Always Keep In Mind, Judge Has Last Word
Exasperated, 1st District Judge Craig Kosonen finally slammed Justin Smith, 21, of Osburn, in Cottonwood’s Prison Lite. Then again, Smith had been asking for it since the judge granted him probation on a forgery count last fall. He’d allegedly violated his probation four times, including once when he was charged with assaulting a law officer. The Idaho News Observer reported a final exchange between Smith and the Black Robe. Smith: “I spend more time locked up than child molesters!” Kosonen: “Just keep it up and you’ll be spending time with child molesters!” Game, set, match to Kosonen.
Elegant dining
Soon, Americans will learn there’s more to CDA than neo-Nutsies and day-glo waterways. Gourmet magazine is planning a September spread on local eateries. This, according to bloodhound Marilyn Montgomery. Gourmet stopped at Hudson’s Hamburgers (of course), Java on Sherman, the Cedars and (MM’s personal favorite) Capers Mediterranean Bistro. Take it away Marilyn: “Capers has arguably the best food in this whole area, but I’m afraid lots of people don’t understand what Mediterranean food is. (Hint: It’s just the best and freshest kind of food you can eat anywhere.)” Lunch, anyone?
Control, alt., delete
Consultant Dave Teater was testifying before the state Board of Education Thursday at Moscow when the room fell quiet. Then, from a corner came a computerized voice: “Your batteries are now fully charged.” Teater, who was representing the Bonner County School District, didn’t miss a beat as a state attorney hunched over his laptop turned stop-sign red. Said Dave, after the laughter subsided: “My batteries aren’t fully charged.” You had to be there.
Fan e-mail
Kellogg’s Jacques Lemieux was Net surfing last week when he saw a Billings Gazette article about Malmstrom Air Force Base. Er, make that “Maelstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.” E-mails Jacques: “Either one of my old Vietnam protest buddies is alive and well and working for the Gazette or Sigmund Freud is haunting the office of the Web page typist!”
Huckleberries
A caller took umbrage at a Huck last week that wondered about a woman on 19th Street who reported three stolen wedding rings. It’s no big deal, said she: “I have my grandmother’s wedding ring, my mother’s and my own.” Mea culpa … My better half (for the past 23 years, as of Sunday) spotted this bumpersnicker on a silver Honda station wagon at 2nd & Sherman: “CAT: the other white meat” … Deep Thoughts by D.F.: Why isn’t the Kootenai River in Kootenai County? Or Bonners Ferry in Bonner County? Or Boise in Boise County? Is it an Idaho thing? … I Hate When That Happens: So, there I was ripping Brand X last week for two racial faux pas, when I looked at the date on the page: “March 19, 1999.” Huckleberries, a column ahead of its time … For those keeping score at home, the old City Beach dock that for years served cruise boats, Brooks Seaplane Service and vendor Ray Andreason’s water toys has begun a second life at Camp Neewahlu on Kidd Island Bay. The city gave it to the Camp Fire Boys & Girls. Saaalute … Two thumbs up to KVNI-AM for adding the Mariners’ games to its program list. Now, we have a strong signal to let us know when the M’s are blowing another late-inning lead.
Parting shot
Commissioner Ron Rankin passed on a chance to attend the GOP lovefest at The Coeur d’Alene for Gov. Phil Batt - and wear one of some 500 Batt masks that greeted the Little Ol’ Onion Farmer Friday night. Rankin, after all, did his best in 1994 to prevent Batt from governing the Gem State by running against him as an Independent. Now, Batt’s ending his term as governor, Rankin’s a Republican again and the D’s are forced to hold their state convention in a phone booth at Templin’s. What a difference four years make.