The Port of Pend Oreille and Tri County Economic Development District are celebrating the recognition as an opportunity to highlight the creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit contributing to tourism throughout Pend Oreille County and northeast Washington, according to a TEDD news release.

The OHI Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding achievement in the outdoor hospitality industry, with the Innovator of the Year Award recognizing parks finding creative ways to improve guest experiences, strengthen operations and rethink what an RV park, campground or outdoor hospitality business can be.

“Our park may be small, but we have never believed the experience has to be,” Jake Abbott, Ruby Creek Resort owner, said in the news release. “We want people to fall in love not only with Ruby Creek Resort, but with the entire Pend Oreille River Valley.”

Abbott said in the news release that some of Ruby Creek Resort’s best creations came from listening to its guests, looking at what made the area special and finding ways to connect the two.

With seven RV sites and two bunkhouses along the Pend Oreille River, Ruby Creek Resort has built its guest experience around personalized hospitality and connections to the surrounding community. The resort’s Pend Oreille River Valley Passport encourages guests to explore local restaurants, attractions and businesses, while its Rhythm on the River concert series brings together visitors, residents and regional musicians.

Winners of the 2026 OHI Awards of Excellence will be announced in November during the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ruby Creek Resort opened in 2023 and has received several regional and statewide honors, including the 2025 Outstanding Customer Service Award from State of Washington Tourism and Small Business of the Year from the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding data centers, local government agencies may benefit from reviewing the practices implemented in Northern Virginia. Northern Virginia is widely recognized as the global data center capital, hosting more than 600 facilities. Within this region, Loudoun County—commonly referred to as “Data Center Alley”—contains an estimated 250 data centers. The matter is clearly unrelated to politics. Current estimates indicate a maximum of 130 centers within the entire State of Washington. I am not advocating for data centers.

Oh, and the writer need not concern themselves with the prospect of Skynet, an AI system dispatching an assassin to eliminate John Connor’s mother. John Connor will still lead the resistance opposing those machines. With respect to environmental considerations, is this not the same person who previously advocated for the placement of a smelter near of Newport? Just Saying.

-Renee Webster Newport

In case you live under a rock and haven’t heard, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

I’ll let you seek out other outlets to navigate national politics. What’s most important is our local elections. I hear people periodically say they aren’t going to vote because it doesn’t matter. Especially if you live in a blue state like Washington or a red state like Idaho. When it comes to the presidential election, I get it. But the elections that will have the most effect on your day-to-day life is our local elections. And in those cases, your vote does indeed count.

In the primary election this past August, the difference between incumbent Pend Oreille County commissioner Robert Rosencrantz and challenger Brandy Warren was one vote. One single vote. In Washington, it’s a top-two primary meaning the top two vote getters move on to the general, so even though both Rosencrantz and Warren are Republicans, they appear on the general election ballot.

While only voters in Pend Oreille County’s District 2 voted in the primary, the entire county will vote in the general. Sames goes for the race between Gerry David Bradbury and Ernie Hood who both moved on from the primary to vie for the PUD seat currently held by Curt Knapp, who is not seeking re-election.

The Miner typically holds a candidates forum before the general election. That was not possible this year because of scheduling conflicts with some of the candidates, which is unfortunate. We have a very specific and consistent way we hold forums. If one candidate in a race cannot attend, we don’t let the other participate. We also do not give questions to candidates beforehand.

This is not to catch candidates in a “gotcha” situation. We think that to lead our community, you have to know the issues, think on your feet and be able to answer questions without preparation.

Fortunately, we were able to schedule sit downs with the four local candidates. I spent about an hour with each one. The candidates did not receive or review the questions before the camera started rolling, but we believe the questions we asked were relevant enough they should have been prepared for them.

And they were. We don’t endorse candidates at The Miner and we don’t intend to start. I can tell you that each of these four people have good intentions and want to serve their community. Serve you and me. For that I am grateful. It takes a lot of gumption to put yourself out there like that, and we believe that lively debate and contested political races help raise the best cream to the top.

None of this matters, however, if you don’t vote. There’s still six days before Election Day. If you are able, drop your ballot into one of the seven drop boxes throughout the county, or better yet, walk it into the Pend Oreille County Auditor’s Office. If you can’t do that, drop your ballot in the mail, but do it as soon as possible. New postal regulations are slowing ballot delivery and your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, or postmarked by Nov. 3.

Drop boxes are located in the alley alongside the old courthouse on Fourth Street in Newport, the Camas Center for Community Wellness in Cusick, Cusick Town Hall, Ione Public Library, Metaline Town Hall, Metaline Falls Town Hall, and the South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue Station on Highway 2 near Diamond Lake.

Vote. It counts.

-Michelle C. Nedved Publisher

If any spider can be described as cute, it’s the cat-faced orb weaver. Never mind that it has eight legs and eight eyes and builds webs that you could walk into face-first in your yard or on a hiking trail.

You see, this medium-sized spider has a cat-like face, just as its common name suggests. And the weeks leading to Halloween is when you’re most likely to see it. Here kitty, kitty.

And what a sight it is. The cat-faced orb weaver has a large, round abdomen with two pointy protrusions that look like feline ears and tiny indented markings that resemble a pair of eyes and a nose.

It’s mostly the females we’re seeing this time of year, said entomologist Richard Zack of Washington State University. Having reached their full adult size, they are actively feeding as they prepare to lay silk-covered egg sacs before winter’s chill sets in.

They’re more visible not because there’s more of them, but because they’re active and plump, Zack explained.

A bulbous spider donning cat ears that spins big webs? Don’t worry, like the majority of spider species, the catfaced orb weaver isn’t dangerous to people or pets.

“They are large, beautiful critters that are very gentle,” Zack said.

Scientifically known as Araneus gemmoides, the catfaced orb weaver is part of a sprawling family of spiders known as Araneidae, with 3500 species worldwide and 180 in North America, according to the Entomological Society of America. They build wheel-shaped webs of Halloween fame that can span 2 feet, complete with anchor lines, spokes and a hub.

Lots of cat-faced orb weavers live here in the Inland Northwest, erecting their handiwork in gardens, tall grasses, shrubs and along walkways.

“On the east side of Washington, one of the most commonly encountered orb weavers is the cat-faced orb weaver,” according to the Washington State University Extension publication “Common Spiders of Washington.”

You even might find one these outdoor spiders’ webs on your porch, deck or just outside a window. Why? Because artificial lighting draws a steady supply of moths, beetles and mosquitoes for them to eat, according to research. In fact, several studies suggest that orb weavers are larger and carry more eggs when they set up shop in urban areas near man-made lights.

We should have a few more weeks to enjoy cat-faced orb weavers and their eye-catching webs.

Each intricate web is a reminder of the tiny, eight-legged engineers that share our landscapes while keeping insect populations under control.

Not only do cat-faced orb weavers have a flair for design, but they’re also fast builders. Whether a web is damaged by strong winds or torn down by a panicky human, the undaunted spider will probably have it rebuilt by breakfast time the next morning.

Casting the ballot has always been important for me.

As a young child, my dad and I helped my mother set up for the polls at the local Methodist Church for each election. I knew this was something important and could hardly wait to be able to cast my own vote. After the 26th Amendment was ratified on July 1, 1971, I was able to do so. Over the years I voted in every election, wherever I lived. I guess I really took participating in voting for granted growing up in rural Washington. A few years ago I began to research racial issues in America. It was through my reading and my travel that I realized how privileged I had been to never have to worry about being turned away at the polls or whether my vote would count.

In 2024 I participated in the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Civil Rights Legacy Tour. It was through the people I met and places I visited that I gained a new perspective on the right to vote for all. I met people who were willing to risk everything, even violence, to bring that issue to the American public. I heard from a woman whose house was bombed in Birmingham (her father was a prominent Civil Rights attorney), a man injured in a bomb at his college, others who were in the Children’s March (1963, Birmingham, AL) facing vicious dogs, water cannons and arrest. All for the vote.

While I was having tea parties with my dolls and attending a safe elementary school, they and their families were putting everything on the line. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 opened the ballot officially to Blacks, however it took years to make it do. Native Americans fought for that right into the 1960’s as well. I never knew.

At the end of the Legacy Tour, leaders asked each of us to consider what we were going to do with what we had learned. I felt a strong calling that I needed to be involved in securing the vote in the fall, but Washington is such a “boring” state with mail in voting, there seemed to be little I could do to add to the effort.

Two weeks after I got home, the ad came out in Sojourner’s Magazine (non-denominational faith publication aimed at justice issues). Faiths United to Save Democracy was seeking ordained clergy and lay people to stand with those going to vote in precincts that they deemed vulnerable or at-risk for disruption or voting issues.

I signed up, trained, bought my ticket to Mobile, Alabama (granddaughter lived there!) and became a poll chaplain at a local predominantly black school. I encountered few problems. I mostly reassured and thanked voters (and their children who came along) that it was great to see them casting their ballots.

Fast forward two years, 2026. The call went out and I signed up early, this time for the Dallas, Texas, area (another granddaughter)! Our training has been very different this time around with more emphasis on how to be a calm, affirming presence to voters in our assigned precinct in the face of new disruptions of registrations and the potential of federal troops or ICE agents on the scene. Texas has become a fraught area with threats to voters including removal of dozens of local polling places in nearby Tarrant County and a rhetoric of chaos. Leaders in that state say they don’t know what to expect on Election Day with the landscape changing daily. But as people of faith we will be there.

I still believe our votes can and will be fairly and freely cast and I am committed to being that presence that stands with voters of all backgrounds and helps ensure they safely can cast their ballot. Our nation was established that “all are created equal” and as I view each person as created in the image of God, I will do all I can to honor that and protect that.

I do, however, expect I will have more stories upon my return from Texas!

And one last word: don’t take voting for granted, cast your ballot and call a friend or family member and encourage they to do the same. It matters.

Consider making this a family activity. It is never too early to encourage our young people to become informed participants in the democratic process. This even is non-partisan. ALL are welcome. Refreshments with be served.

-Sonja Bartsch Elk

Former sheriff support for Bradbury

As a retired law enforcement officer with 32 years in public safety— including serving as your elected Sheriff—and a school Safety and Security Director, I know the value of integrity, accountability, and community leadership. I am proud to formally endorse David Bradbury for PUD Commissioner, District 2.

Our history began over three decades ago when I was teaching the DARE program. In 1992, Newport High School recommended David to serve as a drug-free role model. I was thoroughly impressed by his maturity and high standards.

Over the last thirty years, David has proven that serving Pend Oreille County is his lifelong calling. Whether as a teacher, coach, principal, volunteer firefighter, or through his work on the City Council and local Planning Commissions, David has consistently put our community first.

As PUD Commissioner, David will bring this proven integrity and diverse leadership to our public utilities. He understands that a commissioner’s primary duty is to be a reliable voice for ratepayers, ensuring stable services, fiscal responsibility, and transparent communication.

David Bradbury has the character, work ethic, and community- first mindset required to lead effectively.

-Alan Botzheim Retired Sheriff Ione

“Grand Old Party”

Not so grand these days, more like the “Loyalty and/or Revenge Party”, or the “Biggest Liars Party.”

I thought America was pretty great though far from perfect, before our boy child clown ran for office of the presidency and told us it wasn’t. It seems ludicrous to me that a president who lies so much gained so many followers. Mike Baumgartner for one, does not think for himself. He lets Trump do his thinking so he can stay in favor, just a puppet on a string.

If you support wars having military people being killed for no discernable reason and inflation doesn’t bother you, both of which Baumgartner supports then vote for him.

If you would like some normalcy back in Eastern Washington, vote Carmela Conroy!

-Roger Castle Newport

Another reason why we need to vote

While the federal government collected hundreds of billions in customs duties (over $190 billion to $260+ billion depending on the fiscal year tracking), the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of the administration’s broad tariffs. As a result, the government has been legally forced to pay out over $100 billion in refunds back to businesses that originally paid them, rather than distributing those funds to individual citizens. Do you think Americans can expect costs to decline? I certainly don’t.

Also, trade tariffs go into the general fund and only congress can determine how that money is spent. Have we seen any indication that it will be spent to offset the taxpayers rising cost because of the tariffs? No.

In addition, most recently, in September 2026, President The current administration pitched a $5,000 “Trump Dividend” check for adult citizens if Republicans retain control of Congress in the midterms. He previously floated a $2,000 “tariff dividend” in late 2025. None of this went anywhere, but you have to think; Trying to bribe the American people to further his agenda? Is this the kind of leadership we want?

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

-Budd Colucci Newport

Bradbury has integrity

Integrity. One of the most important qualities an individual can have. People need to know they can trust your words and actions.

With integrity comes loyalty, honesty, reliability and moral courage, earning respect and trust from others. As I have gotten to know David Bradbury, I have seen these qualities every time I listen to him speak, whether that is in organized debates, or in impromptu group discussions as well as in personal conversations with him.

I want my PUD commissioners to have these qualities while representing our PUD, and our county, here and in meetings outside of our area. I want to have trust in our PUD board that they will represent the values of our County, that our board has the same desire to consider responsible economic growth and opportunities for our residents, protect our rate payers from bearing the cost of commercial or industrial loads, and endeavor to keep our rates as low as possible.

David has the qualities that I want to see in our PUD board. I support Gerry David Bradbury for PUD Commissioner, District 2.

-Kelly J. Driver Port of Pend Oreille Executive Director

Working for your future

Pend Oreille County needs a strong economy, healthy environment, good jobs, affordable housing, and reliable funding for essential services such as law enforcement and roads. This election is about how we reach those goals.

Ernie Hood and Robert Rosencrantz offer a responsible path: building our economy and political culture on durable, trustworthy foundations. Their opponents have accepted campaign contributions from data center interests and then dismissed concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest. This is bad politics, worse civics, and how public trust is lost and corruption takes hold. Pend Oreille County deserves leaders whose independence is beyond question.

This election matters, and every vote counts. Trust is the foundation of civic life, and Robert and Ernie have earned it by standing for honest, transparent government, even when doing so has put them at odds with the political insiders who’d like to keep running the county. They are prepared to make decisions that serve Pend Oreille County not just today, but for years to come. Voting for Ernie Hood and Robert Rosencrantz supports public servants who will put residents ahead of special interests. Please join me in voting for Ernie Hood and Robert Rosencrantz.

-Andrew Feldman Newport

Vote Yes on Hospital Proposition 1

We need our hospital. A few weeks ago, both my husband and aunt were in and out of the hospital and the clinic. In five days, my husband went to the ER twice and the clinic twice. Also, if it hadn’t been for the care at the Newport Hospital during this time, we would have lost our aunt. Both my husband and I have surgeries at the Newport Hospital with very good outcomes.

We are seniors now and the thought of having to travel to Spokane or Coeur D’Alene for care would be a real hardship.

Please vote YES. I realize it is coming when everything else keeps rising but it would be even more expensive having to travel away from home.

-Cheryl Graff Usk

Livestreaming it?

The 2009 Fort Hood shooter is going to be legally executed in soon (December). Regardless of your stance on the death penalty, you have to admit a firing squad at least isn’t likely to be botched, like the recent lethal injection attempt was. It’s arguably less “cruel and unusual” than some of the alternatives.

Livestreaming it though? “You don’t have to watch it if you don’t want to” is rich coming from the folks who want to ban drag shows. Little kids or their friends will be able to find the execution on the internet easily. But also, Hegseth is basically making a recruitment video for the Taliban/ISIS. All around a bad idea.

Vote these guys out. They have no idea what they’re doing and as a consequence are messing up the whole country for all of us.

-Meg Lyman Deer Park

Baumgartner blindly follows Trump

You have your ballot. Now you have a few, very few, choices to make. If you read in your voters’ pamphlet who are the voices for and against the initiatives, you will consider voting NO on all three. If you have researched the state supreme court judges up for election, you may have made your mind up about who to support. If you are unsure whether to vote for Baumgartner or Conroy, you may not have been paying attention.

Baumgartner is one of many, many congress people who blindly follow where Trump leads. That leadership has caused us to pay more for food and gas and heating oil. That leadership has embroiled us in another “forever” war in Iran. That leadership has hurt our most vulnerable citizens and made health care unreachable for them. That leadership has imprisoned thousands of hard-working would-be citizens leaving farms and factories without workers. That leadership has broken promises with allies across the globe making our country the laughingstock of the international community.

Conroy will work to bring legitimacy and accountability back to the federal government and break the reign of corruption and graft. Conroy deserves our vote. VOTE CONROY!

-Martha Nichols Newport

Voters already said no

As the saying goes, “which part of NO don’t you understand?” The voters of POC soundly voted down the Hospital Bond back in August, yet here we go again. This bond proposal will cost $1.47 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

The proponents say, well that’s only $49 for a home valued at $400,000, but let’s finish that sentence. What they should be saying is that’s only $49 per month per thousand. Folks, do the math that comes to $588 per year.

Take a look at your current property tax statement. Just above the Assessments section, you’ll find your total levy rate of $7.65 per thousand. Now add the$1.47 and you’ll come up with $9.12 per thousand and that’s if there are no more bonds or levies going forward, I don’t think so. Ask yourselves out of 39 counties in Washington state, why does the 9th poorest county and the #8 county with the highest poverty rate need a world class hospital? While you’re at it, ask yourselves when’s the last time your assessed value went down? Again, I say either find another way to finance this project or tone it down.

-W.L. Mitchell Newport

Midterms

Trump has said, “vote Republican and every adult will get $5,000.” My first thought was you can’t buy votes. Thinking further, congress would have to agree to release that much money, Trump couldn’t do it himself. Maybe what Trump is saying is that the Republicans would release it and the Democrats wouldn’t, probably because it was Trumps idea.

If you look at how much money is going to illegals today, both in keeping them here as well as deporting them, it’s in the billions. Maybe that in part is what he is thinking.

America has made trillions with his tariffs. That is America’s wealth. Maybe what he is saying is vote Red to share in the wealth, vote Blue to keep it with immigration.

Many of the Democrat candidates running for office across our country are really Socialists and some are very close to Communist. Look at New York City. Socialism has been tried before by other countries and has never worked in the long term.

Government has everything and their people live in poverty. That’s what “power” wants.

America seems to be at a tipping point. Choose your future wisely.

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

Support for Bradbury

I am writing to express our support for Gerry David Bradbury for Pend Oreille County PUD Commissioner, District 2.

When it comes to choosing someone to represent our community, I believe there is real value in knowing the person behind the name on the ballot.

My husband, Jason, has known Gerry David Bradbury for most of his life.

They grew up in the same community, and David and his wife have been more than familiar faces to our family. They both taught our children, Chase and Kelsi, during their high school years, and today, they are part of our church family.

Over the years, we have seen their commitment to Pend Oreille County and the people who call it home. David and his wife are actively involved in our community, and we believe that matters tremendously when choosing someone to serve as a PUD commissioner.

Serving this community is about more than understanding utility operations, budgets, and infrastructure. It is also about understanding the people those decisions affect. It means knowing our towns, our families, our local businesses, and the challenges that come with living in a rural community. David has deep roots here and a genuine connection to the people he would be serving. David also brings relevant experience, including his previous work with the PUD, along with decades of service as an educator.

Jason and Carly Reese Newport

Our local safeguards are fragile

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It depends on transparency, honesty, accountability, public participation, and above all, trust.

That trust is damaged when public officials face real or perceived conflicts between their official duties and private interests. The growing perception that our local governments serve insiders rather than the public is corrosive.

Protecting public trust requires more than meeting the minimum legal standard. When candidates accept huge campaign money from a data center, we simply can’t trust their vote.

Protecting trust requires more than minimum legal compliance. A candidate who doesn’t realize or won’t admit that taking campaign money from a data center that pays your husband more than $100,000 a year creates at least a potential appearance of a conflict shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a position of authority.

Our current protections for citizens and PUD ratepayers— the actual owners of our government and our PUD—are fragile. It takes only two bad votes to destroy those safeguards.

This year, I’m voting for Robert Rosencrantz and Ernie Hood because I trust them to put the public interest ahead of private influence. If integrity, transparency, and accountable local government matter to you, I urge you to join me.

-Ben Richards Usk

Rosencrantz shows up

Showing up matters, and Robert Rosencrantz always shows up. That is one thing I really appreciate about him. He’s always there.

Building the teams that build our county.

In five years as county commissioner, Robert has maintained a 100% attendance record. But his commitment goes beyond simply being present: he is also the only commissioner who does not charge taxpayers for county-related travel.

Each time Robert has traveled to Olympia to advocate for legislation such as the septic setback rule, he personally paid for his airfare, hotel, rental car, meals, and other expenses.

When he drives he pays for his own gasoline, just as he did for dozens of trips to Spokane and Colville.

In five years he has never taken a penny in mileage reimbursement.

Robert is also the only candidate in this race whose campaign is not funded by data center money. That independence matters. It means his record and priorities belong to the people he serves, not private investors or corporations.

When you vote, choose the candidate who consistently shows up, respects taxpayer dollars, and demonstrates integrity through his actions. I’m voting for Rosencrantz. I hope you will, too.

-Farrah Richards Usk

The Winds of Change

With our midterm elections less than thirty days away, there is still time to change course.

Several undisputed facts define our current situation: food prices are up, gas prices are up, housing costs are up and health insurance is increasingly unaffordable. Inflation is at 3.4%. While wages have increased, they have not kept pace with inflation.

The bottom line is that the cost of living is up and affordability is down.

During the Republican Midterm Convention, Donald Trump said, “I’m asking you to pretend I am on the ballot!” We don’t have to pretend. He is on the ballot, represented by hundreds of Republican congressional candidates.

Our incumbent representative, Michael Baumgartner, overwhelmingly supports Trump’s agenda.

He voted for legislation restricting food assistance and Medicaid services for thousands of people, including 54% of the children in his own district. He also supported costly tariffs and military operations. Yet, his constituent communications repeatedly claim he works for everyone.

Doing the same thing expecting a different result is insanity. Let’s do things differently. Vote for change! Vote Conroy!

-Julie Rose Deer Park

Fiscal responsibility

County government is pretty basic: fix the roads, keep the peace, and respond decisively. Meeting that responsibility means balancing the budget without overtaxing working families and retirees.

That is the essence of good government, and Robert Rosencrantz has demonstrated the persistence and fiscal discipline needed to deliver it.

For five years, Robert has advocated sensible policies across the county’s essential services. Even though his fellow commissioners often reject his proposals he keeps working for practical solutions. His persistence and vision will be increasingly important in an increasingly uncertain financial future.

One proposal highlighted in last week’s Newport Miner candidate interviews demonstrates how Robert’s strengths will be vital as we move forward.

The newspaper reported: “[Rosencrantz] warned against allowing spending to expand simply because revenue is temporarily strong. In 2022 he proposed directing half of sales tax revenue growth toward roads, saying the approach could provide a more dependable funding source while limiting the expansion of other spending. The proposal was rejected.”

Robert recognized that temporary revenue should strengthen long-term priorities, not create permanent spending obligations.

Pend Oreille County needs that kind of foresight.

Please join me in voting for Robert Rosencrantz.

-Robert W. Schutte Newport

We’re becoming community of machines

This community no longer needs humans. It’s becoming a sterile row of electronic machines in buildings and metal boxes. Machines don’t have human needs, just massive amounts of electrical power generated by water flowing through dams.

What else will AI and data centers replace, perhaps religion. The concept of God can be reduced to a data stream of 1’s and 0’s which is the basis for AI technology. AI can explain any Bible passage and can generate the related sermon. No thinking is required of humans who worship God. The machine does it for you. God created us and we are replacing ourselves with a Garden of Eden of machines.

AI can be a tool or our replacement on Earth.

Humans can be replaced by robots that learn beyond their programing. Food won’t be needed as machines only need electricity. We humans will become useless and unnecessary.

Humans need machines but they don’t need us once we create them.

Our community is at the forefront of this impending Armageddon by promoting the means to end our way of life. The power we give away for small political donations and token jobs for our community leaders is the start of our destruction.

-Pete Scobby Newport

We need transparency on property taxes

Property tax assessment was done on our personal residential property in September 2025 and taxed in 2026. The increase is assessment was 46% more than previous amount.

Most everyone had an increase between 40-60% in the county.

So, I decided to go online to the Pend Oreille County website, “Assessor’s Office” to determine how property taxes are determined and billed to the customer. The Assessor’s office states that the County “Property tax system is budget based” I quote “We tax enough to raise the amount in the budget. No more.”

So, I was going to wait to see what my dollar amount of taxes due in April and October 2026 would be. My assessment value went up to 46% and to my surprise my dollar amount to pay went up 37%!

So, I asked the Assessor’s office in person, “so you are telling me your costs to operate went up at least 37%?” I was not given an answer to that question.

We all know costs go up, but how can the cost of their budget increase at least 37%? Transparency has to be seen where the additional funds are going.

If this continues, every elderly retired person on limited income will be forced out of their homes!

-Roger Shawgo Newport

Trump’s statements were an invite

Ah yes the inevitable deniability by the administration of transparency.

Trump “was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threated if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped” stated Stephen Cheong. Trumps statement was “incoherent not malicious” said CNN’s Aaron Blake.

My take was completely opposite. I hear Trumps “Let them take out Sand Diego,” “Let them take out Los Angeles,” as an invite.

The roaring approval that came from his audience confirmed it. I was surprised they didn’t follow up with their USA chart.

We’re kind of back to the Access Hollywood. I like to grab them by the _____, moment all over again.

That time the excuse was “It’s just locker room talk.”

School children are held more accountable for their actions. They generally exhibit a higher rate of maturity as well. I’m also certain they know wind turbines don’t give you cancer, would view a father who talks about dating his daughter with suspicion and absolutely realize you can’t nuke hurricanes.

The cult relishes in that stuff. I fear as the midterms edge ever closer, our president feeling cornered will in desperation become more erratic, and egregious and dangerous. January 6th was just a starting point. Were in for a rough ride.

-Greg Turner Newport

Vote for Conroy

Please use your vote to elect Carmela Conroy as our District 5 United States Representative. I have met her and believe she will listen to us and represent our needs and values at Congress.

Like many of you, I have contacted the office of Michael Baumgartner multiple times during the last 21 months, asking him to bravely oppose some of the Trump administration’s most harmful actions. Instead, he has been a rubber stamp for the Trump administration and scurried home each time Mike Johnson dismissed the House because a critical vote was coming up.

People in our area are independent and thoughtful. We need a Representative who will listen and represent us courageously in Congress.

-Valerie VanDyke Ione

Letter writer has it wrong

The writer of the letter “What seems political often isn’t” apparently lacks the comprehension that various topics that are controversial become inherently political. They omitted that an Idaho federal judge ruled that pregnant individuals may obtain abortions in cases involving significant health risks or substantial self-harm to the pregnant individual.

The court held that the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses protect a limited, fundamental right to abortion when pregnancy threatens the pregnant person’s life or health. Also, speaking of misinformation, the record high for gasoline still was in 2022.

Additionally, Ms. Conroy apparently supports the Equality Act, which observers say the language could codify transgender women’s participation in women’s sports. If a fact, then Mr. Baumgartner is correct. Sports associations are obligated to operate in accordance with state laws and regulations, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability. Furthermore, they must prioritize athlete welfare. As for the Boise State women’s volleyball team, the author favors kicking the can down the road rather than addressing the issue directly. Congress intervened by passing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Constitution does not explicitly reference abortion, healthcare, or home ownership either; nevertheless, many believe these are rights.

-Renee Webster Newport

“At our core, the League is about educating voters,” President Karen Crowley said in a LWVWA news release. “With five of the nine seats being contested, we believe it is vitally important for voters to be informed.”

What’s more, all 10 candidates agreed to participate in the feature “Washington Supreme Court Candidate Interviews: Four Questions,” which puts six-minute, individually conducted interviews at voters’ fingertips. The feature is readily accessible at lwvwa.org/Supreme-Court-Candidates.

The interviews feature the candidates responding to four questions designed to provide voters insights into their backgrounds, philosophies and manner of decision-making. Responses are not edited.

As candidates for various offices across the country increasingly shy away from forums and debates, such participation is noteworthy, League officials said in the news release.

“There are good indications that the Millionaires’ Tax, and matters related to parents’ rights and girls and young women participating in school sports, will come before this court,” Crowley said.

The decisions justices make could have major ramifications for many Washingtonians, Crowley said, which is one of the reasons LWVWA made this feature available. The following questions were posed to each candidate: * What are the benefits of being — or not being — a judge before running for the Washington State Supreme Court?

* How would you approach a case in an area of law with which you have no knowledge or experience?

* When is it appropriate for the judiciary to overturn a statute or voter-approved referendum?

* Is there a judge or justice, from history or today, whom you most admire, and why?

LWVWA reminds every eligible voter to return their ballot by Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Ballots may be deposited in any official ballot drop box in Washington through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Using one of the 542 official ballot drop boxes across the state is the best way to ensure your ballot reaches its proper destination in time to be counted.

Voters who mail their ballot should ensure it is postmarked no later than Tuesday, Nov. 3. If mailing a ballot after Monday, Oct. 26, a voter is advised to take it directly to a postal clerk and request a hand-applied postmark at the counter to help ensure it receives a timely postmark.

Another priority: Karen will advocate for equal rights for ALL. She believes everyone deserves dignity, respect and equal rights under the law. Karen will fight bad bills that would marginalize any Idahoan.

Karen is an intelligent, experienced leader. Her background in journalism makes her a good listener and grounds her in facts. Read about Karen: kmattheeforidaho. com. Join me in marking your ballot for the person who will work for you and ALL Idahoans.

Andrea Berliner Sandpoint

Red light to data center!

A vote for Brandy Warren is a green light for the region’s largest data center facility! Her husband is employed by Merkle Standard. It is personal to their survival. This to me, seems to be a huge conflict of interest. She is not qualified for a commissioner position. Look at her qualifications! The article in The Miner last week clearly showed she was being directed by another commissioner to occupy this position!

Robert Rosencrantz clearly continues to show restraint, concerns, checks and balances. He has no personal interests in the company! Mr. Rosencrantz has the knowledge to guide us away from this overwhelming mistake.

Shame on the PUD for discussing this behind closed doors!

The whole country is tapping its brakes on data centers! We need to whoa as well. Wake up and protect our power rates, and our rural infrastructure from this monstrous data center!

We all need to vote candidates into office based on their knowledge and qualifications for these positions! Stop voting for folks because you like them! They need to be qualified!

Cindy Boober Newport

The Right Stuff

After attending the candidate forum sponsored by the Selkirk Sun in Metaline Falls on Oct. 3, it is even more obvious who the right-choice candidates are for the upcoming local elections.

If you follow the money, two candidates are bought and paid for by outside interests in the form of data centers (PDC Disclosures).

The right-choice candidates are Robert Rosencrantz for county commissioner and Ernie Hood for PUD commissioner. Both Robert and Ernie share many of the same attributes that make them the right choice. Both have integrity. Both have relevant experience appropriate for the position they seek. Both have a vision for the future of Pend Oreille that puts you, the resident citizens, first. Both candidates understand their role and share a commitment to open government, of, for and by the people; they understand who they work for. They will both ask the hard questions and make decisions based on what you, the constituents, have to say. Even when decisions are difficult and perhaps counterintuitive, they have the integrity to explain publicly and own their decisions. Please, vote for Robert Rosencrantz and Ernie Hood in the upcoming midterm election.

Andrew Feldman Newport

A Change in Direction

Growing up in Bonner County in the 1950s, the only spices we knew were salt and pepper and a bottle of Worcestershire sauce … and politics were not nearly as bitter. Times have changed!

Steve Johnson was raised in Bonner County. He attended the local schools here and the University of Idaho, which is where I met him.

I consider Steve honest, caring and deeply committed to doing what’s best for the people of Bonner County. We need to return to people who will be that kind of politician.

Please join me in voting for Steve Johnson. He is running as an Independent, and while you’re at it, some of these other Independents look pretty good, too!

Steve Booth Nordman

Voice your opinion

We need to, not only VOTE, but voice our opinion to our elected leaders.

The policies of the current administration, and those in congress that either support him, or do nothing to curtail these policies, are what’s weaking America, and causing you, an American to suffer. Not to mention making enemies of our allies, and making the USA a laughingstock, Wake up. It’s time to vote these people out.

Some facts about Tariffs and Higher prices: The current administration and our representative who support that or look the other way, added roughly $1,500 per household annually on everyday goods like groceries, clothing, and vehicles. Lower-income households were hit hardest. Studies from economic groups like the Tax Foundation and the Federal Reserve indicate that American importers and consumers— not foreign exporters— bore 90% to 96% of the financial burden. Do you think that your elected representatives care about the how the cost increases affect them and their families? Only if it hurt their chance for reelection.

We have the power to raise our voices and remind our elected representatives that they work for us, not the other way around.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Budd Colucci Newport

Warren right fit for county

I have been at many meetings where Brandy Warren has been in attendance. I have listened to her questions as well as her input on a variety of issues. Her desire to have our County succeed is obviously her top priority. She advocates responsible growth that protects our County values, she focuses on solutions, she wants open communication and to work collaboratively with others including government entities, private business and local citizens.

Brandy is vested in our County having lived and participated in our community for over 20 years. She is raising her family here and is a small business owner in Newport and Priest River. She has first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing local businesses and wants to see opportunities for our children to stay in this County to successfully live, work and raise their own families.

Brandy will serve this County with integrity driven leadership, putting in the same hard work, dedication, and drive as a County Commissioner that allows her to be a successful business woman and respected community member. I whole heartedly endorse Brandy Warren for District 2 County Commissioner.

-Kelly J. Driver Port of Pend Oreille Executive Director

Steve Johnson Is the Right Choice for Our District

I have been a Republican most of my adult life, winning elections and representing neighbors on issues important to our district, regardless of party. I still embrace my Republican Party’s principles, but I am not a Scott Herndon Republican. Study his plans for Idaho; none are good.

Thankfully, Independent State Senate candidate Steve Johnson offers a commonsense alternative. A farmer, homebuilder, former educator, longtime Sandpoint Rotarian, and respected citizen, he puts Idaho families first and opposes government imposing narrow religious beliefs.

Herndon backed an unqualified West Bonner County schools superintendent, displayed posters of aborted fetuses with his young daughters outside Sandpoint Middle School, and seeks to end the Festival at Sandpoint. That does not represent me, and likely not you. His attention-grabbing antics embarrass me and raise concerns about what comes next.

The choice is clear: Johnson wants to represent us and make Idaho better for families; Herndon has different priorities.

Vote Steve Johnson for State Senate this November. He is as independent as Idaho and deserves your support.

George Eskridge 14 Year Republican State House Representative

Endorsement of Rosencrantz

I proudly endorse Robert Rosencrantz for Pend Oreille County Commissioner. Robert is thoughtful, independent, and deeply committed to our community. He listens carefully, asks difficult questions, weighs the facts, and reaches his own conclusions, even when doing so is unpopular. That independence is not a weakness; it is essential to honest, effective local government.

Good governance does not require every elected official to agree. A 2-1 vote does not mean the person in the minority is “hard to work with.” Thoughtful disagreement is often a sign that the process is working as it should. Elected officials should be willing to challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions, and vote according to their judgement rather than yielding to pressure simply for the sake of unanimity. Robert also believes constituents deserve transparency, respect, and a government that never treats the public as a threat. And maybe most important, Robert can’t be bought. Shame on those in our country, states and counties who have been.

Robert cares deeply about Pend Oreille County and takes the responsibilities of public office seriously. His integrity, sound judgment, and willingness to serve with conviction are exactly the qualities we should demand from our elected officials. For these reasons, I strongly encourage you to vote for Robert Rosencrantz for Pend Oreille County Commissioner.

Curt Knapp Newport

Baumgartner ignoring Constitution

We all know that our federal government has three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive. The Constitution stipulates those three branches operate as a system of checks and balances. What we have now in Washington is not this system.

Since taking office in 2024, Representative Baumgartner has assisted in the destruction of our system of democracy by allowing the president to run roughshod over Congress by ignoring laws as well as cancelling funding already approved.

Not only is Baumgartner complicit in ignoring the Constitution, he cares more about pleasing his boss than supporting his constituents. Baumgartner does NOT represent us. His own bill, H.R. 5388, would put a moratorium on state laws that restrict AI – so Washington couldn’t set its own rules. No one of either party has signed on to this bill. Would you?

We need to send an Eastern Washington representative who will fight not just for us but for the integrity of the House of Representatives. That’s a tall order and Carmela Conroy is ready to take on the challenge. Carmela has spoken in Pend Oreille County five times this campaign cycle and is gaining momentum across the 5th District. Vote for Carmela Conroy! Take our democracy back!

Martha Nichols Newport Sauter supports parents, choice, better education

Every Idaho child deserves an excellent education, and parents deserve a meaningful voice in determining what that education looks like. That’s why I support Jane Sauter for Idaho House District 1A.

Jane believes in educational choice because every child is different. School choice gives families options while encouraging innovation, competition and accountability. Most importantly, it recognizes that parents know their children better than government does.

Parental empowerment isn’t anti-public education — it’s pro-child.

This is especially important for families raising children with special needs. They deserve educational options that meet their children’s individual needs, even when traditional schools cannot provide them.

Jane also believes Idaho’s education funding formula needs modernization so taxpayer dollars are used effectively and focused where they matter most: in the classroom and on students.

Our education system should serve children — not bureaucracy.

Voters in House District 1A have a clear choice: more government control or greater parental choice and accountability. I encourage you to support Jane Sauter, a strong advocate for parents, students, educational choice and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Jane Sauter will put Idaho families and students first.

Kathy Nash Blanchard

Warren not up to the job

At a recent candidate debate, Brandy Warren revealed what kind of county commissioner she would be – and it’s not a good one.

Warren dismissed Robert Rosencrantz’s successful effort to overturn the State’s septic setback rule as merely “saving people a few hundred dollars.” In reality, the change will save county families tens of thousands of dollars and enable many to build the dream homes they have invested a lifetime to create. Rather than acknowledge what Representative Andrew Engell called “A major victory for Pend Oreille County,” she minimized it, raising questions about her grasp of the issue and ability to work constructively with others.

Warren also misstated the purpose of Rosencrantz’s unanimously approved resolution establishing a county economic-resilience fund. She described it as an “economic development” fund. But “economic resilience” funds are meant to protect essential services for taxpayers, not to dole out to commissioners’ favored businesses like Merkle Standard. She argued the fund should never cover one-time repairs to essential county infrastructure: a position that would have had her voting against the county’s $90,000 contribution from Rosencrantz’s “resilience” fund to help the Town of Metaline repair its water system. Brandy is not up to the job. We’ve been warned.

Ben Richards Usk

What seems political often isn’t

In a recent conversation, a conservative friend accused Democrats of allowing abortion. I thought about Idaho law threatening doctors and nurses with prison if they treat a woman having a miscarriage before she was near death. This scene is created by political obsession with human reproduction. A woman can’t have a normal hospital birth in parts of Idaho because the abortion law drives medical practitioners away. How is that pro-life? Abortion is a medical procedure and shouldn’t be a political issue.

With gasoline and diesel prices being at record highs, the only thing left in the Republican misinformation toolbox is men in women’s sports. A recent ad by Baumgartner stated that Conroy wanted men in women’s sports. I can’t find “sports rights” in our Constitution and certainly nothing about men in women’s sports. Athletic sports associations determine the rules for competitions. Our congress has no role in this issue. The Boise State women’s volleyball team refused two matches last year as the opposing team had a transgender player. That’s how the issue is handled without politics. The conference oversees the participation rules.

What seems political often isn’t political and shouldn’t determine how we are manipulated to vote by political ads.

Pete Scobby Newport

Trump is anything but fiscally responsible

Not found of criminal wrongdoing or administrative misconduct, Trump is demanding Fed Chair Powell’s resignation. The reason? The Fed’s headquarters renovation went over budget. The party of fiscal responsibility is back!

After all, the ballroom announced it would cost $200 million, initially. Trump later announced $400 million. Clark Construction’s current estimate tags it at $600 million. Yes, taxpayers will take a hit. Trump’s Triumphal Arch, originally stated to be $100 million, is now looking at $250 million. Happily, it will be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

That’ll teach Macron for being so belligerent.

Donald’s sporting events attendance costs are well over $200 million. A sporty president is a fit one!

The Daytona 500 alone cost $561,842.63. In his first term, golf costs were $151.5 million. His second term, currently $101.2 million. See, he is making America “affordable” again. Drat! I forgot “affordability” is a Democratic hoax.

Regardless of all, Trump dividend checks will sure come in handy. The $1.15 to $1.35 trillion can be easily remedied if Powell would just resign. Then we could get on track for the golden age.

Gregory Turner Newport

Buying Votes

Isn’t it illegal to buy votes? Donald Trump blatantly offered $5,000 to all adult citizens as long as Republicans win the midterms. He also stated that the U.S. government would send out a one-time $90 payment to Medicare recipients to offset the cost of their insurance premiums. The administration is sending $500 checks to almost 1 million people for what Trump described as a refund for fees charged under The Affordable Care Act.

We Americans are feeling the real impact of this Administration’s economic and trade policies. The fact that these payments are taken from our taxes should not be missed, much less seen for what they are; payments to buy votes. Meanwhile Donald Trump’s cheerleaders in Congress have said little or nothing. Michael Baumgartner, as usual is staying in the shadows until his vote is needed to support his liege. He brags about farm relief bills. Don’t be mislead. These bills and payments are directly necessary due to exploding fuel costs from the war, Trump’s economic policies and tariffs. Return our Congress to being an independent branch. Vote for Carmela Conroy and teach Michael Baumgarter the consequences of his actions.

JR Wyatt Elk

Whether it is participating in social media discussions, engaging in local politics, or questioning the decisions of local leadership, newcomers are routinely shut out. Every contribution made by transplants—from substantial property and sales taxes to hours of volunteer work and local advocacy— is easily dismissed. Acceptance is apparently a privilege reserved exclusively for those born here or those who have clocked decades of residency.

This deep insularity is counterintuitive for a region that claims to want new industry and economic growth. If new businesses arrive, their workforce will need a place to live. Yet, the community makes its hostility toward newcomers perfectly obvious. Is the expectation for employees to commute from elsewhere just to keep local borders clear of fresh faces?

We relocated here to be close to family and to invest in a peaceful, rural retirement. As newcomers from another part of Eastern Washington, we didn’t expect special treatment—just basic community acceptance.

Choosing a town is much like adopting a child; it is an intentional act of commitment. To have that commitment met with such systemic rejection is a profound disappointment.

The lesson has been learned. Good luck with the future you are building.

Beth Anheier Newport

Republican party supports Hood for PUD

Now the reason we support Ernie Hood is we need a person that has a background in large companies and managing millions of dollars of assets. In his years of working at Hewlett-Packard, doing budgets, analyzing data, working on complex problems and finding solutions, his experience will be an asset to the PUD board.

Mr. Hood has degrees in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration. His inside sales team delivered $150 million in annual revenues for HP. We need a person with business sense that can sit at the Board and looking at risks, evaluating spending and saving money for rate payers?

Additionally, there will be a requirement for traveling for meetings for the business for the PUD. This is not a popularity contest; this is our future and we need wise decisions moving forward. Bottom lines and future growth that can be brought here by Mr. Hood who has dealt in world-wide markets. He can keep strategic asset safe and power affordable to POC customers. Our Republican Party voted for recommending Ernie Hood.

William Bisson Chairman, Pend Oreille County Republicans

Signs, signs everywhere....

Or so the song says. With an election coming up, I have put signs on my property. Why! I am not sure. Personally I don’t think I have ever voted for someone because I saw a sign saying vote for me!

Perhaps we feel an affiliation with that person if we put a sign up in support. When I put a sign up it is for someone I already know I will vote for so I am just saying to friends and neighbors I am going to vote for this person, does that mean if they think I am a good or informed source of information they should vote as I do? I don’t think I have a following like that, nor do I think my neighbors are that easily persuaded.

I realize there is some gain for a candidate to get their name out as much as possible but the opposing candidate is doing the same thing. It seems like an expensive toss up.

Just my thoughts, we need a town hall meeting every week. Candidates need to be seen and heard more.

Roger Castle Newport

Prop 1 needs careful consideration

Idaho voters will face an important decision on November 3 regarding Proposition 1, the Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act. Voters should read the initiative’s actual language and understand what it would change in Idaho law before casting their ballots.

Despite its reassuring title, Proposition 1 would establish a statutory right to abortion before fetal viability and allow abortion after viability in defined medical emergencies. It would also provide legal protections for health care providers participating in reproductive health care covered by the initiative.

This measure represents a significant change to Idaho’s existing abortion laws and deserves careful consideration beyond campaign slogans.

For those of us who believe unborn children deserve legal protection and that Idaho should continue valuing life, family, and parental responsibility, Proposition 1 represents a major change in direction. Jane Sauter promises that she will always be a defender of life.

Please read the measure and official voter pamphlet. Look beyond the title and consider the actual language before voting.

Katrina Cornett Moyie Springs

Looking forward to pigs flying

I am really looking forward to Donald Trump’s promises that immediately after the election every American adult will receive $5,000, the excursion in Iran will end, gas prices will fall back to pre-war prices, and food costs will drastically decline. I am also looking forward to a very large orange- headed balloon floating along with all of the other flying pigs when his promises are fulfilled.

My condolences to the families who have lost loved ones or to the veterans who lost their health and whose futures will be permanently impacted from the excursion. I have many war heroes in my family. I guess we can refer this group of disabled veterans as “Excursion Heros.”

Betty Gardner Priest River

Thinking of America’s future

As midterm elections approach, we hear a lot of noise from the DSA wing of the Democrat party identifying what needs to change in America. The problem is they have given no plan or details other than let’s try socialism, bringing everyone down to the lowest common denominator. Food vouchers and vacations in your back yard. That is not how America grew to become the greatest nation on Earth.

Competition, innovation, and hard work is what made America grow and prosper. Republicans with a small majority and a proactive President fighting against a hostile Democrat opposition have cut taxes, cut regulations, closed the border to illegal aliens, created over a million private sector jobs, reduced crime across the country, brought down the inflation rate from 9% to 3%, increased America’s energy supply, and eliminated a nuclear threat of Iran to name a few. Democrats have fought against all of these things. The traditional democrat (if there are any left) want to use their same plan of raising taxes, increased regulations, open borders, allow non- citizens to vote. Think back to the inflation and gas prices of Biden’s democrat America. The party of blame and appeasement.

-K.C. Hunt Murfreesboro, TN

Nurse’s perspective against Prop 1

Prop 1 has been championed as reproductive freedom for women but the law will put women and minors at much greater risk. It allows non-physicians to perform abortions, strips parents of consent rights for minors and legalizes late term abortions.

Clarification of Misleading TV ads:

• An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency that requires the immediate removal of the fetus to save the life of the mother and has always been protected under Idaho law!

• The Idaho Board of Medicine reported a 20% increase in OB/GYN’s in Idaho since the current prolife bill was passed!

Finally, the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine recommends pain medications for children undergoing surgery in the womb but NOT for those undergoing an abortion.

Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, please VOTE NO on Prop 1!

Jennie E. Johnson RN, PhD Hope

Warren right choice for Pend Oreille County

Brandy Warren is the right choice for Pend Orielle County Commissioner.

While you may not know Brandy, as her neighbor for 16 years, I have watched Brandy and Steve raise their three boys, manage a family business in Newport, purchase that business and transform it.

Brandy understands marketing and the complexity of being a border county/ town.

Brandy cares for the success of others not just her own. While managing the family business, Brandy chose not to bring in clothing and compete with Ben Franklin. When Brandy began selling fabrics, she contacted a fellow fabric merchant and assured them that while she would sell fabrics, she would not sell the same lines of fabric. When I approached Brandy with a business idea that could benefit both of us, Brandy came back with bigger ideas that benefited my business but not hers. Brandy believes there is room for every business, and she lives it.

Brandy is a long time Newport resident, a good neighbor, and a business owner. Brandy has strong family values and considers the interests of others not just her own. Brandy understands the challenges and possibilities of being a border county/town.

I encourage you to vote for Brandy Warren for Pend Oreille County Commissioner. Keelee McGhee Newport

Border security deserves our attention

One issue I believe deserves attention in this election is border security and immigration enforcement. For Idaho families, this is not a national issue—it can affect our schools, hospitals, law enforcement, housing, and resources in our communities.

Jane Sauter has made border security and illegal immigration a priority in her campaign for Idaho House Seat 1A. She has stated that Idaho needs secure borders and an immigration system that works, while supporting enforcement of immigration laws.

I appreciate that Jane is willing to speak about an issue that can be difficult to discuss. She recognizes that legal immigration has strengthened our country for generations, while illegal immigration undermines a system in which people who follow the legal process wait their turn.

Border security is about more than politics. It is about maintaining the rule of law, protecting our communities, addressing trafficking, and ensuring public resources remain available to the people they are intended to serve.

Jane Sauter has made her position clear: she supports stronger immigration enforcement and secure borders. For voters who value the rule of law and a lawful immigration system, her position is worth considering.

Rich Neel Colburn

Vote yes on hospital bond

In addition to candidates and initiatives on your November 3rd ballot, you’ll have an opportunity to vote on the Hospital bond.

To make this added tax less onerous, the Hospital District will offset the additional amount you pay in taxes by refunding up to $750 in medical expenses if you use our local hospital, Newport Health Center, and/or Seeber’s Pharmacy. Here’s how this could work for you.

If you are a registered voter but do not pay property taxes in Hospital District 1 (Pend Oreille County), voting yes for the bond will not cost you anything. Vote yes!

If you are a registered voter paying property taxes in the district, and you get your health care with NHHS, up to $750 is available annually to reimburse your medical bills to offset your increased taxes due to the bond. Vote yes!

If you are a registered voter paying property taxes in the district, and you go elsewhere for your health care, you will pay the full amount of bond taxes improving local care for your whole community. Vote yes!

Please vote ‘YES’ for the hospital bond for up-todate, local health care. Go to yes4hospitalexpansion. com for more information.

Martha Nichols Newport

Herndon dishonest about campaign finance

Herndon claims that his campaign is not funded by PACs, however, he is receiving money from PACs directly to his bank account. The PACs that pay him are funded by out of state investors and tech companies that are fueling the AI data centers in southern Idaho and are threatening northern Idaho now.

Herndon helped start the Idaho Freedom Caucus PAC. He then started his own corporation called Idaho Freedom Caucus Inc. that funnels money from PACs directly into his pocket. Money Metals Exchange, a company that produces silver that is used in AI data centers, pays the IFC PAC hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The PAC then pays Herndon’s LLC. It’s that simple. This is the definition of dark money that is easily traceable through Idaho’s SOS office. We must vote him out on November 3rd.

Leah Opitz Sandpoint

What is really happening

President Trump Secured Permanent U.S.

Security Control Over Greenland at ZERO Cost.

He also extended the World’s Lowest Drug Prices to All 50 State Medicaid Programs, thus stopping local free-loading.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding hunting opportunities on select federal lands, improving access for hunters with disabilities, encouraging opportunities for young Americans and veterans, and supporting wild game donations to schools and food banks. It will also modernize fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Our President renewed the $100,000 H-1B visa fee which takes steps to reform abuses and protects American workers. It ensures hiring only the best of the best temporary foreign workers.

President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to integrate with a new website, america.gov, that makes it easier to find information and interact with the government.

Consolidating nearly 30,000 federal government websites into one chatbot, it will privately, with no log-in required, allow users to ask questions and receive guidance for accessing services. “This puts control back into the hands of the people, right where it belongs”, Trump said.

For researched facts go to NTD News: www.ntd. com Thank you for God’s blessings on America!

Maureen Paterson Priest River

Port commissioner supports Warren

I am Keith Peterson, District 2 Port Commissioner and I am endorsing Brandy Warren for County Commissioner over the incumbent.

Brandy is hard working and honest and values jobs. Brandy cares about the future of our county.

This community will be better with her rounding out the board of county commissioners.

Keith Peterson Newport

‘Trumps Fault’

Anyone thinking that soaring diesel prices are because of Trump/Iran need to turn the TV off and do a little research.

65% of the diesel ‘crisis’ is from Ukraine bombing Russian oil refineries. Gas prices are up because of Trump/Iran, diesel not so much.

Trump has isolated Iran from the rest of the world economically. Their economy is falling apart and inflation is soaring.

Outside of ‘nukes’ is there another purpose? Iranians are almost at the point where they can overthrow their radical government.

They could go back to being free like they were before 1979. Maybe that is part of Trumps thinking.

Freedom is never easy.

Our memory can be short. In both of Trumps terms, household income/ 401(k) s was/is higher than when Biden was in office. Less so far than his first term but he’s only halfway through. He can’t accomplish much with this congress.

What he is accomplishing is bringing business back to America. He just announced the largest steel plant in history to be built in Iowa. 6,000 construction jobs and 1,700 permanent jobs. There is plant construction going on in several other states as well. Give it some time.

Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

The winds of change

With our midterm elections less than 30 days away, there is still time to change course. Several undisputed facts define our current situation: food prices are up, gas prices are up, housing costs are up, and health insurance is increasingly unaffordable. Inflation is at 3.4%. While wages have increased, they have not kept pace with inflation.

The bottom line is that the cost of living is up and affordability is down.

During the Republican Midterm Convention, Donald Trump said, “I’m asking you to pretend I am on the ballot!” We don’t have to pretend. He is on the ballot, represented by hundreds of Republican congressional candidates.

Our incumbent representative, Michael Baumgartner, overwhelmingly supports Trump’s agenda. He voted for legislation restricting food assistance and Medicaid services for thousands of people, including 54% of the children in his own district. He also supported costly tariffs and military operations. Yet, his constituent communications repeatedly claim he works for everyone.

Doing the same thing expecting a different result is insanity. Let’s do things differently. VOTE for change! VOTE CONROY!

-Julie Rose Deer Park

SEE LETTERS, 8A Vote, vote, vote

I know I sound like a broken record but it’s so important to vote that I can’t help wanting to constantly remind everyone. Remember to try to read letters to the editor in all the local papers to read what people are sending in about the candidates. Pay special attention to what people say about Herdon. We do not want him as our senator.

Vote for Steve Johnson. Go to the Meet and Greets for him. Ask questions, he’ll answer them honestly.

Also vote for Kathryn Larson. She also will listen and represent us for what we believe. We have to be so aware of the IFF infiltrating our system . They are among us and it’s dangerous. Beware. If everyone votes we have a chance to get some good people in.

By not going out to vote we actually are giving the less desirable candidates more of a chance. We need everyone to vote. Please do it.

-Ernie & Helen Schoeffel Priest River

Vote Rosencrantz, Hood for checks and balances

The races for County and PUD commissioners need to consider the relationship with the other two commissioners. Currently, the two commissioners for county and PUD (not running) usually vote the same and the third position can challenge that majority.

Last week’s letters showed a group of politicians in the same bed.

The reason for three commissioners is to prevent a poor decision based on listening only to special interests with campaign money. Also, it’s less likely for outside influences to force a bad decision. I would hate to see the county and PUD approve a data center at the former paper mill site in Usk and repeat the mistake that was made in awarding that site to a foreign company. The Tribe would have been a better steward of the land and energy now being wasted on a product that has no benefit for our community.

The schools and the hospital need over a hundred million to provide better education and healthcare for our community. Will our commissioners continue to give away our hydroelectric power infrastructure without receiving revenue from foreign companies?

Voting for Rosencrantz and Hood will at least ensure that questions are asked before another big give away.

Pete Scobby Newport

Voting for Baumgartner is voting for Trump

If there was ever any doubt about Rep. Michael Baumgartner’s independence from Donald Trump, he removed it last week by seeking Trump’s endorsement.

The endorsement means that a vote for Baumgartner is a vote for a continuation of Trump policies, including the tariff tax on American consumers, inflationary fuel and fertilizer prices resulting from the Iran War, a paramilitary force running roughshod over American civil rights (ICE), wanton violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution and so much more.

Because we have seen Baumgartner in action over the past 20 months, we can predict that he will not object to the Trump family corruptly continuing to accumulate vast wealth at the expense of ordinary citizens. He will watch silently as public land is sold or leased for private profit. He will vote submissively again if told to and make your healthcare less affordable or even impossible to obtain. He will lie to you regarding the impacts of his votes over the past almost two years. Just like Trump plays his supporters for suckers, Baumgartner mimics that sad behavior, leaving his constituents struggling to afford basic necessities.

Baumgartner thus is unequivocally a wholly owned subsidiary of Trump, Inc.

Lisa Wolfe Kettle Falls

Vote Rosencrantz, the down to earth commissioner

I have heard people say to me that it would be nice to have a “woman” as a county commissioner.

Please re-elect the honest down-to-earth present commissioner.

Do your research please! We already have one data center by Safeway and the PUD is working with these people. Please checkout what another data center could do to our community! I have lived here 40 years because it is peaceful and beautiful. It seems like the people want growth and more growth. I prefer my home to be peaceful.

There is already so much traffic on Hwy 2 it is ridiculous. I understand that people need jobs but this is not the way to go about it. Data centers need to be stopped!

Look at the river and see how low it is now. Imagine it turning into a creek. If you depend on a well, you may lose your water.

This is just information I learned by research. If Merkle Standard buys out our farmers, we are not going to survive all the future data centers that they want to build.

Just food for thought! It is all about the all mighty dollar.

Terry Zakar Newport

BY PAULINA STAAB

EXECUTIVE AND YOUTH EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR PEND OREILLE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

I am angry. I am frustrated. And quite frankly, I am tired.

Once again, our Playhouse property has been broken into.

The vandalism and break-ins have been an ongoing problem for about two years, but this past year has been especially difficult. We have had two breakins in just the last month and a half.

This is about more than damage to a building. On our property, we have found drug paraphernalia, Narcan, personal belongings, and stolen property. There was also a makeshift encampment behind our property near the railroad. That situation was addressed with help from Kelly Driver, and we are grateful. But the broader problems around our property have continued to be an ongoing battle.

Each time there is another incident, we are left to clean up, figure out what was damaged or taken, file reports, worry about what happens next, and find the money to make our property safer.

We have tried to be vigilant. We have taken steps to increase security. We have asked questions. We have looked for solutions.

But at what point does the responsibility stop falling entirely on a small nonprofit organization?

The Pend Oreille Playhouse isn’t just a building. We regularly welcome children, teenagers, families, volunteers, and community members through our doors. Parents trust us with their kids, and we take that responsibility incredibly seriously.

So where is the guidance for organizations like ours?

Schools have safety protocols, security procedures, resources, and systems designed to protect the children and families they serve. We understand that a community theatre is not a school, but the children who walk through our doors deserve to feel safe here, too. Our volunteers deserve to feel safe. Our patrons deserve to feel safe.

And we’re trying. We recently received a quote of approximately $18,000 just to fence the backside of our property.

Eighteen thousand dollars. For a nonprofit community theatre. Here is another part of this that I don’t think people always see: we are volunteers.

We have full-time jobs. We have children, spouses, homes, and families that deserve our time, too.

Every time something like this happens, volunteers have to stop what they’re doing and deal with it. We clean up. We make phone calls. We file reports. We assess damage. We research security measures. We try to figure out how we’re going to pay for them.

That is time taken away from serving our community. And, just as importantly, it is time taken away from our own families.

And yes, we know there are grants. Grants are wonderful. They can be transformational for small nonprofit organizations like ours. But having to use grants to repair damage and beef up security because our property continues to be targeted isn’t fair.

We should be spending those hours writing grants that make this organization better: grants for stronger programming, building improvements, more opportunities for children, accessible theatre, and ways to reach and serve more people in our community.

Instead, we’re being forced to consider spending those precious volunteer hours writing grants for fencing, security, repairs, cameras, locks, and damage prevention.

Every grant application takes time. Research takes time. Gathering documents and quotes takes time. Writing applications takes time. And we only have so many volunteer hours to give.

When we have to spend those hours applying for money to protect ourselves from someone else’s actions, those hours are taken away from the things we care about and the things our community needs.

That’s what is so frustrating. We don’t want to spend our energy figuring out how to build a fortress around a community theatre. We want to spend it building a better community theatre.

Every dollar we have to spend repairing damage, replacing stolen property, installing cameras, adding locks, putting up fencing, or cleaning up after someone else’s actions is a dollar that cannot go toward programming, productions, scholarships, building improvements, or opportunities for the kids and families we serve.

And every hour we spend dealing with another break-in is an hour we aren’t spending doing what we volunteered to do in the first place: serving our community.

We should not have to simply accept repeated break-ins as the cost of serving our community.

We need accountability. We need meaningful conversations about what resources are available to nonprofit organizations dealing with repeated safety and security issues. And we need our community leaders to understand that this isn’t just about a shed. It’s about the safety and future of a community

SEE PLAYHOUSE, 5A organization that serves families and children.

We want our voices heard. We want to know what can be done and what resources and guidance are available. Most importantly, we want to work toward a solution that protects the people and organizations trying to make our community a better place.

We love this Playhouse. We believe deeply in what happens inside these walls. We will continue showing up, rebuilding, and doing everything we can to protect it.

Enough is enough.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PLAYHOUSE AND ITS PROGRAMS, EMAIL AT MAIL@PENDOREILLEPLAYERS.COM OR VISIT WWW.PENDOREILLEPLAYERS.COM.

The right of the people to elect those who govern over them has been essential from the beginning of our nation. We must protect the vote for all citizens, reject arbitrary barriers, encourage them to flex their civic muscles to vote safely in fair and free elections.

I vote for candidates whose positions align with my personal values, those who seek to build up and not break down, who can imagine a nation functioning better for all people, not just for some. I want transparency, ethical and informed decision-making, people who keep asking the right questions, despite pressure to do otherwise.

While I don’t agree with them on every issue, I will be voting for Ernie Hood (PUD Commissioner) and Robert Rosencrantz (PO County commissioner) this fall. They will be independent voices and work toward the future good of our county, especially with the rise of data centers in our back yard.

I will also be voting for Carmela Conroy for Congress. She is experienced, capable and relatable, and will listen to the folks back home. We need a change: remember Rep. Baumgartner voted FOR the Big Beautiful Bill and AGAINST the war resolution to end the “engagement” in Iran.

Becky Anderson Newport

Bradbury for PUD

Commissioner #2

David knows our County. He has maintained a teaching/ coaching/ Radio Manager position for many years , adding the “Voice of the Griz” for 30 plus years. As Manager of the KUBS radio station he worked weekends, nights and Holidays to achieve its success.

David has shown how one person can strive and achieve outside their normal work hours if you have ambition and passion. David has the ambition to take on the job of PUD Commissioner and the passion, He has a degree in Leadership/ Administration from EWU giving him a MA in Education with emphasis on budgeting/management practices. He has served on various Committees, etc. for Newport and has had many leadership positions in civic groups.

David has long been interested in the PUD. He has done summer work and studied the inner workings of the PUD throughout his adult life. He took on a leadership role in TIPP (teachers interested in public power) continuing his power education.

Vote Bradbury.

-Gail Berendt Newport

Herndon doesn’t represent my Republican Party

Scott Herndon proposes removal of Bonner County Republican Central Committee members for supporting candidates or expressing ideas contrary to “Republican values”. Herndon seeks political loyalty through political coercion.

A political party’s strength comes from members free to exercise judgment and not by requiring members to surrender that judgement. Sometimes a candidate emerges who, regardless of party label, is better qualified, more trustworthy, or closely aligned with the community’s interests. We know too well how a community suffers when a party loyalist pursues party agendas and ignores the needs of our residents.

“Loyalty” to party should never become a duty to put party above conscience, voters, or constitutional principles. Republicans champion individual liberty, independent thought, and personal responsibility. Punishing committee members for exercising those values would turn the party’s commitment to freedom into an internal loyalty test. Likewise, Republican officials should choose candidates who earn voter support through sound policies and effective leadership, not threats.

Herndon’s goals for the Republican Party use coercion rather than genuinely earning members’ votes. I urge Bonner County Republicans to reject this corrupt effort and restore the Republican Party as the party of personal liberty, freedom of conscience, and a government practicing both.

-George Eskridge 14 Year Republican State House Representative Bonner County

Support for Warren for commissioner

I am Kim Gentle, Port Commissioner for District 1, and I proudly endorse Brandy Warren for District 2 County Commissioner. Over the past year, I have seen Brandy consistently show up for Pend Oreille County – not just to attend meetings, but to listen, learn, and serve.

Brandy brings the courage and business sense our county needs. She handles difficult conversations with respect and resolve, speaks plainly, and stands firm for what she believes. In challenging rural economies, she has built stability, created jobs, retained loyal employees, and shown that leadership is about both results and people.

She also has a genuine heart for youth and young adults, giving them opportunities to work, learn, grow, and build a future here at home.

I believe the Board of County Commissioners needs Brandy Warren. She offers courage, practical experience, strong business leadership, and sincere commitment to the people of Pend Oreille County. I trust her backbone, her heart, and her ability to help lead our county toward a stronger future.

-Kim Gentle Newport

Hood has time, ability

As voters we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to make a choice of who we want to represent our interests in the management of the PUD. The roll of the commissioner is to approve policies, budgets and rates for us, the customers.

As neither of the candidates bring a voting record for the voters to use, we must look at business management qualifications and experience they bring.

Mr. Hood comes to us with a background in private and for profit business. He has an MBA he earned while holding down a full time job, and 35 years experience in the real world. Mr. Bradbury brings a working lifetime experience of education, relying on taxpayers largess.

Mr. Hood’s total independence is another difference. Ernie’s ability to be independent and the fact that taxpayers will only be paying one salary for him is a big difference that should be considered. PUD board members must spend between 70 and 90 days, outside of board meeting days, representing the interest of the PUD. Ernie has that time ability. Does a dedicated teacher have the freedom to work half time?

-Mike Hanson Newport

Misdirected anger

Washington state has 10 Federal Representatives and two Senators.

Michael Baumgartner is just one of them. Yet he is blamed for his opinion on how to prevent wild fires in the state by this paper’s most prolific letter writer. Mr. Scobby should direct his ire at the Washington state politicians, long controlled by Democrats. I have long thought that clear cut alleys across dense forests would make sense for firefighter access and safety. Just FYI …The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the primary state agency responsible for wildfire suppression, protection, and investigation on 13 million acres of state-owned and private forestlands in Washington.

DNR Wildland Fire Management Division handles firefighting operations, deploying over 1,300 permanent and seasonal staff, engines, and aircraft. Homeowners living in wooded areas need to take commonsense precautions and debris clean up around their property.

K.C. Hunt Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Trump is a liar, dumb

Yes, it would be a good idea for those running for the highest office in the land take an IQ test. Sadly, the only thing this President would have won is Nations Dumbest. Being the liar he is he could say it was Nations Smartest because this liar turns all things around.

He calls the news outlets that refuse to lie about him “fake” news. These are the truthful outlets that ask this old fool the hard questions he doesn’t want to answer.

We need to make sure a demented old felonious pervert is never elected again. Tell the world we are not stupid enough to believe all the lies and horrible things he has done. Get America back to a country that is respected again. Because of Trump being elected twice it will take a long time for us to no longer be the joke to the world.

Jeannie Hutchins Newport

Vote Rosencrantz, Hood who oppose data centers

Living in a predominantly conservative or red area like Pend Oreille County can be frustrating when the majority of local candidates on the ballot belong to the opposing party. Short of leaving sections of the ballot blank, the only practical option is to carefully evaluate those opposing candidates and choose the individuals whose values and statements come closest to aligning with our own values and concerns.

There are two candidates I will have no problem voting for come Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These candidates are incumbent County Commissioner Robert Rosencrantz and PUD candidate Ernie Hood. Why? Both have come out strongly opposing or in favor of placing a moratorium on the siting of data centers in POC.

Rosencrantz and Hood are listening to community members who have genuine misgivings about data centers and their impact on the environment and our rural way of life.I believe it would be a serious conflict of interest if Rosencrantz’s opponent, Brandy Warren, were to win, as her husband works as a “manager at Merkle Standard, the company trying to convert its operation into a (massive) data center” as reported in the Spokesman Review.

Phyllis Kardos Newport

Jane Sauter lifelong Republican

On November 3, voters in Legislative District 1 will choose who represents Bonner and Boundary counties in the Idaho House. I support Jane Sauter of Cocolalla for Seat 1A.

Jane is not a career politician. She is a wife of nearly four decades, mother of nine, and grandmother of 21. A Bonner County resident for a decade, she has served as a precinct committeeman, poll worker, and election judge. She won the Republican nomination this spring by talking with neighbors and asking for their votes.

A lifelong Republican, Jane promises to answer to District 1A voters, not special interests. She supports limited government, responsible budgeting, school choice, enforcement of immigration laws, constitutional rights, the Second Amendment, and law enforcement. Prolife since her teens, she opposes Proposition 1 and believes its sweeping changes to Idaho abortion law are wrong. These are consequential times for North Idaho. District 1 deserves a representative who understands why so many of us choose to live here and who will plainly defend the principles she campaigned on. Jane has made those commitments and will keep them.

On November 3, join me in voting for Jane Sauter for Idaho House District 1, Seat A.

-Dr. Rick Kirschner Sagle

Baumgartner supports runaway national debt

Perhaps worst of Michael Baumgartner’s habitual votes contradicting his policy statements is his continually advocating for slashing federal spending but then voting for One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). This added $4.1 trillion to the national debt which has doubled to $40 trillion since 2017, the beginning of President Donald Trump’s first term. Deceit-prone Baumgartner could have killed OBBB because it passed the House by just one vote. More accomplished opponent Carmela Conroy would kill OBBB, as recognized by Trump’s recent Truth Social post praising Baumgartner while berating Conroy’s endorsement of taxing the richest.

Sensing OBBB’s great unpopularity, Baumgartner’s weekly Friday Emails to constituents suddenly renamed OBBB as “Working Families Tax Cuts”, never admitting the renaming. This huge misnomer contradicted the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s determination that OBBB’s total impact makes the poorest working families even poorer, the richest CEOs much richer.

Reversing our huge runaway national debt problem needs immediate attention. Clearly Baumgartner, contradicting his statements, has no interest in this, but rather just advancing his MAGA stature by gaining favor with Trump and his lapdog, House Speaker Mike Johnson. Just recall Baumgartner’s recent positive response to Trump’s ridiculous renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”

Baumgartner should be renamed “MAGA-man.”

Norm Luther Spokane

Import bans affect prescription drugs

I order my stroke prevention medication from Canada for $1.51 a day, compared to Walmart’s $10.11. That’s because my Medicare Part D denies coverage for this medication, and patent lawsuits have blocked the release of a generic version which was approved in 2020.

Now, my Canadian pharmacy has warned me about an upcoming CBP/FDA rule taking effect October 22, 2026, which suspends the de minimis exemption for mail shipments. While it does not explicitly ban importing Canadian drugs, it introduces burdensome restrictions that increase package rejection rates.

Furthermore, the FDA declares that medications available domestically cannot be imported. This rule fails to recognize that extreme retail costs can make a drug financially inaccessible to people with limited incomes.

The drug’s manufacturers, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, fund a pharmaceutical lobbying group that contributes to Michael Baumgartner, making advocacy from him unlikely.

Blocking illicit substances at the border is crucial, but federal actions like pardoning dark web drug trafficker Ross Ulbricht contradict this focus. It remains uncertain if past political promises to protect personal Canadian prescription imports, made by Trump himself, will stand.

-Dianna Michaels Colville

Price of diesel affecting farmers most

Cambridge Press estimates that 78% of farmers voted for Trump in 2024 – this estimate is based on counties more than individuals. With such overwhelming support you would think a President would be very sensitive to their issues.

But I heard a report on the havoc the Trump Iran war is causing with farmers – the price of diesel has increased 75% in the past year, and farmers use a lot of it; consequently, some Republicans are calling for a ban on exports of the fuel in the hopes of temporarily lowering the price. That would not be a good solution. Gulf coast refiners would sell more domestically in the short run but cut back overall as they lose their global market, causing global diesel prices to increase. The real culprit is the war and until that is settled, we are going to see increases in prices of diesel and, as a result, food.

DJT is urging voters to pretend he is on the November ballot. I hope we all do – especially all those farmers who expected him to act in their best interests.

-Sandy Nichols Newport

Warren owned by Merkle

Merkle Standard owns Brandy Warren. The same Merkle Standard that converted the Usk papermill into a crypto mill, then repeatedly threatened our county’s PUD in an effort to get us to subsidize their failed Chinese bitcoin joint venture. They now want a massive 225 MW data center projected to cost the county tens of millions in new infrastructure to support.

That history matters because Warren’s financial disclosure raises serious conflict-of-interest concerns. Merkle employs her husband at a reported salary of $100,000 to $200,000 per year. Warren herself makes a fraction of that – less than $30,000 – from her Lucky Bee Variety Store.

To make matters worse, Ms. Warren appears to be drowning in debt – as much as $880,000 based on her public financial disclosure, including spending between $100,000 and $200,000 for a new luxury motorcoach RV.

That’s $6-$9,000 a month based on her total reported debt—far more than what her own income can support.

When asked at a candidate forum if her financial dependence on Merkle was a conflict of interest, she responded about her husband’s employment: “He’s the one paying the mortgage, not me, so it’s not a conflict.” Really?

We deserve independent commissioners who are free from serious financial conflicts of interest.

Ben Richards Usk

Abbey, library topic of town hall

In this time of partisan political divide, it is good to find places to gather and celebrate common ground and appreciate the local offerings that enrich our all lives. Many of us belong to clubs or special interest groups, attend a church or cheer for our sports teams. It is within those types of groups that I find that common ground with a variety of people.

Newport’s community Town Halls are another opportunity.

On October 3rd there will be a Town Hall at 1 p.m. at the PUD conference room off Pine Street in Newport. The speakers are Mandy Walters and Thubten Jigme. Mandy is director of Pend Oreille County Library District and Thubten Jigme is from Sravasti Abbey. Both guests will share information and opportunities that are available to our community. There will be a facilitated question and answer session after each presentation.

Please consider attending to learn about your public library system and our local Buddhist Monastery, Sravasti Abbey.

-Martha Nichols Newport

Break party lines, vote Johnson

My main intention is to prompt everyone in Idaho to vote. However you do it “just do it.” It can be by mail or in person on election day. If you choose to do it by mail you have to request a ballot. That has to be done soon. Then it has to be mailed in and received by your county clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd. There are places you can scan to request an absentee ballot.

However you choose to do it, please do it.

This year you should give serious thought to breaking party ties. You do NOT have to vote a straight party ticket if you choose NOT to. The independents running this year are good people.

Steve Johnson is running against Herndon.

He’s bad news and we DON’T want him representing us in Boise. Vote Johnson.

-Ernie and Helen Schoeffel Priest River

A vote for Baumgartner is a vote for Trump

The Cold War is over.

Nuclear stockpiles have been greatly reduced. A new nuclear threat now exists with President Trump. He has threatened multiple times to annihilate Iran if they don’t agree to his terms.

Unlike Venezuela, Iran won’t agree or surrender to Trump. Instead, Iran uses economic pressure by driving up World energy prices. Trump’s recourse is to carry out his nuclear threats and kill millions of Iranians to end a war he started or admit failure and walk away.

The nuclear option would open the door to Putin to nuke Ukraine and China to take Taiwan.

Do you support a nuclear holocaust initiated on our behalf by the President? Does the president have the authority to destroy a country over a deal they won’t accept?

This isn’t defending America but the murder of millions of people.

We are represented by a congressman who supports any action taken by Trump. Our community voted for both men, and we would be accessories to mass murder. How does this square with the religious faith of most of our community?

A vote for Baumgartner is a vote for Trump to kill other humans just because he has to power to do it.

Pete Scobby Newport

Voting for Warren means voting for data centers

I am very concerned about the data centers. I feel that all of you who are voting for Robert Rosencrantz’s opponent are voting for data centers.

I attended a meeting where due to good questioning it was discovered that Brandy Warren’s husband works for Merkle Standard. I had wondered where all the money she said she donated to various entities in our community had come from. No talk about what she wants to bring to the position of county commissioner.

If you do not want another data center in our rural community, please vote for Robert Rosencrantz. If you do not know what a disaster another data center could do to our water supply in town and our lakes, wells and rivers please research it!

-Terry Zakar Newport

Representative Baumgartner claims that he values forest health and outdoor recreational access, trotting out his professor of forestry father as proof of his understanding (by this logic, I must be a mechanic).

Then he tries to rationalize his support of decreasing national monument and federal land protections (including the Roadless Rule, which he thinks is “overcomplicated”), and allowing mining and fracking on federal lands.

Because oil jacks and racing dirt bikes are what I want to experience when hiking or camping how about you? Will vehicle noise, logging, and mining improve your horsebacking, hunting, and fishing?

Baumgartner supports Trump’s EO resuming use of lead ammunition and tackle on Federal Lands, despite decades of evidence that these lead pieces in the environment directly cause unintended deaths of water fowl (sorry, hunters) and Bald Eagles (who needs a national bird anyway?).

Baumgartner supports eliminating large swaths of National Park staff, impairing Park functions and accessibility. He is all-in on cuts to Forest Service to shift resources to fewer areas multiple states away, while claiming to be working on improving local wildfire response - how does closing 2 Washington Forestry labs improve our state’s forest management?

Midterms are coming right up - this is the time to get rid of Baumgartner’s hypocrisy and disdain for the Eastern Washington residents he pretends to represent and what we actually value.

-Jessica Adams Colville

Vote Matthee to improve women’s healthcare

As a resident of Bonner County and a voter in Idaho Congressional District 1A, I am concerned about the quantity of medical resources in Idaho. Idaho’s near total ban on abortion caused the loss of all of Sandpoint’s OB-GYNs and 42% statewide. That same legislation has discouraged doctors from coming to the state, adding to Idaho’s dismal rating of doctors per capita.

This is one reason I am supporting Karen Matthee for Idaho House District 1A. Karen has a firm commitment to not only bringing OB-GYNs back but to increasing the total number of doctors in the state. Karen will support more exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban. She will fight to fund WWAMI (the University of Washington’s regional medical education program) and the U. of Utah’s doctor training program, both of which bring doctors to the state. Karen will fight to protect Medicaid expansion, overwhelmingly approved by Idahoans but constantly under attack by the legislature.

I have known Karen for several years, and she is hard-working, knowledgeable, objective and compassionate. She is attuned to the needs in her community and will fight for them. Please join me in voting for Karen Matthee (kmattheeforidaho. com) for District 1A on

Nov. 3.

-Sherry Ennis Sandpoint

If you want responsibility, vote Conroy

There are many reasons to vote for Michael Baumgartner. If you like the Trump tax cuts, vote for Baumgartner. If you like higher healthcare costs, reduced funding for rural hospitals or reproductive healthcare for women or food support for children, or the rollback of clean air and water standards, thank Baumgartner and vote for him. Other things you get with Mike include massive funding for ICE abuses, a border wall Mexico won’t pay for, limitless military spending, cash subsidies to the coal industry, bailouts for big agribusiness, and a ballooning national debt.

If you like the increased cost of living due to tariffs and the Iran war, then vote for Baumgartner, who will never utter a word contrary to Trump policies. Maybe you voted for Baumgartner for the degradation of the National Parks or our National Forests and BLM land being opened to resource extraction or data center construction and then closed to the public, or our unique friendship with Canada being destroyed, or providing cover for pedophiles- mission accomplished.

On the other hand, if you want representation in DC more closely aligned with your values and needs, Carmela Conroy is the obvious choice. Do it! Vote Carmela!

-Roger Haick Loon Lake

We simply cannot afford it

Those dots that Mr. Hanson (“Conflict of interest in the PUD race,” Sept. 16 issue of The Miner) has been connecting are the reflective side markers along the highway known The Grizzly Way. It’s the one piece of road in Newport that’s always maintained.

You saw this with Curt Knapp’s defense of the salary increase for the new general manager.

Curt asserted that in order to keep this top tier talent, we must offer more money or else he may sign with another team with deeper pockets.

On the surface that sounds good, many companies use this messaging.

But it’s not exactly a good sell in a community with lower income levels of all sorts and rising costs across the board.

This is a person who graduated here whose passion has been this industry. Odds are this is a person “coming home” now, and, in that regard, you wonder why this person can’t take a home town discount the way ball players used to re-signing with the current team.

PUD was at the bottom level of salary amongst its competitors for a number of obvious reasons.

It’s why Spokane doesn’t have a major league team of any kind to root for. They simply can’t support it.

-Aaron King Blanchard

Vote for transparency

If you’re ready for a transparent, caring, and well-informed leader, Jane Sauter deserves your vote for District 1A representative. I met Jane before she became a candidate, and she was already studying the Idaho Constitution and how our Congress works. Sadly, it’s often riddled with cronyism—a “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” mentality. Jane isn’t running to gain wealth and notoriety.

She stands on her principles, and in her soft-spoken, gentle way, she’ll stand firm against anything that threatens our safety and freedom in Idaho. She stands behind the Christian beliefs our nation was founded on and, with passion, will protect the unborn and all vulnerable residents.

Having raised nine children, Jane has strong communication skills and experience settling debates.

She bases her decisions on solid, evidence-based information.

Jane will work to ensure Idaho residents have the first option for good jobs and to slow the flow of young people leaving the state because they can’t afford the local cost of living. Jane will fight for all Idahoans, far beyond the boundaries of District 1A, because Jane cares and wants all Idahoans to enjoy safety, good health, and the freedom Idaho is known for.

-Teresa Lunde Sandpoint

We know how Baumgartner operates

It’s difficult to know how a candidate will perform once he or she is elected to office. Candidates are generally very good at campaign speeches that blur the issues and paint themselves in a good light.

However, when an incumbent is on the ticket, we can look at his record to judge whether or not he gets our vote to continue along the same path.

Thus, we have incumbent Michael Baumgartner challenged by Carmela Conroy for the 5th Congressional seat. It is clear how Mr.

Baumgartner handles his position. We know that he follows the wishes of the President and ignores the duties assigned to Congress in the Constitution. We know that he votes for bills the President deems worthy even if they make life harder for his constituents. We know the current state of the economy is a direct result of his attitude of bowing before the MAGA machine.

Carmela Conroy brings varied local and international experience. She has promoted ending the tariff chaos, funding Medicaid and Medicare at levels previous levels, returning to integrity with our allies including Canada and following the laws of our country rather than the whims of our egotistical President. She has my vote!

-Martha Nichols Newport

This is not your father’s Republican Party

The chaos, misinformation, disinformation, lies, attacks, collu- sion, corruption, wars, gas, etc., etc. It’s exhausting! The Trump Regime and MAGA have destroyed the Republican Party and if it is not stopped now, our democratic constitutional republic is next, and soon! We need ALL voters of all parties to not vote Republican, they must get the message that this is not working for anyone but Trump, his billionaire buddies, the Heritage Society, and project 2025!

There are many examples of excellent candidates in these letters every week and on every ballot.

I want to emphasize to every voter regardless of party or preference that this is unarguably the most critical election of ANY in the history of this country! Our very form of government is on the line. “Democracy Is On The Ballot” (Marc Alias).

There is nothing more true at this time! The likelihood that the upcoming election will be free and fair is still in doubt, much less the next!

This is not your father’s Republican party, it hasn’t been for over 50 years.

Vote for freedom, vote for reform, vote for Democracy! DON’T VOTE RED!

-Jay Omundson Cocolalla

Remembering Scott Herndon

With the election coming up, I’d like to remind folks about Scott Herndon and his sorted history in our region. Most of us in Sandpoint remember him as the guy who harassed children on their way to school by waving graphic images of dismembered fetuses in their faces (without parental consent, mind you), or as the guy who got thrown out of a church, and as the man who paraded around the Farmers Market with a megaphone, spewing twisted interpretation of scripture and again waving graphic images in front of people. Herndon is so out of touch that on a recent YouTube video, he said, “If the Constitution of the United States or the State of Idaho says it’s okay to have an abortion, then we should burn the Constitution.” Do we really want this man who is willing to burn our constitution to represent us? Luckily, we have a more reasonable, logical, and sane option. Vote for Steve Johnson, a man who would never burn our constitution, for State Senate on November 3rd.

-Leah Opitz Sandpoint

Vote Yes on hospital bond

I am writing as a supporter of Hospital Proposition 1 for the Newport Community Hospital expansion. To keep up with growing healthcare demands, the hospital MUST expand.

As a part-time resident and Pend Oreille County property taxpayer, I am fully invested in the outcome of this bond measure. Even when we are not at our Newport property, my family chooses to drive from Spokane for primary care, surgeries, lab work, imaging, and minor emergencies. It is often faster for us to drive to Newport, receive care, and return home than to wait in a Spokane emergency room. It can be easy to take for granted the excellent care and shorter wait times Newport Community Hospital provides.

As a veteran, I receive care at Newport Community Hospital through the VA Community Care Network. An expanded hospital could provide space to serve more local veterans, including those who struggle to travel to Spokane for care.

Although I own property and pay taxes in Pend Oreille County, I am not a permanent resident and cannot vote in the November election. My “YES” vote will instead come through community outreach in support of Hospital Proposition 1.

-Kimberly Pacheco Spokane

Jane Sauter will stand up for life

When choosing a representative, voters deserve to know where candidates stand on issues that matter most. Protecting human life is one of those issues.

Jane Sauter has been involved in the pro-life movement since she was a teenager. She has made clear that she will be a strong and unwavering defender of life, not only standing up for unborn children, but also respecting the dignity and value of the elderly.

This November, Idaho voters will face a decision regarding Proposition 1, the Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act.

Voters should look beyond slogans and understand what the initiative could mean for Idaho’s protections and parental rights.

Jane believes Idaho should continue protecting unborn life and preserving parental involvement in decisions affecting minors. She opposes efforts to weaken Idaho’s protections and expand abortion access.

This election is about more than labels. It is about the values we want our representatives to defend and the Idaho we want to leave our children and grandchildren.

Jane Sauter has the courage to stand firm on her convictions. She believes every human life has value and deserves dignity and protection.

Vote Jane Sauter for Idaho House District 1A.

-Emily Palmer Cocolalla

Interesting

There are some similarities between COVID and the current AI scare. Both were created in labs. Both ‘escaped’ labs. Both would ‘harm’ us. The media pushed the fear hard on both. Both require ‘experts’ to define what they were telling us. Oh yeah, both were/are in an election cycle. Interesting. Trump just announced a permanent agreement with Denmark and Greenland. The US will now provide security for Greenland indefinitely.

He always had his eye on Greenland for the protection it will provide America.

Trump bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

They continue to deliver ‘fake news’. While in Ireland recently for trade talks, Trump mentioned he would like to see a united Ireland. The next day, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales announced a plan to leave the UK. The Trump Administration recently announced that we now have weapons in space.

We just remembered the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

In newly declassified documents, they show that both the Clinton and Bush Administrations knew an attack could come yet did little to investigate further. Remember on 9/10 when Donald Rumsfeld announced that there was $2.3T ‘missing’ from the Pentagon?

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

Baumgartner a rubber stamp for Trump

A recent opinion piece by the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board stated “President Trump took exception last year when we called his tariffs against Canada and Mexico the dumbest trade war in history. It got dumber this weekend as Mr. Trump escalated with another round of border taxes on Canadian imports, a mere 10 weeks before midterm elections.”

That’s a rather strong statement from a traditionally conservative news source.

But consider where we are economically. The current inflation rate is now 3.4%, up from 2.7% since January 2025.

Consequently, the Federal Reserve Board just raised the prime interest rate and that means consumer loan rates will increase.

We are currently in a DJT war of choice with Iran which has choked the supply of oil globally; gas pump prices have gone up dramatically and are likely to continue climbing. Egg prices? Check out the berry section of the produce department.

It’s time for a change and we can start by electing Carmela Conroy as our representative to the House of Representatives.

Her opponent has proven himself to be a rubber stamp for DJT and his misguided economic policies.

-Sandy Nichols Newport

Jane Sauter will stand for secure borders and the rule of law

America has welcomed people who come here legally to build a better life, and legal immigration has strengthened our nation for generations. But a nation without secure borders cannot effectively protect its citizens or uphold the rule of law.

That is why I support Jane Sauter for Idaho House District 1A.

Jane believes America has both the right and responsibility to secure its borders and enforce immigration laws. Illegal immigration can place additional pressure on local resources, including law enforcement, schools, emergency services, and other public services. It is also unfair to those who patiently follow the legal process.

SEE LETTERS, 6A FROM PAGE 5A

LETTERS:

Millions around the world are waiting to enter the United States legally. Our laws should mean something, and the legal process should be respected.

Strong borders also help protect communities from human trafficking, organized smuggling, and cartel activity.

We can be compassionate while enforcing our laws and welcoming legal immigrants.

Jane Sauter will stand for secure borders, legal immigration, and the rule of law.

I encourage voters in House District 1A to support Jane Sauter.

-Annette Thompson Hope

Whether the recipient is grateful or not is irrelevant.

Kindness is not so much for others’ benefit, but a reminder of who we are, or who we want to be.

Some members of our community were born and raised here, others are relative newcomers. We are all different- different ethnicities, different traditions, different religions, and, yes, different politics. Our differences can divide us, or we can embrace our diversities and find common goals to help one another. Appreciating other’s differences can open our eyes to many things.

The traditional greeting in the film “Avatar” was “I see you.” Too often we don’t really see others, especially if they are different from us. We don’t know why people are being rude, or homeless. There are many who are suffering, losing jobs, and homes, through no fault of their own. If you are reluctant to hand out money to homeless people, warm socks and nutrition bars are greatly appreciated.

There are many organizations helping those in need.

Maybe you could support one of them, with produce from your garden, or by putting extra items in your shopping cart to donate.

Volunteering is another way to practice kindness.

Please consider supporting organizations that are helping. Financial donations are always appreciated and allow them to continue their important work.

If we all practiced kindness daily, the world would be a better place. And we would be healthier and happier.

Congressman Baumgartner’s guest opinion should have been titled, “I can’t see the forest for the trees.” I recently rode my bike up Trails Road to Indian Bluff Road in Spokane County.

It was a mile of dead end road that bordered the top of the ridge on the East side of the Spokane River where some very expensive view homes were destroyed. This county road had no fire hydrants, so how do they put out a fire without water? Those homes were built without fire protection as a public consideration.

Baumgartner confuses forest fires with urban interface wildfires. The main fuel burning in Spokane was vehicles and homes. The trees spread the fire to the homes in the form of burning embers driven by 45 mph 100 degree winds. People want to live with the trees and have homes within dense wooded areas. Hillsides and ridge lines intensified the spread of the fire and it jumped the river into densely populated urban streets.

Baumgartner wants to thin trees by logging and I doubt that the homeowners want to cut down the trees near their homes. That defeats the point of living in lovely wooded landscapes.

Using a matching grant I spent $3,000 thinning the floor of my wooded property.

Baumgartner’s point of allowing controlled burns without consideration of the smoke health hazards seems as foolish as skipping vaccinations to improve immunity.

Greater Spokane had the Oregon Road and Grey fires three years ago with the same conditions as this summer’s fires. That’s two failures in a row. Next summer we can expect the same unless we seriously consider this urban interface fire hazard. We want our homes to not burn and wouldn’t need to praise our response and caring for the victims if the fires are prevented or stopped before they become too large to fight.

There are many technical fire protection tasks we should undertake before the next fire season and none of them are political. Preventing wildfires is a priority no matter the political party of our congressperson. I don’t want to be a victim calling the congressman’s office for help.

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.

Federal

President Donald J. Trump (R) The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 www.WhiteHouse.gov/Contact

Sen. Mike Crapo (R)

239 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-6142 Website: www.crapo.senate.gov Local: 610 Hubbard St., Suite 209 Coeur d’Alene ID 83814 208-664-5490

Sen. Jim Risch (R)

United States Senate 483 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-2752 www.risch.senate.gov 610 Hubbard St., Suite 213 Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 208-667-6130

Congressman Russ Fulcher (R) United States Senate 1514 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6611 Coeur d’Alene Office 1250 W. Ironwood Dr., Suite 200 Coeur d’Alene ID 83814 www.fulcher.house.gov 208-667-0127

State

Governor Brad Little (R) PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0034 208-334-2100 Website: www.gov.idaho.gov Governor@gov.idaho.gov

Legislative Dist. 1 Sen. Jim Woodward (R)

PO Box 151 Sagle ID 83860 Home: 208-946-7963 State House: 208-332-1349 JWoodward@senate.idaho.gov

Rep. Mark Sauter (R)

P.O. Box 1031 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-332-1035 MSauter@house.idaho.gov

Rep. Cornel Rasor (R)

170 Preston Parker Lane Sagle ID 83860 Home: 208-290-7403 State House: 208-332-1185 CRasor@house.idaho.gov Legislature Toll Free During session 800-626-0471 www.legislature.idaho.gov

This year’s fires have been devastating with an unprecedented scale of destruction. Seeing so many people evacuated, lives disrupted and homes lost has been heartbreaking. Yet, it has also been inspiring to see our community rally and react with courage, starting with our first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and continuing with so many people who have stepped forward to help their neighbors. If I could list each church, state, city and county agency, all the people who came forward, it would fill this newspaper. Even the politicians performed with the seriousness and bipartisan can-do attitude we, as citizens, hope to see. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and Governor Bob Ferguson belong to a different party than I do, but when it mattered, we belonged to the same community and worked together.

That work continues. First, we need to provide immediate aid, and then, equally as important, we need to come together to try to prevent this kind of catastrophe from happening again.

My congressional team has been working to help residents navigate immediate needs. We created an Eastern Washington Wildfire Resource Kit online and are assisting folks who need replacement Social Security cards, passports, military records, and medals. Those documents may seem ordinary until a family loses them; then they can be essential to rebuilding a life.

The federal emergency declaration is helping state, local, and Tribal governments respond to the crisis. A Major Disaster Declaration would be the next step to make available additional federal aid. I joined Governor Ferguson in requesting a meeting with President Trump to make the case for the state’s forthcoming request.

I’ve also asked the Governor to use his authority (and call a special session of the legislature if necessary) to provide relief to fire victims to rebuild their homes promptly, without new regulations and red tape.

Looking ahead, we need to make our forests healthier and less of a tinderbox. This is something I care about deeply. Forestry is practically in my blood; Baumgartner means “tree farmer” in German. My father spent 40 years as a professor of forestry at WSU, my two uncles both worked for the US Forest Service — one of them as a smoke jumper — and I spent two summers on fire science teams with the Forest Service myself.

When the government doesn’t allow logging or thinning of the forest, and puts out fires promptly, then over decades dead and dry trees accumulate. Those fuel loads are far too high across the West.

Both parties in the House supported the Fix Our Forests Act earlier this year. I voted for it and it passed, but now it is tied up in the Senate. This legislation is a first step towards getting different agencies to work together and to allow utilities to remove trees near powerlines. When Congress reconvenes in September, the Senate needs to act on this and other House-passed legislation that I voted for, like the FIRE Act, which lets local communities do controlled burns without being hamstrung by federal clean air laws.

In the wake of the bravery shown by our firefighters, pilots, and those displaced from their homes, I hope our political leadership can show the same level of courage in working for long-term solutions.

From practical forest restoration to community readiness and recovery, I will continue to focus on reducing wildfire risk before disaster strikes and standing with Eastern Washington families when it does.

I’ve held off to last the fact an arsonist started the Old Trails Fire. God only knows what drove him to set dozens of fires, and it will take a long time to unravel the legal process that took him from being imprisoned for killing his father in Arizona to being free in Spokane.

As a small step towards discouraging future arsonists, I introduced the Wildfire Event Contract Prohibition Act to ban prediction-market betting on wildfire destruction. We already have enough problems with arsonists; we do not need anyone to be incentivized to start fires, by placing bets on destruction.

The debate over our forestland is decades old, stereotyped as Republicans upset over the web of regulations that stop logging, thinning and active management of the forests; while Democrats want to preserve the natural ecosystem, wildlife, and wilderness.

Instead of fighting over these different viewpoints, we should acknowledge the legitimacy of both “sides,” and use them as a starting point, not an end. The trees, the hot wind, and the dry grass will not respond to our arguments; only our actions can change the risk of another catastrophic fire.

I am writing to provide a character reference for Kathryn Larson, who is running for Idaho House Seat 1 B in the upcoming election opposing Cornell Rasor.

I have known Kathryn as a community member and support her position on our state tax cuts. Idaho has cut taxes for the wealthiest giving them $5,358, yet the average family only saw $127. Funds were diverted from future transportation projects and firefighting costs. Our local hospitals and schools are making deep cuts to barely operate.

Scott Herndon supports eliminating Property Tax which benefits second homeowners out of state while people who live here will make up the difference. Kathryn Larson is strongly committed to serving Idaho families. I have observed her public service and integrity. Join me in supporting her leadership, vision and dedication.

Andrea Berliner Dover

Conflict of interest in the PUD race

As a young student, one of the things that I especially enjoyed was connecting the dots. The completed picture almost always was something fun to play with or something warm and fuzzy, like a kitten or a puppy. Today I still connect the dots and it makes me consider what the picture at the end will be. The difference to be seen in one of the two locally contested political races seems obvious to me.

A clear evidence of conflict of interest is when an employee, teacher, seeks a board position, PUD Commissioner, that will have the responsibility of making decisions regarding employment of the chairperson of the schoolboard. I am not sure the connected dots are leading to a warm picture for rate payers of the PUD. I believe the independent candidate, Ernie Hood, is a better choice for ratepayers.

Mike Hanson Newport

EDITOR’S NOTE: PUD commissioner candidate David Bradbury is a teacher for Newport School District, of which PUD Director of Finance April Owen serves as board of trustee chairwoman.

Conroy is it

It’s about what kind of a country we want. Which helps determine what kind of world we want. After WWII, our government used the Marshall Plan to rebuild not only bricks and mortar, but also human relationships. It engendered good feeling and kindness in response. This is distinctly missing under our President and Congress, demonstrated by the early take-down of USAID letters and mission.

Wednesday night Spokane heard Rep. Baumgartner and opposing candidate, Carmela Conroy in a debate. Our November 3 election gives us a critical choice. Both have significant background and experience, but what are the VALUES they convey? Baumgartner supports this administration, choosing to bully allies and threatening to take over land belonging to others, and exacting tariffs hurting poorer people. This will increase the threat of terrorists desiring revenge.

The 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks has special meaning for me. I served on Manhattan afterward caring for children while parents put their lives back together. The heartbreak was intense. We don’t need to have a repeat event! PLEASE VOTE for Carmela Conroy, to change our Congress into one with heart, as well as caution and defense.

Roz Luther Newport

Baumgartner takes both sides on data center debate

In the wake of the recent kerfuffle in Spokane County involving data centers, Michael Baumgartner introduced the Power and Water for Families Act (H.R. 9419) purportedly to protect working-class ratepayers. The bill requires that massive AI data centers must pay the full cost of their infrastructure demands instead of forcing the community to subsidize them. This seemingly supportive stance, however, stands in direct contrast to his vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025.

That vote included massive federal incentives for the very corporate entities he now pretends to oppose. The OBBB heavily accommodated AI infrastructure by restoring 100% bonus depreciation, allowing data center operators to deduct specialized hardware, HVAC, and electrical systems immediately. It also restored immediate expensing for research expenditures, artificially accelerating the data center buildout that is now straining local utility grids.

Baumgartner wants you to believe he is on your side. One minute he champions corporate tax breaks that fuel aggressive data center expansion; the next, he feigns shock when working families are left holding the bill for the resulting grid infrastructure buildout. Apparently, this is what making America great again looks like. Vote out the hypocrite, vote in Carmela Conroy.

Deidre McAuliffe Loon Lake

Reality is right in front of us

During my career I worked at the Trident Nuclear Submarine Base on Hood Canal where some coworkers would complain about Democrats not supporting the military. Yet, one of the Trident Submarines was named after Senator Henry M. Jackson, a Democrat, who secured the Base location in Washington. Later I worked at the Kennedy Space Center and finally at the Johnson Space Center which were named after presidents who were Democrats. Still some coworkers would complain that Democrats didn’t support the Space Program.

Reality doesn’t seem to matter in today’s identity politics. Millions of Democrats have defended, sacrificed and died for our country, yet we are labelled as terrorists and traitors who want to destroy America. That’s simply because we don’t accept Trump’s falsehoods and nonsensical claims.

The image I can’t get out of my mind is the USS Abraham Lincoln looking like a rust bucket after 286 straight days at sea fighting the Trump war of choice. Think of the hardships forced on thousands of sailors without a break and tell me how much Republicans like Bumgardner support our military.

Reality is revealed at the gasoline pumps and grocery stores while Republicans claim we have the greatest economy in history.

Pete Scobby Newport

Well, that is obvious but not something I had thought about. On a scale of one to a hundred if we break down categories that can be too simple. We kids tried to learn music when I was in the first grade and I never progressed further than beating two sticks together, that’s even beyond my ability today, I have no rhythm.

Therefore, I would put me a percentile point there of barely a one. I would give the same number to Trump and Hegseth for their handling of their war with Iran and their making the military weakened with outlandish use of our armaments until we are running dry. They are two first graders pounding sticks together.

However, using that same scale, they both get a 100 percent mark on their ability to put money above caring for their fellow humans. In this publication I will not make use of the expletives that Trump uses for his perceived or real adversaries, all I can say is “Shuckey Darn!”

Dolly, we will always love you!

-Roger Castle Newport

Who works for whom?

As a former elected official who understands that we work for the public, I was astonished when told by one of our county commissioners, in public meeting regarding public safety, that they do not like public input or hearings. Pend Oreille County residents deserve open government that is accountable and focused on sustainable progress. Transparency is essential for effective government. We deserve to know how our tax dollars are spent, why decisions are made, and who benefits. The article regarding the Wolfred County Park and the news therein is a good example of government excluding the people and it stinks.

County commissioner, Robert Rosencrantz, who is up for re-election, has consistently pushed for greater transparency, asked difficult questions, and worked to ensure residents have an opportunity to be heard before major decisions are made. Robert has shown that he is willing to demand answers, even when doing so creates friction or challenges the status quo. Robert recognizes that elected officials work for the public, not the other way around.

If you think it’s wrong for elected officials to rush through a park plan, just wait until you see what they’ll do to ignore you to get more data centers here.

-Andrew Feldman Newport

Discussion or Litigation?

Is Robert Rosencrantz the only commissioner who prefers discussion over litigation?

I find myself wondering if John Gentle would be quite so eager and willing to “partake in litigation” if all the legal fees were going to be paid out of his personal income instead of the hard-earned money the taxpayers of Pend Oreille County have worked for: the ones he is supposed to represent.

It seems that this may be an attempt on his part to intimidate and silence (bully) anyone who might not favor his “preferred plan” or want to actively join in the people’s constitutionally protected right to participate in our representative government.

Robert Rosencrantz is open to meet with his constituents and encourages active participation in the political process. Robert Rosencrantz has met with our neighborhood community on multiple occasions and has shown himself to be a public servant who is willing to listen to, reason with, and represent the people of Pend Oreille County.

Therefore, I question which of our commissioners truly cares more about the rights, needs, opinions, and what’s best for the citizens of Pend Oreille County? -Gary Gillette Newport

Vote Hood for PUD

Mr. Ernie Hood has presented to the voters of Pend Oreille County an opportunity to elect a candidate who understands representative government. He knows that the responsibility of local public entities board members is to represent the best interest of his constituents by setting regulations and rates that are realistic.

When a public hearing for rate increases by the PUD was held this spring, Ernie presented a set of well understood facts. He stated in the 3 minute allowed time that the management needed to be more cognizant of the rate payers. I believe his business and professional career will enable him to be very knowledgeable in making decisions for us.

Mr. Hood feels his career has given him a broad base of experience. Working in hardware and software, later in strategic planning and emerging markets. He also managed budgets, analyzed data, and solved complex problems as part of his everyday work. I believe his MBA degree will strengthen his leadership skills.

-Mike Hanson Newport

Everything is expensive

When I last filled my tank, regular gas was $5.27 a gallon. Diesel was almost $7. Trump did that. He attacked Iran because his buddy Netanyahu asked him to, and nobody has gained anything. These skyrocketing gas prices were wholly manufactured by Trump, and he could end them at any time! But he doesn’t! And they echo through our entire economy – combines use diesel to harvest our food, and so do the trucks that take it to our stores.

Baumgartner has been silent on the issue. We need a rep that will stand up to ego- and dementia-fueled decisions in DC, not a lackey who bends over for whatever economy-killing whims pop into Trump’s head each week. Please, let’s take action before the US’s strategic oil reserves are depleted and we literally can’t buy gas anymore. We’re at a 44-year low right now. Any new projects won’t come up to speed for several YEARS. Can you afford to not afford gas for another year? Two?

-Meg Lyman Deer Park

Exercise your right to vote

The Pend Oreille County Auditor reported that less than 50% of the eligible voters in our county voted in the August primary election. It is difficult to understand how over half the registered citizens did not submit their ballot. How can we, as a community, do better for the general election?

Not everyone wants to stand by the Big Wheel and wave a sign, any sign, to make their views known. Not everyone feels the need to attend the meetings of their preferred political party. Not everyone is comfortable supporting their candidate with a yard sign or a letter to the editor. I get that.

With this in mind, everyone IS invited to the Democratic AppleFest Friend Raiser. It is a fun event in a relaxed atmosphere where views can be exchanged. Consider attending this luncheon being held on September 26, at the Usk Community Hall, 2442 Black Road, Usk. Doors open at noon and lunch is served at 1 p.m. To ensure that no one is left out, the admission is by donation.

Candidate Carmela Conroy, running for the 5th Congressional seat will be at the AppleFest. Learn about her platform so you can make an informed vote on November 3rd.

-Martha Nichols Newport

Reshaping the world

With Trump’s oil purchase in Venezuela, he is reshaping the world. It’s a 100 year purchase of 65B barrels over several fields. American companies will drill and pump with the US getting a 35% equity stake. Venezuelans will have an interest as well. They will move from the poor socialist country to prosperous again. This doubled US production overnight.

Trump is moving the world into ‘neighborhoods.’ China will be able to police itself. Europe has a decision to make on illegal immigration and then they will have to live with that.

There are seven pipelines in the Middle East getting fast-tracked. By 2028, 80% of the oil moving will be by pipeline rather than the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran’s teeth pulled (nukes), the Middle East can police itself.

That brings us back to Venezuela. With that purchase and partnership, the Western Hemisphere will become self-sufficient. A ‘neighborhood’ if you will.

On a flip note, the Department of Homeland Security just announced and started a nine state ‘blitz’ investigation into election fraud and non-citizens voting. Interestingly, Washington State was first on the list, although that could be by coincidence.

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

Trump free to disrupt election

Thanks to a Supreme Court intervention, Trump’s plan to disrupt the November election can proceed. The Newport Postmaster is in effect the Pend Oreille County election official. The Postmaster works at the pleasure of the US Postal Board of Governors which is appointed by Trump. Our Postmaster must carry out Trump’s executive orders or be fired. Trump now indirectly controls who gets a mail ballot sent or delivered and can manipulate the outcome of the election. Using “standing” as a pretext, the Supreme Court will only consider Trump’s interference after the election when we are in a constitutional crisis. Nothing can stop Trump’s plan which is the opposite of election integrity.

We need to eliminate the Post Office from our election. That means going to the courthouse and picking up your ballot before it can be mailed into Trump’s control and returning the ballot to the courthouse in person after you have completed it. The drop box isn’t an option as Trump is likely to order federal agents to seize drop boxes to further manipulate the election. The “2,000 Mules” are going to be Trump’s personal army of federal employees disrupting the election under Trump’s threat of being fired.

-Pete Scobby Newport

Information kiosk a success

On my walk last Thursday, I stopped by Newport’s new information kiosk, and I have to say, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

It’s a small project, but I think it makes a real difference. Things like this help make Newport feel more welcoming and give people another reason to stop, look around, and learn more about what our community has to offer.

The Newport Creative District has been working hard to revitalize our community and make Newport a more lively and inviting place. That’s something I talked about when I ran for City Council in 2025, so it’s especially rewarding to see some of those ideas actually taking shape.

I’m proud to serve on the Newport Creative District Board and to be part of the work that’s happening here. We still have plenty of work ahead of us, but I’m excited about where Newport is headed.

There’s a lot to be proud of in our community, and I’m glad we’re continuing to find new ways to show it off.

-John Spring Newport

Washington allows voters to register online

In response to the writer of the letter titled, “SAVE Act would be hardship on rural residents.”

How did I make their point? The writer obviously formed a prejudged opinion on a subject in a document they admitted not reading. But I digress. Washington State allows voters to register to vote by mail or online, even if they’re only changing their name. I can’t find anywhere this would change in the Act, as I mentioned before. Based on their logic, are they suggesting that it is a “hardship” for rural residents to register to vote, either online or by mail? The act of walking to their mailbox is a “hardship”?

Then using their logic, rural residents must find voting by mail a real “hardship.” Yikes! So where’s the mythological “hardship”? The writer tells a story, not the story. It is difficult to take the writer seriously when they are unable to spell my first name correctly, even though it is displayed in front of them. I’m curious, did the writer go to the same “skool” as the writer of “AI Slop”? Let that simmer!

-Renee Webster Newport

Call Kristen to RSVP and get directions to the Barn at 971-563-6681.

Housed in the historic Luby Bay Ranger Station log cabin, Priest Lake Museum collects and displays historic items onsite and online. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 208-443-2676 (summer only), email priestlakemuseum@gmail.com or go to the “contact us” page at www.priestlakemuseum.org.

We strongly advise those citizens seeking further information to exercise their right of access to public records and public meetings.

From emergency rooms to accident scenes, I have seen firsthand how quickly an ordinary drive can turn into a life-changing event. Here in the Pend Oreille River Valley, our mountains, winding back roads, changing weather and sometimes unpredictable road conditions can create unique challenges for drivers. In 2025, vehicle accidents were the second-highest cause of trauma-related injuries treated at Newport Community Hospital, where I’ve served as an emergency physician since 2019. I’m also the medical program director for EMS in Pend Oreille County.

And I can tell you this: Road safety is a responsibility we all share. The encouraging part is that many of the crashes I see are preventable.

In my experience, three factors come up again and again: driving too fast for conditions, impaired driving, and — most dangerously — a combination of the two.

Know the roads — and respect the conditions

One of the challenges we face in this area is that our roads aren’t always as forgiving as they may appear.

I see people, particularly visitors who aren’t familiar with the area, traveling too fast because they don’t know what is coming around the next corner. In the warmer months, that might mean carrying too much speed on a winding back road. In the winter, it can mean encountering ice or snow on Tiger Pass or Flowery Trail, or unexpectedly slick conditions along the Pend Oreille River and around Priest Lake.

Even a road that looks flat, straight and completely clear can have hazards you can’t see until it’s too late.

My advice is simple: If you have any doubt about the road surface or the conditions ahead, slow down. You don’t have to be driving recklessly to lose control. Sometimes, you’re simply driving faster than the road or weather allows.

Never drive impaired

The other major factor I see is impaired driving. There really isn’t a safe way to operate a vehicle when you’re impaired.

If you’re going to drink, give someone else your keys before you start. Have a plan for how you’re getting home. Designate a driver, call someone, or find another way to get where you’re going.

And remember that “vehicle” means more than just a car or pickup. In our area, people enjoy ATVs, boats and other recreational vehicles. Even something that seems relatively harmless, such as a golf cart, can cause serious injury when operated by someone who is impaired.

Don’t assume that because you’re close to home—or because you’re operating a vehicle at a low speed—that you’re safe.

Three more tips for staying safe

Wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts remain one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself in a crash. The majority of the people we see in the ER after a motor vehicle collision were wearing their seatbelts. Occasionally, we see someone who wasn’t. Unfortunately, those who aren’t restrained sometimes don’t make it off the scene.

Use technology wisely. Distracted driving is another danger we can control. If you need to make a phone call, use your vehicle’s hands-free technology. Better yet, set up what you need before you start driving and keep your attention on the road. Never look down at your phone while you’re moving. Technology isn’t always the problem, though. Some of the advances in vehicle safety have made a real difference in the severity of the injuries we see, such as side airbags.

Don’t let your vehicle give you a false sense of security. Finally, I would encourage everyone to be careful about putting too much confidence in what their vehicle can do. Four-wheel drive can help you maintain traction, but it doesn’t make you stop any faster. A large truck may give you a feeling of security, but being in a bigger vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to avoid injury. Your vehicle’s capabilities don’t change the laws of physics.

The safest driver is still the one who recognizes the conditions, leaves enough room to stop, wears a seatbelt and doesn’t drive impaired.

We all share these roads. We share them with our neighbors, our families, our children and the visitors who come here to enjoy the place we call home. A few extra minutes on the road are worth it. Nothing about getting there faster is worth risking a life.

DR. NATHAN LILYA IS AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN AT NEWPORT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AND THE MEDICAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR EMS IN PEND OREILLE COUNTY. HE ALSO VOLUNTEERS AS A WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER. HE AND HIS FAMILY LIVE NEAR CUSICK.

His claim, apparently based on the unauthored The 2020 Election, A Beginning Analysis, posits that out of 128 million votes 24,000 (less than .02%) were by non-citizens with 32 million votes yet to be analyzed. My research found critical reviews of this report by Amy O’Hara of the Massive Data Institute and AFP Fact check. The gist of these reviews was that the methodology was suspect and the conclusions could not be supported. Studies show that the number of non-citizens voting is so small as to be statistically insignificant.

Perhaps Mr. Pierce should apply 1/2 an ounce of research ability to look beyond what he wants to be true. Read the report, the rebuttals and other studies on this matter to draw your own conclusions.

-Steve Bennett Newport

‘Impossible’ or inconvenient?

A delightful quote from my favorite good-news blogger, Jeff Childers: “Picture a courtroom where the plaintiff solemnly explains that a grand piano cannot possibly be moved before Friday. At that exact moment, two movers roll the piano past the open courtroom door and are overheard saying that delivery should proceed “flawlessly and smoothly.” Corporate media would report the plaintiff’s severe back strain and omit the piano on the grounds that furniture is outside the scope of the story.”

Yes, North Carolina, a plaintiff in the lawfare suit to block the Trump administration’s rules for submitting a list of qualified voters to the USPS for tracking mail-in ballots, has inadvertently thrown open the courtroom doors. Their Board of Elections issued a statement on August 27 that stated they had complied with the rules before the final ruling because it was a simple procedure. “These are measures that we do all the time and it requires simple basic practices…” Their statement goes on to say the effort to comply will transpire “smoothly and flawlessly.”

Corporate media, of course, collectively ignored it – definitely not in compliance with their “hardship” narrative! The plaintiffs’ claims of “impossibility” of complying are obviously made up.

-Kamori Cattadoris Newport

SAVE Act would be hardship on rural residents

I wanted to respond to criticism of my LTE regarding the SAVE Act. I generally choose not to engage is such back and forth, but I think Rene Webster inadvertently made the exact point I was trying to make, namely that the SAVE Act places extra hardships on rural citizens.

And, no, I did not read the Act, but I am familiar enough with legislation to know that a 26 page bill aimed at fixing a non-existent problem will likely be vague, causing confusion. Mission accomplished!

Webster relies on current Washington State law empowering the Dept of Licensing to issue enhanced drivers licenses, which do indeed prove citizenship. However, to apply for said enhanced drivers license, every citizen with a Pend Oreille County address would need to travel out of the county, perhaps to Colville or Spokane. Or they could register to vote at the County Elections Office in Newport, as I stated.

Regardless of where the citizen chooses to travel, the documentation issues around name changes will pose a barrier. Webster states, “A responsible adult would still have the documents for a name change before the Act’s enactment,” suggesting that only “responsible adults” with such documents would be allowed to vote. Yikes!

-Roger Haick Loon Lake

This is what community

looks like

Someone recently ran over the political sign we posted on our property. It is situated well off the road, down our driveway. The sign survived. Some weeds didn’t. The rain made the deliberate back-and-forth pattern of the tires visible - an intentional aim at our civic expression. Despite this, I’m reminded of why I live here.

First, I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy took time to listen and understand what happened. He asked detailed questions and chatted with us. We’ve had positive interactions with deputies, and we continually thank them for their service to our county.

Secondly, I’d like to thank our neighbors. Some of whom are voting differently than us. They talked with us, provided information about the vehicle and time of incident, and checked their cameras. They’ve helped us in many ways over the years and this was no exception.

This is what my community looks like. It doesn’t involve uniformity of opinion, but a unity of character. We don’t agree on every issue. We do, however, agree to stand together when something isn’t right. This is a prime example that respect and decency still run deeper than politics and yard signs.

-Katharine Napier-Janz Newport

Truth crimes?

Pete missed turning the research page, again (8/19). Is Catherine Engelbrecht of ‘2,000 Mules’ a felon? Yes. Now turn the research page. How did she end up a felon? She made a documentary exposing election fraud and the weaponized DOJ went after her. They scoured her past and found something they could turn into a crime.

They did the same thing to Dinesh D’Souza. Dinesh made a documentary that Obama didn’t like so the DOJ went after him. Same playbook. They scoured his past, found something they could turn into a felony and charged him. They found he made a mistake on a tax return about a small political donation. Turned it into a felony. Neither charges had anything to do with their documentaries. Trump pardoned them both.

Tina Peters, election commissioner in Mesa County CO exposed election fraud on voting machines. They made up charges and threw her in prison for 9 years. The CO Governor commuted her sentence last June, cutting her time to almost half.

The lesson here, if you expose corruption, the truth could land you in jail. All three exposed truth and they were all charged. Police State?

-Glen Pierce Spokane Cusick

Letters are becoming AI slop

How can one claim they are unbiased in their research or combatting misinformation? That’s like claiming you are pure of heart in your thoughts or have some magical ability to be totally objective.

Unlike religious faith, political opinions require evidence and proof over beliefs. Political opinions today are more like religious beliefs. Little proof is required and we must believe on a grain of truth or face political shaming.

Consider that today, political polls are often proven wrong by the results of an election. People are betting on predictions based on political conjecture.

Statistics quoted in recent letters are based on extrapolation. Find one illegal vote and extrapolate it into millions. Find one source on the AI internet and quote it as an absolute fact.

Hey, AI copilot, write me an opinion letter for the Miner and make it unbiased. Anyone who is nearly 80 years old has lived a historical life and has made or witnessed history. Now, people with access to AI technology are rewriting our history.

My teen grandkids call it AI Slop and it’s showing up in the opinion page every week. Opinions that are 10% true and 90% made up by random “unbiased” electrons.

-Pete Scobby Newport

An idea to rename Hanford

Inflation and affordability issues. The “no end in sight” unpopular war on Iran. Economic slowdown. Ever increasing deficit. The White House priorities?

Our “Sharpie” President changes the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. An airport is renamed to Trump International Airport. The latest, Lake Ontario to Lake America.

My suggestion is to stay on the course. The Hanford site is noted as the most toxic site in the USA. Rename this site to “Trump Dump.”

Enough said.

-Robert W. Schutte Newport

Gone rogue

We have a president that has gone rogue. Worse yet, our Congressman refuses to hold him accountable. Donald Trump is attacking our democracy. Michael Baumgartner has not upheld his oath of office to protect the Constitution.

Constitutionally, states have the primary authority over election administration. Donald Trump has attacked that with his SAVE Act, which Michael Baumgartner supports. Even though Donald Trump stumps that mail-in voting is filled with fraud, he repeatedly votes by mail.

Donald Trump has gone as far as the Supreme Court to eliminate Birthright Citizenship from the Constitution. Michael Baumgartner has not challenged him.

The Constitution is designed to change through Amendments, not executive orders. Donald Trump is aiming towards an un-Constitutional third term.

Michael Baumgartner remains silent. Our Founding Fathers purposefully developed a system of checks and balances to protect our nation from autocracy.

Michael Baumgartner has relinquished his responsibility by rubber stamping Donald Trump’s agenda. We need to return to those checks and balances.

By voting for Carmela Conroy and breaking this attack on our democracy, we will have the chance to hold this rogue president in check and return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned.

-JR Wyatt Elk