Wing-Nuts

There are two issues in regards to Phil Hart. One is political philosophy, the other integrity. I have been a conservative, that has moved toward the middle in the last few years. (The mellowing with age thing) I remember my time working with Ronald Reagan and his family back in the mid-sixties. He was never about turning hard right forsaking those that were somewhere between Dems and republicans. Some even crossed the line (if there is one) each direction. In Ronnie's case, no way would he have respected a scofflaw on the basis of philosophy. He was an Honorable man and expected his people to be, likewise. He established the 11Th commandment for a reason. Up until his time the Republican party self destructed every election year due to shooting themselves in the foot. We are back to that in both parties.

In the last 30 years, I have seen the left move further to the left and the right likewise. Our political parties are ignoring the center like they don't matter. In my opinion that is why so many people have dropped out and don't vote. They know that the extremists control their parties in the primaries, giving no where to go for thoughtful people that don't do knee-jerk.

I charge the Democrats with the same sins as the Republicans. Philosophical purity will win primaries, but not general elections. Patting yourself on the back because you stayed true to your personal convictions is all fine and good, but at the end of the day the incumbent Republican is still in office.

I truly believe a Democrat could win in Kootenai county. One he or she would have to be widely respected as a person. Two following Minnick's example of hewing to conservative principles helps. The reward at the end of the rainbow is getting rid of “wing-nuts” of both persuasions.

My Purpose In Blogging

I think that I need to point out some things that actually should be obvious. One, the purpose of this blog is primarily to impart neighborhood news and also editorializing. This is where some get stuck, thinking that I use poor journalistic standards. When and if you desire to read my blog, and I point out that it is optional, you need to know first, that it is called Bayviews, not Athols or any other surrounding community's.

That doesn't mean that I don't write about those areas, it just isn't my main focus. As far as grandstanding, that is a pretty subjective term and can mean many different things to many different people. I posted the previous anonymous from an Athol resident just to show you some of what I put up with. Folks you can disagree with me all you want as long as you don't make it a personal attack. In other words, don't attack the messenger, but opine about the content of the message. For some reason some of those that are on the other side of an issue from me seem to first want to throw in a snide remark or a put down. (Note: None of those people seem to want me to know who they are.)

From this point onward, no snarky retorts will be published. Debate is fine but I want to know who you are and so do many other readers. It is quite easy to disagree without being disagreeable. Try it sometime. Please remember that anyone can start a blog it isn't hard at all. Start your own if you want to be a flamethrower. Your thoughts aren't welcome here. Those of you that just can't stand me or my thoughts can just stay away.

Timberlake Fire Public Meeting

Tuesday @ 6:00 pm at the Athol community Center will mark perhaps the last opportunity for local citizens to make an input to the radical changes proposed by the fire commissioners. Everyone that can attend to ask questions or make statements should make this a must meeting. A ground swell of concern over the precipitous termination of the chief and the proposed merger of management with Northern Lakes Fire District.

This is not a good time to stick one's head into the sand, as there will be far reaching effects of these moves. With Commissioner Weise's resignation and the pending resignation of Kirk Quillin, Little Blacktail holding around 30 or so citizens may end up with representation and leaving Bayview without it's own commissioner.

This would probably result in a total breakup of the Timberlake experiment, bringing Bayview back to a local all volunteer department, which we had up until about eight years ago. These issues are way too important to stay quiet about regardless of which side you take.

I will be in Spokane and can't get back until aroiund 8:30. I would appreciate some feedback from those who attend.

Fire Protection

Sometimes one feels like the community is jumping from the proverbial frying pan into the fire. This may in fact be one of those times. That controversy abounds in the Timberlake Fire District what with one commissioner resigning and another scheduled to depart prior to his term expiring.

On the one hand we have some commissioners that tend toward the libertarian no taxes mantra, and others that can't see a two thirds majority voting for what would according to some studies, mean a doubling of taxation for the present level of fire protection.

Since it's inception. the department has been riddled with dissention. Several years ago, Chief Graber rented himself out to the forest service, since he was a qualified fire boss. That created a gap in supervision during summer months when fire danger is at it's worst. Then a scandal erupted claiming some firefighters used department computers to access porn. Then a volunteer, hearing the call after having a few drinks,jumped into an EMT unit and raced to the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, he was more of the problem than the solution.

It may well be that we have outgrown the local fire district issue and will gravitate toward a county wide fire district. This will play out as our area grows and experiences growing pains.

*New information reveals that a fire commissioner, Weise, has resigned and a part time consultant also is gone.

Timberlake fire District-More Info

I met this morning for a lengthy session with Kirk Quillin, Fire commissioner from Bayview. He brought with him a copy of the comprehensive budget with a five year spread. Quillin said,"This was not a firing in the sense of a prejudicial termination. It was strictly a money issue. We could either afford to pay the chief or keep up maintenance on our equipment but not both."

He went on to say,"Seven years ago we had a chief and two paid full time firefighters/EMTs. We currently have a chief and six full time firefighters. We tried to become something we just haven't the capability to do financially. Essentially, we're broke. Contrary to the many rumors floating around, we did not fire the chief for cause."
"We would cheerfully recommend him to perhaps a larger fire district with a better financial situation."

Currently, the district is in negotiations with Northern Lakes Fire District for the purpose of providing training and day-to-day administration. Stay tuned.

We have not been able to contact Chief Krill. We do know that he is by far the majority of the district, respected for his knowledge and diligence. He was burning out working in excess of 70 hours per week. The district was faced with hiring a deputy chief,for which their was no money available. I want to wish Jack Krill every sucess in his future endeavors.

Timberlake Terminates Fire Chief

Citing budget woes, the commissioners for the district voted to negotiate a management contract with Northern Lakes Fire District. Kirk Quillan, the commissioner representing Bayview explained that the move is strictly budget driven and not about performance.

With the polarization of the last year, this is going to be difficult for many to swallow. With management shifting to Hayden, local supervision will not be quite the same. The alternative was to go for a permanent levy that the community can't afford. Quillan further said that,"we went from a chief on salary and two firefighters to a personnel cost that the community can't afford."

I'll be meeting with Commissioner Quillan tomorrow and will have more on this subject. I will also attempt to get fired chief Krill's side of the story.

"Chamber members voted tonight to allow the sausage guy to sell at this
year's Bayview Daze.
The vote was for this year only. Next year will go to a vote again.
The vote was very close, 13 to 12." e-mail from Cheryl Puckett:

This, the final bullet in the heart of the Chamber of commerce mission, will come back to haunt many in our divisive little enclave. We have degenerated into a place where the cliques and "I love me" groups are just barely outnumbered by the 25 chamber members of which only one or two actually own businesses. The rest couldn't give a rat's ass about local cafes and restaurants. We have a number of people that apparently boycott businesses whereby the buildings or the business themselves represent an apparent racial prejudice against Chan Karupiah. These people have to come to the conclusion that old Bayview is no longer the reality.

None of us know where this will end or how, but at the very least, we ought to protect our own businesses which are struggling to survive in this terrible recession. To Oppose the very heart of Bayview, with businesses closing and/or suffering is at the very least stupid. For me, I cancel my membership in this dysfunctional group.

Currently, the Buttonhook is operating at a loss, hoping that the summer people will turn this around. Bayview Daze is one of those ways they can.I suspect that the other small businesses are facing the same dilemma. When you look for a place to eat out, remember this attitude and stuff it. Am I pissed? You betcha. Several of my friends have money invested in food service. Your organization which purports to support local business is a damn lie.

What I suggest, since this group has proven it's incapability is that the businesses in Bayview form their own association, perhaps calling it the Bayview Business association. It is crystal clear that the Bayview Chamber of commerce hasn't supported business for a very long time, that we stop giving lip service to an organization that is more anti-development than pro business. If you have figured out that this s a divorce, you are very sharp.

I will continue to publicize all community events that come to my attention, as long as someone e-mails the details to me.

Almost 30 years ago, Liz Justus and then Lorraine Landwehr started Bayview Daze. Along with Jim Campbell and a few others they created what we have now and what is being destroyed by people that have an interesting if mysterious agenda.

June Bayview Events

Several events of interest will be available this month starting with Friday June 18 Farragut State Park is holding open house at the Brig Museum. Parking will be free. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Bayview's Navy Acoustic Research Detachment will also hold an open house on this date. The Navy will be open from 1:00 pm to 4:pm. Here is the Navy's press release:

BAYVIEW, ID – In celebration of the Bayview Community’s Centennial, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s Acoustic Research Detachment is hosting an Open House June 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The NSWCCD Acoustic Research Detachment will be opening its gates to the public. During this event, several of the ARD’s test facilities and models will be on display. The public will be given the opportunity to see many of the unique submarine and surface ship models used in conducting critical acoustic research for the Navy. There will also be an opportunity to interact with the engineers and scientists who conduct this research.

Parking on the base will be limited to handicapped and parking by invitation only. All public visitors will be required to enter through the front gate. The following items are prohibited on base:

· Cameras (to include cell phones with photo capabilities)

· Audio-visual equipment (video cameras, tape recorders, laptops, etc.)

· Weapons (firearms, knives, etc.)

· Alcoholic beverages

Saturday, June 19 will feature an Ice cream Social with music hosted by Dave & Patty Bennett and Kathy Clark from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Bayview Community Center.

Lest you forget, Bayview Daze is coming up on the 4th of July weekend with fireworks Saturday July 3 after dark.

Memorial Weekend Doings

Saturday's three events sponsored by the Bayview Centennial Committee went quite well. Considering the day long downpour it went extremely well.

The dedication of the Centennial monument was a great hit. With Kris Crocker as the MC, she was a bit embarrassed when faced with the results of a missed weather forecast. It was totally ironic that she stood in the unforecasted rain, reading off the list of donors for the monument. An estimated 75 people showed up in the rain at the dedication.
A young man, aide to Senator Risch read a senate proclamation praising Bayview which is being read into the record in the Senate. Tersa Long spoke also. Teresa and her husband David designed and built the monument that was dedicated Saturday.



The guided tours of historic Bayview were feared to be scuttled as the rain continued to come down steadily. That didn't happen. We probably had 30 to 40 guests that trekked on foot from Dick Hansen's (Spear) home back to the naval base and to the starting point in front of the Bay Cafe.

The high point of the day's activities though was the $5.00 a pop pit barbecue at the community center, whose board graciously allowed the committee to use for the occasion. One hundred 85 diners wiped out the food supply, but everyone went home with a full belly.

Tonite, Sunday should continue to be brisk with Monday being the go home day in this three day week-end. The Buttonhook will be closed Mondays, but breakfasts and lunch can be found at the Bay Cafe, Ralph's and the Floating Patio. Ralph's and the Patio also serve during the evening hours as well.

Runnin' Out Of Prime

Sticking our toe in the water, so to speak, we sold out of Prime rib in about 1 and 1/2 hours. The chef was disappointed that we couldn't feed more people and vowed to bring back prime for Saturday night too.

Aside from the restaurant I wore myself out at last night, The centennial folks have some fun stuff going on. 10:30 am is the dedication of the entrance to Bayview sign that Dave & Teresa Long built at cost for the community. Honored will be the fine folks that dug into their pockets for donations to build and mount the sign. A TV dignitary will be the MC and with any luck, nobody will get run over at the blind curve it sits at.

Around 11:00 am or so will be the walking tours of the historical parts of Bayview, with Ralph Jones leading off with myself taking the second shift, followed by Bayview's wonderful historian, Linda Hackbarth leading the cleanup spot. It might even be of interest to local folks as many have no idea what came before and still exists.

A pit barbecue is planned in the late afternoon at the community center across from the post office. The folks that are doing the fixins are experts. I only wish I didn't have to work at the Buttonhook during that one. Perhaps some of you could sashay down to the hook later for a libation or three.

By the time I squeeze in some sleep, hopefully get up in time to witness the dedication and do the walking tours, I'll be dead on my feet come my shift at the 'Hook. Oh well, we all have to give what we can. I want to at this time congratulate all of the fine work of the Centennial committee, and again thank Linda Hackbarth for her tiresless efforts, in helping me with the four part history of Bayview published in the spokesman-Review.

Historical stuff plus a commercial message

I have several things on my mind tonight. First and foremost, the sign in front of the Buttonhook has been repeatedly vandalized since opening. Rearranging letters to form words that are suggestive and worse. We apologize for not having better information on the reader board, but if juvenile behavior by either juveniles, or even worse, adult juveniles get their kicks this way we will not be able to properly communicate with the community. We will try to get new information out on this blog. If you know others that do not follow the blog, please pass information on that may be of interest.

First up, if you don't like karaoke and the noise level it creates, I suggest you plan your bar night out for another night. We have used Sunday Afternoon as a low volume dinner period that also contributes to singers that get up early having a place to sing.Sundays will be the only night that music is going to be on the menu.

Starting Memorial Day Weekend,the restaurant will start serving sirloin steaks in addition to the New York steaks that have been served so far. In addition to that, prime rib dinners will begin Friday nights starting Memorial weekend. Management will continue to tweak the services offered as the public requests them.

Lunch is now available at the Buttonhook, serving at 12:00 noon.

Aside from the commercial message above, many of you read part two of the series of the history of Bayview. Featuring Farragut, and the town that was almost swallowed by the navy, part three will feature the war years.since during World War 11, the naval training base was the 800 pound gorilla in your living room. We want to feature those also that served, not just in the navy but in all of the services from the families in Bayview. If you have family members that served, or know of some that did, please e-mail me, not as a comment on the blog, but directly, so that I may collate these stories about Bayview's contribution to the greatest generation. We also want stories about interaction between the navy and Bayview residents, including any stories about the local people surviving the naval domination during that time. Any other stories you care to share that would in your opinion be of interest, also will be welcome. Remember, this is your history, not mine.

Several errors have occurred along the way, such as Hattie, the first Post mistress being depicted by an errant key click as a male is wrong. She was very much a lady. As usual many sources of information turn out to be wrong. When writing history without having been there, it requires much research gleaned from older residents, who's memories may be a bit tarnished. Heck mine are and I'm not even close to being as old as those I pick on for information. Please feel free to e-mail me any corrections you feel are in order along with of course, the correct stuff. Information I use for this history is limited to those that I know of. If I have made material errors, and I have, please send the corrections to me. At the end of this series, I will write a column solely to set straight any mistakes, so that in the distant future, should a historian check the newspaper archives for information, we won't lead them too far astray.

New Seasons

The next couple of weeks will bring many changes to our town. First up is the opening of the Buttonhook for dinners. The plan is to move to serving lunches just as soon as more people show up. Thursday, May 20 is the start of the food service. Karaoke will start tomorrow, Sunday at 5:00. This is a welcome change from evening singing, since there are some very good singers that have to rise early in the morning and can't attend stuff that starts at 9:00 pm. It should be a great party. Renee, the Karaoke Girl that performs at Rusty's i Hayden has a great following and does not feature a lousy singer in the whole bunch. Check it out.

For those of you that follow my stuff in the Spokesman-Review, I'm featured a bit more this month. Tomorrow, Sunday, will have a handle extra front page article on the rebirth of the Saddle-Up in Athol. It burned down a couple of years ago and through donations and other private means have started to rise from the ashes. It should be renamed the Phoenix, since it rose from the ashes.

The following Sunday will feature two stories in the Handle Extra. One, will be the second of four parts of the history of Bayview. It will cover the period from around 1910 to the war years. Obviously the space limitations prohibit the whole story, but then you can get that from Linda Hackbarth's book on the subject will also review the Memorial day weekend activities.

Last but not least, don't forget the invasion of the Annuals, scheduled for the weekend of the 21-22-23rd. They traditionally Hung out at the Wheel, but well, that appears over with for at least this Summer. They will of course be welcomed fondly at the Patio, Buttonhook and JD's. Don't forget Ralph's coffee house and sandwich shop next to the laundramat. He has killer food. The former Terry's is now the Bay Cafe and does breakfast and lunch the old fashioned way. From scratch.

Hey folks, come on down. Tis the season again. The sun has peeked out, it's warming up, It's Tourista Time.

Buttonhook Kitchen Opens

At last food will be available at the 'Hook. Starting Thursday, May 20. But you don't have to wait until then to have a great time.Karaoke with Renee will be a Sunday afternoon feature starting at 5:00 pm. This Sunday May 16 kicks the season off. Renee does the Wednesday night karaoke at Rusty's in Hayden and is a fantastic singer. Many real good singers can't come out for evening events due to an early work schedule. The Sunday afternoon gig should be widely attended providing we can get the word out.

If you are a singer, come on down. If you have friends that sing get them down here Sunday. The only down side of this is that you may have to listen to me sing. I don't have a copy of the menu yet, but I am told that most meals will be affordable.

In other news, Ralph Jones and Norma Jean Knowles revisited the issue of allowing outside food vendors at our Bayview Daze last night at the Bayview Chamber of commerce meeting. Apparently the vote was taken without at first being announced as an agenda item and was declared illegal by the parliamentarian. James Darling has offered his parking lot as a substitute location, but it's being two blocks up the street.

Other Bayview Daze news. The 25th U.S. Army band which performed two years ago for our parade has agreed to stage a free concert on Sunday afternoon, July 4. They can't make the parade, but will make this stop on the way south. The Sergeant in charge said that when they did Bayview it was the most entertaining gig for them that they have experienced. The concert will be located at the Bayview Scenic Apartments and RV park on the lawn. The time will be announced later.

As an aside, Ralph was visiting with the candidate for County Commissioner, Dan Green who said to him, "This is very interesting. I don't think I've ever seen a business have to fight the Chamber of Commerce for the right to do business."

Rusty's Buttonhook Inn

The bar is open from 11:00 to 10:00 pm (or later)

We didn't have enough time to hire help, stock the kitchen and get underway for dinners yet. We apologize for not being there for Mother's Day. We anticpate serving dinner by next week-end. You may call for up to date info on this date. The new phone number for the Buttonhook is 683-3900. Come on down.

Equal Time

In the interest of fair play, I am publishing this announcement by Sheryl Puckett, who is heading up the "sit In" which I suggested was a bit over the top.

We are the "Bench Party"
Standing Up For Sitting Down

Sit and enjoy the view
And what a view it is

This Saturday May 8th from 10 till 11 a.m.

Aftermath:

Despite cold, blustery weather and the threat of rain, many community members
of Bayview came together to send a message to IDP&R that the removal
and failure to replace a sitting public bench at Lake Pend Oreille is
not acceptable.

Five attendees not in photo. Here's a video of the gang at Farragut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6ZyyDyoyyA

Sheryl Puckett

*One can only wonder which 5 didn't want to be seen in the picture. (herb)

We Have A Restaurant In Bayview

With the Buttonhook and the Captain's Wheel closed all winter, the only places to eat were the Patio and Ralph's. Both did a bang up job of serving the community and will continue to do so. Still, a full service restaurant and bar are needed in this, a huge tourist destination. The fate of the Captain's Wheel is still up in the air but it looks like with the stockholders firmly locked in battle that the only winners will be the bank that forecloses on the place.

Having said this, I managed to put a friend in touch with Chan for the lease of the Buttonhook. Kim Gittle, an entrepreneur of distinction, who for many years, kept a trailer in the old Bayview Trailer park and his boat in the water also, has reached agreement with ownership and will open for bar business only this coming Thursday, May 6. We are still putting the kitchen together and will be a week or week and a half until it is set. We were fortunate to have Shawn who managed the kitchen at the Captain's Wheel, as our head cook, with bartenders and waitresses that you will all recognize. The Buttonhook will open at 11:00 am and go until 10:00 pm or later.

It probably doesn't need to be said, but I will anyway. Neither Bob Holland nor Chan will have anything to do with the business, other than to lease the building out. Kim and our staff will compliment Ralph's and the Patio, rather than compete with them. No way in the summer months could these tiny enclaves handle the dinner crowds, or even the bar crowds.

Coming up in May Are the Annuals. Some forty or so revelers that have been coming to Bayview for I think 27 years. The originals are aging, but they now bring their sons and son's-in-law. They will be here the week-end prior to Memorial Day Week-end.While they will undoubtedly choose the waterfront and the patio as their favored venue, we invite them to check out the Buttonhook,too. No longer will the 'hook be just for the tourist trade, but for all of Bayview.

Rusty's Buttonhook Opens

A soft opening of Rusty's Buttonhook Inn will open for the bar only, Thursday, May 6 at 11:00 am, closing at 10:00 pm. There will be food service probably a week later. The complications of starting from scratch with personnel, food importation and inventory selections will take at least that long.

The menu, while keeping the high end meals for those that want that, will also be a full service menu. A full price range will be available for the public.

More as I have it, when I have it.

Park Benches

I defend any one's right to petition for redress of wrongs, either real or imagined. Having said that, I also believe that one should choose their targets carefully. Niggling over every act that you disagree with is like the old tail of crying wolf. You spend your credibility recklessly by being in constant opposition to everything.

In a Bonner County Bee article, several Bayview residents were quoted as in favor of replacing a park bench near the public boat launch in Farragut State Park. Park officials have been on record as believing a bench in a high traffic area where boats are being launched is a recipe for a pedestrian accident. They have offered to place a new bench out of the high traffic area.

Some from our community have decided that this park bench caper is so important that they should do a sixties era sit-in. Some were quoted as officials from the Bayview Chamber of commerce, lending that reputation to this comical stunt. One can only wonder how many folks out there in newspaper land are spitting out their coffee laughing after reading of this vital world crisis.With our economy in the tank, unemployment high and behavioral issues out of control, that such a petty cause would engender such activism.

A few years ago, when Fish & Game decided to resurrect the world war two firing range for sport and suddenly declare it as an existing facility, the community rose up in rage for any number of reasons, including down range safety, and noise levels. A large core group formed at that time called C.A.R.E. that forced along with the cooperation of a local attorney. That was an issue that was worth fighting for. This one is not.

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2010/04/30/news/doc4bda6fc1a6d7e963088833.txt

Buttonhook to Open Soon

The Buttonhook Inn Restaurant will open very soon, possibly this week-end, but for sure next. The lease is signed, we are looking for help in several areas and as soon as we are staffed, we'll be open. The Buttonhook for you that aren't familiar with Bayview is the finest restaurant for miles. It has enjoyed some ups and downs since Sandy Fiscus gave up the reins but that is about to change.

The menu while still featuring fine dining, will cover all price ranges with quality in every bite. It is possible that we may open the bar a week before we're ready to go in the kitchen. Stay tuned. Anyone that lives fairly close to Bayview that is interested in working there, should call me at 208-683-9107 or e-mail me at hhuseland@aol.com. Be prepared to bring a resume or job application already filled out. As soon as a firm date is arrived at, I'll shout it out. As I said, we can probably open the bar a little quicker than the kitchen, which has to be restocked from scratch, a daunting chore. The name will be slightly changed. It will be, Rusty's Buttonhook Inn with all new people.

Phoenix Rises From The Ashes

Many of you have Read of the trials and tribulations of Howard White and the Saddle-Up Cafe in Athol. It burned a couple of years ago which I covered both in the blog and in the Spokesman-Review. Fortunately, the kitchen survived, with just the dining area destroyed. Howard can be seen daily rebuilding the dining area, plus adding a basement and a second story for a banquet room. It would appear that there just isn't any quit in Howard White. Currently, he is working out of his pocket with no loan funds.

The funding of this effort is coming from the Friday-Saturday benefits. He is open for takeout with smoked pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs and many other things and there aren't any prices or menu. He is serving this food for donations only. Some underpay, but Howard doesn't mind. He said,"people that are not doing well financially, will not drop much in the bucket, but then I would help those folks anyway." Others, recognizing the need overpay, which he sez is kind of making up for the ones that can't afford much. Who says Horatio Alger Jr is dead anyway. If this isn't a sequel to one of the master's book where Pride and Pluck matter, there just aren't any. Folks, this is North Idaho at it's best.

You can find him bent over the smoker Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 to 5:00 pm feeding those who drop by. Make sure you are one of them.

I'm Pumped

Well, my first big journalistic effort since the mail boat story was delayed a week due to an illness in my editor's family. It will definitely appear this coming Sunday. The first segment of my four part series on the birth of Bayview. Part one roughly (very) covers from about 1860 through 1910. Editing may change that, but anything cut from this segment will appear in the next. This, the pioneering days of Bayview. The second part will cover from that period to about 1940. The third will cover primarily the navy and the interaction of Bayview with the huge basic training base at Farragut. The fourth will cover the beginning of the post WW11 years up to the present.We will not attempt to editorialize about the recent years of development, but to put it in perspective, as a wonderful little town that finally got discovered by developers. Something that of course was a sorry end to the past and the beginning of an uncertain future.

* * * *

Wine Tasting A Smash Hit

First photo, is Jan Larkin next to the official centennial flag. Jan is a great example of the heart and soul of Bayview.

Busy hostesses at the sign in desk: Jan Larkin, Kathy Ellis and Melinda Ely.

The third is a shot of the hors douvres being served.

The first big event planned for this the centennial year of Bayview, sponsored by the Bayview Centennial committee was held Saturday afternoon. Typically,
dick and Shirley Hansen made the B & B, Dromore, available for the event. Daughter, Cami Duclose,manager of the facility turned out a magnificent party. The real heros and predominently heroines of this bash were the tireless ladies and guys that put this all together. I don't have a list of all participants and surely I'll catch hell for missing some key people. Having said that, We can't leave out key folks like Tom & Jackie Lloyd, Melinda Ely,Linda Hackbarth, Kathy Ellis, Kathy Clark, Bonnie Hulstrand, Luarie Maurer, Jim Wilkuski Zak and many others made this whole event possible.

More than a year ago, plans began to form for the purpose of honoring Bayview's Centennial year, 2010. A number of summer long events are planned starting with this the first one. Over 70 guests were present to sample good but not expensive wines that were selected by the wine steward for Fred Meyer Stores.

Much, but not all of Bayview's finest were present wither as guests or of the sponsoring committee. Community leaders from far and wide, including some very interesting folks that away from their official duties, tend to have just as much fun as most of the rest of us, in spite of the images that are necessary to keep up. Those will go unmentioned. Please e-mail me with any corrections or additional names that I have missed.

Memorial Day week-end will host some additional events with a walking tour of Bayview's historical landmarks. A BBQ will be held at the Bayview Community Center as well, topped off by a dedication of the new Bayview centennial sign at the entrance to Bayview.

Above are some photos of the event.

For those that I informed that the first installment of my Spokesman-Review history of Bayview series would appear Sunday, April 18, I was unintentionally sandbagged. My editor assured me it would appear on that date, but a serious illness in the family apparently short-circuited the effort. Hopefully, we can straighten this out next week.

Dan English, County Clerk

We have had in the last several years, a very smooth running County clerk's office. The clerk happens to be our token democrat, but wait. This guy is good. He's dedicated and the offices under the clerk are running smoother than ever. This year, for the first time, Dan English has a challenger. A good man, a republican and former Post Falls Police chief.

Now I know that Chief Hayes is a good man. Running a police department is also a place where administrative skills are needed. It would appear that the chief is more into have credibility, will travel, than a driving ambition to run the clerk's office. That is, unless he is thinking after the debacle of the Coeur d'Alene City council contest, one that rivals the last Bush election in Florida, he can swing stuff to his GOP buddies.

This of course, is surmisal on my part, not news, not fact. just a dirty little suspicion as to the motives. Lately, I've been cringing in a corner, ashamed of those in my own party that in many cases have lost their senses. In an atmosphere that doesn't seem to brook any disagreement or honest debate, the extreme right is trying to hijack our county, our city.

While I don't support many democrats, it is for the same reason I'm disenchanted with my own party. It is spelled cranks, left and right wing extremists and office seekers that wish to further polarize our political system. It isn't just here, it is endemic across our country

As I did last election, I support and endorse Dan English as the best County clerk we've had in a long while. He serves as a non-partisan office holder. I remember an occasion that a service member was shipping out to either Iraq or Afghanistan and wanted to marry his sweetheart before he left. It was a Saturday and the county offices were closed. They called English at home up on Twin Lakes with the problem. He drove down, met the lovers at the administration building and personally issued the license.

I am firmly of the belief that regardless of political affiliation, Dan English is a great County clerk. I support his without reservation. I have to apply one of my most important principles here. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Weather Or Not

Well, today was/is breezy. Actually, quite windy. Here in Bayview, the storm pruned a few trees but no fallen ones. Having high ground on three sides helps alot when the wind comes from the West. Power has been uninterrupted too.

Boaters are starting to tentatively head for the water in preparation for real Spring. The restaurant situation is bleak right now in Bayview, as both sit down full service restaurants are closed. Chan Krupiah is working hard to get the Buttonhook open by the first of May. We wish him good luck, since it doesn't appear that the Captain's Wheel will survive the melee between owners. As usual in these matters everyone ends up losing.

Toblers Marina is close to opening their boat repair facility at JD's and will probably be open by the first of May, also.

My column in the Spokesman-Review will publish this Sunday with a family picture of the Haddon's. Bayview's first settlers were Elmer and wife Ozelia and eleven kids. Jessica who lives in Bayview, is the great-great-granddaughter of Elmer & Ozelia. The first installment of the four part series on Bayview's centennial will publish on April 18, God willing and the creek don't rise.

Speaking of the centennial, most business owners have stepped up with nice sized donations, joining over fifty caring citizens of Bayview to fund centennial activities.

News Flash From Farragut

During the weekend of April 9th through April 11th the Idaho Army National Guard will be holding a training exercise at Farragut State Park. The purpose of the training is to prepare those members of the Guard that may see active service oversees with field exercises that will mimic the dangerous situations that they may face. Normally such training exercises would be held at the shooting ranges, but due to the judicial closure the park will be accommodating the Guard with the Scott Field area.

This training is not open to the public, and does include the firing of blank ammunition and simulated ied’s. Visitors to the park over the weekend can expect helicopter use in and around the Scott Field area, numerous military vehicles on the north side roads, and to see fully outfitted members of our military around the Scott Field and adjacent areas.

Randall Butt
Park Manager, Farragut State Park and Coeur d'Alene Lake Parkway
13550 E. Highway 54
Athol, ID 83801
208-683-2425 ext. 23
fax 208-683-7416

News N' Stuff

Easter weekend is here and the kids will find plenty of goodies in the grass in Bayview. Starting at 10:00 am at the community center will be the little tykes of 6 and under. 10:30will be for over 6 to 12 at the Scenic Apartments lawn on Main St.

Athol will have an egg hunt too. The American Legion Auxiliary is sponsoring the hunt which will be held at Athol city park.Ages up to 12 are invited and will be separated by age groups. 1:00 pm for Athol so the ambitious can hit both events.

Kicking off the centennial year celebrations will be the "Taste of Bayview." This is a gourmet wine tasting party featuring the wine steward from Fred Meyer Stores. Daniel Park picked out the wines and food (hors d'oeuvres) Daniel will give a talk on wine and food pairing of which both will be present for sampling. Seven wines from Europe, south America and the USA were selected for this event.

Everyone will receive an etched Centennial Keepsake Goblet as they enter the manor to use throughout the tasting venue as well as a menu listing the wines by name and characteristics with an area for note taking. You will be able to experience each wine cleanly and at the end of the tasting, each guest will be able to select a full glass of their preference from the tasting menu. Oh, and you get to keep the etched centennial goblet.

Tours of the Dromore B & B and grounds including the historic Washington Brick & Lime house next door to the main building which at one time was a post office. Special Thanks to the always community supporters, owners, Dick and Shirley Hansen, and daughter, Cami Duclos for donating Dromore for this event. All proceeds will go to the Centennial Committee for centennial events this Summer. For reservations, call Melinda Ely at 208-683-0936 or e-mail: elymelinda@yahoo.com.

Time To Let Go

There is a time to campaign for or against something, and there is a time to let go. Such is the case with the Health Care Issue. It passed. the president signed it and I personally think it is a disaster waiting to happen.Having said that, beating a dead horse is futility.

Several states are suing the federal government based on constitutional issues.They will either win or lose. Nothing we as individuals can do about the situation other than alienate more people by angry outbursts. Anger after the fact is not going to change a damn thing. Get over it. At some point, the lawsuit will play out and or mid-term elections will wipe out the majority the democrats have. Two more years and we can count out one more one-term democrat.

Fortunately, as in Carters case, where he did monumental damage, it was all repairable. This won't be the first nor the last that an ineffectual or worse, deliberate enemy of our way of life becomes president. Starting with the 1960 election of John F. Kennedy to the present, television has ruled elections. It's about one's speaking ability, rather than substance. That will get you one term. Muddying about going every which direction with policy will get you retirement. ... Peace, my friends. There will be another day.

Islamic Armageddon

Having spent almost seven years in our military service, I can tell you two truths. One, regardless of the B/S that the generals dish up, they don't give a fiddler's damn about the comfort or entertainment of the troops.

Two, the military has always been political, but in the last thirty years it has been atrocious, as the troops are used as pawns for window decorations with other governments. Hey, even our president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, could not care less. The sensibilities of the countries we are trying to rescue is more important than good morale of the ones dying for them.

I've come to the conclusion that either we declare war on Islam, or retreat immediately to the gulf, protecting the oil shipment lanes and Saudi Arabia. If a nuclear threat occurs, we have more than they do. A new Crusades will make Viet Nam look like a warm-up.

We are not going to change the habits of a religion that has vastly different views on life than us. Equal rights are guaranteed to us through our constitution, but not theirs. Their views on women are repugnant to us, yet none of our business. Sending a female secretary of State, be it Clinton or her republican predecessor to an Arab or oriental country to negotiate is considered in their culture as a slap in the face. If we, as has been shown, do not know what the hell we are doing, we should not enter the fray.

Invasion?

The long expected UN invasion of this country from Canada with black helicopters has apparently began. Everything from Homeland Security, FBI, County Sheriff rigs and many others descended upon Bayview Today. One such helicopter has been hovering over Scenic Bay for most of the day.It appears that the winter population has tripled as the effort to protect security at the Naval Research Facility here has began.

Actually, no UN troops or black helicopters from Canada are involved.But the security drill is as realistic as can be made. Woe unto the person that calls Kootenai County Sheriff Department with a problem elsewhere, since most of their deputies seem to be here in Bayview.On the other hand, most of our suspicious characters seem to be out of sight today. All of those uniforms may have scared some of them straight, and others to quietly leave town.

Health Care Passes ...On The Backs Of The Elderly.

From the wire:

"To pay for the changes, the legislation includes more than $400 billion in higher taxes over a decade, roughly half of it from a new Medicare payroll tax on individuals with incomes over $200,000 and couples over $250,000. A new excise tax on high-cost insurance policies was significantly scaled back in deference to complaints from organized labor."

"In addition, the bills cut more than $500 billion from planned payments to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other providers that treat Medicare patients. An estimated $200 billion would reduce planned subsidies to insurance companies that offer a private alternative to traditional Medicare." (So then, who is going to be the life or death Czar that determines what doctors couldn't afford to do ... Cut back on diagnostic tests)

I have two problems with this bill. Well, actually more than two, but these stand out. First, they are going to pay for this plan from cuts in medicare. Already, more than 50% of family practitioners are not accepting new medicare patients, due to low reimbursement. Some are even kicking their current medicare patients out of their practices. Now the government is saying, we'll cut back on doctor and hospital reimbursement for the funds to make this work. Yet again another unfunded mandate for the states to struggle with.

The second thing I have a problem with is that there was no tort reform included. "It isn't the high malpractice premiums that are driving costs up, but defensive medicine. When a doctor orders expensive tests that they don't feel is necessary, to avoid lawsuits." said my doctor, whose name will go unmentioned.Medical schools will watch a dwindling or maybe disappearing supply of doctors wanting to specialize in geriatric care.

Still, the 800 pound gorilla in the room is asking what then, are we going to do with our seniors? Stick them out on an ice flow in mid-winter like the ancient Eskimos did? No, they will end up on state welfare roles with medicaid, thanks to the federal government. Forget about the Wall Street crooks that got us, along with the help of congress, into this mess. The largest flim-flam ever perpetrated has just been acted upon by the representatives WE sent to do our business for us.

Every action, it is said, has an equal and opposite reaction. To coin another cliche, Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not good legislation. This was/is a desperation plan on the part of socialists to do what they could to nationalize as much as possible before the inevitable loss of power in the coming mid-term elections. Pulling stunts to avoid debate runs afoul of congress' own rules, that reconciliation not be used for anything other than evening out appropriations.

Look out for some interesting actions. 37 states including Idaho which has already passed their legislation, are setting up a massive lawsuit against our overreaching federal establishment. The next couple of years are going to be very interesting, that is if we survive the breadlines to come.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Bayview's Easter egg hunt,long sponsored by Terry Shepherd of Terry's Cafe and other community members, will be sponsored by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce this year. Saturday, April 3, the day BEFORE Easter Sunday is the date. Times and locations are: Under age 6 is at a new location this year. The Community Center lawn (Upper level)

Kids 6 through 12 will be where it was last year, the Bayview Scenic Apartment lawn. Big Easter Egg Hunt, prizes and candy.Under six at 10:00 am and 6-12 10:30am.

Bayview's Security Drill

The Navy, sheriff Department and Timberlake Fire District will hold a three day emergency preparedness training exercise. The Dates are: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, March 23, 24 and 25th. The Fire Commissioners open meeting has been rescheduled for the evening of the 22nd. The lower parking lot at the Bayview community Center and the entire building itself will be utilized for this exercise and will not be open to the public. If you see emergency vehicles careening about town during this period, do not panic, it's not the end times. Just stay out of the way. With not much going on in Bayview During March, this might even be entertainment of sorts...

You may see helicopters, fire engines, (yes from Timberlake) police and sheriff units. The exercise named, as all government programs are, is called, "Solid Curtain." FBI, state and local authorities will also be involved. Areas around the entrance to the Naval Research Facility will be busy and traffic may be disrupted. If so, it is suggested that cars use Perimeter Road to reach the traffic circle during these periods. This does not represent an emergency. It is a scheduled drill to test reaction times and problems associated with a potential breach in security.

Bayview & Pool

One of the more interesting developments that came from the closing of the Captain's Wheel Restaurant back in January, was it orphaned two pool teams. Wheel 1 and wheel 2 started playing League home games on alternate nights when other bars could host them. Then the real twist, was when Ralph Jones, owner of Ralph's Cafe, adopted the strays.

The reason it is a strange twist is that Ralph doesn't have a pool table. Being the civic minded person he is, he trotted out new shirts for the players. Wheel One, or I should say Ralph's 1, came in first. The end of season party that normally is hosted by the winning establishment, was generously given space Saturday by JD's. Only in Bayview.

2007-2013 Greater Depression

Depression Family circa 1935

Now that the federal government is finally admitting to a recession around two and one-half years after it started, people are asking how long will they have to endure. It's a difficult question to answer because there are so many things that got us here. This is, without the spin, a depression that is worse than any since the 1929-1937 big one.

Certainly not until 2013 and perhaps even longer. Many things got us here and the Federal Government sending us money will not pull us out. Not until our leaders realize that global free trade isn't free, unless your trading partners are buying from you in equal amounts. Electronics? All off shore. Steel and most aluminum? Yep! Clothing? Ahuh! Food? Much if not most processed food comes from China. You know, the country that spiked baby food with poison? Automobiles? Well, what with the bancruptcies of our Auto industry and now the giant leap off a cliff that Toyota just made, still to settle out, but as long as Obama wants to help you pay for your car, home,etc.with funny money, I guess people will still want to buy $5000 cars for $35,000.

We have been running trade deficits that are abhorrent for many years. We have shipped our heavy industry off shore, so as to not have to face high wages and the Sierra Club. We have even shipped our light industry off shore, all in the name of cheaper prices. Well, it doesn't help much to have cheaper prices, if the purchasing public are home out of work and can't buy anything, cheap or not. We used to get along without Chinese or Japanese cheap stuff just fine. We charged tariffs against the poorly paid labor of third world countries. This is how you level the playing field amongst dissimilar economies. When and if those other economies lift themselves up to our standard of living then and only then would we have free reciprocal trade.

It isn't about business screwing the public, it was the removal of tariffs and unlimited free trade that sent our industry overseas. Government and Industry tend to be dance partners. Well meaning legislation can torpedo an economy, just as happened. We must turn the page back a ways and realize that we had an economy and jobs because we did not join the global economy. For everyone in the world to be economically equal, we would have to lower our standard of living to average out with those making $2.00 per day in Malaysian or Chinese sweat shops. We unionized many years ago to avoid that part. Sure, the unions became too powerful and had to be slapped down some. Still, a balance between unions dictating policy to boards of directors, and workers being dominated and taken advantage of is necessary.

We started by giving up the gold standard, then the silver standard, believing that the US dollar was a world standard and didn't need to be backed by anything other than confidence, and that is where it begins and ends. Confidence, is deduced by those that totally believe in a currency. But currencies are backed by productivity. We no longer produce much of anything. The service industry, that of each career field supporting any other, as in a circle jerk is a false sense of security. I don't recommend that we return to the gold standard, or even the silver standard. But we must produce enough gross national product to offset our imports.

I see a possibility of an actual deeper depression coming unless our government starts thinking of us rather than the entire globe. There are areas of this world we live in that have never transcended from tribal life that can't even form a workable government outside their own tribal sphere, let along how to produce farm stuffs food and more importantly, develop a manufacturing economy. Politically, a chicken in every pot and universal home ownership just isn't going to work, hasn't worked and never will work.

Our schools are taught by either people with an agenda or those without a clue as to how business, industry and labor co-exist and why. Prejudices are fed from one generation to another, reflecting not what is happening now, but the grudges from yesterday. Wake up, people!

The United States of America once had an attitude. It was one of we can do anything we think we can do. Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten or don't care about the sacrifices that our parents and grandparents suffered to give us. We are now a nation of spoiled brats that feel the world owes us a living, without the intellect to figure out how we got it to begin with. I am totally disgusted with how this generation is turning out, and the waste of our forefathers and mothers efforts.

Some will criticize this post as being inflamitory. Perhaps they would be right, but I like the old saying, "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Bayview Happnin's

The Navy, sheriff Department and Timberlake Fire District will hold a three day emergency preparedness training exercise. The Dates are: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, March 23, 24 and 25th. The Fire Commissioners open meeting has been resceduled for the evening of the 22nd. The lower parking lot at the Bayview community Center and the entire building itself will be utilized for this exercise and will not be open to the public. If you see emergency vehicles careening about town during this period, do not panic, it's not the end times. Just stay out of the way. With not much going on in Bayview During March, this might even be entertainment of sorts...

Centennial activities are getting started with,"Taste of Bayview." This wine tasting extravaganza will be held at Dromore, April 17 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Wines will be open and airing, the punch chilled and tapas foods artistically arranged, while music wafts through the rooms. Dromore is located on Cape Horn Road, just past Lime Kiln Rd intersection. The tasting includes an etched keepsake Bayview Centennial Wine Glass. Beer and punch will be supplied for non-wine drinkers, plus hors d'ouvres. This is by reservation only so call now. Price is $25.00 per guest. Melinda Ely 208-6830936...

Another new business is coming to town, proving that nature hates a vacuum. The rumor from a year ago about Tobler's Marina moving into the shop next to JD's is finally proving true. Fritz Sander, formerly of Waterford LLC sales, is heading up a sales, repair, service and equipment store for Tobler's. With MacDonald's at past capacity, the addition is sorely needed. The opening date is somewhat loose, with the target being between the end of March and the middle of April...

No firm news yet on when or whether either the Buttonhook or the Wheel will open or when. Word on the street is the Buttonhook may open around Easter weekend, but nothing signed yet. Afteer a week of paper work confusion between the state and the Patio, the patio is now back open for you enjoyment.

The annual Easter Egg hunt is on again this year, with myself coordinating it along with Marie Streater and Norma Jean. We, as always need donations for the eggs & prizes. You can drop off donations at the Bayview Mercantile, or e-mail me.

Easter's Coming

As we did last year, many people pitched in to make Easter egg hunts continue. For years, Terry Shepherd out of her own pocket, sponsored the egg hunt. When she moved to spirit Lake we agreed to step in and help out. It's that time of year again and we can't disappoint our kids.

If you can die a few eggs, (we'll have an egg dying fest like last year.) Details to follow, or provide a few bucks or buy some plastic eggs and wrapped candy that would be great. Last year we held the dying party at the wheel, but since it ;probably will not be open, we will make other arrangements. We will also need help on Easter SATURDAY, am to hide the eggs. We have been doing this on Saturday, so that folks that wish to attend Easter services, can do so without depriving the kids of the more secular form of entertainment.

I'll post times, age groups and locations a bit closer to the event, E-mail me if you wish to participate in the preparations.

Herb

Fire District Crumbles

It is past time for fire commissioners to step up and put aside personal ambitions and/or vendettas. The current recall of one of the commissioners is extremely transparent to most as a power play.

Here are some of the worst case scenarios: With the recall petition's first 20 signatures all coming from Athol addresses, this might signal the beginning of a breakup of the consolidated fire district. Redistricting is a must, since state law requires that at least two commissioners be from Bonner county. This is because a small part of the fire district is in that county. The results if followed, would leave Bayview without representation. That is a position that would almost guarantee a split.

With two small enclaves in Bonner County, the end of Cape Horn and Little Blacktail Road, holding about two hundred residents, this would mean 40% of representation and supervision would be controlled by 5% of the district. fighting over control of the Titanic, as it were is not a proactive way to solve the district's problems.

I suggest that people calm down, stay far away from recall petitions and urge the current commissioners to go on a group sabbatical with consensus the goal. Chief Krill has upset the applecart in refusing to supervise unsafe equipment that past commissioners have let go for so long. All of those that created this mess are gone now, and pointing the finger for all ills at one 18 month commissioner is hardly fair and definitely destructive. The people have elected the commissioners we have. Live with it.

Minutes of every board meeting held in 2008 and 2009 are available on the fire district's web site. Get the facts about who tabled requests for funds and who didn't. It's all out there for anyone to see. Some object to the actions taken by the fire chief, yet he obviously felt a wake-up call was required. The time has past where we shoot the messenger, instead of the message.

Taxation Without Representation

One of the most pressing and least known about issues facing the Timberlake Fire district is the reallocation of commission seats. As it stands today, there are five commissioners, each elected at large, but residing in the districts that they run from.

Some years back there were territorial wars between Sagle Fire District and Timberlake. As a result of that, we have a Sagle fire station south of Little Blacktail Road, and up Blacktail, is a Timberlake Fire Station.

In the unintended consequences category, state law requires that when two counties are involved in a fire district, that the minority county have at least two board members. If followed strictly, this would mean that Bayview would become disenfranchised, even though with Cape Horn, the area represents about 55% of the fire district in population. Obviously this is unacceptable. With 5% of the population controlling 40% of the board of directors, some sort of reapportionment is in order. Not to protect any one's district, but to even things out so that the "One person, One vote" principle is upheld.

We have no quarrel with our friends just to the north, the hope that first, someone out on the cape living in Bonner County, run for the seat becoming vacant, and that the state be petitoned to see the inequity of the situation, so that the legislature might fix the problem. Without that, a lawsuit would be the only answer. I urge each and every one of you you contact you state legislators and ask for relief from this situation.

As issues develop within the district is is vital that this information gets out to those that are unaware that they are about to lose their commissioner. A petition to recall commissioner Jon Guinn is currently being circulated, with the apparent motive of removing as many pro-Krill commissioners as possible. With the pending retirement of Kirk Quillan, Bayview's current board member, our interests will be at the mercy of first those that don't live here, and secondly, in favor of dumping the first decent fire chief we have had in a very long time.

Whether or not you agree with me on any of these issues, they needed to be brought out into the light of day so that people can make informed decisions. I have copies of the district board meeting minutes through 2008-2009 from which I will attempt to separate fact from fiction. As far as Guinn goes, I tracked each and every vote and he never voted against any payments to anyone or for any equipment for any reason. That is a fact.

For those that wish to follow Timberlake Fire Prevention district, go to their web site of that name and check these things out yourselves. Votes on each issue and by whom are recorded history, not rumor and not innuendo.

The following is an email sent to Jack Krill, Timberlake fire Chief, following the February 17th Timberlake Fire Protection District Commissioners meeting in Bayview. This was supplied by it's author, George Grandy.

Jack,

I want to express my support for your actions about the equipment repair and maintenance. Safety is paramount and dictates every decision you make. Your plan of action is the correct one -- (1) evaluate where we stand today, (2) determine the costs, and (3) make a plan to get the equipment either up to code and back in service or scrap it, if necessary. The past is interesting, but it doesn't correct the problems or map a way forward. Complacency by the Commissioner's over the past few years is how we got to this point -- more inaction is not the path we want for the future,

I attended last nights Commissioner's meeting and was taken back by the number of people who have a personal vendetta, were giving a CYA speech or are willing to scrap their fire protection in favor of lower taxes. None of this is productive in finding our way forward. You can forget all the crazy ideas to get "cheap" maintenance and repairs. Always follow the code and use certified mechanics/shops. We should expect the best and should be willing to pay for it.

Personally, I would rather see my tax dollars go to the fire district than to an insurance company. You can count on my support for a levy increase, if necessary, and/or any other action you determine is necessary to make TFPD the safest and best it can be. I want to be able to count on you, your staff, the volunteers and the equipment to be there when I or one of my neighbors needs help.

Thank you and keep up the good work.

George A. Grandy

Loony Tunes

I guess something like this had to be expected. It turns out that with the help of some outside agitators, a battle is looming within the Timberlake Fire District hierarchy. The board members in the district represent partitioned sub-districts from which they are required to be residents of, but voted on by the entire district. With the present board as constituted, the majority favors the retention of chief Krill. Rather than let the publicly scheduled votes determine representation, a small group is circulating a petition to replace one of the commissioners in favor of retaining Chief Krill. The board consists of five commissioners.

One such seat, held by Bayview resident, Kirk Quillan is up for election. He is sounding very much like he will not run for re-election. Jon Guinn, former Lt. Colonel in the USAF Office of Special Investigations, having been elected two years ago, is facing recall by factions that allegedly are attempting to obtain a majority for the purpose of firing the fire chief. Guinn's term has two more years to run.

Allegedly, the regional Gadfly, Larry Spencer is behind this action which tends to work both sides of the issue. On the one hand, Spencer was violently opposed to any whisper of a fire district levy for the purpose of modernizing equipment. Now, it would appear that he is changing Guinn with failure to vote for allocating necessary funds for these purposes. In checking the records, we find the minutes of these meetings do not support that position.

It is starting to look like with the addition of the two new commissioners, and the continued behind the scenes influence of former board Charmian Sam Scheu, that the chemistry is up in the air. One can only wonder how a thankless job such as fire commissioner is ever filled. The total compensation for the commissioners is $75.00 per attended meeting, which isn't much, considering the hassle that comes with it.

We understand that Spencer will allege that Guinn has voted against the interests of the district by his alleged negative votes on funding. We will in the future attempt to document the truths of the matter. In the mean time, we strongly urge all of you to refuse your signature on this perfidious document. I found it rather interesting since the charge is that Guinn is being charged with the sole resonsibility for Board mismanagement. Considering that at least one of the petition signers were along with another, formerly on the board much longer than Guinn and perhaps could then along with another be in the same position. One old saying that comes to mind is, those that live in glass houses should not throw stones.

From The Spokesman-Review

Today's hot news is from Twin Falls, Idaho. In a burst of enthusiasm for strict law enforcement, a swat team from the local police department descended upon the local residential senior center. No, this wasn't for the usual reasons. No complaints about shoddy care, or senior abuse. This was much more serious.

It turns out that hidden in the dark recesses of this den of iniquity, was a poker parlor. Octogenarians faced with boredom were heard to say things like, "deal 'em and weep. I'm cleaning you out this hand." Another yells,"Ya and your mother wore hip boots."

This all came to a crashing end when the defenders of freedom burst into the game room yelling," Alright, everyone against the wall, now! Hands in sight, don't touch that filth in the middle of the table.What? Yes you can take your wheelchair with you." "No med breaks. This is serious business." "You are charged with aiding and abetting (Yuk) a gambling operation in which money changes hands." Senior citizen: "You mean you're here to collect taxes?" "Nope, we're taking you down.You will all do hard time for this!" senior: "Hard time? Does that mean we have to babysit our grandchildren again?" "Nope, it's the rock pile for you,Grandpa!" "But that isn't gambling, we just didn't have any poker chips and since we all have a little cash stashed in our rooms, we were using it as poker chips. You know, ones, fives and tens?

All of this was taking place while lawmakers down the road a piece were debating a change in the law that does not require enforcement of minor league gambling operations. If that doesn't move the law change along nothing will.We were unable to get a legal opinion, since all the lawyers in Twin Falls were falling all over themselves offering pro bono help for the aged mob members.

In other news, it appears that a bloodless coup has taken place in the comics. Mort Walker's Beetle Bailey was captured and replaced by Pearls Before Swine creator, Stephan Pastis, with Pearls appearing in both strips. War may break out at any moment, though it appears that Pastis has more mean characters that the army. More as these stories develop.

Signs Of The Times

Dan Mulhvihill (sp) has always marched to a different drummer. Not wedded to regulations or authority. Dan, while willing to give his friends the shirt off of his back, doesn't settle for losing. With the economy in the tank and no sign of relief, Dan, who works as a cement finisher, like the rest of the construction industry, is hurting for work.

After being shown the door at several marinas for inability to pay fees, he finally sailed the boat over to Eagle Landing at Farragut State Park. Evicted from there, he set out to examine the regulations on anchoring out from shore. He found that if the boat carries current registration, is not blocking a channel or waterway, and has an operable anchor light it is legal as long as it's not just stored on the water, but has periodic habitation. We learned this from Matt Street, Sgt, Kootenai County Water Patrol.

This 26 foot blue sailboat sits calmly out from shore at the head of Scenic Bay, tethered to a buoy which is anchored to the bottom. Dan finally figured out how to win even when the system didn't work for him. If you should happen to run across Dan at one of the diminishing watering holes here in Bayview, you can be sure he is staying at his very own marine hotel, rent free.

Here's an updated close up of the boat backlighted by the setting sun. 2/27/10

Blogfest 2010

Today started off in a sad note. I attended a celebration of life gathering in honor of Tom McGurk, a very special friend. I wrote about Tom and his untimely death last week, so I won't dwell on it, except to say, "We miss you buddy."

I had a year long obligation to attend the annual bloggers convention, known as "Blogfest." In fact I think it was me that gave it that name. The first two were held here in Bayview at the Captain's Wheel, now closed.

This one was held at the Fort Ground Tavern in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Each year the gathering grows larger. Some are newcomers, some have dropped out or can't show themselves publicly, (they say) then there are those that have been in the game from the start. Not all of us are still in touch, since some ultra-conservatives dropped out, rather than to do battle with the encroaching liberal radical movement. I personally regret that, since balance requires multiple points of view. Still, many of use greeted each other, some as friends, others as welcome newcomers.

The Fort Ground was as always a wonderful host, with discounted pricing, (Someone told them DFO was a cheapskate) and the party was perhaps in full swing. The hit of the party, though, was when a Coeur d'Alene police Sgt. (female) delivered a tray full of cupcakes for the occasion.

Some political subjects were discussed. Councilman Mike found out one of the participants who works for the county, is in charge of assigning addresses to vacant lots. At that news, Mike's eyes lit up with the realization that no longer would he be forced to register tombstones. Now all he has to do is corrupt one lady. That could be a daunting chore, though.

None of the county commissioners attended, perhaps a forerunner of the despairing outlook for the coming election cycle. It would seem that every year brings forth a more successful blogfest than the year preceding. May that always be the case. Sometimes when people get to swinging punches on line they fail to realize that the person they are swinging at is also a real person. These get togethers tend to humanize the process.

Rumors Galore

It's this time of year when total boredom sets in that rumors start to fly. One such rumor, was that someone without a life of their own decided that because Jim Brown moved out of the RV Park at Lakeland, that he was fired. Not true at all. I just talked to Liz Justus who is, with, husband Larry, basking in 80 degree weather in Welton, Arizona. It turns out that even before Jim heard about his alleged firing, Liz & Larry heard about it in Arizona. This just proves that in this electronic age, rumors need not be spread locally when you can instead, spread them everywhere. Somewhere in Singapore, someone is shaking their head with sadness, hoping that Jim catches on with another employer.

Folks it Ain't true. Not only is Jim coming back next season, (park opens May 1), but he was given a generous raise. Larry & Liz Justus think of Jim Brown as much as their own kids. End of story. With reduced RV parking here in Bayview, it would behoove those without advanced arrangements to reserve a spot early. Justus's swill be back around the 28th of April.

There are other rumors abounding also. Most of these are not immediately proved or disproved, but Bob Holland is back in the news. One of the things that are more certain than death and taxes, is when the economy goes into the toilet, so do speculators, such as Bob. Most in town will not shed a tear if this stuff is true. The fallout, though, can be unpredictable and destructive to a small community.

First, a collection agency in Spokane has filed suit against Waterford Park, LLC for In excess of $28,000. For what is at this time unknown.

Also, and this is strictly rumor, the parking area at Harborview Marina is being foreclosed upon by the bank financing the project. According to the same unreliable sources, these parking spots, sold to float home and boat slip owners, was to have also included an eight unit condo has been in default. How this affects those that have purchased their slips that include a parking space, remains to be seen.It seems that in many cases, Waterford Park, LLC has made many sales without conveying title to said ;properties. We will try our best to ascertain the truth of the matter and get back to you.

Now that I have dispensed with all the rumors I have heard recently, we will return to the main menu, aka: facts. This next year could prove very interesting.

Fire Safety

While Timberlake Fire District hunts for temporary help regarding the massive sidelining of equipment, one must remember that all neighboring fire departments have mutual aid agreements. If more than one engine is needed, Timberlake can draw from spirit Lake, Rathdrum, Sagle and Northern Lakes. Hopefully there won't be any serious fires in the next two weeks, though. Keep in mind that mechanics are working full time to get more equipment on line.

This would, however, be an excellent time to be aware of fire safety. Extension cords, space heaters, especially cause many fires and they can be prevented easily.If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is plugged in all the way without any conductive prongs showing. Do not cover them with carpet or any other material that is flammable. If it is absolutely necessary to use a spaceheater, make sure it is clear of any flammable material. Also never use a heater that doesn't have a tip over safety switch. If using portable propane heaters, be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector that is operable.

We'll get through this scary period, but in order to effect the repairs needed, the entire current budget has been used up. That the voters will be asked to approve a permanent bond issue is obvious. Taxes are not well thought of in North Idaho, but if the services are wanted and needed, sometimes we have to pay the piper.I have talked to chief Krill extensively and can assure you that he cares deeply about protecting his firefighters, but also the people that he is entrusted to protect.

We will report back as more equipment comes on line in the coming week. EMS is not affected by this equipment crisis. Both units are owned and maintained by Kootenai county and are in full serivce.

Chief Krill has generously agreed to do a regular fire safety column in these spaces soon. Look for his feature in the next few days.

All Timberlake Fire Apparatus Out of Service

On Wednesday the 17th, Gordon Schoonmaker, Fleet Operations Supervisor and Certified Emergency Vehicle Technician with the Spokane Valley Fire Department and one of his assistants will begin the evaluation of all fire department vehicles against the out of service criteria of the Spokane Valley Fire Department Safety and Operations Manual which follows NFPA and other regulatory requirements. This may take about 2 weeks to evaluate all of the trucks considering at least 3-5 hours per truck. Their shop rate is $85/hour so we are looking at a cost of at least $8,000 which does not include repairs or parts. Northern Lakes uses this shop for all of their apparatus maintenance and are very pleased with their service and attention to detail.

After Jeff Laird and I spoke with Gordon today and reviewed the attached Out of Service Apparatus and Equipment Criteria, there are items that we could apply to nearly every piece of fire apparatus we have that would technically place them out of service. We are not experienced certified Emergency Vehicle Technicians to know for sure, but we are mechanically inclined enough to know that we feel the items appear to meet the criteria. Not knowing if these trucks are safe to operate keeps many of us up at night. Some members and their families are concerned with the safety of the apparatus and whether they want to drive or ride in them.

The two in-service ambulances (EMS 61 and EMS 63) are owned and properly maintained by Kootenai County on a regular service and preventive maintenance schedule. Currently, there are no issues with those ambulances that would place them out of service according to the criteria. The fire boat is not in great shape and has its deficiencies, but Kevin Elmore has done an excellent job in keeping it maintained and safe for use at this time, Kevin maintains and repairs most of the boats in Bayview and I personally trust his work to be to standard. The fire boat remains in service under the winter use rules (only used for emergencies since we have to winterize it after each use).

If we take the conservative safety approach to do what’s best for our own responders and not risk their lives if we can help it, then we take the vehicles out of service until we know. However, then we are left with no fire apparatus. If we don’t take them out of service and something happens, then what?

Do we take every vehicle out of service immediately and until Gordon evaluates them to tell us for sure? That’s the question that several of the officers have been discussing.

The final resolution: all fire apparatus are out of service except for V2 (1986 International Engine), which only has one apparent out of service issue that we know of – the headlight high beam foot switch (when you turn the high beams on, everything goes dark, which startled me the other night test driving it on a dark road). It’s particularly concerning because this truck is a manual transmission and you are driving with two feet anyway. We just got a new switch installed this morning and that specific problem is solved.

We have already spoken with several fire departments and have calls into others to see if they have a reserve engine that has passed an NFPA inspection in the past year that we could barrow for 2 to 4 weeks. We are also speaking with fire apparatus dealers and manufacturers about short term options. If we get a loaner engine, we will take V2 out of service until Gordon evaluates it.

Be safe, drive slow, look out for each other.

Thanks, Jack


Jack Krill, Fire Chief
Timberlake Fire Protection District
5985 E. Highway 54, PO Box 810, Athol, ID 83801
208-683-3333, Fax 208-683-6002, Cell 208-818-1101
jkrill@timberlakefire.com, www.timberlakefire.com



***Addendum

Just to clarify so the subject line and content of the original email is not misinterpreted.

V2 is in service as Engine 621
Fire Boat 695 is in service
EMS 61 and EMS 63 are in service

Everything else is out of service. (17 units out) I will be switching to my personal vehicle as well.

Thanks, Jack Krill

Mountain Lion Alert- From Bayview-Idaho.com

According to Bayview Bob, a Cougar was spoted along the park fence behind First Street, February 8. Watch your pets and small kids. To a Cougar, they are pot luck.

As predator recovery plays out, we will see more Cougar and probably wolves, too. Hiking alone is not recommended. Keep some sort of noise maker with you, to warn animals that you are near. Most of them will avoid you if they know humans are present, unless they are surprised. The great outdoors we have enjoyed for years is not as safe as it used to be.

According to reports, the Cougar was spotted near noon which is unusual and may indicate a real hungry animal, or posibly injured. They generally hunt at night. According to park officials, there are usually two to three cougars that range around the south end of the lake, including Buttonhook Bay and the park. He also said there were around 14 black bears in the park, but they are rarely seen, as they are more afraid of you, than you, them.

A Sad Note

Funeral arrangements have been completed for Tom McGurk. Much of the interment will occur on the West Coast, with viewing Thursday, February 11 at Greenwood Funeral Home east of Renton, from Noon to 7:00 pm. Burial will be Friday, February 12 at 10:30 pm Tahoma Veterans Cemetery.Tahoma is located on 240th just off of highway 18, east of Kent, Washington.

A celebration of life will be held at the Athol American Legion, Post 149 Saturday, February 20. The time, 1:00 pm. There will be a pot luck. Tom served in the navy as a submariner, drove the Silverwood train and hauled asphalt for Coeur d'Alene Paving. I doubt he ever had an enemy.

On a happier note, yesterday, February 7 marked the 100th birthday for Athol resident, Marion Bates. Born February 7, 1910 in Seattle, Washington, Marion is still hanging in there, crediting a healthy diet and the occasional Irish Whiskey for her longevity.

Fire Commissioner Speaks

To all Citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District,

Hello, My Name is David “Rudy” Rudebaugh one of you’re recently elected Fire Commissioners for the Timberlake Fire Protection District.

I thank the people who voted for me as one of your 5 elected Commissioners and I will continue to work hard on your behalf along with my fellow Commissioners in providing you the highest possible level of service and to make sure all our Emergency Responders can fulfill there duties in a safe manner and return home to their families and loved ones, while insuring your tax dollars are spent wisely and correctly.

I do not speak for the other commissioners, but I can say I (We) need your support more than ever during the next few months in helping us determine what the citizens want for a level of service and what you will be willing to pay for that service. This can only be done with your involvement in becoming educated about the current status of the District and asking questions. .

The recent letter from Chief Krill (Near-Miss) in addition to the information which has been identified in Needs Analysis 2008 is a reflection of the District's current state. Information is available on the district web site, www.timberlakefire.com.

I can tell you something needs to be done, but to what level and at what expense is not for me to say, as I continue to educate myself on the current status of our District, the myriad of laws we fall under in addition to hopefully visiting with many of you in hearing your feedback and ideas on options for us to consider. The Board of Commissioners has not decided and will not decide until the April 21st 2010 meeting on what to do concerning any levy or the amount proposed, the decision is to be based upon the results of a Informative Newsletter and Survey being mailed out in the next few weeks to all residents of the District, in addition to the valuable input received from you at the Special Informational Meetings and one on one conversations we may have.

With that said I ask each and every citizen in our district to attend the Commissioner Meetings for the next several months and the Special Informational Meetings which are being scheduled as well. This will help us Commissioners do the best possible job we were elected to do.

Please visit www.timberlakefire.com for the exact dates, locations and times of the meetings and the most current information concerning the District.

Feel free to e-mail either Chief Krill or any of the Commissioners with your questions or concerns.

Disclaimer: The above is from David “Rudy” Rudebaugh to you the Citizens of our District. The above views and\or request may or may not be the same as the other elected commissioners nor any specific individual within the district.. As Commissioners we cannot have discussions among ourselves concerning these issues unless we are in an Open Meeting, IAW Idaho Open Meeting Laws Idaho Code 67-2340 through 67-2347. Come to the meetings and help us in doing what you elected us to do.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

David “Rudy” Rudebaugh
Commissioner, Timberlake Fire District, Zone 4

A Man That Will Be Missed

Adding to the sadness regarding the recent passing of Pat Dow, we lost another friend. Tuesday afternoon, I stopped at JD's for a beer and to contact with friends. Tom McGurk, a very good personal friend was at the bar for his usual two drinks then on home. Tom had a shop and a hideaway where he listened to shortwave from around the world, when he wasn't working on one of his projects. Tom wasn't just a mechanic, he was a tinkerer. He loved figuring out things from scratch, many times coming up with solutions the experts never thought of. He loved horses and his dogs.

I remember last time I took care of his horses while he and Sandy took a short vacation. I saw a track that was about five inches across that I thought might be a stalking cougar. I covered it up with a bucket. When Tom got back, it turned out it was the track of his very large dog. A dog I was happy not to meet when they were gone.

Gone now, while his wife was in Canada with Trailways transporting people from Vancouver to the mountains and the Olympic venues, Tom was as usual, out in the shop tinkering, then settled back with his shortwave radio and a cold beer. When Sandy couldn't reach him on his cell phone, she called a neighbor, who went down to check on him. He found Tom slumped over his work table, oblivious to the sounds that were still coming out of his radio. Just like those radio waves, Tom is now out there amongst them, saying, "Oh boy, would you look at that."

As well as his seasonal job driving a set of doubles for Coeur d'Alene Paving, he loved his part time job as a steam engine operator. For several years now, he would spend week-ends driving old number seven around the 3.5 mile route that circled Silverwood. He didn't ride much, but he also loved horses. When they lost Ono, the 32 year old palomino a couple of years ago, it coincided with the economy going south with horse owners.

He and Sandy made a home for four unwanted or at least unaffordable horses, all prime stock and all free,except for the feed which was hurting them. Fortunately, in the times that try men's(and women's) souls, people step up. A neighbor has agreed to take charge of the horses until a home can be found for them.

These are the practical problems that were quickly overcome. Somehow I know that Tom is reading this, as I type it with tears in my eyes. I loved you, man. I just hope that Sandy can survive this after, I think about twenty two years of hilarity, as they matched wits with each other, and shot a few pool games.Rest knowing that you left this world a better place for your presence.