Reader_Feb12_2025

2 / R / February 13, 2025

DEAR READERS,

The week in random review

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

The ballad of old blue

I’ve only owned one vehicle that I named. It was an old blue Chevy pickup born the same year as me, which I called, naturally, “Old Blue.” Anyone who rode in Old Blue understood the truck’s personality.

I had just returned to Sandpoint in a small RV that I lived in for a couple of years on the Oregon Coast, where I tried (and failed) to write several novels. I had decided to return to Sandpoint for a change of scene. I originally bought the RV for $1,500 and, after improving it, decided to sell it for $3,200 to see if I could make a profit.

One day, a blue Chevy pulled up to look at the RV. It looked like what a child would draw if asked to draw a truck: square sides, no frills.

A large man exited the driver’s seat and sent a dozen beer cans skittering across the pavement. His friend got out of the passenger seat and was as thin as the driver was fat. The driver and passenger both towed oxygen tanks behind them with one hand and smoked cigarettes with the other. They were quite the pair.

When the driver said he’d buy the RV for $1,700 if I took the Chevy as a trade to make up the difference, I wasn’t interested at first.

“Just drive it,” he said with a wink. I did and, after two blocks, I had fallen in love. How could I turn down the deal? I enjoyed telling people that I got paid $200 to take that truck.

Over the years, with my partner by my side on the bench seat, Old Blue took us all over the Northwest.

We drove it up mountains and parked beside rivers, setting up our bed in the back to sleep under the stars. In summer, Old Blue usually had our canoe permanently strapped overhead and band gear loaded in the back as we traveled from gig to gig. In winter, I’d shovel snow into the bed to give more traction to the rear tires. It was only after pulling about 50 cords of wood out of the forests that I noticed Old Blue was starting to slow down. Hills became difficult and sometimes the engine wouldn’t start, especially on cold mornings. Shopping trips to Spokane became ordeals. I knew it was time to get a new rig. Even after buying a newer (but still old) vehicle, I still held onto Old Blue for a couple more years. How do you get rid of a friend like that?

One day, a man drove by and asked about the truck while I was attempting to start it and move it to a better spot to slowly die. After some haggling and arm-bending, he offered me some money to take it off my hands. With tears in my eyes, I agreed. An hour later, I watched him load Old Blue onto a flatbed trailer and pull away.

They say if you love something, set it free. I get that. But I also wanted to hold onto Old Blue until we were both broken down old husks.

Sometimes I wonder if that man gave Old Blue a new lease on life. Maybe he’s out there now, tooling down a back road, Hank Williams on the radio and a twinkle in his eye. Either way, I’ll never forget the time I spent with my truck. Anyone who has owned an old pickup knows exactly what I’m talking about.

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, the mountain has been excellent lately. Sometimes, in these crazy times, the only thing to do is escape to the mountains to preserve what’s left of our sanity. My “Back of the Book” essay on Page 22 is a little homage to the powder days we cherish.

On another note, I’d like to thank you, our dear readers, for being so supportive of this newspaper. Rarely a day goes by when I don’t receive a kind note in the mail, an email cheering us on or a donation with a sticky note attached encouraging our staff to keep up the good work.

Sure, we get hate mail sometimes, but it’s always outweighed by the support we get from our community. We really appreciate that and I wanted to make sure you all knew how much it means to us. It’s tough work putting ourselves out there each week, but you all make it more bearable. Thank you for that and thanks for reading.

– Ben Olson, publisher

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Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Soncirey Mitchell (Staff Writer) soncirey@sandpointreader.com Editors Emeriti: Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Cameron Rasmusson John Reuter Advertising: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Chelsea Mowery (cover), Ben Olson, Racheal Baker Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Kyle Pfannenstiel, Jim Woodward, Todd Wendle, Lauren Necochea Submit Stories To: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed Weekly At: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID Subscription Price: $185 per year Website Designed By: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, bluster, 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.

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Letter to the Editor Policy: We welcome letters to the editor on all relavant topics. Please, no more than 300 words, no excessive profanity or libelous statements and no trolls. Please elevate the discussion and stay on topic.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinons expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publisher. Send to: letters@sandpointreader.com About the Cover: This week’s cover photo by Chelsea Mowery.

February 13, 2025 / R / 3

NEWS

Politics roil regional library districts

Kootenai County curtails access under Idaho’s ‘harmful to minors’ library materials law — breaking with 30-member library consortium

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff About seven months after Idaho House Bill 710 went into effect as Idaho Code 18-1517B, placing a range of restrictions on access to library materials deemed “harmful to minors,” the law is facing its second legal challenge with a suit filed by the Donnelly Public Library, national book publishers, and Idaho parents and students.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho on Feb. 4, argues that I.C. 18-1517B — otherwise known as the Children’s School and Library Protection Act — is “vague and sweeping,” and runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution “by forcing public schools and libraries to undertake drastic measures to restrict minors’ access to books, or face injunction and/ or monetary penalty.”

The Donnelly library is part of the suit due to the onerous demands put on its facilities by compliance with the law, which has led some libraries to move materials defined as “obscene” or otherwise “harmful” to patrons under 18 to an age-restricted location.

However, the rural library is only 1,024 square feet and “our size prohibits us from separating our ‘grown up’ books to be out of the accessible range of children,” library officials wrote in a May 2024 Facebook post. “In order to comply with the legislation we will be transitioning our Library to be an adult only library as of July 1st. …

“This change is painful and not what we had hoped for at all. We desire to comply with state and federal legislation, but because of size we have to protect our staff, our library, and our taxpayer money.”

The East Bonner County Library District has not joined 4 / R / February 13, 2025

the suit, “but I am not surprised to hear there is one,” EBCL Director Vanessa Velez told the Reader in an email.

“Because of the inherent bias in the law — especially the part that defines any act of homosexuality as sexual conduct and therefore ‘harmful to minors’ — and its overly broad and vague language, I think it was only a matter of time,” she added. “The overreaching nature of the restriction requirements also threatens First Amendment rights, as the publishers in the suit point out.”

Meanwhile, Velez indicated that EBCL “has no intention of preemptively creating an adult-only room, which for us would require an interior renovation to wall off space that would then need to be locked to restrict access.”

What’s more, creating an age-restricted space for certain materials would include diverting staff to check identification.

“Although I understand why some libraries are restricting access to minors because they cannot afford potential lawsuits or legal counsel, without that motivation, I believe that preemptively creating adult-restricted collections in a public library is governmental overreach, as you now have library management making the decision of what is ‘appropriate’ for community members to access, instead of leaving that power and determination in community members’ hands,” Velez wrote.

The Boundary County Library established an “adult-only” room even before H.B. 710 was signed into law as I.C. 18-1517B — also on the heels of heated protests that resulted in the resignation of the then-director in 2022.

More recently, the board of the Community Library Network in Kootenai County voted Jan. 16 to pull 140 ti-

tles from its stacks for evaluation and establish an age-restricted room at the Post Falls Library. In addition, the CLN barred minors from using their library cards to check out materials from other library systems that are not beholden to Idaho’s “harmful to minors” provisions.

Going even further than that, CLN’s new cardholder policy cuts off access for minors to materials deemed “obscene” at other Idaho libraries.

“I’m going to protect minors, and therefore I’m not going to let minors have access to anywhere, including Washington state, including other libraries in Idaho that may not be as conservative as we are,” CLN Board Member Tom Hanley said, according to a Jan. 19 report from the Spokesman-Review.

In a Jan. 31 news release, CLN Director Martin Walters described the system’s new “Mature Content Collection,” writing, “The only difference between the Mature Content Collection and other CLN collections is that this new collection was established pursuant to the Children’s School and Library Protection Act. Consequently, there are legal obligations associated with this collection. These obligations bind the CLN which operates public librar-

ies in the state of Idaho.”

While CLN’s own lawyer, Colton Boyles, cautioned the board that it would be taking on significant liability by revoking the access of 8,900 library cards, “A majority of board members believed preventing children from access to these materials superseded these concerns,” the Spokesman reported.

CLN’s move doesn’t sit well with West Bonner County Library District Director Meagan Mize, who told the Reader that while her libraries haven’t yet had to confront the new law, “we’re part of a 30-library consortium and the Community Library Network is a huge part of that. So all of their bullcrap is eventually going to trickle out in our direction.”

In addition to overseeing the Priest River and Blanchard libraries, Mize is also director of the governing board of the Cooperative Information Network, which is currently undergoing a rebranding and reorganization as Inland Northwest Libraries. The consortium includes all seven libraries in the CLN, as well as West Bonner, Pend Oreille County, Liberty Lake, the city of Coeur d’Alene, Plummer, St. Maries, all of Benewah and Shoshone counties, and others.

East Bonner County and Boundary County are not

Courtesy photo members of the consortium.

“It goes all the way to the Montana border and all the way down almost to Moscow,” Mize said.

Consortium members share a catalog, collection, online platform and a host of other resources.

She said CLN’s new policy — especially limiting or outright revoking access for minors to non-CLN libraries — plays havoc with the wider consortium.

“The rest of us libraries are not on board with that and they don’t get to arbitrarily make policies that affect the entire consortium,” she said.

According to Mize, the CLN board made its decision to establish an adult-only room in Post Falls and cut cards for minors on Jan. 16 without any warning — doing so a day after the consortium met on Jan. 15.

“They did not tell us … otherwise, we probably would have had a few things to say about it, because these changes affect all of us,” she said.

The governing board of the Cooperative Information Network — soon to be Inland Northwest Libraries — is set to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Coeur d’Alene

< see LIBRARY, Page 5 >

NEWS

Public comment period on proposed Comp Plan Map updates closes Feb. 15

BOCC calls emergency meeting regarding potential “significant financial loss”

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff The Bonner County board of commissioners had to cut the Feb. 11 regular business meeting short to attend an emergency meeting regarding a potentially “significant financial loss” to the county.

When Commissioner Ron Korn, acting as Chair in Asia Williams’ absence, opened the meeting for public comment, the commissioners briefly addressed the 9:30 a.m. emergency meeting, which was noticed at 8 a.m. Feb. 11, regarding a confidential issue.

“There is right now the potential for immediate, significant financial loss — tens of thousands of dollars, potentially — if we’re not able to act today on an issue that has come

to our attention this morning. That is the reason for this special meeting,” said Commissioner Brian Domke.

He agreed that the BOCC “should, whenever possible, provide what level of information we reasonably can to the public for such a special meeting” but couldn’t offer any more detail on the meeting’s subject.

Before entering into executive session, the commissioners briefly discussed public comment on the Comprehensive Plan map update and plans to alter the Bonner County Ambulance Service District’s “old rules.”

The district has faced financial uncertainty for months, relying on a $2 million tax anticipation note from Umpqua Bank in November 2024 to

continue operations. The commissioners have since been working with the ambulance district to get the budget under control in the long term.

Going forward, Domke said the BOCC wants to better understand “the history of how [the ambulance district] was established and the — what I’ll call, ‘old rules,’ that we are currently operating under and how we might need to modify those in order to operate correctly in the future.”

He did not propose any specific changes during the meeting.

Domke later reminded members of the public that the Bonner County Planning Department and Commission will be accepting feedback on their proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan map

until Saturday, Feb. 15.

Planning staff have been traveling from city to city since December, hosting workshops to answer questions and receive feedback on the proposed updates. Organizers held the last workshop in Sandpoint on Feb. 11 and have since put out a final call for public comment.

Interested parties can submit feedback and view the interactive draft of the proposed map, along with all related information, at bonnercountyid.gov/departments/Planning.

Proposed changes include reducing the number of land use designations from 10 to seven by eliminating the Prime Ag/Forest and Urban Growth designations and combining Alpine Community and Resort Community

into the Recreational Resort Community designation. The commission determined that the “urban” designation is unnecessary, as even the most populated portions of Bonner County are still suburban, and that soil type and slope should no longer factor into potential use, thus removing the “prime” label.

The commission has also proposed eliminating the 10-acre overlap between Ag/ Forest 10/20 and Rural Residential 5/10 by reducing the Rural Residential designation to strictly five acres.

Additional proposed changes include renaming the Transition designation “Mixed Use” and cleaning up the map’s borders to better account for property lines, city limits and waterways.

lowing minors to have any access outside of the Community Library Network,” she said.

“When you’re saying you’re going to cut all minor cards to where they don’t have access to the consortium at all, and they can’t come into my Blanchard library — which is geographically very close to Kootenai County and we get a cross usage of patrons from Spirit Lake, Athol, the Blanchard area — if you as a parent say, ‘To hell with this, I’m going to go into Blanchard and get that book,’ your card won’t even work there, which is completely anti-the consortium,” Mize added. “Not to mention that that is a violation of in loco parentis.”

Asked why the CLN would take such a dramatic step without consulting fellow consortium members, Mize said, “Their board is hellbent on destroying that library system.”

She sees CLN’s stance as indicative of a wider political

trend. Mize pointed to one example last year, when the CLN board determined that libraries shouldn’t be open on Sundays for religious reasons.

“Well, it was brought to their attention that, ‘Hey, that’s not how public entities are run.’ And so they basically dismantled the budget to the point that on Oct. 1 they closed on Sundays,” she said.

“It’s the same with the West Bonner County School District — their agenda is to destroy this taxing district and that’s what they’re doing,” Mize added, later describing the “playbook” at work.

“These people have their marching orders from the Republican central committees, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, so they destroyed our school district in three months and we are still in a state of irreparable damage,” she said. “So, to me, they’re going in and doing everything they can, as fast as they can, so hopefully by the time they

get sued, recalled, whatever it might be, the damage is done and the ship is sinking.”

As evidence that CLN’s policies are politically motivated rather than aimed at protecting minors, Mize said the 140 titles under review don’t meet the criteria of inciting “prurient interest” or lack social, literary or political value.

“The books that [Walters] has in his office are not even about sex. They’re The Firekeeper’s Daughter — Indigenous — The Hate You Give — Black — other things like this that don’t meet the prurient interest,” she said. “None of the books on the list are even children’s books — they’re young adult and adult fiction books. This law is supposed to be about protecting minors. Why do you need to protect adults from their First Amendment right to read whatever the hell they want?”

According to Mize, the Feb. 19 meeting may deter-

mine whether or not CLN even remains in the library consortium. “[W]hy would we enter into a joint power agreement with somebody who’s going against what we believe as librarians?” she said.

Meanwhile, though West Bonner hasn’t joined the ongoing litigation — nor is it likely to, unless it can prove that it has suffered damages as a result of the law — “we’re absolutely behind this lawsuit,” Mize said, adding that she plans to write a letter of support for the plaintiffs.

“I personally feel like every library in the state should be on this,” she said.

< LIBRARY, con’t from Page 4 > library at 10 a.m. Mize said the agenda will cover policies and procedures for reorganizing under the new name and structure, but also addressing CLN’s recent moves.

“How absolute dare [CLN] not bring this forward and pull this crap,” she said. “The conversation is going to be directed into, ‘How do you expect to be a part of the consortium when you are arbitrarily making — when you’re secretively, I feel — making changes that affect the entire consortium and how we function?’”

Mize said that CLN’s new policies would not only limit access for its own users, but make it impossible for patrons at other member libraries to request certain books that may only be available in the Kootenai County system.

“So, if a kid wants to check out a book or a parent wants to put a hold on a book for maybe a homeschool thing or something, they can’t do that because they’re no longer al-

Attend the Wednesday, Feb. 19 meeting of the Cooperative Information Network/Inland Northwest Libraries at 10 a.m. in the Coeur d’Alene Public Library (702 E. Front Ave.), or Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4b2groz. Meeting ID: 27329822054, passcode: 4WZd4X. February 13, 2025 / R / 5

NEWS City Hall presents updated draft parking plan with new proposed fees

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

City staff returned Feb. 4 to the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission, presenting an updated draft parking management plan that includes a new schedule of fees for off-street parking at a number of city-owned facilities.

Sandpoint Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker introduced the plan to P&Z on Jan. 21, where a number of citizens weighed in on the fee structure — specifically as it relates to paid parking at City Beach.

If adopted, the plan would institute paid parking at the city lot at Third Avenue and Church Street; the lots at Sand Creek, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and Dock Street (Windbag Marina); and City Beach.

At the Jan. 21 meeting, both city and county residents said the fees should be higher, in order to capture more revenue from out-of-area users; the amount of time given under a permit should be longer; and county residents should be allowed to purchase permits at the same price as those living in Sandpoint city limits.

Many of those concerns were addressed in the revised draft presented Feb. 4, including raising the cost for a city resident annual pass from $10 to $15, non-resident annual passes from $20 to $30, downtown business passes from $200 to $250 and marina slip occupant passes from $100 to $150.

For non-permit holders, the daily maximum for parking at the city lot, Sand Creek and Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail lots would remain $16, while the daily maximum for parking at City Beach and the Windbag would go from $20 to $24.

Meanwhile, city and non-resident passes alike would provide up to three hours of parking per visit at all the identified parking areas other than City Beach — which is an increase from two hours — while permits at City Beach would be good for up to four hours. After that, parking lot users would be charged between $2 and $3 per hour, based on the season or day.

6 / R / February 13, 2025

Finally, the updated draft plan included boat launch fees at City Beach and Memorial Field of $10 per launch for Idaho residents and $15 per launch for out-of-state residents, with a $50 season pass available to Idaho residents and $100 season pass for those coming from out of state.

According to a new entry in the fee schedule, any vehicle or trailer combination measuring 21 or more feet would increase the fee to twotimes the ticket price, and no trailer parking would be allowed without a vehicle.

Welker said that while Bonner County has the most amount of water in the state, it’s also the only county in Idaho that doesn’t charge fees at its public boat launches.

“Of course, when we start to charge for boat launching and for boat trailer parking, we’re going to naturally see more parking available for vehicles at City Beach, as some of that boat traffic will choose to go to other boat launches that are either pay or free elsewhere in the county,” he said.

The purpose of the fees is to generate revenue to be reinvested in improving and maintaining parking facilities, while the city estimates it could raise nearly $370,000 a year, based on the proposed rates.

It’s unclear at this point what kind of technology would be used to manage the paid-parking program, as Welker said, “[T]he implementation of a policy is much further down the road and I can pretty much commit to this commission tonight that there’s going to be no rollout of a policy in the next year. This is something we’re looking at for the future, so we’re just at the very preliminary policy stage right now. ...

“There’s no timeline for when this might come to City Council at this point; it’s all based on the mayor’s priorities, when he thinks this is ready to bring to council, but it’s just a work in progress right now,” Welker said.

Find a PDF copy of the city’s parking study and updated fee proposal in the agenda packet for the Feb. 4 P&Z meeting at bit. ly/42SQzcD.

Bits ’n’ Pieces From east, west and beyond

In an ABC interview, Vice President JD Vance said, “The president has to be able to run the government as he thinks he should. That’s the way the Constitution works.” Sen. Adam Schiff stated, “JD, we both went to law school. But we don’t have to be lawyers to know that ignoring court decisions we don’t like puts us on a dangerous path to lawlessness.” According to the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, the Trump administration is “gearing up to defy a court order ... the battle lines for our democracy have been drawn.”

Trump’s government funding freeze is impacting farmers. Many had USDA contracts for help on their farms, The Washington Post reported. A court order said the funds must be “immediately restored.”

According to various media: Trump’s purge of government employees includes leaders at the Federal Elections Commission, the National Archives and Records Administration (which handles presidential records), the Office of Government Ethics and the U.S. Special Counsel (enforcers of whistleblower laws).

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought has closed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, per the plans of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, of which Vought was an author. Since 2011, the CFPB recovered $17 million for consumers from fraudulent or predatory business practices.

Meanwhile, USAID’s 20,000 workers take up about .6% of annual government spending, as compared to the Department of Defense. The latter is slated to spend $1.71 trillion in 2025 (13.3% of the entire federal budget, and more than the next nine countries combined), according to USA Spending. USAID works overseas on programs like polio prevention, stopping pandemic viruses and starvation aid.

The Vatican stated that gutting USAID could kill millions.

During his confirmation hearings for secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to assure lawmakers that Medicare’s new ability to negotiate lower drug prices would be kept.

The new administration wants to cut medical research by billions of dollars, The Guardian reported. According to Sen. Patty Murray, “There will be dangerous consequences. Just because Elon Musk doesn’t understand indirect costs doesn’t mean Americans should

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

have to pay the price with their lives.”

People in Denver, Colo. have taken action to protect undocumented neighbors from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The Guardian reported that of 30 arrests, a single gang member was taken into custody. An immigrant advocacy group gave a crash course in immigration law to 100 volunteer Colorado attorneys. Literature given to immigrants explained their legal rights.

Numerous media reported Trump is preparing an executive order to hollow out the U.S. Education Department.

Forbes wrote that the department provides supplemental funding to schools, Title I funding for high-poverty schools, student aid and loans for college students, and funds to help the disabled.

While Trump cannot shut down the Education Department without congressional approval, he can shrink the agency. The department employs 4,200 people and represents 2% of the budget, according to USA Spending.

Oxfam International: Billionaires’ wealth grew three times faster in 2024 than the year before.

Recent headlines: “‘We Haven’t Discussed That’: Trump Pressed On Whether or Not He Has Put Any Limits On Elon Musk’s Powers”; “Did Trump Quietly Kill a Sensitive Pentagon Probe into Elon Musk?”; “13 States to Sue Over ‘DOGE’ Access to Government Payment Systems Containing Personal Data”; “Musk Calls to Impeach Judge Whose Order Blocks DOGE from Treasury Systems Access”; “Polls Keep Showing Americans Want Elon Musk and DOGE Out of Government”; “American Bar Association says ‘Chaotic’ Trump is Attacking Constitution and Rule of Law”; “The Wall Street Journal Torches Trump for Trying to ‘Intimidate the Press’ with Crusade Over CBS-Kamala Harris Interview”; “EU Vows Countermeasures to Trump’s Tariffs”; “Federal Court Puts Trump’s Deferred Resignation ‘Buyout’ Program on Hold”; “Chemical Companies Ask Trump’s EPA To Hide Potential Disasters”; “Ukraine ‘May be Russian Someday,’ Trump says Ahead of Zelenskyy Meeting with Vance”; and “HIV Infections Could Jump Over 6 Times if U.S. Support is Dropped and not Replaced, UNAIDS chief says.”

Blast from the past: “Education is what you get when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don’t.” — Pete Seeger, American folk singer, songwriter, social activist (1919-2014)

NEWS

Medicaid ‘accountability’ bill advances to House

By Kyle Pfannenstiel Idaho Capital Sun The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee advanced a bill Feb. 12 that critics said would repeal Medicaid expansion.

House Bill 138, by Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, requires Idaho to enact 11 Medicaid policy changes or repeal Medicaid expansion — a policy that lets more low-income Idahoans be eligible for the health insurance assistance program.

Idaho needs approval from the federal government to implement many of the policy changes — like work requirements, capping expansion enrollment and kicking people off Medicaid expansion after three years — that Redman’s bill would require.

If any of those policies aren’t in effect by July 2026, the bill would repeal Medicaid expansion, a law passed in 2018 by nearly 61% of Idaho voters.

“Today, you may hear testimony saying that this bill is a sneaky way to repeal Medicaid expansion. And that’s simply not the case,” Redman told the committee as the hearing began.

“This bill is taking Medicaid expansion, putting accountability measures in place and cutting waste to make sure that the state is being the best stewards as we can be for taxpayer funds.”

But in an analysis of the bill, Idaho Voices for Children found several of those provisions have either never been attempted or approved, even during President Donald Trump’s first term.

“To me, this is the bullets in the gun to kind of force them a little bit, right?” Redman told the committee in response to a question. “I think without that, I do think it could sit on a desk and not have any attention to it.”

About 89,300 Idahoans are enrolled in Medicaid expansion, according to December figures from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Idaho House committee rejected similar bill last year The same House committee halted a similar Medicaid expansion reform-or-repeal bill by Redman last year after public opposition. Redman’s bill this year was also met with

widespread opposition in public testimony — from doctors, patients on Medicaid and others — that mostly focused on the same point.

But the committee’s makeup has changed significantly since 2024, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. Meanwhile, Redman says the federal government under Trump is likely to approve the sideboards his bill demands.

Dr. Brandon Mickelsen, representing the board of directors for the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians, urged the committee to oppose the bill.

Many rural hospitals in Idaho are at risk of closing due to financial reasons, he said.

“These medical costs won’t go away if you repeal Medicaid expansion,” Mickelsen said.

“You will create enormous costs for rural hospitals and local communities.”

Freshman lawmakers largely support advancing the bill In response to critical questions from committee members about how the bill wouldn’t effectively repeal Medicaid expansion, Redman maintained he believed the federal government would likely approve Idaho’s requests for sideboards through waivers.

And he stressed that the bill is intended to reform — not repeal — Medicaid expansion.

“This is not a reform bill.

This will kill Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Marco Erickson, R-Idaho Falls, the committee’s vice chair. “And those rural clinics will be the No. 1 first places to go.”

But many of the committee members who are serving their first year in the Legislature joined Redman and committee Chairman John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, to pass a motion on an 8-7 vote to send the bill to the full House floor, rejecting a motion to hold the bill in committee.

Two freshman lawmakers who supported advancing the bill stressed the bill ought to go before the entire House.

Noting that many of the committee members were new to the Legislature, Rep. Tanya Burgoyne, R-Pocatello, said, “I think it would be irresponsible of us not to turn to the

institutional knowledge that is here in the body of the House — that has been here that has a lot more insight than us eight freshmen.”

in the direct service field, who are available to support seniors and people with disabilities. We cannot afford to lose any more workers in this field.”

Dozens of doctors, patients, advocates testified against the bill Three of the five people who spoke in favor of the bill were conservative think tank representatives — similar to last year’s hearing.

About two dozen people testified against the bill on Feb. 12, but Egbert said opposition was even wider in written testimony and among people who registered but didn’t testify in the more than two-hour committee hearing.

Dr. Kelly McGrath, a family medicine physician who practices in Orofino, told the committee that, at best, the bill would cut off health care access for thousands of Idahoans. At worst, the bill would shut down Medicaid expansion.

McGrath said Idaho Medicaid expansion has let patients access preventive care and screenings that help detect health issues early on, “when treatments are most effective” and “less expensive.”

“Recently, I had a patient tell me, ‘Without Medicaid, I would be dead,’” McGrath said.

“She was right.”

Sandra Rainey, who lives in Boise, told the committee “it is a blessing” that her 28-yearold daughter — who lives with Rainey and works full-time, earning $14.50 an hour — is on Medicaid, along with her daughter’s two kids.

Without Medicaid, Rainey said her daughter would go into debt “every month due to severe asthma issues” along with the cost of medication and physician care.

A quarter of Idaho’s direct care workforce rely on Medicaid expansion for insurance, Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Christine Pisani testified.

“If Medicaid expansion is repealed, 25% of the direct care workforce in Medicaid’s home- and community-based service system would lose their health care coverage due to low wages,” Pisani said. “... This loss would continue to impact the amount of people who work

Supporters point to rising Idaho Medicaid costs, but reports identify economic ripple effects, savings Most of the supporters who testified spoke about the need to tamp down rising costs of Idaho Medicaid expansion, 90% of which the federal government pays.

In 2019, before Medicaid expansion, Idaho Medicaid’s total budget was almost $2.5 billion, including $1.6 billion in federal dollars and about $880 million in state dollars. For the fiscal year starting in July 2025, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare requested $3.5 billion in federal funds and $1.8 billion in state funds.

Idaho Freedom Foundation Legislative Affairs Director Fred Birnbaum called the bill “a necessity.”

“A gun is to our head. And this bill, if we don’t do this now, what will we do? Nothing’s been done yet,” Birnbaum said.

Speaking on behalf of the Florida-based Foundation for Government Accountability Action — a a conservative think tank that worked with Redman on the bill — Paige Terryberry said the bill “will rescue Idaho’s budget, reprioritize the truly needy and restore faith in Idaho’s institutions.”

Mountain States Policy Center President Chris Cargill said the bill is about adding side rails on Medicaid expansion — not repealing it.

“It’s a mistake to assume that just because a waiver hasn’t been approved in the past, that it won’t be approved in the future,” he testified. “And what has changed, of course, has been the new Trump administration looking to be more innovative and cutting government waste and getting our fiscal house in order.”

Estimating that Idaho Medicaid expansion would cost Idaho $130 million next year, Rep. Ben Fuhriman, R-Ammon, said that translates to “$65 per capita. But the economic impact of Medicaid ... is $750 per capita.”

“I’m a financial planner.

That’s a pretty good return on

investment,” Fuhriman continued. “We’ve worked hard to reduce taxes. We’ve had three different tax bills this session that we’re looking at, spearheaded by our speaker, to the tune of nearly $400 million.

And we want to say that our budget is out of control because of $130 million being spent on Medicaid — that brings in nearly $47 million in total tax revenue.”

Despite rapid population growth, rising costs of living and inflation driving up service costs, an Idaho Fiscal Policy Center report released Feb. 11 found “Medicaid costs have grown slower than other parts of the state budget.”

Total general fund expenditures in Idaho grew by 39.5% from Idaho’s state fiscal years 2019 to 2024, but Medicaid expenditures grew in that time at roughly half that rate — rising 19.6%, according to the report.

Idaho Medicaid expansion also saves money across other state programs. In Idaho’s fiscal year 2023, state costs for Medicaid expansion were about $73 million, but expansion saved about $78 million that year across other policy areas, like in corrections, drug courts, behavioral health, county indigent funds and state catastrophic health programs.

A recent University of Idaho economic analysis found the extra federal funds for Idaho Medicaid expansion — less than $1 billion this fiscal year — generated $1.5 billion in economic output in Idaho, the Sun previously reported. The report also found those dollars boosted Idaho’s tax revenues by almost $47 million.

Idaho Hospital Association CEO Brian Whitlock said the Legislature has “given billions in tax relief,” funded education “at historic levels,” invested in infrastructure at record levels and stockpiled rainy day funds “to the brim.”

Boise resident Bonnie Shuster also pointed to the Legislature’s tax cuts.

“You say we can’t afford these funds to keep our people healthy. But then propose even bigger tax cuts that mostly help the wealthy,” she said. “Please support health care for all of us.”

February 13, 2025 / R / 7

Barbs: • Idaho politics once again barreled into the national spotlight after Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, sponsored a bill to the House Education Committee that would require all Idaho public schools to read from the Bible.

The bill was presented by Idaho Family Policy Center President Blaine Conzatti, who you might remember introduced a bill in 2022 banning most abortions in Idaho by allowing civil lawsuits against medical providers, as well as a bill holding librarians criminally accountable for children accessing “obscene materials.” The forced Bible reading bill — which offers an option for parents to “opt their students out” — would require educators to read passages from the King James or New King James version of the Bible each morning in occupied classrooms in all public school districts. This not only violates the First Amendment but also the concept of separation of church and state. I have a novel idea: If you want the Bible read to your child at school, send them to a religious school. I wonder how folks who support this bill would feel if their children were forced to listen to passages from the Quran, Talmud or the Mahayana sutras — or the Satanic Bible, for that matter — in public school. If you do it for one religion, you do it for them all, which is why our Founders made it very clear that religion should be kept strictly separated from matters of the state. But what do I know, I’m just a public school graduate who paid attention in government class.

• A bill that would repeal Medicaid expansion in Idaho moved out of committee Feb. 12 after an 8-7 vote. More than 250 people testified against it and only eight people for it, but it still moved to the House. No wonder so many people have lost faith in Idaho lawmakers.

8 / R / February 13, 2025

‘Cat hunters’...

Hat adjustments…

‘Divided we fall’…

Dear editor, We have enjoyed the beauty and quiet of living in the woods for many years and realize that living near public land comes with logging, wild animals and hunter encounters. Most of the latter have been congenial and respectful. This January there were three groups of cat-hunting dogs in our neighborhood for several weeks. While I understand the need to control wild cat populations, it eludes me why it might be necessary for so many hunters to repeatedly be in one small populated area?

What really outraged me though was to hear that several monster trucks had trailed their dog pack up from Forest Service land to the beginning of our populated road, where a bobcat had been chased up a tree right next to a neighbor’s driveway.

Apparently a very distressed neighbor who happened to walk by did not keep them from shooting the cat and making a horrible bloody mess all the way from the treetop to the surrounding snowy ground. It seemed like it was a convenient way to have a Sunday family spectacle for them, but for the rest of us it was gruesome to walk or ski by the massacre place for the next week.

We realize one can’t control where the cat and dogs go; but, if you start out on a public road and end up in an obviously populated area with distressed neighbors, it would seem ethical and respectful to let the cat go. An app like Onyx clearly shows where private property is.

Dear editor, All those MAGA cap wearers might have to do a little sewing alterations on their headwear.

MGAA: Make Gaza America Again!

Dear editor, If people want to have their children attend a private school or religious school, they should pay for that themselves, not have regular taxpayer monies diverted to those “special interest” programs. Our tax dollars go to public school education — ever heard of “separation of church and state”?

Doing away with the U.S. Department of Education and authorizing each state to implement its own education criteria is very shortsighted and a detriment to a fair educational system.

For example, a student goes to school in state X, which has its own education criteria, then their family moves to state B, where the education criteria is different from state X. You could end up with a 14-yearold in the second grade, because the criteria from the state they moved from doesn’t fulfill the education requirements of the state the student moved to — and the 14-year-old is held back due to educational criteria being different for each state.

This is why there is a federal public education system: to try and offer consistency in education, no matter which state a person goes to school in. Get it? United States of America, not Individual States of America.

Elon Musk is not the co-president of America, he is a private citizen who should absolutely not have access to personal information for citizens of the United States of America. What security clearances have he or his just-out-of-high school minions got? And where did they get such clearances? From a Cracker Jacks box?

Enough divisiveness since the election — where is the unity?

Gabrielle Duebendorfer, NMD Sandpoint

School choice is fine, but pay for it yourself…

Dear editor, Education is paramount to humanity moving forward. Where, oh where is the funding for public schools going? I agree with choices parents make to enroll in private schools, religious and home schooling. Good on you! But guess what folks: The cost is your responsibility. Please, please stop taking money away from public education — please. America in the long-run will suffer from it. Perhaps, even worse, your children will suffer from it.

Take a moment. Have a sit down and think what’s best for your kids.

Even better, think about the underfunded public school children. Thanks.

Chris Koich Sandpoint

Ted Wert Sagle

‘Another legislative bill based on anything but science’...

Dear editor, Recently Senate Bill 1036 was proudly introduced by District 19 Sen. Brandon Shippy. It places a moratorium on gene therapy and supports this by presenting a single case of injury after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination. I then wrote him the following e-mail: “My name is Georgia Earley.

I’m a retired RN. Your proposed S1036 moratorium on human gene therapy has nothing to do with the J&J COVID vaccine that Mr. Doug Cameron had received. For your edification, the J&J vaccine is a vector vaccine, not gene therapy.

“And if your moratorium is based on one bad outcome of a particular therapy, then consider this: In the United States, between 500 and 1,000 people die from anaphylaxis each year from antibiotics.

Because of those known risks, would you recommend that we stop using those medications?

“Another question relevant to your concerns is exactly what ‘caution, transparency and rigorous oversight in the deployment of these treatments’ would you suggest that the FDA, the NIH and the RAC employ in addition to the clinical trials and scientific research that they do currently?

“This bill is a perfect example of why government officials are not qualified to make medical decisions for individuals. Those decisions should remain between one’s doctors and themselves. And bills like this show your constituents that members of the Legislature are likely not to be knowledgeable enough to make credible decisions about science.

“If you have concerns, perhaps it would be better to discuss them with those who are knowledgeable, rather than to make laws that stop medical progress that could benefit millions.”

Georgia Earley Bonners Ferry

Michael Harmelin Sandpoint

‘Frustration with trying to save the city money’…

Dear editor, During my time as water and wastewater superintendent for the city of Sandpoint, I learned something that has the potential to save the city many millions of dollars on the construction of the new wastewater plant.

I would like to trade this information for some type of agreement that keeps the Baldy Road property that the sewer fund owns from being sold. The agreement would only be valid if the information I provide proves to be more valuable than the

worth of the property.

I have been in communication with two council members and the mayor regarding this. I have had no luck convincing the city that this is a winning situation for everyone involved, but especially the sewer rate payers. The information I know has the potential to save the city up to 10 times the value of the Baldy Road property.

I believe the city thinks they have an optimal preliminary design in place. If they want to keep conventional activated sludge for secondary treatment and greatly oversize the plant to treat 14 million gallons a day, they can, and I can still let them know how to save millions of dollars.

If the citizens of Sandpoint would prefer to have their sewer bills be as low as possible, I would ask them to petition the City Council to enter into an agreement with me. There is zero risk for the city to do so.

If they choose not to use the information I provide, they owe nothing. If they do use it, everyone comes out ahead. The ratepayers pay less, the city looks good for saving money and those of us who use the property for recreation can continue to do so.

Jeff Cowley Selle Valley

‘An amazing community’…

Dear editor, This was my fifth year coordinating the Bonner County Valentine’s Cards for Senior Citizens. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I collected 2,006 cards and 252 pictures and decorations. Many schools, day care programs and individuals made this year another successful one. A big thanks goes out to all the businesses who allowed the heartshaped baskets to be deposited and picked up at various locations throughout Bonner County.

These were then distributed to six senior centers, four senior apartment complexes, 11 assisted-living facilities, four in-home health care programs, Bonner General Health Community Hospice and Bonner Community Food Bank.

I will also be randomly passing cards out on Friday, Feb. 14 to senior citizens in our community. Seeing their faces light up in big smiles makes me smile, too; and, when I explain to them where they came from, I tell them: “From an amazing community who loves them.”

Donna Price Sagle

COMMUNITY

Festival at Sandpoint bids farewell to outgoing members

By Reader Staff The Festival at Sandpoint is honoring four outgoing members of its board of directors: Amy Bistline, Cari House, Eric Paull and Kendon Perry.

According to FAS, the majority of the departures are due to board term limits, which it described as “a testament to the longstanding dedication and service of these individuals.”

Bistline joined the Festival Board in 2017, taking a hiatus from 2021-2022 to assist as an interim staff member. She served the organization as a board member for six years, having previously held the position of president.

“Amy’s resilience and commitment have been nothing short of exceptional. Her

passion, vision and steadfast dedication to the Festival at Sandpoint have helped shape the organization into what it is today,” FAS Executive Director Ali Baranski stated.

“We are forever grateful for her immeasurable service.”

Perry joined the board in 2018, for a total of seven years of service.

“Kendon’s expertise in insurance and business has been a tremendous asset to our organization. His commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the Festival has been truly outstanding,” Baranski stated.

House joined the board in 2014, for a total of 11 years of service. She held positions including president and vice president.

“Cari’s passion and com-

Tickets for An Evening with Jim Messina go on sale Feb. 21

mitment to the arts have left an indelible mark on the Festival,” Baranski stated. “Her unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping our vision for the future.”

Paull joined the board in

February 2024, and, despite his short time with the organization, made an impact on the organization.

“Eric’s financial expertise and thoughtful guidance have helped ensure the Festival’s

Former Festival at Sandpoint board members (from left to right): Cari House, Eric Paull and Amy Bistline. Not pictured: Kenndon Perry. Photo by Racheal Baker. long-term stability and success,” Baranski added.

By Reader Staff PEDIATRICS

Tickets for An Evening with Jim Messina go on sale Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at panida. org. The concert will take place on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.), and tickets are reserved seating.

The last time Messina and his band came to the Panida two years ago, the show sold out within a few days and another show could not be added. Now he is fulfilling his promise to return.

Tickets for the concert start at $42 for orchestra seats. There are balcony love seats that accommodate two people for $86. There are also 24 up-front VIP tickets for $99. VIP ticket holders also get to meet with Messina after the show, as well as participate in “A Conversation With Jim Messina.”

This show highlights Mes-

FAMILY MEDICINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DENTAL

Jim Messina. Photo by George Bekris sina’s decades-spanning musical career and includes three groups: Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins and Messina. Messina was the producer and audio engineer for Buffalo Springfield, as well as a founding member of the group Poco. Then Messina and Kenny Loggins became the duo that sold more than 20 million albums and released hits like, “Danny’s Song,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “House on Pooh Corner” and “Listen to a Country Song.”

Listen at jimmessina.com and purchase tickets at panida.org.

10-15% of sudden cardiac arrests occur in those under 45.

TALK TO YOUR PROVIDER ABOUT YOUR HEART HEALTH. Bonners Ferry 208.267.1718 Priest River 208.448.2321 Sandpoint 208.265.6252 Sandpoint Behavioral Health 208.920.5151

February 13, 2025 / R / 9

Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

hypersonic speeds

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Extremes in science are fun. Really wild things begin to happen when matter reaches extreme temperatures or speeds. Fast-moving objects are relatively common in the universe, but we’re relatively speed-capped here on Earth due to the presence of our atmosphere.

Though we can’t easily see it, we’re surrounded by air at all times. Moving through air causes resistance, as you’re pushing through a physical object just as if you were pushing through water on the lake. If you’ve spent any time horsing around in a body of water, trying to “push” a large amount of it with the flat of your hand or a pool noodle causes resistance that requires more energy to move the longer you go. This is effectively the same thing that happens when an object travels through air.

Sound is a vibration that travels through the air in the form of a wave. The speed in which sound travels ranges based on the medium through which it’s traveling — for air, it is somewhere between 740 and 767 miles per hour. That’s pretty darn fast, and if we were to be launched at that speed with just our bodies and no protective equipment, it’d probably turn our blood into a thick paste and kill us pretty fast. Luckily, some humans are intelligent enough to create vehicles that can achieve these kinds of speeds without turning our organs into cherry-colored Kool-Aid. Vehicles traveling at supersonic speeds — that is, speeds

10 / R / February 13, 2025

faster than that of sound — create shockwaves when they travel. This is where the term “supersonic boom” comes into play. If you’ve ever lived on or near a military air base, it’s likely you’ve experienced at least one fighter jet exceeding the speed of sound and creating a resonant boom in its wake.

Vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds are traveling at speeds of at least Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound, or 3,836 miles per hour. These vehicles have to be designed to perfection, as even the tiniest flaw could throw the entire structure into catastrophic failure.

Conventional aircraft are incapable of reaching these speeds, nor are they able to sustain the forces involved at five times the speed of sound.

The first aircraft to achieve hypersonic speed was the North American X-15 developed by the US Air Force. On Oct. 3, 1967, pilot William J. Knight traveled at 4,520 miles per hour. The X-15 is interesting in that it’s not a conventional jet — rather, it’s effectively a human-guided rocket that can burn up to 15,000 pounds of highly explosive fuel in 80 seconds. Being built as a rocket rather than a jet engine, the ship was capable of entering space.

Conventional jets require an intake of oxygen in order to oxidize fuel to initiate combustion. Sealed fuel fed through a rocket engine is already oxidized and doesn’t require an external oxygen source, allowing it to function outside of Earth’s atmosphere, where it also isn’t butting up against air resistance and therefore able to move faster

and achieve greater distances with less fuel expenditure.

Try throwing a rock underwater. You can see that the resistance forces the rock to twirl and then sink after traveling a very short distance. Now try throwing a similar rock through the air and watch it glide much farther. This is effectively the same principle.

You may be wondering: Brenden, how is a plane going to fly if it can’t generate lift since there isn’t any air?

Well, my friend, when you have a tin can strapped to a tube of highly explosive rocket fuel, lift no longer becomes an issue. At that point, all you need is a direction in which to point the rocket and you can let physics take care of the rest.

Hypersonic speed on Earth is one thing, but these speeds are trivial in the scope of the universe. As you read this, you are currently perched on a rock hurtling at 67,000 miles per hour through the vacuum of space orbiting the sun. This mind-boggling speed is still nothing compared to the speed at which we’re spinning around the galaxy’s core. Our solar system is whipping through space at a speed of roughly 517,000 miles per hour, completing a full galactic year in roughly 225 million years.

That’s all well and good, but what about the fastest speed ever achieved on planet Earth?

This happened in 1956 in the Los Alamos research facility during Operation Plumbbob, when scientists wanted to test what would happen if a nuclear detonation were to occur underground. There

The X-15 was the first aircraft to achieve hypersonic speed. Courtesy image were theories, and there was a lot of expected data that was collected from the test, but there was one unexpected side effect of this detonation.

A steel manhole cover was blown from its housing and sent screaming skyward at Mach 196, roughly 145,400 miles per hour. The friction generated by the air resistance

likely resulted in a near-instantaneous liquefaction and atomic breakdown of the steel, as no part of it was ever recovered.

It was likely one of the only times in the history of Earth where the adage: “What comes up must come down” could not be applied.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner s?

Don’t know much about icicle • Icicles need specific weather conditions to form. There must be enough sunshine to melt snow or ice, but the air must also be at a temperature below freezing.

• When snow or ice melts over the side of a roof or other surface, the sudden exposure to the cold air freezes it in place. Then, each subsequent drop of water freezes as it travels downward, forming a spike.

• The reason an icicle is thicker at the top and tapers to a point at the bottom is due to the heat energy transferred into the air. The hot air rises, staying concentrated around the icicle as it’s considerably warmer than the surrounding environment. This air continually removes heat from the liquid water as it travels up the icicle, gaining more and more steam and freezing more and more water on its traverse. This delicate process allows the icicle to grow continually thicker toward the top.

• The bumps along an icicle’s surface are caused by impurities

We can help!

in the water, such as various chemicals or other substances. These impurities affect the temperature at which water freezes, causing irregular freezing patterns, giving icicles a bumpy, rippled texture, as opposed to a smooth surface.

• About 15 people are killed by icicles in the U.S. every year.

• Icicles form most often on the southern sides of buildings.

• Icicles on a house might look cool, but they could also indicate an ice dam, which forms when heat escapes from a roof and melts snow. When the temperature drops again, the water freezes along the ridge of the roof creating an ice dam, which can cause water to pool up behind it instead of falling off.

This can negatively affect a roof’s insulation, as well as create mold problems in a home.

• Icicles are rarely found in nature, other than near frozen waterfalls or along cliff faces, and they have not been observed anywhere else in the solar system.

PERSPECTIVES

Legislative update: Whose choice is it?

By Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle Reader Contributor A few weeks back, I mentioned that funding of private schools with public money would be a significant policy question this legislative session.

With five proposals so far, and potentially more to come, the “school choice” debate is now in full swing.

I will share some details here to hopefully provide some flavor for the politics of the situation.

The five bills are House Bills 1 and 93, Senate Bill 1025, and two others awaiting bill number assignment. H.B. 1 and S.B. 1025 are essentially bookends on the debate. H.B. 1 is a $250 million proposal from a freshman legislator that looks like it won’t go anywhere. S.B. 1025 is an expansion of Idaho’s existing Empowering Parents grant program to change the maximum grant amount from $1,000 to $5,000 and make tuition an eligible expense. S.B. 1025 has accountability measures like those found in our public education system to make sure your dollars are spent wisely.

H.B. 93 is the most hotly contested bill and potentially the most likely to pass into law. The bill is sponsored by a few legislators who have supported prior bills sending public money to private

education, whether through vouchers, education savings accounts or tax credits.

H.B. 93 is a tax credit of $5,000 per child Sen. Jim Woodward. File photo for eligible expenses.

The difference in this go-around is the amount of out-of-state backing (money) for the proposal. Many lobbyists have been hired to advocate for H.B. 93. In addition, House leadership is strongly supporting the bill because of an exchange of support for other legislation. I’ll share how leadership can help to move a proposal through.

The public hearing for H.B. 93 on Feb. 5 was conducted in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. The meeting was scheduled for two hours — probably insufficient time to consider a $50 million commitment — but then started 30 minutes late. The presentation of the bill lasted nearly half an hour. The committee needs time to discuss and vote on the bill at the end

of the hearing. As a result, public testimony was limited to less than an hour.

On Feb. 7 — a Friday — the bill was brought before the entire House membership. Quite often, Friday floor sessions are used for routine administrative matters and last less than half an hour so that legislators can be out by noon to make the trip back home to their legislative districts. By bringing the bill up at midday on a Friday, a sense of urgency was created, especially for folks who had travel plans.

H.B. 93 did pass out of the House on Feb. 7. It will come to the Senate now, starting in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee.

It might make sense that a tax credit is in the tax committee, but at the same time this is a major shift in Idaho policy regarding education funding.

There is a little more background: The tax committees in both bodies were loaded this year with supporters of the proposal. In the Senate, the members choose their committees and a purposeful effort was made to load the tax committee. In the House, the speaker assigns committee members and loaded the House tax committee. So far, the strategy of routing “school choice” to a non-education committee is working.

The last piece of this puzzle is to

know that for six years these bills were heard in the House and Senate Education committees. For six years the bills did not pass into law.

I share these details so you can know what is going on in the Capitol and to reinforce my previous message that Idaho policy decisions are being heavily driven by out-of-state influence. I have resoundingly heard from folks at home that they are opposed to these proposals to fund private schools with public money. In the Capitol, the opposite is true. Which begs the question, whose “school choice” is this?

I will close with Article IX Section 1 of the Idaho Constitution: “The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.”

Jim Woodward is the Dist. 1 Republican senator from Sagle. He serves on the Joint Finance-Appropriations (vice-chair) and Education committees. Reach him during the 2025 legislative session at 208-3321349 (Statehouse), 208-946-7963 (home) or jwoodward@senate.idaho.gov.

Freedom fades when leaders fail

By Lauren Necochea Reader Contributor Democracy is not guaranteed.

Every generation must defend it.

Today, we face the greatest threat to American democracy in modern history: Donald Trump’s second term.

Just weeks in, he is illegally consolidating power, letting billionaires loot our institutions and dismantling the pillars of democracy. The silence from Idaho’s Republican leaders is deafening.

Elon Musk, an unelected billionaire benefiting from government contracts, now controls key payment systems.

Your data and services are at his mercy. His gutting of the Agency for International Development isn’t just an attack on humanitarian aid — it’s a test run for bypassing Congress. In America, you don’t shut down an agency by seizing its servers or eliminating it with an executive order. You pass a law.

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo has the

power to push back. As Senate finance chair, he could hold Musk accountable and Lauren Necochea. File photo protect taxpayer funds. Instead, he rubber-stamps Trump’s agenda, even casting the deciding vote to confirm conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee public health.

Meanwhile, Trump plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

Idaho depends on federal resources to keep rural schools open and give low-income students a fair shot. His plan would strip civil rights protections for students with disabilities, making it harder for them to get support.

Shortfalls would fall on neighborhood schools already struggling under Republican neglect. Still, State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Gov. Brad Little refuse to speak.

The attacks on democracy don’t stop there. Trump has vowed to weaponize the government against his enemies. Freeing violent rioters wasn’t enough. Now he’s purging the FBI of agents who investigated those criminals. The message to law enforcement is clear: investigate Trump or his supporters, and you’ll be punished.

Then there’s the economic fallout.

Trump’s $100 billion national sales tax, disguised as tariffs, will skyrocket costs. Medicaid cuts will devastate rural health care. The federal funding freeze has already pushed Head Start preschools across southwestern Idaho into crisis, jeopardizing early education and forcing parents out of the workforce.

Trump isn’t governing. He’s hoarding power and wealth for himself and his billionaire backers. Most of it is

illegal and unconstitutional. That’s why he’s installing loyalists instead of qualified leaders at the Department of Justice and FBI. And Sens. Crapo and Jim Risch are going along with it, approving even the most unfit nominees.

Idaho’s GOP leaders are complicit in this assault on working families and democracy itself. When Trump ignores Congress, defies court orders, and dismantles the checks and balances our Founders designed, Republican senators will be to blame for clearing his path.

Idaho Democrats won’t stand by.

We will fight for democracy and the rule of law. If Republican leaders refuse to do their jobs, it’s time to elect leaders who will.

Lauren Necochea is chair of the Idaho Democratic Party and a former District 19 legislator. Necochea spent a decade leading nonprofit programs dedicated to research and advocacy in tax policy, health care and children’s issues.

February 13, 2025 / R / 11

PERSPECTIVES

A ‘quick’ trip

By Todd Wendle Reader Contributor 8:39 a.m. — it was Monday, in the high 20s and snowing hard.

“Hey Honey, do you want to go into town with me? I need a bolt at the Depot. I think I heard you say we were low on milk too? We’ll be quick” “Yes, that sounds great! But have you looked outside lately? It’s snowing like crazy. I’m not used to this much snow. The roads are going to be slick aren’t they? We can wait ‘til later.

Can’t we? I don’t want to be on the front page of the newspaper!”

“Nonsense. I just bought a brand new four-wheel-drive pickup truck just for this occasion. It will go anywhere and it stops on a dime with those new snow tires. We don’t need to worry about slick roads anymore. Get your coat and purse and let’s go.”

9:05 a.m. — “911, what is your emergency?”

“Please help! My husband and I

Tips for staying safe on wintery roads

just went off the road! We’re hanging upside down in a ditch in his brand new four-wheel-drive pickup truck that does not stop on a dime! Can you send some help this way? Please! Hurry!”

9:09 a.m. — the call went out and Bonner County EMS and Sam Owen Fire responded. After a quick check, and with the non-ceremonious cutting of the seat belts, our two bruised travelers were not seriously injured.

But the beautiful pickup was in ruins.

Parts and glass lay scattered across the highway. Steam rose gently from the wreckage. And in the snow-filled air?

That distinct smell of antifreeze.

The saddest part of the story? It all could have been prevented. If he would have just listened, he could have said, “Oh yeah, we don’t need to go right now.” And instead of being upside down in a snow bank, they both could be in their warm kitchen with a fresh cup of coffee.

So what can be done to avoid receiving the same fate as our bruised couple?

By far, the easiest thing to do is cancel the trip. If it’s snowing, storming and blowing ugly, the roads are going to be bad. And they will only get worse.

A trip to the hardware store and/or grocery store can certainly wait. A bolt or half-gallon of milk is certainly not worth a now totaled truck, or horribly worse, injury or death.

Watch a movie, play a game, bake a cake, build a fire in the fireplace or grab a book.

The second easiest option is to postpone the trip. If you have an appointment, see if you can get it rescheduled. Check the weather and see when the storm is supposed to end.

Is it going to get warmer in the afternoon? Wait until the weather clears and the crews have had time to clear and de-ice the roads.

Here is a quick note for all the seasoned slippery road veterans out there: Just think what happens if your trip is postponed? You will not be on the road with all those crazies who don’t read the Reader. Same goes for temperatures of 1 to 3-below. These all can be practiced and improved by all of us.

If you must go, there are three simple driving techniques that will help keep you out of trouble: • Leave early. Put your new pickup in four-wheel drive and reduce your speed. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.

• Increase your following distance.

The worse the roads are the farther back you should be. This gives you a ton of extra time to stop if something ahead of you goes “south.” It also gives you time to think and plan what you are going to do. This technique can be practiced year-round and works just as well on dry roads. An unintentional benefit of practicing this all year is the reduction of your North Idaho driving stress level index.

• Snowy winter trips are a great opportunity to practice your defensive driving skills. Pretend everyone out there is only there to slide into you.

Practice tips No. 1 and No. 2 above and pretend every other driver is out to get you. Someone coming in from the side street? Ask yourself, “Are they going to be able to stop?” If you have any doubts, plan and act accordingly.

One last thing, these skills are intended to help you stay out of trouble.

One excellent website for road conditions is 511.idaho.gov. Check it out.

Log in before you leave and see what is happening. There is also a wealth of information on the web with videos, articles and tips on what you can do if you do get in trouble.

Remember, if it cannot happen, it will not. Drive safe out there.

The Reader and Sam Owen Fire Department are working together to provide readers with real-life actionable fire and highway safety information. Sam Owen Fire Department is located in Hope. If there is a subject you would like to see covered, please email the author at twendle55@gmail.com.

12 / R / February 13, 2025

Winter l a v i n Car

Connie’s to celebrate wint t a s u er!

Join FEB 14 -23, 2025 Feb 14 Post Parade Party Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials Feb 19 Winter Carnival Live Trivia Challenge Scan to learn more

323 Cedar St., Sandpoint, ID 83864 | www.conniescafe.com

February 13, 2025 / R / 13

FEATURE

A dying cause

Local nonprofits and philanthropy clubs sound the alarm over decline in membership numbers

By Ben Olson Reader Staff If tourism is the lifeblood of a community like Sandpoint, philanthropy clubs are its heart and soul. Most of us don’t realize the importance of institutions like the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Angels Over Sandpoint or the Rotary Club — especially in a rural community like Sandpoint. They quietly do the work that keeps us ticking. They put on Fourth of July festivities, fund childhood reading programs, feed the elderly and ensure kids have school supplies, to name a few acts of service.

However, as members of these clubs continue to grow older, they’re noticing an important indicator that is causing some alarm: New members and volunteers are growing more scarce.

The call to serve Nate Rench knew he wanted to give back from an early age.

“My dad is a Rotarian,” he told the Reader. “He has been ever since I was a little kid.”

Rench remembers driving around with his dad and, after looking at a pedestrian overpass the Rotarians helped build near Chuck Slough, he asked what else Rotary does.

“I remember he told me, ‘There are a lot of things we do, but it’s hard to show them sometimes because we don’t do it because of the publicity; we do it because the community needs it,’” Rench said.

That short civics lesson planted a seed, which eventually led to Rench finding his own philanthropic cause by sitting on the board of the Kiwanis for the past 11 years. He also serves as the vice president of the Bonner Community Food Bank.

When he first started with the Kiwanis, he wasn’t entirely sold.

“My first experience at 23 years old was, to be completely honest, ‘What the hell did I get myself into?’” he said. “There is a sense that the practice itself is outdated. I mean, we start our meetings singing, ‘My Country, ’Tis of Thee,’ and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.”

As time went on, though, Rench started seeing the importance of clubs like the Kiwanis. For example, the organization is responsible for starting the Bonner County Fair. Members still scoop ice cream at the fair, and 14 / R / February 13, 2025

Members of Boy Scout Troop No. 308 participate in a cleanup day at Camp Stidwell with the Kiwanis.

Courtesy photo donate all the money they raise to student scholarships and other causes.

As Rench said, “If we see the youth doing something good, we’ll give money to help that.”

One aspect that always impressed him is the Kiwanis’ ownership of Camp Stidwell, a 176-acre property beside Mirror Lake that youth groups use, thanks to a Kiwanian named Bob Angel, who owned the property and left it to the club so that youth from Bonner County would always be able to enjoy the untarnished outdoors.

“Growing up in Bonner County and seeing Camp Stidwell and how much of an asset that is, that’s a big reason I keep coming back,” Rench said. “To have kids see how Idaho was when I was a kid, with crystal-clear lakes, clean camping, land that’s been cared for and loved ... I want to give that back to the next generation.”

Looking to the future, however, Rench is concerned that the next generation won’t be able to experience the benefits of clubs like the Kiwanis.

In the 11 years since he joined, Rench has seen membership numbers decline.

“We see young people who are philanthropic, but they’re more willing to spend time on a centralized thing they’re active in,” Rench said.

“Like if you’re into mountain biking, you’ll join the Pend Oreille Pedalers.

But a service group is spread out over larger areas.”

Rench said he’s tried to get his “beer-drinking buddies” to join Kiwanis, and some have followed

through and attended a few meetings, but the majority drift away.

“There are always 10,000 reasons why it doesn’t work,” he said. “But I come back to the idea that if I don’t do it, who will? These clubs need to survive.”

Shared problems Membership decline is a problem that affects all local service groups.

Many in the community were surprised to hear the Angels Over Sandpoint would not be hosting the annual fundraising variety show The Follies in 2025, sparking fears that the event was done for.

Between The Follies and an annual charitable golf tournament, the volunteer-led Angels raise funds for the Back to School program, local grants, scholarships and other community assistance programs that aim to ensure local students have as much of a leg up as possible.

“In the past few years, we have seen a small decline in membership,” Board President Olivia Luther told the Reader. “Recruiting new members is always a challenge. As a small nonprofit, we prefer to divert 98% of our fundraising dollars back into the community. This means we have a very small marketing budget, and mostly rely on social media and word of mouth for recruitment.”

Luther said the median age of Angels volunteers is 55 to 60 years old, but she’s eager to involve new voices.

“The majority of our members are

of the same generation,” Luther said.

“Without new and younger energy, AOS will age right along with them.”

Luther said new voices bring ideas, passion and perspectives that help organizations like the Angels thrive. She also acknowledged that having tech-savvy volunteers will help recruit new members, mainly through social media.

“We could also tap into our relationships with local faith-based organizations and high schools,” she said.

“But recruiting them is only half the battle. We need to make sure we are inclusive of their ideas, talents and passions once they join.”

Luther believes in the power of philanthropy.

“At the end of the day, I believe our community lives by the old adage: We are only as strong as our weakest community members,” she said. “There are so many vital organizations all doing their part to make our community stronger, healthier and supported.”

Changing demographics In her fourth year as president of the Sandpoint Lions Club, Janice Rader knows something about giving back to the community. She has also taken notice of declining membership numbers.

A few years ago, Rader began a campaign to recruit younger members to join the Lions, which takes on everything from the Fourth of July festivities in Sandpoint to Easter egg hunts at Lakeview Park to supplying eyeglasses and vision testing to local students.

< see CLUBS, Page 15 >

< CLUBS, con’t from Page 14 > “We recruited probably 15 new members under the age of 40,” she told the Reader, “but the biggest issue is people love to volunteer for events, but they don’t want to join these clubs and run them.”

Rader said that’s disheartening, because the Lions were instrumental in Sandpoint’s history.

“I mean, we built City Beach, and yet I’m just having the hardest time getting people involved,” she said.

“There’s a reason I’ve been the club president the past four years. Let me tell you, I don’t want to be anymore, but my fear is, what if something happens to me? There’s nobody who will step up. I can’t imagine the Sandpoint Lions Club dying. Every morning I wake up and say, ‘OK, what are we doing to help move this club forward?’”

Rader has been with the Lions for 10 years and with the Girl Scouts for 15 years. She’s trying to reverse the shrinking numbers of volunteers by putting a spotlight on all the important things clubs like the Lions do in Sandpoint.

“Every time we have a big event — like we just finished up the Toys for Tots — so many people are impassioned,” Rader said. “Then, as soon as the program is over, they disappear.

This is an ongoing effort that is year-

round, not just two weeks.”

Rader said it’s not just the younger generations’ reluctance to join service clubs, but also the changing mindset of new arrivals in North Idaho.

“They move here and don’t mind using the resources, but they don’t understand how much we need the help to make those resources available,” she said “Half of our commissioners are new to the community and don’t even know our history. That’s another mark against us. Most people who retire nowadays just want to stay home, make sourdough bread and garden.”

For Rader, it’s important to keep

spreading the message that the Lions — and other clubs — need help.

“Please volunteer if you can,” she said. “Don’t think this is your grandpa’s organization. This is an important resource to this community and we need help. We need help maintaining it and keeping the history alive. There are so many changes in this community, it’s scary. I don’t know what it’s going to look like in 10 years if we keep up at this rate.”

Please consider joining a local service group. Find information about them online.

February 13, 2025 / R / 15

COMMUNITY

Days and days of frozen festivities

What’s happening at the 2025 Winter Carnival

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff Idaho’s snowy weather and freezing temperatures are back just in time for the return of Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival. This year, the celebrations will continue from Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 23, with plenty of parties, parades and activities for the whole family.

For a breakdown of the Carnival’s live music, see Page 21. Otherwise, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s festivities.

Friday, Feb. 14 The Valentine’s Day celebrations begin with Bella Terra Boutique’s Love and Friendship Party (223 N. First Ave.), which starts at 10 a.m. Enjoy giveaways, discounts, free treats and the photo booth or update your style with new permanent jewelry. The party runs until 5:30 p.m., when attendees can step outside to see the Carnival’s Parade of Lights, featuring floats handcrafted by local groups and businesses.

The parade will travel from the city parking lot (218 Church St.) down Church to Second Avenue, down Oak Street to Fourth Avenue and then back to Church.

Anyone who missed the opportunity to get pierced can visit Linked Studios at Barrel 33 (100 N. First Ave.) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for permanent jewelry, a custom hat bar with Brim&Band and live music from Mike Wagoner and Sadie Sicilia.

After the parade, warm up with a party or specialty dinner at one of many restaurants. The Pend d’Orellie Winery and the Festival at Sandpoint will co-host a block party outside the winery’s tasting room (301 Cedar St. Ste. 101) with music, hot cocoa and s’mores. Party-goers can also meet Miss Sandpoint USA, Tara Ryan, and Miss Dover USA, Sofia Cook, who are fundraising for their upcoming pageant season.

Connie’s Cafe and Lounge (323 Cedar St.), Marigold Bistro (414 Church St.) and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (1413 Upper Gold Creek Road) will all offer Winter Carnival- and Valentine’s Day-inspired specials. Visit conniescafe.com, MarigoldBistro7B. com and westernpleasureranch.com to learn more about the restaurants’ live 16 / R / February 13, 2025

music, specialty menus and — for the latter — horse-drawn sleigh rides. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will offer a similar dining experience Saturday, Feb. 15.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Saturday, Feb. 15 Ski bums and snowboarders should head up to Schweitzer over the weekend to take advantage of the mountain’s drink specials and participate in a scavenger hunt with snow-themed prizes.

Those who want to stay at lower elevations can visit the Carousel of Smiles beginning at 11 a.m. at 502 Church St. to see the 36-pony Allan Herschell carousel from the 1920s. The “golden age” carousel is still under renovation, but 24 of the ponies will be on display alongside unique art made for the ride by local artisans. The Old Time Fiddlers will perform waltzes and Irish, Scottish and Western swing music from 2-5 p.m. Dancing is encouraged.

The day will come to a phantasmagorical close with Confusium: Comedy, Magic and Illusion, a family-friendly collaboration between six area magicians performing Vegas-level illusions and mental manipulation. Sandpoint local and “thrillusionist” David DaVinci, International Champion of Magic, brings the show together with his daring illusions that often include fire and live animals.

“Each of us feature our own various styles. I specialize in birds and large illusions, whereas the other acts are varied in their areas of expertise; from literally reading your thoughts (freaky!), to grab-your-gut from laughing pains, there’s something for everyone,” said DaVinci.

He shares the stage with mentalist and magician Nathan Lee — who studied magic in Las Vegas under Jeff McBride and Eugene Berger — and 35year illusionist and magic teacher Cecil

Lewis. Inland Northwest Performer Cameron Brow, who specializes in mentalism; up-and-coming Spokane magician and mentalist Quentin Scott; and sleight-of-hand expert Lam Chan will also dazzle Saturday night’s audience.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.). Depending on the seat, tickets are $30 to $40 at panida.org.

Get them before they sell out.

Sunday, Feb. 16 Stop by the Marigold Bistro (414 Church St.) at 6 p.m. for the Winter Carnival’s first Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction, which supports Miss Sandpoint USA’s pageant expenses.

Dress to the nines and bring $10 to attend or $20 to participate in the auction. Tickets will be available at the door, at the Winter Carnival block party’s hot cocoa booth or by calling 208-263-9514.

The night concludes on Schweitzer with live music and the colorful Let It Glow kids’ parade and fireworks show.

The Panida will screen an environmentalists’ dream double feature at 6 p.m. with the premiere of the Kaniksu Land Trust’s short film, “The Sled Hill,” followed by Patagonia’s “Fire Lines.” Created by Tanner French Films, “The Sled Hill” tells the story of Sandpoint’s 1940s Pine Street sledding hill and how the community rallied behind it to save the property for posterity.

“Fire Lines,” about Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and how hiking and biking trails can be used to prevent the spread of wildfires, balances this wintery flick. Tickets are $10 at panida.org.

Carnival-goers can also create their own Sled Hill by painting a snowy mountain landscape with local artist Nicole Black and Barrel 33 (100 N. First Ave.) from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $45 at sandpointwintercarnival. com/events.

Friday, Feb. 21 Bring stretchy pants to the annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival Chili Cook-Off at Pierce Auto Center (30 Gun Club Road, Sagle). Drop off your best pot of chili by 3 p.m. to enter, or show up between 3 and 4:45 p.m. to taste and judge. First place wins $200 and a golden ladle, second takes home $100 and third place earns $50. Afterward, head to Barrel 33 to customize a classic cowboy or Australian wool hat from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for $95-150.

Tickets are available at barrel33sandpoint.com.

Saturday, Feb 22 This year’s Winter Carnival coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market’s new ownership and management, and the bridge’s businesses are celebrating with a family day full of face painting, specials and treats from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

< see CARNIVAL, Page 17 >

COMMUNITY

Forrest Bird Charter School announces open enrollment period

By Reader Staff Forrest M. Bird Charter School, Sandpoint’s public charter school for grades 6-12, recently announced the dates for its open enrollment period for the 2025-’26 school year. Interested families are invited to submit applications for their students’ admission now from through April 17.

To uphold FBCS’s commitment to maintaining class sizes of no more than 22 students, a lottery drawing will be conducted on April 21 to ensure a fair selection process for all applicants due to the limited number of available seats.

< CARNIVAL, con’t from Page 16 > Jalapeño’s will have a grown-up celebration (314 N. Second Ave.), with plenty of drink specials in honor of National Margarita Day. Meanwhile, Matchwood Brewing, Evans Brothers Coffee and Toasty Mobile Saunas are combining forces for ToastyFest from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Granary District. The celebration promotes wellness with a fun run, cold plunge, dance lessons and more. Visit matchwoodbrewing.com/toastyfest for more information.

Sunday, Feb. 23

The star of the Carnival, Eichardt’s K-9 Keg Pull, rounds out the celebrations by taking over a stretch of 212 Cedar St. for man’s best friends’ greatest race. After 10:15 a.m. registration, local dogs will pull size-appropriate kegs through the snow beginning at 11 a.m., raising funds for Better Together Animal Alliance.

Finally, the Bonner County Historical Society and the Panida will screen Sandpoint at the North End of the Long Bridge, a film created for Sandpoint’s 2001 centennial by Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Daarstad, who passed away in 2023. The film traverses Sandpoint’s history from prehistoric times until 2001, highlighting stories from famous locals.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for the first half, followed by an intermission and a question-and-answer session with screenwriter, author and Reader columnist Sandy Compton. Tickets are $10 at panida.org or free for kids 12 and under.

“Forrest M. Bird Charter School embraces a project-based learning philosophy with a strong focus on mastery education,” the school stated in an announcement. “In alignment with its mission to provide an exceptional educational experience, FBCS has adopted Idaho’s STEM diploma graduation path. This initiative will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving educational and community environment.”

Also this year, FBCS has introduced a newly developed middle school math program, which places students in sixth through eighth grades

into tiers that align with their individual educational needs.

“This personalized approach allows students to progress in their math skills throughout the school year, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject,” FBCS stated.

Finally, in response to community feedback, FBCS announced the addition of a new bus route to Priest River for the next school year, with a bus stop near Harvest Foods.

For more information about FBCS or to apply for the 2025-’26 school year, visit forrestbirdcharterschool.org or call 208-255-7771.

Innovia Foundation invites area nonprofits to participate in Live Give 7B campaign

By Reader Staff The Innovia Foundation is inviting local nonprofits to participate in a county-wide initiative called Live Give 7B on April 14-18. According to organizers, the program is put on by a collective of nonprofit leaders that “encourages our community to prioritize and support local nonprofits and businesses, fostering a culture of compassion, camaraderie and connection for anyone and everyone who calls 7B home.”

Participating nonprofits will join more than 25 local entities in pro-

moting giving back to the community.

A dedicated website will highlight organizations’ missions and include direct links to donation pages, making it easy for community members to support the cause.

The campaign will culminate with a community celebration at Matchwood Brewing Co. on Friday, April 18.

Innovia Rural Engagement Officer Dig Chrismer wanted to make sure the entire nonprofit community feels welcome to participate. Email Chrismer at dchrismer@innovia.org with any questions. Nonprofits can register for the program at bit.ly/LiveGive7B.

BY THE NUMBERS

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

1 Idaho’s ranking among U.S. states for inbound moves, according to the 2024 North American Van Lines annual migration report, showing which states people are moving to — and from. Idaho led the nation with 69% of moves coming from out of the state. Illinois took 50th place, with only 40% of inbound moves and 60% going outbound.

15% The reduction in funding from the National Institutes of Health for universities and medical schools announced by the Trump administration, which critics are calling, “nothing short of catastrophic.” Universities and medical schools use that funding to conduct research into some of the most daunting health diagnoses, such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. The policy change has already generated a lawsuit, with attorneys general from 22 states filing suit on Feb. 10 to prevent it from going into effect.

3 The number of judges who have blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. The suit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, argues that Trump’s executive order violates the U.S. Constitution by running contrary to the 14th Amendment, which ensures that no one — not even the president — can deny children born in the U.S. their rightful place as citizens.

$15-$20 million The amount of money it cost for Trump to attend the 2025 Super Bowl, which he left early. This includes about $10 million for Secret Service, $5 million for air travel and motorcades, $2 million for stadium security upgrades, and $1 million for local law enforcement overtime and personnel. It also costs taxpayers an estimated $1 million every time Trump plays golf. (Gee, I wonder if DOGE should look into this wasteful spending?)

February 13, 2025 / R / 17

events

Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com THURSDAY, february 13

Februrary 13-20, 2025

Macrame Earrings event Galentine’s Trucker Hat Party w/ Brittany Truffle Making Party 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33 4-6 & 6-8pm @ Sandpoint Chocolate 5:30-7:30pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Join us and Creative Shop Co. in $100 worth of chocolate for $75. $40 includes instruction, hat, supplies and a glass of creating your own heart earrings wine. laurab@powine.com to RSVP or more info 208-304-3591 to RSVP Cribbage double elminination tourney $5 Full Moon Nordic Ski and Potluck 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge 5-8pm @ Outdoor Rec Center, Pine St. Woods WINTER CARNIVAL EVENTS For full listings, see Page 16

Live Music w/ Jason Perry 5pm @ Connie’s Lounge Get funky on V-Day Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 5pm @ Baxter’s on Cedar Live Music w/ Mike and Sadie 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33 (Sorry for the incorrect date last week) Winter Carnival Block Party 6-8pm @ Third Ave. near Jeff Jones Town Sq. Dance performances, music, s’mores, hot cocoa, food, fire pits and more Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 6-9pm @ 1908 Saloon

Live Music w/ Headwaters 9pm-midnight @ 219 Lounge Live Music w/ Mobius Riff 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33 Live Music w/ Ali Thomas 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Music w/ Zach Simms 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Live Music w/ The Jauntee 7pm @ 219 Lounge A ticketed show! The Jauntee blew the house down their last show at the Niner with their combination of jazz, funk, rock and psychedelic jams Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Live Music w/ Kerry Leigh & Friends 3-5pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s

Live Music w/ Double Shot Band Couple’s Breathwork and Cacao Ceremony 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge 5-7pm @ Luna Alchemy, Ponderay Paper Flowers: Remember Fleetwood Mac $60/couple. 208-264-8356 to RSVP 7pm @ The Hive Confusium Comedy Magic & Illusions Live concert journey through the in7pm @ The Panida Theater fluential music of Fleetwood Mac Experience our local magicians, illuLearn to Nordic ski (classic, int. skate) sionists and more, feat. David DaVinci For more info, to register: sandpointnordic.com KNPS: “Urban ‘Pocket Prairies’” Live Music w/ Hannah Meehan 10am @ Sandpoint Library 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Zoom link: bit.ly/PhoenixConservancy

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Pool Tournament ($10 entry) 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge

Outdoor Experience Group Run 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome

Live Music w/ Holly and Michael 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Live Music w/ Meghan Sullivan 6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ Live Music w/ KOSH 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Hogwire Valentine’s Barn Dance 7:30pm-late @ The Hive Country that rocks. Line dancing lessons from 7:30-8:30pm for $10. Band starts at 8:45pm. $5 cover Live Music w/ Jake Robin 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

tuesDAY, february 18

Little Live Radio Hour: Liam McCoy 7pm @ Little Panida Theater Live Piano w/ Malachi 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Paint and Sip 5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33 Learn how to paint a masterpiece Live Music w/ Comin’ Home the Band 5:30-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. 18 / R / February 13, 2025

FriDAY, february 14

Live Music w/ Ten String Smile 5:30-8:30pm @ The District Bistro

SAFE Queer V-Day Dance Party 8-11:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Hosted by Sandpoint Alliance for Equality. 21+. Beats by Coral. $10 entry. Come solo or with a partner Winter Carnival Parade of Lights 5:30pm @ Downtown parking lot Parade will move through downtown Sandpoint starting at the city parking lot Contra Valentine’s Day Dance 7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall Intro at 7pm. $10. All ages welcome

SATURDAY, february 15

SunDAY, february 16

Oscar Nominated Shorts 2025 2pm & 7pm @ The Panida Theater Screening of the 5 Oscar-nominated shorts at 2pm, followed by the 5 nominated live-action shorts at 7pm Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction 6pm @ Marigold Bistro $10 to spectate, $20 to participate in auction. Proceeds support Miss Sandpoint USA. Snag yourself a date!

monDAY, february 17

Winter Faculty Recital Tea Time Serenade 2-3:30pm @ Little Carnegie Theater, MCS Listen to warm classical music feat. the talent of MCS faculty. Proceeds will benefit the youth of the community Int’l Wildlife Film Festival Fundraiser 7pm @ The Hive Inspiring wildlife films. A major fundraiser for a group of Sandpoint students heading to Dominican Republic to work marine restoration projects Trivia Monday 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

wednesDAY, february 19

Live Trivia ($5 entry) Live Music w/ BTP Family Hour 7pm @ Connie’s Lounge 5-7pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. 6-9pm @ 219 Lounge Feat. live music w/ John Firshi Live Piano w/ Bob Beadling 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

ThursDAY, february 20

The Sled Hill short film and more 6pm @ Panida Theater Premier of film The Sled Hill, mixer, Patagonia film and raffle. $10/person Cribbage double elminination tourney $5 6pm @ Connie’s Lounge

Cedar Street Bridge 1-year anniversary 11am-5pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Celebrating one year of new ownership. Games, face painting, specials, photo booth, hot cocoa bar and more

STAGE & SCREEN

Panida moves forward on lobby renovation project

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Panida Board voted on Feb. 6 to move forward with a renovation project that would bring changes to the lobby of the historic theater.

“We’ve had three workshops and an open house, and I feel like everybody here has had a chance to tell us what they think,” Board President Sean Behm said at the meeting.

Behm wished to quash any rumors that the process to renovate the main theater lobby was “rushed,” saying that the initial discussion on the project took place in 2008, with drawings made in 2011.

“We’re interested in what is best for the long-term vision of the Panida,” he said. “What we want to do at this time is move forward with the next phase of this project.”

The Panida hosted an open house in January, comparing four plans to redesign the lobby, which can become congested — especially on busy performance nights. The plans called for

anywhere from minor adjustments to a full-blown connection between the Little Theater and the main lobby.

After gathering feedback from the community, the board has set its sights on two potential plans.

The first would move the concessions from its existing area on the north side of the lobby to the east wall against the theater wall. The bar would move into the retail space to the north, where the Museum Guild was formerly located. The second plan would see the wall between the main lobby and Little Theater opened up to connect the two spaces. Concessions and the bar would move into the Little Theater and the main lobby would be empty, except for bathroom and theater entrances.

Behm said multiple issues might alter those two designs, so nothing is set in stone. The board voted unanimously on three motions to begin the process of evaluating costs and design specifications for each of the plans, but wouldn’t commit to either plan until more information is available.

Panida Board President Sean Behm shows community members schematics for various main lobby renovation designs. Photo by Ben Olson.

The board voted to obtain a construction cost estimate for both plans with Boden Architecture. Members also voted to engage with architect Shannon Sardell for a consultation on the design concept and interior finish needed to meet requirements from the State Historic Preservation Office.

“Plan 2 is a long-term vision and it was dramatically favored by our feedback,” Behm said.

The board also voted to separate the lobby redesign process from the relocation of the women’s bathroom, so that the two projects weren’t conflated. The board elected to procure design work and examine codes to relocate the women’s bathroom into the retail space south of the lobby, which would create a new bathroom for women without affecting the historic facade of the building.

Behm said the board’s first priority is to maintain the historic significance of the Panida during this project.

“I’ve been told that the Panida is a rare theater in Idaho that’s never been touched,” he said. “Most other theaters in this state have been altered. ... We want to make sure that if we expand the lobby into the Little Theater, it’s clearly not part of the original [main] lobby. They’ll be two separate and distinct places, they’ll just be connected.”

The board hopes for more clarification on a definite plan forward by summertime.

Panida Theater offers screenings of 2025 Oscar-nominated short films

By Reader Staff It’s still a few weeks until the 2025 Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, but Sandpoint audiences will have a chance to catch up on the Oscar-nominated short films ahead of time with two screenings on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.).

First, the theater will play all five animated short films up for consideration at 2 p.m., followed by the five nominated live-action shorts at 7 p.m.

Each screening is about 90 minutes, with films rated PG-13 (though with some adult content).

Animated shorts include Magic Candies (Japan); In the Shadow of the Cypress

(Iran); Yuck! (France); Wander to Wonder (Netherlands, Belgium, France, U.K.); and Beautiful Men (Belgium, France, Netherlands).

Live-action shorts include The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Croatia); Anuja (India); I’m Not a Robot (Belgium, Netherlands); A Lien (U.S.); and The Last Ranger (South Africa).

The showings are part of the Panida’s Sunday Cinemas Series, sponsored

by Joni MacNeill, DDS, of MacNeill Family Dental; Ben Richards, CPFA, of Merrill; Retro Play Arcade; and SkyRight Roofing and Gutters.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime and tickets are $5, available at the door or panida.org.

International Wildlife Film Festival raises funds for local students

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff As part of Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival, The Hive (207 N. First Ave.) will host a special showing of the International Wildlife Film Festival’s 2024 lineup to raise money for Sandpoint High School students working to restore coral reefs in the Dominican Republic.

Many of the students will help out at the screening, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 6:15 p.m., which will also include raffles and an auction.

John Hastings’ A.P. environmental science class at SHS had the idea to volunteer after learning about the devastating effects of rising ocean temperatures on the world’s coral reefs.

“From an earlier diving trip, I knew of a couple small-scale organizations working to restore the reefs in front of

their homes. They are thrilled to get our help, and the students who go on these trips are truly having a positive impact on their world,” said Hastings.

“Because the organizations we work with are small, our students are very hands-on and doing important work,” he added.

In addition to helping the planet, the students gain eye-opening cultural experiences while exploring the island and practicing their Spanish.

“When not working on the reef, we take dance classes — as Dominicans love to dance any chance they get. We take Dominican cooking classes so students experience firsthand the rich food traditions of the D.R. We travel around the island to experience its biodiversity,” said Hastings.

The collection of short films includes Fundacion Ecologica Magua, a

deep-dive into one of the organizations with which students will volunteer, as well as stories about conservation efforts for creatures as different as caddisflies and Yellowstone’s cuddly otters.

Among the many films shown, The Return of Nóouhàh-Toka’na highlights efforts by the Aaniiih and Nakoda tribes and the Smithsonian to reintroduce the swift fox, which inhabited North America from Canada to Texas before 20th-century predator control programs decimated the population.

Likewise, Under the Wire explores a community’s efforts to change fence lines to allow pronghorns to travel their native scrubland freely. The deer-like animals have inhabited North America since the Pleistocene era and are more closely related to giraffes than any other creatures.

School of Fish illustrates the ancient

connection between Alaska’s Indigenous people and salmon and how younger generations are fighting for their traditional way of life against the Pebble Mine, which threatens to pollute Bristol Bay, Alaska.

See all these and more, and participate in raffles and auctions with prizes like a day of sailing, local art and Dominican rum.

“The films are inspiring. The work our local students do is even more inspiring,” Hastings said. “Several students are taking this trip for a second time as they really believe in the work we do, the people we help, and the fun we have. Please come and support them.”

For more information on the free film festival, visit livefromthehive.com.

The suggested donation is $20 at the door.

February 13, 2025 / R / 19

20 / R / February 13, 2025

MUSIC

The Winter Carnival’s musical lineup

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff There’s something for fans of every genre at the Winter Carnival’s six days of music.

Here’s a run-down of each performance.

Friday, Feb. 14:

John Firshi at Taps Bar Local artist John Firshi will give a free Carnival performance from 3-6 p.m. at Taps (10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road), displaying his signature bluesy guitar. Listen at johnfirshi.com.

Maria Larson at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch Celebrate love by booking a special evening at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (1413 Upper Gold Creek Road) and enjoy a Valentine’s Day sleigh ride, surf ’n’ turf dinner and romantic concert by jazz musician Maria Larson beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $130 for adults and $75 for children ages 6-12 and can be reserved by calling 208-263-9066.

Hogwire at The Hive The band Hogwire will rock the Hive (207 N. First Ave.) with a Valentine’s Day barn bash complete with line dancing lessons — so there’s no excuse not to get up and bust a move. Ian Newbill, Mark Linscott and Matt Linscott will take the stage at 8:45 p.m. to perform everyone’s favorite country-rock hits, but show up at 7:30 p.m. for dance lessons.

Tickets for this 21+ night are

$5 or $15 with lessons at livefromthehive.com.

Saturday, Feb. 15:

Nick Canger at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch If the Valentine’s Day concert sold out too quickly, country lovers can enjoy a similar night out on Saturday with Nick Canger. See Feb. 14 for details.

Dario Rè at Barrel 33 For free music, check out Barrel 33 (100 N. 1st Ave.) any time from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for genre-bending world music with Dario Rè, emphasizing his poetic lyrics and skill on the guitar. Listen at dariore.com.

Miah Kohl Band at Taps Bar This classic rock cover band is a local favorite with heavy guitar and vocals to match. Hear them at Taps from 4-7 p.m., then stick around for a ’90s-themed dance party. Don’t forget your baggy denim and flannel (frosted tips optional).

Paper Flowers at The Hive Saturday’s headline musical event will be Paper Flowers, a tribute band known for recreating concert experiences from Fleetwood Mac’s heyday in perfect detail. Keyboardist Allison McCready, guitarist Cary Beare, drummer Brian Burke and bassist Kōsh all sing together in a faithful recreation of the band’s late ’70s and ’80s iterations, throwing in a few songs from other popular artists. Tickets are $30

at livefromthehive.com for this 21+ concert. Listen at paperflowersmusic.com.

Sunday, Feb. 16:

Tea Time Serenade at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint will put on a performance featuring its faculty to raise funds for their students, who study a range of musical styles, techniques and instruments. Enjoy an afternoon of classical music from 2-3 p.m. at the Little Carnegie Hall (110 Main St.). Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students at sandpointconservatory.org.

Kenny James Miller Band and Glizzi at Taps Bar Northwest blues-rock trio Kenny James Miller Band play leading up to Schweitzer’s Let It Glow parade.

Guitarist and singer Ken Sederdahl, drummer Tobin Cooley and bassist Corey Morris have been practicing music nationwide for more than 40 years and will bring both original music and covers to Taps from 3-6 p.m. Listen at kjmband.com. The up-andcoming band Glizzi will finish off the night from 7-10 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 20: Comin’ Home The Band at Matchwood Husband-and-wife duo Comin’ Home the Band returns to Matchwood (513 Oak St.) for more acoustic bluesy rock originals and covers.

Originally from Florida, the

well-traveled family has honed their complex harmonies and guitar parts in venues across the country. Dance along to fan favorites from 5:30-8 p.m. Listen at cominhometheband.com.

Friday, Feb. 21:

Nu Jack City at The Hive Based in Spokane, this soul and R&B band prides itself on its authentic Motown sound, which comes through whether they’re performing Top 40 hits or classics by the Temptations or Whitney Houston. Led by vocalists Maxwell Daniels and Miss Monee, this team of five to 10 members will make Friday a night to remember at the Hive from 7-11 p.m.

Listen at nujackcityband.net.

Spokane is Dead at the Panida Theater The Inland Northwest’s favorite tribute band, Spokane is Dead, will bring Vegas to the Panida (300 N. First Ave.) with the music of the Jerry Garcia Band and the Grateful Dead, performed by a sixpiece ensemble. Tickets are $20 at panida.org for this 7:30 p.m. musical experience.

Sunday, Feb. 23: Fiddlin’ Red at Barrel 33 The man, the myth, the legend — Fiddlin’ Red — is the dessert for the Winter Carnival’s musical feast. He’ll perform his signature frontiersman folk music on his hand-crafted instruments from 1-4 p.m. at Barrel 33. Listen at fiddlinredsmusic.com.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint

Mobius Riff, Barrel 33, Feb. 15

The Jauntee, 219 Lounge, Feb. 16

The Möbius strip is a mathematical oddity, representing a “non-orientable surface” on which clockwise and counterclockwise turns can’t be distinguished. Fitting that it’s also called a “Möbius band,” because Sandpoint has a band called Mobius Riff, which exhibits many of the characteristics of its namesake.

Denis Zwang, Tom Duebendorfer, Larry Higgins and Larry Guldberg play a “non-ori-

In the world of live music, there are always bands that stand apart from the rest.

Colorado-based quartet The Jauntee has gained a loyal following over the years, thanks to their eclectic mix of jazz, funk, rock and psychedelic jams. They blew the roof off the 219 Lounge last time they played there, so they’ve come back for seconds.

The band has become

entable” amalgamation of Celtic, jazz, Middle Eastern, classical and originals that keeps audiences entertained while never knowing which direction they’ll go next. One thing audiences should know, however, is to catch them on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Barrel 33.

— Zach Hagadone 5:30-8:30 p.m., FREE. Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave., 208-9206258, barrel33sandpoint.com. Info at mobiusriff.com.

known for energetic live performances and are currently touring some of the best venues in the Northwest. Don’t miss this ticketed show.

— Ben Olson

This week’s RLW by Soncirey Mitchell

READ

I love happy-golucky science fiction stories as much as the next gal, but there’s something unparalleled about truly devastating speculative works like I Who Have Never Known Men by Belgian author Jacqueline Harpman. Translated from the original French, the story follows a girl held prisoner underground alongside 39 women. When the group is finally set free and discovers the world is an abandoned wasteland, the nameless child must learn the concepts of freedom and self-creation.

LISTEN

If that book recommendation was a little too heavy for you, check out Hildegard von Blingin’ on YouTube instead. The singer and illustrator takes modern songs and reinvents them with Medieval-inspired instrumentals and old-timey lyrics to create “bardcore” music. Each video comes with a delightful illustration of the original artist or subject matter in the style of Medieval art or illuminated manuscripts. Her version of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan is especially good.

WATCH

I don’t watch many action shows; but, when I do, I like them to follow a bewildered lead trying their best. The Recruit — the TV show, not the unrelated Al Pacino movie — checks all those boxes by following Owen Hendricks, a newbie CIA lawyer who lands smack dab in the middle of several international incidents by accident. Everyone’s convinced he’s either an idiot or a genius, and they’re right on both counts. Watch both seasons on Netflix.

7 p.m., $15, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208-263-5673, 219lounge.com. Listen at thejauntee.com. Get tickets at 219lounge. com or at the door on show night, if they’re still available.

February 13, 2025 / R / 21

BACK OF THE BOOK

On a powder day...

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

From Pend Oreille Review February 12, 1915

BREAK UP IWW CAMPS Upon complaint of people living in the vicinity of Albeni Falls, above Newport, Sheriff Remer and Deputy Sheriff Spoor drove between 15 and 20 I.WW . . members from their camp in the old Fidelity Lumber company camp at that place Monday afternoon.

Ranchers living near the camp experienced considerable difficulty in keeping the “I Won’t Works” out of barns and chicken coops. Remer and Spoor walked the gang west of Newport and gave them clearance papers for Washington.

JURY FINDS McREA NOT GUILTY After less than 10 minutes deliberation, the jury in the case of Norman McRea, charged with battery, brought in a verdict of not guilty.

McRea was arrested and brought to trial upon complaint of Denver P. Dayton who charged McRea with having assaulted him with the butt end of a whip following an altercation over a right-of-way across Dayton’s land near Addie, Idaho.

Testimony showed that Dayton had threatened W.J. Greenway, for whom McRea was working as a teamster, with a rifle and, that when struck Dayton was holding the heads of the team McRea was driving.

The altercation grew out of a refusal on the part of Dayton to allow Greenway’s logging teams to cross his land after Dayton is alleged to have entered into an oral agreement with Greenway permitting right-ofway for Greenway’s teams.

A civil action in which Dayton is defendant and Greenway is plaintiff is pending in the district court.

22 / R / February 13, 2025

On a powder day, nothing else really matters.

It’s midweek and there are about five inches of fresh snow on the ground. The sun pokes through the ethereal haze of the alpine morning. A slow caravan of vehicles with ski racks navigates the switchbacks up to Schweitzer, drivers tapping the wheel with nervous energy for the day ahead.

Nearing the roundabout, you can almost hear the collective gasps as the ski hill finally looms into view. It’s a bluebird powder day with perfect visibility.

Is there anything better in the world?

A jaunt up Heart Attack Hill brings you to the village, where early morning skiers and boarders begin to queue behind the chairlift heading up to South Bowl, which opens earlier than the quad leading to the summit and the backside of the mountain.

Those early enough stand in line ready to take the first chair up the mountain — a distinct honor that becomes harder to achieve as our oncequaint ski hill becomes more and more known in the world.

It’s 20 minutes to 9 a.m., and now you really see the line take shape. Everyone sways back and forth, stretching their legs, talking idly with other locals in line; until, out of the clear blue morning, a bell rings. The opening bell — one of the most beautiful sounds in the world on a bluebird powder morning.

Those in line let out a cheer and surge forward, patient but restless, ready to enter the alpine world where we’d all die of exposure after a few

hours without our protective ski gear.

The chairs fill and move people up the mountain until, off to the right, you spy the first person barreling down the mountain, carving a clean, untouched line of tracks down J.R. or Headwall. The ones who didn’t get up early enough cheer them on from the chairlift. The saying goes, “There are no friends on powder days”; but, conversely, everyone is friends on a powder day.

Later, after the tracks have filled in the mountain, the hardy ones begin hiking up to Big Blue for a late hit. Not many people make the trek up there, but anyone who does is greeted with a stunning view of the lake, Schweitzer and the valley below. But, most importantly, an enormous face run that often only has a few tracks on it.

After a half-hour of huffing and puffing up the steep incline, standing at the edge of the run, you realize that nothing really matters. The legion of angry white men hellbent on destroying the world fades into the background.

The argument you had with your kids; the fender bender last week that left your bumper in the ditch; the neighbor’s dogs, which haven’t stopped barking in years — all of it is trivial when you launch into a powder run.

It’s something pure, undefined and so damn fun. It’s the closest we’ll come to flying, and the furthest we’ll

STR8TS Solution

Sudoku Solution

Cadie Archer rides down Big Blue at Schweitzer on Feb. 9. Photo by Ben Olson. get from the ugliness of the world.

Afterward, as we reminisce about our perfect turns over beers, we are reminded why we live here; why we do the things that are hard; why we stay sane in this ever-maddening world.

On a powder day, the world makes sense again. For those few minutes, all is well. There’s no better feeling in the world for a powderhound.

Cheers to the good stuff and to those who seek it out. To hell with all the rest — at least until the run is over.

Crossword Solution

Isn’t it funny how one minute life can be such a struggle, and the next minute you’re just driving real fast, swerving back and forth across the road?

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

By Bill Borders

striated /STRAHY-ey-tid/

Woorf tdhe Week

[adjective] 1. marked with streaks or grooves “In architecture, Doric columns are striated or fluted, but Tuscan columns are not.”

Corrections: We had a couple of mistakes on the events calendar in the Feb. 6 edition. Mike and Sadie will play at Barrel 33 on Friday, Feb. 14 instead of Jordan Pitts. Also, the retirement mixer at the Community Resource Envision Center will be Wednesday, Feb. 26 (the date on the press release was incorrect). Thanks for reading.

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Din 6. Lace tip 11. Adjust again 12. Faulting 15. Ease up 16. Finely textured 17. Guff 18. Lack of success 20. Fifty-two in Roman numerals 21. Winglike 23. Blockhead 24. Serene 25. Nothing more than 26. Exam 27. Opera house box 28. Combines 29. Past tense of To be 30. Allied 31. An extinct arthropod 34. Type of freshwater fish 36. Car nut 37. Skin irritation 41. In this location 42. Precipitation 43. Detective ____ Wolfe 44. Rear end 45. Tumble 46. Cupid’s Greek counterpart 47. Fifth sign of the zodiac 48. Seat of government 51. French for “Word” 52. Shopping mecca 54. Log houses

Solution on page 22 56. Go ahead 57. Itinerary 58. Go inside 59. Aromatic compound

DOWN 1. Grilled 2. Spotted feline 3. Donkey 4. Coral formation 5. European volcano 6. Sudden

7. Dirty look 32. Regret 8. Alley 33. Constructed 9. Large flightless 34. String bird 35. Clear up 10. Cultivated land 38. Wood eater 13. Attached 39. Singer 14. Filled with gloom 40. Guest inviters 15. Andean animal 42. A straight sword 16. Biblical gift 44. Seaweed of tongues 45. Madcap comedy 19. Utopian 48. Penny 22. Mend 49. Unit of land 24. Cough syrup 50. Neighbor of ingredient Vietnam 26. Blockhead 53. Local Area Network 27. Ignited 55. Except 30. Portent or omen February 13, 2025 / R / 23