Ask the Entomologist: Bug on my kitchen wall
“Is this a stink bug? Our house has a few of these, and they’re often walking on the walls. Why?”
Beginning the Mathematics of Secession
It takes no complex research to learn which part of the county pays the most taxes. The total market value and taxable values are available here and the webpage is fairly easy to use. We may have to resort to the 2010 Census to find numbers that would allow us to calculate the tax burden on a per capita basis – but the data are never perfect for the potential secessionist. High School District 13 – Lincoln County High School – pretty well covers the north county (excepting the Yaak-Sylvanite area that is…
The Record Grizzly of 1953
The story that gave me the most confidence in my single-shot 22 rifle was the story of Bella Twin – the grandmother who took the largest grizzly of 1953 with her single-shot Cooey 22. She didn’t even have long rifle shells – she had a few 22 longs. They were cheaper back then. Her bolt action 22 wasn’t self-cocking – you had to work the bolt, put in the shell, close the bolt, cock the striker, and then you could shoot. I sold a few Cooeys back in the eighties – they were…
Our Communities by ACS Numbers
I listened to a comment about the median household income in Trego – and defaulted to my professional statement before retirement – “That’s American Community Survey data, and it’s not very good for small communities.” When I checked it, the $36,458 median household income for Trego translates as “somewhere between $27,478 and $45,438. ACS data has its uses, but it has to be used with a lot of caution. So here’s a little ACS data on our communities – you can check for margin of error (MOE) here. I wouldn’t recommend using any…
Caramel Corn
This delicious recipe is a yummy treat and always a favorite at gatherings or for a cozy afternoon at home. It is not quick to make but well worth the time put into it. Carmel Corn 1 c. butter 2 c. brown sugar 1 c. light corn syrup 1/2 tsp. salt Bring to a boil over medium heat Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add: 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp baking soda Pour over six quarts of popped popcorn…using an air popper works best (I fill a large roaster and separate the…
The Not So Perfect Game Camera, a Surprise
An opportunity to capture pictures of scavengers on a carcass presented itself. I placed two cameras overlooking the carcass. I had hoped the bears would find this substantial food source. If not, maybe I would have pictures of coyotes or foxes. I had 65 videos, some as long as 4 minutes of ravens, a lot of ravens. It is gruesome and repetitive to watch ravens feast on a carcass. Finally, the eagles show up. It is still gruesome to watch eagles on a carcass. But on the video, there was a surprise. A…
Irish Democracy
I started looking for a definition of “Irish Democracy.” Found all sorts of descriptions of government in the Republic of Ireland – but nothing that described the unorganized ignoring of laws that lack popular support. The term “Irish democracy” refers to uncoordinated, wide-spread civil disobedience. An example is a sign in the window requiring face masks by order of Governor Bullock – and once you’re inside, you’re the only one masked. I started into a store, pulling my mask on. The guy in a Stetson alongside me was humming “Desperados waiting for a…
Trego's Mountain Ear 
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