Monday, March 31
Are chemicals right approach for lake?
As a busy single mother of three young children, I am writing on behalf of myself and the many people I know who just can't find the time to write a similar letter. This summer will be my third as a resident of Sandpoint. My first summer here was before any herbicidal treatments for Eurasian water milfoil were implemented. Many of the same places that I revisited around the lake last summer were less than when I found them that first summer. In a once pristine spot off of Talache Loop Road there was a light brown algae covering all the surfaces of the submerged rock. I also saw as much, if not more of the Eurasian water milfoil plant in the water as before the treatments took place.
Melva 'Dutch' Claudine Divers, 80
Melva “Dutch” Claudine Divers, 80, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home in Kingston, on Saturday, March 29, 2008.
It's time for voters to step up and support schools
Lake Pend Oreille School District voters will again have the opportunity on May 20 to determine what kind of schools they want for their children.
'Most Wanted' fugitive found in Coolin
COOLIN - A California man recently featured on the television show “America's Most Wanted” was apprehended Monday morning in Coolin.
Big business is the big winner in Idaho
A recent Bee headline read, “Committee OKs phase-out of tax on business equipment.”
Holiday is about more than shamrocks, beer
As with many other holidays, most people don't know exactly why it is celebrated. St. Patrick's Day is associated by most with shamrocks, green beer, and leprechauns. This being St. Patrick's Day, I thought to share with you a little about the man behind the holiday. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. When he was a teen, his village was raided by the Irish and he was taken captive for six years in which he was forced to work as a shepherd. Alone in the abandoned hills, he turned to God for comfort and developed a deep, rich relationship with Christ.
Don 'D.J.' Johns, 44
Don D. “D.J.” Johns, 44, of Grants Pass, Ore., died Sunday, March 23, 2008, at Three Rivers Community Hospital.
Paul is only one who cares about people
Big business and the mass media want this country to remain with the “status quo.”
3 cited for riding in closed area
SANDPOINT - Three snowmobile riders were cited March 22 for entering an area closed to snowmobile use just northwest of Priest Lake, according to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Service.
Changes on tap at Gardenia Center
SANDPOINT - The Gardenia Center, a non-denominational spiritual facility that has long been a staple in Sandpoint, is in the process of making substantial changes.
Saturday, March 29
Trials pending in drug cases
SANDPOINT - Trials are pending for at least two suspects accused of growing marijuana in Elmira and a third suspect is sought for arrest after she failed to show at a court hearing.
Thinking about others before you attack
This letter is in response to January Roberts' letter (Feb. 14) “When did we stop thinking about others?”
When does agency's neglect become abuse?
The yearling moose finally died a week after her injuries when Fish & Game and the Bonner County Sheriff's Office neglected the innocent animal and it perished. For a week, neighbors passed the yearling and the school bus drove up and down the road. Each time, everyone would try to look away but they were forced to look directly at her anyway to see how she was doing. Food and water were brought to the side of the road to make her pain a little less.
A little kindness would have gone a long way
A few weeks ago we said good bye to a friend and long-time resident, Virginia Bartlett. Some would say she lived a long and full life (97 years) and all of us would have to agree to that. However, her death was premature and she may have had at least a few more years with us if it had not been for an encounter she had with an individual who was sub-contracted with the city of Sandpoint for its LID sidewalk project.
Depth, variety of issues covered was extensive
The session is winding down and we are working toward this next week being the final week. It appears at this point there will be no proposals to increase taxes to build and maintain our roads this year. Although I don't like raising taxes, I'm concerned that without moving forward in some way we are getting further behind on the much-needed road construction and maintenance needs we have in our area.
Hate will only further poverty, terrorism
Steve Hatcher's recent letter bashing Barack Obama is another disappointing example of the type of prejudice that has divided our country. The Bush administration has used this kind of fear-mongering and anger to take us into an unjust war. A war that is going to end up costing American taxpayers more than we can afford, in debt, lives and the loss of our ability to participate competitively in the global market.
POAC show pieces together regional artists
Correspondent
PAFE, LPOSD partner on SHS counselor
SANDPOINT - About 30 percent of Sandpoint High School graduates go on to attend a four-year college or university, with others attending a two-year college or technical program or beginning a new job.
Friday, March 28
Convicted stalker arrested again
SANDPOINT - A mentally ill Bonner County man on probation for stalking a Sandpoint woman for several years is back in jail for allegedly sending the woman e-mails and leaving her voice messages.
Deep snow taking heavy toll on moose
SANDPOINT - Moose in the Panhandle have good reasons to wear their long faces this winter.
New Cedar Street Bridge Café opens for business
Looking for an excellent coffee or how about creamy, delicious gelato? The new Cedar Street Bridge Café recently opened, and they bring richness to Sandpoint on the newly remodeled Cedar Street Bridge Marketplace.
Take a stroll on city's sidewalks
(Lately, there has been a lot of talk about more and better sidewalks in Sandpoint. The subject has been trod upon from every conceivable direction. Problems have arisen about how wide a space people needed to get where they were going so a concrete decision is yet to be made. I recalled when Erik Daarstad and I interviewed the late Bob Selle for the Sandpoint centennial movie and we found that our city was having a few problems with sidewalks way back then. I decided to share some of that interview with you because it portrays the charm of a small town and it might inspire some to want to replicate the sidewalks of Bob Selle's time. Below, in his own words, Bob gives us a peek at a young person's Sandpoint of yesteryear and the ever present sidewalk.)
Preacher resisting jury duty briefly jailed
SANDPOINT - A Bonner County man who is ducking jury duty because he considers it a form of slavery was arrested for earlier this month for defying a court's order.
Bulldogs drop two in Boise
BOISE - The Sandpoint softball team bounced back from a rough showing in Lewiston to hold their own against some tough competition from Boise Friday at the Idaho Sporting Goods Tournament.
Hess leads Cat golfers
CLARK FORK - With no home course this year to practice on and weather wreaking havoc on any notion of outdoor golf, the Clark Fork golf teams are eager to get the season started and see if they can't get a couple players to state.
Thursday, March 27
Christina McLinden, 35
Christina McLinden, 35, of Manhattan, Mont., passed away on March 24, 2008.
LPOSD to cut 33 positions
SANDPOINT - Lake Pend Oreille School District Supt. Dick Cvitanich and Brian Smith, local teachers union representative, are making the rounds to area schools related to positions that will be cut beginning July 1.
Community's support means world to Arlo's owners
SANDPOINT - For most restaurateurs, the experience of seeing your business in charred rubble would be demoralizing, but for Tom and Lisa Guscott, owners of Arlo's Ristorante, the fire that took their building also showed them how much love and support they have from the community.
Galleria Home Decor offers ecclectic range of items
PONDERAY - With a seemingly endless supply of new homeowners streaming into Bonner County, there couldn't be a better time to open a home decor business.
Alison Diane Wheeler, 48
Alison Diane Wheeler, 48, resident of Elmira, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008 in Kennewick, Wash.
Phillip Howard Hardin
Phillip Howard Hardin, IBEW journeyman lineman made his final climb as he breathed his last breath at 10:58 p.m. on March 22, 2008.
March calls attention to drug's dangers
SANDPOINT - Images of young people dying, strung out on drugs and committing deplorable acts flashed across the screen at the Panida Theater on Thursday.
SHS softball team drops two, headed to Boise
LEWISTON - It was a day head softball coach Derek Dickinson said he'd just as soon forget, as Sandpoint lost 20-4 to Colton, and 11-0 to Lakeland Wednesday at the Lewiston Invitational.
Federal judge rejects lawsuit challenging bypass
NICAN plans to appeal ruling
Wednesday, March 26
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE1S SALE
At 10:45 o'clock A.M. on May 14, 2008, in the Office of First American Title Company, 419 North 2nd Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho, First American Title Company, Inc., as Successor Trustee, will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, the following described real property, situated in Bonner County, Idaho, and described as follows, to-wit:
Joe Hunter Creighton, 86
Joe Hunter Creighton, 86, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on March 23, 2008.
SHS AcaDeca team claims state medal
SANDPOINT - As Coach Mary Bird watched her 12 Sandpoint High School Academic Decathlon team members stride confidently from the building at Boise State University where they had just completed six hours of testing in eight subjects on March 14, the first day of competition at the 2008 Idaho Academic Decathlon State Competition, she thought the decathletes definitely had “the right stuff.”
Leisy opens Northern Lakes Chiropractic
SANDPOINT - Fresh off a job working with the Spokane Chiefs hockey team, chiropracter Ryan Leisy is bringing his talents to Sandpoint at his new business, Northern Lakes Chiropractic.
Not all meat in stores is humanely gathered
Having grown up in a house full of avid hunters I was able to educate myself at a young age concerning the difference between deer hide and mink. I believe Ms./Mr.? Curtis is unaware that something other than heifer hide has shown up on the kind people of Sandpoint, as well as other big cities across the bridge. There have been vast improvements in fabrics that are much warmer and keep you drier than dead animals. Fur has once again become simply a fashion statement, and I don't believe harvesting a game animal is the same as wearing a leopard skin coat.
We can't afford not to support levy
There are many of us in this county who are excited about the upcoming facility levy on May 20. Through the years, we've often remarked on how much pride we see displayed in this community. It is truly an undiscovered pearl (actually becoming more “discovered” every day). It is not just because of its beauty and location, it is the people who live here and the interest they take in each other.
Field burning monitor money gains state OK
BOISE - A $606,400 appropriation for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to monitor crop residue burning gained final legislative approval Wednesday.
BCSD victim of Web site hacker
BONNERS FERRY - A hacker is believed to have taken over the Boundary County School District's Web page on March 18.
Witnesses cast new light on stabbing case
SANDPOINT - Witness statements are casting a different light on a beating and stabbing that occurred in Ponderay last month.
Wampus Cats set sight on state
CLARK FORK - After losing a 10-8 third set tie-breaker to the eventual state doubles champions last year at the 3A state tennis tournament, hunger will not be an issue as Wampus Cat seniors Thomas McMahon and Mike Martin set about on their quest for a state title in 2008.
Wonderful 'ambassador' is a prized area jewel
It was both fitting and proper to declare March 26 Hazel Hall day today for no one represents the spirit of Sandpoint better than Hazel. Like most of us who were not privileged to be born here, Hazel was “called” to Sandpoint in 1932 by the love of her life, Ross Hall. She and Ross were greeted at the train station by a small group of friends bearing flowers in honor of their recent marriage. That warm gesture of friendship became Hazel's personal baton that she has never stopped paying forward.
Tuesday, March 25
Lustella Marian (Kilmer) Shields, 88
Lustella Marian (Kilmer) Shields, 88, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will remain in our hearts forever, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was surrounded by all her children.
Candido 'Dan' Alcantara Jr., 83
Candido “Dan” Alcantara Jr., 83, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away on March 22, 2008, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene.
CFHS wins state AcaDeca title
CLARK FORK - Until now, Clark Fork High School has surprisingly never placed first in any kind of team competition - athletic or academic.
Bonner General joins National Healthcare Decisions Day
History will be made April 16, 2008. Bonner General Hospital is joining a national effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making-an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16, 2008 as the inaugural National Healthcare Decisions Day.
Sandpoint's matriarch turns 95 today
There is a good chance that nobody will see Hazel Hall today on her 95th birthday.
BONNER COUNTY
ADVERTISEMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Roberta Joy Green, 61
Roberta Joy Green, 61, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at her home in Cocolalla, Idaho.
Clerk highlights absentee voting
SANDPOINT - Bonner County Clerk Marie Scott is kicking off a campaign encouraging residents to vote absentee this election cycle.
Monday, March 24
Article raises questions of tolerance under Islam
I read the March 7 “Faith and Values” page with great interest. The article entitled, “Hendi travels world preaching tolerance” especially. The title says that Hendi, a Muslim, is traveling the world preaching tolerance. But I wondered how this could be seeing that Muhammad, “Allah's prophet,” himself proclaimed, “Allah has commanded me to fight against all people until all people confess there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.” It doesn't sound to me that you could have this philosophy yet still try to advance Jewish-Muslim and Christian-Muslim dialogue and have “room around the table.”
Track teams look ahead to 2008
SANDPOINT - Led by senior returning state placers Brooke DeMers and Desi Hutchings, the Sandpoint girls track team has its sights set on winning a regional title, and looks to match its third place finish at the state meet last season.
Failure to fix highways will cost all Idahoans
I would like to commend Sen. Shawn Keough for her leadership and courageous stance on outlining the need for increased transportation funding for Idaho. She is on target and absolutely correct in her assessment
Council mulls water rate change
CLARK FORK - Balancing equity and fiscal responsibility took center stage after a local youth center asked the City Council for a decrease in its water rates.
GARVEE gets final legislative approval
BOISE - New financial bonding authority of $134 million within a $998 million statewide roads improvement borrowing program gained final legislative approval Monday.
Taste and quality are among key water issues
Recently the cities of Sandpoint, Ponderay and Kootenai met in an attempt to start to hammer out possible solutions to water problems each city faces.
Sand Creek route is environmentally neutral
Let's see if I have this correct. Mr. Wythe recommends the Idaho Transportation Department build a new half-billion dollar fenced, 300-foot-wide, international transportation corridor from Algoma to Bronx substation. The proposed route would involve bisecting housing developments north and south of the Pend Oreille River affecting several hundred homeowners, require rail and highway bridges from Springy Point to Rocky Point, hammer the wetlands along Syringa and east branch of Sand Creek and subject all of the adjoiners to the noise, visual and air pollution associated with a transportation facility having 70 trains and 27,000 vehicles grinding by every day. In addition, he recommends building crossover tracks from the BN-SF mainline to the Union Pacific and Montana Rail Link tracks that would adversely affect more businesses and homeowners located north of Ponderay and Kootenai.
Robert Louis 'Bob' Linsday
Robert Louis “Bob” Lindsay passed away peacefully on March 21, 2008 at the age of 94, in Spokane, Wash.
Judge imprisons therapist for sexual misconduct
SANDPOINT - A man accused of engaging in sexual misconduct with students he was counseling at a Clark Fork boarding school was sentenced to serve up to five years in prison.
Saturday, March 22
Intelligent Design, creationism are religion
In her letter (March 6), Evalyn Finney laments, “creation or intelligent design can't be taught in school, for fear of the ACLU Š”
Herbicides anchor 2008 milfoil plan
SANDPOINT - Herbicides are again the main weapon in Bonner County's battle against Eurasian milfoil.
Candidate's letter was written to cause alarm
It has been my policy not to respond to potential political candidates, but Mr. Wheeler's letter to the editor was very clearly written to alarm the members of our community.
Stacy Ira Carbart Sr., 91
Stacy Ira Carbart Sr., 91, passed away in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on March 21, 2008.
Water boundary workshop draws plenty of discussion
SANDPOINT - Nearly a month after Sandpoint's contested decision to expand its water boundary, officials from Kootenai, Ponderay and Sandpoint met last week for a workshop and discussion about the future of Bonner county water.
North Idaho native scoring success in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Each year, several thousand more people pull into Music City, USA to pursue their dreams of stardom in the country music industry. And to many, North Idaho native Troy Bullock is just one more of those nameless and faceless people. But those in the know believe he has a better chance of succeeding than most.
Taxes are unfair
The gleeful, almost salivationous anticipation of Democrat Commissioner Todd Crossett to raise property taxes is too typical of those who should be voted out. Placing impact fees on purchasers of new lots is a delightful method liberals use to geometrically increase homeowners' tax burden. The market value of existing homes always follows new construction. It is the combination of new housing cost and scarcity that drives the market value (read taxable value) of our homes.
Legislators tackling roads, grocery tax issues
As you are all aware the Legislature has been in session since Jan. 7. We are now headed into week 12 and are all ready to be home with you. There are a number of issues left on the table which need to be addressed before we can adjourn for the year. Among those issues are transportation funding, personal property tax relief, and an increase in the grocery tax credit.
Friday, March 21
David Miller, 82
David Miller, 82, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Tuesday.
Keough, Anderson have challengers
SANDPOINT - State Sen. Shawn Keough and Rep. Eric Anderson will have competition in this May's primary election.
U16 club claims tourney win
YAKIMA, Wash. - Winning yet another prestigious tournament and cementing their status as one of the top teams in the Northwest, the Sandpoint Volleyball Club U16 girls bested 78 other teams at the Pacific Northwest Jamboree in Yakima last weekend.
Cleanup may add sediment to CF River
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - An important step is taking place this week in the cleanup process at the Milltown Reservoir Sediments Superfund site, east of Missoula, and the results will have some impact on the Clark Fork. On Tuesday the river was diverted into a bypass channel so that next week the coffer dam can be breached, allowing the Clark Fork to flow freely for the first time in 100 years.
County primary ballot takes shape
SANDPOINT - The primary election ballot will contain no shortage of choices or unfamiliar faces when voters head to the polls on May 27.
Thursday, March 20
Madden appointed East Hope mayor
EAST HOPE - Calling former Mayor Bud Moon, who recently passed away, a very good friend and one of the finest men he'd ever met, Paul Madden was named to take his place last week.
Judge dismisses Willow Bay suit
Agreement limits expansion slightly
Linda 'Diane' Marks, 56
Linda “Diane” Marks, 56, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2008.
Sandpoint votes down sidewalk LID
Move follows months of political wrangling
Joni Christine (Baker) Zantow, 35
Joni Christine (Baker) Zantow, 35, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in a car accident near Cocolalla, Idaho.
Sports
ST. LOUIS - No. 8-ranked heavyweight Jared Rosholt from Sandpoint stayed alive in the championship bracket Thursday at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.
Wednesday, March 19
Cedar Post raffle is a good deal
If you have ever read the Sandpoint High School Cedar Post, you know what a great job the students do on the newspaper. They are a great groups of journalists, dedicated to covering their school and community and putting out the best product they can.
Jim Bews, 96
Jim Bews, 96, of Priest River, Idaho, passed away on March 12, 2008, at The Newport Community Hospital in Newport, Wash.
Charges mulled in Clark Fork vehicle theft
CLARK FORK - Charges are pending against a Clark Fork man accused of stealing a Bonner County employee's car, fleeing into Montana and crashing it.
Dennis Montgomery, 63
Former Sandpoint resident Dennis Montgomery, 63, of Coeur d'Alene, died at Kootenai Medical Center on Saturday, March 15, 2008.
Sandpoint tennis kicks off season today
SANDPOINT - When arguably your six best players from the prior season all return, another year wiser, stronger and at least in theory better, it's hard to not have a bright outlook for the 2008 Sandpoint tennis team.
Voucher system may be the answer
Ms. Crossett's editorial of March 6 re: school levy vote made some good points. A well-educated populace does better serve the entire community and offsets much of the cost of a public supported educational system by way of increased personal productivity.
Tanker contract exports our military readiness
Our letter to Secretary Casey regarding the contract awarded to U.S. Air Force tanker contract and Northrop Grumman and Air Bus.
BNSF planning repairs to Pend Oreille railroad bridge
Gear, materials being staged at Dog Beach
Sandoint armory plan regains traction
Idaho National Guard putting off a project to pursue this one
City's stand on leak is wrong
The lake that vanished Š
Tuesday, March 18
Bulldogs set to kick off 2008 baseball season
SANDPOINT - If their season-opening trip to Lewiston was any indication, it could be a special year for the 2008 Sandpoint baseball team, which hopes to improve on a fourth place finish at state last year.
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
Notice is hereby given that Bonner Storage Station, 154 Ivy Drive, Sagle, Idaho 83860 (208) 265-2722, will hold a public auction on March 28, 2008 at 11:00 am. The auction will take place at 154 Ivy Drive, Sagle, Idaho 83860.
U.S. 95 crash kills Sandpoint woman
Trooper said ice, speed were factors
Linda 'Diane' Marks, 56
Linda “Diane” Marks, 56, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2008.
Know your risks when it comes to colon cancer
Two years ago, I received the phone call we all dread. It was my sister. “Dad has cancer,” she said.
Guill convicted in incest trial
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - Heron resident Douglas Guill was found guilty of sexually assaulting his daughter while she was between the ages of 6 and 22 Tuesday in Thompson Falls.
Raccoons can wreak plenty of havoc in, around homes
Last week was a very interesting week for my company. We received a call from a homeowner who had just bought a home.
Hollands end SBX season on high note
It was a banner day for the Holland family Friday in Sun Valley, as brothers and Sandpoint natives Nate and Pat Holland dominated the final leg of the Jeep King of the Mountain tour, sharing the podium at a major snowboardcross (SBX) race for the first time ever.
GARVEE bill passes House
BOISE - An attempt to slam the brakes on a statewide bonding program for highway improvements failed Tuesday afternoon in the House.
Monday, March 17
Image Maker celebrates 30 years downtown
Van Dellens hand reins over to Hammersbergs
Goldie Loretta Raynor, 70
Goldie Loretta Raynor, 70, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, Mont. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Letter writer was way off the mark on illegal immigration
Mr. Wynhausen, in his March 11 rebuttal, is way off the mark and his sources are outdated regarding the costs of illegal immigration.
City, not homeowners, should bear sidewalk costs
As the sidewalks emerge from the snow, they also are emerging as a hot topic at city hall. Mark McNeese, ITD's pedestrian/bicycle coordinator, recently made a case for sidewalks. He spoke of their function in creating community, ensuring safer routes for school children, and enhancing a city's walkability, especially among the elderly and disabled. In short, he spoke of sidewalks as a public good.
Stop the name calling
Regarding the two letters responding to Kathy Hood's letter on “gay rights” and “hate crime laws.”
State is goal for golf teams
SANDPOINT - Despite a painfully slow and snowy start to their seasons, district titles and a trip to state remain the realistic goals for both the boys and girls golf teams in 2008.
Baseball team opens season with wins
LEWISTON - If they were supposed to be rusty, nobody told them.
Market, fire boat top city agenda
SANDPOINT - Discussion about Sandpoint's Farmer's Market and a city-owned fire boat were part of a packed Administrative Committee agenda last Wednesday.
Be a part of democracry and run for office
Why don't you run for office?
Hearing delayed in battery case
SANDPOINT - A preliminary hearing is being postponed for a man accused of ramming his sport utility vehicle into the entrance of a Ponderay lounge during an altercation with a bartender.
Saturday, March 15
Risch working to put Idaho first
SANDPOINT - Lt. Gov. Jim Risch doesn't worry about the likelihood the Republican party may be in a minority if he wins nomination to represent as U.S. senator.
Just say 'no' to any new levy requests
Well we've been inundated by the non-”elected” bosses called the LPOSD threatening dire consequences if we don't knuckle under to their demands. Lets see, they need more money to finish building a school that's already taken 20 years and it still isn't finished, anything wrong with this picture?
Westside route would be environmentally harmful
I would like to respond to “flush with benefits” (guest opinion, Feb. 19) of a westside bypass for Sandpoint's traffic congestion.
Crosswalk dispute ends in dismissal
Sandpoint officials won't say if worker faces reprimand
84-year-old still cruising strong
Love of motorcycles becomes a family affair
'Simple life' was special one
(This is the conclusion of the story Shirley Foster Fishel wrote to her grandson in 1987. It takes us back to a time that was safer and simpler, and it will evoke many, “Oh, I did that, too” from any “kid” who grew up in a small town during her time; Shirley was born in 1925 and died in 1999. Her story appears in her own words, with some minor editing due to space limitations.)
Friday, March 14
Julie Smith named region's best
SMS librarian picked as Region I Middle School Teacher of the Year
Martin named North Star League MVP
Will play in state-wide All-Star game at NIC today
District officials mull budget cuts
SANDPOINT - School district trustees are expected to take one last look Tuesday at proposed budget cuts for the 2008-'09 school year before taking a formal vote.
Alleged offender denies molesting daughter over 16-year period
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - The Heron man accused of molesting his daughter for 16 years finally took the stand in his trial on Friday.
Thursday, March 13
Pair testify in incest case trial
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - Two people took the stand Thursday in the trial of a Heron, Mont., man who is being accused of sexually abusing his daughter for 16 years, but only one testified in person.
Ritchie Neal Rector, 51
Ritchie Neal Rector, 51, resident of Trout Creek, Mont., passed away on Friday, March 7, 2008, near Clark Fork, Idaho, from injuries received in a vehicle accident.
SHS softball team ready for season
SANDPOINT - So far this season, the closest the Sandpoint softball team has come to simulating actual softball is when they take to the blacktop behind the middle school, crammed between eight foot snow berms, basketball hoops, chain link fences and buildings, while head coach Derek Dickinson tries his best to drill the necessary fundamentals before their season begins Saturday at the Lewiston Invitational.
Court denies accused molester's early release
SANDPOINT - A Sandpoint man accused of molesting a young girl is being denied a second chance at an early release onto probation.
Altercation prompts gun rumors at PRLHS
PRIEST RIVER - A suspected gun threat at Priest River Lamanna High School was quickly downgraded in the wake of rumors of possible problems Thursday.
Wednesday, March 12
Impact fees proposal moving forward
SANDPOINT - Developers in Bonner County could soon be footing the bill for the impact their projects place on public infrastructure and services.
Man could become state's witness in case
SANDPOINT - A Sandpoint man accused of attempting to intimidate a witness in a Ponderay stabbing case was released on his own recognizance Wednesday.
City's zoning laws prohibit snow dumping
I am responding to Harry Gustafson's letter regarding the commercial snow being dumped on a residentially zoned A empty lot at the corner of Dearborn and Third Avenue South. Harry, you are uninformed and obviously do not live in this flood zone and did not have to listen to the snow rig's ridiculous noise at 2, 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning, which is against the noise ordinance of Sandpoint.
Boge drops vote concern
SANDPOINT - Last month's City Council decision to expand Sandpoint's water boundary ended with Mayor Gretchen Hellar casting the tie-breaking vote, but questions about the legality of the vote are now being raised.
Going vegetarian won't end cruelty to animals
I just had to respond to “End animals' suffering and become vegetarian.” Eric, I love ya, man, but I don't think you've thought this all the way through.
Sandpoint West Sharks have strong showing at meet
SPOKANE - Keeley Pearlstein (14) won the 200 fly and finished second in the 200 backstroke and 200 breaststroke to highlight a strong showing for the Sandpoint West Sharks, who were among the more than 370 athletes competing at the Shamrock Shakeup Swim Meet last weekend at Whitworth College pool.
Judge threatens to jail both lawyers at incest trial
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - The already week-long trial where Douglas Guill faces sexual assault and incest charges hit a different note Tuesday in Thompson Falls as Judge Deborah Kim Christopher threatened to jail the lead attorneys on both sides.
Jon Brownell puts his students first
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have had all three of our daughters in choirs under the direction of Jon Brownell. Our youngest will graduate this spring, marking 12 years of our family's involvement with Jon and the Sandpoint music program. Our kids didn't make every choir they auditioned for, but their love of music and admiration and respect for Jon kept them active in the program. Jon's choirs are very well respected throughout this area. Just last month four of our choirs competed against schools across the Northwest at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow. Three of them won first place in their category. We had the honor to watch them perform on the Kibbe Dome stage at the finale that evening. The excitement on those student's faces spoke volumes about the success of our music program and Jon's leadership.
Glenn Ernest Johnson, 88
Glenn Ernest Johnson, 88, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Life Care Center.
Tuesday, March 11
Fio, Rosholt nab NCAA berths; join Feist, Hall
Former Bulldogs Jared Rosholt and Joey Fio will join fellow alumni Luke Feist, of Stanford, at the NCAA Championships March 20-22 in St Louis, Missouri. Once again, the Bulldogs rank among the nation leaders in producing NCAA qualifiers.
Hearing pending in felony domestic
SANDPOINT - A Priest River man accused of brutally attacking his wife in front of their kids is awaiting arraignment in 1st District Court.
Velma Pauline Osborn, 89
Velma Pauline Osborn, 89, passed away in Spokane, Wash., on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
Study launches dialogue on health care system
Last fall Bonner General Hospital began conducting a community healthcare needs assessment to engage our community in a dialogue about the local healthcare system. While we'll be finalizing that assessment later this month, something it has already revealed is that people don't always know what services are available at Bonner General Hospital. We'll be taking steps to remedy that in 2008. As a starting point, this brief overview may be helpful.
Three Top Dogs nab wrestling titles
A handful of Top Dogs split their efforts between tournaments at Riverside High School in Chattaroy, Washington, and Bonners Ferry High School. Because of age limitations, the larger contingent of Top Dogs competed at the folkstyle event in Riverside.
Stone, Story lead Bulldog golf teams in season openers
CLARKSTON, Wash. - Leaving a trail of rust behind them as they hacked their way down the fairways at the par 72 Clarkston Country Club, the Sandpoint boys and girls teams opened their seasons Tuesday at the Clarkston Invitational, the first time all year either team has played outside on green grass.
Wife takes stand in incest trial
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - Calm, collected and cheerful, Nicole Guill spent almost six hours on the witness stand Monday.
GARVEE debt service bill ekes through House
Legislation seeks to curtail payments
Monday, March 10
City can find other solutions to shortage
I was appalled and dismayed when I read the article about the new parking lot that will be created at Fourth and Oak by PSB. We are creating a downtown core with an incredible amount of parking lots where wonderful life-enriching business and community opportunities could be created. Is that what we really want? I walk down Oak frequently and am already struck by the abundance of parking lots within Oak and Church streets. I count at least five; I may be missing one and these are all within walking distance to the new site.
Lost skier found on Schweitzer Mountain
SANDPOINT - A teenage skier who lost his way at Schweitzer Mountain Resort on Sunday was found unharmed early Monday morning, officials said.
Letter writer's numbers substantially overstated
I'm going to go out on a limb. Laurie Wadkins' letter (Bee, Feb. 21 ) regarding the cost of illegal immigration provided a lot of data without providing the sources of that data. The most reasonable data I can find on the subject, material from sources I consider objective, suggest that her figures are wildly inflated.
Candidate zero on environment votes
I was appalled to learn that John McCain was the only senator who chose to skip a crucial vote on the future of clean energy in America - dooming the measure to fail by just a single vote.
Mildred Montana Tana Vaught
Mildred Montana “Tana” Vaught, 80, passed away peacefully at the Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home in Plains, Mont., on Friday, March 7, 2008, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Tana had been a resident there for the last nine months. She was a dear, loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family.
David Borge Wilburn
David Borge Wilburn, 53, passed away in Las Vegas, Nev. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008; Valentines Day.
Savage running for re-election
SANDPOINT - Bonner County Sheriff Elaine Savage formally announced Monday she is seeking re-election.
Getting a license may become easier
I was glad to see the article about county employees being nice to customers or loosing their jobs. In April 2006, my late husband and I moved here after living in Korea for six years. I had a valid Texas driver's license that was easy to convert into an Idaho license.
Wearing fur not sign of being cruel person
This is in response to the anti-fur letter mistitled compassion.
KPND switches signal to Hoodoo Mountain
SANDPOINT - When KPND-FM went on the air in 1980, it was a low-wattage station that played a highly eclectic mix of music. Back then, the tower was located directly behind the Marion Avenue studios and the broadcasting range was limited to a tight radius.
Broadsword seeking a second term
BOISE - Idaho state Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Cocolalla, said Monday she plans to run for re-election in District 2.
Saturday, March 8
Bud Moon will be missed
We've known the Moon family for many years. They are the quintessential “Father Knows Best Family.” Bud and Susan have always been community spirited; Bud was the mayor of East Hope until his death. He was one of the people directly responsible for the Hope EMT (ambulance), it was his friends at the Hope EMT that took him to the hospital for the last time.
News
SANDPOINT - The window to file declarations of candidacy for elected office in Bonner County opens Monday.
Second suit filed over roof slide
SANDPOINT - Another negligence lawsuit has been filed over a snow and ice slide from a condominium on Schweitzer Mountain which seriously injured at least two people last year.
Where theories end and faith begins
I am glad to see that Jack DeBaun (“Theory,” Feb. 28) at least admits that the theory of evolution is just that - theory.
Wesley Eb Moreland, 77
Wesley Eb Moreland passed away on March 1, 2008, at Sullivan Care Center in Spokane, Wash., after battling cancer. He was 77 years old.
Schools would benefit from lease proposal
This week at the Idaho legislature we are dealing and working on many important issues. I am the sponsor of HB0500 which deals with the lease of state lands for new expanded commercial purposes. This Bill will expand the uses to include fuel cell, low impact hydro, biomass, cogeneration, solar, as well as wind and geothermal resources for use on state lands. These are important elements of our state lands; we have some of the best wind and geothermal availability in the nation and it is time that we take the steps necessary to using it as a resource. The changes in this law will make a big difference for Idaho, and generate a significant amount of new monies for the state. As I was quoted in the Idaho Statesman, “It's prudent for us to be creative as a legislature, and recognize there are other categories of funding that we haven't pursued yet. If you can tap into natural resources, as we have historically with timber and mining, you can create economic sustainability.” All of our renewable energy resources are natural resources.
Facilities levy is badly needed
On May 20, the voters in the Lake Pend Oreille School District will have the opportunity to do something that hasn't been done in years - physically improve our schools. The last renovations to our schools were nearly a generation ago, in 1991. The last bond election that passed was in 1953.
Sagle man killed in highway crash
CLARK FORK - A Sagle man was killed after crashing his pickup truck near the Montana state line on Friday night.
Local teacher to run in Morocco
SANDPOINT - For third-grade teacher Peggy Gaudet, going for a little run means competing in a marathon. Given the option, she'd rather run a course that doubles or nearly quadruples that 26.2-mile distance.
Friday, March 7
On Favre, spring sports, and those pesky deadlines
Spring (fever) in Sandpoint
Field burning deal signed
Governor: Agreement ends long-term disputes
Man jailed after ramming lounge entrance
PONDERAY - A Ponderay man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly ramming his sport utility vehicle into the west entrance of a lounge during a dispute with a bartender.
Bonner County couple facing marijuana trafficking charges
Underground pot grow was accessed by secret elevator
Thursday, March 6
Mine foes suing feds
SANDPOINT - Ten conservation groups, including the Rock Creek Alliance, are suing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service over its approval of a controversial wilderness mine in northwestern Montana.
Field burning plan gains OK
BOISE - Greased rail legislation to codify the terms of a statewide crop residue burning agreement finished its 11-day sprint through the Idaho Legislature when it gained final legislative approval Thursday.
Commissioners approve Trestle Creek resort plan
SANDPOINT - A 109-unit condominium and housing plan on Lake Pend Oreille at Trestle Creek was approved by Bonner County commissioners on Thursday.
Wednesday, March 5
Hearing today on Trestle Creek
SANDPOINT - A proposal to establish an upscale condominium development on Lake Pend Oreille at Trestle Creek goes before county commissioners today.
Robert Duncan 'Bob' McCabe, 79
Robert Duncan “Bob” McCabe, 79, passed away in Spokane, Wash., on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
Winner to be featured in Poor Boyz ski film
SANDPOINT - Schweitzer Mountain Resort will host their annual Stomp Games on March 14-16. The event is moving into the national arena this year. For the first time ever, the winner of the men's pro skier slopestyle event will receive an invitation to be featured in the next Poor Boyz Productions ski film. The film will be shot at Schweitzer this spring.
Base levy vote on what district schools need
As Americans, we all pay for our country's education. The Constitution and the ideal of democracy have value for us. We hope our school system will develop citizens who can and will participate productively in government - of the people, by the people, and for the people.
ACLU pushing theory down our throats
It's too bad how people just can't give up on the theory of evolution. Creation or Intelligent Design can't be taught in school, for fear of the ACLU (known in some circles as the American Communist Liberal Union), but evolution is pushed down our throats everywhere we turn.
County justice system failed innocent victims
Is it just me? Am I the only one who is repeatedly sickened each and every time the newspaper reports the plea bargaining of yet another sex offender?
Coldwater notes lackluster sales
SANDPOINT - Coldwater Creek continued its streak of lackluster earning reports with a $17 million net loss in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Lawrence Gilman 'Bud' Moon III, 81
Lawrence Gilman “Bud” Moon III, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, friend, mentor and visionary community servant, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, after a brief battle with lung cancer.
LPOSD offers buyout package to 8 teachers
SANDPOINT - The Lake Pend Oreille School District is offering eight teachers with longtime seniority the option of taking $20,000 each in return for an early contract buyout.
Guill's ex-wife testifies in sex abuse trial
THOMPSON FALLS, Mont. - Taking the stand for almost three hours, Candice Guill testified Tuesday as the prosecution's leading witness in a case where her ex-husband is charged for various counts of incest and sexual abuse of their daughter.
Tuesday, March 4
Donor could gift Panhandle Special Needs with $15,000
Community match needed for group to secure award
Judicial confirmation sought on facilities plan
SANDPOINT - Bonner County officials plan to ask a district judge to determine whether a $10 million plan to replace a juvenile detention center and build a work release center conforms with Idaho law.
Certification translates into lots of training, cleaner homes
Most professional cleaning companies require their technicians to have certification from industry-recognized certification firms.
Rosholt preparing for next MMA challenge
DALLAS - Professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter development group Team Takedown (www.teamtakedownfirghters.com) will send three of its fighters - Oklahoma State wrestling legends Jake Rosholt, Johny Hendricks and Shane Roller - in for their next wins on Saturday, March 15, at the Expo Square Pavilion in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Hildegard M. 'Hilda' Johnson, 65
Hildegard M. “Hilda” Johnson, 65, died at her home in the Bitterroot Mountains above Sandpoint, Idaho, on a beautiful snowy morning, Sunday March 2, 2008, following a courageous six-year battle with cancer.
BGH expanded services, range of care during '07
Things were busy at Bonner General Hospital in 2007. As a small community hospital, BGH has always been known for providing personalized care, and our staff takes pride in the fact that we don't treat our patients as statistics.
Norman 'Norm' Frank Linscott, 96
Norman Frank Linscott passed away on March 2, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was 96 years old.
Durkee joins Seasons at Sandpoint
SANDPOINT - Seasons at Sandpoint has recruited a sales manager from Park City, Utah.
Goodwill to open new site
SANDPOINT - Goodwill Industries plans to open a new 16,500-square-foot facility in Ponderay that will incorporate retail space, a program services office, and areas for processing donated goods, said a spokesperson for the company.
Fio, Rosholt in Big 12 Championships Saturday
EUGENE, Ore. - Former Sandpoint wrestler Luke Feist finished third at 174 pounds in the Pac-10 wrestling championships Monday night at McArthur Court, qualifying him for the NCAA tournament.
Mildred Solomon, 92
Beloved mother and grandmother Mildred Solomon died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on the March 2, 2008.
Monday, March 3
All students deserve to perform at events
A Feb. 6 article in the Daily Bee stated, “Sandpoint High School is very lucky to have such a talented musical director as Jon Brownell, who always sees that his students have the ability and opportunity to perform in various areas.”
Host Diamond Meet on Saturday
Funtastics not only hosted a great show at the Great West Gym Fest, their gymnasts put on a great show recently in Coeur d'Alene. Teams from Colorado, Utah, Montana, Washington, Nevada, California, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho came to compete in this huge event. Team Funtastics came out and showed that they are made of the right stuff.
Talks continue on sidewalks
SANDPOINT - With the fate of the LID ordinance undecided after several trips to the council, the city held another workshop Monday to discuss various sidewalk-related topics.
Study finds need for expanded public transit
BCATT is forming steering committee to continue discussion
IMCB report notes financial gains
SANDPOINT - Intermountain Community Bancorp, the holding company for Panhandle State Bank, saw its net income, total equity and total assets increase for 2007.
Alan Guthrie Wentner
Alan Guthrie Wentner was born on June 18, 1940, in Ross, Calif.
Hollands miss podium at Lake Placid SBX World Cup
LAKE PLACID, N.Y.- Sandpoint native Nate Holland finished 17th overall, and younger brother Pat finished 27th Saturday during the snowboardcross portion of the Visa U.S. Snowboarding Cup at Whiteface Mountain, outside Lake Placid.
Hard winter taking a heavy toll on region's moose population
The snow is falling as I am writing this column and I can't help but think this could be the last hoorah for winter.
Obama does not have presidential qualities
I can't help but laugh at all the hoopla over B. Hussein Obama, a European-sub-Saharan-African-American; why don't we just call him an empty suit. I mean what has this guy ever accomplished aside from mesmerizing Democrats, liberals, and far-left loonies with his incredible voice, a voice that raises plagiarism to an all time elegant high.
Curb your dog and be a responsible owner
It's beginning to feel like spring. Awhh, the sun is out and the bike path to Dover is free of ice. I am happy to be able to walk briskly without my yak traks and look up instead of down at the ground all the time. But, wait, there are now new obstacles on the path. No, it's not the bikes, or the people, or even the dogs - it's the dog poop; piles of poop!
Norman 'Norm' Frank Linscott, 96
Norman Frank Linscott passed away on March 2, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was 96 years old.
Bernice Agnes Flora Bauer, 97
Bernice Agnes Flora Bauer, 97, of Priest River, Idaho, died Feb. 26, 2008 ,at the Huckleberry Retirement Home in Priest River.
LPOSD: Support during snow crisis appreciated
On behalf of the students and staff of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, I would like to thank our county commissioners, director of emergency services, Bob Howard, and the members of the National Guard for all of the assistance we received during the great snowfall this winter. From my very first phone call to the county commissioner's office on a Friday morning, to the arrival of the National Guard on the following Sunday, the action of our county officials was swift and helpful. This included close work with Mr. Howard, who assisted us in a variety of ways through contacts with FEMA and the National Guard. Commissioner Todd Crossett attended our first meeting with the National Guard and the county to make sure we had all of the assistance we needed. Commissioner Lewis Rich personally inspected School to demonstrate his support.
Deputy hurt after chase, shooting
BONNERS FERRY - A Boundary County sheriff's deputy was injured after shooting out the tire on a suspected drunken driver's vehicle, who had led police on a high-speed chase on Friday night.
Vote down new property taxes
More economists say recession has begun coupled with rising inflation. Locally snow emergency/disaster declared.
Saturday, March 1
Adjudication process continues at Legislature
In my last article, I outlined what the Legislature had been considering regarding the North Idaho adjudication and this is a followup to let you know the progress we have made.
Dolce's sweet sounds roam musical landscape
Four-piece ensemble packs along a rich grab bag of styles
Settlement possible in Turning Winds lawsuit
SANDPOINT - A settlement could be reached in a lawsuit accusing Bonner County officials of maliciously prosecuting the operators of a former boarding school in Cocolalla.
Contract talk issues are misrepresented in ad
As chief nursing officer at Bonner General Hospital and a hospital representative in nursing contract negotiations with the Teamsters, I know first-hand we are working diligently to produce a contract that is fair to our registered nurses and allows the hospital to provide quality healthcare to area residents.
Plows need to start closer to the curb
On another subject dear to our hearts is snow plowing. If the snow plows would start clearing closer to the curbs at the onset of snow plowing, we wouldn't have quite so narrow streets. On our street, the plow each year has kept at leas two feet between the blade and the curb. Why?
End animals' suffering and become vegetarian
I was thrilled to see so many people come out for different fundraising events in our community over the last several months. Supporting compassion for others by supporting Kinderhaven, ending domestic violence and reducing suffering of cancer patients are all noble causes.
Roos planning re-election bid
SANDPOINT - Former Bonner County Sheriff Evan “Chip” Roos is contemplating another run for office.
