Priest Lake

Priest Lake cabin owners can get new appraisals

Priest Lake cabin owners can get new appraisals
by Betsy
May 21, 2013 

Priest Lake cabin owners who object to new Idaho appraisals that showed the state-owned land under their lake homes ballooning in value this year by an average 84 percent can request new appraisals, the state Land Board decided Tuesday, and if they object to the new values, they can appeal. The catch: Once the new values are set, the leases for the cabin sites again would be offered up for potential conflict bids from others. And for those cabin owners who are already part of pending land exchanges aimed at trading other ground to the state so they can gain ownership of the land under their cabins, new appraisals might not be ready in time.

CLICK HERE for whole of SR article

THIS WEEK AT THE LAKE / MAY 21 - MAY 26

 

COOLIN FESTIVAL AND ELKINS RESORT
May 24, 25 & 26 Priest Lake Spring Festival and PHP Auction

CLICK HERE  for info and HERE to share on facebook

May 25 "People Helping People" Auction
CLICK HERE  

ENTREE GALLERY
 Be sure to stop in to see our May feature show, “Wind, Water and Time”. You'll be amazed at the intricate work of second-generation stone carver Sam Bates! He uses hand-held diamond-edged tools to create incised and bas-relief work in stone. 

During Memorial Weekend, gallery visitors can enjoy a special slide show illustrating the artist’s techniques. As a special treat, Sadie Wagoner will provide live music on Sunday (May 26) from 1-3pm.

PRIEST LAKE EMTS

Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bake Sale

May 24, 2013 9am til Sold Out Dickensheet Info Center

@ Mile Marker 22 on Highway 57

**Bakers Needed** Baked goods can be dropped off at The Tamrak, Leonard Paul and Nordman Store on May 23rd or May 24th no later than 8am.

Commission Adopts Grizzly Position Statement

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, May 16, adopted a position statement on grizzly bears in Idaho.

The statement supports the removal of grizzly bears in Idaho from the federal list of threatened and endangered species.

"Idaho can manage the bears better," Commission Tony McDermott of the Panhandle Region said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could save millions by simply delisting the bear throughout all of Idaho, he said. The state has the regulatory and enforcement mechanisms in place, and people would be more tolerant of bears if the state were managing them.
The commission would continue to act to ensure sustainable grizzly bear populations for the foreseeable future in the occupied core habitats USFWS has identified in Idaho, the statement says.
"Key to the success of this effort is effective and efficient management of bear-human conflict."

The commission supports the prompt federal delisting and transition to state management for grizzly bears throughout Idaho as both legally compliant with the Endangered Species Act as well as the best vehicle for achieving the act's objectives, the statement says.

PRIEST LAKE BY OWNER

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PRIEST LAKE SPRING FESTIVAL / COOLIN / CLICK ON:

_{click above for Spring Festival info}

 

SPRING FESTIVAL RUN

Sunday May 26th, 8:00AM

 

SIGN UP at priestlakerace.com

 

THE RUN

The Annual Spring Festival Run will be held in Coolin on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. The Half-Marathon starts at 8:00AM, 10K race at 9:00AM, and 5K race at 9:15AM. Online Registration CLOSES ON MAY 19th at 8:00 PM. Late registration after that will only be on Saturday May 25th at the Coolin Civic Center from 10AM to 3PM, or race day morning-LATE REGISTRATION FEES WILL APPLY AFTER MAY 19, SIGN UP NOW! We still have a good supply of Spring Festival race shirts, sign up now to make sure you reserve one- you will want this very cool Priest Lake shirt, don't miss out! Late registration shirts will be first come first serve. Also, we will hold the first KIDS DASH at the awards ceremony after the race. You can register your child at the event on race day.

 

 

DEAR PECKY...

Thought I would send you this Pic of " ONE HUGE MOREL " I picked this AM on No Name Mountain here at Priest.

S. Slankard

WHEN MOUNT SAINT HELEN'S ASH FELL ON PRIEST LAKE 1980

While checking the weather in order to make the morning fishing prediction Carroll Sr. and Ann Martell heard about the Mt. Saint Helens eruption. There was a big ash cloud developing and heading northeast. Later predictions of the cloud reaching the North Idaho Priest Lake area gave ample time to enjoy part of the day before heading home. Unfortunately the predictions were in error. The ash cloud went higher into the atmosphere and traveled faster than predicted.

Since the only way to our leased lot on North Cape Horn was by boat Carroll Sr. and Ann Martell planned their Sunday exit accordingly. They planned to leave a little early to avoid the dust. Early in the afternoon it started to get dark. When the boat was loaded and the cabin was locked a dusting of ash started to fall even before leaving the dock. This was hours earlier than predicted. As they headed directly across Priest Lake towards Elkins Resort the ash fall increased. The resort lights had come on. Carroll had to slow the boat down and turn the Navigation lights on when visibility continued to diminish.  A few minutes later he could no longer see Elkins lights in front of him. Carroll had to navigate the final part to Elkins by compass heading.  White ash was falling like light powder snow or flour. The boat was moored in the Elkins boat house. Carroll and Ann covered their mouths with handkerchiefs as they loaded the car.

Once the car was loaded driving the 98 miles home in the ash became another new experience. The ash kept falling and the roads were covered with ash like flour. You had to drive very slowly due to the poor visibility. You could not see the centerline of the road. Although it was afternoon it was dark. When you passed another car both cars had to stop and wait for the ash blown up in the air by the wakes of each car to settle. You hoped that no one would run into you while you waited in the cloud. After the clouds settled both cars could slowly start driving again. It was necessary to stop occasionally to wipe off the windshield and tail lights. Using the windshield wipers and washer only made a claylike mud. It took almost five hours to drive the ninety eight miles to their home. Everything was covered with white ash like a snow storm. The ash was heavy, very gritty and abrasive.

It was several weeks and rain storms before Carroll Sr. and Ann Martell ventured back to Priest Lake.

Carroll Martell Jr.

 WHERE WERE YOU?

DEAR PECKY...

We just spent another weekend at our cabin on the East Side. We are so bummed about the clear cutting. What is going on? The forest looks like it was ravaged by looters. Any thoughts? - a facebook/priestlake reader

Priest Lake Invitational and Kalispell Bay Pow-Wow to Merge!!!

July 13^th, 2013 8:00 am Shotgun Start

We are pleased to announce that the PLI and KBPW are merging into one tournament this year.  After 38 years of running the PLI, Kerry Novell has decided to pass the torch to myself.  Not to worry, as he will be looking over my shoulder the entire way!  We are both thrilled to continue on the traditions of the Priest Lake Invitational for many years to come while bringing in some exciting new elements to the tournament!

As usual a charitable donation will be made in the Priest Lake Invitational’s name this year to address an issue that has come to my attention in the Priest Lake and surrounding areas.  Many families year after year struggle with heating their homes during the long winter months in North Idaho.  Our goal is to assist as many families as possible through our donation but if we can make a difference for just one family (and have some serious fun along the way) then this tournament will be a success! 

I know what you’re thinking, that’s great and all, but what about the prizes?  The main tournament will be divided up into four flights, both men’s and women’s, based upon the combined handicap of your four-person squad.  Payouts will be for 1^st through 3^rd place based upon the number of entries received.  Long Drive and Closest to the Pin holes will also be in play.  In addition to the standard payouts there will be prizes available for a Hole-in-One on all of the Par 3’s.  Currently we are slated to offer a 2013 GMC Yukon (subject to change), a set of Callaway Irons, a LCD TV, and two round trip plane tickets!

The horserace will begin approximately 30-45 minutes after completion of the main tournament.  Once again the payouts will be based on the number of entrants.  As you know, more participants equal more cash for the winners!  We will be paying 1^st through 6^th place on a sliding scale.  The horserace is open to anyone with a maximum handicap of 30 who participates in the main tournament.  Anyone is welcome to come view this event and wager on your favorite team(s), so feel free to invite friends and family to partake in your glory!

We are looking for 144 entrants to this tournament, and let me tell you if we get to that amount the payouts and donation will be HUGE!!!  

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email with any questions.  Thank you for taking the time to view this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you on the course!

Sincerely,

Jon Luciani
509-869-7213

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FROM KATHLEEN

I cannot believe the outpouring of love and kindness this community has
shown me.  From hundreds of cards, care packages, donations from the
PLE school play and bake sale, firewood raffles, and the amazing auction
held in my behalf.

 I am overwhelmed.

It would be impossible for me to thank each individual who has helped me,
through both planned and random acts of kindness, and thoughtfulness ,
generousity and grace....but I would be remiss if I did not
acknowledge Fran Airey.   Thank you Franni-

What I CAN say, is the past 5 months haven't been a cake walk.....
although, if it had been a cake sleep, I surely would have won!  Though I
have been physically weak, my spirit has never been stronger- thanks to the
steadfast support from our Priest Lake Community.

Thank you-
Kathleen

WE LOVE KIDSTOCK !

post your photo ! CLICK HERE 

KIDSTOCK 2013
" Concert on The Lake "
July 21, 2013 

2013 EVENTS AT PRIEST LAKE

New!

click HERE to view

Find link also on top task bar menu

PRIEST LAKE CALENDAR OF EVENTS”

“As The Lake Churns” has launched a new feature designed to keep all who are interested in Priest Lake plugged into events that are scheduled by the local restaurants, resorts and other services.

By clicking into the Calendar of Events you can access the dates, times, links and nature of the events.  This information is posted and updated regularly by lake businesses.

 

MISSING KAYAK

Our kayak went missing from the storm we had a few days ago on Priest Lake.   It's a 14' Freedom Hawk (fishing) kayak.   Sand colored.   Very unique, split-tail rear pontoons.     Please call Patton or Donna at (208) 443-0802 if located.  Thank you!!

SEE YOU ALL THERE !

" Welcome back Summer " 

Please join us for the 20th Priest Lake People Helping People Auction on May 25th at Elkin's Resort. The wine social and silent auction open the event from 3:30 till 5:30.

This is a nice way to catch up with friends and bid on some very nice items in the silent auction. Items donated by the non profit organizations at Priest Lake receive 90% of the proceeds raised through your bids.  

Dinner is at 5:45 and is a wonderful assortment of Elkin's specialties by Chef Schuyler Price.
The auction entertainment starts at 6:30 with a short presentation and Troy Black starts the bidding offers for the live auction at 6:45. Reservations are required but at the door tickets could be available.

Check our website: priestlakeauction.org or email/call Fran Airey @ franni1a@gmail.com / 208-443-6556. Hope to see you Saturday for "An Enchanting Evening" 

 

 

 

HASTA LA VISTA BABY.. (FROM LOWER LAKE ANYWAY)

FIRE UP THE GAS GRILL!

Time to load up on summertime goodies for the gas grill by pulling in to "Thick & Thin Meats" in Priest River.  Have Bobby George freeze wrap a stack of his famous Rib Steaks, either seasoned or natural and have 'em ready for any occasion.  You will not find a better chunk of meat anywhere.  "Thick & Thin" as a wide variety of great meats of all kinds so check them out when you are on Hwy 57 whether going to or from Priest Lake. 

CLICK HERE for info on location, services and products.

_peckyslist

For Sale 1959 Chris Craft Ski Boat $12,900

 

220 hours on full restoration: new 3M 5200 double bottom (water tight), rebuilt 283 V-8 original engine with added dual thermostats (185hp) - Freshwater use only; indoor winter storage at Coolin Marine; Covered boat lift storage during summer - Bimini top

CLICK HERE for more photos 

Full Cover, Single axle trailer with surge brakes.
Call Byron at 916.719.9408
Boat at Coolin Marine, Idaho

THREE ACRE PARCEL FOR SALE

THREE ACRE PARCEL nicely located near Priest Lake.  Near public beaches, boat ramp and camping.  Borders US Forest Service land.  Electrical, telephone and sewer available to the property.   For more information please call:  208-443-2173.

CLICK HERE to view Priest Lake's One & Only eBulletin Board ..   it's free!

PRIEST LAKE AMBULANCE / TIPS

A few tips on how to be helped better should you need Priest Lake Ambulance's or any Emergency Services while at the Lake.

- If you are a cabin owner that rents your cabin out by the Day, Week, Month, please place the actual address of your cabin inside on a fridge or by the phone for your renters to be able to access should they need emergency help. -

- If you live at Priest Lake or own a rental make sure your address is prominently displayed. -

- Take appropriate action to make sure your street sign exists and is visible -

- If you are a person who comes up to Priest Lake to enjoy the great outdoors please try to take note of which road number you are on or even which county road you are on.

- If you don't know where you are, we definitely don't know where you are.

Have a safe Summer.

PLEASE share this information.

KATHERINE MARSHALL BATEY

Kate Batey died peacefully with family in Bozeman, Mont., one day before her 90th birthday. Katherine Elizabeth Marshall was born April 24, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, and always wanted to move west and be near mountains. She attended Cornell College where she met her sweetheart, Harry Batey.
After marrying in 1945, and finishing further studies at Ohio State University, Harry and Kate moved west to Pullman, where they taught at Washington State University and raised their four children. Harry was a professor of chemistry and Kate was an instructor in the English department.

Kate and Harry led active lives filled with hiking, camping, fishing and getting to know remote corners of the Pacific Northwest and the world. During 1968-69 when Harry took a sabbatical year to work with UNESCO in Iran, Kate taught the history of the English language at a college in Tehran. Kate was a lifelong painter, sometimes poet, avid reader, natural gardener, great cook and dedicated hostess at lively dinner parties. She inspired and welcomed all with her wisdom, warmth, and wit.

In 1985 Kate and Harry retired to their beloved log cabin, "The Lodge," at the far end of Priest Lake in northern Idaho. There they spent summers with their children and extended family since the early 1950s, but now they were able to enjoy all four seasons in the place they so dearly loved. Living there year-round they were surrounded by the wilderness and sometimes not heard from for many days when the conditions were severe in the winter. They reveled in their isolated life and became great stewards of the land, the water and the wildlife. Both Kate and Harry were directors of the Selkirk Priest Basin Association, where they battled threats to the ecological stability and beauty of Priest Lake.

Kate was preceded in death by her husband, Harry in 2001; her brother, Harry Marshall Jr. in 2005; and her daughter, Sheila Katherine Batey in 2013. She is survived by three children and their spouses, Thomas Marshall Batey and Dian Parker, Anne Elizabeth Batey and Bruce Bayley and Mary Barbara Batey and Harry Howard; a grandson, Miles Marshall Tatch; a sister, Barbara Schreiber and her husband Dr. R.R. Schreiber; a sister-in-law, Caroline Marshall; and one nephew, five nieces and their spouses.

A private memorial celebration of Kate's life is planned for this summer at Priest Lake. Remembrances may be made to the Selkirk Priest Basin Association.

BOAT REGISTRATION STICKER, PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE SALES FOR 2013

Building the Priest Lake Elementary School – A Community Effort

by Carroll Martell Jr.

For decades we rented, then kept our boat at Kaniksu resort. By boat was the only way we could get to our leased lot on North Cape Horn where without electricity we were building our cabin. Howard Knapp then owner of Kaniksu Resort became employed driving the school buses to help with the medical expenses as his wife fought cancer. He approached my father Carroll Martell Sr. with a request for help. Howard explained that during this last winter he had been driving the Elementary School bus from Granite Creek and Nordman to Priest River more than forty miles one way. Another second Elementary bus was driven from Coolin. Some parents who worked in Priest River drove other students. I believe there are enough children in this community to support an elementary school in this Priest Lake Basin.

 Howard explained that in the winter when driving the High School bus the older students could handle the cold weather and could be dropped off at the various bus stops. Unlike the high school students, the elementary students had to be handed off to their parents. On days of heavy snowfall the bus trip often took from three and a half to four hours. As each parent was late for the hand off, the bus would have to wait causing a further delay. The long trip was especially hard on the little ones. There is no potty on the Yellow School buses. The little ones would not say anything knowing it was very cold and too embarrassing to stand or squat next the bus with many little faces pressed up against the windows. 
 
Howard asked dad if he could help the Priest Lake community gather together, work with Bonner County and build an Elementary School at Priest Lake. Howard went on further to say that this is a logging community. Most Schools are concrete and brick. Could you build a school that still meets fire code and is made of lumber produced here? It would make many in the community proud to support the effort. Can that be done? Carroll Martell Sr. a licensed Architect said, “Yes we can. A lot of the actual design and materials selection depends on the community interest and the approving School Board.”

Howard and Dad embarked on the project. Carroll Martell Sr. was born in Stanton, North Dakota. Of Indian Heritage, as a High School student he was sent off to the Haskell Indian Boarding School. As a result of his varied educational experiences, Carroll always took a special interest in schools and improving education. Priest Lake Elementary became a really special project for dad and the Priest Lake Community. Dad gathered additional support from other lessees who were professionals in the building industry even though their children would never go to school there. Using locally produced building materials was a design objective. It took several years to build the Priest Lake Elementary School.

The school held an initial ‘Open House’ just prior to the start of the 1961 school year. There was a big turn out with lots of people. During the open house as various people toured the school, I observed one logger kneeling down, proudly pointing to the woodwork and beams telling his young son, “I logged and cut some of the wood that this building was built with.” The boy smiled saying, “It really looks nice dad.”

The community took great pride in building the school giving it much care and respect. Priest Lake Elementary is more than just a building. It is great example of all the Priest Lakers working together.

 

CAN YOU HELP?

The Spokane Lilac Festival Queen and court are going to be in our Priest Lake Spring Parade at Coolin, and we are in need of TWO SHINY convertibles (one to carry up to four people and one for three people).

Please contact Lon at 208-443-3201

JAZ, YOU ROCK!

Jaz Malone AKA The Hat Lady has generously contributed the profits from her annual calendar to The Priest Lake Ambulance. As you probably know the calendar was focused on our EMS agency. We would like to thank her for thinking of our agency when creating the calendar.

Priest Lake EMT's Inc.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LANDS / SPRING PRESCRIBED BURNING

Next week the Priest Lake Idaho Department of Lands will begin its annual spring controlled burns.  These burns are performed to prep sites for tree planting and mitigate logging slash hazards.  From Priest Lake you may notice smoke columns in the following areas;

 Bear Spray – This unit is located in the Bear Creek drainage and approximately 12 air miles north of Coolin, Idaho.

 Mid Overlook – This project is located in the Waters Creek drainage and approximately 4 air miles southeast of Coolin, Idaho. 

 Junta Slivers – This project is located in the Junta Creek drainage and approximately 6 air miles southeast of Coolin, Idaho.

 Rock North Face – This project is located in the North Fork drainage and approximately 8 air miles southeast of Coolin, Idaho.

 Hump Bump – This project is located in the Trapper Creek drainage and approximately 26 air miles north of Coolin, Idaho.

 These burns will be done intermittently during the spring as weather conditions allow for safe and successful burning operations.  The Idaho Department of Lands is a member of the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group (www.smokemu.org), which regulates how much burning can take place based on predicted smoke emissions and expected smoke dispersion.  The website www.smokemu.org displays maps of burn locations along with air quality forecasts. The IDL requests that individuals recreating on endowment lands not park in front of closed gates.  For further information please contact the Priest Lake Fire Protection District (Dan Brown or Jason Betz) at 208-443-2516.