Newcomer Blues

This post is for the folks that having moved here, into the wonderful rural land of the Inland Empire, (Including North Idaho) That didn't bargain for a real Winter. It kind of reminds me of the old saw,"Caveat Emptor," which loosely translated, means buyer beware. About every ten years, we have a real old fashioned winter, of the old days. This is shaping up to be one of those Times.

I have lived here through several tough winters. It appears to me, that when extraordinary weather occurs, weather that is maybe every ten or so years, people come unglued. Hey, This is North Idaho, people. An area that, in the Winter, can reach up and bite you in the butt. This isn't about the average years, nor is it about Government dropping the ball.

Several years ago, I spoke with a resident of Blackwell Hill. He told me that oil deliveries had stopped , and he ran out of fuel. He was forced to burn wood furniture in the fireplace to survive. Back then, in 1968-69, neither Kootenai County, nor Coeur d'Alene City, had any spare funds to buy snow removal equipment. It was a given, that if a bad Winter occurred, it was up to the individuals and neighborhoods to cope with.

We have rapidly expanded the population in our area, to the extent that people that have migrated to this fair land, expect the same services that were prevalent in the place they left. Unfortunately, we are primarily a rural area. Just a few miles, or even a few blocks outside of Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls, you get rural. Rural areas do not develop tax dollars necessary to maintain a perfect winter snow collection service. You want Los Angeles, we don't have it. We do, however, have a bunch of nice things that L.A. doesn't have, like a better place to raise your kids, neighbors that given a chance will help you out when you need it, that sort of thing.

Bottom line, you wanted the rural experience, now is when the other side of the coin appears. Enjoy. I am. As a matter of fact, I probably am the only resident of Bayview, that never actually saw the moose, that has now been named, Baywinkle. He's still here, and doesn't seem to mind if you are around, unless, of course, you do something that startles him, in which case, he will probably stomp you to death just to make sure you aren't a troublemaker.

1949-50 ... 1968-69 ... 1992-93 ... 1996-97 ... The present time. If this Winter turns out to be like it can, add this one to the above list. It happens when you live above 2000 feet at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Get prepared, or , the other opportunity, is to go back from whence you came. Oh, and would you mind leaving your snow shovel behind?

Bayview Overlay Proposal

I received an e-mail from a staff member at Planning & zoning regarding the scheduled hearing Thursday at 6:00 pm. Two things. No, they can't notify everyone if it is cancelled at the last minute. It is suggested that you call before 4:00 pm or so, to get the latest status, as the storm impacts, or doesn't, the meeting date and time. 446-1070.

Snow Day (Again)

I'm writing this primarily for my friends that are snow birding in Arizona. Last week-end, Bayview got over a foot of new snow. Starting tonight, we'll go for 30 hours of snow, predicted to be 6-10 inches in the valleys and 18 inches in the mountains. Just another snow day. Lakeland School district closed Monday, opened Tuesday, then sent students home early, as snow kept piling up.

They, along with a long list of Spokane area schools are closed again today. Having said that, we aren't experiencing rain like you are in Arizona. I can see it now in Wellton. Everyone huddled around the stove at the VFW, drinking Captain Morgans and wondering when the rain will stop. Then there's those dastardly 70 degree temps to put up with. It's enough to bore you to death.

Burlington Northern lost track of an engine that was towing cars along the Northwest Blvd. tracks. Seems that at about the road leading into the Sewer treatment plant, the engine hit a snow berm that derailed it. I suppose that is natural, since the derailer was invented just down the street at the Iron Horse. Hmmm. I wonder if BN will gripe about the snowplow berms that the city plowed up?

Here, however, we have skating rinks, (Pretty much everywhere) sledding hills, (same) and native drivers acting like Californians, barreling down Highway 95 with their SUV's at 65 MPH or more, shouting for everyone to get out of the way. We need sand. Not for traction, but so we can see where the damn road is. White-outs have become the norm, as our Winter weather has reverted to the Idaho of old. It just isn't nice to take Mother Nature for granted. ...

Many folks around here, including me, talk about '68-69, or '91-92, or Icestorm '96. We aren't through with this Winter yet, but if things go as they have recently, for much longer, we will have '07-08 to brag/bitch about too, not to mention the floods that will occur at Lake Coeur d'alene and Lake Pend Oreille.

So, having painted this picture, I think I'll dodge down to Hayden, croak a little Karaoke at Rusty's, then slide home just ahead of tonight's monster storm prediction.

Scouting! It's the best

I just wrote a description of a great scouting adventure at Farragut over the weekend, in the comments at Huckleberries on line. They had their annual Klondike Derby. I wallowed up there Friday Night, visited with some of the officials, then headed back to Bayview for the Mid-Winter beach party at the Captain's Wheel. I met some very nice people at the party. One lady in particular caught my eye.

Later, I was able to speak with the organizers of this event. Just think about it, you parents. 541 Scouts, 100 volunteers, and 60 staff, all spread out over 50 or so acres of deep snow. If that wasn't a Klondike experience, then I don't know what would be.

The above picture, is when I was a tyke and a Cub Scout. Back then we didn't have Weblos, just cubs. I think I held the rank of Wolf, or Bear, oh heck, it's been too many years. I was, however, the proud holder of the Life badge. I didn't make Eagle, since the resouces of my troop weren't sufficient to give us those hard to get badges. The picture, as you can see, is in black and white. We didn't have color back then. This picture was taken by my Mom, long deceased, with a Kodak brownie. I have to admit that even after all these years, mentioning Mom, brought tears to my eyes.

Local Happnins

Well, let's see. Oh yes, it snowed. Here in Bayview, that's not unusual, but the packed house at the Wheel for the mid-winter beach party was. Considering the weather, which could have been worse, but exacerbated by the State and Lakes Highway's unwillingness to pay overtime for week-end snow removal, roads did get a little testy. I took a run up through Farragut to check out the roads. They were passable, but getting worse. What I did see, though, was over 500 Cub, Boy and eagle scouts, camping out in their annual Klondike Derby.

This year, they got reality. The scouts build dog sleds, then are taught to equip them with camping and survival gear. Way stations, somewhat like geo-caches, named after towns and villages along the Iditirod trail were located by GPS carried by scouts, as they went from location to location. At each stop, a lesson in survival was taught. Back at the campground, the reality was being experienced. Friday night, they recorded minus 4 degree temps. Saturday and Sunday, they were buried in snow. An additional 10 or so inches fell on a base of 8 or 9 inches, to give the camp out over 18 inches of snow. By Sunday morning, the park was back to normal, the Captain's Wheel was quiet, and I experienced a computer virus.

I have AVG free as an anti-virus program. It cheerfully announced with a red banner, that I had a virus in the Kodak downloading program. Scratch pictures for a while. My question is, if AVG knew that a virus had invaded, why didn't they stop it? I put it in a place called a vault, where they told me the virus was captive. They just didn't tell me how to eliminate it. I deleted my Kodak easy share program, then deleted the most recent picture down load. Now I can't download pics and I don't know if I still have a virus or not. Suggestions are welcome.

Beach Party

The above photo of bartender, Marie, was taken by a drunk at the last beach party.

If you haven't made plans to do anything more adventuresome than hunkering down during the snow storm currently raging, try the bikini beach party at the Captain's Wheel in Bayview tonight.

This is the third year that the insane management at the Wheel is holding a mid-winter beach party. Contests, (I'm still sore from trying to stay on top of a beachball with handle,practicing for an event that I'm certain not to enter) There will be tan line contests, best bikini, and every other kind of mischief imaginable. Obviously, we here in Bayview, are in denial, big time.

The roads into Bayview are in good shape, just slow down a little.

Third Anniversary Post

Total visits since 1-27-2005: 24,532

Total page views same period: 43,193

Thank you for your support!

These are two of the posts that I wrote during the first week of this blog. My fourth anniversary is Sunday, the 27th. I thought I'd share a couple of my first attempts at on-line journalism. The picture? just because it was fun, and how many other North Idaho bloggers can say they rode a camel, She was cute, too, don't you think? Kinda reminds me of my third wife.
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Thursday, January 27, 2005
Bloggers anonymous

At an after hours session yesterday, at the Spokesman-Review,editors Ken Sands and Dave Oliveria attempted to council us folks that are blog addicted. This session was crafted in the hope that we would all go forth and do good in our community. We learned a lot, but honestly folks, after building this ant-hill, how are they going to train the ants ...

Monday, January 31, 2005
In The Spokesman-Review today

U.S. Fish & Wildlife co-ordinator, Ed Bangs in an interview. "You can classify Wolves as anything you want but predators"...Duh? How about wildlife disposal units?...

An excited Iraqi after voting yesterday ... Hamid Azazi, 57 said, "Even if I was dead, I would still participate!" ... Hamid, are you sure you don't live in Seattle?

In Huckleberries ..."I left my dollar for salami home". My Mariner heart fluttered, until I realized he was not talking about grand-slam homers ...

Psst! Based on chapter 24, of "Undaunted Courage", a book by noted historian,
Stephen Ambrose, Toby, or "Old Toby" was the nickname of an old Shoshone that guided the expedition through the Bitterroot Mountains ...
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Oh, and a big hand for Family Phil, who was my first commenter, welcoming me to the zoo.

Small World

Having been Karaoke starved for months, since no business in Bayview has it anymore, I decided to check around. Now, the Crossroads in Athol features a very good Karaoke set, but starts too late for my taste. I ran into a fellow singer at the Captain's Wheel a while back, who told me that a new bar, Rusty's in Hayden, had Karaoke and it starts at 7:00 pm.

I recalled that an old friend, Kim Gittle, a Summer resident of Bayview,had started the business, after entering and winning a lottery for new liquor licenses. I called him, verified the info and promised to show up Wednesday, last night. Kim was there and introduced me to a vaguely familiar face, as the karaoke hostess. We went through the where do I know you from, back and forth. Finally, I said, "well, my picture is in the paper a lot. Bingo. It turned out that Renee, hostess extrordinaire, works at the front desk in the spokesman-Review Coeurd'Alene office.

Most great undiscovered musicians have day jobs. Renee is no exception. Oh, by the way, she is an extraordinary singer. She even yodels. I'll be back next Wednesday, you can bet on it. Oh, yet another example of a small world, I ran into friends of friends of mine, Nancy and her guy friend, Drew. I'll just call her Nancy Drew for want of a better reminder. Drew also remembered me from when I was the Conductor/Entertainer on the Silverwood train. (that could happen again, if everything works out.

Nancy, the bar manager, was very gracious, and lest I forget, Tonya, the bartender,faced with over 35 guests, never missed a beat. Friendly, charming, and always there to check on everyone's needs. Folks this is a class joint. AND, it's a no smoking bar, too. Located in the strip mall on Orchard, between Government Way, and Highway 95. Phone, 772-2400.

Protection

photo coutesy of Mike Lee

It pays to have adequate protection for your home. Terrified, the bull moose decides he's had enough for one day.

Short Memories Part 111

The theme of this series, is short memories. The reason I have harped on that is simply because those that haven't experienced something in their lifetime, or professional career, seldom expect the possibility to arise in the future. People that hadn't experienced a volcanic eruption,couldn't believe it when Mt. St. Helens blew up. Twenty years from now, nobody will even remember it, except historians, unless of course, it happens again.

The Savings & Loan disaster that occurred with the 1981-82 recession, was caused by prevailing savings/Certificates of deposit rates, going through the roof. When interest rates on real estate loans hit 24%, savings rates followed them up, just not as high. Compare this example to a grocer that buys a box of apples for $12, then retails it for $20. Same thing with money. Wholesale/retail. The greatest example that I am personally acquainted with is Washington Mutual, the largest Savings bank in the country. During the period from 1979 to about 1984, WaMu was paying out an average of around 14% on savings/certificates of deposit. Loans that they did not sell, and they took pride in not selling their loans on the secondary market, were earning anywhere from 4.5% to 6.5%, depending on how old the loans were, and what the prevailing rates were when they were closed. Paying out 14% while earning much less, put them upside down. Within Months they were broke. Fortunately, unlike other S & L's that bankrupt, Washington Mutual was a Mutual, meaning that they theoretically were owned by their depositors, much like a co-op. They were able, then, to reinvent themselves as a stock corporation, then selling stock to recapitalize. They still call themselves Washington Mutual, but they aren't.

Enter the current market. Overbuilt spec homes, banks competing with each other to snag the most loans, with the belief that good times are here to stay. Folks, nothing is here to stay. We have extreme energy prices. The largest real estate lender in the country, Countrywide, was in so much trouble, that Bank of America had to bail them out. Washington Mutual did it to themselves again, the same old way, with the same old mistakes.

Since around the 1970's, lenders stopped, for the most part, selling loans individually to FNMA and Freddie Mac, and began to bundle loans into multi-million dollar packages, which they then sold as securities on Wall street. They still do that. The purpose, was to spread the risk, by owning a small part of a large body of loans.With thousands of loans in trouble, panic is setting in. Causes:

The differences between then and now with regards to graduated payment ARM's, is that in the early 80's, interest rates were back down to 8 plus percent. The other, and more important difference, is that in the 80's, lenders weren't making loans to borrowers that weren't considered good risks. Competition between lenders, that were selling their loans like hotcakes, since values were climbing at great rates, (sound familiar?)and the sky was the limit. If the borrower didn't pay,there would be enough equity to resell the property at a profit, without loosing a dime.

Reality Check:

Interest rates have stayed too low, too long, causing the demand to dry up naturally. Low rates of interest also caused many buyers to step up, buying as much home as they could, while the good times last. Lenders, are eating sub-prime loans at an alarming rate, and values haven't continued to rise, but are falling precipitously. I predict that Wall Street is going to implode with drastic results in the investments market.

Result:

We are in the beginning of a recession that will probably last at least three and maybe more years. When the Republican administration proposes a cash rebate of $800 per family, to encourage purchasing, it is a dead on signal that consumer confidence is in the toilet. Home values, if the trend continues as I have described, will go as low as 50-65% of values in 2005, the peak of the market. Over thirty percent of the current North Idaho population is in some way, either directly or indirectly connected to the building trades. That number may be conservative. Turning loose 30% of our population is going to cause many businesses to go out of business, since the consumers have left for other areas and other fields of endeavor. Hunker down folks. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

Signed, Cassandra

New Race Track

The new news in Bayview, is the race track that is in the planning stages. Borrowing from the ancient tradition of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds track, Bayview will soon have Quarter horse racing, as seen above.

Public Service Announcement

Floating Homes Association
P.O. Box 444,
Bayview, ID 83803

To Bayview Residents:

The purpose of this letter is to ask you to seriously consider making a contribution to the Legal Fund of the Floating Homes Association (FHA).

Although most float home owners do not reside in Bayview full time, many of us spend a lot more time in our beautiful town than you might imagine, certainly more than just a few weeks and weekends in the summer. In recent years, “floathomers” have supported the community in numerous ways. One has served on the Board of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce, two have been part of the Development Analysis Committee, one has served on the Overlay project, one has been on the Community Center Board, several have testified at Kootenai County hearings, multiple Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) hearings, and the recent IDAPA rule making process. Many of us are good friends with many of you. For years and years, the FHA has contributed substantially to the Bayview Daze Fireworks Fund, and also to keep a street light lit all year. We sent a Bayview child to camp. As an association, we made a significant contribution to Jerry Berry’s medical care, and more than several of our members also contributed to Jerry’s fund. In September, 2007, the FHA and our members individually contributed $1200 to help pay the Overlay filing fee. In short, we think we have been good neighbors, and good members of the community. We hope you feel the same.

When Bob Holland raised float home moorage rates over 100% in 2004 and 2005, we asked the Idaho Land Board and the IDL to help us. To be blunt, the IDL has not been of much help to us. It took four trips in 2006 and 2007 to Boise, where several of us testified before the Land Board, to finally get some results.

As a result of our officers’ and members’ testimony in Boise at the Land Board on those four separate occasions, the Land Board directed the IDL to include language in all renewal master leases that floathome moorage rates will be reasonable. They also directed the IDL to work with the legislature on an amendment to the Floating Homes Residency Act (FHRA). The IDL was instructed to seek our input when seeking a legislative fix.

Unbeknownst to us, and certainly with no input from us, the IDL Director drafted an amendment to the FHRA that will not materially help us, and could actually hurt us, unless we take strong and immediate action in the next few weeks. We need to get badly needed revisions and amendments made in this proposed IDL amendment, or it will be passed, as is, by the Idaho Legislature in January or early February.

District Three Senator Mike Jorgenson has been helping us, but he and others have told us that to have any chance of success, we must hire a Boise lobbyist. Idaho Legislators do not have any staff, and usually rely on lobbyists to supply them with facts and arguments as to why a certain bill should be passed, amended, or defeated. Said another way, the current proposed IDL amendment will certainly pass in its current form, unless we act quickly and decisively to get it amended.

We have just hired a highly recommended lobbyist, but her fee far exceeds our existing legal fund. We have asked our membership, and even those “floathomers” who are not members, to contribute as generously as they can, but it is unlikely we will raise enough money from them to reach the needed amount.

So we are asking you now for your support; whatever you can afford or are inclined to donate will help, and will be greatly appreciated. Please seriously consider helping us win our rent battle with greedy and unreasonable developers who apparently do not care about the charm and culture of Bayview. We think our float homes are part of that charm, and we want to stay a part of the Bayview community forever. Please help us.

We realize the recent holiday season may have strained budgets and we all have many other things going on. If you can donate now, please do. If that’s not possible, would you try to do so later on in February? Or if you would like to make a pledge now, and make monthly payments over some period of time convenient for you, just write a simple note as to what you want to do, and send it in to the following address.

Please mail your contribution to:
Lyn Shoemaker, Treasurer
FHA
PO Box 444
Bayview, ID 83803
Thank you so very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Powell Shoemaker, President 509-533-6455 pshoe417@comcast.net
Bob Brooke, Vice President 208-762-3664 Bob@robertdbrooke.com
Jamie Berube, Secretary 509-928-2570 jberube@smhca.org
Lyn Shoemaker, Treasurer 509-533-6455 pshoe417@comcast.net

Short Memories - Part 11

The step rate or negatively amortized adjustable rate mortgage, could have been a disaster back in the 80's. It wasn't, only because interest rate went down precipitously shortly after it's advent. Also, incomes were at the time recovering as well. Back then, the one element that wasn't present was that what we called "B" paper, or as it is now known, "sub-prime," did not allow borrowers to overextend themselves. Loan applications were plentiful. so plentiful that Seafirst Mortgage, where I worked, shut down new applications, due to office overload. With no further need, the market dropped the high risk loans, as well as the graduated payment ARM.

In years since then, 1987-88 for instance, the year I went broke in a new Mortgage Company that a partner and I started, interest rates went from around 8.5% in January 1987,to 10.75% in just two months. Over the years, the federal reserve manipulated the money supply and discount rates, so as to not over inflame the economy, nor let interest rates get too far out of hand. Some years, the industry went into a two or three year tailspin, then pulled back out. Nothing, however even close to 1980-81-82-83 has been experienced since.

Think about it. Those of us that were in middle management, or for that matter, upper management then, are retired. Portfolio managers that are now in their forties and carrying the heavy responsibility for risk management, were in middle school, and had no first hand memories of the "bad old days." When we don't remember, or experience bad times, we are prone to not expect them to happen. Most people feel that the world events that have happened since they reached majority, are the only events that carry any weight. Well, famine and pestilence haven't visited our part of the earth recently, but bad lending practices have.

In the last fifteen years or so,with a few short periods excepted, 15 and 30 year fixed rate mortgages have been very affordable. So affordable, that resuscitation of graduated payment ARM's wasn't necessary. Why then, you ask, did they? Competition caused it. Competition and greed. The market has been so hot, with in most cases, sub-six percent loan rates,that everyone that ever wanted a house and had reasonably good credit could buy one. Aha, but the key words here, are "reasonably good credit." The building boom in full stride, homes started climbing in value. over building caused lumber and other construction materials to become in short supply. Short supply means higher prices. Soon an average home was out of the grasp of most young borrowers, but wait! What if we offer graduated payment ARM's again.

It worked before, right? Suddenly, a $150,000 loan of 30 years went from a level term 6% with a payment of $900 per month, to $632 per month at 3%. The difference used in this example, allowed marginally qualified buyers to get much more home with what they could afford monthly. Or, they buyer could buy a lesser home with higher loan to value ratios. What the heck, if the borrower could make the payments in a year or so, the house will have gone up in value, so that we'll still be just fine. But what if incomes don't go up, and what if homes decrease in value, instead of increase indefinitely.

Sounds a little like 1986 when I, thinking the boom would last indefinitely, started a high risk business. Nothing, especially in the money markets, lasts forever. In my next installment, I will make predictions for the short term that will make Casandra look like a beginner. Stay tuned.

Short Memories

Back in 1978, the real estate market in the Seattle area was booming. The average price of a typical 3 bed one bath home shot up from around $20,000 to near $60,000 in just one year. Everything was great. I had just switched from real estate sales to mortgage lending in 1978. Things slowed down a little in 1979 and we saw interest rates rise to 8.75%. Then 1980-1983 happened. Inflation became severe, interest on a thirty year fixed loan shot up to 24% and as a result, home prices in many categories dropped by 50%.

By 1984, the economy had started to improve. By 1985, a new boom market occurred plus thousands of homeowners refinanced to lower their interest rates, then refinanced again, for the same reason. Part of the refinance every time interest went down 2%, was that people were operating in a panic mode, that didn't allow them to think that anything would be normal again. Many borrowers refinanced three and even four times, believing that the market would sour again and that this was their last chance. It wasn't, but I made a lot of money because of that fear.

During the years 1983-84, the market developed many adjustable rate loans. The industry standard ended up being the one year adjustable, where the rate would fluctuate up or down, based on a constant, either the one year T-bill or libor. An even more revolutionary loan was added. The step-rate adjustable. The way they worked, was the payment rate would start 3% below the prevailing ARM interest rate, while the payment rate rose by 1% each of the first three years. The thought there, was that incomes would increase, after all, aren't we in a period of inflation? The catch was the negatively amortized loans were eating up equity for the first three years, leaving the borrower, in some cases, owing more that the purchase price or value of the home. Many walked.

If some of this sounds familiar, it is. Because both borrowers and lenders are either too young, or, lack the long term memories to judge risk correctly, we have a crunch in the "sub-prime lending market. "Those who don't learn from history, are bound to repeat it." I'll expound more on this and the parallel universe we find our selves in today, in my next post, where I'll make some disturbing predictions for the near future.

Bob Turns 50

Actually, I will achieve the age of 70 in about two months. Easter Sunday, to be exact. This is not to be confused with aging. Years ago, I decided that growing up was over rated. I haven't changed my mind. I have gone through several incarnations professionally, and have decided that the North Idaho thing fits me best. A great guy, Richard Dunkel, now deceased, once told me that folks in Idaho, didn't have careers, they had gigs. I retired from the Real Estate Mortgage Business about seven or eight years ago, to find that first, I didn't have enough money to sail the French Riviera. I stopped, thought, then realized I could enjoy the same things here, without the accents.

Since then, I have sold office furniture, made salads in a restaurant, wrote articles for the Spokesman-Review, and still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Right there is the problem. Everyone thinks that you ought to grow up. You don't. Just lean into the wind, and sale past the little bumps in the road. Maturity is a farce.

For every activity that you find you can't do anymore, there are others that didn't previously occur to you that take their place. Bob, you will make a fine old crank.

The Moose Is Loose

photos by Ralph Jones and John Ely

Entertainment in Bayview this time of year tends to be a little simpler than Summer venues. Currently, We are entertaining a Bull Moose that has taken up residency in Town. Originally, from a distance, most thought it to be a cow. Close-ups reveal the stubs of shed antlers. Seen periodically from a mile or so West on Perimeter, to the downtown residential area, he seems quite tame. According to Chip Corsi of Idaho Fish & Game, this is not true. Moose tend to be placid unless aroused, when they can turn on a person, a car, or even a railroad locomotive. The trick is obviously not to arouse one.

In a recent conversation with Corsi, he said, "I'm going to go out on a limb, and say that Moose are more dangerous than Bear." (Including Grizzlies)He went on to tell me that they cannot be domesticated, and can eat out of your hand one day, and stomp you to death the next. It is so dangerous to train one to hang out and beg food, that the Department of Fish & Game are in the process of attempting capture and relocation.

Relocating a moose can be fatal for the animal, since darting them with a tranquilizer sometimes causes death. If that method fails, then they will kill the animal before it can become a problem. The moral of this story, is do not approach one closely, nor attempt to hand feed this or other wild game. They may get violent over you simply running out of whatever you have been providing. Moose have absolutely no fear of humans, which differentiates them from most all other wild animals found in this country.

Izzit Monday Already?

I have a confession to make. I am a procrastinator. My motto? Never do today, what you can put off 'till tomorrow, or the next day ... well, you get the idea. I haven't put my snow tires on yet. Last year, I didn't need them. The year before, I just wore the studs down, while destroying the local highways. This year, I thought of driving down to Arizona, catching the kids and grand kids in California on the way back, where they don't allow studs.

But, I procrastinated, plus I'm having a blast writing my columns for the spokesman-Review so much, I hate to leave. Besides, what if they found they could do the Voice without me. I don't think I could handle that reality, so, here I am with no snow tires. The white stuff is starting to stack up, it's slipperier than deer guts on a door knob out there, and I'm inside, where I plan to spend the rest of the Winter. On the other hand,(sound like an economist?) I may procrastinate, and wander around outside, probably still in March, either bragging that I got through a hundred year winter without snow tires, or living it out in a ditch somewhere.

Newspapers are piling up, but, hey, it's to cold, snowy, quiet, too loud, oh what the hell, I think I'll crack a good book and turn up the heat. Unless, of course, I procrastinate again.

Food Bank Burglars Caught

Angela Wolfinjer age 38 and her Son,Dale Reah, age 19 were arrested by Kootenai County Sheriff officers, Friday Evening. They were charged with burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of large amounts of Meth. Well, it's too late for them to spend Christmas in jail like I wanted them to, but they are there with no bail, now.

According to a news release by the Sheriff's Department, they found over 40 items purchased at Fred Meyer by the use of the stolen gift cards. In addition to the burglary loot, they got a bonus in finding a large amount of Methamphetamine.

Police are looking further, not having recovered or accounted for many of the missing items, leading us to believe there were others involved.

During the last few days, the account of a scandal at the Idaho Police Academy, has dominated the news.The conversation on the Internet and National Television, has brought up the subject of misuse of police powers. Today, we celebrate the majority, the other kind of officers that are totally dedicated to protecting the public. If one could applaud over the Internet, I would at this time, do so.

PTSD ... To Give or Get

There has been a raging discussion about the ugly motto that a recent graduating class at the Idaho State Law Enforcement Academy. The motto of the class:

"Don't Suffer from PTSD, Go Out and Cause it."

One such discussion had totaled about 80 comments at Huckleberries On Line, listed in this blog as a link. The comment I made, is as follows:

Hopefully, this discussion will end at some point. Having said that, the thought that comes to my mind, well actually, two thoughts are:

For anyone who has ever been unduly hassled by a law enforcement officer, the memory is revived.

Two, I believe that there are many people that have either witnessed as I have, the brutality, or faked probable cause (for a traffic stop)that has turned many citizens into non-believers, or know someone that has.

My particular gripe, is those officers that invent probable cause. I wonder, if a statistic such as this were available, how many court cases start with probable cause being a,"flickering tail light." One that can't be disproven. The serving officer, Dan, continuously refers to the lack of respect that many in law enforcement receive. It hasn't apparently occurred to this man that the deterioration of respect for law enforcement started a long time ago. Probably in the 60's. When citizens started to feel the "us against them mentality" exhibited by some officers.

Police that go trolling for people, instead of waiting for an actual occurrence, those that act like jack booted thugs, these are some of the reasons that I believe lack of respect is present. You must give respect before you can expect to get it.

Those serving officers that do their jobs right, deserve our support, but they, to protect their own reputation, must help weed out the other kind. If they keep quiet, do nothing when they see a fellow officer misbehave, then they are just as guilty as those that perpetrate these acts of misuse of power.

Sure it's more dangerous out there for law enforcement. It is for us too.

Attitude Is Everything

I copied this from Tubob, of the blog, "Unbearable Bobness of Being." I don't usually do this, except that recently I was reminded that there are in fact Law Enforcement officers that act like Jack booted thugs, and they really need to be weeded out. We shouldn't have to deal with Sociopaths carrying guns. Until the general population rises up and demands that officers respect us, they are not likely to get respect in return. Here's Bob:

Well, of course not everyone a cop arrests or intervenes with is a "criminal" which by definition means they've been convicted of a crime. Many are innocent and there's the rub. Cops who view the public that they serve as their enemies who they need to open a can of trauma ass on before it happens to them are really no different than the thugs out there. Both see the community as their enemy and both see their role as to victimize the community before it victimizes them.

The thin blue line, in such an attitudinal crossfire, disappears quickly under the dirt.

We aren't their enemies. They are our servants. They hate to hear that. But it's the truth. They work for us and need to remember that.

Finally, cops who get PTSD have all kinds of professional resources to draw upon, including psychologists and medical and disability insurances. Citizens who get traumatized by cops have much much less to avail themselves of.

God forbid one of these POST rookies takes this small minded macho crotch thrusting to heart and abuses his/her trust and harms an innocent person. That is indefensible.

TINA QUITS

Citing irreconcilable differences, Tina Arendt, the third General Manager of Waterford Park Marinas, resigned today. Tina has managed the Waterford Park Marinas for about two years, traveling through the shark infested waters of Waterford Park Homes, LLC business practices. Noting that she lasted longer than anyone before, she apparently couldn't take the slight of hand, now you see it, now you don't policies of Bob Holland.

Many were surprised, since she has managed to bear up well, as a loyal to the core employee. Apparently, the core was reached.

Some of the projects still up in the air with Waterford Park are rumored participation in the allegedly sold trailer park and motels, respectively. Also, the erection of a three story parking garage, in an area that has an illegally diverted stream and lies in a flood plain, which we are told by the building department will not be approved. Duplexes at Vista Bay and Harborview Marinas are also in the planning stages.

Many good people have come and gone, that were hired by Holland. Seemingly immune to local opinion, Holland has ran through everyone that would wok for him, that lives locally. One can surmise that he finally went to far, and Tina, living for many years in this small lakeside community of Bayview, probably couldn't reconcile her personal reputation with that of the interloper/developer that has allegedly, a slash and burn mentality, while searching for the last almighty buck.

BITE ME!

For those in the main stream media that constantly harp on Idaho's past brush with a scattered few Nazi types, Bite me. The true spirit of Idahoans surfaced late this week, as the news that our local food bank had been burgled. A security camera caught views of two or more young people, just after 4:00 am, Thursday Morning. Entering the office for the day, Athol City Clerk, Charlotte Hooper, found to her dismay, three doors broken into. With the key apparently in a place that was discovered by the punks, they opened the safe and took all the cash and approximately $3500 worth of Fred Meyer shopping cards, all activated. That was then, this is now.
As of my last available report, Kootenai County Sheriff's Department had in custody, one of the alleged perpetrators, with knowledge of the others involved. Their Christmas will be spent in jail.

When the news broke, Thursday, donations started to trickle in. By Friday, it was a torrent. People drove for miles to either go Christmas shopping for the people that were to depend on the missing gifts, or to drop off money. I sat and watched as one after the other, folks waited patiently in line behind those waiting for assistance. When one man's turn came, he handed Charlotte Hooper, Food Bank director, two crisp one hundred dollar bills, turned on his heel and walked out of the office. Some were the Who's Who of our area, some were kids that wanted to give back, and everyone in between.

Silverwood Theme Park donated an amount equal to the estimated stolen cards, plus two pallets of stuffed toys and t-shirts. The Shoshone County Sheriff's Department, took the seats out of a prisoner delivery van, filled it with things they had gathered for local people and drove it all down to Athol. Rathdrum Food Bank donated $1000 worth of food. This my friends, is the real North Idaho.

By the end of office hours Friday, donations had totaled over $15,000 in the two days following the break-in. At this writing, I have mused that in all probability, the givers were the biggest winners. To those nose high in the air, Eastern reporters and editors that think we are all knuckle dragging, mouth breathers here in our part of the Country? Again, Bite Me!

Christmas at the Wheel

Our annual Christmas Party kicked off last Sunday with a big Pot-luck dinner, and entertainment provided for by James Adams. Special guest performer was Slim Dossey, Country Music Hall of Famer, and local resident. Slim, now 89 years old, is growing weak, and wasn't sure he could sing, or remember the words, and wondered if he could try sitting in a chair while performing.

Well, that didn't play out. As soon as he approached the stage, (standing up) he reverted to the old trouper that he is. As he started to step up on the stage, his Son, Jim, was heard to say, "don''t try it, Dad!" Slim Dossey, always performed these 65 plus years from a stage, and wasn't going to quit now. He needed a little help, but once he got up there, you couldn't stop him. Formerly with the Son's of the Pioneers, and other groups, he performed some tunes from the past, such as, Cool Water, and others. After three songs, he stepped down to a huge round of applause.

Long time performer, Slim played with Gene Autry, and pretty much everyone that was anyone in Country Music, back in the forties and fifties. Tex Williams, Autry, The Son's of the Pioneers, the list goes on and on. Slim Dossey made our day. James can be heard at the Garwood Saloon, week-ends.

Teacher - Student Relations

These are actual comments made on students' report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded but, boy, are these funny!!!

1 Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.

2. I would not allow this student to breed.

3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.

4. Your son is depriving a village some where of an 'idiot'.

5.Your son sets low personal standards, and then consistently fails to achieve them.

6. The student has a "full six-pack" but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together.

7. This child has been working with glue too much.

8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell.

9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.

10. If this student were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.

11. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child, beat out 1,000,000 others.

12. The wheel is turning, but the hamster is definitely dead.

Moving Ahead

Jim Kershner. 1982-2007. May his column rest in peace. There have been several bombshells since Black Thursday, at the spokesman-Review. As the paper downsizes amid the reality of the decline in the interest in print media. Some rescues have taken place, not all in their former roles.

Tayrn Hecker, crime writer extraordinaire, Meghann Cuniff, general assignment and school reporter, Paula Davenport, Voices and The Handle Extra. We also lost a very talented young writer, in Jim Hagengruber, who has not been rehired. Taryn comes back as a natural resources writer, Meghann as the night desk reporter, and Paula, temporarily, at least, as receptionist.

Kershner's last humor column is in today's paper. In it, he writes,"This is by rough estimate, my 1351 column. It is also my last." I have personally thoroughly enjoy the subtle,(and sometimes not so subtle) humor that has entertained me, inspired me and kept me chuckling for many years. It isn't quite as bad as it sounds. After all, with all up to date information available, Kershner is not dead, and this is not an obituary, at least not for him, but it is for his award winning column. He, gasp, will be an objective humorless general assignment guy. Hopefully, they will let him off his leash once in a while.

To put a sock in it, as I'm sure by now you are thinking, no more moving ahead with progressive, nauseating words and phrases that tick him, as well as me off. Say goodbye to treatises on nose hair clippers. He's gone, but not forgotten.

HEY!!!

Bayview's annual Christmas party is tomorrow, Sunday, from 3:00 pm to around 7:00 pm. at the Captain's Wheel. This is a don't miss opportunity to see slim Dossey, one more time before he hangs it up. Good N' Plenty will provide the basics with the probability of several other drop-in musicians.

If I'm not mistaken, slim is either 88 or 89 years old. A country music hall of famer, he is the last of the old "Son's of the Pioneers," Played with greats like Gene Autry and many others. Good N' Plenty shouldn't be sniffed at either. They used to play at Betty's, before it became the Rib Ranch, and many other old time venues. They can play just about anything you want to hear.

Food is free, as it is a pot-luck buffet. In reality, that means some very good cooks from around here pile it on, and expect some of you to help eat it. This is about the 12th or 13th straight year that the Wheel puts this party on, and it's really special. Come on down.

Copy Editor Screws The Pooch

Today's "Your Voice," featuring a column by yours truly, got screwed up at the copy desk. To clarify, the Captain's Wheel Restaurant's annual Christmas Party, Sunday, December 16, will feature the band, "Good N' Plenty." Special guest will be country music legend, Slim Dossey, making a rare appearance. Slim used to anchor the party every year, but advancing age and infirmities have slowed him way down. If you remember Slim from his hey day, be sure not to miss this cameo performance. He won't be with us forever, and in fact, probably will hang his guitar up soon, if not right after this gig.

The Burning Gods of Love, shown as the Christmas party band, actually will appear at the 'Wheel, Saturday, December 22. The mystery of the band's name comes from the drummer, Kevin Huff, striking sparks with the singer, and bass player, Daveanna Pleznac-Huff. Lead guitar and singing, features George Bruner.

Something Is Wrong, Here ...

I woke up this Morning, realizing that something was wrong. I at first, couldn't put my finger on it. Then I realized what it was. My house is clean, I see the floors, and can actually identify the color.I can walk clear the length of my house without stumbling over something I casually left in the main walkway.

To appreciate where I'm coming from, I have to go back a ways. Back before Debra, back before Jennifer, even. These ladies, in committed relationships, both, took pity, or perhaps more accurately, were concerned about the over all health of the community. You see, I'm a committed slob. Not that I don't appreciate cleanliness, I mean I wear clean clothes and my grooming is reasonably good. I'm a slob because I litter. Not the neighborhood. I wouldn't dream of dropping trash out my car window, or unwrapping a candy bar , then throwing the wrapper to the ground. But, at home, the other side of me arises.

Each section of the Spokesman-Review, as read, drops to the floor in a disorganized tangle. Clothing lies where I changed out of it, generally on the floor. Time to fix dinner, except: I have no clean pans, or skillets, or plates, or flatware left clean. The kitchen counter is a refuse heap from which strange life forms have emerged. Then, and only then, do I realize that my continued existence depends upon washing the dishes. This rule also applies to laundry. Most people do laundry once a week, even though they still have clean clothes. These are sick minds. Overachievers. Neat Freaks. Bachelors don't wash clothes when they are not out. Even then, the local K-Mart or Wal*Mart is close by.

The" bottom line" here,(does this make Kershner's list?) is that, yes, I love living in a neat clean environment. I just don't like doing what gets me there. Recently, I have had help from two different ladies. I don't even think they know each other. Jennifer, with husband Dan, (he fixed a bunch of my plumbing) designated my house as a public health threat a year ago, and plunged in with both my feet. First question."Herb, where's your vacuum cleaner?" Answer: "I dunno. Haven't actually needed it for a while." "Why not," she asked? Answer: "Um, couldn't find the floor, so I didn't need it."

These were apparently unacceptable answers. We found the aforementioned machine hiding behind a door. From then on, the whole scenario started to remind me of some parts of the marital state. You know, bullying, nagging, that sort of thing. Could I sit back and drink beer? Absolutely not. I even had to participate. Would you believe that she wanted me to throw out or give away at least half of my belongings? She asked:"Herb, how long have you been carrying this from home to home?" " That thing? Oh, about 35 years." " When was the last time you used it? Well, I can't remember." Out it went.

Now I have another bully. Debra, the lady next door. She and her husband, Bob, moved in last spring with three busy little dachshunds. They now have the run of the house, as she does. Clean, nag, clean, nag some more, I tell you, this is out of hand. Why just yesterday, I had my son, Daughter-in-law and three Granddaughters over for dinner. (We'll skip the part about me forgetting to turn the oven on for the stuffed chicken dinner that was 2 hours late)

Thanksgiving, found me entertaining three, well six guests. Debra, her husband, Bob and Bobbie chef extraordinaire from the Wheel, and the three Dachshunds. Since my house is now ruined for comfort, I'm starting to entertain.

I finally realized why I felt strange this morning, walking out of my bedroom. Fantastic! I looked up and there to my surprise, was a sink full of dishes. Now I have goals again. I have to wash the dishes ... Just not today.

Waterford Park Fixes Spawning Beds

In a letter received today, Waterford Park Homes, L.L.C. received a release from the cease and desist order issued last Spring. The message, received from the Idaho Department of Lands and endorsed by Idaho Fish & Game explained that since not only the mitigation of the area damaged by negligence was repaired, but also the adjoining areas that were trashed by years of debris being dumped into the water, no further actions would be taken by the State.

The letter went on to say that no work could continue at Harborview Marina until July first of next year, allowing the current crop of spawning Kokanee to create another class of fry. Cautions were shared with Waterford Park, regarding upland management, and the potential of re-silting the shoreline.

We spoke with Idaho Fish and Game biologists, who said we are experiencing a very serious downturn in spawners in all areas of the lake, including Bayview.

Wazzu vs The Zags

If you are within an hours drive of Bayview, slide on down to the Captain's Wheel for the game on TV. They stepped up today, and ordered the ESPN cannel from Dish and it's on!

Joseph Pulitzer, Then & Now

1847-1911. Sixty-four years was the life span of Joseph Pulitzer. A stalwart right leaning Republican, Pulitzer was home schooled. Did not attend high school or college. He went from a high society Austro-Hungarian family, to a street person in St. Louis Missouri. Speaking very little English, his first job in the newspaper business was with a German language paper.

Pulitzer rose to the top of his profession, more as a publisher, than writer. This might suggest that it takes less education to be a newspaper publisher, than a writer. The reason that I wrote the above paragraph was to illustrate a glaring difference in the business as it is today, and as it was then. In the late 1800's, Pulitzer backed the right wing Horace Greeley against the other Republican, Ulysses S. Grant. He wasn't much for unions, as that was before their time, but he wouldn't have embraced one anyway, because he was a fervent believer in talent over longevity.

Would that this rule prevail today. In a market that is rapidly shrinking, in a downhill spiral, we may someday soon, see the Spokesman-Review, and others, sold at check out stands, along with the other shock rags now available. One of the reasons, I believe is that union control over who a paper may retain, doesn't recognize ability or talent, or retainability. It just wants the senior members retained, even though they may have attained the legendary "Peter Principle." That of one who has risen to the highest point of their mediocrity. We aren't suggesting that the folks now working at the paper are mediocre, just that management can't depart from seniority, to retain the best and the brightest.

Unions, as I understand them, were formed at a time that many employers were essentially robber barons, keeping the masses in poverty. Seniority served two purposes. One, to keep management from showing favoritism, and to keep long time union members in their positions.
All of that had a purpose way back when. It doesn't now. With union rules determining the quality, or future lack thereof we are looking forward to a declining industry, with declining quality, with declining circulation and with declining advertising. This slippery slope will go on, until the paper closes it's doors, and sends everyone home, including those loyal union members.

During the current crisis at the Spokesman-Review, Editor Steve Smith consistently refers to the union contract as the (unstated) rule maker here. My opinion is that the paper would be well advised to break the union now, before it breaks them. ...

A lesson Learned

I have been toiling on this blog for, what? Almost three years. I have written about breaking news, Bayview style. I have pontificated on many subjects. Sometimes, I got a lot of action from readers, sometimes not. After all this time, I finally have come to the conclusion that, after last Wednesday, posting about the pretty and talented ladies in my presence, my page views went to 122 Wednesday and 117 Thursday.

I shudda known that a picture of two pretty and talented ladies trumped an informative and chatty blog. Hereafter, I will attempt to show only great ladies, that are both talented and very pretty, as my aforementioned guests were. However, I will NEVER conduct an interview with the previously mentioned talented ladies present. Taryn, I noticed, as I was throwing questions to the almost drowned subject, was busily writing notes. After the gentleman left, she proudly announced that she was going to scoop me. Well, she did. However, considering that I had done such to her in the past, I guess we are even. Oh, and did I mention that she is my favorite journalist?

Early next week, as Steve Smith has mentioned, some laid off reporters will be rehired. Apparently, the union contract stipulated such language, that they had to cut off those without sufficient seniority. Rehiring, however, as I understand it, is on merit and budget. While my young companion, Meghann is probably too junior to be asked back, who can possibly, after following Taryn's fantastic journey through the sickness of the Duncan Case find anyone on staff as talented as she.

The only thing that bothered me was the statement Steve made regarding the voices and the Handle Extra. I think his words were, "for the first time, we will fully staff both." I hope that it doesn't mean a hasty exit for me, as a lowly correspondent. If so, however, I will cherish the months that I have been allowed to grow, as a person, and even as late in life as I have arrived, my short career as a journalist.

Bayview 1st annual Christmas Parade

A bunch of folks got together and decided to have a parade. Hey, if New York, or whatever they call that jungle can have one, why not Bayview. Inside of three days, it was put together. over seven vehicles and uncountable kids, dogs and maybe a parakeet or two ambled through town, visiting all the residential streets and finally coming to rest at the Captain's Wheel. Well, not exactly rest. Hot chocolate flowed for the kids, and um, other beverages for the adults.

The crowd, if one wants to call it that, was around five or six during the parade. When the parade halted at the 'Wheel, the room was suddenly packed. At least several ordinances were violated, as no parade permit was obtained, but then nobody knew who the organizer was anyway. Most vowed to check out the formal way to do this, for next year. I have posted one or two pictures, but most didn't turn out well. Taking pictures without flash after dark is an art form that I haven''t mastered yet.

Breaking News

December came roaring in with ice, snow, and more to come. At around 3:00 pm today, a young man, Seth Mock, was walking down a sloping road in Bayview, that sleds were using. His feet slipped out from under him, causing him to injure his leg. Timberlake Fire District EMT units arrived, and transported the youth, estimated at 12 or 13 years old, to Kootenai Medical Center. Be careful, it's bad and getting worse out there.

Not to be discouraged by the weather, some local residents have organized a lighted Christmas Parade that is about ready to start. New York, or what ever they call it, isn't the only place that has parades.

When Journalists Meet

Today's the day. Taryn Hecker and Meghann Cuniff are heading this way for a beer fest. Hey, these are professional journalists, not pansies. We are going to do our best to scandalize Bayview.

They are, even as we speak, headed this way. No doubt, you are wondering why they would bother to come all this way. Well, aside from being a Babe magnet, I can' think of a single good reason. Anyway, we will get some good pictures, some laughs, and hopefully, a safe return for the ladies. As many of you know, both Meghann & Taryn got caught in the massive lay-off at the Spokesman-Review recently. Black Thursday, we call it. I haven't had the heart to visit the newsroom since. It's almost empty anyway.

I expect both will come up smelling like a rose, since there are very few people that are sharper than these. Any place they end up will be better for having them. They are truly special. (I'll attach a picture when I get one.)

We survived, yes we did. We met a man that fell into the cold waters of Scenic Bay, stayed in the water one and one half hours, and survived. More about that later. I had the distinct pleasure of entertaining Taryn Hecker and her buddy, Meghann Cuniff, both journalists extraordinaire. Did I mention that they are also great companions? We sat around, cut up some, and then hung it up. They also coached me on how to conduct an interview, considering that the almost drowning victim was sitting with us. He may not recover. Anyway, above, some pictures.

Speaking Down

This past week-end, I posted a comment on the Coeur d'Alene Press' blog. My purpose was to suggest that , unlike the column subject by Bob Paulus, The Spokesman-Review is far from dead. In those remarks, I at no time, as the Press attack dogs suggested, attacked Bob Paulus. I did, however, suggest that his premise was incorrect. I might have went just a little further, in suggesting that the Press, while a daily, still has a weekly mentality. I also suggested that I write more neighborhood news, than the entire Press staff. I went on to say that after two pages or so, of local news, mostly that of Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, everything else comes from the Associated Press. I was accused of being overly proud of myself. Not so, although self assurance is not a sin.

I got no official notice, but, wow, you should have seen the insults come out. Lets see. I am a dishwasher in a bar. (Not a thing wrong with honest work) I'm a Freak. (undefined)

In an attempt to lay rumor to rest I am going to give you all an abbreviated biography. Licensed to sell real estate in the year 1969.

The boom market of 1977-1979 found me transferring from Real Estate Sales to the lending side.
As many of you know, the bottom fell out of the market in 1980. 1983. Back in the business again, this time with Seafirst Mortgage. That gig lasted until B of A took control, and they divested themselves of commissioned Loan Officers. Fall of1986. Founded, along with a partner, Westgate Mortgage Corp, as President and CEO. Spring of 1987, R/E market rates crashed again.

Jumping to 1990. I came back to Coeur d'Alene, a town I left in 1973. Probably before some of my detractors were born, or at least, off their Mom's breast. I wandered for a while, somewhat depressed at my business losses. I drove cab, and yes, occasionally washed dishes, wrote some commercial loans, and wandered up to Bayview, where I still reside.

I retired in 2000. One of the things that constantly ding those of us that are retired, and yes, forgotten, is that we are not quite ready for the rocking chair yet. Staying busy is staying alive. Most folks after 60 are not welcome in the very career fields that we thrived in. Nobody wants someone working for them that might take their job. My last attempt at that resulted in the excited employer telling me," that if everything is alright with my office manager, you are hired." I had thirty years in the industry. She had three. End of story.

I served as * Conductor/Entertainer on the Silverwood Train, cashiered at Wal*Mart. These are hobbies. Avocations, not to be confused with career moves. Retired people do many things to stay busy. I made world class potato salad at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant. not a bar, but a classy place to eat. Sure they have a bar. Name a good restaurant that has survived without serving liquor. When one retires, they tend toward their hobbies. Mine are varied. I'm a high hour private pilot, an amateur cook, a fisherman, and yes, a writer. None of these things are in any way disgraceful or demeaning. They are either physical or mental exercises that apparently not all that read me are familiar with.

To my detractors, I just say this. If you can attain my age, with my accomplishments, and with the friends that I have managed to make, you'll do alright. Remember the old adage:

"It only takes two hands to climb the ladder toward success. Many hands, however, of those that can't keep up, will attempt to pull you back down to their level of incompetence."

*At the insistence of Family Phil, I added the Silverwood gig.

Timberlake Fire District Election

No, Hades hasn’t dropped below freezing, but something almost as unusual has occurred. In an election that was under attended, a write-in candidate for fire commissioner in the Timberlake Fire District brought down the long time incumbent, Bat Masterson.

Jon Guinn, a retired US Air Force officer and long time volunteer fireman and EMT, originally turned in a petition to the Kootenai County Elections Department with ten signatures, five needed for a nomination and a position on the ballot. Five were unregistered and apparently, two lived just outside the district he was running in, thence keeping him off the ballot. Not to be deterred, he launched a write-in campaign, complete with yard signs and web site. Running against a long entrenched commissioner, Bat Masterson, he won going away, with a 190-141 victory.

Asked to what he attributed his amazing feat, he told us that “certainly a low turnout helped a lot, but he also referred to the “closed club” atmosphere with many of the meetings going to executive session, running the public off. Acknowledging that certain issues, such as personnel have to be discussed in private, he went on to claim that open meetings were rare, with two commissioners ruling the roost and the others followers. He went on to say that he wanted fair hiring and firing practices, transparent open meetings, and an end to the” good ‘ol boys” closed atmosphere. Guinn went on to point to one chief and five full-time firefighters being fired in the last two years, with much of the experience going with them.” He reckoned that perhaps two deserved it, and the others didn’t.

The Timberlake Fire District was originally formed with the merging of the Athol and Bayview Fire Departments, back in 2000. Now, only manned at the Athol location, the district has five fire stations, all dormant, except for the Little Blacktail station, built mostly from local funds. Now formed by five commission districts, and five fire stations.

Guinn is fearful that a firefighter might either be seriously injured, or killed by not having a qualified chief to make safety decisions while fighting a house fire. The,” do we enter to rescue a screaming occupant, or is to too late and risky to enter the hypothetical burning building decisions are being made by very inexperienced people.”

Jon Guinn comes from Walla Walla, Washington. He graduated from WSU with a degree in Police Science. Guinn spent over 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. His Air Force career was spent in Security and investigations. After retirement, he served the US Government as a Consulting contractor for security issues. He claims certification as an EMT, as well as having taken courses in fire investigation. Currently, he is on inactive status, as a volunteer firefighter with the district.

Unable to reach the defeated incumbent, Bat Masterson, we spokes to the president of the board, Sam Scheu. Scheu told us,"We could have done a better job of publicizing the election." He went on to say,"only four percent of the registered voters showed up to vote." When asked about the 23% voter turnout in the areas of the district lying in Bonner County, he suggested that," It could have been from concentrated campaigning. Perhaps we need to find ways to communicate with these folks better." We spoke to Kootenai County Elections Manager, Deedie Beard, who said, "I don't recall in my thirty years in this department, ever seeing a write-in candidate win, although I could have forgotten." She went on to describe the conditions needed for a write-in victory. "A small turnout in a small taxing district would usually be the case."

We spoke off the record to two other members of the Department who wished to remain anonymous. Neither was happy with the results.

Progressive-Regressive

I used too think that I was kind of a "gitter done" kind of guy. That was before I got into an on-line discussion of the word progressive, one of my hated words that goes right along with" moving forward," one that irritates Jim Kerchner and others. It started when Dave Oliveria used the word,"progressive," to describe the Coeur d'Alene City Council. Now I'm quite sure that many, if not all of the council members are go gitters, but there has to be some Republicans in the group. I'm left wondering whether they want to be called progressive, since that largely, overused and under-specific term was many years ago, claimed as a synonym for Liberal.

The opposite of progressive, of course, is Regressive. Now, I ask you. How many want to be thought of as regressive? Sounds terrible, doesn't it. Allow me to use an example, or two.

Progressive: A progressive society brought us Heroin, Crack Cocaine and methamphetamine. Starting around the time of the Vietnam war, our progressive society sent thousands to their deaths for what? Two parent homes are the oddity, not the norm, in a progressive society. Property crimes have run rampant, as dopers try to fund their recreational drug habit. Hanging out. Being cool. wearing one's hat backward, drooping pants. (with ass-crack showing) Trying out sex before dating? Progressive.

Regressive: Mom & Pop on an outing with their kids. Their natural kids, not yours and mine. Families sitting down at the dinner table together for dinner. (teens, excepted) Families that could make enough dough with one parent working, so that the other could keep the kids out of jail and reasonably under control. Going to church, worshiping anything other than the pursuit of pleasure? Regressive. Learning as an incentive for future life? Regressive, and ridiculed. Knowledge and the pursuit of? Regressive.

All-in-all, I've decided that I would rather be a Regressive, thank you very much!

Bayview Says Goodbye

The following post is published, courtesy of the Spokesman-Review. By Herb Huseland

The year 1958 saw a new trailer park established on Main Street. Bayview Trailer Park, with 32 spaces, served as homes for many over the years, and vacation spots for many others. Possibly one of the last picturesque spots where lower-income people could rub elbows with middle- and upper-income neighbors is fast coming to a close.

Established 49 years ago, this park has long been the center of residential Bayview. While the town stretches west to the Farragut State Park boundary, Bayview Trailer park is smack dab in the middle of town. With the planned construction of condominiums and a two-story parking garage in the works for spring, it doesn't look good for families living west of the park, saving their views of the lake.

A year ago, the trailer park owner sent out notices alerting residents that the park would close on Sept. 30. Although the park was subsequently sold, the new owner opted to stick with the original eviction timetable.

According to published news reports, about a dozen parks have closed in Kootenai County over the past five years, with older mobile home parks being converted to more lucrative uses as commercial properties or higher-end housing.

Only three lonely mobile homes remain at the Bayview Trailer Park as of this writing. One has a tractor attached to it in preparation for exiting. Bare concrete slabs stare up at the sky, seeing daylight for the first time in years. Rubble strewn around the vacant spots tell of hasty removal or abandonment of these older homes, never intended to be moved more than once, yet called mobile homes. Local businesses stand silent, as the former neighbors aren't in line at the Mercantile, or on the next bar stool at JD's or the Captain's Wheel. The trailer park stands gutted, waiting for the inevitable sounds of new construction expected in the spring.

Jack and Charlene Soppit, still packing, operate the liquor store in town. Jack moved to the park 40 years ago. He subsequently married Charlene, and moved her and her daughters into his home. Skip Wilcox, retired from the U.S. Air Force, has been one of the more fortunate ones. He found another place to live. Some of the evicted trailer park residents still haven't. Older or disabled people are still looking for answers that aren't forthcoming.

The Captain's Wheel restaurant is sponsoring a farewell Thanksgiving potluck to say goodbye to friends from the Bayview Trailer Park. Former residents are encouraged to come from wherever they landed, for this, the last hurrah. Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Music will be provided by Good & Plenty. Everyone is invited.

Howard Benefit

Terry's Cafe put on a great Mexican dinner, Sunday, as a benefit for the Howard family, stricken with their son, David Howard's recent death in a hunting accident. Around forty dinners were bought, but in many cases, the $7.95 price tag was ignored as most folks dug deeper for what they could give. Terry Shepherd, proprietor of Terry's Cafe, staged a fund raiser for family expenses incurred.

Around $900.00 was collected from raffle, meals and collection jars. Not all has been accounted for, but Terry thought that $900.00 would be a representative figure. Many younger people, friends of the family, and many older members of the community attended. The food was great, but the reason for being there wasn't. The Community, as usual, and Terry in particular, rose to the occasion.

Bayview Mailboat

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Don't screw with an Angry Woman

It turns out that a 28 year old woman, having a tiff with her husband, set his buffalo head on fire, in a wifely rage. The Buffalo head, not his. She was charged with arson. I haven't the technical knowledge of how to transfer her image to this blog, except to say that she is a 10.

We, here at Bayviews, have a sliding scale of guilt, mostly based on how devastating a beauty, or not, that they are. To imprison this rare beauty for just, what! (burning a dead head? Sorry, musicians) This lady is capable of turning heads in Hollywood. Hey, come to think of it, how many Hollywood maidens have to put up with a moldy animal head. Especially one that measures around three feet across.

The defense rests. The Asshole that talked her into putting that head up in her home needs counseling. As to the perpetrator, hey, she is welcome in Bayview, anytime.

For the real deal, go to the Idaho Statesman.com

The Aftermath (Newsroom Bloodbath)

I am stunned. I thought about the original estimates of a few. (I figured two North Idaho reporters.) I think of all the times I sail into the newsroom, stop to say Hi to the Bureau Chief, Scott Maben, sally over to the photo department, where Jesse Tinsley seemingly effortlessly creates prize winning photos, and also helps an overage reporter improve his photos.

Then, after a quick Quack at Meghann, on to my honorary Granddaughter, Taryn Hecker. Paula Davenport steps on my stories, I love her anyway. Some of the others, I know casually, but these people that I have named, have carved a spot in my heart, and they know it.

I can't hurt as much as my friends at the newsroom, but I'm a close second to Steve Smith, the Guy that cares a lot, and can't show it publicly. As a correspondent, I hurt even worse than most.

You see, it was the mentoring and helpfulness of these fine people, people that knew for every article that I wrote, it chipped away at their job security. I hurt for Taryn, my buddy at all times. Fortunatley, she will bounce back rapidly, and at her age, probably to a better future. I hurt for Boo & Goo. One more sour apple thrust upon their lives.

For those of you that still think I am a bloodsucking outlaw, I can only say this to you. When I run across a news story that is breaking, or I feel too close to the story to be objective, I immediately call Scott Maben with the information so that he can assign a reporter to the story. I have done this numerous times since I started writing for the S/R. Likewise, when the news department gets a tip that doesn't fit the breaking news department, they refer it on to me. We have had a close cooperative relationship. One that I hope continues.

I don't know how the correspondent gig will play out. I have always wanted to write, and when I got my chance I went for it. I am also of the same mind of those that criticize the correspondent program, except as previously stated by former journalism teacher, Marianne Love, neighborhood correspondents came before the fully staffed bureaus. Yes, I feel guilty. I liked all of those that were laid off.

How can I walk back into the newsroom without giving a loud QUACK in Meghann's direction.

I grieve for those that I could never even hold their sandals.As a correspondent, that was pretty much all of them.

My Big Break

Many of you, that is all of you that follow my column in the Your Voice section of the Spokesman-Review, will see, if you look for it, a feature that I was allowed to produce for the Handle Extra that prints tomorrow morning. I did a history of the mail boat out of Bayview and after several stops up the lake, ends at "Kilroy", which is fitting, because instead of Kilroy was here, it was Herb and Jesse Tinsley that was there.

It is a sad evening that I am celebrating my column, when many of my friends have been laid off at the Spokesman-Review. Jim Haggengruber, Taryn Hecker, or as most of you knew her as,"Taryn Brodwater." Paula Davenport, my college in the Idaho Voice, Meghann Cuiff, the voice of the local schools, and others, in other venues. To say that they will be missed, to to suggest that the atom bomb ended WW Deuce. An understatement of huge measure. This is a huge blow to the community, the paper, and journalism as an art form. These people are so sharp that they sometimes take my breath away. They will land right side up. I don't know whether the rest of us will. I Grieve ...

I grieve

'Today, Steve Smith, Editor of the Spokesman-review, gave proof to the rumors that a large number of reporters will be laid off. Well, they weren't rumors. Many, almost all former crackerjack reporters for the S/R Idaho Bureau have been dumped, laid off. All, seemingly from the North Idaho Bureau.

Gone is the guy with the envirionmental background, Jim Hagengruber, the guy that wrote headline stories about the fish kill in Scenic Bay, and always follows through with the best information possible.I am stunned. I thought about the original estimates of a few. (I figured two North Idaho reporters.) I think of all the times I sail into the newsroom, stop to say Hi to the Bureau Chief, Scott Maben, sally over to the photo department, where Jesse Tinsley seemingly effortlessly creates prize winning photos, and also helps an overage reporter improve his photos.

After a quick Quack at Meghann, on to my honorary Granddaughter, Taryn Hecker. Paula Davenport steps on my stories, I love her anyway. Some of the others, I know casually, but these people that I have named, have carved a spot in my heart, and they know it.

I can't hurt as much as my friends at the newsroom, but I'm a close second to Steve Smith, the Guy that cares a lot, and can't show it publicly. As a correspondent, I hurt even worse than most.

You see, it was the mentoring and helpfulness of these fine people, people that knew for every article that I wrote, it chipped away at their job security. I hurt for Taryn, my buddy at all times. Fortunately, she will bounce back rapidly, and at her age, probably to a better future. I hurt for Boo & Goo. One more sour apple thrust upon their Young lives.

How can I walk back into the newsroom without giving a loud QUACK in Meghann's direction.

I suspect that very soon, Steve Smith will be announcing the hiring of several new correspondents, coincidentally, former reporters.

I grieve for those that I could never even hold their sandals.As a correspondent, that was pretty much all of them.

I will not sleep well tonight.

Posted by Sweet & Sour Herb | 1 Nov 9:57 PM