or platform.

Inhale as you lower your body to the step and exhale as 1100 Triangle Drive • Ponderay, Idaho you push yourself up. Repeat for 15 repetitions.

208-263-4643 FULL SERVICE Tricep Dips - sit with your back to the step and place Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

CUMMINS DEALER your hands behind you on the step. Lift and lower your body using your tricep muscles to do the work keeping your elbows in line with your wrists.

Repeat 12 times.

Lunges - stand with one foot on the step and place your other SANDPOINT MARINE & MOTORSPORTS foot behind you so that your front 195 TRIANGLE DRIVE knee is over your heel. Lower PONDERAY, ID 208-263-1535, sandpointpolaris.com your body keeping your shoulders in line with your hips at least 12 times for each leg. Repeat on the other leg.

The key to getting results with this quick workout is doing all the moves back to back without any rest. It will spike your metabolism, burn fat and help you to continue to burn calories even hours after your workout. Aim for doing this workout at least twice a week. On the other days, go for a walk, take a yoga class or chase your dog around the yard.

Your Cummins Full Service Dealer

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*Offers vary by model. Rebate and financing offers valid on select 2016-2020 new and unregistered Polaris® RZR®, RANGER®, Sportsman®, GENERAL®, and ACE® models purchased between 1/1/20-2/29/20. **Rates as low as 3.99% APR for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 3.99% APR rate: $29.52 per $1,000 financed; and with a 60-month term at a 6.99% APR rate: $19.80 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 3.99% APR for 36 months at an MSRP of $12,699 is $374.87/mo. total cost of borrowing of $796.27 with a total obligation of $13,495.27. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed.

Promotion may be modified or discontinued without notice at any time in Polaris' sole discretion. WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don't mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2020 Inc.

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

22

Economics

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

Private Mortgage Insurance: How It Works

by Judy Baird AVP, Branch Manager, Mountain West Bank

How private mortgage insurance works Rates are great right now. Whether you are a first time home buyer or thinking about refinancing your higher rate mortgage, it’s a good time to discuss options with a real estate lender.

When applying for your mortgage, in some circumstances borrowers may be required to pay for private mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is what homeowners will need to pay to offset the risk to the lenders who grant a home loan. It’s typically required by conventional mortgage lenders when homebuyers put down less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price or for government-backed loans such as an FHA loan.

The home buyer will need a pay a mortgage insurance premium though how it’s paid can differ by lender. It can increase the cost of your loan and is typically included in your total monthly payment. In most cases you may need to make an upfront payment at closing then additional monthly payments on top of payments towards your mortgage.

If the lender determines the borrower will need to pay PMI, the lender will arrange it through a private insurance provider. Prior to closing on the loan, the lender will disclose how much PMI will be required in addition to the mortgage principal, interest and taxes. Loan documents may also indicate when the borrower will be able to stop paying PMI — basically when the loan reaches 80 percent of the home’s value.

The average annual PMI premium typically ranges from .55 percent to 2.25 percent of the original loan amount each year, according to data from Ginnie Mae and the Urban Institute. With these rates, it means that for a $200,000 mortgage, PMI can cost between $1,100 and $4,500 each year, or around $91.66 to $375 per month.

Credit score and loan-to-value (LTV) ratio have a big influence on PMI mortgage premiums. For example, the higher the credit score, the lower the PMI rate can be. Whereas the higher the loan to value (LTV), it’s possible the PMI amount will be higher.

For example, let’s assume the price of the home is $200,000. The buyer is able to put down a 20%, or $40,000, down payment. At a 4% interest rate, the monthly principal and interest payment would be approximately $763. Since the borrower was able to make a 20% down payment, there is no requirement for PMI. In this scenario, the house price and interest rate are the same, but the down payment is lower than 20%. The monthly principal and interest payment would still be $763 but 1% of the home cost, or $166, is added to the payment so the monthly payment now becomes $1,025.

PMI payment options differ by lenders, but typically borrowers can opt to make a lump sum payment each year, which is known as single-payment mortgage insurance. Once this payment has been made, the borrower may not be able to get a refund of the premium should the borrower decide to refinance or move homes.

More commonly, borrowers roll the full premium into their monthly mortgage payment. A third option is a hybrid which allows the borrower to make a partial upfront payment and roll the rest into the monthly mortgage bill.

There are exceptions to the rule which requires PMI for conventional mortgages. It’s important to talk with your lender and discuss potential options if you want to avoid PMI. For example, loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs do not require PMI. U. S. Department of Agriculture loans do not require any down payment and do not require mortgage insurance. However, because the LTV is high without a down payment, they require mortgage insurance premiums to protect themselves in case you go into default. USDA Mortgage Insurance is mandatory on all USDA loans regardless of your down payment amount.

The mortgage insurance that USDA requires is still much less than what you would need to pay for FHA Mortgage Insurance or any conventional loans that do not have at least a 20% down payment. This is a great way to keep your payment lower without being required to make a down payment of 20%.

If your loan does include PMI, it’s important to keep track of your loan balance and area home prices. Once the loan balance reaches 80 percent of the home’s original value and you’ve reached 20 percent equity, either through paying down your loan balance over time or through rising home values, contact your lender (in writing) about removing PMI from your mortgage. Loan servicers must terminate PMI on the date your loan balance is scheduled to reach 80 percent of the home’s original value.

Essentially, PMI insurance protects lenders in case the homeowner defaults on the loan since the homeowner has less than 20 percent equity stake in the house. PMI doesn’t necessarily protect the buyer and adds to the monthly mortgage expenses , but it does offer a way to become a homeowner if the buyer does not have at least that 20% for a down payment. Especially when you’re buying a home, check with your lender to see if PMI makes sense for you.

The CO-OP Country Round Up A paper for, and about, country people.

Owned by the CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho 83852 208-263-6820

The Round Up is published bimonthly by Round Up Publishing and printed by TPC Printing, Lewiston, Idaho.

Our distribution is 40,000 in North Idaho and West Sanders county in Montana.

The next issue of the Round Up will be out on May 8, 2020 Contributors : Jim Haynes, Ann Warwick, Judy Baird, Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer, Chase Youngdahl, and Samantha Harvey.

For advertising rates, information and questions please call 208.265.7703 or email kathy@coopgasandsupply.com You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and on our website coopcountrystore.com.

Real Estate and You

The CO-OP Country Round Up March / April 2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

23

North Idaho Real Estate Recap 2019: A Good Place to Invest?

by Jim Haynes, Associate Broker, Realm Partners

2019 was a good year for real estate both nationally and regionally.

Prices continued the recovery they started in 2011/2012. Below is a plot of median1 home sales price by year from 2010 to 2019 for the total United States and the three northern Idaho counties.

Median1 Home Sales Price $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0

2010

2011 United States

2012

2013

2014

Kootenai County

2015

2016

Bonner County

2017

2018

2019

Boundary County

Notice the overall upward trend for all geographic areas since 2012. Also notice that in 2012 the United States, Bonner County and Kootenai County all had very nearly the same median home sales price (approximately $174,000). Since 2012 median home sales prices in Bonner and Kootenai Counties have increased at a faster rate than the national average. For the last five years national median home sales prices have been up just over 5% per year. In Bonner and Kootenai Counties that yearly sales price appreciation has been twice as much (9 to 11% per year). As a result, the house in Bonner and Kootenai County that was worth very nearly the same amount as the national median home sales price in 2012 is now worth significantly more ($48,000 to $62,000 based on 4th quarter 2019 sales). Even in Boundary County, which lags the other northern Idaho counties in median home sales prices, the last five years have seen value increases of just over 8% on a year over year basis.

Less Inventory Puts Upward Pressure on Prices Both nationally and regionally median home sales prices have increased over the last several years (see real estate statistics this issue). Nationally, median home sales prices have been up on a year over year basis (current month as compared to the same month one year earlier) for 94 straight months. The increase in median Information compiled by Jim Haynes, Associate Broker, sales prices is due, in part, to the Realm Partners, 208-290-7249, jim.haynes@frontier.com low inventory (number of homes for sale). Nationally, in December of Single Family Home Sales (number of units sold) 2019 there were three months of % Change from inventory, which marks the lowest 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2018 level since 1999 which is when United States * 5,250,000 5,450,000 5,510,000 5,340,000 5,340,000 0.0% the National Association of RealKootenai County ** 3,759 4,133 4,304 4,512 4,406 -2.3% tors started tracking the inventory.

Bonner County ** 779 840 881 1,000 908 -9.2% These conditions put significant upBoundary County ** 188 174 157 217 221 1.8% ward pressure on prices nationally.

Locally there has been a similar Single Family Median Home Sales Price trend in inventory. Current active % Change from listings are down approximately 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2018 13% over the same time last year United States * $222,400 $233,800 $247,200 $259,300 $271,800 4.8% and are down 67% since 2011.

Kootenai County ** $214,000 $230,330 $257,583 $292,000 $320,009 9.6% Our local inventory is 2.7 months Bonner County ** $235,000 $257,500 $280,990 $305,000 $334,000 9.5% which is significantly shorter than Boundary County ** $172,450 $175,000 $199,900 $194,000 $234,000 20.6% our historic norm. This puts upward pressure on prices locally. * Existing single family home sales ** Homes, condominiums and townhomes (existing and new) Prices Going Forward Source: National Association of Realtors, Coeur d'Alene MLS and Selkirk MLS Prices nationally are predicted to (1-1-2015 to 12-31-2019, information deemed reliable but not guaranteed) continue to increase at, or near, the current rate (5% increase per year).

Regionally, the trend going forward should follow the national trend but at a more robust pace (10-12%). Interest rates have fallen below 4% for 30-year fixed rate mortgages (3.94% for 2019). Lower interest rates increase the buying power of home buyers and continue to support the increase in home sales prices.

wSpring e N

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