Getting our kicks in 2019
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN The Easter Bunny delighted businesses and children this year with Easter eggs filled with goodies.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN A rider soars through the air on June 29, at the 9B Arenacross event at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. The event featured 142 riders, ranging from local dirt bike enthusiasts to competitors at national events.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN The marchers return from their six mile ruck-march, symbolizing the weight that the veterans have to carry after returning home, during the Carry The Fallen event that took place on Sept. 21.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN The Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry brought the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Bonners Ferry on June 12.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Judge Dave Koon enjoyed his job tasting the competitors’ entries during the second annual Wild Game and Pork Rib Cook Off that took place during Kootenai River Days.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Seth Bateman lies on the hood of the car, playing the part of a passenger who was killed in an accident caused by distracted driving, during the simulation put on by first responders for high school students on May 1.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Distinguished Young Woman, 1st Runner Up 2018-2019 Jerzie Pluid places the Official DYW Medallion on Katie Summerfield, the 2019-2020 Distinguished Young Woman, at the end of the program on April 27.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Serenity Fahey kicked off the talent portion of the Distinguished Young Women program on April 27, with an aerial acrobatics performance.
Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS North Bench Firefighters battle a blaze that demolished two vehicles and a tractor that were parked in a shop on Bench Road on Feb. 18.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Ken Baker, part of the Boundary County Fire Chiefs Association Honor Guard, during the Fallen Firefighter Memorial on Oct. 6.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Gracie Adams riding in the Fourth of July parade, showing her country pride.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN This horse proved to be a handful to handle during the games at the Family Fun Night on Aug. 17, during the Boundary County Fair. More photos highlighting 2019 appear on page A8.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Little Free Gardens, like these in front of the Boundary County Library, spread across the city this summer.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Dakota Rinehart, 3, chases ducks during Family Fun Night on Aug. 17, at the Boundary County Fair.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Hall Mountain Assistant Chief Bill Branson and Hall Mountain Fire Chief Brad Lowther with their quilts, presented by the HMVFA Ladies Auxiliary during the Sept. 28 appreciation potluck dinner.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN 2019 Homecoming King, Ben Tompkins, and Queen, Kae Hilliard-Dodge, during the Homecoming parade on Oct. 11.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN The Chamber of Commerce visited Elk Mountain Farms in September and learned about the process, including one of the final stages, turning the hops into pressed bales.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN In June, horsepower was put to the test in a competition pitting horses against dirt bikes in an event held at the Boundary County Fairgrounds called Horsepower Collides.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Samuel Gorton powers toward home across the Kootenai River bridge, en route to a first place finish in the 5K Men’s 16-19 age group, during the annual Kootenai River Run that took place June 22.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Len Pine, leading the Boundary County Fire Association Honor Guard, during the National Peace Officer Memorial Observance on May 16.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Rhea Banning eagerly awaits the beginning of the Memorial Day Parade.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN North Bench firefighter, Tom Chaney, takes flight before a belly flop at the 2019 Penguin Plunge,
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Rescue diving team members, Bryant Brown, Dave Kramer, Levi Falck, Travis Stolley, Clint Randall and Caleb Watts took to the Kootenai River on Friday to carve pumpkins and train for potential river rescues on Oct. 25.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN A time to honor and remember during the Memorial Day ceremony at Grandview Cemetery.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived, to the delight of the waiting children, on Dec. 7 to light the tree at the Georgia Mae Plaza.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Paradise Valley Fire Chief Mike Glazier navigates traffic in the state of the art emergency vehicle driving simulator trailer that was brought to Boundary County in April for training.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS During the initial hours of a Nov. 12, snowfall, numerous slideoffs were reported throughout Boundary County. No one was injured in this one which occurred near Yoder’s Market.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Eight year old Ella Alexander releases a juvenile sturgeon during the annual sturgeon release put on by the Kootenai Tribe on May 10.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS Karen Roetter, regional director for Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) office, presents the Spirit of Freedom Award to Vietnam War veteran, Ron McIlnay, during Monday’s Veterans Day ceremony in Bonners Ferry.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS Firefighters ensure a hay fire has been extinguished on U.S. 95, close to the Rock Creek area, on Sept. 20.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Commander Tony Jeppesen plays the part of a victim during a rescue training exercise on Aug. 22, with North Bench Fire, Boundary Search and Dive Rescue, and Boundary Ambulance personnel.
Editor’s Note: The following were among the top stories and photos in Boundary County from 2019.
Jan. 3
Helping animals, big and small, and their owners… for 31 years
Jean Hawkes retired from the Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic and celebrated with coworkers and clients at Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill.
Jan. 10
Fire destroys mobile home
A mobile home on Crossport Road was a complete loss after it caught fire. The Boundary County Chaplain Corp responded with their new support vehicle, Angel 1, marking its first time responding to a live scene.
Jan. 17
Naples school ribbed; funds stolen
A burglary at the Naples Elementary School left the students without their Schwietzer ski field trip money, but the Schwietzer, Idaho Forest Group, and people from the community stepped up to make sure that the students still got their trip.
Jan. 24
Wild Horse Mercantile fire ruled an accident
The fire that devastated the Wild Horse Mercantile on Oct. 9, 2018, was found to be an accident that began in the washroom of the business.
Jan. 31
Meet the new assistant police chief
North Idaho native, Marty Ryan, joined the Bonners Ferry Police Department as the new Assistant Police Chief, bringing with him 30 years of experience.
Feb. 7
Buy a treat, help area cats and dogs
Cheryl Britton and friends planned the Valentine’s Day Charity Bake Sale, held at Super 1 Foods, to help raise money for Second Chance Animal Adoption.
Feb. 14
Gun & Horn Show draws many new vendors
All 80 tables were filled with a total of 35 vendors, all drawing a large crowd of people to the annual Gun & Horn Show, held Feb. 8-10.
Feb. 21
Man hit on U.S. 95 while charging a flat tire
A 92-year old man was struck by another vehicle while outside his vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 95.
Feb. 28
School district seeks levy renewal
For 2019-2021, the district officials asked for $2.4 million annually, for the Boundary County School District 101 Maintenance and Operation Levy that was set to expire on June 30.
March 7
Eagle meets Badger in finished snow sculpture
Artist Anna Lee Harris, completed a large snow sculpture with some help from some art students from Boundary County Middle School.
March 14
Say ‘arrr’ and ‘brrr’ at Penguin Plunge
The annual Penguin Plunge had a pirate theme and the participants raised more than $12,500 for the local Special Olympics program by plunging into the icy Kootenai River on March 9.
March 21
School district chooses new leader
The Boundary County School District Board of Trustees selected Janette Bayer to replace the retiring Superintendent, Gary Pflueger.
March 28
Man in critical condition after accident at mill
Martin Riebe, a 42-year old Bonners Ferry man was severely injured in an accident at the Fodge Pulp Mill, requiring extrication from the machinery, and was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash.
April 4
Fourth of July fireworks show saved
The annual climax of the Fourth of July celebration was threatened when they lost their source for wholesale fireworks, but word was received that they found another source and show was back on track.
April 11
High tech training comes to Boundary County firefighters, EMS
A half million dollar dual simulator came to South Boundary Fire, allowing first responders to practice their driving skills in all sorts of scenarios, including weather and traffic.
April 18
A calm voice in a crisis
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers were recognized with a party for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
April 25
A local history lesson going back 20,000 years
The Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge brought in U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Zone Archaeologist Carla Burnside, to give a presentation on the “Kootenai Valley After the Glaciers.”
May 2
Summerfield earns title
Katie Summerfield was named the 2019-2020 Distinguished Young Woman at the end of the performance with the theme, “Life is a Highway.”
May 9
That text just isn’t worth it
Boundary County first responders, along with Life Flight, stage a mock crash scenario for the Bonners Ferry High School students, complete with student actors.
May 16
Agencies subdue two May 9 fires
Two fires kept firefighters busy, starting with a fire at the Boundary County Solid Waste Department, followed by the Wolverine Road fire that quickly spread to about 4.7 acres.
May 23
Transitioning from dream to reality
9B Trails is working toward a trail system through Riverside Park after receiving a $25,000 grant from Urban Renewal.
May 30
Drug Court proves successful
After about two years in operation, the Boundary County Drug Court celebrated their third successful graduate from the program.
June 6
Rod Benders host 20th annual car show
The annual car show lined Main Street with classic cars, including a memorial car for Diane Eisenhower, who lost her battle to cancer the previous year.
June 13
Agencies team up to locate missing child
A 14-year old autistic girl was located by first responders on the train tracks after she went missing from her home.
June 20
Rotary Club brings circus to town
The Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry brought the classic big top circus to the community with two showings at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on June 12.
June 27
Good times at the River Run
Micah Krmpotich, Abigail Gorton, Connor Alexander, and Cheryl Muellar were awarded as the winners of the annual 5K/10K Kootenai River Run.
July 4
New church brings controversy to area
The new Lordship Church, part of American Redoubt, comes to Bonners Ferry, resulting in controversy among community members.
July 11
Young heroes emerge on Independence Day
Brothers, William and Brennan Johnson, rescued a 9-year old autistic child from the Kootenai River, that went missing during the Fourth of July celebration.
July 18
K9 unit on the way for Sheriff’s Office
Thanks to a grant BNSF Railway Foundation, awarded to the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, plans are underway to add a K9 unit.
July 25
Public debates Riverside Road Project options
The public had a chance to learn about two closure options, and voice their opinion, for the upcoming project to widen and improve Riverside Road.
Aug. 1
Traffic complicates fighting fire on U.S. 2
A fire off the side of Highway 2 put first responders at risk when some traffic failed to slow down and yield to traffic control.
Aug. 8
Kootenai Tribe police chief retires
Kootenai Tribe Police Chief retired on Aug. 1, after starting the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Police Department in 2013, and was replaced by new Kootenai Tribe Police Chief, Heiko Arshat.
Aug. 15
Widow’s house a total loss after fire
Sheron Lockman’s house on Roosevelt Road was lost to a fire shortly after losing her husband of 50 years, and the community stepped up, offering financial and material aid for the widow.
Aug. 22
Strangers step up to help land Life Flight
An injured woman up at Roman Nose required Life Flight, and bystanders stepped in and offered their services to the first responders on scene, clearing an area for the helicopter to land safely.
Aug. 29
Quilt donations help stitch the community together
A project spearheaded by Beverly Hokanson, brought handmade quilts to the hands of first responders, so that they may hand them out to people in need, whether they be a first responder or a victim.
Sept. 5
Businesses affected by U.S. 95 project
Local businesses already suffering from the highway renewal project, may be delayed further depending on a Idaho Department of Transportation pavement test.
Sept. 12
Demolition Derby crashes into town
The annual Smash and Bash Demolition Derby, put on by Glass House Productions, LLC, pack the grandstands at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on Sept. 7.
Sept. 19 (The Herald gets a new look and logo)
Lott to serve 25 years for wife’s killing
Stephen Mathew Lott was ordered to serve 25 years for killing his wife, former Boundary County resident Christine Lott, in 2004.
Sept. 26
Corsi to spend 90 days in jail
Keny David Corsi is sentenced to 90 days in jail for two counts of sexual battery committed by lewd or lascivious acts on a minor child 16 to 17 years of age on Sept. 19.
Oct. 3
Accident blocks U.S. 95 for 3 hours
A woman from Cranbrook, British Columbia, was taken by Life Flight to Kootenai Health after being extricated from her vehicle after a two car accident on Highway 95.
Oct. 10
Missing cat story has a happy ending
Pringles, the cat, was reunited with her family in Bonners Ferry after being rescued from just outside the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and having been missing for over 30 days.
Oct. 17
Award created in the Fab Lab used for state conference
Boundary County Library was chosen for the first time to creat the awards in their Fab Lab for the ILA Annual Conference 2019, put on by the Idaho Library Association.
Oct. 24
Panel opposed to subdivision plan
A public hearing about the proposal of a subdivision of a parcel on Shamrock Road was moved to the courtroom at the Boundary County Courthouse due to the amount of people attending.
Oct. 31
There are easier ways to carve pumpkins
The Boundary County rescue dive team practiced their dexterity skills by carving pumpkins while diving in the Kootenai River.
Nov. 7
Stray bullet strikes man in his own home
Carl Hunter was the victim of a negligently fired bullet that came through his window and cut his throat, requiring stitches.
Nov. 14
Freedom isn’t free
Karen Roetter, regional director for Senator Mike Crapo’s office, presented the Spirit of Freedom Award to Vietnam veteran, Ron McIlnay during Boners Ferry’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Nov. 21
New Park Planned in Moyie Springs
Thanks to a High Five grant, the park and playground are under construction with plans to be completed in 2020.
Nov. 28
Election recount request made
In the close election for Bonners Ferry mayor, between David Sims and Dick Staples, a mistake was found and a recount was requested.
Dec. 5
Gobbling, running, gobbling at the Turkey Trot
The 11th annual Turkey Trot attracted more than 120 participants and featured a new twist to the annual fun run — a costume contest.
Dec. 12
Naples Elementary wins the book lottery
The Idaho Lottery’s Bucks for Books program awarded Naples Elementary School $2,000 and a box of books.
Dec. 19
Staples confirmed as winner of election
After the recount, challenger Dick Staples was confirmed the winner of the mayoral race for Mayor of Bonners Ferryand will be sworn in on Jan. 7.
Dec. 26
Businesses step up for Paisley fundraiser
A Facebook auction to help 8-year old Paisley Choate who is battling leukemia, organized by Harmon Newhouse, the principal of her school, Naples Elementary School, came to a conclusion with an event held at Riverside Auto.