Bald eagle migration reaches the lakes of northern Idaho

Bald eagles have returned on schedule to northern Idaho. The annual migration of these magnificent birds has begun and the number in our area is growing. The peak number will occur around Christmas.

'Kids shop' helps with spirit of giving

Christmas is right around the corner, which means that for the next nine or ten days, people all over the county, and all around the world for that matter, will be running around frantically trying to finish up their shopping.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, Dec. 8

Traveling back in time: this day in Bonners Ferry history

History for Dec. 8, 2016

IDFG seeks public input regarding hunting seasons

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is starting to collect public input to develop big game hunting season proposals for 2017 and 2018.

An update from the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter

Thank You to everyone who donated towards the 68th Annual FFA Harvest Sale! The annual FFA Harvest Sale is a tradition of the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter.

BFHS band Christmas concert

The BFHS band would like to invite everyone to join us Monday, Dec. 12 for our Christmas concert and silent auction. The doors will open and seating will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the concert will start at 7 p.m. A silent auction will be held during this time featuring donated goods from both local businesses and band students.

BC Middle School wrestlers continue to dominate

The wrestlers on the Boundary County Middle School team are coming up on the end of their eight-week season and they are looking as strong as ever. In a conversation with head wrestling coach Justin Pluid, one word kept resurfacing: “dominate”.

Snags: dead trees provide great habitat for wildlife

As you travel around Boundary County you will notice dead standing trees in wooded areas and by the river, creeks and ponds. It is hard to believe, but trees can actually provide more habitats for wildlife dead than when they are alive. Standing dead and dying trees, called “snags” or “wildlife trees,” are important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings, occurring as a result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, as well as old age. Over time, the tree becomes a shelter and a source of food.

City prepares for winter roads

Winter is well on its way to the Idaho panhandle, and the snowcapped mountains are a friendly reminder for valley-dwellers to prepare themselves for the season.

Santa to tour community

Santa Claus will be touring Boundary County Saturday, Dec. 3, via a parade of EMT and fire apparatus all lit up with Christmas lights for the first annual Santa’s Chariots of Fire event, hosted by South Boundary Fire District.

Rest in peace

This week, we bring you another picture from downtown. This building is gone, but is not forgotten.

History

History for November 24th, 2016 100 Year The body of Joe Dunn, the man who died at Kingsgate last Friday morning while trying to enter a refrigerator car was buried in the Bonners Ferry cemetery Monday afternoon. Coroner Reich held an inquest Saturday evening and an autopsy was held by Dr. E.E. Fry. The coroner’s jury brought in a verdict to the effect that Dunn’s death had been caused by pneumonia. From all present indications the project of reclaiming the Kootenai Valley of Idaho and British Columbia, which includes some 80,000 acres of rich bottom lands on both sides of the Kootenai river for a distance of some 60 miles, will soon be taken up again. While skating Sunday on the lake below town Miss Janie Rebenstroff was severely bitten by a dog belonging to George Causton. Eastport – A runaway boy from Bonners Ferry, was picked up here by the immigration officers last week. He was promptly returned to his parents. The basket ball team of the Bonners Ferry high school is rapidly getting in shape for the opening games of the season which will be played on December 7th, 8th and 9th at Libby, Eureka and Kalispell, Mont., respectively. The line-up of the team which will make the Montana trip will be as follows: Forwards, Stewart, Bond, Collins; center, Norton; guards, Luse and Thomsen. 50 Years Tuesday, Nov. 21, marked the opening of the Naples-Peterson hill section of Highway 2 and 95, and the Naples overpass. The eight-mile stretch of highway has been two years in the building with the costs listed as follows: grading, drainage and base materials, $1,400,000; paving, $425,000; and overpass, $460,000. The overpass is 730 feet long and 28 feet wide. The Boundary County TV Translator association today said the weak signal received last week was due to an icing condition on the antennas at Black mountain. Bob Myers and Clem Mostek went to the site and removed a four-inch ice coat to restore the signal. The association also stated: “We ask our cooperation. This also goes for the two non-members (free loaders) who were complaining about their poor TV reception from our translators on Black mountain.” A small but interested group of “old timers”, met at the courthouse last Thursday evening to further discuss the formation of a Boundary County historical society. Mrs. Goldie Brewer acted as chairman of the meeting and in the enthusiastic discussions which took place the groundwork was laid for the formation of an historical organization for the local community. Seen and Heard… Neil Howarth, Al Flory and LeRoy White not being recognized as they did the can can….. An ice skating rink at the fairgrounds show area will be forth-coming with the arrival of cold weather. Jaycees will flood the arena soon to establish a base and submerge existing sawdust and chips, then will sprinkle the ice with the first good freeze in hopes of providing a safe, well lighted place for residents to enjoy the almost-forgotten sport.

Hospital: What is TSE?

Boundary Community Hospital is the first Pacific Northwest hospital to be awarded the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, and with the upcoming Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System, the hospital is working towards official TSE designations by meeting the stringent criteria as a Level IV Trauma, Level III Stroke, and Level II STEMI (Heart Attack) Center.

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BCEA teams up with local businesses to show appreciation for teachers

Safeway teamed up with the Boundary County Education Assocation (BCEA) recently to show their appreciation for local educators and support staff.

Sheriff's Log

Nov. 17

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THURSDAY, Nov. 24

Downtown Bonners Ferry

Downtown has changed over the years. From wooden sidewalks and multiple drinking establishments to what you see today.

BFHS senior named part of All-Northwest symphony

Outstanding music students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of the 2017 NAfME All-Northwest performing groups.