Rememberance

As the years go by in our nations history, many events fade back into obscurity, or are totally forgotten. Some, a few, are not.

For my generation it is/was Pearl Harbor.As long as we live we will never forget the Japanese sneak attack of December 7, 1941, nor should we.There, on a peaceful Sunday morning at around 0700, Japanese bombers flew unopposed over Pearl Harbor, Scofield Barracks and many other naval and military targets. All of our battleships were sunk, some to be re floated and resurrected into fighting units again used in the coming battles through the Pacific to a final surrender in Tokyo Bay on the Battleship Missouri, which was built after the war started and was refitted for Korea and again for Viet Nam. it has finally come to rest as it should, next to the sunken battleship Arizona, which even underwater, is still a commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.

Your generation will feel about the same, as the entire country mourned the deaths today,  not of military or naval forces, but civilian office workers in the twin towers of Manhattan, New York..September 11, 2001 will be burned into your memories just as December 7, 1941. These dates will both live in infamy for the life of this country and will never be forgotten. What was worse about the fanatical Muslim attack on New York, was first, more died there than at Pearl Harbor, and because they were all non-combatants. People that all of the rules of war are designed to protect.

The live televised horror of people jumping to their deaths rather than stay where they were and burn was a first in news coverage. Never in the history of the world has a tragedy of this magnitude been recorded as It happened. Most of us are shielded by the separation of events and the stories written about them. That made the horror of the event even worse.

May the Bastards that warped their religion into what some, even many of them now believe it is a religious war. Perhaps it is time for us to recognize that in fact it is.

End Of Summer Party

MacDonald's Resort put on a great show Saturday afternoon and evening. I couldn't risk parking up above and then walking back up due to recent health problems, but those that did attend had a ball. Hopefully Gary will do it again next year, with more prior notice and perhaps a shuttle to parking up this hill.

I listened to the music from across the Bay and it was fantastic. Ya done good, Gary.

Due to the same temporary health issues, I failed for the first time in 8 years to attend the Naval Reunion at Farragut. It's a great program and with Errin running it, it is a smooth operation. Fewer vets that did boot camp there are still with us but it was opened up to all prior service sailors.

Gary MacDonald Announces End od Summer Party

I just wanted to mention that we are going to have a "End of Summer - Start of a Beautiful Fall" party on Saturday, the 8th of September, starting about 6:30 p.m.  It will be heldat the Marina.

We will have a blues/country/classic rock singer/guitarist (Pat Coast from Post Falls) playing from about 6:30 to 7:45. 

During that time we will be selling hotdogs for a $1.00; canned beer for a dollar; and soft drinks or water for 50 cents.  At 8:00 p.m. the band that Justin MacDonald is in, Eclectic Approach from Seattle, will play.  They will be on stage from 8 to 10 p.m. 

The band Eclectic Approach will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live in late September so everyone can see them before they get their national exposure.  I hope they go far!

There is no cover charge and all ages are welcome.

Thank you,
Gary MacDonald

Farragut State Park Continues To Improve

I like to chat with Randall Butt, the manager of Farragut every once in a while. Today I asked him what the construction near the Brig Museum was all about, plus the ditching. He went on to describe the water system as it exists and how it will be after the work is done.


I learned that there are eleven wells in the park of which only five are in use.Bayview Water & Sewer use two, the park uses two with one in reserve. The other six wells have no pumps and some are in use by the Idaho Department of Water Resources evaluating the aquifer.  Two of them were drilled by the Scouts for their Jamboree many years ago.
  

Currently, the ditching and cleared area along Hwy 54 near the brig museum is for a new well and pump house being installed for backup during peak periods of use and as the winter service well.


Another subject that seems to get homogenized when reported on or spoke to is the tree thinning program. First, there is no plan nor has there ever been a plan to clear cut the trees in the park with the few exceptions such as the one at the viewpoint. The fear the park has is that there hasn't been a wildfire since the big one in 1910 in the park, nor do they want one with the crowded weed like seedlings and trees growing many feet high and only inches around.The park is attempting to take it back to where nature left off, keeping in mind that when the naval base was built, the terrain was bulldozed flat, gravel was brought in by the truck loads for parade grounds and what was there in timber, was milled and used in building the structures.A thinning process is ongoing similar to the fire safe program you see from the park west on both sides of Hwy 54.


Sure the density of tree canopies will temporarily be thinner, but the healthier trees will spread more root system which will also produce more above ground growth . This is an on going process weighing many different uses, as well as tree growth. Those that hate to see any trees cut at all have formed extreme positions They must understand that Farragut State Park is a multi-use facility for the enjoyment and use of a wide range of interests. It is not, nor was it ever intended to be a wilderness Area usable for only hiking. 

Neighbor In Need

I just learned that five or so Timberlake firefighters are rallying in Bayview this afternoon to help a family in need. The names were not given to me so I can't help with that. I just learned that the tenants are Eddy and Betsy.

The home is the log building just east of the community center and visible from Perimeter. The exact nature of the problem is also unavailable, but volunteers fro Timberlake Fire District are meeting there about 6:00 pm to help out with wood chopping and any other areas they can be useful.

If you are in or near Bayview drop in to this log home about 6:00 and help the fire guys help the resident please donate some labor. A few bucks wouldn't hurt either.

Three Times Is A charm

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I've been working my way through my second bout with Bronchitis, with a pneumonia in the middle. Obviously not my best summer.

However, knowing that bad thinks happen in threes and I'm past that barrier, I will return soon, as usual, stirring shit, reporting the local news that is of interest  to others, and generally making a nuisance of myself. After all, that is my role as i see it.

Ruby Ridge, Where It All Started

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of shots fired at Ruby Ridge. The tragic misuse of power by the FBI and U.S. Marshall Service reached what we thought was the zenith of misused federal power until the mass murder of many in the unwarranted attack on the Branch Davidian compound at Waco, Texas.

The main stream media uses terms like far right, racist, white supremacist, right wing extremists and many other terms that sprouted from the far left. While some of these terms are accurate, most aren't. Some just want to be left alone by everyone. They built homes so far into the mountains that Ruby Ridge would look like a normal rural area in comparison.

It all started with disillusioned Viet Nam Veterans and other drop outs. The 1970's saw a huge movement toward, “back to the land.” Magazines like Farmstead, Organic Gardening, and many others taught gardening skills to city folks that were two generations removed from those that knew and ;practiced self sufficiency. Local author, Carla Emory wrote a book that is practically a bible for back to the land skills. She lives in Moscow, Idaho.

Most of these loners, for want of a better generalization, headed for the hills. Mentally exhausted,spitting on them, reviled by left wing zealots yelling terms like, “baby killers” at returning veterans, convinced many to avoid the society that not only didn't honor them for their service, but reviled them, just didn't want to settle in amongst those that treated them so harshly.

Northeast Washington, far north in the Idaho Panhandle and northwest Montana all offered land many miles from the nearest city. These dissed and unappreciated vets and their families moved as far as they could from civilization. They reverted to lifestyles more similar to the pioneer days where each settler was a law unto themselves without an army, sheriff or other law enforcement organization to hold their hand.

Today, the children of these dropouts are still living the life style their parents did. Perhaps without the anger the parents had, they learned to love the isolation of mountain living. Recently, I visited the Onion Creek School which is miles from Colville and Northport Washington, in the high country. I was there because my mother's first teaching job was at that school in about 1929.

In learning from staff at the school about the community, one remarked that they were very concerned about 3rd and 4^th grade students walking down the mountain to school. They are worried about cougars, which will attack small children for food. No losses as of yet have occurred, but with Washington State's prohibition of hunting cougars with hounds, which is really the only practical method of hunting them. Cougars, or Mountain Lions as they are known can grow to 180 pound or more. Their only enemy are Grizzly Bears.

These communities of isolationists still exist. They are armed, know how to use them and want to be left alone. They should be. It is not breaking the law to live apart from others, nor to be self sufficient, growing and hunting for food is a lifestyle not practiced any more in the cities, but if you go far enough into the back country that lifestyle still lives. Most of them are not right wing, racist or Nazis. In most cases they are not even political.

Looking For Roots

My Son, Brian and I set out yesterday to check out two one-room school houses that my mother taught at years ago. She graduated with a two year degree from what was then Bellinham Normal School, which is what they called teacher's college back then. All a teacher needed back then for an elementary teacher's certificate was two years.

Her first job was at Onion Creek School, a self contained school district with just one school. It is located about half way between Colville and Northport, Washington by going up over the mountain toward Northport. Not only is the original one room school still existing along with the teacher's cottage.  Both are still in use.

After getting the grand tour by the custodian, we headed for Northport. Driving south on the Aladdin Road, we encountered another one room school building that was not in use on private property. It was originally the Deep Creek School, but after burning down twice in forest fires, it was rebuilt on the Doyle place and renamed the Doyle Deep Creek School. They in turn gave us directions to the Lead Point School which also is still in use as a kind of community center. We have an old picture of who we thought was Mom shoveling snow, but a closer look told us it wasn't her. A relative still living told us he graduated from the 8th grade there.

Heading for Spirit, we spotted the South Fork Grange Hall. That is where my mother and dad met. Back in those days and in farming communities it was where everyone met socially. There were no bars, unless you count my Dad's still, no restaurants and no theaters. Just back breaking hard work ... and the Grange hall.

Back to Aladdin Road, where we drove South about two miles. The Y between Aladdin Road and Deep Lake Road was the location of a little town called Spirit. The old Spirit School is still in use as a private residence. My Mom taught there after leaving Onion Creek. By that time my future Dad has his hook set and was reeling her in. The Spirit School was only four miles from the Mine Dad owned. She taught there about six years until pregnant with my older brother.

Finally heading south we hit Colville the round about way and headed back to Spokane where Brian lives with his wife, Jennifer, and three adorable daughters. He teaches Fourth Grade at Northwest Christian Academy, now located in Colbert, next to the high school.

The bottom two [ioctures are of the South Fork Grange where my Mom and Pop met and eventually married, lo those 82 years ago.

Three hundred -fifty miles later I was home in Bayview, tired but satisfied that I showed my son who is the family historian. a part of uor family history.

Pictures T -B Gunder Huseland's Homestead, Onion Creek School, Lead Point School, Spirit School, South Fork Grange.

.

Rebirth Of Bayview

This summer has brought out a larger crowd than the past two or three years. Part of that is due to the hospitality industry, with Henry ensconced in the Bay Cafe serving great food, Ralph's Coffee house with Ralph being the unofficial greeter for strangers coming here for the first time.

One of the bigger effects though is the reopening and turn around of the Captain's Wheel Resort. Rushing to open for last year's Bayview Daze there were many rough spots with personnel and lack of organization due to that hurried opening. Not so this year. With Theresa Long handling the day to day management and a great crew of bartenders and waitresses, the Wheel has become the anchor for Bayview tourism, as well as local residents.

Another plus was when Scenic Bay Marina tore out the beater trailers from the Lime Kiln location and added about six new RV spots. Parking is still a problem with pickups and boat trailers dominating the on street parking. On going landscaping projects will even further enhance what was an eyesore in the old trailer park. Gone are the tweekers, murderers and other malefactors, leaving three occupied mobile homes surrounded by Summer people. Most RVlocations have discounted Silverwood tickets as well.

The strong Canadian dollar has helped as well. Currently at about par, the bulk of new RV campers are from Alberta. Highway 95 traffic being rerouted around the Silverwood RV park has brought street noise to what was a quiet refuge for campers who usually bought multiple day tickets to the Park. Looking around at the RVs at Scenic Bay, most of them are gone all day which suggests they are attending Silverwood during daylight hours and returning at night.

Perhaps the most entertaining RV park is Lakeland RV park located across from the Bayview Post Office. They have 26 spaces plus some tent camping as well. Bayview Creek flows sedately through the park. The kicker though is the 4:00 pm happy hour. Folks gather around the shop and office about 4, either bringing their own drinks or if not, supplied by the park.he years, most repeat customers have become friends as well. It kind of resembles the social atmosphere of an Arizona senior park.

It looks like a win-win for the entire area. Let's hope it continues to grow.

Heroic Pre-teen girls

Briana , attending the party at Athol City Park, Saturday, had just exited a porta potty when she heard strange noises coming from the unit next to her. She and her friend Bethany, went back and the unit was still locked with no response from the occupant. They immediately contacted Briana's mother, Trina who then alerted Darlene Peterson, mother of Queen Rachel.

They went back where Briana was able to pry the door open a crack where they observed a man crumpled up on the floor, unresponsive. Asking a group of three or four men to help they returned to the porta potty, ignored by the men. Help came from an unidentified American Legion woman's auxiliary member.

Darlene Peterson was able to break into the unit where having difficulty pulling him out they got help from bystanders/ Darlene check for pulse and didn't get one. At that point, Trina LaRiviere got on her cell and dialed 911.

There appears to be two Queens in the Peterson family. While it was too late to save the victim, he could have been in that unit for a very long time had Briana not sensed an emergency and acted upon it.

This heads up reaction from  Briana and Bethany, only ten years old was worthy of an adult reaction. Where they were unable to save the patient, they got help quickly by heading for adults. Of those who helped, most didn't realize the severity of the problem, but came through when it counted.. The parents of these two girls should be terribly proud of their daughters who seeing a potential emergency responded as they should have.

The parents of the two 10 year olds asked us not to use their last names nor take pictures of them. We have honored that instruction.

Athol's 103rd Birthday

Athol Daze, celebrating it's 103rd birthday kicked off with a parade, featuring the little miss Queen and princess, secected from the Athol Elementary 5th and 6th grades through competivie applications.

The winners  represented their generation at the parade during Athol Daze along with other activities throughout the day. In reviewing the various applicant's submissions we found a treasure trove of bright talented young people. It is hard to imagine the difficulty in choosing the final winners from other well deserving applicants.

Two however, stood out. The queen, graduating 6^th grader Rachel M. Peterson was crowned queen for the year. It is hard to single out what makes children of this age group special, but we suspect it is a combination of great parenting,and the teaching staff at Athol Elementary. She credits her teacher, Mrs. Anderson for her development. Paraphrasing some of her qualifications were artistic, such as photography, painting, art, math and music. She also lists as her favorites, Duck Tape. We can only surmise that she follows Dad around fixing his errors.

Fifth grade winner was Tehya Russell. Tehya is another young lady graduating from 5^th grade. She credits her teacher, Mrs. Boots for inspiring her. It worked. Along with being a straight A student, she is active in target shooting, archery, and of course, her horse. That is just her outdoor side. She declared that she has a sophisticated side as well. She excels in art and is a song writer, poet and apparently is a great speller. She won the inter-school spelling bee this year. She sings and plays guitar,.too.

David Harms was chosen as Athol citizen of the year, well deserved. I knew of the award before the parade but didn't divulge the winner due to the scheduled award at the stage later.

This year marks the 103^nd of the city of Athol. Originally, the Main Street was old Highway 95, south of what is now Hwy 54. With the advent of the highway from Spirit Lake to Bayview, it then became the main thoroughfare of the town. Some of the old buildings are still standing The old church across from city park, and of course Lanny Spurlock, mayor of Athol who many claim was mayor back then, too.

Queen Rachel, top Princess Tahya bottom

The parade went off surprisingly well with Queen Rachel Peterson and Princess Tahya Russell leading the way. Following the parade, everyone dashed over to the city park where booths were set up representing arts, crafts, hot dogs, games and many other activitiies. Having survived announcing the parade, Herb greeted defacto Sheriff Elect Ben Wolfinger and the local beat deputy, Brougham, both who are pictured here, along with the Queen and princess.

***Tragic Update: The party was going fine until the locked porta potty that stayed locked for over 20 minutes was breached only to find Eugene Saputski, dead of a massive heart attack. I don't have many details other than he was survived by Wife, Kim and children on both sides. The Saputskis lived in Rathdrum.  He was 45 years old

Spokane Poilce Chief Applicants

My brother, Stan Huseland visited me last week. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. His comment on the former police chief there and applicant in Spokane was this. "The chief was hired by Indianapolis to clean up an out of control department which essentially is run by the FOP. (Police Officer's Fraternity) or Union. He was specifically chosen for his hard nosed no nonsense approach to controlling the department.

When I described the problems in Spokane having more to do with rapport with the community and police oversight, he felt we made the right decision, that this guy wouldn't fit in here. 

Lake Pend Oreille Fishing

I spoke with Chip Corsi today about the prospect of a Blueback (Kokanee) fishing season coming back to Lake Pend Oreille. He was upbeat, feeling there is a good chance that could happen. That is the recommendation of the regional office here in Coeur d'Alene. We won't know for sure until the November meetings at the state level where fish and game regulations are prepared for the coming year. This region will recommend a six fish daily limit, which with the larger fish is quite sufficient.

So far, so good. Mackinaws, the most voracious feeders of Kokanee are down. Mysis shrimp counts are own as well. Spawning four year old Bluebacks are much larger than historically, suggesting there is more feed for them. Bottom line though is that a whole generation of Blueback fishermen and women have sold their boats and moved on.

The cost for the moratorium on these miniature Sock eye Salmon in business revenue in Bayview has been catastrophic, since fishing has decreased. 

ATHOL DAZE 8/11

The parades and fairs are not over yet. Athol is celebrating it's 103rd birthday with a parade starting at 10:00 am Saturday with lineup at 9:30 on Davis Lane. If you wish to enter the parade, call city hall 683-2101. The parade will start at 10:00 am with yours truly announcing the entries as they pass the judges stand.

Following the parade will be the usual fair in the park with many vendors, games for the kids and a host of other events. The weather is expected to be perfect, so come on down. The kids always have fun with "money in the straw," and many other events.

After the fair, you can wander over to the Legion where Larry James will host a jam session under the gazebo starting at 4:00pm. 6:00pm will be a BBQ, also outside.

Victory Auto Parts will be hosting its 6th annual car show from 9AM to 3PM. Last year they had 48 cars.

Found Memory Card

If you are, or were recently on Bayview and lost the memory card from your camera, Norma Jean and Dean Knowles found it. Here is a picture taken from the card. Contact Dean or Norma Jean at 208-683-1980. If you are the subjects of this picture, or know who they are please respond.

I've just learned that the pictures on this card date back to 2008 and are obviously of great value to the family that took them. Here's another picture with a birthday cake from the same card. Apparently a boy named Devin had a birthday that day. These all appear to be family shots with some scenery thrown in as well. You may also reply to me at: bayviewherb@gmail.com.

Pretty Girls

I received an e-mail from a lady living in Sagle. She wanted to know whether the Buttonhook was open this Summer. I had to tell her no, but the new owners of the Captain's Wheel are doing a great job.

She said they would cruise down to Bayview with their boat Saturday and meet me at the Wheel. I wandered down about 4:30 and the bartender immediately told me a group was looking for me.

I found Ally and her husband, Scott along with a visitor from Minnesota with two adorable twin daughters. They sent me pictures which are published within. It is always nice to meet folks that follow my blog and come to Bayview. If anyone else wants to do that just e-mail me and we'll meet.

Jaiden me and Kaia, L-R

HUGE Community Yard Sale

Proceeds benefit the Bayview Community Center

Saturday, Sunday & Monday

September 1st, 2nd & 3rd

9 am  —  7 pm

First & Spruce,  Bayview  (at the Pole Building)

Donations needed. 

Please call 683-1859 if you need a pick up.

Donations can be dropped off in front of the pole building
at any time.

Please Help
THE BAYVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

Bayview-Idaho.com

There will be no more posts on Bayview Bob Bowen's blog. I last chatted with Bob about his condition a few weeks ago.. He had Leukemia and was at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Bob was very upbeat with having received a bone marrow transplant.

Unfortunately it didn't take and we lost him. Long an employee of Idaho Independent Bank, he lived here in Bayview. Bob was looking forward to returning home in 3 or 4 months. Unfortunately, it will be sooner. His cousin, Jan Larkin called me this morning to make sure I heard. Rest In Peace, Bob. Your battle is over.

Women and Men Are Indeed Different

Regardless of society trying to homogenize the sexes there are glaring differences. I'll explain.

Bachelor girl: While in town, realizes she is almost out of laundry. She heads for home to do the wash.

Bachelor Guy: While in town realizes he is out of underwear. He immediately heads for WalMart.

Bachelor Girl: Following dinner, she washes the dishes and puts them away.

Bachelor Guy: Following his dinner looks at the sink and determines it isn't at capacity yet.

Bachelor Girl: Takes half full garbage cans out to the dumpster.

Bachelor Guy: looks at overflowing garbage can and determines one or two things will fit so leaves it alone.

You can obviously see that the bachelor guy knows more about labor saving devices than gals. More beer drinking time, while sunning oneself on the deck.

Timberlake Fire District

A pontoon boat with 8 passengers and 3 dogs is taking on water near the Cement Plant close to Lakeview. Both Sheriff and Timberlake fire boats are rushing across the lake, with the pedal to the metal Friday late afternoon.

5:30 PM

Timberlake Fire said:

"All passengers and dogs were rescued and okay. we put 5 passengers and 1 dog on our fire boat and the remainder on the Navy boats. It was a combined effort and all worked out."

Apparently of the eight passengers aboard three were elderly and had trouble climbing out of the sinking craft. Paying absolutely no attention to the widely circulated Thunderstorm warnings which went out over all weather channels including marine channel 16.   When the storm hit high waves estimated at 6 to 8 feet were pounding against the heavily loaded craft. This caused water to enter the front vents. When the fire district boat arrived the sinking craft was kind of beached near the Cement Plant on the south shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Why they didn't even look up at the sky as the storm neared is a mystery. Apparently many adults do not have the basic survival training needed to safely cruise the unpredictable waters of the lake.

Many are not aware that the Naval detachment in Bayview participates in many rescues.

9:34 PM

Another Found Dog

Cindy Post writes,

Cindy Post

FOUND - A MinPin (?) near the mercantile. Please call 683-1859 if you've lost you dog." This undoubedly was due to the Thunder Storm. I have no idea what a minpin is but if you have one that is missing here it is.

Lost Dog

When the current thunderstorm started a dog ran into the water at the Bitter End Marina. Large white shaggy fur with brown splotches. This dog is disoriented and prbably belongs to someone in an RV or Boat. The dog is at this time unrestrained and has followed the ,an that rescued it back to the Bitter End. I f you have a dog that isn't inside, get them in before they run off in panic.

Weather Or Not

Around 4:15 this am, or as we in the service used to call it, O dark thirty, A very loud thunder bumper hit Bayview. It didn't last very long and with the exception of one short drenching didn't appear to carry much rain with it.

I hear we are going to get another this mid-day, but I have seen many of these dire warnings cross south of Bernard Peak and while hitting the Silver Vary hard, usually leave Bayview alone. Having same that, we'll probably get hammered.

Right now the skies are blue, RV's are arriving for the week-end frivolities and all is well in the tourist industry. Have a great week-end, watch the sky carefully if you are out boating. Thunder and lightning does strike in the middle of the lake and quite often

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Monday night  around 7:30  a homeless woman known to me came rushing through my back door. She asked for help from an attacker living in a motor home sited next door. . I strongly suggested that the best way to counter the pestering she was getting, was to get law enforcement involved.

deputy promptly reacted. Not waiting for back up he accosted the suspect, who then pulled a gun on him. To the officer's credit, he didn't immediately shoot him. Risking his own life, he talked the gun man into laying the gun down.

By 9:30 or so the situation was resolved. I asked the officer why he didn't shoot the guy pointing a gun at him. He replied , I identified myself as a police officer and asking him to put the gun down. The officer was totally authorized at that point to shoot the suspect. He showed at the risk of his life, a moment of judgement. The suspect put the gun down,  which saved his life.

Tonight, Roland Wayne Hughes  is in custody with a charge of domestic battery, with a $10,000 bail set. The homeless person that sought refuge in my home is gone. Is it something in the air? He was parked within feet of the location of Larry Cragun, murderer and serving a life sentence. Proving that fruit indeed doesn't fall far from the tree, the deputy's  name is  Brad Wolfinger. A secret source within the department told me that Brad and is wife are shortly expecting a baby. A third generation cop?

Readerboard Vandalized

Sometime between 7:30 am and 8:30 am Sunday morning, someone took letters from one side of the reader board and spelled out derogatory words that defamed the women of the Bayview Chamber. I am not going to repeat them as I then would be guilty of the same. Chan drove by at 7:30 and saw no changes. He received word of the vandalism at 9:45 From Sheryl Pucket who took a picture of it and then circulated it throughout the community.

Two things are happening as I write this. First Chan is offering a $500 reward for the name or names of the perpetrators. The second is the Navy security department will be asked to review the security cameras facing the Buttonhook.

About the only way out of this is for the guilty party to march into Chan's office and apologize to him and to the Chamber as well. If you don't you are going to have consequences.

It Ended Before It Began

This week was a sad one for everyone connected with the Panhandle Sun. I resigned for several reasons that will go unsaid, Monday. Today, I read in the current issue that our editor, Mary Jane Honneger is also leaving.

I think that everyone connected to management will need to take a long look at current expenses versus advertising income and modify some of the parts that aren't making it. I enjoyed another gig at writing after over four years with the spokesman-Review, but in order to track down stories that matter, the corespondents need more than expense money to write quality stuff.

Anyway, I'll wait and see how things shake out. I do know one thing for sure from my days with the spokesman-Review. People will pick up a paper because many times the subjects of the stories are friends, associates or even themselves. Readers are attracted to writers that have a following. Which style fits them. They like to read about their friends, community issues. It makes them even prouder to live here.

Good luck, Mary Jane. You gave it all you had. Leadership can eat you up if one isn't careful, and sometimes even when you are. Go with your head high.

Bayview Daze 2012

Sunday morning following the previous night's festivities, dawned so quiet you could hear the fish swimming by in Scenic Bay at Bayview, Idaho. Last night, Saturday July 7 was entirely another thing. Permanent residents hunkered down knowing that the thousands of visitors would soon be gone.

Saturday started out with the usual parade, which was managed this year by Norma Jean Knowles who probably is still looking for the mind she must have lost organizing the parade. Norma Jean, You did a great job. A new feature this year was a carnival which was arranged for by Chan Karupiah of J.D's Resort. Add to these activities were thousands of revelers crowding the aisles of the street fair looking for souvenirs. Dan English marched in the parade with the other three Kootenai County Democrats.

It was impossible to estimate the numbers of visitors since many were spread out in marinas on boats and float homes as well as RV spaces, which have been oh so rare lately. Other than the family orientated activities of which there were many, the late night crowd gathered around the local watering holes ordering their favorite beverages by the hundreds and listening to any of the five or six different musical venues.

The Carnival was shoehorned into a spot that wasn't originally planned for, but a few naysayers managed to thwart several plans of action. The street parade had a closure permit this year which allowed room for the carnival rides. We had more vendors than in the past but the great organizing ability of Paul Celeri, past Vice President of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce.

One of the more amazing feats was the removal of three derelict mobile homes in one week, tearing them down, disposing of the debris and plumbing and wiring the spaces for RV spaces for Scenic Bay Marina. By Saturday afternoon all spaces were rented. Unfortunately, one adventuresome party shot sky rockets toward the lake, injuring a child that was tent camping below the lime kilns.

Parade Grand Marshall were this year's queen, Mandy Skala and last year's queen Nannette Bradetich, L-R

Chance Long, playing at the Captain's Wheel

This Is An insperational That Will Leave You In Tearss

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=q6_Zzw3SPS4

I'm Not quite Done Yet

True to the vast reservoir of rumor mongers here in Bayview,  started like a Nevada forest fire. As the first old wreck of a mobile home went down, people had me being evicted, then condos built in it's place. Three unlivable and vacant trailers were destroyed. In there place Scenic Bay Marina has already converted the space to RV parking.

I'm not going anywhere. I talked to Paul a couple of days ago. He had just been asked the same question. "Is Herb going to be evicted?" Well either it was a well wisher concerned about my well being or someone wanting to immediately start the celebration.

Paul's comment is, "you got to be kidding a guy that pays his rent on time, every time, gives us no trouble, evicted? Get Serious. No, Herb is just fine where he is at." Chan, if he wished to build condos, owns several lots at Vista Bay, already zoned for multiple dwellings.

Here's the real scoop. Prior to my moving in 17 years ago, this was in fact all RV parking. The new owners figured year around income was better than summer part timers, switched back to single wide mobile homes. Unfortunately the folks that moved in were not very responsible. One side of me were tweakers. For the uninitiated, that means Methamphetamine. The other side housed a murderer that is currently serving life for the murder of Patty Heath and the seriously  injured Yvonne Wallis, of which that story has been told on previous posts.

The units were unlivable and taking up space from visitors that come Summer found the only other RV park full and Farragut State Park full all Summer. The reconverted spots should add about 6 more RV locations. Plans are underway for a thorough clean up and redecorating this into an attractive lot with a real good lake view.

I have spoken with Chan about the plans and he assured me I was not going anywhere. If anyone has questions about the project, feel free to either comment on this post, or privately e-mail me at Bayviewherb@gmail.com.

Come on down. There are boat slips available as well as camping, both tent and RV at both locations, Lakeland RVs and Scenic Bay Marinas Don' forget, there will be a carnival with rides galore. Something that perhaps should have happened years ago. With the old setup, only the Saturday of the three day weekends was effectively active. With rides, many tourists will stay the whole three days.

Still Room at the Inn

In an almost unbelievable quirk, there are still RV sites available in Bayview for theBayview Daze celebration, July 6-7-8. Check with Lakeland RV at 683-4108 or Scenic Bay Marina @683-2243.

I Double Down Dare You To Watch This Without tears

This kind of brings our blessings close to us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=q6_Zzw3SPS4

Previews Of Coming Attractions

The next issue of the Panhandle Sun will feature a tribute to a guy that kept to his family for the most part, his friends and employees partied with him He absolutely adored his wife of 23 years and his three sons. He died suddenly, March 10 at his home in Athol of a massive heart attack. Over two hundred people attended his memorial service.

Following that will be a recap in the life of Lorraine Yvonne Wallis, victim of an attack in December 2010, her health issues, surgeries and the outcome of it all. Read it here, read it first in the Panhandle Sun.

Don't forget that this is a targeted audience, in Athol, Rathdrum, Bayview, Blanchard and Spirit Lake. Advertisers can contact the office for great rates without having to cover areas not in your area. 687-4030. Ask for Chrystal Jensen.

Yvonne Wallis

For those of you that have been following the saga of Yvonne Wallis, her struggles with a serious head injury and months wearing a helmet, it  finally is over. She was operated on Thursday and is in ICU for recovery. I'm told by the hospital that everything went well.

A special thanks go out to those that donated to her so that she could afford the trips back and forth as well as help with her heating bill this Winter.She is truly blessed with the friends and neighbors that have stepped up to help.

Larry Cragun has plead guilty for the attack which murdered Yvonne's daughter-in-law and severely injured her. He is awaiting sentencing.

She should be home within a few days. I did not take her to Seattle this time. Genette Gabica of the Bitter End Marina and Real Life Church motored her over this time and will bring her back.

I just talked to Genette and she reports that Yvonne is still not out of the anesthesia and is not breathing totally on her own yet, but that happened last time too, and is not a serious worry. I will add updates as they occur.

***Saturday, 4/7: Yvonne is awake and alert and breathing on her own. She should be released in a couple of days. She is in some pain abut that can be controlled. It looks like the end of the line treatment wise, as no furthur complications are expected.

Panhandle Sun

The first addition of the Panhandle Sun will hit the street Wednesday, April 4. Everyone at the paper is excited about a new and sorely needed news outlet. With most of the print newspapers either going out of business or rapidly reducing the size and coverages, this niche needed to be filled. I personally am thrilled to be asked to participate.

Former staff reporter Taryn Hecker Thompson and I along with editor, Mary Ann Honegger will be bringin' it on. For advertising, contact the office at 687-4030.

Earl Scruggs 1924-2012

Tagging Earl Scruggs as a legend is to diminish what he was to Mountain Music. He was arguably the best banjo picker that ever lived or ever will. Prior to his leap to fame in the 1940's, 5-string banjo was frailed rather than picked with three fingers. He invented the style which is used by most traditionalists including yours truly.

The movie Bonnie & Clyde used his original score of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," as the chase theme. He also wrote and performed "The Ballad Of Jed Clampett," the theme for Beverly Hillbillies.

Through the forties, he and Lester Flatt on Guitar were an integral part of the Bill Monroe Band. The band played on the Grand Old Opry after World War 11 and hit music like a bomb going off.

Earl and Lester left the Monroe band in 1969 where they played in just about every venue including New York City. Flatt died in 1979, but Scruggs carried on with his three sons and playing with other Bluegrass greats like the Dillards and others who learned banjo at his knee.

That he will be missed is a given. His death isn't just the end of his life, it is the end of an era. An era that probably will not be repeated, as Bluegrass is way out of the main stream in music.

Home Town Success Story

I am a member of the 1956 graduating class at Renton High School, Renton, Washington. Our class held many that did quite well in life but one stood head and shoulders above the crowd. The following is a sketch of some of Ron Hicklin's work after graduation, a trip to Hollywood and after the starvation years. Captured on You Tube were several episodes of the network snow, Shindig. These are from 1965, which is when videotape first came on to the scene. Prior to that all shows were live. Stan Farber was also part of the group, also from Renton. Bob Zwirn was baritone, also from Renton. Those of you that remember Ron Rolla as bass, Ron dropped out of the group in 1963. After the Eligibles stopped ferforming, Hicklin went on to form a corporation in which wh hired out various background or studio musicians. There is where he made a huge success, both in wealth and reputation.

This is a song called Summer Place. It was widely recorded by many but none with the patented harmonies taught at Renton High School in those days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPfZCWV0Goc

Another is "Zing went the strings of my Heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr9CG3jPRq8&feature=related

Here is where The Eligibles backed up Patty Duke. They also backed her on her TV show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZeABnPaFo

The group went on to back most of that day's feature performers and recording stars, including many themes like the Andy Williams Show, Petticoat Junction, Gilligan's Island and a ton of others.I'll let you search out the rest using your search function. Also look under "The Ron Hicklin Singers."

As a local note, I live in Bayview, Idaho and have for the last 17 years. The Now retired Patty Duke lives just a few miles south of me. Her nephew, Mike Kennedy, a friend of mine, is a member of the Coeur d'Alene City Council. I'm sitting in my home, somewhat house bound while I get well from what was a first stage Pneumonia, listening to the music from 1965.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbct6-6KjSw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdp6-6UWynk

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+ron+hicklin+singers&oq=the+ron+hicklin&aq=0&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_l=youtube-reduced.1.0.0.18618l29431l0l34092l15l15l0l7l7l0l187l1059l0j8l8l0.

I found Out Why I've Been Grumpy Lately

I found out Today why I've been so grumpy lately. I have pneumonia. Coughing and hacking all night I finally went to the Doctor. Sitting in the waiting room was proof enough. 102 temperature and a questionable x-ray was proof enough.

My VA clinic is in Sand Point. After getting jabbed in the butt with some sort of huge needle, I was sent to Safeway where they have a charge account.One bottle of pills was around $7.00. The other, was full of horse pills and cost $85.00. They were free to me, except for one thing.

The druggist told me the prescriptions would be ready in 15 minutes. This having been my second trip to Safeway for prescriptions, I knew the gig. You can spend a lot of money in 15 minutes. Oh well, KI barreled out of there with my pills and two bags of groceries.

on the way home I was weaving a bit, my concentration shot. Other motorists must have though I was drunk. With all of the cell phones out there, I suspect the cops are still looking for me. But I made it home OK. The Doc said that if I wasn't feeling better by tomorrow he might have to hospitalize me.  That doesn't sound like fun at all.

Panhandle Sun

Well, my first story is in. I wrote about the current and past forestry practices in the Park and the reasons for doing what they are doing. It's going to be a fun ride. I missed writing for publication, since the Spokesman-Review pulled the Handle Extra out of Idaho. That happened over a year ago and with the retiring of the Rathdrum Star, There hasn't been much chance of local news and features making the paper. 

The date of the first issue isn't set qite yet but it will be in the next few weeks. The paper will be available in racks in loctions we will alert you to as soon as they are extabished.
Advertisers can contact Mary Jane Honegger at: editor@panhandlesun.com or at 687-4030.

Circulation will be in Spirit Lake, Rathdrum, Bayview and Athol. That may expand later.

For news tips call Mary Ann or myself. I'm at 208-683-9107

On The Road Again

I was surprised to get a call from Taryn Hecker Thompson today. She said that prior Spokesman-Review correspondent, May Jane Honegger is the editor of a brand new Newspaper named Panhandle Sun. Taryn will be writing for the spirit Lake/Athol Twin Lakes area, and yours truly my old beat, Bayview and Farragut State Park. Look for the first edition soon.It turns out Mary Jane has been looking for me for the last couple of weeks not knowing I was listed in the phone directory.

It will be fun to write for a publication again. The Rathdrum Star closed down a while back leaving local businesses without advertising coverage. Some of those businesses stepped up, hired Mary Jane and the rest is the future. 

We will specialize in features and stories about local people. The paper will be distributed in Bayview, Rathdrum, Athol and Spirit Lake. If you have a story of interest, e-mail me at: bayviewherb@gmail.com. With the new ownership being local business, perhaps print media is still a valuable tool for businesses.

Are All Of The Candidates Real??

Well the stump season is well upon us once again. Some things that I perceive as different though are happening this election season. First, I see more competition in the Republican ranks for local, state and county offices. I'm talking about Idaho here.

It is very difficult if not impossible to look into the minds of some of the players. In the cases of District two, with incumbent Hart, we see several opposing candidates. Certainly, some of them are motivated by the desire to get rid of this horrible example of what not to be in a public servant. My cynical nature though, asks given the huge advantage for the incumbent to have many opposing, therefore splitting the vote.One wonders if some of this opposition is made up of friends of Hart, acting as Judas Goats to benefit their wacko friend.

In the case of Tondee, incumbent for the county council, I doubt that his opposition is contrived, but most probably just people that don't like Tondee. Still, the same result can be expected. Split opposition and another incumbent survives.

In another first, A democrat, Dan English filed for the district two seat held by Hart... What's more unusual is he may actually win the seat. There are enough Republicans out there in this heavily conservative district that believe in our public servants having integrity over purity of ideology.

English comes to the table as a practicing Christian, a community treasure having served as a city councilman, Sheriff detective, youth councilor, county clerk, founder of Anchor House, a home for troubled kids, and on top of that, he isn't an Ideological liberal. The values in this district are going to be tested severely. He has lived in Bayview as well as Twin Lakes, an anchor in this northern part of the county.

Then there is the Kootenai County Council.Larry Spencer, Gadabout and ultra-conservative,  running against one of his buddies last election cycle. It turns out that Green isn't conservative enough for Spencer, who is off the chart.

As far as the race for Kootenai County Sheriff, only one candidate stands tall amongst minor league opposition. Major Ben Wolfinger rose from 29 years ago as a patrol deputy. Didn't leave for greener pastures as most others have in this a low paying department compared to Spokane. He took the steps as they came, achieving the rank of Major, which he holds currently. Wolfinger is an officer's officer.highly respected in the department, no training would be needed for this guy and boy has he earned it. 

I will have more to say about these races as time slides inordinately toward November and the general election. Here is Dan English's web site:  http://www.votefordanenglish.com/

Dan English Speaks

I’m Dan English and I’ve filed for the position of State Representative, District 2, Seat B, currently held by Representative Phil Hart.  I’m well aware of my odds in this race.  Running as a Democrat in Kootenai County, let alone in a district that has been judged to be among the reddest of the red districts in Idaho is an uphill climb at best. This isn’t the most convenient time given the demands of family and vocation. Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not retired and in fact often put in very long but satisfying days on behalf of the kids and families served by Twin Lakes Friends Camp.  I’m not sure public service, especially when called upon to run for public office, is very convenient for anyone these days.  It can come at a significant personal and even financial toll.  And based on the number of people willing to put their name on the ballot in either party compared to those that could or at least those who regularly complain about their government, you would have to say most aren’t willing to pay the price.  But that is the price that must be paid if we want our Representative Republic that is based on the Democratic process of free and open elections to thrive and survive. This is America and we are free to believe what we want.  In most cases, we are free to act on those beliefs as well.  But I don’t think someone should be free to run term after term unchallenged when their belief and practices about our tax laws are so far out of line with ordinary, hard-working taxpayers who play by the rules, who pay their fair share, and expect everyone else to do the same.  They especially demand that anyone who draws a paycheck & benefits from those hard earned tax dollars to have enough respect for them to do the same.  I’ve had the privilege of winning the public’s trust and holding public office on several occasions, just like Representative Hart.  I’ve taken my oath of office very seriously as well as the trust that was placed in me.  I imagine Mr. Hart must feel he does the same.  But that’s about as far as the similarities go.  I can only think we must be made out of different stuff at our core. Because I can’t imagine wanting to even give the appearance that I was somehow using the fact of being an elected office holder as a shield to avoid, or in any manner delay the responsibilities and timelines that every other ordinary tax payer must abide by. I understand there are special privileges that lawmakers enjoy but I just can’t believe the framers of our state constitution ever had in mind that those privileges would someday be used to enable Mr. Hart’s tax avoidance behavior.  That is why I chose to make my announcement today in front of the Idaho State Tax Commission instead of a more traditional setting to draw attention to the apparent differences in our beliefs and behavior. I do realize that Mr. Hart may not even be in the race in November.  In fact, at last check he hadn’t even filed to be in the race in May.  But then, my candidacy is not just about Mr. Hart.  In Kootenai County, the decisions for most of our elected officials are made by a quite small percentage of the registered voters in the Republican Primary Election.  In most cases, if they even have an opponent, it is all over in May.  When the majority of the voters come out to make their choice, especially in Presidential years when the turnout is over 85%, they find they actually have no choice at all.  I think that problem will be even more acute this year given our new closed primary law. Democrats have been criticized for not fielding enough candidates for the ballot.  As a Democrat I have accepted that challenge.  I feel very strongly about making sure the voters have actual choices for candidates on their ballot, especially in the November General Election.  It has been 10 years since there has even been a contested race on the General Election Ballot in this district. So no matter who I face in November, I think the voters in District 2 will best be served by having a choice instead of so many of our voters not having anyone to represent them. And how are your legislators representing you these days?  Are you happy with all the time, effort, and expense they are using to debate one-sided partisan bills and resolutions that do nothing to improve the daily lives of ordinary working and struggling people?  Especially when so often they are told by their own Attorney General and other legal advisers that many of these laws are unconstitutional and expensive wastes of time and money.  But they continue to spend time and money on special legislation that are the equivalent of form letters to the editor and Congress for their party faithful.  That’s fine if they want to band together and do that on their time and their nickel but don’t be doing it on our time or our dime!  The burn rate of the legislature is about $30,000 a day and this is no time for those kinds of wasteful expenditures.  I don’t know about you, but that is certainly not what I elected them to do! The three core issues that will be most important to me are the same issues that I think most voters are concerned about.  They include quality education that benefits all of our citizens, strong economic policies that focus on job creation, and the expectation of high ethical standards for our elected officials. In the end, I believe it all boils down to just one question for the voters and good people of District two…ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE OF HART?   If you are then please support my candidacy with your time, efforts, financial contributions, and your prayers.  So if you’ve Had Your Fill then Vote for Dan English, Legislative District 2 this November.  Thank You.

Heart vs Hart

       L-R Mamie, PO 1sr class, Daughter, Joel, 2 Iraq tours,Son, Dan, Wife, Cory Daughter, Hannah

Former Kootenai County Clerk, Dan English, will make a formal announcement about his candidacy for Legislative District 2, Position B, the seat currently held by Representative Phil Hart. He will make his brief announcement remarks Wednesday, March 7st at 10:30 a.m. He will make them outside 1910 NW Blvd. in Coeur d’Alene, in front of the State Tax Commission Office.

English, 60, is a native of Kootenai County and has a lifetime record of service to his community. He is the founder and former Executive Director of two local non-profits, North Idaho Youth for Christ and Anchor House-Idaho Youth Ranch. He currently is the resident Manager of Twin Lakes Friends Camp and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In the past he has held positions as a city councilman, a sheriff’s detective, and a school board member among others. (From Huckleberries)

For the first time in a while, voter will have a choice come general election day. Although Dan is a Democrat he is not a flaming liberal and uses common sense rather than knee jerk liberal issues. If Hart beats his primary opponent, Dan English will be the only barrier to more of this loser and Wacko of the far right.  I suspect that if it is Hart vs English, many moderate republicans will switch to English.

He's done it all. Law enforcement, Youth Councilor, County Clerk, father of two service kids and many more accomplishments. Stay tuned.

Bayview Is The Place To Party

The skies over Bayview are blue
the waters are as well.
If you party when in Bayview, we promise not to tell.

When you come to Bayview, the boating is sublime,
If you choose to be a little naughty,
we promise not to mind.

While float homes rest upon the water,
and kayaks skitter by
leave your cares at home, 'cause it don't matter.

Whether food, music or fun on the lake,
a great experience is yours to take.
So come on down,tell it true
You'll have so much fun you won't be blue.
(Bring Money)
Herb

Timberlake Fire Meetings

Hello Herb,

Could you let the Bayview community via your blog, know that the Fire Districts monthly Board of Commissioners meetings are now being held on the 3^rd Thursday of the month.  The location is still the Athol Community Center. The time is still 6PM.

Thank You,

Commissioner Rudebaugh

Mad About March

Sleepy Wintertime Bayview is about ready to rock. The month of March will feature 50 cents off all drinks, new food items including taco salads, etc. In addition to the menu, weekly drawings will be held. Prizes galore at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant.

Also don't forget open mike Wednesday pm and live music Saturday nights. All music starts early so you don't have to worry about getting up the next morning.

Last night's snow has melted and it looks like the dire warning for this afternoon and evening isn't going to be that bad. Just snow/melt/changing to rain. The usual early spring stuff. Good riddance to February and hello to March, the gateway to Spring.

A recent conversation with Chip Corsi, Idaho Fish & Game produced hope that finally, the Kokanee have recovered enough for a limited fishing season for them in 2013. Stay tuned.

The Bayview Chamber is soliciting funds to keep the street lights burning. Up to this point, the Chamber has stood the cost of the electric use.  

Brand new lumber has brightened up the bay as Scenic Bay Marina is in the later process of rebuilding all of the docks.

Some hardy souls have been seen fishing out on the bay and others will follow shortly. Don't forget, if you don;'t have a boat or have sold yours, you can rent kicker boats from MacDonald's Resort and larger craft from the Bayview Marina.

While the Buttonhook remains closed, breakfast lunch is available at Ralph's Internet Cafe, and the Bay Cafe. Dinner at those locations as well, but including the Captain's Wheel for Dinner and drinks. As always, J.D.'s Bar is open 7 days a week. Come on down.

Clint Darnell & Friends are playing at the Wheel tonight, Saturday about 7:00 pm.

Politically Incorrect

Sometimes I think I've lived too long and seen too much change. Some gradual change is healthy for a democracy such as ours. What we have experienced in my lifetime is radical. Of course the end of segregation was long overdue. The pendulum in government tends to swing from one extreme to the other without stopping in the middle much. For example:

My high school was the Renton Indians. Many place names have been changed as well as team mascots over the years. It was good that insensitive references were changed. But that wasn't enough. The stampede toward total correctness (by whose standards) has led to extremes the other direction. The South Dakota Fighting Sioux offended a portion of the Lakota Nation. It was deemed out of bounds by the NCAA.  My high School changed to another less sensitive logo as well.

The one that really frosts me though, is when Seattle University changed from a famous past as Chieftains, they changed to Redhawks. This ignored an era during the '50's when  Elgin Baylor was an all-American who went on to a successful career in the NBA. Last I heard he was General Manager of the San Diego NBA franchise. Following him was a double team of great players, the O'brian twins, Eddie and Johnny. Now where this gets me is that Chieftain is not a term exclusive to native Americans. It was used in ancient times to describe European tribal leaders. as well.

The Florida Seminoles used a tribal name native to a Florida tribe that apparently isn't as sensitive as the Ogalalla Sioux. Many cities and even states are named after either tribes or individual  Indians. So then I propose the following changes, in order to comply with whomever or what ever organization decreed these over reactions. Unelected, all.

First, Seattle must give up it's name since it was named after Chief Sealth. Sealth High School in Western Washington must also go. Wenatchee, Yakima, Spokane, Colville, Kenniwick, Wallula. Blackfoot, Idaho? Oh my.

Then there are states that are out of compliance as well. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North and South Dakota, Klamath Falls, Oregon, Utah (Ute tribe) All must go.

We could rename Seattle to Juan de Fuca, but then we would be mocking the Hispanics. I won't go on to try to identify each and every Native American city or state, but you can get the idea from what I've listed.. 

Basically, It is time we stepped back and took a long look at how far we have gone to placate each and every person or organization. First no way can you accomplish that chore, for what offends one group, challenging it will offend another. It's kind of like comedy. A comedian has to make fun of somebody or something which then will offend the target of the joke. The only ones that get away with that are the self-depreciating comics who make fun of themselves.

Even the Canadians are guilty. Perhaps even more than us. Saskatchewan, Kapuskasing, Ottawa, are not English Or French names either.  On top of all of these indignities, modern airplanes don't even have propellers.

So this square headed Norsk is signing off wishing that sanity would return or at least have that pendulum stop in the middle once in a while

Ben Wolfinger For Sheriff

                                                             

This is a short biography of Ben Wolfinger. I thought you would like to know more about this man and the contributions he has made over the years. I personally think he stands head and shoulders above the other candidates.  Pictured above are Ben Wolfinger and wife Mary.

BEN WOLFINGER was born in Wallace, Idaho and raised in the Silver Valley. Ben has been with the Sheriff’s Office since April 1, 1983.  Ben worked in the Jail, Patrol and Detectives while he worked his way through the ranks until his promotion to Captain in April of 1995.  Since 1995, Ben has commanded all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. Ben was appointed to the rank of Major in 2009. Ben’s current duties include managing the Support Services Bureau, dealing with Special Projects and performing as the Department’s Public Information Officer.

Ben has and continues to be an active volunteer at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls and in the community. Ben is a former Coeur d’Alene City Councilman and a Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.  Ben is a graduate of the 1994 Leadership Coeur d’Alene class.  Ben has received a variety of community honors including the 2001 Ed Abbot Community Volunteer Award and the 2005 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

Holidays Lost That Bug Me

It isn't that I resent the legacy of Martin Luther King. Dr. King was a person that only surfaces in two or three generations and then only when a calling or need occurs. The speech, "I have a Dream" still makes the hair stand upon the back of my neck.
 Celebrating his birthday is not a bad idea at all. What is a bad idea is sh*t canning our founding fathers, Washington and Lincoln.

In the infinite wisdom of our  politicians that decided Lincoln and Washington don't matter, Lincoln's birthday, February 12 and tomorrow's Washington's birthday, do not count any more. After all, (sniff) they didn't happen in our lifetime which as it turns out appears to be the only criteria that matters any more. You see, we are being ruled by those that do not think the father of our country and the man who kept it together aren't important.

From Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, The Roman Empire and of Course, Israel, gift of God, which was defeated by Rome and thence,the Diaspora to Europe, North Africa and even Egypt. Moslem Nations and tribes, tribes being more dominate than nations. have fought with each other over Awalite, Sheite, Sunni, the Soudi version and many other branches including the Kurds. Many do not know that Sal-Alladin, victor in the holy wars was a Kurd. History that isn't recent don't count.
Well, as usual I digress.

I mourn for the lasvish birthday parties we had in Grammer School celebrating the birthday of Abraham Lincon. Did any of you pause the 12th to praise his birthday? I thought not.

How about today. George Washington's  birthday. February 22. You know why we don't any longer celebrate his birthday either? Dr. King. It turns out that aside from the huge slam at out founding fathers, it was mostly how many national vacation days were available and how should they be parcelled out.

I am shamed, and I hope at least some of you are too.

Blogfest 2012

Well I scored a first Saturday. Unfortunately not the right kind of first. I missed my first blog fest since they started. I can't remember what year that was, but I organized it and we had about nine or so attendees here in Bayview. We held it at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant. Since then the idea has exploded, the Spokesman-Review has taken over sponsorship and I understand there were over 70 people present at the Fort Ground this year. I wasn't one of them.

The night before, I had a minor health issue that kept me awake for hours. Finally around 7:00am I got to sleep. I awoke around non and wasn't in any shape to go anywhere. I'm fine now but deeply regret the opportunity to see many of my friends again and to meet new ones as well.

As has been pointed out, it is amazing to see the camaraderie when everyone meets face to face rather than the sometimes snarls that occur on line. My theory is that typing into a computer takes the person out of the conversation to an extent that liberates some from the need for courtesy. On the other hand, face to face meetings tend to smooth the edges of differences in philosophy and brings the personalities out instead.

Since I missed my chance yesterday, I want to take today as an opportunity to greet all of you. I just wish I had been there, too.

We Had A Revolution And Nobody Noticed

Yesterday in the Spokesman-review North Idaho blog, Huckleberries on line, a subject was brought up that featured a high school teacher that had offended a female teen with repeated profanity while teaching. Apparently she went to the principal with her objection and was brushed off. Her father then attempted to get the situation under control.

Thirty comments were offered on the blog. Out of that thirty, only eight agreed with the family. The rest didn't apparently see a problem, since folks out in society cussed all the time. Arguably some of the commenters were repeats since the discussion went back and forth.

After great reflection I realized that we as a society have turned 180 degrees. I was born in 1938, graduated from high school in 1956. If either a student or teacher had used profanity in the classroom whey would have been immediately banished.Back then we didn't have a drug problem, we were patriotic, respected our parents even though some didn't deserve much respect.

If a child misbehaved, any adult that witnessed the malfeasance would most likely march that child to their home where punishment usually ended with corporal punishment. Back then we didn't use fancy words like that. Translated, the kid got whupped. Yes spankings were legal, you could lock a kid in there room then too. If a child ran away from home they were promptly brought back by police or any parent that knew the situation. Now in many states, running away is alright and a parent cannot do anything about it. (Washington)

That was then, this is now. Very few vote even though we are among a very few nations that have that right. We used to throw out office holders, citing them for contemptuous behavior. Now we throw out the entire government with contempt. Even with the right to vote, many ignore what i going on around them, suggesting that they don't count and the "Man" will do what they want anyway.

Schools that have a student rebel, cannot take the kid into the back room for a few well placed swats on the butt. Today, that would be child abuse and most likely the perpetrator would be fired followed by criminal prosecution and a law suit. It would appear that the inmates are indeed running the asylum.

With a total breakdown in enthusiasm for being an American, discipline unenforceable and a who gives a sh*t attitude, I'm terribly glad that I am old enough that I won't have to experience the end of our great nation, as the idiots who think the are superior to the rest of us take over from the religious, moral and indignant former majority.

Long Ago Interview Of Me Online

About twice a year, in this case probably less, I check to see what others are seeing about me, my writings and opinions. This is a long ago forgotten interview with the organisation listed at the end. I thought it might me of interest to others, maybe those in the field of jounalism.


JOURNALISM

Q. What is your specialty?
A. What subjects do you deal with?I am a feature writer, for the most part. I write for a local newspaper, as well as the occasional magazine.

Q.In which media do you presently work or have you worked?
A.Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, River Journal, a local magazine, as an independent correspondent.

Q. Please list a web address where where one can view an example of your work.
A.blog: bayviews.blogspot.com,spokesman-review archives

Q. What is "news"?
A. News is information. It is especially important if the news isn't available elsewhere.

Q. To you, what is objectivity?
A. If you have an opinion before the story, you cannot write it. I have passed on many stories that I was involved in. Objectivity is being in the middle and not a part of the story.

Q.What is the best headline you have ever read?
A.Japan Surrenders

Q. What headline would you like to see printed one day in the newspaper?
A. Peace has broken out around the world

 Q. Which paper do you buy on Sundays? Where do you read it?
A. Spokesman-Review at home.

Q.  Does freedom of expression end where the editorial line begins?
A. It only begins. Much of the time, biased opinion dominates even the news.

Q. Do you feel that analytical and investigative journalism is being lost?
A. Yes

Q. With a camera on every mobile phone, is every citizen becoming a correspondent?
A. Not unless they have the capacity to transfer the picture to the Internet, and even then it is likely that the quality of the picture would not be printable. Then they have to have the ability to tell the story behind the picture intelligently.

Q. How would you explain the boom of the tabloid press?
A. I wouldn't know. I don't read about two headed babies.

Q. What is your position regarding the right to privacy of famous people?
A. Privacy, in my mind, is within the home or a private place. If a celebrity is posing in a public place, they are fair game. Still, telephoto lenses into private homes swimming pools isn't fair game. Most celebrities love the attention of the press. It just isn't fair game when they try to invade the privacy of your home, or your private sojourns.

Perhaps as I am old and was taught at an early age that good manners were important in life, I am not in the main stream anymore. It seems that shrill insults are the norm and common courtesy is out.

Q. What can you teach us about the art of the interview?Listen carefully and take notes. Inaccuracy is the downfall of good writing.

Q. Please list well-known people you have interviewed.Ronald Reagan, Walter Knott, Rick Currie, John Schmitz, Dan English, etc., etc.
Q. Would you say the journalism blog is revolutionizing the profession?
A. Absolutely. It is revolutionizing the media and at the same time will destroy it if it isn't controlled beyond the shrill behavior of adult children wanting to be heard.

Somehow, between the last generation, or perhaps the one before, kids are not taught to respect others, or even practice patriotism. This may be a byproduct of the 60's when their parents were linking hands in street intersections, yelling, "Hell no, I won't go."

What we have now, is a generation of young adults that don't have a clue about how to respect others of differing opinions.

Q. Will the paper press disappear?
A. Probably as it now exists, yes. My paper is already half of what it was. While I am old fashioned and my mornings start out reading the paper from beginning to end, I am afraid that this is an over fifty thing. Either the younger set gets their news from the Internet, or what is even scarier, they don't care about world events at all.

Q. What are your thoughts of the free papers distributed in cities?

A. Well, I've written for a few of them. They are advertising driven, but then so are MSM papers. It's all about revenue. You got it, you have room to publish it. I just think the MSM has lost touch with their readership and will go down as a lost cause. At least in my area, most folks are moderately conservative. Some even more, yet the News media continues to support left wing ideas. This, I'm afraid will kill journalism before economics does. It's all about representing those that you serve.

Q. What is the book you would like to write?

A. I would like to write a disaster novel based in my neck of the woods. Having said that,I don't believe I have the patience to actually write a book. You are talking about one to two years of research and heavy detail. No, I'll stick to 500 to 1000 word stories that I think are of interest to the public.

Q.  Is there a motto or ethical principle that clarifies your decisions in moments of confusion?
A. Don't deliberately hurt others and be absolutely accurate.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who has just left university and wishes to start in the profession?Switch majors.

End of Interview. This was done when my total blog output was 354. I am now at 1014.
Interview conducted by http://www.whohub.com/bayviewherb