creek and start to accelerate… then desperately hit the clutch and brake as the little one leaps up and dashes away. Relief and gratitude for all three Dear editor, This letter is written in support of us. of the ongoing efforts of Better Steve Johnson Together Animal Alliance in taking Sagle care of the stray animal problem in
Cities should pitch in for BTAA…
Bouquets: • Three cheers to the stage crew and staff at the Festival at Sandpoint. It was surely a hot few days erecting the stage at War Memorial Field. If you attend the shows — even from outside the fence — please give a nod to the many, many people it takes to make it happen.
Barbs: • Sen. Scott Herndon gets yet another Barb this week for his ill-conceived “just asking questions” videos posted to social media after the Army Surplus 1 arson suspect was arrested. Because the suspect, Jennifer Meyer, once rented a room five years ago from Steve Johnson (who has run for office registered as a Democrat and an Independent), Herndon recorded two repetitious videos in which he made several suppositions and innuendos about a political connection to the arson. In the videos, he claimed he was “merely raising interesting connections.” Never mind that those “interesting connections” had already been investigated by police and reported in the Reader, complete with an actual explanation from Steve Johnson himself. I’m so over the whole “I’m just asking questions” schtick. It’s lazy and it doesn’t add anything to a story except fear, uncertainty and doubt. People who “just ask questions” are really phrasing their beliefs as a question in an intellectually dishonest attempt to appear unbiased. Asking questions is fine, but one must be willing to accept the answers when they are given, not just pump more nonsense into the ether to keep the ignorant base frothy. Also, it’s important to ask the right questions of the right people, not idly speculate based on half-cocked “research” without context. To be clear: There is no evidence that supports a suspect lighting the fire for political reasons. When/if there is a motive to report we will certainly hear from our competent local law enforcement and relay the story accordingly. Unlike Herndon, journalists actually source their stories with facts, not just wild theories grown out of their neckbeards. Perhaps Herndon should concentrate on finishing his lame duck term as senator. 8 / R / July 25, 2024
Sandpoint and all of Bonner County. In the past, BTAA has had to absorb the bulk of the costs of taking care of strays brought into their facility by Bonner County and the cities of Sandpoint and Ponderay. Payment to BTAA from those three entities — for the physical care, medical care, housing, etc., of the strays — has been minimal, at best, and doesn’t come close to covering the expenses incurred. BTAA has been covering the preceding costs through donations from local citizens; donations that could have gone to covering all the wonderful programs that BTAA offers to all the people and animals of this county. For the city of Sandpoint to start up a shelter to hold animals for five days before euthanizing them, is leaving the city open to potential lawsuits for killing an animal when, for example, a family goes out of town on a trip and their animal (specifically a dog) gets away from whoever is caring for it. The family comes home to find their pet family member has been killed because they didn’t claim it within five days. BTAA should continue to provide services for strays, but the two cities and county they are in need to come up with reasonable financial support, so that BTAA can continue providing all the care these strays may need. It would be a good way for those entities to avoid potential lawsuits as well as being supportive of the BTAA no-kill policy. Respectfully, Gail and Michael Harmelin Sandpoint
‘Haying time’... Dear editor, After the morning dew is off I fire up the tractor and swather and move across the field. Summer green windrows appear as I inhale the fresh cut balm of alfalfa and timothy. An anxious doe at the field’s edge reminds me of the spotted fawns that are oftentimes bedded down in the tall, thick grass. I make the turn towards the
‘Think about it’... Dear editor, In the front-page article of the July 20 Daily Bee, Scott Herndon says he’s “merely raising interesting connections,” regarding the Army Surplus 1 store fire and a political candidate’s possible connection. He’s at it again folks, doing his best to divide people, through his normal use of innuendos, finger-pointing and smearing of an individual who doesn’t believe the same way he does. Everyone should watch the movie, The American President. At the end of the movie, the character of the president, played by Michael Douglas, states, “All he cares about is making you afraid of it and who’s to blame for it.” That’s how he gets elected, regarding the character of Sen. Rumson, played by Richard Dreyfuss (substitute Herndon for Rumson). Herndon is someone that doesn’t care about our freedoms and our rights; all he cares about is his agenda and dictating to the Bonner County Republican Central Committee his beliefs. He’s been instrumental in helping take away some of our rights: censorship through House Bill 710, women’s loss of their reproductive rights, etc. Divide and conquer are words he must live by. Michael Harmelin, Vietnam veteran Sandpoint
‘There’s your sign’… Dear editor, In 68 years, 46 in North Idaho, I’ve learned a few things. Spotting when someone is lying to me isn’t hard. When someone says, “I’m merely presenting some interesting information,” at the end of a series of baseless rumor mongering and inelegant “connecting the dots” accusations, there’s your sign. When someone says, “There are interesting documented connections,” but the connections turn
out to be the fact that someone used a local business that employed someone, or someone rented a room or an apartment or space from someone local, there’s your sign. When someone makes a lot of statements in the form of questions and then says, “I am not accusing or saying a person is a [fill in the blank]; I’m just asking the question and looking for answers.” There’s your sign. People who say the words “I’m just sayin’ …,” there’s your sign. Not that the above was related to anyone, or any recent misrepresentations by anyone who lost their state senate primary race, but I do want to remind the chair of the local Republican Party that he should know that Kathryn Larson is not challenging Mr. Rasor for the state representative seat. Mr. Rasor is not an incumbent being challenged. It is an open seat, and they are both running for that open seat equally. Just a little pesky basic civics lesson there, Mr. Chair. Pierre Bordenave Sandpoint
‘Sandpoint’s greatest assets’... Dear editor, Sandpoint is fortunate to have many great assets that enhance our community. Location and infrastructure contribute to our standard of living, but often don’t receive their due. Accordingly, as a former environmental engineer, I want to acknowledge the vital contribution of our water and wastewater treatment facilities. Kudos and sincere appreciation to the men and women who are dedicated to their operation. As Sandpoint grows, let’s ensure that we support these staff and facilities to meet the future commitment to clean water and wastewater treatment. Victor Kollock Sandpoint Send letters 300 words or less: letters@sandpointreader.com. Trolls will not be tolerated. Please elevate the conversation.
Chamber honors Syringa Cyclery as July Business of The Month By Reader Staff The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently announced Syringa Cyclery as its July Business of the Month. Syringa Cyclery launched the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series in 2023, which was the brainchild of owner Charles Mortensen. The series comprises three races: the ¾ Minus Cykeltur, the CHAFE 150 and Monarch Grind. The proceeds of the ¾ Minus race benefit the Pend Oreille Pedalers. CHAFE 150 benefits the Panhandle Alliance for Education. The Monarch Grind proceeds benefit KRFYPanhandle Community Radio and POP. “Syringa Cyclery is a great
Courtesy photo. example of a local business that is passionate about being fully engaged in the community in which it conducts its business,” the chamber stated in a news release.