Ellington

Former deputy facing 55 wire fraud counts

Sebero allegedly faked being paraplegic

SANDPOINT - A former Bonner County Sheriff's marine patrol deputy is facing a slew of federal charges in two states for allegedly faking paraplegia and obtaining more than $1 million in Veterans Administration benefits.

SFD studying 'Ledges' options

SAGLE - The Sagle Fire District is mulling its options regarding an embattled hillside housing development at Morton Slough.

City Council passes budget

SANDPOINT — After numerous workshops, the Sandpoint City Council last Wednesday approved a streamlined budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

4-H record books display impressive quality

A few years ago, the Sandpoint Elks Lodge initiated a program to encourage, evaluate and reward the required scholastic elements of all Bonner County 4-H projects, and there are an impressive breadth of projects included in the local 4-H program. This program was very warmly received by the 4-H community and has continued to grow each year since. The quality of record books has gotten noticeably better, young people are striving to win these cash awards, and the number of awards given has nearly doubled in a few short years.

Trial pending over changes at Seasons

SANDPOINT — A woman who backed out of the purchase of a $1 million condominium at The Seasons at Sandpoint is suing the project's developers for allegedly misrepresenting the project's security and density.

Patricia Helen Herman

Patricia Helen Herman, a resident of Walnut Creek, Calif., was born May 9, 1926.

GOP's veep pick has Sandpoint roots

SANDPOINT -  While it might be a stretch to call her a Sandpoint native, newly-minted GOP vice presidential pick Sarah Palin has deep Bonner County roots.

Shane Taylor Scott, 18

Shane Taylor Scott, 18, of Oldtown, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 26, 2008.

Tigers take down Cats

MULLAN - Two freshman quarterbacks got a taste of varsity football on Friday as Clark Fork and Mullan both started first-year signal callers as the Tigers defeated the Wampus Cats 30-6 at John Drager Field.

No injuries after plane's landing gear fails

SANDPOINT -  A Sandpoint pilot and his son escaped injury Friday when the front landing gear on the plane they were in failed after touching down at Sandpoint Airport.

Patrick Edward Lambert, 80

Patrick Edward Lambert, 80, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Bulldogs nearly pull off stunning upset

COEUR d'ALENE - Trailing by 17 points at halftime, a young Sandpoint team put on an impressive second-half showing and nearly snatched a season-opening victory Friday night.

Walk celebrates life while making a difference

Saturday, area residents celebrated life — and the difference — that one person can make when hundreds turned out to walk, bike and wheel their way across the Long Bridge and back.

Coldwater 2Q profit exceeds expectations

SANDPOINT (AP) - Women's apparel retailer Coldwater Creek Inc. said Wednesday that its second-quarter profit tumbled 64 percent, but beat Wall Street's expectations.

Delbert Leon Perry, 96

Delbert Leon Perry, 96, passed away in Moses Lake, Wash., on Aug. 21, 2008. He was a former resident of Bonners Ferry.

NICAN in limbo until court issues decision

SANDPOINT - The North Idaho Community Action Network said it's unclear what the group's next move will be in its lawsuit to thwart the U.S. Highway 95 bypass.

Bulldogs kick off football season against Lake City

SANDPOINT - As season openers go it doesn't get much tougher than tonight, when 4A Sandpoint heads to Coeur d'Alene to take on 5A Lake City, currently ranked No. 2 in the state in the pre-season polls behind Highland.

Festival season in great shape

SANDPOINT — Unlike other festivals across the United States hurt by a slowing economy and $4 a gallon gas, The Festival at Sandpoint is in great shape.

Officials: Fuel tax increase likely next year

Transportation budget shortfall leaves problems

COEUR d'ALENE - With support from the region's chambers of commerce and legislators, it is a good bet that one way or another it will be more expensive to operate a motor vehicle by next year.

Simple cleaning tips put an end to laundry complaints

This has been a very busy week for me. I apologize to the reading public for not being available when calling in with inquiries.

City turns down $77,825 grant

Safe Routes funds would have built crosswalk

SANDPOINT - After much debate, the Sandpoint City Council voted Wednesday to decline a $77,825 grant to build a pedestrian-activated light crossing at Highway 2.

What inspires you the most in the community?

As we go through our lives we are touched by movies, songs, interactions we see or have at the farmers market, time with family, beautiful skies, sparkling waters and the feel of the forests.  Amazingly each is a reflection of that inspiration that lives within our hearts, that deep desire to express, feel, create and manifest.  I am a firm believer that if everyone responded to that call, all areas of our lives and world would be held and created in a rich and vibrant way.

School board OKs charter high school

SANDPOINT - Sandpoint Charter School will be hitting the books hard in the coming months.

Elizabeth Josephine Smith, 91

Elizabeth Josephine Smith, 91, wife and mother, died in Coeur d'Alene, Aug. 15, 2008.

Norm likely received warm welcome in heaven

Well, this is how it might go. Kathy Pelland loops up and yells, "Hey guys, look who's here. It's Norm." Then Janet (Jana) Lake Weaver breaks into that beautiful, knowing smile and says, "Well that's good. Now someone can help us with these yard sale signs." As they walk over to give Norm reassuring hugs, around the corner walks Pete Feierabend. Squinting, one eye open, Feierabend puts his arm over Norm's shoulder and says, "Stormin' Norman, you're going to like this place. Let me give you a tour. Then maybe we can work on the tree house. You won't believe the view."As always, Norm's smiling and loved everywhere he goes.

9th Circuit lifts injunction on U.S. 95 project

NICAN says fighting anything but over

SANDPOINT - The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order Wednesday lifting an injunction holding up construction of the Highway 95 bypass

Wilma Irene Page, 90

Wilma Irene Page, 90, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.

Hopefully, byway ruling will end the fighting

With a one-paragraph decision issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, Idaho's most expensive - and most dissected -  highway project received the green light.

Accused murderer ordered hospitalized

SANDPOINT - Accused murderer Keith Allen Brown is unfit to proceed in the first-degree murder case pending against him, a district judge ruled on Monday.

Hallmark announces same-sex wedding cards

Most states don't recognize gay marriage - but now Hallmark does.

Council's vote increases danger for pedestrians

Heartsick, appalled, disappointed. And scared. Wednesday, August 27, Sandpoint City Council voted 4-2 to, in essence, turn down a grant to make it safe for pedestrians and bicycles crossing Highway 2 at Michigan. Pedestrians have been hit by vehicles here and the public schools named it as the greatest danger point for their students walking or cycling to school.

Life Skills NW announces inaugural golf event

On Friday, September 19, Life Skills NW will be conducting their inaugural fund-raising golf event. The beautiful Priest Lake Golf Course will be the site of this four-person scramble format.

John Brian Baker, 56

John Brian Baker, 56, of Long Beach, Calif., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, while visiting his family in Sagle, Idaho.

Elks host Patriotic Scramble golf tourney

SANDPOINT — The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Sandpoint Lodge No. 1376, hosted the first ever Patriotic Scramble to benefit Vietnam Veterans last Sunday.

Harsh winters can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin condition that is characterized by rough, flaky skin and severe dry patches, with symptoms often worsening in harsh winter climates like ours.

Marina plan sees little resistance

SANDPOINT - A proposal to develop a private marina on Lake Pend Oreille at Trestle Creek sailed through a public hearing Tuesday with almost no resistance.

Bulldogs dominate Bonners Ferry in 4-0 win

SANDPOINT — Two games, two shutouts so far this season for Sandpoint as they blanked visiting Bonners Ferry 4-0 Tuesday in non-league boys soccer action at Centennial Field.

Festival celebrates magical moments, season's success

SANDPOINT — It is hard to tell which was hotter at the Festival of Sandpoint this year — the acts on stage or the weather.

Yolande M. Pilard, 74

Yolande M. Pilard, 74, of Priest River, Idaho, died Aug. 21, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Program helps students prepare for school

SANDPOINT — Wesley Smith, 9, now knows creating garagantuan bubbles takes 10 parts water to one part dish soap.

Frances Marie Pearson, 89

Frances Marie Pearson, 89, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Gregg Gow honored with Bronze Star

SANDPOINT — Air Force special agent and Hope native Gregg Gow is a walking example of what it means to be cool under fire, and his steady hand and excellent judgment recently earned the 32-year-old a Bronze Star, one of the nation’s highest honors.

Sound off against proposed strip mine

I am strongly opposed to this proposed strip mine project — file C898-07 in the Bonner County Planning Department. Although the applicant tries to give the impression that somehow this project is necessary, there is an existing pit a half mile away and equally handy that is not only capable of producing all the material needed for highway expansion but has the added advantages of:

Report errs on housing totals

SANDPOINT — New figures compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and released by the Idaho Department of Labor grossly underestimate housing growth in Bonner County.

Jeanette M. 'Jan' Kice

Former Sandpoint, Idaho, resident Jeanette M. “Jan” Kice passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2008, at home in Port Townsend, Wash., of complications from rheumatoid arthritis.

Herbicide treatments pushed back

SANDPOINT — Herbicide treatments in the Pend Oreille this week are on hold again, Bonner County officials said on Monday.

Picture was humorous and not distasteful

In response to the letter, about the 'distasteful photo' showing the Sandpointer Sisters’ picture that was published on the back page , we found it to be humorous, and worthy of publication.

Harvest invasive weed to create bio-diesel

I’ve read a lot in your online newspaper about the milfoil problem in Lake Pend Oreille. It seems to me that you ought to be talking about harvesting the weed. The bio-diesel you could make would power the harvester. The residue is good as mulch, compost or maybe animal feed.

Foes urge judges to put brakes on Sand Creek bypass

SEATTLE (AP) — The major north-south road through the resort town of Sandpoint, Idaho, can be a nightmare in summer months, with a series of 90-degree turns crammed with logging trucks, RVs and pedestrians.

Great Northern Road brought down to area standards

Congratulations to the city of Sandpoint’s road department for its wonderful improvement of Great Northern Road. It used to be just pockmarked with potholes. It has currently been brought up to true North Idaho road standards. Not only do we have the potholes, now there is washboard, ruts and dust.

24 Hours for Hank bike ride coming up

SANDPOINT — 24 Hours for Hank, a day-long bike ride to help find a cure for cystinosis, will take place in Sandpoint on Sept. 6, at 11 a.m.

Elgar wants what is best for the community

Political wrangling among politicians has been an age old pastime since the second presidential election of John Adams over Thomas Jefferson in 1797 (Washington went unopposed). Without sounding too Orwellian, the advent of television has inundated our lives with the mass overflow of election propaganda. The time has come again where our thought processes become congested with each political crest of persuasive electromagnetic energy.

Facility isn't needed in Bonner County

While there is a definite need for a new juvenile facility, there is no such need for a 60-bed work release center. Calling this a work release center is a misnomer; sounds like they are proposing a maximum security jail.

Replace sign or face prosecution under law

To the person who destroyed the political sign on my property:

Ponderay OKs child care law

PONDERAY — Even before taking the oath of office as Ponderay’s mayor, Carol Kunzeman knew she wanted to do something to help protect local children.

Trestle Creek marina plan resurfaces

SANDPOINT — A plan to develop a private marina on Lake Pend Oreille at Trestle Creek will be the subject of a public hearing on Tuesday at Sandpoint Community Hall.

Federal appeals court hears bypass case

A ruling from bench is not anticipated

SANDPOINT — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments Monday in the North Idaho Community Action Network’s federal lawsuit over the Sandpoint bypass.

Readers deserve better than distasteful photo

We have lived in Sandpoint since 1990. One of the things we really enjoy about living here is getting up every morning and reading the Daily Bee. It’s refreshing to read a paper than has such a down-to-earth local flavor, community news, highlighting our fine youth and wholesome content.

Mistaken signs of 'rapture' strained relations in Alabama community

Folks, I want to tell you a story about something that happened in my little farming-coal mining community in Alabama. It took place when I was about 8 years old. However, before I say that, I need to fill you in on what I will be talking about: sin, guilt, forgiveness and the consequences thereof will be the subject matter.

'A lot of people just think you're crazy'

Grandmothers skydive at festival in Montana

CLARK FORK — Did you hear the one about the two great-grandmothers and the grandma who went skydiving?

JD Lumber lays off employees

PRIEST RIVER — An untold number of lumber workers are waking up this morning without a job after JD Lumber announced it was laying off its second shift, effective immediately.

First-ever CHaFE 150 bike event empowers riders - and kids

SANDPOINT — For Sandpoint resident Brad Williams, worlds collided when he brought together his passion for biking, a fond recollection of childhood summers spent in the picturesque Bull Lake region of Montana, and a genuine concern that local school kids get a high quality education.

Gypsy Bay subdivision gets county approval

SANDPOINT — A reconfigured proposal to develop a subdivision on the Pend Oreille River at Gypsy Bay was unanimously approved Wednesday by Bonner County commissioners.

NLI alleges Dover Bay encroached on its easement

SANDPOINT — A Sagle-based utility cooperative intends to seek a default judgment against the developer of a waterfront housing project for allegedly constructing a pool and spa within a power line easement.

Round the Lake 2008 on Saturday

SANDPOINT — Attention area cycling enthusiasts: It’s not too late to sign up for the 100-mile Round the Lake 2008 bike ride, which benefits a new program called Recycle-A-Bike.

Robert W. Jakeway, 67

Robert W. Jakeway, 67, passed away at his home north of Sandpoint, Idaho.

Sidewalks, conflict dominate Sandpoint council agenda

SANDPOINT — The City Council tackled a full agenda Wednesday, including yet another slate of sidewalk-related issues, at its long — and at times cantankerous — meeting.

POAC lowers ticket prices for all shows

Board moves to keep arts affordable for local families

SANDPOINT — With the cost of living climbing ever upward, the Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) has decided that local audiences shouldn’t have to choose between gas, groceries and good entertainment.

4-H'ers steer way to animal market sale

SANDPOINT — Beef, it’s what’s for dinner.

Leaving your mess behind is wrong

What a nice present the person with their horse shared with us — again — at Shepherd Lake on Aug. 17.

Silver, gold prices take slight hit from dollar

WALLACE — As the dollar has begun to regain market value in the last couple of weeks, silver prices have slowly receded a bit from their near-record form earlier this spring.

Why not keep crosswalk signs up all year long?

If you are accepting a menu of complaints, here is mine:

Why is Iowa being treated different than other areas?

Has anyone else experienced pictures of the flooding devastation in Iowa? Not the news glimpses where corn field are rotting in a foot of water, but rather the shots where a dozen two-story homes are piled up against bridges in river currents, and downtown skyscrapers whose bottom three levels are submerged. Comparing this disaster to a similar one, say Katrina or Rita, it raises a few questions.

Louis Norman Smith, 60

After a knockdown dragout battle against cancer, artist, teacher, adventurer and blizzard walker Louis Norman Smith rocketed himself out of here at midnight on Aug. 18, 2008.

Order pending in PL murder case

SANDPOINT — A raft of defense motions to suppress evidence in the first-degree murder case against Keith Allen Brown will remain on hold until the defendant’s fitness to proceed is determined.

Paul F. Perry

Lifelong resident, Paul F. Perry, passed away quietly at home on August 18, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

Center receives $7,500 grant

Staff writer

Carol J. Kowalski

Former Anchorage, Alaska, resident, Carol J. Kowalski died Aug. 16, 2008, following a short illness in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Few strikes after storm

SANDPOINT — Firefighters generally expect the worst from lightning storms, however, local officials say Monday night’s storm was fairly mild.

Sandpointer Sisters finish 190-mile race

SANDPOINT — Braving heat, hills, sleep deprivation and 190 miles of running, the Sandpointer Sisters accomplished what they set out to do last weekend — finish the inaugural Spokane to Sandpoint team relay and have a great time.

Community fair focuses spotlight on health, fitness

We marked a big milestone in the Metz household this past weekend as my stepson, Evan, celebrated his 16th birthday. Evan chose to celebrate by having friends over for a day-on-the-lake party. As Jeff and I spent the afternoon watching this group of teenage boys swim and inner-tube with seemingly endless energy, I was reminded once again of how important good health is to our overall well-being.

School projects moving closer

PONDERAY — As early as Thursday, attorneys could begin work on a contract with an architectural firm for additional classrooms at two Lake Pend Oreille School District schools.

Get fired up about chimney maintenance

As we rapidly speed toward fall and winter, chimney maintenance comes to mind. Now is the best time to clean your chimney because your roof is dry and generally easy to walk on.

Debate smoldering in work-release proposal

SANDPOINT — The need — or lack thereof — for a work-release center in Bonner County continues to be hotly debated in the court of law and public opinion.

Samuels explosion lawsuit dismissed

No reason for dismissal offered

SANDPOINT — Four people injured in a propane explosion at a Samuels home in 2006 have dropped their product liability lawsuit against the makers of a water heater and gas-control valve implicated in the bast.

Hazel A. Wilson, 91

Hazel A. Wilson, 91, passed way in Kootenai, Idaho, on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008.

BF company eyes downtown project

BONNERS FERRY — A local company would like to build a $3 million to $5 million development with retail space and a restaurant on Bonners Ferry’s Main Street.

Don't take away right to vote on proposed facility

Attn: Judge Charles Hosack,

Let us have our bypass before it's too late

Bypass opponents are narcissistic and greedy elitists. Your concerns are not for our community.

Vehicle crashes dip slightly in Bonner County

SANDPOINT — The number of fatality and injury crashes in Bonner County declined slightly in 2007, according to an annual report compiled by the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Operations & Safety.

Encoder hands out service awards

SAGLE — Encoder Products Company’s service award recipients gathered at the Encoder golf course following the company’s annual meeting last week.

H. LuVerne McDaniel, 55

H. LuVerne McDaniel, 55, passed away at her home in Trestle Creek, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.

Woodruff's support is greatly appreciated

Over the last 18 summers I have been selling my fruits and vegetables at the Sandpoint Farmer’s Market. As part of that group I have had the chance to work with both park directors over the years working out contracts and details to keep the market operating in Farmin Park.

Sidewalk grant raises questions

SANDPOINT — A proposed project to build sidewalks on several blocks of Michigan Street is again raising questions about the city’s responsibility to communicate with its residents and business owners.

JD workers to get retraining assistance

Priest River mill to close its doors at end of September

PRIEST RIVER — Times are about to get tough for lumber mill workers. So it’s time for the Department of Labor to get going.

Crapo calls for diverse energy policy

SANDPOINT — America has a tough road ahead when it comes to federal transportation funding and sorting out the country’s energy woes, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo said last week.

A few thoughts on various topics

Kudos to the Sandpoint Police Department for their pedestrian safety program. Now, if they could only take a 2-by-4 to some of the pedestrians, such as the two teenagers crossing against the red light and trying to make me stop in the middle of the intersection at Second and Cedar.

Rita Rogers

Rita Rogers passed away on July 24, 2008 in Montesano, Wash. She was born on Dec. 27, 1948, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Wilber “Barney” Dreier and Lorraine Caswell Dreier.

Sex offender waives preliminary hearing

SANDPOINT — The owner of a defunct Sandpoint eatery is scheduled to be arraigned next month for failing to register as a sex offender.

Share your garden's fruits with the less fortunate

It is August, the month of summer harvests, and many of our gardens are bursting with more vegetables, berries, and fruits than we can consume, can or freeze.  Please do not let these precious food items go to waste.

Clare Theolinda Russell, 100

Clare Theolinda Russell passed away Aug. 10, 2008, in Lynnwood, Wash., at age 100.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at Kenmore Community Club, 7304 NE 175th St., Kenmore, WA 98028.   

Mary Lee Piatt , 80

Mary Lee Piatt passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, in Bakersfield, Calif., at the age of 80.

Lifeguards in short supply

City warns beach will not be staffed on some days

SANDPOINT — The blistering summer sun has swimmers packing City Beach, but there may not be enough lifeguards to greet them due to a lifeguard shortage.

Leadership Sandpoint accepting applicants

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for Leadership Sandpoint 2009.

Thinkin' about labels makes one question 'progress'

I was walking through a grocery store and happened to notice some of the labels on various merchandise. Words like, improved, better, stronger, and fresher were splashed on many of the items.

Elnora L. (Howard) Cook, 91

Family and friends are invited to share in a memorial celebration of life for Elnora L. (Howard) Cook, 91, at noon on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Sandpoint City Beach pavilion. Lunch will be provided.  

Bypass permit fight could land in supreme court

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint marina owner challenging an encroachment permit for the U.S. Highway 95 bypass is preparing to take his case to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Imogene E. Gee, 79

Imogene E. Gee, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Department of Labor offers assistance to JD Lumber workers

Department of Labor offers assistance to JD Lumber workers

Fire chiefs call for county to adopt IFC

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Fire Chiefs Association is again appealing to county commissioners to fold the International Fire Code into local land-use regulations.

Dahlia fans blooming in area

SANDPOINT — You have to really love dahlias to grow them.

Faith Walk takes woman around country's perimeter

SANDPOINT — Walking 5,692 miles is no easy task. Walking 5,692 miles after having your leg amputated just below the knee takes uncommon determination.

Ouida M. Russell, 88

Ouida M. Russell, 88, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2008.

Ledges wins board approval

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners approved a contested hillside development at Morton Slough on a 2-1 vote on Wednesday.

Walt Minnick is a stealth Democrat

I am curious as to whether others have noticed an oddity in Idaho congressional representative candidate Walt Minnick’s TV and radio ads. Nowhere in them does Minnick confess to being a Democrat. While seeming to espouse traditional Idaho and Republican values, such as business, hunting, and gun ownership, the irony that Democrats are the mortal enemies of such values may be lost by some who view or hear the ads for his candicacy.

Idaho Club opening brings back 'Hidden' memories

Sometime in the mid-1980s (my memory and my hair are seemingly fading at an equal rate), I rode around with Jim Berry as he gave me a tour of a dream of a golf course in the Pack River Flats outside Sandpoint called Hidden Lakes.

Crosswalk program designed to increase pedestrian safety

Crosswalk program designed to increase pedestrian safety

Idaho Club swings as course unveiled

Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus takes inaugural swings

SANDPOINT — He envisioned it, designed it, helped sculpt it, tweaked it, and finally on Wednesday, the Golden Bear got to give it his stamp of approval by playing it.

Glenn McFarland, 89

Glenn McFarland, 89, a longtime community and political activist, passed away at his home in Clark Fork, Idaho, on Aug. 6, 2008.

Crosswalk safety effort under way

SANDPOINT — For pedestrians, crossing downtown streets during the summer tourism season is reminiscent of a live-action version of the classic video game Frogger.

Americans are concerned about the 'three Es'

It’s the economy, environment and employment that are of concern to the average American.

Sullivan Homes still in business

Idaho company not affected by Washington firm’s woes

SANDPOINT — Todd Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Homes Idaho, has been busy fielding calls about the financial status of his company after several news sources reported that Sullivan Homes, Inc. had become a casualty of America’s housing crisis.

Delmer H. 'Bubby' Forell

Delmer H. “Bubby” Forell passed away Aug. 11, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Road funding among Otter's top priorities

COEUR d’ALENE — When Idaho Gov. Butch Otter first took office as the lieutenant governor in 1987, the economy was bleak.

Bonner milfoil program gaining strength

Program benefiting from technological advances, science

SANDPOINT — Leading-edge technology and established scientific methods are converging in Bonner County’s battle against Eurasian milfoil.

Local team competing in 190-mile relay run

SANDPOINT — This weekend figures to be rife with adventure, fun and plenty of running — more than seven marathons, actually — for a dozen local women participating in the 190-mile Spokane to Sandpoint team relay race.

Cancer statistics prove importance of early detection

Bonner General Hospital has now begun offering digital mammography services. Since I first wrote about the upcoming launch of this service two weeks ago, our diagnostic imaging department has received countless phone calls and inquiries. It is so gratifying to see this sort of response, as it helps to confirm that we’re meeting an important healthcare need of the women in our community.

Musicians take act to pub after storm

Staff writer

Sandpoint's Jeff Smith nabs top 10 overall finish

COEUR d’ALENE — 10 Sandpoint-area athletes completed the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon on Saturday, highlighted by the 8th place overall finish of Sandpoint’s Jeff Smith, who clocked a 2:05.12.

Mankind not to blame for global warming

With the advent of $4-plus gas prices, it is time to put the blame where it belongs. The two primary organizations responsible are the political environmentalists and the Congress.

Detention expansion plan in court's hands

SANDPOINT — Bonner County’s $10 million plan to expand detention facilities without a tax hike or vote of the people is in the hands of a district judge.

Field burning season begins on reservation

Daily burns expected over the next month

BENEWAH COUNTY — The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Smoke Management Program said 140 acres of bluegrass fields were burned on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation Monday as the field burning season kicked off.

Disappointed about theft

I have always been proud of Sandpoint. I felt people were honest — until July 30.

Liberals rewriting U.S. Constitution

I was amused last week reading the letter by Michael Pinchera who called for the impeachment of President Bush.

Watchdog cynicism grows tiring

Last night I was wakened by the sound of coyotes yipping and yapping coming through the back window. Soon the sound of a neighbor’s dog responding to this intrusion could be heard out the front window.

Dale Jeffres deserves "Nice Guy Award"

I was so happy when I learned Dale Jeffres had earned the Nice Guy Award in the Best of Bonner County balloting. I really like him and I think he deserves it.

Lumber town in limbo

With closing of JD Lumber Mill, Priest River faces uncertain future

PRIEST RIVER — Hardworking. Tight knit. Loyal. And, worthy of second acknowledgment: hardworking. That’s how the small town Priest River residents describe themselves.

Plea deal pondered in murder case

SANDPOINT — A plea agreement could be reached in the first-degree murder and felony theft case pending against Tyrah Brea Brown.

GOP seeks gold standard

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Republicans are climbing aboard a growing wing of the GOP by calling for the abolition of the Federal Reserve.

Gralow places 37th at national meet

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Sandpoint swimmer Paulina Gralow was thrilled with her swim Thursday at the 2008 Speedo Junior National Championships in the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.

City: Opinion ends sidewalk proposal

SANDPOINT — Following the Idaho Attorney General’s opinion on the contentious 2008 Local Improvement District, several council members say they doubt the city will revisit the issue.

Study: Idahoans pay big tax burden

Residents pay average of 10.1 percent of income to state and local taxes

Idaho has one of the lowest per-capita income rates in the country.

Jimmy's Bar-B-Q opens in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Nothing embodies summertime more than barbecuing, so its fitting that Jimmy's Bar-B-Q is choosing to open its doors for the first time in the heart of summer.

Jennestad tells tale of father's journey from Sweden to Sandpoint

(A few years ago, while working with Erik Daarstad filming the Sandpoint centennial movie, I had the opportunity to visit Edith Jennestad in her home. While there, I asked her to tell me how her father and mother had come to Sandpoint. Here, in her own words, with some editing due to space limitations, is what she shared with me.)

Board tables wake-zone plan

SANDPOINT — Bonner County’s Waterways Advisory Committee tabled a decision Thursday on a proposed no-wake zone at Garfield Bay to study its cost and potential configuration.

'World's Toughest Biathlon' yields two finishe

Duo complete Long Bridge Swim and run to Schweitzer on same day

SANDPOINT — So just what does one do upon finishing the self-proclaimed "World's Toughest Biathlon?"

Award honors Quest Aircraft

Firm improves production, adds manufacturing jobs

SANDPOINT — It takes 5,000 parts for Quest Aircraft Co. to build one Kodiak airplane.

Groups partner to lower suicide rate

POCATELLO — The Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health is partnering with local organizations statewide to reduce the suicide rate in Idaho.

AG: Sidewalk reimbursement illegal

SANDPOINT — An Idaho deputy attorney general is recommending that the city not reimburse landowners who installed sidewalks prior to the demise of a local improvement district which would have taxed property owners for the improvements.

Dona Mae Meehan, 73

Dona Mae Meehan, 73, retired music teacher, passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, in Hope, Idaho.

Thomas Edward DeMers, 79

Thomas Edward DeMers, 79, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Thursday July 31, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at his home in Ponderay, Idaho.

Harry Thomas Roberson, 81

Harry Thomas Roberson, 81, passed away at his home on Bottle Bay on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008.

P&Z digging deeper into gravel pit plan

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission is taking a deeper look at a controversial surface mine proposal at the Kootenai County line.

Studied decisions, without motives, respected

A person who has studied the byway issue and has come to an honest, independent stand on the matter, for or against, I have no problem with. I hope this is the case for the author of the Aug. 3 guest opinion. I have studied what I can about the byway and came to a conclusion, with no ulterior motive, that it is the best possible solution for the north-south transportation problem, couple with the planner inter-community project.

Board rejects church rezone

SANDPOINT — A Dover-based developer's plan to rezone St. Joseph's Catholic Church from residential to commercial hit a snag Tuesday when the planning commission recommended the City Council deny the request.

Annual barbecue 'Bodacious' fun

HOPE — It is all about great food, great music and a very good cause. The Memorial Community Center in Hope is celebrating its 25th anniversary.  

Treatments on hold due to flows

SANDPOINT —  Herbicide treatments of Eurasian milfoil infestations in the Pend Oreille River are being postponed until next month because of high water flows.

City Beach VB tourney deadline extended

The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation department is proud to present a beach volleyball tournament, Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24 at the City Beach sand volleyball courts. The tournament will be 3-on-3 coed (you choose the combination). Cost is $75 per team, which includes swag and a shirt. There are a limited number of spots in the tournament so sign up early to guarantee your spot in the tournament.

Greenley wins SISNA women's race

SANDPOINT — A record 148 cyclists participated in the 8th season of the SISNA Mountain Bike Ride Series, which ended last week.

Embrace, not discourage, alternate P.E. proposal

I have been a teacher for 15 years, and hope to never proclaim myself "expert" in several matters. However I taught Galen MacDonald who is not on the road to adult obesity, whose skills in working within a team serve him very well, and who is well-rounded in his understanding of self-care. The question is whether actualizing the intention of a P.E. curriculum in one's own life can meet the needs of the public system.

Discussion needed on how to tackle hard topics

The letter to the editor (Aug. 5) by Laurinda Nosiglia highlights a systemic problem that the mayor and council should address. She said that a neighbor complained to the city that her car sticks out from her driveway and obstructs the public sidewalk in front of her house. Ms. Nosiglia finds the manner of such complaints offensive and reminiscent of how citizens behave in a police state.  

Outdated facility costing the county's taxpayers

The current juvenile detention facility is an old house that has been remodeled and added to over the years. It is currently in need of maintenance, including a new roof, and is inadequate to serve an ever-growing Bonner County. This Model T is never going to become the SUV that is needed.

Former Craig staffer appointed temporary NIC VP

COEUR d'ALENE — John Martin, former regional director for U.S. Sen. Larry Craig's North Idaho office, has been appointed on temporary assignment to serve as the vice president for community relations at North Idaho College.

Irene Hulda 'Granny' Parker, 79

Irene Hulda "Granny" Parker, 79. passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008.

Time better spent fixing problems than on spying

I live on the corner of Michigan and Saint Clair. A distant neighbor, Molly O'Reilly, recently photographed my license plate and sent it along with a complaint to both the mayor and police chief.

Festival named chamber's top business for August

SANDPOINT — The Festival at Sandpoint was named Business of the Month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Community's support earns heart-felt thanks

To our Sandpoint community:

Roger William Hodel

Roger William Hodel, born July 25, 1949, was taken from us in a tragic motorcycle accident, on Highway 95 at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.

These handy 'tricks' help make cleaning a real treat

In this week's article I will discuss another eight great "Tricks of the Trade."

Month calls attention to importance of immunization

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), designed to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Outdated facility costing the county's taxpayers

The current juvenile detention facility is an old house that has been remodeled and added to over the years. It is currently in need of maintenance, including a new roof, and is inadequate to serve an ever-growing Bonner County. This Model T is never going to become the SUV that is needed.

After years of planning, Zip's Drive-In opens Sandpoint location

SANDPOINT — After 15 years of waiting for the stars to align, Michael Boge finally opened a Zip’s Drive-In in Sandpoint.

Time better spent fixing problems than on spying

I live on the corner of Michigan and Saint Clair. A distant neighbor, Molly O’Reilly, recently photographed my license plate and sent it along with a complaint to both the mayor and police chief.

Gralow earns spot at national swim championship

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint High School swimming phenom Paulina Gralow became the first Sandpoint  resident ever to qualify for a national swimming championship, securing a spot in this week’s 2008 Speedo Junior National Championships in Minneapolis, Minn.

Access improves at Lighting Creek

CLARK FORK — Access restrictions are easing in the southern portion of the flood-stricken Lightning Creek drainage.

Community's support earns heart-felt thanks

To our Sandpoint community:

Officials: Town's future bleak

Even Priest River's government acknowledges the town's future looks bleak with the closing of JD Lumber.

JD Lumber closing down in September

Mill employs more than 200 people

PRIEST RIVER — Just like a tremor ripples through California after an earthquake, the news of JD Lumber closing spread quickly throughout Priest River and hit residents hard.

Train derailment strands Amtrak passengers after track closed

LIBBY, Mont. — Dozens of Amtrak passengers found themselves stranded in Libby on Monday morning thanks to a train derailment on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad line.

Do something before we are nation of past

We have a Democrat who sounds like a Marxist and a Republican who sounds more like a liberal as our choices for president. We are saddled with high gas prices which have led to high food prices, high travel costs, high taxes, etc.

Man's numbers placing demand on resources

Earth’s cache of energy resources are limited, with the exception of wind and solar. I doubt if the powers that be imagined that mankind would be imbecilic enough to overpopulate the planet to the point of her present inevitable demise. My question would be: Do the yet to be conceived have the same right to life?

More claims filed oversidewalks

18 residents want city reimbursement

SANDPOINT — Eighteen more property owners filed claims against the city to recover money they spent building sidewalks in advance of the now-defunct 2008 Local Improvement District.

TD's track record raises concerns with byway

Re Judge Mitchell’s rejection of Ralph Sletager’s construction hazard suit (against ITD’s propose byway project for lack of evidence).

Permit hearing on quarry Tuesday

SANDPOINT — A conditional use permit on a controversial rock quarry goes before Bonner County commissioners Tuesday.

Betty Lou Gordon Towles

Betty Lou Gordon Towles made her transition peacefully on May 27, 2008, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Wash.

Local wakeboarder wins Butter Stomp

SANDPOINT — Breaking off a host of tricks — some with names like the Hoochie Glide, Crow Mobe and Whirlybird — Sandpoint’s Chad Hecker won first place in the open division of the third annual Butter Stomp Competition last weekend in Ione, Wash.

Dover investigation paints picture of a council divided

SANDPOINT — A six-month investigation into the inner workings of Dover’s city government found no criminal behavior, but the resulting 427-page report compiled by the Idaho Attorney General’s office paints a picture on an office divided.

Baptism's fireworks left a lasting impression

Last week, I told you all about Parson Jack’s bush arbor meeting held yearly at the little coal mining community in Alabama where I was born.

24 hour bike ride to benefit Cystinosis

SANDPOINT — 24 Hours for Hank, a day-long bike ride to help find a cure for Cystinosis, will take place in Sandpoint on Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. Solo riders and teams up to four people will see how many miles they can ride in 24 hours. Teams will ride for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for Cystinosis research and Hank’s future.

Nordeen 'Skinny' Iverson, 99

Nordeen “Skinny” Iverson, 99, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Friday, July 18, 2008.

Artwork donated to Filling Station Youth Center

Paintings will be sold to help complete facility

CLARK FORK — An anonymous benefactor recently donated four antique paintings, two watercolors and two oils, to the Filling Station Youth Center.

Carrier retires after 35 years on job

Staff writer