When The Law doesn't Apply Logic

Sometimes we wonder about our law enforcement agencies. Either we wonder why they can't clean up the Meth labs, or on the other hand, we wonder why they actually don't obey the law themselves.I have written about Cop Abuse. I have also complimented good police work and of course, when they are thinking, rather than dragging their knuckles, they really come in handy.

We wonder what happened to the real pros like Dick White, long retired, who seasoned the law with common sense. We sometimes wonder what happened to the good old days when people that were screw-ups, still respected the guys that slapped the cuffs on. We wonder about the old pros that were lured out of retirement from LAPD, and had the experience to know right from wrong, and what was important to enforce. Now we have a gaggle of barely adult kids with way too much testosterone, and way too little maturity. Oh, and they get to carry a gun, too. One sometimes wonders what mental tests these guys pass.

Some of the problem is with the county. Kootenai County has consistently underfunded the Sheriff's Department. Some of that is because of the friction between the elected Sheriff and the separately elected County Commissioners. Bottom line, they don't like each other. Results? We the people suffer from under trained kids with a gun and a lot of huffed up authority.

This brings us to the point of this particular post. During the week-end, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department Goons, descended upon the Lakeland RV Park. Not to stop an in progress crime, but to arrest a man accused of child molestation, obviously, an egregious crime. I call them Goons, because the probable cause they had, was that the last name of the alleged perpetrator was Brown. I won't mention the first name, because I personally know two and possibly three Browns with the same first names. They also had information that led them to believe the suspect drove a red truck.

Now let's cut to the chase. Obviously, a guy named Brown and driving a red pickup narrowed the chase down to just a few thousand. Bingo, they had their Guy. I am finding as I write this report, it very difficult to refrain from using obscenities. Sometimes, normal adjectives just don't say enough. Well, I have a hard and true philosophy about that. I want my blog to inform, educate and entertain. I also want your kids to be able to log on to it.

Well, back to the story. Having found what they thought was their man, hey, name Brown, red pickup, what could go wrong. They sailed into the aforementioned RV park, where Mr Brown was a maintenance worker, doing his job. In front, allegedly, of his wife and child, he was arrested, thrown against a vehicle, and was about to be hauled off, when the owners of the RV Park stepped up and questioned their identification. Hopefully embarrassed, these Keystone Cops fled in disarray, wondering how many other Browns they would have to arrest to finally get the culprit. Why, Why, Why! Where is the leadership! Where is the training! I personally, am disgusted beyond belief.

There comes a point, where either we as a people put up with our liberties being trashed, our kids being subjected to hard drugs, or we step up, recognize we can't hire or keep officers with adequate experience without competitive pay. We aren't going to have both. I call on the Kootenai County Commissioners to reject the on the cheap program the county has followed for over twenty years, and grab the brass ring. Give us qualified officers that care about the people that they are sworn to protect. Give us officers that don't cheat on probable cause for traffic stops. Currently, an egregious failing. If the Cops do not respect the public, the public will never respect the Cops.

We will write more, as more information becomes available. One can only hope that the County department hierarchy is listening.

Bayview Daze 2008 Is Over

Thousands crammed into the little lake side village of Bayview for the 4th week-end festivities. As usual, the fireworks and main entertainment venues concentrated on Saturday the 5th. We had fun, we had confusion, we had the 25th Division Idaho National Guard Band in our parade, but in Bayview,unlike Coeur d'Alene, we didn't march as political parties. Everyone in the parade marched as Americans. I found it rather strange, even bazaar, that almost all the comments on Huckleberries about the Coeur d'Alene parade revolved around a pissing contest as to which political party had the most fun, were the loudest, and/or were outnumbered. Rather than concentrate on the purpose of the celebration (for those that are so wrapped up in partisanship, that would be celebrating our independence from England. Methinks some peoples priorities need looked at. Perhaps adults were barred from attending.

Arguably the largest parade ever, the band made a huge difference. Even with the changing of leadership from Liz Justus and Lorraine Landwehr as parade directors, to Ralph Jones, and the Street bazaar from Jackie Orth to Cindy Post and Kathy Ellis, it was a grand day, or days. As usual, the streets were so clogged with parked cars, (some even legally) that driving was at least third choice. Walking took over. While there is always someone from out of town that gets drunk and ends up as a guest of Rocky Watson, for the most part, Bayview was trouble free. Pictured above, are Charlie Bell, leader of the band, and further down, twin Bell sisters, Nellie & Emily ... or maybe Emily & Nellie, with their babies. Married within two months of each other, birthing their children with two months of each other, it appears they pretty much do everything together.

We had a magnificent lighted boat parade, followed by a 50% increased fireworks show over last year. The largest dollar wise and people wise three days of the year found local businesses dragging with fatigue, but packing home the money necessary to make it through yet another North Idaho winter. I'll have more in my Thursday column in the "Prairie Voice" section of the spokesman-Review. Mean while, sit back and check the pictures out.

Bayview Daze, Update

Well, here we are, around 11:00 pm Saturday night. We have overcome slight problems with the parade, everyone still had a great time, and without exception, most thought it was the best parade ever. This was mainly due to the late addition of the Idaho Army National Guard Band. They were great. We have Queen Vicki Richardson for being on her toes. When she found out they were marching in Coeur d'Alene's parade, she asked them to stay over for ours. They did, and they were a great hit.

After they parade, we segued into afternoon party time, followed by music provided by several bands. One, the most popular local family band, the Bells, performed outside at the Captain's Wheel, where later, the internationally acclaimed band, Too Slim and the Tail Draggers performed. What started out as a local blues band out of Spokane, and an ever popular attraction at the late bar, Chelseas, went national, then international. We welcome home our very favorite blues guys.

As usual, tons of tourists came down for the festivities. I was pleased that many people that I either know from their Paper, or my blog, came up to introduce themselves, including our favorite, GOP guy,Gary Ingram, who stopped by to trade Huckleberries stories with me. All in all, everyone had a great time, including yours truly.

Is Bad News Good News?

Much has been discussed in the last few days about whether the media is becoming too negative. Sometimes they are. The old, " If it bleeds, it leads, " is still a part of our news heritage.On the other hand, would you rather not hear things that might seriously effect your life?

Sure, it would be nice if everything were "hunky dory," but is that reality? No it's not. when things are going great, perhaps the media would be well advise to emphasize that more than they do. Is that slanted journalism? Probably. no, obviously so. Once a news or feature gets out into the public, it tends to take on a life of it's own. Thence, without any professional or technical guidance, it somehow becomes fact.

If I had my druthers, we would scrub the tainted reporters from the earth. Unfortunately we can't. The reason? Because the money behind the news comes from tainted political sources. Not the political parties, but from the publishers themselves, that finally, can't resist the opportunity to further their political agenda. Hey, why spend all that money on a newspaper or television network when you can't turn the world around.

The Spokesman-Review, the paper that I write for, probably cares more about this issue than any other that I have found. I have been prohibited from writing some stories here in Bayview, because of my editor's concern about objectivity. I love that part. That gives me credibility. I also delight in having friends point out such terms as the Socialist-Review, and others, equally intelligent, (I think) believe that this paper is heading down the slippery slope of right wing conservatism. Actually, they are both right. Steve Smith, Editor of this rag, is a dedicated, some feel, dictator, but what he represents is the thirst for truth, the inevitable cutting of costs, and of course gets blamed for everything the publisher's throw at him.

May he survive, as we would also like to see the Spokesman-Review do.

When You Need A Cop ...

Sometimes, when you call a cop it's not to report a crime. In a case most recently, it was for help.

This intrepid reporter received a call for assistance from two widely respected members of the community. Bob and Suzanne Rickel, retired farmers, began receiving pesky notices in the mail from New York City.

It stated that a jeep was illegally parked in the city Oct. 28, 2007, registered to the Rickels. We followed our own advice, and called a cop. The Rickels in fact do own a jeep. It's a 1954 model that has been in storage for more than 10 years, then transported to Suzanne's brother by trailer to Seattle. The plates still reside here in Bayview at the Rickel residence.


Enter Capt. Ben Wolfinger of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department. We requested his assistance, and Capt. Wolfinger ran the plate and verified it is the number registered to the Rickels. By the time Wolfinger got involved, the notices had got nastier and more frequent, ending in a default judgment of $107.38.

After determining the facts, Capt. Wolfinger graciously mailed a letter to New York City explaining that one, the Rickels had never been in New York City, nor were they likely to go there in the future. Two, the car in question was not white, as the parking ticket revealed, but dark green. The third and we hope the deciding factor, is that the car in question is 54 years old and while restored, isn't capable of such a journey.

One can only hope that the largest bureaucracy in today's world will understand. If not, Captain Wolfinger does not anticipate his cooperation in an attempt to extradite the alleged offenders.

Bayview Daze Are Upon Us

Six bands lead off the festivities in a gigantic battle of the bands. Bayview Daze is here again. The most fantastic of a series of great fireworks displays will happen this year. In the past, Bayview has, through the fund raising efforts of the community, increased the budget for this year by fifty percent. The real treat though, is that if you are having fireworks in Sandpoint or Coeur d’Alene or even Post falls, you don’t have to miss Bayview. The reason? Bayview holds their display Saturday, July fifth, giving everyone the opportunity to double dip. The entire celebration stretches three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 4th,5th and 6th. The following is a schedule of events:

First up is the street fair. Arts, crafts, all kinds of neat stuff. If you haven’t got your T-shirt from the Athol booth yet, here’s your chance. Friday finds live music at JD’s featuring Wyzer. Not to be upstaged, the Captain’s Wheel presents the band, Comfort Zone. Music at JD’s will be provided by Wyser.

Saturday brings most of the events, including the fireworks show. Entertainment will be appearing all over town. 9am to 6 pm features a Kid’s fair downtown with “The Fun Guy.” 11am has the Street Parade which travels from 3rd & Spruce down to Main Street, ending at the Community Center. Entries must be lined up by 10am. It is also advised that those that are planning to attend the parade, get into town early while there are still a few inches of parking to spare. Following the parade, cars will be displayed at the Scenic Motel for Show & Shine. Parade awards will be presented at Ralph’s Internet Coffee house at 2 pm.

JD’s will feature two bands, Saturday the 5th. Afternoon features David Walsh. Evening cranks up with the band, “Four Times Over.”

From 4pm to 8pm, The Bells will appear on the outside stage at the Captain’s wheel. As a special treat, from 9pm to 1am live on the main stage inside at the ‘Wheel, is the nationally acclaimed band, “Too slim and The Tail Draggers.” If you are a fan of the blues, this is the one not to miss.

For entries in the Lighted Boat Parade, which kicks off at 9pm at the Bitter End Marina, you must register at Ralph’s Café by 7pm. Fireworks extravaganza happens at 10pm. Folks around Bayview that have seen the other shows in the area, including Coeur d’Alene, swear the Bayview show is the best.

By Sunday, if everyone is still functioning, one last celebration when the Queen of Bayview gets crowned at Noon, also at Ralph’s Coffee shop. For information about Bayview Daze, contact Ralph at 208-683-2218.
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U.S. constitution Saved, Once More

In the argument over the right to bear arms, too many people got hung up on the part that says," in order to maintain a well ordered militia," or some such. During revolutionary days, and even through our civil war, militias were raised by villages and towns throughout the nation and enlisted by group with the officers being voted on or appointed by the locals.

It was believed during those turbulent years, that an invasion by a foreign entity could most effectively be repulsed by local people with the arms the founding fathers allowed as a basic right in our constitution.

This need was also felt to be a detriment to any internal threat as well. Too many people apply 21st century solutions to problems without researching the why of the matter. Many modern day historians suggest that forties Germany would not have lost their Jewish population if Germans met the gestapo at the door with a shotgun.

We have enough gun control laws already. It is against the law for any convicted felon to own a gun. It is a huge factor, if you are convicted of a crime in which a gun is used. Mental incompetents have been prohibited from owning or possessing guns. We can pile law after law after law on this issue, and even had the Supreme Court upheld the Washington D.C. law, the criminals would still find a way to have guns. Only when free law abiding citizens have the right, also, is the field leveled, giving potential victims some protection.

It is not lost on me, that many of today's liberals believe the constitution of the United States is outmoded and needs "radical" overhaul. This document, properly enforced, has produced in just a little over 200 years, the single most successful nation on earth, and did so without abridging an individuals liberties. Not everyone in this country is successful, but most have the ability to be so, should they removed themselves from the streets and just try.

Bayview Daze Update

Bayview Daze is here again, featuring six bands leading off the festivities in a gigantic battle of the bands.

The most fantastic of a series of fireworks displays will happen this year. Bayview has, through the community fundraising efforts, increased the fireworks budget for this year by 50 percent. The real treat, though, is that if you are going to fireworks in Sandpoint or Coeur d'Alene or even Post Falls, you don't have to miss Bayview.

The reason? Bayview holds its display July 5, giving everyone the opportunity to double dip. The entire celebration stretches three days: July 4 through 6. The following is a schedule of events:

First up is the street fair. Arts, crafts and all kinds of neat stuff. If you haven't got your T-shirt from the Athol booth yet, here's your chance. Friday finds live music at JD's featuring Wyzer. Not to be upstaged, the Captain's Wheel presents the band, Comfort Zone. July 5 brings most of the events. Entertainment will be appearing all over town. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the feature is a kids' fair downtown with "The Fun Guy." At 11 a.m. there will be a street parade, which travels from Third and Spruce down to Main Street, ending at the Community Center. Entries must be lined up by 10 a.m.

It is also advised that those who are planning to attend the parade, get to town early while there are still a few inches of parking to spare. Following the parade, cars will be displayed at the Scenic Motel for Show and Shine. Parade awards will be presented at Ralph's Internet Coffee house at 2 p.m.

JD's will feature two bands on July 5: Afternoon features David Walsh, and the evening cranks up with the band, Four Times Over. From 4 to 8 p.m., the Bells will appear on the outside stage at the Captain's Wheel. As a special treat, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the main stage inside at the Wheel, the nationally acclaimed band, Too Slim and The Tail Draggers will play. If you are a fan of the blues, this is the one not to miss.

For entries in the Lighted Boat Parade, which kicks off at 9 p.m. at the Bitter End Marina, you must register at Ralph's Cafe by 7 p.m. The fireworks extravaganza happens at 10 p.m. Folks around Bayview who have seen the other shows in the area, including Coeur d'Alene, swear the Bayview show is the best.

By July 6, if everyone is still functioning, one last celebration will be the crowning of the Queen of Bayview at noon, also at Ralph's Coffee shop. For more information about Bayview Daze activities, call Ralph at 208-683-9107.

George Carlin 1937-2008

There are special people that leave us every day. Some of them are better known than others. George Carlin was such a man. Many think he was the guy that created the "naughty breakthrough." He certainly did that, but he did much more.

This man was the world's best at cutting through the bullshit. He could take a human condition, look at it, and reduce it to it's basics. Carlin would be more famous for pointing out the "forbidden words," that couldn't be mentioned on television. When he did that, he opened up the hypocrisy of a society that used these forbidden words everyday on the streets and in the offices of the nation, but could not be admitted to on TV. Kind of like Lucy and Dezi sleeping in twin beds, because to suggest that married people slept together was suggestive.

George Carlin was the master of the ridicule and pointed it at the absurdities of the system in entertainment. He was the boss. A verbal magician. You either liked him or hated him. That, I believe was because he made you look into yourself. Sometimes people didn't like what they found there. The one thought, as I end this tribute, is that without George Carlin, UBob wouldn't have had a vocabulary.

I will miss this giant of a man, and a man that was funny just because he was real.

Cops can be helpful, Too

Sometimes, when you call a cop it’s not to report a crime. In a case most recently, it was for help. This intrepid reporter received a call for assistance from two widely respected members of the community. Bob and Suzanne Rickel, retired farmers started getting pesky notices in the mail from someone claiming to be New York City. They stated that a jeep was illegally parked in the City October 28, 2007, registered to the Rickels. We followed our own advise, and called a cop.

The Rickels in fact do own a jeep. It’s a 1954 model that has been in storage for over ten years, then transported to Suzanne’s brother by trailer to Seattle. The plates, supposedly Idaho number 9875, still reside here in Bayview at the Rickel residence. Enter Captain Ben Wolfinger of the Kootenai county Sheriff Department. We requested his assistance. Captain Wolfinger ran the plate and verified it is the number registered to the Rickels. By the time Wolfinger got involved, the notices had got nastier and more frequent, ending in a default judgement of $107.38.

After determining the facts, Captain Wolfinger graciously mailed a letter to New York City explaining that one, the Rickels had never been in New York City, nor were they likely to go there in the future. Two, the car in question was not white, as the parking ticket revealed, but dark green. The third and we hope the deciding factor, is that the car in question is 54 years old and while restored, isn’t capable of such a journey. One can only hope that the largest bureaucracy in today’s world will understand. If not, Captain Wolfinger does not anticipate his cooperation in an attempt to extradite the alleged offenders.

Many of you have been following the trials and tribulations of little Amber Newton, terribly burned last January. Since then, she has been in and out of hospitals. Several fund raising events have been held. Bayview has a woman that just can’t stay away from someone that needs help. Terry Shepherd, owner of Terry’s Café decided to do something about it. She started a raffle, then invited the community to a burger BBQ with all funds to go toward the Newton’s Sunday was the big day. Some peripheral fund raising is still out there, but from the raffle itself, over $1400 was collected. At deadline, there were still funds outstanding and more information to be gathered. We will report back next week on that progress. We did learn that there is an account set up at the Rathdrum branch of the Panhandle State Bank in the name of Amber Newton for those that wish to contribute.

Summer is heading into high gear with events happening all over the place. Post 149 Athol American legion is holding a charity poker run for both bikes and four wheelers June 28. The route for the bikers is from the Pastime in Athol then The Bonners Ferry Legion post, Popeye’s in Priest River, Curley’s in Hauser, The Captain’s wheel in Bayview then back to the legion in Athol. Contact the Legion at 683-2614 for details.

Saturday night features the Riverside Band at the Captain’s wheel along with some great food. Bayview Daze is just around the corner with the key day being July 5. A street fair will be set up for all three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, followed by A street parade Saturday and a brand new fireworks display Saturday the 5th. A boat parade will lead off at dusk, followed by the fireworks. This year, a 50% increase in funds were voted by the Bayview Chamber of commerce. Visitors are urged to donate when they come out to enjoy the festivities. This entire show is paid for by voluntary donations. The first queen will be crowned in over 20 years Sunday at noon at Ralph’s coffee shop. A special Bayview Daze treat is in store for Saturday night revelers. Too slim and the Tail Draggers will appear on the main stage, with the Bells handling the daytime duties on the lawn outside. We have leaned that Too slim has moved out of the shadow of Spokane/Coeur d'Alene, where they were immensely popular back in the early 90's, to a national stage, and seldom play small gigs like this. It may be the only chance to ever see them again.

Sometin' Is Sure Going Around

We just learned recently that Larry Justus has been hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs and some related heart difficulties. He seems to be responding to treatment and hopefully will be home soon. For those of you that do not know him, Larry & Liz operate the Lakeland RV park adjacent to the post office in Bayview.

I've been busy and remiss relative to posting on this blog. As I mentioned previously, I have a new gig. I have been driving a Limo for Rusty's sports Bar in Hayden. For those that aren't sure where that is, it's right next to the Holiday Inn express on Orchard between Government Way and Hwy 95. The Limo is a stretch Cadillac that will seat about seven in a pinch. The service is free. I drive with tips only as my income. So far, most people have been very generous. We can pick you up and take you back home if you live fairly close to the bar. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the nights this service is available. For a pickup it is best to call ahead about an hour to make sure the limo will be there for you. 772-2400

Wednesday nights feature Karaoke. Saturday nights usually have live music. If you haven't seen a good friend lately, chances they can be found at Rusty's, the new "IN" place to be.

2008 Bayview Daze

It's almost that time of year again. We are in the middle of June, and in just three weeks, the sun will be beating down upon us while we watch 4th of July festivities. While there are great fireworks many places on the 4th, we need to remind you that in Bayview, we march to a different drummer. Bayview Daze does coincide with the 4th, but only kinda. The Bayview Chamber of commerce, realizing that to really party down, one has to limit their activities to week-ends. The calendar doesn't always cooperate. Last year the 4th was on a Wednesday. The simple formula in those cases is to use the nearest Saturday to the 4th as fireworks day. Next year, we will be just like everyone else. That is only because the 4th finally falls, as it should, on Saturday.

The moral of this story is this: Go out, enjoy yourselves anywhere on the 4th, then trek on down to Bayview, Saturday the 5th. We have a three day street fair. A parade Saturday Morning, at 11:00, (get here by 10 for parking) A lighted boat parade at 9:00 pm, Fireworks at 10:00. This year, even though the show has always been spectacular, the Chamber added a 50% increase in funding. This is probably one of the only local venues that regardless of the state of the woods around us, we are safe, insofar as the fireworks are always sent up over the lake, from a barge in the lake. Unlike Lake Coeur d'Alene, our pyrotechnicians haven't ever had to dive off because of an unplanned on board explosion.

In addition to the usual festivities, this year we are resuming the Queen contest. One that has been dormant for many years. Rather than the usual beauty contest, this one is open to ladies 8 to 80. Judging will be based on more practical things, like which contestant raises the most in fireworks donations. The only hard and fast rule in this contest, is that Ralph can't enter. Speaking of Ralph, call 683-2218 for details.

Stuff I'm Doing

I thought I would give everyone a break. By that, I mean I'm going to take a break from opinionating just this once. Why? Because I'm doing some exciting fun stuff now. Most of you know that I write a column for the Spokesman-Review. I've had a great time doing just that. Since about April of last year, I've written about 90 columns dealing with every thing from features to hard news when it happens in front of me. I have, and still do, enjoy the heck out of doing this, and hope to continue. Still, with budget cuts, every time I turn around, I'm being hit with budget crunches that threaten to cut back on what I have accomplished in the last year. I do not know where this is going, but I suspect it's the old "do more with less syndrome."

Very recently, I have jumped into a gig with my old pal, Kim Gittel, owner of Rusty's sports Bar in Hayden. Kim, concerned with the numbers of customers that enter his establishment, then drink more than is good for them, bought a Cadillac Stretch Limousine. The plan, is to ask customers to ride home free with our limo, leaving their cars at the bar. If you haven't guessed yet, I'm your driver. We have a further plan that will take a few weeks to break in. That is one that asks customers to call in, ask for a pickup time and day, then go pick them up, carry them to the bar and ... take them back home, absolutely free. Of course, you are expected to tip your driver, who is working for tips only. This service is only currently available Wednesdays (Karaoke night) Fridays and Saturday nights.

It seems to me, that this is a win-win deal. With Drunk Driving fines reaching into the four figure range, plus the license suspensions, not to mention the ten years or so of elevated insurance rates, chucking a twenty or even less to your driver is much the preferred solution. But the big plus, is that you won't hurt or kill someone going home from a night of revelry.

To call for a Limo, you can reach Rusty's at: 772-2400. Tell them when and where you wish to be picked up, give directions, then leave a call back number, so that your less than enlightened driver might call for directions, once he gets lost. Party On, my friends!

Democracy Has Enemies, Some From Within

I, for one, am not sick of the political rhetoric. This, as cumbersome as it may be, is the sound of liberty. Sure,it tends to be repetitive, sure it stinks of empty slogans, people lie, prevaricate, enlarge, distort, but have you people looked at the paper lately?

Zimbabwe: The current ruler had his chief opponent arrested because he caused an unlawful gathering of anti-government adherents,this during an election campaign.

No matter where you go in this world, democracy is a minority. Only here, and a few other countries,can you freely state your views, then freely vote on those issues or candidates that you prefer. I get angry with those of you that smug in your attitudes and/or prejudices, can't look beyond your political views, to see the humanity and the enlightened country we live in.

A country that allows even those that are around the bend, so to speak, to still make their points. I love this country, right wrong, and sometimes, just confused.

The headline tday, that caught my eye, was the one that told of a teen caught counterfeiting in the boys room. Wondering how the head could possibly fit any scenario I could think of, I clicked on the "More" thingee.

Folks, this is entertainment you just can't get anywhere. This young man carted a color printer into a restroom because he was homeless and didn't have a way to plug it in. Cops caught him printing brand new ten dollar bills.

When asked why, he replied, I'm homeless and didn't have anywhere to plug it in. It turns out that he was only going to print $90 so he could buy some Pot. My thinking here, admittedly somewhat jaundiced, is that with this kind of thinking, given a little capital, this guy could be our next CEO of a fortune 500 company. This needs encouragement, not suppression.

Tuesday ... A Tragic Day

Everyone in Bayview was shocked to learn that we lost three residents Tuesday. Ron Olson, former sales representative for Waterford Park Homes, Died of a massive heart attack. Life Flight was called in, but to no avail. Ron hadn't lived in the community that long, but he will be missed by many.

Two others, long time residents and outstanding citizens were lost the same day. Archie Orth, former commander of Legion Post #149, avid fisherman, golfer and fly fishing expert. died after a long battle with cancer. His funeral will be held Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 am at the Legion post in Athol.

Archie's Brother-In-Law, Cliff Hohnwaldt, former Legion club manager, also died, the same day. We haven't any details yet as to when or if services will be held. We'll write more as information becomes available.

Just Some Ranting

It would appear that after several years of chasing Osama , Republicans will now start chasing Obama. I sure hope that's where the similarity ends. We here in this country have enough problems what with 47 different positions on every issue. We certainly don't need suicide bombers, Kamikaze Pilots, or any other of the sick crap that passes for Islam.

Which brings me to the point. How, in this age of terrorists, are we going to be able to survive as a civilized nation, without being able to protect our borders. It isn't about Mexican farm labor. It's about anyone that believes we can catch terrorists that try to infiltrate our borders, if itinerant farmers and their wives and children can freely cross in large numbers. Hell, we can't even seal the borders of Iraq, or even Afghanistan, where the most dangerous borders are a few mountain passes.

In Afghanistan however, we could easily blow up the narrow passes into Pakistan, sealing off the border. The problem? political will. We are trying to create a Palestinian Nation, while protecting Israel's territorial integrity. Has anyone figured out how you can do that with the West Bank and Gaza separated by Israeli territory? Without geographically common borders, it's a joke. The best the do-gooders are going to be able to do is create two Palestinian Countries.

I'm not just griping about our present administration, but the past several. Where was Carter, or for that matter, Clinton. Did either of them say wait, this won't work? No. All of them are afraid to upset the Arab oil producers. Yes the oil producers, you know, the ones that after taking our money, want still more, then when they think we are on our knees, spend that money for weapons to destroy us.

If Armageddon is to be, I don't want it to happen while we are asleep at the switch. The liberals and environmentalists have tipped over so far, that no longer, or perhaps never, have they planned on unintended consequences. Can't drill for oil on the continental shelf. Can't drill in the Arctic. Can't build safe nuclear power plants. Why? Because since the sixties, nuclear, power has been held hostage by ban the bomb radicals that think bombs and power plants are one and the same.

Somehow, some way, we need to take our country back from extremists of all ilk and return to a practical existence. ... If we can find the way back.

Convention Junkies

This is for you, convention junkies. As the prospect of a brokered convention looms nearer, I thought, since I'm one of the few of us that actually is old enough to remember experiencing one or more, I'd pass on a few remarks.

Looking at the Clinton/Obama race and projecting Clinton hanging in, you might ask yourself, why is she doing this, when she has apparently lost. Don't forget the old adage, age and experience will win out over youth and naivete every time. There are other less polite versions of that adage, but I'm sure you get the idea.

The Clintons, while certainly not as all powerful as when Bill was president, still have many people in the party that owe much of their success to this couple. Sure, there are probably an equal amount that aren't a part of this group. The party machinery will kick in at the convention. When the pros take over, rulings from the chair, credentials committee and others will weigh in heavily.

If the delegate count holds up at the present level for each candidate, Obama will have the lead going into the convention, but not enough to secure the nomination. This is where wile and deviousness come in handy. (refer to the above paraphrased adage) States vary as to when,after how many ballots, etc. that their delegates are free to change their votes, but lets just pick the third ballot as an average.

After delegates are free to choose or to change their vote, the floor fight begins. It's a fight that the party professionals are adept at. All bets are off and its a mini-campaign all over again. I feel certain that this is the strategy that the Clinton crew are fixin' to exploit. Hey, there's judgeships to promise, federal jobs, the list goes on and on. It's not exactly pretty, but it works. Do any of you remember Kefauver vs. Stevenson? Maybe not. That was in the fifties. Stay tuned.

Knights of the Round Table squared off in battle Memorial Weekend, as the Society of Creative Anachronism held a fair at Farragut State Park. The annual trek of SCA members descended on the park for medieval fun and frolic as knights and wenches partied old style.

Craft and food booths lined the street as jousters practiced their trade in the field of battle. It wasn't the battle of Hastings, but after all, the original was 942 years ago. Also, King Harold of England wasn't there, nor was the victor, the Duke of Normandy, a transplanted Viking.

A large organization, the SCA is made up of men, women and children dedicated to the preservation of the old ways. Real old ways. Present at Farragut were somewhere between 150 and 200 participants, some handmaidens, many merchants and of course the battle-scarred warriors of old. As people left the encampment, the host said, "a safe journey."

Memorial Day at Post No. 149, Athol/Bayview American Legion, produced two ceremonies, one at Bayview, another at the Athol Cemetery. Following the formal ceremony, the Legionnaires performed a flag-retirement ceremony at the post. This consists of a ceremonial examination to determine the flag is worn out, then a formal burning of the flags thus chosen. Unlike protests of the past, this burning was out of respect for the flag.

Moving on to Bayview, the Babs and Bayview Community Council sponsored gigantic yard sale was in progress. One lucky shopper walked away with an electric bread-making machine and a camera tripod, both for $10 each. Bargain hunters were out in force as one person's junk became another's treasure.

Upstairs in the Community Center, the B.L.A.S.T, or Bayview Local Artists Show and Tell was going full 'um, ... blast. Artists, musicians and connoisseurs of both, flocked to the show, which produced some outstanding works by local artists. This paper doesn't have room for the great examples of artistry, and it's a shame. Some of the paintings, no all of them, were expertly done.

One in particular, a ghost horse ridden by a ghostly young couple across a stream and painted on a whitish background, was superb. It was painted by Bettie Bockstruck. Others, like Susie Snider with a painting of a team of horses, Brenda Hunt with a plethora of paintings, also showed great expertise.

Entertainment almost ground to a stop as the scheduled group, The Keep, had a family emergency and canceled at the last minute. Fortunately, The Captain's Wheel was able to find another popular group, Comfort Zone that was available and ably filled in. Both the Captain's Wheel and the Button Hook rocked with business as the official start of boating season kicked off for the traditional Memorial Day Weekend. Terry's Cafe was crowded too, as breakfast and lunch crowds flocked to the popular spot.

With Lake Coeur d'Alene pretty much off limits to boating due to flooding, the Bayview launch ramps were busy, as Lake Pend Oreille hasn't quite reached full pool. Ordinarily, the lake doesn't reach full pool until mid-June. Albeni Falls Dam wide open, the lake has come up all the way without help from regulators.

Essentially, the Clark Fork and other streams are delivering more water than the Pend Oreille River can remove. Look for Lake Pend Oreille to go over its banks too, if hot weather returns. Not since most of downtown Bayview flooded in 1997 have we seen the normally placid waters of Scenic Bay turn ugly.

Blast (Bayview local Artists Show & Tell)

I have never been accused of being overloaded with class, unless of course you include low class. Having said that, my uneducated, but enthusiastic trip to this local art show was an eye opener. I'm totally amazed at the talent that resides right here in Bayview.

Last Saturday, these artists put together a show & tell that was fabulous. We had several outstanding artists, some of which many of us never dreamed were such. The one that caught my un-artistic eye the most, was a painting titled,"Soul Mates." It was painted by Bettie Bockstruck. In it she captured two youths crossing a stream in a ghostly manner, while riding a horse. The figures, superimposed over a similar background were eerie and fascinating. If this were a contest for originality, I'd have given her the first prize, hands down.

Above are a few of the artists and their work, starting with Susie Snider painting a team of horses, then Brenda Hunt, a pretty picture herself, then my favorite painting by Bettie Bockstruck, "Soul Mates."

Free the Families

Well, we have had the good and the bad from Texas. Horrible weather, floods, droughts, famine, pestilence. Texas has also produced the beginnings of the beef industry, the reputation of fighters, sloggers, and of people that overcame humongous challenges. Most of the development of the far west came from cattle country in Texas. When no body else would go west for fear of the plains tribes, the Texans did. When the Mexicans fought the Republic of Texas at the Alamo, there were Americans, Mexicans and many others that fought to the death, so that Texas would be free.

Texas is an interesting state. Born not from an English colony, it was originally a part of Mexico, albeit an area that wasn't terribly fond of Mexico City and the Texicans that represented both cultures. Texas, unlike other states, came not from annexation of US territories, but was, after breaking loose form Mexico,an independent state, the Republic of Texas. It is rumored that Texas is the only state in the present union that still carries in it's annexation charter, the right to secede from the union, having not been a part of the U.S in it's infancy.

Comes the present historical period, and U.S. law. As was presented to the "Church of Later Day Saints," or as commonly known, the Mormon Church, back in the 1800's. At that time, the U.S. government told Utah, either drop plural marriage, or don't plan on being a part of the United states. The church folded, finding suddenly that yet another revelation had miraculously occurred.

Now we come to the present. A period that finds for many years, a nod and a wink toward multiple wives. I can't comment intelligently about the religious content, except only to say that it appears the adaptation of plural wives developed on the trek west, where when a breadwinner was killed by Indians or others, the wife was brought into the family of other relatives.

I know it has taken a long time for me to come to the subject of this post, but I felt a need to do background, so as not to appear to be another empty blog post without any merit. My point here is that the debacle in Texas, without apparently any due process of law, resembles other posts that I have featured, regarding abuses of child Protective Services.

Today we learn that all 400 plus children that were seized in the raid on the breakaway Mormon compound in Texas, were taken from their mothers illegally. Something most of us probably figured out already. It becomes obvious that after this all plays out, the children will be back with their moms and siblings. What isn't obvious, is the trauma that was handed down by the authorities to the families involved. Some will probably never emotionally recover from the trauma of being torn from their mother's arms.

In summation, it would seem that one or two accommodations could have been reached. One, Texas authorities could have just laid down the law as to minimum marriage ages. Two, the young participants, none of which have been heard from, could be required to sign a statement saying that they agree to the marriage of their own free will.

A Village Grieves

On a very sad note, the Coeur d'Alene Police reported that a motor vehicle/motorcycle accident happened near Cenex on Government Way Friday Night. Killed was Nathan Peck of Bayview. Nathan is the son of Neil and Debbie Peck and the Grandson of Al & Edie Peck. Nathan and his Mom, Debbie, are widely known for the Salee Creek gardens that produce fresh produce and flowers for the area. Nathan was 32 and was riding an almost new motorcycle when a vehicle turned onto the road in front of him. Attempting to avoid the truck, he layed his bike down, but it wasn't enough. The Pecks are long time residents, parts of the family having been here since Bayview was founded at the turn of the last century, in the early 1900's.

Several gravel pits are still owned by members of the family and Neil Peck in manager of Bayview Water & Sewer. Not only does the community grieve for a lost Son, but the loss of the Garden at Salee Creek will be huge to many.

Over the Top

The Bayview Chamber of Commerce met last Tuesday. Along with a plethora of candidates seeking various positions in county or state government, was a check presented to the treasurer by Ralph Jones, Vice-President. While some would wonder why that wouldn't be good news to everyone, some didn't think so. One such individual got in Ralph's face after the meeting to exclaim that he should have refused the money, or at least tore the check up, immediately. Why, you might ask would someone want to do something that crazy? Well, it had to do with the giver of this gift for the fireworks fund,Bob Holland, CEO of Waterford Park Homes and Waterford Park Marinas.

Last year, I myself received on behalf of the Chamber, a check for $2000 from another marina operator, Scenic Bay Marina. I too was chastised my some narrow minded people. At some point people, you are going to have to look into the mirror for the purpose of finding out whether you like the person you see. When attitudes get so radical that all practicality is thrown out the window, that labels you as a radical.

What we need more of in this community is cooperation. A coming together. I personally would like to see the Chamber newsletter and the twin published by the Bayview Community Council, combined to both save money, and to attempt cohesiveness. This town used to specialize in tolerance. Rich people rubbed elbows with others that are down and almost out, and everyone in between. Since developers have descended upon Bayview, we have been so emotional about the changes that appear to be inevitable, that very few are thinking straight.

It is past time to start thinking about returning to those days of tolerating all of our neighbors, not just those that agree with us or that are equally rabid. Anyone and everyone should thank donors regardless of the person donating. This is just good manners. apparently some in the community have lost track of that most valuable trait. Business owners, such as marina operators, maybe especially marina operators, benefit the most by the publicity and participation of those tourists that flock into town for Bayview Days. As such, it is reasonable and proper that these business contribute larger amounts than the average resident. Good manners don't cost a thing. Bad manners cost your humanity, and show lack of class.

Candidates Visit Bayview

The above candidates for public office appeared last night at the Bayview Chamber of commerce meeting, vying for votes in the primary, Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend.

From top to bottom, Rick Currie, incumbent County commissioner, District 2, Phil Hart, State Representative, pos B, incumbent, David Rawls, challenger for State Rep. Pos B, former School District Superintendent, Jim Connell, Senate candidate, Dist 3, Jai Nelson, Candidate for County commissioner, District 2. Not shown, Tim Herzog, challenger for County commissioner, Dist 1.

Residents were treated to a meet the candidate night which has not been terribly typical until recently. Currie, however, to his credit, manages to attend most monthly meetings. The hot contests this year appears to be for Currie's seat on the commission and Hart's seat in the legislature. It appears that we have some good choices for all offices. This blog will not officially endorse any candidate, due to recent changes in the Spokesman-Review ethics rules regarding attaching ones self to a political campaign.

I will say, however, that with the possible exception of failure of the current County commission to pass what could have been a county wide restriction on building heights, outside incorporated cities, I believe this commission has done a passable job, though could improve, especially in the area of letting the legal department legislate. Sometimes, the right thing to do shouldn't hinge on whether a lawyer thinks a lawsuit might ensue.

Having said that, all speakers attending, were bright, articulate and would make fine choices. But throwing the incumbents out every election cycle isn't the answer either. Bonner county has been known for single term office holders for a long time, and in some quarters is held in ridicule for not being able to govern itself. It would be sad to see the same "dump the losers," mentality take over in Kootenai county. Starting over anew with office holders needing to be trained into operational effectiveness should only be used in extreme situations. It takes experience in any endeavor to be effective.

Stimulus Check

We have been told that we are about to receive some largess from our father who art in Washington, D.C. Just last week, we were told that a check was in the mail. I was totally enthused, until I remembered how many times in my youth, I uttered those very same words.

Came the internet. The IRS in their absolute loyalty to us, the guys & gals that actually finance their follies, have been given a web site, where we can determine at what stage our tax dollars are being doled back to us. I became awed at their concern for us. Even after figuring out that they had already torked us down for the money, now, rather than admit they didn't need the money after all, they are going to give us a gift.

If you guessed that I haven't received my check yet, you win the prize. Hark! Comes yonder blessings from above. We now have an internet address that will confirm where our previous donation is, in the path back to our pockets. This address is: sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/jrserviet?app=iractc.

Now this looks like a rather basic exercise, doesn't it? Whoa, except for one thing. When you call them at the above mentioned address, the line is busy. This attempt, not because I was so broke I needed it right now, but because I did this for you. I have come to realize, that the whole gesture was for nought. You see, by the time you finally can log on to this site, you will have already got the check.

In any event, these are the target dates for rebates:

If the last two digits in your Social Security number fall within the following ranges, you can expect your rebate check by the following dates:

00-09 May 16
10-18 May 23
19-25 May 30
26-38 June 6
39-51 June 13
52-63 June 20
64-75 June 27
76-87 July 4
88-99 July 11

Public Beach: Could it Happen?

During the last week here in Bayview, Idaho, an idea has cropped up that has been raised for years. Bayview, kind of like strip cities that had grown up astride a major highway, didn't get planned. It just evolved. Starting out during the forties as a navy town, it became a spot for people that live elsewhere, to park a trailer or build a cabin for summer use. No provisions were ever made for public access to the lake, except in Farragut State park.

Recently, Ralph Jones, learning that Waterford Park Marinas had put five waterfront RV parking spots up for sale at a cool $99,000 each, decided to try to create a public beach. First, he went to the Engineer, employee of Waterford Park, Dennis Scott with the idea. He suggested that by donating, or at least lowering the price of the lots, people would step up with enough money to buy these out and create a public beach. Bob Holland, while not committing to anything, suggested he would be willing to talk.

Much would have to be done, both in the planning and acquisition stages, but the sea wall,according to the Idaho Department of Lands, which is an illegal encroachment into the lake bed, and Bayview Creek, which was also diverted, buried, piped and turned into an outlet pipe high above the lake level, needs to be made whole. Bayview needs a place for families to lie on the beach. All of this could happen, if, Kootenai County can find a way around the 25 foot setback for natural vegetation, which is a county ordinance. If, the ordinance has a variance clause, it may be possible to accomplish this. Department of Lands has been queried, and doesn't seem to have a problem.

The project is in it's early stages, but County commissioner, Rick Curry is looking into the plan, and seems to favor a County owned public beach if it can be accomplished. Ralph has bit off a big hunk with this dream. One can only hope that it comes to reality.

Objectivity & Credibility

After pretty much tanning bob Holland's butt over the last year or so, with errors in judgement, and or telling it like it is, I was criticized recently for a column that actually praised him. It is necessary at this point to explain, that if I gang up on someone just because nobody likes him or what he does or is,it suggests that I will consistently do so.

Two words and every meaning of those words are at play here. The first, would be objectivity. Since I set out on my journey as a rather long in the tooth correspondent for the Spokesman-Review, I agreed with the S/R not to embarrass them with wild-eyed stuff that would call into question my objectivity or fairness. That applies to my blog as well as the published stories.

While most people in town agreed with many of my posts and or articles, not all will or did. That's OK. Anyone that is looking for 100% acceptance is probably smoking a banned substance.

The second point is credibility. If I were to march in lock step with any faction here in Bayview, even if most of the time I agree with their positions,I will or would have lost credibility, since I would have made it obvious that I am not objective, do not care about facts but am only interested in furthering an agenda.

I don't know when I lost the respect of those that thought I would never write anything good about Bob Holland, but then maybe I never had it. Maybe those persons considered me as a tool to further their own agendas. I am sorry, not about what I wrote, but about the loss of what I thought was respect and acceptance from those few that disagreed with me. I have to, for my own self respect adhere to the above words. Words that I live by.

Blogging vs Civility

I started blogging with the encouragement of Dave Oliveria of the Spokesman-Review blog, Huckleberries around three years ago. During that time, many changes have happened. During the early years,some thought of the blog as an open chat room where anything went. They were wrong. Some left in a huff because those of other political persuasions offended them. I kind of hung around, realizing that among those shrill voices was an occasional pearl of wisdom.

I started my own blog, and as the years passed, changed directions several times. Now that I am writing for the Spokesman-Review, I feel a responsibility to not carry that image down, and have toned my invective down. Objectivity in journalism is the name of the game. Outside of columns and editorials, news is supposed to be news, not your personal opinion. Most of the time that works.

Still, on the blog, and I just finished perusing the Huckleberries blog, stopping to comment as needed, the blog that has nurtured me from the start,is deteriorating into a shrill,emotional lack of knowledge, and so blatantly biased, as to insult the casual reader. You see, even if it is terribly satisfying to vent all of your prejudices out loud in front of God and everybody,don't you think that backing an opinion with logic and thoughtful discourse would be more enlightening?

Every subject, it seems, that brings a national issue, or even a local one, to bear, attracts a mob of less than literate snobs of whatever political persuasion, into a mob of people akin to those that turn over buses and set fire to things that have no connection to the people they oppose. If there are any people that would like to comment on these issues that can actually read this then intelligently reply, I would welcome those comments.

Farragut Harbormaster Shed

L-R Norma Jean Knowles, representing Waterford Marinas and Linda Hackbarth, savior of the shed in the process of being removed from the trailer that transported it ot the park.


Sitting lonely atop a naval boat shed, next to a few on the navy side that still exist sat the U.S. Navy harbor master shed. From 1942 through 1944, the hyperactive training base taught small boat handling with whale boats and cutters, swarming in and out of the small harbor at what was for years after the war, Bayview Marina. From this lofty perch, a local man, Haven Berg directed traffic, counted the boats that left and accounted for the same number that returned. Built by two other local men, Bill Bockstruck and Harold Stewart, this cupola stood sentinel over the comings and goings of boat traffic from then to 2006, when the marina was tore down in preparation for a new rebuilt, modern dock system.

The old roofed docks were patched together with a wish and a prayer, the pilings having been driven back in the forties. rotted off then spliced, they stood, kind of, until the wreckers came. One person, Linda Hackbarth, a noted local historian, noticed the shed, still perched above the marina, and asked then manager of Waterford Park Marinas, Tina Arendt, if it could be saved. The question was put to President, Bob Holland, and he approved the effort to rescue this last remaining artifact from Naval presence.

Hanging out in Arizona at the time, Hackbarth wa unaware that her wish was about to be granted. On her arrival back in Bayview, Idaho, lo and behold, there it was,sitting high and dry on the front lawn of the Boileau's Marina. Then the year long quest for a home started. Thinking the existing navy base would be the proper home,negotiations were started, but to no avail. It seemed that security would be breached if the hut were to be mounted in front of the navy base entrance.

Finally, the Brig museum at Farragut State Park was queried. Would they be interested? Boy howdy were they. They jumped all over the chance to obtain this one last artifact from World War 11 for their collection. Tuesday, April 31, the shed found a home. With the cooperation of Bob Holland, Dave Vig, construction superintendent, and a large cast of caring players, it was transported to the brig, where it will be completely restored to it's original condition, which strangely enough is still pretty good. When it is done, it will rest on a pedestal inside the courtyard at the brig for sailors coming back for yet another reunion will be able to enjoy it.

Haven Berg is gone lo these may years, but the shed will be preserved for future generations to learn from. Linda Hackbarth, sometimes laboring under lack of appreciation and even disrespect, has yet again graced the community with her love.

Prairie Voice Preview

Springtime is a time for birds to return, flowers to bloom, plants and trees to regenerate and kids to play baseball. Such was the case four years ago at a local little league playground. A special fan, unable to play sports like the other kids, Jacob Bales, then 12, watched his favorite team from behind the backstop, always cheering for the Cardinals. Jake would even show up for practice. Standing behind the backstop, face swollen from his disease, faithfully at all the games. Coach Dean Jordan, a man that is totally at home with kids, noticed this and started to plan. How to get this kid a shot at being on the field in a Cardinal uniform.

One of the minors division teams, the Cardinals, managed by Dean Jordan, had a mascot. Jacob was stricken with a rare disease called Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a disease of the immune system, about seven years ago. A rare condition that normally attacks males between the ages of 30 and 50, he was diagnosed at age nine. Short of breath, weak of muscle, he cheerfully watched and cheered for his team. For two years, Jake’s parents wouldn’t let him play, due to his precarious condition. Finally, after some cajoling by Manager Dean Jordan, they relented toward the end of the season. “If there were a “most inspirational player award in little league, he would have won it, hands down, said former Cardinals manager Dean Jordan.”


With five games left, Jake proudly donned the uniform of a Cardinal. By this time, every player in the league knew of the kid that wanted so badly to play baseball, if only he could. Jake was assigned to third base. As John Shaffer, Little League president put it, “Jake was a natural. Put a bat into his hands and he would hit. When he hit a single, the team would send in a pinch runner.” Finally, in “field of dreams fashion,” the last game of the season occurred. As Shaffer, who in touring the games that day said, “I wanted to see what was going on with Jake, so I stopped by the last game.” “He went up to bat this last time, swung and missed twice, then crushed the ball.” It went sailing out of the park. Stunned, both benches emptied, as players from both teams cheered him on as he struggled around the bases. He made it to second, then slowed down, out of breath. Struggling on, Jake hobbled around third and headed for home. Manager, Dean Jordan, speaking of Jake, said, “He inspired me to be a better coach and a better person, as well.”

Jake never played again. April 3 of this year, Jake came home for the last time. His services were held at the Bayview Community Center, Thursday, April 10.A celebration of a shortened life, but one that still inspires players and adults alike, Jacob Bales was indeed a superstar.

Was Holland really at Fault?

Yesterday, I was seated next to the barge & crane crew from Kramer's. Yes, the same crew that destroyed the Kokanee spawning beds last year at Bayview Marina, now renamed Harborview Marina. The discussion floated around what they were doing at Vista Bay, which according to them was diving H-beams into the hill side so they can install retaining walls and widening the access road to 2o feet. We got along fine until I causally mentioned that Fish & Game had recently replanted 20,000 egg sac stage Kokanee where the mitigation took place.

You would have thought I insulted their mothers. Suddenly, they became very defensive to the point of getting ugly. Between the three of these fine citizens, they told me, "what does this lake need with Kokanee anyway. What's wrong with having nothing but Macinaw?" They went on to say that they really didn't care what happened there and most of us that objected might want to move to another country. That was where civilized discourse ended.

That wasn't all of the discussion, but from it I came away with the impression that they knew very well what they were doing back then, and simply didn't care. One wonders why they didn't warn Holland and his people. The answer probably lies in that they didn't want to delay the work, they had a schedule to keep and babysitting a bunch of fish wasn't in their plans. It is one thing to be unconcerned, which still my be the case at it applies to Holland, but willful disregard is entirely another thing.

If Waterford Park's sub-contractor knowingly did this deed, one also wonders if Holland could recover his damages, including two year's income from the Marina, from Kramer and company.

Brokered Conventions

Many of my readers have never experienced a brokered convention. If you weren't born yet, or weren't active in politics, before 1960, you may not have ever experienced one. A brokered convention is one that a clear cut winner does not emerge prior to the start of the convention. That leaves it up to the delegate to change, stay with or punt, usually after the third ballot, individual delegates are freed from the obligation to vote for the candidate who's slate they represent. That varies from state to state, as the states control the rules for their delegations.

Prior to 1960, most states didn't have primaries. Delegates were chosen by the parties leaders in that state, or by caucus. That and back to the birth of the country almost, was the method of selecting delegates. Some real abuses occurred, of course, with Tammany Hall, machines such as the Daley one in Chicago and on and on. The single one event that changed the system forever, was the advent of Television. Instead of back room or as they used to say,"smoke filled rooms," party bosses and their disciples making the rules. With the advent of TV, sound bites and direct campaigning to the public gradually eliminated most of the machine antics of yesterday. Primaries were adopted in most states, which again, eliminated the bosses and went directly to the voters.

A brokered convention isn't all bad. It's great entertainment. I remember the battle between Senator Estes Kefaufer and Senator Adlai Stevenson in a long ago Democratic convention,1952 and again in 1956 The favorite was Kefaufer, but Stevenson had better floor managers and on about the umpteenth ballot, was nominated. This is great entertainment, folks.Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, if you are a political junkie, brokered conventions are more fun than sex, and they last longer.

Economy: Out of control?

Food prices are skyrocketing. Gasoline and Diesel fuel prices are out of sight. Is this the free market, and what it portends? Perhaps not. It all starts with the oil cartel, which if they were located in this country would be called monopolies, and outlawed. There's certainly nothing "free" about that market. In addition to the oil prices being cranked up, no new refineries have been built in this country for years.

It all starts with oil. Oil is from which most fertilizers are derived. Diesel fuel runs the tractors and combines on our farms, and the trucks and trains necessary to bring the farm products to market. Ergo, grains goes up in price, as does chicken, beef, pork and other meat products, because they are fed and finished on grain. The same for vegetables, those healthy foods that have been cheap up until now. Labor costs, fuel again, and transportation to market.

Exploration for new sources of oil here in this country have been stifled by environmentalists, who in many cases, apparently want the world returned to the state it was in before man. Timber, mining, oil exploration, heavy industry all, are or sadly were, destroyed by the use of legal tactics such as delaying such activities for years by filing lawsuits without merit. We cannot solve any problems by extremism. Many good things have happened as a result of heightened ecological awareness, but that should not be license to take over the country. Government must stop allowing these extremists to dictate how the world should work at the expense of our standard of living.

Comes the current government with the panacea. Alcohol, in place of gasoline for fueling a part of the total used in transportation. Boy, does that sound good. Alternate fuels. Touchy, feely just the perfect solution, right? Not so. The decision by our federal government to push the use of corn for alcohol production is phony and not well thought out. First, it costs more to farm the corn, than it produces in alternate energy. Secondly, by pushing corn out of the food chain and into the fuel chain, we have indeed upset the applecart.

The highly motivated but sadly uninformed policy has created a ripple effect in the food chain, causing grains of all variety to hit all time highs. Even with the knowledge that waste such as the corn husks and stalks and other waste material can also produce alcohol, but without the use of grain which then is forced out of the food chain. Results, sky high meat and produce prices.

Other events that are lurking in the near future, are the stagnating of train and truck transportation as it becomes more expensive to haul products to market than is paid to the haulers. These stalwarts of the market place cannot and will not stand still for losses. It's cheaper to park a semi truck than to work it all month and show a loss. Last week, an independent truckers strike got little attention. Wait until they shut down the entire country. Already, in third world countries, food riots are happening, exports of grains and grain products are being outlawed and civil unrest which is always around the corner, is becoming critical.

One can say, "well Europe has had these king of gas prices for years." Well that is true, however, few, if any bother to check the mileages in Europe opposed the this country. To cross Europe from Ireland to the Black Sea, is only enough mileage, (kilometers if you insist) to get you from Seattle, Washington in the northwest of the U.S, to about Chicago in the Midwest. We are a large country with many wide open spaces between the highly populated east, and the west coast.

We, as an economy, are out of control. Exacerbating the cost of oil, is the unchecked fall of the dollar, which then causes everyone, but especially retired people to devalue their pensions which in most cases are close enough to cause poverty. Top it all off by the real estate market going down and at the same time, real estate prices are still too high from the recent run-up for most people to afford. To quote an old country song,"ain't nothin' goin' right."

Child Protective Services

I recently received a cry for help from a friend. Puzzling over the situation, I finally decided to write about it. There appears to be a two edged sword wielded by protective services. On the one hand, the mission statement appears to urge keeping families together and attempting to assist sincere parents in that direction.

The other side, more ugly, are the many drug and alcohol infested homes with children the victims. Certainly, if hard drugs are being used or worse, manufactured in a home with children, those children need to be relocated. What sometimes complicates the issue, is the sometimes treacherous non-custodial parent, who sometimes tries to manufacture a negative situation to either gain custody, or to discredit the custodial parent.

In the case of the party that contacted me, it was a woman that I know not to be either of the above mentioned alcohol or drug Moms. What she apparently did, was leave her eleven year old son in charge of his younger siblings, the youngest being four years old. He had the number of where Mom was, which was close by. Non-custodial
Dad who appears to be creating trouble out of bitterness, called the kids when Mom was out. When the son told him Mom wasn't there, he instructed his son to call the police, who then located Mom quickly,cited the Mom and in subsequent actions, Idaho Child Protective Services eventually took the children and placed them in various foster homes, separating the children from not just the mother, but from each other.

This woman is a working mother, who lives next door to the maternal grandmother. both are known to me as responsible people. The question then here, is why,without the extenuating circumstances previously mentioned, were these children taken away. I have related here one side of the story. Unfortunately, child protective services seal the files, making the only time they have to justify anything, is if a child is killed and it becomes a criminal situation.

Certainly, not all parents that claim foul in these custody situations are right. Many children are in need of intervention, but the taking of children out of a parents home and turning them over to strangers should be a last resort. One questions whether leaving these children in a "latch key" situation, rises to the level of those actions by CPS. In this case, neither the mother nor grandmother have access or visitation rights to these kids. That, on the face of it appears dead wrong.

Asking CPS for their side of the story, privacy issues are quoted, even if the parent involved wants the information out. This smells. Somehow, someway, we need to shine a light on both over protection and in real sad cases, under protection. These public employees need to be accountable.

One would think, that considering the financial cost of foster care, that providing child care, or at least subsidizing it, would be cheaper by far, and would have the obvious advantage of keeping a family together. When children are kept from either natural parent, and the child knows that they are available, it has to be a gut wrenching experience, no, a continuing nightmare for both. There are way too many one parent households. The problem can't help but get worse. Perhaps we need an agency called,"Family Protective Services."

Politically Incorrect ... Again

A subject that among many others, as life flits by is the Heterosexual vs Gay/lesbian lifestyle. What is interesting, perhaps more so than the central issue. is that nobody wants to talk about it. The reason? Politically incorrect to question or criticize anyone that lives in this place.

This is an issue that when I was young, had never arisen. you see, those that lived in that black hole that nature created didn't talk about it, nor did they act in any way that could be construed as trans-sexual behavior. Guys acted macho, Gals acted effeminate, and none were the wiser. Well, there might have been one guy that started playing with dolls in elementary School and was obvious, but for the most part, these people that were born with this curse lived in the shadows.

The reason I chose to bring this up, are twofold. One, dialog needs to be heard about everything in life. Two, there is a wave of emotion about this affliction that is wrong from both standpoints. Those that adamantly swear that homosexuals/lesbians chose this lifestyle are sadly misinformed. The second is the one I am going to talk about here.

What brought all this on was a recent episode, where a gay writer dissed an entire town in a rude and unprecedented manner, and did it in print. But that isn't the issue either. What I found, by cruising the internet, was that people chose up sides not based on the issue, but based on their sexual persuasion. What started many years ago as an in the closet shameful secret now has segued into a pressure group that seems to be demanding privileged treatment. Laws that prohibit assault, aren't enough. Now if a person becomes obnoxious, strikes another in a social situation, then claims it was because of his or her sexual orientation, the crime rises from a misdemeanor to the level of a felony.

So it would seem that obnoxious behavior by someone of a different sexual persuasion is acceptable, but not for the others. In less than one generation, Gays have gone from vilified to expectations of a privileged class. Why not just equal?

While I am certainly aware of the changes that have taken place since I was born lo those many years ago in 1938, I am finding that some are for the good and some not. The attack on the nuclear family is, of course, not just the fault of Gays. But the incessant attacks come from lack of respect,lack of cohesiveness as a community, lack of patriotism, in short, we are witnessing some of the same things that brought down the Roman Empire and others. The breakdown of morality, in all of it's forms.

Lake Pend Oreille

I'm reproducing portions of my Spokesman-Review, Handle Extra story for those outside the paper's circulation area. This version is slightly different due lack of editing.

An error, quoting Chip Corsi, Region 1 F&G Supervisor, saying the following is incorrect. the quote was confused with another: Chip points out correctly, that Bull trout and Cutthroat trout would have gone that far upriver, but not kokanee.

First the Cabinet Gorge Dam in Montana, chopped off the river seven miles upstream. Removing the 75 or 80 miles of upriver spawning habitat.

Lake Pend Oreille is dying. It isn’t dying from toxic waste or pollution, but is dying economically. This pristine body of water, once the home of commercial fishing, is in a slump that many experts are afraid may be irreversible. The death of this lake was caused by human interruption of the food chain. Re-intervention to try to right the wrongs of the past are in motion, but hold only small hope for recovery. In this, the first of two parts, we are going to visit the causes. Part two will address what is being done to mitigate and thirdly, the results as projected. We will as well, talk to business owners around the lake regarding the economic effect of this crisis.

Many years ago, in 1925, Macinaw, a long lived char or Lake Trout,” were planted in Lake Pend Oreille and priest Lake by the then, “U.S. Fish Commission,” later reformed as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Commission. Land locked Sockeye Salmon, locally referred to as kokanee, Blueback or Silvers, were flushed down the Clark Fork River, from Flathead Lake in Montana during the regular spring floods of the day. In 1941, Idaho Fish & Game, brought both Gerrard Rainbow Trout, and later, in the sixties, Mysis shrimp from Kootenai Lake in British Columbia, to Lake Pend Oreille.


The apparent thinking at the time, was Idaho needed trout capable of attaining record size. It was also felt that since Mysis Shrimp were present in Kootenai Lake, and was a feed source for the kokanee, that they would be an additional value. The problem though, was that shrimp feed on the surface of the water at night, and go deep during daylight hours. In Kootenai Lake, the West Arm being fairly shallow, this caused no problems. In Lake Pend Oreille it did. kokanee couldn’t reach the shrimp at the depths they sank to in Lake Pend Oreille because of the 1150 foot depth of the lake. In Lake Pend Oreille, the shrimp dive down 400 to 600 feet deep during daylight hours.

What the addition of Mysis Shrimp did do however, is create a huge food source for the deep living Macinaw, and also Whitefish, the largest species in terms of numbers in the lake. creating an explosion in their juvenile population. Macinaw, can live up to twenty years old,or longer, and Gerrard Trout, seven to ten. Both, when attaining a size of about sixteen inches, start feeding on smaller fish. Prior to that they are basically insect eaters. The ideal size from the Macinaw perspective, is the one to two year old kokanee fry. The larger the predator grows, the larger fish they consume.

After introduction in the Forties, both kokanee and Rainbow Trout flourished in a sustainable pattern. The World Record Gerrard Rainbow was caught in 1947, by Wes Hamlet. During World War Two, hardly any fishing went on. In 1945-46 and after, the untouched fishery produced huge numbers of kokanee and the record Rainbow Trout of 37 pounds. At one time, kokanee were fished commercially. Many old timers remember their Fathers hand lining with jigs, for wash tubs full of 12 to 15 inch kokanee. Commercial fishing was finally closed in 1973. The Old smoke house still stands sentinel at the south end of the Long Bridge in Sandpoint, but long since stopped the major business of smoking kokanee.


While this was going on, the Mysis Shrimp were quietly reproducing at phenomenal rates, without, seemingly any natural enemies, at least those that could reach them. All was still well until 1952. This was the year that two very significant dams were built. Cabinet Gorge, on the Clark Fork River in Montana and Albeni Falls on the Pend Oreille River at Priest River, Idaho. These two dams were to the Lake Pend Oreille fishery, the death knell, but for different reasons.

First the Cabinet Gorge Dam in Montana, chopped off the river seven miles upstream. Removing the 75 or 80 miles of upriver spawning habitat. After the Clark Fork ceased to be of use, only the strain of kokanee that had adapted to spawning in the lake shore gravels were left. kokanee spawn in the late fall, usually late November and early December. Granite Creek, on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille and a few very small creeks were left, mostly too steep for fish to swim up. Albeni Falls was the final nail in their coffin. During the 1960's, the Bonneville Power Administration managed to convince the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, controllers of the dam, to radically lower the lake level, producing more flow for the Columbia River system and subsequently more Winter power generation.

That did it. kokanee, the key food fish for larger fish began to disappear rapidly. They did this because in the beginning, Albeni Dam lowered the lake level, after the kokanee had spawned, thereby leaving redds or egg nests high and dry. Even then, everyone was still in denial. This practice continued until finally, in 1996, IDFG and the Corps of Engineers reached agreement to lower the lake prior to the kokanee spawn. Fish & Game Department closed fishing for kokanee altogether in 2000. Avista ponied up large amounts of cash for mitigation, but it began to look like to little, too late. One such result of mitigation, was that Idaho Fish & Game opened an office in Bayview, nestled at the south end of the lake. The purpose of this office was to establish an unprecedented massive effort to recover the kokanee population.

It needs to be explained that kokanee are a Salmon that spawns every fourth year, then dies. Using Buck Rogers like equipment, Fish & Game cris-cross the lake all Summer long using hydro-acoustic sonar. This equipment can type, size and count the fish as it passes over them. Based on these counts, here are the numbers for 2007, keeping in mind that predation accounts for the first and second year.

Fry 1-2" 3.8 million

1st year 2.2 million

2nd year 72,400

3rd year 18,108

4th year, a statistical zero, with only a scattered few spawners located. ...

More to follow the publishing of part two in next Saturday's Handle Extra.

Springtime

It must finally be spring. It's 50 degrees out. My maple tree is budding, and perched atop a limb is one of the two robins that nest therein, checking out the accommodations for the season. Construction is in full swing and well, some destruction as well.

Reverberating around the community and also the County offices, is the latest screw up of Bob Holland. Well, at least he's consistent. I haven't had too much to say about the Waterford operations this winter, as Winter activity is down. It is notable, however, that appearances at Vista Bay Marina, other than the allegedly unlawful destruction of the restaurant, are markers that could be construed as intent to widen the road leading into the marina. As we understand it, some of that roadway is leased from Idaho Fish & Game. We will follow up on that assertion and report back.

Definitions

This started out as a comment to a previous comment on Huckleberries online, a blog sponsored by the Spokesman-Review and mentored by Dave Olivarria. My post is in answer to a comment by a person that uses the on-line name of Idawa, which seems to suggest that he can't make up his mind where he is, Washington State, or Idaho, but then that's alright. He then attempted to define a conservative, which I thought he did rather well. Here is my response:

Well, Idawa, one thing you said resonated with me.

"one who embraces tradition and urges gradual change"

It is interesting though, that most definitions of liberal/conservatives are made by the other group, leaving both liberals and conservatives to be defined by someone that disagrees with their philosophy. It would be a freshening breeze, if we were allowed to define ourselves. I see nothing wrong, however with Idawa's definition of a conservative. When one gets into differing degrees is where the rubber hits the road.

I also see nothing wrong with the above definition insofar as being cautious and promoting gradual change seems to be a virtue opposed to an objection. Change in a social or governmental sense is alright, as long as it isn't sudden and all encompassing without the cushion of history and tradition to keep things from blowing out of hand. That, of course is well covered in our constitution, which was worded very carefully, so that radicals couldn't set this country ablaze with a will-of-the-wisp temporary aberration. One hopes that this buffer will long endure.

Deja Vu, All Over Again

The Vista Bay Marina is undergoing more problems as Waterford Park Marinas allegedly went past what they were permitted for in remodeling the old restaurant there. Those close to the situation tell us that they had a permit to do some limited demolition,essentially,to replace the roof,which turned out to be a whole new building, or close to it. Pictured above, is what is left of the once proud Vista Bay restaurant. Note the lower right corner, where the un-permitted showers were built four years ago. I suppose though, that under the circumstances, that is a moot point.

Closed for the ten years prior to Waterford Park purchasing the marina, many changes have taken place. It is my understanding that the decision to turn the building into a clubhouse prompted the rebuild. Having participated in the original remodel back in 2004, it appeared to me that the building was sound, other than a blanket of bat guano that covered the attic floor.Long gone are the mobile home renters that had as their Summer homes, lived there many years. Some wonder why the company didn't get all their permits prior to evicting the tenants, but then it's only money, right?