WILDLIFE FOSTER MOM

I would like to introduce you to Dory McIsaac, Executive Director and operator of Mystic Farms Wildlife Rescue, Inc, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The primary function of this shelter, is the care and release to the wilds, Ungulates. These deer, elk and moose are orphaned and brought to the farm usually by citizens, and occasionally by Idaho Fish &game; Game officers. It is licensed by the state as an approved facility for caring for them.

With most animal rescues, the animals become used to human proximity and are not suitable for release. This is the only North Idaho rescue farm that raises primarily whitetail and mule deer for eventual release. Other rescue group's animals are usually either euthanized, or sent to zoos.

Dory was raised in Wisconsin and moved to Alaska where she attended the University of Alaska- Anchorage. She moved to Idaho in 2002, where she saw a need for animal rescue. She was able to convince Idaho Fish & Game of her credentials for rescue, rehabilitation and release back into the wild of orphans.

It is not a petting zoo and visitors are prohibited, as too much exposure to humans tends to negate the ability of these animals to remain wild, thence releasable. Dory also points out that fawns are left alone frequently while mom goes out to browse. Unless you are sure the Doe/mom is either dead or injured, leave it alone. Mom will return.

Mystic Farms operates 100% on donations and out of pocket expenditures. There are no paid employees. Everything is  volunteer. Though the facility is licensed by the state, no public funds are used. The budget usually runs about $400 per fawn which is fed for a season before soft release  This year, fourteen fawns are in care and will be released this fall. Currently, she feeds about 7 gallons of milk per day.

You can reach Mystic Farms at their web site, www.mystic-farm.com or on facebook.
www.facebook.com/mysticfarmwildliferescue . Your donation is critical if this fine operation is to continue. You can also just send a check to: Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue, Inc. 471 Wagon Bridge Lane, Sagle, ID 83860 Also, if you find a fawn in distress, call Mystic farms at 208-241-7081. They will come after the animal.

WEATHER OR NOT

It would seem that weather extremes are the norm this summer. Through the end of July, we had 21 days over 90 degrees in Bayview, and more in other areas not affected by the lake.

We have also had some monster thunderstorms that have alternated with micro-bursts twisting trees off about half way up the trunks. Even pines that are more than 24 inches in diameter  leave jagged stumps with the tops laying sometimes 15 feet away, and other storms with straight side winds that uprooted trees.

Throw in a Sahara Desert like dust storm that obliterated the sky with dirt from Central Washington's plowed fields and we have unusual weather.

I am currently sitting here having experienced a thunderstorm that lasted at least an hour with more to come. Rather than coming from west to east, this one is feeding straight north from Southern Idaho. This rarely happens, but when it does, instead of a storm moving through in 30 minutes, it can last for hours.

So what's next? Famine and Pestilence? Batten down the hatches. Anything can and probably will happen.

ATHOL DAZE GREAT SUCCESS

With the recent departure of Sally Hansen, city clerk, and a new mayor at the helm, the city of Athol showed it's main strength. Togetherness and involvement. New to the scene were Tammy Cunningham, City Clerk, Darla Kuhman, Mayor, and Steven Williams the new maintenance guy.

As I sat at the judges table waiting for, hoping for, a sound system, Shane McDaniel pulled up with the goods. We couldn't figure out how to power it up though, so we asked Rudy at Victory Auto Parts to intercede. Busy with his car show across the street, he graciously lent his vast knowledge of sound equipment and got us going.

The parade kicked of flawlessly and all of the entries were in order, which sometimes isn't the case. The hit was the gymnastics group which did some really awesome tricks of which when I get the pictures from the judge that took them, I will display on this blog.

Following the parade the party in the park went into full swing with eats, ice cream, kids games and stuff. This old guy wandered back to the car and returned to Bayview, satisfied that everyone did great.

ATHOL DAYS

                                         Sheriff Ben Wolfinger and Deputy 2013 Athol Daze

As the shadow of the abrupt firing of popular city clerk, Sally Hansen looms over the city of Athol, the old Broadway adage applies. The show must go on. Many hold Sally in an affectionate place in their hearts including this writer. But it will all play out with many still hoping that this is all a mistake.

Having said that, here are some of the events that will take place Saturday, August 9 in Athol, Idaho.

Line up for the parade is Davis Lane and starts at 9:00 am. Every year we have a great turnout of antique cars, neighborhood and church entries and those just there to have fun. As usual, the parade kicks off with the Athol American Legion color guard which does a great job. Please, those of you that wear hats everywhere but bed, take the damn thing of when the flag goes by.

I will again announce the parade this year, which starts at 10:00 am.

Following the parade, will be a fair in city park consisting of  fun games for the kids and delicious eats too. There will be an auction of donated items during the period following the parade. 

Not to be left out, don't forget the Victory Auto Parts car show which will occur at the auto parts location on hwy 54. 

8^th Annual Car Show @ Victory Auto Parts from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM, No registration fees, goodie bags, T-Shirts,  Trophies (CNC Plasma Cut), Music by Jen, Store Discounts and drawings all day for participants.