Rasor appointed to open LD1 seat
Cornel Rasor has been appointed to fill the open District 1B seat in the Idaho House of Representatives.
Pertussis outbreak continues in region
Antibiotics, treatment available
With the region in the middle of a pertussis outbreak, there is help available, Panhandle Health District officials said. And, the earlier you seek treatment to either confirm or rule out pertussis, the less severe your symptoms and length of illness might be.
CAL sets grand opening date
Bizarre Bazaar set to open Sept. 7
If you want a sneak peek at the new Bizarre Bazaar, CAL is hosting a soft opening of the popular shop today. The store, located at 114 S. Boyer Ave. next to SmokeSmith, will be open today, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bizarre Bazaar is the primary funding arm of Community Assistance League, a nearly 50-year-old staple in the county’s community service sector, officials said.
Arson suspect deemed 'significantly impaired'
Court orders treatment to restore competency
An arson suspect was deemed incapable of assisting with her defense and ordered into treatment. In the Aug. 21 court hearing, Judge Debra Heise found Jennifer Suzanne Meyer was "significantly impaired," lacking the ability to assist with her defense or understand the proceedings. However, a mental health evaluation found Meyer, 50, was not dangerously mentally ill.
Temporary traffic signals to return at McArthur Lake
Beginning Wednesday, drivers traveling between Bonner and Boundary counties will see the return of temporary traffic signals. However, their return is temporary to give work crews some breathing space, said Heather McDaniel, public information officer for Idaho Transportation Department. The signals are being reactivated to allow installation of a guardrail and temporary barrier.
Crime rates decline in county
Like the state of Idaho, both the city and the county as a whole saw the number of reported crimes decrease in 2023, according to Idaho State Police uniform crime report published in July.
Book your spot with 'Lists'
The North Idaho Business Journal Book of Lists is back, and it's going to be better than ever. Set for publication in December 2024, this resource is a benchmark of the region's diverse and thriving business community.
Meyer to stand trial in arson case
After a delay prompted by a refusal to appear on video, Jennifer Suzanne Meyer was ordered to stand trial on arson charges connected to a fire that destroyed the Army Surplus on July 4. Saying he found the state's request appropriate, Magistrate Judge Luke Hagelberg set a preliminary hearing for July 31 and set bond at $1 million on a charge of first-degree arson. The charge carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Woman charged in Army Surplus fire
Jennifer S. Meyer, 50, was identified as the suspect following a review of multiple hours of video of the fire at Sandpoint Army Surplus and "good old-fashioned police work, Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon said.
Moyie Springs waterline repairs completed
Moyie Springs officials announced late Friday morning that the waterline had been fixed and the city was again running water to city residents and customers.
Fun times ahead at Kootenai River Days
If you're looking for fun, look no further than the upcoming Kootenai River Days celebration.
Police: Army Surplus fire was arson
$5,000 reward offered in case
The fire that gutted the Army Surplus 1 store in downtown Sandpoint was intentionally set, Sandpoint Police said Monday. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information in the case.
ISP seeks info connected to fatal crash
Idaho State Police is seeking any information or camera footage in connection to a Saturday early evening crash that has claimed the lives of two people Specifically of interest to the agency is any information or video showing a dark blue Ford F-150 pickup truck that was witnessed turning westbound onto Schoolhouse Road from the northbound lane on U.S. 95 around the time of the crash, which happened just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.
West Bonner to close junior high
Elementary schools to remain open
After a marathon, five-hour, often emotional meeting, the West Bonner County School Board voted to keep its three elementary schools open but close its junior high school. The high school would also remain open.
Huzzah! Sandpoint Ren Fair brings medieval England to life
Huzzah! The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire is riding back into town. Set for this weekend, the faire will transport the community and visitors back to the late 1500s, when Elizabeth I was on the throne and ruled over England.
West Bonner ponders school closures
Community hopes to fund extracurricular programs on its own
Several elementary schools will likely be closed as part of an effort to close a $4.68 million shortfall brought about by the failure of a West Bonner County levy.
Woodward defeats Herndon in LD1 Senate race
Jim Woodward has defeated Scott Herndon the Republican Party nomination putting him one step closer to reclaiming the District 1 state Senate seat.
Classic rides bring fans to Lost in the '50s
It's hard to tell who had more fun at Saturday's Lost in the '50s car show — those admiring the cars or those who brought their pride and joys to the annual homage to classic cars.
Come get 'Lost in the '50s'
Are you ready for Sandpoint's biggest party? You're in luck if you are as Lost in the '50s kicks off today with the annual classic car parade through downtown Sandpoint.
Shelton, Kinkead catch way to LPOIC derby honors
It might have been slow fishing on the derby's final day, but when the last line was pulled it was Josh Shelton and Paul Kinkead claiming top honors.
North Idaho counties report increase of sexual assault
As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to keep up.
Media team up to host candidate forums
Events to highlight contested county, legislative races
Bonner County media and the Selkirk Association of Realtors are teaming up to help area voters do just that as the Bonner County Daily Bee, Sandpoint Online, and the Sandpoint Reader are hosting a pair of candidate forums at the end of the month.
Bill benefits region's water management
Kootenai Basin Adjudication is expected to take five years, cost $3.25 million
Two bills approved by the Idaho Legislature are expected to enhance water management in the state, Idaho Water Resource Board officials said following its March 29 meeting. The first bill, House Bill 687, would allow the Idaho Department of Water Resources to petition a District Court judge to commence a water rights adjudication in North Idaho's Kootenai River Basin.
Under new management
While Inland Forestry Management sold, little will change
It was 40 or so years ago that Dick Bradetich and Mike Wolcott walked into Bill Love's office at the Idaho Department of Lands in Sandpoint. The pair, Love recounts, wanted to let him know about their new forestry consultation business. Now, Inland Forest Management officials are letting the community know about a new change in the company with the sale of IFM to Georgia-based F&W Forestry Services.
Sandpoint to unveil sports center plans
Curious about what the new James E. Russell Sports Center at Travers Park will look like on the inside? A "question and answer" public meeting is being held Wednesday to give the public a sneak peak at the revised court layout of the sports complex.
Proposed firearms bill draws concern
A firearms bill being heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee would add a level of “nuance” to state statute, according to its author. However, critics dispute Herndon’s contention, saying the bill could jeopardize their property rights allowed under a lease and could put such events as the Festival at Sandpoint at risk.
Panel sends school board bill to House floor
A bill inspired by the confusion that followed West Bonner's successful recall of two of its five board members cleared the State Affairs Committee on Tuesday. The bill, which passed on a 10-3 vote, was heard by the House State Affairs Committee because of its potential impact on state elections. It now heads to the House floor.
Work on Long Bridge delayed until mid-March
Project will improve driving surface on 2-mile long bridge
Work to improve the Long Bridge's driving surface has been delayed until next month. The work, which was set to start Sunday, Feb. 25, but will now begin in mid-March, Heather McDaniel, ITD public information officer, said.
NAMI Far North sets sights on new 'Clubhouse'
Facility will provide recovery-based programs in region
To kickstart efforts, a fundraiser for the Sand Creek Clubhouse is planned for Feb. 29 at the Heartwood Center in Sandpoint. The event, which will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., will include refreshments, presentations from a Clubhouse international representative, and a special guest appearance from Evergreen Clubhouse members in Spokane, the next closest facility.
County road project nets funding
A host of local road projects recently received grant funding from the state as part of Idaho's Strategic Initiatives Program.
Final Kaniksu OSV decision announced
A system of over-snow vehicle routes across the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry and Priest Lake ranger districts has gotten the final green light from the Forest Service. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued a final decision for the Kaniksu Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation Project in late December.
Fire academy comes north to train firefighters
While the fire academy has been a staple at North Idaho College's Workforce Training Center for 13 years, the Dec. 12 fire academy graduation marked the first time the course had been held in Bonner County. Firefighters from both Boundary and Bonner County took part, including those volunteering at South Boundary Fire Department.
Reward offered in monk's disappearance
The family of a 64-year-old monk reported missing from a Washington state monastery is offering a reward for information leading to his recovery. Geshe Dadul Namgyal, a senior monk at Sravasti Abbey in Newport, was reported missing after he failed to show up for a buddhist prayer ceremony Nov. 7.
Veterans earn a wide variety of services
Idaho's Veterans Services officers are tasked with helping the state's veterans access the services they have earned.
Bill Hunt: Missing in action; never forgotten
Bill Hunt was 31 when he was last seen alive. Leaning up against a tree, badly wounded, the Special Forces ranger provided cover for a wounded comrade that November in 1966. He never came home. Married with two kids, Hunt had served in the military before but got out after one enlistment to return home to Sandpoint.
Spacepoint set to launch new observatory
Looking up at the night sky, stars are everywhere — seemingly unlimited in their scope. And, just like those stars, the opportunities in the space industry are as unlimited and full of potential, Spacepoint's Kyle Averill said. That, he said, is part of the reason he launched Spacepoint, a new observatory that is located at the University of Idaho's Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center. Launched in March, Spacepoint — a deliberate play on the new non-profit's home base — aims to create both interest in, and a pipeline to, all aspects of the space industry.
McGrane pays visit to local elections office
With local elections just around the corner, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane makes it clear that the system is safe, secure, and ready for Tuesday. McGrane, who toured North Idaho in advance of the Nov. 7 local elections, said the visits allowed him to touch base with county clerks and discuss election operations to ensure they have what they need for Tuesday.
Compassion: 'The Cure for Hate'
It was the face of his newborn daughter, scrunched together, staring up at him in the delivery room, the first thing she saw. That was the catalyst. However, his journey away from extremist ideology and hate groups such as the Aryan Nations evolved over time, Tony McAleer told a crowd of roughly 100 area residents who attended Sunday's screening of "The Cure for Hate".
Veterans' stories, photos sought
To honor our veterans, we are asking for the public's help in honoring these men and women by sharing their photos, stories, and service. If known, please share any awards and recognitions they earned, including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and Congressional Medal of Honor, to name a few.
Reinbold's absence again forces meetings' cancellation
A trio of West Bonner school board meetings were canceled Tuesday morning when Zone 3 trustee Troy Reinbold advised he would be unable to attend. Reinhold's absence, attributed to an unspecified family emergency, caused the cancellation of two special meetings set to interview candidates for two open board seats set for Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 18. The Zone 3 trustee's absence also caused the cancellation of the board's regularly scheduled meeting for October, set for Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Protesters call on city to save trees
Protest anthems played in the background as people danced with willow branches while others stood quietly holding signs calling on the city to halt its plans to cut down trees at Travers Park. Roughly 50-75 people turned out for the protest, held shortly before the city's council meeting and filling the small courtyard at the front of Sandpoint City Hall.
West Bonner OKs vacancies in truncated meeting
Shortly before it was scheduled to start, the West Bonner school board meeting was paused for a phone call. Superintendent Branden Durst and trustees Margy Hall and Carlyn Barton then broke from a huddle near the front of the almost-full room and left the cafeteria.
West Bonner trustee skips meeting
As the clock ticked closer to 6 p.m., the murmuring started as West Bonner County School Board trustee Troy Reinbold's seat remained empty. "Is he here?" someone whispered at a table near the middle of the room? "Is he coming?" asked another. Without Reinhold's presence, the remaining board members of Hall and Carlyn Barton did not constitute a quorum and were forced to cancel the meeting.
WBCSD special meeting prompts concern
A special West Bonner school board meeting set for Wednesday is drawing community concerns as well as that of an attorney representing two Bonner County voters granted a restraining order prohibiting the board from making any decisions that bind the board financially or contractually.
Initial WBCSD forensic audit delayed
SOS non-profit filing draws concern
Initial results from a forensic audit of the West Bonner County School District have been postponed as the auditing firm waits for additional documentation. To prepare the preliminary report, Waldren said the firm needed all data for the audit period of 2018 to 2023 by Aug. 1. However, as of Aug. 25 — the date Eide Bailly planned to deliver the report — some of the data needed had yet to be given to the firm. Also, a Secretary of State filing listing the district as a non-profit has raised concern that some on the WBCSD board are attempting to convert at least part of the district into a charter school. District officials said that is not the case and is merely an effort to move the audit forward.
Durst: WBCSD neutral on recall election
The West Bonner County School District is committed to maintaining a neutral position on an upcoming recall election against two board trustees. The district's stance came in a short press release posted to West Bonner's Facebook page.
Crews continue to fight area fires
Quick response keeps Athol fire in check
A Monday night infrared flight over the Buckskin 2 Fire detected reduced heat than the day before, Idaho Panhandle National Forests officials said Monday.
Fire crews battle area fires
Almost 2,800 acres in the region have been burned in a handful of wildfires, with the largest being the Ridge Creek Fire, roughly 3 1/2 miles east of the northern tip of Hayden Lake. Fire danger in the region is rated as very high to extreme, prompting the implementation of Stage 2 fire restrictions in the state. Under these restrictions, open burning is prohibited, including campfires, stove fires and recreational fires.
Bill would return port hours to pre-pandemic levels
An Idaho congressman has introduced legislation that would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to return all northern ports to pre-pandemic hours.
Fire danger rising quickly in region
As containment of the Consalus Fire increased to 70%, state officials advised that fire danger in most of the state is rated as very high to extreme. As of Tuesday, Idaho Department of Lands crews have fought 166 fires, with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused.