Reader March 1 2018

ttooRAY FOR l E C. N E 1 C. S

SCIENCE STANDARDS BNSF APPLIES FOR SECOND RAIL BRIDGE PERMIT OVER LAKE PEND OREILLE MORE QUESTIONS THAN lNSWERS AT NEWPORT SMELTER PANEL DISCUSSION PROFILE OF US REP CANDIDATE LUKE MALEK NET NEUTRALITY REVISITED OSCAR PREVIEW: AND THE NOMINEES ARE NOT...

THE READER NEVER FORGETS Ken and Lisa Larson sent in this photo of the Reader from their travels in Thailand.

Oh yeah, and there’s an elephant, too. His name is Pai Lin, and he’s 72 years old. Cool.

Thursday Ladies Night $1.00 off all drinks Unique selection of Excellent Wines Local Beers On Tap

Yummy Tapas Menu

Wine $ Cheese Sampling Wine & cheese sampling Saturdays 12-3p.m. p.m.

Saturdays 12-3 Open 5 p.m. - Closing Thurs. - Sat.

Photo by Ken and Lisa Larson.

the gang is all here!

(208) 265-5700 320 S. Ella Ave. www.IdahoVet.com

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Walk in appointments available. call for selected times.

(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

What movie will win the Academy Award for Best Picture? Which of the nominated films did you enjoy or appreciate the most?

DEAR READERS, In lieu of my usual rambling here, I thought I’d share this election information spon-

sored by the North Idaho Federated Republican Women and Dale and Nancy Coffelt.

The last date to file or change party affiliation is March 9.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

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

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

“I have seen them all. The one I’d like to see win is ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.’ It will be between that one and ‘The Shape of Water’ because it’s so unique.”

Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus)

Tamara Verby Accounts manager The Festival at Sandpoint Sandpoint

Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Creative Commons (cover), Ben Olson, Mick Thompson, Susan Drinkard.

“‘Dunkirk’ because it is our history. It shows the military operations at Dunkirk, France that saved the British and Allied forces from Nazi Germany.”

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, PollyAnna, Karen Seashore, Brenden Bobby, Bill Harp, Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Rep. Melissa Wintow, Tim Bearly, Shannon Williamson, Mike Wagoner, Marcia Pilgeram, Simon Eaton.

John Gentleman Retired electrician Sandpoint

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

Subscription Price: $95 per year

“I’ve seen ‘The Shape of Water’ twice. I thought it was unique and a different take on a romance story.”

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

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

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism.

Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Kaeleigh Salian Retail at Zero Point Sandpoint

“‘Dunkirk’ would be my choice.”

Margaret Gentleman Retired Sandpoint

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

Requirements: –No more than 400 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.

•TRANSPORTATION: Secure funding to improve safety and efficiency of our roads, bridges and airports.

•EDUCATION: Adequately fund education and integrate vocational education to meet work force needs.

•JOBS: Retain and expand our current resource jobs and promote jobs in emerging industries.

•NATURAL RESOURCES: Expand the multiple use of our forests and protect our precious waters.

“I think ‘Dunkirk’ will win.”

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com

•CONSTITUENT SERVICE: Listen to constituents and address the “things that matter” to them.

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

Susan Wentz Santosha owner Sagle

About the Cover

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jim Woodward

We’re big fans of science around here. This week’s cover honors Idaho lawmakers, who elected to retain climate change in state curriculum standards.

March 1, 2018 /

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COMMENTARY

Media literacy is a patriotic duty

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

In 2016, an event called “Citizens Before Refugees” went live on Facebook.

Scheduled to take place at the Twin Falls City Council Chambers, the protest was hosted by an organization called Secured Borders and followed a slew of anti-refugee about Twin Falls stories published by right-wing media.

Although sparsely attended, the event attracted 48 people who declared interest and was likely seen by many more. The Facebook page for Secured Borders had 133,000 followers before it was shut down.

A year later, The Daily Beast reported that the “Citizens Before Refugees” protest was in fact a scheme cooked up by a Russian front.

Letters to the Editor Vote for Mike Boeck...

Dear Editor, I urge voters in District 1 to vote for Mike Boeck in the May 15 Republican primary elections. Mike is a fourth generation resident of Bonner County, and is very qualified to do the job in Boise. I have personally met with him about the issues I feel are important to the people of our region: education, economic development (JOBS!), infrastructure, natural resources, protection of the environment, affordable healthcare, and serving the needs of the people in northern Idaho.

I have found Mike Boeck to be constructive, a collaborator and believes in the power of dialogue. He has been active in the Republican Party of Bonner County for decades, and has stuck to his conservative principles.

Mike Boeck needs our vote, which requires each voter to be informed and eligible to VOTE in the MAY 15 primary BEFORE MARCH 9!

Step 1. Get to know Mike Boeck.

Campaign website: http://mikeboeckforidaho.com Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/MikeboeckforIdaho/ Step 2. BEFORE MARCH 9, make sure you are registered unaffiliated or a Republican voter in Bonner or Boundary County able to vote in May 15 Republican Primary. An “unaffiliated“ voter may affiliate with a political party by filing a signed form with the County Clerk up to and including Election Day. Idaho Voter registration form is available for download: https://sos.idaho. gov/elect/VoterReg/voter_registration.

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This troubling story, unique in its influence on Idaho politics and culture, is just a tiny corner of the Russian effort to undermine public trust in American institutions. Revealed in detail by recent Mueller investigation indictments, the misinformation campaign underscores a new reality for Americans: It is now our civic duty to be media literate.

If one thing is clear from journalism and court documents, it’s that almost everyone is vulnerable to misinformation campaigns.

They thrive in any corner of public discourse where there is ideological intensity, partisan loyalties or simply a desire to be right. Russian fronts most famously assisted the Donald Trump campaign to its 2016 victory by roiling tensions over immigration and other hot-button political issues. But they also pushed in favor of Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein to chill

election turnout and sow mistrust of democratic systems.

Our constitutional republic depends upon a common set of facts underlying its political discourse. But in the age of social media, people by the millions lock themselves into information streams based upon pre-existing narratives and assumptions.

These uniform narratives are all the easier to exploit by bad actors seeking to push public opinion in one direction or another.

With much of this misinformation specifically directed by a foreign adversary, it’s our responsibility as citizens to be critical of the media we consume and share.

It’s up to us to discern when an article or video is manipulating our emotions or guiding us to conclusions at the expense of vital details, nuance or alternate perspectives. The future of the country and its standing in the

world may well depend on our ability to be media-literate citizens.

To that end, the East Bonner County Library District and Sandpoint Reader are hosting a series of presentations on media literacy.

While the first took place this Wednesday, there are two more sessions scheduled for March 28 and April 25, each taking place 6 p.m. at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St. The March session will detail ethics in media, while the April session will discuss the future of media and media literacy. Come share your thoughts on media literacy or ask questions, and invite your friends to do the same.

pdf. Register in person, make sure of your eligibility to vote in the primary elections at Boundary or Bonner County Administration Building.

ONLINE: The State of Idaho new voter registration site, you can register or update your voter information (update affiliation) if you have a valid Idaho drivers license or ID card at https://apps. idahovotes.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration.

Step 3. Tell you friends and neighbors about the opportunity for positive change, and urge them to VOTE for Mike Boeck May 15.

Step 4. VOTE May 15 MIKE BOECK. Sincerely,

expire in seven years.

While a few companies have given raises and bonuses to their employees, it’s more common that companies issues shares to obtain capital to fund their growth with the promise of dividends, but they will use their new found money from lower taxes to buy back shares of their companies so as to now keep the profits all to themselves.

Republicans say they worship life, but don’t tell them that their right to keep any and all types of guns is superseded to the rights of those born children to live and be safe in their schools.

Once born, they couldn’t care less.

This, Mr. Oliver, is the Republican/ pro-choice/ultra-right-wing way, and why I’d couldn’t be one because unlike them, I have a conscience.

cy; climate futures; ecosystem analysis; cycling of nutrients and greenhouse trace gases; political theory and climate change; climate change and impacts; global interactions among the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere; climate and carbon cycle interaction; ocean and climate modeling; Southern Ocean carbon and climate observations, and modeling; oceanic cycles of climatically important chemicals such as carbon dioxide; carbon dioxide capture and storage; extreme weather events; and detection and attribution of carbon emissions, to name some. This institute is globally recognized as a center of excellence in climate science.

“The Cooperative Institute for Climate Science (CICS) ia a collaboration involving Princeton University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). Established in 2003, CICS engages more than 60 faculty, researchers, and students from Princeton to explore the science of climate change and earth systems modeling.” The GFDL climate model was adopted by the National Weather Service of the United States, to predict not only long-term climate changes, but also local weather. These institutes contain some of the finest minds on the planet, who dedicated their careers to learning the truth about climate change. Their results are based upon facts.

These examples are some of the work going on at research centers in the USA, and around the world by thousands of reputable scientists, who do know what they are talking about. These

Jonathan Quinn-Hurst Priest River

Confusion About Republicans...

Dear Editor, In reply to your confusion about Republicans, especially now under Trump and the ultra-conservatives, they pay lip service to principles and morals, but there is no follow through on the substance part. The anti-abortion/probirthers stance for instance, say a child, any child, must come into this world no matter the circumstances. Yet when they do, they don’t want the mothers to breast feed in public. They support legislation that pulls the rug out from under social safety nets that help these now born poor babies while lavishing billions on the arms/war industry. They give huge permanent tax breaks to the richest people and big companies, and tiny ones to the average family that will

Lawrence Fury Sandpoint

Where are the scientists?

Dear Editor: In response to Mr. Cort Gifford’s LTE in the Feb. 22 edition of the Reader: One of your questions was “Where are all these scientists?” As a former Princeton graduate student in the geosciences, I’ll give you examples of where they are.

The Princeton Environmental Institute, a “center of excellence for environmental research and teaching,” has 22 faculty members, most of whom are directly involved in climate change research. Their interests cover topics such as: carbon mitigation; climate poli-

An inflammatory post by Secured Borders that invited citizens of Twin Falls, Idaho, to a meeting about Muslim refugees. Courtesy Facebook.

Cameron Rasmusson is editor of the Sandpoint Reader. scientists have shown that climate change is happening, and that humans are causing it.

I hope that I have illuminated the real state of affairs. The earth is in trouble, and massive efforts are required to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. I’m afraid your opinions just do not stand up to the data.

Richard Warren Wrenco

Three Cheers for Science...

Dear Editor: Three cheers for science education in Idaho and the recent decision by the House Education Committee to approve and implement new science standards including references to human-caused climate change. Access to the most current information is paramount in the education process, especially in the field of science.

Students in Idaho deserve an uncensored science education so they can make informed decisions about the future of our planet. This is even more important now, given the current “climate change denying” attitudes by many of our elected leaders and some Idaho citizens. While it is challenging to argue with people who disregard science and the mounting evidence for human-induced climate change, it is unconscionable to deprive students of their right to a complete science education.

Myla Houlihan Sandpoint

HUMOR

By PollyAnna Reader Columnist Oh, tax season. Glorious, gray-skied tax season.

Last week, I locked my bike and walked into my CPA’s office with a satchel bag full of all those year-end documents. I was greeted by the typical waiting room scene: a fidgety row of middle-aged, relaxed-fit men seated with stacks of manila folders in their laps.

As we quietly nodded at each other with the stoic faces of the condemned, I realized — this is it. This is the season of revenge. This is when all those CPAs who were nerdy before it was cool get to take the stage in a brief, benevolent kingship. They beckon us in, “have a seat,” lean back in their chairs, clasp their hands together, and briefly relish their anointed status over their confused, staggering clients. I could barely hold in the giggles as I watched the scene play and replay, even as I got called in for my turn in the humble seat.

Life is full of odd, unspoken power struggles. After all, we’re not a lot better than pups at Dog Beach when it comes to the game of “Who’s on top today?” Laughing at the awkwardness is a survival tactic I learned overseas, particularly as a kid growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

My family’s work took us in and out of the Congo from 1993 until well after I went to college. Remember, my parents are the type that love Jesus more than elected officials. Because they believe no country’s flag belongs in a church, they’re pretty good at talking to, feeding, and loving people. (All the people. Even the scary, drunk, smelly, AK-47-toting ones.) Gun ownership was out of the question from day one, even though we’d see 12-year-olds armed like Redoubters on a pretty regular basis. So, my family got creative.

About every three months or so, we needed to make the eight-hour drive to a neighboring country to pick up our mail.

Tax We’d gear up for the military roadblocks full of grumpy, hungry, unpaid, bribe-seeking soldiers by prepping a strategy guaranteed to weaken every possible threat. It went something like this: 1. Disarm the danger by heightening the absurdity. For instance, Silly Putty is a mindblowing tool when applied to the right circumstances. One year, a soldier was doing the cursory vehicle search for the fourth time, and he stopped short at my window in astonishment, watching all three of us strange white kids playing with handfuls of bizarre chewing gum in the backseat. After his break in concentration, he couldn’t think of much else to do other than ask for cigarettes (fruitlessly) and wave us on.

2. Use any available children to smooth and expedite your exit. After the Silly Putty incident, we kids got a heightened sense of our power over proceedings. Stuffed animals, made-up games, and berserk behavior became the norm each time we rolled to a stop at gunpoint. We weren’t the only ones to realize the gift of youth. I remember hearing a Belgian family tell my parents that they would actually reach over from the front seat and pinch their children, hard, each time they approached a group of waiting soldiers. The uniforms would glance in the car, see and hear the wall of wailing, and quickly wave the LandRover onwards with a touch of panic on their faces. There is no weapon stronger than a screaming baby!

3. Learn to think like Shakespeare: Every moment is an opportune time to arrange a marriage. Often, on spotting my sister and I in the backseat of the vehicle, the bored gendarmes would turn and ask my dad what the asking price was for “that one there,” gesturing in my direction. To which my always-honest dad would retort, “Oh no, you don’t want the older one, she eats too much.

She’ll eat you broke.”

Season My eye-rolling would then direct the laughing soldiers to look at my sister. “Well, how about that one? How many goats for her?” Inevitably, my underaged sister would cross her arms in an angry huff, recognizable in every language; and now, as more laughter rang out on all sides, we were people, not just a possible source of income.

And ultimately, with an exchange of

waves and smiles, off we’d roll down the sinkholed road, towards the next military roadblock, and the rest of the world across the border.

PollyAnna lives, loves and writes from Sandpoint, where she is two-faced enough to devour all the venison her fiancé can legally shoot, while refusing steadfastly to ever handle a gun.

Retroactive

By BO

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COMMUNITY

Human Rights Task Force scholarship now available

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By Reader Staff

Bouquets: Submitted by Karen Seashore: • A big winterberry and hoarfrost Bouquet to the Sandpoint Nordic Club coaches and volunteers who lead an eight-week program that offers kids 6-18 the opportunity to learn and enjoy cross-country skiing. The older kids love to work on racing techniques. The club does its best to make equipment rental and fees affordable to everyone. It’s a treat to see this enthusiastic group on the tracks at U of I. •Way to go, Idaho lawmakers!

I was pleasantly surprised to see that climate change will continue to be included in state curriculum standards after a lengthy debate.

Science should not be affected by politics. Ever. The future generations are the ones who will hopefully solve the problem of climate change, so let’s always give them the best foot forward we can.

• A bouquet goes out to the 1,033 people who participated in the annual media survey sponsored by the Sandpoint Reader and SandpointOnline.com. Congratulations goes out to Cory Miller, whose survey we selected at random as the winner of the $100 gift certificate to MickDuff’s. We’ll publish the complete results in the near future.

This survey has continued to be a useful measure of newspapers and publications locals are really using, the websites they like, the radio programs they tune into, and the always interesting question, “Do you still use the phone book?”

By Reader Staff

Barbs • I find it really ironic that, on three separate occasions, I’ve witnessed the Sandpoint Resource Officers tasked with parking enforcement park illegally in the red zone, jaywalk across Cedar St. and place a ticket on an offending vehicle, then jaywalk back to their illegally parked vehicle and drive away. I understand that these people are just doing their job, but let’s lead by example. If you’re going to write people tickets for parking improperly, don’t break the same rule yourself, and then compound your violation by jaywalking twice.

Everyone should follow the same rules. No exceptions.

Sandpoint Parks and Recreation has partnered with Emily Faulkner and Lost Horse Press to bring you Contra Dancing.

Contra dancing is community dancing for all ages, in the New England tradition, featuring live music with great local and regional bands and lively callers.

Contras, circles and occasionally squares or long ways sets are taught, called and danced in a friendly atmosphere.

Meet at Sandpoint Community Hall (204 South First Ave) from 7-10:30 p.m., every second Friday of the month except August. Please use the front door.

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The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force is accepting applications for the Darby and Amber Campbell Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is available to seniors graduating from any Bonner County public or private high school or home school.

The mission of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force is to promote and secure mutual understanding and respect among all people. The Task Force recognizes that it is the social and cultural diversity of our people that makes Bonner County a rich and worthwhile place to live.

The amount of the scholarship varies from $500 to $2,500 depending on the number of scholarships awarded. The 2017 recipients were Kelly Curtis (Sandpoint High School), Anthony Storro (Priest River Lamanna High School) and Winona Young (Clark Fork High School). In previous years, awards have also gone to students from the charter school and Lake Pend Oreille High School.

In order to apply, the student is asked to submit the common application as well as the Darby and Amber Campbell Scholarship application. The application

Darby and Amber Campbell both passed away in 2010. Courtesy photo.

asks the student to write a paragraph on the meaning of human rights as well as an essay in response to one of the questions on the application. The application is available on the Task Force website at bchrtf.org.

The application is also available on the Sandpoint High School and Priest River Lamanna High School websites. The deadline for applications is 9 a.m.

Tuesday, April 10, at the Sandpoint High School Counseling-Career Center or at the student’s high school. Applications may also be submitted by April 10 to the Task Force at: Darby & Amber Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1463, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Please contact the Task Force with any questions at (208) 2902732 or bchrtaskforce@gmail.com.

Contra Dance is fun for all The next dance will be Friday, March 9.

Beginners and singles welcome; contra dance tradition holds that anyone can ask anyone to dance. New dancers are encouraged to arrive in time for the beginning (they always start with the basics). If you can walk quickly, count to eight, and know right from left you can contra dance.

Light, comfortable clothing is suggested. Bring clean, softsoled shoes, a water bottle and a smile. Finger food snacks at the break are much appreciated. A $5 donation at the door is suggested to help pay the musicians.

Winter birding class offered

By Reader Staff Registration is now open for a class on winter birding meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 in Sandpoint.

This class is sponsored by Silver Cloud Associates and North Idaho College Sandpoint Campus. The focus for the day is learning more about how to find, spot and identify birds of prey, waterfowl, woodpeckers and songbirds that occur in the area during the wintertime.

This class will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.

To register, contact Mitzi Mi-

Snowy Owl. Photo by Mick Thompson.

chaud at NIC – mmmichaud@ nic.edu or call (208) 769-3224 or (208) 640-4932.

The instructor for the day is Brian Baxter. For more info on this class email him at b_baxter53@yahoo.com

Kids Helping Kids fundraiser

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Playing organized sports has always been a great way to teach kids about sportsmanship and working together with their team.

It also teaches them about how to give back.

The Sandpoint Strikers soccer team is hosting the “Kids Helping Kids” fundraiser on Tuesday, March 6, from 4-8 p.m. to help young athletes learn about local youth issues and give back to the community.

The fundraiser will take place at the Pend d’Oreille Winery tasting room and The Fat Pig. Ten percent of all proceeds from the winery, the Fat Pig and the Strikers silent auction will go to support Food For Our Children, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to solving childhood hunger.

For more info, visit www. sandpoitnsoccer.com.

Find your ancestral roots

By Reader Staff The Family History Center offers free help and access to world records, making finding your ancestral roots easy.

Sandpoint Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the Family History Center to offer a free class to help get you started.

The free class is Wednesday, March 14, from 1-3 p.m.

Classes will be held at the Family History Center (the back of the Church of Latter Day Saints, 602 Schweitzer Rd).

Bring photos and stories. The second hour is hands-on. WiFi is

available so bring your laptop or tablet if you have it, but it’s not required.

Outside this class offering, the Family History Center is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m.; the second Wednesday of each month they are open from 10-8 p.m. For more information about the Family History Center, contact Laurie Bachowsky at (208) 597-0641.

View registration details and pre-register online at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation or call (208) 263-3613.

ELECTION COVERAGE US Representative race District 1

Profile of Luke Malek

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Editor’s Note: This week’s profile features State Rep. Luke Malek, who is running for U.S. representative for District 1.

SR: Thanks for taking time out of a busy day to talk to us, Luke.

You’re running in a pretty packed Republican primary for Idaho’s U.S. representative seat in District 1. What do you think you need to do to distinguish yourself from the other candidates?

LM: I think the thing that distinguishes me from the pack is my reputation for being a hard worker. The reality is many people in Congress are going to work to solve hard problems, and that’s the reputation that I’ve built in the (Idaho) Legislature — that of a problem solver. Everything we’ve faced on a state level, I’ve been a leader on solving those issues and working with anyone that is willing to work toward a solution to make tomorrow better.

SR: So when it comes to the issues that need work, what are you seeing as your priorities? Let’s start on the state level.

LM: Well, I think health care is still one of the biggest issues, and the reality is we need to move toward more local and state control, we need better outcomes and above all we need lower costs. And that means we need to have more access in an affordable way.

The reality is the federal government can’t provide that, so we need changes at both the federal level and the state level to help facilitate those outcomes.

SR: On that subject, what do you think of the health care proposals Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter put forward and its recent failure in the Legislature?

LM: That was pulled from the floor yesterday and sent back to committee because they didn’t have enough votes. I am a fan (of the proposal), and what I’ve always fought for is more local control. What that bill did was say, “Listen, we have the ability to maintain and manage our insurance market better than the federal government can, so give us (that) authority.” Sadly, we didn’t do that, because I think that bill would

have been really good at giving us more state power to reduce the cost of health care for all Idahoans. I’m disappointed it got pulled, and I hope something changes.

SR: Do you think changes can be made to the bill this session, or will it be kicked down the road to next year?

LM: I’m hopeful it will happen this year, I really am. But I don’t know that it will. I think it’s too early to say, and I think if anything happens, it will be toward the end of the session.

SR: As for issues on the federal level, what do you think are the biggest concerns facing the country?

LM: I think health care is a federal issue as well. We need representatives that are going to go back and work to give states and localities more control, to get the government out of our doctor-patient relationships. … The other thing is that we have to work to build collaboratives. Just because the federal government has authority doesn’t mean that it has to cut the state out of the decision-making process. Federal land management is the number-one example of that, and we have the ability at a state level to help federal government manage land better.

SR: When it comes to Congress’ failure to address the health care issue, what has tripped them up on that and what can be done to address it?

LM: We need a commitment from lawmakers that they’re going to work on solutions. The reality is that you have certain lawmakers that blow up any solution, but they never bring anything to the table. We need lawmakers who will take a conservative state-and-local approach to this and work on solutions.

SR: In the middle of that debate is the Trump Administration, which certainly has its own style of operation. How do you see yourself working with that administration?

LM: This administration has done a fantastic job of beginning to roll back regulations that have not been pushed by Congress but have been pushed by agencies. We need good regulations, but we don’t need frivolous regulation, and that is something that has been the hallmark of my legislative career. I’ll be aligned with the Trump Administration on that.

When it comes to making Idaho a better place, the president will not find a more willing partner than me.

SR: What issues specific to Idaho do you think need to be brought to the forefront in this administration?

LM: You have to look at our traditional industries here in Idaho and see where the federal government has been stopping job creators from creating jobs. You look at mining, timber, agriculture, manufacturing, and you look across the spectrum from regulation to trade agreements to taxes: What are the federal policies that are keeping job creators from creating jobs that pay a good wage?

SR: With so many opponents in the Republican primary for this seat, where do you think the momentum is in this campaign?

LM: I think the momentum is in our favor. … People want members of Congress that will work on solutions.

What we’re hearing as we spread our message is people want a conservative who is willing to work hard, skin their knuckles and do the hard work to make solutions happen.

SR: North Idaho is an area of the state that often gets overlooked, but being from here, you have a unique ability to engage with the region that other candidates might not. How are you reaching out to these voters?

LM: These are the people I grew up with. I was the northern regional director for the office of the governor, so I built a number of relationships from the Canadian border to Lewiston. I grew up hear in the Post FallsCoeur d’Alene area, I spent time up in Sandpoint and my law firm has an office in Sandpoint. This is home to me. No Congressman has been able to say that since the 1950s.

SR: It’s still a long way to the primary election. What will your campaign do to stay engaged with the voters?

LM: We’re going to be doing everything we can to be spreading the message that we are going to work hard to come up with solutions for the problems that face the country.

That’s what resonates with voters, and that’s the reality that we need people to understand. So we’ll do everything we can to push that message out … in social media and in person. We’re

Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene.

Courtesy photo.

going to be traveling all over the district talking about my successes in the Legislature and what our district will look like if I’m in Congress.

SR: What are some of the most valuable experiences in your professional and public career you bring to the table?

LM: Being a small business owner has been among the most informative experiences to me. You need to navigate what success looks like not only for my business but for the people relying on it. That’s the reality most Idahoans who are voting are looking for.

SR: Is there any message or topic we didn’t go over that you want to send out to voters?

LM: I grew up in Idaho, and I want my kids and grandkids to grow up in Idaho. We need a good relationship with our Congressman to set our state up for the brightest future it can have. I don’t need to do this. I don’t want to live in Washington, D.C. But the reality is someone needs to put in the hard work to ensure we’re building a bright future, so that’s why my wife and I decided to do this.

Luke Malek AT A GLANCE AGE: 36 BIRTHPLACE AND RESIDENCE: Luke was born in Wyoming and moved to North Idaho at the age of 9. He currently resides in Idaho’s District 4 in Kootenai County.

GOVERNMENT SERVICE: Intern for Larry Craig, North Idaho Regional Director for Jim Risch, Executive Director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency, Deputy Prosecutor for Kootenai County and Idaho State Representative for District 4 PROFESSION: Lawyer and Idaho State Representative for District 4 EDUCATION: Undergrad at the College of Idaho and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho FAMILY: Tara Malek (spouse) FUN FACT: Luke used to shoe horses in high school and college March 1, 2018 /

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NEWS

BNSF applies for permit for second rail bridge over lake

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff BNSF Railway has filed its application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a second rail bridge across Lake Pend Oreille.

The long-discussed project, which BNSF Railway has proposed to improve rail traffic flow throughout town, recently went back into active development after being put on hold for several years. The application for permitting through the Corps of Engineers marks the beginning of the project’s public comment process, which is currently slated to last for 30 days.

Local conservation organizations like Idaho Conservation League and Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper have been wary of a second rail bridge since the project proposal first surfaced years ago. Spokespersons for the organizations say that the increased rail traffic allowed by the second bridge boost the likelihood that a derailment will spill a hazardous substance near or into the lake.

“As the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, I will be requesting an extension of the public comment period as it is only 30 days,” wrote Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper Executive Director Shannon Williamson in an email to Sandpoint

officials. “I will also request that a public hearing is held in Sandpoint. There are numerous agencies involved and I plan to submit my request to all of them. Other stakeholders will be doing so as well.”

In 2015, the second rail bridge went quiet when BNSF announced the project had been put on hold. Company spokespersons said BNSF was focusing on other choke points in the rail network until the project became more financially feasible.

The project came back to the forefront last year when BNSF announced it was moving forward on the project. The goal was to build out maximum capacity for train traffic well into the future, BNSF officials said. Last late spring and summer, the company prepared for its application by driving pilings into the lake to test load-bearing capacity, a process that raised security fencing around BNSF property at Dog Beach.

The second rail bridge is likely to be a contentious proposal within Sandpoint.

BNSF officials say the second bridge will help alleviate wait times caused by rail traffic in town. However, with train traffic estimated to double in the area by 2035, Sandpoint officials and conservation activists worry the convenience carries a higher risk of a disastrous accident.

To comment on the issue, mail feed-

Winners announced for K-9 Keg Pull

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

The results are in for the 2018 K-9 Keg Pull. The annual event was sponsored by Eichardt’s Pub with proceeds from the entry fees benefiting Panhandle Animal Shelter.

The K-9 Keg Pull had three divisions for dogs to participate; small, medium and large.

The winner of the small division was “Sonic” with a time of 5.227 seconds.

“Girl” placed second with 7.090 seconds and “Ernie” placed third at 8.890 seconds.

In the medium category, “Remi” took

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Photo by Ezy-Dog. first place with 5.227 seconds, while “Sammy” placed second with 5.695 seconds and “Yogi” took third with 6.340 seconds.

Finally, the winner of the large division was “Nala” with a time of 7.393 seconds. “Vandal” placed second with a time of 8.720, and “Jaeger” took third with 9.512 seconds.

Over 70 dogs participated in the keg pull and over 200 people attended the event in the Granary parking lot. There were, however, no cats in attendance.

A pile of rusty equipment sits at Dog Beach with the train bridge in the background. Photo by Ben Olson. back to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Attn: Shane Slate Coeur d’Alene Regulatory Office 1910 Northwest Boulevard, Suite 210

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814-2676 Or email: NWW_BNSF_Pendoreille@usace.army.mil Comments must be received by the deadline of March 28.

Library volunteers receive presidential award

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Local libraries rely on volunteers to serve the community. This week, three of those volunteers received some much-deserved recognition for their selfless efforts.

Marge Thomas, Lynn Piper and Roberta Rice were honored at a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program breakfast Wednesday for their commitment to volunteer service. RSVP Regional Director Bob Small also announced that Rice and Thomas received President’s Volunteer Service awards for putting more than 1,000 hours of work at the library. He personally delivered the award to Rice, while Annette Anderson accepted the honor on behalf of Thomas, who could not attend the meeting.

The honors come on the heels of news

Three outstanding library volunteers, Marge Thomas, Lynn Piper and Roberta Rice, were honored at a breakfast at Panhandler Pies on Wednesday by RSVP Regional Director Bob Small. Two of them, Marge and Roberta, received well-deserved Presidential awards for their service in excess of 1,000 hours. Marge was unable to attend. East Bonner Co. Library District Volunteer Coordinator Annette Anderson accepted the award on her behalf. Courtesy photo.

that the RSVP program will sunset due to a lack of grant funding. The program ran for more than 20 years.

NEWS

Idaho Senate includes climate change in approved science standards

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

The Idaho Senate Education Committee voted Feb. 22 to approve proposed science standards in full, despite the House committee’s request to remove parts of the standards that mentioned climate change.

The Senate’s 6-3 vote to adopt the new standards in their complete form overrules the House’s request for edits because the proposed document is an administrative rule, not a bill. In order to make changes to proposed administrative rules, both panels must agree to those changes.

The new science standards will remain in effect for five years.

The Senate’s approval brings an end to a years-long effort by Idaho lawmakers to scrub mention of climate change from state curriculum. The current standards were brought forth by a cooperative of scientists, teachers, parents and students — led by director of academics at the

Idaho State Department of Education Scott Cook — who testified several times for the inclusion of climate change.

During the thick of the debate in the last few weeks, Jim Barton, chair of Sandpoint High School’s science department, said he had concerns with the House’s hesitancy to include climate change in the standards.

“Science policy should be driven by the best scientific information available at the time, (and) written by those most qualified to objectively research, test and draw the most accurate conclusions from the data,” he wrote in an email. “These individuals are the scientists who are the experts in their field of climate science, not politicians with a poor understanding of climate science.”

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, a Democrat from Boise, said at last Thursday’s vote that the standards should be taken seriously in their complete form because they’d been written and vetted by the state’s best educators, according to the Idaho Statesman.

“I think it’s important to recognize that this content, not only the standards but the content, was written by our elite science teachers here in Idaho,” Ward-Engelking said.

Details scarce at Smelter discussion panel

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

There were more questions than answers at Wednesday night’s Newport smelter panel discussion.

Local and statewide experts took the Panida stage to shed some light on the proposed silicon smelter project in Newport, spearheaded by Canadian company HiTest Sands. If approved, the smelter plans to use quartz, coal and woodchips to produce silicon.

HiTest representatives were expected to join the discussion but backed out just a few weeks ago, said Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad, who organized the event.

Rognstad said his goal for the evening was to help attendees learn “how we can engage the issue.” Rognstad said he was openly opposed to the smelter.

The panel answered questions voiced by mediators Ben Olson and Chris Bessler, as well as from the audience.

Questions pertained mostly to possible pollutants in air and water, the Washington Department of Ecology’s (DOE) permitting process and HiTest’s estimated projection of overall waste, traffic and other potential impacts on the region.

One roadblock that panelists mentioned time and time again — particularly Washington DOE Eastern Regional

The smelter discussion panel from left to right: Dan Redline (Idaho DEQ), Michael Naylor (CANSS), Grant Pfeifer (Wash. DOE), Shannon Williamson (LPOW), Deane Osterman (Kalispel Tribe), Aaron Qualls (City of Sandpoint), Matt Nykiel (ICL). Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

Director Grant Pfeifer — is the lack of an official application from HiTest.

“I wish I knew more about the proposal,” Pfeifer said after a question about specific quantities of possible waste coming from the smelter. “Like most of you here, I’m waiting to see something more definitive than a PowerPoint presentation.”

Pfeifer referred to a PowerPoint that HiTest showed to a packed Newport High School gym in November. It displayed simplified information about their silicon production process as well as similar facilities around the world. HiTest also spoke about potential jobs they will offer locals if the project moves forward.

Right now the Washington DOE is waiting for HiTest’s official permit application, which could arrive any time. Until

then, answering specific questions will be difficult, Pfeifer said.

Deane Osterman, executive director of natural resources for the Kalispel Tribe, said the public needs to push HiTest to gather environmental data directly from the proposed smelter site.

“We need to understand what the meteorological data is pertaining to the site,” he said, noting that an on-site meteorological station used to be required for one year in order to create accurate input for state-reviewed air models. Now, companies are allowed to use predictive data from off-site sources. “We want to eliminate as many variables as possible, or we won’t trust the outcomes.”

Michael Naylor, who represented the non-profit Citizens Against the Newport Silicon Smelter on the panel, said his

The Senate Education Committee approved the science standards in full last week. Photo courtesy IdahoEdNews.org.

group has been working to find answers to more specific questions. He said they’ve also become more and more suspicious of local government, especially the Pend Oreille County commissioners.

Naylor said one member of CANSS recently visited a Mississippi smelter HiTest and the commissioners have been “touting” as a great example of a functioning silicon plant. He said the photos they collected are not flattering to HiTest’s cause.

“It’s not the very rosy picture that HiTest wants us to believe,” he said.

President of Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper Shannon Williamson emphasized the importance on public comment during projects like the proposed smelter. She reminded the audience that the DOE has the ability to reject the forthcoming permit if HiTest doesn’t meet environmental standards.

“It is not an automatic yes. It is not a forgone conclusion that this thing will be permitted,” she said. “That’s where all of your interaction and your advocacy become really important.”

Williamson said she and Idaho Conservation League’s Matt Nykiel will do everything they can to notify locals about the public comment period after HiTest submits their application, and to help write informed, thoughtful comments for people to submit when the time comes.

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Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Now that I’ve died from the bubonic plague and returned to the realm of the living (thanks, friendly neighborhood necromancer!), I’m ready to get back on my undead horse and start writing humorous summarizations of science.

If the title of this article seems like a weird spell from Hogwarts, fear not: I have an explanation!

Usually, I like to start off with the common name of an item we’re talking about, but this particular subject happens to have multiple names based on its usage, size, who you’re trying to impress and about 18 other factors.

You would probably recognize this most readily as the button mushroom, the cute little white mushrooms at the grocery store that totally don’t look like destroying angel mushrooms.

You may also recognize them as the cute little brown mushrooms at the grocery store. You may also recognize them as the iconic portobello mushroom married to Swiss cheese in burger heaven.

See what I mean? It was just easier to go with the scientific name.

If you’ve ever found yourself at the grocery store stuck between white and brown mushrooms, puzzled as to what the recipe calls for, take solace in the fact that your decision has absolutely no bearing on anything.

They’re both the same type of mushroom with the same taste and same nutrients. Once upon a time, agaricus bisporus had brown caps. One day, a farmer found a mutant patch with white caps and discovered that people preferred the “clean” look of the white mushroom, making it 10 /

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Brought to you by:

agaricus bisporus sell better. Several billion clones later, white button mushrooms are most of what ends up in your spaghetti sauce.

I find a twinge of irony in this, as we end up browning them with butter most of the time, anyway.

The white and brown mushrooms you get from the store are juvenile portobello mushrooms.

If you want a beast to drop on your burger, just wait until it’s older to harvest it. This warrants an increased price since it takes longer to grow.

Growing and cultivating a. bisporus is an interesting endeavor, and one you can do from home if you’re well enough equipped. Other mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms, grow by colonizing and helping decompose wood. Not a. bisporus. These bad boys need nutrient-rich compost to really thrive, much like the seedlings you grow every spring. Unlike seedlings, a. bisporus colonies need round-the-clock darkness, drawing most of their energy from the nutrients in the compost and manure and the humid air around them.

Watching mycelium colonization is always interesting. In the case of a. bisporus, it’s an almost alien affair. The spores will infect sterilized grain and incorporate the grain seed into itself. Like a zombie virus. Or the cordyceps fungus. While colonizing a heap of compost, the “seedlings” will shoot out little fingerlike tendrils in all directions through the soil. With an acceptable base, the core will finally start sprouting the mushrooms that we eat. (There are a lot of steps we have to take between those two points to

make edible mushrooms, so look it up online!)

You can literally turn a mountain of poo into a delicious banquet. I mean, you’re going to want to wait for the mushrooms to grow at least, but still.

Ever notice that the underside of the mushroom cap is textured in a really funny way?

Kind of like the pages of an old book. These are called gills. The gills are a brilliant adaptation of nature. The purpose of the gills is to provide a surface where the mushroom can safely produce microscopic spores. Rather than just having one flat surface to do this, the mushrooms wisened up and created dozens. How did nature figure that one out? Mushrooms that mutated to have more gills had a higher probability to successfully reproduce than ones with less surface area, passing those mutated genes on to new mushrooms that would mutate to become even more efficient.

Evolution in a mushroom cap.

Mushrooms produce a lot of spores. Individual ones are so small that you can’t see them with your naked eye. Ready to learn a cool trick?

Harvest a mature mushroom.

Cut the stem pretty close to the cap and set it down on a piece of black or white paper, then put a drinking glass lip-down overtop of it, like you’re sealing it away.

Leave it there overnight, and the next day remove the glass and the mushroom cap. The cap will have left a spore print, like a fingerprint but for a mushroom.

This is a key tool in identifying mushrooms that look similar.

A. bisporus will leave a brown spore print, while the destroying angel mushroom will leave a white spore print.

Spore printing alone isn’t a

fool-proof tool as to whether or not you should eat a mushroom.

If you’ve picked a wild mushroom and are trying to figure out the best way to know whether or not it’s safe to eat, here’s a little trick: Just don’t eat the dang thing. If you’re considering starting your own mycelium colony for homemade pizza, only buy starts from reputable vendors.

Learn how to do it from other people, first. Give the North Idaho Mycological Association

(NIMA/North Idaho Mushroom Club) a buzz. They’ve done some great programs at both library branches.

Mushroom poisoning is no joke; some of these freaky fungi can cause catastrophic organ failure in as little as 24 hours.

To reiterate: If you’re unsure, just put it down. Ask a pro and equip yourself with knowledge.

Otherwise, enjoy your portobello mushroom burger!

Random Corner y?

Don’t know much about obesit

We can help!

• More people in the world are suffering from obesity than from hunger.

• One in three Americans is obese.

• Mexico is the world’s fattest country.

• ”Good cholesterol” (HDL) can “turn bad” and solidify into fat-clogs.

• Chicken contains 266 percent more fat than it did 40 years ago.

• McDonalds’ Caesar salad is more fattening than their hamburger.

• A father’s diet before conception plays a crucial role in a child’s health.

• Lack of sleep can cause weight gain of two pounds in under a week.

•You would have to walk for seven hours straight to burn off a Big Mac with a Super Sized Coke and French fries.

• The people of the U.S. are collectively overweight by a total of about 4 billion pounds.

• When you lose weight, most of the fat is breathed out as carbon dioxide while the rest is excreted as water.

• New Zealand will deny people residency visas if they are overweight. There have been cases of people rejected because of obesity.

• The University of Texas study followed 474 diet soda drinkers for nearly ten years and found that their waists grew 70% more than the waists of non-drinkers.

• Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980.

TECH

Random Digital Madness

Regional technology news and commentary

Net Neutrality (revisited) nation’s economic development and neutralicodified the practice into net neutrali ty policy.

What would happen if powerful companies could subvert the open receninternet? The Dec. 14, 2017, recen sion of net neutrality regulations by the FCC means that ISPs can now choose to provide priority network paths to companies or users that pay more. For example, Netflix could pay an ISP to provide better bandwidth for their services than their competitors. Their media streaming service would come in lightning fast and their competitor’s would arrive slow-as-molasses, if at all.

It also means the ISP could charge YOU more for access to your favored content or even block sites that they decide do not merit your attention.

By Bill Harp Reader Columnist Editor’s note: Several months ago, intermittent Reader columnist Bill Harp submitted an informative look at net neutrality. This week’s column revisits the issue that affects everyone who uses the internet.

What is net neutrality?

The FCC’s recent retraction of the Obama-era net neutrality requirements for internet service providers (ISPs) will have a dramatic effect on the evolution of the internet as we know it. To recap: For years the ISPs delivered internet traffic without preferences to originator — Facebook, Netflix, Google — and all the small websites had equal footing for communicating with you on the internet.

This concept is the cornerstone of net neutrality.

What does it mean?

This makes net neutrality a key component of the open and transparent internet services we currently enjoy. The Obama administration recognized how important this open strategy was to the

Does it affect me?

Already in Bonner County, we have internet inequality based on our location: Some have access to fairly-priced, high-quality bandwidth and others have something less than that. If you can’t stream internet video services without interruption, you are definitely in the latter category. Now, without net neutrality requirements, an ISP could potentially hold your internet service access hostage and create a new digital divide based on your ISP’s economic, political or ideological alliances.

How did this happen?

There are five commissioners at the FCC. Three voted for, and two against, rescinding the net neutrality regulations.

One of the current FCC Commissioners, Jessica Rosenworcel, who voted against rescinding net neutrality regulations, stated in an interview with Recode, a technology news web site …

“But if you take away those policies that preserve openness — and that’s what net neutrality is all about — what you get is broadband providers with the power to block websites, throttle services, and censor and restrict your access to online

content.” https://tinyurl.com/yclqodhm The internet has powered unprecedented economic development and opportunity in modern society. It is now hard to imagine life without it. It is impossible to detail how many industries depend on the internet as core to their business model. The web is truly egalitarian; anyone can post a web site.

Any changes to the successful model of the open internet that we currently enjoy could have adverse economic consequences.

What might happen now?

Now, as streaming media services become extremely competitive and television morphs into internet services, companies fiercely compete for your eyeballs. As a result, companies that provide the actual physical internet connection to your business or residence may control internet access without the protections previously afforded by net neutrality.

They also want to cash in on the fact that they might own the only internet access available in your area. Without net neutrality, just imagine all the creative ways an ISP might invent to wring money out of you and your favorite content providers.

Battle of the Titans This war for internet control pits the huge ISPs — Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T — against internet content provider monsters — Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix.

Wow, this is actually Goliath against Goliath. But the biggest loser, caught in the middle of this war of the Titans, could be you. Without net neutrality, the internet of ideas and openness, with its requirement for an open playing field for all content providers, could be irrevocably corrupted into a pay-to-play scenario for content providers and content consumers.

Local ISPs, too, have a chance to stand up, especially those smaller regional companies dedicated to their communities and clients. They can join the fight for net neutrality and continue to offer open services and resist the temptation to

implement pay-to-play access.

Is there any hope?

Hopefully, Congress will come to its senses on this critical bipartisan business issue, overrule the FCC’s shortsightedness, and return to a policy of global net neutrality. However, most members of Congress aren’t willing to tie their own shoes without permission from their corporate minders, much less pass important legislation. Stay tuned to this channel, so to speak.

Bill Harp is a technologist, geospatial analyst and cultural anthropologist. He was Director of Technology (emeritus) of Bonner County and has a long career in defense and intelligence.

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Live Music w/ Bridges Home 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery A local trio playing Americana, Celtic, roots and everything in between Live Music w/ Fat Lady 9pm @ 219 Lounge 1960s rock-inspired originals and covers from this Spokane group

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Open Mic Night w/ Kevin Dorin 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Welcome all local artists over 21 for a fun open night of playing at the Beer Hall. Share your passion or just come to watch. All levels of performers are welcome. Kevin will also record the night and performers will have access to the audio

5 6 7 8

Blues Night w/ Steve Neff, Kevin Dorin Live Music 6-8pm @ C and Scott Taylor 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Listen to so Come over to the Beer Hall for a night of blues and brews with Steve Neff, Kevin Dorin and Scott Taylor Live Music w/ Ocelot Wizard 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Live Music w/ Naughty Pine 9pm @ 219 Lounge A Richland, Wash.-based reggae inspired band making their Sandpoint debut Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 5:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Singer/songwriter from Sandpoint Live Music w/ Mobius Riff 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Great tunes in a fun atmosphere Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

Live Music Night 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Wine Bar Live Music w/ The Nth Power 8pm @ The Hive Proving that soul music can be exponentially greater than the sum of its parts, The Nth Power is on a mission to share the light. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Mega Demo 8am-4pm @ Come to test just play in th greatest gear. of new 2018 than 13 manu

Live Music w/ Bright Moments 6-8pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Wine Bar Listen to some jazz in a beautiful setting

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Come out for a weekly dose of blues, live tunes, good times and great grub Kids Helping Kids Fundraiser 4-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Tasting Room and the Fat Pig Kids Helping Kids is a fundraiser to help our young athletes learn about local youth issues and give back to our community while helping to pay for their upcoming soccer tournaments

Lifetree Cafe 2pm @ Jalapeño’s Mexican Restauran An hour of conversation and stories. week’s topic - The Art of Problem Solv

Bonner Mall Seniors Day 9am-12pm @ Bonner Mall All are welcome to come walk the Mall, plus there will be a featured speaker or entertainment, free refreshments, games and a drawing

Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Mills and Drew Browne on the bass. Relax together with friends and colleagues at the end of the day Dollar Beers!

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

Alzheimer’s Support Group 1-2pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center Families, caregivers and friends of tho heimer’s, dementia and any related d welcome to attend this support group. care is available at the Day Break C door with advance reservations, 208-2

Open Mic 5-8pm @ SKåL Taproom Musicians and comedians welcome! Open mic is held every Wednesday

Night-Out Kara 9pm @ 219 Loun Join DJ Pat for a

First Tuesday a 7pm @ Eichardt A monthly music

Hootenanny O 6:30-8:30pm @ Hosted by Fidd irre. Open for a ets all welcome

Better Breathers Club 1pm @ BGH east classroom - 520 N. Third A monthly support group for people living with chronic lung disease and their caregivers. RSVP by calling 208-265-1045 or simply attend the meeting

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March 1 - 8 , 2018

p Center nds of those with Alzrelated disorder are ort group. Free respite y Break Center next ons, 208-265-8127

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

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BGH Community Hospice Adult Grief Support Group 6pm @ Bonner General Health classroom A support group that meets to share stories and feelings, and support one another in an understanding and caring environment. An application is required, but attendance is flexible. Contact Lissa at (208) 265-1185

The Follies! ve Music w/ Bright Moments 8pm @ Panida Theater 8pm @ Cedar St. Bridge Wine Bar sten to some jazz in a beautiful setting Angels Over Sandpoint’s annual fundraiser, which has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for local schoolchildren over the past decade! Hope you have tickets, because it’s sold out

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Firkin Friday 5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery Brewers brew a new beer hang out and talk about the beer! Pints are $3 Friday Pint Night 4pm @ 219 Lounge Fremont Brewing from Seattle. Buy a pint, keep the glass! Snacks!

Museum’s Free First Saturday Yoga on Tap 10am-2pm @ Bonner County History Museum 11am @ Laughing Dog Brewery Everyone is invited to enjoy the museum free of One hour class that ends with the group having charge! Sponsored by Jim and Margie Corcoran a beer together. $12 includes your first beer ga Demo Day Beans and Brews Chili Cook-Off The Follies! m-4pm @ Schweitzer Mtn. Resort 5-8pm @ Ponderay Events Center 8pm @ Panida Theater me to test out new equipment, or Admission is $20 and includes all the Angels Over Sandpoint annual fundplay in the snow on the latest and chili samples (and other munchies) raiser! Sold out! Long live the Follies atest gear. Choose from 400 pairs that you can eat! Proceeds benefit Live Music w/ The Riff Hangers new 2018/2019 gear from more Hope’s Memorial Community Center 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall n 13 manufacturers Acoustic bluegrass, with special guest Mike Johnson

Diabetes Support Group: “Sleep Apnea.”

10am @ BGH Health Services building Ste. 101 The meetings are offered at no charge and serve to strengthen Restaurant knowledge about diabetes to prevent complications.Corrina d stories. This Lockwood from Aspen Dental discusses Sleep Apnea in this blem Solving meeting. (208) 265-6279 for more information.

Out Karaoke 219 Lounge J Pat for a night of singing

Tuesday at Eichardt’s Pub Eichardt’s Pub thly music event hosted by Jake Robin

enanny Open Mic Night -8:30pm @ City Beach Organics ed by Fiddlin’ Red and Desiree AguOpen for all ages. Musicians and pol welcome to this family night

with by ing

Trivia Night 7-9pm @ MickDuff’s Grab a seat early, they go fast!

Test your useless knowledge!

Epilog Laser Cutter Class 6-9pm @ MakerPoint Studios Come learn the magic of laser cutting and engraving with The Epilog laser. Class fee is $71; held Wednesdays February through May. 208-263-3613 to register

Panhandle Alliance For Education 4:30-7:30pm @ Idaho Pour Authority A fundraiser for Panhandle Alliance For Education with Payette Brewing Company beer on tap. Live music, raffle prizes and complimentary appetizers

March 9 Last day to file for office or change affiliation March 9 Sandpoint Contra Dance @ Sandpoint Community Hall March 11 Spring Sounds Piano Concert @ The Heartwood Center

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OPINION

Give Idaho law enforcement the tools to keep domestic abuse victims safe

By Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue and Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) Reader Contributors

In 2015, Laura and Judy Diaz’s father shot and killed their mother at their home in Wilder. It’s a horrific story made even worse by a simple fact: He shouldn’t have had the gun in the first place. Years earlier, he was arrested for hitting their mother. After spending 90 days in jail, the judge returned his guns to him, even though federal law prohibited him from having them. This wasn’t the judge’s fault – it was a fault in Idaho law. Thanks to a loophole, our laws did not require the judge to keep the guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. He had no choice but to give them back to the man who abused his wife and would eventually kill her.

Domestic violence is one of the most serious public safety and health risks in our nation. Every month, 50 women are shot and killed in the United States by a current or former spouse. Nearly one

million American women alive today have been shot, or shot at, by an intimate partner. And gun violence towards women doesn’t stop at the death count – abusers use guns to threaten their victim even if they never pull the trigger.

Approximately 4.5 million American women alive today have been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner. We can’t help what goes on in other states, but we can change the laws in Idaho to make sure we don’t add to the statistics.

That’s why we joined forces to introduce H585. The legislation is geared toward keeping guns out of the hands of those convicted of abusing women and children.

For law enforcement officers, responding to domestic abuse calls is one of the most dangerous aspects of the job. Seeing families torn apart by abuse is heartbreaking, but if we can pass legislation that helps keep guns out of the hands of abusers, even for a while, we know it can save lives.

The bill applies to people who are already prohibited by federal law from having guns. It empowers Idaho law enforcement to protect victims from violent abusers. This is good, life-saving policy that has bipartisan support across the country. Twenty-eight states — including places as diverse as Alabama, Texas, New York and Indiana — and the District of Columbia have laws on the books prohibiting people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from buying or possessing guns.

But it’s not just a good policy from a data perspective. Policies like this affect real Idahoans’ lives. We know the

Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed. That’s why federal law prohibits certain abusers from buying or possessing guns.

Idaho is no exception from these disturbing national trends. In 2016, the Idaho State Police reported 6,084 incidents of violence between spouses, ex-spouses, and those in dating relationships. Each day in Idaho, more than 850 domestic violence victims and their children seek safety and services from community-based domestic violence programs.

Momentum is building. Over just the past five years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted bills that strengthen the laws keeping guns away from domestic abusers. These measures have been taken up by state houses in

Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. every region of the country -- they have passed almost uniformly with bipartisan majorities, and have been signed into law by governors of both parties, including Republicans like Scott Walker, Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal, Robert Bentley, Gary Herbert, and Brian Sandoval.

Last year in Utah, legislators passed a similar measure aimed at protecting women from domestic abusers. The bill, HB206, was co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Deidre Henderson and passed the House unanimously.

We know Idahoans respect the Second Amendment. They expect their leaders to respect it too. Polling shows Idahoans overwhelmingly support giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect domestic violence victims. In fact, when asked, two in three Idahoans support prohibiting anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or subject to a protective order from buying a gun.

Idaho needs to take action to give law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities, prevent convicted abusers from having access to guns, and stand up for victims (women, children, and men) in our state. We urge our Idaho legislators to pass this common-sense measure to protect all of our citizens, support HB 585, and help save lives.

Kieran Donahue is sheriff of Canyon County, Idaho and Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, is an Idaho state representative from Boise.

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PERSPECTIVES

I

t all started going downhill with the advent of that wretched Gutenberg press (if only we could have intervened and outlawed its production). ’Twas hard to predict what would result from it — even Nostradamus didn’t see it coming — but it would eventually become apparent that, if we didn’t alter our strategy, us aristocrats would end up going the way of the buffalo.

What is the Age of Enlightenment? It is an affliction, nothing more. Uppity peasants have been spreading their infectious diseases of freedom and democracy across the land for centuries now. The malignant growth of “equality” has metastasized to the hearts and the minds of our otherwise dutiful subjects. Behold, there has never been a worse time to be a member of the ruling class.

Indeed, we long for the good ol’ days: the days when the treacherous ideas of socalled “revolutionaries” did not propagate with such fluidity.

We long for the days when the clergy had a monopoly on literature, and the days when rebellious serfs were simply burned at the stake (“due process?” Bah!).

Sadly, that is a bygone era.

But do not sulk with nostalgia, ye noblemen, rejoice! ’Tis not twilight for the aristocracy, but a new dawn. Lo, my poor-

rich brethren, one can easily manipulate the plebeians to quarrel amongst themselves instead of us.

There are predators, and there are prey, ’tis the way of nature. The abhorrent social construct they call “justice” runs counter to everything in the biological world. The strong prey on the weak. That is the law of the jungle; that is justice! But the weak, with their narrow craniums filled with naive notions of “progress,” have strength in numbers. It is essential to the perpetuation of our sovereignty that we diminish that strength by dividing them into smaller, more easily subjugated factions.

Of course, divide and conquer tactics go way back; but with the rise of this loathsome new trend of “collectivism,” which is the biggest existential threat we face, it behooves us, the privileged elite, to intensify our efforts to divide. Henceforth, our subjects will focus exclusively on what separates them and not on what unites them.

Thou must learneth to emphasize race, gender, income, sexuality, religion, and anything else which can be used as a tool to divide the rabble.

Remember, do not let it be known that thou wishes to be divisive. It helps to utilize thy shrewdness by appearing to be a champion for particular

“downtrodden” identity groups.

“Equal rights, yay!” Nay. But pay heed, ruling class, it is important that thou hide thy treachery underneath the pretense of a raised fist.

In the golden age of our reign, back before the peasants had “freedom of speech,” scoundrels like Noam Chomsky would be dealt with swiftly and aggressively. (Uppity commoners tend to find it harder to raise their voice when there are nooses around their necks.) Our forebears would turn in their graves if they could hear the drivel we permit the modern plebs to spout. Chomsky was right about one thing though: “Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.” Unfortunately, we cannot control people by force anymore, hence our desire to control their minds (i.e. turn them against one another).

Thanks for the tip, Noam, ye filthy anarchist.

Those who chooseth to exercise their freedom of speech by rabble-rousing must be our primary concern. The public must see them as a threat; unless, of course, thou doth wisheth to suffer the same fate as King Louis XVI. Don’t forget, a tiny ember, if left unchecked, can give rise to an inferno of insurrection. Douse and deprive dangerous ideas of

oxygen before they spread!

Fear tactics are an essential component of the divide-and-conquer strategy.

Thus, when dividing thy subjects, it is important that thou useth fear. Critics must always be regarded as an “enemy of the people.” They shall be denounced as unpatriotic, and as traitors. With division, mistrust, and hatred, the underclass will fail to organize against us. The poor and the middle class should have so much fear, contempt and mistrust for one another that they will fail to notice the cattle prod we’re using on them.

The uneducated are an easily managed demographic (’tis why we oppose public education). To keep these sad specimens from reaching for their pitchforks thou only needeth to provide a good selection of beer on tap, along with a steady flow of public spectacles to keep them divided and distracted.

Ye dukes and duchesses did not inherit land and wealth just so thy hard-earned fortune could be taxed and spent on feeding those “in need” (they seem to think that food grows on trees).

The masses must be convinced that those who seeketh to raise taxes on the rich are nothing but thieves and communists. Remember, the more they tax thee, the less money thou will have to erect gargantuan bronze statues

of thyself.

Money is power! Naturally, since we are the ones with all of the money, we should be the ones with all of the power. But democracy threatens the natural order of things. Democracy is the triumph of the vassals over the feudal lord. Sadly, we could fill our coffers until they burst at the seams, but we would still only be allowed one vote (what a dreadful and unfair system). However, by dividing people into different voting blocs, and by convincing bloc A to despise voting bloc B, and visa versa, we can essentially manipulate our constituents to vote however we want them to — even against their own interests.

Again I say to thee, my brethren, ’tis not the time to sulk, but to rejoice! For the proles are just pawns on our chessboard: moving in the only direction we allow them to; fighting with each other when we instruct them to.

Now go forth, ye blue-blooded aristocrats! Unsheathe thy blade, and cut the “proletariat” into pieces.

Tim Bearly currently resides in Sandpoint, where he occupies his free time by writing subversive songs and essays.

He can be lambasted via email at timbearly@hotmail.com March 1, 2018 /

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LAKE ISSUES

On the Lake:

A column about lake issues by the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper

Our Water Quality Monitoring Program is no joke

By Shannon Williamson Reader Columnist

our data to take a much closer look at what’s been going on in Boyer Slough.

DEQ didn’t know that It’s clearly still winter Boyer Slough was sufferoutside, but my mind ing from extreme nutrient keeps wandering topollution until we shared ward summer. I’m sure our data with them. They I’m not alone. Winter followed up, confirmed in North Idaho can be Shannon Williamson our findings, and have a little rough. Don’t get since included it on the list of imme wrong, I love playing in the paired waterways in Idaho. DEQ is snow, and we’ve been blessed with now working on developing a Total a bunch of it this year. However, Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) that I would also like to see that big will limit the amount of nitrogen yellow ball in the sky (the sun?) a and phosphorous that can enter the whole lot more. slough. This should really help imSummer is also on my mind beprove the slough’s water quality. cause that’s when we’ll kick off our EPA has also used our data to help seventh season of our Water Quality them create discharge limits for wasteMonitoring Program. Starting in water treatment facilities. Sometimes June, you’ll find us out on the water the discharge limits are good at prowith a group of rock-star citizen tecting water quality, and sometimes scientists collecting water samples they’re terrible. Most recently, that was once a month through October at 15 the case with the permit written for the locations around the lake and river.

Kootenai Ponderay Sewer District that I’ve written about our monidischarges to Boyer Slough. Boyer toring program before and how in Slough can’t catch a break. love I am with all our volunteers.

While the amount of phosphorous We seriously COULD NOT run that could be discharged was tightly this program without them. Today, I restricted (yay!), the amount of niwant to share with you how powertrogen that could be discharged was ful the water quality data that comes ridiculous. We shared the nitrogen out of this program really is. data we have collected over the years We started the program in 2012 with EPA and requested they ratchet because we strongly disagreed with down the amount of nitrogen that the Idaho Department of Environcould be discharged to the slough. mental Quality’s (DEQ) decision to Guess what? They did! Much more remove the Pend Oreille River from than we ever thought they would. the list of Idaho’s impaired waterWe’re so proud that we’ve ways. The river was originally placed created real positive change for our on the list for excess phosphorous, local waterways through our Water which contributes to overgrowth of Quality Monitoring Program. We aquatic vegetation and algae. hope to continue to do so for a very DEQ then reversed their decision long time. If you want to learn how and said the river was fine. What? to become a part of our rock-star We shared some water testing results citizen scientist team, please let me that showed high levels of phosphoknow. You can also support this prorous in river samples. DEQ didn’t gram by becoming a member. You take our results seriously because can join today at www.lpow.org. they have very strict criteria for accepting data from outside the agency.

Shannon Williamson is the So we created a program that meets executive director of Lake Pend their criteria. Problem solved!

Oreille Waterkeeper and president Since that time, DEQ has used of Sandpoint City Council.

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By Mike Wagoner Reader Contributor

O

ne day, I discovered a spider, the likes of which one may never see in a lifetime. There it was, dutifully and methodically replacing one torn masterpiece with yet another.

Does a spider go about its day unwittingly, with no anticipation of the future, or recognition of the past? Are its innate signals coming from something perfectly patient or just a haphazard entity, a blind ambition that has somehow stubbled upon success?

How it senses what to do, I was never meant to know.

It’s a little unsettling, witnessing such a thing, for it reminds me of my staggering insignificance.

On a bad day, I wonder as I wander, trying to intellectualize myself out of

the SPIDER

Open Mic Night w/

KEVIN DORIN

6-9pm

Blues Night w/

STEVE NEFF, KEVIN DORIN and SCOTT TAYLOR 6:30-9:30pm

THE RIFF HANGERS MIKE JOHNSON

w/ special guest

6:30-9:30pm

the dark. One a good day, I just take a few things on faith.

Mike Wagoner has a dual personality. By day he is a science teacher and by night a singer-songwriter. He has recently moved to the area from Nashville, where he taught school and did studio work on the side.

March 2-3 @ 8pm

The follies SOLD OUT

March 8 @ 7:30pm | March 9 @ 5:30pm march 10 @ 7:30pm | march 11 @ 3:30p,m

the female brain

A light-hearted, comedic, scientific, look at the female brain

friday, March 16 @ 3pm & 6pm

kaniksu land trust presents: ‘osprey of north idaho with wayne melquist’ saturday, March 24 @ 7pm

fly fishing film tour 2018

A film and fundraiser for the Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited

saturday, May 12 @ 7:30pm

the reunion beatles

A fantasy tribute to the beatles - the concert that never was

March 1, 2018 /

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COMMUNITY

CAL Grant applications now available for 2018

By Reader Staff

Supporting the arts in Sandpoint for 30 years

sales...................................

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Mark Perigen Product Specialist

Heidi Haas Product Specialist

Applications for the Community Assistance League 2018 grants program are available March 1 in the following locations: The libraries in Sandpoint, Priest River and Clark Fork; The Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce; and at Bizarre Bazaar, 502 Church St., Sandpoint. In addition, the grant information and applications may be downloaded from the CAL website at www.calsandpoint.org.

Applicants must be a nonprofit organization and funds must apply to Bonner County only. Some of the criteria for evaluation include making 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 those that 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 residents of Bonner County.

Grant applications must be postmarked or returned to CAL no later than Friday, March 31.

For additional information, please contact Bobbie Franklin, Grantʼs Chair at calsandpointgrants@gmail.com.

CAL scholarship applications accepted Jennifer Krueger Product Specialist

Garrett Kulczyk Product Specialist

service..................................

.................................

Scott Lies Service Advisor

John Roche Service Advisor

WWW.TSCHEVY.COM

LOCAL: 208.263.2138 TOLL FREE: 800.866.2138 476751 Highway 95, Ponderay 18 /

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By Reader Staff The Sandpoint Community Assistance League is offering scholarships to all high school and home-schooled seniors residing in Bonner County. CAL is also offering scholarships to those students who have received a scholarship from CAL the previous year and to those who have delayed their education.

To qualify for a delayed-education scholarship, the applicant must have been out of high school for at least one year, not be currently enrolled in any school and wish to pursue further education at any accredited college, university or vocational school.

Renewal scholarship applicants must have received a scholarship for CAL in the prior year.

Applications are available for downloading from the Sandpoint High School website at www.lposd.org by clicking on the Counseling Center button in the center of the home page and following the prompts. Choose the

appropriate application, making sure to include the completed CAL cover letter.

Information can also be obtained at the Sandpoint, Clark Fork and Priest River libraries; at the North Idaho College as well as at Bizarre Bazaar, located at 502 Church St. in Sandpoint; open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Funds for CAL scholarships are provided by profits from CAL’s Upscale Resale store, Bizarre Bazaar. All proceeds from the store are directed back to the community in the form of grants and scholarships.

The deadline for all applications is Monday, April 9, by 4 p.m. Applications may be sent to: CAL Scholarships, PO Box 1361, Sandpoint ID 83864; delivered it directly to the store or by submitting it to your high school counseling center.

For more information contact Linda Melia at (402) 960-3673 or email: lindamelia41@gmail.com

March 1, 2018 /

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

The Secret of Soup

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist

I’m looking forward to tomorrow. If all goes according to plan, I’ll shed the cumbersome apparatus that has been attached to my left shoulder for the past six weeks. God-willing, the only thing I will ever again sling is corned-beef hash.

Long ago, I convinced myself that my life was far too busy to ever be a candidate for surgery that required more than 24-hour convalescence. I made excuses and deferred surgery for chronic shoulder pain until a minor incident brought acute misery and the only remedy was surgery.

I scheduled the procedure for a time not convenient for either of my busy daughters to come home to attend to me: Ryanne was settled into a teaching assignment in faraway France, and Casey, midway through her first pregnancy, was over her winter break. Still, Casey insisted, so first I threatened to cancel the surgery and finally, I was forced to remind her of the time they did came home to nurse me post-surgery (failing miserably).

That time, after wrist surgery that resulted from too many years of repetitive knife use (young chefs, beware!), both girls came home to help. The night after surgery, while (ironically) watching Food Network’s “Chopped,” and unbeknownst to the other, each took a quick trip to my bedside, during separate commercial breaks, to duplicate my evening treatment (I’m glad they both turned to non-nursing professions).

This time, with a couple of close friends volunteering to help, I had a plan that would see me from the operating room through post-surgical recovery. I prepared my chairside table with 20 /

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every comfort I could think of and cooked and froze some simple meals for the coming weeks.

I was more than surprised by the outpouring of get-well wishes.

I was humbled by the offering of prayers, cards, flowers and gifts (including an Elvis fleece, direct from Graceland!).

And then there was the food!

Honestly, I was overwhelmed by the meals that friends had so thoughtfully prepared for me: savory soups that were hot and ready to sip and bread that was wrapped and delivered warm. Some even arrived with groceries to prepare an entire meal. In my kitchen!

I can’t remember ever not being the one in my kitchen. I cooked through a crazy childhood and several erstwhile attempts at adulthood. I’ve cooked for money and fun, and I’ve cooked for ego

and minor fame. I’ve cooked benevolently and charitably.

I’ve cooked early, long before a sunrise. And if sleep would not find me, I’ve even cooked late, in the middle of the night. Whether at my home, or someone else’s, my time is spent taking charge of the kitchen. At my house, it was always me on the cooking side, family or friends perched on stools watching while I whisked away in a tête-à-tête.

But this time, I sat in the living room, watching. There was no chance to micromanage the kitchen from my recovery chair. And so, in a manner foreign to me, and with all the grace I could muster, I watched brave friends transform groceries (without my watchful eye and unsolicited advice) into delicious meals.

Whenever a friend is in need,

I’m quick to assemble and deliver a couple of meals. But in my busy-bee world (it’s true that my daughters often refer to my gnatlike patience), I don’t recall taking the time to stay and share the food or even sit for more than a few minutes of conversation. This time, on the recipient end, I was grateful not only for the food that fed my body, but I was especially grateful for friends who appeared to have nowhere to go, sharing their gift of time, with long conversations that fed my spirit and, after all these years, taught me a little something about mindful presence.

My excellent therapist Keith at Performance Physical Therapy says my progress is remarkable, and I’m not one bit surprised. I give due credit to my 7B village: the exceptional skills of Dr. Cipriano, the competent and kind staff at Bonner

General and friends like Mary, who took a week’s vacation to look after me (who does that?), Darcy who delivered daily doses of laughter while tending to cat chores, my chauffeured “driving Miss-Daisy” outings by Ken, frequent (and delicious deliveries) by Mary Claude, Dee Ann and Bevie, my constant drop-in nurse Peggy, and my neighbor Howard, whom I hail a local hero for keeping my driveway and sidewalk snow-free (certainly no easy feat this past month).

Thanks to Ben for patiently keeping my Reader space ready, and gratefulness to my daughters, who’ve taught me that it’s okay to allow others to help me.

Know someone in need? Try whipping up a batch of my Split Pea Soup. Deliver it, and maybe even stick around a while.

Split Pea and Roasted Vegetable Soup This version of split pea soup is vegetarian friendly, so the vegetables do extra work to increase their favor profile. Ham and bone, if used, go in last. Sometimes, I throw in a sweet potato.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 3⁄4 cup split peas (either green or yellow) • 1 small onion, diced • 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and diced • 1 medium-sized parsnip, peeled and diced • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced • 4 stalks celery, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 4-5 cups vegetable stock (for non-vegetarian, use chicken stock) • 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil • 4 bay leaves • Sea salt and cracked pepper • 1 ½ cup diced ham (optional)

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

•Rinse and soak the peas in warm water to cover while you prepare and chop the rest of the ingredients.

•In a large bowl, mix all the chopped vegetables and 3 tbs olive oil. Toss until well coated. Spread on sheet pan, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper, and roast in oven for 30 minutes. Shake pan a couple times, while roasting, so they don’t stick.

•Add the soaked split peas, bay leaves and stock to a large stock pot (if you are adding a ham bone throw it on now). Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover. Cook covered for 30-40 minutes.

•Remove vegetables from oven and carefully add to the pot (they’re hot!).

Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Or longer for thicker soup. Blend with an immersion blender or leave chunky.

•Season the soup to taste. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.

Makes about 6-8 servings

STAGE & SCREEN

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

And the nominees are not…

By T.J. Tranchell Reader Contributor

I doubt anyone has forgotten last year’s Best Picture controversy in which “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as the winner only to have the announcement corrected with “Moonlight” being the proper winner. Or have you forgotten so soon?

Personally, I’ve forgotten all the songs from “La La Land” except one. I have a feeling this year’s ceremony will give me something worth remembering. I don’t say that because of the host, or any potential joke fodder out there. As great as it is for me, a horror fan and creator, that “The Shape of Water” and “Get Out” are leading the way, and that a film such as “Logan” can get a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination, there is still something missing in the performance categories.

I don’t see an undeserving nomination among the 20 actors and actresses up for awards.

The three nominations in these categories from “The Shape of Water” are tops and I grinned like crazy seeing Daniel Kaluuya listed among luminaries such as Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman. And Frances McDor-

mand is a national treasure. But you know who I don’t see in these groups? Doug Jones and Andy Serkis.

Jones, the creature at the center of “The Shape of Water” has embodied such a variety of beings for years. So maybe his voice gets taken away from him all too often in his film and TV roles — wait? Isn’t that part of the point of the film? Giving a voice the voiceless and letting them show their strengths?

Jones’ performance as the creature is beautiful to watch, particularly in his hands. His fingers are glorious. If he doesn’t deserve recognition for this performance, he deserves it for his larger body of work.

Like Jones’ fingers, Serkis’ eyes bring viewers to the emotional depth of his characters.

From Gollum and Kong for director Peter Jackson and now three films as the chimpanzee Caesar in the latest “Planet of the Apes” films, Serkis has a way of letting you know there is a human behind the beasts and animals he plays. His third turn as Caesar in “War for the Planet of the Apes” is his heaviest, physically and emotionally. We see the CGI chimp, but Serkis was always there, embodying the simian.

These two actors have been cloaked behind make-up and technology, and I’m sure they would deny the desire for major awards. Jones, I will argue, is the nicest man in show business.

They aren’t campaigning for the golden statues that will be handed out on Sunday. I believe, however, that no other actors are more deserving of such recognition this year.

And while you are betting and debating the Best Picture (“Get Out”) and Best Director (Guillermo del Toro, although Jordan Peele shouldn’t feel bad, because he’ll get that other statue), please don’t forget those writing awards (come on “Logan”) and the other technical awards that are the real movie magic. Film editing is crucial to the movies we see, and production design is, literally, all the stuff you see on the screen that isn’t an actor or a costume. Some of these categories are where the movies more people have actually seen reside. Check out the visual effects nominees: “Blade Runner 2049,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Kong: Skull Island,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

with a mission to help support education for public school kids in Bonner County. Tickets are limited and will likely sell out in advance.

The day is a cooperative effort between PAFE, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the Alpine Shop and 7B Board Shop.

I recently finished a book that scared the hell out of me. “It’s Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration is Doing to America,” by journalist David Cay Johnston is a complete and terrifying analysis on how President Trump and his cabinet are slowly degrading the democratic norms of our country, piece by piece. It doesn’t come across as a partisan hit job, but a concerted attempt to outline how Trump’s policies are dismantling important institutions in the U.S. we’ve all taken for granted.

LISTEN

I can honestly say that is the only category in which I have seen every nominee. Maybe that says something about me and the movies I enjoy and you’ll get no argument from me. But those are also the movies, traditionally, that actors such as Jones and Serkis work in.

And that, also says something about the kind of movies I enjoy.

T.J. Tranchell is an author and freelance journalist from Moscow. Visit him at www. tjtranchell.com or follow him on Twitter @TJ_Tranchell.

The vision of panelized, realized.

Demo Day at Schweitzer

The second annual Schweitzer Mega Demo Day kicks off Saturday, March 3 at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Representatives from 16 different ski and snowboard brands will be on hand with over 400 pairs of the newest models of skis and boards – all of them available for trial runs all day long.

Those interested in gaining access to demos will need to purchase a $40 ticket in advance.

Proceeds will benefit the Panhandle Alliance For Education, a local nonprofit organization

READ

www.mehomes.net (208)264-6700

Dan McMahon, Gen. Contractor dan@mebldg.com

One of my favorite folk singers hails from Ireland. Fionn Regan’s sound incorporates elements of Nick Drake’s dreamy folk, while also including some catchy harmonies and melodies that stick with you for a long time. His lyrics include great lines such as “My jumper is soaked in pig’s blood / I’m coming out, looking for you / If you pull a hatchet, I’ll pull something to match it.”

While my favorite album of his is “The End of History” (which has oddly been removed from Spotify), his latest release from 2017 is “The Meetings of the Waters.”

WATCH

There’s a documentary out there called “The Union: The Business Behind Getting High” that opened my mind quite a bit about weed.

Whether you love smoking pot or loathe it, this documentary will open your eyes to the most used illegal drug in the world.

One of the most interesting conclusions I got after watching this documentary was that making marijuana recreationally legal would actually decrease the usage of the drug worldwide by a large margin.

Despite the fact that Joe Rogan is in the documentary (he just bothers the hell out of me for some reason), this is totally worth watching.

March 1, 2018 /

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EDUCATION

As a student...

By Simon Eaton Reader Contributor

From Northern Idaho News, Tuesday, January 7, 1930

BUTTER AND EGGS ARE FALLING FAST The rapid decline in eastern markets for dairy products have forced almost daily price revisions in Sandpoint. Saturday eggs took a drop of two to three cents a dozen, making four changes for the week.

A year ago, butterfat was selling in Sandpoint for 49 cents a pound while the quotation today is 35 cents a pound - a drop of 14 cents.

The critical condition of the butter market has become a matter of serious concern to producer and consumer.

Government statistics show that production of butter has been increasing considerably in the west as well as the east, while per capita consumption has decreased, due in part, it is estimated, to increased use of substitutes. The result is that storage stocks the country over, are piling up, government figures show.

“Northwest creameries have tried to maintain as high a butterfat market as possible,” states a local creamery official, “but they are obliged to keep their market so that cheap eastern butter will not flood the west. Local butter consumption must not only be maintained at the present leve, but should be increased.”

In November, Washington produced 9.61 per cent more butter than in Nov. 1928 and Idaho’s increase was 8.19 per cent for the same comparison.

So critical has this condition become that the National Dairy Council is considering means for improving conditions. They are suggesting and undertaking to start movements to increase butter consumption in which the farmer and retailer may have an important part.

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Kids laughing as they think up new ideas for projects, soft instrumental music playing to help students concentrate on their geometry test, lively debate thriving in government class: These are a few of the sounds of Forrest Bird Charter School.

It’s a school filled with happiness in learning and curiosity in all sorts of new and exciting business fields.

Colorful art collaborations line the halls. Quotes are displayed in the most unlikely of places. Teachers embrace and encourage the learning styles of their students. Our local charter school is a free place for those who are ready to learn, a home for students who excel in working with others and with projects. Classes include grossology with the middle school science teacher, psychology with the high school U.S. government teacher, and a study on personalities with the high school counselor. Our school brings in students and treats them as they would their own family, offering new options and wonder-

ful class options, helping them along if need be. Classes are inclusive, and other students are gladly welcoming to newcomers.

This is a school that takes in students and turns them to the community, encourages them in volunteering and working to reach their goals, guides them along a path towards college and higher career paths, but they also are aware that you need to start at a smaller point in order to grow in any particular area. When it comes to high schoolers and their jobs, they even have an option where you can offer a certain amount of hours, and they will list it as an elective credit.

While it is not for absolutely everyone, the Forrest Bird Charter School carries itself steadily, bringing different options to students. Within the middle school, there is the choice to be able to start taking high school courses early on, if they are motivated enough. Early college courses are also available in high school if your grade point average stays high enough. It’s an early opportunity to earn college credits, as well as valuable practice with the sup-

port of their teachers prior to graduation.

Just this year, there will be four seniors graduating with their associate’s degrees, for which they have worked hard. This will open up more opportunities for them sooner rather than later in life, and will make it much easier to reach their other goals.

Our school has some quirks that people might see as an issue — a stricter dress code, slightly longer school days, electronic access days — but they make things easier on us in the long run. Now, whenever we go to work, we are ready for a dress code that has its limitations. Our school breaks are longer thanks to our days being longer, and the electronic access days allow more freedom in which order we get to complete our classes, along with giving us more time on assignments. As a student, I believe I can say that the Forrest Bird Charter School is a wonderful place that has helped many students grow to be better and stronger people ready for the world, and is ready to help more.

Simon Eaton is a sophomore at Forrest Bird Charter School

Crossword Solution

One way I think you can tell if you have a curse on you is if you open a box of toothpicks and they all fly up and stick in your face.

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Backside 5. Envelop 9. Alone 13. Bluefin 14. A red fluorescent dye 16. Hodgepodge 17. Smell 18. Italian for “Mouth” 19. Chick’s sound 20. Whimpers 22. Grotesque 24. Life stories Ponderay, ID 26. Crown (208) 263-1222 27. Ominous 30. Medical building 33. Termination of pregnancy 35. Testicle 37. A type of evergreen tree 38. Between 41. Fury 42. Mixture of rain and snow 45. Vassals •Free Breakfast 48. A task requiring a trip •Free Wifi 51. University 52. Habituate /mal-uh-DROIT/ 54. Religious offshoot [adjective] 55. Sessile 1. unskillful; awkward; bungling; tactless; lacking in of the 59. Hit hard adroitness 62. Gambling game “The maladroit speaker spent 5 minutes trying to open Power Point.” 63. Not earlier 65. Black, in poetry Corrections: Class of 1995 graduate Gary Dixon called to let me know that my answer to question #18 in last week’s “Local’s Quiz” was wrong. The correct answer is 66. Press “class of 1994,” which is what I meant to write but didn’t. Apologies for the mistake. 67. Clobbered Also, we erroneously identified Jp Cortez as “Jp Morgan” in last week’s issue. -BO 68. Wings

Explore Nature in Sandpoint

Word Week

maladroit

Solution on page 22 69. Catch 70. WW1 plane 71. French for “Head”

DOWN 1. “Smallest” particle 2. Boorish 3. Snow thrower 4. Not later 5. A spider spins this 6. Space 7. Cravat 8. Outdoor meal 9. The highest female voice 10. Margarine

11. Place 12. Klutz’s cry 15. Twangy, as a voice 21. Not hard 23. Trigonometry (abbrev.)

25. A set of garments 27. Large coves 28. Poplar tree 29. Not high 31. Matchless 32. A proofreader’s symbol 34. Zero 36. Declare untrue 39. 14 in Roman numerals

40. Orange pekoe 43. Soon 44. Armored vehicle 46. Got bigger 47. A reversion to the state 49. Cancels 50. Aspirations 53. Prevent legally 55. Slaloms 56. Small slender gull 57. Dwarf buffalo 58. Bristle 60. Jacket 61. Leg joint 64. Crimson March 1, 2018 /

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