Ten tips for catching Idaho’s biggest fish this summer

Idaho is home to trophy-sized fish, and here's how to improve your odds of catching one

Summer is here and many anglers are getting on the water and hoping to catch the big one that doesn’t get away.

Pair sentenced to jail in dog abandonment case

A couple charged in the abandonment of 31 Husky-type dogs will serve time in jail after being sentenced in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Friday. Jacob M. McCowan, 45, and Jessica L. Smurthwaite, 31, were charged in late January with abandoning 31 dogs in southwestern Bonner County, parts of Kootenai County and in Pend Oreille County, Wash. Plea agreements were later reached with both in the case, dropping the number of charges against McCowan to 10 and the number of charges against Smurthwaite to two since the extent of her involvement could not be determined.

Celebrate Independence Day and the days surrounding it safely

The Fourth of July travel period comes amid the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads – the summer days between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends when there is an increase in fatal crashes.

Pinkerton announces bid for Dist. 1 commission seat

Lester “Les” Pinkerton announced his candidacy for the District 1 Boundary County commissioner seat.

Local kayaking duo aims to break records

Boundary County couple and kayaking duo Josh Friedman and Julie Kirk are setting their sights on breaking several records this year.

Lewd charges dismissed in child enticing cases

A local man being held with charges of enticing children through the internet, waived his preliminary hearings on Friday, June 23.

Idaho awarded over $583M to expand broadband access

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that Idaho has been awarded over $583 million under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to expand broadband infrastructure across the state.

BCSA hosts successful Local Go Skateboarding Day Celebration

The Boundary County Skatepark Alliance saw some gnarly success at its second annual Go Skateboarding Day Skate Jam.

Rickter dominates for Team Idaho at Turf Wars

Boundary County high school senior wrestler Savannah Rickter (G-165) dominated for Team Idaho, going 4-0 and 4-1, at the Western State Turf War duals for High School Girls on June 18-20.

Boundary County Calendar - June 29-July 6, 2023

The events, activities and meetings taking place in Boundary County over the coming week.

Betty Helen Wallen Bailey

Betty Helen Wallen Bailey passed away on June 18, 2023, in Spokane, Washington.

This Week in History — June 29, 2023

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

Freedom for all people

On July 4, Americans celebrate our nationhood and commemorate the Continental Congress’ approval of the final draft of the Declaration of Independence signed on that date in 1776. We honor America’s fight for independence which John Adams envisioned to be a celebration of the joys of freedom.

Celebrating Idaho dairy production by addressing its challenges

June is National Dairy Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate one of Idaho’s economic engines. The University of Idaho reports, “Idaho, ranking third in the United States for milk production, garnered its highest-ever milk revenues in 2022. With estimated cash receipts for 2022 of $4.2 billion, revenues from milk production are the highest of all agricultural commodities produced in Idaho.” However, inflation, supply chain issues, feed expenses and other contributors to soaring input costs drive up the cost to produce milk, making the break-even cost of milk production higher. As we look to the future of the dairy industry, we must continue to work to address the challenges facing Idaho dairy producers:

Extra Law enforcement patrols for Fourth of July holiday

Regional law enforcement reminds Idahoans and travelers to drive sober this Fourth of July weekend.

Recall underway to oust West Bonner school trustees

Recall petitions were submitted Tuesday seeking to oust a West Bonner County School District board chairman Keith Rutledge and board vice chairman Susan Brown. Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale said an effort to count the number of valid signatures on each petition has begun. The county clerk expects to complete the count by Friday afternoon.

Legals for June, 29 2023

ISBA denies role in WBCSD counsel hire

Despite implications to the contrary, Idaho School Boards Association officials said they provided no advice or direction to the West Bonner County School Board hiring outside counsel. "ISBA was not consulted on the West Bonner County School District board chair’s advice for hiring separate legal counsel," Misty Swanson, ISBA executive director, told the Daily Bee.

Parents, Durst debate issues, concerns

The parents made it clear to Branden Durst, hired to lead the West Bonner County School District, that, many in the community didn't want him. He responded that he looked forward to changing their minds. Durst, who was surrounded by several dozen district residents, took 15-20 minutes on Wednesday, June 21, to talk to parents and the community while the board was in an executive session.

WBCSD board OKs hiring outside counsel

Meeting interrupted by multiple recesses

Recesses called by West Bonner County School Board chairman Keith Rutledge lasted almost as long as the meeting itself. In the end, the board approved the motion to hire outside counsel in a 3-2 vote.