Ellington

Council failed to show leadership on issue

Chalk up another win for the paranoid and conspiracy theorists. So, now our water will not include fluoride. And why? Because the council decided to vote with the vocal minority. I know it is en vogue to think the government is trying to control our lives and science is less than perfect, but this is a clear case where we needed leadership from the council. Instead, the council chose the path of least resistance. But, shame on me and all of those that believe in logicalal public policy. I did not attend the meetings and I assumed the council would do the job of learning about the issue and choosing the best path for the public.

Mass fluoridation is not the answer

Having just read Councilwoman Carrie Logan’s letter concerning the vote against her position concerning water fluoridation, I can’t help but to wonder at her choice of words. They sound eerily similar to Mr. Bordenave, the sole citizen who spoke out in favor of fluoridation and whose former group: NICAN used identical language to describe their dismay at the approval of the Sandcreek Byway as: “A Sad Day for Sandpoint.”

Fearless first-timers mount local play

Script spoofs Sandpoint characters, culture

SANDPOINT — A playwright whose work has never been performed meets up with a director who has never directed to work with a cast of actors who, in the main, have never set foot on stage.

GOP, deregulation deserve much blame

This is a rebuttal to Vera Hutchinson’s letter.

Harvest Foods plans Bonners Ferry store

BONNERS FERRY — Harvest Foods has announce it plans to open a grocery store in the old Safeway building.

Marshals seek Ponderay man

SANDPOINT — U.S. Marshals are hunting for a Ponderay man who failed to appear in federal court for violating the terms of his supervised released in a weapons possession case.

Quest delivers planes to Fish & Wildlife

SANDPOINT — When nine airplanes are turned over to the federal government today on a Wisconsin airfield, it will finalize a deal that started in North Idaho.

Broadband efforts back on waiting list

SANDPOINT — Bonner and Boundary county’s rural communities are back on the waiting list for broadband service meant to provide jobs and diversify the area’s economy.

Lakers' season ends with loss to Nampa

BURLEY — The Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers out-hit and out-pitched Nampa, but unfortunately could not out-score Nampa, falling 3-1 in extra innings on Friday at the American Legion “A” State Tournament in Burley.

Where are facts to back up allegations?

Regarding Wes Hanson’s 7-20-10 “Youth detention needs serious reevaluation” letter, we need to take another look at his serious charges against the Bonner County law enforcement community.

Falls caused man's death

SANDPOINT — An elderly Oklahoma man with dementia might have been fatally injured from repeated falls before he wandered from a home north of Priest River last month and was later found dead.

Sneva takes trophy in cooking contest

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Summer Sampler brought favorite Sandpoint restaurants, wineries and breweries together in downtown Sandpoint to delight myriads of people with samples of their tastiest cuisines, wines, and brews.

Lakers drop state Legion playoff opener

BURLEY — Tevin Hamilton fired a five-hit complete game, striking out eight hitters, but pitching wasn’t the problem for the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers, who fell 5-3 to the Emmett Blue Devils in the opener of the American Legion “A” State tournament on Thursday in Burley.

A Windbag conversation: Joys of sailing

Well, bless my gudgeons and pintles, grab the clue on the little sail in front and back it to port. When the bow has fallen off grab the tiller and ,sheet home the main. Da Ya!

Enough is enough on loud, lengthy blasts

To piggyback on the letter from Len Golding (July 8, Bee) regarding the unnecessary blowing of train horns, I reside in Sandpoint (Ponderosa area) and could not agree more that this practise should not be allowed in residential areas especially during the hours when most people are trying to sleep.

Little: Blame for festival's exit misplaced

SANDPOINT — The former executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is taking exception to some of the remarks made by founders of the Lakedance International Film Festival in the wake of their departure from Idaho.

Road project draws cheers, concern

PONDERAY— A street project that split this town with a 21-foot-wide trench, 18 inches deep has drawn both concern and cheers from town residents.

Bonner General to “Celebrate Life”

We all know and love someone who has fought, died or recovered from cancer.  For Julie Walkington, her sister's eight-year battle with breast cancer was the inspiration for Celebrate Life, a fun run/walk that has been a Sandpoint community event every summer for the past six years.

Helen G. Anderson, 88

Helen G. Anderson, 88, passed away peacefully at Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum, Idaho, on Thursday, July 22, 2010, where she was a resident for the past two years.

You'll be beaming when cleaning tough-to-reach spots

Last week I received a phone message from a gentleman requesting that I discuss in my weekly column the cleaning of exposed ceiling beams and fans.  Per his request here are my thoughts.

Timberlake's William Rast to launch at Target

William Rast, the fashion line by Justin Timberlake and his childhood friend Trace Ayala, has a new partner: Target.

Council's vote is a sad thing for Sandpoint

In a 4-2 vote with council members Justin Schuck, Steve Snedden, Marsha Ogilvie and Jamie Davis prevailing, the Sandpoint City Council voted to end the 59-year practice of fluoridating the community water supply. Their decision was primarily based on mass medication and personal choice issues.

Lakers fall to Moscow in district championship

MOSCOW — Having already won the game they needed to secure a berth to state, the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers fell 9-6 to Moscow in the championship game of the American Legion District Tournament Saturday night in Moscow.

GOP is comprised of real folks, not lawyers

Barack Obama is a lawyer. As are Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, and every Democrat nominee since 1984 went to law school (although surprise, surprise Al Gore did not graduate). Every Democrat vice presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school. Look at the so called leaders of the Democrat Party in Congress: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are lawyers.

Steele pleads not guilty to new charges

COEUR d’ALENE — Edgar J. Steele, an attorney who has represented the Aryan Nations and other high-profile clients, appeared in U.S. District Court here Wednesday and entered not guilty pleas to three new federal charges related to an alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill his wife.

Forest road projects selected

SANDPOINT — Five Bonner County roads which provide a direct benefit to U.S. Forest Service lands have been selected for improvement using more than $2 million in federal stimulus dollars.

Robert W. 'Bob' Farmin, 76

Robert “Bob” W. Farmin, 76, passed away, Saturday, July 24, 2010, surrounded by family at his cabin on Lake Pend Oreille.

Andrew David Petrina

Andrew David Petrina passed away July 23, 2010. He was born Aug. 7, 2008.

North Idaho Avalanche notch two solid wins at Nike Cup

SANDPOINT — The U18 Real North Idaho Avalanche boys team went 2-1 and tied for first in their bracket last weekend at the Nike Cup in Portland, Oregon. The Avalanche lost the tie-breaker, which would have sent them to the semi-final. The team that won the tie-breaker went on to win the tournament championship.

City sets preliminary budget

SANDPOINT — No raises for city employees and projections far lower than last year are among items that stand out in a preliminary city budget approved by council members.

J/24 sailors race on Lake Pend Oreille

SANDPOINT — The best skill wins in J/24 sailboat racing, at least in theory, as each vessel is nearly identical in design.

70-year-old finds fountain of youth

SANDPOINT — A septuagenarian competing in his 15th Ironman is not supposed to be setting personal bests.

Kootenai celebrates community's centennial

KOOTENAI — Now 70, Tom Spade lives just a short distance away from where he he was born.

Animal's 'rescue' only hurt beloved pet

This is addressed to the person who removed my 16-year-old cat from his 6-foot by 12-foot cage in my front yard on July 17 without knowing any of the circumstances.

Invest in schools or spend it on prisons

It comes as no surprise that our county is taking bids for an oversized  juvenile lock-up facility, even though (correct me if I am wrong) the levy did not pass voter approval.  Whose kids are they planning to lock up? Perhaps the majority of our school children who drop out or are kicked out of school. This allows for shining statistics regarding the graduating remainder.

Carol Ann (Johnson) Sargent, 64

Carol Ann (Johnson) Sargent, 64, of Sandpoint, Idaho, was born Aug. 4, 1945, at Spokane, Wash. She was the daughter of Bob and Dorothy “Dot” Johnson.

Serious, growing threat hitting close to home

A serious and growing environmental threat is hitting close to home.  A new process for extracting natural gas, called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” literally shatters underground rock with millions of gallons of water and sand under high pressure.  The cracks are then kept open with a soup of deadly chemicals as the gas is forced out.

Breaking law is not appropriate recourse

On July 13 a Fox News website story led with this, “Salt LakeCity — A list containing the names and personal information of 1,300 people who an anonymous group contends are illegal immigrants has been mailed around Utah, terrifying the state’s Hispanic community.” Further into the story Fox reported, “A letter accompanying the list demands that those on it be deported immediately.”

Pair of Lakers having huge years

SANDPOINT — One bats leadoff, the other cleanup.

Gordon W. 'Doc' Sundquist, 83

Gordon W. “Doc” Sundquist, 83, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at the Valley Vista Care in Sandpoint.

Wenzel Edward (W.E. 'Duke') Armstrong, 79

Wenzel Edward (W.E. “Duke”) Armstrong, 79, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Lakedance leaves town

SANDPOINT — The final curtain has drawn closed on the Lakedance International Film Festival.

Whatever happened to don't drink and drive?

Just curious, whatever happened to “don’t drink and drive?” Or is it “just break the law a little-bit” — or until someone gets killed.

Issue sees a death of common sense

Might I suggest that Sandpoint mayor Gretchen Heller and the Sandpoint City Council read a book published in 1994, by a fellow named Philip K. Howard.

Juanita Drake Quigley, 97

Juanita Drake Quigley, 97, passed away at Life Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

Lorraine Arndt Chambers, 87

Lorraine Arndt Chambers, 87, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Friday, July 23, 2010.

City adopts sign change

SANDPOINT  — No more, no less.

Never put greed above ecosystem's health

The environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico tragically illustrates the horrific consequences of industrial projects that are located within fragile ecosystems. The drilling in the gulf supposedly adhered to permitting guidelines and the environmental parameters established by federal agencies. How is it then, that an entire ecosystem has been destroyed from a project that received the endorsement and assurances of the appropriate governmental bodies? The problem is that the permits for these projects have more to do with regional and national politics than they do science and actual environmental impacts. It is also an unfortunate reality that the extremely cozy relationship between industry and our government has significantly tainted the objectivity of federal permitting agencies.

Pertussis cases on the rise in region

POST FALLS — Kootenai County continues to be the state’s hotbed for a spike in whooping cough cases this year.

Clagstone hearing is continued

SANDPOINT — A public hearing on a 12,400-acre housing and recreation development in southern Bonner County has been continued to next month.

Laughing Dog Brewing named top business

PONDERAY — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce awarded Laughing Dog Brewing the Business of the Month award for their exemplary service and generosity to the community.

Man investigated for kidnapping following pursuit

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man is under investigation for kidnapping for possibly holding a passenger hostage during a high-speed pursuit that ended in a rollover crash on Rapid Lightning Road late Wednesday night.

Highway 200 traffic shifted

PONDERAY — Highway 200 traffic has been shifted to a new alignment as construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass.

Seatbelts kept couple safe during accident

On June 9, my husband and I were broadsided and knocked off of Highway 95. Our vehicle rolled over and everything that was inside the vehicle, no matter what it weighed or how small or large, flew out of the window. We were not seriously injured because we were both buckled in. Just saying.

Gordon, Cramer power Lakers to blowout win

MOSCOW — The No. 1 seed Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers got on early wake up call in the first game of the American Legion District Tournament Thursday in Moscow.

Mayor, staff need to follow the rules

Ralph Bartholdlt’s article on testing (Backflow test deadline set, July 17, 2010) reveals the willingness of the mayor to ignore the process of government and create her own law. Councilman John Reuter is quoted as saying that the mayor gets to decide how an ordinance is administered but in another quote, he makes it clear that she has overstepped her authority in setting an arbitrary date for inspections of backflow devices.

Group fights cancer with comfort

SANDPOINT — Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but it can also work you over and wear you out in the process. That’s why two Bonner County women — both of whom have undergone treatment — became bosom buddies and found a way to give comfort to those in the midst of a trying time.

Betty Jane (Howard) Nelson

Betty Jane (Howard) Nelson loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died unexpectedly after a brief illness in Winnemucca, Nev., on Friday,  May 28, 2010.

Sandpoint drops fluoride from water

SANDPOINT — Residents here will no longer be able to gargle with city water to get fluoride on their teeth.

Irby pleads in arson case

SANDPOINT — A Louisiana man accused of setting a fire that damaged a Sandpoint motel last year pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of felony vandalism, according to court documents.

Lend your ear to story of woe

“It is only natural to look back on the history of our area through rose colored glasses. It is only natural to see the people of yesteryear as harder working, more honest, more friendly, and edging on perfection.

Eluding suspect denies he was driving

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man arrested following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on Wednesday night contends he was not behind the wheel during the incident.

Lakers fall to Moscow

MOSCOW — Joel Cramer had another big day at the plate, but it wasn’t enough, as the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers fell 11-7 to Moscow Friday night at the American Legion District Tournament in Moscow.

Joe E. Stevens, 58

Born on Jan. 17, 1952, the son of Ray and Margaret Stevens passed on March 2, 2010, after a gallant fight against diabetes.

Marilyn F. Berdan, 83

Marilyn F. Berdan, summer resident of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away peacefully May 18, 2010, in Green Valley, Ariz., due to a longtime heart condition.

Work with doctor on food allergies

Summertime always seems like the perfect time for trying lots of different great foods. But for those who suffer from food allergies, continual vigilance about what they eat is a must.

Lowther named top chamber volunteer

SANDPOINT — At the July 8 Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon, Roxie Lowther, Director of Marketing Media at Litehouse Foods, received the Volunteer of the Month Award for her active involvement in the community.

More charges against Steele

COEUR d’ALENE — Several more charges were filed against Edgar Steele, the former attorney for the Aryan Nations accused of plotting to kill his wife, Cyndi Steele, and her mother.

Male grizzly moved to Cabinets

Another grizzly bear has been captured in the Whitefish Mountain Range and moved to the West Cabinet Mountains south of Troy, but this time it was a male bear.

Board not racist in support of AZ bill

I was wrong in my opening statement on KSPT’s, “The Voice,” when I said Mr. Keyes and my thoughts were perhaps more parallel than contradictory. I thought he had been misinformed on the “fiesta” issue, and when he heard the truth he would redirect his thinking. 

Leave pedestrian flags for everyone's safety

I am getting more than a little frustrated. Crossing Fifth Avenue is dangerous. A small group of us collected some money to provide pedestrian safe crossing flags at Fifth and Poplar and the city provided the containers.

Sandpoint Sailing Association hosting J/24 championships

SANDPOINT — Sailboats galore will be hitting the waters of Lake Pend Oreille this weekend, as the Sandpoint Sailing Association hosts the 2010 J/24 District 19 Championships on Saturday and Sunday off of the Windbag Marina.

Why didn't BP havea good disaster plan?

How about that oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico? What a fine statement of our scientific prowess. You can’t blame Mother Nature, who usually catches the brunt of blame whenever possible. This one, like Chernobyl and war, to name a few, are 100 percent prime USDA made. With no immediate fix in sight the need for urgency, besides the obvious, intensifies as hurricane season is now upon us.

Public testimony today on Clagstone Meadows

SANDPOINT — If you have thoughts on a proposal to create a 12,000-acre recreational community in south-central Bonner County, now is the time to express them.

Fearless Volleyball Camp coming to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Attention area youth volleyball players: The SMS Fearless Volleyball Camp returns to Sandpoint Middle School on August 9-11.

Let's celebrate a grand old fiesta on the Fourth

I’ve been reading some of the banter regarding our local Republican party and its spokesman Cornel Rasor.

Film allowed healthy discussion on wolves

A grey wolf population healthy and established in Idaho, as well as legal hunting of the species, has created a polarizing issue here in North Idaho. Rational dialogue using fact-based information and current scientific knowledge is needed. It is why the Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance sponsored the recent showing at the Panida Little Theater of the documentary “Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators.” The standing-room-only crowd and two-hour panel discussion that followed the film shows that education is key to both understanding the issue and learning to live in harmony with our wild neighbors.

Newman School taught plenty of reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic

(Recently, I had the opportunity to sit around a table with a whole bunch of young people about my age - eighty something or other. Someone brought up the subject of one room schools and a heated discussion was off and running. The main thrust of the conversation was comparing the one room - one teacher school to what one gentleman called, “The Wasp Nest School.” I think he meant the mufti-roomed school of today. Most of the people present felt it would be a positive move to bring back the one room school for several reasons: It would be community driven rather than district controlled - kids would learn from other kids by listening to them recite - it would save money by cutting the bus system to a bare minimum - it would be teacher driven rather than administration driven. One person stated, “I think children would learn the necessary basics for a good education, learning how to read for one thing.” Another person said, “We learned that the Founding Fathers were not a rock group and we learned to respect other people and how to take responsibility for our actions and the consequences if we didn’t.”  I left the group agreeing with some and disagreeing with others but it got me thinking about how things used to be.)

Youth detention needs serious reevaluation

In response to the new $4 million juvenile detention facilities: Maybe the county needs to spend less money on supporting the acts of an overaggressive, over-paid, and rampantly oppressive police force and more on how to fix the problems of a never-ending cycle of police targeting and harassment of young people, kids on probation, drug use, etc, rather than creating a market economy for child prisoners in our town and condoning a ridiculous vice squad police force that drives kids to be trapped in the court and probation system that keeps them locked into a downward cycle of oppression and guilt.

SPD begins goal-setting

SANDPOINT — City police issued thousands if citations last year, but the incidents were spread throughout the city, not centered in the downtown area as critics allege, according to police.

Veterans thanked for their service to U.S.

I would like to recognise and thank the following people for their participation and service to our country.

Don't go nuts over your squirrel problems

Last Saturday I came out of my office and called for Kaikee and Peewee, my dogs. I didn’t get a response which I thought was unusual.

Parking lot tagged for closure

SANDPOINT — When a 24-car parking lot downtown closes this month it will leave fewer spaces in a heavily used area already facing a dearth of parking, some residents contend.

Legal, health care documents are important

Dear Geezer,   

McAlister announced as chamber president

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officially announces and welcomes, Kate McAlister, to the chamber staff effective Aug 9.  McAlister will serve as president and chief executive officer. She brings more than 20 years of corporate program development and marketing experience to the team.

SPD holding crosswalk emphasis

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Police Department is conducting its annual crosswalk emphasis program starting this month.

We can find cooperative solutions on wolves

I want to commend Jeff Jayne, policeman and hunter, for being on the recent wolf discussion panel despite being sort of a “lone wolf” in  a pro wolf audience. It was refreshing and reassuring to know that there are hunters who are willing to take the emotionality out of this  hot topic and who are willing to look for and sort through the facts  in order to make a difference in a cooperative way.

Forest Capital, conservancy ink land deal

BONNERS FERRY  — A square-mile chunk of land on the west side of the Kootenai Valley just south of the Canadian border will be set aside for bears and building materials, but there will be no building here.

James Arthur Weinand, 76

James Arthur Weinand, 76, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died peacefully, Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., with his daughters at his bedside, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lakers blow out Cd'A

SANDPOINT — The new team T-shirts are a tribute to a stellar season to this point for the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers, paying homage to both the Wooden Bat and American Legion “A” championships won by the team this year.

Obama is destroying the U.S. Constitution

We have a president who promised transparency, but won’t produce his birth certificate. He said he we would send troops to the border. He didn’t! He said he would not deal with lobbyists, but he put some of them on his staff and deals with others constantly. He said he would not raise taxes on anyone making less than … and in three speeches said three different numbers. He said that unemployment would not go above eight percent; the real number is closer to eighteen percent. He said that he would surround himself with good people (not the socialists, communists, radicals, eugenists, etc. that he has brought into his administration.) He said health care would not be rationed, but just brought someone into his advisory staff to do just that. He swore to uphold the Constitution. He is destroying it! He has told more lies in a year than most people could manage in a lifetime.

Highway 200 traffic shift nears

PONDERAY — Traffic on Highway 200 is tentatively scheduled to be shifted to newly paved temporary lanes later this week to accommodate construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass.

Group's residents have limited income

The Pend Oreille Players will be opening its 2010-’11 season on July 30 with “Little Shop of Horrors”. This opening night performance is a gate split benefit for River Mountain Village Assisted Living Center’s resident’s activities fund.

American citizenship is a privilege

I am an immigrant, a legal immigrant, and proud of it.

Museum honors WASPs for service

SAGLE — Betty “Birdlegs” Reed first flew in an airplane as a 6-year-old.

Local attorney prevails in appeal

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming a district judge’s dismissal of a legal malpractice case against a Sandpoint attorney who bought the cause of action against him through bankruptcy proceedings.

ITD improving pedestrian facilities

SANDPOINT — Work is under way to improve pedestrian facilities along U.S. highways 95 and 2, the Idaho Transportation Department has announced.

Accounts clash in battery case

SANDPOINT — Two judges are bowing out of a misdemeanor battery case against an East Hope man accused of slugging the mayor on Monday, court records show.

Is right to free speech saved for liberals?

Is the right to freedom of speech something to be granted — in a gracious manner — only to those of a liberal bent?

Less name calling needed in debate

As the daughter of a German immigrant, we often got together with other German Americans and celebrated our heritage. No one insisted that shopkeepers converse with us in German, our ballots be printed in German or that any of our friends and relatives be allowed to come to this country illegally and enjoy all the privileges of citizenship.

'Grandma' Iris Fern Hines, 87

“Grandma” Iris Fern Hines, 87, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she lived for 24 years.

Spreading the word, not the invader

1,800 boats were inspected in June

SANDPOINT — You might want to think twice before you disregard the mandatory boat inspection stations in the Panhandle.

Adele Lillian Wilds, 90

Adele Lillian Wilds, 90, of Sagle, Idaho, died Sunday, July 11, 2010, at Valley Vista Care Center. 

Lillian E. Linscott, 92

Lillian E. Linscott, 92, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Thursday, July 15, 2010.

Gordon pitches Lakers to sweep of Cd'A, league title

COEUR d’ALENE — A rock-solid pitching performance from Tyler Gordon led the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a 4-3 win in the nightcap of a doubleheader sweep Thursday night in Coeur d’Alene, as the Lakers claimed the “A” American Legion league championship.

Irene M. Withers, 83

Irene M. Withers, 83, of Athol, Idaho, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Kootenai Medical Center.

'Shoe Tree' burns down

NORDMAN — Nearly 70 years of tradition and hundreds of pairs of sneakers are gone after the famous “Shoe Tree” was destroyed in a fire Thursday evening.

Backflow test deadline set

SANDPOINT — The city is giving residents until Aug. 6 to have their municipal water line backflow systems tested, despite objections from some property owners.

Field fix lacks funds

SANDPOINT — As council members play hardball with the city budget, city patrons should expect  no grandstanding when it comes to Memorial Field.

Community, volunteers keep the Fourth fabulous

The Sandpoint Lions Club once again says “thank you” to the many that made the Fourth of July salute to our country and community a success. The Lions are few and the theme, “Together, We Are One,” was only possible because of the many volunteer individuals and groups. We want everyone who helped to know that the Lions appreciate all your effort.

Spill reinforces need for storm water program

SANDPOINT — A  June spill that dumped an oily film from a city storm water pipe into the Pend Oreille River did not prompt officials to address runoff.

Local athletes notch wins at Hershey's meet

WALLACE — A host of Sandpoint area youth notched top finishes Saturday at the Hershey’s state track and field meet in Silverton. Athletes from Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Rathdrum and the Silver Valley competed in the district meet.

Evans Brothers Coffee receives chamber honors

SANDPOINT — No matter what your preference on regular, decaf, or espresso, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters is gaining popularity throughout the Greater Sandpoint area with its freshly roasted organic, fair trade coffee from around the world.

Dressing well shows you will work well

In the recent candidate forums for the primary election I was appalled at the manner in which many contestants for public office showed up! Dressed like refugees from the grab bag pickings at the Third World Toilet Discount Store in downtown Nairobi, Kenya for all practical purposes.

Celebration should be held only on July 4

To the best of my recollection, Independence Day falls on the Fourth of July, once each year.

Illegal workers costing U.S. taxpayers millions

David Keyes’ recent condemnation of a faction of the state GOP may have some merit. However, he failed to put the issue in the proper perspective and identify those factors that have contributed to the cultural issue.

Christopher Michael Therien Sr., 57

Christopher Michael Therien Sr., 57, passed away peacefully at his home in Clark Fork, Idaho, on Thursday, July 8, 2010.

Former resident competes at Worlds

SANDPOINT — While much of the world has been rapt watching World Cup soccer recently, another big tournament that also happens every four years was taking place in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Kendon Perry participates in conference

Kendon Perry of Farm Bureau Financial Services in Ponderay recently attended the Million Dollar Round Table conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Be careful around raccoons

Last week I received several calls concerning raccoons. One caller said her wiener dog (Killer) was attacked by a raccoon and beat up pretty bad. She said the 20-pound raccoon jumped on her 15-pound dog’s back and bit the tar out of him. She said “Killer” almost died. Another caller said he was going to put a garbage bag in his outside garbage can. When he lifted the lid off the can a very large raccoon sprung out of the can attaching itself to his bib overalls. Fortunately he was able to knock it off without getting bit by the animal.

Fire danger could be on the rise

SANDPOINT — The fire danger is low in the Sandpoint area, but is elevated to moderate at Priest Lake, according to the Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch Center.

Lakers split games with Moscow

MOSCOW — All good things must come to an end, including 15 game winning streaks, as the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers lost for the first time in weeks on Tuesday night, splitting an American Legion doubleheader at Moscow.

Man jailed on gun assault charge

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who shot his abusive father to death in 2004 was arrested Tuesday for threatening a neighbor with a pistol.

Philip Durbin, 91

Philip Durbin passed away surrounded by family on July 2, 2010, in Kootenai, Idaho, at the age of 91.

Kaitlin Lee Price-Williams, 2

Kaitlin Lee Price-Williams, 2, passed away in an automobile accident on Sunday, July 11, 2010 near Sandpoint, Idaho.

Loopah named chamber's top 'rookie'

The successful new company offering positive purpose campaigns and online malls for innovative fundraising solutions was recently honored with “Rookie of the Month” honors by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Reye's Syndrome often tied to aspirin use in children

Aspirin is a staple in many medicine cabinets. But if you have children, this common medication is a potentially dangerous drug. Aspirin has been linked with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection.

Shirley June Nelsen 72

Shirley June Nelsen 72, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at the Life Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Barbara J. (Ulrich) McCrum, 88

Barbara J. (Ulrich) McCrum, 88, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010 in her Sandpoint, Idaho, home after a short illness.

Don't throw up your hands when tackling vomit stains

Last week my daughter, son-in-law and brand-new granddaughter arrived from Florida. To be honest, I could not wait to get my hand on the new arrival to our growing family.

Feds approve Garwood-to-Sagle freeway EIS

SANDPOINT — The Federal Highway Administration has approved the final environmental impact statement to convert U.S. Highway 95 into a controlled-access freeway between Bonner and Kootenai counties.

Henry Edward 'Eddy' Dawson, 74

Henry Edward “Eddy” Dawson, 74, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Sunday, June 20, 2010.

Evans: 'It was what I lived for'

Sandpoint resident honored recently for hoops exploits

SANDPOINT — From the time she was 5 years old through her early 20s, basketball was the passion of Linda Evans’s life.

Akey Akey Tiki Tiki Luau at Dover Bay this weekend

DOVER — Attention all area University of Idaho alumni and fans, the first-ever Bonner County University of Idaho Vandal Scholarship Fundraiser is coming to the Dover Bay Waterfront Resort this weekend.

County seeks bidders for juvenile lockup facility

SANDPOINT — A proposal to develop a 28-bed juvenile detention center on the city’s north side is going out to bid.

BCRCC has duty to show support for AZ

In response to David Keyes column “County GOP’s politicizing of fair is wrong, inappropriate” I would like to respond.

Hearing waived in battery case

SANDPOINT — A California man accused of a violent attack on a Bonner County man  17 months ago waived his right to a preliminary hearing last Wednesday.

Eisenhower was best military commander

Mr. Lirette’s letter (Bee, July 6) brings up an interesting issue — that of serving in the military under different presidents and why one might have been better than others to serve under. He indicates it was good to serve under President Reagan, but not under President Carter.

Darby and Amber Campbell

Darby and Amber Campbell passed away in a tragic boating accident on Lake Pend Oreille Saturday, July 3, 2010.

Fair board should send GOP packing

Most of us have from time to time had neighbors that embarrassed us by their actions. That’s how I felt last week when I heard about the Bonner County Republican Party’s position on changing the fair theme of their booth from fiesta to celebration. They’re promoting an “English only” political position to express support for the anti-immigration Arizona law.

Ex-councilman arrested for slugging mayor

EAST HOPE — A former councilman was arrested Monday for allegedly punching Mayor Jake Both in the chest in a dispute over a newspaper delivery tube on public property.

In wake of disaster, we must find alternatives

To many North Idahoans, the Gulf of Mexico might seem a million miles away, and those who live and work there are probably just as unfamiliar. Most of us have never seen an offshore oil platform, much less worked on one. We have probably never seen a miles-wide oil spill, a fouled beach or a major bird or fish kill. It’s even hard to imagine.

Toddler dies in rollover

SANDPOINT — A toddler was killed and two others were injured Sunday when the sport utility vehicle they were in overturned on Highway 200 and landed on its roof in the Pack River delta.

Lakers' win streak hits 15 games

SANDPOINT — The red-hot Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers swept a doubleheader from Silver Valley on Sunday at War Memorial Field, earning the streaking team the top seed in the district tournament later this month.

New stations to keep it local

Web presence could broaden listenership

(This is the second in a series of two articles about a pair of low-power FM stations that aim to serve Bonner County with live music, local programs and community events.)

Group's stand lacks foundation in fact

As the daughter of émigré parents working as a literary editor, I object to Cornel Rasor and the Bonner County Republican Party’s intention to rename their booth at the Bonner County Fair from “fiesta” to “celebration” just because Mr. Rasor objects to the use of non-English words, and his desire to eradicate immigrants and any suggestion of foreign words from the English language.

GOP is just following fair theme in own way

In response to David Keyes column in the July 8, 2010 paper — the Bonner County Republican Central Committee is not “politicizing the fair, they are simply following its theme in their own unique way. Fiesta means celebrate.

Woman nets sentence in exploitation case

SANDPOINT — A Spirit Lake woman accused of preying on a stroke victim for personal financial gain was given a suspended 30-day jail sentence, according to court documents.

Wild exercise featured red tape

SAGLE — The third installment of a multi-agency wildland fire event added a new wrinkle — red tape.

American society based on Christian foundation

America is unique in the history of nations. Our society was based on God’s word and the Christian principles found in it.  The very words of the founders and our founding documents prove this; in fact, the evidence is overwhelming.  Still, much confusion exists because of the various types of nations throughout history. Ancient Israel is the only nation which can be properly identified as a true theocracy, all others with church-state entanglements can correctly be referred to as Ecclesiacracies.  An Ecclesiacracy is a nation where heresy is considered a crime against the state.  In order to be fair, it must be noted that America struggled with this at differing junctures in her history. 

Flat Water Regatta offers up fun for a worthy cause

SANDPOINT — The old saying “everything old is new again” sums up the inspiration for the Great Sandpoint Flat Water Regatta, held this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Beach.

Alternative voices: Community radio opens airwaves

Low-power stations plan countywide coverage

(This is the first in a series of two articles about low-power FM stations that have been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to serve Bonner County.)

Erik's next film is just a Google search away

Folks, I need a minute of your time before I tell you what is taking place at the Panida’s Little Theater this afternoon and evening. I thought when we stopped saying to cinematography Erik Daarstad, “Stay, Erik, Stay” and changed to, “Go, Erik, Go,” all would be well.

Reward offered in poisonings

SANDPOINT — The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for poisoned meat left on a U.S. Forest Service trail.

Bypass work will result in path delays

SANDPOINT — Pedestrians and cyclists on the Sandpoint-to-Sagle bike path can expect delays as crews transfer surcharge material for the U.S. Highway 95 bypass.

LPOSD earns 'Parents' award

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School District received notification from Idaho Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna that it was selected once again for School Match’s “What Parents Want” honor.

Leadership Sandpoint supports DayBreak Center

SANDPOINT — Leadership Sandpoint’s class of 2009 recently completed its class project to help the DayBreak Center.

Tonnemacher pitches Lakers to doubleheader sweep of Prairie

SANDPOINT — Cole Tonnemacher accomplished a pretty rare feat, winning both games of a doubleheader as the Lakers ran their winning streak to 13 games, downing Prairie 22-3 and 4-3 Thursday night in American Legion baseball at War Memorial Field.

Catherine Mable Penrod, 85

Catherine Mable Penrod, 85, passed away July 3, 2010, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Inkwell dries up after 35 years in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Another longtime downtown retailer is succumbing to a  struggling economy and perceptions that buying locally is costlier compared to big box stores or online vendors.

Charles Michael 'Catch' Worster, 44

Charles Michael “Catch” Worster, 44, died Thursday, July 1, 2010, at his parents’ home in Kenai, Alaska.

Motorcyclists injured in crash

CLARK FORK — Two people on a motorcycle were injured Wednesday in a collision with a motorist who cut them off on Highway 200 east of town.

Linda Hendren, 57

Sterling, Alaska, resident Linda Hendren, 57, died quietly at home in Sterling with her husband at her side on July 6, 2010, after a four-year battle with breast cancer.

Ralph Larry Galloway, 62

Ralph Larry Galloway, 62, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

Sandpoint needs to stop outdated fluoridation

Swallowing fluoride does not prevent tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fluoride’s “predominant effect is posteruptive and topical.” In other words, benefits from fluoride come from direct application to the outside of teeth; not from ingestion.  Swallowing fluoride can also be harmful (read your toothpaste).

Dover Bridge girders coming soon

Trail closure to be enforced

DOVER — The first of 77 girders for the new Dover Bridge on U.S. Highway 2 should start arriving by the end of the month, project officials say.

Local wins taekwondo national title

SANDPOINT — Turning his biggest weakness into a strength, and logging countless hours training in the dojo paid off for Sagle’s Matt McCoy, who won his first taekwondo national championship recently at the 2010 AAU Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Oil catastrophe shows dismantling of the U.S.

This administration headed up by Mr. Barack Hussein Obama is so dismantling our country that it is almost impossible to list all areas of his destruction. So I shall pick one of the very many and that is the oil catastrophe.

County GOP's politicizing of fair is wrong, inappropriate

Is the GOP about to RIP in Bonner County and Idaho?

Lakers down Moscow in slugfest; streak at 11 wins

SANDPOINT — A pitching duel it wasn’t, but a win is a win, as the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers gutted out a 16-15 win in the second game of a doubleheader sweep over Moscow Tuesday night at War Memorial Field.

Theater's staff, patrons made film enjoyable

Kudos to the staff and all the patrons who were present at Bonner Mall Cinema on June 29 for the midnight showing of “Eclipse.”

Man gets 12-year sentence in child porn case

SANDPOINT — A West Virginia man who was arrested in Bonner County last year for possessing child pornography was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Mini ROV tested at City Beach

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Sheriff’s officials are hoping partnerships with other agencies, grant funding or a combination thereof can be used to acquire a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

Trains should curtail use of horns at night

Has anyway else but me noticed the increase in the amount of trains going over the Long Bridge?

Marjorie Elizabeth Wheeler, 87

Marjorie Elizabeth Wheeler, 87, passed away on July 5, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Thomas Benjamin 'Tom' Smith, 79

Thomas Benjamin “Tom” Smith, 79, passed away peacefully, at his home in Sagle, Idaho, on Friday, June 18, 2010.

New captains named at Bonner EMS

SANDPOINT — Keith Cutter and Mark Zandhuisen have been named as field supervisor captains for Bonner County EMS, Chief Rob Wakeley has announced.

Billy Charles Ezell, 69

Billy Charles Ezell, 69, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Phyllis Kathryn (Kay) Heiner Stanfield

Phyllis Kathryn (Kay) Heiner Stanfield passed away at Indianhead Estates in the early hours of July 1, 2010.

Mechanical failure ruled out in crash

SANDPOINT — Mechanical failure does not appear to have played a role in a fatal motorboat crash on Lake Pend Oreille on Saturday night.

Seniors, families have right to ask questions

Dear Geezer,   

White hot Lakers run win streak to 10 games

SANDPOINT — Nick Halpin had a double and three RBIs to lead the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a come-from-behind 13-9 win over Moscow Tuesday night at War Memorial Field, running the surging Lakers’ winning streak to 10 games.

E.L. 'Vern' Eskridge, 74

Vern Eskridge, 74, passed away in Sandpoint on Saturday, July 3, 2010.

Dr. Byarn Lee Neil

Dr. Byarn Lee Neil passed from this world on Monday, June 28, 2010, due to ongoing health complications. He was 65.

Book captures wilderness firefighters' tales

SANDPOINT — Rich Faletto spent 20 years in the Air Force, and another two decades in the real estate industry.

Second-hand smoke is a big problem

Every year, 434,000 people die of illnesses related to their smoking. But smokers are not the only ones whose health can suffer.

Northside levy vote was shortsighted

The two dollar bargain for a new Northside Fire District failed, due to lack of the 3,512 of the 3,987 registered voters who did not vote on the levy. What a shame.

U.S. has not had a good president lately

I wanted to concur on something Ms. Finney wrote in a recent letter. Let’s bring our troops home. Not as sure about the other stuff.

Was roundabout meant to end Boyer truck traffic?

I thought the roundabout constructed on Boyer was a clever and cutesy sort of thing! That is, until I followed three semi-trucks, with two short septic pump semi-trucks behind me.  As the first semi-truck pulling a flatbed slowly stared into the roundabout, his trailer was unable to go around the short, narrow curves.  The trailer had to run over the red cement area.

Stand down offering dental screenings

SANDPOINT — If even one veteran’s life is saved, Saturday’s dental screenings — new to the annual veteran stand down sponsored by the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter — will be worth it.

Randles, Stebbins notch impressive wrestling wins

SANDPOINT — Top Dog Casey Randles earned All-American honors by knocking off both the Oregon state champion and national Greco Roman champion from California on his way to a third place finish at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals recently at the McKay Center in Orem, Utah.

Couple killed in motorboat crash

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint couple was killed and a third person was injured Saturday when the motorboat they were in crashed into the U.S. Highway 95 Long Bridge.

Lakers undefeated in Wooden Bat Classic

COEUR d’ALENE — Led by strong pitching and solid defense, the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers emerged victorious at the Junior Legion Wooden Bat Classic held over the holiday weekend at McEuen Field.

Resident is glad to be an American

It’s July 4th. I’ve been thinking about how lucky I am and the great people that make this country what it is. It’s these people that give our country an abundance of greatness.

Holland brothers open Action Water Sports

SANDPOINT — For wakeboard and waterskiing lessons, you could certainly do a lot worse than two professional snowboarders for teachers.

Meth suspect back in jail

SANDPOINT — A Careywood woman accused of selling methamphetamine is back in custody, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday.

Drivers cited after accident

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who rear-ended a U.S. Postal Service vehicle earlier this month was cited for inattentive driving and possession of drug paraphernalia, court records show.

Highway 200 bridge work this fall

HOPE — An apparent low bidder has emerged in a project to rehabilitate the BNSF Railway bridge on Highway 200, the Idaho Transportation Department has announced.

Enticement investigated

SAGLE — Bonner County Sheriff’s officials are investigating a report of an attempted child abduction or enticement at Round Lake on Wednesday.

Look at founders' intent on holiday

Independence Day.  What usually comes to mind is what John Adams wrote to his wife after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  He said the Fourth should “be solemnized with pomp and parade - with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”

Facility's angels are owed debt of gratitude

One day God decided to create some special angels and He put lots of love into their hearts and great compassion  into their souls. He then proceeded to give them names: Patti Fulton, Dr. Eileen Kellner and Sue Zumwalt and, in His great wisdom, He placed them in the Bonner County Humane Society Clinic, laying on their hearts to care for His other creatures who were helpless and needy.

Reducing one salary to boost another is wrong

John Maras’ letter (June 24, Daily Bee) suggesting that our county treasurer Cheryl Piehl have a reduction in salary of $12,000 and that money be used to increase the sheriff’s salary.

Road decisions don't make a lot of sense

Recently you printed a letter from my husband about the “no turn on red” sign at Fifth and Cedar. Here’s another situation that causes us to wonder if any actual planning goes into making decisions regarding the streets.

Murder suspect arrested in Sagle

SANDPOINT — An Oregon man who relocated to Sagle after his wife disappeared more than two years ago was arrested Thursday and charged with her murder.

Caroline V. McDowell, 68

Caroline V. McDowell, 68, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Clagstone Meadows hearings set

SANDPOINT — Public hearings to consider a 12,000-acre resort community north of Kelso Lake have been reset for later this month.

Tito Terrance Tiberi, 59

Tito Terrance Tiberi, 59, passed away Saturday, June 26 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

Lakers win tourney opener

SPOKANE — Cole Tonnemacher pitched a complete game seven hitter, and Tyler Gordon had a two run double to lead the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a 4-2 win over Newport in the opening game of the Wooden Bat Tournament in Spokane.

Rosholt aims to be MMA champ

SANDPOINT — Mixed Martial Arts fighter Jake Rosholt has learned much in his first nine MMA fights, as he continues the segue from wrestling legend to the upper echelon of the burgeoning sport of ultimate fighting.

Original village of Sandpoint was a different town after dark

(Recently, in my “What’s That?” column in your Bonner County Daily Bee, I started showing some artifacts that came from the recent archaeological dig that took place along Sand Creek at the site of the original village of Sandpoint. The artifacts came from three primary areas: China Town, the Humbird Mill, and the restricted district, where the cribs or bordellos were located.

City pondering 'conservative' budget

SANDPOINT — No lurches or spikes are in store for most city departments as Sandpoint officials plan for next year’s budget cycle.

Lyle R. Pardee, 76

Lyle R. Pardee, 76, passed away very suddenly, on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Sandpoint Volleyball Club falls to tourney's top seed

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Sandpoint Volleyball Club U18 team played its best match of the season, and had the No. 1 seed Arizona Storm on the ropes, before falling 26-24, 25-22 in the first match of bracket play Thursday at the National Volleyball Tournament in Phoenix.

Metal fish design hooks fans

SANDPOINT — For a few weeks this fall after the downtown arch is completed, Nelson Boren will tune his design.

Fugitive meth suspect caught

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who avoided capture during a three-pronged methamphetamine bust earlier this month was apprehended on Wednesday.

Engelbrecht arrested in Michigan

SANDPOINT — A Priest River man accused of molesting a 6-year-old girl was apprehended Wednesday on an Idaho arrest warrant in southeastern Michigan.