Russell sentenced to life for murder

James D. Russell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal slaying of the caretaker of his family's property in Clark Fork. In her ruling, First District Judge Barbara Buchanan said the sentence was the only one possible to protect society — and James D. Russell himself — following the September 2021 murder of David M. Flaget, who worked as a caretaker of the Russell family's property in Clark Fork in September 2021.

Fairchild Airmen rescue injured snowmobiler

Earlier this month, Fairchild Air Force Base crews successfully completed the 36th Rescue Squadron's 708th save near Schweitzer Mountain. The team is credited with saving an injured snowmobiler on Jan. 3 who spent 18 hours outside in 19-degree weather with little access to food or water, Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, said in a press release issued by the base this past week.

Jensen sworn in as newest District 1 judge

Thursday, friends and family — and fellow judges — watched Jensen become the newest district judge to serve Bonner and Boundary counties. She is only the 14th person to become a district judge in Sandpoint in the past 132 years. District judges from throughout the five northern counties came together to celebrate Jensen's formal swearing-in before a packed courtroom filled with friends, family and numerous country officials. While her parents, Terry and Lynn Jensen; husband, in-laws and aunt were in the courtroom, other family members attended via Zoom and join in the ceremony.

Boundary County Calendar - Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2023

Community events and meetings across Boundary County for the coming week.

Man charged with two counts of lewd conduct to minors

A Boundary County man is being charged with two counts of lewd conduct with children under 16, both felonies.

Richard Baker, 93

Richard Bruce Baker passed away on January 7, 2023.

Don’t be fooled by unfounded claims

In response to the story titled, “City considering LOT to fund the general budget,” I would like to ask that citizens of Boundary County use common sense when this comes up for vote.

This Week in History — Jan. 26, 2023

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill and From Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

Partisan expediency must not be prioritized over genuine solution to farm labor shortage

Although efforts to reach an agreement on federal legislation to address the growing farm labor crisis have not yet succeeded, it is important to understand the recent history of negotiations as we go forward. We made considerable progress, but ultimately there was no “deal” on the table that could possibly have gotten 60 votes in the U.S. Senate and provided an effective and lasting solution for agricultural employers.

Boys beat Kellogg in final minute, defeat Lions and Knights

The Kellogg (12-4) and Bonners Ferry (13-1) rivalry was on full display at the Jan. 24 match up, with three Badgers fouling out and Kellogg’s Kolby Luna dropping a monstrous three-pointer to make it 54-51 with 1:30 left on the clock.

Little: 'Great shape here in Idaho'

Governor seeks support for education plans; chamber president says vote yes on levies

Little speaks to CDA Chamber members on Tuesday

Charron: Idaho will spend $78M more if Medicaid expansion ends

If voters had not approved the expansion of Idaho Medicaid to low-income adults, Idahoans would have spent tens of millions of dollars more on health care for those patients. If the state pulls back on its Medicaid coverage, Idahoans will spend nearly $78 million more due to the loss of federal funding, a state official told legislators Monday.

Court Records - Jan. 26, 2022

Information on local cases in Boundary County.

Legals for January, 26 2023

PHD offers Preventing Youth Vaping Event

To find out more about how e-cigarettes are harmful to teens and to have your vape related questions answered, join the virtual event, Ask The Experts: Youth Vaping, Health Harms and How to speak with your child on January 31, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

Athlete of the Week Jan. 22- 28

Sydney Hinthorn, sophomore, is named Athlete of the Week for Badger girls basketball.

Legislative session beginning to pick up

District 1 legislators discuss local issues, legislations, and concerns in the weekly Notes From Boise column.

Judith Rickert, 84

Judith Rickert, 84 passed away on January 11, 2023, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at the Community Restorium.

Time to adopt the Bring Our Heroes Home Act

America’s servicemembers, past and present, have shown incredible sacrifice and dedication to defending our freedom. We owe it to our nation’s heroes and their families to cut the bureaucratic red tape and continue the effort to identify and recover those who have not yet made it home.

Athlete of the Week Jan. 15-21

Brenna Stewart, junior, is named Athlete of the Week for Badger Cheerleading.