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DEAR READERS,

The week in random review

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

a quote

“When someone hands you a flyer, it’s like they’re saying, ‘Here, you throw this away.’”

— Mitch Hedburg (comedian)

stink bugs

(A poem as sent by an anonymous writer) Irritating beetles on which even birds refuse to dine.

Genus humanus is unable to place you in nature’s grand design.

Wings you’ve been given for less than accurate flight.

I wonder if the Grand Dame also forgot to give you sight.

When frost finds pumpkins, inside my home you seek.

Hearth bound, our nostrils wrinkle at what you reek.

Raid, Black Flag’s sprays, powders barely make you sneeze, but here beneath my swatter you’ll be crying, “Uncle! Please!”

coining new terms

Driving habits always seem to shine when you have a police car right behind you. Hands are at 10 and 2, turn signals come on a half mile before they are needed and lane position is held with a razor’s precision. I was thinking about this fact one day while a cruiser was on my rear bumper for about 20 minutes.

When I finally turned off and glanced at it drive by in the rearview mirror, I realized it wasn’t a police cruiser at all, but one of those fake cop cars, painted black and white with a push bumper and a spotlight mounted on the driver’s side. It was then I came up with the perfect term for these vehicles: fauxlice cars.

true love

True love is having the tip of your ear cut off by your significant other. This happened to me the other day when Cadie was cutting my hair in the backyard. We had just bought a new pair of scissors and they were extremely sharp. Cadie was feeling confident after a couple of beers and snipped a hunk of skin about an inch long off the top of my left ear. Nothing bleeds like a cut on the ear. An hour later, after she had fished a half dozen hairs out of the open wound, poured hydrogen peroxide on the cut and wrapped my head in gauze while I howled in pain, I remembered how much I love — and trust — her. But I might go to Supercuts next time.

Every once in a while, we have to toot our own horns. This past weekend, the Idaho Press Club held its annual banquet, handing out awards to the best journalists in the state. We’re pleased to announce the Sandpoint Reader won eight awards in the Weekly category, including first place for General Excellence (which means we get to say we’re the “best weekly newspaper in Idaho” at least until next year. Sure, there are only about 10 weeklies in the state, but we’re still No.1).

Editor Zach Hagadone won first place for Opinion for his story, “White flight from hard truth” and shared first place with News Editor Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey for their story, “Two for two.” Hagadone also won second place awards for General News Story and Political Report. Kiebert-Carey earned three first place awards, one for “The Great Divide,” in the Serious Feature category and another in the Election Report category for “Vote recount affirms Bonner Co. Elections are legit,” and the third in the above-mentioned award shared with Hagadone. She also placed second in the Environment Report category. I’m so proud of our editorial staff for such excellence. Beers all around!

– Ben Olson, publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 946-4368

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (News Editor) lyndsie@sandpointreader.com Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Lenny Hess (cover), Ben Olson, Janet Shelby, Bill Borders, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Marcia Pilgeram, Shelby Rognstad Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID Subscription Price: $155 per year 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.

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

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

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

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 photo of a rainbow seen over Sandpoint City Beach was taken

by Lenny Hess.

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NEWS

County candidates for commissioner, assessor take on issues at forum

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff Candidates for Bonner County assessor and commissioner took on the issues at a forum May 2, giving voters a chance to hear where they stand as the Tuesday, May 17 primary election quickly approaches.

The forum, sponsored by the Sandpoint Reader, sandpointonline.com and KRFY 88.5 FM, lasted about two hours in the Sandpoint High School auditorium and drew about 70 attendees.

Candidates — all Republican, as there are no contested Democratic races in the local 2022 primary — were each given the chance for an opening and closing statement, and answered several questions submitted by the audience. Brief rebuttals were also allowed throughout the evening.

Tensions ran high during the District 3 race opening statement period, with commissioner candidate Rich Harter taking aim at competitor Ron Korn for using “bumper sticker quotes” and calling out fellow candidates Brian Riley, Luke Omodt and Dave Bowman for having “extensive liberal influences.” He targeted Omodt, specifically, for his “lifetime of reliance on government paychecks” — something that Omodt, who recently retired from a 23-year career with the Idaho Army National Guard, did not take lightly. In his own opening statement, Omodt said that he was “insulted” on behalf of himself as well as other servicemen and women who graduated from Sandpoint High School and went on to join the armed forces.

“Some of us actually live our words, and some people run their mouths,” Omodt said, adding later: “Tonight you will get to hear a very different idea of what government means. To some of us, it means service before self.”

Bowman said that his inspiration for seeking the commissioner seat stemmed from getting involved in local land use issues.

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of the citizens’ group Keep Bonner County Rural, but said he will give up that position if elected.

“I met with people all over the county and I heard a pretty consistent theme: They felt disrespected by our current commissioners, and they felt as though they were catering primarily to big developers and corporations rather than listening to the people,” Bowman said.

Riley said his extensive business background as the longtime employee and plant superintendent of the Idaho Forest Group mill in Laclede qualified him to manage the workforce and budget of Bonner County.

“Basically, you are running a business when you are a commissioner. It’s a board of three — it’s not one person. None of us up here who get elected, individually, can change the office,” Riley said.

“We have to work together.”

Korn said that, if elected, he planned to make the board’s actions more accessible to county residents.

“I don’t know about you guys, but a lot of these policies and ordinances that are written these days, I can’t even understand,” he said to the forum audience. “I’m going to be up front with you. How is the public supposed to understand what the county is doing when they can’t even read what’s in that document? I would like to bring that back to the people.”

Harter characterized himself as a candidate of action.

“We can’t form a bunch of committees and keep putting it off for years and years,” he said.

“These decisions are coming at us very fast and we’re going to need to react quickly. You’re going to need people in the county commissioners’ office that can make decisions and react quickly.”

The District 2 race featured two candidates: two-term incumbent Jeff Connolly and challenger Asia Williams, who did their own share of sparring over the issues during the forum. A third candidate, Randi Flaherty, could not attend.

Connolly said that “people forget about what this is about” — “this” being the opportunity to vie

Candidates for Bonner County races attend the forum May 2. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey.

for a commissioner seat. Rather than focusing on “political ideology,” he added, it’s a chance to ask, “what can you do for your community?”

“I’ve got 40 years of a logging background that didn’t really prepare me for commissioner work, but it showed me how to work, and it showed me how to make a living in Bonner County,” said Connolly, adding that there’s a difference between “living” and “making a living” in Bonner County.

Williams made note of her consistent participation at commissioner meetings, during which she has been a vocal opponent of recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday and a staunch advocate for refusing American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“I have been not just a person who has sat in the background,” she said. “I’ve been writing resolutions. I’ve been arguing for property rights. I’ve been submitting information to our county commissioners. At this stage, with my level of involvement, the best option for Asia Williams is to be District 2 commissioner because it will remove a lot of the roadblocks.”

Harter, Bowman and Korn also came out against using the money — which some argue would obligate Bonner County to comply with federal mandates regarding COVID-19 mitigations — with Korn stating that ARPA was being used “to push transgenders and the other 46 genders,” and “to employ those people.”

ARPA includes funding for programs and benefits intended specifically to assist in the economic recovery of LGBTQ communities, communities of color, the disabled and low-income households that were hit hard to a statistically disproportionate degree by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connolly said that he was not opposed to spending the funds for “one-off” purchases and programs supported under ARPA, but also that the county was “being cautious.” Riley said he supported the cautious approach, while Omodt also advocated for “prudent” usage.

The county’s legal counsel issued an opinion earlier this year stating that Bonner County could likely use the funds without taking on obligations related to vaccinations or masking.

One of the most frequently requested questions of the night pertained to whether candidates had ever filed for bankruptcy or been arrested. While most candidates replied “no” on both counts, both Omodt and Connolly noted DUI charges from 20 years ago.

Harter said he filed for medical bankruptcy in 2001, and noted that he’d been arrested. On his website, under a tab titled “Standing Up,” Harter acknowledges being arrested three times — once for battery, once for failing to provide identification and once for disturbing the peace. Of the three charges, Harter said he was only convicted of the last.

The assessor’s race, which has only Republican candidates, featured incumbent Donna Gow and challenger Grant Dorman. The third candidate, Jessi Webster, was not present.

While the race drew considerably less attention than the commissioner candidate field, Gow and Dorman used the forum as an opportunity to share their overall philosophies when it came to the assessor’s position.

“Property taxes are a challenge of property ownership, and I, for one, would want someone who respected that principle to be my assessor,” he said.

Gow highlighted some of the changes she’s made to the office since being elected in 2018, and emphasized her experience in the office.

“Experience counts,” she said.

“Both of my opponents have said that when they start out they will start interviewing employees, learning about the work flow. I already know that. There is no onthe-job training.”

When asked how they planned to improve DMV operations in the county, both Gow and Dorman acknowledged that the state would be cutting funds to those offices in the coming year, requiring creativity on the part of the assessor to keep DMV services available to the public.

Listen to a recording of the entire Bonner County candidates’ forum at krfy.org.

NEWS

Full slate of Legislative District 1 candidates faced off at May 3 forum

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Despite a sparse crowd of about 50 attendees, all 10 candidates in the primary races for Legislative District 1 — including the lone Democratic contender — gathered May 3 in the Sandpoint High School auditorium for a two-plus-hour forum. During the event they described their various backgrounds and addressed issues ranging from tax reform to so-called “critical race theory” to what can be done about the crunch on labor and housing in Idaho.

The most contentious of the races featured at the forum — sponsored by the Sandpoint Reader, sandpointonline.com and KRFY 88.5 FM — was between Idaho Senate candidate Scott Herndon and two-term incumbent Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle.

That contest has featured a level of rhetoric and election pamphleteering unprecedented in local elections, with the majority of the most-heated materials coming from Herndon’s camp, which as previously reported has engaged the services of a high-profile Nevada-based conservative political consultancy and campaign operations firm.

Throughout the forum, Herndon jabbed at Woodward on a range of topics, including claims that the latter supported driver’s licenses for “illegal immigrants,” voted in favor of federal funding for programs that would have introduced critical race theory into Idaho school curricula, approved of requiring businesses to provide 12 months of birth control for employees and voted for a measure “letting boys play in girls sports.”

Woodward kept his responses to questions from the audience focused on his past and continuing work in the Statehouse on issues such as education and infrastructure funding, as well as tax reform.

The only swipe Woodward directed at Herndon came in his closing remarks, when he pointed out that despite the latter’s frequently expressed opposition to the state taking federal dollars,

Herndon availed himself of government financial support during the pandemic. A subsequent search of the Transparent Idaho database (idahorebounds.opengov.com) shows that Sagle-based construction company Herndon Inc. — with Scott Herndon as registered agent, according to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office — received $10,000 from a CARES Act small business grant administered by the COVID-19 recovery program Idaho Rebounds. “[Herndon] rails against federal money and then takes that federal money,” Woodward said.

On the alleged “driver’s-license-for-illegal-immigrants” legislation, Woodward said the measure in question was to establish a working group to examine the problem of property damage caused by unlicensed and uninsured drivers — some of whom may be undocumented workers — and explore whether or how to extend driving privileges to those individuals.

Herndon described that as rewarding illegal behavior — reading aloud from the text of the legislation, in which undocumented workers were referred to as “essential” to a number of vital industries — while Woodward rebutted that the working group would be beholden to the Constitution.

Answering a question about critical race race theory and whether it is present in Idaho schools, Woodward pointed out that he voted for the 2022 legislation withholding funding from educational institutions that employ CRT curriculum, but that “I do not know of any cases that have arisen in Idaho.” Meanwhile, he added that curriculum is set at the local level to keep such decisions “as close to home as possible.”

Herndon pushed back, arguing that Woodward initially voted in favor of a $6 million federal funding package that he alleged contained CRT materials and that is in fact the Legislature’s constitutional obligation to sometimes step into curricular decisions.

Woodward rebutted, claiming the $6 million in funding came from the Trump administration and

was intended to help early-childhood school readiness and would not have dictated curriculum.

While the Herndon-Woodward Senate race has been the most headline-grabbing, by far the largest field of candidates is for the House 1A seat, which is now open after redistricting in 2022 moved current-1A Rep. Heather Scott into Legislative District 2.

Though only invited to provide an opening statement, uncontested Democratic candidate for House 1A Steve Johnson said he believes in “local issues,” including property tax reform to ensure that residents aren’t “taxed out of our homes.” He also encouraged attendees to support the Quality Education Act initiative measure to fund public schools.

Leading off the five Republicans vying for the seat, Sagle gun store owner Stephen Hutchings highlighted that Scott has endorsed him and vowed to “continue representing the folks in this district the way Heather did.”

Adam Rorick, a retired law enforcement officer, said he is seeking the House 1A seat in order to oppose the “left socialist machine” that he claimed has destroyed communities elsewhere and is “in full force here in North Idaho” — to which he moved full-time about a year ago to enjoy “a nice luxury life of peace and quiet.”

Mark Sauter, who comes from a long background in the fire services, including with the Selkirk Fire District, said his priorities in the Legislature would be job retention and growth, holding down regulations to give employers the freedom to expand in areas such as tech and manufacturing; investments in infrastructure; protecting the state’s water resources; supporting Idaho police, fire and EMS services; and helping secure the southern U.S. border. He also promised a “comprehensive look at the tax system,” including property, fuel, sales and grocery taxes.

Builder and business owner Travis Thompson noted that he is the only candidate in the district who was actually born and raised in Bonner County, and told

attendees that he would serve local constituents, rather than special interest groups in Boise.

“Some people say I’m too honest for politics; I like to say politics isn’t honest enough for me,” he said.

Finally, Cynthia Weiss advocated for reforming the tax structure to fund state budgets through a consumption tax and promised to base her time in office on upholding the Constitution.

The House District 2A race features three-term incumbent Rep. Scott Dixon facing challenger Todd Engel.

Dixon pointed to his past efforts pushing back against the federal government, including keeping families out of the Child Protective Services system. He also noted his work on combating human trafficking. “It’s a continued battle down there,” he said of protecting Idahoans’ rights in Boise.

Engel, who said he came to Idaho about 30 years ago from “a failed state called California,” is perhaps most well known for being sentenced to 14 years in federal prison stemming from his participation in the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff in Nevada. He served fourand-a-half years before an appeals court overturned his conviction and he was released.

“I will literally defend your rights,” he said. “I think I’ve proven that.”

Addressing the issue of the labor shortage, Dixon described it as a problem of population imbalance, with older workers simultaneously retiring as retirees make up a large percentage of the influx of new residents. “It’s not an easy solution from the state level,” he said.

Engel focused on the lack of affordable housing making it difficult — if not impossible — to retain younger workers in the state. He also noted it was a hard problem for the Legislature to take on and suggested that some “incentives” need to be offered to keep kids at home, though did not offer any specifics.

Herndon agreed that demographics are at the root of the issue, but also that stimulus payments over

the past two years have encouraged people to drop out of the workforce while also driving up inflation. He then pivoted to the suggestion that, “We’ve killed 70 million Americans who could have been in the labor force over the past 50 years, so let’s end abortion in America.”

Woodward was critical of the increase to unemployment checks during the pandemic, but said the market — however painful the process — will determine the appropriate wage level to both attract workers and get them into homes. “I don’t think the proper function of state government is housing,” he said.

Sauter emphasized vocational-technical training for high school students to prepare them for well-paying local jobs, which Rorick and Thompson both also supported. Thompson added that streamlining the regulatory and permitting processes for new home construction would increase supply and reduce costs.

Weiss said older workers “just need to be encouraged” to return to work, while Hutchings suggested that a good strategy would be to recruit outdoors-related manufacturers.

Candidates were unanimous in their condemnation of “critical race theory” curricula purportedly in Idaho schools, with several repeating the statement that CRT encourages judgment based on skin color, rather than “content of character.”

The issue has been a buzzword for more than a year, with opponents claiming that the once-obscure method of legal analysis, dating back at least to the 1980s, is being used to “make white people feel guilty about being white,” as Weiss put it.

Hutchings called the academic framework a tactic used by liberals to divide and conquer the population, while Rorick called it “a neo-Marxist socialist program.”

Sauter said he’ll remain vigilant, but has only heard of one local complaint out of 3,900 students in the district — and that was related to a book about Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks.

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NEWS

County upholds 700-acre Selle Valley zone change Reconsideration hearing ends in commissioner vote to allow upzone

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff Bonner County commissioners voted May 4 to uphold their approval of a zone change to more than 700 acres in the Selle Valley, marking the latest development in an issue that’s drawn widespread concern about the valley’s ability to support large-scale development.

The Skinner and Otis families, known jointly as Pack River Partners, LLC, submitted an application in June 2021 requesting that their Selle Valley property — zoned Ag-Forest — be rezoned to allow 10-acre parcel minimums, rather than the currently allowed 20-acre minimum. The Bonner County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the application in November 2021, citing concerns about lack of adequate infrastructure. In February, the BOCC voted to approve the zone change, arguing that concerns about infrastructure would best be discussed during a future subdivision process, should it come to pass.

Commissioners voted March 22 to reconsider the file. The reconsideration request — signed by Dave Bowman, chairman of citizens’ group Keep Bonner County Rural, and Kristina Kingsland on behalf of nearly 30 neighbors — argued there were several inadequacies in the board’s February decision.

Deputy Prosecutor Bill Wilson recommended the commissioners reconsider only one of those alleged shortcomings: that the board did not follow Idaho’s Local Land Use Planning Act, which requires that “particular consideration shall be given to the effects of any proposed zone change upon the delivery of services by any political subdivision

providing public services, including school districts, within the planning jurisdiction.”

In other words, according to Idaho Code, potential development impacts to local infrastructure must be considered as early as the rezone stage.

Commissioners were scheduled to take up the reconsideration April 20, but the hearing was postponed to May 4.

Planner Daniel Britt presented a staff report at the top of the hearing, paying particular attention to new comments from public agencies obtained in the time since commissioners voted to hear the reconsideration. He noted that he “took the extra step and emailed each one of these agencies individually” in an effort to increase participation.

Additional comments highlighted in Britt’s presentation May 4 included feedback from Bonner County Road and Bridge, stating that local roads would likely be able to handle increased traffic should the density increase.

Lake Pend Oreille School District also provided historical enrollment data and stated that an “additional portable or construction project” may be necessary at Northside Elementary School should enrollment increase. Meanwhile, Northern Lights Utility Company said that it “has the capacity to extend services.”

While the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office was not asked for comment, the office provided a statement that “doubling the density in this area” would stretch law enforcement “thin,” and some of the parcels are “impassable for emergency vehicles at least part of the year.”

Representing the Northside Fire District, Vernon Roof said preliminary data suggests calls to the fire service could increase by 2% should the property be developed.

Attorney Preston Carter, of Boise-based law firm Givens Pursley, represented Keep Bonner County Rural, Kingsland and the other parties requesting the reconsideration.

He emphasized that while property rights are important, “the applicant does not have a property right to change [their] zoning,” and commissioners should follow the “particular consideration” clause under the Local Land Use Planning Act to ensure that the valley’s carrying capacity is adequately considered.

“If there is not sufficient information in the record to fulfill this duty, then the application should be denied,” he said.

Representing the landowners, Sandpoint attorney John Finney said that Skinner was “not doing this in anticipation of development,” and simply wanted his land zoned in the way it had been before the county adopted the 2008 Comp Plan. Furthermore, he added that his client wasn’t asking to change the property from its current Ag-Forest designation.

More than a dozen attendees at the hearing spoke in favor of overturning the board’s decision to approve the zone change, many of them pointing to the inevitable stress on Northside Elementary School, the local aquifer, roads and other public services should development occur on the property.

“I encourage not making decisions based on unknown information that can have really big impacts on people’s lives,” Kingsland said.

Sagle resident Susan Drumheller recommended the county conduct research to better understand the effects of increased density in rural areas, citing studies that showed “sprawl” ends up costing taxpayers.

“Let’s figure out where the county could actually grow the community’s wealth and not

overburden taxpayers,” Drumheller said. “I suspect we would find it would make no sense to increase density here next to Northside School on what has served as agricultural and forest land for decades.”

Selle Valley resident Susan Bowman has been a vocal critic of the county’s method for gathering comment from public agencies — that is, sending out a letter soliciting comment and interpreting a non-response as approval.

“Without analysis it cannot possibly be said that public services are being given ‘particular consideration,’” she said.

Commissioners Dan McDonald and Jeff Connolly deliberated on the issue following the comments. Commissioner Steve Bradshaw was absent.

Referring to the lack of a subdivision proposal, McDonald said, “it seems futile to discuss this now because we don’t really know what it is. We have an applicant saying ‘I don’t want to develop.’ We don’t have a development plan, which we desperately need to have one.”

Connolly moved to deny the request for reconsideration — in effect upholding the board’s prior decision to approve the zone change request. McDonald seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

“What we did here was we made sure that we clarified for the record that the law has been followed,” Connolly said.

Asked whether they would be seeking further legal action against the Pack River Partners zone change following the hearing, Kingsland told the Reader: “When I signed on to this reconsideration I wanted consideration of the facts.

I am still committed to having data analyzed as required by state statute, so if we have to file for judicial review to make that happen, I’m in.”

by nine former sheriffs, chief deputy sheriffs, police chiefs and deputy chiefs from Bonneville to Ada to Kootenai counties — the organization wrote to “condemn the actions of fringe extremists whose promotion of political violence threatens the rule of law, public safety and democratic governance in our communities.”

The statement was timed to coincide with a McGeachin campaign event at which she hosted Michelle Malkin, who Defend and Protect Idaho described as an “antisemitic blogger”; “white supremacist” Stew Peters; and “Putin-supporting” Arizona legislator Wendy Rogers, who along with McGeachin addressed the white nationalist America First Political Action Conference in Florida in February.

“In the last several years, extremists have become emboldened to threaten our communities and even the law enforcement officers who protect us every day,” retired Ada County Sheriff Chief Deputy Scott Johnson stated in the May 4 release. “I’m speaking out because

this cannot stand in Idaho.”

According to a report May 4 from the Idaho Capital Sun, the PAC has spent nearly $11,000 on digital media advertising on Facebook since mid-April, also spreading its message through the Facebook group Idahoans Against Extremism. Defend and Protect Idaho hosted a press conference May 3, during which a handful of its leading members — including Raney — underscored that the purpose of the group is “to restore civility, to restore common sense and to restore the rule of law by our elected officials in Idaho.”

Included in the PAC’s statement issued May 4 was a list of actions committed by Bundy and his followers, “which McGeachin used for her own political gain.”

Those included a demonstration over a child protection case that resulted in the lockdown and disruption of operations at Idaho’s largest hospital; the doxxing and intimidation of doctors, CPS workers, judges, prosecutors

and police officers; amplifying the call on social media by a Bundy campaign consultant to “eliminate” the Meridian police chief and two Ada County commissioners; and raking in more than $100,000 in online donations based on “lies, chaos and terror.”

“Janice McGeachin, Ammon Bundy and their followers manipulate Republican values like liberty and independence as weapons against police officers, ignoring the rule of law that keeps us safe,” Defend and Protect Idaho stated, adding that their actions are “un-American” and “bad for officers of the law, public servants and, ultimately, our society.”

Referring to the fellow law enforcement officials who signed the May 4 statement, Raney wrote that he is “pleased so many committed conservatives are joining me in speaking out to support the essential work of law enforcement and condemn fringe vigilantes like Janice McGeachin from threatening the future of our great state.”

Law enforcement members of new PAC blast McGeachin, Bundy as ‘extremists’ ‘threatening’ the future of the state

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff A new political action committee called Defend and Protect Idaho is making headlines for its stance against what it calls “political extremism in Idaho,” with a specific message of opposition to the gubernatorial campaigns of Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin and anti-government activist Ammon Bundy.

Of course, that message isn’t new amid the run-up to the most hotly contested Republican primary in recent memory, but what sets Defend and Protect Idaho apart from similar groups is its membership: led by retired Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, the PAC includes at least a dozen other former law enforcement officials from around the state, as well as military service members, faith leaders, small business owners, farmers and ranchers.

In a news release issued May 4 — and signed 6 /

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NEWS

Former Idaho representative found guilty of felony rape in trial involving legislative intern Jury finds Aaron von Ehlinger not guilty of penetration charge

By Kelcie Moseley-Morris Idaho Capital Sun Exactly one year to the day that former Lewiston Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger resigned from his seat after a House ethics panel recommended his suspension over his conduct as a legislator, a jury in Ada County found him guilty of rape and not guilty of forcible penetration with a foreign object.

Von Ehlinger was arrested and taken into state custody following the guilty verdict.

The two crimes he was charged with, both felonies, stem from a night in March 2021 when von Ehlinger said he asked the alleged victim, a 19-year-old legislative intern, to dinner, then took her back to his apartment, where she said he forced her to perform oral sex and inserted his fingers inside of her without her consent.

The Idaho Capital Sun does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault and refers to the former intern as Jane Doe.

< DISTRICT 1, Con’t from Page 5 > Engel called CRT an “abomination” and Dixon described it as undermining legal structures, though acknowledged that he is unaware of the curriculum being present in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

On property taxes, the candidates were also universal in advocating for some changes — from recalibrations to outright repeal.

Herndon called property taxes “immoral” and said the goal should first be to control spending among the more than 100 executive boards and commissions in the state. He, like Weiss, advocated for a consumption tax, such as a sales tax increase to offset repealing the property tax altogether.

Woodward said the property tax system “has not worked well for us in Idaho,” and said he is working to shift school funding — currently drawn from property taxes — back to the state budget.

Hutchings said that a sales tax on home purchases should replace property taxes, while Rorick was critical of perpetual tax exemptions for big businesses coming into the state.

Sauter said the homeowners’ exemption could be indexed to inflation, averaging out home values over five or 10 years to “flatten out the price of all the homes and therefore the costs for the homeowners.”

Dixon underscored his opposition to the property tax as a whole, noting his support for a sales tax increase of nearly 2% that would replace the current property tax sys-

The decision came after about 11 total hours of deliberation, including seven hours of deliberation on the evening of April 28.

Von Ehlinger will be sentenced at 9 a.m.

July 28. Under Idaho Code, he faces between one year and life in prison. District Judge Michael Reardon ordered a psychosocial evaluation of von Ehlinger in the meantime.

Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts thanked the jury for its time and attention to the case, and thanked Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Katelyn Farley and Whitney Welsh, who she said worked tirelessly on the case and fought for Doe. The decision came on the fourth day of the trial, which was slightly shorter than its scheduled five days. While Doe took the stand on April 27, she abruptly left less than 10 minutes into her testimony, saying, “I can’t do this.” Afterward, Reardon instructed the jury to disregard her testimony.

Annie Hightower, who has acted as Doe’s personal attorney since the ethics hearing in April 2021, said the case was a real-time tem. Barring that, he called for a constitutional amendment to put in place something like Prop 13 in California. His opponent, Engel, simply called property taxes the “antithesis of liberty” and said the best solution is to “get rid of the incumbents in Boise.”

Finally, when asked to provide one example of federal overreach and how they would address it, Dixon, Hutchings, Rorick, Sauter and Thompson all pointed to the 63% of Idaho lands owned by the federal government, and suggested various ways to get that land put under state control.

Herndon again said the Legislature should say “no” to federal funding and thus federal programs, which Rorick echoed by saying the state should not be taking federal COVID-19 recovery funds due to the “strings attached.”

For her part, Weiss said “we have to get our Constitution under control” by calling a Convention of States under Article V to limit the power of the federal government.

Engel pointed to the incident in 2015 when federal authorities sought to confiscate the firearms of a Priest River man whose capacity was deemed diminished following a stroke. Engel, Scott, Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler and others intervened on the man’s behalf in a demonstration at his home, resulting in officials allowing him to keep his firearms.

“We had our Second Amendment in our trucks,” he said.

Listen to the full forum on krfy.org.

view into why Von Ehlinger served survivors of sexin the Legislature for ual assault don’t less than one year. Gov. report what hapBrad Little appointed pened to them. von Ehlinger to the There is ongoing Idaho House of Reptrauma associated resentatives on June 3, with retelling the 2020, to fill the seat held story, and Doe by the late Rep. Thyra faced harassment Stevenson. online and when He resigned from the she testified at the Legislature following ethics hearing last an ethics hearing in the year, she said.

House of Representa“Today, the tives in April 2021 after focus should be committee members on my client and recommended his susA booking photo of Aaron von Ehlinger from his initial her healing. What pension or expulsion for arrest in 2021. Courtesy Ada County Sheriff’s Office. happened today the alleged conduct. doesn’t heal her,” Hightower said. But the prosecutors who worked on the case helped This story was produced by the Idaho bring her a little justice, she said.

Capital Sun, a Boise-based independent, “The prosecutors listened to her and nonprofit online news organization deliverthey believed her,” Hightower said. “They ing in-depth coverage from veteran Idaho supported her. [They were] her biggest reporters on state government and policy. advocate during this process. … I hope that The Idaho Capital Sun is part of States this will help other survivors who maybe Newsroom, a national nonprofit funded by didn’t come forward or are thinking of tax-free donations in 22 states. Learn more coming forward to help them know that and follow daily updates at idahocapipeople believe them.” talsun.com and statesnewsroom.com.

Lakes Commission meeting on May 9

By Reader Staff The Lakes Commission, which advocates for the responsible management of the area’s watershed, will host a meeting on Monday, May 9 to update the community on several issues affecting local lakes and rivers. The meeting will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, located at 10881 N. Boyer Ave. in Sandpoint.

The meeting will include presentations from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation regarding operations at the Hungry Horse Dam in Montana; an update on local projects and operations at the Albeni Falls Dam by officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and a construction overview and operations update regarding the outlet dam at Priest Lake from the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

After a short break, Idaho Fish and Game personnel will provide an update on the Lake Pend Oreille fishery, followed by information about Idaho’s aquatic in-

vasive species programs provided by the Idaho Department of Agriculture.

Next, officials from the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission and Flathead Basin Commission in Montana will provide an upstream update regarding water quality and, finally, Trout Unlimited will present on the development of a Priest River watershed group.

The public will be given a chance to comment and ask questions at the end of the presentations, likely around 12:30 p.m.

Those unable to attend the meeting in person can participate over Zoom by registering at the link posted on lakescommission.wordpress.com under the “Upcoming Meetings and Events 2022” tab on the right-hand side of the home page.

Footage of the meeting will also be posted online at the Lakes Commission YouTube page, as well as on the website under “Meetings.”

Those with questions can email lakescommission@gmail.com or call 208-2654568.

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IFF and extremist candidates don’t represent local values…

Bouquets: • I appreciate the audience members who showed up to the candidates’ forums on May 2-3. With one or two exceptions, the audience was respectful and asked pertinent questions of our candidates. If you missed it live, you can stream audio of both forums on krfy.org.

Barbs: • Former Lewiston Republican Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger has been found guilty of raping a 19-year-old legislative intern. He was taken into custody after the trial and now faces anywhere from one year to life in prison. I wonder if those who immediately jumped to von Ehlinger’s defense — simply because he was a Republican — will show any contrition for their actions. I’m talking about Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, who is currently running for Idaho lieutenant governor. Giddings shared the personal information — including the full name and photo — of the 19-year-old rape victim on social media in an attempt to smear the teen and to protect her Republican colleague. Or, how about Redoubt News, the garbage blog that calls itself “news,” which shared the rape victim’s details in the first place? I wonder if they’ll post a statement of apology or correction for their indefensible attempt to protect a Republican lawmaker by sharing the victim’s information. That’s what real news outlets would do. Then again, real news outlets don’t disclose rape victims’ information, either.

• I couldn’t believe my ears the evening of May 2 when, at the candidates’ forum for Bonner County commissioner and assessor races, District 3 Bonner County commissioner candidate Rich Harter chided his opponent Luke Omodt for his “lifetime of reliance on goverment paychecks.” Omodt is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and a local school teacher. What has happened to civility in this area? This primary election is an important one for North Idaho. Please do your research before casting your ballot on May 17. A lot is at stake.

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Dear editor, The Idaho Freedom Foundation says Gov. Little “boasts about the state’s budget being balanced ... but Idaho’s budget is only ever balanced because of funds from the federal government. When Little started his term in 2019, about a third of the state’s budget came from the federal government. It’s around 45% today.

The budget is ‘balanced’ on money borrowed from future generations.

Meanwhile, Medicaid has become the largest program operated by the state, eclipsing K-12 schools.”

Idahoans send the Feds much money via taxes on income, capital gains on property sales, every gallon of gasoline. The government returns a lot of taxes to be used for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other services, including for unforeseeable disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic. Idaho received $439,942,041 for K-12 public education (another thing the IFF and their candidates want to defund).

Idaho’s state budget is an entirely separate question from using money we paid in federal taxes. It’s dishonest to try and put that on our governor.

(What’s more, Little ended up with a surplus at the end of 2021 and used much of it for tax relief.)

Any governor’s power is balanced by the legislature. Every vote matters because we determine who goes to the Idaho Legislature and the Governor’s Office. But our elections are increasingly determined by extremists and their IFF backers, not by local values.

This year, Idaho Republicans are taking back control of the party from extremists: takebackidaho.com.

The majority of Idahoans do not want candidates backed by the IFF — candidates whose goals are to score points with the IFF and win extremist votes, not help the people of Idaho.

Join me in voting for moderate Republicans like Woodward for senator and Sauter for representative, both for District 1. For more candidates, visit northidahovoterservices.org/ candidates-issues.

Nancy Gerth Sagle

Herndon campaign is a lesson in propaganda…

Dear editor, I want to commend Scott Herndon for supplying my children the materials with which to recognize propaganda. The 1937 article “How to Detect Propaganda” details seven devices used to get voters to think the way that benefits them: 1. Name calling — Herndon calls Sen. Jim Woodward “Liberal Jim” in

every postcard. Is it now considered “liberal” to support education, business and infrastructure?

2. Glittering generalities — Herndon ‘s postcards emphasize in bold red letters, “Idaho First,” “Tough on Crime,” “Building a Wall.” Wow… taking a stand on universal Idaho principles.

3. Transfer — The postcard I received April 20 claims that Herndon has “Local Conservative Republican Support,” including the BCRCC, of which he is the president. So he supports himself?

4. Testimonial — Herndon employs his “perfect wife” to explain to voters why she thinks her husband is the right kind of Republican.

5. Plain folks — A postcard of Herndon’s is built around a cartoonish depiction of him as a frontiersman and wants conservatives to think he’s just like them. “I’m a Christian, a Father, a Constitutionalist and a Republican in that order!” Funny, he calls Sen. Woodward a RINO, but he himself admits he’s more a Constitutionalist than a Republican. Who’s the RINO? 6. Card stacking — I think Herndon misunderstood the meaning of this device, but he has delivered a stack of cards to my mailbox.

7. Bandwagon — How quickly was Rep. Sage Dixon cast out of favor with the BCRCC after he had the conviction to vote his conscience and against the directives of the BCRCC? Herndon’s propaganda has failed to acknowledge the issues Bonner County residents are concerned about: infrastructure, business labor needs and preparing our kids for a successful future in Idaho. When a candidate can only attack his opponent, it can be inferred they lack any real substance.

Please re-elect Sen. Jim Woodward.

Barbara Schriber Sandpoint

A proposal for more efficient weed control…

Dear editor, On the same day that I saw the public notice in the Daily Bee for the Bonner County Weed Control Department, I was walking along a roadway that would probably be sprayed. I had an idea that might save the county a lot of money as well as eliminate a lot of unnecessary herbicide use.

The county now mandates that landowners along targeted right-ofways obtain an “official” no-spray sign to prevent their property from being sprayed. In place of this requirement for “no-spray” landowners, I think the county should require landowners who do want the roadways along their property treated with herbicides, to contact the county to request this treatment and receive signs to mark

their designated spray areas.

As it is now, many miles of roadway are treated that are not used for agriculture and have untreated land just outside the 10-foot reach of the herbicide application. It is not only a waste of material but wishful thinking on the part of the Weed Control Department that this treatment might actually control weeds.

I don’t have a cost savings analysis for this plan but it seems to me that a lot of unnecessary spraying could be eliminated. It would be good for the budget and good for the environment. Sincerely, Jack Wallace Clark Fork

Reject hate, toxicity and lies at the polls…

Dear editor, I grew up in a conservative rural community where my parents were oldschool Republicans. I went to TeenAge Republican (TAR) camp and wrote my senior research paper on the John Birch Society. My friends were Republicans, Democrats, Catholics and Protestants. We went to the same schools, had sleepovers and supported each other through all of teen-life traumas. Politics and religion did not divide us.

I cherish my life living in rural communities, especially the past decade in North Idaho. But toxic dogma that has crept into our midst. This dogma has pushed the Republican agenda so far to the right that it is unrecognizable. Under the guise of religion, it pushes lies and half-truths. Under the guise of freedom, it undermines our rights and seeks to control even our private lives. Under the guise of liberty, it undermines public health and safety.

We need to take back our rights, beliefs and community. The only way to do that is to vote in the primary for candidates who are not spewing hate, toxicity and lies.

I have been reading all the materials I can. The best source of reasonable material is North Idaho Voter Services. I proudly support candidates like Jim Woodward, Luke Omodt and Jeff Connolly, who have proven they listen to their constituents and vote for all the people. I am proudly voting in the Republican primary to protect my rights — all of our rights. I hope you do the same.

Patricia Ericsson Sandpoint

Woodward represents District 1 voters, not partisan politics…

Dear editor, I support Jim Woodward for the Idaho Senate. He is intelligent, compassionate, understanding and caring

with a heart for Idahoans. Unlike his opponent who uses false propaganda to promote lies about Sen. Woodward, Jim is honest and listens to the concerns of his constituents. As a thoughtful conservative, he supports the best education for all students, including early childhood education as well as the higher education system, promoting preparation for college, technical or vocational training.

Don’t be swayed by those who think a citizen of Idaho should only support a one-party, extremely farright conservative government for our state. Jim listens to the people of District 1 and takes those concerns to Boise where he is willing to work in a bipartisan capacity to make the best decisions for Idaho.

Discerning, attentive people vote for those who they know are looking out for the best interests of all Idahoans, without touting partisan politics.

Join me in voting to re-elect Sen. Jim Woodward.

Julie Menghini Sandpoint

Hitting it out of the park…

Dear editor, Asia Williams hit it out of the park, at the Blanchard Forum Tuesday [April 26]. She feels we should use churches and community more than running to government for our answers. On the other hand Jeff and Luke both said they would spend ARPA money. (COVID federal money with huge strings attached.) Just a debt to our children.

Red flag here everyone!

Oh and by the way Rich Harter said that as the assessed value of your home goes up, your taxes also increase. Sorry, Rich but a deeper understanding of taxes is needed here.

If all the assessed values of homes in your area go up, then the factor that is in your taxes stays the same.

Actually, the budget the county sets for all the departments is the biggest effect to our taxes.

Dave Bowman emphasized that the Planning Department should not be changing the zoning in an area that is different from what the Comprehensive Plan specifies. The increase in density should occur on the edges of the city areas. He also feels we should start shifting over to owning our own homes devoid of property taxes.

Ron Korn said he hasn’t really seen much development going on. Really?

So if you vote for an incumbent or endorsed by an incumbent, you are saying it is OK for the county to grow government. In the last eight years, both the Planning and the GIS departments’ budget has increased over three times.

< see LTE, Page 9 >

< LTE, Con’t from Page 8 > Remember major hitters Williams and Bowman when you vote May 17!

Lauryn Bowlin Bonner County

Hackers unite against Putin…

Dear editor, Isn’t there some way that millions of people around the world can penetrate all email and gmail and social media sites in Russia and let Russians citizens know what catastrophic killings Putin is commiting in Ukraine?

I have read about genius hackers around the world that can penetrate all security blocks. I call upon them to join the fight in the name of humanity. I will recognize their talent if they will join the fight to save innocent lives of men, women and children. We must all call an end to the use of bombs, rockets, bullets and torture, regardless of religious beliefs. The world must come together in the name of all that the history of human life on Earth has taught us.

The murder of innocent people violates the beliefs of every religion alive on this planet — and the beliefs of the greatest philosophers who taught us that the human mind is the most beautiful gift that God has given us.

James Richard Johnson Clark Fork

Jim Woodward will represent me in Boise…

Dear editor, “Truth is the first casualty of war.” My paraphrase? “Truth is the first casualty of partisan politics.” In the Idaho Senate District 1 race, Scott Herndon makes “truth” a casualty through intentional disinformation and misrepresentation of Jim Woodward’s positions on multiple fronts.

A few examples: 1. Jim doesn’t support CRT being taught in public schools. It’s not even being taught. Still, Mr. Herndon accuses Jim of supporting CRT. 2. Common Core standards aren’t supported by Jim, but Scott falsely implies Jim supports Common Core. 3. Jim voted to preserve the K-12 sex education laws that allow teaching only anatomy and physiology of reproduction in public schools. He voted against a House bill that addressed more controversial topics of sexuality.

Scott wrongly suggests Jim’s vote is against parental rights.

Also, Scott’s campaign literature identifies him as a Christian. I’m a retired Christian pastor. We have very different ideas of what being a Christian involves. Each of Herndon’s five specific campaign flyers I received mock, malign and misrepresent Jim’s positions and his person.

Herndon’s ads not only distort Jim himself, but also the Jesus he claims to follow!

I assume Herndon tries to follow the 10 Commandments. Has he checked out the eighth Commandment? It deals with “bearing false witness against your neighbor.” Sorry, Herndon’s campaign cards are vindictive, erroneous and lack any respect for Jim. That doesn’t represent the Jesus I follow. And you?

Jim Woodward will represent me in Boise.

Paul Graves Sandpoint

Reject Herndon’s extremism in favor of Woodward’s practicality…

Dear editor, Scott Herndon claims to be a Christian, but he blatantly violates the Ninth Commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness,” in his campaign mailings. These are full of lies and misrepresentations.

Herndon says that Sen. Jim Woodward “refused to give parents school choice.” The bill he refers to (HB293) would have Idaho taxpayers pay for private and religious schools, taking money from public schools under certain conditions. He claims Woodward supported teaching critical race theory (HB1193). This bill is for funding early childhood education and nowhere mentions CRT. A total lie.

One should also remember that Herndon inspired the lawsuit against the city of Sandpoint over the Festival at Sandpoint’s contracts with performers prohibiting guns at War Memorial Field, which the city owns and the Festival leases for two weeks each summer. He obviously had no faith in city police to keep order. The lawsuit was dismissed, and Bonner County taxpayers were stuck with the quarter-million-dollar bill.

Please refuse to support this extremist who wastes taxpayer money and misrepresents the truth. Vote for Jim Woodward, who is honest, practical and straightforward. He supports public schools and Idaho infrastructure for the benefit of all Idahoans.

John Harbuck Sandpoint

Critchfield is the inspiring choice for state schools superintendent…

Dear editor, State superintendent of public instruction candidate Debbie Critchfield stands apart from her May 17 Republican primary competition.

What distinguishes her is a “can do” attitude. While one of her opponents might make a good stand in for Waldo in “Where’s Waldo?” and the other likes to play the fear card in order to convince voters they are the helpless victims of the big, bad government, Critchfield shows her ability to bring people together to actually get things done.

Who we elect as state superintendent has the potential to influence our frame of reference regarding the governance of schools. We have a choice. Do we pick a candidate who would have us looking over our shoulders and spending countless hours fretting about some outside force, or do we choose a candidate who inspires us to look within to our own talents and strengths as we work with our elected officials to meet today’s challenges?

Debbie Critchfield has my vote for state superintendent because I want someone who leads and inspires Idahoans. I want someone who has experienced our system of education from the bottom up and from the top down. I’m choosing the candidate who inspires all of us to say, “We got this!”

Mary Ollie Bonners Ferry

Bits ’n’ Pieces From east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling: According to an Economic Policy Institute report, 53.9% of recent higher costs are due to larger profit margins (some label that “price gouging”), while labor costs account for less than 8% of rising prices.

A federal judge in Florida recently denied mask requirements on airplanes and other crowded forms of transportation. Yet, health experts advise masking up anyway. Masks lower transmission of COVID-19 by at least 50%. The Washington Post reported that individuals aged 2 and under are “in the toughest spot,” regarding protecting themselves against COVID-19, and noted that for those with babies, it’s best not to fly at all. The judge in the Florida case was appointed by former-President Donald Trump and had been declared “not qualified to serve” by the American Bar Association.

A leaked draft majority opinion indicates the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to overturn Roe vs. Wade with no exceptions for rape or incest, numerous media have reported.

Russia-Ukraine headlines: “Russia cuts off gas to 2 NATO nations in bid to divide West”; “Rush to get abortion pills into Ukraine as reports of rape rise”; “Russian central bank expects economy to shrink by up to 10%”; “Suicide epidemic hits Russia’s oligarchy after Ukraine invasion”; “U.S. hopes to ease visa rules for Russians in high-tech sectors”; “Britain says Russian troll factory is spreading disinformation on social media”; “Russia faces a coup after Putin’s [expected] defeat in Ukraine”; “Pelosi, in surprise Kyiv trip, vows unbending support”; “Civilians evacuated from Mariupol steel plant”; “Zelensky makes direct appeal to Russian soldiers: do not fight.”

Russia was recently able to avoid defaulting on debt by using reserves from outside of the country. The Russian government’s ability to continue funding its military has been aided by revenues of $800 million a day from oil and gas sales to Europe, according to The New York Times. That may change. According to The Wall Street Journal, Germany has dropped its opposition to the European Union’s ban on Russian oil and gas imports.

To further strengthen Ukraine’s

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

resistance to the Russian invasion, NPR reported that President Joe Biden has asked for and received $33 billion from Congress for assistance to Ukraine, explaining that “the cost of failing to stand up to violent aggression in Europe has always been higher than the cost of standing firm against such attacks.”

A Ukrainian defense reporter tweeted that “what America is doing now in terms of sending weapons to Ukraine is a masterpiece in logistics.” Also noteworthy: A shipment of defense equipment from Spain to Ukraine reportedly included Spanish sausages and a note from the queen: “I wish you victory!

With Love, Letizia.”

Elon Musk, who recently purchased Twitter for $44 billion, defines himself as a “free speech absolutist.” According to a Popular Information report, Musk does not follow that “absolutism” 100%. In the past, Musk has pressured Chinese censors to stop rumors about his Tesla cars and to quash other “unwarranted attacks.” Musk has also targeted journalists whose articles might threaten his fortune.

Under Twitter’s past ownership, free speech that could lead to violence or negative health consequences from false COVID-19 information was blocked.

Musk said he believes Twitter and free speech are “extremely important to the future of civilization,” but columnist Robert Reich asked, “Who anointed Musk to decide the future of civilization?”

Reich noted, “Your ability to be heard turns on the size of the megaphone you can buy.”

More than 100,000 people are said to have died from COVID-19 misinformation, as reported in TIME. Blast from the past: In 1886, a workweek of six days and 12 to 14 hours a day was not uncommon. When demands were not met for better working conditions by May Day of that year, signs like “8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest, 8 hours of what we will” appeared at rallies. The numerous strikes led to police shootings of demonstrators and arrests, as well as public hangings of rally organizers, sham trials and pre-trial suicides. While there have been workplace improvements, there have also been efforts to chip away at those gains, hence a new crop of signs today, like “Bezos’ Billions: Stolen from Workers.”

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Mad about Science:

Brought to you by:

virtual reality

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist You’ve probably heard techie 20-somethings talking about VR and AR and wondered to yourself: “What are they going on about?” Maybe you’ve got a VR setup at home and enjoy racing around the galaxy in your sickness-inducing interstellar starship, aptly named “The Vomit Comet.” But have you ever been curious about the roots of virtual reality, and where it might be headed? Today is your lucky day.

Despite the recent developments of virtual reality, the concept is pretty old when it comes to technology. The first instance of a computer being utilized with hardware to create a virtual reality experience was actually in 1968, a full 49 years before Steve Jobs would take the stage and revolutionize the world with the iPhone in 2007.

The very first VR device was a strange looking contraption that had to be suspended from the ceiling. The user would be rigged into the machine and only had limited mobility while using the device. Due to its uncomfortable nature and the fact that it was suspended from the ceiling, it earned the moniker “Sword of Damocles,” based on the ancient tale of Damocles, who swapped places with King Dionysius II of Syracuse, drawn by the allure of wealth and power. However, King Dionysius had a sword hung over the throne, held aloft by a single strand of horse hair, to evoke an unsettling feeling of doom and anxiety in any who sat there. The so-called “Sword of Damocles” is meant to represent the burden of those in power.

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The VR machine of the same name was extremely primitive by today’s standards, but cutting-edge in 1968. It had a head-mounted display similar to modern-day headsets, but the viewing port was partially transparent and allowed viewers to see the program running while also viewing their surroundings.

This was effectively the first augmented reality headset, and the first stone laid in the path to “Pokemon Go!” Computers were considerably less powerful in the 1960s than they are today. The Sword of Damocles wasn’t able to produce incredible graphics or cinematic effects. It was primarily designed to create simple wireframe shapes and rooms. It wasn’t anything you would get in line to experience unless you were really into computers at the time.

Much of the tracking on the Sword of Damocles was done mechanically using the linkages of the device suspended above the user’s head. This process has changed dramatically in just the past 10 years.

Today, there are a number of options available to those interested in jumping into virtual reality. The most accessible is by using your phone in an enclosed headset. Your phone is able to detect pitch, angle and movement by using something called a vibrating structure gyroscope.

These gyroscopes are attached to support structures inside your phone. Parts of the gyroscope are vibrating at all times. When you move your phone, these parts continue to vibrate on the same plane while the computer in your phone calculates the forces exerted on the supports. Those calculations produce measurements that represent the rota-

tional difference between your phone when it is lying level and flat, and when it’s tilted, raised or lowered. This is a really complex effect for dummies like me to explain, but if you’re curious to know more about it, it’s called “Coriolis force.”

A second device used for tracking movement is an accelerometer. This device reacts to vibrations and change of direction. The force placed upon the accelerometer as it moves causes it to temporarily warp, and then a computer calculates where the device has moved based on that input, thus approximating a translation of your movement into the program.

Augmented reality applications are generally more popular on mobile phones, as they let you utilize the phone’s camera to “see” things that aren’t actually there, as well as your phone’s GPS to send you to real-world locations. This could mean you’re using your phone to look for Pokemon or you’re searching for digital clues in an online scavenger hunt.

Another avenue for using virtual reality is with a headset like the library’s HTC Vive and a personal computer. Virtual reality gaming has become popular in recent years as the technology has become more precise and computer graphics have improved considerably.

The way the HTC Vive tracks movement is markedly different from how your phone calculates movement and acceleration. The Vive, as well as the Steam Index, takes advantage of multiple base stations in a room. These small devices flash light that our eyes can’t see. The head-mounted display (often referred to as an “HMD”) and handheld con-

trollers all have light-emitting diodes, light sensors and invisible spinning lasers that the base stations log and track 60 times per second, calculating our movement in a three-dimensional field.

Are you curious to see firsthand what VR is all about? The library will be reopening its virtual reality room from noon-4 p.m. during Sandemonium on Saturday, May 14. If that won’t work for you, I’ll let you in on a

little secret: beginning Thursday, May 19, we will start having the space open for walk-ins every Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

Want some more info? Shoot me an email at brenden@ebonnerlibrary.org and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

Now that you know how it works, we’ll explore all of the practical uses and the science behind the applications next week.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner Don’t know much about trees?

• Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April every year. Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees, and many communities traditionally take the opportunity to organize tree-planting and litter-collecting events on the holiday. The first Arbor Day occurred on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Neb. It’s estimated 1 million trees were planted on this day.

• Trees are the longest living organisms on Earth and never die of old age. Methuselah is the name of an estimated 4,852-year-old ancient bristlecone pine, one of the oldest living trees in the world.

• Dating a tree by studying its rings is called dendrochronology. A tree’s rings don’t only reveal its age, but also can indicate the occurrence of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions or drought events in the tree’s past. Years of good growth are characterized by a thick ring.

Thin rings occur when resources are scarce in the ecosystem.

• Strategically planting trees can help reduce your energy costs.

A shade tree can help cool the home by as much as 20 degrees in the

We can help!

summertime, which can amount to saving you up to 25% on your energy bills. Not only do trees provide shade in summer, but also a windbreak in winter, too.

• Trees are able to communicate and defend themselves against attacking insects. Scientists have found that trees can flood their leaves with chemicals called phenolics when insects like bark beetles begin their raid. Trees can also signal danger to other trees so they can start their own defense.

• If a birdhouse is hung on a tree branch, it won’t move up the tree as it grows. This is because trees grow from the top. Specialized cells in the ends of the tree shoot from areas called meristems, and these are the locations from which a tree grows taller and limbs grow longer.

• More than half of all tree species exist in only one country.

There are 60,000 tree species in the world and many are threatened with extinction. Brazil, followed by Colombia and Indonesia have the highest numbers of native tree species, numbering in the tens of thousands.

PERSPECTIVES

Mayor’s Roundtable:

By Mayor Shelby Rognstad Reader Contributor

Local conservation efforts bolster community

While it took some convincing to commit a Saturday afternoon to the task, On April 23, I celebrated it was hard to get them Earth Day with my kids by to leave at the end. There taking them to Pine Street were plenty of friends and Woods for their annual Trail family making it a festive Work Party. In the two-hour affair. Work parties like window between soccer this not only satisfy the games we met with dozens need to give back, there of other families to head out is real joy in working into the forest and groom Shelby Rognstad. File photo. together with others to acthe next section of trail. It complish a common goal. couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. Even better, to do it out in nature on a All ages were represented. There gorgeous day. was food, face painting and even a It seems like every time I go to lesson on dog training for trails. I’m Pine Street Woods, which is about always looking for opportunities to monthly, there is a new section of present to my kids for community sertrail to explore. I’ve been thoroughly vice. It’s important that they learn from impressed with Kaniksu Land Trust’s an early age the value of giving back to management of this community asset. the community.

The hard work and commitment of Last fall we volunteered at the Food the Pend Oreille Pedalers continually Bank. This time we took to the forest delivers new trail and perpetual mainarmed with loppers and hand-saws. tenance four seasons a year.

What this weekend showcased for me is the power of trails and open space to bring the community together.

In a time of social and political polarization, divisiveness driven by social media and loss of community cohesion, community spaces like Pine Street Woods ground us in a shared purpose and shared identity. These are our places, where people can learn to share so that we all benefit. We learn to work together to care for the legacy that we leave behind for our children. Our children, working at our side, learn this valuable lesson and carry it forward for the next generation.

These valuable lessons are needed now more than ever. KLT’s success is Bonner County’s success and Idaho’s success. I’m filled with hope and inspiration as the success of the local conservation movement continues to grow in our community. The historic Pine Street sledding hill is the next addition to our collective open space inventory.

Under contract to purchase by KLT, the 48 acres will add to the growing public trail system connected to Pine Street Woods and Sherwood Forest. These community assets are part of the 4,000 acres and 30 projects brought into conservation by KLT. The movement towards conservation, public open space, trails and connectivity brings people together, teaches us to share, teaches us to care for our land and strengthens social bonds. It also fosters health and well-being, as it gives us all greater access to the outdoors and opportunities for exercise. It also fosters economic vitality, because it attracts visitors who value our investment and come here to enjoy what we’ve created. Together we are building a healthy community that will deliver prosperity for generations to come.

There will not be a Mayor’s Roundtable Discussion due to the time demands of my Write-In Shelby Rognstad for Governor Campaign.

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COMMUNITY

Leadership Sandpoint to host annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser

By Reader Staff Leadership Sandpoint will host a Cinco de Mayo Block Party on Thursday, May 5 at the former-Truby’s building, 113 Main St. from 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. All are invited to join for an evening of music, food, auctions and games. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit Kaniksu Land Trust and the Bonner County Historical Museum — two local organizations that are working to preserve the identity and character of Sandpoint through the installation of interpretive signage across the county.

“Leadership Sandpoint is thrilled to help these organizations celebrate the identity and history of Sandpoint,” the organization stated in its event announcement.

Jupiter Jane, Local 41 Farm food

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trucks will be in attendance. Attendees are invited to try their hand at cornhole or can jam, and bid on items like a three-month membership to the Litehouse YMCA, a Schweitzer ski pass, a seven-day stay at the Pend Oreille Shores Resort and more.

For more than a decade, Leadership Sandpoint has been committed to fostering professional relationships and empowering emerging leaders in the community.

“We are excited to provide Sandpoint with an opportunity to come together and share an evening to strengthen community ties and raise some money for two great organiza-

tions,” Leadership Sandpoint stated.

The event is free and open to all.

For more information and to bid on our online auction, visit the Leadership Sandpoint Facebook page.

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PERSPECTIVES

TV moms got nothing on the real thing

By Ben Olson Reader Staff A significant portion of my formative years were spent watching television families. As a child whose parents both worked full time to ensure my two sisters and I were able to participate in extracurricular activities and live somewhat normal lives here in North Idaho, after-school times were often spent in front of a 400-pound tube television that served as the sixth member of our family.

Compared to modern flatscreens, this wooden behemoth resembled a Soviet moon lander, complete with mysterious boxes, lights and dials on top to control the dish out by our chicken coop. Nobody except my dad ever learned how to control the system, and even he had to give up sometimes when all he could pull up was a German-language soap opera.

He generated huge lists in his neat handwriting and taped them on the dish receiver, explaining in detailed language how to dial up channels like MTV and Nickelodeon for us kids to watch when we were home alone after school and before our parents got off work.

From time to time, we’d end up watching Nick at Night, which played old ’50s and ’60s TV sitcoms like Mr. Ed, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show and the rest. While my friends watched Saved by the Bell and Full House when they came home from school, I tended to entertain myself with these quaint blackand-white shows from another era.

That’s when I was introduced to TV moms like Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Played by a young Mary Tyler Moore, Petrie was quite hip for her time.

Like many matriarchs of her era, Petrie was a stay-at-home mom, but this mom dabbled in feminism, spoke her mind freely and — gasp — wore tight-fitting capri pants when most moms still rocked ankle skirts and dresses.

In Donna Reed, the titular actress played Donna Stone, a middle-class housewife and mother of two teenage children. While many

of the 1950s-’60s era mothers on television usually served as supporting roles for the patriarch, in Donna Reed, Donna was the center of the show. She was a strong woman who managed the household and her children’s activities with an expert hand.

Caroline Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie was another highlight. Played by Karen Grassle, Caroline was always up to the challenges that life on the frontier presented. Whatever struggles the family endured along the way — and there were plenty — Caroline never complained and always seemed to react with gratitude.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Florence Henderson’s Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, who has become one of the most iconic moms in television history.

She treated her three stepsons like they were her own, was always a fount of wisdom and very active in her community. The children were allowed room to make mistakes and learn from them. Plus, her groovy ’60s wardrobe was hilariously stylish.

These TV moms welcomed me home from school several days a week, instilling in me their own unique values as ideal “mom characteristics.” When our parents arrived home after their long days working — mom at Bonner General, dad at the post office — it was then time to compare these fictionalized characters with the real thing. No matter how cool the TV moms were, they never matched up to the real McCoy. In fact, my mom blows all these TV moms right out of the water. I can trace back so many good habits directly to her.

My mom always made a point to convince us to stay active and get outside, taking us cross-country skiing and hiking on a regular basis. She was very involved in organizing “volksmarches,” which is a form of non-competitive fitness walking that was popular in the 1980s and ’90s. Dozens of people from all over the region would gather in their funky clothes and walking sticks to trek on a loop she and other volunteers had established, all to collect a little hat pin and share time with

their friends.

I can’t tell you how many times I walked along with my mom, handing her marking ribbons so she could plan the routes.

Health was always a priority for my mom. To this day, she still walks several miles daily.

In high school, I began getting into trouble here and there. Sometimes it was comical. Other times it was downright stupid. It was usually my mom who was there to pick me up when I fell, giving me tough love when I needed it or a shoulder to cry on when I needed that.

My relationship with my mom got even better when I moved out and went to college. In fact, the older we both get, the more I cherish her strength of character, her unfailing optimism, and her conviction for core human rights and principles. My only wish is that I had more free time to see her instead of just calling.

Whenever I travel, the first person I call when returning home is always my mom. Not only does she genuinely want to hear about my travels, but she will always worry when one of her children is off in the world without a safety net. That never goes away, no matter if her “baby” is in his early 40s.

I learned to treat people equal-

ly from my mom. I learned to take care of my health from my mom.

I learned from my mom how to make chicken and dumplings, sew a rip in my jeans and find the bright side in any predicament.

She is every bit as hip as Laura Petrie, more beautiful than Carol Brady and just as classy as Donna Stone. I truly don’t know where I’d be in this world without her in

Val Olson hiking at Mickinnick trail in Sandpoint. Photo by Janet Shelby. my life — once as the all-knowing mother figure guiding me along the right path, but now also as a friend.

Happy Mother’s Day, mom!

Thanks for giving me life and then making sure it was filled to the brim.

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COMMUNITY

May Parks and Rec. programming

By Reader Staff Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces will be offering the following programming in May 2022:

May registration deadlines: Adult Doubles Tennis League. Season runs May 17 through Sept. 21. Registration deadline is Sunday, May 8. Doubles League Tennis plays on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Even though it is doubles play, each participant is scored as an individual player and will move up or down depending on their score each week. Players must be 16 or older to participate and a legal guardian must sign the electronic waiver if a participant is under 18. Fee is $70. Sandpoint Tennis Association members receive a $45 discount and there is a non-resident fee of $2 if you live outside the Sandpoint city limits. The STA membership fee must be paid before registering for the league to receive the discount promo code. Visit the Parks and Rec. “Forms” page to download a 2022 STA membership application.

Men’s and Women’s Softball Leagues.

Men’s League plays on Mondays and Wednesdays (possibly Fridays) June 1-30,

and Women’s League plays Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 2-30, both at Travers Park Fields Nos. 1 and 2. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 14 games. $20 (applied to players’ fees) due at time of online registration to reserve your team’s spot in the league. Mandatory captains’ meeting is on Thursday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. Sponsor fee is $300 per team plus players fee of $365 per team for a total of $665. All fees are due at the captains’ meeting and players must complete their waivers before the first night of play. Register by Sunday, May 8.

May programming: Bike Rodeo. Bring the family to a bike rodeo at North Summit Church on Saturday, May 21 from 11-1 p.m.

This free event is sponsored by LPOSD Safe Routes to School, Pend Oreille Pedalers and the East Bonner County Library. Youth are encouraged to bring their bike or scooter and helmet (they will have free helmets for kids that do not have one while supplies last). The event will feature a bike safety check with minor repairs and a chance to learn about bike safety and practice skills.

Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and

Rescue Plan grants available to Idaho nonprofit arts organizations

By Reader Staff Gem State nonprofit arts organizations now have the opportunity to access financial support from the American Rescue Plan, according to the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which recently announced it is accepting applications for the federal grants.

The Boise-based commission stated that the one-time, non-matching grants are intended to help the arts sector recover from the COVID-19 pandemic “by supporting the day-to-day business expenses or operating costs for Idaho nonprofit arts organizations.”

Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 9 at 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time).

More information, including a link to the application, can be found at arts.idaho.gov/ grants/arp-orgs.

Eligible applicants must have been in operation in Idaho for at least one year

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as a nonprofit, IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization or a unit of local, county, tribal or state government, and have submitted all final reports for any past Idaho Arts Commission grants.

Approved grantees will receive a flat amount of $2,500, unless they received Entry Track or Public Programs in the Arts grant funds from the commission during Idaho’s 2022 fiscal year. In that case, approved grantees will receive an additional award based on a funding formula..

The grants, which run from July 1-Dec. 31, are intended for full or partial salary support for one or more staff positions, fees and stipends for artists, payment to contractual personnel for services they provide for specific activities in support of an organization’s general operations, and ordinary facilities costs.

Open Spaces is hiring: Available positions include concession workers, parks seasonal maintenance workers and Sandpoint City Beach lifeguards. Apply online at sandpointidaho.gov under “Job Opportunities” or call 208-263-3613 for more information.

Since the 1930s, the city of Sandpoint has hired lifeguard staff for the City Beach Park and Waterfront, with the mission to hire quality lifeguards and provide pre-season and ongoing training for staff. City Beach is a United States Lifesaving Association-certified facility. The city provides 40 hours of paid USLA training and another 21 hours of Advanced First Aid and Basic Life Support before actual beach duty begins.

City Beach lifeguard candidates must apply online by Sunday, May 8 at governmentjobs.com/careers/sandpoint.

Prerequisite candidate requirements include: 16 years old or older and ability to swim 500 meters in fewer than 10 minutes. If candidates need or want help with swimming/conditioning, the city offers instructors.

Tryout Invitations will be sent to qualified applicants by Monday, May 9. Tryouts take place on Thursday, May 12 at the Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint.

Sandpoint Parks and Rec. also acts as a clearinghouse to connect the public with other recreational opportunities in the community. Visit the online activity catalog to view listings in this category. Outside organizations and individuals wishing to list their activities are encouraged to contact Parks and Rec. with their program information at recreation@sandpointidaho.gov.

For Parks and Rec. program registration, other community programs and facility reservations, visit the department’s website at sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation, visit the Parks and Rec. office 1123 Lake St. or call 208-263-3613.

Panhandle Health District recommends following CDC guidance: stay home if sick, reduce physical closeness when possible, wear a mask if possible and clean hands often.

Schweitzer’s Own the Night program raises nearly $50K for local nonprofits Resort shares proceeds from twilight skiing ticket sales

By Reader Staff For more than 20 years, Schweitzer’s Own the Night Program has helped area nonprofits raise additional funds during the winter season. The program is simple: For each twilight skiing ticket sold, half the proceeds are shared with select area nonprofits. During the winter 2021-’22 season, Schweitzer was able to contribute nearly $50,000 to 10 local organizations.

“Each winter, we select a few organizations to be the beneficiaries of our Own the Night program,” stated Schweitzer Resort Services Director Jade Smith in a news release. “Then, when guests purchase a twilight skiing ticket online, they can choose which organization they would like to support. It’s been a great way for some of our local clubs, schools and youth organizations to get a much-needed financial boost during the winter.”

Schweitzer’s twilight skiing operation typically begins during the Christmas holi-

Courtesy photo. days and continues on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the rest of the season until mid-March. “We had 26 twilight skiing sessions this year with nearly 5,000 visitors overall,” Smith added. “Twilight skiing is really a staple of our local community and knowing that these skiers and riders are helping our nonprofits by simply buying a ticket is an amazing thing. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Schweitzer plans to offer the Own the Night program again next season with the final list of participating nonprofits available in December.

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events May 5-12, 2021

THURSDAY, may 5

Cinco de Mayo Block Party • 4:30-9:30pm @ Old Truby’s building Music, food, games and a wheelbarrow full of booze. All benefiting Kaniksu Land Trust and the Bonner Co. Museum. 113 Main St. Cinco de Mayo Trivia Bingo Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 6:30pm @ A&P’s Bar and Grill 6pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

FriDAY, may 6

Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Transported: Violin and Piano Concert 6pm @ First Presbyterian Church Featuring Kim Angelis and Jennifer Goodenberger. Sponsored by MCS. $15 Live Music w/ Kevin Dorin 7-9pm @ The Back Door

BC Gardeners Plant Sale 9-5pm @ Ponderay Event Center Parking lot sale! All are welcome

Rent — School Edition (Live) 7pm @ Panida Theater Presented by the Sandpoint Waldorf School Live Music w/ Devon Wade 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

SATURDAY, may 7

Live Music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 7-9pm @ The Back Door Rent — School Edition (Live) 2pm & 7pm @ Panida Theater Presented by the Sandpoint Waldorf School Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 9am-1pm @ Farmin Park Fresh produce, artisan goods, live music Live Music w/ One Street Over 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Sandpoint Cinco de Mayo and Music Bridges Borders Fundraiser 12pm @ Eichardt’s Pub (in the back alley) Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this annual party/fundraiser for Music Bridges Borders, a musician exchange program. Tacos, margaritas and beer, fiesta costume contest, pinata, silent auction, salsa dance lessons and more! Free and open to all to attend Live Music w/ Marty & Doug 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

Annual Museum Plant Sale Fundraiser 8:30am-2pm @ Lakeview Park The Bonner Co. Historical Society and Museum hosts its annual plant sale fundraiser in partnership with the city of Sandpoint Arbor Day Festival. This celebration will include events and plant vendors Sandpoint Arbor Day Celebration 10am-2pm @ Lakeview Park There will be a tree-planting ceremony at 10:30am, plus educational booths, landscape design workshops and more

BC Gardeners Plant Sale 9-2pm @ Ponderay Event Center Parking lot sale! All are welcome Live Music w/ Spring Tonic And 3/4-Minus Cykeltur 12-3pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Live music and party after the big race!

SunDAY, may 8

Live Music & Mom-osa Party 11:30am-2:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Enjoy food specials, mom-osa bar and live music with Courtney & Company

monDAY, may 9

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi Group Run @ Outdoor Experience 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome, beer after Lifetree Cafe Blind Beer Tasting 2pm @ Jalapeño’s 6pm @ Idaho Pour Authority “Daily Living in Tune with God” Monthly event featuring a new beer style

tuesDAY, may 10

Paint and Sip with Lori Salisbury • 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Guest will paint a spring dragonfly scene. $45 includes materials, instruction & wine

wednesDAY, may 11

Sound of Music (film) • 7pm @ Panida Theater Live Piano w/ Jason Evans 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Sandpoint Farmers’ Market • 3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park

ThursDAY, may 12

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STAGE & SCREEN

Waldorf School eighth-graders to perform Rent — School Edition

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

“school edition,” dialing back or reinterpreting many of the most mature themes to arrive at what Seifert described as “a message Fans of Broadway musicals that’s incredibly deep” and every will already be familiar with bit as resonant for 14-year-olds Rent, the Tony Award- and as it is for adults.

Pulitzer Prize-winning work by Specifically, he said, “The Jonathan Larson. The production theme is still compassion and as it has appeared on the biggest acceptance of people — that stages in the country is an intense exploration of the physical people make mistakes and are we and emotional lives of a group of focused on the mistakes that people have made, or on accepting artistic friends as they navigate and loving people who are trying the Lower East Side of New to make their lives better?”

York amid the HIV/AIDS epiThe students have thrown demic of the late-20th century. themselves into learning their Given that, it may be surprisparts, rehearsing since the being that a troupe of nine eighthginning of the school year with a grade students at the Sandpoint special emphasis on the musical Waldorf School have undertaken components. Seifert said “we’re to present three performances of Rent at the Panida Theater on Fri- just a normal class — this is not a drama school,” but, with help day, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. from Music Conservatory of Under the direction of MiSandpoint Thechael Seifert — who has been the Rent — School Edition ater Arts Director students’ teacher Friday, May 6, 7 p.m.; Sat- Sarah Caruso, the since they were in urday, May 7, 2 p.m. and 7 students have “refirst grade — this p.m.; $15 adults, $5 youths. ceived an incrediPanida Theater, 300 N. ble training.” version of Rent First Ave., 208-263-9191, Nathan Baker has been specialwill provide live ly adapted from a panida.org.

accompaniment on bass, but otherwise the young actors will perform their melodies over backing music from the Rent songbook.

When selecting Rent for the class to perform, Seifert said his primary concern was finding a musical “that can speak to them.”

And despite the maturity of the source material — even with its more age-appropriate adaptations — the performers have found much to identify with.

“We prefer as adults to stick our heads in the sand and hope that our kids aren’t going through some of these things, but they are actually living it and all the questions are coming now — ‘Who am I?’, ‘Where am I going?’,” Siefert said.

“Do we help them by pretending [those issues and questions] aren’t there? Or do we have a way — like in a drama — where we can work it out, as opposed to having to navigate a really difficult landscape completely alone, which is really scary,” he added.

A big screen bullseye

By Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Reader Staff

of real adventure makes it easy for the audience to relate to the film,” said Jade Helmich, owner of the Full Draw Film Tour.

When it comes to the insane For the 2022 tour, bowthrill of bowhunting, if you hunters and filmmakers have know, you know.

Those who know — and even captured exhilarating moments while tackling some of the those who don’t, but who want to get a taste — can enjoy sever- roughest terrain in the world, all al films about bowhunting on the in the name of sharing the story of the hunt. Bow hunting is all big screen on Thursday, May 12 about close encounters, so viewas the Panida Theater hosts the ers will be treated to up-closeFull Draw Film Tour at 7 p.m. and-personal shots of elk, moose The 2022 tour will feature and more. eight films shot Full Draw Film Tour (NR) Beyond stories by independent of harvesting big filmmakers preThursday, May 12, 7 p.m.; miering as part doors open at 6 p.m.; $18 game, Full Draw shares human of Full Draw’s in advance, $20 day of show, youth tickets $10. stories about annual line-up.

Panida Theater, 300 N. families and “Our filmFirst Ave., 208-263-9191. friends pushing makers are real their physical and people, and shar- Get tickets at panida.org or at the door. mental limits to ing their stories

As an educator, Siefert has a front-row vantage point on the mental and emotional health challenges faced by today’s adolescents, and said what they need are “adults and stories that are willing to meet them where they

The cast of Sandpoint Waldorf School’s production of Rent — School Edition. Courtesy photo. are, and that’s what I feel we’ve been able to do here. Ultimately, it’s a story about hope.”

Full Draw Film Tour, which highlights the stories of bowhunters, to play the Panida Theater

partake in long-standing traditions and further the conservation efforts that hunting supports.

For Helmich, the impetus for bringing these stories to audiences also stems from her own experience in the outdoors.

“Growing up hunting and fishing has had a positive impact on my life and appreciation for nature,” she told the Reader. “I feel that sharing other outdoorsmen’s and women’s stories can help fulfill that appreciation for others and ignite it for those that might not be as active.”

Full Draw Film Tour attendees will also get a chance to win some new gear at the event, which is presented by onX Hunt, a GPS mapping program the public can use to navigate the land they’re hunting.

The Full Draw Film Tour

Courtesy photo. also presents an opportunity for a new generation to fall in love with the adrenaline and tradition of big game hunting. Helmich said something she looks forward to each time the tour shows is seeing people of all ages enjoy

the stories.

“I love seeing families at the show, and the smiles on all the kids’ faces for getting to see the films and be with their parents,” she said.

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater The edible journey: A tale of two curries

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

The last month has been a whirlwind of travel. I’ve been preparing for these trips for what has felt like a lifetime (in COVID years, that’s two years).

I’ve been so busy that I haven’t even had time for jet lag. Since April 9, I’ve covered more than 12,000 miles. That’s a whole lot of miles. And a whole lot of meals. And I still have a few weeks and a few thousand miles to go before heading home.

Last month I escorted a group to Tahiti on a two-week cruise through the Society and the Marquesas islands. I returned to Sandpoint on April 24 and left again, this time for Ireland, to escort two ladies’ groups to experience some of my favorite destinations.

My approach to packing is last minute. I toss a few things in a bag and zip it shut. But last month, the darling daughters remedied that by coming to Sandpoint to help me prepare for these colossal endeavors.

Casey packed up my tropical island-wear of pareos and swimsuits, and Ryanne filled packing cubes with two days-worth of fashion wear for my three-plus weeks in Ireland. They both outdid themselves, as never before have I received so many flattering compliments on my clothing ensembles.

Culinary experiences highlight my travels, and the cuisines of my recent sojourns have been as vast and varied as the destinations.

Onboard the m/v Paul Gauguin, we feasted in the La Veranda fine dining room on delicacies like seared duck foie gras, 20 /

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poached moonfish topped with caviar and handmade squid pasta.

Every day, the lunch buffet was a revolving menu of international flavors — Greek, Italian, Spanish, and even Filipino, to honor the staff, which mostly hails from the Philippines.

Though I rarely indulged, my group loved each evening’s grand finale of sublime desserts created by Chef Paul Ellis. I prefer savory dishes and usually finish my meal with a selection from the French cheese cart, paired with Armagnac.

No matter where I travel, one of my favorite savory dishes is curry. Depending on the region, they are always different but always delicious. This week, in Cork City, Ireland, seated in a plush, purple velveteen booth, I polished off a delightful simmer-

ing bowl of a spicy red curry, teeming with fresh shrimp and crisp snow peas, served over a perfect little mound of fragrant jasmine rice.

It was quite a juxtaposition to another recent curry dish, eaten thousands of miles away, on the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas. From our anchored ship, we were tendered to the quiet cruise port of Taiohae and met by an entire family, who loaded us into their small (overloaded) boat for our journey to the other side of the island.

We bounced along a rocky coast through open, rough seas for about 45 minutes, finally completing our “not-for-thefaint-hearted” boat transfer for a hike in paradise. We were met by Marquesan local Tangy and his Croatian-born partner Ana.

Tangy was born on the island and has lived there most of his life. He left once for the city life in Tahiti until he was urged by his aging father to “return home and protect the village,” and so he did. Tangy comes from a well-known Marquesan family of woodcarvers, the Taupotini family. When he’s not carving exquisitely detailed pieces from bone or rosewood, he’s preparing a feast for those who’ve come to hike with him and Ana. Led by Ana, my group forded a river and hiked an ancient trail to view the highest waterfall in the Marquesas Islands.

Tangy stayed behind to prepare our meal in their modest, dirtfloor home.

We returned tired, hot and hungry, and — with great anticipation — watched Tangy put the

finishing touches on our meal.

It was a veritable feast of foraged island ingredients: grilled yellowfin tuna, poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice), vegetable salad, curried potatoes and fried bananas. We hungry hikers all agreed that the curried potatoes tossed in coconut milk were one of the most delicious foods we’d ever eaten. Ana encouraged us to eat more of everything because, without refrigeration, there can be no leftovers. We did our best.

When I get home, the first dish I’m going to try and recreate is Tangy’s curried potatoes in coconut milk. Stay tuned for that recipe — and others — as we eat our way through a couple more weeks in Ireland.

Veggie stir fry with garlic and ginger crunchies This week’s recipe comes from Ben Olson, since Marcia Pilgeram is currently traveling in Ireland and is unable to provide a recipe this week. While some stir fry recipes can be quite mundane, this one is unique because of the garlic and ginger “crunchies” that you make to top the dish with.

INGREDIENTS: For garlic-ginger crunchies: • 1 to 2 tbsp butter • 5 cloves of garlic, minced fine • Same amount of ginger, minced For Stir Fry: • 1 tbsp sesame oil • 1 small/medium yellow onion, diced • 2 cups broccoli florets • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced • 1 cup carrots, chopped into matchsticks • Snap peas • Mung bean sprouts • Dash of fish sauce • Soy sauce to taste • Sriracha and/or chili garlic sauce to taste • Peanut sauce/marinade (or if you don’t have this, use peanut butter and tahini mixed with soy sauce) to taste • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts • Cooked white or brown rice

DIRECTIONS: Start by making the garlic and ginger “crunchies” to put on top of the finished stir fry. Melt 1-2 tbsp of butter in a small stir fry pan, add diced garlic and ginger and fry over medium-low heat until garlic starts to brown — usually around 5 minutes. Don’t burn it!

Pour cooked garlic and ginger onto a paper towel to soak up the butter. These “crunchies” will crisp up as you cook the rest of the meal, as long as you give them plenty of time and air to dry.

Meanwhile, in a larger stir fry pan or wok, heat some sesame oil over medium to medium-high. Add onions, cook until slightly translucent. Add carrots, cook for 1 minute. Add bell peppers, cook for another minute. Add broccoli and snap peas. Continue stir frying. Add dash of fish sauce, soy sauce to taste and add spice with Sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Add peanut sauce marinade or peanut butter mixed with tahini and soy sauce.

When vegetables are cooked but still firm, sprinkle on mung bean sprouts and cook another couple of minutes.

When vegetables are perfect, take

off of heat and serve immediately over cooked brown or white rice. Sprinkle garlic-ginger crunchies on top of the stir fry, sprinkle on chopped peanuts and add a dash of toasted sesame seeds to complete this quick and delicious stir fry.

Cook with chicken or tofu if you’d like to add extra protein. Add any extra vegetables you fancy, including water chestnuts, baby corn, mushrooms or edamame beans. Also tastes great on pad thai noodles instead of rice.

MUSIC

Violin virtuoso to perform at MCS

By Reader Staff Award-winning composer and violin virtuoso Kim Angelis will come to Sandpoint for a performance with pianist Jennifer Goodenberger and to offer a master class for students at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.

The performance will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at the First Presbyterian Church (417 N. Fourth Ave., in Sandpoint).

Angelis’s music is built on a classical foundation yet transcends artistic boundaries. She draws inspiration from music of the Romani diaspora of Eastern Europe, Russia and Spain. Her passionate performances have been featured on PBS and NPR, and accompa-

nied world champion gymnast Kui Yuanyuan in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Angelis was nominated for Best Original Score by the California Independent Film Society and Best Score by the International Independent Film Tour for the movie Sweet Nothings.

“Kim’s classical training, [cross-cultural] influence … and deep spirituality have blended together and burgeoned into some of the most beautiful, moving music I’ve ever heard,” wrote Marilyn O’Malley of the Victory Review.

Angelis majored in music at the University of California, Irvine, where she studied with top violinists in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, including concertmaster Sidney Harth and Ivan

Galamian protegee Lori Ulanova. She resides in Naselle, Wash.

As with Angelis, pianist Jennifer Goodenberger is a composer, visual artist and poet.

Her original works are a mesmerizing fusion of classical, improvisational and contemporary styles — often incorporating aspects of her physical artwork in concerts to illuminate the music.

Over her 30 years as a performer, Goodenberger has worked as a concert pianist, musical director for theater, radio programmer, college teacher and private piano instructor. She is author of Subject Guide

Kim Angelis. Courtesy photo. to Classical Instrumental Music, published by Scarecrow Press.

A suggested donation for the concert is $15. Contact the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint at 208265-4444 for more information or visit sandpointconservatory.org.

Festival to host indie-soul-pop duo at Live from 525 concert

By Reader Staff There are still a few weeks left before the Festival at Sandpoint presents its Live from 525 concert with indie-soul-pop duo Love, DEAN on Thursday, May 26, but it’s a safe bet that tickets won’t last long for this performance of feel-good, classic Americana.

Portland, Ore.-based musicians, singer-songwriters, and married couple Rachael and Luke Price have handcrafted their own sound from elements of vintage soul, Motown and gospel to folk and neo-soul.

Love, DEAN’s self-titled album, released in October 2021, is “joyous, cathartic and supremely

executed,” according to a review from happymag.tv, which also called its 11 tracks “perfectly chiseled.”

According to another glowing review from theyoungfolks.com, Rachael explained that the album — and by extension the band’s music as a whole — “is a love letter from us to anyone who listens.”

It’s a love letter that will be well received in the intimate setting of the 525 Concert Series, located inside the Festival office at 525 Pine St., where capacity is limited to 30 people and “guests are treated to what feels like a private concert in your own living,” the Festival stated in its show announcement.

Beer, wine, cider and limited snacks are available for purchase, with tickets for sale at festivalatsandpoint. com. General admission costs $19.99 and members pay $17.99 (prices before fees and taxes).

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 5:30 p.m.

For more info, visit the Festival website or email info@festi-

Love, DEAN is a duo comprised of Rachael and Luke Price. Courtesy photo. valatsandpont.com. To get a feel for what Love, DEAN is all about, visit lovedean.us or lovedean. bandcamp.com.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint Little Wolf, KRFY 88.5 FM, May 10 KRFY 88.5 FM Panhandle Community Radio is launching a new local live radio show called the Little Live Radio Hour, with new episodes coming out once a month. Listeners can hear the show by tuning into 88.5 FM, or streaming online at krfy.org.

The premier show will feature Sandpoint duo Little Wolf, comprised of Josh Hed-

lund and Justin Landis. The combination of Hedlund’s raw, emotive songwriting and Landis’ eclectic bass and electric guitar work makes this indie folk show a must see.

The program will be hosted by Jack Peterson.

—Ben Olson 8 p.m., May 10, 88.5 FM or krfy.org. Listen to Little Wolf at littlewolfband.com.

Courtney & Company, Farmin Park, May 7 Vocalist Courtney Riddle and harp guitarist David Powell met in 2014 and decided to join forces as Courtney & Company — an acoustic musical duo made unique by the perfect pairing of Riddle’s lower vocal register and Powell’s fingerpicking artistry, using both the guitar and bass elements of his instrument.

Courtney & Company play a mix of originals and covers ranging in style from classic country and folk sounds to more modern acoustic arrangements.

This gig will accompany a bustling

morning at Farmin Park, as farmers and artisans sell their goods at the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Make it a true event and shop the market booths, grab a snack at the Oak Street Food Court and take a load off back at the Farmin Park stage to enjoy the sweet sounds of Courtney & Company.

— Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey

This week’s RLW by Zach Hagadone

READ

Media and politics watchers were astounded by the recent three-part investigative deep-dive into Fox News mega-star Tucker Carlson, published by The New York Times and reporter Nicholas Confessore. In what Poynter called the “stunningly detailed” trio of articles, Carlson is described as having “constructed what may be the most racist show in the history of cable news — and also, by some measures, the most successful.” Read it at nytimes.com.

LISTEN

With the Idaho primary elections set for Tuesday, May 17, the Reader, sandpointonline.com and KRFY 88.5 FM teamed up May 2 and May 3 to host forums with the candidates in contested races for Bonner County and Legislative District 1 offices. Even if you weren’t able to attend in person, you can still hear what the candidates had to say. Stream or download recorded audio from the forums at krfy.org and hopefully it’ll help make you a better informed voter.

WATCH

Every once in a while, I come across a show that’s so good I find myself periodically pausing it to say aloud, “Damn, this show is good.” Russian Doll, which dropped its second season April 20 on Netflix, is just such a show.

Co-created by and starring Natasha Lyonne, it’s the darkest of comedies, the smartest of dramas and so well crafted that its very storytelling structure has to be experienced to fully appreciate its genius. Don’t miss this one.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., FREE. Farmin Park, Third Avenue and Main Street in Sandpoint. Listen at courtneyandcompany.net.

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BACK OF THE BOOK

My mom is kind of a big deal A (very) partial accounting of the excellence of my mother

From Pend d’Oreille Review, May 7, 1915

G.N. DEPOT HELD UP The Great Northern depot was the scene of a hold-up last night, in which George W. Bates, the night operator, was forced to yield up what cash he had on hand, amounting to $30.85. The hold-up party consisted of two men, one of whom remained outside the depot on guard while the other entered and compelled Bates to turn over the money.

It is thought the two men arrived on a freight train which pulled out of the station about 9:30 o’clock just before the hold-up occurred.

When the robber entered the waiting room of the depot, Bates was toward the far end of his office, but promptly came forward to the ticket window when called, without suspecting anything irregular in the man’s visit. As he came up to the window the robber produced a revolver and ordered Bates to open the door connecting the two rooms.

This done, the robber entered the office, all the while covering Bates with his gun, and directed him first to open the ticket case, and then to take out the cash it contained and hand it over. The robber then backed out of the office and waiting room, and Bates heard two persons running away from the depot, westward.

The sheriff’s office was at once notified and Sheriff Remer and deputies were soon scouring the country around Great Northern tracks. Several doubtful characters have been overhauled by the officers in their search, but were able to give satisfactory accounts of themselves, so that up to the present no tangible trails have been found of the robbers.

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By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff There’s not enough room on this page — maybe even in this paper — to adequately praise or even describe my mom. She’s kind of a big deal. So much so that, at least a couple times a month, people I don’t even know identify me because they know her.

That makes her newsworthy, and especially around Mother’s Day. In case you don’t know my mom, Perky Smith-Hagadone, and even if you do, I’m going to list a couple of interesting things about her: • She and a friend came to Sandpoint in the late-1970s, via boxcar from L.A., after a stint as itinerant workers picking apples in Washington.

• She went to school for a bit at Whitworth, during which time she went on two canoe-born mapping treks through the Arctic.

• She lived in a shack in Sagle that had no heat or running water and worked at a local lumber mill. My kids still play with the blocks she was allowed to take home from that job.

• She is an astounding artist with a massive output. Some of her most public pieces have included the original “Sandpoint is a Walking Town” sign, the old Cedar Street Bridge sign, the foyer mural at Sagle Elementary School and many others.

Her personal fine art pieces are world-class, and have lately included work for several as-yet-unpublished (though hopefully soonto-be-published) children’s books, which she also wrote.

• She worked her way from being a volunteer teacher’s aide at Sagle Elementary in

STR8TS Solution

the 1980s to becoming a beloved and highly respected teacher at Washington Elementary, Sandpoint Middle School, Kootenai Elementary and, finally, at Northside Elementary, where she finished her career as principal just before the pandemic hit.

During her tenure at Northside, that school achieved among the highest scores in the state by any number of measures.

• She earned her master’s degree three years before me.

• She and a close colleague designed and implemented a program that took local students on a science- and conservation-intensive trip to Costa Rica every year for more than a dozen years.

• She learned to scuba dive in Lake Coeur d’Alene and, in retirement (in her 60s) enrolled in a conservation program to swim with and monitor whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez.

• She’s been to Guyana, skied in the Swiss Alps, walked through lava tubes in Hawaii and even been to Australia. In the late-’90s, she and two of her three still-living brothers (she had four) used their inheritance to take our families to Greece for an almost-month-long family reunion/vacation that remains a defining point in most of our lives. (Notable in part because my brother was nearly killed by a brush with a poisonous sea cucumber and a bot-fly infested one of my eyes… all of which she bore with superhuman stoicism.)

• She is an avid photographer and birder, and has — in my opinion — the best backyard in Dover.

• She regularly joins Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness to do the kind of trail work that 20-somethings can’t manage and, just this morning, texted to tell me she was going to Montana on a tree-planting excursion.

• She takes my kids on hikes, canoe and kayak rides, and all kinds of other adventures at least once a week. This past weekend, she took my son on a two-day grandma-grandson adventure to Glacier National Park in honor of his 10th birthday.

Like I said, there isn’t enough space to list in this meager manner my mom’s many achievements, qualities, talents and interests. Yet, with much more that could be written, I’m already out of that space. If you’re among the thousands of people in this community whose lives have been enriched by her in various ways over the past 40-plus years, you know what I’m talking about.

It was cosmic luck that made her my mom. And, because I’m the oldest, I’ll speak for my brother, her daughter-inlaw and grandchildren when I say that we couldn’t be more grateful that she is who she is, she is ours and we are hers. Happy Mother’s Day, ma.

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution Perhaps, if I am very lucky, the feeble efforts of my lifetime will someday be noticed, and maybe, in some small way, they will be acknowledged as the greatest works of genius every created by Man.

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

guerdon

Woorf tdhe Week

By Bill Borders

/GUR-dn/ [noun] 1. a reward, recompense, or requital.

“As guerdon for his stubborness, Hank’s mistress invited him inside for a night cap and some snuggling.”

Corrections: Nothing to note this week, folks. I’m sure there was some dumb mistake, but we sure didn’t find it. Maybe next week?

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Clothed 5. Gunk 10. Border 14. Fair attraction 15. Rubber wheels 16. Aromatic ointment 17. Act of showing affection 19. Catch 20. Snake-like fish 21. Raise 22. Pal 23. Gift 25. Cognizant 27. Delay 28. Thrombocyte 31. Impostor 34. What trains run on 35. Frozen water 36. Reign 37. Feeling 38. Warning device 39. American Sign Language 40. In accordance with law 41. 2nd planet 42. Of the chest 44. Kitten’s cry 45. Charges 46. Slaughter 50. Rosary components 52. Moves briskly 54. On behalf of 55. Assess 56. Completion of studies

Solution on page 22 9. Estimated (abbrev.)

10. Guarantee 11. Weed 12. Alumnus 13. Jittery 18. Coming up 22. Flying mammals 24. Turn on a pivot DOWN 26. Corduroy feature 28. Terror 1. Move furtively 2. Protective covering 29. Beige 30. Anagram 3. Confuse of “Sent” 4. D 31. Social group 5. Powerful 32. Hurry 6. Boundary 33. Apportions 7. Angers 34. Record-keeper 8. Psychic

58. Baking appliance 59. Keen 60. Rear end 61. Where the sun sets 62. Small amount 63. G G G

37. Religious offshoot 38. Axed 40. Young woman 41. Contrariwise 43. Rat or mouse 44. Grow older 46. Digital compression device 47. Ardent 48. Long-necked migratory bird 49. Sea eagles 50. Arched facial feature 51. Roof overhang 53. Indian music 56. Obtain 57. Label May 5, 2021 /

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.'J\ (;111�(�1, Why are Jim Woodward's opponents flooding our mailboxes with false and misleading claims?

THE FACTS are that Jim Woodward stands for honesty, integrity and tradi­ tional conservative Republican values.

VOTE JIM WOODWARD MAY 17

MFALSE "Jim supported CRT in Idaho schools" THE FACTS: Jim Woodward OPPOSES teaching Critical Race Theory in our schools and supports our Idaho traditional val­ ues. He voted YES for House Bill 377 in 2021 which prohibits teaching CRT in Idaho public schools.

MFALSE "Jim voted to grant driver licenses to illegal immigrants" THE FACTS: Jim voted FOR a study to take on the problem of unlicensed and uninsured drivers who cause damage to Idaho residents with no means to recoup the losses. The committee would tackle this issue and propose actions consistent with the Constitution and the principles of federalism.

MFALSE "Jim wants to allow biological males to compete in girls' sports" THE FACTS: Jim recognizes the physiological difference be­ tween males and females. Jim does NOT support biological males playing in female sports. Jim voted NO against a poorly written House Bill 500 that was brought by out-of-state interests. �FALSE "Jim supported mandatory sexed including eroticism, sexual orientation, etc:' THE FACTS: Jim voted NO on House Bill 249 in 2021 on teaching human sexuality in order to preserve existing law which says that the family and church have primary responsibil­ ity for sex education.

MFALSE "Jim supported Common Core education standards" THE FACTS: Jim helped re-write the Idaho Content Standards over the last two years, working with parents, teachers, and legislators. He supported adoption of those Idaho written stan­ dards in House Bill 716.

MFALSE "Jim refused to give parents school choice'' THE FACTS: Jim supported Senate Bill 1255, providing $1000 for educational material per Idaho student in private, home, or public schools.

MFALSE "Jim supported indoctrination of pre-schoolers" THE FACTS: Jim wants to make sure Idaho parents have the tools to get their own children reading. He supported Senate Bill 1193 in 2021, a Trump administration grant program to assist parents in teaching their children to read. Jim ensured the bill's language specified that local groups of parents, teachers, civic organizations and faith-based organizations can determine for themselves the learning materials that are used.

Paid, Jim Woodward for Senate

�FALSE "Jim voted to block grocery tax repeal" THE FACTS: There was no vote on a grocery tax repeal bill. Jim voted YES on House Bill 509 to increase the grocery tax credit to $120 per person. This allows an Idaho family of four to pur­ chase $8,000 of groceries tax-free every year while still collect­ ing sales tax from out-of-state visitors - revenue that keeps your taxes lower.