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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
Porthill POE will keep expanded hours
Risch criticizes decision, calls for hours to return to pre-pandemic levels
The Porthill port of entry is among those that will keep its expanded hours after an analysis by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which had temporarily lengthened hours at six ports of entry this spring, including the Idaho POE. "After a thorough analysis of the data, CBP is announcing its decision on the permanent hours at these ports of entry," officials said in a Wednesday press release.
Pair: Recall about politics, not kids
An upcoming recall is a partisan attempt to oust conservative politicians from office, according to pair of West Bonner County School District board trustees. The comments are part of written rebuttals submitted to the county clerk's office by WBCSD board chairman Keith Rutledge and vice chair Susan Brown as they prepare for an Aug. 29 recall election. Residents in western Bonner County launched the recall drive in mid-June, following increasingly contentious board meetings after the board mulled selling Priest River Middle School and Branden Durst, a former policy analyst with the Idaho Freedom Foundation, was announced as a superintendent finalist.
Crews continue to fight area fires
Bit by bit, fire crews fighting a pair of local fires are gaining ground over the wildfires.
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.
Dig strikes gas line, prompts evacuation
A dig near a home on Wells Street hit an Avista gas service line and forced the evacuation of an unknown number of customers in the area around the home. Avista Utilities officials said the company became aware at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, that a customer in the 7500 block of Wells Street experienced a disruption in their natural gas service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Volunteer 'guards' prompt outrage at WBCSD meeting
The controversy started before the meeting even began. Saying online threats placed the board in danger, a half-dozen or so volunteers were escorted into the superintendent's office at the behest of West Bonner County School Board Chairman Keith Rutledge. As three to four dozen people waited on the sidewalks outside the school district office, and at least another dozen lined the hallway to the board meeting room, Rutledge engaged in a mostly civil, albeit sometimes loudly contentious exchange about the volunteer guards.
High court upholds Festival firearm ban
The Idaho Supreme Court unanimously affirmed a lower court decision on a four-year lawsuit challenging a ban on firearms during the Festival at Sandpoint’s summer music series. "This appeal concerns whether a private party that leases public property from an Idaho municipality may govern those who come and go from its property during the lease," Justice John R. Stegner wrote for the court. "The short answer is yes." The ruling, which was issued Thursday morning, affirmed a First District Court ruling that found the Festival at Sandpoint has the right to set rules for those entering Memorial Field during the two weeks it leases the field for the summer music series. Among those requirements is a ban on attendees possessing weapons inside the venue.
Scott escorted out of 'volatile’ board meeting
A state legislator was escorted from a contentious West Bonner County School Board meeting to defuse tensions, according to Priest River Police. Held at a packed Priest River Junior High School auditorium, the meeting was scheduled to discuss a contract with Branden Durst, a senior policy analyst with the Idaho Freedom Foundation who was hired June 7 to lead the district.
Newport hospital reopens birthing center
The new birthing center hadn't been open long when the Newport hospital got its first customer. The center, which was celebrated at a brief grand reopening ceremony, opened June 1 after closing in 2022. "Most rural hospitals are choosing to close their obstetrics units, but through the commitment of our board and our teams, we are choosing to keep this service in the community," Merry-Ann Keane, Newport Hospital and Health Services CEO, said.
Durst selected as new WBCSD superintendent
Saying change was needed to steer a troubled district, the West Bonner County School District voted 3-2 to hire an Idaho Freedom Foundation policy analyst as its new superintendent. The position would be the first school district administrative position for Branden Durst, who was selected over longtime Priest River educator and administrator Susie Luckey.
Faire brings Renaissance to life
Annual event taking place this weekend
The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire features everything from music, magic, dancing and comedy to combat, feasting, and aerial arts. Held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the sixth annual event is being held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Road. A jousting tournament, featuring the Epona Equestrian Team, will take place at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., both days. In addition, faire organizers said there will be performances by mar=gicians, comedy and more.
Lost mushroom picker found safe
A lost mushroom picker was safely located Saturday morning, according to Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer. Bourathaphon Inthanthanya had been reported missing early Wednesday evening when he did not arrive at an agreed-upon destination to meet with the rest of his foraging group.
101 birthdays — and counting
Even as a youngster, Darrell Ewing didn't spend much time inside. On the go, hanging out with friends, he rarely was found indoors. It was a great place to grow up, the 101-year-old former Bonners Ferry resident said at a party in his honor at Second Avenue Pizza on his birthday on Tuesday.
DNA technology solves 41-year-old mystery
Montana woman identified
( ▶️ Audio story available.) Mildred Hubertz was 59 when she went missing from St. Ignatius, Mont., in 1968. In November 1982, hunters near Newport, Wash., — an almost four-hour drive from the small town 40 miles from Missoula — found a partial human skull in a remote wooded area north of the small Pend Oreille County community. Friday, Pend Oreille County officials announced the skull was Mildred's — a discovery they said was made possible through investigative genetic genealogy.
A year later, David is 'a walking miracle'
Was critically injured by driver who ran red light
A year after an accident almost claimed his life, his family can't help but be thankful for David Rachels, now 20, is doing. A year on from the March 16, 2022, accident which left him critically injured, David Rachels has pretty much recovered. He is driving, hanging out with friends, playing games on the computer, and has a new job at Kodiak. Thanks to his helmet, he suffered no long-term cognitive effects from the accident despite experiencing a stroke days after the crash, his mother Jessica Rachels told the Daily Bee.
Deputy rescues elderly woman from river
An elderly woman was rescued from the Pend Oreille River after her vehicle ended up in the water near the Oldtown boat launch early Saturday morning.