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PRIEST RIVER — The 11th annual Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster Event, this year Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Priest River Event Center, raised $45,000 for Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation programs.
Josh Midkirk of Tastevin Wine, a 2024 champion, edged out 2025 champion Holland Stevens of Hayden Beverage to reclaim the Iron Sommelier title. Meanwhile, Cole Hooper of Matchwood Brewing Company nosed out Ashley Eastlick of MickDuff’s Brewing Company for the Brewmaster title.
Event proceeds assist NHHS Foundation programs in supporting a strong community hospital and healthy Pend Oreille River Valley, according to an NHHS news release. In particular, a push for the Healthy Kids Snack Bags program gained more than $18,000 – enough to support 97 students with weekly bags of snacks for a full academic year.
The event was supported by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Kalispel Casino, Wellpoint and Banner Furnace and Fuel, who all signed on as corporate sponsors. Representatives from 74 Main Public House, the Priest River Community Foundation, Marigold Bistro and the Newport High School student body, as well as other community members, also played roles in the event’s success.
For more information on the NHHS Foundation, visit NewportHospitalAnd-Health.org/Foundation.
