Latest articles - Newport Miner

Primary election results certified, participation below 50%

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:25 -0700

NEWPORT — It’s official: Pend Oreille County has certified the results of the Aug. 4, Primary Election.

A total of 11,025 voters were eligible to participate in the election, with 4,737 ballots returned, resulting in a 42.97% voter participation rate.

“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in this Primary Election,” said Pend Oreille County Auditor Marianne Nichols. “Every election is an important part of our democratic process, and our team works diligently to make sure every ballot is handled securely, accurately and according to Washington State law.”

Election Statistics

• Voters in Election: 11,025

• Ballots Returned: 4,737

• Voter Participation: 42.97%

• Ballots Challenged: 149 (3.15% of ballots returned) Of the 149 challenged ballots, 147 were sent to the Canvassing Board for review. The challenges included:

• 14 — Signature does not match

• 3 — Envelope unsigned

• 1 — Security envelope missing oath

• 132 — Too-late postmark The number of ballots challenged because of a late postmark was notably higher than in previous comparable elections. There were 42 late-postmarked ballots in the 2024 Primary and 36 in the 2022 Primary, compared with 132 in 2026.

Voters also continued to make significant use of the county's ballot drop boxes. 53.24% of returned ballots were deposited in a ballot drop box.

Drop box totals included:

• Newport: 1,943

• Ione: 237

• Diamond Lake (SPOFR): 105

• Camas: 73

• Metaline Falls: 65

• Metaline: 52

• Cusick: 43 “We are especially pleased that we were able to add three new ballot drop box locations this year,” Nichols said. “Expanding access to secure ballot drop boxes gives voters more convenient options to participate in our elections, and we are glad to see voters making use of these locations. We look forward to continuing to improve access and serve the voters of Pend Oreille County.”

With certification complete, the county will continue preparations for the Nov. 3 General Election.

Final election results can be found at www.results. votewa.gov/results/public/pend-oreille-county-wa/ elections/20260804.

Get to the bleachers: Fall sports are here

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:24 -0700

NEWPORT — While it’s technically not autumn yet, nothing quite heralds that time of year like a new school year and the return of fall sports to the Pend Oreille River Valley.

In this day and age of inflation, where even going to the grocery store can feel like planning a black-market operation to sell a kidney in exchange for milk and eggs, one of the few affordable joys left to us is watching the young athletes in our communities learn and grow on the field. As a reporter, I appreciate a good story and what is a sporting event if not a story that plays out right in front of you?

The Miner covers varsity teams from four school districts, Newport, Priest River, Cusick and Selkirk (no offense junior high, we’re still rooting for you). Mark your calendars for these upcoming high school basketball, football, cross-country, soccer and volleyball games.

Remember, schedules are subject to change, so always check your local high school website the day of an event. Keep an eye out for The Miner’s free annual Falls Sports Preview highlighting each team, coming out next month.

Newport Grizzlies

Varsity football is scheduled to kick off the season with an away game at Deer Park at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Newport’s first home game at Don Ellersick Field is at 7 p.m Friday, Sept. 4. against Northwest Christian.

Cross-Country is gearing up for the NWC Josh Wright Memorial Jamboree at Northwest Christian High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The two-mile varsity run starts with the girls’ teams at 4 p.m.

Girls’ soccer is hosting Riverside on Ellersick Field at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 8. Volleyball will host their first game the same day against Reardan at 6:45 p.m.

If unable to attend games in person, check out Grizzly Sports Broadcasts on 91.5 Kubs FM.

Find more information at www. kubsradio.com.

Priest River Spartans

The Lady Spartan volleyball team got its start Monday, losing a five-set season opener to Bonners Ferry, 3-2. Priest River won the first two sets, 25-21, 25-23, and started the third with a 15-13 lead, but the Badgers gained the upper hand. They finished the third set at 25-23, then wrapped up the last two in the lead at 25-18 and 15-1.

Priest River travels to Timberlake Wednesday, Aug. 26 for a game at 7 p.m., then hosts Wallace at Priest River Lamanna Jr./Sr. High at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29. Then it’s off to Bonners Ferry Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a game at 7 p.m.

Varsity football starts this Friday, Aug. 28 with an away game at 7 p.m. in Bonners Ferry. The first home game is Friday, Sept. 4 against Timberlake, also at 7 p.m.

Boys’ soccer hosts Timberlake at 2 p.m. this Thursday, Aug.

27 at the high school soccer field. The next day on Friday the Spartans play Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy at 2 p.m. at the Priest River Junior High soccer field. The team travels to Bonners Ferry for a game at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31. St.

Maries will play at Priest River at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Girls’ soccer celebrated their season opener with a 7-0 win against guests Orofino Monday, Aug. 24. Senior Macie Olmo scored four goals, Lilly Kennedy scored twice and Heidi Burres clinched the seventh.

Priest River hosts Timberlake at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.

There’s another 4 p.m. game at home Friday, Aug. 28 against Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, then there’s an away game at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 at Bonners Ferry. There’s another home game at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 against St. Maries.

Cross-Country got its start at the Post Falls River Run Saturday, Aug. 22. Freshman Seth Paschetag clocked in at 12:36.74, earning him 14th place in the boys’ two-mile run.

Classmate Ailish McLaimtaig came in 19th place in the girls’ two-mile run with a time of 16:41.93. Seniors Alannah McLaimtaig was in 22nd place at 18:08.88 and Breelyn Duran was 25th at 18:31.30.

Coming up Friday, Aug. 28 the team travels to Cabinet View Golf Club in Montana for the Libby Cross Country Meet. Priest River leaves the high school at 5:30 a.m.

Cusick Panthers

Volleyball has its first scheduled game Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Wellpinit. The varsity game starts at 6 p.m.

Cross-country started practice last Tuesday and will travel to their first meet of the season Saturday, Sept. 5 at Farragut State Park for the Timberlake Invitational at 9:40 a.m.

The varsity football schedule was not accessible as of deadline.

Selkirk Rangers

Rangers football hosts Republic for their first home game at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Volleyball travels to Chewelah to start the season Saturday, Sept. 5 (TBA).

Oldtown passes lower budget

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:23 -0700

OLDTOWN — The Oldtown City Council passed a $567,295 budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, a decrease of $383,235 from 2025– 2026, at a Monday, Aug. 24 budget hearing.

The budget is decreasing significantly now that the city has transferred around $300,000 in urban renewal tax revenue to the West Bonner Water and Sewer District, a payment toward the city’s loans.

City clerk-treasurer Alicia Ehrmantrout said the city was able to do so after submitting its audits for 2022, 2023 and 2024 to the state.

She is hoping the state will give the city a waiver on its audit for 2025, which is still in progress.

“They should release any money that’s being held from property taxes, and then they should allow us to levy this year,” Ehrmantrout said at the meeting. The city is budgeting $30,713 in property tax revenue but will receive 3% less than that if not allowed to levy.

Health insurance expenditures have also decreased, as some employees in the water-sewer department are young and cost less to insure, Ehrmantrout said. She also budgeted less for propane, internet and telephone costs, as the city over-budgeted for those items last year. On the other hand, road and bridge money has increased by about $1,300 to $2,000. Equipment and reserves are increasing from $25,000 to $70,000, as the city anticipates a need to replace or repair some equipment.

“Our budget will stay lower now because the money is being transferred at every year,” Ehrmantrout said.

After the budget hearing, the council reconvened as the Oldtown Urban Renewal Agency and passed a budget of $165,000 for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

The agency expects to receive $70,000 in property taxes, with a carryover of $95,000 from prior years. Of that, $149,690 will be transferred to the West Bonner Water and Sewer District toward the city’s loans. The city is spending another $13,310 on accounting and administrative costs associated with its audits, as well as another $2,000 on a flat audit fee for this year.

“It’s just because we’re getting caught up,” Ehrmantrout said of accounting and administration. “This will probably drop to $2,000 or $5,000.”

A nerdy chicken (no, really)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:22 -0700

Back to school

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:21 -0700

Newport High soon to complete summer renovations

NEWPORT — As a new school year begins this week, a couple projects at Newport High School are reaching their end.

The Newport School District worked through the summer to renovate two areas of Newport High School: the back field and part of the main entrance hillside.

Additionally, custodians have refinished and waxed the floors and cleaned and vacuumed the classrooms. They do so annually, Superintendent Dave Smith said, starting the day after students’ last day and finishing the week before their first day. They also complete any other projects identified by staff, including maintenance.

“So, we're putting our best foot forward,” Smith said.

No work had been performed on the field since Newport High School was built 45 years ago, Smith said. As such, the field was riddled with rolls and bumps, and a slope made a major portion of it unusable.

Starting in March, the district levelled the field, removing unusable softball infrastructure and filling areas with repurposed dirt. The district also replaced the main water line, as well as sprinklers that did not evenly cover the field. A fence was installed to divide the field into a sports complex, one section for football practice and the other for soccer practice.

The former section is complete, and the district recently applied a crabgrass herbicide to reseed and complete the latter section. Smith expects it to be ready in about a month.

“We still have some work to do back here,” Smith said. “But they haven't been able to fully access this whole field for years. And now it's a nice facility.”

The boys’ and girls’ soccer teams practice on the Stratton Elementary School field from 3–5:30 p.m., meaning younger players cannot practice until after 5:30 p.m. when those teams leave. When the Newport High School field is ready, older players will relocate there, allowing younger players to practice earlier.

“Besides it being a safety issue, which it really was, another reason for really wanting to get this done is because our youth programs are getting so big,” Smith said.

The project cost $45,000, and the district is expecting $15,000 from the Maws and Paws Booster Club, Smith said. The fence was $20,000, $10,000 of which was paid through the high school athletics fund. (The district applied for, but did not receive a grant from the Washington Turfgrass Seed Association.)

Smith thanked staff and volunteers for the labor they contributed to the field, saving the district thousands of dollars. Head football coach Mark Duxbury spent hundreds of hours digging, spreading dirt and reseeding. Jr Shepard, a friend of maintenance director Scott Armstrong, volunteered his own equipment and helped dig ditches.

“Our own guys did all the sprinkler system, every bit of it,” Smith said. “So really all of the labor has been in-house.”

Meanwhile, drainage issues with the main entrance hillside caused years of water damage to the gym, Smith said. Prior to the renovations, water came off the roof, went downhill and got into the gym. This not only damaged the gym walls, but also an access tunnel, creating security concerns.

“That’s why we've had to have that plywood up there, which doesn't look very good,” Smith said. The district will remove the plywood upon the project’s completion.

The hillside has been excavated, with new sprinklers installed. The district plans to add a barrier ensuring proper run-off, and a student-built concrete slab serving as an outdoor seating area.

A Healthy Kids grant partially funded repairs to the hillside, which Smith said cost $25,000. The grant also funded a divider curtain at the middle school gym, all the wall padding in the wrestling room, greenhouse supplies and equipment and some new scratch cooking equipment.

“We did all of the sprinkler work to redo the sprinkler system on that entire side hill,” Smith said.

These renovations come after the Newport School District’s proposal for a $46.3 million bond failed in the February election.

Estimated at a rate of $1.89 per $1,000 in assessed property value for up to 23 years, the bond failed 1,526-1,305 in February, with only 46.10% approving. To pass, the bond required a supermajority approval of at least 60%. Upon approval, the state was expected to contribute another $17.7 million.

The bond would have mainly funded the modernization of Newport High School. In addition to replacing roofing and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, renovations were proposed to core facility areas such as classrooms, laboratories, commons and the gymnasium and locker rooms. The construction of an auxiliary gym and improvements to some outdoor areas were also proposed.

“We’re gonna be discussing that as a board,” Smith said. “As early as September, but at the latest, the October board meeting.”

In another project, the district has upgraded its HVAC controls, allowing full control under one operating system per 2026 standards. This will result in energy savings and make teaching spaces at Stratton Elementary School more comfortable, Smith wrote in an email. Funded through the general fund, the upgrade has been ongoing since 2020, costing about $16,000.

The district also received a Clean Buildings Compliance Act Grant, which involves benchmarking energy at Stratton Elementary, Sadie Halstead Middle and Newport High Schools and implementing a plan with changes in scheduling and possibly infrastructure, Smith wrote. This grant totals $94,376.

ISBT: Members must cover $13 million shortfall

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:20 -0700

The Idaho School Benefit Trust on Thursday afternoon notified member school districts and charters that the trust needs an additional $13 million to pay claims for the current benefit year, and the first payment is due at the end of next month.

The trust told the more than 100 employers — which includes the Lake Pend Oreille and West Bonner County school districts — who participate in the insurance pool to choose a payment option by Sept. 10 — and either pay a lump sum or make a first monthly payment by Sept. 30.

“I’m guessing most of these districts, there’s no way they’ve got that kind of money sitting around in a reserve account to just make a payment like that,” Coeur d’Alene Superintendent Shon Hocker told EdNews in an interview last week.

Debbie Hainke, benefits manager for the trust, in the Thursday email to members said trustees have approved an increase to the contribution amount for the 2025-26 benefit year, which ends Aug. 31. The email cited Idaho code and the participation agreements that school leaders signed.

“Responsibility for funding any plan shortfall rests with both the Trust and its participating districts,” Hainke wrote.

The email answers several questions that school leaders have been waiting for, but Hainke said she understands it may raise more questions. Members can expect more details “in the near future” regarding the amount of the lump sum or monthly payment each district and charter is facing.

The lump sum is equal to $715 per employee and dependent, and the monthly payment plan is $22 per employee and dependent.

The Idaho School Benefit Trust is a self-funded insurance pool that 108 school districts, charter schools and education organizations use to pay health insurance claims through third party administrator Blue Cross of Idaho. Hainke on July 14 first informed members that the trust had exhausted its reserves paying “extremely high” claims over the past year, and that the members were responsible for covering the shortfall.

After Thursday’s email, members know the extent of the shortfall: $13 million.

“Without this funding, each district or employee could be directly responsible for a portion of these claims,” Hainke wrote.

The trust, Hainke wrote, has worked closely with the Idaho Department of Insurance and Blue Cross of Idaho to “identify solutions that help minimize the cash flow impact on participating school districts and to provide payment options to satisfy your funding obligation.”

Most school district trustees passed their budgets in June for the current fiscal year, which began July 1. Now districts will have to find money to cover the $13 million shortfall.

The Idaho School Benefit Trust is switching to a fully insured plan with Blue Cross for the upcoming benefit year, which begins Sept. 1.

BRIEFLY

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:19 -0700

BRI E FLY

Back to school events this week

NEWPORT — Local schools are hosting open houses to start off the 2026–2027 school year, with all Newport schools opening their doors to students and their guardians 4–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. The Meet the Griz community celebration at the Don Ellersick Field is 6:30–8 p.m.

Earlier in the day, there will be a Back-to-School Wellness Fair at Stratton Elementary from 3–6 p.m. There will be games, health resources and free immunizations for students. Idaho Hill Elementary in Oldtown hosts its open house the same day, 5–7 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 27 Priest Lake Elementary’s open house runs 2–6 p.m. and Priest River Elementary’s event is 5:45–7 p.m. Back to School Night takes place at Priest River Lamanna Jr./Sr. High School 4–7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3.

Vote for Change rally

NEWPORT — There will be a Vote for Change rally at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 in front of the Big Wheel in Newport. This rally, organized by WeCU, will stress the importance of voting. “The power to make a difference is in your hands,” WeCU volunteer Deborah Stafford said in a press release.

“Vote for our freedoms.

Vote for our families. Vote for our futures. Vote for change.”

Master Gardener training now open

NEWPORT — Registration for the WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training is now open through the Washington Green School and continues through Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Washington Green School offers gardeners an opportunity to deepen their horticultural knowledge while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides comprehensive, research based education in horticulture and environmental stewardship. Volunteers receive training across a wide range of topics, including botany, soils, plant problem diagnosis, pesticide safety and use, entomology, vegetable gardening, composting and many other sustainable gardening practices aligned with the Program’s nine core priorities. Upon completing the training through WGS, Master Gardener Volunteers share what they’ve learned by assisting and educating others — strengthening community resilience, supporting environmentally sound gardening practices and helping neighbors grow healthier landscapes.

“If you’re interested in gardening and want to make a positive impact in your community, the Master Gardener Program is a rewarding way to expand your skills and connect with others,” said Beverly Sarles, Master Gardener Program Coordinator. Gardeners of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Scholarships for tuition from the local Pend Oreille County Master Gardener Foundation are available.

For more information call the WSU Extension Office at 509 447 2401.

Volunteers needed for local trail maintenance

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:18 -0700

METALINE FALLS — Join the Washington Trails Association to re-open a long-lost trail, Slate Creek to North Fork Sullivan Creek, Friday, Sept. 11, at 8:30 a.m. — Monday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. With only two formal work parties on this trail in over a decade, there are tremendous maintenance needs, according to WTA staff.

Log-out, brushing needs and tread work will begin as time allows.

The 41,000-acre Salmo-Priest Wilderness is located on the Colville National Forest in the extreme northeast corner of Washington.

Dominated by the Shedroof Divide and Crowell Ridge, this area boasts deep forests as part of the inland temperate rainforest, as well as ridgetop wanders and international views.

Slate Creek serves as a feeder trail to the area, connecting North Fork Sullivan Creek trail to the expansive views found on Crowell Ridge.

Since this trail has seen only two formal trail maintenance crews since 2010, and in that time has experienced two forest fires, this crew can expect the full spectrum of trail projects.

Volunteers will remove logs from the trail, trim back overgrown vegetation, repair the trail and much more.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp

• Location: There is a good campsite located at the wilderness boundary, with a water source at Uncas Gulch.

• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• There are severe maintenance needs on this trail.

• The initial hike to camp is 3 miles, with a campsite at the wilderness boundary and a good water source at Uncas Gulch. The hike will be a moderate pace while carrying backpacks fully loaded with all provisions including camping gear and food, plus WTA-provided tools.

• Expected daily hike: Up to 2 miles roundtrip. If possible, volunteers will work all the way to the intersection of Slate Creek and North Fork Sullivan Creek trails.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, begin work on the project and set up camp

• Day 2+: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on the trail with the crew by 8 a.m.

Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Arrive back in camp by 4 or 5 p.m. for a relaxing evening. Prepare your own dinner and swap stories back and forth with the crew.

Contemplating the work ahead on The Slate Creek Trail. COURTESY PHOTO|WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Make a lunch and pack up camp before heading out on trail with the crew by 8 a.m. the following day. Again, work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Return to camp by 4–5 p.m. Set up, prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.

• Final day: Break down camp, finish trail project, hike out and say goodbye to the crew at the trailhead.

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed. Volunteers should bring the following:

• A great attitude for working with a team. WTA provides the training and tools needed for the project

• Backpacking gear and food for multiple nights on the trail

• Good physical condition to hike with a fully loaded backpack and be physically active for about 8–9 hours daily on uneven terrain

• Backpacking experience including ability to run your own camp following Leave No Trace principles

• Day work party experience recommended

• Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests

• Minimum age: 18 Required:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots.

• Work gloves

• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, or mesh “bug eyes”; glasses should have wrapping side shields)

• Long pants

• Long sleeve shirt A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear will not be able to participate in the work party. Backpacking gear

• Backpack to carry gear

• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad

• Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip

• At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water

• Rain jacket and rain pants

• Extra warm clothing

• Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals

• Sun and bug protection

• Headlamp and extra batteries

• Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries

• First aid kit For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

For more information, contact volunteer@wta.org or 206-625-1367.

LETTERS POLICY

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:17 -0700

We welcome letters to the editor.

Letters should be no longer than 200 words. Letters should be typed and submitted to The Miner office no later than 5 p.m. Friday for publication the following Wednesday. No letter will be published unless it is signed by at least one individual, even if the letter represents the view of a group. The letter must include a telephone number and address for authentication. The Miner reserves the right to edit letters. Political letters will not be published the last issue before an election. Letters will be printed as space allows.

WEB COMMENTS

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:16 -0700

We welcome comment on select stories on our web site. You may comment anonymously. We will review comments before posting and we reserve the right to omit or edit comments. If you want to comment only to our writers and editors, let us know that you do not want your comment published.

YOUR OPINION

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:15 -0700

We are lucky to have an excellent candidate who will work for ALL Idahoans in the upcoming election.

Karen Matthee is running for Legislative Seat 1A in North Idaho.

She is by far the most qualified candidate to represent us. Karen has a rich, varied background: non profit work, journalism (old school style with facts), editor of a parenting magazine, volunteer work. She meets challenges with full force.

“I’m running to fight for your freedom, your families, and for a state government that is responsible to all Idahoans,” Karen states.

Read her website, reach out to her, listen to her… Karen is our best bet for Legislative Seat 1A.

She will work successfully across the aisle, has real life practical solutions, ideas to help our families thrive in North Idaho.

Forget the labels: Republican, Democrats, Independents…Look at the person, their mission. I have voted for Republicans (and not as a RINO), Democrats, Independents. I look at the person, read about them, look into their background.

Karen is an outstanding candidate, the best representative we could have for Legislative Seat 1A. Yep, she is a Democrat which may immediately influence a vote. Voters, do your research, read her website.

Thomas Jefferson famously wrote, “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”

Do not go blindly into the polls voting by party only.

Educate yourself! https:// www.kmattheeforidaho. com/ - Ann Giantvalley of Sandpoint

Why Do People Vote Against Themselves?

Why do people vote against their best interests? This age-old question is relevant for many Michael Baumgartner voters.

My father many years ago opined that people so dreamt of joining the rich that they closely related to them and voted with them.

But economic mobility has greatly diminished, including by the billionaire friendly “One Big Beautiful Bill” championed by Baumgartner, so those dreams should be rudely awakened by reality. Hard work now may not ensure economic security.

Vowing to make Democrat Barack Obama a one-term president, long-time Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell opposed everything Obama, and then Democratic ex-President Joe Biden, proposed to help the working class.

Consequently, the working class justifiably has felt forgotten, and many emotionally relate to President Donald Trump’s angry rhetoric, even though he’s never done anything for their welfare — in fact, along with Congressional Republicans like Baumgartner, he has made life harder for them. Unfortunately, many people vote their emotions, rather than rationally in agreement with their best interests.

However, for many voting for the shrewdly deceitful Baumgartner, the answer may be much simpler — they haven’t monitored Baumgartner closely enough to discern the big difference between what he says and what he does (how he votes).

- Norm Luther of Spokane

Happenings

The US Census Bureau is analyzing the 2020 election comparing voters to citizenship. Out of 128 million, they found 24,000 non-citizens that voted illegally. They have about 32 million yet to analyze. My question is how/why were they allowed to vote?

John Solomon just reported that Venezuela has been perfecting stealing elections for years. They set their voting machines up to switch votes without leaving much of a trace.

We have been using those machines for the last several election cycles. Was President Maduro an agreed-upon extradition? Solomon also reports that China has been in our elections.

Recently, election fraud is being exposed in many directions. We need secure elections.

In other news, democrat fundraising platform ActBlue’s co-founder Matt DeBergalis testified in a closed-door hearing and took the Fifth when asked about foreign donations.

I thought political foreign donations were illegal?

David Morens, top Fauci advisor, pleads guilty to concealing COVID records from the public.

He’s looking at five years.

Did he squeal on Fauci?

Emails showed that Fauci knew about the negative miscarriage data from the vax. High percentage.

There’s a lot going on if you stop and look around!

- Glen Pierce of Spokane/ Cusick

We should all be watching wildfire effects

Three years ago, I flew my plane over the Oregon Road fire near Elk and was amazed by one home being a burned foundation and a nearby home untouched by the fire. A fire chief explained that homeowners with equipment who stayed behind saved their home and other homes nearby.

Looking at the Spokane urban interface fires there are entire blocks of destroyed homes and some accounts of people staying behind and fighting fires to save homes. No lives were lost because most people followed evacuation orders, but I must say saving my home would be something to consider.

Fellow letter writers often cover political trivia and amplify statistical insignificance, whereas fires are a danger to all of us.

This summer the World is on fire.

The factors of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and weather patterns are facts unexplained by political thinking.

If you live in the woods in a wooden home on a hillside, your life and home are at increased risk.

All of us are going to pay for wildfire losses with increased insurance premiums or cancellations.

We can’t alter the climate, but we can take dozens of actions to mitigate the increased risk we face.

- Pete Scobby of Newport

Such a caring community

As the wild fires raged around Spokane, the monastic community at Sravasti Abbey wanted to find a way to support the families that had lost everything.

The Interfaith community in Spokane sent a number of helpful links to call that were receiving items of various kinds and it was heartening to see how quickly the support came together a day after the fires started.

The Abbey chose three organizations: Second Harvest accepting nonperishables, Spokanimal accepting food for pets and Project Beauty Share accepting toiletries and personal care products for firefighters.

What was so inspiring when we called them was their sharing on how overwhelming the support from people all over the region and beyond for the families and support teams. They felt blessed to be a part of a community coming together to provide such generosity on so many levels to care and provide for those suffering right now.

It just shows that we have loving kindness at the center of our hearts and despite whatever the media amplifies how much we are divided, times like this remind us that we all want happiness and safety, not just for ourselves but for each other, and we will do what we can to make that happen.

- Thubten Semkye of Newport

Rebuilding a life

With the recent fires in the Spokane area, it’s easy to focus on local fires and forget the devastation there.

Hundreds have lost their homes. These are small communities without the resources of a large urban area.

So many are looking to rebuild their lives, and we want to help.

Imagine living in a room or apartment with few possessions. Food is important, but cooking requires pans, dishes are needed to serve, utensils to eat. Mops, brooms, vacuums are items taken for granted, also bedding and linens. Storage containers help while living in confined spaces.

After the Oregon Road fire, a group of neighbors selected a location to accept donations of tools to distribute to fire victims. Imagine reaching for a hammer or a screwdriver, only to discover you have none. Donations included household items, rakes, shovels, hoses, weed eaters, mowers, as well as chainsaws, table saws, drills, bits, planers, even compressors.

Perhaps your group, church or other organization could collect games, toys, sports equipment; balls, golf clubs, racquets or craft supplies; yarn, beading, fabric, even sewing machines.

Animals are also stressed by disaster, in unfamiliar surroundings without their favorite blankets, toys and beds.

Find donation drop offs online and the type of donations requested.

Please help.

- Bon Wakabayashi of Elk

Consider SAVE

In response to “SAVE Act introduces roadblocks to citizens”.

A significant majority of Americans support voter identification measures, with polls showing 77% to 84% favor voter ID, including 62% of Democrats.

The Act doesn’t require you to register at an Elections Office. It describes “any method” of voter registration per state. Obviously, the writer didn’t read the act. Washington State has requirements and timelines for name changes at the DMV for IDs, where they can register to vote with those same documents at the same time. They also confirm the information is correct before processing.

A responsible adult would still have the necessary documents for a name change before the Act’s enactment.

In response to “How are you helping freedom?”

We were crawling out of the GD in the 1930s with the New Deal programs.

Boeing built over 98,000 aircraft, including troop transports, not just bombers. Ford built the B-24 bomber, while North American Aviation built the B-25 bomber. Dupont assisted in manufacturing enriched uranium and plutonium for the atomic bomb, but they didn’t manufacture the bomb.

I am proud to be an American citizen and aim to combat misinformation by conducting unbiased research that helps people make informed decisions.

- Renee Webster of Newport

People should never be a means to an end

In response to Miss Maureen Paterson (Letters, Aug. 19, 2026 issue of The Miner).

You suggest that the men listed in your letter are great American heroes. I can only assume this is all in support and glorification of the current war in Iran.

Your inclusion of Pier Dupont, of atom bomb fame, suggests that this was a great tool for freedom. Yet no repercussions of the use of said bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945 are ever discussed.

You fail to mention the 80,000 people instantly killed — those whose remains were nothing but a shadow at the center of that bomb.

You do not include the 140,000 people, including children, who died terrible deaths from the aftermath of the bombing. Perhaps, in your mind, such a thing is merely a byproduct for the endless fight for freedom.

Perhaps your letter suggests we should do the same to the people of Gaza. And I ask — what would we gain? Are the lives of innocents, thousands upon thousands, a worthy sacrifice? The people of Iran, of Palestine, of Gaza, are the same as you and me. May you be blessed with freedom of reflection. Perhaps you’ll come to understand that people should never be a means to an end.

- Brianna Williamson of Newport Community comes together

We would like to thank the community for the support of the potato bar for Eric and Mellany Rodgers. We are blessed to see this community come together for a very loving and great couple.

- The Care Team: Carol Becks, Nancy Gunderson, Marjie Miller of Cusick

Pend Oreille County Fair 2026

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:14 -0700

Goats, rabbits, fruits and vegetables, sheep and cows were just some of the hundreds of exhibits on display at the 2026 Pend Oreille County Fair, held from Thursday, Aug. 20 to Sunday, Aug. 23.

Here is a look at the annual event’s opening day last week.

Miner photos by Gabrielle Feliciano.

(Below) Competitors and judge alike smile during the goat fitting, showing and conformation.

(Above) Fairgoers viewing vegetable exhibits entered by adults.

(Above) Judge Presley Willis and a volunteer weighing rabbits.

(Left) Raelynn Reedy of 48 North 4-H grooming her sheep, Splotchy.

Bonner County Fair 2026

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:13 -0700

Kids and adults alike took to the Bonner County Fair and Rodeo grounds last week from Aug. 19–22 in celebration of the theme, Independence and Farmers’ Descendants. There were contests, a rodeo, the annual fat stock sale, vendors and, of course, entries galore.

Miner photos by Sophia Aldous.

(Above) Victoria Baker (left) and Violet Hamann of Beaver Creek Critters 4-H Club sit with their beef steers.

(Above) Hanna Beard with her rabbit, Toffee.

(Above) Reese Erickson of Golden Grouse 4-H Club cools down her pig, Barley.

(Left) John Dana (right) and Mak Johnson of the Panhandle Antique Tractor and Engine Club get an engine up and running among the collection.

POLICE REPORTS

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:12 -0700

EDITOR’S NOTE: The police reports, taken from dispatch logs provided to The Miner by law enforcement agencies, are not intended to be an exact report, but rather a comprehensive list of police calls in Pend Oreille and West Bonner counties. Dispatch also fields calls for the Kalispel Tribe’s property in Airway Heights. Certain police calls are generally omitted because of space constraints. These include, but aren’t limited to ambulance calls for illness, unfounded alarms, traffic stops, dogs at large, abandoned vehicles, 911 hang–ups and civil standbys. All dispositions for the police reports are assumed to be active, assists or transfers at press time.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

MONDAY, AUG. 17

DISTURBANCE: Buffalo Lane, Cusick, report of sons fighting with each other, complainant could just hear screaming and yelling.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Sullivan Creek Rd., Metaline Falls, report that at about 4 a.m., complainant saw male on blue gas scooter with crate on back going up the road, passed their place; he was yelling and talking to himself.

ILLEGAL BURNING: Veit Rd. & Hilltop Rd., Newport, report that subject was burning slash or yard debris pile in area.

INMATE TRANSPORT: S. Garden Ave., Newport

THEFT: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report of money stolen from card.

SEX OFFENSE: Lenora Dr., Usk, report that male exposed himself to complainant.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Lehigh Hill Rd., report that subject in beat-up black SUV broke down and had been going around begging for gas.

ASSAULT: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report of assault between two inmates.

LITTERING: Pease Rd., Usk, report of household garbage dumped on road.

BUGLARY: Happy Trails Lane, Newport, report that subjects who were working around yard broke into residence and took medications, money, two weedeaters and more.

JUVENILE PROBLEM: Pow Wow Park, Cusick

ILLEGAL BURNING: Boat Launch Rd., report that someone had campfire.

TUESDAY, AUG. 18

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Horseshoe Lake Rd., report that complainant heard what she thought were gunshots, from passenger side of vehicle that drove by toward dead end.

THEFT: Sacheen Terrace Dr., Newport, report that 17-year-old son took truck without permission, complainant wanted to report it stolen.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: W. Walnut St., Newport, report of female standing outside by fuel pump, yelling and scaring customers.

THEFT: Deer Valley Rd., Newport, report that someone passed no-trespassing signs, dumped a bunch of debris on property and stole heavy-duty chain.

INMATE TRANSPORT: S. Garden Ave., Newport

MALICIOUS MISCHIEF: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report of someone flinging white paint on complainant’s car.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE: Lehigh Hill Rd., Metaline Falls

THREATENING: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report that male involved in court case made threats in hallway.

DISTURBANCE: Pow Wow Park, Cusick, report of parents having issue with child at dump.

SMOKE: Balcom Rd., Newport, report of white smoke cloud east of Balcom Road, up on hill.

BURGLARY: Fertile Valley Rd., Newport, report that sometime since last week, property was ransacked.

FRAUD: Laurelhurst Dr., Newport, report that complainant believed someone took out credit card in her name.

BOOK & RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport, Leticia Rosas Smothers, 40, of Mount Vernon was booked and released for second-degree driving with license suspended or revoked.

INMATE TRANSPORT: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report of transport one male.

ERRATIC DRIVER: Hwy. 2 & Scotia Rd., Newport, report that gold Tahoe was driving erratically and ran stop sign, was speeding going toward Newport.

COLLISION: Hwy. 2, Newport, report that subject went off highway, dark gray truck.

TRESPASSING: Mcinnis St., Ione, report that known male subject stopped by complainant’s house; she gave him food but he was still in driveway mad because she did not let him stay there.

COLLISION: Hwy. 211, report from numerous complainants that vehicle went off roadway, was all over the roadway prior.

THEFT: Hwy. 20, Usk, report that vehicle was just stolen, 1972 Ford Highboy pickup without motor, vehicle was put on trailer.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19

DECEASED PERSON: Lenora Dr., Usk

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Hwy. 2, Newport, report of female loitering.

TRESPASSING: Little Tacoma Creek Rd., report that there were squatters living in warming hut.

FIRE: Smiley Lane, Newport, report of house fire, complainant unsure if anyone was inside.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Coyote Trail, Newport, report of pills in baggie in complainant’s mailbox.

NOISE COMPLAINT: Sacheen Terrace Dr., Sacheen Lake, report of neighbor playing loud music.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: W. Walnut St., Newport, report that male subject was looking in vehicles.

DRUGS: LeClerc Rd. N.

POSSIBLE DUI: Hwy. 2, Newport DISORDERLY CONDUCT: S. Washington Ave., Newport, report of intoxicated lady dancing with her clothes off.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: W. 4th St., Newport, report of dog running toward town.

ARREST: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, Jordin Mathew Opp, 33, of Newport was arrested for failing to appear and a Department of Corrections detainer.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20

BURGLARY: Fertile Valley Rd., Newport, report that gate was open at property.

ANIMAL NOISE: LeClerc Rd. S., Newport, report of dog barking, ongoing issue.

MALICIOUS MISCHIEF: Westside Calispel Rd., report of damage to vehicle.

THREATENING: W. 2nd St., Newport, report of ex making threats via text.

THEFT: Hwy. 20 THEFT: S. Washington Ave., Newport, report of debit card stolen.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: W.

Pine St., Newport, report of cat left in crate in shopping cart for at least two hours.

TRESPASSING: Deeter Rd., Newport, report that subject was at residence going through things.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: N.

Spokane Ave., Newport, report that subjects tried to open door.

RUNAWAY JUVENILE: Thompson Rd., report that son ran away from Spokane.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Shadows Dr.

N., Cusick, report that dog came and killed one of complainant’s chickens.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE: Hwy. 2, report that complainant heard someone yelling from vehicle, sounded like male.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21

THEFT: Graham Rd., Cusick, report of stolen credit card and iPhone.

AGENCY ASSIST: N. Spokane Ave., Newport

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Baker Lake Rd., Newport, report of blue hatchback vehicle parked by Davis Lake Grange, changing clothes in public, two females and one male.

WEAPON OFFENSE: Hwy. 20, report that subject was threatening to shoot people and animals, complainant stated he had a possible .22 or .9 mm.

ARREST: Newport, Timothy Michael Crawford, 29, of Usk was arrested for fourth-degree assault domestic violence.

SATURDAY, AUG. 22

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Hwy. 2, Newport, report of possible break-in.

SMOKE: Granite Loop, Newport, report of strong smell of burning plastic in area.

FISH & GAME: Hwy. 20 & Lilac Lane, Newport, report of cougar crossing highway.

TRESPASSING: Fertile Valley Rd., Newport, report that neighbors kept coming onto complainant’s property to move sprinklers.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: N.

Union Ave., Newport, report that man backed up to gate when complainant saw it, he sped away.

FIRE: Hwy. 20, Newport, report of one vehicle in ditch on fire, all subjects out.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: S. Scott Ave., Newport, report of two dogs running loose that chased cat.

TRAFFIC OFFENSE: LeClerc Rd. S., report that while complainant and his wife were driving their side-byside, a jacked-up black pickup truck with huge tires and tinted windows swerved into their lane.

BOOK & RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport, Savannah Raeanne Wylie, 39, of Newport was booked and released for third-degree driving with license suspended or revoked and trip permit violation.

TRESPASSING: Fristad Rd., Cusick, report that subject came onto complainant’s property with “no trespassing” posted, was told to leave and started cussing at complainant.

ILLEGAL BURNING: Tacoma Creek Rd., Cusick, report of subjects camping and having campfire.

MISSING PERSON: Quail Loop, Newport, report that complainant wanted to report her husband missing.

SUNDAY, AUG. 23

SMOKE: Hwy. 20, Cusick, report that complainant was at Kalispel Casino looking west toward Calispel Peak and could see gray smoke, could not narrow it down further.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Spring Valley Rd. & Scotia Rd., Newport, report of two dogs running loose.

TRESPASSING: Fair View Rd., Elk, report of issue with someone trespassing on property, was not there now.

FIRE: Hwy. 31, report of fire underneath power pole, water was being put on it, five by 10.

ANIMAL CRUELTY: Steamboat Meadows Lane, Newport, report of possible puppy mill.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Hillcrest Lane, Newport, report that family member damaged vehicle.

JUVENILE PROBLEM: Pow Wow Park, Cusick

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: N.

Washington Ave., Newport

WEST BONNER COUNTY

MONDAY, AUG. 17

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Summit Blvd., Priest River

MARINE INCIDENT: W. Priest Lake Shore, Priest Lake

TUESDAY, AUG. 18

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Hwy. 57, Priest River, report of agency assist.

UNATTENDED DEATH: Hwy. 2, Priest River, report of agency assist.

STRUCTURE FIRE: Peninsula Rd., Priest River

UNKNOWN-INJURY ACCIDENT: Hwy. 2, Priest River

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: Franklin St., Priest River, report of plants and weeds.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: S. Treat St., Priest River, report of plants and weeds.

HUNTING & FISHING VIOLATIONS: Mathews Ridge Dr., Priest

River

THURSDAY, AUG. 20

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 41 & Stone Rd., Blanchard

CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER VIOLATION: James Ave., Priest River

AGENCY ASSIST: Spring Valley Rd., Newport

FRIDAY, AUG. 21

NO REPORTABLE INCIDENTS.

SATURDAY, AUG. 22

NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: E. 3rd St. S., Oldtown

INJURY ACCIDENT: Albeni Cove Rd., Oldtown

SUNDAY, AUG. 23

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 41, Spirit Lake

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Hwy. 41 & Nagel Rd., Oldtown

Sravasti Abbey hosts local classes

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:10 -0700

NEWPORT — Coming up at the Sravasti Abbey there are several classes and events open to the public, including weekly classes in Newport on Tuesdays and in Spokane on Wednesdays. A Labor Day retreat and upcoming Dharma Days are also on the schedule. For more information on each event, go to www.sravastiabbey.org.

Labor Day Retreat: The Five Forces: Practices for a Lifetime are Friday: Monday, Sept. 4–7, at the Sravasti Abbey, 692 Country Lane in Newport.

What does it mean to practice the Dharma? It’s about transforming one’s mind. Join Venerable Thubten Chodron and the Abbey monastics over Labor Day weekend to learn more and practice these valuable steps toward taming our crazy minds and growing our bodhicitta and wisdom. The Five Forces are practices from Kadampa Geshe Chekawa’s 'Seven Point Thought Training,' an important Tibetan text outlining the 'lojong' (thought training) teachings. Arrive by 3 p.m. on Friday and depart after lunch on Monday.

Sharing the Dharma Day: Coming up Sundays, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sravasti Abbey, join the Buddhist nuns and monks for Sharing the Dharma Day. It’s a day-long event for newcomers and old friends to explore Buddha’s teachings to develop peaceful hearts and minds. The day includes a guided meditation, teaching on the topic of the day, vegetarian potluck and facilitated discussion. Topics come from the book “Working With Anger” by Sravasti Abbey founder and abbess Ven. Thubten Chodron. No experience required. All are welcomed.

Compassion Every Day: This class is every Tuesday through Nov. 17, 6:30–8 p.m. in the Pend Oreille Public Utility District Conference Room. Use the side door off Pine Street, 130 N. Washington Ave. in Newport.

Join Buddhist nuns from Sravasti Abbey to learn practical ways to bring compassion into everyday life. People from all backgrounds can apply these tools to hone good human values and cultivate joy and resilience in challenging times. Discussions are based on the book “An Open-Hearted Life” co-written by Sravasti Abbey founder and Abbess Thubten Chodron and Eastern Washington University Professor and Clinical Psychologist Russell Kolts. No registration necessary. All are welcomed.

Beginning Buddhism: This class is Wednesdays through Dec. 2, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Spokane Buddhist Temple, on the lower level. Enter through the basement door on Perry Street, 927 S. Perry St.

Join nuns from Sravasti Abbey Buddhist monastery in a weekly class to explore the Buddhist worldview, based on the ethics of non-harming and calming the heart-mind. The class includes teachings, guided meditation and discussion. No prior experience or registration is required; just bring an open and curious mind. No registration necessary.

BRIEFLY Reading the Lower Priest Riverscape

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:09 -0700

PRIEST RIVER — Selkirk Alliance for Science invites the public to learn how scientists analyze land features to infer past, current and future river or floodplain formations.

Eric Berntsen, Water, Habitat, and Environment Program Manager for the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, will describe his study of historical maps and current topography for the Lower Priest River to provide context for future land management decisions.

This 30-minute SAS Power of Science presentation is 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at a meeting of the Priest River Watershed Group in the West Bonner Library, 118 Main St., Priest River. Additional supporters include the Kalispel Natural Resource Department, Responsible Growth Northeast Washington, Create Arts and Community Center and PRWG.

Attendance is free to everyone.

Free book program restored for 40,000 kids

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Imagination Library of Washington recently received two new grants that will help restore Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free age-appropriate books each month to Washington children from birth to age five.

Commitments from the Roots & Wings Foundation and The JTMF Foundation will stabilize ILWA’s 50% book-cost match that supports local program partners and enables the program to restore service in paused communities as quickly as possible.

Together, these commitments provide critical immediate support while creating a stronger foundation for statewide program stability.

“This extraordinary support will help thousands of Washington children once again receive a new book in the mail each month,” said Brooke Fisher-Clark, Imagination Library of Washington executive director.

The combined support is expected to ultimately restore access for approximately 40,000 children and return the program to full statewide coverage. Once restoration is complete, total statewide enrollment is expected to exceed 100,000 children.

Roots & Wings committed $3 million to ILWA to support program stability over the next two years. During the current fiscal year, that investment will work alongside a significant tiered contribution from The JTMF Foundation to support the 50% book-cost match, helping local program partners maintain existing service and restore service in paused communities.

These commitments build upon additional private philanthropic support received during the funding gap, which helped ILWA maintain operations and prepare to restore service.

ILWA has begun reactivating service in communities where local program partners are ready to resume operations. The organization is also actively recruiting and onboarding new nonprofit partners in regions that currently lack a local program partner. Restoration timing will vary by community.

“We are deeply grateful to Roots & Wings Foundation and The JTMF Foundation for helping restore service and stabilize the book-cost match our local partners depend on,” Fisher-Clark said. “Their investments provide critical stability now, but renewed public funding remains vital to sustaining statewide access for Washington children over the long term.”

For more information, go to www.imaginationlibrarywashington. org.

The Newport Friends of The Library supports the program; find out more at www.pocld.org/friends-ofthe- library.

Emotional Equity

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:08 -0700

Thinking of what to write about then suddenly it came to me, I wanted to understand more of the term emotional equity. When I first heard the expression, I was not sure what it meant, So, I looked it up and read the explanation in print. When you have a friend or colleague in who’s opinion you do respect, And have built a deep connection through ideas on which to reflect. Emotional intellect to empower difficult conversations with empathy, And ensuring someone’s thoughts are respected whatever is said to me. Emotional equity develops relationship of mutual trust and admiration, It makes the road of life much smoother no matter your destination. The path you travel can be rough or smooth and relationships the same, Go through life with emotional equity, in the end there will be no shame.

- Kevin Hunt

New year, new coats

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:07 -0700

Hot Dogs fund flags

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:06 -0700

Calling All Poets

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:05 -0700

Would you like to share your poetry with The Miner Newspapers? Email typed poems to minernews@povn.com no later than 5 p.m. on Fridays for possible inclusion in the following week’s newspaper.

Magical Moments Without the Hassle

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:04 -0700

3 Parenting Hacks to Help Make Summer Memorable

FEATURE IMPACT M agical summer moments – road trips, pool days and warm evenings in the backyard – don’t happen by accident.

In fact, making that magic happen may feel like hard work for parents, according to a survey of American parents commissioned by Borden Cheese that discovered the pressure on adults during the summer months is higher than ever. Between scheduling activities, packing endless meals and keeping the family happy, the pressure to create memorable summer moments can quickly drain all the fun out of it.

A majority of respondents (72%) feel summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations, while 89% of that group said it’s important for their children to experience simple summers.

“Summer is the time for enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, endless day time and quality time with family and friends,” said Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily hustle, we forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Borden Cheese wants to help parents drop the high expectations, embrace a little bit of the mess and remember how good a simple, relaxed summer can feel.”

It’s clear parents are looking for more relaxing summer breaks, both for their children and themselves. Reclaiming family time can start with hacks that simplify summers, a tactic 81% of parents surveyed said they plan to use. Consider these top suggestions from respondents.

Allow More Flexibility with Children’s Routines

Summer offers a welcome break from the rigid schedules of the school year, and nearly half of respondents (45%) are embracing that opportunity by allowing more flexibility in their children’s routines. This might include later bedtimes, slower mornings or less structured playtime, giving families more room to explore, be creative and enjoy spontaneous adventures – the type that many parents remember from their own childhoods.

Prioritize Fun Over Perfection

The pressure to create a picture-perfect summer can become overwhelming. Instead of striving for elaborate vacations or curated calendars, 39% of parents said they plan to be more lenient with the expectations they place on themselves. This “fun over perfection” mindset allows families to focus on connection as parents spend less time worrying about details and more time enjoying simple pleasures from picnics and pool time to game nights at home.

Plan Simpler Meals

One-third of respondents plan to make simpler meals a regular part of their menu, and the majority of parents (84%) said they rely on quick, reliable meal and snack solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps and simple cheese and cracker boards at least once per week during summer months. That’s why Borden Cheese Individually Wrapped Singles are unwrapping the simple, stress-free summer that parents need with family-friendly recipes, easy meal hacks and nostalgia-inducing weekly giveaways designed to give them a well-deserved break. For example, these Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders can feel a little “extra” without all the extra work. Beware: They’ll disappear fast. So relax your expectations, embrace the mess and make space for real, carefree fun again. Visit BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun to find more easy, cheesy meal ideas and learn how to participate in weekly giveaways.

A How-To Guide for Deep Cleaning Your Grill

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:03 -0700

(Family Features) A clean grill can enhance the flavor of your food, making regular grill maintenance an essential part of your outdoor cooking routine.

Grills, especially those exposed to the elements, can accumulate dirt, rust and food residue that can affect performance and safety. Plus, residual char and grease can impart unwanted flavors and even lead to flare-ups.

Once you’ve gathered the right tools – a sturdy grill brush with stainless steel bristles, a scraper, a bucket of soapy water, microfiber cloths and grill cleaner or degreaser – consult this step-by-step guide to keep your grill in pristine condition, ensuring delicious meals every time.

Preheat the grill for 15 minutes to loosen any stuckon residue then turn it off and let it cool slightly.

Ensure the gas supply is turned off before cleaning. Remove the grates and scrub them thoroughly with a grill brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry.

Clean burners by wiping them with a damp cloth. Scrape the inside of the grill to remove any debris and use a vacuum to collect loose dirt and ash.

Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a microfiber cloth and grill cleaner.

Reassemble the grill once all parts are dry and give it a final wipe down.

In between deep cleanings, remember to clean your grill grates immediately after cooking while they are still warm to remove food particles and grease. Find more tips for the grill and beyond at eLivingtoday.com.

Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:02 -0700

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8-10 minutes Servings: 4 (2 sliders per serving)

1 pound ground beef 4 slices Borden American Melts, quartered 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon steakhouse seasoning 8 slider buns, toasted Toppings (optional): burger sauce caramelized onions pickle chips

Preheat grill or skillet to medium heat.

Divide beef into 16 balls and flatten into approximately 3-inch patties.

Place two cheese squares and onions on eight patties then top with remaining patties and press together. Season with steakhouse seasoning.

Cook sliders 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Place on buns and add burger sauce, caramelized onions and pickle chips, as desired. Serve warm.

Newport plans to level BMX track

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:20 -0700

NEWPORT — The City of Newport is planning to level the bicycle motocross track to make way for another parking lot.

A few months ago, the Pend Oreille Little League raised concerns about horses damaging the field by the Newport Rodeo Grounds during rodeo events. That field is utilized by the POLL, which plays both baseball and softball.

The parking lot, to be accessible through Garden Avenue, First Street or Fifth Street, may prevent additional damage to the field.

“Right now, they just park and have the horses tied to the trailers,” city administrator Abby Gribi said at the Newport City Council’s Monday, Aug. 17 meeting. “And so, some of [the horses] paw at the ground, and that’s the damage that’s being seen in the outfield.”

The BMX track was established years ago by Spokane Community College’s Newport location, an effort headed by the Rotary Club and Boy Scouts, council member Mark Zorica said. Their target demographic has since phased out, causing the BMX track to go underutilized.

Council member Nathan Weathers, who attended a meeting between the city, Newport Rodeo Association and POLL, suggested a BMX track be incorporated into future developments on the South Bench or other areas of Newport.

“Parking is a premium,” Weathers said. “And so, we look at the whole city property that we own there, and it would be advantageous to have some more parking.”

The council unanimously motioned to amend the city’s agreement with the Newport Rodeo Association, create a new agreement with the POLL and bring forward a proposal to level the BMX track.

Later in the meeting, the council unanimously approved two resolutions proposed by newcomer council member Mark Collins.

The first resolution established a public policy and procedure register that will make policies, procedures, manuals and plans, as well as any associated reviews or updates, further available to the public. The register will be viewable at the city clerk’s office and on the city website, newport-wa.org.

“This was something that was brought forward by council member Collins and a way to continue to increase transparency as we update policies,” Gribi said.

The second resolution established a monthly policy workshop as a regular council meeting, on a pilot basis through April 2027. These workshops will serve as venues for the review, discussion and development of policies, procedures manuals and plans, streamlining regular council meetings and reducing ad hoc demands of city staff, Collins said.

No action will be taken during these workshops. While the council can allow public comment at each workshop, it will not be a requirement.

The council agreed to skip the workshops in November and December due to the holiday season.

“In our regular meetings, we should just discuss what we want to work on in our workshop,” Collins said at the meeting.

“That way, we’re just knowing going into that and stick to that subject during that workshop meeting.”

Lastly, Gribi introduced the council to a 2027 budget timeline prepared by city clerk-treasurer Theresa Schoener.

The timeline begins in early September with a council meeting and some advertisement for a Monday, Sept. 21 public hearing, then ends in December with budget finalization and adoption.

This comes almost a year after the 2026 budget adoption was delayed due to reservations surrounding the water-sewer rate increase, resulting in city staff working to adjust the budget right before deadline.

Weathers thanked Schoener for the 2027 budget timeline.

“That was an eye-opener for me, realizing how much the state mandates that we have to have certain things ready at a certain time,” Weathers said. “And that has time implications on all of us and the staff.”

In other business, the city has selected a location for the life-sized bear statue: toward the front of T.J. Kelly Park to the right of a tree.

The statue has been commissioned from Kalispel Metal Products by the Newport Creative District via a Washington State Arts Commission grant.

‘Don’t have the means to fight it’: A look at the aquatic plant causing plenty of headaches

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:19 -0700

EDITOR’S NOTE: Republished from the Spokesman-Review ‘s Aug. 17 edition.

Along the surface of many lakes, golf course ponds and rivers in Washington is a thick mat of deceivingly strong weeds.

Known as watermilfoil, the plant is a nuisance for boaters, anglers and property owners who dread getting their propellers stuck in the featherlike leaves. Its rapid growth blocks out sunlight and kills off native aquatic plants that fish and other species depend upon for survival.

Shawn Ultican, an aquatic pesticide permitting specialist with the Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Program, said some native types of milfoil form an important part of aquatic ecosystems, but the invasive species, such as Eurasian milfoil and variable leaf milfoil, disrupt natural environments in numerous ways.

“They tend to grow pretty aggressively, much more so than the native plants, and then they can clog up swimming areas,” Ultican said.

Invasive watermilfoil tends to grow closer to shore and in shallow water where they have access to sunlight. They also have negative impacts on the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.

“They can cause the water to be more stagnant and to warm up more,” Ultican said. “Warmer water carries less oxygen than colder water.”

Without enough dissolved oxygen in the water, plant and animal species can die off and algae blooms can proliferate and turn lakes into an unhealthy and unsavory shade of green. Given that invasive milfoil blocks out sunlight, ruins recreational opportunities, and outcompetes native aquatic plants, there’s a strong desire among regular people who live next to waterways and government entities to eradicate the plant.

Thurman Johnson, a noxious weed and stewardship specialist with Spokane County’s Noxious Weed Control Board, said the Eurasian milfoil is so ubiquitous, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of.

“We do not currently conduct any treatments for Eurasian watermilfoil,” Johnson said. “So, our role, as it pertains to Eurasian watermilfoil and any nonregulated noxious weeds, is purely advisory and supportive. People can come to us and ask us for assistance in identifying that plant and differentiating it from the native watermilfoil.”

Watermilfoils primarily reproduce through a process known as fragmentation. Even the most miniscule piece separated from the rest of a plant can float, sink to the bottom of a waterway, and rapidly grow roots to form a new colony. This means that certain methods of removal, like sending divers down to pull out the weed, are largely ineffective.

Johnson said that some sort of screen or fine netting could be used to pick up the little pieces, but only in select cases.

“That’s why people tend to use a chemical herbicide to control it,” Ultican said. “Fortunately, the chemical herbicides have evolved over the years, and there are some products now that are really specific to milfoils and have a very low risk of harming other aquatic plants when they’re used.”

More recently, Johnson said there’s been growing interest in a chemical known as florpyrauxifen- benzyl.

That chemical is a systemic herbicide, meaning it’s absorbed through leaves or roots and travels through the plant to kill the entire organism.

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is also selective for milfoil, won’t harm most of the native aquatic plants in a given area and requires less application then most other herbicides.

Since government entities, like the Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board and the Department of Ecology, rarely do their own treatment for milfoil, it’s up to businesses, like AquaTechnex, to do that work.

Terry McNabb, the owner of AquaTechnex since 1972, said ProcellaCOR is their primary tool for fighting milfoil.

And the main ingredient within ProcellaCOR is florpyrauxifen-benzyl.

“Dissolved oxygen and temperature inside these (weed) beds is degraded significantly,” McNabb said via email. “The Columbia River is heavily impacted by this invasive plant in this manner and salmon are impacted.”

“Water temperatures inside these weed beds can be 20 degrees warmer than the main channel,” he continued.

“And at levels fatal to young salmon, they end up concentrated on the outside edge of the plant beds where they are susceptible to significant predation as they migrate to the ocean. These beds are also a threat to swimmers. There are a number of drowning deaths each year as people become tangled.”

McNabb said Procella-COR is applied under a permit from the Washington Department of Ecology or the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

North of Spokane, Lyndsie Halcro with the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Board, said milfoil has spread through the river so fast that they “don’t have the means to fight it.”

They do, however, offer equipment rentals and send invoices to licensed pesticide appliers who want to use the permit they have – which costs about $500 a year – through the Department of Ecology.

Johnson said numerous herbicide options other than ProcellaCOR can control watermilfoil. One chemical – 2,4-D – is still used frequently, as is an aquatic formulation of triclopyr, which is a treatment primarily used to target woody and broadleaf plants.

Since government agencies have largely taken a hands-off approach to combating milfoil, it’s often up to lake groups and residents to deal with the invasive plant.

“Waterfront property owners are concerned about whether their beach is safe for their children or grandchildren to swim,” Ultican said. “They’re concerned about entanglement.

They are concerned about recreational access, watercraft, or being able to use the area around their docks. So I think it could have an impact on property values because of that perception.”

Your county fairs are here

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:18 -0700

NEWPORT – It’s fair week in the Pend Oreille River Valley with the Pend Oreille County Fair and Rodeo Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 20-23 in Cusick and the Bonner County Fair and Rodeo Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 18-22 in Sandpoint. From beef, baked goods, fine arts, hamsters, beer, and almost everything in between, there are hundreds of exhibits from community members showcasing their skills. Don’t forget food, craft and other vendors that will fill both fairgrounds for the rest of the week.

Starting with the Pend Oreille County Fair, this year’s theme is Country Pride, County Wide with colors of red-white and blue. The Market Animal Live Auction where people have a chance to purchase livestock and support youth is Saturday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. The open rodeo is Friday- Saturday, Aug. 21-22 at 7 p.m. There will also be mutton bustin’, a car show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and music and dancing. Local high school chapters of Future Farmers of AMERICA (FFA), including Cusick, Newport and Riverside will be selling brisket, pulled pork, beans, coleslaw and sweet corn. All monies made from the barbecue go back to support FFA programs. Food is available at noon and goes while supplies last.

Drop by the Pend Oreille County Public Works booth for Conversations with a Commissioner where county commissioners will be on hand for people to ask questions and learn what’s happening around the county. Robert Rosencrantz will be at the booth Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by John Gentle from 5-9 p.m. Gentle returns on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fair hours are Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fair and rodeo admission is sold separately. All ticket sales are cash only. Cost for adults is $10, youth ages 6-17 is $5 and children five and under get in free.

For more information about events, exhibits and how to sign up for the car show or mutton bustin’, go to www. pocfair.com. To enter the open rodeo, call or text 509-3898403. Entries are $80 cash.

For those headed to the Bonner County Fair and Rodeo just over the state line, the theme is Independence and Farmers’ Descendants, Aug. 18-22. Fair admission is free, and parking is $7 for a weeklong pass.

Like its Washington neighbor, there is no shortage of activities and events at the Bonner County Fair to check out during the week, including the Bonner County Brawl demolition derby on Saturday, bronc riding, World’s Smallest Rodeo, stock dog show, and more.

Some of the contests for the public to partake in are an ice cream eating contest, a beard, mustache and mullet competition and others.

Food, gardening, fine arts, artisan crafts, fishing and outdoors and other subjects too various to list will be on display for people to peruse.

For a full schedule of events, visit bonnercountyfair.com, click on the “Fair Book” link, and follow Bonner County Fairgrounds on social media. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

No commissioners meeting next week

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:17 -0700

NEWPORT – There are no Pend Oreille County Commissioner meetings Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 24-25. There is no commissioners’ meeting Monday, Sept. 7.

For more information about county commissioner meetings, go to www.pendoreille.gov/ board-county-commissioners or call the Clerk of the board at 509-447-4119.

Surplus multi-season elk tags available Aug. 25

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:16 -0700

Multi-season deer tags available Aug. 27

OLYMPIA – Deer and elk hunters who bought a Washington multi-season application this year will have a chance to buy one of 3,137 remaining multi-season deer tags and 187 remaining multi-season elk tags in August.

Remaining multi-season elk tags will go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 25 and will be sold first come, first served. Surplus multi-season elk tags will only be available in-person at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) offices and authorized license dealers.

Remaining multi-season deer tags will go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 and will be sold first come, first served. Surplus multi-season deer tags may be purchased online, over the phone (360-902-2464), or in-person at a WDFW office or authorized license dealer.

“We recommend all Washington hunters select the ‘Find a dealer location’ button on the online licensing system login page to double-check the current list of authorized license dealers before these surplus multi-season tags go on sale, especially if you intend to buy a multi-season elk tag in person. Your nearest license dealer location may have changed compared to last year,” said Jennine Griffo, WDFW licensing division manager.

There is no deadline to purchase surplus multi-season tags, but multi-season elk tags typically sell out quickly.

Multi-season deer tags will remain available to purchase until sold out or until most 2026 Washington deer seasons end, whichever comes first.

Hunters who want to buy a multi-season tag must have purchased a 2026 multi-season application earlier this year.

Hunters who already have a physical 2026 general season transport tag must discard it after purchasing a multi-season tag. A general season tag is no longer valid for someone holding a multi-season tag. Unlike in years past, WDFW is not asking multi-season hunters to return their physical general season tag(s) to a WDFW office or license dealer location.

“If you’re a mobile licensing customer who already has a general season tag, you don’t need to take any action after buying a multi-season tag. Your mobile general season transport tag(s) is no longer valid after purchasing your mobile multi-season tag(s),” Griffo explained.

Multi-season deer tags cost $191.77 and multi-season elk tags cost $250.97. Tag costs are the same for residents and non-residents. Hunters with multi-season tags can hunt all three weapon choices (modern firearm, muzzleloader, and archery), season permitting.

Learn more about Washington multi-season hunting opportunities on WDFW’s website.

Game wardens investigating illegal killing of bear

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:15 -0700

CUSICK – Washington game wardens are investigating the illegal killing of a black bear in Pend Oreille County. The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s police arm announced on social media late last week that the agency received a report on July 12 of the dead bear, which was found dumped along Trimble Creek and Jewel Road near Conger Lake.

The carcass was missing its paws and head.

WDFW officers believe it was dumped on or around July 10.

WDFW Enforcement is asking anyone with information about the incident to call 877-933-9847 or text 847411. Information can also be submitted online through WDFW’s website.

Those who provide information leading to an arrest might be eligible for a cash reward or bonus points for hunting applications.

What can you do for your county? Volunteer

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:14 -0700

NEWPORT – Those Pend Oreille County residents wanting to be involved in the county’s inner workings now have a chance.

Several positions are open on four of the county’s volunteer boards, listed below. If interested in applying, informational statements are available at www.pendoreille.gov/ board-county-commissioners/ page/volunteer or at the Commissioners’ Office, 625 W. 4th St., PO Box 5025, Newport, WA 99156. Send a letter of interest along with an Informational Statement to the address listed above.

Applicants can also email the above to the Commissioners’ Clerk of the Board at czieske@pendoreille.gov. For additional information, call 509-447-4119.

The Library District Board of Trustees has one opening. The Board of Trustees is the policy-making body of Pend Oreille County Library District.

District administration is delegated to the director, who serves at the pleasure of the Board. The board meets every fourth Thursday at 4 p.m. Website is www.pocld.org. Member terms are five-years.

Trustees are limited to two consecutive terms.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has one opening, for an at large member. Applicants should have an interest in recreational user groups including one or more of the following: Equestrian, Mountain Bike, OHV, Hiking, Winter Recreation, Water Sports, Hunting/ Fishing and Wildlife/Scenic Viewing. The board meets monthly to advise Commissioners on matters relating to Parks and Recreation. This 7-member board consists of one appointment from each of the Commissioner districts and four at-large appointments. Member terms are staggered initially, then six years at reappointment.

Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. in County Commissioners’ Meeting Room.

The Board of Equalization has an opening for a citizen interested in serving as an alternate member to complete a three-year term expiring Dec. 31. The BOE functions as an appeals board to hear tax assessment appeals and to act as an equalization board.

There is a $100/day stipend per meeting.

The Noxious Weed Control Board has openings in District #2 and #4. This board is charged with the cooperative control and management of noxious weeds, develops and manages Weed Board policy, adopts the county weed list which identifies mandatory weed control, reviews and oversees the annual budget, responds to community inquiries or complaints, and holds public hearings on new weed policy. See website for more information at www.pendoreille. gov/weed-board. Members are appointed from five districts to 4-year terms.

Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Weed Board Office.