Horizon winter 2015

WINTER 2015

HORIZON

Winter In the Pend Oreille River Valley A supplement publication of the Newport and Gem State Miner Newspapers

Advertisers’ Index Aerocet...................................................... 22 Academy Mortgage................................... 23 Alta Forest Products................................. 7 Associated Loggers Exchange................... 13 Ben Franklin............................................. 11 Bonner General Health............................. 31 Cenex Harvest States................................ 9 Concept Cable TV...................................... 13 Deer Park Family Care Clinic.................... 25 Du-Mor Recycling..................................... 12 Festival at Sandpoint................................ 26 Fogle Pump & Supply Inc.......................... 30 Good Samaritan Society........................... 14 H & D Diesel............................................... 27 Harthill’s................................................... 8 Hearing Center......................................... 28 Idaho Forest Products............................... 19 Inland Imaging......................................... 30 Inland Power............................................. 21 Kalispel Tribe............................................ 3 Kaniksu Village Apartments.................... 20 Law Office of Denise Stewart.................... 20 Newport Consolidated School District...... 6 Newport Hospital and Health Services..... 32 North 40 Fence......................................... 15 Northern Lakes Dock and Barge............... 15 Oxarc......................................................... 11 Parker and Sons........................................ 11 Pend Oreille PUD....................................... 27 Pend Oreille River Tourism Alliance........ 14 Pend Oreille Solid Waste........................... 9 Ponderay Newsprint................................. 23 Priest River Mini Storage.......................... 23 Rob’s Heating and Cooling....................... 12 Rogers Body and Frame............................ 7 Rural Resources – Aging and Disability... 25 Rural Resources – Community Action..... 22 Rural Resources – Dial-A-Ride................. 21 Seeber’s Pharmacy.................................... 14 Selkirk Ace Hardware............................... 12 Shafers Heating......................................... 29 Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home & Crematory...................... 6 SMS Community Shuttle.......................... 28 Spokane Community Colleges.................. 20 Spokane Powersports................................ 22 Spokane Rock Products Inc...................... 31 Tri-Pro Forest Products............................ 8 TrussTek................................................... 6 Vaagen Bros.............................................. 9 Varno Construction.................................. 29 Wood’s Crushing and Hauling Inc........... 15

Index: Bird Watching 4

Camas Center for Community Wellness 10

Local Theater 18

Skiing 20

Ice Fishing 24

Editor’s Note: This edition of Horizon celebrates winter activities. We live among some of the best skiing opportunities around and we have stories about both downhill skiing and cross country skiing.

John Stuart wrote a story about the local bird watching scene, with plenty of great photos supplied by Deborah Stafford, along with a couple Stuart photos. The Christmas Bird Count is coming up but there are bird watching opportunities throughout the year.

Another outdoor activity for the winter is ice fishing. Anglers must exercise caution, but once the ice is strong enough, ice fishing provides a way to get out in the fresh air and get some fresh fish.

If you want to break up your outdoor recreation with some indoor fun, the Camas Center for Community Wellness in Usk is an amazing place to do so. It is truly one of the gems in the region and especially appreciated in the cold weather months, when the steam rooms, hot tub and weight rooms help break up the winter blues.

The local theater scene has productions coming up in their new Pend Oreille Players playhouse in Newport, formerly the Eagles Lodge.

The Pend Oreille Players have a show running now and will have auditions throughout the winter, along with the monthly Open Mic event.

And for parents, students and sports fans, when the high school sports team is home for a competition, good crowds can be found socializing, enjoying the competition and supporting their athletes.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Horizon.

-DG

Community Horizon Published: December 2015 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Design: Pandi Gruver and Brad Thew Advertising: Micki Brass, Cindy Boober and Lindsay Guscott

HORIZON is published quarterly as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156.

TELEPHONE: 509-447-2433 E-MAIL: theminer@povn.com.

FAX: 509-447-9222 Reproduction of articles & photographs is prohibited without permission of the publisher. See all issues at The Miner Online: www.pendoreillerivervalley.com Winter 2015|Horizon 3

Courtesy photo|John Stuart

This is a downy woodpecker, one of four species of woodpeckers found in the area.

Pend Oreille River draws birds for winter More than 200 species in the area

By John Stuart

W

opted home. The landscape of my youth

hen I moved to Pend

had no trees and few birds. Making the

Oreille County 40 years

move to forested country was a real “ear-

ago, it was a shock to hear

opener.”

the variety of birdsong in my new ad4 Horizon| 2015 Winter

A basic instinct for me has been to understand, or at least, be aware of the natural world around me.

So identification of birds using both ears and eyes

began immediately. But simple identification of birds was a slippery slope and I was soon tripping over frogs, butterflies, colorful plants and of course large animals. As Calvin said when he and Hobbes found the muddy little trickle of water in the woods, “I think our day is booked.” It is an endless fascination.

Throughout the year it is possible to find more than 200 species of bird in our local area. In winter, the Pend Oreille River is a gathering place for many Continued on page 6

Christmas Bird Count Jan. 3

Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

This is a red-breasted nut hatch. Their excitable yank-yank calls sound like tiny tinhorns being honked in the treetops.

Courtesy photo| John Stuart

The pine grosbeak feeds on mountain ash berries in winter.

NEWPORT – The Christmas Bird Count will be held Sunday, Jan. 3, this season. The mobile folks will meet at Audrey’s Restaurant (west of Newport, just beyond the high school on Highway 2) at 6:30 a.m., (breakfast and/or hot drinks available) and then head out about 7 a.m. They will regroup again at Audrey’s between 4 and 4:30 p.m. to have a gab session and tally up their different lists.

They will be carpooling so that novice birders can be paired with experienced birders.

“We will have one or two spare pairs of binoculars,” says John Stuart, one of the organizers. “Bring lunch, drink and dress warmly. We try to get out of the vehicles and walk in certain places for up to a half hour at a time, so warm boots are good.”

Stuart says stay at home birders are welcome to participate.

“We would love to have lots of people counting at their feeders,” he says. “And if you are at home and want to just walk around your neighborhood and count birds, that would be most welcome.”

The CBC is purely about having a good time gawking at the birds and socializing. Beginners are welcome.

“Some of us are getting grey around the edges and it would be good to have some young people with good eyes and ears,” Stuart says.

There is also a local birding e-mail list for those interested in hearing about bird sightings or reporting their own sightings, in this area. Call John Stuart with any questions or to sign up for the email list at 509-447-2644.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 5

Newport Consolidated School District

“Educate to Participate, in School and in Life”

509-447-3167

Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

Bohemian waxwings are social birds that appear in groups of up to 200.

Continued From page 5

ducks, geese and other water birds. A lot of these species breed farther north and move south, looking for relatively

mild weather with water bodies that don’t freeze over. We have counted 5,000 to 12,000 waterfowl between Dalkena and Riverbend in various years. The National Audubon Society

“One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is having your funeral arrangements pre-planned.”

For assistance in...

• Pre-planning & Pre-payment Plans • Funerals • Monuments • Cremations - performed locally

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home & Crematory

423 2nd St. • Newport, WA • (509) 447-3118 www.sherman-knapp.com 6 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

This is a hairy woodpecker. It looks similar to the smaller downy woodpecker.

BUYING CEDAR LOGS Delivered into Naples, Idaho & Swan Lake Landing, St. Maries, Idaho

Trevor Favaro 208-290-4547 Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

A Bohemian waxwing comes in for a landing. These birds come from the far north.

(NAS) recognizes this stretch of the river and Calispel Lake as “Important Bird Areas.”

There is also a short list of terrestrial species that summer in the Arctic and

winter at our latitude, which for them, is like moving to Palm Springs. Small flocking birds include redpolls that

(Formerly Welco Lumber)

Lifetime Guarantee Loaner Cars All Insurance Accepted Free Estimates

Continued on page 9

“Like it never happened” Newport, WA • 509-447-4225 www.rogersbodyandframe.com

Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

Here is a black-capped chickadee. Its quickness to discover bird feeders makes it one of the first birds most people learn about.

Winter 2015|Horizon 7

TRI-PRO Forest Products is a state-of-the-art lumber manufacturing facility in Oldtown, ID. We manufacture a complete line of lumber products specializing in decking, siding, patterns, and trim.

1122 Hwy 2, Oldtown • (208) 437-2412 Courtesy photo|John Stuart

Here is a pileated woodpecker in the winter. The holes these birds make in their search for carpenter ants offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats and pine martens.

101 Roberts Ave., Chewelah, WA • (509) 935-8829 Visit us in our New Location Lawn & Garden Mowers, Downtown Chewelah!

Tractors, Snow Blowers www.hartillstractorequipment.com

4 WD Tractors from 22 HP to 90 HP Many Cab Tractor options

Courtesy photo|Deborah Stafford

This is an evening grosbeak, which is a social bird, often found in flocks.

8 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Continued From page 7

feed in alders along waterways and snow buntings that browse for grass seeds in the Cusick hayfields. The easyto-overlook northern shrike is a robinsized bird that hunts small rodents in open hayfields. Rough-legged hawks, which are the same size as redtails, are open-country hunters as well.

Bohemian waxwings are social birds that appear in groups of up to 200 and are found feeding on our native smallfruit, mainly hawthorn and mountain ash.

During the holidays the Audubon Society sponsors the annual Christmas Bird Count. This will be year number 116 nationally and our local Pend Oreille CBC is in its 11th year. The 24-hour count will be held on Sunday, Jan. 3. Counting happens within a 15mile diameter circle, roughly between Newport and Davis Lake (E-W) and between the Pend Oreille River and Scotia Road (N-S). Some observers travel in cars and others count at their home feeders. Anyone who would like

to participate can call me at 5094472644.

We usually find about 60 species on the one-day count.

Most of us who have learned to recognize different bird species have started by watching closely at a feeder. With birds returning many times a day to feed, noticing the fine points in bird shapes and colors comes quickly.

Common feeder species in our area are three chickadees, black-capped, mountain and chestnut-backed; four woodpeckers, hairy, downy, flicker and pileated; two jays, Steller’s and gray (camp robber) and several seedeating/finch-type birds, house finch, American goldfinch, pine siskin and evening grosbeak.

Christmas Bird Counts are all about having a good time for the participants but by being repeated at the same time and place every year, the bird numbers become valuable scientific information about the birds and how populations are changing over time. In recent years NAS has collected info from more than 70,000

FREE recycling of: COMPUTERS MONITORS LAPTOPS TELEVISIONS PEND OREILLE COUNTY SOLID WASTE E-CYCLE Drop off E-cycle at any Transfer Station

509-447-4513

PROPANE SALES Serving Pend Oreille & Bonner Counties Since 1996

CENEX HARVEST STATES (509) 534-0470 • www.cnxhs.com

WORKING HARD TO USE OUR FORESTS WISELY Proud to be able to help better utilize our natural resources.

We’re recovering valuable wood fibre from many thousands of tons of material that would previously have been wasted on our forests’ floor.

WOOD FIBRE THROUGH BETTER FOREST UTILIZATION.

Usk Office • 888 445-1732 Colville Office • 509-684-5071 Winter 2015 |Horizon 9

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Ryan Rogers and Karter Rogers, 2, were taking their first swim at the Camas Center recently. They made the trip down from Metaline.

Camas Center for Community Wellness tops for recreation

By Don Gronning

O

n any given day at the Camas Center for Community Wellness, located in Usk, you can

find people swimming laps, working out, watching television, using a com10 Horizon| 2015 Winter

puter, sitting in a steam room, playing table tennis or pool or getting a healthy meal at the cafeteria. There are kids birthday parties, public meetings, a medical clinic and child care.

The Camas Center is one of the area’s jewels, especially in the winter, when the sauna, hot tub and steam room are especially welcome.

“We’ve been coming since it opened,” says Martha Nichols of Newport as she soaks in the hot tub.

“Since I started this place has fixed all my aches and pains.”

She and her husband Dale make the trip form Newport regularly.

Dean Real lives in the Cusick area. He comes to the Camas Center and works out in the weight room.

“I think it’s the best facility I’ve ever been to,” he Continued on page 12

Your “Single Source” Supplier for Safety • Eye Protection • Fire Protection • First Aid Supplies • Protective Clothing Including Hard Hats & Gloves

Call the Experts at OXARC Safety now!

Mike Standley

509-535-7794 Ext. 3161 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

Our Mobile Unit Will Come to You in Pend Oreille County “Repair First, Replace When Necessary”

Parker & Sons

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Swimming laps in the 25-meter lap pool is one of the popular activities at the Camas Center for Community Wellness.

1-800-545-2173 Quality Service Since 1980

I Love Shopping at

• Convenience • Savings • Variety

BEN FRANKLIN

Shop Us Online www.BenFranklinVariety.com for items not found in store

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Mon - Sat 8 am - 7 pm Sun 9 am - 6 pm

BEN FRANKLIN

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Martha Nichols of Newport relaxes in the hot tub at the Camas Center. She says coming to the Camas Center has done wonders for various aches and pains.

®

(208) 437-4822

201 East 4th Street North • Oldtown

facebook.com/bfoldtown Winter 2015 |Horizon 11

OWNER/INSTALLER/SERVICE

Rob Hoepfer

Rob’s Heating & Cooling “WHERE SERVICE IS OUR MAIN GOAL”

(208) 610-5747

OR

(208) 437-0174

robs-heating-cooling@hotmail.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED WA & ID

Recycle Today For A Better Tomorrow

PAYING CASH!*

*In accordance with WA State Law

• Copper • Brass • Aluminum Stainless • Aluminum Cans • Batteries • Radiators

Du-Mor Recycling

• Computers • Monitors • Cardboard • Iron • Newspaper

N 6404 Perry • Spokane (509) 489-6482 One block north of Francis, 14 blocks east of Division

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Kathy Charko is a regular at the weight room at the Camas Center. Here she reads while working out on the recumbent bike.

Continued From page 10

FIND YOUR PERFECT COLOR.

26 SELKIRK K “YOUR HOMETOWN DIFFERENCE” East end of the Oldtown bridge, Oldtown, Idaho - 208.437.5669 Open 7 days a week from 7am to 6pm 12 Horizon| 2015 Winter

says. He likes the variety of weights, ranging from free weights to the various machines. He comes about three times a week and enjoys the socializing as much as the workouts.

“This is part of my second retirement,” he jokes.

He says his wife, Mardi, had a back problem.

“The doctor said come here and swim, so she did,” Real said. She was on the verge of needing surgery before she started swimming. “She doesn’t need an operation now.”

The Camas Center was deliberately developed as a wellness center. It opened in 2007.

“The Camas Center for Community Wellness is part of the Kalispel Tribe’s vision for improving the standard of living among tribal members and the community,” reads the entry on the tribe’s website introducing the center, www.kalispeltribe.com/camascenter/overview.

“At the heart of this operation, we collectively believe that a healthy

and active lifestyle brings a long, prosperous life.”

The $18 million, two-story, 7,700-square-foot facility features an aquatic center with four swimming pools. There is a 25-meter lap pool, an activity pool with multiple water features, a recreation pool with a large waterslide and a large hot tub.

In the locker rooms are both a dry sauna and a steam room.

The Camas Center also has a teen room, with computers, pool and table tennis games available.

The gymnasium has seating for 350, but most days it is used by young and old for everything from pickup basketball games to pickle ball. On a recent day a group of youngsters was playing touch football.

The 33-foot climbing wall is a challenge. The staff is trained in belaying.

Belaying refers to a techniques climbers use to exert tension on a climbing rope so that a falling climber does not fall very far. All climbers wear a Continued on page 14

Connecting Diamond Lake, Newport, Oldtown & Priest River to the World Your Best Internet and Cable Option HD, SD, Digital, Analog Video Packages

• • • • • •

INTERNET OPTIONS INCLUDE Cable Broadband DOCSIS II up to 15 x 2.5 Cable Broadband DOCSIS III Available in some areas.

• • • • • •

High Speed Commercial Wireless Limited Areas High Speed Commercial Fiber Priest River

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Don Real comes to the Camas Center about three times a week to lift weights. He enjoys socializing at the center as much as the workout.

Your Best Internet Source on the PUD Fiber Call Us Now for Details (208) 437-4544 www.conceptcable.com Your Future in Fiber

Attention Idaho Logging & Log Hauling Contractors & Other Businesses Need Insurance for Your Business? Call the Experts!

Associated Loggers Exchange * * * *

Workers compensation General liability Loggers broad form Property

* * * *

Equipment Truck Home & Auto Health Insurance

Associated Insurance Services, LLC “WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB FOR YOU”

COEUR D’ALENE OFFICE

Phone 208-667-6473 Or 800-632-8743 Dan Musselman Jordan McDaniel

BOISE OFFICE

Phone 800-678-7733 Or 208-336-7733 Bryan Graham Becky Carlson - Health Ins. Winter 2015|Horizon 13

“Your Comprehensive Home Health Care Center and Local Pharmacy.”

• MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Wheelchairs, Crutches, Walkers & Canes. Bathroom Aids • MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Wound Care, Gloves • ATHLETIC PRODUCTS: Braces, Splints • PRESCRIPTION SERVICES

509-447-2484 • 336 S. Washington Ave.

Step back in time

Ride our restored antique train.

Tour millennia-old Gardner Cave.

Watch tundra swans herald spring.

Paddle the Pend Oreille River.

Camp in the wilderness.

Pend Oreille River Tourism Alliance www.porta-us.com

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

These youngsters were playing touch football in the gym at the Camas Center.

Continued From page 14

Tyour he best time to make move is now.

We have reduced our rates in our senior housing with services apartments and cottage homes. You can benefit from our monthly reduced rates, entrance fees and many more reduced rate options. For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at (509) 340-3155.

17121 E 8th Ave Spokane Valley, WA The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome. Copyright © 2013 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. 13-G0987

14 Horizon| 2015 Winter

safety harness.

The cafeteria is different from many. It focuses on healthy food, with posters around comparing portion sizes and calories and the difference between a healthy salad and a calorie filled one.

The television in the lounge is turned to CNN and people can be found catching up on news.

In addition to the recreation and fitness part of the center, there is a medical clinic and childcare.

The center is open Monday-Friday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People can buy daily, or monthly passes to the Camas Center, with a sliding scale. If you’re paying by the

day, it costs $10 per adult to use the facility. Young people 18 and under pay $5, as do seniors 55 and older.

Monthly family memberships come with 30 hours of free childcare.

For one adult family membership, the cost is $50 a month. A two-adult family costs $60, adult membership is $35, those 18 and younger pay $15 a month, those 55-69 pay $20, those 70 and older pay $10 and people older than 80 get in for $5 a month.

Martha Nichols, the woman from Newport, says she enjoys the variety of ages.

“I like that there are people of all ages here,” she says. “It’s great to see the kids.”

Nichols sums up the feelings of many.

“This is quite a gift to the community,” she says.

Community New Years Eve party free The Camas Center for Community Wellness will once again be the site of a community New Year’s Ever party.

This year’s party will be free, says Deanna Taxter, administrative services manager for the Kalispel Tribe.

“We used to charge a nominal fee and take $1 off for a food donation,” she said. “We’ll still welcome any food donation, but this year we waived the fee.”

Things will get underway at 7 p.m. Activities wrap up by 1 a.m., she says.

About 250-300 people come to the event, she says. Among the attractions are all ages bingo and inflatable bouncy house, slides and other inflatable attractions from All Star Jump of Colbert. The rockwall will be open for climbing, swimming pools will be available, and there will be carnival games with prizes and a cakewalk, all for free.

The event is a clean and sober event.

s ’ d WCRUSHING & HAULING, INC. OO

• ROCK • CRUSHED ROCK • SAND • ASPHALT • PAVING • ROAD WORK • CUSTOM ROCK CRUSHING Brian & Penny Wood 933 Woodside Road Sandpoint, ID (208) 263-4800 (208) 290-3469 Cell brianw933@gmail.com pennyw993@gmail.com

NORTH 40 FENCE To Enhance & Secure Your Investments

Craftmanship & Integrity Commercial, Farm, Home Established 1983 Landscaping

509-276-1140 Proprietor: Austin Wells Lic. #NORTH4F96004

No

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

The 33-foot climbing wall is a fun way to exercise.

akes Dock & Ba L n r e rg rth Kevin Hansen (208) 428-0505 • (208) 290-2319

DOCKS - NEW & REBUILD PILE DRIVING WATER FRONT ENHANCEMENT RIPRAP/ SAND & GRAVEL BARGE SERVICE

e

RCE-4625 Winter 2015|Horizon 15

High school sports provide excitin

Fans include family members, students, comm

By Don Gronning

W

hen the weather gets cold and a team gets hot, you

can be sure the high school gymnasium they are playing in will be filled with fans.

“There are a lot of faithful fans win or lose,” says Dick Frederick, father of Newport girls basketball coach Mike Frederick. “Of course there are a lot more when the team is winning.”

Frederick keeps stats for the Grizzlies, something he has done since he moved here in 1998. He figures he has only missed a couple games in 18 years.

“The first year I was here they won a state championship,” he says. “They had quite a ball club that year.”

From the north end of Pend Oreille County to Priest River high school athletes play basketball and wrestle in the winter and people come to watch. It’s inexpensive, it’s a fun spectacle, with a band and cheerleaders, as well as a place to socialize with neighbors and friends.

People come watch high school sports for a variety of reasons.

Ron Erickson has been a fixture at Newport sports events for years, sitting on the sidelines at both home and away games, his trademark handlebar mustache visible.

He is taking a break this winter to travel to Arizona, but for years has been a Grizzly supporter.

He and his late wife Nelda got started going to games when they had foster children.

“They played and their friends played,” says Erickson, “so we went to the games.”

Erickson supports the team with more than his presence. He also donates a fair

Band kids can be counted on to provide some spirit. Here the Newport band cuts up during a basketball game.

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

16 Horizon| 2015 Winter

The concession stand at Newport High School is located in the Grizzly Den.

Sometimes younger siblings aren’t as i in bugging their brother, as shown in t

ng diversion during cold weather

munity from around Pend Oreille River Valley

File photo

Wrestling is one of the winter sports. Here Larry Naccaratto of Priest River battles Selkirk’s Zayren Bubb in the 132-pound bracket at the Priest River Invitational last season.

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

interested in the game as they are this 2013 picture.

amount of money for scholarships. It’s something he and his wife started doing years ago. When they first started, they had a hard time figuring out who to give money to.

“So we decided to give so much for free throws and so much for 3-pointers,” he says.

That expanded to $700 scholarships for senior girls in soccer, volleyball and basketball.

There seems to be three types of spectators – members of the community like Erickson, parents and fellow students.

Lori Stratton is a parent. Her daughter, Hadley, plays girls basketball. Stratton has used unusual motivation techniques to improve Hadley’s play.

“Last year I would pay a dollar for every minute she didn’t foul in the first quarter,” Stratton says. “This year I think I’ll have her pay me if she fouls out.”

Brad Waterman was attending the first game of the season recently.

“I like watching basketball,” he says. He’s also there to support his foster daughter, Harley Taylor.

Gae Lewis has come to quite a few games.

“I like to watch them play,” she says. It’s a good thing. Her daughter, Emily, is the fourth daughter she’s raised. “This is my thirteenth year,” she says.

David Bradbury is a Newport teacher who leads a student broadcast team, which broadcasts Grizzly home games over KUBSFM, at 91.5. He’s been involved in Newport athletics and broadcasting since he was a student and player back in the 90s.

“There are multiple generations involved,” he says.

He says the Grizzly parents club, the Grizzly Maws and Paws, have held different events supporting Newport athletics over the years.

“They used to have a coaches breakfast,” he says, where athletes, coaches and parents ate breakfast together regularly. “They try to make it a real family thing.”

Horizon photo|Kelly Driver

In small schools with competitive teams like Cusick, winter sports draw good crowds for home games, like this one last year.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 17

Pend Oreille Players finds new home for new shows

By Sophia Aldous

T

he Pend Oreille Players is a theatrical gem nestled in Newport

that features shows and concerts throughout the year. The organization is a non-profit that recently moved into the former Newport Eagles Lodge on Union Avenue, after purchasing the building for $130,000.

“We were gypsies for a while, but it’s good to be here,” said Millie Brumbaugh, Pend Oreille Players Association (POPA) Board President. “We went from storing costumes and props in people’s garages and basements to having a place of our own.”

POP moved into their new location at 236 S. Union Ave., in April. A typical POP season begins in July with the selection of a production for elementary and junior high aged children, one for teens and college students and another for adults.

According to the Pend Oreille Players (POP) website, POP produced their first play in 1997 under the artistic umbrella of CREATE. In 2004 Pend Oreille Players Association was incorporated as its own nonprofit organization.

POPA produces plays and musicals for all ages, by participants of all ages.

Continued on page 31

18 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Courtesy photos|Chris Demlow

Clockwise from top left: Ebeneezer Scrooge; Dressed in costume for the Pend Oreille Players version of “A Christmas Carol”; Tiny Tim and Robert “Bob” Cratchit

Winter 2015 |Horizon 19

Time for Cross Country Skiing

By Sophia Aldous

W

ith the advent of the winter season comes winter recreation, and cross-country skiers are ready to take advantage of the snow. Cross-country skiing is not to be confused with down-

hill skiing, which typically takes place at ski resorts.

Cross-country skis are designed to handle different types of terrain. Downhill skis are designed for simply traveling down the mountain whereas cross-country skis are designed for traveling up, down, and around mountains. Cross-country skiing has been touted as one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise during the winter months and is also a great way to explore winter trails.

According to the website www.trails.com, cross-country skis are lighter, narrower, and straighter in design than downhill skis. The main determinant for selecting cross-country skis is body weight, but ability and the preferred types of terrain also influence the decision. Cross-country skis come in an assortment of widths; with narrower skis best for skiing groomed trails and wider skis better for a varied terrain including powder and backcountry landscape.

The cost of cross-country ski equipment is significantly lower than downhill ski equipment.

According to Backcountry.com the cost of cross-country skis ranges from $80 to $300 whereas downhill skis can cost anywhere from $400 upward to $900 or more. Binding, boots, poles and resort passes for cross-country skiing are also considerably less than downhill skiing versions.

Units Available

NOW!

Law Office of

Denise Stewart Wills • Trusts Probate • Medicaid Business Powers of Attorney 301 S. Washington Ave., Suite A Newport, WA (509) 447-3242 20 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Kaniksu Village Apartments Affordable housing for: Families, Seniors, & Disabled Rent based on 30% of income 109 E. 5th Ave., Metaline Falls, WA

(509) 446-4100 EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Local mountains hope for record snowfall

By Sophia Aldous

W

ith the advent of the winter season comes winter recreation, and area resorts are

ready to welcome seasonal sports enthusiasts.

Area ski hills, like 49 Degrees North, located at 3311 Flowery Trail Road, or Schweitzer Mountain Resort, located on Schweitzer Mountain Road near Sandpoint, are open for business.

“Schweitzer is looking forward to a decent season,” Marketing Manager Dig Chrismer said. “With all the snow projections, the weather gurus are calling for a slightly above average season.”

The average snowfall for Schweitzer is about 300 Continued on page 22

Courtesy photo|Schweitzer

Skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Eternally optimistic skiers think this will be a good year for snow.

Dial-A-Ride

Public Transportation between Usk, Cusick, Kalispel Wellness Center and Newport Monday-Thursday

Newport to Wellness Center

Location Departure Safeway 6:30 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 7:00 AM) Safeway 9:05 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 9:45 AM) Safeway 10:50 AM Ben Franklin 10:53 AM Food Fresh 10:55 AM (Arrives Wellness Center 11:35 AM) Safeway 1:10 PM Ben Franklin 1:13 PM Food Fresh 1:15 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 2:10 PM) Safeway 2:50 PM Ben Franklin 2:53 PM Food Fresh 2:55 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 3:30 PM) Safeway 4:20 PM Ben Franklin 4:23 PM Food Fresh 4:25 PM (Arrives Wellness Center 5:00 PM)

Rural Resources Transportation will not discriminate because of race, religion, color, gender, pregnancy, age (including those over 40), national origin (including ancestry), ethnicity, disability (as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Wellness Center to Newport

Location Wellness Center Arrives Safeway Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway Ben Franklin Food Fresh Wellness Center Safeway

Departure 7:05 AM 7:35 AM 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 10:53 AM 10:55 AM 11:40 AM (Arrives) 12:20 PM 12:23 PM 12:25 PM 2:15 PM 2:50 PM 2:53 PM 2:55 PM 3:35 PM 4:20 PM 4:23 PM 4:25 PM 5:05 PM 5:30 PM

1-800-776-9026 • 509-684-2961

Call the day before to schedule your ride.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 21

Continued From page 21

er t r o p p u S d rou

P

of r e y o l p m E and r Priest Rive World’s only manufacturer of FAA approved composite aircraft floats!

208-448-0400 265 Shannon Lane, Industrial Park aerocet.com

inches of snow. When 49 Degrees North opened its ski lifts on Sunday, Dec. 6, the snowfall at the lodge was 18 inches and the summit was holding out at 23 inches.

“It’s easy to get lost in all the hype about the winter forecasts, but we are just looking forward to getting out on the mountain and enjoying whatever winter shows up,” Chrismer said.

There are 2,900 acres of lift-serviced terrain that ranks Schweitzer among the largest resorts in North America. There is also a Winter Break Camp at Schweitzer that is for kids ages 5-12.

At 49 Degrees North, there is a total patrolled area of 2,325 acres and an average annual snowfall of 301 inches.

There are 82 marked trails and 10 miles of cross country trails.

For more information, go to www. schweitzer.com or www.ski49n.com.

Courtesy photo|Schweitzer

This skier is ready for some action as he heads up the hill.

An Option for Unpaid Family Caregivers

IF the individual you are caring for: • Is not eligible for Medicaid long term care services

Celebrating 41 years of Serving You!

OR • Chooses not to receive Medicaid funded long term care services

North 6521 Division, Spokane, WA

509-467-8185 Open: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

S Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday & Monday

WE TAKE TRADES!

Sales • Service • Parts •Accessories We Service All Makes and Models

Visit us at www.spokanepowersports.com p Like us on Facebook

22 Horizon| 2015 Winter

AND you are caring for a parent, spouse, partner, other relative or friend (age 18+), you may want to consider the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP).

The program may be able to offer you things like: • Services to make your caregiving responsibilities easier • Problem-solving techniques • Training with routine care tasks for you or the person you care for • A break from caregiving or how to reduce your stress • AND other types of services to help you in caring for a friend or loved one.

To find your local Family Caregiver Support Program, contact JoDee at Rural Resources Community Action

509-447-9997

Running Out of Room?

Store it at. . .

PRIEST RIVER MINI STORAGE • 5 sizes • Lighted • Secure • Clean • Resident Manager 208-448-1273 Hwy 57 • Priest River

Your Community Lender Cheryl M. Lipp, Loan Officer 509 684-6885 • 509 680-1597 309 South Main St., Colville Courtesy photo|Schweitzer

This is what every skier hopes for, a run through the powder. The views at Schweitzer are spectacular.

PPONDERAY NEWSPRINT COMPANY 422767 Highway 20 • Usk, WA 99180

email: cheryl.lipp@academy.cc www.academymortgage.com/cheryllip

I take pride in my customer’s who become life-long friends.

AT PONDERAY NEWSPRINT, WE MAKE DECISIONS WITH TOMORROW IN MIND. WE KNOW THAT OUR LONG-TERM PROFITABILITY DEPENDS ON PRESERVING THE NATURAL RESOURCES IN OUR CARE AND BEING A RESPONSIBLE PARTNER IN THE COMMUNITIES WHERE WE LIVE.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 23

Courtesy photo|Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife

Spirit Lake is a prime spot for ice fishing, when the weather is cold enough.

I

Get outdoors and fish

ce fishing is a great way to be outdoors in the winter. All you need to get started is warm clothes, a few

pieces of equipment and a place to go, ac-

cording to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The most common fish pursued are perch and trout. Bluegill, kokanee and crappie are also possible.

The biggest concern is always the ice. As a general rule, three to four inches of solid ice will support a person. However, it takes eight to 10 inches of solid ice to support a snow machine or ATV.

Safety

Ice conditions vary with weather conditions, so be sure to take along your common sense. Generally, three to four inches of solid ice will support a person; eight to 10 inches of solid ice are needed to support an ATV or snow machine.

Because ice conditions can change quickly, especially in late winter, choose safety first when selecting your fishing spot. Drilling a test hole before venturing far out is the best way to check the ice conditions. Fish and Game regional offices do not have daily knowledge of ice conditions.

24 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Courtesy photo|Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife

Anglers fish for kokanee on Spirit Lake, south of Blanchard.

When drilling holes, keep them less than ten inches wide. This is for the safety of other anglers who might step in or fall through abandoned holes that have just skimmed over with ice.

Clothing

Dressing in layers is the best way to prepare for any outdoor activity. Heavy soled boots, insulated overalls, gloves and hats are all recommended cloth-

Drs Edgar Figueroa MD, Jillian Foglesong MD, Julie Moran MD, Jon Wilson DO, Ms Charles Houchin PA-C Introducing

We are here to serve you.

Walk-ins Welcome!

NEW Hours for your convenience

7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday Appointments Call:

(509) 276-5005 or (866) 729-8505 905 E “D” St. • Deer Park www.dpfcc.com

Madeline Hill ARNP

OUR URGENT CARE PROVIDES

convenient, economical care for conditions that can’t wait until your next medical appointment.

The Urgent Care Clinic is available to everyone.

Courtesy photo|Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife

These are perch caught while ice fishing on Gamlin Lake near Sandpoint.

All insurance types are accepted as well as those without medical insurance on a cash basis. Our Urgent Care provides quality care without the high cost of Emergency Room billing.

Open Daily 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. www.dpurgentcare.com • 702 South Park, Deer Park

ing for ice fishing.

Equipment

A few specific tools are extremely helpful for ice fishing: • An auger: A hand-held type is efficient and relatively inexpensive. A moderately priced one will last for many years, but keep the blades sharp.

• A slotted ladle: A ladle helps keep your fishing hole free of ice.

• Jigging rods: You may wish to purchase a short jigging rod or and an icefishing tip-up at your sporting goods store. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, an old rod tip with a handle attached and simple device to hold the line will work just as well.

• Bait and tackle: For a start, a tackle kit might consist of some Swedish Pimples, glow hooks, jigs or ice flies. They generally work best tipped with some type of bait such as maggots, perch eyes, worms or cut bait.

• A large bucket: This is great for carrying equipment to the fishing site and back. It can also serve as a seat while tending rods.

Setting Up

Until you develop your own way of doing things, here’s how to get started.

Locate the site you wish to fish and use your auger to drill a hole through the ice.

Keep your ice holes to less than 10 inches. This is for the safety of other anglers who might step in or fall through abandoned holes that have just skimmed over with ice. (There is one exception on Bear Lake in Southeast Idaho where anglers can dip net cisco through any size hole.)

Set up your rods and begin looking for fish.

509-262-9000

Aging & Disability Resources

We’re here to help seniors & their families

Connecting Seniors with a wide array of programs and services within the community. We work with Medicare beneficiaries, assisting them with accessing prescription drug benefits.

Also • Social Security • SSI • Medicare • Medical Insurance • Long Term Care

• Weatherization • Prescriptions • Nutrition • Basic Food Benefits • In Home Care

• Home Repair • Energy Assistance • Housing • Legal Issues

(509) 447-9997

Technique

You may need to try fishing different depths to find fish. Generally perch like deeper water (10 to 40 feet) and can be found close to the bottom. Trout will often be found a bit further up from the bottom.

Continued on page 26

Serving Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens Counties Senior Information & Assistance Services are provided free of charge Winter 2015 |Horizon 25

Plenty of opportunities for ice fishing As long as the winter gets cold enough, there are several places to go ice fishing in Bonner County, and a couple locations close to Pend Oreille County.

Fernana, Round, Kelso, Smith, Cocolalla, Hauser, Twin lakes and Spirit Lake in the Idaho Panhandle are expected to offer fine fishing during the winter.

Eloika Lake in northern Spokane County should produce some decent yellow perch, although perch at Eloika Lake will likely be slightly larger, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dec. 1 marked the opening of whitefish season on the Little Spokane River between Highway 291 upstream to the West Branch tributary.

WDFW reminds anglers that whitefish gear rules apply here – one singlepoint hook, maximum hook size 14 (3/16-inch point to shank).

Check out WDFW and IDFG websites for information and the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet before fishing for all details.

Continued From page 25

A clip on sinker is handy for determining water depth and adjusting the depth of your lure.

Jigging is an effective ice fishing technique. To jig, slowly bring the rig up about one foot then allow it to settle back down, and repeat. The movement of the bait attracts a fish’s attention. Some anglers prefer to just set the line and watch for a strike.

Perch, bluegill and crappie are delicate biters under the ice and small hooks, small bobbers and a delicate touch are often needed to land a fish.

If a little while there are no strikes, you may want to move and try your luck in another spot.

Perch, especially, are a schooling fish. Once you find them the action will be fast.

Rules

Ice fishing rules are slightly different than general fishing for public safety and general crowding in Idaho.

An angler can fish with up to five poles or lines at a time, and have up to five hooks per line. All lines must be attended by the angler. A two-pole validation does not allow more than five lines while ice fishing. Some waters are managed under special rules that limit the number of poles or bait while ice fishing, so be sure to check fishing regulations for exceptions.

Statewide daily trout limit is six fish. There is no limit on perch, bluegill or crappie. Check the rules for the waters you are fishing for any special regulations that may apply.

Fishing is allowed only through a hole up to 10 inches in diameter.

There are no restrictions on the number of holes.

Gaff hooks may be used only to land fish through a hole cut or broken in the ice in waters that have no length restrictions or harvest closures for that species.

Anglers who use any enclosure or shelter for ice fishing and plan to leave it unattended overnight on the ice, must have the owner’s name, telephone number, and current address legibly marked on two opposing sides. Shelters must be removed from the ice before the spring thaw.

26 Horizon| 2015 Winter

H & D DIESEL, INC.

Over 20 Years Roadside Service CAT Dealer Experience Licensed • Insured

877-447-4699 ROD HILDEN

9381 Coyote Trail Phone (509) 447-4699 Newport, WA Courtesy photo|Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife

An angler tests the strength of ice for ice fishing in Bonner County.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 27

SMS Community Shuttle NEWPORT

A new winter fishing opportunity in northern Idaho

SPOKANE

STARTING JULY 1ST 2015 $5.00 ONE-WAY MONDAY - WEDNESDAY THURSDAY - FRIDAY

I

By Rob Ryan Panhandle Region Fishery Biologist

n northern Idaho, the temperatures are falling and the first snow of the year has come. For many, these conditions signal the coming of ice

fishing season.

ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM ARRIVE 2:00 PM 4:15 PM 5:45 PM

Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside Newport: Safeway Spokane Bank of America Howard & Riverside Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside Newport: Safeway Spokane: Bank of America

DEPART 6:35 AM 8:30 AM DEPART 2:05 PM 4:30 PM -

In the City of Spokane, we pick up or drop off at the Bank of America on Riverside and Howard.

Upon request, we can also pick up at the following locations: Spokane International Airport, any of the major Hospitals including VA Hospital, NorthTown Mall, Northpoint Wal-Mart, 29th and Regal, Fancher and Sprague or Trent and Fancher.

If you have a disability that prevents you from reaching one of our stops, please call our office to see if we can arrange a pickup at your home.

One-way fares $5.00 Newport/Spokane Reserve seating has priority. Open seating is available without reservations as capacity allows.

To reserve a seat, please call 24-hours in advance or during office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm SMS Community Shuttle 1-877-264-RIDE (7433) 509-534-7171 28 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Many of the region’s ponds and small lakes freeze over during the winter and provide fishing opportunities that are fun and easy to take advantage of. Throughout Idaho, popular fisheries for yellow perch, rainbow trout, as well as other fishes come alive with the formation of ice.

Ice anglers can look forward to a new opportunity this year. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game stocked rainbow trout in Avondale Lake in September.

Avondale Lake is a popular ice fishery close to the urban centers

Do you hear but not understand?

Do people seem to mumble, especially in noise?

Do you have difficulty understanding the television?

The Hearing Center is pleased to announce a major breakthrough in hearing technology, designed to make listening easy and enjoyable again.

Contact our appointment desk today!

Toll Free 1(844)Eargeek 1(844)327-4335 Eargeek.com

Hearing Center of Deer Park, WA (509) 276-8859 Hearing Center of Spokane, WA (844) 327-4335

Spec Finan ial availa cing easy ble with m paym onthly ents*

of Hayden and Coeur d’Alene. This lake gets too warm in summer months to support a trout fishery, but does offer suitable conditions during winter.

With this fish plant, we are trying to enhance the winter fishery in Avondale Lake. Although the lake hosts a variety of warmwater fish like perch and bluegill, fishing success can be hit or miss. We hope that stocking rainbow trout will provide a consistent opportunity to catch fish all winter long.

Fish and Game biologists will be evaluating rainbow trout stocking in Avondale Lake through the winter to see how well it worked to make fishing better. If rainbow trout provide the fishing experience we hope they will, this may be an opportunity we can provide for anglers in future years as well.

Because of its size and location, Avondale Lake often freezes adequately to allow a safe ice fishing experience. However, anglers should always use caution when venturing out on the ice to fish.

Also, anglers should note that Avondale Lake is privately owned.

Public parking and access is allowed across from the clubhouse at the Avondale Golf Club. Please respect private property owners around the lake while fishing.

On the hunting front, hunters and outdoor writers are starting to inquire about the final results of the hunting season. Those numbers will not be available until the hunter harvest reports are received and entered.

Fish and Game reminds hunters to submit their harvest reports as soon as they harvest an animal, or when they are finished hunting for the season. Most seasons have concluded, but there are muzzleloader and archery opportunities remaining for some species.

LLC

A C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M PA N Y

C O M F O R T

Serving Washington & Idaho since 2000 E L E G A N C E

F new construction U remodels • additions N C 509-447-5541 / 509-671-0406 T I www.varnoconstruction.com O WA Lic# VARNOL*896K6 N ID Lic# RCE-32589

High Efficiency Furnaces

Be set at ease with Honest, Expert Service!

Over 40 Years Experience

REBATES AVAILABLE NOW! shafersheating.com • 208-772-2815

Winter 2015 |Horizon 29

30 Horizon| 2015 Winter

Continued From page 18

POPA also holds a drama day camp for kids age five to 18 every summer, and workshops for teens and adults covering several aspects of theatre.

POPA holds an annual One Act Play Festival and a New Play Workshop for new, unpublished works.

This winter, the players are performing ”A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and directed by Charlie Monte.

The show opens Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and will run for two weekends, Dec. 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. Sunday shows begin at 3 p.m.

Adult ticket prices are $12 and students, 18 and under are $6. Dinner and show packages are $25. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 509-4479900 or in person at the Playhouse Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., or online at www. pendoreilleplayers.org.

The play features animatronics to represent certain characters, made by

Monte and members of Makerspace, part of The Curiosity Factory, a newly forming non-profit based in Newport that brings together creativity, technology, and connectivity for makers in Pend Oreille County.

“The talent that lives in the woods around here never fails to impress,” Brumbaugh said.

Upcoming events include “Little Red Riding Hood (and the Power Mutants)”.

Auditions will be Jan. 25 and 26 at 3:30 p.m. for grades third through sixth.

Rehearsals begin Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m.

Auditions will include reading from the script which will be provided.

Auditions for “Clue, the Musical” will be March 28-29 at 6:30 p.m. This is a play for teens and adult. Rehearsals begin April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Auditions will include reading from the provided script and singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The playhouse is also home to a monthly Open Mic Event and concerts by local and non-local artists.

For more information, go to www. pendoreilleplayers.org.

Office 509-244-5421 • Toll Free (800) 396-2220

www.spokanerock.com

C O N C R E T E • S A N D & G R AV E L SACKED PRODUCTS • LANDSCAPE ROCK

Airway A i H Heights i h •P Post F Falls ll • E Elk lk • C Chattaroy h 3 Local Ready Mix Locations

BONNER GENERAL HEALTH COMMUNITY HOSPICE BONNER GENERAL HOME HEALTH SERVICES Our Hospice and Home Health Services programs partner with your physician to bring you the skilled health care you need at home. We offer a wide range of services, including: • 24 hour access to skilled nursing staff • Assistance and management of medications • Disease & pain management • Holistic medical services at home • Individual & group grief counseling • Palliative and end of life care • Physical, occuptational & speech therapy • Plus many more services

Our services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance providers.

Call us for more information | Home Health Services 208-265-1007 Hospice at 208-265-1179 It’s just another way Bonner General Health nurtures quality of life.

Winter 2015 |Horizon 31