PEOPLE compiled by
Susan Drinkard
watching
“Were you naughty or nice this year?” “I’ve been nice. Actually, more like 50/50.” John Heise Construction Sandpoint
“Nice. I deserve a stock pot for Christmas.” Lori Jasman School bus driver Priest River
DEAR READERS,
’Twas the night before deadline when all through the town, The shoppers were bustling with snow falling down; Stories were written with care by our staff, Who mostly receive kindness (but sometimes hear wrath); The skiers were anxious for a big dump of snow, With visions of powder turns and lift lines that aren’t slow; The downtown shops were all twinkling with care, In hopes we buy local instead of spending money elsewhere; The pets were all snuggled on their owners’ laps, Awaiting the treats and dinner table scraps; Let’s all be together, though socially distant, Let’s wear our masks to avoid this viral persistance. Let’s crack open beers and celebrate all that is light, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
– Ben Olson, publisher
READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert (News Editor) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Hannah Combs (cover), Ben Olson, Susan Drinkard, Racheal Baker, Bill Borders, Dawn Schatz. Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Lorraine H. Marie, Emily Erickson, Kathleen Huntley, Sandy Compton, Sen. Melissa Wintrow, Brenden Bobby, Ammi Midstokke, Ranel Hanson, Mike Wagoner. Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID
“I’ve been nice, I hope. I’d like to get clothes for Christmas.” Erin Madrian Age 14 Baldy Mountain Road area and Spokane Valley
“I’ve been mostly good. I don’t know. I am a shy introvert.” Abigail Snow Age 8 Schweitzer Mountain
“Nice. We’ve been waiting all year.”—Brianna “We want a miracle for Christmas—for COVID to stop.” —Brooke Ages 9 and 7 Sandpoint
Subscription Price: $115 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics. Requirements: –No more than 300 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion. Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers. Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook. About the Cover
This week’s cover artwork is by Hannah Combs, who has done the Reader Christmas covers the past three years now. Love your work, Hannah! December 23, 2020 /
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