Sandpoint High School Students Required to Submit to Breathalyzer Test Regardless of Suspicion

Presumption of innocence. It is the foundation of our legal system and is a right granted to every citizen regardless of age.

But as Sandpoint High School students lined up to enter their Winter Ball last weekend, each and every attendee was required to submit to a breath analysis test – regardless of whether they appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

“(The practice of administering breath analysis tests) started last year, in response to a Cedar Post article in which students stated they were entering dances under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Sandpoint High School Principal Becky Kiebert, referring to the student-run school newspaper.

For the most part, it seems that students do not mind the new rule. Jennifer Prandato is the editor of the Cedar Post and said she thinks the new policy had been well accepted by the students.

“The fact that even just a few students were taking advantage of the nonbreathalyzer rule is a serious enough situation that student council invested in breathalyzers,” said Prandato. “From my experience, the dances have actually been a lot more enjoyable since the rule has been implemented.”

Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Superintendent Dick Cvitanich said he has heard few complaints regarding the newly adopted policy.

“I believe this practice has worked well for us at Sandpoint High School,” said Cvitanich, who adds that one of the district’s responsibilities is to develop wholesome student activities that are well supervised. “Some students and families take issue with it because they believe it can or could be unevenly enforced or that their privacy is invaded. However, I can think of only one negative parent reaction.”

Kiebert said Sandpoint High School is not alone in its policy.

“Coeur d’Alene High School does it at every dance,” said Kiebert, adding that most parents have reacted in favor of the policy. “Students complained at first but, as (with) all changes, they are used to it now and I have heard no complaints this year.”

While the administration and students generally do not appear to take issue with this practice, it is my opinion that it sends a message of distrust to the children in our community.

Instead of administering tests to each and every student who enters the dance, why not show the students that we adults have faith in them and we trust they will make the right decision? If a student exhibits behavior that indicates he or she may be under the influence of alcohol, then administer the breath test, and if a student is shown to have been drinking, contact the parents and remove the student from the dance.

One might think that is a naïve approach and that it is better to apply the practice uniformly so no one can claim to be singled out. But I think the practice is not only an infringement on the students’ rights but sends them the wrong message of mistrust.

And what about the students who do not drink before the dance but who, in spite of a search, successfully sneak alcohol into the dance? Does the school then administer a second test?

I think Conrad Underdahl of Lakeland High School has the right approach.

“We do not breathalyze all students who come to dances,” said Underdahl. “But we do have the equipment to breathalyze those students who, based on their behavior, raise suspicion.”

One mother of a Sandpoint High School student is opposed to uniformly administering the breath analysis tests and said that while alcohol is a problem, the bigger issue is the use of marijuana.

Through a breath analysis one can detect the consumption of alcohol, but this mother, who wished to remain anonymous, has a valid concern: What about drug use? Where do we draw the line? If we are not careful, our children will soon be submitting to a urinalysis to detect drug use. Let’s show them that instead of distrusting them, we have faith in them. Allow them the same presumption of innocence that we adults enjoy. Wait until there is reason to believe a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol before we require a breath analysis or potentially even more invasive tests.

Sandpoint Wellness Council Promotes Holistic Health

In today’s world, an increasing number of people are taking their health care into their own hands. Generations before simply followed the doctors’ orders and assumed they were getting the best treatment possible.

But with so much more information at our fingertips and more treatments available for everything from cancer to the common cold, people are taking steps to educate themselves to ask the appropriate questions when meeting with their medical care provider.

For a group of health care professionals in Sandpoint, education is the key to their mission. Comprised of nine professionals who specialize in areas such as physical therapy, yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic care and homeopathy, Sandpoint Wellness Council provides research-based information on a holistic approach to health.

“We have people who are hungry for information,” said Krystle Shapiro, a massage therapist who founded the Sandpoint Wellness Council two years ago.

Mary Boyd, a physical therapist and member of the Sandpoint Wellness Council, agrees that education is vital to providing people with the best care possible.

“Physicians just don’t have the time to spend with patients and explain things like how the spine works and what happens when you are bending a certain way,” said Boyd.

Boyd said people tend to go to doctors when they experience symptoms and do not focus as much on what brought on their symptoms. “But we (holistic practitioners) focus on the causes (of the symptoms),” said Boyd.

Owen Marcus, whose specialty is Rolfing – a process that focuses on manipulating the soft tissue of the body in order to bring the body into alignment with gravity – was approached by Shapiro and thought the Wellness Council was a brilliant idea.

“I had a holistic medical clinic in Scottsdale (Ariz.) for 17 years. Certainly, providing alternative health modalities was a big part of our mission. But a large portion of our work centered on promoting the idea of holistic health – making people aware of it and trusting of it,” said Marcus, who adds that he has witnessed firsthand what holistic health has done for thousands of clients. “With our current health-care crisis, I believe we have a great opportunity to educate frustrated consumers about effective alternatives.”

In their quest to educate the community on how to treat the entire mind, body and spirit, the Sandpoint Wellness Council publishes numerous articles in local publications, posts information on a blog and hosts a monthly radio talk show.

“Through our articles, radio shows and public appearances, I hope holistic therapies become a valid adjunct to whatever people currently do to enhance their well being,” said Marcus.

Because the group includes such diverse practices – some of which include quantum biofeedback which reads the energy throughout one’s body via a machine that was invented by NASA scientists; CranioSacral massage therapy that focuses on one’s cranial rhythm through the monitoring of the cerebral spinal fluid; and herbology and aromatherapy – the members of the group try to experience one another’s fields by visiting the other practitioners and witnessing their techniques firsthand. By doing this, they are more knowledgeable and can refer their clients to other services which may benefit them.

“I will recognize when something is out of my scope of practice,” said Shapiro who adds that through her association with other holistic practitioners she is able to then refer her client to someone who can benefit them. “As a team we are all committed to making the patient better.”

Boyd says that medicine has become so specialized that there is no longer a focus on the whole patient.

“We want to be supportive of people,” said Boyd. “And for those who are open to different ideas, it’s our job to educate them.”

To further its goal, the Sandpoint Wellness Council plans to host educational workshops this year as well as publish a newsletter.

“Just as we are an art and green town, I am the instigator in positioning Sandpoint as a holistic town. The (Sandpoint Wellness) council has been kind enough to support me in this position,” said Marcus. “I want to enroll many more in that concept. People move here for these reasons. I believe that, on several levels, our wealth of holistic practitioners is an untapped resource for our community.”

Another goal of the council is to meet with doctors in the community to let them know more about the Sandpoint Wellness Council and its members who are certified in their fields.

“We want to raise awareness of what is available and prompt people to ask questions,” said Shapiro. “Health care is really a team effort for the benefit of the patient. When people are aware of all the options and benefits, they have a better chance of being well.”

For more information, log onto www.sandpointwellnesscouncil.com

Texting While Driving Issue A Hot Item for Sandpoint City Council

I remember it vividly. It was two and a half years ago when newscasts around the country flashed pictures of five young women, ages 17 and 18, who were killed in a car accident in New York.

Their vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic and cell phone records indicated that in all likelihood the driver was sending text messages while driving. The nationwide reaction was one of horror. Texting was a new way of communication then, especially among teens. How could people even think of engaging in such a distracting activity while behind the wheel?

Since then texting has became increasingly popular. Teens memorize keypads the way we adults used to memorize the keyboard of a typewriter. Over time, the images of these beautiful young women robbed of a full life faded away, and unfortunately so did much of the caution involved with texting while driving. Now each day I witness people driving while looking down at what I presume is their phone.

As my oldest son started driver’s education this week, I found myself reiterating what I have told him all along – absolutely under no circumstances should he ever use his phone while driving.

A ban on texting while driving currently exists in 19 states as well as in the District of Columbia and Guam. Six states have laws prohibiting local jurisdictions from enacting such laws, instead leaving it up to the state government to do so. Idaho has neither.

Banning texting while driving has been a hot issue for the Sandpoint City Council. Early last month, the council voted 4-3 against enacting an ordinance requiring all drivers, bicyclists and skateboards to use a hands-free device when talking on a cell phone while driving or riding within the Sandpoint city limits. The proposed ordinance also included a ban on texting while engaged in these activities. Mayor Gretchen Hellar cast the deciding votes against enactment.

Outgoing city Councilwoman Helen Newton’s proposal was made as a safety measure. It made sense. Those who voted against the proposed ordinance cited the primary reason for their opposition was the difficulty in enforcement and the ability of law enforcement to ticket texting drivers under the existing inattentive driving law.

Following the 4-3 defeat, Councilman John O’Hara brought a different version to the council. The revised proposal imposed a ban on text messaging while driving and prohibited any cell phone use by drivers who were driving with only a learner’s permit or if they’re under instruction.

But just a day before the ordinance was to take effect, Hellar vetoed the ordinance, once again citing issues of enforceability and the fact that there were already laws in place allowing the Sandpoint Police Department to cite a driver for inattentive driving.

There have been many reactions, both positive and negative, to the recent veto by Hellar, and there is talk that this will be brought up again when the new council is sworn in next week.

Newly elected city Councilman Justin Schuck said he is reserving judgment on the issue.

“If council decides to take a position on the veto, I look forward to discussing the issue with full council and considering the opinions of the public during the public hearing,” said Schuck. “Recently, (Councilwoman) Carrie Logan has provided a great deal of research on the issue that might shed some new light.”

Opponents of the ban cite issues of a city seeking to micromanage their residents. Those in favor of an ordinance cannot understand why people would not want such a law enacted. After all, it goes to the very safety of the community.

I agree texting while driving is dangerous. But I also believe that the difficulty of enforcement could be a logistical nightmare.

Perhaps it is time for those passionate about a ban to stop wasting time at the local level and instead bring this to Boise where their time and energy could potentially protect 1.5 million citizens instead of 6,000. And let’s do it before Sandpoint or another town in Idaho is the lead story on national news due to tragic deaths that are a result of texting while driving.

Gifts Sent from Heaven

The gifts were sent about 10 days prior to Christmas. When opened, tears of remembrance flowed and the phones around Sandpoint began to ring with friends calling one another to see if they received a similar package with the same mysterious return address.

One thing the recipients had in common was their close-knit friendship with the late Hazel Hall who died in August at 96.

It quickly became clear that these gifts were handpicked by Hall prior to her death and delivered by a special elf.

“It just gives me goose bumps to think that she planned this,” said Patti Clemons who received a porcelain angel in her package.

Sue Brooks said she was aware that Hall had been sorting out all of her belongings for the last couple of years.

“Her bedroom was a collection of carefully dated and sorted boxes,” said Brooks. “Hazel was carefully planning everything that would take place upon her passing. She was at peace with the idea and ready to go.”

All of the gifts were mailed with a return address of a post office box in Dover, Idaho, and the sender’s name was simply “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Not only is that the title of a well-known Christmas movie, but it is also the title of one of the late photographer Ross Hall’s most popular photographs. Ross was Hazel’s husband, who passed away in 1990. His work is known far beyond the borders of Sandpoint. It is also the motto by which Hazel Hall lived her life and obviously the reminder she wanted to send her friends at Christmas time.

“Hazel always thought it was a wonderful life,” said her friend of 38 years, Mary Walter, who received a pin from the Festival at Sandpoint in her package. “Nothing ever got her down.”

“To know she was thinking of us, knew how sad we would be without her and then, to leave a little something of her to us is just one of the many reasons we loved her,” said Marsha Ogilvie who received a greeting card in her package; one that she had sent Hall several years prior.

Sue Brooks also received a gift which she said was obviously chosen especially for her.

“My gift was a saying on a magnet that reads ‘May your path be strewn with flowers, memories, friends and happy hours. May blessings come from heaven above to fill your life with peace and love,’ ” said Brooks, who has already memorized the saying. “The message was clearly for me and personal. You see, I use to bring her flowers. She loved flowers and the life and color they brought to her place.”

“Only Hazel would do something so special before she passed on,” adds Walter.

Brooks said that Hall had a way of making everyone feel special and she is touched by the message Hall sent after her passing.

“She knew how we would all be affected by this and I believe these were meant to be a final message of how much we all meant to her,” said Brooks.

Sandpoint resident Bobbie Huguenin knew Hall her entire life. In fact, she says, she has a photo of the Halls with her on the day Bobbie was brought home from the hospital .

“Losing Hazel was the loss of a link to my entire life,” said Huguenin, who received what she describes as a lovely sounding bell in her mystery package. “I have a large bell collection I’ve had since childhood. I think that’s why that’s what I received it. We rang bells during the Mass at Christmas and I used Hazel’s bell.”

Barb Perusse, who received a wreath pin in her package, calls Hall her inspiration.

“It warms my heart to have her so close to me,” said Perusse. “She was such a remarkable woman and her depths of caring and love are something I will always strive to work towards.”

Clemons, like all the women who received a gift from beyond, will treasure her gift of the angel and knows it will be a constant reminder of her special friend and that Hall is always with her.

“For me it confirmed what I have always known – that Hazel is our angel and now she is watching over all of us,” said Clemons.

Red Tape - A Unique Play Incorporating Art as Theater - Opens at the Panida January 15th

Sandpoint has long been recognized as an artists’ community. But just when you think the creative level could not be more intriguing for a small town such as this, a new form of art is introduced.

Next weekend marks the opening of an original play in Sandpoint, “Red Tape.” But this production is more than the telling of a story through actors memorizing and interpreting a script. It incorporates nine pieces of art by a local but internationally acclaimed artist, the writing and directing of two residents well known in the local theater community, and interpretive music performed by a local musician.

The concept is known as “art as theater.”

“The interpretation of art in a theatrical way is not a new concept,” said Teresa Pesce, who wrote “Red Tape.” “But it is new to this area.”

It began when Pesce visited the art studio of Stephen Schultz. Intrigued by his work, Pesce came up with the idea of writing a story based on her interpretation of it.

Pesce “selected nine paintings and found a common theme,” said Deb McShane, who is directing the play.

Pesce was drawn to the spools of tape winding their way through several of Schultz’s paintings.

For Pesce, it brought to mind being caught up in the red tape of bureaucracy, a term derived from an old British practice of using red tape to tie up official papers.

“We are all wrapped up in red tape,” said Pesce. “It’s the emotional and psychological way we were brought up.”

After writing the script, Pesce brought it to Schultz and read it to him. “He gave his blessing,” said McShane. “He has been so gracious.”

The play’s narrator, a character in his late 60s, looks back on his life, when as a young man of 25 he was trying to establish himself.

“It is an exploration of what love is, how love feeds us and how love inspires us. Do we have to prove our love?” said McShane. “There are no easy answers in the play.”

It also examines brotherly love versus romantic love and explores how nature and nurture intertwine, causing people to frequently replicate family patterns.

“It is a very enigmatic piece,” said McShane. “It poses some very big questions about who we are.”

Both Pesce and McShane say that the multigenerational talent from which they were able to choose their cast amazes them.

“We have just an astounding group of actors in this town,” McShane said.

Schultz’s paintings, some of which measure as large as 10 by 15 feet, form the set for the play.

“It’s a gallery of the narrator’s mind,” McShane said.

The production has a musical component as well. Sandpoint resident Alan Ball, who plays keyboards at various venues in town, will be playing the opening music on the Panida Theater’s grand piano, as well as pieces between scenes.

“We showed him (Ball) Stephen’s work, showed him the script and turned him loose,” Pesce said.

The music “will keep the feeling of the play and give a glimmer of what’s coming up,” said Ball.

It may seem like the tone of the play is serious throughout, but Ball said that is not the case. “There is an undercurrent of humor which you can reflect in the music as well.”

At intermission, lasagna, chocolate and wine will all be served, and following each performance the audience will be invited to go up on stage to view the artwork up close and meet the artist.

The Sandpoint performances are just the start of Pesce’s work. She plans to introduce the art-as-theater concept in both Spokane and Coeur d’Alene with the goal of touring plays.

“We have a community filled with talent,” said Pesce. “And the sky is the limit when it comes to interpreting art on stage.”


The Panida Theater is in downtown Sandpoint. The shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Jan. 22-23. Tickets are $12 each; senior and student ticket price is $10. They are available at Eichardts, Eve’s Leaves and at the door

Sandpoint Winter Carnival Returns January 14th

Looking for a place to get away but don’t want to stand in line at airports or battle the crowds of bigger cities? This week in Sandpoint, residents and visitors will celebrate the 37th Annual Winter Carnival. With several days of festivities planned, organizers say that the old favorites will return and new ones will be added to the roster.

The carnival kicks off with the popular Taste of Sandpoint Thursday at the Sandpoint Events Center from 5 to 8 p.m. This carnival tradition showcases food from more than a dozen Sandpoint restaurants. Patrons can purchase food and beverage tickets at the door at $1 each; and organizers say the average cost of a sample dish, beer or glass of wine ranges from $3 to $7.

“The Taste of Sandpoint is huge, usually 700 to 800 people attend,” said Amy Little, executive director for the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. “You can try out different cuisine at local places without spending a lot of money.”

Thursday also marks the beginning of two new events this year – Dine Around Sandpoint and Shop Around Sandpoint.

Dine Around Sandpoint will go through Feb. 16, and will feature special menu items, discounts, wine specials and special events at several area restaurants. Each time a customer dines at a participating restaurant, they will be entered into a drawing for various prizes including the grand prize of dinner for two once a month for a year.

Thursday will commence a five-day Sandpoint shopping spree, also known as Shop Around Sandpoint. By visiting area merchants and collecting six passport stamps, participants will be eligible to win a variety of prizes including the grand prize of two season tickets to the Festival at Sandpoint, an annual summer concert series.

On Friday evening, downtown from 5 to 7 p.m., galleries and shops will host the Winter Art Trek showcasing original artwork of several local and regional artists. If you cannot make it on Friday evening, the event continues Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maps for this self-guided tour are available from several downtown merchants.

While downtown, people can stop by Taylor-Parker Motor Co. at 300 Cedar St. between 5 and 8 p.m. to enjoy short action films of daring snow stunts. Right down the street at Pend d’Oreille Winery, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the incredible performance of fire spinners.

And a favorite among many when introduced last year, the Rail Jam, which includes a ski and snowboard stunt competition, will take place Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., along with a bonfire, at Jeff Jones Town Square at Main Street and Third Avenue.

“The Rail Jam and the fire dancers at the winery were very popular last year,” said Little. “They are just fun to watch and total spectator sports. The bonfire was also near the Rail Jam and it just felt fun to be able to be outside in the winter.”

The Rail Jam includes skiers and boarders who perform acrobatic moves on handrails and other man-made apparatus. The contestants are judged on style, amplitude, difficulty and variety. A rail which measures 30 feet tall and 100 feet long will dominate the square as riders compete for cash prizes.

One of the newest members of the business community is eager to join the action and has stepped forward to host Family Fun Day and Coffee Tasting. On Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 524 Church St., Evans Brothers Coffee Roasting Studios will offer food, live music, hand-crafted coffees and indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

Saturday evening the action will be at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, which will again host a torchlight parade and fireworks.

On Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, Eichardt’s Pub at 212 Cedar St. plans to host a K-9 Keg Pull. Dogs of all sizes compete while pulling empty kegs that are matched in size to the dog. Organizers say that for a miniature dog, a keg could be as small as a beer can while full-size dogs will pull full-size kegs.

Winter Carnival brings life to what is typically a quieter time of the year in downtown Sandpoint.

“Last year there were people everywhere – packed restaurants and license plates from all over the region,” said Little.

For more information on the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, log onto www.sandpoint.org/wintercarnival (http://www.sandpoint.org/wintercarnival)

Teen Whose Life Sparkled Won't Be Forgotten

Joyful. The Beatles. Funny. Taco. Bright colors. These are just some of the words and phrases shared on Dec. 23 at a Sandpoint candlelight vigil that was held to honor the life and memory of a boy taken from this world much too soon.

William Johnson, 15, a sophomore at Sandpoint High School, died Dec. 22 in a ski accident at Schweitzer Mountain Resort – a mountain Will had skied for years and knew well.

Like thousands of others, Will answered the beckoning of the incredible beauty of Schweitzer Mountain. While it is hailed as one of the top ski resorts in the country, Schweitzer is no different than other ski mountains in that the sports of skiing and snowboarding have an inherent level of risk regardless of the experience of the skier or boarder. Tragically, Will fell victim to one of those risks.

Will died after falling into a tree well – a void which forms around the base of trees in forested areas which receive snowfalls of deep powder. Will’s death is a tragedy that has hit this town hard, especially the young community members, many of whom are experiencing the death of someone close for the first time.

“Will is the first big loss for me,” said 15-year-old Buddy Chambers, who has known Will since their days in preschool.

I am personally blessed to have known Will since he was 5. His family lives down the street and my son, Kevin, and Will had been friends since kindergarten. When we learned of Will’s death one of the first things Kevin said was Will was never without a smile. He is right. No one enjoyed life more than this talented, energetic and joyful young man.

Will had three older doting, loving sisters – Juliette, Victoria and Rebecca. Their mom and dad, Susan and Brad, were so proud of the man Will had become.

“Will was liked by everyone,” said Frank Cafferty, a member of the Sandpoint Middle School staff, where Will attended seventh and eighth grade.

With an imagination and a confidence that often escapes teenagers, Will was always the entertaining one in a crowd – whether it was spontaneously joining a group of local joggers on a run during a Washington, D.C., class trip two years ago or bargaining with the woman in the ice cream truck to sell him ice cream in exchange for a shoe. Will’s sense of humor could bring laughter to anyone even when they were having a horrible day.

“You never saw Will in a bad mood. He was an energetic and funny kid and could always bring a smile to your face,” said Chambers, who added that his friend’s death has made him mindful of spending more time with his own family.

Within days of Will’s death, a Facebook page titled “R.I.P. William Johnson 1994-2009” already had more than 600 followers – a sign of just how many lives this boy touched. Struggling to make sense of this tragedy, friends, relatives and classmates have used the Facebook Web site to share their memories. One classmate writes that William Johnson is the definition of the happiest, funniest kid that walked the face of the earth.

Another classmate writes, “Will, (your) smile and your attitude toward everything was infectious. You could always brighten the mood in a room, even if it was already as bright as we thought it could be.”

Described by his family as a true Renaissance man, Will excelled in anything he put his mind to. Will played the saxophone, bassoon, guitar, trombone and bagpipes. He enjoyed running on the Sandpoint High School cross country team, which this year was coached in part by his sister Rebecca.

Chambers knows Monday will be a difficult day as the students head back to school. But he said he has learned some important lessons from Will’s death.

“I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to the candlelight vigil, but my mom told me that while it may be hard for me to go, it may not be as bad for other people if I was there, too,” said Chambers, who also found comfort in visiting with Will’s family on Christmas morning.

As we say goodbye to this amazing young man, I know Will’s laughter and smile will echo in the hearts of this community for years to come. And for those who don’t know how to say goodbye, perhaps we can all take a lead from a Christmas post on Facebook by Will’s sister Rebecca. “Good night sweet prince. Merry Christmas my lovely brother. Sleep in heavenly peace.”