Year-End Review: Part I

January

Fire broke out at approximately 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, at Central Idaho Offset Printing, located at 910 Grangemont Rd. The building, owned by Stanton Logging, houses the press equipment used for printing of the Clearwater Tribune and other regional publications. Due to the fire, the Clearwater Tribune has a new look. Page size is smaller. After 100 years of the paper’s page size measuring 14x23 inches it is now 11x21 inches.

Through the American Restoration and Recovery Act, grants have been obtained, with matching funds from the tribe to undertake erecting towers for a comprehensive broadband system over the Clearwater Valley. Cities that will have accessible coverage include Culdesac, Kamiah, Fraser, Orofino Riverside area, Ahsahka, Peck, Cherry Lane, Cottonwood Creek, and as many areas in between as possible.

Ryan Smathers was sworn in for his second full-term as Mayor of the City of Orofino. Along with Mayor Smathers, two newly elected councilmen took their oaths of office for the first time: Avery Dunaway and Don Gardner. The two new council members fill the seats of Doug Donner and the late Roy Clay. A motion passed, naming Marguerite McLaughlin, as the new President Pro Tempore for the council.

The Pierce-Weippe Chamber of Commerce has erected a new Chamber member sign in front of Pierce Free Library. Chamber appreciates Jared Construction and Express Nametags & More, both Chamber members, for creating this handsome sign.

Cindy Downing celebrated nearly 28 years of public service to Clearwater County. Cindy retired on Friday, Jan. 27. She began working in the Clearwater County Auditor/Recorder’s Office on March 22, 1984 and worked in that office the entire 28 years. She worked as a deputy auditor recorder for Clerk, Allen Medalen until 1992 when she was promoted to Chief Deputy for Clerk, Robin Christensen, and continues to serve in that capacity for Clerk, Carrie Bird.

A power outage hit the Orofino area at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Jan. 19, knocking out power to a total of 1,991 Avista customers. The cause was weather-related, reportedly damage to a substation. A total of 750 Clearwater Power customers were also affected by separate power outages, according to Bob Pierce with Clearwater Power.
 

February

Talon Lewis Francis Palmer was the first baby of 2012 to be born at CVH. Talon’s parents are Jamie Jackson and Marcus Palmer, Kamiah. He was born Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 12:34 a.m.

The High Country Inn celebrated it's 10th anniversary with two evenings of romantic candlelight Valentine's dinners and a special gift for the ladies each evening. The grand opening event for the High Country Inn happened during Valentine’s of 2002.

Kelly and Lois Lineberry celebrated 50 years of marriage with a reception at the Christian Faith Worship Center in Clarkston, WA.

Dale Durkee, Joint School District #171 Superintendent, submitted his letter of resignation to the board of trustees at a special board meeting. His resignation will be effective at the end of June. He has worked in the district for 26 years.

Helen Alocco, 66, of Orofino, was found by Clearwater County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. She and her husband, Carl Alocco, 60, got stuck in snow up Cascade Drive Sunday and she attempted to walk out. She was found on Cooper Road off Cascade Drive, reportedly cold but in good health. Helen had walked 12 to 14 miles before she was located.

Ed Glaze and Rick Alain of Orofino were trolling for trout on Dworshak Reservoir when Ed hooked a 33” steelhead. They didn’t have a net large enough so Rick grabbed it by the tail to get it in the boat. The hatchery steelhead somehow ended up in the reservoir.

An open house birthday party was held at the Riverside Assembly of God Church for Marj Hardman, who turned 80 years old.

The Clearwater Tribune celebrates 100 years. The first issue of the Clearwater Tribune was published Friday, May 5, 1922, after the Clearwater Republican and Orofino Tribune merged. The Clearwater Tribune’s 100th anniversary begins with the Clearwater Republican’s first issue in March of 1912.

Fire destroyed the 1895 Heritage House, an unoccupied historical house on Old Melrose Grade Rd., above Peck. The structure burned to the ground at approximately 3:30 p.m., Wednesday. Feb. 8. Three trucks and five fire fighters responded to the scene.

March

Emersyn Marie Wiese is the Leap Year baby born on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, leap day, at CVH. Her proud parents are Nate and Amber Wiese.

The Orofino Distinguished Young Woman program was held March 10 at Orofino High School. Orofino Distinguished Young Woman for 2013 is Kate Conner. First Runner Up is Devonee Perrin and Second Runner Up is Katie Alverson.

Psalm 40 Feed, owned by Bridgette Heighes, located at 1782 Cemetery Road in Weippe, is now open and ready to serve your pet and livestock needs. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

AREA ATHLETES BRING HOME GOLD—The Lewis Clark Special Olympics floor hockey team traveled to Boise for state competition on March 3. The team, made up of players from the area, including local teammate Jack Vaage from Orofino, played well and swept their competition. The team represented the region with skill, courage, sharing and joy—attributes of a Special Olympics athlete. The O-Stars Cheerleading Silver team won the National title at Pac West Nationals in the junior level 1 division in Portland, OR, March 3-4.

Casey Meza, CEO, St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals and Clinics, has accepted the Executive Director of Regional Services position with Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene.

Boyd and Millie Brookshier have purchased The DogHouse business from Dana Losey.

April

This year the 12th Annual Orofino Spring Round-Up, held on April 14, was dedicated to the memory of Roy Clay, longtime businessman who was committed to serving Orofino and the people who live here.

Drake Hernandez was awarded Mr. OHS. He is the son of JJ and Ringo Hernandez.

World jet boat racers were welcomed by a meet and greet event held in the Orofino City Park. The meet and greet was sponsored by the Orofino Chamber of Commerce. Fans had the opportunity to talk with racers from various countries and see the fabulous boats before they hit the river the following day.

Robert Vian, who has been principal at Timberline Schools for the past year, has been hired as school district #171 superintendent, to replace Dale Durkee who has resigned effective at the end of this school term.

Heather Leach left the Idaho Department of Labor after 14 years for a new challenging opportunity where she is working for Manpower which, as a staffing company, is known as a world leader in workforce solutions.

Bob McKnight retired from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) after nearly 30 years.

W.J. (Bill) Lesmeister of Orofino was honored at the 74th Annual Avista Trailblazers dinner April 14, for 50 years as a member of the group.

Angela Miller, age 13, shot her first turkey April 15. The turkey had an 8 1/2 inch beard and weighed 24 pounds. Angela shot the turkey with her 20 gauge shotgun given to her from her grandpa Albert Lawrence. Angela is the daughter of Ken and Bonnie Miller.

Local amateur radio (HAM) operator, David Justesen, With the aid of other club members and computer/ internet resources, wrote the complex communications plan needed to ensure continuous radio communications that was crucial to the safety of the two-man crews racing their 100+ mph boats in the narrow canyons for the Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon.

Jim Richards retired after 20 years as Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Pierce.

Coach Bo Cummings’ jersey was retired and presented to him during a ceremony between baseball games against Grangeville April 19.

May

Clearwater County Marine Deputy Mike Gladhart has been named Idaho’s Marine Deputy of the Year. He has been employed in law enforcement by Clearwater County for the past 10 years.

Dworshak Reservoir made the Bassmaster Magazine Top-100 list of best places to fish for bass, according to an April 24 release by B.A.S.S.

Orofino Celebrations, Inc. has assembled new aluminum bleachers to replace the old bleachers that were between the log arena and the city park.

Record crowds ushered in a new era of jet boat river racing in north central Idaho during the 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championship held April 13-21. U.S.A. driver Ryan Rogers of Lewiston and Crabtree, OR navigator Gary Weaver won the overall championship title completing the fastest time piloting #285 Pure Insanity for all 24 race legs on the St. Joe, Snake, Clearwater and Salmon rivers.

The Clearwater Tribune received an American flag that was flown in Afghanistan from SSgt. David S. Taylor. The flag was his way of saying thank you to the Tribune for publishing an inspiring editorial written by SSgt. Taylor.

Orofino Maniacs mangled the Tigers of Kendrick (18-1) in the first of two games played in Orofino on May 4. The Maniacs wasted no time in making 13 runs in the first inning.

The Spartan Ladies’ track team broke two school records at the Meet of Champions in Lewiston on May 3. The medley relay team of Lacey Bonner, Morgan Willett, Mattlyn Brouwers and Aspen Jared placed first with a time of 1:56.23, breaking the 1988 school record by 1.27 seconds! Mattlyn Brouwers’ third place triple jump finish of 33’9” broke her own school record again by 12 inches!

Swade Patrick Malloy is serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Milan Italy Mission. Swade was raised in Reno, NV but has resided in Orofino for the past year and has spent summers here with his grandmother, Nancy Umphenour, for most of his life.

Shania Rales, a 2012 Orofino High School graduate, is the Kooskia Old Opera House Theatre American Idol winner. According to Shoni, “She came in second, but we just knew we had to make sure she had the chance to go for her dream. We decided that we would pay for her trip to an American Idol tryout in Denver.”

Success was sweet for Orofino’s Lady Maniacs softball team against Kendrick, (4-0) in the Idaho Class 2A District II championship game in Orofino, May 12. The Lady Maniacs are undefeated this season!

Six Timberline tracksters headed to state track May 18-19 in Meridian.

Angela Baldus has resigned as Orofino Elementary School principal after five years to accept a position as new principal for Highland Elementary School in Clarkston.

The Lady Spartans Track Team, consisting of Aspen Jared, Mattlyn Brouwers, Morgan Willett, and Lacey Bonner, brought home the gold and set a new 1A state record with their 1:53.83 finish in the 800m sprint medley!

June

Garold and Carol Choate celebrated their 50th anniversary with an open house June 2 at the Lenore Community Center.

Kelly and Ronnie Zink celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family gathering at their daughter’s house in Culdesac.

Kenny Miller, age 12, shot his first turkey on the last day of turkey season. The turkey weighed 20 lbs and had a 9 inch beard. Kenny is the son of Ken and Bonnie Miller.

Dalton Jones, six years old, caught his first salmon off Ahsahka Bridge at 7:32 a.m. on Sunday, June 2. It took 12 minutes to get it in. The salmon was 31 inches long and weighed 13 pounds.

Annie Lozar retired from Walrath Insurance Agency. An open house was held Friday, June 29, in honor of Annie’s retirement.

James Harper of Orofino caught a monster Chinook salmon on Flag Day, June 14. He hooked a 21-pound, 40-inch-long salmon on his second cast, and it took 15 minutes to reel the fish to shore. Harper said in 52 years of living here, this is the largest salmon he’s ever caught.

Orofino’s latest member of the police force, signing on for duty

 

Officer Mike Shore, of the Orofino Police Department, is shown with the department’s new K-9 dog “Pia,” a two year old Dutch Shepherd trained to sniff out four specific illegal drugs.

By Alannah Allbrett

“Pia,” a two year old Dutch Shepherd police dog, now calls Orofino home. The K-9, originally from Germany, was picked up approximately a week ago at the Spokane, WA airport and will reside with Officer Mike Shore and his family in a kennel especially constructed for her by Public Works employees, Tyson Cobb and Jeremy Gering.

Pia will be kept indoors in the cold weather. Pia eats “Red Flannel hooch chow,” a high-energy, high-protein dog food, according to Shore, which the department is able to purchase at Whipple’s Feed.

“So far, she is adjusting well,” said Officer Shore who worked with a K-9 narcotics dog for one year in Georgia before joining OPD. He was a certified dog handler in that state and will be taking the required test for certification in Idaho. Pia is a “high-strung” young dog who has to adjust to crossing time zones, new handlers, new smells, new food, and a new home. Shore said that she is highly trained and her primary purpose will be drug detection, and protection of a police officer in situations involving an aggressive offender. “She will be a great drug dog; all she wants to do is work,” he said.

Officer Shore has a two year old child who is watching from a distance, fascinated at this new member of the family. Naturally, the child is segregated and has only watched Pia from a distance. As the dog becomes more familiarized with the family, proves obedient and safe, she will gradually be able to interact with the child a little more.

Pia is provided from a company called: K-9 Working Dogs International, LLC that specializes in training police K-9‘s. The cost of the animal, after a $3,000 grant, is $8,000, and her training is guaranteed.

Some police dogs are trained specifically for narcotics. Others are trained to handle aggressive offenders. Pia will be cross-trained to serve both functions. The dog will remain the property of OPD and stay with the department in the event of a change in handlers in the future.

Persistence pays off for Staff Sgt. David S. Taylor

Standing next to the Welcome to Orofino sign in Cannon Park, Staff Sgt. David Taylor shows off his pretty daughters: nine year old Nohealani on the left and seven year old twins Melia and Leialoha in front. David is holding an American flag he gave to the Clearwater Tribune - a flag that flew over combat in Afghanistan.

By Alannah Allbrett

It was a bright, warm day in May. America’s day of horror 9-11, would occur just a few months later but, in the heat of the day, David Taylor, led his platoon across the grounds at Camp Pendleton. They had just completed a brutal 12 mile trek in the nearby hills and were hungry, sweaty, and tired.
 

The sound of clomping boots, accompanied their march toward the mess hall. At the same time, another platoon was marching directly towards them. As the other troops got closer – something odd happened. David focused on the oncoming platoon leader’s face. He looked familiar. They came to a stop facing off. David kept looking intently at the other guy, and the opposing platoon leader stared right back without breaking rank or saying a word.

It was quiet. The instructors noticed the odd behavior and the stares being passed between these two platoon leaders on the parade deck and assumed they were antagonistic and wanted to fight each other.

“Alright, if you guys want to settle something,” the instructor yelled, “you better settle it here!” and shoved David toward the other guy who said, “Sir, I can’t sir!”

The instructor asked him why not, to which he replied, “I can’t, sir.

“Why can’t you?” barked the instructor.

“He’s my brother, sir,” came the reply from David’s brother, Chris, who had joined the Marine Corps in Lewiston, just four months prior to David enlisting of Portland, Oregon.

David remembers it as a pivotal moment because they both had just completed combat training at the School of Infantry. “It was a benchmark,” said David, “because we had both made it through.” Having joined the Marines from different cities, each brother did not know where the other one was, and to meet up randomly like that – each having become a platoon leader, was just short of miraculous.

From then on, while at Pendleton, the two brothers were given an hour a day to meet up and spend time together. “I got a lot more respect from my peers,” said David, “when they realized I wasn’t just a guy out to better myself – but was part of a family that was trying to serve its country.”

And what a family! Staff Sgt. David S. Taylor can credit his family’s service record right back to the Revolutionary War, where one of his grandfather’s, about six generations removed, served. His great-grandfather William served in the Navy. His grandfather was a Marine Corps artillery man – serving in the Korean conflict. A cousin graduated from WestPoint, and another is an Army Sergeant. His brothers Chris and Aron both served in the Marine Corps as well.

David didn’t always know what his course would be. When he graduated from Lewiston High School, he was kind of at loose ends. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do,” said David. “I guess I was waiting for some monumental moment when I would know.” An uncle said to him words that now guide his life: “If you want to be more, you’ve got to do more.” Those words, together with talks with his brothers, helped him decide his future course. “We just kind of felt something was going to happen and that we needed to be serving and ready,” said David. “Then the September attacks came and, as we spoke on the phone that day, we knew why we were serving. Chris would end up serving two tours in Iraq and I would serve a tour in Afghanistan.”

Graduating with honors from Camp Johnson’s Supply & Logistics School, David was first sent to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where he served for three years. It didn’t take him long to distinguish himself as a leader. David advanced five ranks in two years, becoming a supply expert serving in Okinawa, Japan as well a serving in Afghanistan in 2001, where he wrote the Operation Enduring Freedom Supply Chain Manual.

David’s efforts, running a supply chain for critical procurement needs with a five million dollar a month billing cycle, helped bring uniformity to supply chain processes that earned him an award for excellence in that field in 2012 and, more importantly, helped a lot of American servicemen in Afghanistan. While in the service, David completed his B.A. Degree in Philosophy and a Master of Arts Degree in Management.

Since his days of being a north Idaho champion distance runner in high school, David has actively helped kids with athletic goals through coaching. He now serves as the National Director for High School Cross Country, at the National High School Coaches’ Association, an organization Bob Ferraro of Easton, PA founded in 1989. To learn more about that organization, visit http://www.nhsca.com or http://www.xcnation.com.

In May of this year, David was honored with a recognition ceremony at the University of Idaho. To date, David has received a Marine Corps Achievement Medal (in lieu of a Gold Star); an Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Meritorious Masts for exemplary service, and three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. Pending is the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

David stopped by the Clearwater Tribune offices, bringing his three beautiful daughters with him: nine year old Nohealani, and her twin sisters Melia and Leialoha, both seven years old. We’re a family operation at the Tribune, so the girls enjoyed playing computer video games with my visiting grandson, coloring, and eating donuts purchased by Publisher Marcie Stanton. Marcie’s dogs enjoyed all the company.

[Note: when the 9-11 attack occurred, David’s brother Aron was in downtown New York City serving on a mission for the LDS Church. He watched as the planes hit, the towers fell, and was a part of the first responders evacuating those who were hurt. He went on his mission directly after finishing his Marine service.]

What are David’s plans now that he’s departing the military? He has decided to go into service with law enforcement back in northern Idaho. He will also be accepting a commission in the Idaho National Guard and attending the Idaho Officers’ Candidate Course in March. David really cares what happens to this country, and has plans to run as a state Senator for Idaho.

Meanwhile, David is actively forming a foundation to help disadvantaged kids get an education and has been building a website to educate fellow citizens on the purpose of government: www.standbytheflag.org/

“Persistence,” says David “is the only thing that will tick off failure enough for it to get out of the way of your success; so persist!”

On his return from duty in Afghanistan in May of 2012, Staff Sgt. David Taylor (front row, center) was honored at the University of Idaho for his service to his country and community.

Staff Sgt. David Taylor is shown in a casual moment with troops he served with in Afghanistan. He was deployed to Afghanistan in May of 2001 where he wrote the Operation Enduring Freedom Supply Chain Manual and was in charge of a 5 million dollar per month supply budget.

This picture in Afghanistan shows the tent quarters US soldiers typically have as their shelter while serving in that country.

Konor Parker graduates basic training

Air Force Airman Konor L. Parker graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Parker is the son of Greg and Keri Parker of Orofino.

He is a 2012 graduate of Orofino High School.

K-9 “Pia” coming to OPD

By Alannah Allbrett

Police Chief, Jeff Wilson gave a video presentation to the Orofino City Council, Tuesday, November 27, showing training exercises of Orofino’s soon-to-be newest addition to the force, K-9 dog named Pia.

Pia is a 1½ to two year old Dutch Shepherd from Germany that is scheduled to arrive in Orofino Thursday, Dec. 7. She will be brought to her new home via the Spokane, WA airport.

Pia is provided from a company called: K-9 Working Dogs International, LLC that specializes in providing dogs trained in police work. Some dogs are trained specifically for narcotics. Others are trained to handle aggressive offenders. Pia will be cross-trained eventually.

The dog will be the property of OPD and stay with the department in the event of the handler transferring to another location. A special kennel was constructed at handler, Officer Mike Shore’s home where the dog will be housed. Pia will be kept indoors in the cold weather.

The Orofino Public Works Department helped to construct the dog’s shelter at a cost of approximately $115 for materials from Orofino Builders Supply.

This police dog has been specially trained to recognize and find several narcotic substances including: heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana. Her trainers believe that she is even tempered, obedient, and probably one of the best possible K-9 candidates available.

The owners believe that Officer Shore is already competent to handle the dog and will become certified to use the dog in patrol. Other law enforcement agencies will participate in a future six week course and split the cost of training with OPD.

To see training videos of Orofino’s newest part of the team visit these websites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esmObl6l_cY&feature=youtube_gdata_player and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9XiSk4bsbw&feature=youtube_gdata_player