Thursday, January 30
North Idaho Classical Academy announces new 2026 opening date
After careful consideration, North Idaho Classical Academy (NICA) is moving its opening date to August 2026.
Mask mandate ban heads to Idaho House
A bill that would ban government entities from implementing mask mandates has been sent to the Idaho House.
Ramon L. Rose, 84
Ramon L. Rose, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Glacier to provide limited access to Many Glacier during 2025 Swiftcurrent construction
Officials with Glacier National Park have announced that due to limited parking during construction in the Swiftcurrent area, the park will restrict personal vehicle access into Many Glacier and provide a temporary shuttle service for hikers to access Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent from July 1 to September 21.
The impact of wildfires
Can affect big game for decades, negatively and positively, and here's why
“Fire resets the ecological clock,” Fish and Game’s Salmon Region Wildlife Biologist Sean Schroff said. “Idaho is a diverse state, and the timetable at which a site recovers is dependent on the habitat type, and that timetable also changes as you travel across the state.”
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.
Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 30-Feb. 9, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
Bills, committees keeping legislators busy
District 1 legislators discuss local issues and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.
Vouchers and refundable tax credits: Comparing Ada and Butte counties
From the moonscape of Butte County to the meandering Boise River in Ada, there is plenty to see across the Gem State. When we talk about school vouchers (including educational savings accounts and refundable tax credits), the differences extend beyond the scenery.
Gary Pinkerton, 81
Gary Norris Pinkerton passed on December 22, 2024.
Bonners Ferry hosts Junior Olympic Idaho Rifle Championships
The Kootenai Valley Rifle Club hosted the Idaho State Junior Olympic Rifle Championship in Bonners Ferry Jan. 18. 19 shooters from the Bonners Ferry (KV), Sandpoint, and Coeur d’Alene (CdA) clubs along with Little Explorers 4H from Boise and the AJROTC from Walla Walla, Wash. high school were represented.
Upcoming events in Boundary County
Church Service and Chili Supper Warm up with a chili supper with Bonners Ferry Baptist Church at the Moyie Springs City Hall. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. For more information contact Pastor Nevin Neal at (208) 267-3746 or visit www.bfbaptist.com.
Area Bowling Scores – Jan. 30, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished 19 weeks of bowling.
This week in History - Jan. 30, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
From the Archives - Jan. 30, 2025
Here is a great postcard of some of the Mottner boys from Naples, Idaho.
PREP BASKETBALL: Boys pull away after close first half, girls dominate
The Bonners Ferry Badgers (17-0) defeated the Lakeland Hawks (8-8) to extend their winning streak to 34 games.
Boundary Consignments owners to sell
Luke and Nancy Croll are selling Boundary Consignments after eight years of owning the family department store.
Legislators push for public education funding amid school choice debate
Boundary County School District officials traveled to Boise last week to voice opposition to state-funded private school tuition and to meet with North Idaho lawmakers.
PREP WRESTLING: Therrien finishes fifth at Othello Lady Huskies Tournament
PREP WRESTLING: Therrien finishes fifth at Othello Lady Huskies Tournament
Construction workers rescued from Moyie Springs sewer lagoon
Public works officials and first responders rescued a local pair Thursday, Jan. 23, from a Moyie Mill sewer lagoon filled with toxic gas.
Activities and programs at the Senior Center
The center offers a variety of benefits for seniors, including nutritional meals, social activities, events, health and wellness programs, recreational and educational classes, and support groups.
Idaho bill would end Medicaid expansion
Voters approved expansion in 2018
Idaho lawmakers are trying again to repeal Medicaid expansion, which would revoke health coverage for around 90,000 Idahoans.
After much debate, bill to prohibit DEI policies at Idaho colleges moves forward
Sen. Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene, presented the proposed legislation, which was a slightly altered version of a draft he presented on Jan. 9.
Legals for January, 30 2025
Tuesday, January 28
Emergency firewood available to those in need
While January is almost to an end, freezing temperatures are not going anywhere. And, for those in need, North Idaho Firewood Rescue is on hand to provide emergency firewood.
Monday, January 27
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Alexander, Ussher excel for Warriors at Lauren McCluskey
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Alexander, Ussher excel for Warriors at Lauren McCluskey
Thursday, January 23
YOUTH SPORTS: NIVBC U14 Desi places first at Playday Jamboree
YOUTH SPORTS: NIVBC U14 Desi places first at Playday Jamboree
Legislator brings back Texas-style immigration bill
Bill is a replica of Texas law which is not currently enforced due to legal challenges from DOJ, immigration advocacy groups
Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, introduced a bill on Tuesday to the Idaho House State Affairs Committee that replicates a 2023 Texas law creating a new crime called illegal entry.
Boundary County Court Records - Jan. 23, 2024
Court records for the period of Nov. 16-Nov. 23, 2024.
Legislature introduces bill to protect speech
Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, sponsored the new bill. Lenney said the bill is similar to an unsuccessful bill he sponsored last year. He described the bill as an anti-SLAPP – or strategic lawsuits against public participation – bill designed to protect free expression and free speech.
Simpson introduces bill for third Idaho federal district judge
Congress approved Idaho’s second federal district judgeship in 1954, when Idaho’s population was around 600,000 people. As one of the fastest-growing states in recent years, Idaho is now home to over 2 million people.
PREP BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry boys remain undefeated; girls look to bounce back
The Bonners Ferry Badgers (15-0) defeated the Logos Knights (8-6) for the second time this season in a Jan. 20 home game.
Governing under the influence in Boise
District 1 legislators discuss local issues and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.
Abandoned mines cleanup law will help preserve, protect and enhance Idaho's natural environment
The beauty of Idaho goes hand in hand with our abundant supply of natural resources. Idaho’s vast natural and mineral resources provide high-paying, quality jobs and help foster a more secure supply chain as America strives for increased energy and technology independence.
Board creates education choice map for Idaho
Data on Idaho parents’ education choice options across the state are now available in an easy-to-use, accessible format.
Asher Williams breaks 35-year scoring record at the Backwoods Brawl
Boundary County students raised over 2,300 pounds of food donations for the Backwoods Brawl, and Bonners Ferry High School senior guard Asher Williams scored a school-record 50 points in the boys’ basketball 73-28 win at Timberlake.
Downtown Bonners Ferry revitalization effort set to begin
The Bonners Ferry City Council voted at its Jan. 21 meeting to participate in a regional non-profit initiative to revitalize downtown Bonners Ferry.
Mistrial declared in murder case
The jury in the Shannon Dabbs murder and arson trial was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, with 10 jurors favoring conviction and two undecideds.
Burger Express is donating proceeds to Foundations School
Monday, Jan. 27, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Burger Express is donating 100% of its proceeds to Foundations School.
Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 23-Feb. 2. 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
PREP WRESTLING: Brown, Therrien win brackets at Hellgate Girls Invitational
PREP WRESTLING: Brown, Therrien win brackets at Hellgate Girls Invitational
Supreme Court turns back Utah's push for control of public lands
In the Western state known for its rugged mountains popular with skiers and red-rock vistas that draw throngs of tourists, federal agencies control almost 70% of the land. Utah argues that local control would be more responsive and allow the state access to revenue from taxes and development projects.
Gas prices hold steady
Cost of crude oil trending downward after hitting $80 per barrel last week
The national average sits at $3.12 per gallon, about 6 cents more than a week ago, 8 cents more than a month ago, and a nickel more than a year ago. In recent weeks, Idaho has dropped all the way to 23rd in the country for most expensive fuel.
From the Archives - Jan. 23, 2025
Today, January 23rd is National Pie Day. Doesn’t a piece of pie sound good? This is a photo of the pie safe in your museum.
This Week in History - Jan. 23. 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
Area Bowling Scores – Jan. 23, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished 18 weeks of bowling.
Nolda Marie Gross, 85
Nolda Marie Gross, 85, passed away on Jan. 17, 2025.
Legals for January, 23 2025
Wednesday, January 22
Bill introduced to ban mask mandates
A new lawmaker is bringing back previous proposals that would prohibit government entities from implementing mask mandates “for the purpose of preventing or slowing the spread of contagious or infectious disease.”
Pivotal hearings set in Kohberger case
Defense tries to nix key evidence in murder trial
In hearings this week that will likely set the table for his summer murder trial, Bryan Kohberger and his attorneys will return to the courtroom for the first time in more than two months to argue for excluding a host of evidence.
Thursday, January 16
Legislators host trio of town hall talks
Sauter, Woodward address concerns, issues
Education, Medicaid expansion and the initiative process were among the top discussion points at a trio of Saturday town halls held by a pair of District 1 legislators. With just the first week of the session under legislators' collective belt, Idaho House 1A Rep. Mark Sauter and Idaho Sen. Jim Woodward told the several dozen people gathered at the Sandpoint town hall that education was shaping up to be a big issue during the 2025 legislative session.
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.
Edward Hendrickson
Edward Hendrickson passed away on December 6, 2024.
Area Bowling Scores – Jan. 16, 2025
The Tuesday's Trouble has finished 17 weeks of bowling.
School district to rerun levy, battle state’s school choice initiative
Boundary County School District trustees approved rerunning the failed November levy again in the upcoming May election, along with over $2 million in budget cuts if it does not pass.
Elizabeth Faye Hudson, 74
Elizabeth Faye Hudson passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Amelia 'Amy' McQuilkin, 82
Amelia (Amy) Helen McQuilkin, 82, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025.
2025 legislative session gets under way
District 1 legislators discuss local issues, legislation, and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.
Dealing with the federal government
An Idaho veteran honorably discharged from the military after 22 years of service had not received his separation pay after more than a year. His home was under foreclosure and was scheduled to be sold. My staff was able to resolve the issue, and the veteran received his pay of $210,000 and saved his family’s home.
Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 16-26, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
Idaho gas prices among lowest
Idaho currently ranks 16th in the country for most expensive fuel. Today’s most expensive gas is in Hawaii at $4.55 per gallon, and the cheapest fuel can be found in Oklahoma at $2.59 per gallon.
Idaho Gov. Little visits area to talk 'Keeping Promises' plan
Governor Brad Little's laid out his vision for education policy Monday during a press conference at the StanCraft Jet Center as part of his "Keeping promises" plan for 2025.
Banff's World Tour making stop in region
Come celebrate the outdoors at this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which will be making a stop at the Panida Theater this weekend. The annual tour, again presented by Mountain Fever Productions, will be shown for three nights at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater beginning Friday, Jan.17, Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19. Shows on Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m., and at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
U.S. will keep protecting Rocky Mountain grizzly bears
Gov. Little critical of decision, calls for Fish and Game to find 'rationale' behind it
Federal officials also said they will reclassify the grizzly’s status so that ranchers would be able to shoot bears that are killing livestock. Officials will end protections for the animals in states where they’re no longer found, including California, Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon. The fearsome bruins have been protected as a threatened species across the lower 48 states since 1975. Officials during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term sought to eliminate those protections, but were blocked in court.
Senior center connects community, seniors
2024 was an adventurous year for the Senior Hospitality Center. The center had several changes in administration and has acquired new board members. “We have a great team to go into 2025 with,” Linda Lederhos, center chief executive director, said.
Larry Myer to perform at KRBC
If you are in the mood for live music, head over to the Kootenai River Brewing Company on Friday, Jan. 17, from 5-8 p.m. to watch Larry Myer perform.
This week in History - Jan. 16, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
From the Archives - Jan. 16, 2025
Happy 100th anniversary to the crossword puzzle being published in the BF Herald!
Jury nears verdict in Dabbs trial
The jury in the Shannon Dabbs’ murder and arson trial has been deliberating a verdict since Jan. 14 after more than eight days of witness testimony and photo, video and audio evidence exhibited by state and defense lawyers.
Soup’s on at the Naples Fire Station
Warm up during the cold snap with some hot soup. Soup’s On is back at the South Boundary Fire Protection District every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PREP WRESTLING: Dodd, Therrien perfect at River City Duals
PREP WRESTLING: Dodd, Therrien perfect at River City Duals
Legals for January, 16 2025
Tuesday, January 14
New sheriff in town
Kramer, Stephens out, Stolley, Zimmerman in
Travis Stolley was sworn in as Boundary County sheriff Monday on Jan. 13 to fill the position formerly held for two terms by Dave Kramer, who is retiring after 50 years of local service.
Thursday, January 9
Bonners Ferry expands rental market with new duplexes
As the nation’s housing costs continue rising, Boundary County remains relatively stable.
Affordable new duplexes have hit the market in Bonners Ferry, adding to the area’s growing list of renter-friendly developments, as much of Idaho faces inflated housing costs.
PREP BASKETBALL: Badgers' historic run continues with Williams' record-breaking game
Boys extend winning streak to 29 games, Girls win two in a row
Asher Williams broke the Badgers single-game scoring record with 45 points, playing only three quarters in a Jan. 7 home win over Libby.
LOCAL NOTES: Hall coaches UVU to wins over Oregon State, California Baptist
LOCAL NOTES: Hall coaches UVU to wins over Oregon State, California Baptist
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Pluid helps Snow College to 12th win of season
Four area athletes also received academic honors
Area Bowling Scores – Jan. 9, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished sixteen weeks of bowling.
Entrants encouraged to participate in upcoming spelling bee
Free registration offered before Dec. 31 for character-building program
The Idaho Character Foundation announced Wednesday the Inland Northwest Spelling Bee will be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 8 in North Idaho College's Schuler Performing Arts Center.
NIC Workforce Training expands to Sandpoint
Programs tackle demands for skilled health care workers, commercial truck drivers
The North Idaho College Workforce Training Center is bringing training programs closer to home for residents of Bonner and Boundary counties.
Strengthening our national defense
At the Republican National Convention in 1980, President Ronald Reagan said, “We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.”
Little proposes $50 million for private school expenses
Idaho Gov. Brad Little kicked off the state’s 2025 legislative session Monday by proposing new tax cuts, increased funding for public schools and spending taxpayer dollars on tuition at private schools.
Gov. Little opens Idaho's legislative session with State of the State
School choice, an investment in the state’s natural resources and expanded efforts to address the state’s housing needs were some of the key issues highlighted in Monday’s opening of the legislative session.
PREP WRESTLING: Liermann, Pope impressive at Western Montana Invitational
PREP WRESTLING: Liermann, Pope impressive at Western Montana Invitational
Idaho governor calls for funding for public schools, tax cuts and investments in wildfire fighting
Gov. Brad Little outlines budget, policy priorities in annual State of the State address
Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 9-19, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
Legals for January, 9 2025
Wednesday, January 8
From the Archives - Jan. 8, 2025
"In this week's issue of the Herald we commence the publication of a new feature known the nation over as the Crossword Puzzle.... in 1924 the world was scratching its head over the Crossword Puzzle. Everybody's doing it, and we don't want the Herald's readers to miss the sport. The world has suddenly gone crazy over the puzzles. On trains, in cars and on the streets dignified men talk about them and compare notes. Children do them with their homework and mothers do them after the children have gone to bed."
Bonners Ferry Gun Club Winter League Begins
January 5, 2025 (Bonners Ferry, ID) The Bonners Ferry Gun Club (BFGC) and the Duke's Claybusters High School trap team kicked off their league season with a soft opening this week, with the start of the 8-week Spokesman-Review Trapshoot.
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.
Dabbs murder trial underway
The two-week jury trial of Shannon Dabbs, accused of killing his wife and setting their house on fire in 2020, began on Jan. 6 at the Boundary County Courthouse.
This Week in History - Jan. 8, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
Boundary County Records - Jan. 8, 2024
Court records from Dec. 28, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025
Tuesday, January 7
PREP BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry Boys make history with 10-0 start, but Girls are upended with injuries
The Badgers cruised to another tournament victory with a 47-point win in the Championship game of the Avista Holiday Tournament. They are the first Badgers basketball team to open the season 10-0 in school history.
Thursday, January 2
PREP BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry boys win Reardan Tournament, girls fall just short
The visiting Badgers faced their toughest test of the season, but Asher Williams scored 32 points and came up with some key steals as Bonners Ferry defeated the tourney host Screaming Eagles in the championship game of the Reardan Christmas Tournament.
Boundary County 2024 in review
This year, the 2024 elections brought new beginnings on all levels, with a new sheriff-elect in town. Precious times also came to an end, as Boundary County celebrated the lives of deeply valued and influential people who passed away. At the schools, the community celebrated historic sports victories and mourned defeats on the local ballot. As the state population climbed to above two million, new businesses continued opening throughout North Idaho.
Retail chains come to town
The newly opened O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tractor Supply Co. bring product overlap with existing businesses, but owners agree that the corporate chains will enhance the local economy.
Boots & Bling: A New Year Bash
Celebrate the new year with friends and family at Boots & Bling: A New Year Bash, on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.
Give blood for a chance to win $10,000
The Vitalant blood drive returns to Bonners Ferry to ring in the new year with a chance for three people to win $10,000.
Upcoming events at the Pearl
The Pearl Theater has always been the venue to see concerts and plays in Bonners Ferry, but that isn’t all you can find there. The theater is expanding programs to include a wider variety of events. Events include groups, workshops, a drum circle, karaoke, and much more.
Boundary County Court Records - Jan. 2, 2025
Michael D Calder (DOB 1972) charged with exceeding the maximum posted speed limit (16 MPH or over), an infraction, on Dec 4, 2024, by BFPD. Disposition: Guilty with fines of $98.50 and costs of $56.50.
Jennifer Geier, 77
Jennifer A. Geier, 77, passed away at Schneidmiller Hospice House on November 26, 2024.
Paul Wright, 83
Paul Madison Wright passed away December 13, 2024.
Betty Belden, 82
Betty Jean Belden passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 18, 2024.
Jean 'Ginger' Lawrence, 91
Ginger Lawrence passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Christmas Day, 2024.
Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 2-12, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
From the Archives - Jan. 2, 2025
Today, January 2nd, is "National Buffet Day" The buffet dining option is where people can serve themselves from a wide selection of food. The buffet makes it possible for every member of the family to find what they want to eat.
This Week in History - Jan. 2, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
Idahoans should be alarmed by the scarcity of trial court candidates
Very few well-qualified lawyers have applied for Idaho district court positions in recent years. District courts handle trials of felony cases, as well as all types of civil cases affecting the lives and property of individuals and businesses. Putting these disputes in the hands of judges without substantial experience is risky business.
