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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

School District Stonewalling

D.F. Oliveria Opinion Writer

Bonner County School District officials have become so proficient at stonewalling The Spokesman-Review that you’d think they once worked in the Clinton White House. Now they’re refusing to give us information about a Bonner County student enrolled in a Montana treatment program. The $79,000 price tag for the treatment played a large role in a budget overrun of $180,000 for special education. In a fax with her less-than-heartfelt regrets to us, clerk Marvene Shaw claimed she had talked to the school attorney and we had 180 days to appeal the decision. She listed the attorney as “Charlie Black.” That left us wondering whether she meant school specialist Charlie Dodson or Sandpoint attorney Sharon Black. We wanted to ask Marvene whom she meant, but we didn’t think it was worth going to court to find out.

Coed columnists send mixed signals

I did a double take after reading North Idaho College Sentinel columns recently. In one, Rosie Vogel told of a coed she called “Hannah” who had given an NIC sports star a ride and then fought off his advances. Opines Vogel: “That basketball star should not have treated Hannah like dirt only because he’s an outstanding athlete or his name is popular.” Then columnist Summer Lindenberg offered this advice for students in need of TLC from the opposite sex: “Go out and jog a few miles in Daisy Dukes.” DD’s are those short shorts that can distract the most monogamous of men. So, how are we to interpret the mixed signals sent by these female columnists? Apparently, horny jocks should pester only women wearing Daisy Dukes.

Thumbs-up for Coeur d’Alene levy

After passing supplemental levies for 11 consecutive years, Coeur d’Alene School District patrons shouldn’t need a nudge to do the right thing again Tuesday. As a bonus, taxes under the two-year $3 million levy this year will drop slightly. Just do it.

Coeur d’Alene split yields big dividends

One of the best things that has happened to this town was the splitting of the old Coeur d’Alene High School. Some athletic supporters fought the move because they wanted the local school to remain a football power. The town’s football programs have been in the toilet since Lake City High School opened three years ago. But most other sports have thrived. Now, both schools are sending baseball and girls softball teams to state tourneys today through Saturday. Twice as many local youths will perform at these prestigious events as did before. A helping of Sweet Potatoes all around.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.