Cops there when you need help
Sometimes, when you call a cop it’s not to report a crime. In a case most recently, it was for help.
This intrepid reporter received a call for assistance from two widely respected members of the community. Bob and Suzanne Rickel, retired farmers, began receiving pesky notices in the mail from New York City.
It stated that a jeep was illegally parked in the city Oct. 28, 2007, registered to the Rickels. We followed our own advice, and called a cop. The Rickels in fact do own a jeep. It’s a 1954 model that has been in storage for more than 10 years, then transported to Suzanne’s brother by trailer to Seattle. The plates still reside here in Bayview at the Rickel residence.
Enter Capt. Ben Wolfinger of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department. We requested his assistance, and Capt. Wolfinger ran the plate and verified it is the number registered to the Rickels. By the time Wolfinger got involved, the notices had got nastier and more frequent, ending in a default judgment of $107.38.
After determining the facts, Capt. Wolfinger graciously mailed a letter to New York City explaining that one, the Rickels had never been in New York City, nor were they likely to go there in the future. Two, the car in question was not white, as the parking ticket revealed, but dark green. The third and we hope the deciding factor, is that the car in question is 54 years old and while restored, isn’t capable of such a journey.
One can only hope that the largest bureaucracy in today’s world will understand. If not, Captain Wolfinger does not anticipate his cooperation in an attempt to extradite the alleged offenders.
Help for Amber
Many of you have been following the trials and tribulations of little Amber Newton, terribly burned last January. Since then, she has been in and out of hospitals. Several fundraising events have been held. Bayview has a woman that just can’t stay away from someone that needs help. Terry Shepherd, owner of Terry’s Cafe, decided to do something about it. She started a raffle, then invited the community to a burger barbecue with all the funds to go toward the Newtons. Sunday was the big day.
Some peripheral fundraising is still out there, but from the raffle, more than $1,400 was collected. At deadline, there were still funds outstanding and more information to be gathered. We will report back next week on that progress. We did learn that there is an account set up at the Rathdrum branch of the Panhandle State Bank in the name of Amber Newton for those that wish to contribute.
Poker run saturday
Summer is heading into high gear with events happening all over the place. Post 149 Athol American Legion is holding a charity poker run for both bikes and four-wheelers Saturday. The route for the bikers is from the Pastime in Athol to the Bonners Ferry Legion post, Popeye’s in Priest River, Curley’s in Hauser, The Captain’s Wheel in Bayview then back to the legion in Athol. Contact the Legion at 683-2614 for details.
Bayview Daze coming up
Saturday night features the Riverside Band at the Captain’s Wheel along with some great food. Bayview Daze is just around the corner, with the key day being July 5. A street fair will be set up July 4, 5 and 6. There will be a street parade Saturday and a new fireworks display July 5. A boat parade will lead off at dusk, followed by the fireworks. This year, a 50 percent increase in funds was approved by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. Visitors are urged to donate when they come out to enjoy the festivities. This entire show is paid for by voluntary donations.
The first queen will be crowned in more than 20 years July 6 at noon at Ralph’s Coffee Shop. A special Bayview Daze treat is in store for the night of July 5. Too Slim and the Taildraggers will appear on the main stage, with the Bells handling the daytime duties on the lawn outside.