Ellington

Repeat meth suspect sought

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman accused of selling methamphetamine is wanted on $300,000 in arrest warrants after she failed to show at her sentencing hearing earlier this month.

ITD's attitude is a sign of democracy's decay

In response to Gov. Butch Otter’s request for ideas to help fund education and other important services, I forwarded my letter to Daily Bee suggesting that the bypass construction be halted and the moneys being wasted on that debacle be directed toward education.

Site shows teachers are not hurting at all

Undoubtedly, I am a day late and a dollar short regarding the school levy. I am sure that those who voted for it are glad there will be sports next year and you will be able to attend all the football and basketball games that you so look forward to.

Jump into action to stop flea infestations

Last week we were at an area home. During the course of the conversation on the front porch with the homeowner I notice she had lots of what looked like mosquito bite on her legs and arms. I asked her if there were a lot of mosquitoes at night. She said she didn’t think so.

PAS is a wonderful facility

Panhandle Animal Shelter is a wonderful facility!

Kinney Construction wins eighth straight softball title

SANDPOINT — File this one under the famous Yogi Berra line “it ain’t over til it’s over.”

Frontier taking over local Verizon services

SANDPOINT — Better service, hometown participation, no overseas operators and users can pay their bills in town.

Tai chi harnesses body's energy flow for health, healing

SANDPOINT — It was the explosion that brought Mark Duffner to an ancient Chinese martial art.

Take time to separate fact from fiction

Once again we are being bombarded from the right with falsehoods, mistaken quotes and misinformation about our President and his actions.

Lakers' offense bombards St. Maries in doubleheader

St. MARIES — The Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers had the offense in full gear, sweeping a doubleheader at St Maries 16-0 and 18-6 on Tuesday night.  

Bonner Humane Society closing

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Humane Society is closing — this time for good.

Marjorie Pauline Listug, 79

Marjorie Pauline Listug, 79, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Saturday evening, June 26, 2010.

Winter pool issue surfacing today

KEITH KINNAIRD

Coolin man held on weapons offense

SANDPOINT — A Coolin man who was involved in a notorious shoot-out with a Bonner County Sheriff’s deputy on Priest Lake was arrested last weekend for illegally possessing firearms.

Be sparkler smart and enjoy a safe Fourth

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

Bulldog football team opens some eyes at UM

SANDPOINT — Boasting a bunch of new faces, and perhaps more importantly a high number of players, the Sandpoint High School football team more than held its own at a football camp last week at the University of Montana.

Grad Night games' legality questioned

SANDPOINT — A popular high school graduation event faces the ax although organizers contend it is legal.

Volunteers anchor parade

SANDPOINT — A long-time local volunteer will be the cornerstone of this year’s Fourth of July parade.

Hunt on for accused molester

PRIEST RIVER — A Priest River man is the subject of a $100,000 arrest warrant alleging he engaged in lewd and lascivious conduct with a 6-year-old girl.

Piracy policy too weak

Unfortunately, with a far left marxist liberal like Barack Hussein Obama as commander in chief, I don’t imagine we will ever seek out the Somali pirates and send them to the bottom before they can even get very far off the coast.

Fix streets first

In the Daily Bee on June 22, there was an article about re-doing the sidewalks downtown. Let me ask a question here, have you driven on our roads downtown lately? Come on, let’s fix the roads first! I beleive there are many more vehicles driving downtown then there are pedestrians walking around.

Ride raises more than $30,000 for PAFE

SANDPOINT — With the cooperation of practically perfect sunny weather, the Sandpoint-based 2010 CHaFE 150 bike ride was nearly flawless on Saturday, June 12 on the way to breaking records for ridership and fundraising.

Clinic needs support

Again, the Bonner County Humane Society Clinic is in need of our support, and I would like to urge the community to support this worthwhile clinic.

Obama is the worst president since Carter

I supported President Bush in sending troops to the Gulf War, but now I’m wondering if it isn’t time to bring our people home from Iraq and Afghanistan. This war is going on and on. If the Iraqis and Afghanis haven’t got it figured out by now how to control their own terrorists, they never will.

Colleen's Coffee Corner brewing up business

SANDPOINT — This is Colleen’s corner.

Artists take stage to battle cancer

Benefit concert to aid four local charities

SANDPOINT — Singer/songwriter Charley Packard lost his wife, Colleen, to cancer in March.  Only a month earlier, cancer took the life of artist Karen Silva, who was married to bluesman Neighbor John Kelly.  Last October, legendary harmonica player and singer Norton Buffalo died after a battle with lung cancer and left behind his wife, Lisa, as well as a backup band of musicians who had become his musical support team.

Poor traffic planning

Last week 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.

Apathy is our enemy

I had the honor of attending the Memorial Day service for fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on May 31. Considering the rainfall, there were a goodly number of people attending.

Area residents shine at Ironman

SANDPOINT — A couple of first time competitors and a veteran of the grueling race helped lead a strong contingent of Sandpoint area residents at the 2010 Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene on Sunday.

BPA explains rationale behind lake level request

Agencies hosting an open house on Wednesday

SANDPOINT — The Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are hosting another open house on Wednesday for people to learn more about a proposal to fluctuate the level of Lake Pend Oreille during the winter.

Let residents decide

I don’t understand why the city of Sandpoint is reluctant to discontinue fluoridating the municipal water supply.

Dog poisoning remains under investigation

CLARK FORK — Tainted sausage left on a hiking trail that killed one dog and sickened two others was laced with an insecticide, according to the Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

Separation of church and state - again

There have been extremist voices advocating for a Christian government of the United States, or one based on Christian principles. Once again, we have to remind ourselves that the dangerous mixing of church and state is what our founders avidly wished to avoid, since they understood the disastrous results of religious wars in Europe.

Catie's Uniform Shoppe moves to Cedar Street

SANDPOINT — Catie’s Uniform Shoppe, providing fun and fashionable scrubs for the medical community, is pleased to announce a new location at 214 B Cedar St. in downtown Sandpoint.

City approves zoning changes

SANDPOINT — Sweeping changes to city commercial zoning laws were adopted in an empty room at City Hall this week.

Sandpoint KOs combat fights

SANDPOINT — Bloody knuckles, wrenched joints and bitten ears will be illegal downtown, according to the latest amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan.

More focused milfoil treatments planned

SANDPOINT — Herbicide treatments of Eurasian milfoil in Lake Pend Oreille this summer are expected to be later in the season and more limited than in years past.

Police: Driver in fatal crash was drunk

SANDPOINT — Alcohol was a factor in a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Washington state man earlier this month.

State rights, unity themes at GOP convention

Flexing the state’s rights amid concerns over federal proposals, unity after a hard-fought primary and the chairman’s election are highlights of the Idaho Republican Party’s annual convention, which began Friday.

Super 1 Foods sets June 30 opening

SANDPOINT — Angel Raymond is in charge of checking new inventory and making sure all prices are logged into the system.

Green Monarchs host men's soccer tournament

SANDPOINT — It may not be peak season, but soccer is very much in the air around Sandpoint, and not just for the World Cup or the ever-popular Brian Farber Pro Soccer Camp.

Daarstad's frequent trips end in great documentaries

Folks, I want you to take a good look at today’s picture because you will not be seeing another one like it again — at least from my hand.

Frank Butler Evans, 91

Frank Butler Evans, 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Legals Listings

Legals online will be posted for a period of two months. For legals dating beyond this period, please contact the Daily Bee at (208) 263-9534 to arrange for the purchase of an archived newspaper.

Legals online will be posted for a period of two months. For legals dating beyond this period, please contact the Daily Bee at (208) 263-9534 to purchase an archived newspaper. These are available at the Daily Bee or by mail.

Admitted embezzler sentenced

SANDPOINT — A Washington state woman who admitted stealing from her former employer can avoid further incarceration if she makes good on an order of restitution.

Why waste money on fireworks show?

It is absolutely nonsense to spend $1,000 a minute on any kind of entertainment — especially if it goes up in smoke. Tough times may be ahead — lots of us remember those times and it can happen again! Let’s not waste it!

Longtime SHS scorekeeper 'loved every second of it'

SANDPOINT — This fall, when the Friday night lights of Barlow Stadium are lit up and the 2010 season gets underway, one team will kick off, the other will receive, and the head referee will wind his arm to signify the start of the clock.

Jacey's Race benefits local youths with cancer

Jacey’s Race is a community event you won’t want to miss! Established to help local families with children who are currently being treated for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, it’s a timed 5K race for people of all ages and an untimed 1K run/walk for kids and families. In addition to the race itself, the day will include kids’ activities such as face painting, clowns, and a jumping castle, food and water tents, and fun door prizes. Bonner General Hospital is proud to once again be a sponsor of this great event.

SCS dedicates high school

SANDPOINT —  When it comes to charter schools, Collin Kindred and Matt Smith are no tenderfoots.

Bills and roundabout are food for thought

The city of Sandpoint folds in the best of ways. It seems to be the only entity that can actually fold the utility invoice at the tear-off perforated line.

INL construction project nearing completion

Every so often I feel the need to report on what is happening with your tax dollars at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls. The continuing effort is involved with cleaning up this highly contaminated area.

Rain spurs West Nile concerns

The rain could come back to bite us.

Filippini household scores honors as THE place to watch World Cup

The couch and the ottoman tipped over with me on top of it.

Schuck story was just pointless noise

To use journalism-speak, what is the possible “angle” of the Bee’s story (June 11) about Justin Schuck’s delinquency in paying a portion of his student loan? You must have some purpose in publishing an expose about a fine young man who has made, and continues to make, extremely positive contributions to his hometown and our community.

Commissioners should reallocate some salaries

The Bonner County sheriff is paid $56,000 per year plus benefits of $16,500. The sheriff has a current budget in excess of $6,600,000 and is in charge of managing 109 employees, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Alice Mae Ewing, 81

Alice Mae Ewing, 81, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on May 16, 2010.

Harry Edwin 'Ed' Wesselman Sr.

Harry Edwin “Ed” Wesselman Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on June 2, 2010.

Panhandle parcels eyed in land trade

SANDPOINT — About 8,500 acres of public lands in the Panhandle factor into a proposed land exchange between the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Forest Group and an Arizona development company.

Obama's inexperience is hurting the country

Bob Wynhausen’s letter (June 17) began with an absolutely dead-on to the crux of it question: “Can Obama do anything right?” He further stated that “if you listen to people on the right, the answer is clearly no.”

Hints will help you collar dirt stains

Last week I received a call from a lady by the name of Sandra. She said they had just moved here from Michigan. She said last summer while in Sandpoint their family stopped at Hoot Owl’s for breakfast. While waiting for their meal she read my article to her husband (Jim) from the Daily Bee. Sandra said my article coupled with the general appearance of Sandpoint and Ponderay gave them a “real home town feeling.” During the course of the conversation she inquired about shirt collar staining. The following is my response to her question:

Judge orders Fairfax held

Judge: Man too dangerous, not reliable enough to release

COEUR d’ALENE — Sagle resident Larry Fairfax, who planted a large pipe bomb under a woman’s vehicle as part of a murder-for-hire plot and then turned into a federal informant, will remain in custody.

Judge orders Steele held without bail

COEUR d’ALENE — A federal judge on Tuesday decided Edgar J. Steele would be too great of a risk to intimidate potential witnesses and obstruct justice in his case, and could become a public-safety risk if released pending his August trial.

Abortion stance will keep Obama from greatness

Mr. Wright (May 27) speaks of climbing up the “mountain of moral right.” He lists men such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King who truly did make it to the top, and are remembered as great men. However, to list Barack Hussein Obama among these great men is an insult to American and all she stands for.

Fluoridation among top health achievements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies fluoridation of drinking water as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The American Public Health Association promotes water fluoridation as the foundation for better oral health. Even in today’s environment, with the increasing availability of fluoride-containing products such as toothpastes and mouth rinses, community water fluoridation remains the most equitable and cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all members of most communities, regardless of age, educational attainment, or income level.

Learn to sail class offered

SANDPOINT — Join Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association for a great opportunity for adults to learn how to sail, on June 26-27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sandpoint Windbag Marina.

Attorney: Dive's balcony unfairly targeted

SANDPOINT — The Dive’s balcony is being targeted by the state as an encroachment while other similar downtown structures are getting a free pass, according to the establishment’s attorney.

Missing man found dead

PRIEST RIVER — The search for an elderly Oklahoma man with dementia who went missing south of Priest Lake came to a tragic end on Tuesday.

Dementia caregivers have support

Dear Geezer,

City ponders sidewalk plan

SANDPOINT — Creating a network of repaired sidewalks throughout the city is part of a pedestrian travel plan being considered by City Council.

Pend Oreille Health Care is focusing on patients

SANDPOINT — Michelle Anderson, family nurse practitioner, found out within a month of opening Pend Oreille Health Care that she was pregnant with her second child. (Her first child only 6 months old at the time.)

PAFE awards $167,000 to LPOSD teachers

SANDPOINT — Harness the power of the wind? Grow an edible garden? Embark on an exciting tour of college and career possibilities? 

Fathers' boat story binds families

SANDPOINT — This is the story of two fathers and how their shared love of a 19th Century rowboat plied the tributaries of time until it was passed on to a new generation.

Litehouse announces promotions

SANDPOINT — The old adage when the times get tough, the tough get going has never been more true than with the recent economic downturn.

Saying thanks on Father's Day

This Father’s Day will be the first one celebrated by my youngest son, Daniel. He and his wife, Meggan, are the proud parents of a 3-month-old named Wesley Leif, which puts me squarely in the middle of a line of fathers who share the same last name.

Welcome to the Lakeshore Drive Raceway

I have lived on Lakeshore Drive for three years now and have witnessed an increase in speeders during the past two years. I have also submitted the necessary paperwork with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office to reflect concerns of those who violate the 35 mph speed limit.

Cross-country camping trip remains memorable

Just a word of advice, do not ask your child to write an essay quite yet about what he or she has done this summer.

Adult tennis lessons offered

SANDPOINT — Looking to improve your tennis game? Registration for City Rec adult tennis lessons continues, with beginner and intermediate lessons available. 

Robert James 'Bobby' Moore

Robert James “Bobby” Moore passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2010. Bob was born Dec. 18, 1931, to Ralph and Edith (Hadley) Moore in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Triple damages awarded in dog dispute

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County dog breeder has been awarded a $141,825 default judgment against a Delaware couple accused of using her money to purchase two pedigree Shiba Inus for their own kennel.

Urge Minnick to vote for education bill

When I was growing up, I remember my dad had a saying that he’d tell us over and over:  “A good education will make all the difference.” As a parent now, I find new meaning in that simple statement, especially as I hear about teachers being laid off, furlough days being mandated for some Idaho teachers, and cuts being made to programs like music, art, home economics and physical education.

Is everyone scared to challenge Obama?

After Obama’s speech from the Oval Office Wednesday night, the rumors that BP would “voluntarily” pony up $30 billion, by demand of the White House, to compensate Gulf victims seems reality.

Address change upsets residents

LACLEDE — A big white sign, clumps of knee-high grass, railroad tracks and a church lie prone as blacktop under a gray, June sky.

ISDA takes the helm in milfoil fight

SANDPOINT — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture will be taking point in this summer’s battle against Eurasian milfoil.

USO offered a touch of home, entertainment to region's soldierscol

(Many people came to Sandpoint during World War II. Two of them were Beth Knight and Price May. Today she concludes her story, in her own words, and shares some of her memories of Farragut Naval Station, the Sandpoint USO, and the people of Sandpoint).

Allergy season is nothing to sneeze at

Allergy season has got to be one of the worst times of the year. If your one of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, not only do you have to put up with the sneezing and itching but you also have to go the extra mile with cleaning routines.

Check facts before sending e-mails on

In rebuttal to Mr. Brixen, our president did not say those words (Obama’s comment on military was regrettable, June 1.) They were written by conservative humorist John Semmens, which were published on his website in March 2009. As usual, most people getting these e-mails either refuse to check the facts or want to believe it so much that they don’t care.

Chance remains to kick out incumbents

Regarding the letter to the editor written by Ray Fries of California (May 30, Daily Bee):

Armed standoff ends peacefully

SANDPOINT — A Vay man who attracted national attention for a sign which advocated the hanging of President Barack Obama last year was arrested Tuesday for pulling a handgun on a neighbor during a dispute.

City brushes off fluoride issue for vote

SANDPOINT — Removing fluoride from the city’s drinking water has been a pungent topic among council members who will once again address the issue in an upcoming meeting.

To the right, Obama will always be wrong

Can Obama do anything right? If you listen to people on the right, the answer is clearly no.

Bulldogs hire new girls soccer coach

SANDPOINT — Enthusiasm abounds in the Sandpoint girls soccer program, as the Bulldogs named Julie Pitre as the new head coach of the reigning 4A state champions this week.

Sagle man charged in bomb plot

COEUR d’ALENE — A Sagle man is in federal custody, identified as the alleged bombmaker in a murder-for-hire scheme purportedly set in motion by Edgar Steele, a former attorney for the Aryan Nations.

Ann Elizabeth Higgins, 56

Ann Elizabeth Higgins, 56, passed away at her home in Clark Fork, Idaho, on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

GO FISH! Charters launches for business

SANDPOINT — A passion for fishing stirred in Captain Chad Landrum in his toddler years and led him to become a trained fisheries biologist, a licensed master with the US Coast Guard, gain 25 years of experience bass fishing nationwide, and now guide on the waters of Lake Pend Oreille.

Museum honoring WWII female pilots

SAGLE — They were known for their incisive wits, experience and excellent piloting skills, but not many people have heard of them.

Ultimately, democracy will prevail on BID

Democracy is likely on folks’ minds these days with the recent elections. So, perhaps it is a good time to bring up, again, the latest petition, one of the purest forms of democratic action, regarding the downtown Sandpoint Business Improvement District tax. This time around it was the lack of a header on each individual signature page that was sufficient to toss out the latest petition from the business community to the city of Sandpoint to end the BID tax.

Developer responds to criticism

DOVER — Developer Bruce Pedersen contends he is being treated unfairly by neighbors, the city and the local media in his quest for an after-the-fact conditional use permit for a luxury retreat.

City Rec offers variety of youth tennis classes

SANDPOINT — Registration for 2010 Youth Tennis has begun at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, located at 1123 Lake St. A host of classes are offered, rackets are provided and partial scholarships are available on a need basis. Sessions are filling fast so register early. 

Steele indicted in murder-for-hire plot

COEUR d’ALENE — A grand jury indictment on Tuesday was returned in U.S. District Court here against an attorney known for representing hate groups like the Aryan Nations, setting the stage for a high-profile murder-for-hire trial.

LaDonna Kay (MacDonald) Roberts

LaDonna Kay (MacDonald) Roberts passed away on Monday, June 7, 2010, in Stevensville, Mont.

'I want to go out with a bang'

SANDPOINT — Two years ago, Sandpoint Volleyball Club U18 head coach Jack Dyck’s U16 team went to the National Volleyball Festival seeded No. 39, and ended up finishing fifth.

Local wins 52-mile race

SANDPOINT — It was billed as the Deep Water 50 Mile Race, drawing ultramarathon runners from around the region to Farragut State Park last weekend.

Take time to get tested for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making men 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than women are to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Suspected pipe bomb found under car

COEUR d’ALENE — A suspected pipe bomb was discovered Tuesday under a vehicle registered to Edgar Steele, hours before the Sagle attorney made his first court appearance on federal charges connected to a murder-for-hire scheme allegedly targeting his wife and mother-in-law.

Cecil L. 'Luke' Aldrich

Cecil L. “Luke” Aldrich passed away on June 12, 2010, at Clearwater Health & Rehabilitation in Orofino, Idaho.

Sandpoint bikers race for autism research

SANDPOINT — About 200 bicycle riders took off in teams off from Oceanside, Calif., on Saturday, on their way to the finish line at Annapolis, Md., in one of the most grueling ultra-marathon race events ever devised for two wheels.

State Farm donates $2,500 to Habitat chapter

SANDPOINT — State Farm, Idaho’s largest auto and home insurance company, recentlyy donated $2,500 to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. The company making the contribution as part of the company’s on-going commitment to building safer, stronger, and better educated neighborhoods through its Good Neighbor Citizenship program.

Sign plan gets hearing today

SANDPOINT — How many banners and sandwich boards that a business may display is the topic of a 5:30 p.m. public hearing at today’s planning commission meeting.

Idaho attorney charged in murder-for-hire plot

COEUR d’ALENE — Federal prosecutors have charged a North Idaho attorney with hiring a hit man to try to kill his wife and mother-in-law.

Growth of debt isn't a 'success' for Obama

Facts are a funny thing. They can be presented selectively and in different ways to make them say just about whatever you want them to. Mr. Hanset did a good job of this in his letter (May 27).

NIE golf tournament is a win for everyone

Now that we have gotten a taste of summer weather, let’s talk about doing something fun.

Kim Wesley Warner, 56

Kim Wesley Warner, 56, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2010 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Tonnemacher blast, Nikssarian gem helps Lakers to sweep of Lewiston

SANDPOINT — Eric Nikssarian pitched a three-hit complete game, and Cole Tonnemacher hit a tape measure home run to lead the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a doubleheader sweep over Lewiston in American Legion baseball Monday afternoon at War Memorial Field.

Loss of old trees with great stories is sad

For some time as I drove down Division Avenue, I had admired a grand old willow tree.  It was huge and had a beautiful gnarled trunk. About five years ago I decided I would stop in and ask the owner permission to take pictures of it.

Community garden needs your vote

The Sandpoint Transition Initiative (STI) has entered into a contest to win a $25,000 grant to expand it’s Community Garden Program.  We need your vote to make this happen.

Edwin 'Ed' Behrens, 92

Edwin “Ed” Behrens, 92, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

Charles R. 'Bud' Campbell, 82

Charles R. “Bud” Campbell, 82, of Simpsonville, S.C., loving husband of Maxine Campbell, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 31, 2010.

Kudos June 2nd-13th

Timberlake Fire District controversy continues

ATHOL — A Timberlake Fire Protection District commissioner has resigned and a technical advisor for the district has quit after the board decided to immediately end the contract of Chief Jack Krill.

Music conservatory hosting event

SANDPOINT — Earning an advanced anthropology degree was not the high note of Karin Wedemeyer’s career.

Crashes in Bonner County declined in '09

But so did seat belt use

SANDPOINT — The total number of crashes in Bonner County fell in 2009, according to the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety.

Washington man dies in rollover

SAGLE — Idaho State Police is investigating a crash on Bottle Bay Road that claimed the life of a Washington state man on Thursday.

License issues delay Super 1 opening

Store plans to open by July 4

SANDPOINT — Grains and grapes are holding up the opening of the area’s latest grocer.

Alice Mader

Alice Mader was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 3, 1927. She was one of 13 children born to Philomena and William P. Oswald of Allison Park, Pa.

Wrongful death claim filed in crosswalk fatality

SANDPOINT — The family of a Sandpoint pedestrian struck and killed in a Fifth Avenue crosswalk last year is seeking $250,000 in damages from the city, the state and Bonner County.

Avalanche Soccer Club hires new director of player development

SANDPOINT — The technical director for the North Idaho Avalanche Soccer Club, Scott Clawson, is pleased to announce the hiring of Ray Smith as the club’s first Director of Player Development & U16/17 boy’s head coach.

Marine patrol wins grant

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol won a $90,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation to purchase a patrol boat to serve the south end of Lake Pend Oreille.

Turning on red will boost traffic safety

Scenario:  Little Susie is learning to drive. She is going west on Cedar, driving in the left turn lane approaching Fifth Avenue. The light is red. Mr. Sandpoint, driving in front of her, stops at the light, then with no traffic coming, he turns left into the far right lane, thus breaking not one but two traffic laws.

Lambert Volleyball Camp coming to Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — Any and all area youth volleyball players interested in some top notch college level instruction take notice, the 2010 Lambert Camps are coming to Clark Fork High School on June 21-24.

SHS tennis, track teams announce season awards

SANDPOINT — With the spring sports season recently wrapping up, local high school teams are celebrating with the annual end of the season awards banquets.

False claims taking advantage of disaster

I am not defending BP, but I would like the news to express the other side of the effort they are facing to reconcile their liability.

Aging happens to all of us

Dear Geezer,   

Ed tackles questions on lawn fairy rings, night air

Last week, I received several calls from folks who had specific questions concerning their environment.

Fire-based EMS is the best option

BCEMS is broken. Wrong from startup in both cost and function.

Basin board seeks EIS on BPA plan

SANDPOINT — The Pend Oreille Basin Commission is calling for a more in-depth environmental review on a plan to manipulate the winter level of Lake Pend Oreille to maximize power generation in the Columbia Basin.

Bank receives loan judgment

SANDPOINT — A local City Council member who defaulted on his student loan owes Wells Fargo Bank $12,469.21.

City names new attorney

SANDPOINT — A former state deputy attorney general replaced Will Herrington who has stepped down after seven years as counsel.

Multiple crashes on Wednesday

COCOLALLA — Two Sagle residents were injured when another motorist lost control of his pickup truck and trailer on a hailstone-slicked section of U.S. Highway 95 on Wednesday afternoon, according to Idaho State Police.

Program is investment in our children's future

The past few summers, the Sandpoint community welcomed a terrific educational opportunity, the Camp Invention program, into Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center.

Humane society seeks reprieve

SANDPOINT — Chuck Driggs counts cadence with cats.

Make your home, sweet home, safe and snug

Is your family ready for an emergency? 

Schweitzer CEO to speak at tourism lunch

SANDPOINT — On Thursday, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual tourism luncheon.

Area schools set graduation dates

SANDPOINT — Graduation ceremonies for area high schools are scheduled this week between Thursday and Saturday.

Gordon, Tonnemacher lead Lakers past Cd'A

SANDPOINT — Tyler Gordon was sharp on the mound, and Cole Tonnemacher continued his hot hitting at the plate, leading the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a decisive 13-3 win in five innings Tuesday in a home opener at War Memorial Field.

Chamber welcomes Hopes Basket Biz

HOPE — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Hopes Basket Biz owned by Phyllis Minnock.

Inertia builds behind EMS move

Trial run with SFD nears end

SANDPOINT — A trial run of stationing a Bonner County EMS ambulance at the Sandpoint Fire Department appears to have run its course.

All Arizona did was adopt federal law

Here is what the mainstream media did not report the other day! Mexican President Calderon addressed the US Congress by saying he ‘strongly disagreed’ with Arizona’s new immigration law 1070. When he was finished with his speech, speaker Nancy Pelosi and the gang gave him a standing ovation. 

Hamilton hurls a no-hitter to lead Lakers

KELLOGG — Featuring an array of nasty pitches, Tevin Hamilton tossed a no-hitter and struck out a whopping 18 hitters to lead the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a doubleheader split against Silver Valley in American Legion baseball action Sunday in Kellogg.

Jack Eugene Stromquist, 61

Jack Eugene Stromquist, 61, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Friday, June 4, 2010, at his home following an extended illness.

As long as it's done legally, all welcome

Doesn’t every American, except illegal immigrants, agree with this: Everyone has a right to come to this country as long as it done legally.

Sandpoint Christian students offering PAS a helping hand

SANDPOINT — Bare dirt in the spring, choked by weeds in the summer and a barren stretch of snow or mud in the winter.

Hoopster Mitchell lands at Montana State Northern

HAVRE, Mont. — Montana State University Northern Lights basketball coach Shawn Huse has announced the signing of former Bulldog football and basketball standout Ben Mitchell, a 6-foot-5 forward transfer from Spokane Community College.

Congratulations to area graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

Stand for truth or just live to exist

We have become a country so comfortable, to the point of complete apathy over the passed few decades. We desire to be part of the group mentality and we therefore compromise our principles rather than speak up for the truth.

Enid Marie Gruenewald, 83,

Enid Marie Gruenewald, 83, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2010 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Obama 'quote' has no basis in fact

I am writing this letter as a response to Steve Brixon’s letter to the editor entitled “Obama’s comment on military was regrettable.” Taking up space in the paper for something that wasn’t said and was probably read from some circulating e-mails which were never researched for veracity only produces emotion, and ill-conceived notions that cause people to air their ignorant conclusions publicly.  Fifteen seconds on the computer to

Area's economic recovery mixed

SANDPOINT — As summer approaches, the local job market is experiencing an upswing, but that does not mean the economy is on the verge of recovery, Idaho Department of Labor officials said.

Northside Elementary starts a growing tradition

SANDPOINT — Friday’s salad got rave reviews at Northside Elementary.

Dixie Nadine Machado, 87

Dixie Nadine Machado, 87, passed away at Life Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho, on June 1, 2010.

Community's welcome made a big impression

(Ted Farmin sent me a video clip about the North Platte Nebraska Canteen. It brought back memories of World War II years when communities across our country did all they could to give a GI (government issue) a touch of home. In North Platte, a troop train would stop for about 10 minutes; the troops would dash to the canteen for sandwiches, a quick dance, and maybe a hug. Erik Daarstad and I met Beth May during the filming of Sandpoint’s centennial movie. I want to share with you her story, in her own words, what Sandpoint meant to a young couple far from home.)

Bee's View attempts to sway voters

On Sunday, May 23, I read the Bee’s View candidate endorsements. I do not subscribe to the Daily Bee to read David Keyes’ opinion on anything. Would he have me believe that the Bee’s View is the opinion of all its employees without any disagreement? Then it is David Keyes’ opinion.

Two injured in rear-end crash

SAGLE — Two people were injured in a rear-end collision on U.S. Highway 95 on Saturday afternoon.

Song's title, lyrics require explanation of the '80s

Remember the rock ’80s band called Foreigner?

Obama 'quote' was unfounded

Regarding a past letter in which I quoted Obama as wanting wounded vets to use their private insurance to cover their service injuries … it does, in fact, seem I quoted a quote that was never made. I erred badly.

Floodplain flap is likely over

SANDPOINT — A convoluted controversy surrounding a waterfront home thought to be in violation of Bonner County’s floodplain ordinance is expected to come to an anticlimactic end today.

Forum offered plenty of food for thought

I have attended many political debates over the years but I have never, ever heard of a candidate wrap up the night by saying: “What Bonner County needs is an enema!”

Economy takes toll on fireworks show

SANDPOINT — The economy and declining sponsorships have taken their toll on the Sandpoint Lions’ Fourth of July celebration.

Raids yield lab, meth

SAGLE — Four people were arrested during three simultaneous drug raids on Thursday morning. A fifth suspect remains at large.

Local youths compete in Hershey's Track Meet

SANDPOINT — The sun broke out just in time for the start of the Hershey’s Track Meet Friday afternoon at Sandpoint High School, as 35 area youth competed in a host of events.

City ponders sign changes

SANDPOINT — The amended law will be an across-the-board change on how local businesses may advertise.

Ex-county worker accused of embezzlement

SANDPOINT — A criminal case is pending against a former Bonner County employee who is accused of embezzling public funds while serving as manager of the University of Idaho’s extension office in Sandpoint.

USFS goes for gold

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service is celebrating the grand opening of its new Sandpoint Ranger District Office on Wednesday.

Sandpoint firefighters deserve thanks, kudos

We would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank the Sandpoint Fire Department for their hard work and community service.

BPA: Shifting lake level won't harm kokanee spawning beds

SANDPOINT — Raising and dropping Pend Oreille’s winter lake level in five-foot increments could damage docks and moorings, something the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonner Power Administration are aware of as they prepare for a new lake level plan.

Arizona only doing what feds will not

Here is what the mainstream media did not report the other day! Mexican President Calderon addressed the US Congress by saying he ‘strongly disagreed’ with Arizona’s new immigration law 1070. When he was finished with his speech, speaker Nancy Pelosi and the gang gave him a standing ovation. 

ITD: Dive's balcony must be removed

SANDPOINT — The balcony at a downtown establishment must be removed because it violates a state right of way law, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Medina earns unanimous decision in title defense

WORLEY — On a night when fans turned out to see Sandpoint native Favio Medina defend his WBC-USNBC welterweight championship, his bout stole the show in front of an estimated 1,600 in the House of Fury on Thursday at the Coeur d’Alene Casino.

Lakers split doubleheader

RATHDRUM — Tevin Hamilton and Tyler Gordon each threw solid complete games on the mound, as the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers split a season opening doubleheader against Prairie on Saturday in American Legion baseball action at Lakeland High School.

Right steps needed to break your home's mold problem

Last Wednesday, I received at least 10 calls from area residents asking about an article written on mold. Most of the callers wanted to know if the solution mixture would in fact cure fungal problems within the home.

LBS to benefit swim lessons

SANDPOINT — This fall, more than 800 swimmers are expected to hit the waters for the fun and popular Long Bridge Swim, each skilled enough to navigate the 1.75 miles of open water.

Loopah provides innovative fundraising

SANDPOINT — Taking fundraising from bake sales to positive purpose campaigns and online malls, Loopah supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and other entities with their financial needs through an innovative approach.

Vehicles with lights are easier to spot

I have read many of Lawrence Fury’s Daily Bee missives, most with mild amusement, but the one printed on May 25 concerning daytime headlights, definitely needs a rebuttal and not from a “safety cop” but from a concerned citizen. He states that “if you cannot see a moving car on a bright sunny spring day … then you don’t belong behind the wheel.” Mr. Fury, we are all still waiting for those bright sunny spring days.

Kootenai readies for centennial celebration

KOOTENAI — The children in the elementary school office Tuesday were not sullen students meeting with Kootenai Principal Betsy Walker to be reprimanded for playground transgressions, food fights or lack of manners.

Election night returns were a total failure

After last week’s election, I was very disappointed in the Bonner County clerk’s  office failure to post the results online in a clear and timely fashion. It was an absolute shipwreck.

Idaho Club opens for public play

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Club announced this week that its Jack Nicklaus Signature course is now open to the general public each day throughout the 2010 season. Starting times may be reserved by caIling the golf shop at 265-2345, and are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tee times are required and players should call for reservations in advance.

New director driving to get arms around ITD budget

SANDPOINT — Brian Ness is fully aware that his job is where the rubber meets Idaho roads.

Mable Irene Doyle, 89

Mable Irene Doyle, 89, passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 in Sandpoint, Idaho. A memorial potluck will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Sandpoint Senior Center.

Woman seriously injured in DUI crash

SANDPOINT — A Missouri man is pleading not guilty to a drunken driving crash that might have cost a passenger part of her right arm.

Mertz signs to play at Sonoma State

SANDPOINT — Most know soccer can be a game of fortuitous bounces, but it was a fortuitous vacation whim that helped Sandpoint senior Alicia Mertz land a college scholarship, as the Sonoma State women’s soccer program announced its 2010 recruiting class last week.

Brixen's misinformation is regrettable

In a recent letter to the editor, Mr. Brixen quoted the president as saying “Look, it’s an all volunteer force. Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the cost of their choice”

Most soldiers proud to serve under president

I don’t know where Mr. Brixen got the idea that President Obama “had proposed that veterans obtain private insurance to cover injuries received in service to their country.” This may have been something he heard from Rush Limbaugh.

Zuberbuhler receive chamber honors

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognized Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jim Zuberbuhler with the Rookie of the Month Award for his involvement with the Chamber.

Sharon Irene Celius, 57

Sharon Irene Celius, 57, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in Ponderay, Idaho.

Sandpoint players huge in State Cup championship

BOISE — Led by the standout play of six Sandpoint soccer players, the Coeur d’Alene Sting U18 boys team finished off a great State Cup with a 4-3 win in the championship, qualifying for the Regional Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is scheduled for later this month.

Sandpoint woman wins Cd'A Marathon

COEUR d’ALENE — Sandpoint’s Jody Aslett, 41, topped the women’s field on Sunday during the 33rd Annual Coeur d’Alene Marathon.

Paul Westfall, 86

Paul Westfall, 86, passed away at his home on Monday morning, June 1, 2010.

Don't let the sun cloud your health this summer

The sun still isn’t peeking out as much as we might like, but the optimist in me says that summer is just around the corner.

Annetta Curtis, 102

Annetta Curtis passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at The Bridge Assisted Living in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was 102 years old.