Developer Not Making Many Friends
Developer J.P. Stravens is, ahem, making points with the county planning department again. When we last visited Jimbo (Huckleberries, April 24), he was so upset by an adverse decision that he uttered those immortal words to planning director Cheri Howell: “Pucker your sphincter, cupcake; we’re coming after ya.” Last week, he was back in form when he called planner Sandy Meehan “an anti-growth, tree-hugging, ugly, ugly, ugly (expletive deleted).” Responded another planner: “Who’s puckering now?”
Time well served
Commissioner Dick Panabaker has paid his debt to society for that DUI arrest by serving 16 hours on K-county’s chainless gang. Eight hours picking up trash at a Worley park. Eight hours raking and sweeping the fairgrounds. Ol’ Dick didn’t seek special treatment either. Sez Sheriff Rocky Watson: “He didn’t ask for any, and he didn’t get any.” Case closed. Lesson learned?
Unzipped
Reporter Jenny Slater did a bang-up job covering that Post Falls fire Wednesday. For three hours, she interviewed fire victims and emergency troops. Jenny was almost finished news gathering when a bystander told her, red-faced, that her barn door was open. Had been since she arrived. Meanwhile, reporter Tom Clouse destroyed his boat propeller and drive shaft when he hit a deadhead ferrying a photographer to the riverfront scene. Oh the price we pay bringing you the best news report in town.
Ready or not
A dozen protesters were waiting at City Park for wandering racists during the recent Aryan Nations Congress. But most goosesteppers stayed away. Picnickers that day included a Japanese family, a church group and a family reunion. Several young blacks were among the players on the basketball courts. Said one CdA protester: “I sat there thinking, `God I hope those Nazi storm troopers don’t show up! Look at all the people they’ll frighten.’ It could have been ugly, and I imagined lots of people leaving the park in fear - not just the minorities.”
Huckleberries
If you’re hoping Al Hassell will try to become mayor again, fuhgeddaboutit. He’s not going to run next year. Sez the job consumes too much time … A Hayden project hearing was delayed because the public notice failed to appear in the Hagadone Press in time. A malfunctioning fax machine at Brand X brought Hayden business to a halt … The Hayden City Council is considering an explicit gun ordinance. This, after a resident shot his neighbor’s cat to protect his livestock (read: chickens). Be careful out there … Only after she scooped up 25 tickets for $5 at the Julyamsh powwow raffle did Nanette Hamari realize that the prize was an 18-foot teepee - not TV … Great headline from the Idaho News Observer: “Aging gun moll beats up fellow inmate” … Farragut State Park manager Brian Rowder sez there’s no merry-go-round (Huckleberries, July 24). The bears that are transplanted from park trash bins to Bernard Peak are staying put. Stay tuned … Gov. Dirk Kempthorne remembers his local government roots. At Julyamsh, he wore a hand-stamped leather belt, which is engraved on the back: “Hizzoner” … Nah, the message on that T-shirt dropped off by legislative wannabe Kristy Johnson doesn’t bother me: “Improve Idaho’s Image: Elect A Democrat.” It’s the size. Large. She must think the Huckleberry Hound’s one of those sissy, wine-and-cheese types. This barrel chest requires a 2X, baybee … (On second thought, I wouldn’t wear a T-shirt promoting either major party) … Sad sight on Mica Hill Tuesday: a dead black bear alongside the road with an Oregon license plate propped against it.
Parting shot
The Coeur d’Alenes attracted AG Janet Reno and Kempthorne to their Julyamsh powwow. But not Post Falls Mayor Gus Johnson. Seems they didn’t ask Gus to make opening remarks until 24 hours before the event. By then, he’d made plans to spend time with city staffers visiting another “tribe” - the Spokane Indians.