WILDLIFE FOSTER MOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEATHER OR NOT

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

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

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

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

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

ATHOL DAZE GREAT SUCCESS

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

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

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

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

ATHOL DAYS

                                         Sheriff Ben Wolfinger and Deputy 2013 Athol Daze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BAYVIEW BOAT FIRE

Shortly after 2:00 pm I looked up and saw a giant plume of smoke coming out of Scenic Bay just off MacDonald's Resort. After reporting it to 911 dispatch, two fire boats arrived, but the fire had likely consumed most of the fuel.

EMT its were heard in the distance. An 8 year old boy and a 70 year old man were severely burned, with extensive second degree burns  below the waist along with hand and arm burns.

Life Flight was dispatched for a helicopter pickup.  I have no current info on the size of the boat or the names of the injured.

FEDERAL RESERVE THEFT

As I understand it, the Federal Reserve is not a taxing agency. Ergo, where does their money come from? Just days ago, The Fed announced that they had to date purchased Three Trillion dollars worth of T-Bills and would be continuing that practice for the foreseeable future.

The fed announces to the Treasury Department, that they were buying a billion dollars i treasury notes. (Bonds) The treasury then puts the money to use, running the government and it's reckless spending.

One thing wrong with this scenario though. The treasury doesn't have three trillion dollars or even one billion dollars. They euphemistically printed it via their computer. (Sure wish my computer could do that.)

The bottom line is that we have been flim-flamed into a three trillion debt. We the public. If you borrow money so that you can pay another debt off in such a way that misrepresents the end result, you are running a Ponzi Scheme.

Are we so uninformed or uncaring that we are not outraged? You are being stolen from ... By our own government. For the record our folks in Washington, D.C. should stop talking negatively about tyrants in other countries that are corrupt. We have our own right here. 

BAYVIEW BBQ

Please join the Bayview Community Center Foundation for its Annual BBQ on Saturday August 9^th from 6:30-8pm.  We will be featuring Texas Style Smoked Chicken or hamburgers, corn on the cob, coleslaw, soft drinks and dessert.  The cost is $10 for Adults and $5 for kids under 8. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Community Center’s operating budget.  So, come one, come all! Enjoy some good food and camaraderie while helping support a good cause.  The Center is located at 20298 Perimeter Rd. in Bayview.

CRY ME A RIVER

Cry me a River is the new theme song developed by Doug Miller and his cohorts at Hydromaniacs, (appropriate). Citing disloyalty, sabotage and other sundry excuses, the one at fault in the end was Doug Miller, the guy pointing a finger at most everyone else.

In a press release yesterday, which I believe was written by Steve Sheppard of Hydromaniacs, shots were scattered everywhere in an attempt to explain what was obvious. Instead of attending to minor issues such as site security, Miller spent most of the time rubbing elbows with the race drivers and owners in the pits.

Perhaps the worst sin was that of Dissing the leader of the sanctioning body, h-1.How in hell were they planning a 2015 race after cementing their demise by insulting the people need to sanction the next race. Miller's ego got in the way as he was offered, contrary to the press release, a buyout by others that realized Miller was a brilliant promoter, but incompetent as a manager. If you wanted to buy snake oil, Doug is your man.

It is obvious that a race is a popular idea. Sure, not everyone is a hydro fan. But then not everyone is a fan of Iron Man and other very popular events. It only takes about 20,000 spectators (that pay) to make a successful event of this magnitude work.  Last year's event had that many, but most of them were not controlled by ticket sales security.

There most likely will be a 2015 hydroplane race in Kootenai County next year. It will be a new group made up of responsible members, and most likely a non-profit event. The fine group of advisers from 2013 melted away like ice cubes in July heat after last year. The huge unpaid debt and mismanagement caused all of the previously involved to fade away.

To blame anyone else for your own failures is just whining. There is an old saying; "Lead, follow or get out of the way." Doug, I suggest you get out of the way.

These stats are not audited, but believed to be accurate.

INB  $130,000
 H1 still owed $70k
Durham Bus Company still owed $40k
Traffic Corp still owed $30k
Hite Crane still owed $11k
NW Tree still owed $11k
Kootenai Fire still owed $15k
Kootenai Landfill still owed $2500
Pat Stroud  $4000
The problem here is Mr Miller and his plan to make enought this year to pay last years bills and this years bills. All with less than 30 days to get enough volunteers to make it happen. Total unpaid debt in excess of $313,500. In addition are boat rides sold believed to be around $5000. Diamond Cup, LC has offered refunds. Good luck on that.

A DOG'S LIFE SPENT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8Njp-QC7KMQ

This is a video depicting the pickup that Arfie was in. As is obvious, the dog could have done no harm to anyone, since the window was only open far enough for ventilation. The bullet hole in the window offers proof positive that the officer was in no danger at all. He apparently shot because he was startled.

A law enforcement officer has a great burden when risking his own life while serving the public safety. Having said that, restraint is an absolute must. I immediately flashed to an image involving a person instead of a protective pet.

Recently there have been way too many incidents where shooting a suspect is the first choice, when they all carry mace and shock guns. Taking another's life is a decision that should be a last resort, not a first. This officer has shown an outrageous lack of judgement. To shoot through a window at either a dog or a person, when the officer is not threatened in any way, is murder.

This officer should immediately be fired as unsuitable for carrying a weapon of any kind. A hair trigger response is not responsible, especially in a law enforcement officer. There simply isn't an excuse in this case that will wash. Down the road.

He needs to work in a non-violent job like McDonald's or ... Wait,  did say non-violent. OK, so a fast food job might be too much responsibility.  Try something, anything that doesn't involve good judgement, if there is such a thing.

TOO HOT? TRY BAYVIEW

If you live in Spokane, Coeur d'Alene or even next door and up the hill in Athol, you are going to experience weather that is tickling triple digits in the next week. Not so in Bayview.

The lower temperature of Lake Pend Oreille tends to keep the air temperatures cooler, much like an air conditioner. Our temps will register closer to ten degrees below the above mentioned communities. That along with our air conditioned restaurants offer an alternative to staying home and cooking over a hot stove in an even hotter house.

Unlike the Bayview Daze weekend, there are Very few people in town this week and plenty of space in our eating places. The temps also cool off quickly in the evenings here. So Y'all come on down,

LEGAL VS STREET STUFF

Much has been written about Washington's  new Marijuana law. I decided to do the math. At $25.00 per gram 3.5 grams (one eighth ounce) the price is $87.50. On the street you can buy an eighth for $40.00.

Somehow I don't think the state is going to kill off the black market. In fact it is possible that they have set the bar higher for illegal pot. One of the ironies is that you can buy an ounce from a drug dealer for about $300 and the minute it hits your pocket it is untraceable from the legal which would have cost $700.00.

When I was a young man, I remember all gambling except bingo was illegal, immoral and was reputed to break up families. Then the state found a way to tax it. Suddenly all of the preaching about the evils went away.

Now we have legal pot. While the federal government hasn't come to their collective sense, they are ignoring the issue in states that have legalized it. With 25% taxes levied against the grower, then another 25% against the processor and again against the retail sale, the tax which is compounded, is actually $95.31% Now do you all understand that pot is no longer bad for you?

It would seem that government greed knows no boundaries. Legal $700, illegal $300.00. If the new law was designed to attack drug lords, they missed by a mile. The moral of this story is ... What? 

YOU CAN HEAR A PIN DROP

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were hectic days with the Holiday events during Bayview Daze. Today, it is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. The loudest noise in town is the fish swimming by. This is typical for the day after.

No lines at the Bayview Mercantile, the restaurants or anywhere. Parking is available everywhere. The carnival that played during the weekend sits forlornly packed up waiting for departure for the next destination.

Yesterday the RV parks were full. Today empty. All is well except my phone won't work. My Time-Warner package quit on me over the week-end. I took the modem back and exchanged it for a new one. The trouble began with the new one not being anything like the old one. Where there was only one phone jack there are now two. Where there was only one Ethernet connection there are now four.

As you can see, I finally got my Internet working, but my phone just sits there ignoring my efforts to get it turned on. There are two jacks. Neither work. I would call tech support, but then you have to have a phone to do that. If anyone out there is acquainted with this type of equipment, I'd appreciate some enlightenment.

PS: Tuesday noon my phone rang. Apparently they sent Internet to the new modem and forgot the phone. Fortunately, 24 hours later it works. Now all I have to do is figure out how to set up WiFi. It mentioned a gateway without an instructions on how to set it up. How is an old fart like me that learned to type on a Manuel Underwood, supposed to know this stuff. Oh well, maybe there is a 12 year old living close by.

BAYVIEW ENTERTAINMENT

The big week-end is almost upon us. Entertainment galore. But wait, there's more. This year, thanks to Chan Karupiah, owner of five Bayview Marinas, the kids will have their venue as well. Chan has arranged to have a carnival which is being set up in the large parking lot across from the newly opened Bayview Mercantile.

Adult entertainment as usual, will be provided by local bars. At JD's, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, The Wilsons will perform. The evening entertainment will be provided by Dave Green and the sidemen. For Sunday morning survivors, bloody mary's and red beer will be mercifully provided.

The Captain's Wheel just finished the largest stage in town which will feature the Gill Rivas Jam, outside Saturday. Friday evening will feature the "Usual Suspects," followed Saturday night with Last Chance performing inside.

The Floating Patio at the boat Launch will feature rock & roll with "Three Piece Suit" entertaining Friday and Saturday nights, 8:00 pm to midnight.

As previously reported, the usual fireworks display which is coordinated by the Bayview Chamber, but financed by you. Please note the donation cans located throughout Bayview businesses and provide for next year's festivities. A lighted boat parade will kick things off Saturday evening about 9:00 pm, followed by north Idaho's best fireworks show at 10:00 pm.

Come on down for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Oops, I almost forgot. Friday am, the 4th will be a red, white and blue pancake breakfast with blueberry and strawberry toppings smothered in whipped cream, plus sausages. Donations are appropriate. It will be held from 8:30 am to 11:00 am at the Bayview Community Center.

BAYVIEW MERCANTILE IS BACK

The great news today is that after 10 months of closure, new owners are opening the convenience store that has been closed . The great recession killed the business that served Bayview so many successful years.

This coming weekend should find the store open. If not, certainly Monday will find them in fine shape. It will be a soft opening, as all of the stock is being imputed to the computer system that controls  inventory.

Beer and wine deliveries are on going with the weekend in mind. Marie Streater has in spite of back problems,  and a  former manager, agreed to launch the store. Her expertise in inventory control is irreplaceable.

If any of us resented the small up pricing in the old days, I'd wager  attitudes will change as the reality without a store in town has severely impacted not only life style of the locals, but took a huge bite out of tourism. 

This town is dead without the Merc.

 In other news, There will be a pancake breakfast July 4 with blueberries and strawberries, topped by whipped cream, with sausage on the side. Donations in my opinion are necessary to keep community programs like this going. My mouth is watering already.

Y'all come on down. http://theothersideofbayview.blogspot.com/ is a good place to find a larger diagram of the parade route. Don't forget the lighted boat parade July 5.

"Yup! There will be a boat parade in the Scenic Bay harbor just prior to the fireworks display. Boats will rendezvous on the north side of the bay just west of the slide behind the Lloyd’s green 21’ Custom Weld aluminum boat with the tan canvas top at dusk. The boats will parade along the shore toward the west passing the marinas close aboard on starboard. Please join us. And please decorate your boat and make it awesome."

BAYVIEW DAZE PARADE ROUTE

Parade entrants can start entering staging area at 9:00 am. The road guards will be providing directions as needed. Please note there is a detour through Bayview so no one gets 'stuck'. 

Anyone with questions can call Norma Jean at 208-683-1980 or email me at njyesca6@gmail.com.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the Parade.

The Lighted Boat Parade will start at The Bitter End Marina about 9:00 is or at Dusk.

BAYVIEW DAZE 2014

It's that time of year again. Summer is upon us and the July 4 week-end. That means Bayview Daze which this year will fall on Friday,, Saturday and Sunday. July 4,5,6. Fireworks will be Saturday night July 5, with a street fair all three days.

The Parade will be Saturday morning. line-up will enter at 3rd St, go to Spruce St, and then the participants will go to 4th St. There will be a detour route through town which will be clearly marked. The parade starts at 11:00 so be sure to toss you anchor out in town before that to avoid traffic problems.

As always there will be live music, and frivolity at the local restaurants and bars. I have been told several times that the fireworks program is every bit as good as Coeur d;Alene's. As always, MacDonald's Resort will put on the show. There will be donation cans all over town, as the event is sponsored by you, and coordinated by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce.

I will have a list of bands available in the coming days.

RAY STEVENS, MY GO TO GUY

 This will be a fairly short post. The reason? Because I found a Ray Stevens song that says it all. For you that haven't followed Ray's career, he started out in the fifties with politically incorrect songe like, "Ahab the Arab" followed by several other no touch subjects, I grew up listening to Ray and finally after many years, found myself in Branson, Missouri. It was early fall and I was heading back home after treking from Bayview to Indianapolis, on to South Carolina, thence back across Elvis country and evetually through the Ozarks to Branson.

I think at this point that Ray may be coloring his beard, since I'm 76 and I think he is older. But I digress. Here it is, unedited:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2scxJNXjMI

Enjoy

BULL MOOSE REVISITED

Wednesday, I wrote a half serious half spoof post to explore whether there was sentiment for a third party. What I didn't anticipate, was that everyone rushed to Google, trying hard to discredit Teddy Roosevelt, or me, take your pick.

Immediately, Teddy Roosevelt's platform was introduced along with some snarky comments as to whether I was or was not in favor of a particular policy in 1912. Folks, you can call it the Shuckin' Corn party if you want. Ya missed the point entirely. 

Essentially, what I did was ask what time it was and immediately, everyone started building a watch. I don't know whether these people are humor impaired, of just plain old nit pickers.

I had hoped to start a discussion about the likelihood of a third party. Maybe they would just rather scrap with each other. Never have I experienced such a dense audience. Sometime you might consider looking at the big picture instead of using a microscope to find fault.

BULL MOOSE PARTY

With the disintegration of the Idaho Republican Party, several things occurred to me. One, with the state of the party, I was very lucky in losing my election to precinct committeeman last month. To have been in the minority in this, a Wacko dominated state, suggests one of two things. Most of us would not become democrats. After all, we do have standards. But perhaps it also applies to continued participation in the Idaho Republican Party.

The debacle in Moscow has demonstrated that the uber-right wing in our area would rather have power than a winning ticket. This aberration of intent pretty much destroys the philosophical glue that has served the party well for many years.

This isn't to say we haven't had party splits in the past. But it's usually the far right that takes a walk come election day. Is it possible that reasonable republicans might do the same? With the left turning further to the left, and the right the other direction, we have, through voter apathy left a huge middle without a home.

How about we resurrect the Bull Moose Party. We certainly have many moose to serve as mascots, and a home for the vast majority of Idahoans would perhaps triumph in general elections, while the Wackos on the left and right continue to preach to the choir in their insulation.

Looking to the left, any disagreement with Obama is either partisan politics, or racist. None of the administration's missteps are owned. The right, sits in enclaves, telling each other that they are the new saviors and will bring back the good years. You know, those years that we toted gold coins around for currency, not realizing that with the price of gold today, you would be hard pressed to find a coin in your pocket. Then there is international trade. Or maybe the Wackos return us to the glory days of canning summer vegetables because none are available from other counties that do not deal in gold. Actually, no nation today still uses the gold standard.

Then there is that pesky 17th amendment to our constitution that if repealed would allow the state legislature to elect senators. That used to be the case until transportation and communications improved in our fledgling country and that idea became obsolete. The term Statesman evolved from the first 125 yearsof our country when the population did not have the right to elect through popular vote, our senators.

I have been a Republican, and voted on national issues Republican for the last 50 years, starting in 1964 when I voted for Barry Goldwater. Now I apparently am homeless.

So here we are, with all but 10% left wing Democrats and 10% right wing Trogolytes, leaving the other 80% with no philosophical home. Comes back the Bull Moose Party to rescue the majority. You think?  

FATAL CHEW

Tony Gwynn, baseball great died Monday. He was only 54 years of age. Cause of death was mouth cancer. Tony chewed tobacco for his entire career which lasted 20 years. He spent this entire career at San Diego. 3141 hits, 8 batting titles, 15 times an all-star.

Smoking tobacco was banned in the dugout many years ago, but lined up in the dugout are several players, many Seattle Mariners, with big lumps of chew in their cheeks. This poor example is even made worse due to baseball players being  much more visible than other sports.

You see teen ball players with a Skoal ring in their back pocket constantly. This imitating sports stars is endemic with young people. While smoking has become less common year after year, this killer is demonstrated by super stars in baseball.

It is past time for baseball to outlaw chewing tobacco on the field and in the dugout. Gwyyn's death is a common one. Little known cancer of the mouth is just as dangerous as smoking. If baseball were to outlaw the public chewing at games, Gwynn's death will not have been in vain.