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.
Travis Stolley to become next Boundary County sheriff
After many decades in law enforcement, David Kramer will step away from his position as Boundary County sheriff. The post will be taken up by Travis Stolley in early 2025.
Stolley will be sworn in in January.
Stolley ran against Jon VanGesen in the primary, but ultimately, the November election was uncontested.
Basil sentenced for involvement in fentanyl overdose death
In December, 46-year-old Twyla Dawn Basil has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Basil pay restitution to the family of the victim, said a release from the U.S, Attorney's Office. Upon completion of her prison sentence, Basil will also be required to serve an additional three years of supervised probation.
According to court records, on October 28, 2022, an inmate at the Boundary County Jail was found unconscious in her cell. Despite attempts to revive her by medical personnel, the victim ultimately died. A toxicology report and autopsy showed that the victim had a lethal dose of fentanyl in her system at the time of her death. The coroner ultimately determined that she died of a fentanyl overdose.
Local, state, and federal officers began an immediate investigation into the victim’s death. Jail staff learned that shortly before the victim was found dead, Basil, who was in custody with her, had provided the victim with fentanyl she had smuggled into the facility. Basil had been arrested the day before for driving while under the influence of fentanyl.
Chronic wasting disease found in Boundary County
The first known case in North Idaho for Chronic Wasting Disease was found three miles outside of Bonners Ferry.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, the dead deer was found by a landowner about 3 miles outside Bonners Ferry in early July. CWD affects members of the deer family and is always fatal. It causes brain degeneration and emaciation in the infected body.
Now, Idaho Fish and Game will prioritize detecting and minimizing potential spread of the disease to maintain healthy big game populations, a Fish and Game press release said.
“While we are disappointed by the detection of CWD in North Idaho, the department is well-prepared to respond to the situation thanks to having a comprehensive Chronic Wasting Disease Strategy, a history of sampling for CWD in deer throughout the area and experience dealing with affected populations in other parts of the state,” said Panhandle Regional Supervisor Carson Watkins. “Going forward, we’ll be working closely with the Boundary County community to chart a course for long-term management of CWD on the landscape.”
CWD was detected for the first time in Idaho in 2021.
Howard Kent, longtime Boundary County historian and teacher passes away
In November, Howard Kent, a pillar of the Boundary County community, passed away at 82.
Kent was a beloved and valued member of the community. His position as teacher for the Boundary County School District and his work at the Boundary County Museum affected numerous people over the years.
On Nov. 23, a celebration of life was held at the museum and in lieu of flowers, it was asked that memorial contributions be made to Boundary County Historical Society & Museum.
County Chief Deputy Prosecutor passes away
In January, Boundary County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tevis Hull, 63, died unexpectedly.
Hull had worked for the Boundary County Prosecutor’s Office for a total of nearly 16 years.
“Tevis was an exceptional friend, mentor, and attorney. His passing is a great loss to Boundary County and to the Prosecutor’s Office”, said Andrakay Pluid, Boundary County Prosecutor.
“I’m just very sad," Boundary County Commissioner Tim Bertling said about Hull’s passing. "He was a really good person, and his integrity was impeccable. This is a huge loss to our community.”
Badgers return home with state champion title for the first time in school history
For the first time in school history, the Bonners Ferry boys’ basketball team has brought home the state title.
With 5.7 seconds left in the championship game, and the crowd sensing what was coming, Trey Bateman walked across the free-throw lane and slapped the hand of his cousin, Thomas Bateman.
Then, Trey turned and slapped the hand of Asher Williams, standing at the foul line, who let out a smile.
At long last, the Bonners Ferry Badgers were state 3A champions in boys' basketball, defeating Teton 54-47 Saturday at the Ford Idaho Center.
“It’s huge; it’s just an amazing feeling,” said Bonners junior Thomas Bateman. “And I really have to give it all to our coach. He started it when we were in third grade, and he’s been pushing us for this moment and it paid off.”
Winning the state championship is an unbelievable feeling, agreed Badger senior Trey Bateman, Thomas’ cousin.
“We fought; we’ve earned it, we’ve done everything we can as a basketball team,” he said. “Mr. Williams (Nathan, the Bonners coach) has helped us so much throughout life and basketball. My brothers (Brady and Seth) won a state championship in baseball in 2018, and that was so huge for our community, and it showed. We are unbelievably grateful and blessed to have this state championship here.”
The Badgers returned to town with a police escort by Bonners Ferry Police Department starting at Peterson Hill. And as the bus drove past, fans lined the streets and cheered as the team made their way through town en route to the high school.
Voters reject measure to replace Valley View Elementary
Voters rejected two Boundary County School District measures, sending both a supplemental levy request and a school bond that aimed to replace the aging Valley View Elementary to defeat.
The $2.4 million supplemental levy would have replaced the existing maintenance and operation levy and would not have increased taxes, district officials said previously. The measure would have cost taxpayers $98 per assessed $100,000 property value.
BCSD officials have said the first year of the levy will be reduced to $4 per $100,000 due to funding from HB 292 and HB 521, which reduces the cost of levies to taxpayers. However, per the bills, BCSD cannot say note on the ballot that these bills will be used to pay down the levy.
The levy would have covered safety, security, maintenance, all extra- and co-curricular activities, special programs, salaries and benefits above what the state of Idaho funds, field trips, curriculum materials, some technology and a new bus every year.
BCSD Superintendent Jan Bayer said previously that if the supplemental levy failed, she would recommend the board follow voters' wishes and not fund any extra- or co-curricular activities.
There were 3,766 "no" votes, or 53.65%, compared to 3,241 "yes" votes, or 46.25%.
New businesses to Boundary County
From brand new businesses to changes of ownership, the community has seen a large amount of growth over the last year.
Notable locally owned businesses that opened in town include Two Brews Coffee, Froyo Mama, Hidden Haven Sweets and Treats, Heart Rock Wines change of ownership, Pioneer Lodge, Chapa Chicken Ranch, Lore Coffee opened their brick-and-mortar location, Alpine Laundry, Kokanee Coffee, and a change of ownership at North Idaho Collision.
Idaho’s population grows to over 2 million people
After years of sharp population growth, Idaho is now home to about 2,001,619 people.
Idaho’s population growth appears to have slowed, but the largely rural state remains among the fastest growing states, according to estimates released in December by the U.S. Census Bureau and shared by the Idaho Department of Labor. Most new Idahoans have been moving from out of state.
Idaho’s population grew by 1.5% -- or around 30,500 people – from 2023 to 2024.