Ellington

New firetruck in North Bench

The North Bench Fire District purchased a 1999 firetruck that arrived in town Feb. 27.

Former IFG official named Forest Service chief

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Feb. 27 that Tom Schultz, former Idaho Forest Group vice-president of resources and government affairs, will be the 21st U.S. Forest Service chief.

Boundary County commissioners seek applicants to serve on the Waterways Board

Boundary County is seeking letters of interest from qualified individuals interested in volunteering as a Boundary County Waterways Board member.

Idaho governor signs school choice tax credit bill into law

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has signed House Bill 93 — a $50 million tax credit that can go toward educational expenses, including private school tuition.

Spring road restrictions near on region's roadways

Sections of some state highways in Boundary County will find themselves under weight and speed restrictions starting at 6 a.m. Friday as regional weather trends begin to warm ahead of spring.

Montana's Yaak Valley to remain open space under conservation agreement

An important piece of wildlife habitat in Montana’s Yaak Valley will remain open space after its landowner completed a voluntary conservation agreement with The Vital Ground Foundation earlier this month.

What's new at the Pearl

The Pearl Theater has always been the venue to see concerts and plays in Bonners Ferry, but the theater is expanding programs to include a wider variety of events. Events you can now find at the Pearl include groups, workshops, a drum circle, karaoke and much more.

BFHS recognizes top ten seniors

Each year, Bonners Ferry High School recognizes seniors who have gone above and beyond academically to earn a spot in the top ten highest weighted GPAs in their class.

BFHS jazz band fundraising to attend UI Jazz Festival

The BFHS Jazz Band is raising funds to attend the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho in April.

From the Archives - Feb. 27, 2025

"In 1908, A.J. Kent, local real estate dealer, acquired the property on the corner of Second and Kootenai streets. He remodeled the building on the site, making it into a one and a half storied civic hall." ~ Howard Kent, Jr.

Deadline set for LEAP workshop

LEAP Update is an annual opportunity for LEAP graduates to build on that professional development in forestry. Area loggers and residents will have a chance to take part in one of three LEAP Update workshops, including one in Sandpoint.

Boundary County Calendar - Feb. 27-March 9, 2025

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

HB138's impact could hurt veterans, local healthcare

As many know, we lost our labor and delivery unit at BGH in March 2023. This closure has impacted our community healthcare and women’s health care specifically. We have lost several doctors since then. The delivery of rural heathcare in our state is in flux. Removing more funding from our local healthcare system will have consequences.

Wisdom found in Hamilton's words

The following was written by Alexander Hamilton in 1792.

'Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie’ auditions at the Rex Theater

Do you have what it takes to act like a Wilder? Auditions for “Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie” will be held Monday, March 3, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the historic Rex Theater in downtown Bonners Ferry.

Lawrence (Larry) Hewitt, 54

Lawrence "Larry" A. Hewitt, 54, passed away on January 21, 2025.

John Lowell, 65

John Lowell passed away on February 19, 2025.

Vitalant blood drive returns, enter to win $5,000 gift card

The Vitalant blood drive is returning to Bonners Ferry with a chance for two people to win $5,000.

This Week in History - Feb. 27, 2025

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

Area Bowling Scores – Feb. 27, 2025

Tuesday's Trouble has finished 23 weeks of bowling.

Nonresidents need hunting license to gather antlers in Idaho

According to Idaho code 36-508, “A nonresident collecting, possessing, or transporting antlers or horns shed from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn in this state shall be required to first procure a license entitling the nonresident to hunt big game.” However, this license requirement does not apply to nonresidents under 12 years of age provided they are accompanied in the field by a nonresident who is the holder of a valid Idaho hunting license for big game or a resident.

Beta Sigma Phi welcomes new members

A preferential tea was held Monday, Feb. 24, to induct six members into Bonners Ferry Beta Sigma Phi chapters. Joining the chapters were Teresa Rae, Jan Bayer, Cheryl Russell, Kiley Wilson, Dani Steinhorst and Maureen Mai.

Boundary County Court Records - Feb. 27, 2025

Court records for the period of Feb. 15 to Feb. 21, 2025.

Teams shine at sectional rifle match

On Feb. 15, the Kootenai Valley Rifle Club, in Bonners Ferry, hosted a sectional rifle match. This is a match where individuals shoot at a local range then their score is sent to the NRA and all sectional scores are accumulated and their national ranking determined. Those results will be posted by the NRA later in the year. This year shooters from Sandpoint and the Kootenai Valley teams were represented.

PREP WRESTLING: Nine Badgers headed to state tourney

PREP WRESTLING: Nine Badgers headed to state tourney

Badgers advance to state tournament

The Bonners Ferry Badgers boys' basketball team is headed to Eagle for the 3A state tournament with hopes to defend its title after a Feb. 24 district championship win.

USDA changes felt in North Idaho

Outdoor recreation, logging, farming face uncertain path forward

North Idaho’s outdoor recreation and agrarian industries will take new form as federal efforts, initiated earlier this month, aim to reduce bureaucratic fraud and waste through layoffs and paused funding.

Cd’A prosecutors drop battery charges against woman dragged out of town hall

City revokes security company’s business license

City revokes security company’s business license

UPDATE on town hall chaos: Woman who was dragged out speaks, police chief condemns security, name of security firm confirmed

A legislative town hall organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee devolved into chaos Saturday when unidentified, plainclothes security personnel dragged a Post Falls woman from the Coeur d’Alene High School auditorium for heckling legislators.

Coeur d'Alene town hall security detail remains mystery

The identities of the men who dragged a woman out a legislative town hall Saturday in the Coeur d’Alene High School auditorium remain a mystery, with event organizers claiming no knowledge of who arranged the security detail or which company was used.

Chaos erupts at legislative town hall in Coeur d'Alene

Saturday’s Legislative Town Hall hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee turned volatile as some attendees voiced their concerns over House Bill 138 and other recent legislative initiatives.

Cowells' charges mount in child abuse investigation

The updated criminal complaint charges Richard Cowell with raping a female child between 2013 and 2016. Katherine Cowell has been charged with conspiring in the act.

Near-fatal accident sparks safety reform

The Moyie Springs toxic manhole incident did not violate OSHA regulations, officials say

The recent confined space accident at the Moyie Springs sewer plant has prompted local officials and contractors to reconsider and reinstate construction safety protocols.

Alderman grabs gold at 49 degrees

Alderman grabs gold at 49 degrees

PREP WRESTLING: Bonners Ferry celebrates senior night with pins over Post Falls JV

PREP WRESTLING: Bonners Ferry celebrates senior night with pins over Post Falls JV

Education News - Feb. 20, 2025

Academic honors, awards and school news celebrating students from Boundary County.

PREP BBALL: Boys finish regular season 20-1, gear up for playoffs

The Bonners Ferry Badgers boys (20-1) wrapped up their regular season in dominant fashion behind a near triple-double from Brody Rice in a 43-point Feb. 14 victory against the Timberlake Tigers (9-10).

Area Bowling Scores – Feb. 20, 2025

Tuesday's Trouble has finished 22 weeks of bowling.

This Week in History - Feb. 20, 2025

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

From the Archives - Feb. 20, 2025

Are we done bringing in firewood?

Bill production heats up in Legislature

District 1 legislators discuss local issues and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.

Holdeman named top Restorium employee

Marci Holdeman has been recognized as the Friends of the Restorium’s December 2024 recipient of the Ray Olson Employee of the Month "We Care" Award.

Girl Scouts announce cookie sales dates

Girl Scout Troop 2506 scouts are officially geared up and excited for another season of cookie sales. Instead of selling every day, the troop has chosen specific dates to run booth sales this year, troop officials said

Boundary County Calendar - Feb. 20-March 2, 2025

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

Zuko underwent additional surgery after setback during recovery

A Boundary County search and rescue dog underwent additional surgery on Feb. 13 after complications arose following a thoracotomy procedure earlier in the month to remove a seed in his lung.

Forest Service layoffs go beyond politics

Government is not a business. Government is a service.

Danielle Ahrens, 64

Danielle Ahrens passed away on February 13, 2025.

Boundary County Court Records - Feb. 20, 2025

Court records for the period of Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, 2025.

Gone with the Lava Ridge Wind Project

Fighting back against federal government overreach is in Idahoans’ DNA.

Bonners Ferry Rotary inducts five new members

New members inducted at the Feb. 11 Bonners Ferry Rotary meeting signal growth of a service organization that, like many others across the nation, once faced challenges in attracting new participants.

Gas prices inch upward

Monday's average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Gem State was $3.22, which was 3 cents more than a week ago, 17 cents more than a month ago, and 22 cents more than a year ago, according to AAA.

ISP issues warning about phone scammers impersonating agency

Idaho State Police is warning the public about a scam involving callers falsely claiming to be an ISP Captain or representative.

LOCAL NOTES: Hall coaches Wolverines to most dual wins since 2018-2019 season

LOCAL NOTES: Hall coaches Wolverines to most dual wins since 2018-2019 season

Sponsors sought for 2025 Summer Food Service Program

The Idaho Department of Education is seeking sponsors for the 2025 Summer Food Service Program. The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to children 1 to 18 years of age by operating sites located in low-income areas during the summer months.

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Petesch makes collegiate debut for Kingsmen

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Petesch makes collegiate debut for Kingsmen

Legals for February, 20 2025

Daycare shut down after alleged child abuse

Police arrested a married couple Feb. 5 at their Naples home, which doubled as an unlicensed child daycare, over charges of lewd conduct with a minor.

Search and rescue dog, Zuko, home and recovering after critical surgery

Zuko, a local search and rescue dog, is on the road to recovery after a successful surgery. The K-9 underwent a thoracotomy procedure on Feb. 7, after a grass seed made its way into his lungs, causing a serious infection. Zuko is expected to be able to return to working light duty in a month.

Area Bowling Scores – Feb. 13, 2025

The Tuesday's Trouble has finished 21 weeks of bowling.

Kiyoko Nishigima Counts, 91

Kiyoko Nishigima Counts passed away on Feb. 3, 2025.

PREP BBALL: Boys' first loss, girls' season ends

The Bonners Ferry Badgers boys (19-1) had their 36-game win streak snapped in their final road game of the regular season against the Lake City Timberwolves (16-4).

Swayne faces lawmakers, touts rising enrollment

North Idaho College President Nick Swayne touted the school’s growing enrollment Wednesday when he addressed the Idaho House and Senate education committees in Boise.

From the Archives - Feb. 13, 2025

February 14th ~ Happy Valentine's Day

Upcoming events at The Pearl

The Pearl Theater has always been the venue to see concerts and plays in Bonners Ferry, but the theater is expanding programs to include a wider variety of events. Events you can now find at the Pearl include groups, workshops, a drum circle, karaoke and much more.

Badgers selected for 22nd Annual Statewide All-Star Games

Badgers selected for 22nd Annual Statewide All-Star Games

NIVBC U14-Desi wins Sandpoint Showdown Tourney

YOUTH SPORTS: NIVBC U14-Desi wins Sandpoint Showdown Tourney

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Bayer shoots career second-best round for Lady Bengals

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Bayer shoots career second-best round for Lady Bengals

Bill based on anything but science

Another legislative bill based on anything but science. Recently bill 1036 was proudly introduced by Senator Brandon Shippy of District 9. It places a moratorium on gene therapy and supports this by presenting a single case of injury after a J & J vaccination. I then wrote him the following e-mail:

Festival of Hearts celebrates, supports Boundary Community Hospital

The Fry Healthcare Foundation is inviting the community to join in the fun of the annual Festival of Hearts on Saturday, Feb.15, 2025, at the Kootenai River Inn.

This Week in History - Feb. 13, 2025

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

Donkey Basketball raises money for BC Victim Services

The annual Donkey Basketball games at Bonners Ferry High School Feb. 6 were competitive, entertaining and raised money for Boundary County Victim Services.

Locals should add input to any changes

In regard to the downtown revamp project, yes, it would be nice if vacant buildings were occupied.

School board kickstarts voter education, discusses program expansion

The Boundary County School District board presented student awards and discussed both the upcoming levy and school expansion at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Whose choice is it really?

A few weeks back, I mentioned that funding of private schools with public money would be a significant policy question this legislative session. With five proposals so far, and potentially more to come, the “school choice” debate is now in full swing. I will share some details here to hopefully provide some flavor for the politics of the situation.

'Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie’ auditions set

The historic Rex Theater has announced the first live state play of 2025, “Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie.” The performance will be the first stage play to take place at the Rex in nearly 90 years.

PREP WRESTLING: Four Badgers win weight classes at Conrad Garner

PREP WRESTLING: Bonners Ferry sees success at Conrad Garner Invitational

Boundary County Calendar - Feb. 13-23, 2025

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

Legals for February, 13 2025

40 Under 40 deadline extended

Every community has young leaders, already making a difference in the world. The North Idaho Business Journal wants to help the region's communities celebrates those young leaders through its Top 40 Under 40 awards. To ensure all young leaders are honored, the nomination period for the Top 40 Under 40 has been extended.

Boundary County celebrates 32nd gun and horn show

The Kootenai Valley Sportsman Association hosted the first gun and horn show of the year in North Idaho, marking the 32nd annual event in Boundary County at the fairgrounds last weekend.

Idaho lawmakers return to Bonners Ferry

Sauter and Woodward share legislative progress, challenges after five weeks in session.

The state budget, judicial system, and education were among the topics discussed by Idaho District 1A House Rep. Mark Sauter and District 1 Sen. Jim Woodward Saturday at the Bonners Ferry Visitors Center.

Moores ordered to pay $15M in civil case

A former Bonners Ferry chiropractor and his wife must pay the bereaved family of Brian Drake more than $15 million after a First District Court judge earlier ruled they were civilly liable for damages.

Pair charged in alleged sex abuse case

Police arrested a Bonners Ferry couple amid an ongoing investigation of alleged sexual offenses against a minor. Arrested were Richard Gerald Cowell III, 54, and Katherine Christine Cowell, 50, both of Bonners Ferry. Richard Cowell is charged with criminal conspiracy and is being held on a $1 million bond. Katherine Cowell is charged with lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16.

Bills look to extend wolf seasons in Montana

Aim to cut population by more than half

The two bills heard in committee to reduce wolf populations by relaxing hunting rules follow up on legislation passed in 2021 that directed the FWP commission to reduce wolf populations “to a sustainable level.”

Kevin Paul Breneman, 60

Kevin Paul Breneman, 60, passed away on January 30, 2025.

Area Bowling Scores – Feb. 6, 2025

The Tuesday's Trouble has finished 20 weeks of bowling.

This Week in History - Feb. 6, 2025

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

Judge ponders decision in Moore civil case

A judge has taken under advisement on the amount of damages to award the family of a Coeur d’Alene man killed in a 2020 shooting in Boundary County.

PREP BASKETBALL: Girls win a thriller and prep for districts, boys beat Coeur d’Alene to remain undefeated

The Bonners Ferry Badgers girls (12-8) won a thriller on Senior Night at the Badger Den Jan. 30 against the Lakeside Knights (11-7).

Passing restrictive bills doesn't seem wise

District 1 legislators discuss local issues, legislation, and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.

Upcoming trapper, wolf trapper, hunter education classes set in the panhandle

Classes fill quickly, so register now before it’s too late

With the holidays and hunting seasons now over, there’s no better time to get enrolled in a class and be ready for hunting and trapping seasons in 2025. Below is a list of classes currently open for registration.

Boundary County Court Records - Feb. 6, 2025

Court records for the period of Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, 2025.

City Council talks road safety, energy spending and police fleet

City officials covered a wide range of issues at Tuesday’s meeting, addressing safety concerns with city roads, spending for energy-efficient projects and leasing new police vehicles.

Medicaid expansion advocates gather at Idaho Capitol

Advocates for Medicaid expansion gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to call on lawmakers to protect the program amid proposals to eliminate it.

N. Idaho legislator proposes SNAP changes

Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, proposed two bills aimed at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP; one would require the state health department to ask the federal government to allow the state to exclude purchases of soda and candy from SNAP-eligible items, and the other would add photo identification to the benefit cards used for the program, known as EBT cards.

IDE seeks applicants for top teaching award

The Idaho Department of Education is again seeking nominations for the state’s top honor for teaching talent, the CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year. Applications to nominate a teacher are now open.

A song and prayer for the 49.8%

Jesus loves you, this I know

Donald Oliver, 94

Donald Earl Oliver passed away on January 17, 2025.

Private school choice is not a civil rights issue

According to Representative Wendy Horman, private school choice is the “civil rights issue of our time.” Her statement was reported on December 19 in Idaho Ed News and then picked up by several news outlets in Idaho.

PREP WRESTLING: Dodd wrestlers to fourth-place finish at North Idaho Rumble

PREP WRESTLING: Dodd wrestlers to fourth-place finish at North Idaho Rumble

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Rickter finishes sixth at Grandview Open

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Rickter finishes sixth at Grandview Open

Colton Cohen of Bonners Ferry sets personal records at Spokane Highschool Invitational

Bonners Ferry High School junior Colton Cohen competed in the Spokane Highschool Invitational at the Podium Jan. 24 through 26.

Government condemns monopolies unless it holds them

It's ironic how the government condemns monopolies unless they hold the monopoly. For instance, did you know that the Postal Service has an exclusive monopoly on letters? Similarly, school districts across the country hold a monopoly on education. Like private sector monopolies, these government monopolies stifle quality, choices, and accountability.

From the Archives - Feb. 6, 2025

This is a great example of an unfinished project in the Museum's collection. It came from the Eveline Ruhberg Collection. No information is known about this piece; so it could have been made by her, her mother, or her grandmother? Or a friend...... oh, to hear the story about it.

Legislative town halls are set

The meetings will kick off at 9:30 a.m. in Bonners Ferry, followed by a noon meeting in Sandpoint and capped by a 2:30 p.m. meeting in Priest River.

Local rescue dog to undergo critical surgery

A local Search and Rescue dog is set to undergo surgery Friday after a grass seed made its way into his lungs and causing a serious infection.

BCSD February meeting location change

The Boundary County School District has moved the regular February board meeting to the Bonners Ferry High School auditorium. The meeting is normally held at the Boundary County Middle School library. The meeting is on Monday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.

University of Idaho hosts backyard forest workshop

University of Idaho is hosting a backyard forest workshop on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 1-4 p.m., at the University of Idaho Extension office.

Local firefighters aid in L.A. wildfire battle

Paradise Valley firefighters returned safely to Boundary County Jan. 28 after two weeks in California fighting the most destructive wildfires to ever hit Los Angeles County.

Boundary County Calendar - Feb. 6-Feb.16, 2025

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

Maxine (Richards) Brown, 87

Maxine R. Brown, 87, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Legals for February, 6 2025