Reader September 7 2017

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(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

How are you coping with the smoke? Where are you getting your news about the fires?

“I’m handling it OK. I’ve been keeping my house closed at night and I am not enjoying the lack of air flow. I have a lot of friends in the local area that have posted links to news sites on Facebook, and that’s how I’ve been keeping informed.”

DEAR READERS,

Greetings, from the land of smoke and honey.

At times like these, it’s important to keep things in perspective. In some cities around the world, the air is this hazardous every day. In some states across the country, thousands of homes are cleaning up flood damage, while others prepare for another devastating hurricane.

In other words, this will blow over. We should all be thankful for that.

Below is the caption contest winner from a contest on Facebook earlier this week. Out of the 80-plus comments, we selected Chris Aitkin as the winner.

Chris, you’ve won a $25 gift certificate to Eichardt’s Pub. Contact me at the email address to the right to claim your prize. Nice job everyone. Hang in there.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

Mike Nickerson Sequel Alliance Family Services Sandpoint

CAPTION CONTEST WINNER:

“Go to North Idaho, they said. It would be fun, they said.”

-Chris Aitkin

“I’ve been drinking a lot of water and breathing in the steam from hot tea. I’ve been keeping informed about the fires from television news and Facebook, where you can see maps of where the fires are located.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS: “First day of school in North Idaho 2017.”

-Melissa Cooper “Another day in paradise.”

-Danielle Parks

Echo Simmons Artist Sandpoint “I’ve been staying indoors with an air purifier and all the exhaust fans on. My husband has been using a respirator because he works outdoors. I get my information from the National Weather Advisory online.”

Lindsey Delle Stay-at-home mom Sandpoint “I follow the Sandpoint Fire Department and the Sandpoint Police Department sites on Facebook. I want to be a volunteer firefighter in the future — for so many reasons.

I get updates on air quality on my phone and I read the Daily Bee every morning to stay informed. I have asthma so I stay inside as much as I can because it’s so hard to breathe.”

Brittany McDonald Barista Ponderay

“I want to blame all the smokers. Cut it out, guys!”

Brom Glidden Mental health therapist Sandpoint

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

www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Jodi Taylor Jodi@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Ben Olson (cover), Susan Drinkard, Bill Stuble, Jessica Kellar, Northern Eagle, Morjolein Groot Nibbelink, Jodi Rawson.

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Lyndsie Kiebert, Nick Gier, Shannon Williamson, Henry Worobec, Brenden Bobby, Sandy Compton, Jodi Rawson, Dianne Smith, Drake the Dog. Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $95 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

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

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

Free to all, limit two copies per person.

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

Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

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

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover This week’s cover features a photo

by Ben Olson. Special thanks to Army Surplus for loaning us a vintage WWII gas mask to use in the photograph.

September 7, 2017 /

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OPINION

Moscow pastor agrees with Trump on Charlottesville tragedy

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist In an Aug. 16 blog post entitled “In Praise of Our President,” Douglas Wilson, pastor of Moscow’s Christ Church, wrote that “Trump refused to be steered by mob action, and when two evil groups clashed violently, he refused to take sides.”

Wilson commended Trump for identifying “the game plan that is being run on us all by the violent Left.” That plan was the removal of monuments dedicated to Confederate leaders and their battle flag, but how could this be a leftist plot if Southern mayors, state legislators, and governors have been at the forefront of this movement?

When Nikki Haley, Trump’s pick for UN Ambassador, was governor of South Carolina, she signed a bill that removed the Confederate flag from the Statehouse. A conservative House and Senate voted 130-23 in support of the legislation.

One of the “evil groups” at the Charlottesville protest was the neo-Confederate League of the South (LOS). In a July 24 tweet, LOS president Michael Hill declared: “If you want to defend the South and Western civilization from the Jew and his dark-skinned allies, be at Charlottesville on August 12.”

At one time Michael Hill was a member of the Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Monroe, La. The church’s pastor Steve Wilkins was a LOS founding director, and in 1996 he teamed up with Wilson to write “Southern Slavery As It Was.” This sentence sums up the book’s message: “There has never been a multi-racial society which has existed with such mutual intimacy and harmony in the history of the world.”

On Jan. 16, 2004, Wilson wrote to his congregation about Wilkins and the League of the South. He explained that

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Wilkins resigned from the LOS Board not because he thought the organization was racist, but because he had moved on to other priorities. The LOS, however, has been racist from the beginning and continues to be, as LOS President Hill’s statement clearly indicates above.

In his memo to Christ Church members, Wilson offers “mild” support for the LOS, and he disagrees only with their belief in secession from the union and reconstituting the Old South along white nationalist lines.

Wilson is not always consistent in his views. In his self-published book “Angels in the Architecture,” he predicts that by God’s will “the South will rise again.” In a feature article in the Spokesman-Review, he admits “Confederate flags have adorned office and school walls at times.”

In his blog post Wilson admitted to a respondent that he had indeed “equated Black Lives Matter with the Klan.

Hatred and murder are to be reprobated, period.” I challenge Wilson to find any leader of Black Lives Matter preaching hate or encouraging murder.

In stark contrast, there is Klan leader Christian Barker, the imperial wizard of the Loyal White Knights of the KKK. In an interview with Univision’s Ilia Calderon, Barker called Calderon the “N” word, and declared that “we’re going to burn you (Hispanics) out. We killed 6 million Jews the last time.

Eleven million is nothing.”

Black-clad members of Antifa, a small anti-Fascist organization, have been responsible for disrupting dozens of rightwing talks and rallies across the country. Antifa and peaceful protesters are not allies, whereas the LOS, the KKK, and the neo-Nazis coordinate their hate-filled actions.

Charges that Antifa has committed systematic acts of violence have not been proved or are outright false. Go to snopes.com to read of many

Letters to the Editor

there is a high-fire alert and bullets can cause sparks that can cause smoldering fires. Besides the actual danger, random shooting around a lake with known campgrounds constitutes a nuisance if nothing else.

Like the game warden we met on our way out mentioned, we have the right to use guns but we do not have the right to be stupid.

2nd Amendment...

Dear Editor, On a recent backpacking trip our peace was violently disturbed by the sound of gunshots ricocheting between the mountain walls.

Physically shaking, I approached the shooters, a group of young day hikers. I expressed my concern only to receive a lecture that this is N-Idaho and they have the right to shoot anywhere and I don’t have to be concerned as it is safe to shoot across the lake. Several of my kids open carry, but they do so with a sense of responsibility and respect, and target shoot in a designated place. There were camping spots across the lake and climbers were coming down from the mountain, both invisible to the shooters.

Bullets can ricochet off the surface of water as well as off rocks and go quite far. At this time of the year

Gabrielle Duebendorfer Sandpoint

A Response to Ben Olson...

Dear Editor, I appreciate Ben Olsen’s comments regarding my letter where I took the supporters of the proposed Scotchman wilderness and USFS to task for their lack of engaging the communities closest to the area.

However, what Ben described falls short of the complete story.

Let’s remind everybody of these facts: 1) the USFS never held a single meeting in Clark Fork regarding the wilderness, during the decades of their Forest Plan process, even

Doug Wilson. examples. I do, however, join many others in strongly condemning Antifa’s attempts to undermine free speech rights.

Marilyn Mayo, senior research fellow for the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, reports that “over the past decade, extremists of every stripe have killed 372 Americans, and 74 percent of those killings were committed by right wing extremists. Only two percent of those deaths were at the hands of left-wing though they are required by law to do so; 2) Until January of this year, during the 12 years of their highly celebrated wilderness campaigning, FSPW never held a single meeting in Clark Fork to learn what the community might or might not support and 3) The illustrious former county commissioners never met once with Clark Fork (or anywhere else outside of Sandpoint?), regarding this proposal, before deciding, incredibly, that a majority of the county supported the wilderness (?).

After Sen. Risch introduced the bill last December and after talking to many concerned residents, I contacted FSPW and, among other things, brought up this lack of direct communication with, arguably, the most important stake-holders of this proposal. FSPW told me that, while they were confident that there were far more supporters than opposers in Clark Fork, they would organize the meeting, which they promptly did and invited the USFS, Sen. Risch’s office and Carey Kelly to attend. The reality was heard that

extremists,” and none by Antifa members. Antifa activists do not carry guns, but most white nationalists do.

Wilson must reconsider his position now that Trump has backed away from his comments blaming both sides.

Turning to his Dr. Jekyll persona, this is what he said about the Aug. 19 Boston protesters: “I want to applaud the many protesters in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate.”

We know that Trump is a rank opportunist and a dishonest man, but Wilson claims to be a man of God. Those who would still cast equal blame on both sides of this issue can be nothing but moral reprobates.

Nick Gier of Moscow taught philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. He can be reached at ngier006@gmail. com. Read the full version of this column at www.sandpointreader.com under “Columns.” night, loud and clear. Sen. Risch’s staff later told me, that as a result of the overwhelmingly negative comments about the wilderness and the lack of local communication, the senator’s office then organized the additional meetings at Clark Fork and Hope, to directly give the local communities their due in this process. The senator’s office may say that was their plan from the beginning, but I wonder about that — the cart on this proposal was so far ahead of the horses, it had unhitched and was long gone from the county.

The fact is, that the supporters, the USFS and former commissioners never chose to meet with the local communities, is absolutely accurate – that first and only meeting by FSPW in Clark Fork (12-plus years into the process) was requested by the local residents, who were absolutely fed-up by being bypassed.

I stand by what I wrote.

Stan Myers Hope

OPINION

On the Lake:

A column about lake issues by the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper

The most polluted site in Sandpoint and what it’s doing to our water

By Shannon Williamson Reader Columnist

You know that piece of land on Boyer that sits between the Lake Pend Oreille High School and the railroad tracks? Across from Super One? You probably drive by it all the time and never think twice. That’s the Joslyn Property and it’s super polluted.

The Joslyn Property is the site of “historical wood treating operations”, or in other words, it was a place where telephone poles were preserved with lots of nasty chemicals. Back in 2000, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) became aware of the presence of pentachlorophenol (PCP), creosote and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (all bad) in the soils and groundwater at the property.

In 2005, DEQ and Joslyn entered into a Consent Judge-

Shannon Williamson. ment that would set the stage for “clean-up” efforts that continue to this day. I use the term “clean up” loosely. Basically, Joslyn slapped an asphalt cap over the area with the highest level of contamination to prevent physical contact and installed a series of groundwater wells that are monitored on a quar-

terly basis for chemical contamination.

We at LPOW wondered why surface water (stormwater) monitoring wasn’t part of the “cleanup” plan. After all, the stormwater retention pond on the edge of the property floods over into the street whenever we get a decent rain and makes a beeline for Sand Creek.

We were told that according to mathematical models, stormwater runoff wouldn’t make it to Sand Creek. We thought that was ridiculous, so we started our own monitoring efforts.

We’ve been collecting samples from the outfall pipe that collects stormwater from the streets surrounding the Joslyn Property for about a year now and guess what we’ve found! PCP levels as much as 4.5 TIMES the risk-based remedial action target levels (RATLs)

for ingestion. By the way, PCP is classified as a probable human carcinogen and is also associated with renal and neurological effects.

This stuff is dumping into Sand Creek where folks are paddle boarding, kayaking and SWIMMING in the summer. And we all know that Sand Creek flows into the lake where we get much of our DRINKING WATER. This is a problem.

We’ve shared the data we’ve collected with DEQ and we will continue to do so. Not surprisingly, they want lots of evidence that their mathematical models *may* have been a little off before taking steps to change the course of the cleanup. The best case scenario would involve digging up all of the contamination and incinerating it. Unfortunately, DEQ can’t make

the property owners to do this. It’s complicated.

If it ever rains again, we’ll be back to collecting evidence that runoff from the Joslyn Property is contaminating our water. This is not an inexpensive task, testing for PCP costs $300 a pop. If PCP in your water concerns you, please support our monitoring efforts.

You can donate at www.lpow. org. If you’re not in a position to donate, but like scrambling down steep embankments and arranging yourself in strange positions to collect stormwater, give me a shout!

Shannon Williamson, Ph.D., is the executive director of Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper.

FREE MEDICAL CARE Bonner Partners in Care Clinic is a FREE health care clinic providing quality health care to those in our community who are not covered by health insurance. We provide a health care safety net for those who can not afford medical care at no cost to the patient. We treat general and chronic health disorders such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Infections and other minor medical issues. We also have assistance for diagnostic testing, laboratory orders, referrals and prescriptions.

We are located in The Panhandle Health Care Building 2101 Pine Street, Sandpoint 208.255.9099 Clinic is one evening per week (either Tuesdays or Thursdays) first come first serve basis. Please visit our website for more information: www.bpicc.org Find us on Facebook September 7, 2017 /

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COMMUNITY

THE READER TRAVELS TO CORA, WYOMING Bouquets: • A shout-out to the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market vendors who donate fresh, organic produce to the Bonner Community Food Bank. Please support Sandpoint Farmers ‘ Market.

“Buy local and be social.”

-Submitted by Nannette Heintzelman.

• A bouquet to the staff at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, who allowed us to host a concert in their business last weekend. What a great ambiance and listening crowd! I appreciate your support of local musicians.

Barbs: • Cowards always hide in the shadows. That’s just a fact.

It takes someone with true grit to back up what they write with their name. Any idiot can distribute hate-filled nonsense under the cover of night. Here’s a tip for a special someone out there: Anonymity isn’t helping your cause, it’s hurting it. If you rely on violence, volume or secrecy to spread your ideas, they are invalid ideas. Come out of the shadows and own up to your words, or just shut up once and for all. Anytime you want to be interviewed by a real reporter, give me a call. Until then, I’ve already forgotten about you.

By Reader Staff

Diane Brockway takes a break from watching the solar eclipse in the outback of Cora, Wyoming to catch up on a little Sandpoint reading. Photo by Bill Stuble.

Panida Theater sponsors Walking Tour of historic Sandpoint theaters

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Panida Theater has been entertaining Sandpoint with shows and movies since 1927. It wasn’t the first theater, however, and as the Panida prepares to celebrate its 90th birthday in November, it’s taking time to recognize its many predecessors.

A broad and often deep selection of quality fiction in a post-truth time. And lots of other good books.

Main Street Downtown Bonners Ferry 267-2622

We buy used books

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Gardeners Association announces Fall calendar of classes

Join historian Nancy Renk for the “Entertaining Sandpoint” walking tour of former theaters, dance halls, skating rinks and the site of a daredevil’s fatal fall. Renk is a retired professional historian who has been researching and writing about Sandpoint history for more than 40 years.

There will be two tours

offered on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10, at 1 and 4 p.m. They will start at the parking lot on Bridge Street, between Sand Creek and the bypass, and will end at the Panida Theater. The tours will last approximately an hour and a half. There will be a $5 charge, all of which will benefit the Panida Theater.

Memorial Community Center to host Oktoberfest

By Ben Olson Reader Staff The Memorial Community Center in Hope will be hosting their 5th Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 10 p.m. The fundraiser is free for all to attend.

Braut dinners will be available for $20 each or two for $30 and include brauts with all the fixins, sauerkraut, coleslaw, beans, cake and coffee, water or soda. There will be beer on tap and a wine bar, and lots of fun items available in the raffle.

Make sure to bring your dancing shoes, as there will be live instrumental music by Dennis Wilson, German polkas by the Swing Street Big Band and a top hits playlist.

The Center is also looking

for volunteers to help with set up and clean up, so if you can help out please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Ellen Westfall at (208) 264-5273.

Summer is on the way out, so make your time count with your remaining garden projects.

Registration is now open for the fall 2017 Home Horticultural Education Series. With one exception, classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the Ponderay Event Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way, Suite F. The series kicks off on Sept.

13 with an on-site composting workshop in Samuels.

Following weeks feature presentations on cover crops, putting the garden to bed for the winter, weeds, straw bale gardening, microclimates and DIY greenhouses.

The series wraps up on Oct. 18 with a presentation on pesticides in the garden.

The complete schedule of all six classes and registration information is attached, and is available on the group’s web site, www.bcgardeners.org, under the Home Horticulture tab. Walk-ins are welcome, however advance registration is recommended, as some sessions do sell out.

The $10 per person ticket price supports the Bonner County Gardeners Association.

The BCGA is a non-profit organization which in addition to conducting educational classes for home gardeners also provides support for school garden programs throughout the county.

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NEWS

Human rights organizations condemn fliers

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force condemned the ongoing distribution of racist fliers Wednesday, calling the community to action against bigotry.

In a press conference, the task force delivered statements from Idaho politicians, human rights activists and faith leaders sending one unified message: Racism and bigotry are not welcome in Idaho. The conference follows an increasingly aggressive campaign of flier distribution with racist messages against black, Jewish and Hispanic people, as well as targeted messages against local politicians, human rights activists and journalists.

“Hate is an attack on our community’s health,” said Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad. “Acts of hate impact more than the victims, they also torment the community, leaving community members feeling vulnerable and afraid.”

Recent fliers have piggy-backed on local controversies over refugee policy, claiming a conspiracy existed to bring refugees into Sandpoint. Rognstad used the conference to once again refute the allegation, saying city representatives have not had a single conversation toward that end.

“Sandpoint could not support a resettlement program because it lacks sufficient economic, health care and cultural resources that the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement requires to support such a

Community leaders gather to formally condemn the racist fliers that have been distributed recently. From left to right: Shawn Woodward, Bill Love, Sharon McCahon, Brenda Hammond, Lynn Bridges, Valerie Milliron, Tony Stewart, Christie Wood, Norm Gissel, Paul Graves, Mayor Shelby Rognstad, Kate McAlister, Colin Moody. Photo by Ben Olson.

program,” he said.

Since late spring, an unknown person or group of people have distributed fliers, which often promote one of the most widely-trafficked white supremacist websites on the internet. The racist messages are usually left on cars, tossed from vehicles into yards or pinned to bulletin boards during the night when the chance of being seen is low. The fliers follow a series of robocalls two years ago during the Sandpoint mayoral election, which claimed Rognstad would bring black individuals into town if elected.

The messages have become persistent

Fireball visible across Northwest skies

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer The American Meteor Society said they received nearly 200 reports of a fireball event seen above British Columbia Tuesday morning. While most reports came from Canada, AMS said people in Idaho, Montana and Washington have all reported seeing that large flash around 5:30 a.m.

According to the Oregonian, the Federal Aviation Administration reported the flash was a meteor after communicating with several air traffic controllers. AMS says that while a “meteor” is defined as the light emitted from an asteroid as it enters the atmosphere, a “fireball” is a 8 /

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meteor brighter than the planet Venus.

Tuesday’s event is classified as a fireball due to its brightness, witnessed by people as far south as Lewiston, according to KHQ. Most described the event as a flash of light similar to lightning, and those who got a better look at the fireball noted that it had a tail. Some described a “sonic boom” after the flash of light.

According to the latest estimated trajectory from AMS, “the fireball traveled in a southeast to northwest direction entering the atmosphere near the small town of Boswell and terminating near Meadow Creek, British Columbia.”

No physical remnants of the meteor have been recovered so far.

enough that Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter issued a response this week.

“We have dealt with white supremacists and other groups fueled by hatred before,” Otter said. “We told them then — as we continue to tell them now and in no uncertain or ambiguous terms — they are not wanted here and will never be welcome here.”

Likewise, District 1 Idaho Sen. Shawn Keough called for unity among all political parties and religions in combating bigotry.

“This is simply unacceptable and cowardly behavior,” she said. “In our country and our state, we debate the issues civilly and in the light of day, not cloaked in anonymity. We don’t threaten violence in our disagreements.”

Other North Idaho human rights organizations, which resisted Aryan Nations activity in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, turned out in solidarity for the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force. Tony Stewart of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations praised the Bonner County task force for its work.

“Because of this organization, this community is much safer than it would have been,” he said.

It was a message echoed by Christie Wood, president of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

“Your mayor is correct that the fliers were distributed to spread fear, but what we see is the strength of your task force … and citizens,” she said.

Shawn Woodward, superintendent of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, urged the community to send a message of support for everyone regardless of race, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

“It is my hope that our community can rally around similar ideals in a time when a small percentage of our population is carrying out their agenda of hate and fear,” he said.

The conference ended with a message from local faith leaders: retired Methodist minister Paul Graves, Cedar Hills Church Pastor Colin Moody and First Presbyterian Church representative Bill Love. Each emphasized the Christian values of love — even for one’s enemies — and compassion for the marginalized.

“I fear that the people responsible for the fliers are living in a dark shadow of their own making,” said Graves.

This isn’t the first time the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force has taken a stand against racism. Formed in 1992 in response to the Aryan Nations, the task force worked against efforts by white supremacists to foment community divisions. Members said they are just as committed to resisting racism in its modern incarnations.

“We want the community to know that the messages on these fliers are dangerous,” board members said in a statement.

“When you see them, you should turn them into the police.”

NEWS

Health experts urge safety in smoky conditions

Officials discuss future of U of I property

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

The University of Idaho and Sandpoint officials began discussions Wednesday on the future of the university’s North Boyer property.

With the university planning sell or otherwise dispose of the property, university officials met with the Sandpoint City Council, the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission and the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency to start a conversation on mutually beneficial paths forward.

“The best we can do is come up with a proposal that both meets the university’s needs and the city’s needs,” said Mayor Shelby Rognstad.

The city and university plan to engage in a process requesting proposals for possible uses of the property. The public will have opportunities to weigh in through

several workshops and other planning session as the process unwinds.

The news that the university planned to sell its Sandpoint property was met with concern by some city residents. Over the past several years, the property has become a common site for recreation and outdoor use, and many were worried by the possible consequences of the property falling into the hands of a private developer.

According to Rognstad, the university’s choice to reach out to the city is a sign of good faith that lends hope for an outcome that suits everyone. He also said the city has time to protect itself through zoning changes and other mechanisms should it be faced with a worst-case scenario.

“Through our own zoning regulations, we can still have significant control over how that property is or is not developed,” Rognstad said.

City continues vacation rental discussions

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The Sandpoint City Council is taking its time in reshaping its vacation rental policies, continuing the discussion to its Oct. 18 meeting.

An effort to bring city vacation rental regulations up to date with state law, the proposed changes to short-term rental policies aim to provide flexibility for homeowners marketing to tourists.

However, they must also provide protections to ensure neighborhood integrity and peace. The issue is magnified by the

short-term nature of vacation rentals, which some homeowners say attract noisy parties and disrupt the formation of neighborhood communities. Property owners at the Wednesday meeting were particularly concerned by a lack of regulation limiting the density of vacation rentals in a given area.

According to Sandpoint City Planner Aaron Qualls, council members should aim to have an action finalized by early November. As whatever changes the council approves will go into effect on Jan. 1, this will give the city time to notify homeowners of the new policies.

Auditions open for ‘War of the Worlds’

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff It may not terrify the nation the way Orson Welles’ original radio broadcast did.

Even so, the Panida Playhouse’s adaptation of the famous “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast is sure to add thrills and chills to this Halloween season. And you could be a part of it.

“We’re looking for an energetic ensemble looking forward to recreating this story,” said director Robert Moore.

“We’re recreating an old nostalgia that will bring a lot of fun and a lot of diverse characters that will let actors step outside themselves.”

Auditions open for the play, directed

by Moore and produced by Becky Revak, 6 p.m. this Monday, Sept. 11, and Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Panida Little Theater.

The creative team will cast 11 roles and need around seven men and four women.

Actors should expect to play multiple roles. In addition, the play needs a crew to help with lights, sound and music.

Auditioners will not need to prepare a monologue — material will be provided.

Be prepared to identify possible schedule conflicts with rehearsals or performances.

“War of the Worlds” will be performed between Thursday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct 29, at the Panida Theater.

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff With local air quality sitting at very unhealthy levels, local health organizations are urging everyone to moderate their outdoor exposure.

Registering at a quality rating of 230 as of Wednesday afternoon, local air is improved from its Labor Day high of 418, at the time giving Sandpoint the worst air quality in the nation. The convergence of wildfire smoke in Montana, Washington and Canada contributed toward Sandpoint’s pollution-choked air Monday afternoon.

Despite the improvements, local air is still measured as very unhealthy by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, which means that everyone regardless of health may suffer ailments from prolonged exposure. Sensitive groups, including children, elderly adults and individuals with lung disease, heart disease or asthma are even more at risk.

“Sometimes you look outside, and it looks a little smoky, but even healthy adults can be affected,” said Panhandle Health District Melanie Collett.

Given the active wildfire smoke advisory from Idaho DEQ, Panhandle Health District recommends that everyone take several precautions while the air quality is poor. These include avoiding heavy work or exercise outdoors, setting air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate, using portable air purifiers at home, limiting exposure to outdoor

air, keeping up to date on air quality and seeking medical treatment for uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, choking or other breathing difficulties. Everyone should also remember to drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract and makes coughing out smoke particles easier.

Lake Pend Oreille School District has done its part to keep kids safe. Local students stayed indoors during their first days of school, and according to Sandpoint High School Athletics Director Kris Knowles, the school moved all athletic practices indoors. It’s a matter of policy that all sports occur indoors whenever the air quality rating is 151 or above, Knowles said.

Thanks to that type of careful behavior, local residents have been staying relatively healthy despite the smoke, according to Bonner General Health Chief Nurse Officer Misty Robertson.

“We have seen a slight increase in respiratory complaints in our Emergency Department that are potentially aggravated by the smoke in the air, mostly from the more vulnerable population such as the elderly and those with chronic respiratory illnesses,” Robertson said.

“We haven’t seen a huge increase because people are following precautions by not exerting themselves and staying indoors.

It is still early, and we recommend that people continue to follow the air quality precaution recommendations from the (Center for Disease Control) and the Air Quality Index.”

Lake draw down to begin this month

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff As North Idaho winds its way into autumn, the draw-down of Lake Pend Oreille is scheduled to begin this month and advance in October.

According to the Lakes Commission, the top foot of Lake Pend Oreille will begin flowing into the Columbia River Monday, Sept. 18.

It won’t be lowered more than a foot before Sept. 25 and will begin its full draw down around Oct. 1. By the time Kokanee salmon begin lake spawning around Nov. 15, the lake will likely reach its lowest level of between 2,051 and 2,051.5 feet.

The draw-down schedule is the result of a deal struck between the state of Idaho and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in 2014. Under the deal’s terms, the

An Aerial photo of the Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River. Photo by Army Corps of Engineers.

draw down begins the third weekend of September or Sept. 18 — whichever is later — unless there is an emergency. The compromise was reached after many local businesses and property owners complained that an earlier draw down hurt Sandpoint’s tourist-heavy summer season.

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Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist Throughout history, there is one thing humans have done a lot of.

Fight!

Love it or hate it, military tactics offer an introspective into human psychology, physics, math and the understanding and defiance of all of them. We can learn a lot from how we fight.

And even if we can’t, it’s pretty cool to hear about some of the zany stuff we’ve seen in history!

The Battle of Cannae, Aug. 2, 216 BC: In the midst of the second Punic Wars, one of the greatest and most challenging military maneuvers ever occurred during a battle between Hannibal of Carthage and Varro of Rome.

Hannibal was severely outnumbered, nearly two-toone by a well-trained force of Roman legionnaires filled with surety of a swift, crushing victory.

Hannibal made a wide, thin line as Varro deployed a short, deep formation of soldiers that were tightly packed together, with the intention of shattering the Carthaginian center and dividing the army in half.

What really happened was that the Roman army pushed forward, flexed the Carthaginian line and allowed the Carthaginians to wrap around them in a textbook encirclement. Instead of one front, the Romans were suddenly fighting on four, packed so tightly together that the Romans began to trample one another.

The Nazis faced a similar situation as the Romans in the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943.

The Battle of Thermopylae, 10 /

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Brought to you by:

awesome Military Tactics August-September 480 BC: Ever since Frank Miller’s epic “300,” everyone knows this story, including the part where they kick that guy down a well.

Three hundred was a pretty poor estimate of the number of combatants involved on the Spartan side, however. Historical estimates put a more realistic number around 7,000, though most were not Spartans, but other tribes that volunteered to help.

King Xerxes of Persia was ravaging the Greeks, when King Leonidas decided to step up and intercept Xerxes’ army near an area called the Hot Gates (named for the hot springs nearby, not because everyone was wearing speedos and spray-on abs).

During Xerxes invasion, the only realistic passage into the mainland was through a straight that allowed only a few hundred men at a time to pass, as the sea flanked one side, and steep wooded hillsides flanked the other. This allowed the Spartan army to keep a group of their strongest warriors at the gap and hold it against a force that could only send a few hundred at a time.

The Spartans could have lasted as long as their supplies allowed, had they not been betrayed by a local named Ephialtes. Ephialtes’ actions immortalized him in the ancient Greek language, as his name was afterward used consistently to mean “nightmare” and “traitor”, similar to the use of Judas today.

The Battle of Arsuf, Sept.

7, 1191: After reading about this, I was surprised that I’d never seen this made into a

major Hollywood blockbuster. During the Third Crusade, King Richard the Lionhearted was facing off against Saladin.

Saladin had been a real pain in the neck as his armies would constantly hit and run.

Near the ruins of Arsuf, Richard knew it was do or die.

They were at a critical point in the campaign where morale was starting to crumble, and it was getting harder to sustain the troops if they couldn’t get a foothold. Saladin knew Richard was getting desperate, and wanted to bait him into the open and smash his forces.

Richard told his knights at the front to hold steady under an endless hail of arrows. They were told not to budge and not to attack until they heard six trumpet blasts. Saladin hit them hard, trying desperately to bait the crusaders into the open.

The knights in the front panicked and charged against Richard’s orders, but he decided to charge anyway. His cavalry hit Saladin’s line with such force that entire lines of soldiers were flung from their horses and trampled, and the crusaders were hungry to get revenge for the hours of arrows that had plagued them. Saladin’s own personal charge was reduced to a little more than a dozen men, and he and his forces went into full retreat.

I can’t describe how awesome this must have looked from the Crusader’s side. A wall of cavalry charging into the fray, shaking the very earth beneath your feet and literally throwing your enemies into the air with the force of the impact.

There are tons of other

unconventional tactics used throughout history. In the First Battle of Panipat, 1526 in northern India, one side fired cannons to startle the enemy’s war elephants, getting their own cavalry to trample them.

During the winter of 1795, in the Battle of Texel, the Dutch fleet was iced in by the cold. A French cavalry army came in and boarded ships without a single casualty, which remains one of the only times in history that a cavalry has captured a naval fleet.

Just before D-Day, the

Allies tricked the Germans into fortifying farther north by building a giant fake army and navy out of junk and merchant ships, and leaked loads of false information for the German army to intercept. This was called Operation Fortitude.

The Germans got their own digs in against the Allies later in the war, during Operation Greif, where German commandos dressed as American soldiers, used American tanks, and spread rumors throughout the American army about fake assassination plots.

Random Corner arine corps?

Don’t know much about the m

We can help!

• The Marines were formed before the U.S. won our independence from England. On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Congress approved the resolution to establish two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. This date marks the official formation of the Continental Marines.

• Marines use the oldest weapon still in active service. In 1805, Thomas Jefferson sent a force of Marines across 600 miles of North African desert to clear the shores of Tripoli of pirates and rescue the captive crew of the U.S.S. Philadelphia. After winning the historic battle and clearing the shores, a North Africa Mameluke chieftain awarded the man who led the fight, Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon, a Mameluke sword. Marines wear the sword as an ornamental effect of their dress uniform to commemorate their rich heritage and the battle in North Africa.

•Marines are commonly nicknames leathernecks, jarheads and devil dogs.

•Semper Fidelis — “Always Faithful” in Latin — became the motto of the Marine Corp in 1883. Before Semper Fidelis, the motto was “By land, by sea.”

•The emblem of the USMC (pictured above) features an eagle, the national bird of the United States. It represents Marine’s commitment to protect their country. It also features the globe, which represents the Marine’s global presence. Finally, it contains a fouled anchor, which shows both their rich naval heritage and their capacity to globally reach any shore.

•Fewer than 100 people have been given the title of “honorary Marine.”

Notables on the list include Chuck Norris, Bob Hope, Bugs Bunny, Jim Nabors and Gary Sinese.

FEATURE

North Idaho had worst air quality in nation on Labor Day

By Henry Worobec Reader Contributor On Labor Day, City Beach was empty.

The air stung like the bad side of a camp fire. Smog hid the mountains and filtered the trees with sepia haze. While this eerie, natural event strained the Northwest for fresh air this past weekend, it will likely be worse in years to come, so a collaborative of chemists race to find out more about the deadly emissions of wildland fire.

In Sandpoint, the worst wildfire-induced smog event in recent memory rolled into town on Labor Day — a day that usually marks the last great boom in tourism revenue for the summer. This year, boat rental companies closed down for lack of visibility and businesses in general lost anticipated revenue from the unfriendly atmospheric conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency rated the air quality “hazardous,” advising all people to stay indoors and avoid physical exertion.

The health effects of wildland fire smoke come largely from the particulate matter in the smoke: the solid particles and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air. The size of these particulars is less than one 60th of the diameter of a human hair. At that size, they can be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung, posing greater health risks than larger particles. When these particles are inhaled they pose threats such as reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma, aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and premature death.

Only a few people braved the Labor Day smog to recreate. When asked why he was out in the smoke, Bob Libbey, retired school teacher said, “Because the wind is great.”

Libbey had been waiting for weeks for the strong winds needed to go windsurfing.

He mentioned the disorienting feeling of surfing out into the lake, losing sight of shore through the smoke, and trusting the wind to carry him back to the beach.

“I can’t remember the smoke ever being this bad before,” Libbey said. He has lived in Sandpoint since 1972.

The wind that brought great windsurfing conditions came from a low-pressure system. It stoked the fires and transported their emissions throughout the region. If you had to pin blame for the smoke on one thing, you could blame it on the weather. But that answer misses the larger context of what’s happening and why Sandpoint should prepare for greater drop offs in tourism revenue in the summers to come.

Most scientists expect the severity and

frequency of wildland fires to rise, so the same can be expected of the smog produced by fires. For one thing, half a century of wildland fire management policy focused on fighting every fire left forests over stocked with fuels.

Depending on the dominant tree species, forest ecoloA photo of the Long Bridge and Sandpoint in the “Our view from camp bay looking out towards the gy naturally relies background. Photo by Northern Eagle / Facebook.

Green Monarchs.” Photo by Jessica Kellar / Facebook. on burn events to occur every seven to 14 years. It is part of the natural cycle 66-foot retractable exhaust flue reached that require more study to understand.” that keeps a forest healthy. Only in the past down from the ceiling. It’s thick metal The relationship described by Yokelson 30 years or so has the United States Forest funnel looked to be about the size needed can be seen in the correlation of spikes Service adopted policies that let fires burn, for a UFO to abduct a cow. Beneath it, the and dips in data graphs of all the different containing them only to protect homes and team burned different materials representing research focuses at FIREX. To get a clear infrastructure. various forests in the western United States sense of this, consider the variation between The other major factor is that summers on a platform of cinder blocks contained by carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emisare trending longer, hotter and drier. chicken wire. They measured the different sions. At the beginning of the burn, when So what is really known about this chemicals and particles emitted at differthe fire is predominantly flaming, carbon increasing threat, and what’s being done to ent stages of the burns and under different dioxide spikes. As the fire runs its course better understand it? climate conditions with four burns a day and moves into the smoldering phase, the “Fires are probably the least known of for six weeks straight. To blow off steam in carbon dioxide subsides and carbon monoxthe three major influences on the atmobetween burns, the crew took turns learnide rises. By investigating these processes, sphere,” said Bob Yokelson, a chemist at ing how to use principle investigator Jim the FIREX chemists learn more about how the University of Montana. The other two Roberts’ unicycle. fires affect the climate. major influences on the atmosphere are the The testing in the lab helped them The project includes both air quality and emissions from vegetation and the emisacquire baseline data for the wide range of climate effects, because they are interconsions from automobiles and factories. variables in wildland fires. In the next phase nected.

Yokelson collaborates on a five-year inof the research project, planes like NOAA’s “I think most scientists agree that the tensive study on the air quality and climate “Hurricane Hunters,” will fly over real warming climate (regardless of its cause, effects of fire emissions called FIREX - Fire wildland fires to sample emissions. but it’s probably mostly humans) will Influence on Regional and Global EnvironAmongst the many variables, the stages increase the amount of fires, which would ments Experiment. The study, led by the of a fire –flaming and smoldering-- may make bad air quality due to fires more comNational Oceanic and Atmosphere Adminis- be the easiest to conceptualize. Flaming is mon,” Yokelson said. tration, kicked off with preliminary research most prominent at the beginning of most Further research, like that of the FIREX at the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain fires and is characterized by bright flames project, will help inform wildland fire manResearch Station Fire Sciences Laboratory and darker smoke, while smoldering is agement decisions, air quality forecasting in Missoula, Montana last October. often a later stage and indicated by white and safety precautions, but the crux of the Chemists from around the country consmoke. At a campfire, flaming is for roastissue of air quality hazards from fire and verged to light stuff on fire. Inside an old ing marshmallows, and smoldering is for its effects on local economies is the greater building that looked like a repurposed Willy playing musical chairs to avoid the smoke predicament of adapting for climate change.

Wonka Chocolate Factory, they helped each that irritates your eyes and respiratory tract. other set up gizmos and gadgets in every “In general, flaming makes more Henry Worobec is a freelance writer nook and cranny, along wind tunnels, in oxidized species and particles that warm and filmmaker, focused on natural resource the observation rooms, outside in mobile the climate, while smoldering makes more issues in the Rocky Mountain West. laboratories, up a rickety service elevator reduced compounds and particles that may and around the grated platform on top of cool the climate,” Yokelson said. “The the worlds’ largest climate-controlled Wind products of flaming and smoldering have Tunnel and Combustion Laboratory. different impacts and they interact with each In the center of the combustion lab, a other in the atmosphere in complex ways September 7, 2017 /

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Al Gore on Climate Change

Act NOW!

The Pioneer Square at 819 Hwy 2, Ste:102-B

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READER support an informed community

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Everything helps!

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event t h u r s d a y

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f r i d a y

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s a t u r d a y s u n d a y

m o n d a y t u e s d a y

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

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Auditions for Walden Play 5-6:30pm @ Forrest Bird Charter High School Five roles available. More info: 208-263-6139

Complimentary bourbon tasting 7-9pm @ 219 Lounge September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, an observanc in the U.S. that calls for celebration of bourbon as America’ “Native Spirit.” Join Dean O. from Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits as he pours complimentary tastes of some of America’ top bourbons. Prizes, bourbon drink specials and more

Live Music w/ Mama Doll 9pm @ 219 Lounge Don’t miss this rare Sandpoint appearance by one of Spokane’s top bands Live Music w/ Ron Greene 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Greene’s intimate stage presence has gained him a reputation as a passionate singer

Sandpoint Contra Dance 7pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall All dances are taught and called with live music. Beginners and singles are welcome. $5 suggested donation Live Music w/ Mostly Harmless 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Live M 6-8pm Live M 7pm @ City C For tho point C dacy by

Live Music w/ Brandon & Cole Show 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall This dynamic duo performs rockin’ tunes!

9 10 11 12 13 14

Sandpoint High School Class of 1957 Reunion meet and greet 4-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Computer Class: Computer Basics Live Music w/ Harold’s IGA 8:15am @ Sandpoint Library 9pm @ 219 Lounge Space is limited and preregistration is Trio with dance covers, originals and lots of beer required. 208-263-6930 Pushing the Limits: Change Northwest Cornhole Championship 1pm @ Monarch Mountain Coffee 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall This is the first of three free sessions invo Capped at 32 teams, so sign up early! Register discussion around the subject of how cli between 11 and 12:30, first toss at 1 p.m. $20 change and extreme weather events affec per team, cash and prizes. 208-209-6700 local and regional communities. 208-263-6 Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am. All are welcome

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Game Night at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge

F A

KPND Football Party • 5:30pm @ Eich KPND and Bob Witte host a Monday Nig giveaways, concert tickets and more. Foo

“May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers” 7pm @ Panida Theater This documentary offers an intimate look at the Grammy Award-nominated band The Avett Brothers by director Judd Apatow.

Night Out Karaoke 9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge Geezer Forum 2:30-4pm @ Columbia Bank Speaker is Sen. Shawn Keough

“De play 5-6: Sea orig

Magic Wednesday Sandpoint Farmers’ Market Open Mic 3pm-5:30pm @ Farmin Park 5-8pm @ SKåL Taproom 6-8pm @ Jalapeño’s Restaurant The afternoon market on Musicians and comedi- Magician Star Alexander amaze Wednesdays for all your pro- ans welcome! Open mic guests with up-close, interactiv duce needs! is held every Wednesday magical entertainment for all age Dollar Beers!

Pizza Fundraiser Night 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub @ Papa Murphy’s Fit and Fall Proof fitness classes for seniors Bring a flyer from the Sandpoint 11am-12pm @ Cedar Hills Church Senior Center to Papa Murphy’s Free fitness class for seniors. Mon. - Thurs. and they’ll donate 9% to the center (612) 987-3802

ful

September 7 - 14, 2017

observance America’s s Wine and America’s ore

“An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” 7:30pm @ Panida Theater The sequel to the Academy Award-winning “An Inconvenient Truth,” which brought the issue of climate change front and center.

Featuring former Vice President and climate change activist Al Gore

Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 6-8pm @ Wine Bar at Cedar Street Bistro h Live Music w/ Ron Keiper Jazz s 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub n City Candidate Filing Deadline For those interested in running for Sandpoint City Council, please file your candidacy by Sept. 8 1957

sics

ion is

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

Reader recommended

Fit and Fall Proof Class 11am-12pm @ Cedar Hills Church A free fitness class for seniors Software Coding for high schoolers 3:30-5pm @ Sandpoint Youth Center (Pine & Division) A free coding workshop for students. RSVP to SandpointTeenCenter@yahoo.com

Pend Oreille Cup Sandpoint hosts the regional Pend Oreille Cup soccer tournament featuring U9 through U15 teams. SandpointSoccer.com.

Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 6-8pm @ Laughing Dog Taproom

Auditions for The Nutcracker 4-8pm @ Allegro Dance Studio Performance Dec. 3 at Panida Theater. $10 audition fee. Ages 5-15. Call 208-610-0188 for specific times

Teen Writers Club 3:30pm @ Sandpoint Library Enjoy collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities; writing supplies and refreshments provided

Sandpoint History Walking Tour 10am-12pm @ Panida Theater Join in the exploration of our historic downtown! Bonner County Citizens Preparedness Expo Free and open to all 9am-5pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds

Are you prepared for an emergency? Natural diSandpoint Farmers’ Market saster? Severe weather conditions? There will be 9am-1pm @ Farmin Park e workshops all day featuring tips, talks, vendors, ions involving Fresh produce, garden starts, live music and displays on food and water storage, etc. f how climate Cedar St. Bridge Public Market Injectors Car Show ents affect our 10am-2pm @ Cedar St. Bridge 208-263-6930 Come enjoy indoor shopping on the bridge 9am-3pm @ Downtown Sandpoint The Injectors Car Club hosts the 18th Annual spanning Sand Creek Powered by the Past Injectors Car Show

Over 100 artists!

Fit and Fall Proof •11am-12pm @ Cedar Hills Church A free fitness class for seniors every Mon. and Thurs. (612) 987-3802 KLT presents: Wildcrafting 3-4pm (ages 8-12), 4-5:30pm m @ Eichardt’s Pub onday Night Football party with prizes, restaurant (ages 13-18) @ Winter Ridge Educational Building more. Food by Mandala Pizza. Beer specials An out-of-school program “Death of a Small Town in the West” hosted by Kaniksuy Land play auditions (Sept. 12 & 13) Trust’s Dave Kretzschmar that 5-6:30pm @ Forrest Bird Charter School meets every Mon. and Tues. nk Searching for roles for Ben Olson’s first $20 sessions. 263-9471 ough original play revival! Bring it!

Sept. 16 AHWF Comedy Show and Silent Auction @ Columbia Bank Building Live Music w/ Reese Warren Sep The Conversation t. 17 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub estaurant 6-8pm @ Ivano’s Ristorante Sce nic Half @ der amazes “How Important is Art” and the federal arts funding that has been a Sandpoint interactive target for elimination by the Trump administration. Open to the pubfor all ages! lic. Sponsored by the non-profit Creations for Sandpoint Sept. 17 Fall Home Horticulture Series: Composting Field Trip • 3-5pm Winter Ridge The Bonner County Gardeners Association hosts a Fall Home HorCustomer Appreticulture field trip on Composting with Ann Warwick and Janae oint ciation Party @ Dale. Fee is $10; to learn more and register, visit BCGardeners.org hy’s Winter Ridge or call 208-265-2070 nter

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NATURE

on the border of complete sanity

Heart of the World

By Sandy Compton

I

am sitting amidst the high sources of one of the wildest, most beautiful streams I’ve ever seen; in one of the wild hearts of the world. The earth has more than one wild heart, and each is a center of renewal, resilience and beauty. Some are larger than others, but size has not much to do with the potency of such places. Here in this headwater sanctuary, bones and blood of the planet lay exposed, stone and water, essential as fire — no, more so. Out of this place and places like it, all things come.

Water begins here; gelid, clear, consummately clean; melted out of ice that might be 1,000 years old. Or older.

Soil begins here; the reduction of billions of leaves of layered 14 /

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stone, first to behemoth, castoff, cubic chunks of time; then to boulders, to cornerstones, to flagstones, to cobbles, shards, gravel, sand, soil and finally dust as fine as flour.

Here are bees and birds undisturbed by insecticides or well-intentioned feeders; freerange rodents, unhindered by humans, hunted by unhunted coyotes and cats; goats, golden eagles, hummingbirds and Stellar jays that don’t know what we are, all carrying forward in their flesh wildness of the most profound type.

Grasses, berries, forbs and flowers bloom here in the harshest conditions, setting genetic examples for how to deal with stress.

Mule deer. Elk. Wolves. Bears.

Picas. Clark’s nutcrackers. Moose.

Us. All breathe oxygen unsullied by hydrocarbons. And over all lays silence enough to still the world’s most frantic souls. And under the silence, if you listen, you may hear the heartbeat of a planet.

W

e humans are not the pulse of the earth, just an element of the flesh. Without what begins here, we would be dust and vague notions God never got around to inventing for lack of parts. Like everything else here, we are built with the tools of time and gravity, extraordinary circumstance and dumb luck. We are no more — or less — wondrous than rodents, bobcats, coyotes, elk or hummingbirds.

We may think the earth belongs to us, but we are a

possession of the planet, not in possession of it. And we can’t escape. We are here for life, and for many more lifetimes, until — if ever — we become able to lift ourselves toward the glimmering stars we beheld last evening unhindered by artificial light.

Some wonder what the value is in keeping places like this just for what they are. If they come to rest in this place alone and feel the slow and elegant rhythm of time within wilderness, or sit and talk with friends, as I did last night beneath the glittering band of the Milky Way, they might better understand. If they sweat and suffer the travail of a heavy pack and a rocky trail — or survive a bout with alder and devil’s club hell — to arrive in this bit of heav-

The approach to the stone bridge on Stonebridge Ridge in the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.. Photo by Marjolein Groot Nibbelink.

en, they might better understand.

If they witness one of their own children work through such a place and come to understand that they are braver, tougher, more capable than they imagined themselves to be, they might better understand.

I’ve had those privileges, those moments, those opportunities. They are indelible parts of my memory and sparkling hopes for my future. Until I can’t, I will return to the hearts of the planet I have visited, and seek out new ones to visit. There, I will find myself refreshed, renewed and re-created.

Out of the ancient, I will extract something brand new, a refreshed perspective of life that can’t be created by any forces except time, space and a wild, wild place.

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STAND-OFF AT RUBY RIDGE ER YEARS LAT 25

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Editor’s Note: This is the fourth of a five-part series on the stand-off at Ruby Ridge, which happened 25 years ago in North Idaho. In this installment, we’ll cover the trial of Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris.

Readers who may have missed any of the previous articles can access the online Reader flip-page feature at www.SandpointReader.com.

An Interesting Case

The federal courthouse in Boise was a bustling place on the morning of April 12, 1993. It would be another two years until the trial of O.J. Simpson set a new standard for media coverage, but the trial for Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris attracted reporting teams from all over the Northwest assigned full-time to the trial.

Gerry Spence and Chuck Peterson represented Randy Weaver. David Nevin represented Kevin Harris. Ron Howen served as the federal prosecutor for the federal government and was assisted by Kim Lindquist. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge presided over the case.

The jury was selected on April 13. Of the seven women and five men, all were white and all had raised their hands when asked if they or their families owned guns.

“This will probably be one of the most 16 /

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interesting cases you could be asked to sit on as jurors,” Judge Lodge told the newly selected jurors.

Day One

Lead prosecutor Ron Howen presented a four-hour opening statement laced with efforts to prove conspiracy charges against Randy Weaver.

“We need to go back to Iowa 1982, when the Weavers began believing in Christian Identity,” Howen told the court, before building a narrative that the “hate-filled” beliefs of the Weavers provoked a confrontation with government agents in order to validate those beliefs.

Weaver’s attorney Gerry Spence argued the opposite point: that it wasn’t Randy Weaver who provoked the confrontation but the federal government. Spence claimed that Weaver broke no laws until he was entrapped into sawing off shotguns by an undercover informant.

Spence also accused Howen of pushing too hard for the arrest of Weaver when they both knew the firearms charge against Weaver probably wouldn’t hold up in court.

Nevin argued that his client, Kevin Harris, shot Marshal William Degan in self-defense after having been “ambushed and provoked” into a response after the killing of 14-year-old Sammy Weaver and the family dog Striker.

The initial style and personalities of Howen and Spence set the stage for what

would be one of the most interesting trials of both of their careers. While Spence wore fringed suede jackets, cowboy boots and hat, Howen wore dark suits and dress shoes.

Howen was focused, sometimes impatient.

When emotions came into play, Howen often cut them off at the onset, even from his own witnesses. Spence rarely missed an opportunity to solicit an emotion from a witness.

He even made himself the butt of jokes on occasion to score points with the jury Spence’s co-counsel, Chuck Peterson, often riddled hostile witnesses with barrages of questions, rolling his eyes or smirking at the jury to let them know just what he thought of the testimony.

David Nevin, an experienced murder defense attorney, was a marked contrast to the flamboyant styles of Spence and Howen. As most of the attention was on Weaver, Nevin played a quieter role, persistently probing witnesses for inconsistencies.

The prosecution’s first witness of Day Two was U.S. Marshall Larry Cooper, who (at the request of the defense and agreed to by the prosecution) testified wearing the full camouflage outfit including black ski mask that he had worn the day Sammy Weaver had been killed. He also carried a silenced weapon, claiming, “There was no specific reason we carried it; it was just there.”

When asked about the incident at the “Y,” Marshal Cooper testified that the dog Striker came up to him, sniffed him and walked around him but did not attack as some

Part 4: The Trial

Randy Weaver stands before the door to his cabin and explains his movements during the trial. You can see a bullet hole in the lower right panel of glass in the door. Photo from government exhibit. versions of the story had claimed. Cooper testified that he had identified himself as a federal agent, whereupon Harris shot first and immediately killed Marshal Degan.

Cooper testified that Harris and Sammy were standing side by side when he fired a three-shot burst from his weapon, and Harris, “dropped like a sack of potatoes.” Cooper said he didn’t shoot at Sammy because he could see he was a kid.

Days Three, Four and Five

Upon cross examination, Cooper admitted that FBI special agent Greg Rampton had revealed during the grand jury hearing that Cooper was carrying the silenced weapon because Cooper had orders to lure the dogs and shoot them so the marshals could sneak up on the Weaver cabin.

Cooper was also unable to explain how, if Kevin Harris fired the first shot killing Marshal Degan, there were seven spent shell casings from Degan’s gun next to Degan’s body.

The next witness called was Rampton, who was one of the first agents on the scene after the initial shootout. Under cross-examination, Rampton reaffirmed what he had already claimed in grand jury testimony; that there was a plan for Cooper to lure the dogs toward him and shoot them. He

< see TRIAL page 16 >

< TRIAL con’t from page 15 >

also testified that after Striker was shot, he was left lying in the road and was run over repeatedly by passing vehicles. Photographs of Striker’s body were displayed for the jury, showing clearly that tire tracks had passed over him.

The next witness called was a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) special agent named Herby Byerly, who had hired an undercover informant named Kenneth Fadeley to infiltrate the Aryan Nations and convert Randy Weaver into an informant.

When court was about to adjourn for the day, Judge Lodge instructed the jury not to watch or listen to the news coverage of the day’s news, which was dominated by the burning of a compound owned by the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas, in which 80 people were killed. As it turned out, several of the federal officers at Waco had also been at Ruby Ridge.

Kenneth Fadeley testified that he had told Randy Weaver his name was “Gus Magisono,” and that he was a biker who dealt in illegal weapons. Fadeley testified that it had been difficult to convince Weaver to do anything illegal. He also testified he was promised a bonus if Weaver was convicted - a point that caused Spence to move for a mistrial, also arguing that Fadeley would in essence be a “contingency witness” because he had a personal interested in the outcome of the case.

Spence’s request for a mistrial was based on the belief that the prosecution’s extensive questions of most of its witnesses asked about Randy Weaver’s political and religious beliefs. Judge Lodge denied the motions.

The Second Week and Recess

The prosecution called BATF agent Byerly to the stand again to contradict Fadeley’s testimony that he had been promised a bonus if Weaver was found guilty. But, Byerly admitted that Howen had indirectly referred to a bonus in conversations with Fadeley. Byerly also acknowledged that in the government’s transcripts of a tape recording that captured Weaver talking with Fadeley, a section had been omitted where Randy had said, “You approached me and offered me a deal.” Spence claimed this was proof of entrapment, but Byerly said the omission was an error.

Over the next few days, the prosecution centered their efforts on the actions involving Weaver’s initial arrest and failure to appear after his release on bail for the original firearms charge.

Boundary County probation officer Karl Richins testified he Weaver had been sent a notice to appear that had the wrong date on it.

When explaining this to Howen, Richins testified he was told by Howen to forget about it.

After a short recess, U.S. Marshal Dave Hunt took the stand. Hunt was handed the Weaver case by Byerly after Weaver failed to appear in court for the initial firearms charge. Hunt explained the detailed 13-month surveillance effort that took place

before the stand-off.

Hunt was also asked about a controversial threat profile he prepared on the Weavers in which he asserted that the Weavers were in cahoots with racist, rightwing groups such as the Aryan Nations and The Order. Spence objected repeatedly that Weaver was never a member of any such group and efforts to prove otherwise were an attempt to demonize his client.

May 3 saw the first major setback for the prosecution. Judge Lodge noted that the prosecution had not yet shown that a conspiracy existed among the Weavers and that evidence of Kevin Harris’ role in the so-called conspiracy was especially slim.

Howen considered the conspiracy charge vital in his ten-count indictment.

Marshal Roderick’s Testimony

Marshal Art Roderick, who was stationed on the forward surveillance team with Marshals Degan and Cooper, took the stand and explained details about the surveillance effort.

Nevin questioned Roderick about his constant use of the term “compound,” when referring to the Weaver cabin.

On Day 19 of the trial, Michael Weland, a reporter from the Bonner County Daily Bee, took the stand. Weland had been the only media representative to interview Weaver prior to the stand-off. During his interview, conducted in May 1992, Weland talked with Randy Weaver about his political and religious beliefs. After the interview, Weland said he contacted the psychological profile division of the FBI and informed them that in his judgment, Vicki was a probable reason that Randy would refuse to come down, as Randy would never want to have been separated from her.

The next day, the prosecution called Randy Weaver’s neighbor Terry Kinnison.

Spence argued that there was “bad blood” between Randy and Kinnison, and sure enough, during his testimony, Kinnison said that Randy had sued him frivolously and cost him a lot of money.

The prosecution then presented the 14 guns that had been seized from the Weaver cabin. Also seized were about 4,000 rounds of ammunition, most of it .22 caliber.

Spence was concerned that by “parading” these guns in front of the jury, the prosecution was furthering their false narrative of the Weavers as violent people. Spence asked Agent Rampton if he also found the food that was stored under the cabin while searching for all the weapons. Spence then listed all the food: 60 cans of wheat, a bin of dried peas, 800 tins of dried food, 50 gallons of salt, 150 gallons of honey, 500 pound of flour and 1,200 tins of canned food. Spence argued that a large amount of ammunition was consistent with the family pattern of accumulating large quantities of supplies of all kinds.

New Evidence Comes to Light

Top: Randy Weaver holds a picture of his wife and daughter at a press conference in 2007 in support of Ed and Elaine Brown, who were both convicted for not paying U.S. income tax. Photo from YouTube.

Bottom: The Spokesman-Review headline immediately after the verdict acquitting Randy Weaver of most of the charges against him and all of the charges against Kevin Harris. Public Domain.

Judge Lodge suspended the trial on May 21 after defense lawyers learned the night before about testimony from Idaho State Police captain David Neal. Neal had arrived on the scene after the initial shootout and helped bring Cooper, Roderick and the body of Marshal Degan off the hill. In a preliminary interview, Roderick told Neal that he (Roderick) had fired the first shot, not Kevin Harris as Cooper and Roderick had both testified in court.

Howen also told Judge Lodge some notes from an interview with Cooper on Aug. 25 after the shooting had gone missing. Howen said when he found the notes, he had put them on his desk and forgot about them until that Friday, when he gave a copy to the defense lawyers.

In those notes, Calley wrote: “Next Cooper fired his second three-round burst during which time he saw Kevin Harris going up the trail toward the Weaver residence.” Calley’s notes contradicted Cooper’s testimony that Harris had “dropped like a sack of potatoes.”

The question of who fired the first shot was the “watershed moment of the case,” according to Spence and Nevin. The defense lawyers accused Howen of purposely hiding evidence that would shore up the government’s case.

Judge Lodge agreed to suspend the trial

until the following Monday to give the defense a chance to review the new evidence.

“We are being ambushed,” said Spence to the Judge. “We may have further motions to dismiss based on prosecutorial misconduct.”

After the recess, Roderick took the stand again and was grilled through an exact re-telling of the incident at the “Y.” Roderick insisted Harris shot first, killing Marshal Degan, and that Roderick then shot the dog.

Spence brought up inconsistencies with Roderick’s testimony, namely that Roderick first testified he had shot the dog as it was running toward him, then later testifying he shot it in the “butt end,” which the autopsy confirmed was the case.

The next FBI witnesses testified to various points about evidence handling and gathering. One such “magic bullet” as Spence said, appeared in various photographs facing one direction, in another photograph facing the other way, then it was removed, then brought back later and dropped in approximate locations when it had been found.

Spence fumed at the court, saying, “I have been raising all kinds of unappreciated Cain in this case about the magic bullet. Today we are told that the photos we were given were reconstructed photos.”

When FBI special agent Larry Wages confirmed that he, in fact, found the “magic

< see TRIAL page 21 >

September 7, 2017 /

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Defining achievement and success is easy.

Mapping out your family’s goals and staying on track to reach them takes determination, planning and a team you trust.

The Gibson Wealth Strategy Group can partner with you on your path to success at many different stages: from wealth accumulation through retirement, and into legacy planning. We would love the chance to become part of your team.

Left to Right: Candice Nelson, RP®, Senior Registered Associate; Tom Gibson, CPA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Emma Gibson, RP®, Associate Financial Advisor

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Why use Sandpoint Property Management to manage and lease your property?

Sandpoint Property Management provides:

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List your property with us and get results that benefit you!

STAGE & SCREEN

“An Inconvenient Sequel,” conveniently in Sandpoint

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer A decade ago, “An Inconvenient Truth” brought climate change a pop culture recognition it hadn’t yet experienced.

Now, Al Gore is back — grayer and more determined — to make people across the globe consider renewable energy not just an option, but the only option. The sequel, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” will show at the Panida Theater four times in the coming days.

The trailer for “An Inconvenient Sequel” is nothing short of a rallying cry.

In a review for The Berkshire Edge, Dana Drugmand writes, “former vice president Al Gore is back at it, relentlessly raising awareness of the existential crisis that is global warming. It’s a cause he’s been working on for decades, and his frustration — even a sense of personal failure — is clearly expressed through this film.”

The new film focuses on Gore’s recent attempts to unite the world in saving itself, showing him giving a lecture to young people one moment and then in waders with municipal officials from Miami Beach, Fla., the next. The climax of the film follows Gore as he works to get India on board at the Paris conference on climate change. The Atlantic’s Robinson Meyer said Gore’s tryst with India might serve as a learning moment for Americans who see the film.

“India’s environmental minister lectures Gore that his country has the same right as the United States to

Open auditions held for Ben Olson’s ‘Death of a Small Town in the West’ play

By Ben Olson Reader Staff There will be open casting calls for the return of my first original play, “Death of a Small Town in the West.”

Casting calls will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, and Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 5 - 6:30 p.m. both days. The auditions will be held at Forrest M. Bird Charter High School, 614 S Madison Ave. There are a handful of roles for adult men and women of all ages, but nothing available for children. Please prepare to show your skills on stage. Prepared monologues are encouraged, but not required.

Al Gore gives a presentation during “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.” Photo from YouTube. cheap, oil-spurred industrialization,” Meyer said. “This movie is admirably open about how skeptically (the Indian) government sees renewable-energy-spurred development. Americans who assume the rest of the world is in lockstep on sensible climate policy may be surprised.”

Many reviewers say that while “An Inconvenient Truth” came at an opportune time in the battle to educate Americans about the climate crisis, “An Inconvenient Sequel” comes at a time

when the environmental documentary scene is a little more saturated. Regardless, the sequel makes it clear that Gore — and countless others — know that “this is our home,” and they want to change policy to keep it that way.

“An Inconvenient Sequel” will show four times: Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m. and both Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door, and doors open a half hour before the movie each day.

sept. 7 @ 7:30pm | Sept. 8 @ 5:30pm | Sept 9&10 @ 3:30pm

“an inconvenient sequel: truth to power” sept. 8 @ 8:30pm | Sept. 9 @ 7:30pm

“scared stiff” with lewis and martin tuesday, sept. 12 @ 7pm

“MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS” a film by judd apatow giving extraordinary access to hit group The Avett Brothers friday, sept. 15 @ 8pm

the led zeppelin experience Sept. 14 & 16 @ 7:30pm

“close encounters of the third kind” The digitally remastered 40th Anniversary Sept. 22 @ 5:30 & 8:30pm | Sept. 23 @ 3:30 & 7:30pm | Sept. 24 @ 3:30

“all saints”

thursday, sept. 21 @ 7pm

“rooted in peace” a film for world peace day

This week’s RLW by Lyndsie Kiebert

READ

A collection of poetry making noise among young people over the last couple of years is “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur. The book propelled Kaur to best-selling-status thanks to it’s raw but digestible style.

The book is separated into four parts — “the hurting,” “the loving,” “the breaking,” and “the healing” — all dealing with a different theme like love, loss, abuse and the overall female experience.

The poems are mostly short and pack a punch that doesn’t leave the reader for a very long time. Even better, Kaur does her own illustrations, making “Milk and Honey” a complete collection of art that everyone should spend time with.

LISTEN

One Monday night in Moscow, Idaho, I made a spur-of-the-moment college student decision to go to a latenight show in the back of my favorite Greek restaurant. That’s how I found Holiday Friends back in 2014, and I’ve been a fan of the band’s unique, ‘80s-esque energy since.

Their latest release, “Night Terrors,” is a definite testament to the band’s growth over the last few years. Their 2014 full-length album, “Major Magic,” showcases the band’s quirky indie-pop sound, but “Night Terrors” adds layers of synth and lyrical depth. “Rocket Summer” and “Yellow Light” are my choice tracks.

WATCH

Watch Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” music video. No eye rolling — just do it.

When I heard the new single (presumably another chapter in the Taylor/Kanye West rivalry), I wasn’t wild about it. She’s trying to be a bad girl — something she doesn’t do well — and all I could picture was Kanye and Kim laughing over a bottle of $10,000 champagne while listening to the childish lyrics. But alas — Tay brought the heat with the music video. It’s gaudy, it’s ridiculous and it’s genuinely funny. She makes a great move by making herself the butt of her own jokes, and everyone should witness it.

sept. 28 @ 7:30pm | Sept. 29 @ 5:30 & 8:30pm Oct. 1 @ 3:30pm

manhattan short film festival

September 7, 2017 /

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Living Life: Help a Foster Child: Become a CASA

By Dianne Smith Reader Columnist Foster children experience a journey like no other. They are often placed in the homes of strangers where they are left to figure out all the unwritten rules and norms of that family system as well as wonder about their future.

To help guide and support them and to be their voice are CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Bonner and Boundary County are in need of 20 new CASAs to provide support for those newly entering the system. As the opioid crisis gets worse, and children are left without adults to care for them, the need will continue to grow.

Studies on resiliency show that just one significant adult can make all the difference in the life of a child, and studies on volunteerism show that by volunteering you extend your life and increase your contentment with life. So being a CASA is a win-win: a win for you and win for the child.

The next training begins in September and no special experience is required. You receive all the training you need, and then are assigned a mentor

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who helps you with your first case. You will visit with your child and learn what they want. You will meet with the family also so you can make recommendations for your child about what is in their best interest. You develop a significant relationship with that child so that they know you are their support system during a very difficult time.

Sound interesting and like something you might want to do? Do you have the time to give and would like more information? Call or email Jan Rust, Advocate Trainer at 509-879-1793 or janisrust@northidahocasa.org and she will gladly answer any questions.

We are so blessed to have so many great nonprofits in the area and so many wonderful ways to give back and help continue to make this an awesome place to live and raise children. Foster children are part of our future and need that extra support that CASAs can provide.

Dianne Smith, LMFT, is a licensed therapist who has offices in both Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry. She can be reached at dianne_smith_mft@yahoo. com.

< TRIAL con’t from page 15 >

bullet,” on Aug. 31. The moment he found the bullet, Wages said he was ordered out of the area as Randy and the girls were leaving the cabin, and that he didn’t have a photographer with him. Wages testified he picked up the bullet, put it in an evidence bag and carried it in his pocket for several hours before returning it to the scene where it had been found. Because he couldn’t remember which direction the bullet faced, he had it photographed at various angles.

Howen was forced to acknowledge that he had known previously that some of the evidence collected had been reconstructed, but he reassured the court it had never been his intention to use the material as evidence.

Rules of Engagement

On May 28, Duke Smith, associate director of the U.S. Marshals Service, testified extensively about the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Aug. 22, the day Vicki Weaver was shot and killed.

Smith testified that he and Richard Rogers had drafted the ROE while flying from Washington, D.C. to Idaho after a brief telephone conversation with a deputy who had not witnessed the incident at the “Y.” “We decided jointly at that point that the Rules of Engagement would be that any adult who was seen with a weapon would be considered subject to deadly force,” Smith told the court. “They had already demonstrated a willingness to kill one of our people.”

Under cross-examination, Smith said he did not know Sammy Weaver had been killed prior to writing the ROE, nor had he talked to any of the marshals involved in the shootout. Smith also testified that he and three FBI agents had taken a helicopter up and circled near the Weaver’s neighbor’s house to familiarize themselves with the area.

During previous grand jury hearings, FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi testified that he had fired the shots that killed Vicki Weaver and wounded Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris to protect the helicopter in which Smith was riding. However, Smith testified that the helicopter never actually flew north of the Weaver cabin, where Horiuchi said it had flown.

On June 2, tactical EMT Frank Norris, who was with the Marshals on the first day of the conflict, testified the first shot sounded like

a quieter report than Kevin Harris’ .30-06 hunting rifle. This contradicted Cooper’s and Roderick’s testimony that Harris had fired first. Norris’ testimony largely squared with the series of events that Roderick fired first, killing the dog, followed by Sammy Weaver’s retaliatory shots.

Then, Richard Rogers, the commander of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, testified that Randy Weaver had joined Kevin Harris in chasing the Marshals through the woods near the “Y,” though no marshals involved said Weaver had chased them.

Rogers also testified that he had been in the helicopter just before Vicki was shot. His version of the helicopter ride more resembled the sniper Horiuchi’s testimony, that it was north of the cabin where those in the cabin or yard could have conceivably shot at it.

When asked about whether there was any attempt to communicate with the Weavers to surrender, Rogers testified that Horiuchi fired the shots before such an attempt was made. After Sammy and Vicki had been killed and Randy and Kevin had been wounded, Rogers testified that a hostage negotiator approached the Weaver cabin with a bullhorn and told the occupants inside that they were “not here to harm you.”

The next witness was the sniper, Lon Horiuchi, who was escorted into court under armed guard. Spokesman-Review reporter Dean Miller described Horiuchi as, “a real piece of work.” Miller said Horiuchi was cold, unemotional and that his expression never changed during testimony.

Horiuchi testified the ROE for this incident were unique, but he accepted them because, “The decision that we were in danger had already been made for us, prior to going up the hill.”

Horiuchi then testified that after he was in position about 200 yards from the Weaver cabin, he observed two men, one armed with a rifle. He claimed the men were peering at the sky, “looking for the helicopter.”

Horiuchi said he perceived either Kevin Harris or Randy Weaver positioning themselves for a shot at the helicopter. The individual then made a sudden movement the moment Horiuchi pulled the trigger. He thought he had wounded the target, but couldn’t say for sure.

He then saw, a few seconds

later, a girl and two men running for the cabin. He led Kevin Harris by nine inches and squeezed the trigger just as the man crossed the front porch. Horiuchi acknowledged that he wasn’t supposed to fire into the cabin, but that he figured that shot would go off into the woods if he missed.

“He was reaching with his left hand, trying to open the door or move someone out of the way when I took the shot,” Horiuchi said. “He appeared to flinch as soon as I pulled the trigger and then he disappeared inside the doorway.

Immediately after that, I heard a female screaming for approximately 30 seconds, maybe longer... I was assuming she was screaming because Mr. Harris was hit.”

Horiuchi testified that he didn’t know he missed Harris and struck Vicki with the bullet instead.

The Fourth-Class Mailing

After Horiuchi left the court under armed guard, Howen turned over an inch-thick stack of documents to the defense. The documents were background materials on Horiuchi, including notes about his debriefings after the shootings of Vicki and Kevin.

A month before, Judge Lodge had ordered the prosecution to find this material that had been gathered at FBI headquarters and turn it over to the defense, but agents in D.C. had sent the documents by fourthclass mail instead of overnight or even first class.

“I have no explanation why these were not overnighted,” a red-faced Howen told the Judge.

Spence pounced on the mistake, arguing to Judge Lodge that this was yet another instance of prosecutorial misconduct, bringing up the recreated photographs and evidence that was found by the prosecution and presented to the defense when the trial was almost half over.

Judge Lodge agreed that the FBI’s response to the court order to produce the documents was “totally inexcusable and extremely poor judgment. The court is very upset about these things happening. It does appear it is somewhat of a pattern on the part of agencies outside the district of Idaho.”

On Day 34 of the trial, in answer to charges of prosecutorial misconduct involving the fourthclass mailing of evidence, Judge Lodge made an unusual decision.

As formal punishment for the delay in sending the background

information late, the court required the government to pay an amount equal to the cost of the Weaver and Harris defense attorneys for one day - an amount of approximately $3,000.

“I should have told Judge Lodge, Jerry Spence, Chuck Peterson, David Nevin and Ellie Matthews in January 1993 at one of our pre-trial conferences that I suspected that the FBI was intentionally withholding documents/reports relevant to the trial and had been doing so for the past six months,” Howen said in a later Reader interview. “I was persuaded not to. I regret to this day not having the courage of my convictions to do so.

“The Fourth Class Mailing was ‘the straw [that] broke my back’,” Howen continued. “It was clear that someone was directly trying to sabotage the case (and my career). I had to publicly disclose the documents in the Fourth Class Mailing and deliver them to Judge Lodge and defense counsel. ... I had to sit there and take it from defense counsel in open court. It was not the time or the place to blame someone else. It was my responsibility. You know, ‘the captain goes down with the ship.’

Even though Judge Lodge’s comments and rulings on the motion to dismiss motions during the trial did not hold me personally responsible, my reputation as an honest, ethical and professional prosecutor for 20 years was publicly gone.”

After hearing from ballistics experts on the stand in regards to Marshal Degan’s killing, Howen announced the government’s case was complete. The defense attorneys huddled at the judge’s bench for a moment before Harris’ attorney Nevin proclaimed, “In view of the evidence that has been presented, Mr. Harris waives his right to present evidence.” According to one courtroom reporter, one of the juror’s jaws dropped in surprise.

Gerry Spence then stood and said, “In view of the evidence that has been presented and the evidence that has not been presented,

A drawing on hotel stationary by Lon Horiuchi that was part of the delayed information sent via fourth-class mail. Government exhibit. the defendant Mr. Weaver also waives his right to present any evidence and rests at this time.”

Spence used the same tactic a year earlier when he had successfully defended former Phillippine first lady Imedla Marcos against fraud charges.

Amid the audible buzz of the courtroom, Judge Lodge dismissed the jury and announced that closing arguments would take place after the weekend.

For over a month, the prosecution had called witness after witness, but the defense would rest their case without calling a single person to the stand.

Spence said later in an interview, “It’s occasionally done when there seems to be a gross absence of proof.”

Stay tuned next week for the final installment of the Stand-Off at Ruby Ridge: 25 Years Later, when we learn of the verdict, the aftermath and the effect this case has had on the country. The majority of the information gathered for these articles came from court documents, books and newspaper articles written during the trial.

One especially informative book was “Ambush at Ruby Ridge” by Alan W. Bock. Special thanks to the reporters who covered it so extensively, including those from the Spokesman-Review and the Bonner County Daily Bee. September 7, 2017 /

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The Straight Poop:

The quest for dog-friendly businesses in North Idaho

By Drake the Dog Reader Pet Columnist

Where am taking my humans today?

A few of my well-meaning pack mates suggested that I get a pair of doggles (goggles for dogs) to protect my precious eyes when I’m riding in the convertible. News flash: I tried some and here’s the Straight Poop — they are uncomfortable, cumbersome and not a fashion statement! So I’m sniffing out some cool sunglasses like Ray-Bans, Oakleys, Maui Jims or Vuarnets so when we roll up somewhere, the ladies will say, “Now there’s a dog of mystery, especially when he’s obviously too cool to look at people properly in the eyes!

Wowza! The Missus and I pop into Out of the Blue Eyewear, located at 104 South Second Ave. Steve Berenson, owner and Wendy Brosnahan, manager and Jane-of-all-trades, are the eyes of this place.

There are so many non-prescriptive shades to choose from! I’m droolin’ over their own lines of reading sunglasses, sun readers, bright neon fashion crazy glasses, clear readers, kids sunglasses, eye wear retainers, fit-overs (not to be confused with clip-ons) and motorcycle goggles. Berenson even designed “weeding glasses” (note the play on words — reading glasses) for garden centers and botanical gardens and stores around the country. These babies were mega sellers on QVC. Insider scoop: Get a pair of frames here and take them to your eye doc and have your prescription inserted!

Berenson started in retail over 40 years ago in Baltimore. He was working with a friend who imported glasses from France and Italy. He fell in love with sunglasses and decided to form his own company, focusing on selling to boutiques, surf shops and bookstores in the area. Vuarnet glasses, named after France’s 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist 22 /

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ski racer, Jean Vuarnet, made their debut in the ’70s. They were the rage with surfers and skiers. The cat eye style was first (dang kitties always have to be first). Because of their popularity, (paws up — the Missus had a pair), Berenson came out with his own look-alike brand and sold them through his new company, Made in the Shade.

One day, Berenson received a letter from a company in California with the same name. They said that they owned the name and trademark for Made in the Shade. However, they didn’t have a trademark for eyewear. If Berenson wanted to dispute them, he would have to hire an attorney, show up in Cali and defend himself. His partner said, “This sounds like risky business, however, you always think of great names out of the blue.” The rest is history.

His most favorite dog was Molly, a pit bull lab mix. They played together for over 11 years. Seven years ago, just before he moved to Sandpoint, she crossed over the rainbow bridge. He spread her ashes over the mountains in Colorado, her favorite playground.

He’s on the prowl for a new four-footed companion.

Out of the Blue’s original location was on Fifth Avenue, and now the mother ship on South Second Avenue includes a retail location and warehouse. The business reaches many stores and websites, and www.TheReaderStore.com is the website for consumers. Berenson is a very supportive member of our community, and contributes to many local organizations. The door is always open—walk right in try on the glasses, and dig up some awesome accessories for dogs and humans.

I’m so glad I sniffed out this place!

I got a few pairs — yep I’ll be able to wear my sunglasses at night. Be sure

to bark along with Berenson and the Baldy Mountain Boys at Yappy Hour.

Mark your calendars now to celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27 and my birthday with the Out of the Blue team. Party on!

Steve Berenson and Drake try to find the perfect shades at Out of the Blue Eyewear at 104 S. Second Ave. in Sandpoint.

Crossword Solution

I bet the sparrow looks at the parrot and thinks, yes, you can talk, but listen to yourself!

top Ten Reasons you should advertise with the Reader: 10. It’s tax deductable to advertise your business.

9. Spend a dollar with us, it stays in Sandpoint.

8. We print ~5,000 copies every week, and deliver to 250+ locations around North Idaho.

7. We’re independently owned and operated.

6. Daddy needs a new pair of shoes!

5. We have great success rates for advertisers!

3. Reach people who don’t normally read the newspaper.

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Napped 6. 2 2 2 2 2. Let’s face it, life was boring with the Reader, right? 10. Sketch 14. Located near the poles 1. It just feels good to make your business grow!

15. Damage 16. Hawkeye State 17. Marble 18. A single time 19. Winglike 20. Significant 22. Bacterium 23. Implore 24. Anxious 26. Sell again 30. Shorthand 32. Sheeplike 33. Fencer 37. Of higher order 38. Bobbins 39. Lawn mower brand 40. Performed for the first time 42. Suggestions 43. A common green newt /ROOTH/ 44. Jocular 45. Snow house [noun] 47. Muzzle 1.pity or compassion. of the 48. Get bigger 2.sorrow or grief.

“With his ruth-striken face, the old man shuffled down the aisle.” 49. Protect by insurance 56. Gumbo 57. A noble gas Corrections: In last week’s Stand-Off at Ruby Ridge: 25 Years Later - Part 58. Assisted 3, I accidentally flipped the names of the Weaver daughters in the photo. 59. Grizzly Elisheba was in the center and Rachel stood on the right. We regret the 60. To endure (archaic) mistake. -BO 61. Reprimand

Word Week

ruth

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

4. Help support an informed community.

Solution on page 21

11. Parts portrayed 12. Cognizant 13. Not cool 21. Snake-like fish DOWN 25. Terminate 26. Cavort 1. Unwanted email 27. Always 2. Corporate image 28. Location 3. Dash 29. Graniteware 4. A Maori club 30. Sugary 5. Shiver 31. Informed 6. G-string 33. Arid 7. Desire 34. Not stereo 8. Killer whale 9. Furnaces that refine ore 35. Anagram of “Star” 10. A distinctive symptom 36. Schnozzola 38. Bounces back or characteristic 62. Doing nothing 63. Classify 64. Greetings

41. Nigerian tribesman 42. Bunkum 44. Glass container 45. Annoyed 46. Small goat antelope 47. Agile Old World viverrine 48. Mongolian desert 50. Roman emperor 51. One who accomplishes 52. Type of cereal grass 53. False god 54. Express in words 55. Cocoyam

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