(wo)MAN compiled by
Susan Drinkard
on the street
If you had the time to help one organization besides what you belong to now, what would it be? “I am a religious volunteer in two prisons because the men have next-to-no access to explore spiritual development. I also take water samples on five different spots on a creek and test for five indicators for the purpose of monitoring water quality.” Karen Riener Retired ecologist Richland, Ore.
“I am already helping with several organizations — Bonner County Gardeners Association, Ice Age Floods Institutes and with the Idaho State Federation of Square and Round Dancing.” Jon Bair Retired teacher, logger Sandpoint
DEAR READERS,
First, let me thank the 16% of registered voters who turned out Tuesday for election day. Second, let me express my disappointment in the 84% of registered voters who didn’t bother to show up to the polls. This may have seemed like an unimportant off-season election day, but it wasn’t. They are all important. Veterans have fought and died for the right to vote in this country. In other countries ruled by dictators, the populace would give anything to participate in their own government. And here we are in fat, happy America with less than one in six people actually taking a few moments out of one day of the year to cast their ballots in Bonner County. We need to do better, voters. We need to do better. Change doesn’t happen until the apathetic pull their heads out of their butts and participate. Treat every election as important. Your vote always counts. Don’t let anyone ever tell you differently. Sorry for the diatribe, but this issue really gets to me. -Ben Olson, Publisher
READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724
www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Cason Neal (cover), Ben Olson, Bill Borders, Susan Drinkard, Google, Lyndsie Kiebert, Racheal Baker, Instagram. Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Mayor Shelby Rognstad, Chantilly Higbee, Susan Drumheller, Brenden Bobby, Ammi Midstokke, Marcia Pilgeram Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash. Subscription Price: $115 per year
“I think I would help organizations that help children, such as Kinderhaven.” Camille Bovey Barista Sandpoint
“I would like to help an organization that protects the environment. I’m in the Rock Creek Alliance, and I’m an inactive member of the Friends of Scotchman’s Peak.” Bill Lamson Retired? Sandpoint
“Salvation Army ... to preach the gospel.” Sandra Peratos Cook Sandpoint
Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community. The Reader is printed on recycled pa paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.
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. Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook. About the Cover
This week’s cover was created by Bonners Ferry high school student Cason Neal, and was chosen winner for the Western Governors’ Association’s “Celebrate The West” contest. Congratulations, Cason. May 23, 2019 /
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