Ellington

Boundary County man killed in crash

Idaho State Police is investigating the three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred just before 4:57 p.m. Saturday near milepost 497, near Naples.

Accident closes highway near Naples

The Boundary County Sheriff's Office is advising U.S. 95 is closed near Schoolhouse Road in Naples due to what the department is referring to as a "major accident."

Search crews scour Kootenai River for missing kayaker

Search teams continued to look Saturday for a missing woman who disappeared while kayaking the Kootenai River in Northwest Montana earlier in the week.

Authorities search for missing woman in Kootenai River

A cooler was found near the shore above Kootenai Falls and the damaged kayak and other property were recovered below Kootenai Falls.

DEQ approves Moyie Springs emergency water main replacement

The city of Moyie Springs has made progress with the waterline project as a temporary easement with Idaho Forestry Group on Moyie Mill property has been signed as of June 12.

Restorium community barbecue set for June 30

BONNERS FERRY — Every year the community gathers at the Boundary County Restorium to enjoy time with family and friends, music and food. This year’s annual Restorium community barbecue is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

11th annual multi-church VBS set for July 8

BONNERS FERRY — All kids who are entering kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to three days of lively fun and learning at the 11th annual Multi-Church Vacation Bible School.

Idaho law enforcement prepares for Fourth of July with increased patrols

Starting this week regional law enforcement partners are working together to ensure the safety of North Idaho travelers and recreators this Fourth of July with an all-hands-on-deck approach to targeting impaired driving and boating.

Road closure on Deep Creek continues July 2

Deep Creek Loop will have a temporary lane closure just south of Ruby Creek Rd on will continue in Tuesday, July 2.

Local man sentenced on enticing charge

A local man was sentenced to 15 years, 10 years with 5 years indeterminate, after he pled guilty to three charges of child enticing two 12 year old girls on June 25.

Building over barriers

Gunther Chaney, a recent graduate of Bonners Ferry High School, exemplifies determination and creativity.

Boundary County Court Records June 27th

Boundary County Court Records from June 15 - June 21, 2024

2024 4th of July Events

Fourth of July will be here before we know it, and there are more local events than in past years.

This Week in History - June 27, 2024

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

From the Archives - June 27, 2024

All that can be said about this is: In December 1955, the Mint Club went to the dogs!

Where to Write - June 27, 2024

Contact information for state and federal officials.

Ensuring access to quality health care for rural Idahoans

More than a quarter of Idahoans and over 46 million Americans nationwide live in our vibrant rural communities. However, living in such remote areas has made it far too difficult for far too many Americans to access reliable, high-quality health care.

Boundary County Calendar - June 27-July 7, 2024

Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.

Eleanor Jane Speer, 90

Eleanor Jane Speer passed away on June 1, 2024.

Douglas Reoch, 75

Douglas Allen Reoch passed away on June 22, 2024.

Chester 'Chet' L. Savage, 79

Chester "Chet" L. Savage passed away on June 23, 2024.

Temporary road closure due to pipeline work

Temporary road closures will continue at TC Energy/GTN continues work on the pipeline.

NICA receives $3.5 million in grants

The North Idaho Classical Academy has received over $3.5 million from two grants.

Legals for June, 27 2024

LEGION BASEBALL: 19U Lakers drop pair of heartbreakers to Northern Lakes

The North Idaho Lakers (10-7) will be back in action July 4-6 at the Spokane Wood Bat Classic.

JULY NIBJ: Bonners Ferry historic downtown sees new booming businesses

Bonners Ferry’s historic downtown has seen revitalization in the past months as many vacant buildings have been filled with new retail and service-based businesses.

‘Best of’ voting now open

The Best of Boundary County 2024 voting period is now open until July 15.

Educators participate in i-STEM Institutes at North Idaho College

Educators participate in i-STEM Institutes at NIC

Teachers love to teach, but they also love to learn. Nearly 100 educators from across North Idaho and other parts of the state participated in four days of i-STEM Institutes at North Idaho College this week. They deepened their knowledge and enhanced their science, technology, engineering and mathematics practices through projects and principles they can bring to their classrooms this fall.

Temporary lane closure on Deep Creek

Deep Creek Loop will have a temporary lane closure just south of Ruby Creek Rd on June 26-27 due to a railroad bridge inspection.

Illegal northern border crossings continue to break records

(The Center Square) – Illegal border crossings at the northern border continue to break records, according to the latest data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Idaho Democratic Convention held in Moscow

Hundreds of Democrats from across Idaho traveled to Moscow this weekend for the Idaho Democratic Party State Convention, held at the University of Idaho.

IRONMAN 70.3 COEUR d'ALENE: No place like home for Voyles, Endsley and Taylor ... Triathletes take advantage of wind, shorter swim course in annual event in downtown Coeur d'Alene

“Coming back in from the bike, with the wind on your back, it just felt awesome,” Post Falls resident Scott Voyles said. “You could just fly and it felt great.”

ALICE update: Wage growth no match for inflation

Despite bigger paychecks, struggling households in Idaho rose from 2021 to 2022, updated report shows

The findings in this one-year period are consistent with a more than decade-long trend: Since the end of the Great Recession, despite some ups and downs, the number of ALICE households in Idaho has been steadily growing.

PSNI hosts cross-country cyclists raising awareness for disabilities

It’s called Journey of Hope and the clients at Panhandle Special Needs were out in full force on Thursday, June 13, in hopes of having fun with a group of college students cycling across the country. Members of Pi Kappa Phi, representing several colleges and universities across the U.S. embarked on The Ability Experience in Seattle bound for Washington, D.C. with stops in communities across the nation to promote awareness for those with disabilities.

7BeePodcast: Fourth of July Events in Bonner and Boundary Counties

In this week's episode of "What's in the community," come along and hear about 4th of July Events in Bonner and Boundary Counties.

IDFG says it misidentified grizzly bear

Hunter had sent video of bear to officials before shooting it

Fish and Game regrets the mistake made by its staff, the undue stress the situation caused for the hunter and the loss of the grizzly bear. Fish and Game is reviewing its staff’s part in the incident as a personnel matter.

$1M earmarked for North Idaho forests

Goal is to reduce wildfire risk as weather warms up

The funds will also expand road repairs to improve watershed conditions and provide access for wildfire management and implementation of project activities.

From the Archives - June 20, 2024

Seventy cases of whiskey, a quantity of moonshine, and some beer was destroyed at the county jail this morning in the presence of a number of citizens, by U.S. Marshall Breshears and his deputy.

Boundary county records - June 20, 2024

Boundary county court records from June 8-14.

Freedom Festival, bringing back neighborhood block party

Local businesses on south Main Street are bringing back the old neighborhood block party this Fourth of July.

Deadline to appeal assessments June 24

Property owners have until June 24 to appeal their property’s assessed value.

Blume Hill closed June 24-27

Blume Hill Road will be temporarily closed from June 24-27 while a pipeline is worked on in the area.

Seen and Heard

Working

BCSD discusses bond, M&O and contingency plan

The Boundary County School Board voted to run both a school bond to rebuild Valley View Elementary and the two-year $2.4 million supplemental levy. Both measures will go before voters at the Nov. 5 general election.

An open letter to the Pearl Theater

I write[1] asking you to cancel the ‘Gay Pride’ event at the Pearl Theater. The Pearl’s objective as a nonprofit “is to foster and develop the artistic talents and skills of community members of all ages, to serve as an outreach to encourage and facilitate social activities, and to nurture excellence in the performing arts…”

TRAVEL SOFTBALL: The North 16U takes third at Wheatfield Classic

The North 14U will head to the Montana Rumble Tournament set to be held June 21-23 in Missoula. The North 16U gets a week off before returning to play June 28-30 at the Bitterroot Brawl in Stevensville, Mont.

An open letter on marriage and sexuality

God immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image of God. Rejecting one’s biological sex repudiates the Creator’s sovereignty. (Genesis 1:26-27.)

D-Day anniversary: Marking the price of freedom

On the western side of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands a blue wall, called the Freedom Wall.

Boundary County Calendar - June 20-30, 2024

Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.

This Week In History - June 20, 2024

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

Milton Hengel, 96

Milton John Hengel passed away on June 10, 2024.

Nancy Marie Wagner, 66

Nancy Wagner passed away on May 6, 2024.

Barbara Joan Helbach, 95

Barbara Joan Helbach passed away on December 25, 2023.

Vivian Padgett Irwin, 87

Vivian Padgett Irwin, 87, recently passed away.

Bench warrant issued for local woman

A bench warrant has been issued for a local woman on Tuesday, who did show up for drug and alcohol testing, which is a condition of her release from jail.

BF NAVY Jrs finish 10-4

The Bonners Ferry NAVY Juniors baseball team finished the season 10-4.

Doris Verna Jantz, 95

Doris Verna Dirks Jantz passed away on June 11, 2024.

Cassidy and Abeshima, interns at BFVC

Jordan Cassidy and Riana Abeshima are the two new interns at Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic.

Gail Loretta Olson, 85

Gail Loretta Olson (1938-2024), 85, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024.

Local man found guilty of sex crimes against children

A jury found a local man guilty on a charge of lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 on June 14.

Legals for June, 20 2024

LPO expected to reach summer pool today

Lake Pend Oreille is expected to reach normal summer pool levels today, according to an update from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tuesday.

Grizzly killed near St. Maries

Hunter told Fish and Game he thought it was a black bear

After identifying the bear at the scene as a grizzly, the hunter contacted Idaho Fish and Game and has cooperated with the investigation.

BCSO: Children found living in filth

Couple arrested, sentenced in connection to case

A couple was arrested in April on two counts each of injury to a child after Bonner County Sheriff’s deputies discovered that their children were allegedly living in an RV filled with rotting garbage and human feces.

US-2 and US-95 junction road construction still underway

Construction crews at the junction of highways 95 and 2 will continue milling the existing roadway as part of the resurfacing project.

'Beauty' leaves her mark

Bald eagle became an international ambassador with Birds of Prey Northwest

Veltkamp led a multi-specialty team that engineered a 3-D printed beak for Beauty, and she provided care for the eagle for nearly 20 years, as she couldn’t feed herself and was unable to survive any longer in the wild.

Judge could soon set trial date for man charged in killings of 4 University of Idaho students

So far, 2nd District Judge John Judge has not set a trial date, noting that the case is particularly complicated in part because prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if there is a conviction.

Moon reelected Idaho GOP Chair, party now opposes funding higher education

Republican party platform opposes higher ed funding

Kari Lake speaks in Coeur d'Alene: 'Can we get along for five months?'

Arizona Senate candidate calls for unity among Idaho's Republicans

Lake said in the next five months, Democrats and the media will try to divide Republicans and create infighting, she said.

In North Idaho, skilled workers are in demand

Creating the next generation of trade workers proves challenging

The demand for skilled labor in North Idaho is high. Some of the highest projected employment growth in the region is driven by occupations in health care, construction, personal care and services and transportation and material moving. These occupations made up 35% of total job postings in North Idaho over the last year while accounting for 25-30% of regional employment, according to Lisa Grigg, Idaho Department of Labor economist for north-central Idaho.

School board to discuss bond and levy on Monday

The Boundary County School District is seeking public input on a possible bond to replace Valley View Elementary as well as a proposed supplemental levy. The board, which met in special session Monday, will be discussing the issues at its June 17 meeting.

Local faces trespassing and resisting arrest charges

A local woman is charged with trespassing and resisting arrest stemming from a May 31 incident.

Bird walks set for Saturday

Nature lovers, mark your calendars, the Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is hosting bird walks at the refuge from 9-11 a.m on Saturday, June 15.

Restorium staff duo honored, Schnuerle to retire

Residents at the Boundary Community Restorium expressed their thanks to two members of a truly amazing staff, presenting them each a certificate of appreciation.

Municipal pool opens for 90th season

The Bonners Ferry municipal pool opened its 90th season with a splash on Sunday, June 9. The pool, located at Washington and Helena streets, is free to use and offers swim lessons, and water fitness classes.

BCSD retires 158 years of experience

In every school district, there are individuals who inspire, guide and shape our students. The wisdom and grace demonstrated by our retirees will be missed. CHRISTIAUNA COLLIER

County passes SOS primary election audit

Boundary County was selected for an audit of the Tuesday, May 21 Primary Election through the Secretary of State’s Office. No errors were found on Monday. June 2.

Boundary County Calendar - June 13-23, 2024

Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.

Kelly Rae Kerby, 50

Kelly Rae Kerby passed away on May 30, 2024.

Gaston takes first at Special Olympics State Games

Bonners Ferry athlete Ladonna Gaston won two gold medals at the Special Olympics Idaho Summer State Games — one in the 250m cycling race and the other in the 500m cycling event. The games were held June 8 in Caldwell.

Churches and business present In His Image Family Festival

Local churches and businesses have joined together to unify the community and its churches by providing the opportunity to fellowship at the In His Image Family Festival.

Boundary County Court Records - June 13, 2024

Rodney Glen Gale Blackwell (DOB 1995) of Vandalia; charged with exceeding the maximum driving speed (1-15 MPH), an infraction, on May 25, 2024, by BFPD. Disposition: Guilty with fines of $33.50 and costs of $56.50.

BFHS 23-24 sports success celebrated

Bonners Ferry High School athletes had a successful year with many earning state champions, placers, district champions, all league and all state honors.

Hannah Lien celebrates Centennial birthday

Hannah Lien recently celebrated her 100th birthday, with family and friends gathering at the extended wing of the Boundary Community Hospital to commemorate the milestone birthday.

This Week in History - June 13, 2024

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

From the Archives - June 13, 2024

A 1968 advertisement in the BF Herald encouraged the purchase of time-saving rubber stamps.

Ruth Elaine Schmidt, 64

Ruth Elaine Unruh Schmidt passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024.

Coach Alan teaches positivity, real-life lessons

I'd like to report an incident I witnessed after the recent Little League baseball team. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop; I was just sitting there minding my own business when I overheard two of the players on the Bonners Ferry Navy team. They were talking about a team much further south of us. The conversation went something like this:

Life is not black or white, it is a rainbow

Currently, many states have laws that protect LGBTQ, but many including Idaho, do not. Since 2010, “Add the Words” advocates in Idaho have been unsuccessful to add the four words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the state’s civil rights act.

The tangled web that is woven

In his June 5, 2024, op-ed, former Attorney General and State Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones opines on the alleged failure of Attorney General Raul Labrador in adhering to the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys related to client representation. Mr. Jones misreads Idaho Code in determining who and what are the clients of the Attorney General and the advice to come from that office, and thus Mr. Jones lends more confusion to the “tangled mess of litigation” regarding the disposition of the former ITD headquarters.

Legals for June, 13 2024

Sandpoint man suffers spinal injuries following skydiving accident

A Sandpoint man is seeking the community’s help after breaking multiple vertebrae in his back during a Memorial Day skydiving event.

Festival sets three-day ticket sale

The Festival at Sandpoint is kicking off summer with a special three-day sale for fans. The sale, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 14 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 16, offers Festival-goers a 20% discount when buying four or more tickets to qualifying concerts.

Father’s Day Giveaways at Moyie Outdoor Market

Enter for a chance to win a dad-themed gift basket this Saturday at the Moyie Springs Outdoor Market.

IDFG's 'Tag, You're It' tracks fish, data

Whether you are fishing at an urban pond, a wild river, or an alpine lake, that next fish you catch might have an orange tag, and Idaho Fish and Game needs your help reporting it.

Boundary County to Open ISDA Watercraft Inspection Station

Boundary County Soil Conservation District is set to open an Idaho State Department of Agriculture watercraft inspection station in Bonners Ferry.

Rathdrum man accused of Jan. 6 crimes

A federal judge signed a warrant for the arrest of a Rathdrum man for his alleged involvement in events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Coeur d’Alene man accused of secretly recording nude videos at bank, gym, home

He is in jail on $500,000 bail.

GOP convention this week in Coeur d'Alene.

On Friday night, the Kootenai County GOP will host the Idaho Republican Gala, featuring Kari Lake, who narrowly lost the governor race for Arizona in 2022 and is now running for the Arizona Senate.

Hooper named Curley Creek Firefighter of the year

Dan Hooper was named the 2023 Firefighter of the Year for the Curley Creek Volunteer Fire District at the annual all-members meeting on May 26.

Come see the big top on June 16

The circus is coming to town, and offering a look behind the curtain before the performance.

West Bonner to close junior high

Elementary schools to remain open

After a marathon, five-hour, often emotional meeting, the West Bonner County School Board voted to keep its three elementary schools open but close its junior high school. The high school would also remain open.

IRS must act quickly to help resolve identity theft cases

The Internal Revenue Service has been flush with funds since the Biden Administration enacted an incredible $80 billion in addition to the agency’s $12.3 billion annual budget. Despite these funds being described as a cure-all for the IRS’s shortcomings, some customer service has actually worsened. One in particular is the resolution of identity theft cases, sometimes leaving identity theft victims in stressful financial limbo for nearly two years.

Senior Center board looking to immediate future

The Senior Hospitality Center board announced Friday, May 31 that it had unanimously voted to remove Misha Naumann-Davis as its interim chief executive officer.

This Week In History - June 6, 2024

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

From the Archives - June 6, 2024

Chief Morrisse and his people remained on Mission Hill. The first lumber house was built in 1895. The original log church was torn down in 1897 and replaced with a rough lumber building.

Innovia Foundation awards $446K to area nonprofits

The Innovia Foundation has awarded $446,000 in grants to 48 nonprofit organizations serving North Idaho.

80 years later, veterans reflect on D-Day

Morgensen, along with fellow VFW Post 889 in Coeur d’Alene veterans Bob Martin and Paul Mahlow, shared their thoughts on D-Day over a cup of coffee with The Press.

Boundary County Calendar - June 6-16, 2024

Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.

Border 3 Jamboree celebrates 25 years

The Border 3 Jamboree car show present by the Rod Benders car club celebrated it's 25th Anniversary last weekend.

Abubakari sign to compete in collegiate D1 track and field

Amongst teammates, coaches, friends and family, Asha Abubakari signed to play Track and Field at Fresno State University, a D1 school in California on a full scholarship.

Bateman named MVP third year in a row

Trey Bateman was named 3A Intermountain league MVP for the third year in a row. He shared the recognition with Timberlake’s Caden Robinett.

79 graduate from the Class of 2024

Their determination, resilience and courage have left a lasting impression on those around them.

FOR announces basket winners

Friends of the Restorium has announced three lucky winners of the annual gift basket raffle. The raffle raises funds to support and enhance the quality of life for Boundary County Restorium residents.

High school artists shine at Art Walk

Thank you for supporting the arts.” Bonners Ferry High School art teacher Josh Knaggs’ message to the community member as they bought a student’s art at Friday’s BFHS Art Walk.

Boundary County Records - June 6, 2024

Boundary County Court Records for the period of May 25-31.

SOFTBALL: Curtis, Frederickson and Sumpter names All League

Jodee Curtis, Ava Frederickson and Taylor Sumpter, now Bonners Ferry High School alumni, lead the league in stats and were named softball All League players for the 3A Intermountain League.

Legals for June, 6 2024

Initiative calls to support local businesses Friday

The Support Local Gems initiative is an all-day celebration of Idaho’s small businesses. On Friday, June 7, 2024, Idahoans are encouraged to support small businesses in our communities.

Huzzah! Sandpoint Ren Fair brings medieval England to life

Huzzah! The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire is riding back into town. Set for this weekend, the faire will transport the community and visitors back to the late 1500s, when Elizabeth I was on the throne and ruled over England.

Friday Senior Bowlers — May 31, 2024

Friday Senior Bowlers — May 31, 2024

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Davis, Hathaway finish out remarkable track & field careers

Davis hails from Sandpoint, Hathaway from Clark Fork.

2nd Harvest returns June 13

The third 2nd Harvest free food distribution of the season will be held Thursday, June 13, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s 2 children in jury decision

When asked by the judge whether he wanted to make a statement, Daybell declined.

Vitalant blood drive returns for July

BONNERS FERRY— The Vitalant blood drive visits Bonners Ferry every month and July is no exception.