Rathdrum article contained errors
Concerning the article written in the April 12 edition of the Handle Extra, by columnist Patrick Jacobs. I wish to point out the following reporting errors:
1. The Rathdrum Chamber is actively seeking a hotel. We have several nice B&Bs in the area. Did you stop and ask?
2. (Rathdrum) “isn’t the charming hamlet that anybody might visit.” Actually, over 4,000 anybodies visited just Rathdrum Days last year. Out-of-town people also come in droves for December D’Lights, and Fall Heritage Festival, to name just a couple more Rathdrum events. On any given day you can stop by O’Malleys, Wild Bill’s Steakhouse and the Route 53 Diner, Pleasantland Coffee, the award-winning Salsa Factory and find a lot of out-of-town people who went out of their way to visit Rathdrum specifically.
3. One Eye’s. Boy did you ever pick the wrong place to rag on. Known as the friendliest bar on Main Street, One Eyes is very active supporting community events, fixing large open house dinners for all the vets in the area several times a year and doing a whole lot more where they just pitch in and ask to remain anonymous. As far as “faces glaring back,” that would seem to suggest you started glaring first and since the folks you saw were probably vets, and Rathdrum does love its vets, most Idahoans would be more likely want to hang with them than someone of your unkind caliber.
In fact at the recent Chamber Luncheon the owner of One Eyes received a hearty applause after his comments. Wise of you to stay holed up in your corner with your mouth closed.
4. “Mostly empty old buildings”: Hum … know of only two empty buildings the length Main Street both historical and one just waiting for the right buyer to refurbish it.
5. “One large historic building had been given a noticeable renovation”: You sure know your historical buildings … the Palidash building is maybe all of a year old.
6. “Junk-cluttered day cares”: Most folks would call fenced yards with lots of expensive playground equipment and toys a good place to bring their kids.
You’ve definitely passed from having a bad hair day into someone mean-spirited who is the only one who thinks his trite remarks funny. Like you mentioned you are “the type probably Rathdrum citizens might not be too keen on.” Maybe like some 6,000-plus normally very friendly people. Actually can’t think of any town that would be keen to have you visit.
Since you and Voices Editor Mr. Brooks feel such an article is appropriate I can only say to those of you who live in Rathdrum you might consider staying away from the businesses that continue to advertise in this paper, stop your subscription to “The Spokesman,” etc.
On your next bad hair day. Stay home. Actually on a good hair you’re really not going to be to welcome much of anywhere carrying a poisoned pen.
Kris Storey
Rathdrum