I speak enough French not to be guillotined when I visit Paris, but I’m nowhere near fluent. One major blind spot in my vocabulary is slang and idioms, which change almost as soon as I learn them. I’ve given up hope on ever sounding très cool en Français; but, every once in a while, I like to look up French idioms and attempt to memorize them, though I get distracted by how silly they sound to my foreign ear. Since I’m a native English speaker, the nonsense phrase, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” is perfectly normal to me, but, Il pleut des cordes (“It’s raining ropes”) just sounds wrong. Despite — or because of — the absurdity, there are quite a few French idioms I’d like to adopt, word for word, into English. Arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe (“Arriving like a hair in the soup”) perfectly encapsulates walking into an awkward situation at the worst possible time. Instead of warning someone, “I’m about to lose my temper,” we could be saying, La moutarde me monte au nez (“The mustard is going up my nose”). The list goes on. I recently noticed, for the first time, that French idioms often contain two key words over and over again: poulet (“chicken”) and cul (“ass/butt”). This worrying pattern comes to a head in the phrase, Et mon cul, c’est du poulet? which means, literally, “And my butt, it’s made of chicken?” (It’s the equivalent of saying, “Yeah, right,” when someone’s lying.) I won’t claim to understand why the French have a fascination with chickens and butts, nor will I judge them, but I will enjoy the fruits of their wordplay. If you want someone to “drink up,” you might say, cul sec (“dry butt”). If you’re on a lucky streak, you as le cul bordé de nouilles (“have a butt full of noodles”). If you’re acting arrogant, you’re pètes plus haut que son cul (“farting higher than your butt”). I did do my due diligence as a journalist and checked to see if France’s neighbors shared this fascination. I determined, unsurprisingly, that Germans prefer to think a lot about sausages and cabbage, though most of those idioms don’t warrant a mention. I did take a shine to Alles hat ein Ende, nur eine Wurst hat zwei, which means, “Everything must end,” but literally translates to, “Everything has an end. Only a sausage has two.” I am going to make an effort to incorporate the following sayings in their rough, translated state, into my daily conversations: Da haben wir den Salat (“There, we have the salad”), meaning, “This is a fine mess”; Ich glaube ich spinne (literally translated as, “I think I spider”), meaning “I’m losing my mind”; and Man hat schon Pferde kotzen sehen (“Horses have been seen vomiting”), meaning, “Crazier things have happened.”
DEAR READERS,
The days have been glorious lately and the nights cooler than the other side of the pillow. There are lots of events going on this week. Smokesmith Bar-B-Que is hosting a three-day Oktoberfest; POAC is kicking off its Performing Arts Series with concert pianist and comedic performer Sean Bostrom; and Mental Heath Awareness Week starts Wednesday, Oct. 1, with a special screening of filmmaker, professional skier and mental health advocate Drew Petersen’s film Feel It All on Thursday, Oct. 2 (our cover photo is an aerial shot of his progress running an ultramarathon). Check our calendar on Page 18 for a full rundown of events.
In the meantime, it’s a fantastic time to be outside in the North Idaho sunshine. Don’t delay that last camping trip or lake outing, because Old Man Winter is somewhere out there waiting for us. Cheers.
– Ben Olson, publisher
111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368
Editors Emeriti: Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Cameron Rasmusson John Reuter
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Drew Petersen Courtesy (cover), Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Charis Uzabel, Brenden Bobby
Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Emily Erickson, Jennifer Ekstrom, Ammi Midstokke, Mark Sauter
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The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, bluster, 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 bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. For back issues, contact the publisher. Free to all, limit two per person, please.
Letter to the Editor Policy:
We welcome letters to the editor on all relavant topics. Please, no more than 200 words, no excessive profanity or libelous statements and no trolls. Please elevate the discussion and stay on topic.
Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinons expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publisher. Send to: letters@sandpointreader.com
About the Cover:
This week’s cover photo is a still frame from Drew Petersen’s film Feel It All (see Page 20 for info on how to watch it).
AG’s office rules Ron Korn did not violate state criminal law Planning Commission approves
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
After a five-month investigation into accusations that Bonner County Commissioner Ron Korn violated state law by leaking confidential information about a then-upcoming BOCC decision, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office ruled that bringing criminal charges against Korn would “not be appropriate.”
According to the findings — which Korn read aloud at the Sept. 23 board of commissioners meeting — the email he shared with an unnamed member of the public was not confidential, as it was not labeled as such and contained no information that would exempt it from public records requests.
The email came from former-Planning Director Jake Gabell, who in March brought forward concerns regarding imprecise code language governing minor land divisions. Though not marked as confidential, Gabell requested that the BOCC institute an emergency moratorium at the following business meeting without publishing advanced notice so that developers wouldn’t have the forewarning to submit applications ahead of the decision.
“To avoid a serial meeting and any allegations of Open Meeting Law violation, I believe it is best to refrain from any communications in person or in writing regarding this request until it is brought before the board on Tuesday morning,” Gabell wrote at the time.
According to Gabell, the language in Bonner County Revised Code 12-6 and related sections had led to
“conflicting interpretations and inconsistent enforcement” that allowed for the creation of de facto subdivisions without the infrastructure needed to support such developments.
“Although the MLD process was originally created to provide an efficient and cost-effective review pathway for smaller-scale land divisions, practical experience demonstrated that the reduced applicable standards sometimes resulted in developments that lack sufficient infrastructure,” said Interim Planning Director Alex Feyen at the Sept. 16 Planning Commission meeting. “These conditions created potential issues for emergency responders, increased the risk of fire hazards in rural areas and, in certain cases, led to drainage or stormwater management concerns.”
The BOCC instituted the emergency 182-day moratorium on MLDs in March to give staff time to workshop and revise the code; however, land use professional Dan Provolt was able to submit seven applications before the vote. Provolt later claimed that the applications had been completed well in advance of the submission date and that the coincidental timing was spurred, in part, by conversations with Gabell.
The commissioners later determined that, due to a technicality with the way Commissioner Brian Domke phrased the motion to adopt the moratorium, the board had inadvertently violated Idaho Open Meeting Law. The commissioners voted to cure the violation in April and then reinstituted the moratorium beginning May 19 and ending Wednesday, Oct. 1.
revisions to county land division code
Korn voted in opposition to the moratorium in both instances and later admitted to being the likely source of Provolt’s information, having shared Gabell’s email with an undisclosed third party. The statement from the AG’s office did not identify who Korn contacted with the information on the moratorium, but said that “Korn told our investigator that he sent Gabell’s email to a single person, and only did so to ask whether enacting the moratorium as an emergency action was lawful.”
When asked at the Sept. 23 meeting to whom he had sent the email, Korn said, “I’m not going to disclose that right now.”
“Nothing in the investigation even suggests that Korn stood to benefit financially from disclosing the email, or that he disclosed it to any person who stood to financially benefit and in whose welfare Korn is interested,” according to the AG’s findings.
Meanwhile, the investigation uncovered that an unnamed individual sent former-Planning Commissioner Joshua Pilch, of J&J Development, LLC, a text message showing Gabell’s original email. Pilch refused to identify the sender but told the AG’s Office that the text “did not come from Korn” and that he did not receive any other information about the moratorium.
Pilch resigned from his position on the Bonner County Planning Commission in January 2023 after he was charged with three felonies for child sexual abuse and sexual battery of a minor. Pilch pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case was dismissed without
prejudice less than a month before the trial date, with Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall claiming that further investigation was needed, according to coverage by the Bonner County Daily Bee.
Pilch and his company are now embroiled in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuit over the Mountain Homestead development north of Ponderay. Created using MLDs, the lawsuit alleges that developers — and more than 50 other individuals and entities, including the county — conspired to build and sell the homes with infrastructure defects that have led to contaminated drinking water and flooding, among other issues.
Residents of Mountain Homestead have drawn connections between the alleged issues with the development and the imprecise code language regarding MLDs. As of Sept. 22, legal counsel for the plaintiffs and defendants in the RICO lawsuit were working to schedule proceedings with District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford.
In an attempt to prevent future development issues, the Bonner County Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 16 to approve proposed alterations to County Code, replacing the MLD process with “short” (10 or fewer parcels) and “long” (11 or more parcels) subdivisions. All divisions must undergo infrastructure and service capacity reviews, which will help gauge how development would impact area schools, road networks and water and sewer districts. It further requires sanitary restriction lifts and wastewater feasibility reviews from Panhandle Health District, which certify that the property is suitable for water and sewage hookups. The changes will not go into effect until voted on by the BOCC at a yet undetermined date.
Bonner County Commissioner Ron Korn during a weekly board of county commissioners meeting.
Photo by Soncirey Mitchell
National ‘education choice’ groups ‘step in to defend’ ID private school tax credit in court
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Days after a coalition of Idaho public education advocates and individuals filed a lawsuit Sept. 17 challenging the state’s new private education tax credit program, the Indianapolis-based Partnership for Educational Choice announced Sept. 19 that it would intervene to defend the legislation, which was signed into law by Idaho Gov. Brad Little in February.
According to a news release, the Partnership for Educational Choice is a joint project of the Institute for Justice and EdChoice.
The Institute for Justice is an Arlington, Va.-based “nonprofit, public interest law firm,” according to its website. “Our mission is to end widespread abuses of government power and secure the constitutional rights that allow all Americans to pursue their dreams.”
IJ is advancing litigation in 109 cases in 38 states, as well as Washington, D.C., with offices in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
EdChoice is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit founded in 1996 as the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice by Milton and Rose, advocates for school privatization through vouchers and other programs. It is a member of the State Policy Network, which Idahoans are familiar with as an affiliate with the ultra-conservative Idaho Freedom Foundation, which has also long opposed funding for public education.
The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit, otherwise referred to as Idaho House Bill 93, established a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per student to defray tuition and other educational costs for students enrolled in private schools in Idaho — including religious schools — and up to $7,500 per student with special needs.
The Idaho Legislature passed H.B. 93 during the 2025 session, allocating $50 million to the tax credit program. Dist. 1 Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle,
and Dist. 1A Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, voted against the bill. Dist. 1B Rep. Cornel Rasor, R-Sagle, voted in favor.
According to the lawsuit, filed directly with the Idaho Supreme Court by the Idaho Education Association; Moscow School District; Mormon Women for Ethical Government; former-Superintendent of Public Instruction Jerry Evans; Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, R-Idaho Falls; the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution; and several citizens, alleges H.B. 93 violates the Idaho Constitution.
The Idaho Constitution stipulates that the Legislature is obligated to “establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public free common schools.” In addition, the Blaine Amendment bars public monies to be put toward private, religious education.
However, the Partnership for Educational Choice argued that, “The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit is a landmark step forward for educational freedom in Idaho,” as stated by Thomas Fisher, executive vice president and director of litigation at EdChoice Legal Advocates.
“It empowers parents, not bureaucrats, to decide what learning environment best serves their children,” Fisher added. “We will stand firmly against efforts to roll back this progress and ensure Idaho families keep the choices they have fought so hard to secure.”
Even President Donald Trump threw his support behind H.B. 93, writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, in February: “Congratulations to Governor Brad Little, and Idaho Legislators, who are fighting to bring School Choice to their beautiful State. $50 million Dollars to empower parents to provide the very best Education for their child — GREAT news for Idaho families. This Bill, which has my Complete and Total Support MUST PASS! [sic]”
According to the Partnership for Educational Choice, IJ has won lawsuits related to educational choice in “numerous
state supreme courts, intermediate courts of appeal and trial courts, as well as four times at the U.S. Supreme Court,” including Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue and Carson v. Makin.
The coalition challenging H.B. 93 is represented by Boise-based law firm Hawley Troxell.
Speaking on Sept. 17, Boise attorney and president of the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution Daniel Mooney said that the “14 words” of the Idaho Constitution that require the Legislature to support public education “are simple, yet they’re profound, and H.B. 93 has no basis in them.”
Critics argue that the $50 million put toward the private school tax credit would be
better used in service of the Legislature’s constitutionally mandated support for public schools, while the new tax credit lacks accountability for how public dollars will be spent on private education. In addition, opponents worry that the initial $50 million allocation will grow, as similar investments in private educational support in other states have done.
Speaking to attendees at a Sept. 11 gathering hosted by Save Our Schools in Ponderay, Woodward said the $50 million cap was included in the legislation to make it “more palatable, but that cap will be challenged.”
“If it’s not removed by the Legislature, then that cap will be challenged in court, I believe,” added Woodward, who serves on the powerful Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, which sets the state’s budgets.
In states such as Arizona and
Florida, private school tax credit and voucher programs have grown into the hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.
University of Idaho education researcher Elizabth Wargo, who also spoke at the Sept. 11 Save our Schools presentation, said that one of the advocates of H.B. 93 said the $50 million appropriation will rise to $250 million “in the blink of an eye.”
Nonprofit organization Reclaim Idaho is currently gathering signatures for a petition titled “Not A Dollar More!” to oppose H.B. 93. Find it at reclaimidaho.org.
Referring to H.B. 93, IJ Senior Attorney Renée Flaherty stated, “This program is no different than the many other programs across the country that have been upheld as constitutional and helped thousands of families. Our clients will fight to defend it every step of the way.”
Long Bridge construction project nearing half completion
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Crews working on the Long Bridge construction project are almost halfway finished with the work, including completion of the majority of the southbound lane, according to an update from the Idaho Transportation Department.
The six-week project began the week of Sept. 8, with crews working overnight to lower the joint edges at sections of the bridge span, which damage snowplows during winter maintenance.
“Our inspectors are satisfied with the work quality and noticing how much smoother the bridge will be for drivers and our plows alike,” ITD Senior Public Information Officer Megan Jahns wrote in an email, later adding that if the contractor continues work at the current pace — and weather conditions are favorable — the
project may be completed ahead of schedule.
Traffic controls have been set up each day at 7 p.m., with work finishing by 6 a.m. the following morning. During those times, the bridge operates with a single lane, with work zones limited to sections of between 1,000 and 1,500 feet at a time, intended to stagger the closures and reduce delays.
According to ITD, delays are timed at 11-18 minutes — depending on which direction motorists are traveling, “which is much better than delays from the tech issues and backup plans we faced our first week of work.”
“This is much more in line with our delays we expect to see with any work zone, though we will continue to monitor and adjust as we are able,” Jahns wrote. “We have been able to reduce delays by having flaggers manually manage traffic on the bridge for the first part of the
shift and then switch to the automated system after traffic has calmed down for the evening.”
Public feedback has included requests to begin work later at night and scheduling closures to accommodate travellers using the bridge to and from area sporting events.
“Starting later is an option we may explore if delays exceed what they have been recently,” Jahns added. “Also, we will note the community’s desire to plan around all sporting events in Sandpoint, not just the high school events, for any future projects — last year the majority of comments had focused on the high school events, so that’s where we had focused when working with the contractor and planning a schedule this year.”
Check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.
City of Sandpoint launches website dedicated to wastewater treatment plant project
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
A little more than six weeks before the Nov. 4 election, City Hall has launched a website presenting details on the proposed reconstruction of the wastewater treatment plant, including why the city has placed a bond measure on the ballot seeking up to $130 million in funding to conduct the work.
Visitors to sandpoint-wwtp.org will find a rundown of the needs at the plant, which has operated for 70 years with some components dating to the 1940s and early ’50s; an explanation of the elements of the proposed reconstruction; frequently asked questions; media reports on the project; and upcoming events — including open houses, the first of which took place Sept. 24 in the City Council chambers at City Hall.
A second open house is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10-11 a.m. in the council chambers (1123 Lake St.), where city staff will answer questions.
According to an announcement of the new website on Sept. 19, the city stated, “If approved, the bond measure would authorize up to $130 million in revenue bonds, repaid from sewer service rates — not property taxes. This authorization would also allow the city to apply for state and federal grants and low-interest loans, reducing overall costs to ratepayers.”
City Council members voted unanimously Aug. 20 to approve the WWTP bond measure ballot language.
“The council’s action ensures that residents will have clear information and a direct say in how the city addresses this challenge,” Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm stated. “The website provides transparent details on why improvements are needed, what they include and how they will be financed.”
According to the WWTP website, the city will pursue low-interest loans and grants, including $38 million from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s State Revolving Fund; long-term, fixed Rural Development financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and a federal loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
An aerial view of Sandpoint’s wastewater treatment plant. Courty photo
“Most grants and loans require legal debt authorization before funds can be awarded,” the city stated on the website. “The bond ensures the city can accept outside funding and only issue the amount needed, up to the cap while improving our grant/loan competitiveness by proving readiness and match capacity.”
According to City Hall, even if the bond measure fails, “the project must still proceed, and while the city may pursue grants that don’t require debt authority, it would be primarily pay-asyou-go from sewer rates, which would force steeper and faster increases in order to accumulate sufficient funds to begin construction and repairs.”
If approved, the bond measure would result in an estimated 106% sewer rate increase over the course of five years. If rejected — and the city has no bond authority — the expense of the project will be borne entirely by ratepayers, with sewer bills going up an estimated 600% over a five-year period.
The anticipated interest rate on the 40-year bond would be 4.27% per year, with a total repayment amount of $257,285,000, including $130 million in principal and $127,285,000 of interest.
“The plant must be rebuilt to continue meeting state and federal permits, prevent pollution and protect the river and lake we depend on,” Grimm stated in the intro on the WWTP website. “While the cost is significant, delaying improvements carries greater risks, including higher costs over time, potential fines and harm to the environment.”
Go to sandpoint-wwtp.org for more information.
Bits ’n’ Pieces
From east, west and beyond
Various media reported that President Donald Trump signed an executive order to designate “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization. Antifa is short for “antifascist,” and is not an organization.
Between climate change weather and higher costs for fertilizer and equipment, cuts to food programs and tariff complications, farmers “are not OK,” U.S. News and World Report reported. There were more farm bankruptcies by the end of July than in all of 2024. Meanwhile, China now buys soybeans from Brazil.
In his recent eulogy, Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk said, “the answer to hate is not hate ... it is love — love for our enemies. Love for those who persecute us.” Trump said he disagreed, noting that Kirk wanted “the best” for his opponents, and, “I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them.”
Trump then spoke about finding an “answer to autism” and his trade tariffs, the Independent reported.
According to the Associated Press, Ryan Routh was found guilty Sept. 23 of the attempted assassination of Trump at a Florida golf course last year. He will be sentenced on Dec. 18 and faces life in prison.
After a suspension, the AP reported that Jimmy Kimmel’s latenight show on ABC was reinstated. Kimmel had commented on rightwing Christian activist Kirk’s recent assassination, saying “MAGA land” was working hard to characterize the “kid” who fired the fatal shot as “anything other than one of them.”
ABC officials stated they had “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, and resumed airing his show on Sept. 23. Prior to that, Trump appointee Brendan Carr, who heads the Federal Communications Commission, said Kimmel’s comments were a call to “change conduct,” which many observers saw as a call for censorship. An ACLU open letter, signed by more than 430 people in the entertainment industry, stated the Kimmel show cancellation was a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
Meanwhile, ABC’s Sinclair-owned stations said they want
By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Contributor
Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to them and Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization. Kirk’s net worth was $12 million when he died. According to The Lever, Sinclair Executive Chairman David Smith donated $250,000 to Turning Point USA in 2024.
Following Kirk’s murder, Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department “absolutely” will target hate speech, NBC reported. Legal analyst Joyce Vance pointed out the First Amendment “protects hateful speech,” as did Fox News’ Brit Hume. Bondi later walked back her statement.
Trump , however, suggested that the FCC could revoke licenses of TV broadcasters that give him too much “bad publicity,” and claimed shows “hit” on him, and, “They’re not allowed to do that,” NBC reported.
U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday struck down a $15 billion lawsuit filed by Trump against The New York Times, ruling that the complaint was “decidedly improper and impermissible,” according to ABC.
While Trump recently argued on whitehouse.gov that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy can be linked to autism, he also said the immunization schedule “loads up” kids with “a vat of 80 different vaccines,” according to Politico. Fact-checking by The New York Times showed the schedule is 30 vaccines by age 18. Regardless, Trump advised sparing use of Tylenol, which is already a recommendation by health care providers.
According to The Times, most doctors don’t see autism attributed to a single cause, and regard it as a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
NBC reported that 67% of counties and jurisdictions where measles-mumps-rubella vaccination rates are recorded show immunizations below 95%, which is the level needed for herd immunity from those diseases. Blast from the past: “As soon as we abandon our own reason and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our troubles.” — Bertrand Russell, philosopher and mathematician (1872-1970).
BOCC elects new chair, alters vice chair position
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Brian Domke is the new chair of the Bonner County board of commissioners, after a Sept. 23 vote to alter the terms and election procedures for the BOCC’s chair and vice chair positions.
The change codifies an idea that Domke suggested at his swearing-in ceremony in January. The title of chair will now rotate between the three commissioners every eight months; and, in the chair’s absence, the commissioners will elect a “temporary chair,” rather than relying on an established vice chair.
“During the discussion regarding the election of the chair, I offered the perspective that the chair position is one that creates additional duties and responsibilities for the elected board member and that the position of chair should be shared equally throughout the duration of the two-year term of the board,” said Domke, who replaces Commissioner Asia Williams as BOCC chair.
“I just want to state clearly that this is not anything personal when it comes to the performance of our current chairwoman,” he later added.
Commissioner Ron Korn made the motion to elect Domke as the chair, which Williams seconded “for discussion.” Although all three commissioners acknowledged the value of routinely exchanging positions, Williams said that it made more sense to switch chairs after each election cycle, as has been the historical practice.
“Rotating arbitrarily on an eightmonth schedule — I understand the idea behind it and I understand the desire to do that,” Williams said. “I think it should just be done when the county is structured to reorganize its board.”
The motion passed 2-0 with Wil-
liams abstaining. Domke will hold the position of chair until May, when Korn will assume the role.
The board has historically elected a vice chair to stand in in the chair’s absence; however, according to Domke, the vice chair’s powers aren’t clearly outlined in Idaho or Bonner County Code.
“The full extent of the duties and authority of the vice chair position is not known to have been formally defined, which can create confusion,” said Domke. “As such, it is my suggestion that the board of commissioners dissolve the position of vice chair and adopt the use of Idaho Code 31-706 ... .”
According to I.C. 31-706, when the chair is absent or unable to act, “the members present must, by an order, select one of their number to act as chairman temporarily.”
Domke further proposed adding language that limits the temporary chair’s duties to the scope of the meeting they chaired and gives them the legal authority to sign documents discussed therein.
When asked what would happen if the two remaining commissioners can’t agree on a temporary chair in the absence of the chair, Korn said, “I think that would be unprofessional.”
The motion passed unanimously.
BOCC Chair Brian Domke. Photo by Soncirey Mitchell
Bouquets:
• I was struggling with a seized chain brake on my chainsaw the other day. It happens when you change out the chain and pull the cover off while the brake is still engaged, making it impossible to put the cover on again. Out of impatience or incompetence (both of which I excel at), that’s exactly what I did. After 30 minutes of fidgeting with it and worrying that I was going to break something if I pushed too hard, I went to Pac West Parts in Kootenai to see if they could help. Before I could finish my sentence explaining what was wrong, the employee grabbed the piece, pulled and fixed it, handing it back with a shrug. He waved away any payment, but I insisted on at least giving him a tenner to buy a beer after work. These days, as we see more and more useful stores replaced with luxury slop, it’s nice to still have a place to go where people know how to do the North Idaho thing. Thanks, Pac West Parts.
Barbs:
• Another week, another dumpster-fire Fox News host invoking violence without an iota of accountability, even though others have been fired for much less. Fox News host Jesse Watters, the human equivalent of a yellow fedora, discussed President Donald Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly on his show The Five on Sept. 23. The hosts brought up Trump’s complaints that the escalator stopped working while he used it, forcing him to walk up the stairs (the horror!), as well as a faulty teleprompter (both of which, it turns out, were situations caused by Trump’s staff). “They sabotaged him, and they could have hurt the first lady,” Watters said. “... and what we need to do is either leave the U.N. or we need to bomb it.” His fellow co-hosts chortled like hyenas to make sure everyone knew it was just a joke that Watters was encouraging bombing a building in New York City. That zany Jesse! And the double standards continue. This isn’t funny anymore.
‘Being homeless’…
Dear editor,
Homeless means no place to be you won’t get chased out of. Homeless means no place to take a bath or clean your clothing. Homeless means trying to find a public toilet and the consequences when you can’t.
Homeless means sleeping by the roadside in the rain. Homeless means no way to get a job. Homeless means having nothing more than you can carry in a backpack. Homeless means being hungry all the time. Homeless means being arrested under vagrant laws.
Homeless means no friends or family who can help.
Homeless makes you the target of anger and aggression of our current president.
As our nation’s economy falls apart, the next homeless will be you.
B. Clark Wilson Creek, Wash.
‘What is happening?’…
Dear editor, Brian Kilmeade on Fox & Friends (Wednesday, Sept. 10): During a discussion about mentally ill homeless people who refuse treatment, one commentator said that they should be locked up. Kilmeade chimed in with, “Or involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill ’em.”
Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live ( Monday, Sept. 15): “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Kimmel was pulled off the air “indefinitely” [though, as of Sept. 22, network executives announced Kimmel would be reinstated].
Kilmeade offers a limp apology and remains on the air. You have got to be fucking kidding me.
What is happening in this country that I dearly love?
Jim Healey Sandpoint
We need reason and decency, not ‘us versus them’ …
Dear editor,
In my lifetime, I have never seen rhetoric from leaders as toxic and divisive as now. From the president through the administration, Congress and nearly every political leader, words are wielded like weap-
ons. This discourse fuels violence, disrespect and hostility that flood our communities and daily interactions. Leaders set the tone for the nation and, right now, that tone is corrosive.
We need leaders who model integrity, humility and humanity, not hostility. Political debates should not be about “sides” at all costs. In a healthy democracy, there must be blurred edges, room for compromise and, above all, respect for one another. The focus should be on what strengthens our nation and uplifts our communities, not on scoring points or gaining power.
Freedom cannot flourish when poisoned by constant vilification and relentless political combat.
If our leaders will not rise to civility, the responsibility squarely falls on us as citizens. We must model respect, reason and decency; act with humanity; and set the standard for our leaders. It cannot be “us versus them” anymore; it must be all of us, together, for the good of the nation, leading by example.
Kari Saccomanno Sandpoint
Israel/Gaza war is on par with ‘nuclear war’…
Dear editor, I’d like to comment about the results of actions taken by the socalled leaders of this country and those of others they support with our tax money.
Two years ago, Hamas staged a terrorist attack against Israel killing 1,800 of its citizens.
Israel had more than the right to go after these monsters. But, they didn’t have the right to continue slaughtering for two more years.
Here are some facts that you should know: To end WWII, our country dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan in early August 1945. Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Hiroshima’s death toll: around 140,000; three days later, around 70,000 in Nagasaki.
Fast forward to the Middle East and the Israel/Gaza war. As of this date, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel.
In other words, the death toll that Israel has inflicted on mostly innocent Palestinians and their children is in the ballpark of a nuclear war. The only exception, no radiation.
Lawrence Fury Sandpoint
Welcome newcomers…
Dear editor,
So happy to see mentions of Lymington and New Milton in your “Junk Drawer” column last issue [“Worthy News,” Sept. 18, 2025].
We have recently sold up in England and moved to Sandpoint last December to be with our son and his lovely family.
We moved from London 15 years ago and moved to Pagham, a village in West Sussex on the border with Hampshire. We went to the New Forest and the towns you mentioned frequently. It is a beautiful part of the U.K.
We have been so warmly welcomed in Sandpoint and love the lake, mountains, the town, bars and most of all the local people. Have made some, I hope, lifelong friends in this wonderful little town.
Thank you all!
Sue O’Rorke Sandpoint
‘Yes’ on wastewater plant bond offers least impact to ratepayers…
Dear editor, Most will agree we face uncertain times. Ben Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
Sandpoint residents are facing another certainty: Our wastewater treatment plant must be replaced. Certainly without a new plant we will continue to fail our “civic duty” of protecting the health of our waterways and our community. It is certain that residents will have to pay for this new plant, as gone are the days of outhouses.
Passing the bond measure on Nov. 4 offers us access to low-interest loans with forgiveness, long-term fixed financing loans and grants through various government entities. Otherwise, huge rate increases will fall on city residents.
Another uncertainty, reported by the Idaho Capital Sun on Sept. 22, is that Congress is considering “Trump’s proposal to nearly entirely defund a federal program that funds low-interest grants for local governments to finance water infrastructure projects.” Our time may be running out and increasing costs of putting off the inevitable may also become a certainty.
As a single homeowner on a fixed income, I believe voting for the bond offers the least impact to my sewer rates and the environment. Please visit sandpoint-wwtp.org.
Pam Duquette Sandpoint
NAMI Far North to host speaker for Mental Health Week
By Reader Staff
NAMI Far North will host nationally acclaimed speaker and author Miriam Feldman from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Panida Little Theater as the featured speaker for Mental Health Week.
Feldman bridges the gap between providers and families, sharing her family’s journey of hope and resilience. Author of the memoir He Came In With It and co-host of the podcast Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the
Trenches, Feldman offers practical insight on better including families in mental health care.
“We warmly invite the community, including mental health providers, to join this important conversation,” NAMI Far North wrote in a news release.
The event serves as a lead-in to the NAMIWalks on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Admission is donation-based and there is limited space. Sign up by calling 208-290-1768 or visiting namiwalks.org/farnorth.
Emily Articulated
The process
By Emily Erickson Reader Columnist
Another birthday came and went this week, and the way I celebrated it seemed to encapsulate everything I hope to carry forward into the year ahead. I was on the road — sore from a race that hadn’t gone as planned, still managing the lingering illness that derailed it — and on my way to pick up a litter of rescue puppies I’d be fostering until I could find them homes. It felt like a place in between, and a birthday in transition (both literally and, I hope, metaphorically, too).
The race was meant to be my first 100-miler, a feat that meant a lot to me both as an athlete and a person. It’s a distance that has loomed in the sport I love (ultra running) as the pinnacle of grit, fitness and adventure: a collectively recognized receipt of achievement. And it’s a distance that has genuinely scared me — a test of resilience, a battle of will against myself and a chance to see if I could come out the other side of the challenge stronger or changed.
But, in the days before the race, I contracted a chest cold that, although not major, would cause escalating complications, ultimately bringing my run to an early end at 62 miles, or 100 kilometers. The 13 hours I ran were significantly fewer than I planned, but included nearly eight full hours of nausea, chest pain and breathing difficulty — far more (and far different) suffering than was normal or expected.
Because of that suffering, in a way, I sort of met my goal. I proved to myself I could per-
severe in the worst conditions, even if it didn’t end with a podium or a medal. I had imagined the climactic end: a tearand-sweat-streaked face as I crawled over the finish line; the culmination of a year of hard work, planning, training and investment, wrapped up in a single moment. Instead, I got the tears and the sweat, the hard work and dedication, and a quiet finish that forced me to sit with the question: Was it worth it?
In that silence, I found pride in all that I’d accomplished, even if it wouldn’t be recognized by anyone but me.
As someone who has
struggled with perfectionism — to feel like I’m enough, or interesting, or worthy — and a lifelong history of chasing achievement (and, perhaps, if I’m honest, the recognition of those achievements), it was probably the finish and the lesson I needed. A lesson I suspect I’ll keep learning over and over and over again.
As if to carve this message into my psyche, I began the first day of my next year caring for nine puppies. It’s an experience of pure process and giving, with the only reward being the quiet satisfaction of providing, nurturing and, if I’m lucky, finding forever homes for these innocent, perfect creatures.
We spent our first full day simply learning how to be together. At just 8 weeks old, they are a mismatched pack of mutts: a puppy in every color, with personalities popping like kernels of corn, each one bursting into who they’re meant to become. Between feedings and cuddle piles, the endless scooping of poop and the collective collapse into nap time, they bark, wrestle and wobble through their world
Carousel of Smiles to unveil nearly finished renovation
By Reader Staff
Those looking to ride the restored Carousel of Smiles will have to wait just a bit longer, but an upcoming event will showcase the nearly finished renovations. Carousel owners Clay and Reno Hutchison will host a community open house from noon-8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 as part of the Idaho Fish and Game’s Bear Fair event at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (4203 N. Boyer Road, in Sandpoint).
The showcase is an opportunity for the community to view the operating carousel in its 90% restored condition. It’s also a chance to highlight the work done by scores of volunteers who have dedicated hundreds of hours to restoring the historic 1920 Allan Herschell carousel. Check upcoming editions of the Sandpoint Reader for more updates as the Hutchisons and volunteers bring this yearslong project across the finish line. For more information, visit thecarouselofsmiles.org.
on unsteady feet, fueled by curiosity and spirit.
They fall, and they get back up — never pausing to feel shame or disappointment when they don’t get it right the first time (or the second, or the third). They simply try again, because that’s what they’re meant to do. And they love every moment of the process, of discovery and growth, meeting each new task with a wagging tail and an open heart.
As I look at the year ahead, another trip around the sun, I can’t think of anything better to carry with me.
*If anyone is interested in rescuing a puppy, please contact me: emily@rainy.io.
Emily Erickson is a writer and business owner with an affinity for black coffee and playing in the mountains. Connect with her online at www.bigbluehat.studio.
Retroactive By BO
Emily Erickson.
Science: Mad about
civilization killers
By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist
I am a ’90s dinosaur kid. That means for a third of my life, one thing in the world really scared me: planet-killing asteroids.
In an age before the terror attacks of 9/11 but after the fall of the Soviet Union, there was one unifying fear in the American cultural zeitgeist and that was civilization-ending asteroids. They were mysterious, faceless boogeymen from the stars that could strike at any moment and lay waste to everything people had worked so hard to build.
Movies like Deep Impact and Armageddon romanticized the idea of man versus nature, using grit, gumption and scientific know-how to save lives with complex plans and acts of sacrifice and heroism.
Apocalyptic asteroids aren’t exactly a new concept for Earth, but they are for human civilization. During the formation of Earth, the planet was consistently bombarded with fragments of molten rock ranging in sizes from a family sedan to something comparable to Mars.
According to the “giant-impact hypothesis,” the formation of the moon may have resulted from a Mars-sized protoplanet referred to as Theia that impacted a young Earth about 4.5 billion years ago, causing both planets to break into a massive cloud of swirling molten rock that later coalesced into the two distinct bodies we know today.
Smaller asteroid impacts could be a different story, and it’s likely that the dinosaurs weren’t the only creatures driven to extinction by large scale asteroid impacts.
The triggering event that
led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago was the 6.2-mile-wide asteroid that formed the Chicxulub crater in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
By the time this asteroid impacted Earth, it was traveling at a speed of about 12 miles per second — more than 56 times the speed of sound. This released an absurd amount of energy in the form of superheated shockwaves so powerful that granite at the center of the impact site instantly shifted into a liquid state.
Much of that material blew outwards, but a central impact peak of molten granite rose as high as six miles before falling back into the impact ring. This would not have been visible to the dinosaurs as the impact likely appeared as blinding white light, like staring into the sun. In addition, colossal amounts of debris were ejected into the atmosphere, which caused a heat wave to strike Earth while igniting global wildfires as molten ejecta rained down across the globe.
Humans have a relatively strong presence in space, which gives us a tremendous edge over planet-killers that wiped out the dinosaurs. But how would we go about preserving mankind from giant rocks traveling tens of thousands of miles per hour?
Asteroids, while appearing as large rocks, are not entirely solid. They can often be porous or are a collection of different kinds of rocks that have congealed beneath a rocky exterior membrane. You can think of a lot of asteroids like a collection of gravel in a flying sack. This is important when it comes to countering a planet-killer.
Movies like Armageddon have us believe that the
strongest tool in our arsenal is a nuclear warhead. It makes sense, right? Use a huge amount of energy to counteract a huge amount of energy in hopes of blasting it into nothingness or redirecting it. Unfortunately, this isn’t viable. A nuclear weapon’s greatest strength on Earth is the atmosphere. Superheating air allows the heat to travel farther and creates powerful shockwaves of heated air. A nuke in space just throws the energy everywhere and dissipates, which does very little to redirect an asteroid.
Instead, one of the most powerful tools we as humans can use somewhat resemble the “Czech hedgehogs” of World War II — the metal tank barriers that were scattered along the beaches of Normandy to stall the Allied invasion. Scientists have designed long, pin-like structures made of tungsten steel that can be launched into space to create a minefield for incoming asteroids. The asteroid impacts the needles, which tear open the membrane and cause the rock inside to scatter into innumerable smaller pieces that can act like a midsummer meteor shower in the atmosphere. What if the asteroid or comet is bigger? Much bigger?
A single tungsten lance would create so much heat energy from the impact and friction that the steel would melt and evaporate before the mass could break up. More of these would need to be utilized and lined up perfectly to strike one after another to dig deeper into the planet-killer. A sufficiently large object would also require a nuclear payload, which is normally useless in space, to be delivered deep into the core of the object and then
detonated so that the energy is transferred to the surrounding structures to break the beast apart from the inside out.
This would also have to be done before the object passes Mars, which could be considered a nearly impossible feat and still presents the danger of peppering the inner solar system with scattered debris that would be virtually impossible to track.
Objects in space don’t travel in a straight line. They travel in an orbit around the sun or other celestial bodies. As
the objects approach the sun, their speed increases as they are effectively falling toward the center of gravitational pull. This means that objects like planet-killers are reaching their maximum velocity right around the time they’re nearing the Earth, due to our proximity to our home star.
One could argue it reaches its peak speed moments before interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, so long as it’s on a collision course with us.
Stay curious, 7B.
Random Corner
• The oldest known lock is a wooden specimen unearthed from the ruins of the Palace of Sargon in Dur-Sharrukin near the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. A similar version was found displayed on frescoes at the Karnak temple complex in Egypt. This style of lock is believed to be about 4,000 years old. The early lock entailed sliding a wooden board through a slot across a door, with movable pins above the slot dropping through corresponding holes in the board to keep it bolted in place. The key was another long piece of wood, sometimes measuring more than two feet in length, with pegs on the end to push the pins back through the holes and allow the board to be released from its bolted position.
• Greek innovations to locks and keys involved a system where the lock was mounted on the inside of a door. Unlocking from the outside involved reaching through a hole with a sickle-shaped key and turning the bolt. Keys were large and often carried by being slung over the shoulder.
• Ancient Romans developed metal locks and bronze keys using “wards,” which were obstacles built within the locks that could only be bypassed by keys of specific shapes. This led to the development of teeth and cut-out shapes within the “bit,” or the end of a key that engages the bolt. The Romans also popularized the use of small keys that fastened to a ring and could easily be carried in the hand.
• Medieval innovations saw more ornate keys made of iron instead of bronze, and they had a collar that stopped the keys from being pressed too far into the keyholes.
• English locksmith Robert Barron is credited with inventing the modern twin-tumbler lock in 1778 — a design that led to the lock design of today. When the Yale lock was patented in 1844 by Linus Yale, Sr. (and improved upon by Linus Yale, Jr. in the 1860s), it finalized the development of the key into a flat, serrated shape that raised a series of spring-loaded tumblers to varying heights.
From citizen science to civic duty: Vote ‘yes’ for clean water
By Jennifer Ekstrom Reader Contributor
Whether it’s boating on Lake Pend Oreille, floating on the Pack River or lounging at City Beach, the best parts of summer have one thing in common: water.
Water is our most precious resource. It makes up 70% of Earth’s surface, and nearly the same amount of our bodies. In Bonner County, more than 9% of the surface is freshwater, which provides drinking water and opportunities for recreation. Water shapes our favorite places, offers critical wildlife habitat and is essential to all life.
Yet water is at constant risk of drought, overallocation and pollution. That’s why the Idaho Conservation League and our volunteers work so hard to protect our water before
it’s polluted, as it’s far more effective to keep our waterways healthy than to try and clean them up after they’re already polluted.
This summer, 28 dedicated volunteer water stewards completed their work to monitor 13 sites across Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. Each month, from June through September, they collected water samples and visual observations from boats and kayaks. Samples were sent to Tshimakain Creek Laboratories to test for water quality indicators like nutrient pollution and E.coli. Volunteers contributed about 500 hours this summer and collected more than 400 new points of data. Results from 2012-’24 are on ICL’s website, and 2025 results will be posted after they pass a quality assurance review.
Overall, water quality in Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River is good. However, the water near the shoreline is designated impaired under the Clean Water Act due to excess phosphorus, which can fuel invasive weeds and toxic algae. First designated in 1994, this impairment persists and the pollution is affirmed by our monitoring results.
Data from the program helps regulators like the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to improve water quality, hold polluters accountable and keep people safe.
For example, extremely high phosphorus in Boyer Slough that was revealed by this program prompted
IDEQ to write a cleanup plan, called a Total Maximum Daily Load, and push the Kootenai Ponderay Sewer District to upgrade its facility to meet stricter discharge requirements. The upgrades are due by August 2028. While each of these projects take more time than we would like, they will ultimately be worth it when our water quality improves for the long-term.
Meanwhile, Boyer Slough is inundated with a nuisance algae outbreak, reported for investigation by IDEQ on Sept. 17 by our water monitoring coordinator, Lily Simko. Luckily it tested negative for toxins, and Boyer Slough is not experiencing a repeat of toxic algae like during the summer of 2022.
The biggest pollution contributor in the slough is the Kootenai Ponderay Sewer District, with numerous septic systems also adding to the problem. We again ask the sewer district to refrain from allowing new hookups until plant upgrades are complete. Septic users should ensure systems are functioning properly, with inspections every three to five years.
Chuck Slough, off the Pend Oreille River, has had a toxic algae outbreak since Aug. 7. Homes along this waterbody that rely on septic systems contribute to the problem, and it is where additional polluted water from the proposed Deerfield Subdivision would drain. While the Bonner County board of commissioners recently denied the preliminary plat, that decision was based on lack of floodplain mapping, not septic pollution. No new subdivision should be allowed here if it relies on septic systems for sewage treatment.
This brings me to a final plea for Sandpoint residents: Please vote “yes” this November to approve critical wastewater system upgrades. Sandpoint’s archaic wastewater system is at the brink of catastrophic failure and the upgrades are long overdue. If the bond measure fails, the upgrades will still be required at even greater cost later.
Clean water is not a luxury — it’s a right and a responsibility. Water sustains Idahoans, supports recreation and shapes the landscapes we love. Every Idahoan deserves clean water, reliable infrastructure and accountability from those responsible. At ICL, it is our honor to work to those ends.
Please consider becoming a member today: idahoconservation.org/ donate.
Jennifer Ekstrom is North Idaho director of the Idaho Conservation League.
Chuck Slough is inundated with toxic algae. People are advised to avoid the water and keep their pets away. Courtesy photo.
PERSPECTIVES We need to talk…
By Ammi Midstokke Reader Contributor
I knew a woman who thrived, and then didn’t. There were subtle changes, the kinds of things you see later, when it’s too late — when they play over and over in your head as a placeholder for a time when history could have been changed, but was not.
She was failed by a system that minimized and stigmatized her experience, confused who she was with the diagnosis she had. When she died, she was mother, wife, biologist, friend, artist, advocate, naturalist.
And when people say she died by suicide, I think, No, She died by discrimination.
I loved a man who remembered everything about me, but forgot to leave a note. The conversations we had were cryptic, an indirect language of engagement veiled in delicacy for a reason. We had learned that to name the thing was to forever alter his identity: To label him was to reduce him to the condition. To limit his access to employment, to his children, to his rights.
He was failed by a society that prefers isolation over connection. He was stripped of purpose until he recognized it as a basic human need, and the only plausible solution seemed obvious. The opposite of purpose is burden. This message is blasted through criminal charges, court verdicts, denied insurance claims.
I have a friend who cried her way through years of therapy, medications and misery, only to miraculously surf a black wave of suffocating depression to the secure sands of a resilient shore. She’s built herself a rudimentary shelter out of driftwood buried in stable soil: resources, education, awareness, blatant honesty.
Maybe a tide will come and wash those walls away, but she knows she can float now, and build if needed. I watch as her structure grows in complexity and strength, observe how she has transformed her learning into the hope she gives to others.
I raised a child who was happy, and then was not. As I cried over suicide-safety plans, pharmaceutical package inserts and terms like “personality dampening,” a team of practitioners guided us through the torrent, then out of the storm.
This child taught me the language of believing and the promise of recovery. He taught me that love and acceptance include the entirety of his human experience.
You know these people, too. They are your neighbors, friends and family. They are hundreds of members of your community, because one in five Americans live with a mental health condition. Nearly half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a mental illness at some point in their lives.
It is not only the myriad of complex genetic and transgenerational contributors to mental health. Normal life events we all go through can cause mental illness: chronic pain, the horrors of surviving a social-media-stricken adolescence, divorce, grief, Seasonal Affective Disorder, climate change, headlines and — lord knows — elections.
For some, it is temporary. For others, it is a lifelong experience. For everyone, there is a path to a full and fulfilling life. We only need to build it. We need our government and communities to collaborate in that effort. We need our friends and families to clear the way with conversation.
While we’ve made arguable progress since locking premenstrual women into asylums on catatonic doses of laudanum, we’re still struggling to accept those with mental illness as valuable members of society — as vital, contributing members to our communities. It is this belief that keeps legislators from justifying care.
I’m no lawyer, but I think that’s the definition of discrimination.
Our laws, health care system and stigmas actively limit those living with mental illness from treatment, recovery and thriving. Our poor awareness, education and dialogue about mental health conditions diminishes our community members and costs our country. It’s a problem of the system, not the person.
When practitioners are showing measurable outcomes and Medicaid or insurance is refusing to pay for it, when the most basic math says it costs less to rehabilitate people than to not, we have to question the reasoning of the unreasonable. Preferably in a Biblical-proportion locust plague of letters, advocacy and education of those resistant to understanding.
For that, we must be willing to learn this language ourselves, to see and hold precious all the wonderful iterations of humans we are surrounded by. We must be willing to have conversations that make it safe for people to share. And we must embrace equality for all, because if we can just agree to that simple principle, then unwavering hope will become tangible change.
Dist. 1 update
By Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint Reader Contributor
With the fall season upon us, I thought it was time to give an update of an important issue I’ve been working on in District 1. Let’s start with the Army Corps of Engineers’ annual practice of draining off the top 11 feet of water from Lake Pend Oreille.
Despite years of work by community members and elected officials to slow/ reduce the amount of water that passes through the Albeni Falls Dam each fall, the Corps’ practice continues. So does the community frustration.
Meanwhile, the decision not to open the Springy Point Campground and launch ramp in May — and for the rest of the summer season — hurt our tourist economy and limited residents’ access to recreational opportunities.
Many of us are here because of Lake Pend Oreille. The scenic beauty, recreation, sporting activities and economic opportunities are very real attractions. People from around the country tell us about their first trip over the Long Bridge. Low lake levels and uncertain
Efforts continue on Albeni Falls Dam, lake level issues
dam operations take away from our experience and cost our community. The inability to plan for a vacation, launch a boat or use a dock hurts us all.
In the case of Albeni Falls operations and the Springy Point closure, the state questioned the Corps’ decision, provided alternatives and even offered to provide staffing to operate Springy Point for a season.
I am hopeful there will be changes to the dam operations for next season. This year, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Joint Memorial 105, calling on the federal government to reevaluate Albeni Falls operations and to repair the dam in a timely manner — not in another six years.
As a result of SJM 105, our federal representatives have developed appropriations language for the Corps that directs it to work with Idaho representatives to reconsider the Albeni Falls Dam situation. This work is set to take place over 180 days.
Members of our community and state officials will participate in this effort to remedy a problem that our area has been specifically troubled with since
the Corps declared there were spillway gate problems at the dam nearly two years ago.
Last spring, the state started (and I supported) an economic impact study on the effects of the current dam operations plan on the local economy. Professors from the University of Idaho and Washington State University are nearly done with this project and will deliver their findings next month to the Lakes Commission at its quarterly meeting. This summer, to no one’s surprise, more than 1,800 members of our community participated in the public input part of the study.
It has been said that our local economy rises and falls with the level of the lake. Many believe the current operations of Albeni Falls Dam and the uncertainty of the spillway gate situation are hurting our local economy and our opportunities to enjoy our beloved lake. We will soon learn what the economic experts have found.
I am hopeful the efforts we have made this year and another six months
of serious work and meetings with the many stakeholders of Lake Pend Oreille — including the Corps — will yield better outcomes for our area. I have committed considerable time to the issue and will continue to do so.
Our community deserves better lake operations and a dam that works as it should. The Corps agreed to operate campground developments around the lake when the state was asked for permission to build Albeni Falls Dam. We trusted the federal government when we said “yes” to building the dam and to the operational agreements approved by Congress. Senate Bill 9 was the game plan back then and it needs to be honored.
It is an honor to serve our district. If you have questions, thoughts or suggestions, please send them to me at msauter@house.idaho.gov.
Rep. Mark Sauter is a second-term Republican legislator representing District 1A. He serves on the Agricultural Affairs; Education; and Resources and Conservation committees.
Inaugural Sandpoint Showdown set to bring motorcycle rally to downtown
By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff
Sandpoint will welcome a brandnew downtown event with the Sandpoint Showdown, which will fill the streets with a multi-day motorcycle rally drawing riders from near and far.
Set for Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28, the main events will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, including the LFG 1904 Slow Bike Games — in which “racers” test their skill and precision in a competition to be the last one over the finish line — as well as the Shifter Crew Bike Show featuring custom and classic rides, and more biker games from LoSide.
Bikes will be located on Cedar Street, First and Second avenues, and Main Street, with gates open at 9 a.m. Following an opening prayer and performance of the national anthem at 10 a.m., bike blessings will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with bike show registration from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($20
day-of registration).
Meanwhile, the LoSide and LFG 1904 games will begin at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The J Mosley Band will provide live music in front of the Cedar Street Bridge off and on from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., while a DJ will be set up on Second Avenue.
The event is free to attend, though registration fees for the bike show and games cost $20, and VIP parking on First Avenue and an event T-shirt are available with a $35 pre-registration at sandpointshowdown.com.
In partnership with nationally recognized names in the motorcycle community, the event is sponsored by Sargent Law Firm, a personal injury firm with a specialty in motorcycle law serving clients in California and Idaho; Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson in Spokane Valley, Wash.; Gotcha Covered boat covers in Bottle Bay; Northwest Autobody in Sandpoint; HellBent LFG; and more.
Amber Jones, of Jones Glass in Ponderay, is organizing the inaugural event, which will benefit local non-
profit Creations for Sandpoint, which offers community art programs on the Cedar Street Bridge.
Jones told the Reader that her family moved to Ponderay three years ago looking for a “simpler lifestyle” than in Southern California, where they own Josie’s Hideout Saloon — a motorcycle destination in the backcountry of San Diego. Almost immediately after arriving, she started contemplating a motorcycle rally during the area’s shoulder season.
“It took about three years to percolate,” she said, and decided to make it happen after connecting with Creations founder Shery Meekings, who she met through a friendship between their kids.
“It’s literally being done by myself and two volunteers from Creations,” Jones said, while noting that the community has “jumped right in” with grassroots help in spreading the word.
“The motorcycle community has stepped up and welcomed the event with open arms and amazing help and cando attitude,” she added. “Like Dennis
[McIntire], with Bestway Tree Service bringing in cranes for our American flags and the Marine Corp League for color guards. We will have bike blessings, vendors and more. We are relying on the downtown merchants to play a big part in food and drinks, and acting as vendors and part of the festivities.”
Jones is hoping for between 500 and 1,000 participants for the first three-day Sandpoint Showdown, including “some of the motorcycle world’s top talent.”
In addition to the games and bike show, there will be a bike raffle hosted by Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, T-shirt giveaways and swag from Sargent Law Firm, a range of motorcycle vendors and a self-guided tour with maps designed by local riders, giving participants the opportunity to further explore the area.
“We hope to positively impact the local economy and make it a local community event while welcoming riders from all over,” Jones said.
By Reader Staff
Numerica Credit Union has partnered with Schweitzer and the Lake Pend Oreille School District to launch a new literacy initiative for local middle school students. Numerica’s Read to Ski program encourages seventhand eighth-graders to build reading habits by offering a unique reward: a free lift pass to Schweitzer for the 2025-’26 ski season.
The program is open to all seventhand eighth-grade students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Students must read and log more than 10 hours by Friday, Nov. 21 and submit a log to their teacher to receive a free lift pass.
Festival at Sandpoint recognizes 2025 Volunteers of the Year Numerica launches ‘Read to Ski’ program
By Reader Staff
With the Festival at Sandpoint’s stage put away until the 2026 summer concert series, leaders of the nonprofit arts organization honored the volunteers who make the beloved annual event a reality with a Volunteer Appreciate event on Sept. 9.
More than 300 volunteers contributed in excess of 6,000 hours during the 2025 summer series, covering all aspects of the Festival, from welcoming guests at the gates to providing first aid, managing merchandise, and ensuring the concert grounds are welcoming and enjoyable for all.
Justin Bistodeau and Tim Kaufman were named as the Festival’s 2025 Volunteers of the Year, highlighting their work for the first aid department, with praise for their service, dependability, and willingness to go above and beyond.
In addition to staffing the first aid tent throughout the series, both
“At Numerica, we believe that every child deserves access to opportunities that help them grow and thrive,” stated Amanda Swan, Numerica’s vice president of community impact and communications. “Through Numerica CARES for Kids, we invest in programs that remove barriers, support education, and create meaningful experiences for local students and families.”
CARES for Kids is part of the credit union’s long-term commitment to supporting children and families facing systemic poverty.
“This partnership is another great example of our commitment to community youth programs,” stated Schweitzer Chief Operating Officer Tom
stepped in to assist with bar product load-in, Cheers Tasting Event set up and multiple last-minute needs during the Festival’s busy final Sunday.
“After arriving early on Sunday to assist with moving bar product, they noticed that help was needed at the Cheers Tasting Event and jumped right in,” stated Festival Executive Director Ali Baranski. “Justin and Tim saw a need and didn’t hesitate to help out and solve the problem. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication.”
Department coordinators were also recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation celebration for their behind-thescenes leadership and contributions, including: Sharon Gunter and Shelly Ackerman for chair rentals; Melinda Offer for the Cheers Tasting Event; Sharon Bistodeau and Mary Logsdon for first aid; Tim Rosco, Connie Rosco and Kelly Whitman for working at the gates; Jon Knepper and Makaia Knepper for the Green Team; Mary
Library hosts Fall Bulbs Fair
By Reader Staff
The Sandpoint Branch of the East Bonner County Library will welcome guests into its garden on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Fall Bulbs Fair. The day’s celebrations will include workshops, bulb swaps and giveaways to delight every level of gardener.
University of Idaho master gardeners will teach three classes, beginning
Chasse. “Schweitzer is deeply invested in our local schools, and we are proud to partner with Numerica in support of initiatives like the Read to Ski program, helping to encourage students to further their education and pursue outdoor recreation.”
Local educators agreed about the value of combining literacy with incentives that promote wellness and adventure.
“In these digital days, pleasure reading is more important than ever, as are healthy outdoor activities,” stated Sandpoint Middle School Principal Geoff Penrose. “We’re thrilled to partner with Numerica to support both, which will better prepare our students to learn and thrive academically.”
By Reader Staff
The Angels Over Sandpoint announced they are extending the grant deadline due to a glitch in their website, which caused difficulties obtaining the grant application and instructions.
The Angels have extended the grant application deadline to Tuesday, Sept. 30 for nonprofit organizations to submit requests for a community grant.
To access the grant application, visit angelsoversandpoint.org, go to the “Need Help” tab, then “Grants” and scroll down to “Community Grants.”
with a tutorial on planting spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Then the dahlias and gladiolus class demonstrates how to dig up and overwinter cold-sensitive bulbs indoors. Finally, everyone participating in the garlic planting workshop will take home their own seed garlic to harvest next summer.
All ages are welcome at this free event. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org.
Ann Hamilton for merchandise; and Frank Cafferty for transportation.
“The Festival at Sandpoint extends a heartfelt thanks to all its volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the 2025 Summer Series,” organizers stated.
For more information, go to festivalatsandpoint.com.
By Reader Staff
The YMCA of the Inland Northwest announced its annual Day of Giving for Wednesday, Oct. 1, as part of the organization’s nationwide effort to “support programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
YMCA of the Inland Northwest has operated in Spokane and North Idaho for more than 140 years, serving generations of families with programs available to everyone in the community regardless of age, income or background.
To participate in the YMCA Day of Giving, visit any YMCA of the Inland Northwest branch on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to learn more and donate in person. Donations can also be made online at ymcainw.org/donate.
For more information on YMCA’s philanthropy efforts and community impact, go to ymcainw.org or contact Christine Brischle, YMCA vice president of Philanthropy and Mission Advancement at 509-777-9622 ext. 4960 or cbrischle@ymcainw.org.
2025 Festival at Sandpoint Volunteers of the Year Tim Kaufman and Justin Bistodeau accept their certificates. Courtesy photo.
Rodrick M. Crawford (Feb. 19, 1954-Aug. 29, 2025)
Rodrick M. Crawford, 71, “Hot Rod,” passed away in Sandpoint on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, doing what he loved — spending time out on his ’57 Hewescraft, the Silver Maw Paw, on Lake Pend Oreille.
Rod was born on Feb. 19, 1954, in Denver, Colo., to Marvin and Edith Crawford. He grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he attended school and developed a lifelong love for skiing and athletics. Rod competed on the alpine ski team, skied Nordic Combined throughout high school and qualified for the Junior National Championships in Middlebury, Vt., during his senior year. He was also senior class president, a strong pole vaulter on the track team and played football for the Steamboat Springs Sailors.
Rod moved to Sandpoint with his family in 1979 and quickly became a vibrant part of the community. Over the years, he worked for Parks and Recreation, Rainbow Realty, served as a volunteer firefighter and for decades delivered the Daily Bee on his beloved paper route, which he treated as both service and exercise.
He later founded and ran
his own successful home management business, RMC, for more than 30 years. For more than 25 years, Rod also proudly served as part of the security team for The Festival at Sandpoint, where his presence and spirit became a cherished part of the Festival.
He found joy in skiing, boating, running, hiking, playing music with his longtime friend Mac MacDonald and their band The Baldy Mountain Boys, and swan-diving off the cliffs at Green Bay with his sons. He loved evenings of “wine time” with his partner, Susan, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Rod also gave his time as a coach for the Special Olympics ski team, a role that reflected his generous heart and passion for giving back.
Known for his playful spirit, Rod loved to joke and play pranks on people — always bringing laughter and lightness into the lives of those around him. He was truly a lover of life and of people — a best friend to many, and a source of joy, laughter and love wherever he went.
Of all his roles, none brought him more pride than
being a grandpa. He adored his nine grandchildren and supported them wholeheartedly — showing up at their sports events and competitions, cheering them on with pride, always making sure the little ones had the coolest bikes and showing pictures wherever he went. He was the most fun grandpa anyone could ask for, and his joy in being part of their lives was unmatched.
Rod was deeply beloved by his family, his friends and his community. He gave so much of himself — his time, energy and love — to anyone who needed it, and his kindness left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Schwartz of Sandpoint; four children, Beau (Suni) Crawford of Coeur d’Alene, Cody (Amy) Crawford of Edmonds, Wash., Kaylene Crawford of Liberty Lake, Wash., and Josie (Owen) Sherwood of Las Vegas, Nev.; Susan’s children, Katy Anderson and Elaina Rushing; grandchildren Chance, Karsyn, Reese, Finn, Declan, Chloe, Bella, River and Florence; his mother, Edith Crawford; and brothers Greg and Gary Crawford.
A celebration of Rod’s life will be held at a private residence for dear friends and family in the coming week. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice, or to one close to Rod’s heart such as the Special Olympics or local animal shelter.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Rod’s memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com or on Facebook at: Remembering “Hot Rod” – A Sandpoint Treasure.
If Sally chose you as one of her people, you gained a mother who loved you unconditionally, who showed up to care for you when you needed it and who was always curious about what was going on in your life.
You gained a sister with whom you felt free to be yourself — messy or amazing — and who deeply knew and understood you.
And in Sally, you gained the very best kind of friend. Sally celebrated you, thrilled at your accomplishments and told everyone how amazing you were to the point you believed it, too. Sally left you feeling really, really great about yourself.
Sally, purple hair spiked and always wearing tie-dye,
was the life of any gathering, making things more interesting and much more fun. Sally loved to eat and make great food, to laugh and most of all to tell stories (and her stories were the best).
A Hollywood casting director, Sally cast Close Encounters of the Third Kind for Steven Spielberg. She fought to cast Jodie Foster in The Accused — director Jonathan Kaplan wanted one of the glam blondes of the time — but when Jodie Foster won the Oscar, Jonathan publicly honored Sally for “convincing” him to cast Jodie. She was involved in writing the famous campfire scene in Blazing Saddles. Sally worked with Jane Fonda on The China Syndrome and she cast RoboCop, Heathers
and dozens of others.
The day before her passing, 83-year-old Sally bopped up the steps of a friend’s home for their weekly lunch and movie date with a bunch of flowers and a bottle of bubbly called Do Epic Sh*t.
“I bought it for the name,” Sally laughed.
And that was exactly how our beloved Sally lived her life: doing (and being) Epic and inspiring us to do the same.
We will celebrate Sally on Tuesday, Oct 7 from 5-8 p.m. at 113 Main restaurant in downtown Sandpoint. It’s a potluck with a cash bar. Bring your favorite stories and wear your best tie-dye.
Submitted by Dawyna Clarine.
Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com
September 25 - October 2, 2025
THURSDAY, September 25
What’s Happening Up North Economic Summit
8:30-5pm @ Sandpoint Center community room
Insights from top economists in our region, plus panel discussions and networking opportunities. It’s a valuable day for business people, local leaders and those who share a quality of life here. pepidaho.org for info
KRFY will auction off a bunch of fun items to raise money for their organization (Sept. 27-Oct. 5)
Music w/ Chris Paradis
6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
Wild Open Mic Night
6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority
Celebrate National Public Lands Day, share a story, song, poem about an impactful moment spent in the wild. Raffles, also. IPA will donate a portion of beer sales to Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
Movie Night on patio (The Sandlot)
6:30-9pm @ Barrel 33
FriDAY, September 26
POAC Performing Arts Series: Sean Bostrom
7pm @ Panida Theater
Concert pianist, educator and comedic performer known for blending classic virtuosity with infectious humor. $20/$10
Karaoke Nights (Fri/Sat/Sun)
8pm @ Tervan Tavern
Music w/ DJ Sterling
9pm-midnight @ Roxy’s
Music w/ Chris Paradis
6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar
SATURDAY, September 27
Sandpoint Farmers’ Market
9am-1pm @ Farmin Park
Fresh foods and produce and more Bear Fair
12-4pm @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds
Hands-on bear spray training with a remote-controlled charging grizzly The Unveiling 3.0: Carousel of Smiles 12-4pm @ Bonner Co. Fairgrounds
Open house to see the operating carousel in its 90% restored condition
Utara Production Facility grand opening 5-8pm @ 2617 N. Boyer Ave. Check out Utara’s new production facility at this grand opening
Oktoberfest music: Drywall Finishing Team
4:30-7pm @ Smokesmith BBQ
Don’t miss this polka/brass quintet playing Oktoberfest favorites at Smokesmith
Pumpkin Patch (opening weekend)
10am-5pm @ 26 E. Shingle Mill Rd.
monDAY, September 29
Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi
7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub
Outdoor Experience Group Run
6pm @ Outdoor Experience
wednesDAY, october 1
Family Hour & Live Music w/ John Firshi
5-7pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.
Also flower pop-up sale from 4-7pm
Open Mic Night
7pm @ Tervan Tavern
Hosted by Frytz Mor
‘Secret Sunrise’ dance
5:30-6:30pm @ Sandpoint Library Garden Dance in the Library garden with wireless headphones
Free Food Distribution
11am-1pm @ First Lutheran Church Drive-through event for up to 250 families to receive free food while supplies last. No appointment or documentation needed — 526 S. Olive Ave.
‘Secret Sunrise’ Dance
5:50pm @ Sandpoint Library garden
Silent disco dance in the library garden, led by Tahlia Rubin. Free Food For Our Children Wine Gala
6-10pm @ U of I ext. center, 10881 N. Boyer 4th annual Wine Gala to raise funds to feed local children. Live music, food
BCA 8 Ball Pool Tournament (Fri/Sat) 6pm @ Roxy’s
Fall Bulbs Fair
10am-noon @ Sandpoint Library
Mini workshops and bulb swap/giveaway. 10am — fall bulb planting tips; 11a — dahlias; 12pm — garlic
A three-day rally that brings together motorcycle enthusiasts, top-tier talent and local community. See sandpointshowdown.com for more info
Pumpkin Patch (opening weekend) 10am-5pm @ 26 E. Shingle Mill Rd. Pumpkins, hayrides, cider, donuts, bouncy houses, gem panning and more
Live Music w/ Quincy Robbins & Cooper Mire
5:30-8:30pm @ Barrel 33
SunDAY, September 28
Chamber music: Sounds d’Amore
7pm @ Little Carnegie Hall, MCS Janáček’s two renowned string quartets
Sacred Music Concert (FREE)
5pm @ First Lutheran Church Feat. Sylvia Ranette on violin/vocals
Oktoberfest at the Tervan 12pm @ Tervan Tavern, 411 Cedar St. Hammerschlagen, brats and sauerkrat, soft pretzels, German beers and more
BCA 8 Ball Pool Tournament (Fri/Sat) 6pm @ Roxy’s
Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee
Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s
tuesDAY, September 30
Live acoustic guitar w/ John Firshi
5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Karaoke
9pm-1am @ Roxy’s
ThursDAY, october 2
Feel It All film screening and talk
7pm @ Panida Theater
Ethan Murray Fund hosts pro skier, filmmaker and mental health advocate
Drew Petersen to screen his film, followed by Q&A. See Page 20 for more info
Live Music w/ John Daffron
8pm @ Tervan Tavern
COMMUNITY
CELEBRATING 115 YEARS AT 110 MAIN ST.
By Reader Staff
It was a banner day at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint Sept. 21, when the organization recognized the 115th birthday of its building at 110 Main St. Members of the public gathered to observe the milestone as a member of MCS faculty played a saxophone rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the rooftop and revelers sang from the streets below. Shortly after, community members released balloons and shared cake on the momentous day.
As reported in the Sept. 18 edition of the Reader, 110 Main St. has over the years been home to Sandpoint City Hall, police and fire stations, a library, a local bank and utility offices — and even served for a time as a jail. Today, with the conservatory’s vision, it has become a hub for music, creativity and community.
Photo by Charis Uzabel
Feel It All screening and Q&A scheduled for Mental Health Week
Ethan Murray Fund hosts pro skier, documentary filmmaker and mental health advocate
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
You’ve likely heard this before from those visiting resort towns like Sandpoint: “It must be paradise to live here.”
The truth is more complicated than that.
Professional skier, documentary filmmaker and mental health advocate Drew Petersen is well aware of that distinction. Hailing from the mountains of Colorado, Petersen was raised on skis, turned pro when he was 15 and now, at 31, has dedicated his life to combining his love of skiing with filmmaking and mental health advocacy.
The Ethan Murray Fund will screen Petersen’s film Feel It All on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Panida Theater, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. Petersen will follow the screening with a discussion about his experiences, the importance of mental health and the challenges that shaped his journey. The screening is part of Mental Health Week activities.
“I really committed to the filmmaking process in this mission of mental health to share my personal story,” Petersen told the Reader.
Petersen’s first film, Ups and Downs, highlighted the mountains and valleys of his personal mental health journey. Feel It All combines skiing and ultrarunning, the latter a sport that involves running distances of 100 miles or longer.
“Making Feel It All was my mission to help other people,” Petersen said. “I really wanted to help the outdoor and mountain communities as a whole.”
Petersen said he has struggled with mental health his entire life.
“Even as a kid, I didn’t have the language to understand what I was experiencing,” he said. “I lived through these struggles, including suicidal thoughts, totally in secret all the way from childhood to building a career as a pro skier. During all of that I built up a lot of shame around being depressed and having suicidal thoughts, even though life was ‘amazing’ in the mountains and I was ‘living the dream’
and traveling the world as a pro skier.”
In 2017, Petersen experienced a near-death accident on the mountain that changed everything for him.
“It made me face reality head on and eventually ask for help,” he said. “Since then, I’ve renovated my entire life. I got sober and really, I’ve taken that a step further from helping myself to helping the community. ... I have a unique opportunity as a pro skier to make an impact and help a lot of people.”
Petersen said his own story isn’t anecdotal; it’s a real issue in states like Idaho.
“Seven of the Rocky Mountain states rank in the highest suicide rates in the country,” Petersen. “Idaho is one of them.”
Idaho ranks sixth in the nation for the highest suicide rate per capita at 22.2 per 100,000 people.
Petersen said a lot of factors come into play when explaining why suicide is more prevalent in Western states with ski resorts and mountain towns.
“But I do believe the juxtaposition of living in ‘paradise,’ having access to recreation and living an amazing life leaves a lot of us feeling we should be OK and should be happy and that results in shame when we struggle,” he said. “The reality is, being human means every single one of us is going to struggle. That needs to be normalized.”
Petersen agreed to travel to Sandpoint after Ethan Murray Fund
co-founder Justine Murray reached out when he released his first film in 2022.
“I saw a lot of the story of the Sandpoint community and her son Ethan in me and how I’ve shared my story,” Petersen said. “It’s been amazing to connect with her.”
Feel It All centers on the goal of running the Leadville Trail 100 Run, one of the toughest land races in the world. Petersen uses the story arc of the race to explore his experiences with mental health and how even in his deepest, darkest depths, he found purpose driving him forward.
“I felt like, ‘If I can do this, I can do anything,’” Petersen said of running the race.
A question-and-answer session with the audience will follow the screening.
Ticket proceeds go to support the Ethan Murray Fund Scholarship Program, a resource available to Bonner County high school students who are either pursuing careers in mental health or have been touched by mental health challenges, whether their own or in their families.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
A still frame from Drew Petersen’s film Feel It All. Courtesy photo
MUSIC
POAC kicks off 2025-’26 Performing Arts season with pianist Sean Bostrom
By Reader Staff
The Pend Oreille Arts Council kicks off its annual performing arts season with concert pianist Sean Bostrom on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
Known for his captivating performances blending classical music with comedic flair, à la Victor Borge, Bostrom has delighted audiences in the Pacific Northwest for the past 18 years with his musicianship.
Starting his journey with piano lessons to strengthen his math skills, Bostrom’s dedication and talent led him to study with renowned teachers, participate in prestigious competitions and win scholarships. A passionate educator, he also offers group and private piano lessons, nurturing a love for music in students of all ages and skill levels.
POAC’s season continues through next spring with performances ranging from Celtic rock and folk roots music to multimedia theatrical performances and even a prop comedian who is a two-time Guinness World Record Holder.
Performances will be presented at the Panida and The Hive (207 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint). Per POAC’s mission, ticket prices are affordable, ranging from $5-$25, with a limited number of season passes available at $100 for
admission to six shows (season passes do not include the additional Nutcracker performance or Masterpiece Ball, with tickets priced and sold separately).
Friday, Sept. 26: Sean Bostrom — With roots in North Idaho, Bostrom is known for his captivating performances blending classical music with comedic flair. Tickets $20 adult/$10 youth.
Friday, Oct. 24: Masterpiece Ball — An evening of fundraising with live music from Harold’s IGA, signature cocktails and appetizers, miniart auction and a costume contest. Dress as a living work of art or your favorite artist for an opportunity to support POAC’s education programs. Tickets are $75 (21+ event).
Saturday, Nov. 22: Missoula Children’s Theater: Alice in Wonderland — The Missoula Children’s Theater presents an original adaption of the classic fairy tale, starring local youth. Tickets $20 adult/$5 youth.
Wednesday, Dec. 3: The Nutcracker with Ballet Victoria — The talented dancers of Ballet Victoria will warm audience members’ hearts with holiday cheer and feature local youth, as well. Tickets $45 adult/$20 youth.
Thursday, Jan. 15: Living Voices: “The Klondike”— Experience history with Living Voices, where solo performances and archival film
merge to narrate the hunt for gold with one independent young woman who risks everything for the promise of wealth and a fresh start during a time of global turmoil. Tickets $15 adult/$10 youth.
Friday, Feb. 20: Abby Posner — An award-winning singer-songwriter, Posner’s live shows blend folk, roots, electronic and pop. A genre-fluid L.A.-based musician known for mastering nearly any instrument, her performances feature everything from fierce blues guitar solos to complex banjo riffs. With passion and energy comparable to Chris Thile and The Lumineers, she delivers haunting folk songs and upbeat dance hits. Tickets $20 adult/$10 youth.
‘Lucky Friday,’ March 13: Derina Harvey Band — A special St. Patrick’s Day party at The Hive. With her vibrant personality, humor and powerful vocals, Harvey leads this Celtic rock powerhouse, which is a multi-award winning group from Edmonton, Alberta, known for its engaging live shows. Tickets $25 (21+ event).
Friday, April 17: The Zaniac — Alex Zerbe, a.k.a. “The Zaniac,” moves like a rubber band across the stage with a comedic onslaught of absurd ideas, odd skills and fantastic feats that have earned him two Guinness World Records and
the title of Seattle’s Funniest Physical Comedian. Tickets $25 adult/$10 youth
Visiting performers also participate in POAC’s Ovations program, a free K-12 outreach that provides quality educational experiences in the performing arts for students who would otherwise not have those opportunities. In addition to all public performances at the Panida and The Hive, workshops, performances and outreach programs are planned throughout the year for the Lake Pend Oreille School District and the Sandpoint community.
“POAC has a long tradition of presenting culturally diverse performances, geared for audiences of all ages, at affordable prices,” stated POAC Executive Director Tone Stolz. “We are thrilled to present a new season of exceptional artistic quality, theatrical excitement and inspiration to the Sandpoint community through the performing arts.”
Tickets to all events are on sale at ArtinSandpoint.org, by phone at 208-263-6139 or at the POAC Gallery (313 N. Second Ave, in downtown Sandpoint).
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the POAC’s Performing Arts Season and for individual shows. Call the POAC office for details.
Matt Mitchell Music Co., Nordman Bar, Oct. 2 Oktoberfest Live Music, Smokesmith BBQ, Sept. 26-28
Looking for some new music and a backroads drive?
Accomplish both missions
Thursday, Oct. 2 with the album release show for Matt Mitchell Music Co. at the Bar at Nordman (near Priest Lake) for his newest record, Shoulder Season.
Mitchell’s dedication to storytelling shines through with thoughtful songwriting and a down-to-earth style that doesn’t leave anyone out
in the cold. He’s an old-soul troubadour whose songs can floor you as well as drive you to your feet. If you can’t make the Nordman album release, he’ll play the following night at Zola in Spokane, Wash. — Ben Olson
8 p.m., FREE. The Bar at Nordman, 36442 ID-57, Nordman, Idaho, 208-443-2538. Listen at mattmitchellmusicco.com.
Smokesmith Bar-B-Que is doing Oktoberfest the rockingest way possible with a weekend full of regional German-style beers, a stein-holding contest, “sausages galore” and live music Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28. First up is 20-year-old multi-instrumentalist Mathew Tipich playing on-the-fly roots music compositions on Friday, followed by powerhouse blues-rockers Dr. Cee Cee
This week’s RLW by Soncirey Mitchell
READ
I don’t usually read New York Magazine, but a recent article by E.J. Dickson caught my eye for its title, which manages to be both condescending and genuine: “Won’t Someone Think of the Men?” After interviewing 100 men, Dickson shares her thoughts on “heterofatalism” — a new term describing women’s pessimistic outlook on dating men — and what it means for their male counterparts. It’s an interesting, if not in-depth, look at modern gender roles.
LISTEN
and the Elixir on Saturday, and polka/brass quintet The Drywall Finishing Team (“they’ll get you plastered,” as they say) finishing out the festivities on Sunday. If that’s not prost-worthy, we don’t know what is.
— Zach Hagadone 5-8 p.m. each day, FREE. Smokesmith BBQ, 102 S. Boyer Ave., 208-920-0517, smokesmithidaho.com. Listen on Facebook, YouTube and other streamers.
Folk musician Haley Heynderickx makes music for anxious girls who like frogs — and I say that with all sincerity. If you know, you know, and if you don’t, congratulations. Songs like “The Bug Collector” and “Oom Sha La La” feel raw and vulnerable, with layers of meaning and reflection on her religious Filipino-American upbringing hidden below borderline comical lyrics. She makes me happy; she makes me sad. Listen on haley-heynderickx.com.
WATCH
The Great British Bake Off (or Baking Show in the U.S.) is back for its 16th season just in time to prove that life is actually worth living. Airing on Netflix, the show catalogues a saccharine competition between Britain’s most adorable amateur bakers. There are cute accents, Victoria sponge cakes, bread sculptures and even a goth wearing a new $800 sweater in every episode. If you haven’t seen it, how are you still alive?
A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint
From Pend Oreille Review, Sept. 24, 1915
IS NOT CHARGED WITH MURDER
This paper is in receipt of a letter dated Sept. 16 from T.N. McCoy of Wilson, Wyoming, in which he requests us to state that there is not one word of truth in the report that he has been charged with the crime of murder. In its issue of the 10th of this month the Review stated that a report was received here to the effect that Nick McCoy, formerly of this place, was held in Wilson, Wyo. for the murder of a rancher named John Brassfield. Mr. McCoy says in his letter:
“Brassfield was killed, presumably, by a team and found by a man who was considered very unfriendly to Brassfield and some suspicion did rest on this man, whose name is William Scott. Although no arrest has ever been made the deceased was exhumed but no bullet holes were found.”
Mr. McCoy says also: “Not one person in the state of Wyoming has intimated any suspicion against me. Brassfield and I were the best of friends and he was on his way home three miles from my place when found by William Scott June 6th about 8:30 p.m. His brother, James Brassfield of Baker City, Oregon, came here and caused an investigation by exhuming and holding an autopsy, and as above stated no wounds except bruises were found. James Brassfield stayed three weeks with me prior to holding the inquest. I assisted him in every way possible and am yet. He has not gone to Kememer, the county seat, to place the evidence before the distrit attorney. You will greatly oblige me to instruct your informant through your paper he is mistaken in all of his home-spun fabrication.”
BACK OF THE BOOK Chainsaw therapy
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
“Ugh,” I sighed, slamming shut my laptop. It’s a common way to end a period of scanning national news stories. Between attempts to bypass our First Amendment rights, the president making a buffoon of himself in front of the U.N. General Assembly, and more irrational idiots being irrational and idiotic on social media, it’s all we can do to find something apolitical to remind us that life used to be a lot more fun before we all grew to hate one another.
I reached into the closet for my Miller High Life T-shirt and cargo pants — both covered in pitch stains. I laced up my boots and headed out to the garage where salvation is always waiting for me.
Throwing my firewood cutting materials into the back of the truck, along with a jug of water and a hastily made sandwich, I blasted out of town heading for the forest to gather some wood.
Harvesting firewood has always been one of my favorite activities, but lately it has become a salve.
“When the world is on fire, cut wood,” I said to no one in particular as I turned off the highway onto a road leading to national forest land.
Soon, the wrinkles in my brow begin to smooth away, replaced by the wonder I always feel when entering the wilderness. I make my way to a honey hole with good stands of red fir and tamarack — two of my favorite woods to split, stack and burn.
Because firewood gathering permits are free from the U.S. Forest Service this year, I can gather up to 12 cords — about 10 cords more than I need, but I’ll pile on as much as I can. Firewood gathering is the best therapy
STR8TS Solution
I’ve ever known, second only to riding a fresh line through a foot of powder on Schweitzer.
I park the truck and wander the woods, saw in hand, scanning for deadwood. The ideal candidates are dead standing, not lying on the forest floor beginning to rot. But I’ll take anything that burns.
Before long, I’m yanking the saw to life and feeling that familiar buzz in my hands as a new chain tears through a fallen red fir. The sawdust flies back onto my pant leg and gathers in the tongue of my boot before the first round falls to the ground, soon to be joined by many others.
Working without a plan or a care in the world, I amble from tree to tree, making small piles of rounds. Hours pass like this and I couldn’t be happier to watch them go. I’ll occasionally see a truck drive by on the dirt road, but no other people are visible on this perfect day in North Idaho. That’s just fine with me. It’s just me, my saw and these glorious trees towering overhead, surrounding me with their fragrant embrace.
Birds flit by, chirping their calls into the still air. I watch them as I sit munching a salami and cheese sandwich, not a single thought in my head. I load the rounds I’ve already cut into my truck and stack them neatly, realizing with a smile that I still have room for more.
Filling my tank from the oil-gas mix can and topping off the bar oil tank, I meander back into the woods in search of more chainsaw therapy. By the time thoughts of the outside world begin sneaking back into my head, I yank the saw again and scare them away with my useful noise.
The light grows lower to the hori-
zon, sending rays through the tree trunks. It’s time to start making my way back.
With a deep, weary sigh I stack the remaining rounds into the truck, pack away my chainsaw and implements, and climb into the driver’s seat. My shirt is soaked with sweat and, upon taking off my gloves, I smile as they stand up by themselves when I toss them onto the floorboard.
Soon, I’m driving down the mountain, my rig riding heavy with the day’s haul. A Hank Williams song is playing on the radio and I hook my elbow out of the open window crooning along with him. Sawdust particles catch flight as the wind sweeps them off my hair and shirt.
My muscles are aching, my fingers electric with the buzz of running a saw all day. For a moment, I consider off-loading my haul at home and driving back into the woods for another session. Alas, there is no more light left in the day, so I reluctantly return to the world of angry faces behind steering wheels, honking at one another and searching for another reason to be pissed off.
None of this stuff matters when you’re cutting into a beautifully felled tamarack. None of it. All that matters on a firewood gathering day is keeping your saw full and sharp for the work ahead and providing heat for you and yours through the winter.
It’s easy to get lost in loathsome politics. I prefer to get lost in the North Idaho wilderness and forget, just for a few hours, that the world is burning and apparently nobody cares to put it out. Right here, right now, it’s bliss. And that’s OK with me.
“When the world is on fire, cut wood.” Damn right.
Laughing Matter
Solution on page 22
By Bill Borders
lucid /LOO-sid/
Week of the Corrections: In the Sept. 15 edition, Dave Britton wrote that the Bonner County Republican Central Committee vote on the Charlie Kirk resolution was “23-3” (in favor vs. against) but the actual vote count was 28-3.
[adjective]
1. easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible.
“He’s worked as a satirist; he’s written parodies, political thrillers; he’s moved from a fairly earnest modern style to a very lucid, clear style.”
I think in one of my previous lives I was a mighty king, because I like people to do what I say.
