Reader_April30_2026

The week in random review

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

merriam-Webster enters the chat

While the vast majority of the internet is a wasteland of overused memes, porn and vitriol, every so often a useful discussion takes place. When a user named Clue Heywood posted on March 13, “‘Two sausage mcmuffins with egg.’ Or is it two sausages mcmuffin like ‘attorneys general’?” it inspired a spirited comment section of opinions on correct grammar. Then, Mr. Merriam P. Webster himself entered the chat and set the record straight: “‘Sausage mcmuffins’ because sausage is the TYPE of mcmuffin. In ‘attorneys general,’ ‘attorneys’ is the noun being modified.” It is true that broadcast journalists usually perk up whenever faced with a correct usage of the pluralized “attorneys general” because it sounds incorrect but isn’t. This back-and-forth got me thinking about other unusual pluralizations. If one were to endure more than one court martial, they would be referred to as “courts-martial.” How would you address a room of notary publics? As “notaries public,” of course. When a professor achieves emeritus status, he or she might hang with others, which would be called “professors emeriti,” a phrase that instantly cheers up any professor when spoken. Another fancy one: An unwelcome person might be known as a “persona non grata,” but a group of these curs would be called “personae non gratae.” One film noir is a good evening’s entertainment, but watch a marathon and you’d call them “films noir.” Finally, if one lives on a cul-de-sac and wants to refer to others in the region, they might say “culs-de-sac.”

You have arrived at grammar nerdom.

idioms seeking completion

Many of the idioms, or expressions, that we use originated differently than we use them today. Often, these idioms have lost their original meaning, but we still understand them somehow. Take the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none,” which means a person who knows a little about a lot of things, but isn’t very skilled in any one area. This can sometimes be used in a slightly negative way. The full original phrase, however, is “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one,” which is more of a compliment. Another example: We say, “Money is the root of all evil,” giving the expression a meaning that money itself is evil. The original phrase, though, changes that: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” which doesn’t declare money as evil, but the want of money that leads to evil actions. Finally, the “early bird gets the worm” phrase has been used for years to encourage people to start early, but the original phrase, “The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese,” adds a whole new idea. It suggests that while being early can be a good thing, sometimes waiting and being cautious can be just as rewarding. Also, free cheese.

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Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com

Soncirey Mitchell (Senior Writer) soncirey@sandpointreader.com

Editors Emeriti: Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey Cameron Rasmusson John Reuter

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Contributing Artists:

Charles Mortensen and Opie Barrett (cover), Ben Olson, Kyle Pfannenstiel, Daris Judd, Brent Lockwood, Bill Borders

Contributing Writers:

Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Clark Corbin, Marcia Pilgeram

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The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned by Ben Olson, Zach Hagadone and Soncirey Mitchell. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, bluster, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

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About the Cover:

This week’s cover features artwork by Charles Mortensen and design by Opie Barrett at Avalanche Graphics. The image shows all three routes of the Panhandle Gravel Series races (see Page 16).

BOCC appoints new Fair Board member

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners met April 28 to interview applicants for one of two open positions on the county Fair Board, voting 2-0 to appoint Sarah Mitchell to the position. Commissioners will finalize her appointment at a regular Tuesday meeting in the coming weeks and solicit additional applications for the second open seat.

Candidates who applied for the first seat are still in the running for the second. Three applicants interviewed for the board position, including Mitchell; frequent BOCC and Fair Board meeting attendee Kristina L. Nicholas Anderson; and Zach Spohn, a former accountant and current vice president of business development at Wildwood Custom Millworks.

Mitchell was born and raised in Bonner County, and her relationship with the fair spans generations.

“I’ve served as superintendent at the fair, volunteered in multiple areas — both livestock and flowers,” said Mitchell. “My mother was superin-

tendent of flowers for 60 years, so I have a very big history in the fair. I have kids and grandkids involved in the fair now.”

In addition to her background in 4-H leadership, Mitchell sat on the Bonner County branch of the Idaho Farm Bureau board for nearly a decade and has a wide variety of experience managing budgets, workers and facilities over her almost 40 years with Litehouse, Inc.

“I have done everything at Litehouse except human resources and marketing,” said Mitchell. “I have managed every department within there. My big expertise is in cost-saving functions.”

When asked how she would improve the fair and inspire more community involvement, Mitchell emphasized local promotions, educational outreach and low-cost, high-yield activities such as the Idaho State Draft

Horse and Mule International Show, which currently takes place in Kootenai County.

“I think getting out into our community and getting them involved in it is a key thing — getting into the schools ...” she said. “How do we bring the people in? You promote it. You get out and you educate the kids. You do mini fair days at the schools.”

“We have a new community now that didn’t grow up in this area. It didn’t grow up with the fair. They don’t realize what the fair is,” she added.

Commissioners Ron Korn and Brian Domke both agreed on Mitchell as their top choice, citing her educational, professional and volunteer experience. With Commissioner Asia Williams absent, they voted unanimously to elect Mitchell to the role.

For more information on the Fair Board, visit bonnercountyfair.com.

City receives $650K state grant for downtown revitalization

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

As the city of Sandpoint proceeds with Phase 3 of its yearslong downtown revitalization project, which is currently in its public engagement stage, officials announced April 28 that the work will be supported by a $650,000 grant awarded by the state.

The Community Development Block Grant will go toward street lighting and streetscape amenities, extending the work of previous downtown improvements in Phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 will focus on First Avenue from Church to Lake streets, while prior phases concentrated on Cedar Street and First to Church.

“Downtown revitalization has been a longstanding priority for the city,” Sandpoint Public Works Director Holly Ellis told the Reader in an email. “For over two decades, we’ve been working to address aging infrastructure, improve pedestrian access and support the local economy.”

Working in conjunction with the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, which was created to help fund public infrastructure that encourages private investment, Ellis added that the current work is part of the transition from downtown streets controlled by the Idaho Transportation Department

to a system run by the city.

“As regional traffic was redirected, the city made a deliberate shift to redesign this corridor to better serve local businesses, residents and visitors,” Ellis said.

The block grant is administered by the Idaho Department of Commerce and still requires approval by the agency of an environmental review, as well as an accounting of financial management information and compliance with the federal Build America, Buy America Act, which requires that all construction materials used in the project — including iron, steel and manufactured products — be produced in the U.S.

the corridor usable, complete and improve safety,” she added.

“[T]his funding allows us to build on that momentum.”

Once the funding agreement has been fully executed, those dollars will specifically go toward pedestrian lighting, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, and bike racks, Ellis stated.

“These are the amenities that make

Preliminary design on the project is currently underway, with advertisement and award of the construction bid expected from mid-July through August. The city’s project schedule indicates construction will begin after Labor Day and continue through October before being put on pause for the spring and summer of 2027.

A public meeting on the project is planned for later in May, followed by an update to the City Council in early June, with more details to come.

For more info, including conceptual drawings and project history, go to sandpointidaho.gov and find “Downtown Revitalization” under the “Departments” page for Public Works & Utilities.

Sarah Mitchell. Courtesy photo

Conceptual drawings showing options for street layouts for First Avenue south of Pine Street (top left) and north of Pine Street (top right). Courtesy images

Primary candidate forums planned in Clark Fork and Sandpoint

By Reader Staff

Residents of Idaho Legislative District 1 and Bonner County are invited to a trio of forums in advance of the Tuesday, May 19 primary election.

First, the Farm Bureau will host a forum with Bonner County commissioner, clerk, assessor, district judge and coroner candidates on Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Clark Fork Community Center (1001 N. Cedar St.).

Then, voters are encouraged to attend two forums on Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5, both from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint High School auditorium (410 S. Division Ave.).

Presented by 88.5 KRFY Panhandle Community Radio, the Bonner County Daily Bee, Sandpoint Reader, SandpointOnline.com and Selkirk Association of Realtors, the May 4 event will be hosted by the Bee and feature Dist. 1 legislative candidates.

The Reader will host candidates for the contested county offices on May 5, with Publisher Ben Olson as moderator.

Both forums will be broadcast live and streamed by 88.5 KRFY, and later covered by both newspapers.

Find completed questionnaires with candidates for contested Dist. 1 legislative and Bonner County offices starting on Page 18 of this week’s Reader.

Army Corps to give Albeni Falls Dam updates at May 7 public meeting

By Reader Staff

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host a public meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Sandpoint Center (414 Church St.). At the meeting, Corps representatives will give updates on

spring operations — including spring lake refill — as well as restricted gate operations and the spillway gate replacement project at Albeni Falls Dam.

The Corps will also provide updates on recreation areas in the region, as well as provide information about snowpack

and inflows.

All members of the public are invited to attend. For those unable to physically attend, the meeting can be viewed remotely at bit.ly/4tGKcnx (Meeting ID: 993 442 716 851, passcode sb2bs2sQ).

Crews to restripe citywide streets

By Reader Staff

Crews working with the city of Sandpoint will undertake a widespread pavement striping project from Tuesday, May 5-Wednesday, May 6, intended to refresh lane lines.

“This work is essential for nighttime visibility and driver safety,” officials stated in a news release.

Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (weather permitting) on streets throughout the city.

As crews conduct their work, City Hall asks motorists to stay back about 50 feet from striping equipment, as it moves slowly to ensure straight and clean lines.

“[I]t keeps you safe and

Ballot measure to end Idaho’s abortion ban meets signature goal in 19 districts

By Clark Corbin Idaho Capital Sun

prevents paint from splashing your car,” the city stated.

The project uses fast-drying paint, but it still needs a few minutes to set, meaning drivers should avoid crossing fresh lines.

City Hall cautioned that residents “might run into some minor ‘rolling’ delays as the trucks move through town,” and thanked them in advance for their patience.

As a final reminder, drivers are asked to watch for flaggers and moving convoys, and avoid parking on main thoroughfares during work hours when “No Parking” signs are posted.

Call the Public Works Department at 208-263-3407 with questions or for more info.

Organizers hope to qualify a ballot initiative for November’s general election

A group trying to qualify a ballot initiative to end Idaho’s abortion ban said April 24 it has met its signature gathering goals in more than enough legislative districts to qualify for the November general election.

Idahoans United for Women and Families announced that it hit its signature goals in 19 legislative districts and that counties have officially processed 95% of the 104,000 signatures they have gathered.

If the state verifies those results, that would be more than enough to qualify the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act for November’s general election ballot.

“It’s Friday afternoon, so I’ll make this quick: The counties have processed over 95% of our 104,000 submit-

ted signatures and the news is very good,” Idahoans United Executive Director Melanie Folwell wrote in an email to supporters.

Supporters have until Thursday, April 30 to turn in their final signatures for verification to the Secretary of State’s Office.

How does an initiative qualify for the Idaho ballot?

In Idaho, a ballot initiative is a form of direct democracy where the voters — not the Idaho Legislature — decide whether to pass a proposed law.

To qualify for the general election, supporters must collect signatures from at least 6% of the registered voters statewide and from at least 6% of the registered voters in at least 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. To achieve the 6% statewide total, supporters need

70,725 verified signatures.

If the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act meets the requirements to appear on the November ballot, it would take a simple majority of votes to approve it.

The ballot initiative seeks to decriminalize abortion in Idaho and allow the right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability — and beyond that, in the case of medical emergencies. Supporters said their initiative restores the same standard that was in place until the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed a right to an abortion and Idaho’s felony abortion trigger law took effect.

Supporters said their signature drive is not over.

“We will gather signatures until the last minute of our deadline,” Folwell wrote.

The Idahoans United ballot initiative is one of two different ballot initiatives that could qualify for November’s election.

A different group, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, is pushing a ballot initiative to legalize medical cannabis for Idahoans with a terminal illness or debilitating pain. Supporters of the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act told the Idaho Capital Sun earlier in April that they have also gathered more than 100,000

signatures, although backers did not disclose how many different legislative districts they have met their goal in.

This story was produced by Boise-based nonprofit news outlet the Idaho Capital Sun, which is part of the States Newsroom nationwide reporting project. For more information, visit idahocapitalsun.com.

A rally at the Idaho State Capital in Boise in July 2025. Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel, Idaho Capital Sun

Bits ’n’ Pieces

From east, west and beyond

Speaking to The Guardian, members of an Ecuadorian fishing crew said an explosion from a drone strike ripped through the bow of their ship, after which the vessel was boarded and they were arrested by U.S. Marines, their heads hooded and their phones confiscated before being turned over to the El Salvadoran military, interrogated and released with no explanation.

“They knew we were fishermen,” one said. “Even the Salvadoran authorities told us things had been handled very badly.”

Meanwhile, various media reported that the Trump administration has spent at least $4.7 billion on attacks in Latin America.

Cole T. Allen, 31, armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives, is the suspect in an alleged shooting attempt of White House officials attending a Correspondents’ Dinner at a D.C. hotel, various media reported. When Allen tried to enter the dining area, he allegedly shot a Secret Service agent who was spared by his bulletproof vest.

Allen was subdued and faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president, illegal transporting of firearms and ammunition, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. His writings indicated he regarded himself as a “friendly federal assassin” who didn’t want to be represented by “a pedophile, rapist and traitor.”

President Donald Trump said the shooting showed the need for his heavily fortified ballroom. Three Republican lawmakers quickly developed a bill to fund it for $400 million.

First lady Melania Trump called for firing comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who said prior to the shooting that she had the glow of an “expectant widow,” referring to the couple’s 23-year age difference.

According to Pentagon officials, it could take six months to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. After a request from Pakistan, a U.S.-Iran ceasefire was extended. Hopes for the Iranian people to overtake their government are dim, with reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is tightening its grip on power.

As of March, ICE claimed a 1,421% increase in assaults on its officers. But, Mother Jones reported, federal charges to back that up routinely result in no convictions, let alone officer injuries.

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Contributor

According to The Washington Post, an appeals court has cleared the way for the U.S. to reopen the border for asylum seekers, as Trump’s declaration of an “invasion” at the border and subsequent denial of entry to asylum seekers was declared illegal

The Intercept reported that ChatGPT confessed to a crime it couldn’t possibly have committed during a criminological experiment that demonstrated “the destructive power of police to elicit false confessions.” Also from The Intercept: “OpenAI on Surveillance and Autonomous Killings: You’re Going to Have to Trust Us.”

U.S. Health and Human Services

Secretary Robert F. Kenney, Jr. is facing “backlash” from doctors over the Food and Drug Administration’s rejection of a lifesaving skin cancer drug, The New Republic reported. Critics of the decision wrote in The Wall Street Journal that claims meant to support the denial were rooted in faulty trial practices.

Various media reported that Trump issued a late-night order to add the word “National” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, resulting in the acronym “NICE,” in an effort to “troll” the media. Critics of the rebranding suggested Trump’s FBI become the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB)

Blast from the past: A year ago, Jeffrey Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, author of the memoir Nobody’s Girl, died of suicide at age 41. Her brother said she “turned pain into purpose” by forcing attention to sex abuse survivors. As a result, member of the British royal family Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is no longer a prince, several prominent Epstein-aligned figures have stepped down, World Without Exploitation was founded and Congress ordered the release of the Epstein files. Unsettled questions include who of the rich and powerful were involved with concealing an international sex ring that trafficked girls. Past released files were heavily redacted, frequently favoring perpetrators, and “mistakenly” included names of victims. Legal analyst Joyce Vance pointed out that a single act of sexual assault can radically alter one’s life, and Epstein survivors suffered repeated abuse. She said they deserve justice, and all of us deserve the truth.

Bouquets:

• I always enjoy when people send the “I brought the Reader” shots from their vacations. It’s a trend that started organically when we relaunched the paper in 2015 and has been kept alive by our jetsetting readers over the years. In the April 23 “Photos of the Week,” I ribbed Don Helander for using a “fake” copy of the Reader in his family’s photo submission from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He responded with a funny piece that was too long to fit into this week’s edition, but I’ll include as much as I can.

“I got called out in the Reader last week for submitting an altered version of ‘I brought the Reader’ and justifiably so,” Helander wrote, pointing out that his family trip included five adults and five grandkids — or “Table for 10,” as they called themselves — and made logistics difficult to obtain a family picture with the paper.

“Ever got your family together for a group photo shot?” Helander continued. “It was check-out day and we still didn’t have the perfect ‘I brought the Reader’ shot. We have sub-groups with the Reader and group shots without the Reader, but the total package was missing.”

Long story short, the wonderful Helanders did, in fact, bring a Reader to Cabo, but were unable to get a full group shot so they edited one in and our eagle eyes noticed the difference. But Helander sent more photos to prove he wasn’t trying to pull one over on us (see below). Rest assured, the Helander honor has been fully restored. This is the kind of “scandal” I heartily enjoy.

‘Open

letter to Asia Williams’... ‘Possible amendments to the Idaho abortion ban’…

Dear editor,

Like many in this community, I value the peace, respect and shared sense of purpose that drew us to North Idaho.

With that in mind, I would like to understand what led you to move here. What drew you to this community, and what values did you hope to be part of?

As an elected official, your words and actions carry weight. That is why it is fair to ask: If your intentions in coming here were grounded in serving the community, why do some of your recent actions feel out of alignment with those values?

Taking ownership of missteps is far better received than responding with loud or aggressive attacks on others.

This is not about disagreement. It is about how leadership is demonstrated and whether it reflects the character of the community you represent.

I believe people here are looking for clarity, consistency and a commitment to respectful leadership.

Respectfully,

Jeff Mason Bonner County

‘Support

Woodward: He hasn’t yet learned his lesson’...

Dear editor,

Sometimes when a new politician first takes office, that person brings along ideals and principles. Upon subsequent reelections, those very often wear away. We typically see established politicians who use lies, half truths and leverage they have accumulated to stay in power. And they no longer respond to their constituents, but rather to those (e.g. lobbyists) who help them stay in power. They are hard to remove!

I am supporting Jim Woodward for Idaho Senate District 1. He still carries forward with his ideals and principles and, worse yet, tells the truth. We need to reelect him until he learns his lesson. Once he is venal enough, we can attempt to remove him. And if he never learns his lesson, we must vote him in again.

On the other hand, I do not support Scott Herndon. His now infamous pro-Herndon “official” mailing shows he already is superb at deceit, telling half truths and relating cherry-picked facts that fail to reveal the actual context. He has no lesson to learn — no need for him to go back to the Senate. Richard Sevenich Sandpoint

Dear editor,

Some possible amendments to the Idaho abortion ban include: 1., females shall not be allowed to have their tubes tied unless they have birthed at least four children; 2., males are not allowed to have vasectomies unless they have fathered at least four children; 3., males and females who are suspected of violating these amendments shall be charged with murder by the state; 4., any medical person who aided in vasectomies or tube-tying in violation of these amendments shall be charged as an accessory to murder; 5., these amendments apply to birthing children only. In no way does the state of Idaho assume any responsibility for the actual needs of the children as they grow up.

Steve Johnson Sagle

‘Sworn to uphold’...

Dear editor, Donald Trump was asked the following question, on television, by a reporter shortly after he took the Oath of Office as president of the United States of America. The reporter asked Trump, “Is it your responsibility to defend, protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States?” Trump’s reply: “I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer.” He’d just sworn to “defend, protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America” as part of his Oath of Office. The simple phrase, “he’s out to lunch” mentally seems appropriate. Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn about the American people. All he cares about is how much money he can make off deals (can you say “bribery”?), how often he gets his name and face on longstanding institutions of this country and stamping his feet like a spoiled 2-year-old when he doesn’t get his way.

The current president of the U.S. of A. is a buffoon, coward, bully and hypocrite. Congress, do your job — the job you were elected to by the people of America to do. Quit kowtowing to this moron and represent your constituents, not Trump the liar.

Michael Harmelin, Vietnam veteran Sandpoint

‘Show up. Idaho’s May 19 primary is not optional’...

Dear editor, Mid-May in North Idaho is seduc-

tive. The tamarack is greening up, the lake is warming and it feels like a fine time to just be. Don’t fall for it.

May 19 is Idaho’s primary — and if you skip it, you’ve handed your voice to someone else. Someone will decide who represents you, who sits on your school board, who shapes the laws governing your water and your land. The only question is whether you’ll be one of them.

We pride ourselves on self-reliance up here. So let me ask: What is more self-reliant than walking into your polling place and casting your vote?

In a state as politically one-sided as Idaho, the primary is often the only contest that matters. Sit this one out and you may be choosing from options you had no hand in shaping. That’s not democracy. That’s an audience.

Turnout is low. Margins are thin. Your vote — and your neighbor’s, and your family’s — is real. That’s math. Voting isn’t the ceiling of civic life. It’s the floor.

May 19. Mark it. Mean it. Go.

Jeri Fiedler Priest Lake

Model citizen candidates…

Dear editor,

In a time when political discourse so often turns negative, it is refreshing to see candidates who choose a more respectful path. Chuck Lowman, Mark Sauter and Jim Woodward are running campaigns focused on their own ideas, their plans for our community and what they hope to accomplish, rather than criticizing their opponents.

As a school counselor, I see every day how important it is to model positive behavior. It takes more character and courage to stand on your own principles than to tear others down. Unfortunately, negativity is often the easier route, but it should not be what we reward.

Our community deserves leaders who reflect integrity, respect and a focus on solutions. I encourage voters to support candidates who lead with those values: Chuck Lowman, Mark Sauter and Jim Woodward.

Jeralyn (Lewis) Mire Sagle

a last resort, for vital national interests, with clear objectives, overwhelming force and public support — aiming to avoid “limited” or “quagmire” wars.

In the early 2000s, during George W. Bush’s presidency, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, followed the Weinberger Doctrine with a position that when U.S. military action is undertaken it should always be with a clear exit strategy.

We are now in a Trump/ Hegseth-induced quagmire with apparent disregard for the attributes of the Weinberger Doctrine. We’re in an ill-conceived war that is not of last resort, not of vital national interest, has no clear objective and does not have public support. It appears to have no clear exit strategy. It displays the incompetence of Trump’s presidency, Hegseth’s ineptitude as secretary of war, the weakness of Congress, alienation of our allies, negative effects on American citizens and disrespect around the world.

This fiasco does absolutely nothing to “Make America Great Again.”

George Loustalet Priest River

‘I talked to Jim’…

Dear editor,

I’m 72 years old, have lived in Bonner County all my life and watched a lot of politicians come and go. I know the difference between a public servant and a self-promoter. I’ve been a Jim Woodward supporter since he first ran. When I saw the claims in Herndon’s fundraising letter, postmarked from Virginia, I’ll be honest — it gave me pause. That’s not the Jim Woodward I know. So I did what most people apparently don’t do anymore — I picked up the phone and Jim walked me through Herndon’s claims. He was calm, direct and didn’t raise his voice. He just explained the facts. That conversation told me everything I needed to know — not just about the claims, but about Jim’s character.

Dear editor,

In 1984, during Ronald Regan’s presidency, U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger established the Weinberger Doctrine, a guide for the use of American combat troops. It emphasizes using military force only as

Then the “Official Republican Voter Guide” arrived in my mailbox. I read it cover to cover. Then I used it to start a bonfire. It served its highest purpose. I’ve seen four Woodward vs. Herndon campaigns now. Herndon’s tactics don’t change. Jim Woodward does not change — steady, honest and willing to pick up the phone when a 72-year-old constituent has a question.

That is the kind of senator North Idaho deserves to keep. Vote May 19.

Pat Gunter Sagle

‘Three

times per day we need a farmer’...

Dear editor,

We’ve farmed in Bonners Ferry 100+ years, working through long hours, uncertain markets, unpredictable weather and low margins. Each dollar spent on food is less than 6 cents to the farmer. We take the price the market offers. We don’t set it.

The stakes for Idaho’s family farms are high. In 2024-’25, Idaho lost 100 farms and over 28,000 farm acres to development, making investment in agricultural research, best practices, strong domestic and export markets critical.

Farmers serve on boards, donate time/resources, support agricultural education and vote for leaders who understand that sound policy, not scorecards or fear-mongering, sustains rural communities.

Mark Sauter and Jim Woodward backed H.B. 173, a grower-requested levy increase on clover and alfalfa. They voted for S.B. 1054, raising the assessment on beans. Both increases were farmer-requested and paid by growers — not taxpayers or government.

Commodity assessments are grower-led through commodity commissions for research, market development and education. Improved yields, disease resistance and advanced practices help farm incomes while competing globally.

Voting against these requests overrules farmers. Herndon opposing these measures signals a belief he understands farm needs better than farmers themselves.

Vote Sauter and Woodward May 19. They support agriculture. Respectfully,

Jeff Hood, Houck Farms, est. 1924 Bonners ferry

‘Ranchers

fund the Idaho Brand Board to protect Idaho ranching’...

Dear editor,

The Wood family has ranched in the Selle Valley area for five generations. We have built multiple operations here with honest hard work, relying on the tools Idaho provides to protect our livestock ownership.

The Idaho Brand Board and Beef Checkoff are critical to Idaho ranching. Idaho Brand inspectors verify and document legal ownership when cattle are sold or leave the state. Absent brand inspection, Idaho ranchers have no recourse for missing animals.

The Beef Checkoff — $1.50 per head, included in the Idaho Brand Fee — funds market development, consumer promotion and nutrition research improving Idaho beef quality and demand which improves Idaho rancher profitability. The fees are Idaho rancher-paid, costing the taxpayer nothing. The invested funds are allocated by volunteer boards of ranchers: Idaho rancher-funded and -controlled.

In 2025, Mark Sauter and Jim Woodward supported S.B. 1016 raising the brand inspection fee cap to $1.50 per head, the first increase in 20+ years. Inflation created budget shortfalls threatening Idaho Brand staffing and service. The fee increase allowed the board flexibility to raise fees to the cap, better responding to industry conditions without further legislative action.

Vote May 19 — Mark Sauter and Jim Woodward support Idaho’s cattlemen.

Respectfully,

Leonard Wood, Woods V-X Ranch, est. 1940 Bonner County

Science: Mad about

magnets

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist

Paraphrasing the internet subculture of my heyday: Freaking magnets, how do they work?

Magnets are objects that produce their own magnetic field and attract ferromagnetic materials such as iron, steel and cobalt.

Despite some similarities, gravity and magnetism are two very different forces. Both are invisible forces, but gravity acts as an attractor, while magnetism can both attract and repel. Try to push two magnets together with opposing magnetic poles and they will fiercely resist you. If you were to try that with two massive celestial bodies with gravitational pull, they would collide and destroy one another.

Confusingly, very large celestial bodies will exert forces of both gravity and magnetism. The Earth has a magnetic field, which is why your compass will point northward. This magnetic pole is created by huge quantities of liquid iron and nickel moving in the Earth’s outer core. These vast quantities of molten ferromagnetic metal create a powerful magnetic field many times the size of Earth.

The Earth isn’t the only celestial body with a magnetosphere. The sun has numerous magnetic poles created by similar processes. Rather than iron and nickel being the primary generators, the sun’s magnetic fields are created by vast quantities of plasma emerging from the sun itself. This can be viewed through special cameras and telescopes as huge arcs many

hundreds of times larger than Earth. Sometimes these bands appear to “snap” when the sun’s various magnetic poles shift. When this occurs, it flings huge amounts of plasma and intense magnetic fields into space. This is called a coronal mass ejection, and it can cause intense auroras and even power outages when they impact Earth.

The reason we only see an aurora at northern and southern latitudes has everything to do with the Earth’s magnetosphere. Normally, our magnetosphere does a great job of deflecting magnetic interference from space.

A small (cosmically speaking) amount of electromagnetically charged material is able to follow the magnetic field lines and impact gases in our atmosphere, which causes them to glow green and red. It’s sort of like water finding a crack in a rock and getting stuck inside that rock for millions of years. These lines lead to the north and south poles of Earth, which creates the aurora borealis and aurora australis, depending on which hemisphere you happen to be standing.

Artificial magnets work essentially the same way as the magnets described above, but at a much smaller scale. Most magnets we see now are neodymium magnets. Neodymium magnets are made from an alloy of the elements neodymium, iron and boron. During the production process, the neodymium alloy is exposed to a powerful magnet that aligns the magnetic poles within the structure to create an intense magnetic field. Magnetic poles in most structures are randomly aligned to create weak fields, but uni-

fied poles in structures create much stronger fields.

The primary power of neodymium magnets comes from the interaction between neodymium and iron. Neodymium forms an organized crystalline lattice structure that strengthens the magnetic field generated by the iron. The boron stabilizes the structure and keeps the magnets stable, aligned and powerful.

At-home magnets don’t require an active electrical current to generate a magnetic field. Larger magnets used for industrial purposes will employ an electrical current, as it can amplify the strength of the field many thousand times over. This is most commonly seen in scrapyards with large industrial magnets. These crane-hoisted magnets work by having a soft iron core that is encapsulated by coils of copper wire. When electrons are run through the copper wire, they create an electromagnetic field that aligns the iron to create a very strong pull. As soon as the current stops, the magnetic field reduces, too.

Forces like these are great for lifting huge chunks of metal that weigh several thousand pounds. Cars and appliances are the primary purpose for these powerful crane magnets, but they work just as well to pick up clusters of loose ferrous detritus as well.

CERN uses a similar principle for the Large Hadron Collider, but with some extra steps involved. CERN uses niobium-titanium cables cooled to -271.3 degrees Celsius, making them a superconductor. A superconductor has zero electrical resistance for electrons passing through the structure and creates a

magnetic field when cooled below a certain temperature. This is also used in MRI machines, but the LHC is an application of this process on a gigantic scale.

Maglev trains also function this way. By creating powerful repelling fields using powerful superconductors, the trains are able to levitate off the track to reduce a primary source of friction. Friction

causes a loss of efficiency for traveling objects as well as increasing the amount of wear and tear on the train. Maglev trains have much higher production costs but vastly lower maintenance costs. Additionally, they are extremely fast, with the fastest being Japan’s SCMaglev capable of reaching 375 miles per hour!

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner

Don’t know much about trees? We can help!

• More than 60,000 species of trees have been identified worldwide. There are an estimated 3 trillion trees across the globe, or about 400 for every person.

• Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, but trees didn’t exist for the first 90% of the planet’s history. The first mosses evolved about 470 million years ago, but no plant grew taller than three feet for millions more years.

• It was another 85 million years (around 300 million years ago) before the first trees emerged, transforming the atmosphere into an oxygen-rich environment in which humans and other animals could live.

• Forests cover about 30% of Earth’s total land area.

• There are an estimated 46% fewer trees today than 12,000 years ago, when humans began to develop agriculture.

• Brazil has the most species of trees, with more than 8,700. About half of those are found only in Brazil.

• Tropical rainforests cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface, but they are home to half the planet’s animal species. Rainforests also contribute an estimated 20% of Earth’s oxygen (phytoplankton in the oceans contribute a whopping 70%).

• Pine trees are the most common species in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica.

• The world’s most toxic tree is the tropical manchineel. All parts of it are deadly, including the bark, leaves, fruit and sap. Even the smoke from burning the wood and rain dripping off the leaves can sicken or kill a human.

• The tallest tree is a coastal redwood in California called Hyperion, which stands 381.3 feet tall. That’s taller than the Statue of Liberty. It’s around 2,000 years old.

COMMUNITY

CREC to host weeklong community events as part of Live Give 7B fundraising campaign

By Reader Staff

Benefiting Bonner County nonprofit organizations, the second annual Live Give 7B fundraising campaign will run Monday, May 4-Thursday, May 7 — and, as last year, the Sandpoint Community Resource Envision Center will host a range of events to celebrate.

CREC’s calendar of events will include the following:

• Monday, May 4 — ’50s Day: Community members are encouraged to dress in 1950s attire in honor of Lost in the ’50s founder Carolyn Gleason.

• Tuesday, May 5 — Bridge Rally: Residents are invited to gather on the Long Bridge at noon with Live Give 7B yard signs to show support for local nonprofits.

• Wednesday, May 6 — 2:19 Town Toast: A community toast at the 219 Lounge will celebrate businesses that support the nonprofit sector. Mel Dick and his crew at the 219 have donated $1,000 to the campaign and during the week will be donating $5 from every bourbon, $2 from every cocktail and $1 from every tap beer purchase to the 7B Gives kitty, which will be won and donated to the nonprofit of the winner’s choice at the grand finale.

• Thursday, May 7 — Gear & Beer: A gathering at Utara’s newly renovated Pub on Pine from 5-7 p.m., where participants are encouraged to wear recreational gear and celebrate the outdoor lifestyle that defines the region.

• Friday, May 8 — Grand Finale: The week will conclude with a community-wide celebration at The Hive from 3-6 p.m., where total funds raised will be announced in a game show-style

presentation and participating organizations and partners will be recognized.

The Live Give 7B campaign raised $225,000 in 2025, its inaugural year, and organizers have set a goal to raise $270,000 this year. For more info, visit 7bgives.org.

Historical Society hosts driving tour, trivia

By Reader Staff

To help promote and preserve the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum’s more than 400,000 archival items, the nonprofit is joining forces with Leadership Sandpoint for all-day activities on Saturday, May 2.

Events begin with the Historic Drive and Discover Tour of the Pend Oreille River from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and ends with a trivia competition from 4-7 p.m. at the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N. Boyer Road).

“History isn’t confined to museums — it’s in the roads you travel, the buildings you inhabit and the voices that came before,” wrote organizers.

Ticketholders will receive an email with a map outlining the self-driving tour’s route, and select sites will hand out “passports” for participants to take along the journey. The tour travels up and down the north and south shores of the river, stopping at

historic schools, churches, cemeteries, ferry sites and more. Hosts will be waiting at each stop to talk about the location’s history and stamp passports, which will then serve as raffle tickets at the end of the tour.

Non-member tickets are $18 for adults and $7 for youth, or $15 for adults and free for youth for members of the historical society.

Immediately following the tour, history buffs will gather with members of Leadership Sandpoint — a program of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce — at the Agriculture Center for a trivia party and fundraiser supporting BCHS’s 2026 preservation projects. The competition will test participants’ knowledge of local history and reward the savvy with a host of prizes. The night’s events will also include live music, food trucks, interactive exhibits and a silent auction.

Tickets are $15.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for either event, visit bonnercountyhistory.org/events.

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market celebrates 2026 season opening

By Reader Staff

Sandpoint is in full bloom, and the first cold-weather crops are ripe for the picking, which means it’s finally time for the Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint to pop up the tents. The 2026 season begins Saturday, May 2 at Farmin Park at the intersection of Main and Oak streets and Fourth Avenue, with everything from fresh flowers to handmade goods.

The market fills up the small, central park every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., now through October. Though Saturdays average more vendors and attendees, both days feature the area’s best produce, baked goods, art, home goods, jewelry and more. Enjoy live music throughout the market and an outdoor bite to eat at the food court across Oak Street. Stop by to buy the first gardening starts of the year or pick up an early Mother’s Day present, coming up in the second week of May.

For information on vendors, dates and live music, visit SandpointFarmersMarket.com.

Friends of Hope Cemetery to host annual cleanup May 2

By Reader Staff

The Friends of Hope Cemetery will host their annual cleanup on Saturday, May 2 starting at 9 a.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring rakes, loppers and gloves to partake in removing leaves and fallen branches from the grounds in preparation for the cemetery’s many visitors over the Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends.

Organizers promise “coffee, breakfast treats and lots of camaraderie.”

Friends of Hope Cemetery is a nonprofit dedicated to maintaining, beautifying and advocating for the longterm preservation of the Hope Cemetery. Recent FOHC projects include the construction of columbarium niches; installment of a custom-made stone celtic bench; and con-

struction of cement pads to prepare for new and improved seating.

To request additional information about the cleanup, call Chair Brent Lockwood at 208-290-6892 or email friendsofhopecemetery@gmail.com.

To learn more, visit friendsofhopecemeteryidaho.org.

T HE SECRET INGREDIENT

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Your mix of passion, perspective, & authenticity is exactly what we’re looking for.

Join a team that values the human behind the skillset. Explore opportunities at KCH & find the role that fits you.

Sandpoint area to host Rotary International district conference

By Reader Staff

The District 5080 Conference for Rotary International is coming to Sandpoint and Ponderay, drawing about 200 members of the organization to a series of events Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3.

Rotarians from Idaho, Washington, Montana and British Columbia will attend — with David Keyes, of Sandpoint, serving as Rotary District governor and the conference co-hosted by the Sandpoint and Ponderay clubs.

The conference will feature breakout sessions, a peace summit, a House of Friendship, awards and more, including historic downtown tours, area hikes, a pub crawl, pickleball, Hot Potatoes and open mic with Toastmasters.

Local sculptor Shawn Deller will unveil a handcarved Peace Pole next to the Rotary

welcome kiosk at the main parking lot of Pine Street Woods on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m., with the public encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, May 3 at 11 a.m., Rotarians will seal a 100-year time capsule under the PSW kiosk. Items are still being collected for the capsule through Thursday, April 30 at Northwest Auto Body locations.

Other events will take place at the Panida Theater, Heartwood Center and Columbia Bank Building.

With 1.4 million throughout the world, Rotary works on peacekeeping, leadership development and more as a non-political, non-religious organization focused on humanitarian service, high ethical standards, youth and advancing world understanding. For more info, visit sandpointrotary.org or ponderayrotaryclub.com.

Erich Thompson of Thompson Concrete works on new concrete pads at the Hope Cemetery, in preparation for new and improved seating. Photo by Brent Lockwood.

POAC hosts Confluence: Six Women inContemporaryPractice

By Reader Staff

The Pend Oreille Arts Council’s newest installment of its First Friday Series, Confluence: Six Women in Contemporary Practice, will debut Friday, May 1 with an opening reception at the POAC Gallery (313 N. Second Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).

The exhibition will be on display until Saturday, May 23, showcasing the modern work of local female artists.

“I’m especially excited about this exhibition because these women are truly devoted to art-making,” stated POAC Arts Coordinator Claire Christy. “They are prolific, experimental and deeply passionate about the visual arts. Their willingness to share, collaborate and support one another strengthens not only their individual practices, but the arts community as a whole.”

The show features the work of Alison Barrows-Young, Daris Judd, Eli Sevenich, Nives Massey, Jan Rust and Tere-

sa Rancourt, all of which highlight form, color, movement and imagination.

Organizers hope the modern, abstract pieces will encourage “reflection and connection.”

The complementary opening reception runs from 5-7 p.m. and will give art lovers the opportunity to mingle with the artists while enjoying light refreshments. For more information, visit artinsandpoint.org.

“What Comes Out at Night” by Daris Judd

OUTDOORS Travel the gravel

The Panhandle Gravel Series: A trio of bike races cut from a different cloth

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Some people are just built differently. While most bicyclists avoid gravel roads like the plague, riders in the Panhandle Gravel Series just say, “Bring it on.”

Gravel riding has exploded in popularity over the past decade, offering access to locations that bike races rarely include in their routes. Paving — or “graveling” — the way is Syringa Productions, which hosts three unique races around Sandpoint throughout the spring and summer.

Starting from a single race six years ago, the Panhandle Gravel Series is now a trio of premier events in North Idaho, drawing hundreds of competitors as they try to tame the wild routes on their trusty bikes.

Syringa Productions is a small outfit, headed by Charles Mortensen with marketing support by Sammy Berryman. Between the two of them — including aid from a host of local businesses — Syringa Productions hosts three events: the 3/4 Minus Cykeltur on Saturday, May 2; the Monarch Grind on Saturday, June 27; and Aether’s Traverse on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Each race is a unique opportunity to experience the North Idaho backcountry.

The 3/4 Minus Cykeltur is either a 56-mile “one-humper” or a 78-mile “two-humper,” with elevation gains of 2,388 feet and 4,312 feet, respectively. It starts and finishes on Oak Street adjacent to Matchwood Brewing Company, and will be followed by an awards ceremony at the brewery.

The Monarch Grind starts at the Squeeze Inn in Clark Fork and heads around the east side of Lake Pend Oreille along the High Drive — clocking 59 miles and a back-breaking elevation gain of 7,879 feet — before looping back to Clark Fork for the finish line.

Finally, Aether’s Traverse starts on Baldy Road and climbs into the Priest River drainage basin, going up Schweitzer Mountain from the back side and ending at the summit, where the awards ceremony and after party will take place at the Sky House.

Riders will earn points in each race based on finishing positions, and the top three finishers in five categories — junior boys and girls, men and women, non-binary, senior (50+) and tandem

— will be crowned at the end of the final race atop Schweitzer. Registration proceeds will benefit 88.5 KRFY and the local bike club Pend Oreille Pedalers. Last year, the series donated $7,000 split between each organization.

Mortensen told the Reader that after closing his bike shop Syringa Cyclery, he’s launched head-over-handlebars into the gravel series. Aside from these races, Syringa also puts on Sandpoint Cyclocross events in the fall, this year with venues in Naples and at the Pine Street Sled Hill.

But the gravel races are Mortensen’s bread and butter, and it’s gaining in popularity each season thanks to a growing field of competitors and strong local support.

“The 3/4 Minus always hovers between 100 and 140 people,” he told the Reader. “A lot of them are coming from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, a handful from Missoula and some from California. We even had a guy come in from Alaska last year.”

Gravel riding is a bit different than standard road bike races, with bikes specially built to handle the varying terrain that the courses offer.

“It’s essentially a road bike, but the geometry is a bit different,” Mortensen said. “There are slacker angles on the front and a slightly longer wheelbase, so it’s more stable on downhills.”

For Berryman, gravel riding is a time for her to challenge herself while also experiencing the wilderness of North Idaho.

“It’s so adventurous,” she said. “It really gets people out to areas they wouldn’t see otherwise.”

Berryman said the youngest to sign up was around 12 years old, while the oldest was in their late 70s.

“We even had a couple people do it on a tandem bike,” she said.

Mortensen said the future is looking bright for the series.

“Gravel is the fastest growing sector commercially, for sales as well as events,” he said. “We’d like to grow it even more.”

Mortensen said next year the events will be under the USA Cycling umbrella, the national governing body of cycling, which will draw more competitors looking to qualify for other races.

“Sandpoint is already on the map for cycling in general,” Mortensen said. “These events bring business to the town; people stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, shop. ... It’s a community-oriented venture and we throw a little bit of quirkiness into it, too.”

While the races bring together the cycling community, they also rely heavily on local businesses as sponsors and supporters, often donating prizes, services and assistance to the races. These include: Alpine Shop, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Outdoor Experience, Matchwood Brewing, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, KRFY 88.5 FM, Pend Oreille Pedalers, Ace Septic, Bonner County Bicycles, Hammer Nutrition, Heart Bowls, Schweitzer, Kaniksu Land Trust, Squeeze Inn, city of Sandpoint, city of Clark Fork, Honeyglow Wellness, and countless other individuals who help with logistics and support.

Syringa has already taken in about $1,000 in donations to help put on the series, but those interested in contributing can donate either during race registration or at Matchwood Brewing from Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 10. Bonner County Bicycles has donated a bike that will be auctioned off at the races, and original posters by local artists Woods Wheatcroft, Cora Murray and Lena Haug will be auctioned off to raise donations.

To register or learn more about the Panhandle Gravel Series, visit panhandlegravel.com.

Competitors in the Monarch Grind on the High Drive overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. Courtesy photo

PSNI to host special community events during Giving Week

By Reader Staff

As poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote, “In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” While that may be true for some, others are thinking about planting their gardens — including Panhandle Special Needs, Inc., which will not only open the Greenhouse, but host a customer appreciation carnival to mark the occasion.

The Greenhouse will be open Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., while the carnival will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the PSNI campus(1424 N. Boyer Ave., in Sandpoint).

“This is our way of giving back and saying thank you,” stated Megan Albertson, chief marketing and de-

come celebrate with us.”

The Greenhouse is stocked with its well-known hanging flower baskets, along with a wide selection of bedding plants and flowers, vegetable starts, herbs and select perennials.

Meanwhile, the carnival is a free event that features games, free hot dogs and popcorn.

Following those festivities, a tap takeover from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at Smokesmith Bar-B-Que will wrap up the regional giving campaigns Idaho Gives and Live Give 7B, with a portion of food and beverage proceeds benefiting PSNI.

Friends of the Library celebrate Poem in Your Pocket day

By Reader Staff

The Friends of the Library will mark Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 30. Part of National Poetry Month, participants are invited to celebrate the day by selecting a poem, carrying it with them and sharing it with others at school, work, parks, street corners and on social media.

velopment officer at PSNI. “For 50 years, the Sandpoint community has supported our mission and the individuals we serve. We hope everyone will

The evening will feature music, a silent auction and PSNI’s flower baskets for sale.

“We hope that all of Sandpoint will either stop by the Greenhouse and carnival or join us at Smokesmith,” Albertson added.

For more info, go to panhandlespecialneeds.org.

Poem in Your Pocket Day started in April 2002 with a partnership between the Office of the Mayor of New York City and the city’s departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all 50 states, encouraging individuals around the country to participate.

This year, several downtown Sandpoint businesses will offer baskets of poems for patrons to select and share and FOL’s outreach includes local assisted living locations and the Sandpoint Senior Center, with more than 500 poems to be distributed.

Back row (L-R): Rose G., Jackson B., Andrew R., Jean-Paul P., Roy B, Seth N. Front row (L-R): Tom H., Rebecca N., Colleen R., Camille A., Katie S., Steven T. Front and center: Missy L Courtesy photo.

2026 primary Election: legislative CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Contested Races for Idaho Legislative District 1A and 1B House, District 1 Senate

Publisher’s note: Before each election, the Sandpoint Reader reaches out to candidates in contested races to ask questions about how they would represent the constituents in the offices they seek. Below are questions and answers for the offices of Idaho Legislative District 1A and 1B House, as well as District 1 Idaho Senate in the Tuesday, May 19 primary election. Check Page 21 for Bonner County commissioner Dist. 2 and county clerk races.

All candidates who responded to our questions have been included below, with some answers edited lightly for length.

There are two candidates forums coming up: the first featuring Legislative District 1 candidates (1A and 1B House, Senate) on Monday, May 4 moderated by the Bonner County Daily Bee and the other featuring Bonner County candidates on Tuesday, May 5 and moderated by the Sandpoint Reader. Both forums will also include assistance from SandpointOnline.com, KRFY 88.5FM, and the Selkirk Association of Realtors.

Both forums will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint High School auditorium. Forums will be broadcast live on KRFY 88.5 FM and afterward will be available to stream on krfy.org. Finally, don’t forget to vote Tuesday, May 19.

Dist. 1A and 1B House, Senate

1. Why are you running for District 1 Senate / 1A House / 1B House?

2. What do you think are the three most important issues to your constituents?

3. What do you see as the top challenge facing District 1, and how do you propose to address it?

4. Managing the state budget made the most headlines in the 2026 Legislature, and will surely do the same in the 2027 session. What challenges do you foresee with tackling that issue, and how would you meet them?

5. There has been a yearslong trend in the Statehouse toward bills that seek to consolidate authority at the legislative level by removing municipalities’ ability to self-regulate on a range of matters (from short-term rentals to what flags can be flown on their property and the bathrooms people can use). What’s your perspective on the role of state versus local control?

Dist. 1 Senate

Age: 58

Birthplace and residence: Richmond, Va.; residence is Sagle.

How many years lived in Bonner County: 22.

Past/current government service (if applicable): Idaho state senator District 1, 2023-’24.

Profession: custom home builder.

Education: B.S. finance, Arizona State University, 1989. Graduated Missouri Military Academy, 1985.

Contact info: scott@herndonforidaho.com, 208-6102680, herndonforidaho.com.

1. I have unfinished business. I helped deliver $317 million in permanent property tax relief by overriding the governor’s veto for the first time in 16 years, sponsored the $3.1 billion public schools budget and passed election integrity legislation upheld unanimously by the Idaho Supreme Court. I’m running to finish eliminating property taxes on Idaho homes.

2. Property taxes, cost of living and public land access. People are being taxed out of their homes. Idaho grew spending $600 per person beyond inflation and population growth over six years. That’s $1.2 billion that could replace property taxes. I’ve voted for every tax cut and against every fee increase. And I authored laws protecting public road access to state lands and waters.

3. Property taxes. A woman in Oldtown watched her bill triple not because spending increased, but because her

assessed value grew. The tax has nothing to do with ability to pay. In 2023 I helped pass H.B. 292, sending state revenue to local governments to reduce property tax bills without changing local control. That’s the model. Control state spending, bring $4.6 billion in unreviewed appropriations under oversight and direct savings toward eliminating property taxes.

4. The Legislature needs to stop growing government faster than the population. Idaho nearly doubled its budget in 10 years. $4.6 billion flows through continuous appropriations never reviewed line by line. Bring all spending under legislative review, hold growth to population plus inflation and direct excess revenues to property tax relief. Prior tax cuts didn’t cause the budget problem; spending beyond what was needed caused it. Idaho still runs a surplus.

5. I believe in local control.

H.B. 292 proves it. The state sends revenue to reduce property taxes while local officials keep setting every budget line item. But the Constitution places certain responsibilities with the Legislature. Election integrity and the physical safety of women and girls in public facilities are legitimate exercises of state authority. The goal is a framework where the state fulfills its constitutional role and local governments retain control over everything else.

Age: 55

Birthplace: Anacortes, Wash.; residence: Sagle.

How many years lived in Bonner County: 29 years in Bonner County/16 years in Boundary County.

Past/current government service: six years as your state senator/21 years of Navy service (active and reserve combined).

Profession: excavation contractor.

Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering from the U of I. Contact info: jim@woodwardforsenate.org, 208-946-7963.

1. I am trying to preserve the “live-and-let-live” Idaho we have known for so many decades. This election is about representation by someone who understands the community and is working to support you, our local organizations, our towns and our counties, or someone who is routinely at the center of whatever the current conflict is, someone who sues his fellow taxpayers

Scott Herndon, R

Jim Woodward, R (incumbent)

Compiled by Zach Hagadone Ben Olson and Soncirey Mitchell

(JIM WOODWARD, CON’T)

and someone who has blatant disregard for 51% of the population. I am asking to represent you, not tell you how to live your life. I hope to earn your vote on May 19.

2. We are falling behind in providing the basics of state services. Public safety, education and transportation are not meeting the demands of our increasing population growth. Just as an example, in the last 20 years, our population has grown by 33%. In that same time, we have only added 1.9% to the capacity of our highway system. It’s no wonder we struggle just to pull onto the highway and hope we can do it safely. Our quality of life will go down without action on our part.

3. Affordability for locals is the top challenge in Bonner and Boundary counties. Raising the homeowner’s exemption is the first step in reducing our property tax burden. The homeowner’s exemption was put in place by citizens’ initiative with the intent that we only pay tax on half the value of our home. The Legislature has failed to increase the cap on the exemption over time. We must also fully fund our K-12 education system with state funds. This is another way to reduce our local property tax burden by removing a state obligation from local taxpayers.

4. As the vice chairman of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, I am doing everything I can to move us in the right direction to stabilize the Idaho budget and return to the core of our budgeting process that has worked so well for us for five decades. In the past four years, politics has crept into our budget process. We must return to analyzing department budgets one-by-one, instead of an omnibus-style budgeting approach.

5. I am a vocal advocate for local control. The best decision for any person is the one they make themselves. When we move to public decision-making, the best decisions are those made closest to home. Every town and county

in Idaho is different, with different circumstances. The great people in those towns, who know how to make their own decisions, are the common denominator.

Dist. 1A House

Jane Sauter, R

Age: 63

Birthplace and residence: Minnesota; Cocolalla.

How many years lived in Bonner County: 10

Past/current government service (if applicable): poll worker; chief election judge; precinct committeeman, Kelso Precinct. Profession: homemaker. Education: high school graduate, associate degree in theology. Contact info: P.O. Box 13, Cocolalla, ID 83813; janesauterforidaho@proton.me; janesauterforidaho.com.

1. Because the incumbent, Mark Sauter, voted with the Democrats in 2025 84% of the time; and, in 2026, he voted with them 74% of the time. (And those numbers do not reflect the unanimous votes.)

I would like the conservative Republicans of District 1 to have actual Republican representation; the kind where the representative upholds the Republican platform. I am a lifetime Republican, married to Steve for 39 years, and we have nine children, eight in-law children and 21 grandchildren. I love Idaho, and I want it to be a thriving place for our family to live and grow for generations to come.

2. Idaho jobs for Idaho citizens, the cost of living and affordable housing.

3. Rising taxes and state spending that needs to be restrained. I support tax reductions, which cannot and will not happen until the spending is curbed. In just the last six

years, Idaho’s state budget has grown by roughly 60%. That’s not responsible — that’s reckless.We must stop the pattern of growing government and start focusing on disciplined, responsible budgeting. That means digging into the details, demanding accountability and making tough decisions.

4. I consider the repeal of the grocery tax to be a baby step. Reducing and eliminating property tax would be a giant leap! But we have to do this equitably. Moving money between categories is not a plan. Stopping the pattern of growing government should be the goal.

5. In a perfect world, the issues mentioned above could be managed by responsible local boards. Such is not the case with certain issues that require better oversight. Take the “bathroom bill,” for instance. If local laws were not effective in protecting women and girls in what should be a safe space — where they bathe and change clothes — then it’s the duty of the Legislature to step in and provide that oversight, which then restores to them their dignity and safety.

Mark Sauter, R (incumbent)

Birthplace and residence: Downey, Calif.; rural Dover, Idaho.

How many years lived in Bonner County: 14 — homeowner in Sandpoint, four years, homeowner in Dover, 10 years.

Past/current government experience (if applicable): retired from fire service — 30-year career including eight years as fire chief, three years in city administration, 10 years in volunteer fire service in Bonner County, including three years as Fire District Association president. Currently, serving fourth year as state

representative, assigned to House Education, Agriculture and Resources committees.

Profession: retired from fire service and city administration, serving as state representative for Boundary/Bonner County.

Education: undergraduate degree, fire administration; master’s degree, public administration.

Contact info: mark@marksauterforidaho.org, 208-6276288, marksauterforidaho.org.

1. I’m running to responsibly represent the conservative interests of Bonner and Boundary counties. I believe we have made progress with several issues in the past four years. We have reduced property taxes and income taxes. We have addressed affordability issues by reducing taxes on tips, overtime, car loan interest and increased child tax credits, grocery tax exemptions and exemptions for seniors. We have also helped fire and school districts with efficiency measures that will save taxpayers and help our kids. There is more to do with these issues, our property insurance situation and with our rural health care delivery system.

2. Affordability is a primary issue for our community. We need to keep our taxes and fees low and control our spending at the state level. Housing costs have increased the costs of living. I’m hopeful the number of housing units added and the “infill” housing in neighborhoods over the past few years will begin to reduce the demand for housing. This increase in housing options should help to adjust the cost for housing. Property taxes continue to be a concern. We need to increase the homeowner’s exemption and index it. This change will help every residential property owner.

3. Right-sizing the investments we make in infrastructure and public safety has been a recent challenge for Idaho. Previous generations have built our roads and supported our law enforcement, fire and EMS services. We need to continue to support these critical systems. In the past three years, the Legislature has politicized our budgeting process

by combining certain budgets and breaking up others. I will work to reevaluate the budgeting system, get more information for all the legislators and get more funding bills to a vote of the entire Legislature. More budget votes will force a better understanding of these important issues.

5. Local leaders have a better understanding of the issues in their districts. It is a conservative principle to push decisions to the elected/appointed individuals closest to the issue. For my time in the Legislature, I have made it a priority to “call home” as often as possible. This grounding has been a positive influence on my voting. Whether I’m hosting a meet-and-greet, calling on our law enforcement professionals, school administrators or our legal system experts, I believe listening to the insight of the community is the best way to understand an issue and to vote for our area.

Dist. 1B House

Age: 49

Birthplace and residence: Grand Junction, Colo.; Idaho resident since 2019.

How many years lived in Bonner County: seven

Past/current government service (if applicable): U.S. Army (active duty, 2007-’19), Nevada Department of Wildlife, Colorado Division of Wildlife (formerly), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, substitute teacher (LPOSD).

Profession: residential contractor.

Education: B.S. wildlife resources, 1995, University of Idaho; master of divinity, 2007, Multnomah University. Contact info: 208-494-2084, chuck@chucklowman.com, chucklowman.com.

Chuck Lowman, R

Age: 68

< IDLEG, con’t from Page 19 > (CHUCK LOWMAN, CON’T)

1. Service has defined my life. I am an Eagle Scout and have served as a Christian missionary in eight countries, living out duty to God and country. After 9/11, I volunteered as an Army chaplain and deployed four years in combat zones — supporting soldiers through loss, the rigors of military service and honoring the fallen. After 12 years of service, my wife and I returned to Idaho to raise our family. I’ve been showing up for this community ever since. My opponent serves a special interest caucus rather than serving our community, and I’m running to correct that.

2. Local control: Local governing bodies need the authority to address local issues with local resources and local solutions.

Funding essential services: As Idaho grows, essential services face increasing strain.

Our compensation policies lag behind neighboring states, causing us to lose talented workers.

Education: Education funding must be accountable and locally controlled.

Over-regulation makes public education less efficient, while private education funding lacks meaningful oversight. Homeschools and private schools that refuse state funds should remain free to educate as they choose — however, any institution receiving taxpayer money, directly or indirectly, should face the same scrutiny as public schools.

3. Keep local government local. I support local option sales tax, like the Idaho Sheriff’s Association’s proposal, because local governments should have the authority, and the funding, to make local decisions. The Bonner County Republican Central Committee has lobbied against fire district tax levies, directly contributing to reduced fire district ratings and causing many Bonner County residents to lose their homeowner’s insurance. I have a neighbor, an 80-year-old widow and longtime resident, who lost her homeowner’s insurance and cannot afford the replacement insurance. That is not conservatism. That is ideology that harms the very people it claims to protect.

4. Reducing regulations: Bureaucratic reporting requirements drive up government service costs. Local behavioral health providers, for example, can’t justify taking Medicare and Medicaid clients when a one-hour visit requires two hours of paperwork that no one reads. This must change.

Accepting federal monies: Idaho

shoulders the burden of 34 million acres of federally managed land. Environmental regulations and frivolous lawsuits make accessing these lands increasingly difficult. The federal government should offset this burden through PILT and SRS payments to counties, compensating local governments for essential services as they cannot tax or fully utilize public lands.

5. As a legislator, I will empower local governments by pushing decisions to the lowest practicable level. My opponent supports eliminating property taxes in favor of state-controlled sales and income taxes — a scheme that serves corporate interests seeking to acquire properties without paying their fair share, while reducing local government to a mere proxy of the state. This hurts working families and blocks pathways to home ownership. The Idaho GOP platform is clear: “the most effective, responsible, responsive government is government closest to the people... That government is best that governs least.” I believe that. My opponent’s proposal does not.

Birthplace and residence: Jackson, Calif.; Sagle, Idaho.

How many years lived in Bonner County: 57

Past/current government service (if applicable): county commissioner, four years; incumbent state representative, one year, seven months.

Profession: store owner.

Education: one year of college.

Contact info: cornelrasor@hotmail.com.

1. I bring principled, conservative service based on constituent encouragement. I have a recognized conservative track record, and a commitment to foundational American and Idaho values that locals appreciate. I can work with others in the Legislature (and have done so) to ensure pro-life, parental control and holding the line on spending.

2. The three most significant issues are: 1., Idaho’s ongoing budget crisis, with revenue shortfalls threatening core services while spending has grown faster than population and inflation; 2., ero-

sion of local control balanced against true respect for real property rights; 3., education quality and safety, where achievement lags in key areas despite rising funding, and parental rights plus student privacy face challenges. These matter most because they directly impact family finances, community self-governance and the future of our children in Bonner County.

3. Uncontrolled growth in government spending, debt and regulatory overreach driving up property taxes and burdening families and businesses in District 1. I will work to restore fiscal discipline through strict constitutional limits: mandatory zero-based budgeting, hard debt caps with voter approval for bonds and special districts, and aggressive sunsetting of non-essential commissions and regulations. I’ll prioritize taxpayer refunds, oppose unfunded mandates and favor user-fee models. By limiting government to courts, public safety and basic infrastructure, we will protect rural values, lower the tax burden and return power to the people — especially those who bear the cost of government.

4. Revenue volatility, entrenched agency spending, special interest resistance and property tax pressures from growth will make meaningful budget restraint difficult in 2027. I will push for zero-based budgeting for every agency, accelerate DOGE-style eliminations of non-essential commissions and enforce strict spending caps tied to population plus inflation. I will seek to limit government to core functions, courts, public safety and basic infrastructure, while requiring taxpayer refunds, user fees and voter approval on new debt. In District 1, I will fight unfunded mandates and Boise-driven expansions that raise local taxes. This delivers a structurally balanced, low-tax budget true to constitutional limits.

5. My perspective is rooted in constitutional limits and property rights. The state creates the framework for cities and counties, giving it a compelling interest in protecting fundamental liberties and real property rights. I strongly prefer local decision-making wherever possible, but the state must intervene when local policies violate core protections such as privacy, association or contract rights, or when cultural divisiveness threatens community values. H.B. 752 [the bathroom and changing room bill], is a prime example. It addresses real violations reported by citizens and local governments by setting statewide standards, enforcing the rule of law without unnecessary centralization. This keeps government limited while safeguarding freedoms.

Cornel Rasor, R (incumbent)

Age: 69

2026 primary Election: bonner county CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Bonner

County commissioner Dist. 2 and county clerk races

Questions for Dist. 2 Bonner County Commissioner

1. Why are you running for Bonner County commissioner?

2. What are the three most important issues to your constituents? Are there additional issues you intend to prioritize?

3. What do you see as the top challenge facing District 2 — or the county in general — and how do you propose to address it?

4. The current board has focused on enforcing and instituting land use regulations, especially with regard to land divisions. Where do you draw the line between public health and private property rights?

5. The BOCC is working with Panhandle Health District to reduce the county’s expenses and receive greater and more varied care at the Sandpoint clinic. What changes — if any — do you see for Bonner County and PHD?

Jeff Roberts, R

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

Asia Williams, R (incumbent)

Age: 45

Birthplace and residence: (Did not respond).

How many years lived in Bonner County: Over 10 years.

Past/current government service (if applicable): (Did not respond).

Profession: Bonner Co. commissioner. Education: SSBB, IA, LPN, BA, MBA. Contact info: idahotruenorthnews.com, asialakey@outlook.com, 208-920-1299

1. My work has focused on key areas such as financial review, reducing litigation costs, and managing responsible growth and development. Given my track record of effectiveness, I believe I remain the best candidate for the position of District 2 commissioner. Moving forward, I intend to continue prioritizing internal audits for Bonner County. While external audits offer a high-level overview, internal audits allow for a much broader scope — addressing financial processes, risk management, compliance and operational efficiency. This remains a vital part of my strategy to enhance our lo-

cal government’s overall performance.

2. Based on feedback from Bonner County residents, the three most significant issues identified are fiscal responsibility, responsible growth and infrastructure improvements, specifically regarding roads and emergency services. In addition to these priorities, updating the Comprehensive Plan to ensure it is inclusive of residents’ concerns and incorporates the sub-area plans.

3. Political distractions often hinder the essential work required to support our growing population and the expanding services our rural community needs. My approach to leadership is rooted in integrity, honesty and sincerity. I remain committed to the duties I was elected to perform, making myself available to the public while avoiding the unproductive conflicts often seen on social media. Regarding our growth, it is vital that we carefully examine our financials. We must identify opportunities to trim the budget so that we can prioritize directing tax revenue toward our critical infrastructure.

4. The Local Land Use Planning Act requires the board of commissioners to address health and safety concerns. However, it is essential that these standards are not applied in a manner that infringes upon individual property rights. To ensure our decisions do not result in a regulatory taking, it is paramount that we consult with legal counsel for guidance in this area.

5. As a commissioner, I have raised concerns regarding the financial contributions Bonner County makes to Panhandle Health District in relation to the limited services provided, par-

ticularly concerning women’s health. Given that the Bonner County clinic is currently only open one day a week, I have requested that PHD analyze how many of our residents are traveling to Kootenai County for services.

We are currently gathering data to determine if our residents are receiving benefits proportional to our payment obligations. This assessment is a work in progress, but these are critical questions that must be addressed.

Questions for Bonner County Clerk

1. Why are you running for Bonner County clerk?

2. What do you think are the three most important issues to your constituents?

3. The county clerk position often goes unnoticed by the public, but that officeholder fulfills many roles. How would you describe the duties of the clerk and their function in county administration?

4. What do you consider to be the central function of the clerk, and how would you propose to best fulfill that function?

5. Does the operation of the clerk’s office need improvement? If so, how would you improve it?

JoAnne

Guzzi, R

(withdrawn from race, but will appear on 2026 primary ballot)

Spencer Hutchings, R

resident: more than 10.

Past/current government service (if applicable): United States Marine Corps.

Profession: business owner.

Education: After high school, and the United States Marine Corps, I built and ran several successful businesses. I developed a budgeting, controlling and auditing system for multimillion-dollar projects. Real experience that taught me how to maintain strict accuracy, financial controls, transparent reporting and efficient operations under pressure.

Contact information: hutchings4idaho. com, getinvolvednorthidao@gmail.com.

1. I’m running for Bonner County clerk because the good people who < see COUNTY, Page 23 >

Age: Born in 1968. Birthplace and residence: born in the U.S.; live in Sagle. How many years as a Bonner County

Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com

Live Music w/ Hot Damn Scandal

7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Cabaret Americana band. Free show

Live Music w/ Cafe Gas Boys

5:30pm @ Connie’s Lounge

Little Black Dress fundraiser

5pm @ The Idaho Club clubhouse

Live Music w/ Nights of Neon

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Live Music w/ Smuckerpunch

6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Feat. Chris Lynch and Kristi Smucker

Live Music w/ Nobody Famous

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Live Music w/ The Dirk Quinn Band

8-11pm @ 219 Lounge

Live Music w/ Liam McCoy Band

6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ

Live Music w/ Headwaters

2-5pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.

Live Music w/ Border Stones

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Open mic night

5:30-7:30pm @ Evans Brothers Coffee

Hosted by the Sandpoint Library and Evans Bros. All are welcome

Local history trivia night 4-7pm @ Sandpoint Org. Ag. Center Fundraiser to support the museum, with live music, food trucks and more

Live Music w/ Chris Paradis

6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee

Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalapeño’s

Live Music w/ Lynda Ryan

3-4pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

THURSDAY, April 30

Brews for the Brave pint night

5-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.

Support Thin Line Community Support

Nutrition for runners class

6pm @ Outdoor Experience

Free, hosted by RD Carlyn

FriDAY, may 1

Music w/ DJ Sterling 9pm @ Roxy’s Lounge

Live Music w/ Nic Allen

6-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ

Live Music w/ Jason Perry Trio 8-11pm @ 219 Lounge

SATURDAY, may 2

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market opening day 9am-1pm @ Farmin Park, Sandpoint Fresh produce, local artisan goods, live music and more. Welcome back!

Historic Drive / Discovery Tour 10am-4pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum

Discover the living history of the Pend Oreille River valley. $18/adult, $7/kids

PSNI Community Appreciation Day 10am-3pm @ 1424 N. Boyer Ave. Celebration with food, carnival games, face painting, temp tattoos, hot dogs and more. Free admission

Kentucky Derby Pick-Up Party 11am-2pm @ Barrell 33 Wine tastings, stylish attire and a look at what the Wine Club offers

Old Time Fiddlers jam

2-4pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center

SunDAY, may 3

Weekly BCA pool tournament ($10) Noon @ Roxy’s Lounge

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ John Firshi

7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Outdoor Experience group run

6pm @ Outdoor Experience 3-5 miles, all levels welcome

Eichardt’s Pub Cinco de Mayo fundraiser

4pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Annual celebration benefiting Music

Bridges Borders. Tacos, silent auction, margaritas, flan, piñata for the kiddos

Open mic / open jam

5-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Beginner Argentine tango class

7pm @ Embody Center, 823 Main St. No partner needed. $15

Ponderay Rotary flower basket pick-up Ponderayrotaryclub.com for more info

April 30 - May 6, 2026

Bonner Co. Farm Bureau candidate forum

6pm @ Clark Fork Community Center

With commissioner, clerk, assessor and coronor candidates to attend

First Friday opening art reception 5pm @ POAC Gallery

Confluence: Six Women in Contemporary Practice art exhibition

Live Music w/ Sam and Sheldon 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuffs Beer Hall

Live Music w/ Chris Paradis 6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar

Friends of the Library book sale 10am-2pm @ Sandpoint Library

Great selection of books and media in all genres. Support the library!

Artwork estate auction fundraiser

6-8pm @ American Lutheran Church, Newport Feat. artwork by Cherilyn Anderson, many traditional rosemaling works

Hands on History 10am-2pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum

Enjoy historical crafts for kids of all ages. Free entry to the museum

Kentucky Derby watch party

Noon @ The Hive Presented by the Community Resource EnVision Center. livefromthehive.com

Live Music w/ Holly and Michael 6-9pm @ MickDuffs Beer Hall

Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 6-8pm @ Baxters on Cedar

Sandpoint Swing Dance

6-9pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall

Swing basics dance lesson at 6pm, followed by general dancing. All welcome. $10 donation at door

monDAY, may 4

Jitterbug swing classes w/ Muffy Nye

5-7pm @ Barrel 33

Prepare for Lost in the ’50s and learn the jitterbug! RSVP: 406-599-5696

tuesDAY, may 5

Cinco de Mayo at Smokesmith

4-8pm @ Smokesmith BBQ

Texas BBQ and Tex Mex flavors with tacos, nachos and specials all day at this fiesta

Live Give 7B community fundraiser

Visit 7bgives.org for more information

Help local nonprofits. May 4-7

Trivia w/ Davey 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

SASi Open House and Senior Resource Fair

3-6pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center

Tour the facility and get info on meal programs

Children Performing for Children 6pm @ Panida Theater

Recital with school children. Panida.org for info

wednesDAY, may 6

Family night and live music w/ John Firshi

5-7:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co.

Live music, kids activities, good food

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market 3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park, Sandpoint

Live piano w/ Dwayne Parsons 4-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Trivia with Toshi ($5/person) 7pm @ Connie’s Lounge

STAGE & SCREEN

Conservatory hosts ‘Children Performing For Children’ concert at the Panida

By Reader Staff

German composer Carl Orff created some of the most recognizable orchestral music of the 20th century — even if listeners can’t identify his 1937 cantata “Carmina Burana” by name, they’d recognize its epic sound. Meanwhile, he was a pioneer of children’s musical education.

Given Orff’s legacy, it’s fitting that the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint will feature his music at a special performance by school children, for school children on Tuesday, May 5 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).

MCS students will celebrate Orff’s imaginative and rhythmic world through movement, percussion and song at the Children Performing For Children event — part of the organization’s Music Matters! program — all while showcasing the importance of music education and the playful spirit of the composer’s approach.

While the morning performance is by invitation only, members of the community are invited to the 6 p.m. presentation on the main stage. Tickets are $9.43 for adults, $4.71 for students and kids 6 and under get free admission. Get tickets at sandpointconservatory.org, panida.org or the box office.

< COUNTY, con’t from Page 21 > (SPENCER HUTCHINGS, CON’T)

built this community deserve a clerk who puts them first. For too long, public drama and eroded trust have distracted from what matters. As a Marine and local business owner who has managed multimillion-dollar budgets with discipline and integrity, I will ensure election integrity with zero compromise, deliver full transparency, end the public contention and run an efficient, professional office that serves our residents, not special interests or unchecked growth. Bonner County’s future must honor the people who made it great. That’s why I’m running.

2. Election integrity: Only eligible voters vote and every valid vote is counted accurately. Transparency: The public deserves clear, open access to how the Clerk’s office operates. Professional working relationships: Public fighting between officials erodes trust; disagreements should be handled professionally and privately.

3. Chief elections officer, guaranteeing secure, accurate and transparent elections; ex officio auditor, overseeing county finances and ensuring taxpayers’ dollars are spent and tracked responsibly; ex officio clerk of the board, recording all meetings, resolutions and official actions for the public record; ex officio clerk of the District Court, maintaining records, dockets and filings, collecting fines, fees and restitution, and managing jury services; and recorder of vital records, licenses and official documents. The clerk provides checks and balances, enforces transparency and delivers efficient services affecting every resident. I’ll fulfill these duties with transparency and integrity, putting Bonner County citizens first.

4. I consider the central function of the county clerk to be serving as the auditor — the independent guardian of county finances under Idaho Code Title 31. Title 31 repeatedly defines the clerk’s duties through the auditor role because fiscal oversight is the most critical check and balance in county government. While elections are very important to the community and remain a high priority, the auditor function protects every taxpayer dollar. To fulfill this best, I will review every budget line and workflow to eliminate waste, and deliver disciplined financial management, in the same way I’ve handled multimillion-dollar budgets previously.

5. The clerk’s office can and should be improved, especially as Bonner County continues to grow and workloads increase. I won’t assume problems exist, I’ll proactively dis-

cover them. In my first 100 days I will: personally observe and evaluate workflows and procedures; spend time with every staff member to hear their ideas, workload concerns and suggestions for better operations; and implement a practical plan that eliminates waste, improves work-life balance and delivers faster, more efficient, higher-quality service to our citizens. Real improvement starts with listening to the people who do the work every day. That is exactly how I will lead.

Roger Rudd, R

Age: 59

Birthplace and residence: born in Barstow, Calif.; raised in Needles, Calif.; currently a resident of Bonner County.

How many years lived in Bonner County: Kootenai County resident since 2006, Bonner County since 2020.

Past/current government service (if applicable): 30 years, U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as lieutenant colonel. Service included assignments at Quantico, Combat Development and Integration Command, the Pentagon (headquarters Marine Corps, Plans, Policies and Operations) and Scott Air Force Base (Commandant’s Liaison Officer to U.S. Transportation Command). Four years serving as precinct committeeman, Clagstone Precinct.

Profession: retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel.

Education: bachelor’s degree in political science; U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College; Advanced Logistics Officers Course; U.S. Army Airborne School; Warrant Officer Basic Course; Formal Learning School Instructor; Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival; Non-Commissioned Officer School. Not all inclusive.

Contact info: ruddforclerk.com, ruddrn@gmail.com.

1. God presented me an opportunity to serve the best people in the best county in the state! Thirty years of Marine Corps leadership of managing large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets and strict compliance requirements has prepared me for every stat-

utory role this office demands. I want to serve Bonner County with integrity, precision and steady leadership.

2. Election integrity: Voters want to know every ballot is lawful, every result is accurate and every process is transparent.

Financial accountability: As ex officio auditor, the clerk is the taxpayers’ watchdog over every county department’s spending; that role must be exercised with rigor.

Responsive service: As the county grows rapidly, the clerk’s office must scale its staffing, communication and systems to meet demand without sacrificing accuracy or public trust.

3. The Bonner County clerk fulfills five statutory roles: chief elections officer, ex officio county auditor, clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, clerk of the District Court, and records officer. Together, these roles make the clerk one of the most consequential positions in county government, managing elections, overseeing county finances, maintaining official records, and supporting both the judiciary and the BOCC. It is a position that demands precision, accountability and steady leadership every single day.

4. Public trust. Every statutory function of elections, auditing, records and court administration is only as strong as the public’s confidence in the people performing it. I will fulfill that trust by executing Idaho law precisely, maintaining rigorous documentation, ensuring financial transparency and communicating clearly with Bonner County residents about how their government works. My 30-year military career demanded that same standard. I bring it with me.

5. Clerk Rosedale has run a solid office, and I intend to build on that foundation. My priorities for improvement: make budget and expenditure data more accessible to average citizens, not just those who know how to navigate government websites; crosstrain deputies across all five functional areas to eliminate single points of failure; and strengthen pre- and post-election communication so voters understand exactly how ballots are processed, certified and audited. An informed public is a confident public.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 19. Visit voteidaho.gov for more information about polling places and all election-related matters. See Page 5 for information about upcoming candidate forums.

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

I just returned from a holiday to Ireland. I was traveling with a couple of favorite cousins and — like I once did — they assumed that potatoes are the national vegetable. Oh, on the contrary! For quite some time, I’ve been convinced it’s peas; and, before the trip was over, they agreed. Yes: peas.

This ubiquitous green vegetable was nearly as plentiful as pints of Guinness, and those unassuming little spheres seemed to roll onto our plates at nearly every meal. By the third day, I began to suspect I was part of some grand agricultural marketing campaign. By the fifth day, I had accepted my fate: Wherever I went in Ireland, peas would follow.

On our last night, my cousin Blake remarked that it was his first meal without the omnipresent side of peas. Or so he thought. There they were — mashed and nestled alongside the creamy coleslaw on his generous platter of fish and chips.

Creamed, steamed, mashed or mushed, they appeared in every possible form. Folded into soups or artfully smeared on a plate to cradle delicate seafood, we welcomed them at every meal. No matter how they showed up, they were always there — dependable as Irish rain and as green as the hillsides.

Somewhere between Galway and Dublin, it struck me that peas might actually be Ireland’s most accurate culinary symbol. Slightly mysterious in their consistency (depending on preparation), yet unmistakably tied to the land — it felt as though we were consuming

The Sandpoint Eater Peas be with you

the countryside itself, one spoonful at a time.

In an era when menus often strive for novelty and reinvention, Ireland has quietly leaned into peas for as long as I can remember. Whether paired with fresh seafood along the coast or accompanying hearty meat dishes inland, peas somehow manage to fit on every plate and satisfy every palate.

Of course, there’s the famous mushy pea. Years ago, on my first visit, I approached them cautiously. As a child raised on canned peas, “mushy” wasn’t exactly a culinary selling point, conjuring images of overcooked vegetables. But Irish mushy peas are something else entirely. They’re soft, yes, but

also rich, slightly sweet and — honestly — delicious when spread across a forkful of fish.

It’s easy to see how they’ve endured as a staple. Traditionally, mushy peas are made by soaking dried peas (often with a bit of baking soda) and cooking them until tender.

Then there are the fresh peas — bright, crisp and tasting as though they were plucked from the gardens of Ballymaloe moments before landing on your plate. And just when you think peas have done all they can, along come pea shoots and sprouts — their elegant cousins. These delicate greens often appear as garnishes, adding a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a touch of flair. They’re the culinary equivalent of setting out the silver and dressing

up for dinner.

By the end of my trip, I found myself looking forward to peas. I began rating them: comparing textures and noting subtle differences in preparation. I had, without realizing it, become a pea enthusiast. Ireland had worked its quiet magic on me once again.

Back home, I noticed something missing from my meals — not just the scenery, the music or the warmth of Irish hospitality, but the peas. My plates looked oddly incomplete without that pop of green. So, in an effort to bring a bit of Ireland into my own kitchen, I’ve been on a pea kick.

While I haven’t yet mastered the perfect mushy pea, I’ve tried my hand at puréeing fresh peas with a bit of butter or

cream and a pinch of Atlantic sea salt. The result is a delicious alternative to hummus or other dips on a cheese board, especially alongside Irish cheddar and Cashel Blue cheese.

I also enjoyed a fair amount of pea salad on my most recent visit. I mentioned to my Irish friend Ann that it’s a dish we make at home as well (knowing it’s my favorite, friend Mary in Sandpoint prepares it every time I visit). A fresh pea salad — simple, flavorful and just indulgent enough to stand on its own. Ann serves hers with gorgeous Dublin prawns. We’re a long way from Dublin, so I settled for shrimp, and it was pretty darn tasty.

No matter where you are, I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.

Pea salad with bacon, cheddar and red onion

This is a simple, but tasty, little spring salad. A great side to fish and seafood dishes. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

• 3 cups frozen peas, thawed

• 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbs Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ tsp smoky paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, combine the peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cubes and red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, sugar and paprika until smooth. Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Chill several hours before serving to let the flavors come together. Serve in individual ramekins or molded on a small plate. Garnish with pea sprouts, if available. Keeps 2-3 days, covered, in fridge.

MUSIC

Jeffrey Martin, Ltl Wlf to play IPA

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Portland, Ore.-based folk artist Jeffrey Martin will play with special guest Ltl Wlf from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at Idaho Pour Authority (203 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint).

The full-time touring artist has gained a following for his warm, thoughtful style of songwriting that has captivated and entertained audiences for the better part of two decades.

Martin’s music gets you right in the feels. Formerly a teacher with a degree in writing, Martin’s sonorous voice and pleasant guitar work

exemplifies what folk music is capable of today. Every one of Martin’s many songs holds a depth and gravity that paint a body of work interested only in authenticity.

His albums span the spectrum from intricate live sessions (2025’s Alive, July 25 2025) to studio excellence (2023’s Thank God We Left The Garden and 2017’s One Go Around), always holding true to the thread that pulls all of his work together.

Opening for Martin will be Sandpoint duo Ltl Wlf, featuring songs written by Josh Hedlund, who plays alongside Justin Landis. The pair play raw, honest folk songs that

capture a glimpse of what it’s like growing up and living in North Idaho.

This will be a listening show, with tickets going for $20 each, plus taxes and fees. To buy tickets, visit bit.ly/49f-

HJbl. To listen to Martin’s work, visit jeffreymartinmusic. com. To listen to Ltl Wlf, visit ltlwlf.bandcamp.com.

Spokane is Dead to play rare acoustic show at Eichardt’s

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

The music of the Grateful Dead has resonated with fans for generations. In the spirit of the Dead, Eichard’s Pub will host a special acoustic performance by Spokane is Dead, the Inland Northwest’s premier (and most dedicated) tribute band to the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

The six-piece band will play at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, with doors opening at 7 p.m. (Eichardt’s will close from 6-7 p.m. to allow the band time to load in and sound check).

This will be Spokane is Dead’s very first acoustic show, and they are slated to bring special guests which are being kept secret in a heavily guarded location.

The pub got a permit for the alley to put tables and chairs outside, emptying out the inside for standing room only. This will be a dancing show, obviously.

There will also be graband-go burritos not from the regular menu available to purchase.

Tickets for this special show are expected to go fast, with only a limited number available. To inquire about

purchasing one of the $20 tickets, stop by Eichardt’s at 212 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint, or visit eichardtspub.com.

Dead.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint

Nic Allen, Smokesmith BBQ, May 1 Dirk Quinn Band, 219 Lounge, May 2

It’s always a treat when country-western, rock and blues musician Nic Allen leaves his usual haunts in and around Coeur d’Alene to visit little old Sandpoint. Originally from Fayetteville, Ark., Allen brings an authenticity to his gritty, rock performances, with a sound that reminds listeners of the history and depth of the Ozarks and backcountry roads. Whether playing country classics by Waylon

Jennings and Johnny Cash, or plucking a tune all his own, it’s clear that Allen’s decades spent honing his craft on the guitar and microphone have paid off. Don’t miss a chance to hear him Friday, May 1.

— Soncirey Mitchell

6-8 p.m., FREE. Smokesmith BBQ, 102 S. Boyer Ave., 208920-0517, smokesmithidaho.com. Listen at nic-allen-music.com.

The 219 Lounge is busting out some new music in May — first with ’60s-infused organ funk-soul-R&B band Juicebox (a side project of local performer Jason Perry) on Friday, May 1, then on Saturday, May 2 with the Dirk Quinn Band. All the way from Philadelphia, this jazz-funk group has toured throughout the U.S. and Canada and, according to the Niner General Manager Mark Terry, it’s “some Festi-

This week’s RLW by Zach Hagadone

READ

The 1947 book 22 Cells in Nuremberg was kind of hard to find until the release of the 2025 film Nuremberg, which tells the story of its author, Douglas Kelley — the psychiatrist who conducted and published profiles of the remaining high Nazi officials standing trial after WWII. It’s a riveting artifact and an important warning about inhumanity and the hubris that makes it possible. Find the book (and film) where you find books (and films).

LISTEN

val-grade music sneaking into our little town on a late spring night.” Also, Terry promised, “I saw these guys like 16 years ago and they rip.” That’s more than enough recommendation for us.

— Zach Hagadone

8 p.m., FREE, 21+. 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave., 208263-5673, 219lounge.com. Listen at dirkquinn.com.

I’ve been a fan of folk-country-Americana singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell for a couple of years now — and so was especially jazzed when she performed at the Festival in 2025. Lately, however, the YouTube algorithm has delivered me a bunch of her earlier work that I hadn’t heard until now, with one standout being “Rosemary.” Check it out (and others) on the “GemsOnVHS” channel.

WATCH

Maybe it’s the spring-cleaning impulse at work, but I’ve been readjusting my streaming subscriptions — putting Netflix on pause for a while and replacing that expense with the BBC Select add-on to Amazon Prime. With it I’ve found dozens of top-notch documentaries ranging from ancient history to the natural world to nasty royal scandals and more. Next on my list is What Happened at Chernobyl, released this year and marking the 40th anniversary of the disaster.

Jeffrey Martin. Courtesy photo

Meanwhile, long live the

Spokane is Dead. Courtesy photo

From The Pend Oreille Review, April 29, 1926

FARMERS PREPARING FOR WAR ON RODENT PESTS

County farm Agent Walter Thomas has been busy the past week holding demonstrations of gopher and squirrel killing methods and arranging for coming demonstrations in several parts of the county. An announcement from his office states that the ground squirrels are killed by distributing poisoned oats near the holes or along runs, or by placing calcium cyanide in the holes. Experiments have shown, however, that the calcium cyanide method depends to a great extent upon the ground being damp as dry earth does not effect the issue of gas from the chemical to the needed extent.

Gophers are poisoned by dropping poisoned bait into the runs, which are usually four to eight inches under the surface. So far this year more than a ton of cyanide and over 100 ounces of strychnine have been distributed from the county agent’s office for rodent control work.

OLSONS GO ABROAD

Leaving their home here Friday, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Olson yesterday sailed from New York for a summer’s tour abroad. They will visit their old homes in Sweden and will also visit Norway, Denmark and other European countries. They have not set a definite date for their return, beyond planning their return trip for some time during the late summer or early fall.

MOVE LIQUOR EVIDENCE

A considerable amount of contraband liquor held at the county jail for the federal authorities was taken to Coeur d’Alene Monday by federal prohibition agents. It is to be used as evidence in federal liquor law cases coming before the May term of federal district court at Coeur d’Alene.

BACK OF THE BOOK

Remembering Mr. Miller

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

It’s a weird confession to make, but I love politics and, by extension, am often fond of politicians. It’s fashionable to ignore both at best and proudly despise them at worst, but regardless of those feelings — and until the glorious day when humanity figures out how to function in an enlightened anarchy — if politics and politicians aren’t your subjects of study, then you’re their subject, literally.

But politics are not a game, nor are politicians players in it. The lazy analogies to “teams,” “finish lines” and “plays” are as shopworn as they are dangerous. If our political life is noxiously tribal, it’s because we’ve let generations of jumped-up jocks masquerade as informed political observers.

Rather than athletics, politics should better be analogized with an elemental force, like continental drift, and politicians are the people who presume to possess the levers adequate to shift the drift. How much we credit them with that ability is the measure of elections.

This is all to say that politics are so complex and fundamental that few politicians are capable of understanding, much less manipulating, the forces they propose to command. Bad politicians are game-players; good ones are appropriately awed by the forces with which they contend and often put at their disposal.

I’ve benefited from a number of keen political teachers who helped me understand these ideas, and one of the first and most critical (on several levels) was longtime local educator Ray Miller, who left us April 24 at the age of 81.

STR8TS Solution

Mr. Miller influenced thousands of Sandpoint kids over his decades as a teacher of economics, history and more, as well as a football, wrestling, and track and field coach. I didn’t have him as a coach — and he would have growled at me if he heard my poke above about jocks — but I was a nerd who often chose to eat lunch in his classroom and bother him with questions rather than hang out with my friends.

as Sandpoint mayor. It was a singular feeling to call my old teacher, and friend, to interview him on matters of city politics during his tenure, which lasted from 2002’08 (he also served on the City Council from 1982-’02), and he was just as quick to correct my errors as he was to grumble a little praise when I got it right.

Looking back 30 or so years to those lunchtimes, I’m shocked that he was willing to sacrifice what I now know were probably the only minutes he had to eat, prep or otherwise not be bothered by teenagers only to have me barraging him on topics ranging from his recollections of the Vietnam War to the finer points of late-20th century Middle East diplomacy.

Ray approached politics, and the history underpinning them, with scholastic sobriety. To say I was and remain “to the left” of his ideological position is an understatement (he one time told me in a half-joking way that it broke his heart that his finest student had turned out a “pinko,” and half-flatteringly referred to me as “Jane Fonda’s brother”). But he and I always found common ground the nearer we approached libertarian territory, and all the while he was helping hone my “crap detector.”

That was true when I was his student, as well as later when I was a reporter covering him during his time

Sudoku Solution

Ray and I joked and jabbed at each other for many, many years but always with the highest affection, and to say I’m going to miss him is as big an understatement as saying I respected him has a teacher, mentor, political animal, family man and (above all) member of a community that he had such a steady hand in influencing — and for the better.

Crossword Solution

I bet if you were a mummy wrapper in ancient Egypt, one thing you would constantly find yourself telling people would be, “Be sure, before I start, you have all the jewelry and so forth on the body, because I am not unwrapping him later.”

Ray Miller. Courtesy photo

Solution on page 26

Laughing Matters

By Bill Borders

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

Partially open

Overshoe

Low point

Achy

Pinnacle

Shopworn

Typewriter type

Harness part

Enteric

Flying mammals

Rip up

Perception

Shade trees

Like clear mental images

Go-between

Wavy

Less timid

Earned

Went in

Pee

Somebody

Secluded valley

Cooking outdoors

Large body of water

Leaves out

On edge

Solution on page 26 Word Week of the braird /braird/ [noun] 1. the first sprouts or shoots of grass, corn or other crops

“The delicate braird of lettuce greens began to emerge from the damp soil a few days after the rain.”

Corrections: We’ve been rocking 28-page editions lately due to the increase in advertisements and heavy influx of election-related content. That said, we didn’t hear of any flubs, so Bob’s your uncle.

Exclamation of contempt

Uncouth

Mimicked

Sorts

Traded

Social status

Care for

Cash drawer

Desire

Balm ingredient

Against

Raise the alarm

Mine entrance

Religious ceremony

Clothe

Painkiller

Became a member

Colonnades

Proposition

Red Sea

River to the North Sea

King of the jungle

Kiln-dried barley

Style of horse riding

Female tiger

Goat antelope

Solution on page 26

Nitpicky to a fault

French for “Head”

Biblical garden

Announce

Unrequested

Citrus

Noodles

Turn sour

Howdy

Subsequently

Gunk

Pelts

Ticks off

Being

Adjusts