Reader_March12_2020

*Artwork by John Hagadone, 7 years old

Tuesday-Saturday 10-4

2 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

PEOPLE compiled by

Lyndsie Kiebert

watching

‘The shamrock is the symbol of St. Paddy’s Day. What would the symbol be for North Idaho Day?’

“Skis.”

Kaylee Lehman Bakery Manager Sandpoint

DEAR READERS,

I’d like to announce a change in our letters to the editor submission guidelines.

Where formerly we allowed 400 words per letter, we have decided to cut that back to a limit of 300 words per letter.

We have a really engaged community here in Sandpoint. As a result of that level of engagement, the number of letters we receive on a weekly basis is sometimes staggering. Occasionally we are backed up for one or two issues, which can cause problems if the letter relates to a subject that needs a more timely response.

Also, as a word of guidance, if you’re using the letter to the editor platform to calmly discuss issues of importance to you and this community, you’re doing it right. If you’re using that space to talk about odd, non-related topics, or to disparage a private individual, or to spread conspiracy theories and/or pseudoscience, we will reserve the right to toss those letters right in the bin where they belong. Nothing personal, but we have better subjects to cover in our pages than random bugaboos and drivel.

— Ben Olson, Publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert (Staff Writer) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: John Hagadone (cover), Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Susan Drinkard.

“Chimney Rock.”

Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Lorraine H. Marie, Marjolein Groot Nibbelink, Tim Bearly, Brenden Bobby, Mike Wagoner, Marcia Pilgeram, Sandy Compton

Tyler Francis Business owner Sandpoint

Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $115 per year

“A morel.”

OPEN 11:30 am

GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS

Amanda Wion Baker apprentice Sandpoint

“A silhouette of a salmon.”

Jacob Hansen Eighth-grader Sandpoint

The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 300 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

“The Selkirk Mountains.”

Emma Stanford Bartender Sandpoint

Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled pa paper using soy-based ink.

Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint

208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994

About the Cover

This week’s cover features the work of Editor Zach Hagadone’s son, John Hagadone, who is just shy of 8 years old. John was originally making “hatchets” out of wood planks and noticed they looked like the state of Idaho. The rest is history.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 3

NEWS

Trump, Biden top presidential tickets in Bonner Co.

Sanders takes second place by margin of 148 votes in Dem primary

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Bonner County voters cast 6,053 ballots in the March 10 presidential primary election, nominating Former Vice President Joe Biden to be the Democratic standard bearer in November, and returning President Donald Trump to the top of the Republican ticket, where he’ll pursue a second term.

According to county elections supervisor Charlie Wurm, the turnout was lighter than expected, at about 22%.

“I think the Democrat candidate dropouts the week before the election dampened the excitement some,” he said.

Biden carried the Democratic nomination with 1,274 votes or 47.63%. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders came in second, with 1,126 votes amounting to 42.09%.

The next nearest contender was

Donald Trump.

Joe Biden.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who garnered 94 votes — despite dropping out of the race about a week before the primaries.

As expected, Trump swept the Bonner County Republican primary with 3,162 votes, amounting to 94.59%. Bill Weld, the president’s next-nearest competitor, had a showing of 86 votes or 2.57%.

Don Blankenship led the field among Constitution Party candi-

dates with seven votes, or 29.17%, followed by Daniel Clyde Cummings, with six votes or 25%.

Results are unofficial until they can be canvassed on Tuesday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Statewide, Trump drew 111,136 votes for a 94% victory over the competing Republicans.

For the Democrats, it was Biden with 52,679, or 49%, followed by Sanders with 45,815, or 42%.

Sanders’ loss to Biden in Idaho’s first Democratic presidential primary was a departure from his win at the 2016 Idaho caucus.

Then, Sanders drew 78% of the vote, but the March 10 primary drew far more people to the polls than the caucus — as Boise State Public Radio reports, by a magnitude of three-quarters more voters.

Still, when 23,000 people showed up to caucus in Ada County — the largest such gathering in the history of the United States — it spurred confusion, delays and chaos, resulting in this year’s switch to a primary.

The regular Idaho primary election — in which voters will cast ballots for congressional, state and county offices — will take place Tuesday, May 19.

The deadline to change party affiliation or declare as an “unaffiliated” voter is Friday, March 13.

Depending on how a voter is affiliated will determine what bal-

City opening bids for Memorial Field project

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff While the project to remake War Memorial Field has been a local conversation point for months, it hasn’t yet made the leap from the drawing board into reality.

The crucial first step in bringing that to fruition is approaching, as construction bids are due to be opened Thursday, March 12 in the City Council Chambers.

City officials will publicly read the bids beginning at 2 p.m. Work on the project, with an estimated cost of $2 million-$4 million, includes a new field configuration with artificial turf and related civil and electrical improvements. Once the bids are read, officials will verify that they are responsible bidders, check their math and review the costs as they relate to the city’s budget for the project.

According to Sandpoint City Manager Jennifer Stapleton, the city anticipates issuing a notice of intent to award as early as Friday, March 13 — though that may be delayed until after the weekend, 4 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

lot he or she receives at the polls.

The Idaho Republican Party has a closed primary, which means only those who have declared themselves to be a member of the party will be allowed to vote in the election. The Democratic and Constitution parties allow both party members and unaffiliated voters to take part in their primaries.

“We are seeing a pretty steady stream of people changing their afiliations, although it’s not as much as I expected,” Wurm said.

Candidates in the May primary will be announced after the March 13 filing deadline. Pre-registration to vote ends Friday, April 24, with paper forms due by 5 p.m. and a deadline of midnight for online registration. Early voting for the begins Monday, April 27 with the deadline for absentee and early voting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15.

County files motion for discovery in Festival gun suit Hearing rescheduled for April 28

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

The natural grass at Memorial Field will be replaced by artificial turf in Spring 2020. Photo by Ben Olson. owing to the complexity of the project. The City Council may make a decision on the award at its regular Wednesday, March 18 meeting, “which is in line with the schedule we have previously presented,” she said. Authorization to begin work on the site is expected on Wednesday, April 1.

Phase 1 of the project is intended to be “barebones,” Sandpoint Public Works Director Amanda Wilson said at the Feb. 6 meeting of the City Council, in an effort to have the work mostly completed by July 21. The Festival at Sandpoint, which has expressed concerns about its ability to work

within that timeline, would need to set up on the new field no later than July 30.

To view plans, specifications, forms and other information related to the project, go to https:// www.sandpointidaho.gov/doing-business/bids-and-rfps and select bid No. 20-5300-2.

An upcoming hearing in The Festival at Sandpoint weapons ban lawsuit is seeing a new date, as legal counsel for the city accepted Bonner County’s motion to allow discovery prior to summary judgement.

The new hearing is slated for Tuesday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bonner County Courthouse.

Counsel for “both sides plan to present the legal issues to the court” on that date, according to Amy Clemmons, the lead lawyer for Bonner County in the case.

Clemmons said the hearing originally scheduled for March 24 has been canceled in order to allow time for the requested discovery.

The city filed a motion for summary judgement on Feb. 25, alleging that the county lacks the standing needed in order to bring the lawsuit. Kootenai County District Court Judge Lansing L. Haynes will consider that motion, as well as the presentation of discovery, at the April 28 hearing.

NEWS

City invites ID Public Utilities Commission for hearing on Avista resource plan

Bid awarded in Hope boat ramp project Work slated to begin in November

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Sandpoint City Council members voted March 5 to submit a letter to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, asking the regulatory body to host a public hearing in Sandpoint to address the integrated resource plan prepared by power company Avista.

The Spokane-based utility provides electricity and gas to the vast majority of North Idaho residents — including the city of Sandpoint — and in its most recent IRP is considering retiring its ownership stake in the coal-fired Colstrip mine and power plant in eastern Montana.

According to Idaho Conservation League Association Matt Nykiel, who addressed the council, “Where Avista gets its electricity from in the next 20 years will determine how much or how little we’re impacting our air quality, our water quality and our climate.”

Avista is required to revise its IRP every two years, looking 20 years ahead to model how demand for power in its service area will change and how to meet it. With Colstrip, two other utilities have already pulled out of the four-unit power generating operation — including operator Talen Energy and Puget Sound Energy, which exited

the partnership ahead of a scheduled shutdown in 2022 because of diminished returns. That has left Avista shouldering more of the costs associated with Colstrip, which may result in ratepayers bearing more of the burden.

Nykiel told the Reader that groups like ICL are encouraging Avista to mitigate that risk by investing in wind resources in Montana — especially as the wholesale prices for renewable energy have been “dramatically reduced in the last three years.”

“If you can stop paying to clean up all the coal ash and associated waste products that come from coal energy and transition to something like wind, Idahoans stand to save money,” he said.

According to Nykiel, the Colstrip facility is the biggest source of greenhouse gas in the Western

Task Force accepting grant applications

By Reader Staff Community nonprofits, educational entities and governmental agencies working on activities and programs related to human rights can gain access to funding from the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force.

The local organization announced a solicitation for proposals March 10, and will be accepting applications though the Idaho Community Foundation until April 30. Successful grants will be awarded in May. Proposals may include efforts at

eliminating barriers to full community participation to anyone because of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status; providing exposure to cultural diversity; creating safe, inclusive, supportive and respectful environments for youth and other groups needing special support; or embarking on activities that enhance existing programs to address the mission and goals of the task force.

For information about the BCHRTF mission, goals and guidelines for the grants go to bchrtf.org. Email questions can be sent to bchrtaskforce@gmail.com.

The Avista building in Spokane. Courtesy photo.

U.S., and Avista has “completely reversed its analysis” of the cost-to-benefit ratio of the facility since 2017. The plan considers retiring Colstrip by 2025, yet, “it’s not a done deal that the plant will retire,” he said. That’s where the public hearing comes in.

Recognizing that “Sandpoint is just about as far as the IPUC would ever need to travel in Idaho,” the letter to the Public Utilities Commission stated that “there are some issues that are so vital to a community’s future that it merits the time, attention, and meaningfulness that comes from meeting folks where they are. We hope you will agree that Avista’s 2020 Electric IRP is one of these issues.”

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

The Hope boat ramp in winter.

Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

Bonner County commissioners unanimously awarded a bid Tuesday, March 10 to Weekend Hoe Excavation and Hauling, the company slated to demolish and replace the boat ramp at the Hope boat basin.

Bonner County Parks and Waterways Director Nate Demmons recommended accepting the bid for $98,301 — the lowest of three the county received — at the commissioners’ Tuesday business meeting.

“This project will be paid for, in part, by a [Idaho Parks and Recreation] Waterways Improvement Fund grant that [the county] acquired in June 2019,” Demmons said. “Bonner County’s match will be vessel account funds and

in-kind labor.”

Commissioner Dan McDonald emphasized the need for upkeep at the Hope boat ramp.

“This is one of our very few — in not our only — boat ramp that is a 12-month boat ramp,” McDonald said. “You can use it 12 months out of the year, so it gets a lot of use, not just in the summer, so it’s important we maintain this.”

Demmon told the Reader after the meeting that the boat ramp currently has several issues, including large potholes and gaps between the sides of the ramp and the docks, leaving very little room for error when backing a boat trailer into the water. He said the new ramp will eliminate that gap.

Demmons said the goal is to begin work on the new ramp in November.

tains. The 5.6-mile stretch of road would not be open to the public — only to federal agencies.

The USFS and Border Patrol announced approval of the project Jan. 31, garnering immediate pushback from regional conservation organizations who were vocal during the project’s comment period, concerned over how the project could affect endangered species in the area — particularly grizzly bears.

The five plaintiffs named in the lawsuit — filed Tuesday, March 10 — include the Center for Biological Diversity, Idaho Conservation League, Lands Council, Selkirk Conservation Alliance and Wil-

dEarth Guardians.

“The Idaho Panhandle National Forests, including the project area, contain crucial habitat for a variety of imperiled wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain caribou, Canada lynx, wolverines, and bull trout,” the complaint reads.

The plaintiffs contend that the USFS and Border Patrol violated “numerous environmental laws” in moving forward with the project, including the National Forest Management Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Read the full complaint at biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/ press-releases.

Lawsuit takes shape over Bog Creek Rd. project

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

Five conservation groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol over the agencies’ decision to move forward with a road restoration project located about two miles south of the Canadian border in North Idaho.

The Bog Creek Road project, located in the Bonners Ferry and Priest Lake ranger districts, includes road repairs necessary to provide Border Patrol agents eastwest access to the U.S.-Canada border across the Selkirk Moun-

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 5

NEWS

Draft EIS released for Columbia River System update Option to drop Lake Pend Oreille summer pool taken off the table

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration have released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Columbia River System Operations Update.

The multi-year project is meant to update operations, maintenance and configuration of the 14 federal dams that make up the Columbia River System — including Albeni Falls Dam. Co-lead agencies on the project released four alternatives in October, detailing different ways in which the system could be updated to better accommodate fish populations while still providing power and economic opportunities. One alternative, meant to reallocate up to 2 million acre feet of water from upstream to meet the needs of salmon downstream, would have lowered Lake Pend Oreille’s summer pool by up to three feet. In response, the local Lakes Commission joined the project as a cooperating agency and expressed the need for the lake to remain at current summer operating level in order to protect recreational and economic interests.

The draft EIS shows that the agencies heard the Lakes Commission’s concerns, acknowledging outright that “in low water

years, major adverse effects to water-based recreational access at Lake Pend Oreille Could occur” should they go forward with that particular alternative.

“We are grateful that the federal agencies listened to us and did not include [the drawdown measures] in the draft Preferred Alternative that is now out,” said Lakes Commission coordinator Molly McCahon.

“We are currently reviewing this new and lengthy document and are not aware of any operational changes that will impact how the Albeni Falls Dam and Lake Pend Oreille are currently managed.”

McCahon said the Lakes Commission has invited the lead agencies to “provide a workshop or briefing” to North Idaho communities so that citizens have the chance to “ask questions and comment in a meaningful way.”

“One way or another, we will provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and we will provide resources for commenting,” McCahon said.

The review and comment period for the draft EIS began Feb. 28 and will run until Monday, April 13.

Access the document at crso.info. Those with questions for the Lakes Commission can call 208-263-5310 ext. 107 or email lakescommission@gmail.com.

Sandpoint launches use permit program

By Reader Staff The city of Sandpoint will begin issuing use permits for non-home-based businesses inside city limits — a new program intended to increase public safety by reducing potential hazards and improving the efficiency of emergency first responders.

According to officials, use permits show the approved occupant load, terms of use and bear the signatures of appropriate inspectors. The permits enable property owners to show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met, which gives owners protection should something happen to trigger a lawsuit.

Selkirk Fire crews have already performed 71 inspections of some non-homebased businesses in Sandpoint, looking for fire hazards and creating site maps and pre-plans, which could be life-savers in the case of fire.

All licensed businesses operating outside of private residences within city limits 6 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

— numbering more than 700 — will be inspected this year and issued a use permit for public display that inspections have been completed.

Also, digital maps of the building and business layouts will be created and entered into the city’s GIS mapping system, where they will be available to police, fire and other first responders in the event of an emergency — “a significant benefit to officer and public safety,” said Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon.

Any new non-home-based businesses located within city limits, including those that do not have a current business license effective April 1, 2020, will be required to apply for a $25 use permit in addition to the business license fee. The business license and use permit will be issued together and can be found online at sandpointidaho.gov/ doing-business/business-license.

Larger spaces such as theaters, schools and restaurants will be prioritized for scheduling inspections.

Bits ’n’ Pieces From east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling: California’s Sand to Snow National Monument is experiencing a catastrophic environmental scenario: a herd of feral cattle, thought to be descendants of grazers from 100 years ago, shares the public monument lands along with a reported pack of feral pit bulls, High Country News reports.

According to the results of a three-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who ate lots of produce, whole grains, beans, nuts and lowfat dairy — and a minimum of sodium, red meat and processed meats — showed lower risk of hearing loss, compared to those with a less-healthy diet.

Reassessing factory farms: according to research from Carnegie Mellon University, U.S. factory farms have hidden expenses, costing the economy more in health and environmental damage than they contribute to the economy. The biggest offenders are poultry operations.

United States President Donald Trump told Fox News that people with coronavirus can still go to work and recover just fine.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to say that if you have fever, coughing or shortness of breath, stay home, except to seek medical attention.

The U.S. reported its first coronavirus death early this month; as of March 10, there were 755 known cases and 26 deaths.

CNN reports than an attendee at a recent Republican convention, which included President Trump, tested positive for coronavirus. Five politicians who had contact with the person are self-quarantining. The Washington Post reported that Trump invited one of them to join him on Air Force One. As the Miami Herald reported, the Trump administration’s acting-chief immigration judge ordered posters removed at immigration courts that explain how to prevent the spread of coronavirus — yet soon after rescinded the order, with the Department of Justice saying “the signs shouldn’t have been removed.”

Nearly 27,000 lives were saved in the U.S. between 2005 and 2016 due to shifting away from coal for energy production, according to a study published in Nature Sustainability. The decline in coal burning resulted in a 300 million-ton reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide, a 60% drop in nitrogen dioxide and an 80% drop in sulfur dioxide.

More than habitat loss: A body of research is pointing at neonicotinoid insecticides as causing population losses

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

for birds. Migrating songbirds may rest in fields newly planted with neonicotinoid-treated seeds; research indicates that exposure can result in lethargy, appetite decline, delays in departing the site, a drop in body mass and interference with breeding capacity. According to the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, 29% of Canadian and U.S. bird species have been lost since 1970.

Five years after an abortion, 99% of women say they do not regret the procedure, according to a study in the journal Social Science and Medicine. Many who reported emotional discomfort said it stemmed from the stigma associated with abortion.

Locusts overwhelming East Africa can, in one day, destroy enough food to feed 35,000 people, Pesticide Action Network says. Toxic pesticides are being used to quell the swarms, but without regard for how they impact humans, who have been eating the sprayed locusts. The Uganda Network on Toxic Free Malaria Control says the spray volume may be up to 1,600 times that recommended by the European Union. The extraordinary number of locusts appears to be linked to a significant increase in the number of cyclones, which foster the spread of the locusts. The cyclones are linked to climate change, PAN says.

Revelations that their corporation was one of eight benefiting from illegally sourced palm oil, taken from a protected forest reserve in Indonesia, prompted Kellogg Company to declare a plan for making amends: the corporation plans to restore the damaged ecosystem, suspend companies engaged in human rights violations, adopt a transparent approach to complaints filed against its suppliers and committed to promoting respect for local community rights, Rainforest Action reports.

When determining the stay-or-go-back status of refugees, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights recently ruled that those fleeing from climate hazards cannot be sent back home.

USDA estimate: Annually, U.S. farms lose 1 billion tons of soil to erosion. Farmers are finding they can head off the loss with cover crops that create richer soils that hold more water.

Blast from the past: In 1890 people dissatisfied with their lot in life, courtesy of current politics, began what became the People’s Party. They called for changes that would shrink the power of the ultra-wealthy.

The party lost steam as Democrats began adopting their ideas and, within 20 years, most of the reforms favored by the People’s Party were made into law.

PERSPECTIVES

Taking a shot — Part 1

By Marjolein Groot Nibbelink Reader Contributor

More than 97 guns are owned per 100 people in the United States. Serbia is second, with 58 per 100, and Yemen third with 55 per 100. Last year, 4.7 homicides per 100,000 people were committed using firearms, closely following countries like Niger, Yemen and Albania. You are four to five times more likely to get shot in the United States than in any other developed country. These are revealing statistics that no one can argue about.

After five years of closely observing this aspect of our culture, events of the past few months helped clarify some of my feelings around it. In January, the Deschutes Brewery was hosting their annual tap takeover at Eichardt’s and were sent an email they should show up “ARMED AND ON HIGH ALERT,” because, “A crowd might show up armed and do something nasty.” The sheriff’s department stationed a deputy out front and the only crowd that showed up was one of jolly patrons in defiance of the threat and in support of their favorite bar. It was the coziest dollar beer night I’ve been to.

Between that night and this week, I’ve run into more insensitivity about gun violence. A few days after the Deschutes/Eichardt’s threat, I sat in the nicely renovated upstairs area of said establishment and watched an adult play peekaboo with a baby. I was shocked when the “peekaboo” changed into, “Shots fired!,” and became so uncomfortable that I left, hearing the “Ohhh…

SHOTS FIRED!” blend into the otherwise warm murmur of my beloved pub.

I’m not a parent and, as such, abstain from criticizing people for how they treat children; but, no matter how hard I tried, I could not fathom why anyone would say that to an infant.

One week later, my friend and I were quietly enjoying the sunset from the hood of my car off Bottle Bay Road as two pickups holding about 10 teenagers in full camo pulled up. We’d passed them earlier and they had kindly waved at us.

“Did you see those girls?” one of them whispered.

They aimed their homemade fake guns and rifles at us, laughing and pull-

What triggers me

ing the triggers.

“Click-click-click-click.”

I was annoyed and, even though I’m sure they were playing, I felt concerned and culturally confused. We ignored them and, after seven minutes of whispers, giggles and clicks, they drove off. As I cast a disapproving look, a false black gun was pointed right at me, clicking incessantly, and joined by a battle cry of, “Die, die, die!”

I have lived in a lot of different cultures and opt for tolerance when I feel insecure interpreting behavior, but my friend acknowledged what I had felt — intimidation. She also helpfully pointed out, “One does not point guns at people, real or fake, at this time in the United States.”

She’s right, of course, and listening to people who have lived here their entire lives helps me understand what is considered acceptable and what isn’t. Pointing out the ongoing reality of people going on shooting rampages in schools and shopping malls clarified why exactly it’s not OK. Sadly, some people maintain the conviction that they can casually drop death threats to innocent beer drinkers and young women enjoying the sunset.

Clearly, the nitwit responsible for the threat to Eichardt’s is dissatisfied by the result of their intimidation. I was forwarded an email on Jan. 30, titled, “lawsuit with you against Sandpoint bar,” detailing alleged negligence of pub owner Jeff Nizzoli and encouraging people to bring suit for “emotional distress such as loss of sleep, night sweats, ulcers, headaches, nervous tics or other physical signs of distress,” after being put at “undue risk … upon your learning

Photo by William Greenway. after the fact that [there was] a threat of gun violence against you as a customer that evening.”

I asked Jeff whether he’d received any lawsuits since the letter was circulated.

True to form, he responded, “No, but I did respond to the email. I may not have ulcers, but you bet I lost sleep that night!”

Not much later, someone handed me a fresh report from the Reader that serial racist robocaller Scott Rhodes is being fined $13 million by the Federal Communications Committee. Whether or not he is behind the Eichardt’s threat, it’s nice to see some justice served and people being held accountable for their jerkness, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that sensitivity around gun violence appears to be at a low. If we can’t change the hostility aimed at us, we might make an example of those who came for dollar beers that night back in January, including the mayor of Sandpoint.

We can stand together in opposition, hand in hand, beer in hand, and a smile on our faces. And for those who consider death threats an ethical way to express their opinion, I’d like to suggest a different coping mechanism — one called tolerance.

Marjolein Groot Nibbelink is a transplant who left The Netherlands looking for a place to live that suited her personality better. After an intentional search covering more than 30 countries and four continents, she chose Sandpoint in 2014. She shows her love and care for this place by being engaged in local and national issues.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 7

On the need to vote...

Bouquets: • Here’s a nod to all of you rational people out there. I know you’re there, though it seems we only hear the loudest, most beligerant voices in the room. Keep on keeping calm and carrying on.

• It’s biking season again, which means it’s time for my annoying public service announcements about bike rules and safety.

I’ll cover it with a more in-depth chart next week, but for now, please be aware that there are more bicyclists and pedestrians out there walking around. Monday I witnessed two separate incidents in which a vehicle almost ran over a bicyclist — one was really close. I saw the driver right before the bad one, and noticed they were looking down at a phone before slamming on the brakes to avoid killing the cyclist. Let’s just slow down and keep a sharp eye, drivers. Thanks to all of those motorists who are diligent and aware.

• Thanks to all the election day volunteers who graciously donate their time to sit at the polls and help process voters through.

We really appreciate all of your hard work, volunteers!

Barbs: • Over the years I’ve noticed several lakeside spots open to the public that have been ruined by a growing population of inconsiderate people using them. As a result, some of these spots I’ve enjoyed camping at for decades have now posted “No Overnight Camping” signs. The spot (which I don’t want to share the location of) was ruined by a vehicle joyriding down onto the muddy lake bed.

Just last weekend, we heard reports about a couple of ATVs or side-by-sides that drove down onto the beach near Talache and caused a nuisance. If you’re one of those people who like to drive their vehicles on our beaches, hang your head in shame. Park the damn thing and walk like the rest of us, or we’ll have more of these “locals” spots taken away.

8 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

Dear Editor, As the Sandpoint City Council doubles down on hand-pulling some of the noxious weeds in Lake Pend Oreille, there may be some groups counting on the failure of those efforts.

Last year, representatives of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) met in Oldtown to explain their “Legal Rights of Nature” advocacy by proposing, “that we give legal rights to forests, oceans, rivers and other so-called ‘natural objects.’”

They explained that “the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, an Indian tribe in Minnesota, has passed a tribal law granting wild rice its own enforceable legal rights,” CELDF also cited the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR), which passed in Toledo, Ohio, and established “the right of citizens to sue polluters of Lake Erie.” Less than 10% of its citizens voted in that election.

A year later, Daniel Radford, Reclaim Idaho champion, stated that “public lands and resources would be protected legally, not only to defend their ‘right to live and be healthy.’”

Paulette Jordan, Democratic senatorial candidate, has said that “thinking big means giving rights to nature.”

Sandpoint has become a target for radical activists seeking to exploit a weak, left-leaning government. Will Sandpoint voters pay attention or allow them to run amok?

Incidentally, as reported by Toledo’s newspaper, The Blade (Feb. 27, 2020), a U.S. District Court judge retained common sense and ruled that the LEBOR Bill of Rights was “unconstitutionally vague” and “exceeds the power of municipal government.”

John Oldfield Sandpoint

Speak out about geese…

Dear Editor, Please speak out. The geese are defenseless. If you love them and see how they contribute to the beauty we see all around us, then speak out for them. Do something.

Killing them because they poop on City Beach grass is unacceptable.

We need people who know the difference between right and wrong to speak out.

The real problem behind it all is money. The tourist situation is taking over Sandpoint in many directions and short-sighted people call it progress.

Tourists come here because it is a beautiful place to be. We need to keep it that way.

The mayor’s solution (Opinion, “Mayor’s Roundtable: The goose problem and solution,” Feb. 27, 2020) is not a solution. Killing and separating young from their parents that mate for life is simply wrong.

The family structure is ruined.

The mayor’s article seems ambivalent and political — what will the next be to go? Before long, you might come to the realization that what you have is gone.

Evie Leucht Sandpoint

Trump, Pence lack leadership on coronavirus...

Dear Editor, The Great Influenza by John M. Barry is fascinating. It explains how a flu virus became pandemic in 1918. The publisher’s summary says, “No disease the world has ever known, even remotely, resembles the great influenza epidemic of 1918. … It killed more people in 20 weeks than AIDS in 20 years ... more people than the plagues of the Middle Ages in a century ... nearly seven times as many people died of influenza as in the First World War.” There have been pandemics every 75 to 125 years throughout history. It has been 102 years since the last. In 1918, mistakes made by governments hastened its spread and drove the death count to 50 million. It was named the Spanish Flu because the United States and several countries in Europe censored newspapers and medical authorities, forbidding them from reporting on it. Spain was the first country to report the disease, and so gave it its name. The world was at war.

The U.S. and other countries had “Sedition Acts,” laws that controlled public information, silencing topics deemed contrary to economic stability, articles questioning government policy and/or anti-war sentiment.

People who violated this went to jail as traitors. People were told to have parades, go shopping, go to church, movies, have parties, etc., not being informed that group meetings were where the disease was being spread.

In 1918, scientists and public health officials were horrified that the government was not informing the public of the truth.

Many of these scenarios are being repeated today with the coronavirus. President Donald Trump has reported lower numbers of cases than are true and misinformation concerning a vaccine timeline. He has censored the medical authorities at the Centers for Disease Control.

He has contradicted scientists who say that a pandemic is inevitable. He has put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of efforts against the virus — under his watch as Indiana governor, a life threatening disease spread because of his failure to react.

Trump has blamed the drop in the stock market on the Democratic debate, but the drop occurred days before the debate due to uncertainty about the coronavirus. This is not a partisan, political issue. This is a life or death issue. We need a leader who can unite science, economics, politicians and citizens by facing and telling the truth — none of which are the president’s strong points. Sincerely, Betty Gardner Sandpoint

actions not in the best interests of the majority of the American people. Just about every action — or inaction — taken by the McConnell-controlled Senate has been to the detriment of our entire democracy.

Real change comes from the active participation and cooperation of the Legislative and Executive branches.

This year, 33 Senate seats and every House seat are in play. Granted most are “safe,” but change can occur.

We don’t need to elect only Democrats. A healthy two-party system is essential for our democracy. Voters must look at every candidate and support those who will best represent their values. Vote in every election! Your vote matters. Make your voices heard!

Gil Beyer Sandpoint

The Russian Trumpvirus…

Where the wild things are…

Dear Editor, We’re in the throes of the coronavirus end-of-the-world apocalypse, while the media works overtime to convince us that we should panic. In a full-blown panic, it will be much easier for the Russians to control us. That’s right, the Russians.

I know, I know, it’s claimed the Chinese started this, but the truth is President Donald Trump is responsible… the Trumpvirus. The Russians, under Putin’s direction, developed the virus.

And it’s common knowledge Trump is a Russian agent, right?

The Donald and Vladimir are working hand-in-glove to ensure Trump’s reelection, using the coronavirus as their sinister weapon of choice.

Remember the SARS virus, aka bird flu? That was the Russians. And the swine flu? Yup, the Russians. The Russians are everywhere. I met an Uzbek yesterday, for crying out loud.

Trump’s reelection is just a formality.

God bless America, and God bless our military.

Dear Editor, Twenty years ago, when the new library was built in Clark Fork, a wildlife display was donated to the community and mounted in an approved place in the library.

Ken Kinucan, then-manager of the U of I Clark Fork Field Campus, built the case, prepared the mounts — he is also a professional taxidermist — and with his assistant, Timothy Dick, installed it. Totally at his expense.

At the time Ken told me, “This case is as airtight as possible, the mounts are protected and no one will ever have to handle or dust them.”

The mounts include a coyote, raccoon, flicker, sharp-shinned hawk and large owl — the latter two are protected species and were given to Ken by Idaho Fish and Game to be used for educational purposes. Ken had built many other museum displays of taxidermy in Idaho and California — this was no amateur effort.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, the case was dismantled — not unscrewed, but torn from the wall and set outside. The plate glass and information on each species are missing. The mounts are still in the library, up high, now exposed to dust, direct sun and other environmental hazards. No longer can a parent walk up to the case with a child in their arms to tell them about the animals — all local wildlife. Those same children, as they got older, brought their friends in and told them about the animals.

So much was lost with the decision to remove the display.

I would like to see the case restored. The wall now has bookshelves — put bookshelves in a library and they will fill with books — I do not believe the case, which is 4 x 6 x 2.5 feet, is going to impact overall shelving that much.

Diane Newcomer Clark Fork

Steve Brixen Sandpoint

Publisher’s note: Please read the “Dear Readers” on Page 3.

—Ben Olson, publisher.

Vote in every election…

Dear Editor, I’m going to share a secret. A secret that most people should have learned in junior high school. All this focus on only the presidential candidates is a waste of time! Electing a president isn’t the way to effect change. What needs to be done is to elect a president and Congress — both House and Senate — that will actually do something positive for the country.

For almost 12 years now we’ve been held down by a Senate that has actively thwarted positive change or condoned

PERSPECTIVES

tunately, it seems that for every legitimate self-made story there are a thousand pseudo-selfmade stories — thus delegitilone and against the mizing the term. odds, like Moses being With the phrase “self-made abandoned and floated downman” being a bit of an oxymoriver shortly after his birth, ron, I guess you could say that he overcame adversity and the term sort of delegitimizes climbed his way to top of the itself. Imagine, if you will, a social ladder — all by himself, man giving birth to himself; one rung at a time. Starting out then — using the tools he with nothing but a well-contaught himself to manufacnected upper-class family, ture — cutting down trees and private tutors, a multi-million building himself a forest abode, dollar tax-free trust fund inher- subsequently teaching himself itance, a legacy admission into to read and write, learning an Ivy League university and the fundamentals of software a dream of success; it was his development, and eventually work ethic, superior intellect forming a tech start-up, from and many other sterling qualiscratch, that would eventually ties that would eventually help become a multi-billion dollar him to become an exemplar of company. the American dream — i.e., the Indeed, this kind of entreAmerican Dream. preneurial success story may “Who is he?” you ask. be motivating and inspiring (so Why, he is the paragon of much so that we might believe virtue. A boostrappin’, “ragsit even though we know it’s a to-riches” success story; he is fiction); however, it’s impossithe archetypical “self-made ble to imagine this “self-made” man.” man doing all of these things Well, at least that’s what he without any help from the pretells the ladies on the dating ceding or current generation. websites.

Author John Frost wrote: There are, of course, some “A self-made man means one individuwho has renals (e.g., himself “The Horatio Alger stories dered Benjamin accomplished, of ‘rags to riches’ were true eminent, rich Franklin and Anfor a few men, but mostly a or great by his drew Carown unaided negie) who myth, and a useful myth for efforts.” achieved Of course, control.” their sucone’s rise — Howard Zinn no cess more to the top to on the the pyramid is basis of merit than people like, “unaided” in a literal sense, it’s say, Donald J. Trump. Unforonly meant to be allegorical, “Give a man a reputation as an early riser, and he can sleep ’til noon.” — Mark Twain

A

right? Well, there appears to be some ambiguity with the term “self-made,” and the degree to which one interprets it literally seems to vary from person to person.

The focus here, however, is on the counterfeits — those who were dealt a royal flush, deny that the deck was stacked and blame others for having only a pair of twos. (Cue the patronizing refrain: “Poor people just need to learn, as I did, to play the hand that they were dealt.”)

It’s like a game of “Monopoly” in which one player — let’s say, the one with the top hat — gets to start out with all the properties, hotels and cash.

You’d think he’d be a little bit more sympathetic to the plight of those who can’t even afford the rent at Baltic Avenue, but no, he arrogantly tells them that they had every opportunity he did, they just didn’t apply themselves. This, on a macro-level, is the pervasive myth that the aforementioned scion of privilege — with his “internal locus of control” — helps to perpetuate.

Why do we fall for it hook, line and sinker?

The rather obvious answer to that question can be summed up in a nutshell: indoctrination.

The propaganda goes all the way back to the Gilded Age — a time, not far removed from today, marked by grotesque inequality and social stratification. In his book, A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn wrote: “While some multimillionaires

started in poverty, most did not.

A study of the origins of 303 textile, railroad and steel executives of the 1870s showed that 90 percent came from middleor upper-class families. The Horatio Alger stories of ‘rags to riches’ were true for a few men, but mostly a myth, and a useful myth for control.”

Indeed, the myth of the self-made man — which goes hand-in-hand with the myth of meritocracy — helps to stave off dissent, keeps people in line and fosters the illusion of economic justice (i.e., everyone gets what they deserve).

Today the myth, no longer excluded to just men, is even more pervasive. In August 2018, Kylie Jenner was on the cover of Forbes magazine with the caption: “At 21, she’s set to be the youngest-ever self-made billionaire. Welcome to the era of extreme fame leverage.”

Now, in her defense, she did not refer to herself as self-

made, nor has she — at least to my knowledge — blamed the poor for not being savvy enough to “leverage their fame” like she did.

That said, the fact that someone who’s born into such privilege can be considered self-made is a testament to how far the bar has been lowered.

Soon, it seems, we’ll be living in a world in which wealth and fame will be synonymous with hard work, and poverty will be synonymous with laziness. (*Removes tongue from cheek* — that’s right, we already reside in such a world.)

On the bright side, at least we’ve made some progress: Now that men no longer have exclusive rights to the selfmade pretense, women who were born on third base can also pretend to have hit a triple — just like their male peers.

Chalk up another tally mark for equal opportunity.

Laughing Matter

By Bill Borders

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 9

Mad about Science: covid-19

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist

Preface: This article was researched and written on Monday, March 9, 2020. This is important, because by the time you’re reading this now, the numbers will have changed. In researching this topic, I used the World Health Organization website who.int, as well as the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention website cdc.gov .

Youtube personality, board-certified family medicine doctor and real-life McDreamy Dr. Mike says it best: “Be alert, not anxious.”

COVID-19, commonly referred to as the novel coronavirus, is sweeping the headlines and blowing up everyone’s social media feeds. It’s a dangerous disease, but not for the reason you might expect. As the number of cases skyrocket on the news ticker, the level of misinformation, irrational behavior and hysteria explodes, leading to a host of bad reactions from racism to denying legitimately sick people access to health care they really need and much, much more. Tried to buy some toilet paper, recently? You can thank mass hysteria for that.

So let’s look at some facts from real doctors and researchers that spend their lives safely studying and treating diseases like COVID-19 instead of random clickbait on Aunt Sally’s timeline.

COVID-19 is the disease caused when someone becomes infected by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that popped up recently in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This is similar to 10 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

how acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the disease that can occur when someone is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

SARS-CoV-2 has been traced to bats, just like the SARS outbreak in 2003 and MERS outbreak in 2012, respectively.

Both SARS and MERS are also beta coronaviruses.

The symptoms of the COVID-19 infection are very similar to that of influenza, presenting with fever, cough and shortness of breath. In some cases, aches, sore throat, congestion and diarrhea also occur. The important takeaway here is that more than 80% of people infected recover without specialized treatment.

The people most at risk for serious complications from COVID-19 are the immunocompromised, such as the elderly, people suffering from AIDS or are on lifelong immunosuppressant medication after an organ transplant as well as people that suffer from chronic high blood pressure, heart disease, lung cancer or diabetes.

These same facts are true of influenza, which rips through America every year and killed 34,200 people last year.

What is also true of both influenza and COVID-19 are the methods in which it spreads, and how you can prevent catching it with simple practices that take no extra time out of your busy schedule.

COVID-19, as with most respiratory diseases, is spread when the virus hitches a ride on respiratory droplets expelled by infected individuals during coughing, sneezing or cleaning mucus drainage from the nose.

Brought to you by:

These droplets are microscopic and stick to our hands, which get transferred to uninfected people by shaking hands, hugging, kissing or any other social action humans do.

Most commonly, the droplets are transferred to someone else’s hands, and that person will scratch their face, rub their eye or eat some food without having washed their hands, granting the virus a new host.

The easiest way to prevent catching COVID-19, the flu or the common cold is with these three easy steps: 1. Avoid sick people. It’s flu season and we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Your friends will understand why you don’t want to high five, especially when one is hacking up a lung.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly. As Dr. Mike says: Wash your hands, including under your fingernails and between your fingers with soap and water for 20 seconds, or about as long as you need to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Hand sanitizer is not a cure-all, and has actually been found to strengthen certain strains of resistant bacteria in recent studies.

3. Stop touching your face.

I get it, when you’ve got an itch, you scratch, but handsto-face contact is the primary means in which viruses spread from host to host.

These following tips won’t cure you, but will help your general health. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables — I saw the empty snack aisles at the grocery store and I’m judging.

Be more active. Now that the ice is melting away and the

sun is coming out, it’s a perfect opportunity to walk, jog or just generally get your blood pumping outdoors. Drink and smoke less, preferably avoid it altogether. Take a little time off (especially if people are sick at work) and de-stress.

If you’re questioning some of my advice in this article for legitimacy, good. That’s the sign of a curious and skeptical mind, and statements in the public eye should be questioned. However, every source should be questioned.

Just because someone is rich and famous, the validity of their statements should not be taken for gospel. Just because

someone is on TV shouting at you doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about. Ask yourself: “what do they have to gain by shouting at me?”

Most importantly: don’t believe everything you see on social media. In fact, don’t believe most of what you see on social media. If you need help disseminating facts, doing research and filtering out the steer manure from your social media feed, get help from your local librarians.

And for the love of all that is holy, please leave some toilet paper for the rest of us.

Stay healthy and curious, 7B.

Random Corner most ridiculous coronavirus Essential oils have no mechanism to halt the spread of COVID-19. While some essential oils do have antiviral properties, they’re so minor that you’re better off just washing your hands.

Fake news about coronavirus turning people into zombies in Malaysia became so prevalent that the country’s health ministry had to make a public statement about how ludicrous that is.

Photos of a Korean tourist dying in the street of the coronavirus went viral in the Philippines. It was confirmed later that he was just extremely drunk and passed out.

headlines

News propagated online stated that Bill Gates planned and patented the coronavirus in 2015 to release now. “Evidence” supplied was an actual patent from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with WHO for a vaccine for the avian strain of coronavirus — to cure birds and prevent a potential transfer to humans.

CBS recently posted the results of a poll stating 38% of Americans would not drink Corona beer under any circumstances. Fewer than 1,000 people were surveyed and the questions were engineered for ambiguity to present as a shocking statistic later. CBS is a major news outlet.

LEGISLATIVE FEATURE

Here we have Idaho: What’s happening at the Idaho Legislature this week

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff A ‘divisive’ session As Idaho lawmakers approach the end of the 2020 Legislature, which is expected to adjourn Friday, March 20, they’ve already started to take stock of what has been a “divisive” session, according to some.

House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley; Senate Pro Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg; Senate Majority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise; and Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennet, D-Ketchum, gathered March 10 in downtown Boise to participate in an annual event hosted by the Idaho Press Club.

According to the headlines that came out of the on-the-record conversation with Statehouse leaders, this session has been characterized by legislation addressing a variety of hot-button social issues.

As Rubel said, quoted by the Idaho Statesman, the Legislature would have done better to leave those social issues alone in favor of looking at property tax relief, education and infrastructure.

The Idaho Business Review put a finer point on that assessment in its March 11 headline: “Social issues preoccupy Idaho Legislature to the determinant of business, critics say.”

Specifically, those critics point to a number of bills that surfaced during the session aimed at regulating transgender people — barring some from participating in school sports, curtailing medical care for others and limiting still others’ ability to alter their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. That last bill has already been approved by the House and recently made it out of committee in the Senate, despite an opinion from the Idaho attorney general that it is likely unconstitutional and would lose in a court challenge.

Other pieces of controversial legislation included Blanchard Republican Rep. Heather Scott’s House Bill 440, which would amend the Idaho Human Rights Act to prohibit any preferences given to women and minorities in housing, employment, education or public accommodations. Final-

ly, several bills — including one from Scott — targeted abortion, including by prohibiting public money from going to health care providers that perform abortions and positioning the state to make abortion a crime — in the case of Scott’s bill, one punishable as murder.

“I am profoundly concerned,” the Statesman quoted Rubel, who referred to the bills in question as “nothing short of horrifying” and “flagrantly illegal.”

For his part, Hill praised the session, calling it productive and the transgender bills an “appropriate way” to address an importance issue about what is “not acceptable.”

on a vote of 42-27, with sponsor Rep. Megan Blanksman, R-Hammett, arguing that it is necessary to make public records requests more specific and help keep down the costs of complying with a dramatic increase in records requests related to lawmakers and other public officials.

First District Reps. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, and Scott joined the Democratic caucus in voting “nay.”

According to the HB 601 fiscal note, the bill would “result in an overall decrease in workload as requests become more well defined and thus create subsequent savings to the general fund.”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Vote on guns in schools?

Members of the Senate State Affairs Committee are taking multiple days of testimony on Senate Bill 1384, which would allow school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property, provided they hold an enhanced concealed weapons permit.

According to idahoednews.org, “testimony was sharply divided,” split between groups like the National Rifle Association and The Real 3%ers of Idaho speaking in favor of the bill, and Moms Demand Action, the Idaho Education Association and Idaho School Boards Association speaking against it.

Introduced on March 2 and referred to State Affairs on March 3, Capitol watchers in Boise say the committee will continue to take testimony on Friday, March 13, after which they may vote.

Support for timber Idaho House lawmakers took some time March 10 to throw the state’s timber industry a bone — albeit a non-binding one in the form of House Concurrent Resolution 36.

The measure, fronted by Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, notes Idaho’s 21.5 million acres of forestland, including 16.5 million acres of designated timberland — however, as the bill points out, 9.3 million acres are available for harvest.

In order to support the state’s more than 200 forest product manufacturing and wholesale businesses, HCR 36 “urges that federal, state, local and other building projects include as much safe, renewable, and environmentally friendly wood products grown and produced in Idaho as possible in their building and construction plans.”

Given a “do-pass” recommendation by the House Ways and Means Committee, the resolution does not require a signature by Gov. Brad Little, nor does it carry with it the force of law.

Public records exemptions The House passed a bill March 10 aimed at giving legislators and public officials more exemptions to the state’s public records law.

Specifically, HB 601 exempts from disclosure information requested from the Tax Commission, unclaimed property and the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund. It also exempts from disclosure research, personal communications, personally identifying information, work papers and draft redistricting plans.

Legislators approved the bill

Property tax study In another concurrent resolution, this time from the Senate, legislators on the House Revenue and Taxation Committee moved along SCR 134 with a “do-pass” recommendation, authorizing an interim legislative committee on property taxes.

Already approved in a unanimous vote Feb. 20 in the Senate, the measure nods to escalating property taxes as “a major concern to residential property owners” and opens the way for a study of the state’s property tax system.

The committee, to be appointed by the Legislative Council and composed of legislators and non-legislative members, would draw on its analysis to deliver recommendations on how to provide Idahoans with property tax relief while also supporting economic development.

If similarly approved by the full House, the committee would be charged with reporting its findings, recommendations and proposed legislation to the 2021 Legislature.

Sponsors Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, and House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, have attached a fiscal note of $15,000 related to the bill, to be used to cover the costs of travel for the committee.

Renters’ protections The Idaho House approved a measure March 5 that may give renters some peace of mind, amending Idaho law to require residential landlords provide at least 30 days notice for nonrenewal of a lease or a rental increase.

Sponsored by House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, and Rep. Jarom Wagoner, R-Caldwell, House Bill 594 passed with 47 ayes and 21 nays — two lawmakers were absent — and made it through the Senate Commerce and

The Idaho State Capitol building in Boise. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

Human Resources Committee on March 10 with a “do-pass” recommendation.

Reps. Dixon and Scott both voted “nay” in the House. The bill now goes for its second reading in the Senate.

Daylight saving time The times they are (almost) a-changin’ — maybe. Legislators in both chambers of the Statehouse gave their overwhelming support to a bill that would establish daylight saving time in all parts of Idaho located within the Pacific Time Zone, but only if the state of Washington makes daylight saving time permanent within its borders.

Approval for Senate Bill 1267 came first in the Senate on Feb. 26 and in the House on March 10, with only one dissenting vote, from Nezperce Republican Rep. Thyra Stevenson.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature while its companion legislation, SB 1386, which would trigger a time change in southern Idaho if Utah makes daylight saving time permanent, remains in the State Affairs Committee.

For more information — including full bill texts, agendas and status updates — go to legislature. idaho.gov.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 11

event

Better Breathers Club Thursday Night Solo Night 1pm @ Bonner General He 6-8pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Brian Jacobs plays all your favorites For those w/ chronic lung d Edgar Cayce Study Group Open Mic Night w/ KC Carter Group Conversations A 2-3:30m @ Community 9-11am @ Gardenia Center 9pm-12am @ A&P’s Free support group. 208Meets every Thursday

t h u r s d a y

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

12

f r i d a y

13

Terry Robb in conc Live Music w/ DIGaddie Live Music w/ Red Blend Trio pm @ Create Art Ce 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Terry Robb’s popul Live Music w/ John Firshi A journey of soul, pop and blues with style guitar music has 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Meg, Chris and Brian at your service Tickets $12/advance, Live Music w/ Crooked Tooth 9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge ‘Through the Encha Karaoke DJ Kevin Singer/songwriter Kevin Garrett’s 8pm @ Tervan 9pm @ A&P’s 7:30pm @ Embody, unpretentious, emotionally ahonest songs draw from rock, acoustic Pi Day fundraiser at SASi • 7:30pm @ Embody, 823 and more! Food by Shilla Korean Pay a fee to launch a pie in the face of some brave volu

14

s u n d a y

15

m o n d a y

R

/ March 12, 2020

16

17

w e d n e s d a y t h u r s d a y

12 /

Live Music w/ Turn Spit Dogs Live Music w/ T Live Music w/ John Firshi 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 9pm-12am @ 21 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Live Music w/ Other White Meat Classic rock mas 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Admiral Nelson rum party Sandpoint Contra Sandpoint’s classic rock supergroup 9pm-cl @ A&P’s 7-10:30 @ Sandpoi Live Music w/ ToneDevil Brothers Prizes and giveaways All dances taught & 8-11pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Guitar-makin’ pickin’ brothers in music

s a t u r d a y

t u e s d a y

f

18 19

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

Terry Robb fingerpicking guitar workshop 1-12:30pm @ Create Art Center, Newport,WA Terry Robb will conduct a small group workshop on fingersty guitar in blues, ragtime and slide styles. $45. 509-447-9277

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Karaoke 8-close @ Tervan Night-Out Karaoke Trivia Night 8-11pm @ 219 Lounge 7pm @ MickDuff’s Join DJ Webrix for a Smarty pants night of singing FREE Hands Only CPR Class (Hope) 11:15am-12:30pm @ Memorial Cm. Center Email mccinhope@gmail.com to sign up Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Mills and guest musician Carl Rey Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

Lifetree Cafe 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexican Restaurant An hour of conversation and stories. This week’s topic: “Immigrant in the Sanctuary” St. Patrick’s Day with a Cause 4:30-7:30pm @ 219 Lounge Wear and drink green and donate a little back as the Niner helps raise money for 24 Hours for Hank. Drink specials all day long and a traditional Irish meal catered by Trinity. Live music also!

Textile design artist presentation 9:30am @ First Lutheran Church Guest speaker Pat Congleton is a textile design artists specializing in designs made from recycled clothing Girls Pint Out 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Cool Chicks! Great Beer! No Dudes! Vicki will be tasting different varieties of Dark Malt Beer

Ou 6p A tio

Hope T 5-6:30 Head o Team o ery thi Djemb 5:45-7 Join A

Live Music w/ Mike Wagone 7-10pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Americana, country, folk blues and a little bit of every thing between

Adult Grief Support Group 6pm @ BGH classroom Trained bereavement counse are available for those wh lost a spouse or parent. No co

ful

March 12-19, 2020

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

s Club More Than a Woman Trivia eneral Health Classroom 6:30-9pm @ The Back Door nic lung disease A night of laughter and female-focused trivia. Proceeds benefit Rersations About Cancer mmunity Cancer Services turn Retreats, a local nonprofit that rescues and restores women roup. 208-255-2301

Einstein, Hubble and the Smoking Gun 6pm @ Sandpoint Library A presentation on cosmology by Dr. Philip Deutchman, Emeritus Professor of Physics from Univ. of Idaho

Music w/ The Liabilities 2am @ 219 Lounge Otters: An Educational Presentation c rock masters of their craft 3 & 6pm @ Panida’s Little Theater Wildlife biologist Dr. Wayne Melquist t Contra Dance @ Sandpoint Community Hall will speak about river otters. Presented taught & called to live tunes by KLT, ICL and AHWF. $5/person

bb in concert Open Mike Writing Contest ate Art Center, Newport,WA 9am-12pm @ Sandpoint Library b’s popular blues, ragtime finger- Sponsored by Idaho Writer’s music has received critical acclaim. League, for 7 minutes read your best 2/advance, $15/door. createarts.org poem, short story or novel chapter. the Enchanted Doorway Concert’ Free brunch and beverages. This is a warm, low-key family event Embody, 823 Main St. IEA Children’s Fund Huge Yard Sale body, 823 Main St. 8am-12pm @ Sandpoint High School rave volunteers!

Huge yard sale! No offer refused from 11-12

Starflower Party w/ guest teacher Talia Rose 3-6pm @ Embody, 823 Main St. n fingerstyle Spirit-filled teachings, dance, healing harp music. Sliding scale $20-$30 47-9277

DJ Shanner 9pm-cl @ A&P’s

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5:30pm @ First Presbyterian Church A fundraiser dinner of corned beef and cabbage will be followed by fellowship, Irish songs and skits. Tickets are $15/family, or $5/each and benefit the Deacon Missions. 208-263-2047 St. Paddy’s Cornhole Tourney 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Try the luck of the Irish for this special St. Paddy’s tournament Migratory Songbird presentation 2pm @ Clark Fork Library A free audio/visual Powerpoint Admiral Nelson rum party 9pm-cl @ A&P’s Prizes and giveaways

Piano Sunday w/ Peter Lucht 3-5pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Listen to Peter’s repetoire on the grand

Outdoor Experience Monday Night Run ant 6pm @ Outdoor Experience This A chill, three-mile(ish) group run with opuary” tional beverages to follow

Hope Tuesday Trivia and Happy Hour Pictionary at Utara 5-6:30pm @ David Grocery and Mercantile 6pm @ Utara Brewing Co. Head out to Hope for trivia and happy hour!

Individuals and teams Team or individual, prizes, FUN! Held evwelcome. Winners get $10 ery third Thursday of the month gift cards. Happens every Djembe class for adults Tuesday night 5:45-7:30pm @ Music Conservatory of Sandpoint Join Ali Thomas for this djembe (drum) class

March 21 Tour de Thrift y @ various thrift s stores l March 21 Bear & Aero by Parents Grieving the Loss of a e Wagoner Piano w/ Dwayne Parsons A Little Bit Off @ 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Child Support Group t’s Pub try, folk, Family Night at Coins Arcade 5pm @ Turning Leaf Counseling the Heartwood Open to all parents who have ex- Center t of every- 4-7pm @ Coins Arcade perienced the loss of a child at Every Wednesday!

March 21 any age. No cost Peter Rivera, Daort Group Edwin Hubble’s Observations of an Expanding Universe vid Raitt and the room 6pm @ Sandpoint Library Baja Boogie Band ent counselors A presentation on cosmology by Dr. Philip Deutchman, those who’ve @ The Panida Emeritus Professor of Physics from Univ. of Idaho

ent. No cost

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 13

COMMUNITY

CAL grant applications available

By Reader Staff Applications for the Community Assistance League 2020 grants program are available as of March 2 in the following locations: the libraries of Sandpoint, Priest River, Old Town and Clark Fork; the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce; and at Bizarre Bazaar, 502 Church St. in Sandpoint. Grant information and applications may also be downloaded from the CAL website by visiting calsandpoint.org.

An applicant must be a nonprofit organization and funds must apply to Bonner County only. Some of the criteria for evaluation include having a significant impact

on the community, being an innovative idea and involving important issues.

CAL contributes the profits from their shop Bizarre Bazaar directly back into Bonner County via grants and scholarships. The shop thrives from the enthusiastic support of people who shop there and donate their gently used items. This allows CAL volunteers to contribute financially to many local area schools, organizations and services that enhance the quality of life of many Bonner County residents.

Grant applications must be postmarked or returned no later than Tuesday, March 31. For more information, contact Tracy Gibson at calsandpointgrants@grants.com.

Interim director named for North Idaho Family Group

By Reader Staff

continue to provide operations management for the group.

The North Idaho FamGreta Gissel, of Coeur ily Group is committed to d’Alene, has accepted the developing healthy families position of interim director and lifelong learning. The for the North Idaho Family organization was created in Group.

1999. NIFG is supported by Gissel is the former members, sponsors and grants director of the North Idaho and is governed by board of Centennial Trail Foundation, directors. NIFG produces the founder of Jingle Books, and Greta Gissel.

North Idaho Family Magazine, has been involved with multiple nonprofits the annual Services Directory (NIServicesand projects in the community over the Directory.com), the North Idaho Charitable years. She has a background in outside Events (NICE) calendar of events, the sales, education, nonprofit, leadership and EdInfoCenterCdA.com website, and the is looking forward to making an impact on Annual Family Day in the Park event, and the community in this role. the Soup Scoop Networking events.

Shelly Zollman, director of the North Idaho Family Group since 2014, will

VIVA LA READER

14 /

R

Steve Berenson took the Reader south of the border to a little town called Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico (near Guadalajara. Hope you got to sample some of the titular beverage during your trip, Steve. Save some for us (and please bring back some sunshine). / March 12, 2020

By Mike Wagoner Reader Contributor

So, what’s going on here?

Let’s say you took a huge vase made out of glass and put it over a potted plant. You’ve included a little auto watering system in there with it. After a few days it doesn’t look so good and, before too long, it dies.

You get another identical kind of plant but this time you put a couple mice in with the plant under the vase.

You’ve included food and water for the mice. After the same amount of time has gone by as before, the plant is fine and so are the mice.

More days go by. Still all are doin’ OK. Why? You’ve just created a crude example of the interdependence that

exists between different forms of life on the planet.

In the first test, the plant ran out of a basic component it needs to create its food: carbon dioxide. When you put the mice in with the plant, they exhaled the carbon dioxide the plant needed. If you would have just put the mice in without the plant they would have quickly perished as well, because they would have run out of something they need — oxygen, which is what the plant “exhales.”

The reason life in all its forms exists on this planet has a lot to do with, “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.”

COMMUNITY

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

We all have that one item of green clothing. It sits, in wait, until March 17, when its true power will be unleashed.

It’s a civic duty to be sure everyone is reminded the day prior to “wear green!” — and wear green they shall, since the alternative is to suffer through a day of relentless pinching, depending upon the maturity level of their company. If anything, a few goading rounds of, “Oh man, you forgot to wear green,” is enough to make anyone wish they’d just sucked it up and grabbed that one sweater, hat or pair of socks that would have pacified even the most gung-ho St. Paddy’s enthusiast.

But does anyone ever stop to ask: Why? Truth be told, there is little rhyme — nor reason — left in the ties that bind modern-day St. Patrick’s Day to the true-blue Saint Patrick.

And by blue, I mean literally blue, not green.

Early depictions of Saint Patrick — who was a British missionary to Ireland in the fifth century AD — show him wearing blue. The Order of Saint Patrick even uses “Saint Patrick blue” as its official symbolic color. Though there is no clear reason why green became the color widely used in association with St. Patrick’s Day, some point to

Ireland’s nickname as “the Emerald Isle” or shamrocks as the cause for the transition from blue to green.

But that further begs the question: Why shamrocks?

According to folklore, Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity as he traveled Ireland spreading his message of Christianity. There is no historical evidence to back it up, but the sentiment is at least related to the saint for whom the day is named.

Though some believe St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of the saint’s birthday, March 17 is actually the day he died. The holiday began as a feast day, celebrated almost entirely by Irish Catholics. By the 19th century, St. Patrick’s Day made its way to America as a way for Irish immigrants to celebrate being, well, Irish. Now, in the 21st century, St. Paddy’s Day is its own animal, known for parades and drink specials and for being literally the only day out of the entire year that anyone boils cabbage.

So in the spirit of most every holiday that America has adopted, let’s all wear green and join in merriment that does essentially nothing to celebrate the original intent of the day.

Nevertheless, hopefully we all take this opportunity to learn something new about St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll raise a green beer to that.

St. Paddy's Happenings The average North Idaho spring day is undoubtedly made better by Celtic tunes, corned beef and green beer. Have a very Sandpoint St. Patrick’s Day with these upcoming events.

Saturday, March 14 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Celebration First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave. 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a meal of corned beef and cabbage while helping raise money for the First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint as it provides dinner, fellowship, Irish music and skits for a donation of $5 per person or $15 per family. There will also be raffles, auction items and dessert. Those with questions can contact the church at 208-263-2047.

St. Patrick’s Day Live Music Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St. 3:30-9 p.m.

Two St. Patty’s day shows are better than one. Matchwood knows this well, as the brewery hosts both The Nightjars and The Powers for a double-header night of live music. The Nightjars will kick off the festivities with Irish music 3:30-5:30 p.m., and The Powers will pick up at 6 p.m. with folk and Americana. The night’s menu will feature a corned beef pasty and “kick the keg” beer special.

Tuesday, March 17 Live Music with Bridges Home

Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St. 5-8 p.m.

Dave and Tami Gunter — the local musical duo known as Bridges Home — are celebrated for infusing Celtic influences into their brand of roots music, making their sets particularly special around St. Patrick’s Day. Catch their first-ever Matchwood Brewing gig on Tuesday, March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day Party/24 Hours for Hank 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave. 4:30 p.m.

Wear green, drink green and raise green on St. Patty’s Day as the 219 Lounge hosts its annual 24 Hours for Hank fundraiser, which raises money for cystinosis research. There will be live music, drink specials and a traditional Irish meal catered

by Trinity at City Beach. Also enjoy karaoke 8-11 p.m. No cover.

March 20-21 St. Patrick’s Day Parties A&Ps Bar and Grill, 222 N. First Ave. 9 p.m.-close A&Ps will host back-to-back St. Patty’s shindigs, each featuring a different whiskey promo and DJ. The Friday, March 20 party is sponsored by Jameson Whiskey, while the Saturday, March 21 event is sponsored by Paddy’s Irish Whiskey. DJ Shanner will supply the Friday tunes, and DJ Kevin will keep the party going Saturday. Both nights require no cover, and will include prizes, giveaways and drink specials.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 15

COMMUNITY

Checkmate, mate

A stellar origin story

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

The 29th annual Lou Domanski Chess Festival returns to Sandpoint

Join fellow chess enthusiasts for a one-day chess tournament that harkens back nearly three decades in Sandpoint.

The Lou Domanski Chess Festival tournament will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 4 at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First St. The tournament starts at 9 a.m. and usually concludes around 5 p.m.

There are three divisions, splitting up players by age with differing entry fees for each. The elementary age division for grades 1-6 has a $5 entry fee, the middle school/high school division for grades 7-12 has an entry fee of $6 and there is also an open division with a $7 entry fee. Trophies will be awarded for winners of each division.

Register online before Thursday, March 26 at sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation, or visit Sandpoint Parks and Recreation offices at Sandpoint City Hall, 1123 Lake St. or call 208-263-3613.

Formerly known as the Sandpoint Chess Festival, the annual competition was renamed in honor of its founder and longtime coordinator Lou Domanski.

Born in Poland in 1918, Domanski enlisted with the 18th Infantry Division Cadet

16 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

Officers School as war loomed closer in 1938. He advanced to the rank of corporal warrant officer, and was initially captured by the Soviets, but escaped from the prisoner train. He was later captured again by the Soviets and sent to a slave labor camp until the Nazi GerGer man attack on the Soviet Union allowed him to be released.

In 1942 he reported to Glasgow, Scotland for intensive training at an Royal Air Force base. In 1944, he was promoted to the officer rank of aircraft commander, taking part in many airdrops to assist the Warsaw Uprising. Eventually his aircraft was shot down during a night mission over Hungary and he was captured for the third time by the Nazis and spent the remainder of World War II in captivity.

For his wartime efforts, Domanski was decorated with the Virtuti Military Cross, three times with the Cross of Valor, the Polish Air Force Medal, Gold Cross of Merit, the Home Army Medal and the September 1939 Campaign Medal. He was also decorated five times with various medals by the RAF. Domanski moved to Sandpoint in 1988 and immediately started the chess program, which continues to this day and has undoubtedly taught thousands of North Idaho children how to play chess. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.

Dr. Philip Deutchman giving presentation on the origins of the universe

ble’s Observations of an Expanding Universe,” will focus on the groundbreaking astronomer’s work.

“He had the first evidence that Have you ever the universe was expanding and gazed upward and stretching out,” Deutchman said. wondered how the The three-part series concludes universe began? If so, on March 26 with “Discovery of the have we got a treat for Cosmic Microwave Background,” you. an area Deutchman said is not often The Sandpoint heard about. library will host a “This is light that is below the Dr. Philip Deutchman. series of special guest visible spectrum in the microwave presentations over the next three weeks region,” he said. “It’s been stretched out by about cosmology, or the science of the origin the expanding universe.” and development of the universe.

Deutchman said the Powerpoint presentaDr. Philip Deutchman, an emeritus tions are spread out over three weeks to give professor of physics from the University of attendees the chance to digest the informaIdaho, where he taught for 34 years, will tion — a process he called “susceptibility lead three separate presentations on cosmolshots.” ogy on Thursdays, March 12, 19 and 26.

“You don’t get it right away, but it stays All three presentations are free, open to the with you and then starts sinking in,” he said. public and will begin at 6 p.m.

Overall, Deutchman said the point of the “The analogy I like to use is like actors presentations is to share cosmology with inon a stage,” Deutchman said. “The actors terested parties in a fun, casual atmosphere. that we see around us are the planets, stars, “I always try to make things fun, for galaxies. Astrophysicists study that. Cosmol- myself as well as the audience,” Deutchman ogists study the background — what is the said. “I’m also giving a bit of history, which universe itself doing? This comes from Einis an approach that works with people understein’s theory of relativity where the backstanding physics. We’ll talk about characters ground space itself can shift and change.” in astronomy and hear some of the stories Deutchman’s first presentation on March that we hear as physicists — the so-called 12 is titled “Einstein’s Theory of Relativity” ‘legends of physics.’” and will focus on the seminal work EinFor more information about the presentastein did to change the way we look at the tions, visit ebonnerlibrary.org. universe.

The March 19 presentation, “Edwin Hub-

MILITARY

Sandpoint grad named Airman of the Week

U.S. Air Force honors Senior Airman James Wolf

By Ben Olson Reader Staff While it’s important to regularly honor those who serve our country in the armed services, every once in a while an individual deserves a bit more recognition.

This was the case last week when Senior Airman James Wolf, a former Sandpoint graduate, was named Airman of the Week for the U.S. Air Force.

Wolf, who graduated from Sandpoint High School in 2017, is stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, working as a ground system maintenance technician with the 390th Intelligence Squadron.

The largest combat wing in the Air Force, operating out of the largest Air Force installation in the Pacific, the mission of the 18th Wing is to “deliver unmatched combat airpower and a forward-staging base to provide sovereign options that promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, ensure the common defense of our allies, and enhance the United States’ unparalleled global engagement capability,” according to Staff Sergeant Daniel E. Fernandez, with 18th Wing Public Affairs.

Fernandez said Wolf was honored with Airman of the Week because he “played an important role in assisting the 18th Communications Squadron with a network infrastructure update base-wide to switch configurations and verify compliance with regulations, leading to the communications squadron successfully passing its Command Cyber Readiness Inspection.”

Wolf also led the setup for both the 18th Wing and Pacific Air Force’s Inspector General visits by installing multiple network switches, computers and voice-over-internet protocol phones.

In addition to being named 18CS performer of the week, Wolf was recently elected as a council member for Wired Bean — a recreational and morale facility sponsored by the Chaplain Services that provides a safe space for young, single Airman to gather and enjoy home-cooked meals.

“As a council member, [Airman Wolf] planned four morale events for 101 people, spoke at eight First Term Airman Courses classes on behalf of the other council members and held an event where he briefed the Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Schaick and Chief Master Sgt. Jackson on everything the Wired Bean does,” Fernandez wrote to the Reader.

On top of his outstanding work and volunteering, Airman Wolf has accomplished 21 credit hours toward his Community College of the Air Force degree, bringing him just three credits shy from completion.

We emailed Airman Wolf and asked a few questions after he’d received this honor. What follows are his responses, lightly edited for space.

Sandpoint Reader: Do you have a special area of expertise?

Airman Wolf: There’s not a mission on base not affected by our team. My job in focuses on the equipment behind our computers, like routers and network switches.

SR: What were some of the reasons that led you to join the U.S. Air Force?

Wolf: I joined because I saw it as a way to go to college without going into debt right out of high school.

SR: Tell us what your daily life is like in Okinawa. What are some of your duties that you are particularly proud of?

Wolf: While working with 18CS, I was able to work on one of the largest networks in the Pacific, spanning the entire island of Okinawa. Because Okinawa has the U.S. Air Force’s largest combat wing and hosts many U.S.

Top: Senior Airman James Wolf, USAF. Bottom: Airman Wolf at work with IT and networking tasks at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Air Force photo by Naoto Anazawa.

Marine Corps, Naval and Army forces, 18CS Airmen have a larger, broader role, carrying data to several of the other bases and protecting everyone from unfriendly sources through network security.

SR: Can you explain a little about what the 18th Wing’s mission is in Okinawa and why it’s important that airmen like yourself are part of it?

Wolf: The 18th Wing defends

U.S. and Japanese interests. The 18th Wing is the keystone of the Pacific and something of this scope requires a lot of well-trained airmen to get the job done.

From all of us here at the Sandpoint Reader, as well as the rest of our community, we’d like to congratulate Airman Wolf for this honor and thank him (and the rest of the 18th Wing) for their service to our country.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 17

FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

Chaos and angst

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

Separating fear and fiction from facts has become an enormous task in these crazy times.

For me, being in the travel business has brought another layer of anxiety. Right now, I am just plain relieved to have 50 people joining a local bride and groom for a fairytale wedding to Belize, as it’s been over a year in the planning.

I have others coming up with similar plans, and I only hope their outcomes can be as good.

I’m on the Travel Advisory Board for food magazine Saveur, and specialize (surprise) in culinary and foodie tours, especially in Italy. Needless to say, I’ve had to cancel trips for many clients who were headed there. I not only worry about these clients but the impact on the lovely people I have met over there, who contribute to their families’ income by teaching authentic cooking classes in their modest homes and family villas.

About as far as you can get from Italy is a young man I befriended in Cambodia named Da Kriel. He works at the hotel where I stayed and augmented his income by offering private tours, including cooking classes, in the village of his grandmother (his parents are deceased). When not working, he volunteers his time at an elementary school and depends on generous tourists to provide book donations. Today, he reports that a third of the hotels are closed and money is very tight. Recently, I asked him for his address and he reported that he’s never had a piece of mail, so he wasn’t sure how I could send him anything. I’m sure toilet paper is the least of his concerns.

But here in the United States, 18 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

news reports say that people are wiping out entire shelves of toilet paper and antibacterial products.

Recently, I witnessed a gentleman checking out at the grocery store, his entire cart overfilled with rice, macaroni and beans.

The woman helping me said it’s a daily occurrence. Loads of people stockpiling loads of goods out of fear (and, I am hopeful, once the panic subsides, lots of this foodstuff will find its way to our local food bank).

I am not fearful, but I am anxious, so I too have made some extra trips to the store for “prepper” supplies. But I filled my cart from the fresh aisle with ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, peppers, onions and such. Because when

I feel like this, I take comfort in cooking — real cooking — and so I laboriously peel and slice and dice my angst away. These projects keep my hands and, for the most part, my mind busy.

I can’t imagine my house without the omnipresent onion (and my oldest daughter, Ryanne, reports that she inherited the onion gene). Sometimes, I’m not even sure what I am going to make, but I find myself, with my sturdy Wusthof in hand, chopping or slicing or dicing these familiar favorite flavor enhancers.

I cook them in copious amounts of butter or olive oil, depending on what I have decided to make.

Yesterday, I cooked them until they begin to take on a golden, then brown hue. Then I sim-

mered them in Guinness, and an hour or so later they were ready, finished with a melt-in-your mouth silkiness, achieved with low heat and a lot of patience.

There are myriad types of onions: red, which I mostly use for fresh or raw for garnish, white for pickling and hamburger rings, yellow (including Spanish) for cooking in dishes like meatloaves and sauces, and specialty onions like Walla Walla (including organic), sweet onions from Peru and Hawaii and Vidalia’s from Georgia. Sweet onions are milder and have a higher moisture content, and I use them when I am making things like chutney, jams and caramelized onions. There are also little gems like cipollini, shallots and

pearl onions that are all delicious additions to soups and stews.

This week, I am hosting a couple of get togethers for my ladies’ groups traveling to Ireland with me next month. To honor them, and Saint Patrick, who’s special day is right around the corner, I’ve been preparing some of my favorite Irish foods to serve: shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread with Kerrygold butter and Irish cream crème brulee. And those caramelized Guinness onions? They’ll be topping a lovely tart.

I can think of a half dozen substitutes for toilet paper, so I should be fine with the current shortage. You’ll find me stocking up in the produce aisle. Because there’s really no substitute for a good onion.

Caramelized Onion and Guinness Tart This rich and tasty tart can be served hot, cold or in between.

Serve as an appetizer or with a salad, as an entrée.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 8-inch square frozen puff pastry • 1 cube butter • 3 sweet onions, sliced very thin • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced • 1 tbs brown sugar • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper • 1 pint Guinness • 2 eggs • 1⁄4 cup sour cream • 1 1⁄2 cups shredded Kerrygold cheddar

DIRECTIONS: Thaw puff pastry while you prepare the tart ingredients.

Place a large saute pan on medium heat, add and melt butter, then add onions and garlic.

Turn down to low and let them sweat for a couple minutes.

When soft add in brown sugar, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook on medium, stirring, until it is golden brown. Add half the Guinness. Let this mixture cook and caramelize for 45 minutes or so, stirring every now and then. If you need a little more Guinness, add it. If you don’t, drink it! The onions will be golden and sweet when they’re done.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out the puff pastry and fit into an 8-inch tart pan. Using a fork, poke holes in the bottom so the crust doesn’t bubble up while

baking. Whisk together eggs and sour cream. Spread caramelized onion on tart shell and top with 1⁄2 cup cheese. Top with egg mixture

and remaining cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese turns into a delicious crust. Cool and serve.

STAGE & SCREEN

Die, bad guy

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

What makes a great villain death? Surprise? Gore? A feeling of closure?

A good villain death can pay homage to all that a character brought to a story. It can also just be really well filmed, or involve a satisfying twist of fate.

Disclaimer: Though none of these films or shows are particularly new, this article is full of spoilers.

Thor ‘The Swede’ Gunderson, Hell On Wheels I never hated a fictional character more than I hated “The Swede.” Paradoxically hailing from Norway, the immigrant-turned-Civil War Union soldier Thor Gunderson wasn’t without a complicated and sad past. Still, his diabolical schemes to make main character Cullen Bohannon’s life miserable throughout the building of the Union Pacific Railroad were so well written and executed that I couldn’t help but hope, after five seasons, that he would see a gruesome end. Fittingly, Bohannon is

the one who physically leads The Swede to his trial and hanging.

One of the show’s main themes is Bohannon’s ability to find peace, so that fact that he didn’t have to be the one to kill The Swede brought their storyline to a bittersweet but ultimately gratifying conclusion. Plus, the creators took their time with the brutal hanging scene, leaving no doubt — for Bohannon or for long-time fans — that The Swede is finally dead.

Hans Gruber, Die Hard It would be irresponsible to write a list such as this without including the death of German terrorist Hans Gruber in the original Die Hard. Gruber’s epic fall from Nakatomi Plaza is made great for a couple of reasons. First, it used the most cutting-edge film technology of 1988 to layer ultra-slow footage of the character falling over more footage of the view below the building — all before CGI was even a thing, meaning the two shots had to be layered with an optical printer. Second, the look on Gruber’s face is one of true fear. Actor Alan Rickman was terrified to fall backwards, and had to do so 20 feet through the

A handful of the most satisfying villain deaths from television and film

air onto a giant pillow. The shot required Rickman’s face — not a stunt double — so he mustered the courage and gifted viewers with one of the most memorable villain deaths of all time.

Jonathon ‘Black Jack’ Randall, Outlander Black Jack Randall’s evil knew no bounds when it came to the British occupation of Scotland, as he played the main antagonist during the first two installments of the Outlander book and television series. What makes Randall’s death so satisfying is a multi-layered cake of narrative goodness.

For one, Jamie Fraser gets to kill him — fitting, considering Randall’s history of sexual violence against him. Second, his death takes place during the Battle of Culloden — the goriest conflict of the Jacobite Rebellion. The men begin dueling amid the chaos, exchanging sword blows until they’re the only ones left standing among a field of dead bodies.

Finally, Randall falls into Fraser’s chest, dead, and the two collapse.

It’s an emotional end for a clearly disturbed and complicated man, and a good bit of closure for

‘Black Jack’ Randall and Jamie Fraser during the Battle of Culloden in Outlander.

Jamie, whose impetus for joining the rebellion began when Randall flogged him in front of his family.

Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 Loyal Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange was about as evil as they come, making her sudden and slightly humorous death all the more satisfying. During the Battle of Hogwarts, when Bellatrix cast a spell at young Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley stepped in, delivering perhaps the most iconic line of

the battle: “Not my daughter, you bitch!” Molly remains a mostly motherly figure throughout the series, not often known to join into spats with Voldemort’s followers, but this all changes with Bellatrix. They each exchanged a few spells until Molly petrified and subsequently blew Bellatrix into a million pieces. It’s an abrupt end, but one highlighting the powerful — and sometimes surprising — female characters of the HP series.

Between the damned and the damning Clemency explores the relationship between a warden and death row inmate

of Bernadine Williams, a career warden at a men’s prison played brilliantly by Alfre Woodard. A familiar face as a supporting actress, Since 1976, when the United States affirmed the legality of cap- Woodard’s roles in everything from TV’s Empire to Captain ital punishment, more than 7,800 America: Civil War and 12 Years a people have been sentenced to Slave have earned her a reputation death, 1,517 of which have been as an accomplished actress who executed. The practice remains delves deep into her roles. controversial in the United States, Normally a meticulous, carewhich holds the distinction as the fully calibrated professional who only developed Western nation that still regularly applies the pun- meets the emotional and traumatic ishment. It’s an issue that won’t go parts of her job with cold detachment, Williams begins to fall apart away any time soon. after a botched The Panida’s lethal injection — upcoming film Clemency (R) underscoring the Clemency, screenMarch 12 at 7:30 p.m., March 13 toll taken by years ing Thursday, at 5:30 p.m, March 14 at 7:30 March 12-Sunp.m. and March 15 at 3:30 p.m., of carrying out death row execuday, March 15, $8.72/adult, $7.62/senior. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Avenue tions. explores the issue Sandpoint, (208) 263-9191.

Written and through the eyes

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

directed by Chinonye Chukwu, Clemency explores Williams’ journey as she prepares to execute another inmate, in the process confronting the psychological and emotional demons her job creates.

With nods to both the anti-death row activism as well as reasons for why the ultimate punishment is still supported by 29 states in the country, the beauty of Clemency lies in the relationship a warden like Williams has with an inmate scheduled for execution. It’s as if they are both “captives of their worlds, legally, spiritually and morally,” according to a review by The New York Times.

The film has garnered both critical and popular acclaim, winning the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize for 2019 at the Sundance Film Festival and winning Best

Alfre Woodard in Clemency. Courtesy photo.

Local Feature at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Rotten Tomatoes currently has the film scored at 91% on the Tomatometer, stating that “Clemency mines serious

social issues for gripping drama, brought to life by an outstanding cast led by Alfre Woodard.”

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 19

COMMUNITY

Yard sale to benefit Idaho Children’s Fund

By Reader Staff

The Lake Pend Oreille School District will host a yard sale Saturday, March 14 at Sandpoint High School to benefit the Idaho Education Association Children’s Fund.

The yard sale, scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon, will feature items donated by every school in the district. From 11 a.m. to the end of the sale, organizers say no offer will be refused.

The IEA Children’s Fund provides assistance to Idaho’s neediest schoolchildren, helping out with everything from warm clothes to food to school

20 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

7B Women annual conference includes internationally known keynote speaker

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels founder Anne Beiler to speak

supplies and even health care. The Children’s Fund has provided nearly $1.7 million to Idaho kids since 1997, currently distributing about $3,700 per month. The fund is also responsible for supporting more than 5,000 grants to benefit struggling youth and their families.

Those wishing to make donations can contact teacher Randy Wilhelm at randy.wilhelm@lposd.org.

Anne Beiler, author and founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Courtesy Photo.

By Reader Staff

Back for its fourth year, the 7B Women’s daylong annual conference kicks off Thursday, March 19, with a goal to leave attendees “energized and inspired.” This year’s event, co-sponsored by Ting, will take place at the Sandpoint Technology Center, located at 130 McGhee Road in Ponderay (the site of the former Coldwater Creek campus).

“We have some amazing speakers lined up, and the new venue also offers a wonderful opportunity to network with one another and visit the booths of our sponsors,” said 7B Women President Kim Diercks.

Headlining this year’s event will be Anne Beiler, the founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, whose talk will focus on “the power of purpose.” But her story is much more than how she built the world’s largest pretzel franchise.

Anne began twisting pretzels in 1987 and grew a single farmer’s market stand into Auntie Anne’s Inc., the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise.

Her professional success, however, was forged after years of darkness, depression and despair brought on by the death of her 19-month-old daughter and abuse she suffered at the hands of the pastor from whom she sought counseling.

Anne’s personal story and entrepreneurial insights have been featured on several television shows, including Secret Millionaire, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America. She has

Kumiko Love, also known as ‘The Budget Mom.’ Courtesy photo.

been highlighted in numerous publications such as Fortune Magazine and Inc Magazine. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne’s and authored the business memoir, Twist of Faith. Today, Anne speaks to audiences around the world, inspiring people with her authentic stories and life experiences. Her mission is to help encourage others to overcome themselves and become the “more” they desire.

“Her story is riveting and inspiring,” said 7B Women President Kim Diercks.

“From her Amish roots to her quest to teach and equip women to live a lifestyle with purpose and everything she has accomplished in between; Anne is a fabulous speaker and we are very fortunate to have her participate in this year’s conference.”

Additional keynote speaker Kumiko Love, also known as “The Budget Mom” is an accredited financial counselor, a successful business owner, blogger and mom who has been featured on Good Morning America. Love will share her unique and practical budgeting method and techniques that have helped thousands of women around the world take control of their finances and pay off debts.

In addition to the featured presenters, there will be a breakout session where attendees can listen to one of two additional speakers.

The costs for the conference are $99 for 7B Women members and $110 for non-members. The conference is open to men and women from the entire community. To learn more or to register, visit 7BWomen.com/the-7B-women-conference.

MUSIC

A singular achievement

Sandpoint High School, Middle School choirs both earn top honors at UI jazz festival

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Jon Brownell has been teaching Bonner County students to sing for 31 years, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he and his choir won the “sweepstakes” at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Then, in late February, they did it again, earning the highest honors among 3,600 students from 123 schools, who came to the University of Idaho campus in Moscow from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada.

“Two out of the last three years, we have taken the big trophy home,” Brownell told the Reader. “It was a good day.”

Sweepstakes winners are drawn from the top ensembles in each division at the jazz festival, who then perform on the big stage at the Kibbie Dome. As Brownell put it, “judges listen to all the winners and pick the winner of the winner’s concert — that’s the sweepstakes winner.”

Students with the Sandpoint High School Chamber Choir were selected as the AA Senior Area

Mic Winners and the Sandpoint Middle School Select Choir was named a Junior Vocal Ensemble Winner — that means both choirs were invited to perform in the Young Artist’s Winners Concert on Feb. 28, and both took the top spots as overall Junior Sweepstakes and High School Vocal Sweepstakes winners, respectively.

“It was gratifying to beat Lake City, Bellevue and other much bigger schools,” Brownell said. “A feather in our cap!”

The SHS Chamber Choir took home a rotating trophy for the year and will receive free entry to the 2021 jazz festival.

“The student performances were a joy to listen to today,” festival manager Josh Skinner wrote in a news release announcing the winners. “Every year the students raise the standard of performance, while at the same time inspire their peers, teachers and the jazz educators who are lucky enough to work with them throughout the week.”

Brownell said the high-school choir turned in an a capella performance of ’70s instrumental hit “Pick Up the Pieces” by the

Average White Band and also sang “Take the A-Train” and “The Way You Look Tonight” — the latter piece the group presented in the Kibbie Dome for its sweepstakes win. The middle school choir sang “Summer Time,” “Take the A-Train” and “Duke’s Place.”

The SHS Concert Choir also performed at the festival but didn’t place — regardless, “they did really well,” Brownell said, underscoring that his students are winners every year, having taken the top spot in the AAA high school and middle school divisions many times.

“In fact, I think we have won them more than we haven’t but not Sweepstakes!” he said. “I’m proud of all of my students.”

This week’s RLW by Zach Hagadone

READ

I couldn’t have put it better than the Penguin Random House synopsis of Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark: “A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news stories and internet conspiracy theories play to a disaffected American populace.” Published in 1996 and getting timelier every year.

LISTEN

Jon Brownell holds the trophy for winning the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in February. Courtesy photo.

Find video of performances from the Young Artist’s Winners Concert at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival’s YouTube channel, uidahojazzfestival.

Wes Anderson — or whoever picked the musical accompaniment in the trailer to Anderson’s forthcoming film The French Dispatch — I prophesy will be responsible for a mini-revival of French crooner Christophe. Don’t believe me?

Search YouTube for the trailer and/or go direct to the source and look up the 1965 hit song “Aline.”

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint

The Tonedevil Brothers, March 13, Eichardt’s Pub

Piano Sunday with Peter Lucht, March 15, Pend d’Oreille Winery

When it comes to the relationship between musician and instrument, no one does it quite like the Tonedevil Brothers.

David and Anthony Powell not only perform together, they also build harp guitars under the name Tonedevil Harp Guitars. Whether playing music or assembling highly specialized guitars, the focus for the Powell Brothers is always on perfecting their craft.

With David on harp guitar — a two-necked instrument featuring up to 18 strings — and Anthony on mandolin, the pair specializes in musical styles ranging from bluegrass to swing to jazz to singer-songwriter.

Listen to the Tonedevil Brothers and learn about their Sandpoint-made harp guitars at tonedevilharpguitars.com.

—Lyndsie Kiebert

It’s always a grand time when Sandpoint piano man Peter Lucht sits down at the grand piano at the Pend d’Oreille Winery. Every third Sunday of each month, Lucht graces the winery tasting room with his jazz and blues stylings.

Lucht has been a Sandpoint music scene mainstay since pretty much the moment he came here from Chicago in 1978 — he’s played with every great local musician there is and made those great local musicians greater by his presence on the keys.

We can’t think of a better way to wile away a springtime Sunday afternoon, sipping on a glass of wine and with Lucht providing the perfect accompaniment. That’s a perfect pairing.

— Zach Hagadone

8-11 p.m., FREE. Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St., 208-263-4005, eichardtspub.com.

3 p.m.-5 p.m., FREE. Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., 208265-8545, powine.com.

WATCH

This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended Netflix’s German-language original series Babylon Berlin and it probably won’t be the last. As long as this gloriously gritty Weimar-era cops-and-Nazis thriller keeps returning with new seasons — as it did just the other week — I’m going to keep saying how wunderbar it is.

March 12, 2020 /

R

/ 21

HUMOR

From Northern Idaho News, March 13, 1923

CRIME OVER-RUNS PRIEST RIVER That Priest River authorities are unable to cope with the crime incident to a prosperous lumbering camp is apparent from an appeal for help which was yesterday formally made to the sheriff and county commissioners by the village board of Priest River. Though several forms of crime are mentioned in the appeal, drunkenness is understood to be the chief plaint of the board. Located, as Priest River is, at the outlet of a great timber country which is being logged, it is naturally the headquarters of a large number of the rough lumberjack element; men whose idea of a good time is to spend their earnings in booze and gambling.

Lumbering is at its height in the Priest River country, and that village is enjoying the properity as well as the crimes of a frontie lumber camp.

The appeal of the Priest River board, in full, reads as follows: “To the Sheriff and the County Commissioners of Bonner County: “Due to the large amount of transient laber employed at the lumber camps adjoining here, and to the fact that we have no jail facilities, we find that we are not able to properly take care of the drunkeness, gambling and prostitution, all of which seem to be gaining headway here at present.

“We therefore join in asking that a capable deputy sheriff under full pay be located at Priest River until after the spring log drive.

“Trusting that we may have your cooperation to the end of making this part of the county law abiding, we are very respectfully yours.”

Signed by the Village Board.

22 /

R

/ March 12, 2020

...as the county commission guns for 2nd Amendment rights

By Sandy Compton Reader Columnist

Darn! It’s already March.

November is coming up fast, and I declared my 2020 candidacy for president back when the Trump got elected, but then I got busy... you know how it goes. Of course, things have gone so swimmingly for the past four years that now I wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hell.

Unless, of course Hell is frozen over, which it just might be. After all, the Trump is the president.

I almost said “our president,” but the Trump is not my fault. Or my choice. A big thank you to all of you who didn’t vote last time. But now, I’m being snarky. Sorry.

Half my fan base insists it’s fruitless to write about national politics in a local venue. The other person seems to agree. But what else is there? Local politics? OK. Why not? The Bonner County Board of Commissioners isn’t quite as interesting as the Trump, but it’s a close second.

The county’s lawsuit against the city over guns at The Festival enterat Sandpoint is highly enter taining — in the manner of watching a train wreck.

Maybe The Festival and the city can solve the problem — and save taxpayers the big bucks the county is paying their Second Amendment lawyers — by simply making guns required at The Festival. If you want to get in the gate, you have to be carrying.

There would be special racks for those who wish to bring long guns or can’t afford a pistol.

You’d be able to rent locks from The Festival booth to secure your AR-15 against pilferage while you’re dancing.

Here’s another suggestion about this stupid and stupidly expensive argument (please note that I didn’t call it an ego-driven power play). The commissioners can lead the way into guns everywhere, any time, all the time by getting rid of the metal detectors at the courthouse. Right now, you can’t take a Swiss Army knife through the door, much less the weapons the county wants allowed at Memorial Field. (I know! Let’s hold a referendum vote! It’s only money, right?)

It’s also interesting that the county is trying to tell the city and a nonprofit how to ruin — I mean, “run” — an event that brings millions into the local economy annually. Yet, if you ask the commissioners how they feel about the state or the feds telling the county what to do, they will scream bloody murder about local rule and big government and abuse of power.

Just a few thoughts. Your county commissioners will love to hear your thoughts about this. Call 208-265-1438.

You can read a few more thoughts from Sandy Compton at bluecreekpress. com/write-on/

Crossword Solution

The tired and thirsty prospector threw himself down at the edge of the watering hole and started to drink. But then he looked around and saw skulls and bones everywhere. Uh-oh, he thought. This watering hole is reserved for skeletons.

ACROSS 1. Spar 5. Neighborhood 10. Hurried 14. Diva’s solo 15. Female internal reproductive organ 16. Infamous Roman emperor 17. Mediterranean woody plant 19. Hotels 20. Prohibit 21. Line of a poem 22. Church recesses 23. Attack 25. A boneless steak 27. Travel through the air 28. Chewy almond cookie 58. Anagram of “Ties” 31. Ill-gotten gains 59. Bring upon oneself 34. Endorses 60. Being 35. Consumer Price Index 61. Religious offshoot 36. Hodgepodge 62. Excrete 37. Threadbare 63. Backwards “Reed” 38. Three-handed card game 39. Tall hill 40. Queues DOWN 41. Fine thread 42. A critical interpretation 1. Arboreal snake 44. To make a fool of (archaic) 2. Operatic solos /VUHG / 3. Indications 45. Mires [noun] 4. Buff 1. a small cavity in a rock or vein, often lined with crystals. 46. Mosaic tile of the 5. Lacking companions 50. Garbage 6. Blatant “They spotted a vug at the end of the cave and investigated it for quartz.”

52. Home 7. Felines 54. Disencumber Corrections: Nothing to see here, folks.

8. Man-made objects 55. Horse feed 9. Alkaline liquid 56. Wilderness

Word Week

vug

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

CROSSWORD

Solution on page 22 34. Expelling 10. Sharpshooter 37. Hazard 11. Sluicegates 12. Sea eagle 38. Knights 40. Pervert 13. Sleep in a convenient place 41. Unsuccessful person 43. Inset 18. Small egg 44. Abandon 22. “Oh my!”

24. Hairdo 46. Ballet skirts 47. Delete 26. Yucky 28. Married partners 48. Dentist’s direction 29. Iridescent gem 49. Viper 50. Throw 30. Anagram of 51. Be worthy of “Tine” 53. A single time 31. Part of the outer ear 56. Hasten 57. Directed 32. Gorse 33. Pertaining to movies March 12, 2020 / R / 23