Ellington

Prosecution witness gets 10 years in Yaak murder

Ezra Skinner was sentenced in Montana 19th Judicial District Court Monday to 10 years without parole for tampering or fabricating physical evidence in connection with the January 2017 death of Travis Gillett.

A good barber ... and a good neighbor

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County has a new barber shop called The Bonners Ferry Barber Shop, and it is located in the small building between Conoco Gas Station and Chic N-Chop.

Volleyball works to return to state tourney

BONNERS FERRY — The Badger volleyball team returns several players from last season’s state tournament-qualifying squad, and is working to repeat its success this fall.

Badger boys soccer wins a pair

BONNERS FERRY — On Aug. 23, the Badger boys played their first home game against Priest River, winning 8-0.

Girls soccer ready for tough IML competition

BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers girls soccer team has pushed off on the 2018 fall season with ten freshman and six sophomores.

Michael Edward Funkhouser

Michael Edward Funkhouser

The killing of Alton Barron

SANDPOINT — Vengeance and jealousy appear the have been the motives behind the killing of Alton William Barron in 1979.

Emmy Louise Whitman

Emmy Louise Whitman, 73, passed away on Aug. 26, 2018, at her home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Arrangements to be announced and a full obituary to follow.

Court Reports

Justin D. Atkinson, born 1983, charged with infraction exceeding maximum posted speed limit (16 MPH or over) by ISP on July 31.

Badgerettes Dance Team ready for fall season

BONNERS FERRY — Representing the Badgers and Bonners Ferry High School are a dedicated group of girls that are training hard this year. Dressed in flash and sparkles, they entertain audiences, and compete with well rehearsed routines.

Letter to the Editor

An open letter to the people of Boundary and Bonner Counties, Idaho, and Lincoln County, Mont.

Football team builds for IML competition

BONNERS FERRY — The 2018 football season has kicked off with tryouts, followed by the first practices. The bad air quality and hot temperatures have put a damper on the practices, but otherwise the boys have had a great attitude and drive.

Cheerleaders have the spirit ... yes they do

BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers cheerleading team is launching the season with a coaching change. Sara Jenkins is stepping down from coaching the team due to personal reasons. The school has been hosting interviews, but the new coach has yet to be announced. During the transition, Jenkins has been assisting the cheer squad with practices.

Fleming Creek Fire is contained

BONNERS FERRY — The Fleming Creek fire, nine miles north of Bonners Ferry, was reported around noon on Aug. 24. The fire began on a hill above the north side of Fleming Creek.

BFHS girls soccer kicks off the season

BONNERS FERRY — The Badger girls soccer team played their first home game against Priest River, losing 3-0.

Love, murder story binds siblings

SANDPOINT — The children of a modern-day Casanova who was slain in Sandpoint in the 1970s are gathering for a family reunion in Texas next month.

Thomas Kitchen

Thomas Kitchen, 63, passed away on August 24, 2018 at his home near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Arrangements to be announced and a full obituary to follow.

Whitetail deer antlers in the velvet

Each year it happens sometime around Labor Day. It’s when whitetail bucks shed the velvet from their antlers.

Seen and Heard

n “I can see clearly now ... the smoke is gone!”

North Bench Fire fundraiser a success

As a result of the Pistol Range Day and the Boundary County Fair booth, North Bench Volunteer Fire Department raised about $2,000, making it possible for the department to pick up a used brush truck from Idaho Department of Lands for $3,000. This Type 4 truck will greatly increase the capacity of the current brush truck from 250 gallons to 750 gallons and has a foam tank as well. Because of the success of these recent fundraising events the acquisition of this unit will not only help those living in the North Bench area, but all of Boundary County because of the mutual aid agreements in place with most fire departments.

Boys soccer working for return trip to state

BONNERS FERRY — The Badger boys soccer team has taken to the field with a seriousness that shows they mean business. With more than 10 seniors, many returning players, and a hard-playing group of young freshman, they seem to be set with a competitive edge again this year.

Mirror Lake Golf Association hosts club championship

The Mirror Lake Golf Association held its Club Championship Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19, and 40 golfers enjoyed the weekend of competition, food, and camaraderie.

Two swimmers to represent BFHS

BONNERS FERRY — For the second year in a row, Bonners Ferry will have a swim team — and this fall it has doubled in size.

BFHS boys, Gorton win home meet

BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers cross country team had their first meet on Saturday, Aug. 25, with the air quality holding on just well enough for the runners to compete. After Libby had to cancel its meet the previous day, they joined the race at the last minute. With the crews and volunteers being flexible, they were able to accommodate both Libby and Thompson Falls in addition to the originally scheduled Priest River and Kellogg, bringing five teams together to run.

This Week in Bonners Ferry History

100 Years Ago

Smoky skies can't slow cross-country team

BONNERS FERRY — This year’s Badgers cross country team has faced an obstacle not found on any course: poor air quality due to the wildfire smoke. The team has managed to keep up its practices indoors during the worst days, and outdoors when safe to do so.

Releasing the future

BONNERS FERRY — Just a tiny fish, barely six months old. A tiny burbot, resting in the net and hands of the little girl, her eyes wide as she gently releases the youngster into the waters of the Kootenai River.

Bonners Ferry Gun Club News

The big news is the High School Trapshooting Club raffle sponsored by the Gun Club, and with the wonderful gifts donated by our local businesses is over. The winning tickets were drawn Saturday, Aug. 25, at the barrel racing event at the Boundary County Fairgrounds around 1:30 p.m.

Chop Suey

Chop Suey

Sheriff's Log

Aug. 20

Slow start hurts BFHS in loss to Libby

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry High School football team hosted its first home game against Libby on Friday, Aug. 24. The game was originally planned to be an away game, but due to the air quality, Libby’s events were moved to Bonners Ferry.

Community Calendar

Coming Events: KVRI Forestry Sub-Committee Meeting, 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, Kootenai Tribal Office. Info: Rhonda, 208-267-3519 ext. 551

Barrel Racers hit the jackpot

BONNERS FERRY — On Aug. 25, horses and riders attended a Barrel Race America competition. There were several different classes which were classified under open, youth, senior, novice and 1-4D classes.

Weed co-op forms

Weed co-op forms are due

Successful surgery at BCH

It has been a multiyear process to get the Boundary Community Hospital Surgery Department ready to perform more complicated surgeries. Since the upgrade and expansion of the Surgery Suite was completed in June 2018, Michael DiBenedetto, MD has successfully completed two total hip replacement surgeries, as well as several knee and hand surgeries.

Tasty food galore at fair

BONNERS FERRY— Shout n’Loud, We’re County Proud, was certainly a fitting theme for the 2018 Boundary County Fair. Competitors and exhibitors of all ages, types, and levels, worked hard to showcase their very best, from livestock to vegetables. The crowded fairgrounds showed the communities love and support of our local fair this year.

Laurence Myrle Bradley

Laurence Myrle Bradley

Mirror Lake Ladies' Golf Association Weekly Report

Game of the Day for the week of Aug. 15 was “Best Ball Foursome” from the yellow tees, in which all players played their own game, but each foursome recorded the lowest score on each hole as their team score. The winning Game of the Day foursome was Evelyn Rae, Linda Bogdan, Maureen Blackmore and Etta Mae Schneurle with their gross best ball score of 45.

Koberstein Insulation opens in Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County has continued to grow, with an estimated population of roughly 12,000 residents and a 7 percent growth rate. Companies in the construction industry are noticing an increasing demand as well.

This Week in Bonners Ferry History

100 Years Ago

Seen and Heard

n We miss seeing the mountains ... but we hope that prediction of rain is really in the near future!

Gun Club News

“Dukes Clay Busters” Aug 15: We had one school shooter, Melanie Campbell, all other shooters were working their summer jobs or at the fair. No problem, as school starts in two weeks and the students have to earn money when they can. After school begins I’m sure Saturdays at 10 a.m. will be steady.

Bradshaw presents, performs country music history at library

BONNERS FERRY — On Aug. 16, the Boundary County Library welcomed Almeda Bradshaw to perform an informative concert for the evening.

No headline

2018 Live Auction brings funds to 4-H and FFA

BONNERS FERRY — The 2018 Boundary County Fair brought a crowd to the fairgrounds over the past week, allowing fairgoers to see the animals, view booths, eat tantalizing food, and walk through the various entries of art, gardening, and many other things.

Queen Lake: A nice hike with a serene reward

“A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

Middle school football meeting set

Bonners Ferry fifth and sixth grade Badger Football sign-ups and parent meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Bonners Ferry High School baseball field. Any questions please call Gary 208-610-4673 or Corey 208-290-5667.

A night of family fun

BONNERS FERRY— Family Fun Night at the Boundary County Fair drew a large number of participants and audience alike. The stands were packed with people cheering on the competitors in horseback competitions, such as the flag and keyhole races, and the children’s competitions, from the Sack Race to the Chicken and Duck Scramble.

Great songs, cool arrangements featured in 'Hearts Open Wide'

The Pearl Theater presents Hearts Open Wide, an original musical production conceived by Paul Rawlings, created and directed in collaboration with Jesse Tobin. The show opens on Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. It continues on Sept. 1, 7 and 8. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Community Calendar

Coming Events:

Court Reports

Larry J. Armstrong, born 1953, charged with misdemeanor failure to maintain the prior 7 days of logs by ISP on Aug. 2.

Hospice helps dream come true

BONNERS FERRY — Life can be full of surprises, both good and bad. For Lydia Hays (Lala), life dealt a solid blow when she was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in November of 2015.

Idaho Legal Aid Services plans visit

A lawyer from the Coeur d’Alene office of Idaho Legal Aid Services may meet in Bonners Ferry on Monday, August 27, 2018 to meet with low-income Boundary County residents who have legal problems or questions — if there are four or more community members signed up.

Public Notice: Residents of the City of Moyie Springs

Grant sought for Moyie Springs emergency services facility

Village Project kids create mural in the style of Jackson Pollock

One of the activities for this summer’s Village Project was the creation of a group project painting in the style of contemporary artist Jackson Pollock.

Egg Foo Young

Egg Foo Young

Golf fundraiser to benefit Fry Healthcare Foundation

The 10th annual Fry Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament will be Friday, Sept. 7, at Mirror Lake Golf Course south of Bonners Ferry. Check in at 11 a.m., shotgun start at noon. The full day of events includes a cookout dinner and prize presentations including witnessing “The Great Golf Ball Drop” and a fly-over by the Life Flight Network Crew. All ages and skill levels welcome!

North Idaho wildfire update

There was one new fire located on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District as of Aug. 21, potentially human caused.

Dedication, royal introductions part of fair opening

BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County Fair kicked off the opening ceremonies on Aug. 15, with help from Ken Goggia, Vice-Chairman of the Fair Board, along with Paula Burt, the Fair Administrator. With the smell of fresh shavings and fair food permeating the air, people filled the seats on either side of the arena.

Cross country raises funds for YEA

BONNERS FERRY — The Youth Endowment for Activities (YEA) is a nonprofit foundation of the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), and is implemented in order to raise financial support for Idaho student athletes to get to state-level competitions.

Sheriff's Log

Monday, Aug. 13

Gun Club News

Aug. 5: We had 13 shooters today. Shot four practice rounds, then four Annie Oakley’s. We had two Canadian shooters join in. They are always welcome, good at breaking clay targets, and a lot of fun.

This Week in Bonners Ferry History

100 Years Ago

School district lists free, reduced price meals policy

Bonners Ferry High School, Boundary County Middle School, and Mt. Hall Elementary:

Seen and Heard

n The Corn Man is back, walking the streets!

Wolves, one of the most mysterious animals in Boundary County!

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Court Reports

Abeyta Lawrence X, born 1960, charged with felony attempted strangulation by BFPD on July 21.

No headline

Margaret Amanda Mouat

Margaret Amanda Mouat

Letter to the Editor

SMART GROWTH: A power grab via the UN

M-Global brings healthy alternatives

BONNERS FERRY — Network Marketing has become increasingly popular with people of all walks of life. Jay and Wanda Robinson were introduced to a company called M-Global, formerly called M-Network.

Health officials issue air quality advisory

Panhandle Health District (PHD) has issued a Wildfire Smoke Advisory for Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties based on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) recent air quality monitoring. Wildfire smoke from several fires currently burning in the Western U.S. and Canada are impacting air quality.

Lois Geraldine Koehn

Lois Geraldine Koehn

Barrel racing comes to Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — Barrel racers will take over the Boundary County Fairgrounds Arena on Saturday, Aug. 25, for the first installment of the Split Second Barrel Racing Summer Jackpots and spectators are welcome to come to watch for free.

Wildifires update

There were no new fire starts across the Forest as of Aug. 13.. Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect (http://www.idahofireinfo.com). Forest closures are in effect near wildfire activity (www.fs.fed.us/ipnf).

No headline

Two planes repeatedly pulled water from the Kootenai River to fight wildfires north of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, on Friday afternoon. For more on the current wildfire situation, see story on page B2.

Richard (Dick) James Funkhouser

Richard (Dick) James Funkhouser

Boundary County School District No. 101

Boundary County School District No. 101

William David Colson

William David Colson

Husband testifies against wife in Yaak murder trial

Opening arguments began Monday in Montana 19th Judicial District Court in the trial of Sarah Louise Carpenter Skinner for the January 2017 homicide of Travis Gillett.

Alta receives safety award

The Swing Shift at the Alta Forest Products, Naples, Idaho facility received an honor on Aug. 2, for completing a full year of work with no employee injuries. This honor recognized the Swing Shift’s dedication to safety and the collaborative efforts of employees to keep everyone free from getting hurt while at work.

Cherry Berry Cobbler

Cherry Berry Cobbler

Jail receives good marks in inspection

BONNERS FERRY — For the second year in a row, the Boundary County Jail has been recommended for certification, a feat that Boundary County Sheriff Kramer had been told was impossible a little over a year ago.

Riverside Road plans debated

BONNERS FERRY — Concerned community members came together in the barn at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge to discuss the plans for upcoming Riverside Road Project on Riverside Street from Ambush Rock through the refuge. The two meetings were scheduled on Aug. 8, for members of the community to obtain more information and submit opinions and concerns about the project to widen the road.

Community Calendar

Coming Events:

Hospital nurses take part in 'hot loading' training

On July 31, Life Flight Network personnel provided special training to some of the Boundary Community Hospital nursing staff on Hot Loading a critical patient into the helicopter. In the event of a Time Sensitive Emergency, hot loading a patient could shave off critical time to get the patient to more definitive care when every second counts.

Reading the Herald in Iceland

Sheriff's Log

Monday, Aug. 6

Restorium residents get new wheels

BONNERS FERRY — Living in an area where community members come together and support one another, not only brings people together, but shows a form of support similar to that of a family. Within the community of Boundary County, there may not be a lot of residents, but there is an ample supply of support for everyone, young, old, long time residents, and newcomers.

Mrs. Idaho America Pageant scheduled Oct. 6

The Mrs. Idaho America Pageant presents The Heart of Idaho award each year, a member of the community who inspires others by demonstrating extraordinary Courage, Faith & Love. The award is presented in memory of Jennifer Zitney Boals, Mrs. Caldwell 2007 and 2008. The recipient will be our guest and receive the award on stage at the pageant to be held October 6, 2018 in Capital High School Auditorium

Court Reports

Jordan D. Abbott, born 1984, charged with infraction exceeding maximum posted speed limit (1-15 MPH) by ISP on July 25.

Couple rescued from sewage tank

BONNERS FERRY — On Aug. 4, about 11:35 a.m., Boundary County Dispatch received a 911 hangup call. Dispatch called the phone number back and there was no answer, so Boundary County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Jarrell and Boundary County Sheriff Sergeant Robert Goad continued en route to the approximate address on Lookout View Road.

BFHS FIRST Robotics Team 2130 Alpha+ hosts summer camp

At the end of July, 24 students in grades four through six, participated in a four-day Summer Robotics Camp, hosted by BFHS FIRST Robotics Team 2130 Alpha+.

Summer reading is magical

BONNERS FERRY — “Zim-Zalla-Bim!!!”

Student-athletes take advantage of free physicals

Seventy-five Boundary County student athletes and their parents took advantage of the annual Free Sports Physical Clinic offered by Boundary Community Hospital and Boundary Community Clinics on July 31. Students in Grades 7, 9 and 11 who want to participate in sports are required to have a medical clearance exam to detect conditions that may predispose them to injury or would make participation in sports unsafe.

Lower Meander river habitat restoration work to begin this month

The Kootenai Tribe will begin construction of a river habitat restoration project upstream of Bonners Ferry in August. The Lower Meander project is part of the Tribe’s Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Program, which is improving habitat for Kootenai River white sturgeon, burbot (ling cod) and other native fish.

Risotto with Artichokes, Tomatoes, Spinach and Thyme

Risotto with Artichokes, Tomatoes, Spinach and Thyme

Richard Charles Rawson

Richard Charles Rawson

Gun Club News

“Dukes Claybuters”

Excessive Heat Watch until 11 p.m. Friday

A stagnant mid-summer weather pattern will produce a multi day period of dangerously hot conditions over eastern Washington and north Idaho. Thursday will bring triple digit readings to all of the populated areas of the region. Some moderation is expected on Friday but temperatures will still remain dangerously high for outdoor activities. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued an Excessive Heat Watch which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening.

Snow Creek Falls: A delightful hike!

The beauty of Boundary County can best be seen when traveling on foot. Boundary County has more than 350 miles of developed hiking and horseback trails. Hikers can choose easy, part-day walks or extended backpacking trips. Recently I went on a short but vigorous hike to Snow Creek Falls, two of the scenic waterfalls in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

BFHS cross-country practices start Friday

The first BFHS cross-country practice will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at Bonners Ferry High School, Room 2. Enter by the south hallway doors from the student parking lot. Bring running gear, including water. Student-athletes need to have a physical on record to practice.

Shade Rule keeps it cool

BONNERS FERRY — Water temperature directly and indirectly affects many aspects of stream ecology, and consequently, the removal of trees along a river can have devastating effects, allowing the sun to directly warm the water.

Seen and Heard

n Justin I. and Rockey B. haven’t done enough interesting things to get their name in the paper recently.

Community Calendar

Coming Events:

Battle Grounds brings battle ready coffee

BONNERS FERRY — “Come on in and get a good ol’ fresh cup of joe,” said Sarah Jenkins, who is the new owner of the coffee stand, Battle Grounds, located next to Mr. Suds Car Wash.

Fire danger prompts agencies to implement fire restrictions

With the threat of wildfire danger increasing rapidly in northern Idaho, local land management agencies will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on all lands within the Coeur d’Alene Dispatch area beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 9. Fire restrictions are intended to decrease the chance of any preventable fires in the designated areas.

Janet Kay Vickaryous

Janet Kay Vickaryous

Idaho Panhandle National Forests fire update

One new fire was reported Aug. 6, across the Forest located on Priest Lake RD. Moderate increases in fire behavior was observed Tuesday. Concern for high temperatures and low relative humidities are causing firefighters to make preparations for increased fire potential.

Sheriff's Log

July 30

Road and bridge work announced

The following bridges will be replaced with two lane-bridges on Lions Den Road:

Letter to the Editor

FAMILIES: Human Rights Task Force speaks out

Two views of the County Fair

For the last three years I have been an active member of the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter. When I first became a member, I was basically drop kicked out of my comfort zone and into public speaking competitions, livestock judging CDE’s, and vet science practicums. It was nerve wracking in the beginning, but after the first time speaking in front of a panel of judges, I realized how much I actually enjoyed it. I had always been fine with public speaking, and some part of me had always liked talking in front of audiences, but when it came to competing in that area, I felt a little overwhelmed. There was a lot of pressure on me because I wasn’t just competing for myself, but my entire chapter was counting on me. My first competition that involved public speaking was the Creed Speaking CDE. I had to recite all five paragraphs of the FFA Creed in front of three judges and then answer questions pertaining to what I had just said. Unfortunately, I didn’t score as well as I had been hoping and I placed seventh out of 12. But, thanks to the persuasion and tremendous support from my FFA advisory Julie Smith, I didn’t quit and went on a few years later to become the second place winner of the North Idaho District Prepared Public Speaking CDE. Seeing where I started and then looking at what I’ve accomplished along the way gives me such confidence and satisfaction because I never would have seen myself learning and doing as much as I have without organizations like the FFA. After 3 years of being a member and attending huge events such as the State Leadership Conference in Boise, Idaho and the National FFA Convention all the way in Indianapolis, Indiana, I’ve realized that this isn’t just another organization, it’s one big family spread out across 50 states and a few islands. Everyone who wears a blue corduroy jacket with the FFA Emblem on the front and their home chapter on the back knows that FFA and the agriculture industry is more than just cows and plows, it’s a lifestyle and a community that is connected on a national level. To participate and be a member of such a prestigious organization is such an honor and I have nothing but positive things to say about the FFA. I enjoy every moment when I’m wearing my blue and gold attire, and although I’m going to miss being in FFA after I graduate in two years, I will be just as honored to be an FFA Alumni member.

This Week in Bonners Ferry History

100 Years Ago

On the Water: First things first

It’s catching and we’ve all got a touch of it. Cabin Fever. If we’re not currently working on our boat we are certainly thinking about getting it ready so we can put it back in the water and enjoy those warm sunny days on the lake, river or ocean.

Public Burbot Release

Public burbot release planned Aug. 16

Mirror Lake Ladies' Golf Association Weekly Report

Game of the Day for the players on a very warm Tuesday night, July 31, was Ace of the Month. Renee Murphy won the Ace with her low net of 35. Second low net was Stephanie Lederhos with her net 48. Renee Murphy also won for low putts with 14.

Man dies in multi-vehicle accident on U.S. 95

BONNERS FERRY — According to the Idaho State Police, on August 6, at 1:46 p.m. a fatal multi-vehicle accident occurred on U.S. 95 at milepost 534.9, north of Bonners Ferry, blocking both lanes of travel for hours.

CNA summer graduates announced

Boundary Community Hospital and North Idaho College announced the graduation of the summer semester Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class.

The Woodsman's Shop offers tools, knowledge

BONNERS FERRY — From lovers of the outdoors, to those who enjoy crafting things such as making knives, leatherworking, or a variety of other hobbies, a little gem of a shop — the Woodsman’s Shop — brings information and a variety of tools and toys.

Filo with spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese and walnuts

Filo with spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese and walnuts

Boundary Community Hospital Extended Care Facility honored by state of Idaho

Boundary Community Hospital Extended Care Facility has been recognized as one of the top nursing homes in the State of Idaho, again. For the 11th year, the State has given the Nursing Home the prestigious L. Jean Schoonover Award for Excellence in Caring. This year the facility received the Gold Award with the highest average Health Inspection rating of 4.6 to 5.0 and demonstrated dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the residents they serve.

Softball tourney helps fund scholarships

BONNERS FERRY — The hot sun beat down on the baseball fields off District 2 Road by the Kootenai River, on July 28, as teams lined up to play ball for a good cause: the second annual Bat for Our Brothers co-ed softball tournament.

Seen and Heard

Chipmunk crashes squirrel’s picnic in the park, steals hard won trash. Edgar pursued and eventually regained their breakfast.

Q&A about North Zone fire danger

Questions are coming up about the fire danger at this point in the year and where we might be headed given a warm and drier forecast predicted the next couple of weeks. Here is some insight into how things are shaping up.

Sheriff's Logs

July 23

Endurance kayakers finish world-class race

BONNERS FERRY — Many people may have taken to the water in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard during a recreational excursion, but not so many people have tested their limits with these vessels in an endurance race.

Community Calendar

Coming Events:

Parent meeting set for BFHS football

All High School Badger Football parents for the 2018 season: There is a parent meeting on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the football field starting at 5:30 p.m.

Firefighters practice water rescue

BONNERS FERRY — South Boundary Firefighters gathered at the mouth of Deep Creek on July 26, for training on water rescue. The hulking fire engines parked along the water’s edge and the firefighters circled around South Boundary Fire Chief Tony Rohrwasser, ready to practice on a hot evening.

Huckleberries: Boundary County's wild purple gem

I have only lived in Boundary County about two decades, but that time has taught me by late July and early August North Idaho mountain ranges will be crawling with treasure hunters searching for purple gems. Armed with plastic ice cream buckets, grocery store sacks, coffee cans, or other containers, the prospectors comb hillsides from dawn to dusk. In coffee shops and cafes, they speak in hushed tones of finding “gold mines,” “mother lodes,” “bonanzas” or “purple gold!”

Man rescued from Snow Lake area

BONNERS FERRY — Rescuers set out on July 27, after receiving a call around 1 p.m. that a subject with medical issues was in need of help near Snow Creek. The man was unable to hike out on his own and members of Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team, Boundary Ambulance, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and South Boundary Fire Protection District all responded.

This Week in Bonners Ferry History

100 Years Ago

Village Project takes to the skies

A highlight of the summer program for the Village Project kids came last Friday morning with a trip around Boundary County by air. With two seaters to four seaters, local pilots gave the kids a trip of a lifetime. Kambiz Kamiab, together with fellow pilots Gene Andrews and Ray Rose enjoyed the time they spent with the enthusiastic children. Andrews is President of the Experimental Aircraft Association chapter in Boundary County. The kids buzzed Elk Mountain Farm, where most of them live, followed the path of the Kootenai River as it travels back to Canada, and saw their schools, their town and their forests from an eagle’s perspective. Friday’s field trip day continued with a picnic and swimming at Twin Rivers Canyon, after which some very tired youngsters went home to tell the awesome tale to their friends and families.

Two views of the Boundary County Fair

Why I Love the Fair

Don James Memorial Mixed Doubles Tournament a success

BONNERS FERRY — On Saturday, July 28, the Boundary County Tennis Association hosted a 10-team, 20-player mixed doubles round robin tournament in honor and in memory of our friend Don James.

Court Reports

Ryan L. Amoth, born 1994, charged with infraction exceeding maximum posted speed limit (16 MPH or over) by ISP on July 25.

Richard (Dick) Cowles

Richard (Dick) Cowles