It ain’t easy jettisoning public art devoted to tolerance. But the Bonner County commissioners are trying. Artist David Kraisler’s “Tolerance” – a 10-foot steel-and-wood piece – has “graced” the courthouse lawn in Sandpoint for 11 years, since its creation in response to a planned 2001 Aryan Nations parade that didn’t happen. The city of Sandpoint got first shot at hosting “Tolerance,” but passed on it, claiming at the time that lack of a policy for public art was the problem. Trouble is, the sculpture resembles two giant stick figures coupling. “Tolerance” has many detractors. An arsonist once tried to burn it down. The Bonner County Daily Bee reports on the balancing act performed by commissioners. They support the idea behind “Tolerance,” but not necessarily the offbeat sculpture. Besides, the wood is rotting. And courthouse expansion plans could crowd “Tolerance” off the lawn. Maybe it’s time to check back with Sandpoint city leaders to see if they have finally adopted a public arts policy/DFO, SR Huckleberries. Complete Sunday column here.

Other SR weekend columns:

• Daugherty's Cougars approach next hurdle/John Blanchette
• No better time to imagine a warm day on lake/Paul Turner
• Idaho grocers seek to ease food stamp rush/Betsy Russell
• Mary, Mary, you've become quite contrary/Doug Clark
• Smart Bombs: Not by soot alone/Gary Crooks
• Little Spokane River watershed preserved/Rich Landers

Question: What do you do when public art is too weird or ugly?