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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Legals for January, 16 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”