Bradley J. Weller, 19, drove off Bead Lake Road near milepost 7.5 while in his car with two friends, resulting in the death of one, Aaron J. Goodman. According to court documents, there was extensive evidence that Weller was intoxicated prior to the collision.

Vehicular homicide is a felony punishable by life imprisonment, a fine of $50,000 or both. Reckless endangerment is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 364 days, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

Pend Oreille County District Court Judge Robin McCroskey set bail at $10,000 during Weller’s first appearance Monday, July 6.

If released, Weller must not leave Washington, contact the other friend involved in the collision, possess or consume any alcohol, enter places where alcohol is served, use or possess any drugs except as prescribed by a physician, commit any criminal law violations or operate a motor vehicle without a valid license and insurance. Weller must also maintain weekly contact with his attorney.

According to court documents, Weller, Goodman and their friend Carter L. Gail had come up Friday, July 3 and camped at Mystic Lake. Saturday, July 4, the three friends were drinking at their campsite while waiting for a fourth friend to arrive. After about three or four hours of waiting, they decided to drive back to town where there was cell service in order to find out what happened to their friend.

While driving to town, Weller drifted his car a couple times, and according to court documents, his friends told him to “do more, do more” drifts. Weller was driving at 25 to 30 miles per hour when he drifted his car again around 4:23 p.m., but this time, his car went too far to the right.

Consequently, Weller oversteered left. According to court documents, his car went nose-first off the embankment and into a tree, causing it to spin, roll and land on its driver’s side.

Weller was wearing his seatbelt, but Goodman and Gail were not, he later stated to law enforcement. During the collision, Gail was thrown backward from the front passenger seat into the backseat, ending up on top of Goodman.

Weller would call authorities, stating that all of them were injured and that Goodman was still in his car, unresponsive. When law enforcement arrived, they met Weller and Gail on the road shoulder and found Weller’s car 20 feet down the embankment, pinned between two trees. Goodman was severely injured, and according to court documents, it took law enforcement at least 30 minutes to extract him from Weller’s car.

Shortly after, Goodman was life-flighted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he died around 7:26 p.m. Gail was also airlifted to Sacred Heart, while Weller was transported to Newport Hospital and Health Services. Following Weller’s release from NHHS, law enforcement booked him for vehicular homicide at the Pend Oreille County jail, according to court documents. The reckless endangerment charge was added last week.

Besides Weller’s statement that he, Gail and Goodman were drinking before the drive, law enforcement observed the smell of intoxicants in Weller’s car, a glass marijuana pipe on the driver’s floorboard and two empty cans of alcoholic beverages at the scene, according to court documents. During on-scene interviews, both Weller and Gail smelled of intoxicants and slurred their words.

Weller’s statement that they were drinking came after he initially told law enforcement he had not drunk any alcohol at all. A Preliminary Breath Test administered to Weller on scene resulted in a score of 0.097.

An omnibus hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, a pre-trial hearing at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 and trial at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5.

At the same time, the board passed a $145,000 budget extension for 2025–2026. This was to accept a $145,000 Career Preparation and Launch grant from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which will fund a driving simulator for use by the Career and Technical Education program.

“It’s a balanced budget,” acting business manager Belynda Best said at the meeting.

Salaries and benefits are 72% of the 2026–2027 general fund spending budget, a 1% increase from 2024– 2025. They make up most of the proposed spending at $16.5 million budgeted, followed by $2.86 million in contracted services and $1.3 million in supplies. The budget capacity remains $2 million.

“Seems like a lot, but learning from Deborah, [72% is] not a horrible percentage to be,” Best said.

Like last year, the district is budgeting for more full-time equivalent staffing than the state is expected to reimburse, including 3 FTEs of counselors, 3.4 of certified administrative staff, 15.16 of classified staff, 2 in technology, 2 in facilities, maintenance, grounds and labor, 0.9 in district administration and 3.1 in district classified staff. Of those, the district expects the state to reimburse 21.62 FTEs.

In contrast, the district is budgeting for 37.3 FTEs of certified instructional staff and 8.05 in the CTE program, which are 1.6 and 0.97 FTEs less than expected from the state.

The levy funds another 17.47 FTEs.

“The classified staff, that is for custodians, secretaries and a portion of the nurse,” Best said. “And then the levy … covers counselors, STEAM teacher, school nurse, KUBS staff, Dean of Students.”

Average salaries from 2026–2027 are $80,164 for certified staff, $118,994 for administrative staff and $57,507 for classified staff. They are projected to increase by 2028–2029 to $84,387, $125,262 and $60,536. To make them competitive, salaries are based on average salaries in the state, Best said.

The state funds the district based on enrollment, with an average of 21 students funding one teacher, Best said. However, the district expects enrollment counts to continue decreasing over the next four years.

Next school year’s budget is based me,” Hulet said. “And it’s under 10 years old, so it’s probably the newest car I’ve ever owned in my life.”

Previously, Hulet drove a Subaru Legacy and a Honda CR-V, the former being from 1996. Neither car could fit all eight members of her household, so they ended up using both at times, resulting in gas and other expenses Hulet struggled to afford on a lower income. Moreover, the cars required repairs as frequently as every month.

“There was always something going on,” Hulet said. “And I need to fix this just so we can keep being able to get to appointments, and I do a lot of nonprofit work.”

Hulet and her family commute to Spokane for medical care, so she was often forced to cancel or reschedule her appointments, posing her an additional medical challenge. Already, Hulet has undergone several surgeries, and she continues to experience back problems that limit her physical activity.

“I don’t want to have to keep canceling appointments,” Hulet said.

After a long time of volunteering for the Cusick Food Bank, Hulet recently transitioned to running the Rapid Food Rescue Program for non-profit organization Innovate Ione.

Her work for Rapid Food Rescue involves collecting food from businesses, restaurants and convenience stores otherwise set to be thrown away, freezing it, then distributing it to homebound seniors in the community. She plans to expand their client base to include any disabled or low-income residents who cannot visit traditional food banks.

“I’m just making sure none of my neighbors go hungry,” Hulet said. She is also organizing the Holiday Smiles Project, which aims to gift stockings to Pend Oreille County children during the holiday season. Before she won the giveaway, Hulet was not always available to deliver food to clients, as neither of her cars were reliable vehicles. Despite that, she said volunteers have distributed upwards of 1,500 pounds of food total since late May or early June.

“Even though she’s sometimes just barely getting by, she’s still out helping everybody else,” Burroughs said.

Burroughs believed Hulet deserved better, writing two pages during the nomination process about her family, needs and contributions to the community.

“It was paid to her, and now she’s paying it forward to others as well,” Burroughs said. “She was already doing that, but this enables her to do it more.”

Now that the van is saving Hulet on expenses, she can afford to pay for other things; on an upcoming trip to Portland, she is taking her grandchildren to the zoo, an activity she said was too expensive beforehand.

Furthermore, the van is not only capable of seating Hulet’s entire household, but of storing coolers and bags for Rapid Food Rescue as well as grain and feed for Hulet’s at-home farm.

Having won the giveaway, Hulet gave her daughter the Subaru Legacy and kept the Honda CR-V as a backup vehicle.

“It’s still kinda overwhelming that I was a recipient of that,” Hulet said.

“And something in my story of what I do or what I need resonated with them, and they showed me.”

“Compared to last year, I think we’re about 25 students down from … June’s enrollment,” Best said, adding that kindergarten enrollment counts still appeared healthy.

Enrollment is projected to increase next year to 875 FTEs, then continue decreasing to 868 by 2029–2030. The district may have to adjust operations as needed to match lower enrollment counts in basic education, Best said.

“An example of this would be looking at staffing levels, which we continue to do,” Best said. “And then we need to stabilize the MSOCs to plan for inflation as much as possible.”

Moreover, the district received cuts in revenue from three sources: $55,887 from Title I, $3,725 from Titles II, IV and V and $24,193 from Child Nutrition. The district will operate under the Community Eligibility Provision of the federal program, which provides free meals for all students.

Other sources provided the same or more revenue, with the district receiving $155,000 more in state support, which comprises 61.77% of the general fund revenue budget at $14,077,977. The levy comprises around 11.13% at $2.54 million, while federal funds comprise 6.24%.

“We’re not gonna get any help legislatively this year with additional funding,” Superintendent Dave Smith said at the meeting.

Spending is proposed to include $9 million in basic education, most of which fund staffing, as well as $2.54 from the levy, $2.61 million in state Special Education funding and $1.22 million in the ALE/Home Link program.

The state is also expected to fund $1.23 million in MSOC, or materials, supplies and operating costs — a $36,527 decrease from last year.

Meanwhile, the district is spending $1.75 million next year on supplies, professional services, travel and capital outlay, using additional funds from the ALE/Home Link program. These support unfunded MSOC expenses such as utilities and liability insurance, both of which have increased since last year. Decreasing enrollment affects MSOC funding as well.

“The district’s using our ALE funding to cover these shortfalls right now,” Best said. “So, if we didn’t have the ALE programs, we’d be having a different conversation today.”

Revenue and spending are expected to decrease to $23.45 million in 2027– 2028, then increase over the next couple school years to $23,77 million in 2029– 2030. The district projects $18,574 in excess spending over revenue in 2027–2028, followed by surpluses of $76,754 in 2028–2029 and $136,005 in 2029–2030.

“The four-year projection, it’s based off of declining enrollment, maintaining all of our current programs and expenditure levels for federal and state programs,” Best said.

Included in the budget is the Implicit Price Deflator pass-through of 2.6%, the inflationary increase. The district still does not receive Local Effort Assistance funds, Best said, but may become eligible in the future.

After the meeting, the board went into a 10-minute executive session.

At the Oldtown City Council’s Monday, July 13 meeting, a resident returned to complain about an ongoing issue with dog-caused disturbances. Her complaint centered on one Oldtown resident, who owned four hound dogs; under municipal codes, he was only allowed two.

“It’s a nightmare, honestly,” said the resident, who asked to remain anonymous, at the meeting. “I want to sell my house and move. But I can’t afford to do that, and I don’t want to.”

In response to prior noise complaints, the owner in question appeared before the council with a petition, stating that two of his four dogs were aging and expected to die soon. As such, the council allowed him to keep all four, with the stipulation that he make them wear anti-bark collars.

The resident told the council that the owner obtained another dog even after the city informed him of its pet ordinance, which was initially established to address puppy mills. Moreover, the anti-bark collars, while effective, deactivate after five minutes of continuous barking, and the dogs have also taken to fighting each other.

“They had to get the sprinkler off and spray the dogs to stop them from fighting,” she said. “And it was just horrible.”

She alleged that the owner occasionally removed the anti-bark collars, that he intimidated at least one resident into signing his petition and that he was the reason why Rathdrum had an ordinance specifically restricting hound dogs.

Law enforcement has been contacted about the issue several times, she said, with no action taken. Mayor Lonnie Orr responded that it was not law enforcement’s highest priority.

“We need to make ourselves aware of exactly what that ordinance says,” council member Susan Jones said at the meeting.

Later in the meeting, the council agreed to double as the city’s Urban Renewal Board, with board meetings to be held before or after regular council meetings. No one on the water-sewer district board expressed interest in remaining on the Urban Renewal Board, Orr said.

On a related note, the council once again rejected the West Pend Oreille Fire Department’s request to leave the urban renewal district, as the water-sewer district was still $2.3 million in debt and needed the tax revenue.

The water-sewer district recently hired a new employee, whose first day is this or next week.

“He’s used to working in Lewiston,” Orr said. “I’ve got to make him understand we don’t quite have the budget that Lewiston has.”

In other business, Orr announced that the city had been awarded a $129,000 grant from the state Department of Lands, matched by 17% from the city. This will fund improvements at the river boat ramp, which has seen heightened activity from recreationists.

City planner Brian Quayle gave the council an update on Oldtown properties and other affairs.

A city budget hearing is at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 at Oldtown City Hall, before the regular council meeting.

The Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet is expected to begin arriving in mailboxes in the coming days, and all ballots will be mailed by Friday, July 17, giving voters ample time to review candidates and measures before Election Day.

The new ballot drop box locations are:

• South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue Station, Diamond Lake 325272 Hwy. 2, Newport, WA 99156

• Cusick Town Hall 111 S. 1st Ave., Cusick, WA 99119

• Metaline Falls Town Hall 205 E. 5th Ave., Metaline Falls, WA 99153 The three new drop boxes will be installed this week and will be available throughout the voting period.

They complement the county’s existing secure ballot drop box network, making it easier for voters across Pend Oreille County to return their ballots close to home, according to the auditor’s office.

“Making voting accessible and convenient is one of our highest priorities,” Pend Oreille County Auditor Marianne Nichols said. “These new drop boxes will provide more opportunities for voters in our communities to safely and securely return their ballots close to home.”

Voters are encouraged to return their ballots as early as possible. Although ballots can be returned by mail with no postage required, the U.S. Postal Service has implemented operational changes recently that may affect delivery times. To ensure ballots are received by the deadline, voters should mail their ballots early or use one of the county’s secure ballot drop boxes.

All official ballot drop boxes are secure, monitored and available 24 hours a day throughout the voting period. Each drop box will close promptly at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Voters can track the status of their ballot through VoteWA, sign up for text alerts and find additional election information by visiting the Pend Oreille County Auditor’s Office website or by contacting the Elections Office at 509447-6472.

Traffic should enter at the West Gate on Landfill Road and exit at the Deer Valley Road gate. There will be additional signage on Deer Valley Road to notify customers of the change. This is different than what was reported in last week’s issue of The Miner.

During construction, the facility will remain open and continue normal operations; however, customers should expect temporary traffic pattern changes and minor delays.

For questions or additional information, contact the Pend Oreille County Solid Waste Department at 509-447-3054. Or visit www.pendoreille.gov/public- works/page/deer-valley-transfer-station-scale-replacement.

As President of the Board for Pend Oreille PUD, I take seriously my responsibility to communicate with the public about the Board’s decisions. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to questions and concerns about the recent adjustment to the General Manager’s compensation. Public questions are not only welcome, but they’re also very important. That said, several claims circulating in our community are simply inaccurate, and I believe it’s important to provide some context and clarify the facts.

First, the idea that the Board “ignored” or “disregarded” the General Manager’s contract is simply not true. The employment agreement sets an initial salary and outlines an annual performance review process. It also gives the Board the authority to evaluate compensation over the course of the agreement when appropriate. The General Manager is evaluated annually, just like every employee at the PUD. That’s been standard practice for decades. Washington law allows performance evaluations in executive session, and we followed that long-established, lawful process.

I also want to say something about the broader conversation taking place. I encourage people to ask questions and get the facts before sharing accusations or rumors on social media, in local newspapers, or around the county. We see too much misinformation in today’s society, and it doesn’t serve anyone well. Our community deserves thoughtful conversations based on facts, not assumptions. The PUD has always been committed to being transparent about its decisions, and that won’t change.

The Board’s decision was based on the belief that the General Manager’s compensation should better reflect today’s utility industry and the responsibilities of leading an organization as complex as Pend Oreille PUD. The truth is that the General Manager’s salary had gradually fallen out of alignment with similarly sized public utilities in Washington and around the region. When compensation falls too far behind comparable organizations, it becomes much harder to remain competitive for experienced utility leaders. Replacing a General Manager is neither a quick nor inexpensive process, and periods of leadership transition can slow important projects, disrupt long-term planning, and create unnecessary costs. Addressing the issue now was the more responsible long-term approach. This decision was made with the interests of the PUD and the people we serve in mind, not the convenience of any one individual.

We understand that many families in Pend Oreille County are feeling financial pressure. We don’t take that lightly. This adjustment represents a very small fraction of the PUD’s overall budget and has no impact on customer rates. During my nearly 25 years on the Board, we’ve remained committed to responsible financial management, and today our customers continue to enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in our region. That didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of careful planning, sound financial decisions, and a commitment to doing what’s best for our customers.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that steady leadership helps avoid costly disruptions, complete major projects and keep the PUD on the right track. Those benefits ultimately serve our customers well.

It’s also important to understand how executive compensation affects the rest of the organization.

When the top of the pay scale falls too far behind the market, it creates compression throughout the entire non-union pay structure. Maintaining competitive compensation is essential to attracting and retaining the skilled employees who operate, maintain and support our utility every day. A strong workforce helps keep the PUD safely staffed, protects institutional knowledge, and positions us to provide reliable service to our customers.

The Board has already acknowledged that there are opportunities to strengthen our evaluation process, and we’re committed to doing that. But suggestions that the Board failed in its duty or acted without integrity simply don’t reflect what happened. We followed the same lawful evaluation process we’ve used for years, considered market information and organizational needs, and made a decision consistent with our responsibility to act as responsible stewards of the utility and its ratepayers.

At the end of the day, I believe we all want the same thing: a PUD that is financially responsible, well-managed, dependable, and focused on serving this community for the long term. That’s the responsibility the Board takes seriously with every decision we make, and it will continue to guide us.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to stay engaged, ask questions, and seek accurate information. Our community deserves nothing less.

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.

I am still in shock after reading in our local paper about The 7B Pregnancy Services! I am giving a huge shout out to our local hospital, the doctor who refused to sign, Kim Manus, Jenny Smith and everyone who knew this was a violation to all women.

I guess, I was not registering the severity of Roe vs Wade, the overturn of it? Living in Washington State we can’t even understand. This is why we can’t back down to right wing religious whack jobs!

Why and how do our sisters believe they are of lesser value than their male counterparts? We all need to rise, protect, love our sisters, celebrate all women, help them, save them, healthcare for all situations, protect contraceptives.

Let them know pregnancy can only happen when sperm is introduced to their bodies! It is not God’s wish for you to be raped or be a mother against your wish! It is science, cells, sperm & an egg!

Protect, Fight, and know we are all equals!

The shear shock of this article!

Thank you to The Miner Newspaper & Sophia Aldous for bringing this story to us!

Cindy Boober Newport

Miscommunication

Dear Sandy Nichols: I’m so sorry, but judging by your July 8 letter, you misunderstood the intent of my letter explaining “why Republicans insist that the USA is a Republic and not a Democracy.” First: I’m not a “Republican.” I voted “Democrat” all my life until the party left me behind with its extremism. In my opinion, the polarized divisiveness between us is stoked by propaganda passed off as “news.” The tone in your letter seems to address me as an adversary; that makes me sad.

Second: conservatives and independents like myself are not trying to “destroy confidence in our elections” by correctly stating that we are a Constitutional Republic form of government (that, yes, employs democratic methods). I was genuinely curious why conservatives kept saying that, so I did the research and reported it. I’m a nerd; I question everything and love doing research.

Third: I began research into documentation of election irregularities when conservatives first reported it; I wanted to verify for myself. I have found lots of evidence, including security videos, statistics, and improper ballots. We want those problems corrected so that yes, we can have free and fair elections. We are on the same team!

Kamori Cattadoris Newport

Proud of our president’s support of children

I have been a long time advocate for the pro-life movement. Today the news of the trumpaccounts.gov for every child born is great news.

For those born in low-income zip codes there is even more.

Our nation has been in a non-sustainable birth survival rate ever since the championing of death to the unborn by the Democratic Party and Roe vs Wade. The Trump Accounts will encourage parents to birth their children and revive our population. We may even thank our local legislators for a county wide land use plan that insures our local zip code of remaining in the low economic rate.

Our President, Donald J Trump, initiated a plan for our children to be able to have an economic future without government interference.

The private accompanying by investors like Dell (6.25 billion dollars) and SpaceX (2 million stocks) are encouraging many others to come along side for the children.

There are no overpaid “professionals,” (government employees) extracting funds from the accounts. I am proud of our President. He has accomplished so much more than any president in the past century.

Trad media refuses to report it.

Karen Hanson Newport

Fire Congress

My last two letters to The Miner addressed my concerns about the US democracy deniers and the connection to attacking the integrity of our election system. Today I see that Trump fired two members of the Election Assistance Commission, making this commission useless. He is seeking to delegitimate our election system to protect the almost inevitable midterm election Republican losses – due in reality to high consumer prices and an unpopular war of choice with Iran.

However, on the other side of election integrity are those officials we elect to protect our elections.

Notables are Raffensperger of Georgia and our own Marianne Nichols (no relation) of Pend Oreille County. Marianne Nichols was recently recognized by our State Governor for her outstanding and long-term public service. I have come to regard most election officials as the true guardians of democracy.

I think we should fire all members of Congress and replace them with people selected from the pool of election officials.

Sandy Nichols Newport

Democrats held to higher standards

How is it that the Democratic senate candidate from Maine is unacceptable over his sexual conduct while Trump got elected twice despite his sexual misconduct?

Democrats must have candidates and elected officials that are free of any misconduct while Republicans don’t follow any self-imposed standard.

Democrats forced the Maine senate candidate to withdraw and will likely lose the election and not regain the senate majority. Frankly, I don’t see a difference when the moral bar has been set so low by Trump. Elections are about political power and not sexual morality.

Democrats shoot themselves in the political foot by eliminating candidates that have sexual misbehavior.

Our incumbent congressman could have a sexual abuse issue and would still win the election over a high-minded Democrat. They say we go high when Republicans go low, but the Republican still wins.

Democrats get the seats in the back of the room, and the majority Republicans sit at the head table.

I would rather see a flawed Democrat at the head table representing the interests of ordinary citizens than a Republican that votes for his ultra rich sponsors. The three richest men in America were in the front row at Trump’s inauguration.

Pete Scobby Newport

More cognitive bias-driven opinions

Let’s examine the letter titled “We are a Democratic Republic.” The writer previously stated, “We are a representative democracy.” Now, they claim we are a “democratic republic.” What form of government is it this week? Additionally, I would like to know who “we” are? They opine, “they seek to destroy our confidence in the election system.”

The writer neglected to provide evidence from previous letters related to this subject to support that claim. That’s a departure from the original definition of a government. Consequently, I am compelled to conclude that this appears to be yet another instance of cognitive bias-driven opinions. The writer also mentions the assertion that “at the time of Thomas Jefferson, only property-owning or tax-paying white males could vote.” This statement is a blatant half-truth intended to convey a specific implication. The writer should consult New Jersey’s 1776 State Constitution and other state constitutions from the same era. “The foundation of this democracy is confidence in free and fair elections.” Actually, democracy’s bedrock principles are that political power belongs to the people, allowing citizens to exercise authority directly or through elections. This ensures government decisions reflect the collective will while safeguarding individual rights.

Renee Webster Newport

Toxic waste

We’ve known about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation being at the top of the list for Super Fund sites in the hemisphere. The work has been ongoing for years with efforts to contain the radioactive material and prevent its migration toward the Columbia River. In their infinite wisdom, House Republicans proposed an additional $55 million reduction from the Cleanup Fund on top of the $300 million reduction requested by the Trump administration.

This is most likely a knee-jerk reaction to pay for the costs incurred by Donald Trump’s war of choice against Iran.

When asked to oppose this, Michael Baumgartner replied with little more than platitudes. His commitment was to closely monitor any developments that might affect progress and to keep my concerns in mind. Given his voting record of toeing the Republican line, I doubt he will do little more than monitor this environmental disaster as it happens and then vote according to party mandate to cut funding.

It seems as though Michael Baumgartner’s “concerns” are primarily supporting the current administration and continuing his political career rather than the health of his constituents. Please keep this in mind when casting your vote in November.

JR Wyatt Elk

On Thursday, July 16, Doris Oscarson presents gel plate printing; on Thursday, July 23, Linda Cassella and others gather to play ukuleles and guitars; and on Thursday, July 30, Shaun Dellar demonstrates wood carving.

After his demonstration, Dellar will teach a class from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for youth ages 8–15. Sponsored by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, this free class includes knife safety instruction and a completed item. Pre-registration is required at createarts. org or at Create, at 900 W. Fourth St. in Newport, one block from Sadie Halstead Middle School.

Bill Moore returns with a Rhythm Healing workshop from 1–2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19 for $15. This is a science-based class on healing. Drums are provided. Pre-registration is required, online or at Create.

Oscarson’s Creative Play Date is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15.

She offers a variety of art projects. Sponsored by the Kalispel Tribe, this class is also free, though pre-registration is required. For more information, call 509447-9277.

Leonard Paul Store celebration Saturday

COOLIN — The centennial celebration of the historical Leonard Paul Store in Coolin is from 1–5 p.m. Saturday, July 18.

Owners will take guests to a world where it took two days to reach Priest Lake, instead of 30 minutes. The public is invited to stop by the Coolin Civic Center to see the artifacts that were used in the store 100 years ago, then come down the hill to a celebration that will include the Ross Hall Priest Lake Collection.

There will be food, drinks, live music and historical displays throughout the store for people to immerse themselves.

The artifacts will be available for viewing from Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18 at the Coolin Civic Center.

The Leornard Paul Store is located at 341 Bayview Drive, Coolin.

Newport Regatta this weekend

NEWPORT — The annual State-Line Outboard Racing Association returns with the Newport Regatta Saturday– Sunday, July 18–19 near the Oldtown boat launch. The event is free to the public. Vendors will have food for sale.

Start time is 11 a.m. and participants need to bring their own seating. If bringing pets and children, people should make sure they do not swim out into the raceway.

The weekend kicks off with Campers’ Night, featuring a community dinner, a memorial for lost loved ones, time to set up camp and Inter-Tribal dancing. Friday, a group of paddlers will return to the Pow-Wow Grounds after their multiple-day Canoe Journey, where they will be welcomed with prayers, singing and drumming. A highlight of the weekend is the Buffalo Barbecue on Saturday, which generally serves more than 250 people and requires days of preparation. The Buffalo Fun Run also takes place, encouraging community health and fitness.

Dancing is central to Pow-Wow, with more than 30 categories including traditional, fancy, jingle and grass.

There will be multiple contest rounds, Inter-Tribal dancing and Tiny Tot performances, along with a six-round Drum Contest highlighting rhythm and harmony.

The weekend features a Softball Tournament showcasing teamwork and sportsmanship.

Stick Game brings individuals together to compete in the Main, 3-Man and Youth tournaments for friendly competition and engagement.

Families and individuals are invited to this free event, and respectful photography of dancers and singers is appreciated. To ensure a safe environment, no drugs or alcohol are permitted. The celebration will begin when the first Grand Entry starts at 7 p.m. July 31 and will conclude Aug.

2 around 7:30 p.m. after the announcement of contest winners. There will be two more Grand Entries Aug. 1, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a fourth Grand Entry at 1 p.m., Aug. 2. Join the Kalispel Tribe for a weekend of drumming, dancing, crafts, food vendors, competition and great company at the Pow-Wow grounds in Usk, near the Camas Center for Community Wellness. For more information, visit kalispeltribe.com.

The Cutter his hosting an art contest for Down River Days for youth aged 5–18. The subject is “LANDSCAPE” using any medium, with an 8-inch-by-10-inch or letter size requirement. Entries are due Wednesday, July 22, and judging is during Down River Days.

All United States military veterans and their immediate family are invited to a day of free services, including medical, financial, housing, employment, Veterans Affairs benefits and social services.

Free lunch will be provided. There will be a free food distribution through the Bonner County Food Bank for veterans, and attendees must sign in to participate.

Showers will be available and there will be reruns of “The Bob Hope Show” for viewing.

According to American Legion Post No. 155 Commander Andy Meyer, last year’s Stand Down served approximately 160 veterans. Veterans are asked to bring some form of military identification, such as their DD214 form, to the event.

Volunteers are needed. For more information, call Meyer at 661-609-0197.

Veterans sail for free Saturday Dogsmile Adventures and the Spokane Veteran’s Forum host the 3rd Annual Veteran Sailing Regatta at the Windbag Marina in Sandpoint on Saturday, July 18.

Veterans who register for the event will participate in a full day of sailing on Lake Pend Oreille. No previous sailing experience is required. Meet at the Windbag Marina in Sandpoint at 8:30 a.m. Sailing training is from 9 a.m. to noon. Free lunch is from noon to 1 p.m. There will be racing from 1–4 p.m. and awards given out from 4–5 p.m.

For more information, contact Jon Totten with Dogsmile Adventures at hello@dogsmileadventures.org or 208-797-0360.

Veteran suicide prevention training Online training to help veterans’ mental health and prevent suicide is from 1–2:30 p.m. Monday, July 27.

The instructor is Don Seese, Suicide Prevention Program Lead for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans face enormous challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. Family members, friends and colleagues of veterans also face unique challenges in supporting those who served. This course offers perspective on the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans and their families (SMVF) and teaches essential skills and methods for suicide prevention.

To register, email connect@dva.wa.gov.

Back to School Supply Fair

The Operation Homefront Military and Veterans Back to School supplies and resource fair is 3–5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Military identification or affiliation proof is required at check-in. This event is exclusively for Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System-enrolled military-dependent children who will be in kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2026–2027 school year.

The event will be at Fairchild Air Force Base. For more information, email isabel. murphy@operationhomefront.org and visit www.operationhomefront.org/event/ btsb-in-fairchild-afb-wa.

Race to Feed Our Veterans 5k

Meals on Wheels Spokane and Fairmount Memorial Association have joined forces once again to host the annual Race to Feed our Veterans 5K from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 8.

The event is open for participants of all ages and fitness levels, from children to adults. Dogs are more than welcome to join in on the fun as well. After completing the race, attendees can enjoy a complimentary beer and chili.

The 5k will be located at Fairmount Memorial Association, at 508 N. Government Way in Spokane. For more information, visit www.mowspokane.org/events/veterans- 5k.

SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT THE NEWPORT MINER AND RANGE MEDIA THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY PARK BOARD: 2 p.m. - Pend Oreille County Commissioners Meeting Room, Newport

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 4 COMMISSIONERS: 3 p.m. - Dalkena Fire Station

WEST BONNER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: 6 p.m. - District Office, Priest River

IONE TOWN COUNCIL: 7 p.m. - Clerk's Office THURSDAY, JULY 16 BONNER COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WORKSHOP: 5 p.m. - Bonner County Administrative Building, Sandpoint

PEND OREILLE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY: 6:30 p.m. - Cusick Town Hall

SOUTH PEND OREILLE FIRE & RESCUE: 7 p.m. - Station 31, 325272 Highway 2, Diamond Lake

FRIDAY, JULY 17 DIAMOND LAKE WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT BOARD: 9 a.m. - District Office, 172 South Shore Road

MONDAY, JULY 20

PEND OREILLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 9 a.m. - Pend Oreille County Courthouse

NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. - Newport City Hall

PRIEST RIVER CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. - Priest River City Hall

PEND OREILLE FIRE DISTRICT NO. 8 BOARD: 7 P.M. - FIRE STATION AT SPRING VALLEY AND TWEEDIE ROADS

TUESDAY, JULY 21

BONNER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 8:45 a.m. - Bonner County Administrative Building

PEND OREILLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: 9 a.m. - Pend Oreille County Courthouse

PEND OREILLE PUD COMMISSIONERS: 10 a.m. - Newport PUD Offices

CUSICK SCHOOL BOARD: 3:30 p.m. - Cusick High School Library

PROPERTY RIGHTS COUNCIL: 6:30 p.m. - Bonner County Administration Building, Sandpoint

WEST PEND OREILLE FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 6:30 p.m. - Fire Station on Highway 57

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 TRI-COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: 11 a.m. - TEDD Conference Room, 986 S. Main, Suite A, Colville

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, JULY 6

SMOKE: Gray Rd., Newport, report that complainant could see thick cloud of gray smoke and smell strong smell of smoke but could not see anything on fire; caller was driving through area.

ILLEGAL BURNING: W. 5th St., report that next-door neighbor was burning brush, had hose and people around, nothing else on fire.

INTOXICATION: LeClerc Rd.

N., report out with extremely intoxicated male.

THEFT: Willms Rd., Elk, report that complainant had been gone from property for two months, came home and found items missing.

COLLISION: Hwy. 20, Cusick, report that white SUV was off road sideways, unknown injuries.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Beeman Rd., Usk, report that neighbors' dogs came on porch, black terrier and black-and-white dog, they were aggressive.

PHYSICAL DV: Newport, report of man beating on car with woman inside.

FISH & GAME: Shadow Lane, Newport, report that male said he was chased by four skunks and was worried they might have rabies.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Moonlight Lane, Newport, report that neighbor was yelling, was not willing to provide any further information.

TUESDAY, JULY 7

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Cemetery Rd. & W. 7th St., Newport, report of brindle pit bull dog loose in area, growling and lunging at kids.

VIOLATION OF ORDER: Beryl Court, Newport

STRUCTURE FIRE: Enchanted Forest Lane, report that complainant could see black smoke, not sure what was on fire.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Gray Rd. & Deer Valley Rd., Newport, report that complainant's neighbor sent him text advising him that male subject on red quad was trespassing on multiple properties

in area.

PHYSICAL DV: Newport, report that complainant was held captive all day by her boyfriend.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: W. 7th St., Newport, report of requesting check on father.

NOISE COMPLAINT: Bear Paw Dr., Newport, report that complainant wanted to speak to deputy about noise ordinance.

TRAFFIC OFFENSE: Davaz Carlton Rd., Newport, report that motorcycle sped past residence multiple times a day.

AGENCY ASSIST: Diamond Lake

FIREWORKS: Shadow Lane, Newport, report of subject lighting off aerial fireworks.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

ARREST: Main St., lone, Frankie Jeanne Kasai, 30, of lone was arrested for fourth-degree assault domestic violence.

AGENCY ASSIST: Sand Trap Lane, Blanchard, report of request for one engine to respond to fire.

DECEASED PERSON: Riverside Ave., lone

WEAPON OFFENSE: LeClerc Rd. S., Newport, report that neighbor had gun range on his property but did not appear to have proper backstop.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: W. 7th St., Newport, report that someone from apartments was trespassing on property.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Telephone Rd. E., Newport, report of all doors open on property.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Bare Mountain Lane, Elk, report that neighbor's dog was on property.

MALICIOUS MISCHIEF: S.

Calispel Ave., Newport, report of slur written in roadway in front of park.

THEFT: Pend Oreille County, report of signs stolen last night.

ARREST: Jayson Floyd Stigall, 50, of Raymond was arrested for assault fourth-degree domestic violence and unlawful imprisonment.

ANIMAL CRUELTY: N. Newport Ave., Newport, report of red truck in parking lot.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Horseshoe Lake Rd., report that complainant pulled into cabin and neighbor's dogs came running out at them and jumped on vehicle.

ARREST: Qlispe River Way, Cusick, William James Wynne, 34, of Spokane was arrested on tribal warrants.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: N. Newport Ave., Newport, report of dog loose running in area.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report that dogs were loose again.

NON-INJURY COLLISION: W.

Walnut St., Newport, report of side-swiped in parking lot.

THURSDAY, JULY 9

SMOKE: Lehigh Hill Rd., Metaline Falls, report of white smoke across river from Selkirk High School.

TRESPASSING: Hwy. 31, lone, report that property had been boarded up and had no trespassing signs all over; had motorhome on it.

THREATENING: LeClerc Rd. N., report of subject threatening to blow up things.

AGENCY ASSIST: Bead Lake Rd., Newport

SUSPICIOUS PERSON: Camas Flat Rd., Cusick

FRAUD: Cedar Lane, Newport, report of someone claiming to be Federal Trade Commission.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Coyote Trail & Deer Valley Rd., Newport, report of female walking in area.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE: Deer Valley Rd., Newport, report of pickup with flashers on.

PHYSICAL DV: Cusick, report of male subject assaulting female in vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: W. 5th St., Newport, report of ongoing issue with male subject and his son.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report that male said his vehicle was stolen.

PHYSICAL DV: W. 3rd St., Newport, report of husband, son fighting, unknown weapons.

THEFT: Hwy. 2, Newport, report that Monday, June 15, someone stole laundry from laundromat.

PURSUIT: Cusick Meadow Rd., Cusick

ARREST: S. Garden Ave., Newport, Tamir Raheem, 42, of Spokane was arrested on local warrants.

POSSIBLE DUI: Hwy. 211, Newport, report of driver going into oncoming lane.

FIRE: Huntley Lane, Newport, report of fire in brush moving up hill.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: N. 5th Ave., Cusick, report that neighbor took daughter three hours ago.

DISTURBANCE: Winchester St., Cusick, report that assault was about to happen, complainant refused to answer questions.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION:

W. 7th St., report of vehicle parked for five days, not moved.

ILLEGAL BURNING: Last Chance Rd. & Fertile Valley Rd., Newport, report of large bonfire in woods 2-and-a-half miles up near Trout Lake, subjects shooting off fireworks.

DISTURBANCE: Hwy. 31, report that grandmother showed up without anyone wanting her there; she was screaming and yelling at people, making

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE: Overlook Dr., Newport, report of suspicious vehicle occupied by two, male and female, not sure what they were doing.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

COLLISION: Scotia Rd., Newport, report that subjects just crashed outside house.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Coyote Trail, Newport, report of missing chicken.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Pend Oreille County, report that man ranting political ideations called into dispatch.

BOOK & RELEASE: S. Garden Ave., Newport, Laurence Anthoney Colucci II, 74, of Newport was booked and released for driving while intoxicated and driving without required interlock.

ARREST: Conklin Meadows Rd. & Skookum Meadow Dr., Newport, Isiah Craig Fitch, 25, of Usk was arrested for physical control of vehicle while intoxicated.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: W. Spruce St., Newport, report of white truck parked partially blocking road, ongoing issue.

THEFT: Hwy. 20, report that sometime in last week, complainant believed subject stole his gun.

VEHICLE: Yergens Rd., Newport, report of swather on fire by building.

COLLISION: Deer Valley Rd. &

Hwy. 211, Newport, report of motorcycle versus deer.

SMOKE: Tweedie Rd., Newport, report that Department of Natural Resources called in reporting white smoke in area, they were sending two engines and an overhead.

DECEASED PERSON: LeClerc Rd. N., Cusick

ARREST: LeClerc Rd. N., lone, Bonita Leann Chamberlain, 57, of lone was arrested for violation of civil protection order.

TRAFFIC OFFENSE: Hwy. 211, report of adults driving kids around on four-wheeler, no lights on, speeding around lot.

JAIL HOUSEING: S. Garden Ave., Newport, report of jail housing for Bureau of Indian Affairs.

ANIMAL NOISE: Spring Valley Rd., Newport, report that neighbor's dogs were barking again all night.

ARREST: Angel Marie Bercier, 34, of Spokane was arrested on tribal charges.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Valley View Dr., Newport, report that complainant found lady sleeping inside his truck.

JUVENILE PROBLEM: N.

Union Ave. & W. Spruce St., Newport, report that juvenile on bike almost got hit by car.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Qlispe River Way, Cusick, report that complainant received strange voicemail at 10:47 p.m. last night from male subject.

PHYSICAL DV: N. Newport Ave., Newport, report that in parking lot, male was trying to pull female out of Jeep Grand Cherokee.

ASSAULT: Phay Rd., report that complainant was assaulted by one of the juveniles.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Yergens Rd., Newport, report of brindle pit bull running loose on property.

FIRE: Deer Valley Rd., Newport, report of large amount of black smoke, complainant not sure exactly what was on fire.

FIREWORKS: Hwy. 2, report that subjects in area of address were setting off fireworks.

WEST BONNER COUNTY

MONDAY, JULY 6

NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: Old Diamond Mill Rd. & Hwy. 2, Oldtown

HUNTING & FISHING VIOLATIONS: Indian Creek Park Rd.,

Coolin

DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Priest River

WEAPON OFFENSE: E. Jefferson Ave., Priest River, report of agency assist.

TUESDAY, JULY 7

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: Cemetery Rd., Priest River, report of plants and weeds.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: Hwy. 2, Priest River, report of plants and weeds.

UNKNOWN-INJURY ACCIDENT: Spirit Lake Cutoff, Spirit

Lake

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Hwy.

2, Priest River, report of dog running at large.

HARASSMENT: Stoneridge Rd., Blanchard, report of harassment call.

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Dufort Rd. & Miles Lane, Priest River

NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: Old Priest River Rd., Priest River, report of two-vehicle crash.

NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: Hwy. 2, Priest River, report of twocar crash.

AGENCY ASSIST: Thicket Circle Rd., Priest Lake

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

ANIMAL PROBLEM: E. Lincoln Ave., Priest River, report of dog license required.

ANIMAL PROBLEM: E. Settlement Rd., Priest River, report of dog running at large.

HUNTING & FISHING VIOLATIONS: S. Por Shore, Priest River

UNKNOWN-INJURY ACCIDENT: Albeni Cove Rd., Oldtown

ANIMAL PROBLEM: McDonald’s,

Newport

ANIMAL PROBLEM: Spring Valley

THURSDAY, JULY 9

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 41 & Spirit Lake Cutoff, Spirit Lake

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 41, Oldtown

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: Kluth St., Priest River,

report of plants and weeds.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION: Kluth St., Priest River, report of plants and grass.

ARREST: Als Welding Rd., Spirit Lake, Poet Deshazo, 28, was arrested for an active misdemeanor arrest warrant.

WEAPON OFFENSE: Als Welding Rd., Spirit Lake

MISSING PERSON: Coolin FELONY WARRANT ARREST: Hwy. 2, Priest River

FRIDAY, JULY 10

NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: Eastshore Rd., Coolin

DISTURBING THE PEACE: Fir St., Priest River

ARREST: N. Idaho Ave., Oldtown, Damon Walker, 32, of Newport was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and open container.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Hwy. 2, Priest River

RECKLESS DRIVING: Hwy. 2, Priest River

RESCUE: Railroad Ave., Priest River, report that pickup went underwater at boat ramp.

ARREST: Oldtown, Daniel Shepard III, 47, was arrested for domestic battery and attempted strangulation in connection to a domestic dispute report.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

FRAUD: Seeley Lane, Nordman MARINE INCIDENT: Powerline Rd., Coolin, report of marine incident on Priest Lake in area of Cape Horn.

INJURY ACCIDENT: Spirit Lake Cutoff, Priest River

RECKLESS DRIVING: Dufort Rd. & Morning Star Mountain Rd., Priest River

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Old Priest River Rd., Priest River

TRAFFIC VIOLATION: Old Priest River Rd. & Hoop Loop, Priest River

Margaret Honaker

NEWPORT

Family and friends are invited to join in honoring the life of Margaret Honaker on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at noon at the Newport Cemetery. A gathering will follow to share memories and time together.

Margaret passed away at age 72, on Nov. 9, 2025, at her home at Diamond Lake, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

EMPTY POCKETS LANE MOVING SALE

Tables, chairs, furniture, tools, dishes, crafts. unbelievable treasures. Guy stuff. Free piano. Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th, 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. 8831 Coyote Trail, Newport.

COFFEE IN THE GARDEN

Thursday mornings, July 9, 16, 23, 30. Demonstrations, refreshments, 10-noon. Create, 900 West 4th, Newport. www.createarts.org.(25-2p)

MOVING YARD SALE July 17th and 18th, 9:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. Sporting goods, household, clothes, lots of tools, hunting, fishing, furniture, 1931 Model A Coupe, 12 foot fishing boat and much much more! 692 Yergens Road, Newport. (26p) 

EVERYTHING MUST GO YARD SALE!

July 16th-18th, 8:00 a.m.dark. Furniture, antiques, collectibles, curiosities, linens. 252 Knott Road, Diamond Lake.(26p) 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

Chapter O P.E.O. rummage sale. Lights, decorations, ornaments, and much more! Saturday, July 25th, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 236 South Union Avenue, Newport. Pend Oreille Players parking lot.(26-2p)

ELDERLY DISABLED

person looking for a rent to own. Two-three bedroom, 1 bath in Newport, Washington area. Can pay up to $1500 a month. A fixer upper is fine. (509) 904 -3592.(26-4p)

SEEKING

bridge players for a weekly game at the Hospitality House, Newport. Any skill level including newcomers, casual, or experienced. (907) 229-4558.(26-2p)

BINGO AND FISH FRY Friday, July 24th. Bingo 6:00 p.m., fish fry 5:00-6:30 p.m., American Legion, Cusick, Washington. (509) 445 -1537 after 3:00 p.m.(26-2p) 

HUGE MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE July 16th through 19th, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., 212 Dalkena Street, Dalkena, Washington. (26p) 

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

at ELTC Law Group to support you and your family. Unexpected illness and death can happen and new tax changes that will affect everyone’s estate have been proposed. Make sure you are prepared and please call our office for your Estate Planning, Asset Protection, After Death Transfers, Long Term Care/ Medicaid and General Business needs (509) 447-3242. (4HB-tf)

ARE YOU AWESOME?

If so, the Estate of Long Term Care Law Group wants you to fill an opening for a full time Front Desk Office Clerk! Individuals must be detail oriented, comfortable with client interactions, proficient with Microsoft Suite, professional, honest and drama free. If this sounds like you, please bring your resume and cover letter (with your name spelled backwards in the subject) to our office at 418 W. 3rd Street, Newport or email heather@eltclawgroup. com.(26HB-tf)

Unanimously approved at the Newport City Council’s Monday, July 6 meeting was Newport’s transportation improvement plan for 2026–2031. This plan enables the city to receive funding for transportation projects from the state Department of Transportation, city administrator Abby Gribi said at the meeting. Projects outlined in the plan are expected to be mostly funded by WSDOT.

“This is what we think we should be able to tackle within the next six years,” Gribi said. “We update it annually. We can update it more frequently if something is found that we want to identify.”

At the top of the city’s priorities is a feasibility study for converting the one-way streets downtown into couplets. The feasibility study alone is estimated to cost $109,250, including $100,000 in state funds.

Following that is the establishment of six to 10 on-street, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible parking spots downtown, estimated at $248,750. Of that, the state is expected to contribute $225,000.

The city’s third priority is the reconstruction of heavily damaged Seventh Street, which will involve a hot mix asphalt and sidewalk construction. This is estimated to cost $787,500, including $750,000 in state funds.

Fourth is another feasibility study, this time for the addition of a roundabout by Calispel Avenue and Highway 2. It is estimated to cost $59,875, including $55,000 in state funds.

Ongoing maintenance and other small projects are fifth. Costs for these are to be determined, according to the plan, but will be paid by the city and grants.

‘I know this process is gonna be a multi-year process, but the longer we wait, the longer it gets.’

Mark Zorica

Newport City Councilman “That’s a placeholder for if the city identifies a project, [Transportation Improvement Board] funding that is preservation- based, those types of items,” Gribi said.”

Sixth is a First Street grind and overlay, as well as rehabilitation and surface water improvements, estimated to cost $520,000. The state is expected to contribute $494,000 of that total.

Establishing sidewalks to local schools is the city’s seventh priority. Total estimated cost for this is also to be determined, according to the plan.

The city’s eighth priority is to build Eighth Street out to the right-of-way with curbs, gutters and sidewalk. This project will focus on the section of Eighth Street from South State Avenue to South Warren Avenue. It is estimated to cost $1,890,000, including $1,799,250.

Ninth is the application of fog seals to previously chip-sealed streets, funded by $28,500 from the state TIB and $1,500 from the city.

Second to last is a sidewalk extension project from Seventh Street to city limits, estimated to cost $850,183, including $749,500 from the state.

During the Newport City Council’s hearing for the transportation improvement plan, members advocated for the addition of an 11th priority: engineering for storm and grade improvements at the south couplet on Fourth Street, which frequently floods. This project is estimated to cost $85,125; of that, the state is expected to contribute $75,000.

“When the waters in the middle, people do not slow down,” council member Mark Zorica said at the meeting. “And then they create that worse havoc when they splash through there, and then you have flooded businesses.”

Mayor Keith Campbell will follow up on the city’s request to hold a joint workshop with WSDOT regarding transportation projects on Highway 2.

“I know this process is gonna be a multi-year process, but the longer we wait, the longer it gets,” Zorica said.

Also unanimously approved were two hotel-motel tax requests. Co-chair Terri Ivie requested $1,000 to fund advertising for the Relay for Life of Pend Oreille Valley. Micheal Huntley, American Legion Post 155 first vice commander, requested $600 for the Veteran Stand Down.

With so many community groups utilizing the hotel-motel tax fund, council member Nathan Weather asked Gribi how much of it was left. Gribi responded that she did not know off the top of her head, but there were still funds available.

“I love hearing people from the community using it,” Weathers said at the meeting.

Tabled from the last meeting was a resolution authorizing the investment of city funds in the Local Government Investment Pool. The resolution would give new city clerk-treasurer Theresa Schoener authority to contribute or withdraw funds to and from LGIP, with approval from Gribi or city deputy clerk-treasurer Tiffany Hansen. Having now read the associated prospectus, the council unanimously passed the resolution.

Earlier in the meeting, Gribi announced an update on state Department of Commerce funding for the Comprehensive Plan. Though not confirmed, Gribi said the city’s next $50,000 grant may only be reduced by about $900. She has yet to receive an agreement from the state that was expected in June.

The Newport Spray Park splash pad is operational after a temporary repair. The city is collaborating with South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue to install security cameras and signage at Newport City Park, which has been experiencing vandalism.

NEWPORT — Customers in central and southern Pend Oreille County should be prepared for the possibility of longer power outages on Wednesday, July 8, as Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County activates Elevated Fire-Safe Mode in response to a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service is forecasting hot temperatures, gusty southwest winds, low humidity and extremely dry conditions that significantly increase the risk of fast-moving wildfires.

Elevated Fire-Safe Mode will be activated at 11 a.m. in areas from Blueslide south through the Pend Oreille River Valley and the southern portion of Pend Oreille County.

Elevated Fire-Safe Mode is one of several tools the PUD uses during Red Flag Warnings to help reduce the risk of electrical equipment contributing to a wildfire. During Elevated Fire-Safe Mode, the electric system operates at its highest sensitivity setting, which means automatic restoration of power is disabled if an issue occurs on the system.

Instead, crews must conduct in-person line inspections and confirm conditions are safe before restoring service. This added layer of protection may result in longer outage durations.

This is not a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Pend Oreille PUD is not proactively turning off power. Customers will only lose power if an outage occurs due to an issue such as winds, trees, equipment problems, wildlife or other causes.

Customers are encouraged to: Have a backup plan if they rely on electricity for medical equipment, well pumps or other essential needs.

Use generators safely with a properly installed transfer switch to prevent backfeed onto power lines, which can endanger crews and the public.

Stay informed by visiting www.popud. org or following Pend Oreille PUD on Facebook.

Elevated Fire-Safe Mode will remain in effect until weather conditions improve. The PUD will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as needed.

This is not a Public

Safety Power Shutoff.

Pend Oreille PUD is not proactively turning off power.

Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing such as T-shirts and shorts. Free physicals are offered on a firstcome, first-served basis. This clinic is for sports physicals only. All other health concerns will require another appointment. Later sports physicals

may be scheduled for a fee of $40.

For more information, call 509-447-3139.

While all teen spots are already full, FCN is still looking to send 12 boys and girls aged 7–12. Registration costs $25 per child, with transportation provided. The program is based on income, but FCN encourages all families to apply, as it varies depending on wages and family sizes. Each summer at Camp Gifford, hundreds of Inland Northwest youth spend nights in A-frame cabins, feast on homestyle cooking and sing songs and trade stories around a campfire. The camp’s mission is to “use nature and Camp Gifford’s unique outdoor environment to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ while encouraging kind behavior, teaching environmental awareness and providing each camper an opportunity for fun and adventure,” according to a camp flyer.

Children aged 7–12 participate in outdoor education, arts and crafts, swimming, evening campfire, games, chapel and boating.

The program benefits children by giving them hope, building confidence and self-esteem and creating positive relationships while developing important social skills, according to FCN. Camp provides a safe environment where children can learn, grow and experience opportunities they may not have otherwise.

For more information, call or email Marlaina Bradley at 509-447-2274 or outreach@pofcn.org.

During construction, the facility will remain open and continue normal operations; however, customers should expect temporary traffic pattern changes and minor delays.

Traffic should enter at the Deer Valley Road entrance and exit the West Gate on Landfill Road.

County staff and contractors will work to minimize disruptions and maintain safe access for all customers throughout the project. They ask for the public’s patience and cooperation by following all posted signs, traffic control devices, and directions from facility personnel while construction activities are underway.

For questions or additional information, contact the Pend Oreille County Solid Waste Department at 509-4473054. Or visit www.pendoreille.gov/ public-works/page/deer-valley-transfer- station-scale-replacement.

In the late 1800s, the socalled Robber Barons accumulated vast wealth, often by exploiting the citizenry. Then, to buy public tolerance and polish their images, ruthless 19th-century industrialists pivoted to massive, high-profile philanthropy. Their strategies to manufacture public goodwill included Carnegie’s libraries and Rockefeller’s donation of land to the parks system. They and others founded and endowed universities such as The University of Chicago, Vanderbilt and Stanford. They donated to the arts and museums of the time.

Carnegie wrote influential essays arguing that the rich were merely trustees of their wealth and were obligated to use it for the betterment of society, painting their fortunes as a societal benefit rather than a result of exploitation. This current crop of Robber Barons (Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos et al) just want to bleed the public dry. Musk tweets white supremacy, Bezos buys super yachts. Wouldn’t they be better citizens if they “donated” AI/data centers for the public good?

-Roger Haick Loon Lake

PUD manager salary increase a concern

As a ratepayer and candidate for PUD Commissioner for District 2, I find the PUD Board’s recent decision to raise the General Manager’s salary just seven months into a three-year contract deeply concerning.

The employment agreement was clear: a $220,000 salary with performance reviews to follow. Yet, two members of the Board chose to bypass the formal evaluation process entirely and approve the raise. During the meeting, even the board president admitted, “…we need to do a better job…and have a better process…”.

In a county where the median household income is less than $65,000, our public utility must be a model of fiscal discipline and transparency. When the general manager disregards a binding contract, and the board capitulates, they aren’t just ignoring their own governance process; they are failing their fiduciary duty to the ratepayers.

We need commissioners who will insist on structured, measurable performance standards before a single extra dollar of ratepayer money is committed.

As your next Commissioner, I will end this practice of “winging it” and require that employment contracts be followed, restoring the accountability our community deserves. We need leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people who pay the bills, not executive convenience. -Ernie Hood Newport

Hospital bond means more access to health care

After listening to a presentation by the Newport Hospital administrators about the upcoming bond to remodel the hospital, I came away with three important pieces of information new to me.

First, many of us have tried to make an appointment with a specialist in Spokane and been told it will be several months before you can see the doctor.

How will the remodel of Newport Hospital impact this? With increased facilities Newport can contract with doctors to come here and provide services. We may not employ additional physicians but will have room for contracted physicians to work.

Second, the increase in the number of operating rooms means that surgeons who want to be able to work in Newport can do so on an increased basis. I learned that one operating cannot be booked with backto- back procedures because of the time it takes to thoroughly clean between patients. Operating rooms must also be kept available for emergencies.

Third, the remodeled facility will include an oncology department. Summit Cancer Care is ready to partner with Newport Hospital but they need dedicated space for, among other things, chemotherapy. That means no more long drives to Spokane for cancer care.

-Martha Nichols Newport

We are a Democratic

Republic

A couple months ago I wrote a letter to The Miner asking why some right-wingers are insisting that the US is not a democracy (my answer – they seek to destroy our confidence in the election system). Two conservative respondents argued that the United States is not a democracy because it is a republic. They overlook that we are a democratic republic.

One respondent even stated that because Thomas Jefferson did not believe in the rule of the majority, therefore we are not a democracy. She failed to mention that at the time of Thomas Jefferson only property-owning or tax-paying white males could vote. That means that at the time of our founding she would not have been able to vote. But since then, we expanded our elections to include women, Blacks, and Native Americans. The governed choose those who govern them.

The foundation of this democracy is confidence in free and fair elections. We should guard against any attempts to undermine our election system – like the actions that are being promoted by the Trump administration. Ignore this nonsense about the US not being a democracy.

Protect free and fair elections – even if your side loses.

Sandy Nichols Newport

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently rendered several opinions.

I question their opinion on Birthright Citizenship. The 14th Amendment was created for the newly freed slaves. Generations had no country to call home.

The 14th was their path to citizenship.

The SCOTUS opinion on this goes further. It says any child born on the magic soil of the US is automatically a US citizen.

The bar for citizenship was just lowered to the ground. Let me get this straight, two people here illegally can now create a legal citizen? What about expectant mothers flying in from around the world, on temporary visas, to have an ‘American’ child? I’m not sure that’s what our Founders intended.

I recently read a Chinese Ambassador saying that Chinese women fly into the US to have babies (birth tourism) to the tune of 100K per year over the last decade. As soon as they get the baby’s passport, they fly back home to China.

If that’s true, that’s a million babies. What if they are raised communists and come back as adults to work and maybe run for government? This should require legislation.

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

Mixing faith and logic produces nonsense

The Supreme Court has ruled on birthright citizenship, and my first thought is that any foreign women who produces a positive pregnancy test should be given an American citizenship certificate for their unborn child before returning to their home country.

The unborn child was conceived in America and should be given citizenship even if it isn’t born in America. That’s because life begins at the moment of conception, so being born is just a follow-on event for a person who is already alive. The unborn child was alive in the USA and should be considered a citizen at the moment the egg is fertilized.

Welcome to the American nightmare of twisted political logic. Mixing faith with logic produces nonsense. Making laws based on religious dogma has a similar designation. Early in America’s history the color of skin and having female sexual organs justified slavery, and discrimination.

Today religion is being co-opted to return to the days of political persecution. An example of this was reported in The Miner last week with our public hospital withdrawing from a contract with a religious Idaho pregnancy center. Doctors would have signed a sexual purity pledge and withheld birth control for single women.

-Pete Scobby Newport

250th Celebration a success

I extend my sincere gratitude to all individuals who participated in the Pend Oreille County Government-hosted America250 Celebration, which took place at the Old County Courthouse on last Tuesday.

From the elected officials and guests who read the Declaration of Independence to all the singers, including all the people behind the scenes, especially all the volunteers. It is unfortunate that more younger people were not present to experience the event.

The sole concern I had was that Washington Avenue was not decorated. Considering the celebration of 250 years and the street’s name, it appears to be a missed opportunity to have decorated the street. This could have been done actually for Memorial Day, maintained throughout the Rodeo, and would have been completed in time for the 250th birthday of our nation. O’well, despite that and the inclement weather, the event was a huge success! In my opinion.

-Renee Webster Newport