New staff reporter at the Herald

Hello to the kind folks of Boundary County! My name is Ned Newton. I have big shoes to fill as the new staff reporter at the Bonners Ferry Herald, a position formerly held by Emily Bonsant, who left in early October to continue her journey as a reporter in McMinnville, Ore. 

I am thrilled to deliver important stories from a place where no expanse of high mountain wilderness is too large and no moment of unity in our tight-knit town is too small. I'll be reporting on everything in Boundary County from Naples to Porthill and from the Washington to Montana borders. If you have a story, don’t hesitate to reach out at nnewton@bonnersferryherald.com 

Though I am a long way from home in Texas, I feel right at home as a small-town reporter. I have covered police and crime in Rockbridge County, Va. and everything under the sun in Rio Arriba County, N.M. Working in those communities, my greatest joy has been capturing the glimmers of good – the county fair, local businesses, nonprofits, and community heroes – while working in areas often defined by stories of crime and corruption. Here in Boundary County, I am committed to painting a complete picture of our community, both good and bad, while giving voice to the heartwarming stories that bring us together. 

I find journalism to be an inspiring intersection between storytelling and public service. All my life I have loved making home movies and writing stories with my friends, and I studied journalism and film in college. As a reporter for the Bonners Ferry Herald, I can improve as a writer while telling real, meaningful stories that keep our community informed and accountable.  

My arrival at Bonners Ferry marks only my second trip to the Gem State. A few years ago, I visited the Snake River Canyon outside Twin Falls where Evel Knievel famously misfired on his 1600-foot jump in a steam-powered rocket bike.  

But I have travelled through the mountain west many times, including a recent camping trip to Glacier National Park. I love the outdoor recreation opportunities that come with being in the Rockies, so in my free time, I intend to take full advantage of the natural beauty in scenic North Idaho.