Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Scrapbook 2020

MLK Day events planned in the region ln rhe Inland Northwest, several worship services, rallies and marches are planned in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. lo Spokane, there will be a Prayer Breakfast Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 500 S. Stone in Spokane. Proceeds go to the MLKCenter.

The annual MLK Commemoration Service is at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19. The location and speaker will be announced. Proceeds go to both the MLK Center and the Spokane Ministerial Fellowship.

Rally and March and Resource Fair begin at IO a.m., Monday, Jan. 20. The location and details will be announced.

For information, call 868-0856 or visit mlkspokane.org.

The Whitworth University community will celebrate and pray for "Glimpses of the Kingdom" at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Beeksma Family Theology Center Sanctuary. For information, call 777-4345.

The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts and the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations will sponsor the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fifth Graders Program

on Thursday, Jan. 16, at North Idaho College, Schuler Performing Arts Center in Boswell Hall, 880 W. Garden Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. At 9:30 a.m., Coeur d'Alene classes will come. At 11 :30 a.m., Post Falls schools will come. More than 37,000 fifth grade students have participated in the series since the beginning of the program. For information, call 208-765-3932 or visit idahohumanrights.org.

In Pullman, Washington State University will feature W. Kamau Bell, a sociopolitical comedian, is the keynote speaker for the MLK Community Celebration at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, at the CUB Senior and Junior

r

Ballrooms. Kamau produces a CNN docu-series "United States of America with W. Kamau Bell" and is the American Civil Liberties Union Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice.

For information, call 339-6172 or visit m1k. wsu.edu.

In Yakima, the Rev. Robert Trimble said the Citywide Martin Luther King Commemoration Service will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19,atSt. Michael's Episcopal Church, 5 S. Naches Ave. The 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace march begins at noon, Monday, Jan. 20, at 5th and MLK Jr. Blvd.

For information, email rtrimble5 l@gmail.com.

January 2020 - The Fig Tree - Page 3

COEUR d'ALENE SERVING

KOOTENAI

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SINCE

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Monday .,.....,, 13, 2020

Historic Reign Cd'A Councilman Ron Edinger now outside looking in

By PRESS STAFF

1968. It was a year with many marks on history. Richard Nixon won the White House. Apollo 8 orbited the moon. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Locally, Miss Budweiser, a vintage 2,000-horsepower hydroplane, wowed crowds on Lake Coeur d'Alene. The Museum of North Idah o was officially born. And the fate of a huge lakeside hill in the city's core was up in the air. More on that later.

In that same year, Coeur d'Alene was also a town with a fresh face to politics: A newly elected 31-year-old city councilman who took his seat unassumingly and with great, if not humble, intentions.

Little did this aspiring politician know that his first stint at politics would go on. And on.

To offer a great understatement, Ron

Edinger is a Coeur d'Alene institution. An ever-present fixture of city government whose decisions and influence have spanned decades.

He's had his hand in

shaping the face of the city for generations.

Edinger says his record-breaking tenure was not anticipated.

See EDINGER, A4

EDINGER from A1

But he's appreciated every moment. Asked if he believed, way back when. that his reign would span 52 years, he responds dryly: "lf you told me back then, I'd say you're crazy." he says.

Worthy reflections Edinger. 83. shared his municipal memories recently as he sat down with the Jove of his life and wife of 62 years, Nancy.

Succinctly, he sums it up.

"Oh, I had a great time. Learned a lot. Made a difference, I hope," he said. "I've always tried to be honest with people and do the right thing."

For anybody who has followed Coeur d'Alene politics over the decades, there are a few words that sum up Edinger: Bl ue-collar. Empathic.

Listener. Personable.

It's those traits that got Edinger elected time after time. And always by wide margins. His ' constituents and former

colleagues agree.

"There is a reason why you have always been the highest votegetter," former assistant city administrator Jon Ingalls said in a recent tribute to Edinger.

"It's because of your incredible passion for the city, your tireless commitment and your unquestionably high ethical standards."

Thoughtful. but lately a man of few words, Edinger pondered his longevity with the city - why he kept running for election in a political atmosphere that sometimes, though infrequently, got nasty

as he sought term after term .

"I have a lot of interest in the city of Coeur d'Alene; it's my home," he said. "I've always wanted to do the right thing."

Edinger moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1955 when he was a lad of 19. His wife, Nancy, is a lifer; born and raised here.

Those "right things" the veteran councilman speaks of are projects that have forever changed the course of Coeur d'Alene.

Things like helping to save the city's crown jewel, Tubbs Hill, from

private development back in the 1970s when he was serving his single stint as mayor. Also during that period, Independence Point downtown was dedicated to the public.

And the purchase of Idaho Water Company allowed the city to prudently take over water services.

"While Ron was mayor, the city made so many huge and progressive moves on so many fronts," says longtime friend Tony Stewart, who assisted Edinger in every election since 1970 and served as campaign manager in bis final run for office four year ago. ·'Ron had great support from the middle income," says Stewart, a former North Idaho College political science professor and long time leader with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

It was that last run for office that was the most difficult for Edinger to contemplate. Having just experienced some serious health setbacks, he wondered if it wasn't time to hang up his hat.

Then came the calling.

"People came out of the blue," Nancy Edinger says. "Phone calls, messages... they all wanted to see Ron run again."

Stewart also made a push.

"I told Ron that if he'd run one more time, I'd serve as his campaign manager," Stewart says.

Edinger couldn't resist. Despite physical issues that made movement more labored, he ran. And, of course, won.

But his final term hasn't been easy.

"The last few years,

Even in the final weeks of a 50-year career on the Coeur d'Alene City Council, Ron Edinger remained as fiery and passionate as ever. In this Dec. 5, 2019 image, Edinger pushed to shut eminent domain out of a Health Corridor vote, regardless of Idaho law. "We don't need to go with the state," he dismissed. "To hell with the state!"

getting to a council meeting has been kind of hell," he says with a chuckle.

But he's still appeared, like he has for decades.

To take pa.ii in decisions that will continue to shape this growing city.

Decisions, some still pending, but under his watchful eye.

Edinger is confident he left bis post in good hands.

Former Coeur d'Alene police sergeant Christie Wood was sworn in last week. Wood also served on the Coeur d'Alene School Board and currently serves on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees and the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force.

Edinger strongly endorsed his replacement and the respect is mutual.

"Ron's always been a role model as a councilman and someone I looked up to," Wood says. "He's very personable and has

been an incredible city leader."

Growing, growing Edinger said the biggest issue facing the city as he departs is the same topic that faced city officials more than 50 years ago when he took office. The population of Coeur d'Alene back then was about 6,000. Today, it's over 50,000.

And rampant growth is taking its toll.

"1 have grandkids who can't afford to live here because the rent's so high," he says. "The council needs to get a handle on that."

Though his work on the council has officially ended. don't expect Edinger to fade into the sunset.

"I'm going to miss it, but I've still got a TV and I'll watch," he says.

"I might even go down there from time to time.

If there's something the council does that I don't think it right or don't appreciate, I'll let them know."

CRAIG NORTHRUP/Press

Aon and Nancy Edinger at a November banquet celebrating the longtime Coeur d'Alene Councilmember's tenure in government. Aon retired at the end of 2019 after 50 years on Council.

Man of ntany nteetings 50 years ... a whole lotta meetings Edinger's recordsetting tenure as an elected official for the city of Coeur d'Alene included countless meetings and check-in visits to City Hall.

It's impossible to pin down just how huge his commitment was. Based on 600 months of service to the city, here's the Press' best guesses: • 1,500 council meetings • 2,400 check-in visits

to City Hall • 1,200 subcommittee meetings • 600 parks and recreation meetings In his decades as a fixture at City Hall, that totals an incredible 5,700 visits.

January 13, 2020 Press Release TO: The Coeur d'Alene Press FROM: The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations RE: The 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids Program More Information: Tony Stewart, 208-765-3932 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations (KCTFHR) and North Idaho College will cosponsor the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 5th Grade Children's Program on Thursday, January 16, 2020 in the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College.

This year's program will feature dance, musical performances by the children, children's essays, Pastor Happy Watkins' reciting excerpts from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech and Stu Cabe of the Ovation Company sharing his story of the "The Big Elephant and the Little Elephant" that is a message featuring a positive school environment stressing courage, values, safety and kindness to the students.

Administrators from the two school districts and the KCTFHR Board president echoed similar support for the long-standing program.

Post Falls School Superintendent Jerry Keane stated: "Our 5th grade students have been blessed to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids program over the past 34 years. The students learn a great deal about how to treat one another and all people from the adult presenters but even more from their peers."

Coeur d'Alene School Superintendent Steven Cook expressed the district's support: "Our students benefit from learning about the legacy of the civil rights movement and our on going focus on reducing and eliminating prejudice through education."

The KCTFHR president Christie Wood expressed the human rights group's support since the inception of the program when she said: "In the world of children, there is no color that prohibits opportunity, love, justice and inclusion. This annual program teaches us that lesson."

The annual program will soon have reached over 38,000 fifth grade students over the three and one-half decades.

The Coeur d'Alene kids program will begin at 9:30 AM foHowed by the Post Falls children at 11:30 AM.

C4

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Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Press

North Idaho

Fifth-graders ready to engage in 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. children's program The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations (KCTFHR) and North Idaho College will co-sponsor the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 5th Grade Children's Program on Thursday in the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College.

This year's program will feature dance, musical performances by the children, children's essays, Pastor Happy Watkins' reciting excerpts from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and Stu Cabe of the Ovation Company sharing his story of the "The Big Elephant and the Little Elephant" that is a message featuring a positive

school environment stressing courage, values, safety and kindness to the students.

Administrators from the two school districts a nd the KCTFHR Board president echoed similar support for the long-standing program.

Post Falls School Superintendent Jerry Keane stated: "Our 5th grade students have been blessed to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids program over the past 34 years. The students learn a great deal about how to treat one another and all people from the adult presenters but even more from their peers."

Coeur d'Alene School Superintendent Steven Cook expressed the district's support: "Our students benefit

from learning about the legacy of the civil rights movement and our on going focus on reducing and eliminating prejudice through education."

KCTFHR president Christie Wood stated the human rights group's support since the inception of the program when she said: "In the world of children, there is no color that prohibits opportunity, love, justice and inclusion.

This annual program teaches us that lesson."

The annual program will soon have reached over 38,000 fifth grade students over the three and one-half decades.

The Coeur d'Alene kids program will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Post Falls program at 11:30 a.m.

January 16, 2020 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration Post Falls School District

"I Have a Dream" Welcome and Introductions:

Lisa Hoffeld Principal of West Ridge Elementary Rick MacLennan NIC President Paul McLeod ASNIC Student Body President

Acknowledgements:

Lisa Hoffeld

Pledge of Allegiance:

All audience members

Keynote Presentation:

Pastor Happy Watkins

Essay Presentations: Seltice Ponder m;a MuJJan Trail West Ridge Prairie View Greensferry Holy Family

Livia Winston James Hitchcock Londyn Frederick Cole Moormon Gracey Walter Noah Ingle Olivia Lake

Keynote Presentation:

Stu Cabe

Sing Along:

"We Have A Dream" by Hap Palmer All 5th grade students Led by Post Falls music teacher Matt Barkley

Conclusion:

Dismissal by Schools

(NIC)

January 16, 2020 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration

Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream!"

56th anniversary of his timeless speech - August 28, 1963

), Welcome and Introductions o Aaron Drake, Assistant Principal of Ramsey Magnet School of Science o Rick MacLennan, North Idaho College President o Paul McLeod, ASNIC Student Body President

), National Anthem - by Nicole Smith of Ramsey ), "I Have a Dream" Speech- Rev. Happy Watkins ), Student Essay Readings o William Severinsen (Bryan), Addy Hamblet (Atlas), Oliver Barnard (Winton), Ethan Linford (Skyway) ), Ramsey Special Chorus - Directed by Spencer Normington o "Brave" - Sara Bareilles ), Why a message of kindness? ), Student Essay Readings o Reagan Schuerger (Borah), Isa Armitage (Sorensen), TJ Crawford (Ramsey), Ellie Staudecher (NExA) ), "The Big Elephant Story" - Stu Cabe ), Student Essay Readings o Eliza Murphy (Hayden Meadows), Damien Garret (Fernan), Kylah Chavez (Dalton)

), Ramsey Special Chorus - Directed by Spencer Normington o "Glorious" - Sara Bareilles ), All Audience sing-a-long o "True Colors" led by Ramsey Special Chorus ), Dismissal to buses

Essay Winners All essays will be read by the authors during the program )ii" )ii" )ii" )ii" )ii"

> )ii" )ii" )ii" )ii" )ii"

Ellie Staudacher - Northwest Expeditionary Academy Damien Garret - Fernan Elementary School Kylah Chavez - Dalton Elementary School Eliza Murphy - Hayden Meadows Elementary School TJ Crawford - Ramsey Magnet School of Science Isa Armitage - Sorensen Elementary School Reagan Schuerger - Borah Elementary School Ethan Linford - Skyway Elementary School Oliver Barnard- Winton Elementary School Addy Hamblet - Atlas Elementary School William Severinsen - Bryan Elementary School

Special thanks to all of the classrooms who submitted art! Please take a moment to view all of the entries in the foyer area.

Special Chorus Rams ey Magnet School of Science Director: Spencer Normington Violet Zaike Holland Proulx Lilly Ruddell Aurora Lederman Nicole Smith Killian Schreiber Annabelle Louviers Abigail Carlson James Dunn Mya Karns Paytn Umhoefer Ezra Holt Aubrey Salie Hera Vulles Judy Mccasland Finneas Case Renee Cantrell Summer Clevenger Alyse McCracken Gracie Weber Nick Burgeson Payton Smith

Brilynn ilium Briggs Hazard Camille Paterson Mason Taylor Lilli Chapman Oliviea Forstrom Sophie Phillips Elizabeth Colburn Kaylynne Harrison AJ Illum Kyrah Copstead Madelyn Putzig Hailoh Whipple Abigail Rouse Maggie Wismer Jordynn Walker Ron Kincaid Taylor Schwirian Richard Kincaid Kaitlyn Law Paige Wassink Laura Mohr

Emma Hegel Taylor Schwirian Bella King Richard Kincaid Julie Paschke Chaysee Umhoefer Addison Plaisted Kalin McCarthy Prudence Clarkson Elizabeth Ball Ilexa Paszczynska Isabella Ventimiglia Emma Throckmorton Julia Wilson Carrie Werner Isabella Strickland Ruthie Strom Elijah Sworfford Lucas Chapman Jadyn Jell

We would like to thank those who helped sponsor this event: The Coeur d'Alene School District, North Idaho College, and The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations

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Friday January 11, 2020

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The Ramsey Special Chorus, directed by Spencer Normington, sings " Brave" by Sara Bareilles during the 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration assembly In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Words to live by 35th annual MLK program highlights civil rights , honors legacy of Dr. King

By DEVIN WEEKS Staff Writer

"Frederick Douglass was a very wise man, and he must have been COEUR d'ALENE respected very fairly "If there is no struggle. after the civil rights there is no progress." movement," Noah said.

Greensferry Elementary "If he wasn't, then he School fifth-grader definitely deserved Noah Ingle softly spoke to be respected and into the microphone honored."

Thursday.

As a student and an Noah, took these athlete, Douglass's words words, ffrst said nearly are significant to Noah: 200 years ago by he perseveres through prominent human rights difficult math problems activist and abolitionist and he keeps going even Frederick Douglass, and when the going is tough. shared how they apply to "(This quote) makes his own life. me always want to get "I can't give up, even up whenever I'm down when I struggle in and give it my heart and school," he said. soul," Noah said.

Noah didn't know For Holy Family about Douglass until he Catholic School student and his classmates were Olivia Lake, it's all about assigned to write essays faith. for the 35th annual Dr. She quoted King: Martin Luther King Jr. "Take the first step in Kids Program, held at faith. You don't have to the Schuler Pe1forming see the whole starrcase, Arts Center on the North just take the first step."

Idaho College campus.

"We, as people,

LOREN BENOIT/Press

Reverend Happy Watkins recites Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" in front of Elementary School students during the 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration assembly at the Schuler Auditorium Thursday at NIC.

can always be living examples of King" by doing, dreaming and loving as he did, Olivia said.

"For everyone, life is

LOREN BENOIT/Press

Hundreds of Coeur d'Alene School District elementary school students listen to motivational speaker Stu Cabe speak about kindness during the 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration assembly at Schuler Auditorium Thursday at NIC.

a staircase," she said.

"Sometimes, we're close to the very bottom, when there's sadness in our lives. Other times, we're (up) kind of high, at a good point in our lives. God does have a plan for us; we can't always see that plan, we just have to take the first blind step. That's what faith is - trusting God, no matter what our step on the staircase brings.

Trusting God, like King did."

Fifth-graders from schools across the Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts participated in the annual program, which included music performances and moving presentations by pastor Happy Watkins, who delivered King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and motivational See HONOR, A7

Friday, January 17, 2020

I

A7

The Press

LOREN BENOIT/Press

Bryan Elementary School student WIiiiam Severlnsen reads his essay during the 35th Annual Human Rights Celebration assembly at NIC's Schuler Auditorium.

HONOR from A1

speaker Stu Cabe. who encouraged students to be their best selves by using elephants as examples of kindness.

This year celebrates the milestone that more than 38,000 fifthgraders have attended this program through the years. Those who participated that first year are now in their

40s.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Kids Program was co-sponsored by NIC and the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. KCTFHR has been involved since the beginning.

"In the world of children, there is no color that prohibits opportunity, love. justice and inclusion," said KCTFHR President Christie Wood. "This annual program teaches us that lesson."

LOREN BENOIT/Press

Stu Cabe makes a funny elephant joke to a group of Coeur d'Alene School District elementary students at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Kids Program assembly at Schuler Auditorium Thursday at NIC.

WSU Director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public Policy & Public Service to Keynote Human Rights Banquet Dr. Cornell W. Clayton, Washington State University Distinguished Professor of Government and director of the WSU Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public policy and Public Service, will keynote the 23rd annual Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet on Friday, April 17. Clayton received his B.A. degree in political science in 1985 from University of Utah (magna cum laude); a Lady Margaret Hall in M. Litt 1987 at Oxford; and his Ph.D., in politics from Oxford University in 1990. He was the recipient of two Fulbright Scholarships and a Truman Scholarship.

He is the author of two books: "The Politics of justice" (M.E. Sharpe, 1992) and "Government Lawyers: The Legal Bureaucracy and Presidential Politics" (University Press of Kansas, 1995). He also is the co-editor of five other books on democracy, politics and government. Clayton is the author or co-author of numerous research articles and essays on politics and government.

He has twice received the American Judicature Award from the American Political Science Association, and his research has been translated and republished in five languages. His works have been featured in the New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, and National Public radio among other places.

Among his major interests are questions of justice, civility and civil discourse. As director of the Foley Institute, he hosted many well-known national political leaders of both major political parties as well as experts from such areas business, education, international issues, the environment, energy, sports and mental health to name a few topics.

Dr. Clayton's banquet topic will be: "The Quest for justice".

Idaho Hall of Fame To Induct Seven Individuals at the Human Rights Banquet The Idaho Hall of Fame Board (IHF) will be a guest at the KCTFHR Human Rights Banquet for the purpose of inducting seven Idahoans into the IHF. The eligible criteria of the IHF since 1985 has been to choose individuals, businesses and non-profits that have made significant impacts in their communities, the state of Idaho, the Nation and in many cases the world.

At the April 17 banquet the inductees will include Christie Wood, military veteran, former CDA police officer, former Board member of the CDA School District and present NIC Board member; Dr. Jack Riggs, a physician, former state senator and former Idaho Lt. Governor; Mike Patrick, Managing Editor of the CDA Press; Sholeh Patrick, attorney, CDA Press columnist and columns' editor; Bruce Reed, Rhodes scholar, national domestic advisor to presidents' Bill Clinton and Barack Obama; Bill Wassmuth, the late Catholic priest and nationally known and recognized civil rights leader; and Robert Singletary, educator, historian of northern Idaho, lecturer and accomplished musician and music director.

The Banquet to Recognize the 20th Anniversary of the

Civil Trial "Keenan's vs. Aryan Nations" Following the inauguration of the KCTFHR Human Rights Banquet in the spring of 1998 featuring keynoter Idaho Governor Phil Batt, three months later on July 1 a mother and her 19 year-old-son (Victoria and Jason Keenan) were assaulted by three Aryan Nations' security guards as they drove by the compound. The gunmen fired five bullets into the car before running it off the road where upon they assaulted Ms. Keenan and verbally threatened her son.

The KCTFHR Board attorney, Norm Gissel, became the Keenan's family attorney, recruited the legal staff of the Southern Poverty Law Center and Idaho attorney Ken Howard to represent the Keenan's in a civil compliant and trial against the security guards and the Aryan Nations.

The trial was held in Idaho's First Judicial District the first week of September 2000 resulting in the 12-member jury awarding $6.3 million to the Keenan's that resulted in the bankruptcy of the Aryan Nations.

The Keenan's acquired the Aryan Nations compound and assets as partia l payment of the judgment. They in turn sold the property to philanthropist Gregory C. Carr who destroyed the compound before gifting it to the NIC Foundation.

To recognize this 20th anniversary's major victory for justice, the banquet will feature Dr. Cornell Clayton, an expert on the subject of justice, as the keynoter with the theme "The Quest for Justice'~ The banquet program wi ll include honoring two of the attorneys, Norm Gissel and Ken Howard, that successfully prevailed in providing justice not only for their clients but also another step in upholding the principle of justice and the rule of law.

The evening will include a welcome from the mayor of Coeur d'Alene, recognition of the generous benefactors, introduction of this year's KCTFHR and NIC Foundation recipients of the North Idaho College minority student scholarships and the presentation of the 2020 KCTFHR civil rights awards.

Silent Auction 5:00 - 7:00 pm View fabulous silent auction items including furniture, several

framed art pieces from lazy Boy, wine in a wheel barrow, local stay and play packages, grandparent baskets, and much more!

For more information, view our website at www.idahohumanrights.org

A significant portion of the banquet profits are ear marked for student minority scholarships at North Idaho College.

Ko.Qt@nai ~g~ntJ Ta~k· ~ ·Qf~@ on Human ReJations. 8ffic_e_rs 1

Chri sti e Wood, pres id ent Jody Hiltenb ra nd , vice- pres id ent Ell en St am so s, t reas urer Tony Stewart , sec ret ary KC TFHR Newsl et te r Editor and Des ig n Arti st , Gay le Hugh es Th e Kootenai Co unty Task Fo rce on Hu ma n Re lat ions was fo und ed th e fir st wee k of Feb ruary 198 1, at th e First Ch risti an Church in Coe u r d 'A len e, Ida ho in res po nse t o t h e v ictimi zati on of a Jew ish rest aurant ow ner in Hayd en, Idah o. M s. Di na Ta nn ers, a loca l acti vist and a m ember of t he Jewish co m m unity, orga nized t he fi rst meetin g and t hu s beca me kn own as th e m ot her of th e Task Force.

The KCTFHR has been promoting human and civil rights for 39 years. ntingdonated by

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Presented by th FRIDAY April 17, 2020 at The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Silent Auction and Reception at 5:00 P.M. Dinner at 6:30 P.M. Featured Keynote Speaker

Da. A.NU P.aoFEsso• CoJtNELL W.

CLAYTON

Banquet Theme: The Quest for Justice

There Will Be ASilent Auction And Ont livt Auction Item You Won•t Want to Miss!

Cost of Tickets & Tables: $40 for individual tickets Silver Tables: $500 for a table for 8 persons & includes being listed in the program as a Silver Sponsor & a good table location.

Gold Tables: $1 ,000 for a table for 8 persons & includes being listed in the program as a Gold Sponsor, and a prime location for your table.

Payment must be in by Monday April 13th!

Dr. Cornell W .., (!}3ytor1

Please clip & return this registration form with your check or money order.

Make check.s payable to: KCTFHR For more info call: 208-765-3932 Mail to: Kootenai County Task Force on Buman Relations, P.O. Box 2725, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816 $40 individual tickets: Number of tickets @ $40 per person Total $_ _ _ __ Name: Address: - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - -- Phone#: - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - -- - $500 table: Name Address: - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - -Phone # : $1,000 table: Name Address: - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- Phone #: - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - MENU CHOICES: Please indicate menu choice for each person. Tickets will be mailed to you with your menu choice on it. Please bring your ticket with you so your server can bring you the choice you selected!

Contains Gluten Gluten Free

I

Top Sirloin Dinner (broiled medium), topped with onion rings, Tossed green salad, Seasonal fresh vegetables , Chef's potato, oven fresh rolls, Chef's choice of dessert

How Many? - - - - + - - -

Fresh Baked Fillet of Salmon Dinner with hollandaise sauce, Tossed green salad, Chef's rice, Oven fresh rolls, Chef's choice of dessert

How Many? - - ~ - - -

Eggplant Parmesan Dinner, Tossed green salad, Oven fresh rolls, Chef's choice of dessert

How Many? _ _ _ _ __

Meals served with brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea.

January 2020 FROM: The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations TO:The Friends of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations RE: Misinformation and Unauthorized Use of the KCTFHR Name in a Fund raising Letter to Business Community Leaders from the Human Rights Education Institute On Monday, January 6, 2020, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations (KCTFHR) received one of the fundraising letters mailed to local business leaders from the Human Rights Education Institute (HREI) that unfortunately contained misinformation and unauthorized representation of the KCTFHR. The HREI letter included an insert stating that all corporate sponsorships to HREI of $10,000; $5,0000; or $2,500 will be given 8 tickets to the next KCTFHR Human Rights Banquet this coming April 17, 2020. This HREI pledge is incorrect, was not authorized by the KCTFHR and t_hus the KCTFHR has no obligation to issue any such banquet tickets.

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Dear Friends, the 2020 KCTFHR banquet prices have not changed from the offering of $500 and $1,000 tables for eight persons per table or individual tickets can be purchased for $40. Banquet purchases can only be obtained through the KCTFHR. The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and the Human Rights Education Institute are two totally different organizations with separate boards.

The KCTFHR was established in 1981 and HREI was established in 1998.

"For almost 40-years, the KCTFHR has prided itself on working to assist individuals that have found themselves victims of hate crimes and or discrimination," stated KCTFHR President Christie Wood. "We also support many educational endeavors including our partnership with the NIC Foundation providing annual minority scholarships at N/C," she continued.

"The KCTFHR Banquet is our only fundraiser of the year as we continue to strive to offer reasonable prices to our supporters," stated KCTFHR secretary Tonty Stewart.

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Task force celebrates sale of former Aryan Nations land Foundation creates NIC Foundation and Gregory C. Carr this endowment for NIC permanent Carr human Tony Stewart is in the mood to celebrate.

On Friday, the North Idaho College Foundation and North Idaho College notified the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations that the former Aryan Nations property in Kootenai County had been sold, with the proceeds being used to establish a permanently restricted endowment at NIC named after Gregory C. Carr.

"Today we can all celebrate with North Idaho College, the

rights endowment that will serve NIC students, employees and the general public in perpetuity teaching the essential principles of freedom, equality and justice that is the bedrock of a democracy," said Stewart, KCTFHR secretary.

The NIC Foundation received the donation of a 20-a'cre land parcel once owned by Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler from the Gregory C. Carr Foundation in 2002 and recently sold See LANQ, A3

Sunday, March 8, 2020

LAND from A1

the property. Carr is a philanthropist and completely restored the land to its natural state before gifting it to the Foundation.

"From the arrival of Richard Butler and his Aryan Nations organization to northern Idaho in 1973 until his loss of the compound in a civil trial in 2000, we experienced dark storm clouds over our beautiful state and region for 27 years that included a crime spree of those affiliated with the Aryan Nations that involved murders, bank robberies, counterfeiting United States currency, malicious harassment of innocent citizens, recruitment of individuals promoting white supremacy, hate crimes and hate campaigns," the task force press release said.

Stewart said the KCTFHR has been a powerful force countering the activities of the Aryan Nations since its establishment in 1981, including working through its attorneys Norm Gissel and Ken Howard in partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center to bring down the Aryan Nations during the September 2000 civil trial in Idaho's First J udicial District Court in Coeur d'Alene.

"Since my arrival at North Idaho College in 1970, I have witnessed five decades of a remarkable institution that has never wavered from a commitment to the worth and dignity of all individuals," Stewart said.

KCTFHR President Christie Wood said the

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board is grateful to the Foundation and NIC "for this remarkable gift to all humanity and especially to future NIC students.

"The legacy of today's NIC Foundation Board and staff as well as those employees of NIC that have made this possible will be remembered as giants in the annals of human rights history," Wood said.

The Foundation dedicated proceeds from the sale of the property to establish a permanently restricted endowment named after 6regory C. Carr.

This endowment will support North Idaho College human rights education programming in perpetuity.

Rick MacLennan, NIC president, said the additional resources provided through the NIC Foundation "will allow us to enhance the college's ability to ensure our human rights education programming continues to thrive at NIC and in collaboration with our greater human rights and education community."

Through donors, the Foundation invests in special projects and program enhancements for NIC, including awarding more than $1 million in scholarships each year.

In its press release, KCTFlffi said "it takes years of dedication, tireless work and unity of a people to defeat bigotry and the threat of violence from hate groups to be replaced by communities where everyone is welcome and respected."

"This is what Gregory C. Carr, the NIC Foundation and North Idaho College have done with this endowment," said Stewart.

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Kootenai County Task Force On Human Relations Committed to the elimination of prejudice and bigotry.

March 7, 2020 Press Release FROM: The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations RE: The Recent Announcement of the Sale of the former Aryan Nations Compound CONTACT: Tony Stewart, secretary of the KCTFHR Board-208-765-3932 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. On Friday, March 6 the North Idaho College Foundation and North Idaho College notified the KCTFHR that the former Aryan Nations property had been sold with the proceeds being used to establish a permanently restricted endowment at NIC named after Gregory C. Carr. The NIC release stated in part: "This endowment will directly support North Idaho College human rights education programming in perpetuity."

From the arrival of Richard Butler and his Aryan Nations organization to northern Idaho in 1973 until his lost of the compound in a civil trial in 2000, we experienced dark storm clouds over our beautiful state and region for 27-years that included a crime spree of those affiliated with the Aryan Nations that involved murders, bank robberies, counterfeiting United States currency, malicious harassment of innocent citizens, recruitment of individuals promoting white supremacy, hate crimes and hate campaigns.

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The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations with the support of many individuals and organizations has been a powerful force countering the activities of the Aryan Nations since the establishment of the KCTFHR in 1981 including working through our attorneys Norm Giseel and Ken Howard in partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center to bring down the Aryan Nations during the September 2000 civil trial in Idaho's First Judicial District Court in Coeur d'Alene.

"Today we can all celebrate with North Idaho College, the NIC Foundation and Gregory C. Carr this permanent Carr human right endowment that will serve NIC students, employees and the general public in perpetuity teaching the essential principles of freedom, equality and justice that is the bedrock of a democracy," stated KCTFHR secretary Tony Stewart.

Stewart continued, "Since my arrival at North Idaho College in 1970, I have witnessed five decades of a remarkable institution that has never wavered from a commitment to the worth and dignity of all individuals."

"The KCTFHR Board is eternally grateful to the North Idaho College Foundation and North Idaho College for this remarkable gift to all humanity and especially to future NIC students," stated KCTFHR President Christie Wood. "The legacy of today's NIC Foundation Board and staff as well as those employees of NIC that have made this possible will be remembered as giants in the annals of human rights history," Wood continued.

The KCTFHR press release concluded by reminding the citizenry that often times it takes years of dedication, tireless work and unity of a people to defeat bigotry and the threat of violence from hate groups to be replaced by communities where everyone is welcome and respected. "This is what Gregory C. Carr, the NIC Foundation and North Idaho College have done with this endowment," said Stewart.

"All the dark storm clouds have been replaced with a bright blue sky, sunshine and a rainbow," Wood said. ###

North Idaho College

FOUND~ TION 7hv6!'1!1tg ,;, ~6~/ltP

March 6, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Rayelle Anderson, Executive Director 208-769-5978 fou ndation@nic.edu

SUBJECT:

FOUNDATION CREATES HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FOR NIC

North Idaho Co llege Foundation, Inc. is proud to partner with the philanthropic community to invest in North Idaho College student success and educational excellence.

NIC Foundation received the donation of a 20-acre land parcel from the Gregory C. Carr Foundation in 2002 and recently sold the property. Mr. Carr is a phila nthropist and completely restored the land to its natural state before gifting it to the North Idaho College Foundation.

The Foundation dedicated all proceeds from t he sa le of the property to establish a permanently restricted endowment named after Gregory C. Ca rr. This endowment will directly support North Idaho College human rights education programm ing in perpetu ity.

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"N IC Foundation is grateful to. Mr. Carr and all NIC Foundation donors for entrusting us to steward their philanthropic wishes to invest in t he dreams of North Idaho College students and community," stated Jody Azevedo, NIC Foundation President.

North Idaho College has a long-standing commitment to human rights education and programming. Rick Maclennan, North Idaho College President, shared, "These additional resources provided through the NIC Foundation will allow us to enhance the college's ability to ensure our human rights education programm ing continues to thrive at NIC and in collaboration with our greater human rights and education community."

Established in 1977, the North Idaho College Foundation, Inc. continuously raises external financial resources to support the college's mission. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation invests in special projects and program enhancements for NIC, including awarding over $1 million dollars in scholarships each year to help deserving students pursue education and training. ###

1000 W Garden Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 769-5978 nic.edu/foundation

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Notices

DOHERTY, J aren Patrick, 76, died in Coeur d'Alene, on March 10, 2020.

Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene.

CARNEIRO, Elizabeth "Liz" Jane, 76, died March 7, 2020, in Coeur d' Alene.

Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel.

Human Rights Banquet to be postponed COEUR d'ALENE -

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations announced the postponement to a future date of the 23rd annual KCTFHR Human Rights Banquet, scheduled for April 17 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene lnn, due to the coronavirus COVID-19 health issue.

"It is paramount that

we protect the health and safety of our supporters and the general public during this time of such a se.rious health concern," said KCTFHR secretary Tony Stewart.

"Many governors and medical experts recommend that gatherings at this time not exceed 200 and since our human rights banquet attendees

normally reach 400 to 500, it would be very unwise to ignore the advice of the experts," Stewart said.

The KC'l'FHR will reschedule the banquet after the COVID-19 is no longer a health threat.

Stewart said the KCTFHR will refund those individuals who have already paid for the banquet.

THE SPOKESMAN -REVIEW

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NIC sells former Aryan Nations headquarters Proceeds will support college's , human rights education, progrrumning

By Jared Brown THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The North Idaho College Foundation announced it sold the 20-acre site of the former Aryan Nations headquarters earlier this month after putting it on the market less than a year ago.

The sale of the undeveloped piece of countryside north of Hayden Lake, which once had around ll structures for the white supremacist group, will support an · endowment for North Idaho College hu-

man rights education and programming named after Gregory C. Carr, the man who gifted the property to the college's foundation in 2002.

"These additional resources provided through the NIC Foundation will allow us to enhance the college's ability to ensure our human rights education and programming continues to thrive at NIC and in collaboration with our greater human rights and education community," NIC President Rick MacLennan said in a statement.

The Carr Foundation purchased the compound when Aryan Nations went bankrupt folJowing a $6.3 million civil lawsuit in 2000. Firefighters used some of buildings for practicing arson investigations, then the foundation cleared out the remnants.

The NIC Foundation sold the property to the owners of an adjacent 19-acre parcel to the north, where a home was built in 2016, according to Kootenai County Assessor's Office records.

Kootenai County does not maintain records for real estate purchases.

NIC Foundation Executive Director Rayelle Anderson declined to disclose

the purchase price of the land, or when the property was officially put up for sale, at the direction of the foundation board.

The public college has not received the money and did not have information about the potential funding, according to school officials.

The land, which is made up of two parcels, was valued at more than $360,000 in July, up from about $230,000 in 2017, according to Kootenai County Assessor's Office records.

The foundation said in a statement that the full amount of the sale will go to See NIC, 9

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The former headquarters of the Aryan Nations is seen in this aerial view from May 2001 in Hayden Lake.

NIC Continued from l

the college.

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations applauded the sale and support for "teaching the essential principles of freedom, equality and justice that is the bedrock of a democracy."

"From the arrival of Richard Butler and his Aryan Nations organization to northern Idaho inl973 un-

til his Joss of the compound in a civil trial in 2000, we experienced dark storm clouds over our beautiful state and region,'' the task force said in a statement.

"All the dark storm clouds have been replaced with a bright blue sky, sunshine and a rainbow," task force President Christie Wood said.

CONTACT THE WRITER:

(509) 459-5135 jaredb@spokesman.com

Rep. Scott compares Gov. Little to Hitler Claims nonessential workers treated like Jews in Holocaust

By Chad Sokol TIIE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Idaho state Rep. Heather Scott has suggested workers deemed "nonessential" during the COVID-19 pandemic are being treated like Jews during the H olocaust Scott, a Republican whose district includes Bonner County, compared Gov. Brad Little's shutdown orders to Nazi Germany during an hourlong Zoom interview with Jess Fields, a Houston-based podScott cast host, that wa.5 posted online Thursday. She referred to the governor as "Little Hitler" and questioned his authority to decide who can and can't continue working during the pandemic.

"I mean, that's no different than Nazi Germany, where you had government telling people, 'You are an essential worker or a nonessential worker,' and the nonessential workers got put on a train," Scott said.

Trains were used during the Holocaust to forcibly transport Jews and other victims to ghettos, forced labor camps and extermination camps.

Local human rights advocates called Scott's remarks offensive.

I

I "Mass murder and genocide is not the same thing as deciding which businesses should essentially stay open and which should stay closed," Rabbi Tamar Malino of Spokane's Temple Beth Shalom said.

Brenda Hammond, president of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, said in an email: "It makes my heart heavy to hear a comment from an elected official that shows such deep disregard and lack of respect for what the Jewish people experienced during the time of the H olocaust. It also shows an extreme ignorance ofhistory.

"Her words will be especially hard for members of our community whose own relatives were put on those trains. Not to mention the few Holocaust survivors we are still privileged to have living among us."

Scott did not respond to messages from The SpokesmanReview on Thursday. Instead,

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SCOTT Continued from 1 she took to Facebook to warn supporteJ;S of a forthcoming "hit piece." She complained that "biased local and national media continue to twist and turn facts away from their original intent and into their ongoing war of hate towards conservatives and Americans in general.

"My videos and interviews are generating a lot of positive responses and people are waking up.

My recent analogies are poignant and relative to our tin1es. While human lives are certainly more valuable than a business, we cannot underestimate nor ignore that our businesses are the life blood of the citizens who own them, the communities they are in and to the customers they serve. Losing the former destroys the latter."

Scott is no stranger to controversy. During a 2015 campaign rally, she posed with a Confederate flag. In 2017, she defended white nationalism on her Facebook page.

Later that year, In an open legislative session, she accused another female lawmaker of offering sexual favors to gain seat OD a House committee. And she recently sponsored a bill to remove some requirements to report domestic and child abuse.

Scott and Bonner County Sheriff Darryl Wheeler, whom she praised during Thursday's podcast interview, previously denounced Little'sresponsetotheCOVID-19pandernic, accusing him of infringing on civil liberties.

Wheeler shared a conspiracy theory on the sheriffs office Facebook page, asserting that "global-

a

ist'' public health officials are misleading the public and attempting to destroy small businesses.

Scott has repeatedly downplayed the dangers of the new coronavirus and referred to Little's actions as "unconstitutional ~cts."

"I'm not a lawyer, but I checked with a constitutional lawyer, and absolutely he cannot, he cannot do that," she said during the podcast interview.

Later, she suggested some kind of insurrection will force Little to rescind his shutdown orders, and she claimed others have begun · comparing.him to Adolf Hitler. · "You can't take away people's lives and property witliout compensation, and that's exactly what he would be doing. I mean, they are already calling him Little Hitler Gov. Little Hitler," Scott said "And so I think people will start educating others, and peoplewill be more and more vocal until they will say, 'Enough of this,' and put the pressure - hopefully political pressure on him. That's wh at I would hope for."

Tony SteV:.art, a founder of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations - formed in the 1980s to oppose local hate groups like the Aryan Nations - ·also·called Scott's remarks offensive. He noted that governors of both parties have closed businesses and ordered people to stay home.

"We have the highest praise for Gov. Brad Little," Stewart said "What he's done - like other governors have been doing - is trying to preventdeath. And this has nothing to do with an ideology."

CONTACT THE WRITER:

(509) 459-5047 chadso@spokesman.com

THE S POKESMAN -REVIEW

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FRIDAY, April 17, 2020

Tree memorializing Anne Frank destroyed Third tin1e plant in CdA park vandalized

By Chad Sokol THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

KATHY PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The tree at the Holocaust victim Anne Frank's memorial at G.O.Phlppeny Park in Coeur d'Alene was recently vandalized.

Coeur d'Alene officials say vandals have destroyed a tree that was planted in a public park in 2006 to honor Holocaust victim Anne Frank.

The small tree, a Japanese Stewartsia, was accompanied by a

plaque memorializing Frank in G.O. Phippeny Park, at Eighth Street and Montana Avenue.

Nick Goodwin, the city's urban forester, said a park maintenance crew discovered the tree in two pieces Wednesday morning, snapped near the base of the trunk.

See FRANK, 4

NORTHWEST 4 • FRIDAY • APRIL 17, ~020

NORTHWEST THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

FRANK Continued from 1

They believe it was vandalized the previous night and have filed a police report.

Goodwin said he· called the person who donated the tree 14 years ago and learned this is the third time it has been intentionally damaged or destroyed The donor wishes to remain anonymous, he said.

Tony Stewart, a founder of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations which was formed in the 1980s to oppose local hate groups like the Aryan Nations - believes the vandalism was motivated by antisemitism.

"Here's another example of how hate has continued to be a problem all over the world, and it never ends," Stewart said. ''But it's very

important for us to be outspoken in the strongest terms about how atrocious it is, and how much it violates every principle of dignity and human rights and equality for everyone."

Frank was the daughter of a Jewish businessman who chronicled her childhood in hiding before she was captured by Nazis and perished in a concentration camp in 1945. Her diary, discovered after her death, is standard reading in Holocaust education around the world.

Goodwin said the city will work with the original donor to replace the tree. The new tree might be a sturdier variety, and it might be planted in a more visible location to discourage future instances of vandalism, he said.

CONTACT THE WRITER:

(509) 459-5047

chadso@spokesman.com

Coeur d'Alene Press

htlps://cda press .com/news/2020/apr/ 16/anne- frank-memoria I-vandal ...

Anne Frank m.em.orial vandalized

City officials believe vandals broke in half a tree commemorating the life of Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim Anne Frank. The tree accompanied by a plaque marking the memorial - stood near the basketball court at G.O. Phippeny Park.

Image courtesy of Nick Goodwin

City officials are not sure if the plaque beneath a vandalized tree memorializing the life of Anne Frank was also intentionally damaged or if

it has simply fallen victim to the elements. Its tree, a Japanese Stewartia, was apparently broken in half Tuesday evening.

By

CRAIG NORTHRUP Staff Writer April 16, 2020 1:12 AM

Coeur d'Alene officials believe vandals entered a local park and intentionally destroyed a tree marking the memory of Anne Frank.

Nick Goodwin, the city's urban forester, said Parks and Recreation crews discovered what was left of the tree Wednesday morning at G.0. Phippeny Park, 827 N. Eighth St., leading the forester to believe the damage happened Tuesday evening.

"This is the third time someone has destroyed this tree," Goodwin said. ''It's a small tree.

Someone just came along and broke it in half. They just destroyed it."

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4/22/20, 2:27 PM

Coeur d'Alene Press

https://cdapress.com/news/2020/apr/ 16/anne-frank-memorial -vandaJ ...

A police report has been filed, he said.

The Japanese Stewartia, itself a rarity in the area, was planted in 2006 after its dedication to the memory of Anne Frank.

Frank, the daughter of a Jewish businessman, documented her childhood in hiding behind the walls of her father's Amsterdam offices during World War II. After her capture by Nazi occupiers, she spent the last years of her young life as a witness of the Holocaust, perishing in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945. Her diary was posthumously recovered by her father and has since been published in 70 languages, selling more than 30 million copies.

The plaque beneath the now-broken tree that commemorates the memorial also has seen damage to its concrete, though Goodwin said he wasn't sure if that was due to vandals or the elements.

"I'm just hoping to let the public know that, hey, we don't think this is something that's for the good of the community," Goodwin said Wednesday.

City officials are not sure if the plaque beneath a vandalized tree memorializing the life of Anne Frank was also intentionally damaged or if it has simply fallen victim to the elements. Its tree, a Japanese Stewartia, was apparently broken in half Tuesday evening.

Anne Frank tree finds new home

By CRAIG NORTHRUP Staff Writer

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A new Japanese stewartia tree memorializing Holocaust victim and diarist Anne Frank has been planted in McEuen Park after the original commemoration tree was believed to have been vandalized April 14. The memorial tree was originally planted In 2006 In G.O. Phippeny Park, but parks and rec crews discovered It broken In half April 15. City staff believe It was intentionally vandalized.

While the legacy of Anne Frank has endured, displays commemorating the life of the young writer who perished in the Holocaust have not.

After a tree memorializing Frank in a Coeur d'Alene park was believed to have been vandalized April 14, city officials have since replaced the tree and moved the memorial to a different park.

The memorial tree, a Japanese Stewartia, was originally planted in 2006 in G.O. Phippeny Park. Parks and Recreation crews discovered it broken in-half April 15. City staff believe it was intentionally vandalized.

A police report was filed, though no arrests have been made nor citations issued from the incident.

On Thursday morning, a new 12.foot· tall Japanese Stewartia was planted in McEuen

Park near the children's playground.

"I think, when it blooms, it's going to be pretty striking," said Coeur d'Alene urban for ester Nick Goodwin.

"It should pop in th e next few weeks."

Both the new Japanese Stewartia and its predecessor, along with their nearby stone inscr iptions paying homage to Frank, were paid for by private donations.

"We spoke with the original donor," Goodwin said. "Sh e said she was OK with us moving it to McEuen. It's near the playground. We feel like it will be easier to keep some eyes on it at McEuen. We tried to put it in a place with a decent camera view.

Plus, it's in a more prominent area, and more people will be able to appreciate it."

Goodwin said the vacant plot where the tree once stood will be filled with something to beautify the park.

Crews noticed April 15 the stone plaque in Phippeny Park was also damaged, th ough no one could say for certain if damage to the stone was the result of vandals or weather. A new plaque now sits alongside the McEuen Park tree.

Frank documen ted her childhood in hiding beh ind the walls of her father's Amsterdam offices during World War II. After her capture

by Nazi occupiers, she died in a concentration camp in 1945. Her writings, since titled The Diary of a Young Girl, were posthumously recovered, published and have sold more than 30 million copies.

Goodwin said his office will release public service announcements in th e coming weeks about the tree's backstory, the planting process and th e cost and impact of public vandalism. The April 15 inciden t represented the third time the memorial was intentionally damaged.

The Press, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 SHTION

C oca NORTH IDAHO:

Anne Frank: Why her memory matters

By CHRISTIE WOOD AND TONY STEWART

We express a deep appreciation Commentary to those who in 2006 established After the tree in memory of the original site Anne Frank at G.O. Phippcny in tribute to Anne Park in Coeur d'Alene was Frank. vandalized and a new Japanese Anne Frank Wood stewartia tree and the original was born on plaque were recently moved to June 12, 1929, in McEuen Park. we believe this Frankfurt, Germany. She lived is an impo1iant opportunity to a normal life with her parents share Anne Frank's remarkable and sister Margot until Adolph story as we pay tribute to her Hitler came to power in 1933. in the hope that her powerful Anne's father Otto and mother words remain in our thoughts Edith immediately recognized and hearts. the threat to the Jewish

community, causing the family to move to Amsterdam.

Netherlands, in 1934.

ln June 1940, · Hitler's troops Stewart occupied the Netherlands and soon all Jews in the Netherlands became targets.

By 1942, Hitler's forces had begun placing all J ews living in the Netherlands under curfew in preparation for a plan to transport all Jews to

concentration camps.

Once again under dire threat, the Frank family went into hiding in the attic above where Otto had worked (Prinsengracht 26.3). remaining in hiding for the next 25 months. gradually sharing the small space with another Jewish family and a Jewish dentist. They survived by courageous neighbors providing them food and other essentials.

See FRANK, C2

FRANK

been the one to provide them food during their time in hiding. After from C1 their arrest, Gies bad managed to secretly . A momentous event store five notebooks and 300 pages of the Franks' took place on Anne's 13th birthday when she papers, including Anne's was given a diary as a diary, which Gies birthday gift. For the returned to Otto. next two years, Anne Anne' s diary was produced what would published in the become one of the most Netherlands in 1947 and powerful writings by in the United States any young person in in 1952 under the title world µistory.

"Anne Frank: The Diary On Aug. 4, 1944, of a Young Girl." Her Germans discovered the diary has been published in 70 languages and hideout. The Franks used all over the world. were arrested and gradually separated, It continues to reacn with Anne and her millions of school . sister, Margot, sent to children each year. Her the Auschwitz-Birkenau message and spirit lives Concentration Camp on. in Poland. Over 1.1 Among Anne's million men, women many messages to all humanity in her diary and children lost their lives at the Auscbwitzare: "Everyone has inside Birkenau Camp. In February 1945, Anne and of him a piece of good Margot died of typhus. news. The good news Anne was only 15 years is that you don't know old. By the end of the how great you can be. war, Otto was the only How much you can member of the family to love. What you can accomplish! And what survive. · your potential is!"

After the war, Otto "Those who are afraid, returned to Amsterdam lonely or unhappy is to and reconnected with family friend Miep go outside, somewhere Gies, who had often where they can be quite

alone with the heavens, nature and God." "Those who have courage and faith shall never perish in misery."

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board is honored to partner with The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center to fund the $1,000 for the purchase of the Japanese stewartia tree for the McEuen Park in honor of Anne Frank.

The new site at McEuen will continue to be a permanent reminder to us of Anne's Jnessage of love.

We also encourage you when in Boise to visit the outdoor $1.4 million Anne Frank Exhibit in Boise City Park, largely funded by philanthropist Greg Carr.

The Anne Frank original diary is housed at the Anne Frank Museum at Prinsengracbt 263, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Christie Wood is president of the KCTFHR Board. Tony Stwart is secretary of the KCTFHR Board.

COEUR cl' ALENE SERVING

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www.cdapress.com

Tuesday J .... 2,2020

PRESS EDITORIAL

and responsibilities

Protests: Rights Just one.

Hundreds of upstanding Americans can exercise their First Amendment rights in a public protest, yet if just one has ulterior motives, chaos and tragic consequences can ensue.

This newspaper is published under the broad shield of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, which also protects the right of the people to peaceably assemble.

The "assemble" part

of that amendment is far easier than the "peaceably" part.

When an individual or group decides a protest is warranted, there are legal steps to follow depending upon the jurisdiction.

Just as free-speech rights have certain limits, so too does the right to assemble, which even the horrific Aryan Nations adhered to some two decades ago.

But even once those steps are followed, the real work begins: To

demonstrate as loudly and ardently as wanted but without causing hann to other people or property.

And that's where the specter of "just one" looms.

One person with poison in his or her heart can generate catastrophic consequences for those who would otherwise follow the Jaw. As we've seen across the nation, many thousands of Americans are assembling to raise ti

awareness and change society at its core, but there also are the few who want to reap destruction, win political points or take advantage of what they view as an opportunity for personal gain through looting.

It doesn't take extraordinary observational powers to see that our country is reeling from a pandemic, its devastating economic impact and now, racial tension. But for our community, here is the

hope: That those who choose to peaceably · assemble, do so not just with that goal foremost in your minds, but do your utmost to ensure that nobody hijacks your cause.

Please, let's keep everyone's safety and security - police, protesters, business owners and employees, watchers - above every other consideration.

Protests are part of what makes America great. Violence never is.

A4

I Wednesday, J une 3, 2020

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First Am endment to the Constitution

Guest Opinion

Facing our crises Brad Little's measures to protect the safety and health of all Idahoans.

Before addressing two In response to inquiries local issues, let us begin we have received by sending our deepest regarding the upcoming sympathies and prayers planned gathering by a to the family of George group at the Kootenai Floyd in Minneapolis.

County Fairgrounds on Wood Stewart 'l'he police officer who June 13, we recognize killed Mr. Floyd while he United States. on March the role state and local was in handcuffs and the 14 we announced the governments play in cancellation of our annual such matters during the other officers who stood by and watched should be KCTFHR Human Rights COVID-19 crisis.

Banquet that usually prosecuted to the fullest First of all, on May extent of the law. draws between 400 and 7 there was a peaceful It is way past time for 500 banquet attendees gathering of more than major reforms in our as our way of guarding 400 well-intended citizens country so we do not against the spread of and religious leaders in the deadly virus in our time and again witness McEucn Park for the such racial injustices and community. We will not National Day of Prayer sponsor any further large with the support of Coeur victimization.

Now lo the local issues, gatherings until it is safe d'Alene Mayor Steve as the COVID-19 virus to do so. We have been Widmyer and Kootenai began to spread across the in full support of Gov. County Sheriff Ben

By TONY STEWART and CHRISTIE WOOD

together Wolfinger while the state was under certain public crowd restrictions.

Based upon the May 7 gathering of more than 400 individuals for prayers in McEuen Park supported by Mayor Widmyer and Sheriff Wofinger. the mayor and sheriff are now in a precarious legal position, as well as the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners if they were to attempt to deny the planned June 13 gathering of a political group at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

The United States Supreme Court has a long history of rulings and decisions that governments must remain

content neutral at all times in the granting of permits to groups for the right to engage in peaceful association and freedom of assembly, such as marches or public events. There can be no preference given to popular groups contrasted with those groups who have unpopular ideas or even groups with the most repugnant ideologies, such as the city of Coeur d'Alene's failed attempt in 1998 to deny the Aryan Nations application to march in downtown Coeur d'Alene. There is the stipulation that the gathering must remain peaceful.

See TASK FORCE, A6

those individuals and groups in TASK FORCE extremists' our r egion, as well as from A4

The concept of peaceful assembly reminds us of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eloquent words: "In spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace."

After almost 40 years as a local task force dealing with the constitutional issues pertaining to the First Amendment right of association and assembly, we assume these local governments are fully knowledgeable of these constitutional requirements and protections for assembly with regard to the June 13 event and are in communication with each other, their legal staffs, as well as the governor's office in Boise.

From the founding of our KCTFHR in 1981, we have never remained silent in the face of bigotry, prejudice, any form of bate crimes or messages of hate or discrimination.

We condemn in the strongest terms all forms of hate including vicious malicious harassment and hate crimes. We speak out with a counter voice and message as to

nationally who promote bigotry and attempt to divide us through fear

tactics at their rallies and events.

Over the years, we have worked with police and prosecutors on behalf of victims; and consuHed, worked with and visited communities across the United States that have confronted threats from hate groups.

Over the years, we have worked with police and prosecutors on behalf of victims; consulted, worked with and visited communities across the United States that have confronted threats from hate groups; and collaborated with leaders of Idaho's two major political parties in the 1980s for the successful enactment of a series of tough anti-

hate crime criminal codes.

We have been able to accomplish these goals for human rights without infringement on the United States Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble.

In 1998, our task force attorney Norman Gissel became the family attorney for a mother and son who had been violently attacked by Aryan Nations' security guards and he in turn recruited the Southern Poverty Law Center, resulting in a 2000 Idaho civil court jury decision that bankrupted the neo-Nazi organization and the loss of their compound.

In conclusion, we wish for all Idahoans to remain safe and well during this critical and devastating health crisis.

We will get through this together.

Christie Wood is the board president for the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and Tony Stewart is the KCTFHR board secretary.

This statement is endorsed and supported by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force.

The C. r>eur d~ tt-l~Ke. A4 I Friday, JL1ly 31, 2020

COEUR d'ALENE

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•Mike~d~l!pf 01>1 n10n c_ the John LeMS torch \!

As we mourn the passing of Congressman John Lewis, let us honor and celebrate his extraordinary contributions to humanity by following his example to make this a more just world.

Congressman Lewis from his childhood days on a cotton farm near Troy, Ala., when he preached to his sharecropping parents' chickens to his days as an eloquent voice on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, he always called for the freedom, equality and justice for all humanity. From the time of his youth until the day of his death, John Lewis never lost his moral compass that guided all his actions to eradicate all forms of injustice.

Lewis never lost his roots

as a common man who demonstrated the ultimate courage so clearly demonstrated at age 25 when he almost lost his young life while being severely Tony beaten by the Stewart police (fractured GUEST his skull) on the OPINION Edmund Pettus Bridge on the march with others to Selma, Ala., calling for the God-given right to vote.

Among his many attributes, Congressman Lewis loved people, demonstrated the utmost in humility, a man of deep religious faith, forgave those

who had mistreated him such as one of the policemen who had beaten him on the Edmund Pettus Bridge when they met later in life for reconciliation, an eternal optimist believing in the day that would come when prejudice and bigotry would end, endless courage in the face of danger, and like his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he had a total commitment to non-violence in the struggle for justice.

"He confidently looked around and said, ·All is well,"' said his friend United States Sen. Doug Jones. "It is time for the torch to be passed. It is time for me to go."

John L~wis left us so many guideposts to follow with his

deeds and eloquent words such as: "Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, just society."

For almost 40 years, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations has been immersed in the philosophy, work and actions of these great leaders in our attempt to follow the wisdom and actions of such giant civil rights activists as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Congressman John Lewis.

For all those, especially

the youth, who have admired such civil rights leaders as John Lewis, you can give him no greater honor than to carry on his work for justice, equality and freedom for all humanity.

I wish to close this tribute to the late Congressman Lewis with his call to action when he said: "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."

Let us all strive to be better people because of those who have gone before us in the struggle for justice.

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Tony Stewart is secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

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Twenty years ago Monday, a unanimous verdict wiped the Aryan Nations out of North Idaho.

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20 years ago: Hate left homeless in North Idaho ~---

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The verdict that dooined . the Aryan Nations guards to avoid possible death for her and her son. Victoria's denial of her heritage has been a long-lasting painful Tomorrow marks the 20th experience for her. anniversary of the Idaho First As the three security guards Judicial District jury's verdict left the scene, they gave the that awarded $6.3 million to Keenans the Hitler salute. victims Victoria and Jason A family near the scene Keenan against the Aryan took in the Keenans and called Nations and their security the Kootenai County Sheriff's guards that bankrupted the Office. neo-Nazi group.

A few days later Tony "This story began on July Stewart, one of the founders 1, 1998 when Victoria Keenan of the Kootenai County Task and her 19-year-old son Jason Force on Human Relations, drove past the Aryan Nations learned of the incident and compound on an Idaho state in a conversation with Ms. highway.

Keenan convinced her to meet As Victoria stopped the with the KCTFHR attorney car in front of the entrance Norm Gissel. to the compound so Jason Gissel became the family could retrieve his billfold attorney and spent several that he had dropped out the weeks helping. Victoria deal window, the car backfired; with the horrific trauma three Aryan Nations paranoid before he contacted the security guards drove off Southern Poverty Law the compound, with assault Center in Montgomery, Ala., weapons drawn, chased the regarding a possible civil Keenans' car for two miles lawsuit. firing five bullets into the The SPLC's lead attorney, automobile before forcing the Morris Dees visited, with car into a ditch.

Gissel and Victoria Keenan Aryan Nations security and agreed that he and his gµard Jesse Warfield legal staff would pursue the approached the vehicle, pulled case with Norm Gissel and Victoria by the hair and tried attorney Ken Howard, one to pull her out of the car as of Idaho's top tort lawyers, she silently prayed reciting the assisting with the civil case.

23rd Psalm: "The Lord is my The detailed preparation Shepherd." for the trial with this powerful Guard John Yeager took legal team spanned two years down Victoria's license plate in preparation for the trial number and threatened scheduled to begin on Aug. 29, to come after them if they 2000. reported the incident.

Prior to the civil case, two Victoria, of Native of the Aryan Nations security American ancestry, denied her Indian heritage to the racist see VERDICT, A3

By TONY STEWART and CHRISTIE WOOD Special to The Press

VERDICT from A1

guards, Jesse Warfield and John Yeager, were tried of the offense, found guilty of a felony and sentenced to prison. The third guard fled and was never found.

As the dramatic trial began in Coeur d'Alene with opening statements on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, with a 12-member jury and Judge Charles Hosack presiding, the eyes of the nation and even internationally were on Coeur d'Alene through the reporting of numerous local

and national media outlets.

Each day the courtroom was packed with observers and media while some of the Aryan Nations members paraded outside the courthouse waving the Aryan Nations flags. The trial proceedings were riveting with details of the incident as well as from character witnesses testifying for Richard Butler from some of America's most infamous neo-Nazi leaders.

On Friday, Sept. 7, a unanimous jury verdict awarded the Keenans $6.3 million. After a bankruptcy proceeding, the Keenans acquired the Aryan

Nations property and sold the compound to Idaho philanthropist Greg Carr.

The compound was destroyed; the land was restored to its natural setting, and Carr deeded the property to the North Idaho College Foundation. Recently the property was sold with the funds used to establish the Gregory C. Carr Human Rigbts Permanent Endowment at NIC. As we pause to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this major jury verdict against the Aryan ·Nations and the security guards of a horrendous hate

crime, let us not forget to honor the remarkable legacies of attorneys Norm Gissel, Ken Howard and the brilliant legal team of the SPLC. These dedicated attorneys' victory for justice corrected the misconceptions about Idaho and its people as we ushered in the 21st century 20 years ago.

Since the 2000 trial, the KCTFHR's work in support of civil and human rights while combating bigotry and prejudice has not only continued but our work has greatly expanded as a consultant to many communities confronting hate

across the United States.

The story of the KCTFHR will be told in a book by Gonzaga University Associate Professor Kristine Hoover titled, "Countering Hate: Leadership Cases of NonViolent Action" to be released this fall as well as a second book by a prominent national journalist in 2021 marking the 40th anniversary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

...

Tony Stewart is secretary and Christie Wood is president of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

Photo by Diana Gissel

From left, Norm Gissel, Dave Ollverla and Tony Stewart visit the Aryan Nations compound site Just before It Is demolished In 2001 .

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A visit to the heart of darkness - May 17, 2001

By DAVE OLIVERIA Special to The Press

I knew Tony Stewart was up to something when he invited me to join him on a tour of the old Aryan Nations property.

It was May 17, 2001. And the compound was awaiting the wrecking ball and fire.

"I want to take you there personally because of your ancestry," Tony said as he pointed his Mazda for the Rimrock above Hayden Lake. "(Richard) Butler would never have allowed you there."

I'm 97 percent Portuguese, according to the Ancestry.com DNA test. An Aryan once told me Portuguese were "OK." But

I got Tony's point. I'm darkercomplected than most Inland Northwesterners.

For 17 years, I had been assigned by The SpokesmanReview to cover the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. Colleague Bill Morlin reported on Butler, the annual congresses at the 20-acre Aryan Nations compound, and all the criminal activity spawned by neo-Nazis who gathered there.

I reported on the good guys.

Bill wrote about the bad guys.

I had never been to Butler's compound until Tony and I drove through a green cattle gate that spring day. The path see OLIVERIA, A2

shabby. Small." .

Yet, from .this small lJase in rural North Idaho, Butler from A1 and friends p:ublished millions of pieces of hate literature led to a small guard house on an old press that ran 18 with a crossing arm bearing hours per day .._The Order, a "Whites Only" sign. Beyond founded by Robert Mathews was the erstwhile heart of in 1983, got its start printi,ng darkness - a variety of counterfeit money on that nondescript buildings that press. In September 1986, The formed a horseshoe, with a Order II bombed the home of raised platform for speeches the late human rights leader and Butler's Christian Identity Bill Wassmuth and three church building on the far downtown Coeur d' Ale~e,. side. buildings.

Except for the large Everywhere Tony and I swast ikas carved into walked that sunny spring two ponderosa pine, morning had been traversed the place resembled a by racist men and women who ramshackle church camp. conspired against civil society.

In a commentary for the· In a phone call this week, Spokesman~Review after my Tony estimated that more than visit, I said the 10 buildings a thousand felonies and nine had "ill-fitting doors made 0f murders were connected to plywood, rotting sheet siding people with ties to Butler and and walls set on cnuµbling his compound. Randy Weaver, blocks. Exposed wiring the infamous separatist who showed through crudely cut · fought U.S. Marshals on Ruby holes between rooms. In the Ridge, spent time there. skinheads' barracks, the main Again, I turn to my 2001 living area for guests and · account: the only buildin,g not piled "It was eerie to walk with garbage, 13 beds lined where the who's who of the two walls, with a desk and American neo-Nazi movement a mirror by each. Stripped had lived, visited, plotted, of the people, the toxic ideas hated: Reibert Mathews and the drama, such was (founder of The Order I),· · the extent of what Tony had Bruce Pierce, Gary Yarbrough, referred to as the 'Campus of David Lane, Elden "Bud" Hate.' Up close, it seemed too Cutler, David Dorr, Chevie

Ke);loa.'Whe~ Tony stopped his red Mazda a"t the front gate, I half expected security guards to burst out of the scrub pine in a rage ... as three Aryan securify guards did on July l, 1998, after Victoria Keenan's car backfired."

It was evident that Butler & Co. had left the grounds in a hurry in October 2000 when a bankruptcy court evicted them. Two hands of cards were displayed face up on a table in the 40-foot guard tower, as if the players had been Raptured while playing. '.l'he tower looked down on a large swastika painted on the red roof of a concession stand, where a hand-written menu on a chalk board offered a "Nazi burger" (with extra sauerkraut) for $1.25. Behind the tower were the burnt · remains of crosses in a pit and a target -.practice area with a b-µllet-pocked photo of a mixed-race couple.

I wanted to snag that menu as a souvenir. But resisted temptation. .

I also wanted to rescue a New American Standard Bible left in the fellowship hall cif Butler's religious center. I wondered how things might have turned.out had Butler believed the-words in that Bible and loved his neighbors rather than loathed them.

In the chapel of the religious center, a· eonverted milk barn, Butler's pulpit stood at the far end facing rows of pews. Th e pulpit contained a drawer full of . literature, including Butler's i•Farwell (sic) Address," German sheet music, and a pamphlet about prostates for men over 50.

A broken stained-glass window with a Nazi symbol looked down on the pulpit.

In Butler's two-story farmhouse, dirty dishes filled the sink with a jar of coins nearby on the counter. Butler left in such a hurry that he took only two keepsakes: a bust of Adolf Hitler and a sword he used to honor subordinates by tapping them on the shoulder, like a king bestowing knighthood in days of old.

Shortly after our visit, work crews demolished the guard tower and the concession stand. Weeks later, the Northern Lakes Fire District razed the buildings for firefighting practice.

At first, human rights advocates had planned to transform the unholy ground into a retreat center or a children's diyersity 'camp or a museum. But reporter Bill Morlin suggested that those ideas might attract

angry supremacists. Staff and visitors couldn't be protected.

Aryan security guard Shaun Winkler didn't like the original plans either: 'Td rather see it burned down and left in a pile 9f ashes than turned into a human rights museum," he told Morlin.

Eventually, it became a peace park.

A year after our visit, Tony and I returned to the property. Not a board or stone affiliated with the former hate center was left. The two trees with the swastikas were gone. A stranger would never know that the place once housed the epicenter of domestic terrorism in the Northwest.

Two years ago, Butler's former acreage was sold to a neighbor. The money, plus additional cash provided by philanthropist Greg Carr, will be. used to bring human rights speakers to Coeur d'Alene.

All that remains of the Aryan Nations compound today are a grazing meadow and flowers. The land is at rest. The neighbors are at peace.

Dave Oliveria is a Press columnist. His Huckleberries column appears every Friday.

'The whole world breath ed a sigh of relief' as verdict spelled the end of Aryan Nations

By BILL BULEY Staff Writer

A few months ago, Norm Gtssel stopped at a Coeur d'Alene bar and a man bought him a drink.

He had.never met this person, but the man said he wanted to thank Gissel for being on the legal team that won the trial in 2000 that broke the Aryan Nations and kicked them out of North Idaho.

"That was 20 years ago," Gissel said.

"I haven't had a chance to buy you a drink yet," the man responded.

Gissel accepted.

"I'm glad we did it," he said.

Photo by Diana Gissel

The Aryan Nations compound is demolished in 2001 , after a jury's verdict against the group il'f see HATE, A6 September 2000 forced it to go bankrupt. ·

and there was no way to know how the jury would perceive thing~. from A1 But he said the legal correctly assessed Gissel was one of two team the mood of Kootenai local attorneys, along County at the time, that with Ken Howard, who residents were no longer worked on the case going to tolerate white against Richard Butler supremacists in their and the Aryan Nations.

He said he had a modest community.

"That was critical. If role in a trial that he you misunderstand your believes changed the community in a case character of the Inland like that, the outcome Northwest. would have been Before and during unimaginable," he said. the trial, there was a If they had lost the view of North Idaho and case, he said, it would in particular Kootenai have changed North County as a haven for Idaho as it is known Nazis, Gissel said. today.

"We certainly over It would have been an time changed the open invitation for Nazis perception of how we across the country to are viewed, nationally move to the Northwest. and internationally," he They might even still be said Friday in a phone around. interview with The "This was a vital and Press. living political movement He said winning the and gaining momentum case was not a sure in the Northwest," he thing. said.

Getting more Nazis to Lawsuits against hate groups were unique then come to North Idaho, and

HATE

stay, was what Butler was trying to achieve, Gissel said.

"This case ended their dreams of doing that," he said.

"The whole world breathed a sigh of relief when that case was won," he added.

In North Idaho, and the Northwest, people were proud of the outcome that sent a clear message that the region would not tolerate hate.

"Everybody in Kootenai County felt a little better after that trial," he said. "They understood the cultural impact of it."

Gissel, retired today, lives on Fernan Hill. He said the case was the biggest of his career, "as far as notoriety of it and how famous that case became."

For years afterward, people recognized him and still do today.

"Aren't you Norm Gissel? Thank you very much for the results of

that trial," he has often been told.

"It was amazing," he said.

Gissel still gives talks about the case. ."It taught everybody what a generous and wonderful community this is," he said.

Philanthropist Greg Carr said people fought for human rights and against the Aryan Nations long before he purchased the 20-acre site.

"I was a latecomer to the party," he said Friday.

He said he was pleased to buy the compound once used to promote racism, destroy it, "and create something beautiful in its place."

Carr, a thirdgeneration Idahoan, said the message from the Gem State was clear in driving out the Aryan Nations: "We won't tolerate hate," he said. "Idahoans are better than that."

He recalled that shortly after taking over the compound, a banquet was held on the site and 600 people attended. Out at the front entrance, six people with signs protested.

"Six hundred to six," Carr said. "A lot more good Idahoans than Idahoans who believe in bigotry and hate. That was a nice moment."

Carr said he and the others knew then their work was only beginning.

"We were starting a new chapter to provide dignity for everybody, human rights for everybody," he said.

In looking at the recent racial unrest in the country, "It reminds all of us, this work is not done," Carr said.

His hope is to "create a society where we listen to each other," and that people learn to respect others, even if they look different, speak different and have different

political views.

It can be done, Carr said.

"Think of it this way," he said. "The property that used to be a headquarters for the .Aryan Nation&, the money from that property now funds human rights education.

That's a nice flip."

Tom Cronin had jOst come on board as Coeur d'Alene police chief shortly before the trial began.

He said the case could have gone sideways, but there was great cooperation between the law agencies at the time.

The Idaho State Police was led by Capt. Wayne Longo, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office was led by Sheri.ff Rocky Watson, the Post Falls Police Department was led by Cliff Hayes.

"There were a lot of places this wouldn't have gone well," he said.

He said they had an informant within the Aryan Nations who kept them appraised of their plans.

"We had the advantage," Cronin said.

Then, he said, North Idaho had the image as a place where white supremacists were accepted with open arms. Even 20 years later, Cronin hears from people who still think North Idaho is home to the Aryan Nations and others like them.

The outcome of the trial, though, took away their home.

The 20-acre compound Butler owned back then attracted followers, as they had a place to live, eat and as Cronin said, parade around in their Nazi uniforms.

After the trial, Richard Butler ended up a recluse, Cronin said.

'-'Once he lost that compound, they never came back," he said.

Steve Judy, who was then Coeur d'Alene's mayor, said this after the trial: 'Tm glad that we got th is victory.

People need to know that this is a beautiful place that welcomes everyone. That's the message that needs to be out there."

Done.

Photo by Diana Gissel

A peaceful scene exists today at the former site of the Aryan Nations compound. The verdict in a September 2000 trial helped bankrupt the group, forcing them to abandon their compound.

The Press

North Idaho

A61 Sunday, September 6, 2020

A ryan Nations trial timeline "I'm just a poor white farm girl," Howard said, holding up his right hand with an inch of space she said, denying her Choctaw/ between his thumb and forefinger.

Cherokee heritage.

"One bullet came this close to their gas tank."

Sept. 6.

Howard said Butler has abused Aryan Nations leader Richard the tolerance of the community.

Butler is too nonviolent, said his Aug. 29,2000 "He has abused our trust," he right-hand man.

Day one of the trial said. "We allowed him to be there "Pastor Butler is a nonviolent Jurors will be asked to decide without being disturbed.ff person," said Ray Redfeairn, whether Richard Butler of the Defense attorney Edgar Steele former head of the Ohio chapter Sept. 2 Aryan Nations and his former said the plaintiffs didn't prove of the Aryan Nations. "He Two years after the attack, chief of staff, Michael R. Teague, that Butler is responsible for the Victoria Keenan said she remained advocates nonviolence.ff and others are responsible for Redfeairn was the first witness actions of the assailants. afraid, ashamed and angry that assaulting Victoria Keenan and Steele said Butler has a right called by Sandpoint lawyer Edgar she denied her American Indian her son Jason on July 1, 1998. to what he thinks.

Steele in Butler's defense.

Heritage when she and her son The Keenans are represented were chased and shot at by "He says bad things, but he "When people say (Butler) is by a team of lawyers, including doesn't hurt good people like the advocating violence, he's talking members of the Aryan Nations.

Morris Dees of the Southern about the very end of time," Keenans."

She and Jason Keenan Poverty Law Center and Coeur Redfeairn said in reference to were both called to the stand to d'Alene attorneys Norm Gissel biblical prophesies. "There will be Sept. 8 describe the assault to the jury.

• and Ken Howard.

A jury levied the largest award a time of great upheaval and that She said events still trigger Butler arrived with lone in Idaho history, $6.3 million, will be a tlme of violence." memories of Aryan Nations attorney Edgar Steele of against white supremacist Richard ·security chief Jesse Warfield, who Sandpoint.

Butler and his Aryan Nations she said pulled her by her hair Sept. 7 The jury resumed deliberations. organization. and bruised her arm with the butt Aug. 30 "This judgment bankrupts Attorney Ken Howard, of a gun.

Butler, but he was bankrupt from representing the Keenans. said "He looked like the devil and Georgia native Charles W. the start because his ideas are the trial is not about Butler's Hartman, 30, testified Butler gave he was right there in my face," corrupt and evil," said Morris rights, but the rights of the him a container needed in a plot she said.

Dees, lead plaintiff attorney. "This community to be free of fear.

When one of the assailants to make a firebomb to destroy the group is nothing but a cult. It has "The Keenans came this asked her if she was Indian, she Marshall Mend Realty office in nothing whatsoever to do with close to not being with us today," pleaded for her life.

Coeur d'Alene.

A timeline looking back on the trial that broke the Aryan Nations, as reported by The Coeur d'Alene Press. The date is when the story was published.

Aug. 31

Two former high-ranking.Aryan Nations officials were suspicious that the other was behind incidents leading to a heightened state of security, eventually resulting in the assault on Victoria and Jason Keenan by security personnel.

God or religion. The jury made that clear - that they saw him as the cult leader."

"Justice has prevailed," said Jason Keenan in his first public statement since the personal injury lawsuit was filed in January

1999.

"These people are my heroes," he said, pointing to his legal team.

"Today I'm proud to be a North Idahoan," Howard said.

Oct. 27 A judge upheld the landmark $6.3 million verdict against Richard Butler and three of his Aryan Nations followers.

District Judge Charles Hosack determined that he had no reason to change the verdict or grant a new trial as requested by Butler's attorney Edgar Steele.

Hosack noted the jury award for compensatory damages was two to five times the amount he would have awarded himself.

But he said extent of the injuries was subjective and he was not "shocked" by the award to the degree that would require a reduction.

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here and across the nation. We had relatives from the Midwest who knew nothing of North Idaho except the news that The Coeur d'Alene was broadcast about this Press review of the Butler topic. debacle was excellent. As Due to the individuals 40-some year residents, we remember the evil generated referenced in the Sunday Press articles, combined by the group.

In that era, an architect with the backing of the community, these people I met from Bozeman said lost their North Idaho based on news coverage pulpit. It was a communityhe assumed there were wide effort that changed a thousand followers in North Idaho backing the North Idaho history for the group! Little did he know long term. it was just a small group ROD SCHOBERT spewing hate and violence Hayden

ARYANS: Dispatched by team effort

Letters Policy The Press encourages Letters to the Editor no longer than 250 words. Those slightly longer may be edited by Press staff. Those significantly longer will not be published.

Please submit your letters of 250 or fewer words to: Mike Patrick, mpatrick@cdapress.com. Letters must include the writer's full name, hometown and daytime phone number (not for publication).

• Mail to Readers Write, The Press, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816 • Fax to 208-664-0212

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The Press, Friday, September 11, 2020 SECTION

C oca ENTERTAINMENT: Summer ends on a high note / CS HUCKLEBERRIES

D.F. Oliveria

A timely tribute to Tony Two roads diverged in a wood, and Tony

Stewart - Tony Stewart took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Well, it made a lot of difference.

Poet Robert Frost's rhyme is tailor-made for the local human-r ights leader.

In 1970, Tony came to that fork in the road. One path from Washington State University led to familiar North Carolina.

Stewart The other to a junior college in the wilds of North Idaho.

One led home. The other to an influential career in political science and a trail-blazing role in fighting racism.

Tony didn't want to go to Coeur d'Alene.

At the time, he was a graduate student filling in for a WSU political science professor on sabbatical. His mentor, Thor Swanson, had fielded a call from then president Barr.y Schuler of North Idaho Junior College. Schuler needed a poli tical science instructor - pronto. The 1970-71 school year was nearing.

As a favor to prof Swanson, Tony drove to Coeur d'Alene and met with Schuler and Dean of Instruction Ray Stone, who would later serve two terms as Coeur d' Alene's mayor.

Schuler tried to talk him into taking the job. But didn't offer a job that day. Stone did that, as Tony was driving back to North Carolina.

Stone called every day until Tony reluctantly accepted the teaching post. He took the job with an understanding that he would teach at NIJC for at least three years. (In 1971, the junior college changed its name to simply North Idaho College.)

Why am I telling you this?

Fifty years ago this week, the Coeur d'Alene Press printed a story on Page 11, introducing 11 new NIJC faculty members, with black-andwhite mug shots, to the community. Tony was one of those. He wasn't the only NIJC newcomer who would make a splash.

Also that year, the college hired J ohn Stone, a data processing instructor with a business administration degree from Gonzaga. Later, Stone would establish himself in Spokane as a developer - and then return to Coeur d'Alene to transform See OLIVERIA, C3

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an old mill site into the transformational Riverstone development.

Meanwhile, Tony launched a weekly public TV show that lasted 36 years and the Popcorn Forum (an annual symposium focused on current events) that lasted 38 years. With Norm Gissel, Marshall Mend, and the late Bill Wassmuth, he revitalized the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. The task force fought the Aryan Nations at every turn and developed a model community response to racism.

Now retired, Tony has eased up some. But he remains on the path he took so long ago.

Mini, Midi, Maxi

As Tony was preparing to start his career at NIC, local fashionistas in September 1970 were buzzing about the latest fad: Midis. The style featured hemlines that fell - my oh my - BELOW the knee. Candy O'Brien of Marie O'Brien's described the midis as "plain ugly."

Candy told the Coeur d'Alene Press she was OK with lowering hemlines.

But she wanted to hold the line above the knee.

However, Margie Cope of Rusan's said: "People are still afraid of the midiskirts. Right now, most are looking but pretty soon most will be buying." And manager Rose Phillips, of Mode O Day, said: "If a few, maybe just one of the very respected women started wearing the midi, a lot of others would follow."

A trend-setter must have bought a midi. They're still around.

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Courtesy photo

The Press, Friday, September 25, 2020 SECTION

C oca Carr: $25K for task force each year .,i :,t:: :.. ;~ l, n1· Funds will be used •. ·., .' . . r.r.:·. r ·.: ·to promote, advance ' ~ t:.-q ... .,, human rights work :,._, £_--' I• •;i·· ' li' .~.. · ·· , f.

By BILL BULEY

:

Staff Writer

-

COEUR d'ALENE -

' '·

The

Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Thursday announced it received $25,000 from the Gregory C. Carr Foundation, which will become an annual gift from philanthropist Greg Carr.

Carr, an Idaho native, is well known internationally for his commitment to civil and human rights, the environment, health and economic progress not only in Idaho but also around the world.

"For more than 20 years, I have been a witness to Greg's commitment and total devotion

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Gissel

A panoramic view of the former Aryan Nations compound after It was cleared, and the land was used as a peace park.

to the well-being of the human work in North Idaho. He also race," said Tony Stewart, purchased the Aryan Nations Carr's longtime close friend. property after the court trial 20 "Greg's work is felt around the years ago, deeding the restored world as he makes life better property to the North Idaho for millions of people."

College Foundation.

That property was recently Stewart said no one in North Idaho has contributed sold with the funds used to more financially to advance establish the NIC Gregory C. human rights here. Years ago, Carr Human Rights Permanent Endowment, as well as other Carr donated $1 million for the task force's human rights projects across Idaho.

Carr, born and raised in Idaho, said he is happy to support the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force because it is an organization that promotes dialogue and understanding. It doesn't call on people to vote in a certain way or believe in a specific thing.

See CARR, C6

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By listening more, and talking less, people can build trust, Carr from C1 said.

"And maybe after a "We need to create long time or short time, an environment where people who think they people just listen to disagree might find out each other," Carr said they actually agree on Thursday in a phone some things," he said. interview with The "We're saying Press. create conditions People have different where people can sit opinions, he said, but it respectfully, peacefully doesn't mean something and listen to each has to be right and other," Carr said. someone has to be In an upcoming wrong. book by Gonzaga "It might mean University Associate we have different life Professor Kristine experiences," he said.

Hoover, "Countering

CARR

Hate: Leadership Cases of Non-Violent Action," the author profiles the impact Carr has had on the region.

Stewart compared Carr's global work and contributions to be in the same vein as a number of past prominent recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Greg's annual generous gift will give us the ability to greatly expand our ongoing efforts to promote and advance our human rights work," said KCTFHR President Christie Wood.

The Press

Op/ d

Journey continues for human rights, social justice guaranteeing the From the earliest extension of equality European settlements in the New World, there and justice for many more Americans, the has been a continued work of human rights struggle to overcome for everyone is not deep-seated finished. bigotry, Today we are prejudice, witnessing an upsurge hatred and in uncontrollable acts of anger. violence and inhumanity intolerance across the directed United States, leading to at those growing victimization persons Tony of individuals based who are Stewart especially upon thought to be different, GUEST lingering racism are of a OPINION along with other individuals and different communities that have race/ nationality 'Or perceived historically experienced discrimination and as less human. have often been victims Historically, it did of hate crimes based not take long after on who they are. We the European settlers locally witnessed such arrived in the New horrific acts including World that cruelty murder against some toward fellow human of our people because beings took shape with atrocities inflicted upon of their differences during the almost three the Native American decades the Aryan tribes, as well as the enslavement of African Nations operated in Americans immediately North Idaho.

I approach this after their first arrival continuing challenge at the Jamestown of these acts of Colony in 1619. During inhumanity from both the writing of the U.S. a religious perspective Constitution, slavery and the principles of was embedded into democracy. the document in First, the tenets of the four sections, only world's great religions changed or voided teach us to be kind, by constitutional amendments after the . compassionate, loving, humble and forgiving Civil War. This can toward our fellow only be described as human beings. As one institutional racism.

Although, I recognize who grew up in the Christian faith, I recall the great historical Genesis 5: 1·2 when civil rights movements we read: "In the day and brave heroes when God created man, who brought about He made him in the major improvements likeness of God... " in our cultural values Second, as one who leading to significant spent nine years at constitutional changes and statutory provisions three universities as

a student of political science with great mentors and then as a college faculty member for 39 years, I learned to cherish the ideals embedded in ·a democracy that require the citizens to uphold and protect the three pillars of a democracy: freedom, equality and justice for all.

Over many years, I have had the honor to speak to large audiences of college students within Idaho at the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Lewis· Clark State College and of course North Idaho College, as well as a visiting lecturer at numerous colleges across America. The one common factor. without an exception, that all these great academies have in common is an inclusive mission with written policies, curricula and diversity in activities that welcomes, embraces and respects every student, every employee and visitors to their campuses.

The goodness in the thousands of students I have met gives me energy and hope for the future of our democracy.

Idaho's colleges and universities are committed to what I have described here as our responsibility to teach and model what is required of us all and that is to respect and value all humanity.

For more than two years, I have been deeply troubled by

the growing negative attacks from some elected officials and candidates toward Idaho's great educational institutions regarding their present mission, curricula and programs to foster inclusiveness, valuing the uniqueness in the student body, diversity among the employees, and providing a safe and harmonious place to work, learn and live.

It will be an unimaginable tragedy if these attacks succeed in changing the mission and policies of these great institutions, thus sending the message across America that Idaho's higher educational system no longer holds to the values that embrace, celebrate and support the diversity of their students and employees that has been the Idaho way of life.

Like the crusading civil rights giants who went before us, let us work together toward the goal when every man, woman and child in America and Idaho will be equally valued by all members of society. At the end of life, this is what will really matter.

I wish to leave each of my fellow Idahoans with these words of wisdom from the late Nelson Mandela when he once said: "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity."

Tony Stewart is secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

COEUR

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Saturday December 26, 2020

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Cd'A seeking

votes on

Four Comers art piece

By CRAIG NORTHRUP

Staff Writer Coeur d'Alene residents have until the end of the day Thursday to vote on one of six proposals to represent the new Four Corners art project.

Once chosen, created and installed, the new project will sit at the southwest corner of Northwest Boulevard and Fort Grounds Drive, situated near the Human Rights Education Institute, the Carousel and Memorial Field. . The city, through its A~ Commission, made its call to artists in August, searching for proposals that would reflect Coeur d' Alene's commitment to human rights. Artists were asked to consider pieces that would provide a welcoming tone to the neighborhood, affirm the city's commitment to equality and human rights, individual dignity, and respect for diversity, among other qualifications.

The city whittled down the submissions to six proposals from five separate artists.

The 12-foot-high "We Have A Dream" sculpture would commemorate civil rights and human rights activists both abroad and here at home, according to artist CherylAnn Metcalf. The bronze piece would honor legendary human rights figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Anne Frank, Rosa Parks and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as well as local icons Chief Circling Raven, Dina Tanners, Father Bill Wassmuth, Tony Stewart and Marshall Mend.

"Come As You Are." a 25-foot-by-25foot steel piece, would have six larger-than-life figures convening at a See ART, A6

"Come As You Are" depicts a communal gathering place that the artist said would represent Coeur d'Alene's sense of unity.

gathering spot in what artists J ennifer Corio and Dave Frei describe as a congregation of races, genders and backgrounds into a communal space.

"We use the concept of people coming together as a nod to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and their history of gathering with other regional tribes in this area, which they sometimes dubbed 'The Gathering Place,' Corio wrote in her submission explanation to the city. "It was important for us to convey diversity through these sculptural figures."

"Together" would be a stainless steel sculpture between 3 and 5 feet high, as well as between 10 and 14 feet in diameter. The piece uses humanlike figures in different stages of play.

"I set out to develop a sculpture that accomplishes as many

themes as possible without being literal," artist C.J. Rench wrote.

"Connected," a 20-to-30-foot-tall stainless steel piece, would reflect the natural beauty of the area by encapsulating the nearby landscape in different color schemes to highlight what Rench called the community's commitment to social justice. "'Connected' brings all of these elements together to connect people to place and highlights what a beautiful town Coeur d'Alene truly is and strives to be,'' said Rench, who also proposed "Together."

"The Spirit Of Coeur d'Alene," a 6-foot-tall bronze statute, would feature an upright woman standing over four children, each engaged in some form of arts or learning.

"I feel that education, the ms and our rich cultural heritage are always the best pathways to our future,'' artist Gareth Curtiss said, "and

the things we need to instill an appreciation for in our children."

"The Monument Of Peace And Unity" would be a 24-foot-tall plasmacut steel tower depicting ascending doves flying over a crowd of onlookers.

"It will be a landmark at a major entry into the city," sculptor Ai Qiu Hopen wrote. "It will reflect the city's longstanding commitment to human rights and human dignity."

The project, which has been given a $75,000 total budget, is available for review and a public vote in the news section of the city's website, www. cdaid.org. The public vote will then be taken into consideration as part of the Arts Commission's selection committee process. Once approved, the Arts Commission will make its recommendation to City Council. Once finalized, the piece will be created and installed no later than the end of summer.

A6 I Saturday, December 26, 2020

Photos courtesy city of Coeur d'Alene

"We Have A Dream" woUJld depict world-renowned and local civil rights activists, from Anne Frank to Tony Stewart.

''The Monument Of Peace And Unity" would depict In Its 24-foot-tall tower a flock of ascending doves.

''The Spirit Of Coeur d'Alene" depicts a six-foot-tall woman standing over four children In various stages of learning and artistic expression.

The Press

"Connected" would depict Coeur d'Alene's natural beauty while utilizing different color schemes to symbolize the city's calls for social justice.

"Together" captures human-like figures coming together in various forms of play.

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Wednesday I Dece,nber30,2020

Photo courtesy Bn.Joe Reed

Bruce Reed and wife Bonnie LePard, center, with President-elect Joe Blden and his wife JIii Blden. This photo was taken when Biden was vice president.

'The smartest guy in the room' CHS grad Bruce Reed named deputy chief of staff for Biden administration

By BILL BULEY Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE - Mayor Steve Widmyer went to school with Bruce Reed, and he recalled something very specific about him.

"He was al ways the smartest

guy in the room," Widmyer said Tuesday.

He remembered being in a math competition with Reed in the sixth grade - and knowing he couldn't win.

"Any contest with Bruce, you came in second," Widmyer said. "He was just a whiz at

everything. Every subject, he was just a brilliant guy."

Reed, a 1978 Coeur d'Alene High School graduate, is the son of the late Scott Reed and former legislator Mary Lou Reed of Coeur d'Alene. He was r ecently See REED, AS

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named the deputy chief of staff for the administration of President-Elect Joe Biden.

"He's going to make Coeur d'Alene proud," Widmyer said.

Reed, 60, worked in the administrations of presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, wrote speeches, helped craft policy and was chief of staff for Vice President Biden for two years.

On Tuesday. Reed said he was excited to return to the White House.

"I wanted to be there in time to see the Zags when they come celebrate their national championship," he said with a chuckle Reed has known Biden 30 years, has great respect for him, is a longtime admirer and friend. He spent the last year and a half campaigning with him around the country.

"It's an honor to have a chance to work with him," Reed said.

Bruce Reed and wife Bonnie LePard have lived in Washington, D.C., for about 35 years. He was a valedictorian of his CHS class, while Bonnie was salutatorian.

He's a Rhodes Scholar and a Princeton University graduate.

The Democrat is known for his sharp mind, being a policy wonk, and able to work equally well with those of different political viewpoints.

North ldciho That ability can be traced to his North Idaho roots.

One thing he learned growing up in Coeur d'Alene was that it's important to listen to what people have to say and do your best to present your point of view. If you still disagree, stay friends anyway, Reed said.

"I've spent my whole career working across the aisle on a host of issues," he said. "Sometimes it works out. Sometimes, it doesn't."

Growing up a Democrat in Idaho, Reed found he was outnumbered politically, but also realized that politics isn't everything.

"We shouldn't hate each other just because we disagree," he said.

Tony Stewart, longtime leader of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and today its secretary, has known Reed since his youth and watched him develop an astute political mind.

"He is a brilliant gentleman," Stewart said.

"Very much like his father."

Scott Reed was a Coeur d'Alene attorney and a co-founder of the Kootenai Environmental Alliance. He was humble and modest, a voice of reason, Stewart said, and earned the respect of his adversaries.

Stewart said Bruce Reed is also highly respected and may be one of Idaho's most influential non-elected leaders.

"He's never lost his roots," Stewart said. "He loves coming back to Idaho."

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 I AS

Bruce Reed is gifted with the ability to work with people of different political persuasions," Stewart said.

"He's not a person who looks at opponents as some kind of very serious foe," Stewa1t said. "He has the ability to work with people without being offensive.

He can present a different position and still be respected.

His father was that way."

Biden has said his administration wants to unite the country after much political divide during the election. One of Reed's strengths is bringing people together despite their differences.

"That's a very, very unique thing these days," Stewart said.

Stewart has confidence Bruce Reed will succeed in his new role.

"He'll be an excellent deputy chief of staff," Stewart said.

Mary Lou Reed, former Democratic Idaho senator and KEA co-founder, was proud of her son and thrilled he will be joining the Biden team.

"I feel very good that Bruce is able to work in his administration," she said.

Reed talks to her son each week and will likely visit him at the White House. She is also confident her son will do well as deputy chief of staff. He'll be involved in many issues, and be a key voice in the administration's direction.

His Idaho roots will guide him, she said.

"He certainly has great

hopes," Mary Lou Reed said.

"He's optimistic. He's always optimistic."

Most important, she said, was that her son is happy.

"It's the right role for him," Reed said.

Bruce Reed worked on his first political campaign at the age of eight. Sen. Frank Church was running for reelection in 1968 and Reed helped determine, precinct by precinct, the best opportunities for voter support.

"Every two years I worked for somebody," Reed said.

"The odds were a little better then than they are now, but they weren't great then, either," he said, laughing.

He managed his first losing campaign when he was 12 years old.

"I worked on a lot of losing campaigns in Idaho," he said.

Which he doesn't regret.

"You learn a lot more from losing than you do from winning," he said. "You remember your failures more vividly than your successes."

And what did he learn from those failures?

"You learn you have to work," he said.

Reed will start his new job in the White House on Jan. 20. He knows the country faces numerous challenges, and it will be difficult turning things around.

The initial focus will be on beating the ooronavirus and strengthening the economy.

"We think that the country can pull through and we can do better," he said. "We'll do our best."