Monday, March 31
Eight girls will participate in this year's Distinguished Young Women program
Eight of Bonners Ferry’s most outstanding junior girls will be given an opportunity to win scholarship money in this year’s annual Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program (formerly Junior Miss). Set for April 26, 2025, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Becker Auditorium, the theme of this year’s program is “Run for the Roses.”
Thursday, March 27
Boundary County braces for financial fallout of U.S.-Canada trade war
Canadian traffic takes first dip since COVID
As the peak tourism season approaches, Boundary County businesses are already feeling the impact of Canadian shoppers staying home in recent months.
Beta Sigma Phi donates to BFHS jazz band trip
Members of the Xi Beta Omicron chapter of Beta Sigma Phi recently the BFHS Jazz Band rehearsal with a gift for the band.
Margaret Sanford, 95
Margaret Kammritz Sanford passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Idaho continues state's ‘historic’ tax cuts
Idaho residents can expect to see more property tax relief after Gov. Brad Little signs a bill into law that would cut $100 million in taxes a year.
Joseph Hauck, 64
Joseph Reed Hauck, 64, passed away on Friday February 21, 2025.
Bonners Ferry has two tennis players this year
Bonners Ferry has two tennis players this year
Area bowling scores - March 27, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished 27 weeks of bowling.
IFG to host 'State of the Lake' open house on March 27
Ask questions and learn more about the status of fish populations in Lake Pend Oreille
10 reasons to go fishing during spring break
Fishing is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages
A new thermal steam vent is grabbing attention in ever-changing Yellowstone National Park
A new thermal vent spewing steam in the air at Yellowstone National Park is gaining attention, mainly because it's visible from a road rather than any significant change in the park famous for its thousands of geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pots.
Alpha + Robotics Heads to Competition
2130 Alpha + robotics is set to compete in the Idaho Regional March 27-29 in Nampa. Competing at the event are 53 teams from Idaho, California, Hawaii, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado as well as British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, and China.
Grace Bible Church holds 29 annual Awana Grand Prix
Saturday, March 22, huge smiles and razor-thin finishes were the order of the day when Grace Bible Church along with Springs Free Methodist Awana clubbers took time out from reciting Bible verses, playing fast-action games, and participating in Bible-based Council time lessons to race their hand-crafted pinewood creations.
From the Archives - March 27, 2025
"Roy Buck purchased 600 acres north of Hershman's dairy in 1924, establishing a fox fur farm. Tapping into one of the springs to supply needed water, Buck built a home and buildings north of the Highway, to house fox and mink." ~ Small Towns Big Dreams, Boundary County, Idaho
Rotary Club changes venue after 23 years
After 23 years at Mugsy’s Tavern & Grill, the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club is moving its meetings to the Kootenai River Inn due to changes and growth.
Eileen (Madson) Hurd Kimber celebrates 100th birthday
Eileen (Madson) Hurd Kimber is celebrating her 100th birthday. She was born on April 9, 1925, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, in Canada, the first child of Ilmer and Zylpha Madson.
Preserving Idahoans' vehicle choice
Idahoans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the Environmental Protection Agency tailpipe emissions rule finalized under the Biden-Harris Administration will restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family. I recently reintroduced legislation to preserve Idahoans’ access to affordable, reliable vehicles of their choice.
P.E.O. College Scholarships for Female High School Graduates, Yard & Garden Sale Fundraiser
Bonner’s Ferry Chapter AP of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is sponsoring multiple college scholarships for female graduates of Bonners Ferry High School again this year.
New educational resource available at the Boundary County Library
Thanks to a generous grant from the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation the Boundary County Library was able to purchase a new collection of Decodable Readers produced by the Beanstalk Books Company.
Boundary County Calendar - March 27-April 6, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
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.
PREP BASEBALL: Badgers off to strong 2-1 start
The Bonners Ferry Badgers baseball team opened the season with a sweep at St. Maries last weekend and a 2-1 record overall.
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 offered at the Pearl now include groups, workshops, a drum circle, karaoke and much more.
Robert (Bob) Chamberlin, 77
Robert “Bob” Chamberlin, 77, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
This Week in History - March 27, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
‘Stonewalling’: Forest Service mum on firings during wildfire briefing
USFS officials refused more than 10 times in meeting with Southwestern congressional staffers to say how many employees had been fired
City maintains electric rates after court dismisses IFG lawsuit
Last month, the Boundary County district court dismissed a years-long lawsuit filed by Idaho Forest Group against the city of Bonners Ferry, ruling that IFG failed to prove its claim that the city's electric rates for the Moyie Springs Mill were "unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory,” according to court records.
Bill builds foundation for women's healthcare
District 1 legislators discuss local issues and concerns in the weekly Notes from Boise column.
PREP TRACK & FIELD: Bonners Ferry boys win home-opening invitational; Badgers score plenty of top finishes
The Badgers hosted a 13-time track and field invite on March 22, with dominant showings from the boys’ sprinters, throwers and jumpers and the girls’ shot put and long jump.
Legals for March, 27 2025
Tuesday, March 25
APRIL NIBJ: Boundary County blends luxury camping with small-town spirit
Tourism in Boundary County has grown in recent years, but Munro Murdock, co-owner of North Haven Campground near Bonners Ferry, says the area’s small-town charm remains strong.
Gas prices jump upward
After a few calm weeks at the pump, Idaho drivers saw gas prices jump this week. And, with warmer temperatures on the way, they could go up again.
Saturday, March 22
Montana researcher reflects on 30 years of wolves in Yellowstone
Snow crunched underfoot as Mark Hebblewhite scanned the ridgelines of Canada’s Banff National Park. It was 1995, and the young biologist, fresh out of undergrad, was trailing one of the park’s most elusive wildlife species – the gray wolf.
Thursday, March 20
Victims take the stand against Cowells
During the March 17 joint preliminary hearing for Richard and Katherine Cowell, a Boundary County couple facing multiple sex crime charges, the alleged victims testified they were coerced into sexual relationships as minors.
Area cities grow as state growth slows
Idaho’s ten largest counties accounted for 85.5% of the state’s total population growth last year, according to the newest data from the U.S. Census Bureau — including two Northern Idaho counties.
SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: BFHS baseball has solid core, state tournament aspirations
The Bonners Ferry High School Badgers Baseball team has championship aspirations this season, with a chance to host superregionals as part of a new state tournament format.
Area students named to UI dean's list
A number of students from Bonner and Boundary counties have earned a spot on the University of Idaho's fall deans list.
From the Archives - March 20, 2025
This Press Pass was issued to Edgar Stephenson, The Valley Studio. He attended the Miss Bonners Ferry Pageant at the Bonners Ferry High School Auditorium (Fry Auditorium) on March 20, 1965. Edgar took photographs of the contestants throughout the evening; finishing with the photos of the winner. The winner of the 1965 Miss Bonners Ferry Pageant was Danette Ripatti.
SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Both new and familiar faces on the BFHS golf team
Fresh off a state tournament bid a season ago, but with some new faces, the Bonners Ferry High School Boys’ and Girls’ Golf teams will have competitive leaders at the top and lots of development from underclassmen.
SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: BFHS softball mostly underclass but solid foundation, leadership
The Bonners Ferry High School Badgers Softball team is focused on fundamentals and team building this season with a roster of mostly underclassmen, but head coach Cynthia Sumpter said the goal is the same as always, to beat Timberlake.
Camps, field days in the Panhandle Region
Lots of summertime opportunities to learn to hunt, fish, handle and shoot firearms and more in the Panhandle Region
Free seed exchange library at Boundary County Library
Through the hard work and donations and hard work of Jody McClintock, the Boundary County Library has announced a new, free seed exchange library.
Theodore Ben Unruh, 64
Theodore Ben Unruh, 64, passed away on March 14, 2025.
Second Harvest returns March 20 for food distribution
Second Harvest Inland Empire Northwest mobile food truck is set to arrive in Bonners Ferry on Thursday, March 20.
'We're turning one spigot on and another off'
North Idaho legislators warn of quick-fix decisions in Boise
At a Saturday town hall, North Idaho lawmakers voiced their concerns over state lawmakers’ rush to secure short-term political wins through tax cuts, funding shifts, and program overhauls — moves they say lack a long-term strategy for Idaho’s future stability and growth.
Caution urged in wake of U.S. 95 crashes
“While it is not our role to determine cause or conditions that contribute to traffic accidents, we would urge folks to use more caution on our area highways,” Armstrong stated in a March 16 Facebook post.
Connie A. Broderick, 85
Connie A. Broderick, 85, passed away on March 13, 2025.
Bill to ban SNAP coverage for candy, soda heads to Senate
Supporters see it as an important health step. Critics, including business industry, say definitions are unworkably broad.
JFAC narrowly advances Medicaid appropriations
The state budget writers have passed the largest budget this year, with members narrowly advancing Medicaid appropriations on Monday.
Washington State Junior Rifle Championship results
Junior rifle shooters from the Sandpoint and Kootenai Valley (KV) clubs participated in the Washington State Junior Smallbore Indoor Championships on Saturday, March 8. They travelled to the Spokane Rifle club to participate while shooters from Western Washington shot the weekend before. Scores were combined and the Idaho shooters proved they are competitors.
Area bowling Scores - March 20, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished 26 weeks of bowling.
Stabbing incident temporarily closes Walmart
Teamwork and a quick response ensured a stabbing incident over the weekend at the city's Walmart ended peacefully for all concerned, Ponderay Police officials said Monday.
Kohberger looks to Daybell ruling in push against death penalty
Bryan Kohberger’s defense team is employing a legal argument used successfully in another high-profile Idaho murder case in another attempt to take capital punishment off the table.
Slow down and pay attention when driving
I have been writing this letter since November 22, 2024. A little girl named Amelia was killed in a head-on crash near Elmira that day. I could not get her out of my mind.
Report: Idaho funding inadequate for special education
Levies often used to make up the difference
A new report has found that Idaho’s K-12 public funding doesn’t adequately support districts for their students with higher needs.
Nate Ady receives Restorium employee of the month
Nate Ady is the recipient of the February Friends of the Boundary Community Restorium Ray Olson Employee of the Month "We Care" Award.
This Week in History - March 20, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
Boundary County Calendar - March 20-30, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: BFHS track and field expects to be competitive in all events
This season, 64 athletes will suit up for the Bonners Ferry High School Track and Field team, including a few record-breakers, district champions and state competitors from last season.
Constituents voice opinions on farm bill
As participants in the decisions made in Congress, Idahoans contact me regularly with valuable input about the issues our country faces. Including strong pro-agriculture measures in the upcoming farm bill is one of the issues Idahoans have contacted me about. The following is my response:
Court ruling will remain after Forest Service drops appeal of lawsuit over road management
Under Amendment 19, grizzly bear populations grew and are now over 1,000 animals in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Statewide trout stocking highlights for March
Approximately 60,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked throughout the state this March.
Legals for March, 20 2025
Thursday, March 13
Boundary County fugitive arrested in Indiana
A Boundary County man who fled the state after his conviction for unlawful possession of destructive devices or bombs was arrested in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Thursday.
This Week in History - March.13, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
David John Winn, 78
David John Winn passed away on March 8, 2025.
Constantin Nick Ciocazan, 85
Constantin Nick Ciocazan, 85, passed away on March 4, 2025.
Boundary County Court Records - March 6, 2025
Court records for the period of Feb. 22-28, 2025.
No Man's Land film fest returning to Panida
“None of these stories are new to us. We’re already living it,” organizer Lauren Sanders said. “But they're new to being shown on film and being featured.”
Area Bowling Scores – March 13, 2025
Tuesday's Trouble has finished 25 weeks of bowling.
Third round of auditions for "Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie" March 17
The first and second round of auditions for the “Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie” live stage play have had an exceptional turn out, according to Abra Chouinard, owner of the Rex Theater. The third round of auditions is set to take place on Monday, March 17, from 4-5 p.m.
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry clinches back-to-back state titles with convincing win over Snake River
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry clinches back-to-back state titles with convincing win over Snake River
Drought persists in North Idaho
A cold and wet February may have boosted the state's snowpack, but North Idaho’s mountains remain below or near normal.
We must prevent a tax hike on Idaho families
At the end of this year, many key provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire, triggering an over-$4 trillion tax hike on American families and businesses. There has been a lot of talk recently about how extending these expiring tax cuts are all for billionaires and corporations, but the facts show otherwise.
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Bayer tallies seven birdies at Lady Thunderbird Invitational
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Bayer tallies seven birdies at Lady Thunderbird Invitational
BCMS invites community to judge career presentations and March madness doors
Boundary County Middle School officials are inviting community members and Boundary County School District 101 employees to help evaluate career presentations and the annual March Madness door competition on Wednesday, March 19.
Idaho House approves Medicaid reform bill
The House on Thursday advanced a bill that would make major changes to the way that Idaho administers its Medicaid program.
Region's egg farmers scramble to meet demand
Jewel Lake Ranch in southern Bonner County has been selling fresh eggs to locals for some time and typically has enough left over to share with friends and neighbors.
Why is fast food so expensive?
My wife went grocery shopping locally the other morning and called me just before noon and ask if she could pick me up something for lunch.
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 offered at the Pearl now include groups, workshops, a drum circle, karaoke and much more.
Community Writers Contest open to all genres, ages
Calling all storytellers from ages 5 to 105. The annual Community Writing Contest, taking place Saturday, March 22, offers an opportunity to read a favorite five-minute work for cash prizes voted on by an engaged audience of people who appreciate creative minds of all ages.
Gas prices see fickle week
The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.18 on Monday. While that’s a penny and half more than a week ago, it’s also a penny less than a month ago and nearly 11 cents less than a year ago. Idaho remains in 11th place for the most expensive fuel.
From the Archives - March. 13, 2025
On March 9, 1907, W.O. "Teddy" Rosebaugh renovated his "confectionery store" in the Hotel Casey (site of The Dressing Room). He moved a partition that had separated his Pastime Cigar Store from the billiard room to make space for a lunch counter. His idea was to serve "all kinds of quick lunches" and exclusively handle the "famous Hazelwood ice cream". The decision to expand was to create more competition for Joseph Banning's cigar store.
The price of eggs and supply and demand
I have never understood the law of supply and demand. Whenever there is a shortage, the item starts costing more? Today we have a short supply of eggs; $1.78 for dozen eggs is now $6 or more. Did chicken feed, and transportation suddenly increase by 300%? I don't think so.
LOCAL NOTES: Hiatt named Frontier Conference Coach of the Year for third straight season
LOCAL NOTES: Hiatt named Frontier Conference Coach of the Year for third straight season
Boundary County Calendar - March 13-23, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
Property tax relief bill heads to Senate floor
The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve a bill committing $100 million of state general funds annually toward property tax relief.
Donald Boyd Lindsay, 95
Donald Boyd Lindsay passed away on February 27, 2025.
Legislative town hall set for Saturday
The last of a series of three town hall meetings will be held Saturday by District 1 legislators to share the issues of the day and hear from constituents. The Sandpoint town hall will be broadcast live on KRFY, 88.5 FM.
Legals for March, 13 2025
Saturday, March 8
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry clinches back-to-back state titles with convincing win over Snake River
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry clinches back-to-back state titles with convincing win over Snake River
Idaho could be only state with firing squad as main execution method, after Legislature passes bill
Only five states allow firing squads for executions. But the firing squad isn’t the primary death penalty method in any of those states.
Friday, March 7
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Badgers headed to state championship game for third straight year
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Badgers headed to state championship game for third straight year
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Williams nets 31 as Badgers take care of Kimberly
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Williams nets 31 as Badgers take care of Kimberly
Thursday, March 6
From the Archives - March 6, 2025
It is kind of funny how every day seems to be a National "something" day. Well, March 6th was named National Dress Day in 2018. That is only seven years ago! Dresses have been worn for hundreds of years!
This Week in History - March. 6, 2025
Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.
‘It’s a shift in education’
North Idaho educators react to private school tax credit law
After lawmakers in Boise approved a $50 million school choice initiative Thursday, several Bonner and Boundary County educators and officials questioned if the law comes with enough accountability and whether it’s appropriate in Idaho’s tight education funding climate.
Michael Lee Peterson, 78
Michael Lee Peterson passed away on January 26, 2025.
Burger Express sets jazz band benefit
BONNERS FERRY — Burger Express wants to help send the Bonners Ferry High School Jazz Band to a renowned jazz festival.
Peter Andreas Polt, 68
Peter “Pete” Andreas Polt passed away February 24, 2025.
Andrew Buchan Currie, 97
Andrew "Andy" Buchan Currie, 97, passed away on February 28, 2025.
Knoke to speak at CAL meeting
Karie Lee Knoke, finalist on the television show "Alone" and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, will be speaking at Community Assistance League's monthly meeting later this month. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. March 19 with a short business meeting. Knoke's program begins at 10 a.m. The public is welcome.
Tax bills should wait until revenue projection determined
No tax bills should be passed until we have an adequate revenue projection and no tax bills that focus on exemptions should be passed unless these undergo serious scrutiny.
And now for the tough ones
District 1 legislators discuss local issues and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.
LOCAL NOTES: Hiatt leads Montana Tech Men’s Hoops to first ever four-peat in Frontier Conference history
LOCAL NOTES: Hiatt leads Montana Tech Men’s Hoops to first ever four-peat in Frontier Conference history
Unauthorized burning at boat ramp creating public hazard
Unauthorized burning at the county boat ramp is causing problems and posing a safety hazard to the community, Boundary County Emergency Management officials said.
PREP WRESTLING: Dodd grapples to silver, Brown to bronze at State Championship meet
PREP WRESTLING: Dodd grapples to silver, Brown to bronze at State Championship meet
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ussher finishes 17th in mile at NAIA Nationals
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ussher finishes 17th in mile at NAIA Nationals
USPS begins search for new Moyie Springs post office site
The U.S. Postal Service is seeking the community's input as it begins the process to search for and potentially relocate the Moyie Springs post office.
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry set to face Kimberly in state opener
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bonners Ferry set to face Kimberly in state opener
Boundary Community Hospital Auxiliary hosts annual pie sale
The sale won’t end until all of the pies have been sold as the Boundary Community Hospital Auxiliary gets ready to hold its annual pie sale next week.
Fish and Game announces schedule for input on Strategic Plan Update
Residents wanting to participate can attend one of eight public meetings in March and April
Bonners Ferry Special Olympics Alpine Team set to compete in Northern Regionals
Bonners Ferry’s Special Olympics Alpine team will make history later this month when the athletes compete at the Northern Regionals at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. It will be the team’s first appearance at the March 21 event, weather permitting.
Reasons to go spring steelheading abound by the thousands
Anglers looking to get an early start on their fishing season and catch one of Idaho's most prized fish should take advantage of spring steelhead fishing. It’s an exciting time because we’re seeing the best steelhead return since 2015 with more than 100,000 fish crossing Lower Granite Dam in 2024.
Boundary County Calendar - March 6-16, 2025
Upcoming events, activities, and meetings taking place in Boundary County.
After years of discussion, BNSF has a griz plan
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has approved a BNSF Railway plan that will provide funding for grizzly bear conservation in northwest Montana in return for a permit allowing it to “take” 19 of the federally protected animals over seven years.
Make-A-Wish helping Idaho youth
In the last three years, Make-A-Wish Idaho has seen close to a 30% increase in wishes, granting between 127 and 140 annually compared to around 100 per year since 2010.
Constantin Nick Ciocazan, 85
Constantin Nick Ciocazan, 85, passed away on March 4, 2025.
McClintock stepping down from library board
Wendy McClintock has resigned from her Zone 2 seat on the Boundary County Library board, citing health reasons for the decision.
