Bayview History Part Two

After a slow start, the small town of Bayview finally took the fast

track to success. ll it took was an increase in production at the local lime kiln to

bring the Spokane and International Railroad to the quiet shores of Lake

Pend Oreille. Of course, the tracks ran both ways from Bayview to Spokane, which began

to send tourists by the hundreds. Suddenly, Bayview had all the right

connections - and a reason to grow.

That same year, a hotel was built. Suddenly rather than an old muddy road from Granite and Athol, Spokane tourists could ride the rails all the way into town. Today the old depot still stands on 5^th Street, now a residence. The early 1900's didn't sport paved highways. Most roads were gravel and mud. Model T fords and later, model A's didn't have that high clearance without cause. The old model A pickup that belonged to the Wigwam Hotel is now owned and restored by Dick Hansen, owner of the Bitter End Marina and other large parcels of land previously owned by Washington Brick & Lime.

The hotel was built at the corner of 5^th & Main. It is now the entryway to Harborview Marina. Originally called the Bayview Inn, the hotel was built by J. Grier Long, founder and president of the Washington Trust Company. There were 20 guest rooms with four communal bathrooms on the top floor, with various business on the street level. Facing toward the lake was a tavern and pool hall. A dance floor graced the middle. Much of the twenties saw Alice and Martin Burroughs managing the hotel. Long's daughter, Frances “Mickey” Mulrooney George took over and renamed it the Wigwam Lodge Hotel.

An interesting side to this history are the census records. The 1910 census counted 94 people. 17 worked at the Washington Brick and Lime works, 12 single workers in a boarding house and 9 Russell's, one of the earliest families. 1920 counted 216, with the population declining to 139 in 1930. This decline was the beginning of the end of the lime industry in Bayview. In 1939 the railroad was discontinued and the tracks ripped out, only to be replaced in 1942 by the navy.

The first few years of the float home era were somewhat informal. Many were brought close to shore where they anchored off the beach with a gangplank to shore. One such was an entrepreneurial man recently retired from the Spokane International Railroad. He was John B. Wilcox. With his wife Jennifer. They bought a float home and ,moved it close to where Boileau's resort is now. Operating a boat livery from the makeshift dock. It was two stories. The boat livery was on the lower level with living quarters on top. Wilcox rented out boats and motors, and also ferried people between Bayview and Lakeview. A gas bottle explosion caused the building to burn down in September 1931. They rebuilt it with just one story. Living in Bayview today is Skip Wilcox who moved here after retiring from the U.S. Air Force

Carl and Selma Gasman moved to Bayview in 1932. They bought several waterfront lots from the Prairie Development corporation. Gasman built a marina now owning the littoral rights. According to Bob Peck, who worked with Daniels some, Gasman evicted Wilcox from in front of his holdings. Wilcox promptly bought the lot to the west, where they moved their home from the water. The Wilcox's sold out to the navy in 1942 and moved back to Spokane, Washington. That home ended up today as Rusty's Buttonhook Inn.

Gasman sold to Glen Daniel in 1944. He renamed the resort,”Daniel Resort,” and ran it until he sold to Boileau's in 1949. Dianne Martinson, Granddaughter of Glenn related what she knew regarding those years: “From what my mother recalls, my grandfather, Glenn Daniel bought Gasman s Resort in 1944. Apparently Bayview was not incorporated then and cows were allowed to roam the streets. You can image what a mess that must have been so my grandpa apparently initiated the process

of getting Bayview incorporated so that the cows would have to be confined.” Further investigation revealed through Bob Peck, that the effort to incorporate was given up, citing “too much red tape,” as the reason.

(excerpted from Bayview Historical Society)

Glenn (1911-1984) and Lillian (1912-1999) Daniel owned a Buick dealership in Moscow, ID. and began coming to the lake in the 1930's. The couple bought the resort known as Gasman's in 1944. Situated in the bay on the bottom of 5th Street, the Daniel's Resort was comprised of a series of docks, a store and 28 rental boats. Lillian (right) worked in the store, as did their daughter Evelyn, then a teenager. The store was equipped with all the essentials needed for fishing. Even at a young age, Evelyn was an accomplished angler and many visitors relied on her expertise when selecting the appropriate lures and bait.

Glenn rented his boats during the week for $2.50 a day and $3.00 on the weekends. Those were the years when fishermen could get their limit of 200 silvers each day! The entire family caught fish, which Lillian cleaned and Glenn smoked. Glenn had a 23' Chris Craft which was his pride and joy. He built the first covered boat slips on those docks and served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary during the '40s. The family lived in a home (right over the string of boats) on shore next to the resort which was built by the Gasmans. It was a three-bedroom home with kitchen, living room and dining room. When remodeling inside, Glenn found money stuffed in the walls and behind cabinets, apparently left by the Gasmans. He added windows across the front facing the lake for a view. Glenn built a two-story apartment building next door to the north with the help of Clarence Russell. It held 8 modern rental units for fishermen and other visitors which rented for $6.50 for one double bed and $7.50 for two double beds. He used materials such as doors, windows and kitchen cabinets in the construction of the building that he bought from Farragut when the base was dismantled. The home has been torn down, but the apartments are still part of the condo building which today houses the marina offices for Waterford Park Homes. The Daniel's family also owned 4 other rental cabins in town which were rented to Navy personnel during the war years. (End of excerpt.)

Ambrose and Marguerite Boileau bought the resort from Daniel and operated it until 1965 when they sold to D. Presley Fiscus and son The resort then became one of three that Bob Holland purchased in 2004.

The other original resort/marina was J.D.'s, Built by Elmer “Squeaky” Driesbach after his tavern boat, the Dora Powell sunk. According to Bob Peck, he said, “It was called Yacht Inn Dock and was tied up at the railroad pier. He built on shore near the lake, but was flooded out soon after. The original is the gray house down near the water. He then built up on higher ground where the bar is today. J.D. Driesbach, Sqeaky's son traded a parcel of land on the cape to his dad for the bar. J.D. Operated the bar up into the 70's then sold to Bill & Linda Krueger. Krueger died and the resort was once again sold in 1993 to the present owner, Chan Krupiah who also owns the Scenic Bay Marina.”

Jim and Mary Feely moved from the Rathdrum Prairie to a float home at Gasman's docks early in the thirties. They later moved the home to some lots purchased from Washington Brick and Lime and started Feely's Marina, these days known as Scenic Bay Marina. Mary Feely was widely known for an enormous garden built elevated on the main dock. The Feely's are survived by a long time Bayview resident, Chuck Waller, grandson.

Some of the living conditions back then would be abhorrent to today's ecologically minded. Float home owners would fish swim and well … They had outhouses on their decks. One such family, the Lowes lived on a float home as described. Dorothy Lowe recalls her and her sister diving up under float homes for neighbors that had forgotten their keys. They would come up in the boat garage portion of the home and open the doors from the inside. In the context of the outhouses, one wonders how anyone survived, but survive and prosper they did.

Most of the early residents worked either for Washington Brick and Lime, the railroad or the steamships that plied the waters the length of Lake Pend Oreille. Others were loggers or made their living from the bountiful fishing in the lake.

One of the more interesting characters of the time was Hughbert “Mushy” Puckett. The eldest son of Jesse Sr worked at many things including of course the dairy at Blackwell Ranch. Mushy had a pet bear cub that he used to hand feed. Once the cub got bigger this became a problem and he was relocated.

Many interesting characters inhabited early Bayview. There was Elijah “Lige” Napier. It was said that while his wife was very religious, he would shoulder his crosscut saw, head into the hills for the day. When he came home, his saw was as clean as when he left. None of his customers said anything, but rumor had it that Lige had a still on the hill.

Hattie Konkle was the first postmaster in Bayview established in 1906. She segued into hotel management, running the Wigwam Hotel. Those were the old days when judges came from families that were bootleggers. Some claimed, and the statute of limitations being over, that boats actually trekked up to the north shore of the lake where they would load booze from Canada. Then they would make the trip back to Bayview. Some of the cargo probably actually made it to town.

These were the days of deep depression. Most residents killed, caught or grew all of their own food and in many cases made their own clothing.

Currently, we have no Napiers, one Puckett, several Pecks and Bockstrucks. Bill and Eunice Bockstruck moved to Bayview in 1936. Sons Larry and Ron were born in Kenniwick,Washington. Having spent some time in Bayview with his brother as a teen, Bill vowed to return. With the economy in the tank, and nothing to lose, Bill moved his family to Bayview. He bought forty acres out on Cape Horn in 1939, the first family to migrate there, since there was nothing but a foot trail from town. He started out with a one room log home followed by a larger five room home built out of logs. Unlike today, building materials were there for the taking. That home was moved into in 1940 and still exists as a home. Larry Bockstruck said,”our family were the only full time residents on the cape for many years, though some summer people were scattered about.”

Bill finally found work after many hard years, building Farragut Naval Training Base. Unfortunately, he contracted leukemia in 1943 and died soon after. Larry, his son, who lives with wife, Betty up on the top of Lime Kiln Road, had a fine career of bricklaying. When the old hotel was torn down, he acquired the bricks which can still be seen today, as he used them to build his castle on the hill.

The war years were just ahead, with Europe already engaged. Life in and around Bayview was soon going to change radically.

History of Bayview

I'm going to reprint some of my best columns from the Spokesman-Review. I'll start with a four part history of Bayview and surrounding area.

There were three defining events that coincided in 1910, to jump start the little town of Bayview. The Prairie Development Company, out of Spokane, Washington, platted 27 blocks of narrow lots that became the core of Bayview. That was accomplished in 1910, ergo the starting point of Bayview. At the same time, C.E. Corbin, who built the Spokane International Railroad that reached from Spokane, Washington to just past the Canadian border, built a branch line into Bayview. It was called the Coeur d'Alene and Pend Oreille Railway. With a railroad, the lime industry went into a boom period. Of course 1910 was also noted for the great fire. Most think of the Silver Valley when discussing the fire, but it's reach was way beyond Shoshone County. Fire in Athol Burned east sweeping through Belmont and over the backside of Bernard Peak. The entire Farragut peninsula burned down to Scenic Bay. It swept east and joined the fire storm. Bayview itself was spared destruction.

The history of Bayview winds it's way through several eras. Times of Native Americans, Pioneers, Trappers, and Prospectors. The latter were the impetus for rapid grown starting in the 1860's. The primary trade route between Portland Oregon and the gold fields around what is now Helena, Montana, ran through early Bayview and surrounding lands. Some got off the steamer on the north end of the lake where they trekked up into the Canadian Gold fields.

Paddle wheel steam boats pushed up the Columbia River through the rapids to Wallula Washington. From there, pack trains and rugged wagons trekked to Spokane, where they climbed the daunting grade up from what is the Hangman Creek Valley, to the present level of Spokane, proper. From there, overland again to what was called Pen d'Oreille City, which was just one bay over and about two miles from what is now Bayview. Pen d'Oreille city only lasted six years, as the peaceful bay to the north, was more practical for moorage and shelter. What is now Scenic Bay, started out as many places did, as Squaw Bay, named for Indian encampments in the area now the town site. Steamboat travel was here.

From Pen d'Oreille City, the first steamboat was operated . Built down stream on the Pend Oreille river at a place called Seneacquoteen, which is across the river from where LaClede is now. the Mary Moody replaced the motley assortment of canoes, flatboats and sailing vessels, as the primary carrier of mail, men and supplies to and up the Clark fork River. The completed boat, owned by Zenas Moody was named after his wife, Mary and became the first paddle wheeler on the lake. That was April 30, 1866. Steam boats were built the hard way back then. The steam boilers and other hardware were freighted up from Wallula, Washington to the shoreline of the Pend Oreille River. Timber was cut at that location, whipsawn to boards then with green lumber, the boats were built. 125 feet long, 24 foot beam and could carry 85 tons of cargo. Considering that most ;people are used to modern construction methods, these feats of inventive genius are hard to imagine in today's world. Green lumber, not possessing long life, ended the Mary Moody's run and was dismantled ten years after it was put into service, but by then a few other such craft had arrived.

A combination of the Mary Moody, which sailed up to the foot of Cabinet Rapids, where a portage took it past, to where “The Cabinet” carried on up the riverfrom Heron to Rock Island near the present Noxon, thence upstream to what is now Thompson Falls. “The Missoula was lined through the rapids,carrying on from there to the end of navigable waters which occurred at Thompson Falls.. The boiler and engine for this steamer was scavenged from the historical Colonel Wright, which first explored ways to conquer the Columbia River rapids and sailed past what is now Lewiston, Idaho, on up the Clearwater River, a prodigious feat, considering all of the dams and locks now used for the same purpose. This equipment was carried by 10 mule team wagons from the Columbia river at White Bluffs. Pend Oreille City was renamed Steamboat Landing sometime in the 1880's and still bears that name, now a boat launch at Farragut State Park.

Early settlers arrived in Bayview and surrounding rural land starting at the turn of the century, with a homestead by Elmer E. Haddon, wife Ozelia and one child. The Haddon's late of Nebraska, headed west in 1890. The period between 1890 and 1907 when Haddon was award his deed is a bit hazy, but By the time they were done, fourteen children were born to this couple, three after moving to Anacortes, Washington. Understandably Elmer outlived his wife. This was a timber claim of 160 acres , near where Merryweather Road intersects with Perimeter in today's Bayview. Northwest of the town center to be. The great-great-granddaughter of Elmer, Jessica Haddon, resides here in Bayview. They left in 1907, census tracts show Elmer returning to Bayview between 1920 and 1930. He died, back in Skagit County, Washington 1n 1945. Jessica Haddon lives back in Bayview, after growing up in Western Washington. Her father, John lives in Ellensburg, Washington. John, the family historian said, “This is really exciting, revisiting our great-grandfather's homestead.” We are going to try to visit again during Bayview Daze, July 3rd/. Many descendants of the early settlers are still here,but unrecognizable through marital name changes.

1900 brought John B. Leiberg to the area where he 0wned 1500 acres between Buttonhook Bay and what is now Scenic Bay. This comprised of the tip or end of the Farragut peninsula, Leiberg was a botanist and surveyor who widely traveled the mountains of the area. A trail that ran from his homestead through some daunting mountains, behind Bernard Peak (named after his son Bernard) past the Bunco Ranger station to the headwaters of the Little North fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, was named after him. Leiberg became involved in a dispute over a proposed railroad right-of-way that would run through Leiberg's land. The plan to run a railroad to Bayview had Prairie Development Company, backed by D.C. Corbin. Prairie submitted an offer to Leiberg that was signed. Blackwell offered more (after the fact) and a lawsuit ensued. Leiberg ended up selling the right of way to the proposed railroad and the remaining bulk of the land to F.A. Blackwell. Blackwell had his fingers in a lot of area pies. He built and operated an electric railroad between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, owned and operated the lumber mill in spirit Lake and many other ventures. His name resided on the Blackwell House, long a landmark on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene and Blackwell Hill just west of the Yacht Club on Blackwell Island, where a large RV park now sets.

One example of an extended family, is Alice Hammond Eaton who still resides in Bayview and works every Summer at Silverwood in the housekeeping department at the age of 85. Alice's parents, Clarence Hammond and mother, Pearl Burroughs Hammond. From that family sprung the Pecks, also still on the original homestead of their grandparents out on Salee Creek Road and along Perimeter Road. Neil Peck manages the Water & Sewer District. Alice's cousin, Bob Peck is still alive and has a sharp memory. Peck remembers during his childhood, many things about Bayview. He said, “Back in those days, everyone that lived here were workers. No summer people had come to bayview yet. Most either logged, worked for Washington Brick & Lime Co. or the railroad.”

Running a dairy farm on Blackwell Point, was Jess & Annie Napier Puckett. They too had a large family, raising eleven children. The early Pucketts and Napiers ran a dairy on what was the Blackwell Ranch, now all a part of Farragut State Park. Jess Jr. once owned , a store and fishing guide business. He was shot to death by a customer who objected to being beaten up. Ray Puckett, nephew of Jess said,”the customer went home, picked up his rifle and returned, shooting Jess. The perpetrator got off, claiming self defense.” “Jess also owned the trailer park now mostly vacant, behind what is now the Community Center, and purchased the remaining lots that were unsold from Walter G.Merryweather, one of the original platters of the town site.

Many families from the early days homesteaded timber claims. Many of those burned with the 1910 fire raging through portions of the area. Russells, Blakneys, Burroughs, Bests, Hammonds, Napiers and the Pucketts, just to name a few. Some left after losing their timber.

Elijah “Lige” Napier and his wife Ethel. The Napier family, Puckett's and Burroughs were intertwined as most of them were either cousins or close friends. Between 1920 and 1925, these were at least some of the families that caused a population boom in Bayview. Another, is the Hammond family. Jon and Eva Mae moving to Bayview in the early 1900's. When the town was platted into lots, they settled in town. The young men of early Bayview were aggressive suitors. When A.W. Johnson, manager of Washington Brick and Lime moved into town, his daughter, Alma was snapped up by Orfie Hammond. Alice Eaton said, “A street in Bayview, Alma's Court lies just behind Ralph's Internet Cafe.”

The state of Missouri was well represented by early Bayview Settlers. The Burroughs came west through Canada and south to Athol, thence to Bayview, by covered wagon in the late 1800's. Lige Napier's sister Annie, married Jess Puckett back in Missouri also. It would appear to most strangers, that everyone residing in Bayview prior to World War 11, were related. Some truth is in this as there are probably more cousins living in close proximity to Bayview than anywhere in the western United States. The rest of the Napiers followed later.

By the late 1800's, mining had started in the Lakeview area, across Pend Oreille Lake from Bayview. A gold/Silver rush developed in which Lake view ballooned into a rather large city Much of that growth originated from Bayview and surrounding areas. Part of that mining however, was for limestone, a principal ingredient for cement. Huge deposits of limestone were found near Lakeview and again in Bayview. Two large companies consolidated the various claims and started producing lime. The Portland International Cement Company in Lakeview, and Washington Brick and Lime, in Bayview. The consolidation of the lime operations was in 1900. In Bayview, Washington Brick & Lime Company, tore down the old conical kilns and built there five large draw kilns, still visible at the Scenic bay Marina. They greatly expanded the quarries and installed milling equipment. A barrel factory and crushing plant were built and the industry cranked up to 75 barrels per day of pure lime.

Originally, lime was shipped to Hope by boat, then on to it's destinations via the Northern Pacific Railway. Later in 1910, a railroad was formed by Daniel C. Corbin, called the Spokane International Railroad. It started in Spokane, Washington, thence curving northeast through Garwood, and just south of Silverwood, through what for years was the Corbin Ranch and later Rickle Ranch on through Sandpoint, Bonner's Ferry, terminating at Yahk, British Columbia. A Branch line curved off to the east at Corbin Junction , thence through Belmont, an earlier town and on down the length of what is now Farragut State Park and into Bayview. With the steam driven trains coming to Bayview, Lime was freighted directly to the main line and on into Spokane. Passengers also found the route handy, as Spokane to Bayview Tourism started. It hasn't stopped yet. A sturdy dock out into the lake where JD's Marina is now was the terminus of the spur that actually ran out into the lake. This was so that barges could load lime from the International Portland Cement Company across the lake just west of Lakeview. The Gondola cars would load up six at a time on the barge and then the railroad cars would be hooked to an Engine, which rolled them off the barge and onto the permanent tracks. The grade from Bayview was very steep, so the loaded cars would be taken up the hill six at a time, then add the other six for a train of 12, which was about all an engine could haul. The railroad ceased operations in 1939, about one year after the lime industry closed down. The old right-of way is still visible along Hudson Bay Road.

Many of the early Bayview residents, those that came after the first two decades of the 20^th century, will appear in the second segment of Bayview history that will take you from the teens to the war years.

It needs be be said that without the complete cooperation of Linda Hackbarth, curator of the Bayview Historical Society and author of the History of Bayview & Lakeview, and other early settlements This story would have not been possible. She allowed us to use her book as well as her web site, with authorization to utilize any pictures we needed. She is indeed awesome. Thanks, Linda. To order the complete history of Bayview & Lakeview, contact linda@bayviewhs.com

Lying Bastards at Verizon

We in Bayview nave been lied to. We were made to believe that we would have a tower in the spring of 2018. Then we were told we had to wait until the ground dried out. Now we are told it won't happen in 2019. We are a resort destination with thousands of your customers summering here.Many, tired of empty promises, are opting to go to other places to recreate.

But the most serious consequences are those of us than terminated our landlines in anticipation of your service. ou are in a position to cause deaths if those such as I, age 80, die because we couldn't call for help. If that happens, you better alert your legal dept.  because there will definitively be consequences.

Your reputation is teetering on the edge and we intend go publicize your perfidy.

Greatness

Today's paper honored two of our greatest, one from each party. Thomas S. Foley and Senator John McCain.

McCain's 36 years in government,  six terms in the senate, from Arizona. He was a war hero, not because he was captured, but because he withstood tremendous abuse after he refused to accept early release if he were the only one let go.

He then served in the senate, a man owned by nobody. He will be missed.

Tom Foley, a congressman from Eastern Washington, rose to speaker of the house. Highway 395 in Washington State, was renamed after him.

Both were giants, head and shoulders above the pack.

Sometimes you just gotta

Mostly, I stay away from both religion and politics, but sometimes yah just gotta. This is one of those times.

The tragedy in the Catholic priesthood may end up destroying the church. I have some theories here and am going to share them. If you are offended, so be it.

When you examine the premise that priests have to be single and not mate, automatically a certain sector will be willing because they didn't prefer women to begin with. This gives a disproportional nod to those that have abnormal appetites.

In the ancient church, many priests were married. When the church crashed it was rebuilt by Monks who passed on their dogma of abstinence.

Allowing priests to marry should be the first step. That doesn't mean child molestation will stop, but the priesthood would attract more normal people. So I'm not politically correct? I never claimed to be.

Clean out the bad priests and train new ones. Get rid of outmoded and largely ignored birth control prohibition. Allow divorced persons to remarry in the church. If they don't the divorcee will move on to another church.

Fireworks

Every year, someone loses a dog during thoughtless fireworks use. Visitors with no ties to our community, use fireworks irresponsibly. Hey, it's not their backyard.

First, there is fire danger. I personally do not want to evacuate Bayview due to an Asshole recklessly endangering others.

Dogs, with very sensitive ears, panic when explosives go off. They blindly run until exhaustion then cannot find their way back home. Please either keep your dogs inside or on a leash. If you don't you may lose your pet.

Personal use of exploding devices is illegal in Idaho. If I catch you using them in my neighborhood, you are going to get prosecuted.

RALPH'S REOPENING

Ralph's will reopen Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 12. The new owners are Daveana and Kevin Huff. A grand opening will follow later.

The hoops that the Huff's had to jump through are legendary. When Ralph opened he had to comply with 3 pages of health rules. Kevin and Daveana had 16 pages.

Floating Patio Opening

The Floating Patio at the Boat launch will open for the season Saturday, May 26, flood waters permitting. Other cafe openings to be announced soon.

Bayview Flooding

We are now slightly above summer level. The projection is for us to reach flood stage by Thursday. If the warm weather persists, and/or we get drenching thunderstorms, this could be a bad one.

The Clark Fork River in Missoula has flooded out of control and we must be conscious that all that water is headed out way.

Much of the predictions hang on weather conditions. If it cools off next week we can probably get 2011 conditions. If not we could see the disastrous flood of 1997 repeating itself.

Hope for the best, but if you live along the lake shore, prepare with sand bags Good luck to all.

PS: I just checked weather radar. While nothing is close, I did note that the weather is retrograding, or flowing from east to west. This is very rare and when this happens it usually means more violent weather.

Remembering Ralph Jones

Tomorrow, Sunday May 13 will mark a Celebration of Ralph's life. It will be held at the large parking lot on Main Street at 2:00pm. Bring a chair.

The permission to use the parking lot was given by Chan and Teresa Karupiah.

Possible Flooding

With all that has happened in Bayview recently, a note from Gary McDonald may have gone unnoticed. Our normal Summer lever of 2062.5 here on Lake Pend Oreille may be exceeded by an additional two feet of water. which would cause some flooding here in Bayview.

I was here during the flood of 1996 and also the lesser flood few years later.

In the big flood, water came over the sea wall and went all the way up to Main Street.

Al of this is affected by weather, both negative and positive, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared.

Ralph's Celebration of Life

I'm speculating a little, but until his kids get here from out of state next week-end, nothing will be firmed up. Judging from the weather guessers forecasts May 13 looks good as well as Saturday, May20,

Chan and Teresa Karupiah have offered the big parking lot or if poor weather, the Button Hook. Either Saturday noted predict good weather. I anticipate a large crowd that wouldn't fit in n indoor venue.

Updates will apeear here as well as on Facebook.

Ralph's future

1 min ·

It will be a week before Ralph's opens again. Legal matters need to be addresses and his adult kids are not due here for a few days. Transferred Beer & Wine licenses will have to be reassigned. Ownership needs to be clarified as well.I will keep everyone current.

Chan has offered both the large parking lot if needed and the Button Hook for services. Again, I will keep everyone informed.

Ralph's brother, Richard Jones is coordinating with family. I am coordinating with him. More, when available.

Ralph Jones, R.I.P

I heard just an hour ago that my old friend, Ralph Jones died in his favorite chair and was found this morning when he didn't show up at work.

If there were never any official host for Bayview, it would have had to be Ralph. Bayview's ambassador to the world.

Inequality

I have listened to the claptrap about increased racial prejudice until I am sick of it. Here is the other side of this story.

You cannot tune in to any television program that doesn't have at least one black person in their commercial.  In the effort by the large companies that advertise on TV, it has become unacceptable to feature situations  that do not feature pro black racial garbage about white supremacy.

The last twelve years of  Obama's presidency promoted more racial tension than in the last 50 years. He and his cohorts did it with reverse discrimination.

As an example was the city government in Baltimore, Maryland where several police officers were arrested and then released, after it as determined that the totally black government of Baltimore has predicatively charged the officers without evidence. They were all innocent.

Obama used his presidency to destroy white American, not to raise black Americans above their status.

Not one government program was to serve the raising of the black community. It was totally to place blame on the rest of us.Well, black visitors to Bayview have always been treated with respect. How about your neighborhood?

PS: private to Airline Mike. What is you new phone number. The one I have is out of service?

Kendra Bradley

Kendra Bradley has lived in our area for quite a while. Unfortunately she circulated in the drug community for much of that time.

She has pulled herself out of that situation and is clean now and living a different life.

Kendra is a hard worker and would do well in many jobs, but she lacks a car to get around. I am going to donate what I can and I urge all of you to step up and help this woman to  continue her rescue.

We cannot continue to trash drug users unless  they are beyond help. But those that have dragged themselves out of the Meth disaster, deserve our help to rehabilitate themselves.

I don't know whether she has a bank account, but if you send donations to me I will see that she gets every penny of it. Label it  "Kendra."

Herb Huseland
PO Box 884
Bayview, Idaho 83803

Humbled

If I ever thought I was important or a stand out community leader, I have been truly humbled. This morning's CDA Press had a story citing a VIP preview of the new Super One store opening today in Athol.

In an act of class warfare, the store held a preview Tuesday for the 300 most influential residents. I was not invited. I now have been relegated to at least the 301st most important resident. They haven't named those that are more valuable and I'm kind of wondering who they might be.

Alas, humbled as I am, 23 year customer of Super One, back when it was Ron's Market, I will still shop there, but as a peasant, not a VIP.

Birthday Party

I didn't count them but I would guesstimate that over forty friends and relatives attended my 80th birthday party which the Captain's Wheel organized for me.

There were three of four adult children present and a ton of grandkids, great-grandkids and many friends. It was an enjoyable experience, to say the least. I want to thank everyone for the cards and gifts. Since most of them were sent through my son, I don't have return addresses to send thank you notes but be assured I know who you are, and appreciate the gesture.

Some friends couldn't make it and they were missed. Planning has started for my 90th, plan on being there.

Mike in WV if you read this please call me at my new #. 208-683-1294.

I would be remiss if I didn't say thank you to Chan for deeply discounting the motel rooms, making it possible for my family to afford for the occasion.  

Gun Control???

When will leftist elitist Gun Control advocates figure out that guns do not commit crimes. The person operating it does.

Just as forks do not cause obesity, cars do not cause accidents, etc. It is the person behind all of these things that is guilty. It is called behavior.

Off on another subject, My birthday party at the Captain's Wheel will take place Saturday, March 24 starting at 4:00 pm. I'll be 80 years old. Everyone is welcome. Party time.

13 Days and Counting

In 13 days I will against all odds, reach the well seasoned age of 80. Yes, that isn't a misprint. I will reach that milestone March 23, with a community wide birthday party to follow, Saturday March 24 at around 3 or 4 pm as folks trickle in to the Captain's Wheel who is sponsoring this gathering.

I would recount many of my adventures along the way if I could only remember them.

Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and friends from all over will help me celebrate.

It all started when I announced to my adult children that I would much rather have a family reunion while I am still alive, than have them attend a funeral from which I wouldn't be in a position to participate. If you know me and wish to drop by please do so.

In Home Care givers

The caring of elderly people at home is dependent upon having some help of various types so that they are not force into assisted living facilities.

Currently, while authorized 6 hours per week of this service, no care giver has surfaced that has those hours to spare in the Bayview/Athol area.

If anyone is interested in part time work like this, please contact me at either:bayviewherb@gmail.com or call 208-683-1294.

I will turn 80 next month, which brings up another point. An open house no host birthday party will be held at the Captain's Wheel, Saturday March 24 starting at 4 pm and ending ... Come on down.

Athol Super One

This morning's CDA Press revealed that the contractor that is building the Athol Super One has been placed in receivership and all projects have ceased.

While programed to open in Mid-March, this likely will be delayed. So close to being finished, it will still likely take some time to sort out the potential liens from sub-contractors that are sure to appear.

This could be a huge disappointment to we that usually do the 50 mile round trip to Hayden.

Anyone that has good info on this situation, please leave a comment.

Proposed Silica Mine

Silica is about the cleanest element in nature. Glass is made from it and it doesn't tend to be dusty. There is a lot of prejudice from the far left that doesn't want any mines of any kind and horrors if you cut down a tree. Keep an open mind and know that in these times, the environment is much safer than in the bad old days.

 From my research, Bayview will not be adversely affected, contrary to the propaganda being spewed on Facebook by well known leftist radicals. Other uses are in concrete. You see, Silica is just sand. .


.

Care Givers Needed

Every where you look home care givers are working to keep seniors in their own homes. One of the the  premier agencies in the North Idaho area is Comfort Keepers. Unfortunately, their are more needy seniors than care givers. If you or someone you know would like to explore this field, please call Kat Vercruyssen, owner.

Phone 208-765-9511

katvercruyssen@comfortkeepers.com

Their office is located at 820 E. Best Ave, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814

Food for thought

Flu vs Vaccines

There is an on going debate about the safety of the various flu vaccines. One fact jumps out at us this week. Well, two. One this is a killer flu unknown in recent years. Not since the outbreak during WW 1, have so many died from the flu.

Secondly, no deaths at all have been attributed to the vaccine. So it's at least twenty deaths so far, compared to none from the prevention shots.

I have received a flu shot every year for the last 15 years. Whether connected or not, I have not only avoided the flu, but haven't had a cold during that period either.

Currently with the flu season only half over, over 2o deaths have occurred, mostly in young people. Just this morning a 10 year old died at a hockey tournament in Connecticut, so suddenly that he didn't feel sick before traveling.

This strain, actually two such strains have been active in every state except Hawaii. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, I urge you to but aside the rumors and false information. Protect yourself and family NOW!

Looking Back

I just ran across one of my better efforts that I wrote back in 215. Here it is:

http://bayviews.blogspot.com/2015/01/72-virgins.html

WTF re: VA

I normally have nothing but good things to say about the care givers at this fine institution. Today, this isn't about the caregivers, it's about the jerks that populate the bureaucracy.

I snagged my side on a sharp counter top while getting up to go to the bathroom during the night. After a couple of days it began to show signs of infection. So I called my clinic in Sandpoint, only to be told my PA had quit to go back to private practice and they weren't accepting appointments at this time.

So, since I had some errands in Coeur d'Alene, I dropped into the VA clinic on Emma, only to be told that since I was a patient of Sandpoint, they were not interested in helping me.

Now, the only option given to me was a three hour round trip to the ER in Spokane. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. Suddenly I am without a primary provider, but no policy is in place to provide walk in care for a patient that wasn't theirs.(CDA)

Bottom line, I have other injuries and at my age, (80) I cannot handle a three hour round trip to and back from Spokane.

That the bureaucracy in Spokane cannot or will not provide backup with a huge clinic in Coeur d'Alene suggests a very large disconnect on the management side. My congressman, once again will hear from me. This is Bullshit.

Winter From Hell

I remember a year after 1995 that had much more snow, I just can't remember which one it was. The key here is that I was much younger then and more able to cope with the difficulties.

This year wouldn't have been all that bad if a freezing rain were not sandwiched between two back to back storm systems, causing a thick layer of ice to form inside the compacted foot of the white stuff.

I was trapped for five days, with both doors unable to open wide enough to get out. Fortunately, when I put the word out that I needed help, Ralph Jones, owner of Ralph's Coffee house rode to the rescue. He shoveled my back entrance clear, shoveled my car out then took my accumulated garbage out, went to the store for me and ran other errands that were critical. That we have a man of that stature here in Bayview, Idaho is more than outstanding.

The problem was exacerbated, because Frontier Telephone Company has consistently missed installation appointments, so I couldn't even call 911 if needed. Now if it just would warm up enough to clear the roads, we would be in high clover.

Coal Awards

I have two coal in the stockings awards this year, both commercial.

Jack-In-The Box for using a gay wedding to sell burgers.

The second is Taco John's firing of their largest stock holder, founder and president for making the obvious observation that NFL teams kneeling for the national anthem was cutting revenue. (Papa John's is a major advertiser for NFL games.)

Political correctness run amok. 

Bayview wintering

For those of you that are smugly sitting in the south in hot weather, shut yer pie holes.

For everyone else, while Bayview is still getting heavy snow, the streets are passable. Up above? Don't go there. It's hard to tell how much snow we have, because it continues to pack down. I'd guess about 8 or 9 inches. Athol and the other uplands, much more. Roads will be impassable until it changes to rain... If it does.

Stay tunes and stay warm Hope we don't lose power from snow loads With this wet snow, Our area will increase in population if we get to count snow men.

Sexual Wars

I do not have a problem with sexual predators and or powerful people being brought to justice as long as that is what is going on...Not!

An allegation is now enough to ruin a reputation or career. One wonders how long it will take for enterprising females to use this as a ruse to settle grudges that are not sexual at all.

Fired from a job? He propositioned me. Guilty. 

It is true that powerful men with large egos many times will take advantage of a woman. It is, however, and not one word about this in the media, true that many women are drawn sexually toward powerful men. To some women power is a turn on. Not one word. Not one.

Backing a woman up against a wall groping them is crude and unforgivable. Sexual innuendos is a gray area as it is a subjective sort of issue. Flirting involves some of the milder forms of this.

So to sum up, I am never going to sexually molest a woman, nor grope one. I will stick to the tried and true fondling, and only those that I am confident appreciate it. 

Spokesman-Review Divorces North Idaho

If you are a subscriber to the Spokesman-Review and have received a notice that home delivery will cease at the end of December, or if you are a subscriber that did not received that notice please respond anyway to the divorce the S/R has instituted against North Idaho, by agreeing to have your name added to a petition.

meyer6420@roadrunner.com.

 

Also, call the Coeur d'Alene Press to subscribe. 208-664-8176

Losing Caregiver

Although my caregiver recently moved to a new home in Priest River, it came as a shock yesterday when she gave me her two weeks notice. Intellectually, it was expected. emotionally, I was stunned.

Not having contacted by Rescare, I'm feeling a bit abandoned. I didn't realize how dependent I have become on this vital service. I currently receive 16 hours monthly from the VA and 4 additional hours from the Area Agency on Aging.

If you or someone you know is an accredited home care person that has room for 20 hours per month, I'd like to hear from you. Until the new cell tower is operational sometime next spring, I cannot receive  phone calls at home. I can, however, return messages from either Facebook or this blog.

Herb Huseland
Bayview, Idaho

Irony

It is common knowledge that one of the most dangerous places to become injured if you are a senior, is falling while in the shower.

Ever the exception to the rule, I managed to fall into the shower. You ask, how could that happen. Only a person that marches to a different drummer can do this. This feat of gymnastics occurred last Sunday evening.

I have a "just in case" bath seat for if I lose my balance while showering. This narrows the usable space in the tub to about three feet X three feet. In facing my sink, I managed to stumble backward and when my legs contacted the tub, flipped over backward. I ended up scrunched up with my feet way up above me.

After several minutes of struggling it was obvious I had no leverage. Finally I tossed the tub seat out of the dry tub and was able then to crawl out. Don't try this at home. Aside from a very sore tail bone, I ended up just fine. I will have to remember though, my bath tub is out to get me.

Shocked, Dismayed

A letter from the Spokesman-Review arrived a couple of days ago. Figuring it was a bill, I set it aside. When I finally opened it, it was a notice that rural delivery would cease January 1, 2018.

I have been a subscriber for the last 28 years, here in Kootenai County. I will sorely miss getting this paper at my door faithfully every day. My delivery team has given me exceptional service here in Bayview. If Kootenai County is too rural, then apparently all of us in North Idaho are going to be shunned.

My carrier told  me last year that when the Handle Extra was discontinued, his route in Athol and Bayview lost 60 subscribers. I wrote for the Handle for five years, writing about local people and events.

When the paper forced retirement on to just about every veteran reporter, plus Huckleberries on line, I predicted that the new editor was the acting funeral director. Now, with the home delivery cancelled, I'm sure the paper is in a death spiral.

Global Cooling

According to a quote in the Coeur d'Alene Press by Carrie Hugo of the Bureau of Land Management, we are being inundated by record numbers of Bald Eagles. Carrie and her cohorts have counted 314 as of last Thursday, a new record set in 2011 of 273. Yet to come is the peak of the Kokanee harvest which is still three weeks away.

The BLM as cited early freezing over of Canadian lakes, forcing the majestic birds south this year. Somehow I don't think this is a ringing endorsement of Global Warming.

Here in Bayview,Idaho, we are seeing the early spawn well under way with the shoreline redds to appear later. Our first sightings of Bald Eagles is well underway with the bulk being The Granite Creek spawn which feeds the hatchery gathering place at Sullivan Springs.

Since the last Ice Age began it's retreat about 10,000 years ago our world has been warming. It was only about 40 years ago during the seventies, that climatologists were concerned about global cooling. Folks, along with the spotted owl, and many other extremist views, this is just as likely to serve the hidden purposes being which the Sierra Club, from high up in San Francisco high rises think they know all of what is good and bad about the way we live.

The sky is not falling, oceans will once again inundate low lying reefs and wet lands, because the natural ebb and flow of nature does it's thing. That we could build huge cities near sea level has always been  a gamble for people with short memories.

Sexual Harrassment

Let me begin with the fact that I am 79 years old and obviously a product of another generation. Having said that, While in high school in the 1950's none of this took place.

But when entering the adult dating scene, a different standard prevailed. Sexually suggestive remarks were research into the degree of receptiveness of our overtures. To be clear, their is a huge difference between verbal flirting and physical touching. Between the sexes, verbal byplay has been and still is, acceptable.

If a guy goes too far, a raised middle finger and perhaps other verbal retaliation usually  solves the problem.

The blurred division between what I have described, is that the men in a power position, with employer/employee relationships is an entirely different thing. That involves coercion an unacceptable form of at best, making a woman's life difficult, to rape itself. The casting couch has been a standing joke in Hollywood for as long as I have lived. It you wanted to climb the ladder of success, you had to first climb a producer.

There is though, another category. One that places a woman in a position of pursuing powerful men. If you don't believe this happens you need to stop smoking funny weed., Sex, as a tool has long been a tactic of many women. I am not talking about power here, just human nature.

Good riddance! This needed to stop and apparently it is in that process. Unfortunately, we have drifted into the middle ground where flirting is now outlawed. There will be unintended consequences  from the over reaction to male/female  flirting. God help us all.

Federal Reserve Policy

There is  a constant barrage of information about the lowest interest rates ever. All of it positive. Home mortgages below 4%. But for every heads there is a tail. The other side of the coin.

Two negative results of super low real estate loans. People can afford a much higher price and the market responds with doubling down on prices of homes.

But the most severe hit is seniors that have invested all of their lives in bonds and equities designed for income, rather than growth. Thousands of senior savers had their retirements destroyed when the income from investments disappeared.

This is what happens when politics take over from a balanced economy. Watch when the interest rates finally go up what happens to the inflated equities that will suddenly deflate and leave people buried in loans that will exceed values.

Veteran's Day

I cannot remember a year where we veterans were honored, as we were this year. I don't think that has happened since the 1940's and the armistice with both Japan and Germany. Why it happened this year, I have no idea.

There is a huge backlog of wounded vets from the last several years of war. This undeclared war has lasted way longer that either the first or second world war and maybe the total of the two.

While the administration brags about the "Choice" program, the funds have quietly been used up and not replaced. The VA system is overloaded and crashing since the politicians are bragging about the new programs, they neglect to tell us that none of these programs are currently funded.

In addition to these young warriors, there are those like me, age 79 that are dependent on ever increasing senior care and the problems that occur with age.

Thank you folks for your loyalty for us but we need more. Please contact your congressman or senator, or both and ask why these programs remain unfunded.

Here in Bayview, the Captain's Wheel Resort opened it's wallet to feed any veteran that wanted dinner, FREE. Folks that is a  huge cash drain, but they cheerfully did it anyway. Bless you, "Wheel." 

Green Thing

Checking out at the store, the young cashier
suggested to the much older woman, that she
should bring her own grocery bags because
plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't
have this 'green thing' back in my earlier
days."
The young clerk responded, "That's our problem
today.  Your generation did not care enough to
save our environment for future generations."
She was right --  our generation didn't have the
'green thing' in our day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda
bottles, and beer bottles to  the store.  The
store sent them back to the plant to be washed,
sterilized, and refilled, so it could use the
same bottles over and over.
So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have  the "green thing" back in
our day.
Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown
paper bags, that we reused  for numerous things,
most memorable, besides household garbage bags,
was the use of brown paper bags as book covers
for our schoolbooks.  This was to ensure that
public property (the books provided for our use by                     
the school) was not defaced by our scribblings.                     
Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown            
bag but we didn't do the "green thing" back     
then.
We walked up stairs because we didn't have an
escalator in every store and office building. 
We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb
into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had
to go two blocks.
But she was right.  We didn't have the "green
thing" in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because
we didn't have the throwaway kind.  We dried
clothes on a line -- not in an energy-gobbling
machine burning up 220 volts --  wind and solar
power really did dry our clothes back in our
early days.  Kids got hand-me-down clothes from                        
their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new                        
clothing.
But that young lady is right; we didn't have
the "green thing" back in our day.
Back then we had one TV, or radio, in the house
-- not a TV in every room.  And the TV had a
small screen the size of a handkerchief
(remember them?), not a screen the size of  the
state of  Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand
because we didn't have electric machines to do
everything for us.  When we packaged a fragile
item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old
newspapers to cushion it, not styrofoam or                        
plastic bubble wrap.  Back then we didn't fire up                      
an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn.                    
We used a push mower that ran on human power. We                  
exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health         
club to run on treadmills that operate on               
electricity.
But she's right; we didn't have the "green
thing" back  then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty
instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle
every time we had a drink of  water.  We
refilled writing pens with ink instead of
buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in                  
a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just            
because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the "green thing" back then.
Back then people took the streetcar or a bus
and kids rode their bikes to school or walked
instead of turning their moms into a  24-hour
taxi service in the family's $45,000 SUV or van,                       
which cost what a whole house did before the "green                   
thing."  We had one electrical outlet in a room,                  
not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen                   
appliances.  And we didn't need a computerized                    
gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000           
  miles out in space in order to find the nearest burger    
joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments
how wasteful we old folks were just because we
didn't have the "green thing" back then?
Please forward  this on to another selfish old
person who needs a lesson in conservation from
a smartass young  person...

We don't like being old in the first place, so
it doesn't take much to piss us off . . .
especially from a tattooed, multiple pierced
smartass who can't make change without the cash                        
register telling them how much.
Stupid kid.

Church and State

 Read yet again an article from the associated press that repeatedly quoted the phrase, "Separation of church and state." 

This passage does not appear anywhere in the constitution nor any  federal law.

The establishment clause in the constitution simply states that no state religion can be established. This was a direct result of the hangover from the state religion, the church of England. 

Remember, these principles were established very soon after we gained our independence from England.

My big problem here of course, is why reporters are so lazy that they repeatedly misquote the law. Or perhaps it isn't lazy, but the forwarding of a political agenda that chooses ignoring of the U.S. Constitution.

Anti-religion groups are very active these days.  They have identified Christianity as an anti-liberal movement Led by left wing liars,  have elevated the philosophy of anti-religion groups, though I haven't figured out why Atheists feel threatened by others beliefs. The philosophy of live your own life, and don't' worry about your neighbor's business is apparently lost on these poor lost souls.

  More on fake news as I am inspired.

My Birthday

Providing I last until March 23, I will celebrate my 80th birthday at the Captain's Wheel Saturday March 24 at a no host party.

Right now, the only thought I have about turning 80 is that it took a very long time to get there.

I'll have updates as we approach the fateful day.

Racism From the Left

I think I finally figured it out. If you are a "Black lives Matter" person, or an ultra liberal from Hollywood or San Francisco, you are winners.If you are  are white, you are either a racist, a Nazi or a redneck. Not since world war 11 has the term been so over used.

Never in my lifetime has a minority turned the tables and are now the privileged class. No longer is it good enough to be equal, they now have taken over. Even communists are currently being honored.

You cannot find a commercial on television that doesn't have black people in it. Black millionaire football players, playing t o a captive audience, spew hate and disrespect for our flag, our anthem and our country. Equality is no longer enough. Black Lives Matter folks would have to give up too much to go back to equality.

One wonders how long the sports fans will continue to spend their money on football, since a large majority of adults have served proudly in the military. 

Reverse Racism

When I watch TV these days, seldom if ever do I see a scene or commercial without a black person in it.

Police are maligned and shot by minorities, yet when as in Chicago no media that I have seen shows any black on black violence which after all is prevalent. Nor do they show police officers assisting civilians.

This is a one sided show that misrepresents the reality that prevails in 95% of police shootings. In Kootenai County, Idaho the sheriff advertises for officer trainees with no results. Why would any young person  set themselves up in a dangerous job that is also thankless.

Yet we the white race are pummeled with hate from people that are not downtrodden, but are actually being treated as a privileged class. 

Disrespect

I am glad that I will probably die in the next few years. The parents that populated San Francisco in the 1960's with pot, free love and radical political positions, have spawned a generation of anti-American  radicals that are now running our country into the ground. These radicals now are grandchildren of the '60's radicals

While anti-Vietnam rallies were probably the largest harm to this country, their spawn is even worse. They have been raised by those weirdos from the 1960's.

Enter the riots in eastern cities in the east, like Baltimore, Missouri and others Now, instead of blaming black criminals for the deaths when shot by police, the leftist press is making the officer the villain, while protecting the communities they serve.

Segue to the present and we have football players, most  who are bringing down millions in pay, feel oppressed.  How anyone can feel sorry for players that have taken advantage of our system and with great effort climbed the hill of success then claim they are downtrodden.

I have been a Seahawks fan since I attended their first game in 1976. No longer. This team, management and ownership have chose political correctness, (read leftist agenda) over honoring our flag and trashing old fashioned patriotism.

How about being straight up here and naming it a fake issue.

Nuclear War

Well, we have finally achieved an enemy that s both crazy, and capable. New North Korea is targeting San Francisco. Frightening?

Wat a minute. There are some potential advantages here. They nuke San Francisco 
 and we bomb  Their capital.

Tit for tat. They lose their entire government, we lose Pelosi. I consider this a good trade off.  Just sayin.

Seasonal Changes

I think we can all agree that fall has arrived with a vengeance. From 80 straight days of heat and drought to heavy rain, hail and cooler temperatures... Overnight.

Now, once the fires are out we can prepare to bitch about rain, snow and  other nasty weather. By spring we will all pray for global warming again.

Boats are leaving Bayview in droves as cruising weather is gone. Staying of course are the fishing boats that are preparing for the fall Derby September 30-Oct 1st. See Ralph at 683-2218 for info and tickets.

Charities

There have been many criticisms of various charities during ts trying time with Harvey and Irma. I think some of the remarks about the Red Cross perhaps unwarranted.

When a disaster strikes, many new charities pop up, most of them legitimate, but not all. These temporary organizations disappear after the emergency is over.

Not so the Red Cross. While yes, there are permanent staff that are well paid, so would any standing business that had such wide spread links and functions. They do not invent themselves when an emergency happens, but are standing by fully prepared to jump in with all of their facilities, immediately.

Obviously, they have a higher overhead than the temps. We should try to examine all of the factors before demonizing some without solid facts.

Dreamers

There is much controversy regarding illegal immigrants that came to this country with their parents as young children. I woke up after a dream sequence a couple of days ago and before the president declared the program dead after 6 months. This gives congress ample time to either pass a law legitimizing these people who are now productive adults or not. These laws that were ignored by President Obama, but without the law permitting it should not have been done.

I am in favor of law abiding Dreamers being allowed to stay and either work or pursue an education. Having said that, congress needs to step up and do it's job.

It's poop or get off the pot time.

Weather Relief??

Weather relief may be just around the corner. While most of us revel in the nice weather sometimes happening after labor day weekend, it is not typical. Recently the long range forecast (Accuweather) said no rain until the 27th of September here in the North Idaho Panhandle.

Today a different story. Monday, September 11 shows a significant thunder storm followed by a day of rain and drizzle. This then follows a pattern of off and on rainy weather, punctuated by some sunny days.

The following week the day temps should fall into the '60's. Yeas, you heard me right. Bye bye, 90's.

We can only hope that this is true and some of the wild fires will drown.

More Bayview W & S

I do not know the source of this artical but am publishing it for your information. I do not attest to it's accuracy.

 

NOTICE TO BAYVIEW SEWER CUSTOMERS -

Let it be known that the new board has voted to terminate the last remaining employee, who possess current licenses to operate all aspects of wastewater collection, treatment and land application as well as water distribution.

The BW & S board has now contracted with a water management company who does not hold licenses to operate the wastewater treatment site, and as such, this operation has been shut down months early and all waste water is being diverted to the leach fields, intended only for winter usage. The Department of Environmental Quality intervened, since the district was out of compliance with licensure requirements.

If you are concerned with this action, please come to the district Budget Hearing special meeting this Thursday at 3:30, Community Center.

Disembowled Bayview W & S

I was shocked yesterday when I learned that the longtime manager of the Sewer District quit his job about four months ago. Where was the news. It certainly rated a story in Bylines. Is it possible that only news that the writer agrees with is published?

Then on top of that, The only qualified person left, Reed, was dumped in favor of bringing in an outsider that has no knowledge of the infrastructure here.

I, at this point feel the board of directors are out of control. I deeply regret my vote and the backing of the two recent candidates. If there is a valid reason for this action, almost doubling the salary that Reed received, for a stranger, we need to hear  about it and right now. This appears to be power run amok.

Political Insanity

Political insanity is evident, or is it. Either the far left and the typically leftist media has totally lost it, or it is a deliberate attempt to disrupt this country.

Don Lemon of CNN claimed President Trump is trying to create a new Civil War. At what point is opinion legitimate and incitement to riot cross.

Yesterday, in a typical political rally, the obviously pro trump crowd ate up his every word. One issue that he raised, was the championing of the veteran's choice program. Unfortunately, he was not informed by his VA director, that funding for the very successful program had just ran out of funds and has been suspended.

The horror though, was when the rally broke up and guests began to depart, they were violently attacked by leftist thugs. Perhaps we are on the cusp of a new civil war. But if we are, credit the radical media for pouring gas on the embers.

I called three of Labrador's offices. Coeur d'Alene, Meridian and Washington, D. C. Nobody was home at any of them. I finally called our other U.S.representative's office. Simpson's office was not aware of the lack of funding in the Choice program, and though I am not in his district, they were thankful for the heads up.

I will have more in the coming days.

USS Zumwalt

http://www.verizoninternet.com/bookmark/uss-zumwalt/

The death throws of the Spokesman-Review

During the retirement party at the Fort Ground Grill, DFO told me of a total of ten buyouts, all long term quality writers. Landers is gone along with Greg Lee who covered local North Idaho prep sports.

Gone is the iconic Clark and Huckleberries on line with Dave Oliveria. All of these so called volunteer early retirements suggests rats leaving a sinking ship. Get out whole while there are still options left.

The blogging community of which I am one is going to fly apart without Hucks as the glue that held it together.

I don't have the names of the rest, but you can draw a line under long term staff. I think Betsy will leave as well. It turns out Curly wasn't hired as an editor but as a funeral director as the S/R guts itself. Perhaps they will trek on with correspondents like editor Smith tried to do a few years ago or maybe they will just shut down. The once icon daily is in a death spiral.

Farragut History

Tuesday, August 1 was the fiftieth anniversary of the Boy Scout World Jamboree, held at Farragut State Park. 40 to 50 visitors gathered in celebration of the event where some of the original scouts came together along with current scouts and leaders. One such was a retired man from Australia who traveled from down under all the way to North Idaho for the original Jamboree, then came back this year for the reunion.

In recent years the park is undergoing a face lift, but the venerable brig, or navy for jail is the only structure left from World War 11. It was turned into a museum which is constantly evolving. A new wing commemorating local history and the scouts was opened a year ago and new exhibits abound in all areas. Erin Bair, park ranger and mother hen over the museum is still in fine form.

Between 2009 and 2015, a state of the art sewer system was built which allowed much expansion from when septic systems limited how much growth could occur. This five million dollar project brought forth many changes now in the works in many areas of the park. Two new dump stations which were made available to the public were installed. These dump stations are located near Gilmore and Snowberry Campgrounds.

Gilmore Campground now holds fifty camp areas with partial hookups. This is out for bit to enlarge to 100, double it's current capacity, with the new sites having full hookups. Scott Field, a group campground will soon host up to 600 campers. A new access off of Monagham will shorten the way in.

Sunrise day use area has had remodels of shelters as well as guest cabins re roofed recently.

The newest expansion will be started this fall when Tree to Tree, Idaho will start construction on an obstetrical course at Locust Grove. Among other attractions if will feature a zip line for easy aerial travel. This will be the second for profit concession ever at the park. (Currently, River Odyssey West is operating guided bike rides within Farragut, booked out of Coeur d'Alene)

Several favorite places in the park are Buttonhook Bay, a protected area at the extreme south end of Lake Pend Oreille and Beaver Bay, a swimming area.

 

After the U.S. Government deeded the former naval training base to the state of Idaho, it still hadn't been dedicated as a park until the hurried plan for a huge Girl Scout Jamboree for 1965 was developed. This followed by the world jamboree of boy scouts in 1967.

A four mile former railroad right of way formed another state park between Howard Road and the western park boundary. This Railroad brought recruits from Athol to the training station and was torn out after the nay closed the base. Ironically, a different railway was deactivated just four year earlier when the Lime kilns in Bayview closed down in 1938.

Today the park is managed and staffed with the best crew in years. They rightfully should take pride in the work they do and the attitudes of welcome that prevail.

Stunned

I was stunned by the sudden news that we only have one week left for our North Idaho blog, Huckleberries. It isn't just a blog site, it is the glue that holds our blogging community together.

Only time will tell, but I think many of our blogs will bite the dust when Huckleberries central gos away. DFO got me started blogging when I barely knew how to turn on my computer.

That in turn led to my 5 year stint as a correspondent for the Spokesman-Review. Now we will hear the sound of one hand clapping.

I grieve. 

Boy Scout Reunion

August 1, 1967 marked the First World Jamboree in Idaho for the international Scouting movement. Between 40 and 50 attended this celebration, many who attended the first one in 1967. There were also many current Boy Scouts along with many in scouting leadership.

I met a former scout that traveled all the way from Australia for the first Jamboree, and returned for the reunion.

1:00 pm saw a flag raising, with the Friendship Tower in the background. There are actually two of the awesome towers, but one has been gobbled up by a spreading forest.

Aging

Much about aging sucks. The only saving grace is that you didn't die young. Having said that, as I grow older, (79) I acquire more aches and pains. Since my three siblings all have sleep apnea, I decided to get checked out. Sure enough I have it too.during my sleep study, the technician told me I stopped breathing 29 times out of an hour.

So, I ordered a CPAP machine which gives positive air flow during sleep. It does however, make one look like a Martian. Naturally, as soon as I donned the mask, my nose itched and I couldn't scratch it.

Other than that, I passed my annual physical with flying colors yesterday.

Bonner County Embarrassed

It would appear that the failure of Bonner County's equipment to find John Key's body has resulted in embarrassment for not seeking help from Kootenai County, who may have more sophisticated equipment that would help with the search.

Said help was requested and was granted by sheriff Ben Wolfinger recently, according to a blurb in the paper.

Without a declaration of death by authorities, his widow and family would have to wait seven years for a death certificate to be issued. In the mean time, the family is going to suffer severe financial difficulties in addition to the horror of loosing this fine man and father/husband.

I recommend that his closest friends start a "go fund me" account to help out.

We can only hope that the intensified effort will find the body, even if it isn't recoverable, which could lead to a declaration of death, triggering social security benefits.

Sheriff Wolfinger is to be congratulated for his marine division offering help.

Drownings Revisited

By happenstance, as I was walking up the boat ramp in Bayview yesterday, I spotted a pickup with Bonner County Sheriff lettered on the side. I meandered over and asked the person who was not in uniform why they were not doing more to find Santa.

He introduced himself as the  officer in charge of the marine division in Bonner County. He went on to explain very patiently about cold water drownings. Bodies in the water go to the bottom rather quickly, unlike in warmer areas where they pop up before taking the plunge.

In other words there is no chance of recovery or discovery in water 1100 feet deep. Side scanning sonar is only effective in shallow water above 200 feet deep.

In the interest of accuracy and fairness I felt it necessary to retract the allegations I repeated about Bonner County.

Bad Santa

John Key, alias "Bad Santa wasn't really bad at all. He was loved by many, especially his two best friends, Anne DuPont and Chris Gormsen. None of us ever heard a bad word either from him or about him. Most that knew him well did not automatically assume he was drunk when he and his boat separated company off Cape Horn over last week-end. Many feel at age 67, he may have experienced a heart attack.

Personally I prefer that a huge fish dragged him into the water. What is terribly disappointing is the lack of cooperation from the authorities in Bonner County. According to Chris Gormsen, best friend and side kick, the Bonner County water cops told him first, they would stay out there until John was found.

Then made the excuse that their side view sonar was broke and they withdrew. Last weekend the community responded with over a dozen boaters scouting the shorelines looking for their friend. I called Sheriff Ben Wolfinger with a question. Did Bonner County ask to borrow the needed equipment that could discover where Santa's body is? " Ben replied, not that I recall, and I would have been told if they had."

The attitude sucks. One wonders why citizens that are not Bonner County residents are perhaps second class. Or maybe they treat their own that way too. Just be glad we live in Kootenai County where we have a government that cares, a sheriff's Department that pulls out the stops to support our citizens when in trouble.

We will always miss Bad Santa.  He was the real deal.

 "Please join us as we celebrate the life of John A. Key, A.K.A Bad Santa. The celebration will be held 7-15-17 at the Bayview Community Center located at 20298 E. Perimeter Rd. Bayview, Idaho 83803 from 2-5 pm. This will be a casual event with light snacks provided. Please feel free to share this post so we can celebrate with ALL who loved John."

Dangerous Heat

Us seasoned citizens (I'm 79) have to be very careful when the temps exceed 95 or so. Heat stroke, heart attacks and such can occur. This cannot be much fun.

For me, I'm going to hunker down with my air conditioner, which is now working just fine. I hope others taker care as well for safeties sake.

Have a great safe week end.

Restaurant Capacity

A couple of years ago the Captain's Wheel Restaurant received complaints about slow service. This was due to hundreds of visitors in town with only one full service restaurant open.

This could happen again this year with the Buttonhook closed. Limited menus are available at Ralph's and the Floating Patio, but I advise folks to dine early before the rush.

The unfortunate result with the Buttonhook, is a small group of anti-business left wing people who especially resent Chan Karupiah, owner of several marinas including the Buttonhook.

A recent hearing by the road district in response to an easement request by Karupiah, was faithfully attended by this anti-everything group. They are not just harming the Buttonhook, but also the community. The negative impact on tourism will soon be felt if we don't have enough dining facilities to handle the crowds. Without this easement connecting the Buttonhook with Harborview marina, no resort liquor license can be obtained.  

Summer Time

Many of you might wonder why the dearth of blog posts. It is simple. It's finally warm out and instead of writing I'm experiencing. Today and Monday we are supposed to exceed 90 degrees.

Bayview Daze is approaching fast. The parade, street fair and fireworks will be on July 1, Saturday. Come on down. This year the combat veterans will be honored.

Kick back and enjoy.

Horrible News Coverage

As I went on line this morning, I found it fascinating that the news media couldn't let go to the shooting at the Congressional baseball practice. Sure it was newsworthy, but not for three news cycles.

Before noon today, it was announced only on Accu-weather, did the story of a blimp crashing into the golf course at the U.S Open. Rather than depart from the mock congressional baseball game, they ignored it.

Finally, around 7:00 pm a runner, below the main story, mentioned that this happened.   What should have been a headline news story got  erased by another political one.

In this day and age, I suspect the Hindenburg disaster would be ignored, if an juicy political story was unfolding. God, where is 24 hour news when you need them.

Double Standards

As I watched coverage of the Gay Pride Parade, It got me to thinking of the irony. First, why take pride in deviant  behavior that up until a few years ago was criminal.Sodomy probably still is in many places.

What would the media do if we heterosexuals organized a straight parade. Certainly, since we provide though our guy/girl orientation, the wherewithal to repopulate our country.

How about the Congressional Black Caucus. Again, the media would have a stroke if a white congressional caucus emerged.

The last straw was the new commercial by  Jack-in-the box, using a gay wedding to sell burgers.

While you revisionists are probably blinded by your reverse racism, and your promoting a gay life style over heterosexuals. Nevertheless, Neither you nor they are right.

Sodomy is the root cause of the Aids epidemic. Sure it can be transmitted by normal sex, that is not why it raced to epidemic status. It is past time that we call a spade a spade and not be afraid to speak the truth for fear that inevitably we will be branded heretics and worse, political correctness is a   term and philosophy that was developed by the media and nurtured by them.

Our country is being torn apart by denying our heritage and Christian standards. So go ahead. Call me names all you want. I would rather care about the majority of us that still follow the rules.

Paris Accord

If  we look back over the last twenty years, we find that an unelected group headed by the Sierra Club has taken over a large segment of our economy.

In the name of fighting pollution, preserving water and ceasing the use of fossil fuels, they, not elected to represent anyone, have negatively influenced our economy.

The Obama administration and their fellow travelers, have in every way they can think of, stifled industry.  What once was the industrial heartland of this country is now referred to as the rust belt.

We have caved in to every nonsense ruling since the spotted owl controversy. The courts have taken over legislation, rather than interpreting existing law.

Hopefully, the Trump administration will find a balance between intelligent conservation and extremism. Many court decisions will have to be appealed, but thank God, we preserved the rule of law by appointing a conservative justice.

Sometimes it takes a jolt of reality to realize how far left we have gone. Detroit shouldn't be a ghost town like it is today. Some think President Trump is insane. Not me. He is the hope of middle America and the rest of us in reversing this judicial overreach.

Restart

Tomorrow marks the return to writing for me. My first monthly column in the Coeur d'Alene Press will debut in 41 North.

The subject will be a flashback to Yvonne Wallis's trials and tribulations following the horrible hammer attack back in 2010. The crime which saw Yvonne's near death experience and her daughter-in-law's death from that attack which was perpetuated by Larry Cragun.

Future columns will feature expansion at Farragut State Park and of course the proposed shopping center planned for Athol.

***Oops, my editor got confused. He now predicts the 41 North insert next Wednesday.

Pejoratives

It seems to me that pejoratives have become more vicious lately than in the past. Name calling is the new emphases rather than logical arguments.

Two very egregious ones are Racist and Fascist. Mostly anytime an Afro-American disagrees with a Caucasian, the alleged offender is labeled a racist.

If you are a conservative, even not extreme right, you are then a fascist.

I doubt that either term is accurate more than one percent of the time. I wonder who gets hurt the most? The object of the curse or the extremists that hurl the labels with abandon.

Fortunately, at my age I don't get excited enough to throw epitaphs around at people I don't agree with. Or maybe I just grew up.

I would like to see some decorum return to political debates and retire some of the screamers like Maxine Waters and others to whom objectivity is not in their vocabulary.