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To the editor, Thank you Golden Spur Motel! You are helping Newport welcome visitors passing through, as well as those of us who live in this area. I look forward to seeing the newest pun on your reader board every time I come back into town.
We recently traveled to the Olympic Peninsula and had a wonderful getaway, but as we pulled into Newport city limits, Golden Spur’s new pun about Beehives brought smiles to our faces. We are HOME!
I challenge my fellow Newport citizens to look around our town. What changes have you noticed since the snow melted? Are there new businesses you have patronized? Have you seen new décor or signage along Washington or Union? Are you looking forward to the museum opening? What is your favorite part of the Farmers Market?
We live in a beautiful place. Enjoy it and each other, my friends.
See you in the neighborhood!
-Chris Shaver Newport
Herndon is a true Republican
To the editor, Scott Herndon is a true Republican. His work in the Senate proves it, his leadership of the Republican Central Committee proves it and his willingness to address the concerns of his constituents proves it. Scott’s opponent isn’t seen at Republican events and town halls but can be found at Democrat’s events.
Scott represents Republican values in Boise. He cares about the Idaho quality of life. His promotion of S1036 removed the state’s misdemeanor criminal penalty for violating raw milk regulations and which also reduces excessive regulations of the raw milk industry. In a community where many of us purchase locally from farms and farm stands, this is important to me.
Because I love the beauty and freedom of North Idaho, I am thankful for his work on S1021 that stopped the Fish and Game Priest Lake Siphon project and now protects the Priest Lake water level and outlet dam as the only authorized outlet of the lake.
Scott Herndon consistently fights to preserve the lifestyle I cherish in Northern Idaho; I cannot say the same about his opponent. The truth is easily found by researching his voting record or by contacting him with your questions. I’m voting for Scott Herndon.
-Anita Aurit Sandpoint, Idaho
Supporting our schools ensures a vibrant community
To the editor, As our community prepares to vote on the upcoming school levy on May 21st, I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting our schools. A strong school system is the backbone of a thriving community, providing stability, fostering economic growth, and enriching the lives of our residents.
One of the most significant ways our schools contribute to community stability is by supporting local businesses. When our schools are well-funded and our teachers are adequately compensated, they have more purchasing power to support businesses in our community. Teachers who are valued and supported are more likely to invest in local businesses, from grocery stores to restaurants to small shops. This creates a ripple effect that benefits our entire community.
Additionally, retaining talented teachers is crucial for the success of our schools and the prosperity of our community. If we lose teachers to higher-paying jobs just a few miles away, not only do our schools suffer, but our local businesses do as well. Teachers who must commute to work in neighboring districts are less likely to spend their hard-earned money in our community, depriving local businesses of much-needed revenue.
It’s essential to recognize that supporting our schools is equivalent to supporting our community as a whole. If our schools fail, the consequences extend far beyond the classroom. Families may choose to move elsewhere, and potential residents, especially those with children, may think twice about relocating to our town. Ultimately, a decline in our school system could lead to the decline of our entire community.
Finally, let’s come together as a community and vote “yes” for the school levy on May 21st. By investing in our schools, we are investing in the future of our community. Let’s ensure that our town remains a vibrant, thriving place where families want to live, work, and raise their children.
-Sandy Brower Priest River
Healing the divide
To the editor, A friend of mine described a discussion group she facilitates consisting of her contacts representing both Democrats and Republicans. She told me the aim of the group is breaking free from mind control, propaganda and media bias to heal the divide. Each side was given an opportunity to state their views, including any rebuttal. Then she introduced a propaganda tactic, initiating a discussion on whether they were aware of this tactic while reading news articles. Their “homework” assignment was to find articles both for and against an issue, from corporate and independent sources, to see how many of these techniques they could identify.
I was intrigued, as I believe that healing the divide may mean the difference between acting in solidarity against our true enemies or imploding into civil war. She invited me to join the group.
I found the participants to be passionate about their views, but open-minded enough to sincerely listen to opposing views. There were some heated exchanges, but amazingly the discussion never devolved into disrespect.
The homework assignment proved to be revealing for all of us. The hypnotic lure of each article dissolved as we identified each incidence of bias through word choices, statements without supporting evidence, innuendos and ad hominem attacks.
I shared my realization that, with all these mind-bending tactics coming at us from all sides, it’s devilishly difficult to discern the truth. Each of us sincerely believes our views are based on truth from sources we believe are trustworthy. Yet that cannot be! Our own research showed how our views can be unknowingly shaped by innuendo or inflammatory rhetoric.
Somehow my remark served as a neutralizing force – in that moment we deeply realized that each of us is endeavoring to discern actionable truth. We are all on the same side.
-Kamori Cattadoris Newport
Herndon protects our children
To the editor, Our children need clear guidance in the formative ages of their lives. Let us pray for them and remember what Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) A recent forum showed dramatically how Scott Herndon works to protect our children. Scott helped write and pass House Bill 498 that requires distributors of porn online to verify the age of users. This prevents the creators and distributors of pornography from providing it to those under age 18. The Governor signed this bill on March 20.
Then Jane Sauter rallied against Mark Sauter who voted against the Library Bill (HB 314). It would have removed the exemption and therefore prohibited taxpayer funded libraries from giving children sexually obscene materials. It simply requires libraries to take reasonable steps to prevent such materials from being accessed by children. Mark Sauter voted against the Library Bill, and was the single vote by which the Governor’s override failed – thus, removing that protection.
Jane Sauter said she would have voted for it and that, “children cannot ‘unsee’ an inappropriate image. They deserve quality reading materials. We hear so much about lawsuits, school boards and librarians. What about the hearts, minds and souls of the children?”
No wonder the Bonner County Republican Central Committee censured Mark Sauter and asked Woodward to resign from the Republican party.
Please Vote May 21st for Scott Herndon, Senate LD1 and Jane Sauter, House Representative LD1!
-Rita Cortright Priest River
Questions about feeding children are sad
To the editor, Just got home from the informational community meeting at the Blanchard Grange. Loved seeing all the people that came to ask questions and get actual facts about the levy. One question that came up was the amount of monies spent on child nutrition. One person even said, “Why feed the kids breakfast? Isn’t that the responsibility of the parents?
Why do tax payers need to pay for that?”
I actually got sad, not mad hearing that comment. If anyone needs to explain to another person why we should feed children breakfast and lunch at a public school then that is the problem. It doesn’t matter how much the levy is for, it could be one dollar, that kind of person would still vote no. I get asked all the time why I care and help with supporting the schools and the answer is always it’s for the children! The children of the community should matter to every person in this district and if you have ever entered one of the five schools in this district you would understand.
It’s just that simple. Mr.
Kren did an excellent job of explaining where the monies would be used and why. Factual information; not hear say or opinions.
There is a need to run this levy, that is fact. We will not be able to operate fully without one, that is fact.
I feel sorry for the selfish, hateful attitudes that supporting a levy has brought out. We are all in need of help from time to time.
When you know better you should do better!
-Dana Douglas Priest River
Voting yes for levy is about community
To the editor, I am a Christian Republican, and I vote accordingly. I believe in helping thy neighbor, which includes funding essential services through our taxes. Take a moment to review your Bonner County Tax Bill and see where your money goes, including services like roads, libraries, and fire protection. It’s crucial to understand that the federal government does not cover all expenses, and local funding is necessary, especially for our schools.
Idaho does not fully fund its schools. That’s a fact, which means our local district needs our support to maintain quality education and facilities. Despite criticisms and false claims about our public schools, supporting the levy is essential. If it fails, those who value education and have the means will leave, diminishing our community and its prospects. A failed levy means a lower graduation rate, reduced economic activity, and a community without its spirited core.
Voting in favor of the levy isn’t just about the money – it’s about preserving the quality of life in Priest River and ensuring our children have opportunities for success. Public education is a cornerstone of our society, and supporting it reflects both Christian values of helping thy neighbor and Republican principles of promoting economic prosperity.
Let’s invest in our future by supporting the levy, regardless of our personal views on public education.
-Karly Douglas-Kurylo Priest River
Fraud or no fraud?
To the editor, I’m so tired of hearing and seeing in print “WBSCD forensic audit finds no financial improprieties.”
I examined the audit myself. There are a lot of questions, but you decide!
The forensic audit firm for WBCSD, EideBailly, provided the following list of transactions that were “unavailable” for the audit. They requested a number of supporting documents necessary for the completion of the audit, but were informed by the WBCSD that the supporting documents could “not be found.” They are as follows: 1. Supporting documentation for 12 bank transactions totaling $13,439.86.
2. 8 credit card transactions totaling $8,388.85.
3. 218 copies of cancelled checks totaling 618,845.86.
When EideBailly requested copies of financial documents from the WBCSD, and the district’s response was that they were “unable to locate” those documents, auditors must accept that they cannot examine those missing documents as part of the audit, so cannot state that there was or was not any malfeasance. The audit is therefore suspect. The total amount of UNAUDITED financial transactions is $640,674.56 of OUR tax money. I’m not OK with that. The data presented here is found in the document “Forensic Accounting Report” Date: March 20, 2024, West Bonner School District No.
83, page 4.
-Diane Madoski Priest River
Priest Lake PTO supports levy
To the editor, Priest Lake Elementary’s PTO strongly supports voting in favor of our West Bonner County School District. As homeowners, community volunteers, professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, employees and employers, we believe that strong schools make strong communities. We support public education and safe schools. We support retaining and recruiting quality teachers and support staff. We support safe and efficient bussing.
We support up-to-date technology and curriculums. We support students exploring their interests and learning teamwork and discipline through extracurricular activities and sports. We encourage community members with questions or concerns about WBCSD to reach out and talk to the families who entrust their children to the teachers and staff at WBCSD. We ask that you join us in encouraging the prosperity of our community and our students by supporting our West Bonner County School District.
- Jessica Rogers Priest Lake Elementary PTO
Just vote
To the editor, As we get closer to May 21st it’s somewhat difficult choosing the best way to let people know how important voting is. It’s your right to express your opinion and you should definitely exercise that right. We must cover the shortfall. Voting yes will do that. WBCSD is the largest employer in west Bonner County. Without a yes vote it becomes probable that our school district will have to provide a bare bones education. If we can’t provide good education it becomes a strong possibility we will lose students as their parents will most likely leave the area.
People come here because of what we have to offer. One of the things they look at with a lot of scrutiny is the education available for their children. Before this last year or so what we offered was strong education. Some won’t agree with that statement but if you really dig into what was here before the turmoil caused by individuals who came in with their agenda and tried to overthrow what was good (and they came close) we had a successful system.
Again space cuts down more that should be said.
JUST VOTE.
-Ernie and Helen Schoeffel Priest River
Presidents don’t control the price of things
To the editor, The inflation we see in local food and gasoline prices is not political. If politicians could control prices, the price of everything this national election year would be lowered until the election was over. Gas would be $1.50/gallon and eggs would be $1.25 per dozen.
A multi-national oil corporation isn’t going to sell us gasoline for less than their cost of extraction, refinement, transportation and marketing no matter who is elected President.
An industrial poultry company isn’t going to sell eggs at a loss. The days of overproduction and oversupply to drive lower prices are over with real time supply chain computerized inventory controls.
Companies simply slow down production before the inventory backs up.
Voting A or B isn’t going to change how the markets function. What we can change is how we buy and use consumer products like food and gasoline. I would bet that most area voters believe that if Trump wins in November, he will issue an executive order in January 2025 to lower the price of food and gasoline to pre-COVID prices. Every major corporation will instantly comply, and you will get
SEE LETTERS, 6A inflation relief. The economic sun will shine every day that Trump is president. Supply and demand will be suspended. The Roxy will show a Disney cartoon movie called “Bambi goes to Washington DC.” On his way there, Bambi’s mom will be shot in a gravel pit by the Governor of South Dakota.
Americans waste a lot of their food and fuel. Help yourself by growing some of your food and buying the rest using some common sense. Stop driving your vehicles like you are in a race and plan your trip to drive less miles. Demand for food and gas will lower and so will the prices at the store and pump.
-Pete Scobby Newport
A letter in support of Mark Sauter
To the editor, This year, the Idaho legislature passed a very important bill H596a. This bill was for Prescription Benefit Management Reform. This bill will have a positive effect on almost every single person in Idaho who has prescription drug insurance. It also may help keep your local pharmacy in business. In getting this bill passed, Mark Sauter, as well as all other legislators in Northern Idaho, was approached by me and other pharmacy professionals to encourage support of this legislation. Mark responded to our efforts by meeting with key people in the pharmacy profession and asked good questions and clearly worked to understand the issue. Bottom line. Mark Sauter and Sage Dixon were the only two representatives in North Idaho to vote for this bill.
Shortly after the legislature session convened, I had the opportunity to attend a Townhall meeting organized by Mark. The entire meeting was spent reporting on current pieces of legislation, what was coming down the line and listening to citizen input. He has held more than one of these townhalls. He has sought input from citizens.
While Mark is a conservative, he exercises decision making that does not necessarily conform with labels. It was clear from my interaction with Mark and others who worked with him to get H596a passed, he wanted to pass prudent legislation that helped the citizens in Idaho.
We are well represented by Mark Sauter and we would be wise to return him to the legislator.
-Patricia de Blaquiere Sudick Priest River
Do you really know your current candidates?
To the editor, Knowing how a legislator votes is crucial to understanding how YOU are represented. Here are a few examples regarding dollars, medical decisions, and individual liberty.
Mark Sauter voted “NO” on H180, the bill that would have authorized Idaho to hold gold and silver reserves.
JANE Sauter would have voted “YES” to investing in tangible assets to strengthen Idaho’s financial situation.
Mark Sauter voted “NO” on S1130, which would have established limits on the ability of private and public entities to impose a requirement that individuals receive a coronavirus vaccination.
JANE Sauter would have voted “YES”, because she understands that an individual’s personal health care decisions should NOT be determined by government bureaucrats.
Mark Sauter voted “YES” to provide over 28 million dollars’ worth of childcare grants.
JANE Sauter would have voted “NO”, because she understands that it is not the individual taxpayer’s responsibility to fund other people’s childcare.
JANE Sauter is the true conservative running in this particular race. She can not be bought, she will not flip or flop, she has a solid ethical and moral foundation, and you can trust her word.
Vote May 21st for your American Values! Vote Jane Sauter LD1 House Representative.
-Annette Thompson Hope
