Senator Toughs Out Hard Duty In Hawaii

So, U.S. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne will be in Hawaii Sunday to honor Idahoans killed during the Pearl Harbor attack? Hmmm. Now, I know 14 Idahoans lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. And I agree fervently they deserve honor. However, I also realize this is a fine time of year to visit Hawaii for a wreath-laying ceremony. Or for anything else a congressional staff might conjure up to get its lame-duck boss some sunshine. In fact, I find it hard to believe Dirk’s giving up his perks to run for governor and freeze with the rest of us next winter. Now, that’s a sacrifice.

Ice storm revisited

Last week, I told you about an incident state Rep. Wayne Meyer recalled from the Ice Storm ‘96. He remembered a KVNI caller who asked if the lights on his car would work if the power to his house was out. In reality, “Jerry from Rose Lake” was bored after spending four hours talking with friends by candlelight. So, he snuck away and called KVNI with an intentionally goofy question. Many of you know “Jerry.” When the lights are on, he’s (drum roll, please) Dave Gunter, our new business writer. Now you know the rest of the story.

They’re talking about us

On Monday Night Football last, ABC-TV commentators praised Washington State for its Rose Bowl invitation. Then, one of them asked, “What do you call people from the Palouse?” That started a debate. “Palousian?” offered one. “Palousite?” asked another. Hey, as long as the Cougars are going to Pasadena, these fans don’t care what you call them - unless, of course, it’s late for supper. … Amusingly, a friend of war hero Vernon Baker refers to Coeur d’Alene as “Corleone.” And who do you suppose would be the town’s godfather? … Then, John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Examiner dissed the region Wednesday when he mentioned the weak NFC West, “otherwise known as the Big Sky Conference Junior Varsity.”

He makes a difference

Dr. E.R.W. (Ted) Fox has blessed many of us with a kindly note. But the one Ted sent to Symphony Guild President Ernest Fokes praising the North Idaho College Symphony Orchestra was different. It was accompanied by a $1,000 check. Conductor Todd Snyder and such gifts have made the symphony orchestra something special. Its Oct. 12 concert sold out. And tickets for the annual Christmas concerts Saturday and Sunday are going fast. For Dr. Fox and other patrons who have made this possible - saaalute.

Huckleberries

Bert Rohrbach, a Kootenai County 911 political casualty, wondered which rules were broken when Coeur d’Alene Resort employees decorated the clock tower. On Tuesday, the Coeur d’Alene Press pictured two of them in a lift - sans safety restraints. Said Bert: “They either were expendable or aren’t paid much.” … Because you asked: Did Kootenai County Commissioner Dick Compton ever attend Maple Grove School in Fishquick, Wis.? asks subscriber Al Flaeschel of Bonners Ferry. Nope. Compton once lived in Detroit, Mich., but no closer. … I didn’t know the city of Plummer had added a B to its name until I read the Hagadone Directories phonebook. (Yeah, yeah, I know. You didn’t know quarterback Ryan Leaf also had added a B to his first name until you read my WSU editorial two weeks ago. But this is my column. Get outtahere.)

Parting shot

What better way to kick off the Christmas shopping season than to give away prizes, right? Wrong. The Silver Lake Mall got more gripes than thanks when it doled out bean-bag toys to its first 500 customers Friday. Many who waited in line with squirming children thought they were getting a Beanie Baby. Some muttered darkly and left in search of toy stores when they didn’t get the Tickle-Me Elmo of Christmas ‘97. Others griped when they didn’t get anything. So much for happy holidays.

, DataTimes MEMO: Gotta Huckleberry? Call the Huckleberry Hound Hot Line: (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125; daveo@spokesman.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria The Spokesman-Review