Ellington

Market, café thrive off beaten path

PONDERAY — It’s lunchtime and the parking lot outside this little café has been pretty much packed from late morning through early afternoon. Inside, a fire crackles agreeably in the corner woodstove while friends chat over soups and wraps and sandwiches in the natural light of floor-to-ceiling windows near the entrance.

Milfoil treatment areas prioritized

SANDPOINT — Heavily-trafficked recreation areas on the Pend Oreille are being recommended as priority Eurasian milfoil treatment areas in 2011.

Federal land ownership hurts Idaho schools

One of Idaho’s biggest challenges is funding for public education. We must find solutions not only for today, but far into the future. There are many reforms that are being explored, the plan that I present is called the APPLE Initiative or the Action Plan for Public Lands and Education. I will attempt to explain it below.

Why is fuel more expensive here?

Last week I had errands in Coeur d’Alene. On the way home, I stopped, got gas and paid $2.86/gallon. Upon returning to Sandpoint, I noticed gas was $3.06-plus per gallon. Why is it that on any given day, gas is $.20 per gallon more in Sandpoint than in Post Falls or Coeur d’Alene?

Will levy improve students' education?

I always thought that our education system was producing well-educated children who would ensure our future leadership in the world. The call for a yes vote on the upcoming school levy led me to look into this.

Use local contractors to build detention center

With the economy as bad as it is, causing our local contractors and tradesmen to suffer, why didn’t the Bonner County Justice Services look to using our own builders to construct the new youth detention center?

Police dismiss burglary charge

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man accused of breaking into The Daily Bee offices last month apparently passed a polygraph examination.

Risch helps push bus service forward

SANDPOINT — A push from U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Washington, D.C., staffers minimized complications in the effort to restore rural bus services in Bonner County.

Idaho Club sued again

SANDPOINT — Another lender is moving to foreclose on the troubled Idaho Club.

Let the predicting begin

SANDPOINT — On the eve of the first-ever Super Bowl, journeyman Packers receiver Max McGee went out on the town and missed the team curfew, not expecting to play the next day after making just four catches the entire season.

The Kaniksu hooked community residents with good food, diverse menu

(Recently, there was a picture in your Daily Bee of the Kaniksu Lounge and Dining Room. You were asked to call me if you had ever eaten there. I would like to share with you the story of one person who called from over in Washing-ton. Her name is Marguerite Thompson Olson and she not only ate in the dining room — she ran it. Below is her story, in her own words, with some editing due to space limitations.)

Solar Roadways traveling toward another $100K grant

SAGLE — Scott and Julie Brusaw could be traveling on Solar Roadways toward another $100,000 grant from General Electric.

Idaho deficit could balloon up to $185M

Idaho legislators might be facing a more extreme budget situation than expected.

Bizarre Bazaar earns chamber business honors

SANDPOINT — Bizarre Bazaar was recently named the December 2010 Business of the Month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Takedowns key as Bulldogs drop Hawks

SANDPOINT — With the Bulldogs trailing the Hawks 39-33 heading into the final match of a 4A North wrestling dual Thursday night at Les Rogers Court, Kyle Csizmar (140 pounds) scored a clutch pin of Nick Wright at 2:49 to even the match, which the Bulldogs ultimately won 40-39 after the second tie-breaking criteria of most takedowns.

Theft suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A plea agreement appears to be in the works for a Priest River man accused of using a Bonner County expense account to wrongfully obtain more than $1,000 in fuel.

Pneumex challenges man's lawsuit

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint-based manufacturer of physical therapy equipment is disputing a Briton’s claims that he was hired by the company under false pretenses and denied wages.

Palmer steals show during Senior Night

CLARK FORK — Zara Palmer celebrated Senior Night in style, registering a rare double-double with 10 points and 11 steals to lead Clark Fork to a 43-27 win over Kootenai in North Star League girls basketball Thursday night in Clark Fork.

Thunder girls upended by Lions

SANDPOINT — The Kootenai Thunder girls basketball team lost to the Christian Center School Lions 36-18 on Monday night at home.  

Stories have ignored important facts in case

I am the wife of First Amendment lawyer Edgar Steele and I object to the reporting in your Dec. 17 article regarding the February 2011 sentencing of Idaho’s pipe bomber, Larry Fairfax.

Woman pleads to manslaughter charge

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to fatally shooting her boyfriend during an argument north of Priest River last fall.

Local snowboarder pursuing passion

By PATTY HUTCHENS

Trio steps up to stair-climb challenge

SANDPOINT — Local firefighters have one big obstacle in their fight against leukemia and lymphoma: the second tallest building west of the Mississippi.

ITD settled EPA violations on bypass project

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Transportation Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency quietly settled allegations that the federal Clean Water Act was violated during construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass in 2009.

Don't let the liberals destroy area's values

Being a volunteer seed to North Idaho from California, I’ve observed the two cultures, comparing how they have evolved. I think we do very well here in North Idaho.

What a blog looks like

Garden catalogues. Gardening.com

Mine foes challenge Revett's appeals

SANDPOINT — The Rock Creek Alliance is scoffing at public appeals by Revett Minerals to make the business climate in Montana more hospitable toward mine development.

LPOSD: Luna plan would be a 'challenge'

SANDPOINT —  A lack of Bonner County technological infrastructure could crack the foundation of proposed Idaho education reforms according to local authorities.

Sandpoint Little League taking over Babe Ruth baseball

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Little League has now expanded to a Senior Little League program for area players age 13 through 16, with players from the entire Panhandle area invited to participate. The Panhandle Babe Ruth board supports this transition 100 percent and will not be renewing the Babe Ruth Charter for 2011.

Tips will help keep your floor clear, shiny

Winter conditions always produce a negative effect on floor surfaces. Heavy boots and materials cause scratches and dark scuff marks.

BGH welcomes pain specialist

We so often hear the reasons that newcomers have relocated to our area. It’s about four seasons, the lake, the mountain, raising children and our quality of life. In the case of Dr. J. Sorin Ispirescu, Selkirk Interventional Pain Specialists, the quality of life isn’t about either his or his family’s, it’s about those in our community who suffer extreme chronic pain.

Will's Runout honors teen skier

SANDPOINT   A Feb. 5 ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for a trail at Schweitzer Mountain Resort that has been named in the memory of a Sandpoint teen who died unexpectedly of a heart ailment while skiing in 2009.

Hot shooting Knights bury Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — The good news was that the Wampus Cat boys played their best quarter of basketball all year. The bad news was that the other three quarters left plenty to be desired, as Clark Fork was doubled up 82-40 by Lakeside in North Star League boys basketball Tuesday night in Clark Fork.

'Green project' is both wasteful, unsustainable

I almost fell out of my chair on Sunday, Jan. 16, when I read that the Sandpoint Charter School got a grant of $360,000 of the taxpayers’ money to build a solar panel that will save the school “$7,000 to $8,000 a year.” I guess return on investment is a completely foreign concept to the school district since a yearly savings of $8,000 would mean the payback time would be 45 years. And that’s not counting the cost of maintenance, and the fact that solar panels have an effective lifespan of only 20 to 25 years (see solarpanelinfo.com and other sites). This grant was received from a “committee of experts” because the school is “committed to energy efficiency” and is to be used as “teaching tool.”

Trial pending in lawsuit

SANDPOINT — The former owner of a Sandpoint gas station is pushing back against an Idaho Department of Environmental Quality suit alleging that stalled petroleum-recovery efforts are jeopardizing ground and surface water quality.

Man arrested after stabbing

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was arrested after allegedly stabbing another man in the forearm in Oldtown on Saturday.

Belgarde leads Bulldogs at Clearwater Classic

LEWISTON — Led by four podium finishers, the Sandpoint wrestling team posted a respectable 7th place finish among 29 teams at the Clearwater Classic in Lewiston on Friday and Saturday.

Zone change plan prompts concerns

SANDPOINT — Residents packed the planning and zoning meeting Monday evening to express their concerns about the city’s proposed changes to zoning regulations.

Man's act of kindness should inspire us all

I was selling a large walk-in firewood shed. A young engineer, Steve Durban from Sandpoint, bought it. He was going to make a gift of the shed to an elderly man who’s low on funds but who needed some way to keep his firewood dry for his winter needs. I was very impressed that anyone would go to all the expense and work to help someone else.

Wampus Cat boys win third straight

NEWPORT — Senior Nate Nesbitt poured in a game-high 18 points, Stillman Berkley and Zack Klein each posted a double-double, and the Clark Fork boys basketball team notched a third straight win, downing the Newport JV 57-40 on Saturday night in Newport.

CWC completes product, merchandising reorganization

SANDPOINT — Jill Brown Dean was appointed president and chief merchandising officer at Coldwater Creek, Inc., on Monday.

Proposed tax is a matter of life, death

I salute Casey Jo Remy for her letter to the Bee (Jan. 18) supporting the increase in the tobacco tax. What she says is absolutely true and right on.

Reasons why Jerry Kramer should be in the NFL Hall of Fame

There are many reasons why Green Bay Packer great Jerry Kramer should be inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame. Below is a master list of those reasons:

Public Notice

Public Notice

Trans Canada Tier

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND OPPORTUNITY

Phillips

Notice of Trustee's Sale

Idaho should stand as independent sanctuary

The newly-installed Idaho Legislature is proposing a new tax on cigarettes. If passed, the proposal would increase the tax on a pack of smokes from .57 cents to $1.82, ( an increase of $1.25 / pack ). Someone calculated that such an increase would garner the state of Idaho an additional tax revenue of $51.1 million. Not $50 million, not $49 million, but $51.1 million. Can they really be sure of this number?

Where is the justice in trooper poaching?

Why hasn’t Idaho State Police Trooper Jeff Jayne been charged with poaching that moose that he has admitted to killing out of season?

ICF fills funding gap for communities

Education, arts, social services benefit from grants

SANDPOINT — Federal grants — once a financial mainstay for schools, community improvement projects and arts organizations — have become as rare as non-partisan debate on Capitol Hill.

In tough budget year, your input wanted

We are now at the end of the second week of the legislative session. It was an interesting week.

Clark Fork mulls development plan

CLARK FORK — Proving the old adage that the devil is in the details, Clark Fork officials listened to Elk Meadow Ranch Development’s project manager describe requests to bring a final plat to council and received advice from their city attorney at this week’s meeting.

Man faces rape, battery charges

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is set for a Clark Fork man accused of going on a violent rampage last fall that included a sexual assault.

Time has come to repeal 'Obamacare'

Do we ever love Obama-care. We’ve received our new rate for our supplemental insurance — a raise of $127 per month or $2,500 per year. I guess we should be thankful as a raise of $300 per month was given to an immediate family member. So much for all the rhetoric from President Barack Obama, Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Nancy Pelosi regarding a lowering of health care costs.

Pressure propels Priest River past Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — A full court press by Priest River created a bunch of turnovers, as the Spartans beat the Wampus Cats 51-40 Thursday night in nonleague girls basketball at Clark Fork High School.

Putting waste in the trash

SANDPOINT — Washington Elementary teachers are encouraging their students to do more by wasting less with a series of lunchtime challenges this coming week.

Road rage incident ends in arrest

PRIEST RIVER — It’s unclear if a Priest River man was heeding the advice of his namesake’s relative or disregarding it during an apparent road rage incident on U.S. Highway 2 on Thursday.

LPOHS programs get major boost

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School programs are getting a major boost thanks to continued support from the Ambrosiani-Pastore Foundation.

Lakeland downs Sandpoint in 4A North clash

RATHDRUM — Freshman Hailey Olin scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Maggie Kirscher added six points, seven rebounds and three steals, but it wasn’t enough as a pivotal fourth quarter proved the difference in Sandpoint’s 39-33 loss to Lakeland in 4A North girls basketball Friday night at Lakeland High School.

Close-knit community ensured a great life

(When you hear the name Ernie Bartelson, you think of the Tam O’Shanter, or Tervan, that is located on Cedar Street in Sandpoint. Ernie and his wife, Opal, ran the little bar for many years. Not too long before his death, Erik Daarstad and I asked Ernie how many “watering holes” there were in Sandpoint during the World War II era. Here is his story, in his own words, about the bars of the Sandpoint area.)

Gains made, but tough times loom

PONDERAY — Positive developments are happening in Bonner County government, although county commissioners are tempering that message with concern that economic doldrums will force some hard decisions in the coming year.

Strikers name Tajan director of coaching

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Soccer Association (SSA) has named Adam Tajan as the new Sandpoint Strikers director of coaching. Tajan accepted the position last week, and has already begun working in this new role. He will be overseeing coaches in Sandpoint Strikers—the club soccer branch of the SSA.

Bags packed to keep students fed

KOOTENAI — In the fight to keep Bonner County kids well-feed and healthy, volunteers are turning to an innovative new weapon — the backpack.

Diversion miscue put county on alert

SANDPOINT — Bonner County officials were briefly thrown for a loop Thursday when Bonner General Hospital inadvertently advised dispatch and EMS to bypass the hospital because it had reached its patient capacity.

City's OK moves detention center forward

SANDPOINT — The push to build a new $4.6 million juvenile detention center for Bonner County got a little help from city officials Wednesday evening.

Community's kindness means a lot to family

On Nov. 25, 2010, my family and I were heading to Spokane from Calgary, Alberta. On the way, we flipped our vehicle while driving between Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint.

A reason necessary to keep drivers detained

Your article on the suppression case (Dec. 12, 2010), does not state the facts correctly. The truck driver did not “mistakenly believe” he was pulled over. When police lights flash in the rear-view mirror, the law requires a driver to pull over to the side of the road and wait for instructions, or for the police to pass.

Controversy destroyed voters' belief in ethics

We, in Idaho’s third legislative district, have elected a man to office who says he supports the United States Constitution and then does all in his power to subvert it by trying to establish a private-for-profit currency system in contravention of the Constitution he swore to uphold. We have elected a man who says he is a Republican and then does everything he can to support the principals of the Constitution Party, not the Republican Party. We have allowed a man to represent us whose judgment dips lower than can be accepted by reasonable men but whose intelligence quotient is high. Why should the Idaho Legislature be asked to rescue us from our own inadequacy as voters? The answer is, because while pushing his paradoxical views, Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, has destroyed any belief we have in the existence of ethics in the Idaho Legislature.

Appeal filed over manslaughter sentence

SANDPOINT — A Washington state woman who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter is appealing the sentence handed down in her case.

Left's use of shooting for politics is shameful

To Ted Wert, liberal ranter, in a recent Daily Bee. I grew up and raised my boys in Tucson blocks from the tragic events last week. My family has close ties with John Roll, a great guy who graduated from my school and worked with my brother-in-law in the county attorney’s office. My brother called me long before the story hit the airwaves, stuck in traffic trying to get home, and described what he knew at that point. It has been a bit surreal watching all the coverage in my old neighborhood, my family and I are devastated by this senseless act of violence.

NICE's ex-director tells her side

Helen Stephens believes it’s time that the full story of last month’s demise of a local transit provider be told.

Bulldogs earn tough road win over Spartans

PRIEST RIVER — Sandpoint’s Cole Fuhrman only contributed one field goal, but it was the biggest shot of the night as the senior wing hit a short runner with only 10 seconds left to lift the Bulldogs to a 67-64 nonleague win Tuesday night at Priest River.

Chamber workshop focuses on integrating business technology

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development committee is pleased to offer the TGIF Workshop “Work Smarter - Integrating Technology into Business.”

MDCs arm deputies, officers with information

SANDPOINT — Indispensable information is now a keystroke away for Bonner County Sheriff’s patrol deputies and law officers in Ponderay and Priest River.

Melt-off straining city's infrastructure

SANDPOINT — Property owners need not worry about flooding damage just yet, but the snow melt-off is still putting its strain on city infrastructure.

Jackson, Klein lead Wampus Cats past St. Regis

CLARK FORK — D.J. Jackson posted a most unusual double-double, and Zack Klein drained four bombs from beyond the arc to lead the Clark Fork boys to a 65-31 nonleague win over St. Regis on Tuesday night at Clark Fork High School.

Thaw causes washouts throughout county

SANDPOINT — The January thaw has created a number of problems on roads throughout Bonner County, including a mudslide on Bottle Bay Road in Sagle on Sunday.

McMahon leads Wampus Cats to win

CLARK FORK — Claire McMahon posted her first double-double of the season, scoring 12 points to go with 10 rebounds as the Wampus Cat girls beat St. Regis 57-29 on Tuesday night.

Guilty plea entered in embezzlement

SANDPOINT — A Laclede woman accused of embezzling money while employed at the University of Idaho’s extension office pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand theft.

Bypass work to crimp traffic flow

SANDPOINT — Traffic on the north end of the Long Bridge will be constricted to one lane for several days next week as work on the U.S. Highway 95 bypass continues.

March school levy needs your support

It seems fitting that I write this note of encouragement on the day before we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Raise tobacco tax, apply to Medicaid

The tobacco industry spends nearly $57 million each year in Idaho to addict our children and keep them addicted as adults. In return, the taxpayers of Idaho foot a yearly bill of more than $319 million for smoking-related health care costs. While tax increases are often met with apprehension, if you ensure revenues are spent on health programs and helping current users quit you have our support. Please, legislators, support our kids and not “big tobacco.”

Belgarde, Goodman go undefeated at River City Duals

POST FALLS — Senior Garret Belgarde (125 pounds) pinned all five of his opponents, and Troy Goodman (135) also went 5-0, leading a strong showing by the Sandpoint wrestling team this weekend at the River City Duals in Post Falls.

Jared Loughner alone responsible for deaths

Like all of us, I was shocked at the news of the shootings in Tucson. However, I was even more disgusted by the comments coming from the media, various congress people and the sheriff of Pima County, Ariz., who were very quick to point their fingers at talk show rhetoric. If talk shows caused Jared Loughner to allegedly kill six people, then we also have to believe that some rock music leads to suicide. Unfortunately, my experience has been that the very same people who advocate limiting talk radio will vigorously defend a rap singer’s right to produce a song about abusing women.

Family seeks aid after fire

KOOTENAI — A little community support will go a long way for one Bonner County man and his 7-year-old son after a fire robbed them of their possessions and home.

Fineman proving to be cats' and dogs' best friend

SANDPOINT — For Mark Fineman, Sandpoint was an easy choice when selecting the location to start his veterinary career.

BCSO plunges ahead with dive grant

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Homeland Security grant to bolster its dive team’s capabilities and credentials.

Gas prices higher here than Cd'A, Spokane

Last week it was on the national news that the price gasoline dropped  5 cents a gallon. The price drop was noticed in both Spokane and Coeur d Alene.

We have the power to solve our problems

Idaho is facing one of its most challenging years. We don’t have the funds to continue business as usual, so we must literally revolutionize government – finding more cost-effective ways to deliver services and eliminate those not at the core of government’s purpose.

Charter school wins solar grant

SANDPOINT — Next year’s charter school students will be receiving a solar-powered education — or at least, mostly.

Aeroponic farming can feed the planet

What with our burgeoning global population growth, the need to feed all of us — especially those in Third World nations — is of concern on a planetary scale.

Taylor & Sons Chevrolet set for May opening

SANDPOINT — When Jack Parker and Greg Taylor formed Taylor-Parker Motor Co. in 1988, they were continuing a downtown business tradition that had been around since the Model A Ford and the Chevrolet Six. That same year, Greg and Laurel Taylor licensed the name Taylor & Sons with an eye toward the future and a succession plan in mind.

Another Hermanos member arrested

SANDPOINT — A North Idaho man awaiting trial in Bonner County on theft and gang charges was arrested Thursday on a federal warrant.

Mediation resolves estate dispute

SANDPOINT — A dispute over management of a $5.6 million estate held in trust to benefit Bonner County roads was resolved Thursday via mediation.

Hat has long history

SANDPOINT — A 700-foot-long ski hat knitted in 1977 is being featured prominently during Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival.

Clark Fork Library celebrates expansion with open house

CLARK FORK — Four months of work are about to pay off as East Bonner County Library District officials prepare to introduce an expanded Clark Fork Library.

Marine patrol gets new vessel

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol has taken delivery of a new boat that will stand up to just about anything Lake Pend Oreille can dish out.

Host of free sailor workshops on tap in 2011

SANDPOINT — Once again, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association combine to offer free sailing workshops, starting on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Evans named PAS director

PONDERAY — For newly-hired Panhandle Animal Shelter executive director Mandy Evans, her job requires a coordination of the head and the heart.

Montana grand jury indicts local man

PONDERAY — Further investigation by the sheriff’s Criminal Interdiction Team led to the arrest of a Bonner County man on a federal grand jury indictment on Wednesday.

Nielsen sworn in to District 2 post

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Commissioner Mike Nielsen is intent on restoring faith in local government through transparency.

Pot, not rhetoric or guns, may be to blame

As a retired peace officer of 33 years, I find it interesting to hear the cry that rhetoric or guns are to blame for the tragedy in Tucson, Ariz. If we look a bit deeper into the incident, we find the acts of a mentally deranged assassin.

Northside Fire rating improves

PONDERAY — Some residents in the Northside Fire District may qualify for a decrease in their insurance premiums thanks to an improved fire rating from the Idaho Survey & Rating Bureau.

Heat loss can cost lots of cool cash

As I travel around both counties I’ve notice how people heat their home. Being ever conscious of cost not only for my business but in my personal life; heating of my home, office and storage buildings can and does become very expensive. I’m constantly looking for ways to control those costs through various techniques and personal habits. In this week’s article I thought I would share with you, the reading audience, some of those tricks that I personally use. Hopefully you will find them beneficial as well.

Pepperdine, Belgarde notch pins against Bonners Ferry

BONNERS FERRY — Five Bulldog wrestlers picked up wins, but it wasn’t enough, as Sandpoint fell 51-26 to Bonners Ferry in the final dual of a tri-match including Lake City.

Ringhand leads Thunder to wins

SANDPOINT — Behind a rock-solid double-double from Jonathan Ringhand, the Kootenai Thunder boys basketball team beat North Idaho Christian 45-38 recently in Hayden Lake.

Did our forefathers foresee the future?

It would seem that the founders of our country could in fact foresee the future.

Deficit approved by Obama as a senator

It sure is easy to forget Democrats have controlled Congress since 2006, especially with the incessant reference to Bush’s deficit in many media stories. A lot of people swallow this nonsense, so here are a few facts .

Guests giggle with delight at new Sandpoint daycare

SANDPOINT — Individuals looking for the heart of Debi Hammel daycare business need only look at the name.

Returning a 'Biggie' favor

SANDPOINT — Not many people would consider a $3,800 surgery for a 12-year-old cat, but to local resident Chris Cantrella, he’s simply returning a favor.

Lake City wrestlers take down Bulldogs

BONNERS FERRY — Peyton Dillon (112 pounds) and Justin Pepperdine (189) won by pin, and Troy Goodman (135) and Kyle Csizmar (140) also picked up wins to lead Sandpoint, which fell 51-23 to Lake City on Tuesday at Bonners Ferry.

Bulldog girls fall to reigning 5A champs

SANDPOINT — Erin Legel and Caelyn Orlandi scored 14 points apiece to lead Coeur d’Alene to a 61-23 win over Sandpoint in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Woman is sentenced in gun incident

SANDPOINT — A North Idaho woman was ordered Tuesday to serve five days on the Bonner County’s sheriff’s labor program after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of discharging a firearm within city limits.

Bulldogs fall to 5A Vikings

SANDPOINT — Deon Watson scored 20 points and Chad Chalich added 19 on 7 of 8 shooting, spearheading a strong second half to lead Coeur d’Alene to a 72-60 win over Sandpoint in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Museum permit modifications approved

SANDPOINT — A proposal to liberalize conditions governing large gatherings at the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center easily won approval from the Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday.

Speaker brings King's dream to life

SANDPOINT — Archival footage can’t sufficiently portray the power of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but Sandpoint kids got a better idea Tuesday.

Stealing wallet was the act of an awful person

As a fairly new member of this community, I have experienced many of the things that make it great … such as the warm and inviting smiles from “people” who work around town, and a recent untimely visit to “Auto Electric,” which treated me and especially my vehicle with the highest regard and care of my personal situation. Thank you.

Nesbitt drops in 25 to lead Wampus Cats past Tigers

CLARK FORK — Senior Nate Nesbitt scored a season-high 25 points and nabbed five steals, and Clark Fork dominated the fourth quarter to register a 50-36 North Star League boys basketball win over Mullan Monday night in Clark Fork.

Police warn of TTY scam

SANDPOINT— Bonner County has not evaded an increasingly popular scam that uses telephone communication technology for the deaf to protect criminal identities.

Extremists need to ponder their actions

Hey, print this — www.truth-out.org/print/66686 — and let’s hear from all the wingnut blowhards out there, decrying the culpability for this.

Kailang leads Wampus Cats past Tigers

CLARK FORK — Dimi Kailang scored a game-high 13 points, dished five assists and grabbed five steals to lead Clark Fork to a 48-27 win over Mullan in North Star League girls basketball Monday night at Clark Fork High School.

Budget issues to dominate session

SANDPOINT — The 2011 legislative session will likely be an uphill struggle, according to local legislators.

Enough is enough: No more nasty vitriol

MMA action fast, furious at Sandpoint Standoff

Medlock scores first-round submission over Pepperdine in main event

SANDPOINT — The ring announcer at the Sandpoint Standoff, held Saturday night at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, called mixed martial arts “the new generation of baseball.”

We live in a great, wonderful town

What a great town we live in.

Have a wonderful time at Winter Carnival

From the sweetest of contests with Wishing Star’s fudge and candy contest to the high-flying aerial acrobatics of the rail jam, Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival offers a mid-winter break. It’s a chance to kick back, play and celebrate the fun that only winter brings.

Sandpoint used to be just a 'regular' town

Sandpoint Furniture/Carpet One, home of The Ponderay Design Center and Selkirk Glass & Cabinets (208-263-5138), sponsors this column.

New law leaves IRS, tax pros scrambling

Filing window pushed out a month or more

SANDPOINT — When Republicans in Congress flexed their muscle for new tax changes and President Obama signed the bill into law in mid-December, the deal appeared to be a classic political fait accompli.

Winter Carnival offers a great 'Taste' treat

SANDPOINT — The Taste of Sandpoint, sponsored by The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and supported by Dine Around Sandpoint, officially kicks off the 2011 Winter Carnival this week.

Bismark Meadows site acquired to aid grizzlies

NORDMAN — The Vital Ground Foundation has secured another 327 acres of crucial grizzly bear habitat at Priest Lake Bismark Meadows.

Current system no longer makes sense

In this age of computers, the Internet, websites, etc. where the results of any election can be obtained as fast as the media provides to us, why is there a two- or three-party system still in place?

Sandpoint evaluates city's accessibility

SANDPOINT — City officials are tackling the challenge of looking at the community from the perspective of those who are unable to do so.

Accused cat hoarders arrested in Montana

Couple was charged with animal cruelty in Idaho in 2006

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County couple accused of hoarding cats on their property in Blanchard in 2006 has been arrested in northwestern Montana on charges of felony cruelty to animals.

Defense keys Bulldogs' victory

SANDPOINT — Stingy defense and balanced scoring propelled Sandpoint to a 40-24 win over Priest River in nonleague girls basketball action Friday night at Les Rogers Court.

Humbird Lumber attracted family to community

(During the filming of the Sandpoint Centennial Movie, Erik Daarstad and I had the opportunity to hear Lloyd Larson tell about growing up in Sandpoint — he was 87 at that time. Today, I want to share with you some of the experiences Lloyd shared with us on that day in May, 2001.)

Family Foods theft trial on hold again

SANDPOINT — The trial of an Oldtown man accused of embezzling more than $430,000 from his former employer is being postponed again.

Thornton leads Wampus Cats past Knights

CLARK FORK — Brocklynn Thornton posted a double-double to lead Clark Fork past Lakeside 39-34 in North Star League girls basketball makeup game Wednesday night in Clark Fork.

Answers sought in transit demise

POST FALLS — Local transportation officials on Thursday demanded to learn more about the demise of a transit service that provided urban and rural routes in Kootenai, Bonner and Shoshone counties.

Mural celebrates human rights

SANDPOINT — The combined efforts of the Sandpoint Charter School’s art students have yielded some big results — really big.

Warrant question interests court

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Supreme Court is open to clarifying criminal rules governing the service of daytime search warrants.

Mediation ordered in Turnbull estate dispute

Trial planned for February if talks fail

SANDPOINT — A mediation order was affirmed Wednesday in an escalating dispute over control of an estate that is to be held in trust to benefit public roads in Bonner County.

Stoll one of eight finalists for scholarship

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Former Sandpoint and University of Montana football standout Erik Stoll has landed yet another prestigious academic honor, one of 52 student-athletes named to the 13th annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team.

Protect yourself and check bills carefully

Well, they’re at it again. A charge of $14.95 appeared on my sister’s recent Frontier bill for unauthorized services from My ID Safe Guard.com. As you may remember my Nov. 8, 2010, letter to the newspaper regarding a similar billing through a company named OAN. We can only assume Frontier takes no responsibility for these third-party scamming operations, but more then likely does accept payment from them for passing on erroneous charges.

Innocent cats victims of people's thoughtlessness

The cold days of early winter were cruel to many, but particularly cats abandoned by their owners. One kitty, year-old “Cleo”, came to Michael Sowders at LifeTime Friends Cat Sanctuary in the company of eight more cats rescued by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in late November.

Theft suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A former University of Idaho Research & Extension office worker accused of making up to $20,000 in unauthorized purchases on the office’s charge account waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Bus service could see jump start

SANDPOINT — Residents rendered immobile by NICE’s rural demise should be back on the road by the end of the month if all goes according to transportation officials’ plans.

Spin your tale at annual contest

The Sandpoint Chapter of the Idaho Writers League announces its annual “story of the year” contest. Come to the Sandpoint Library, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at 9 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to participate by reading their entry aloud.  Stories will be judged on entertainment value. There are no real rules. Bring your poetry, essay memoir, or whatever you feel will amuse or interest an audience. 

Chill out and take your time when driving in the winter

Last Sunday, I was driving back from Priest River at about 6:30 p.m.

Nesbitt scores 13 in Wampus Cat defeat

CLARK FORK — Senior Nate Nesbitt scored a game-high 13 points to go with three steals, but a slow first quarter proved costly, as Clark Fork fell to the Priest River JV team 49-29 in boys basketball action Tuesday night at Clark Fork High School.

Brown claims items seized improperly

SANDPOINT — A man convicted of shooting a Priest Lake man to death in 2007 is seeking $50,000 in damages from Bonner County for property that was lost while he and his former wife were being investigated for the killing.

Chatburn leads Bulldogs past Badgers

SANDPOINT — Senior Charissa Chatburn scored a season-high 15 points to go with three steals, and the Bulldog girls ratcheted up the defense in the final three quarters of a 44-25 nonleague win over Bonners Ferry late Monday night at Les Rogers Court.

Winter Carnival event promises a skijoring good time

SANDPOINT — Skiers and equestrians will combine their prowess at the skijoring competition set for Jan. 15 and 16 during the Sandpoint Winter Carnival.

R&E center worker faces felony theft charge

SANDPOINT — A former employee of the defunct University of Idaho Research & Extension office is accused of embezzling at least $20,000 by making unauthorized charges.

Economic outlook looking good for some

COEUR d’ALENE — A bright spot for the region’s economy in 2010 was the strength of the Canadian dollar and the trend of Seattle and Portland residents to stay within the region for vacations.

Are legislators trying to destroy PERSI?

More than a decade ago, the state legislators invaded the retirement fund of public employees of Idaho. Not just state workers; all public employees from school teachers and college professors; to any worker associated with city, state, or county government and more.

Two jailed following police pursuits

SANDPOINT — Two people were arrested in separate police pursuits over the holiday weekend.

Trials set in gambling cases

SANDPOINT — Three court trials are set for a trio of Sandpoint businessmen accused of operating an illegal poker game out of a downtown bar.

Schweitzer greets more skiers

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer Mountain Resort enjoyed a very merry Christmas indeed this holiday season.

City Rec youth hoops on tap

SANDPOINT — Attention local youth hoopsters in grades third through sixth: Sandpoint Parks and Recreation has overhauled and updated the popular youth basketball program to make it better than ever. 

Yay team, it's time for us to go green?

I learned that gasoline with ethanol added gets poorer gas mileage than straight gasoline. The article said that gasoline with 10 percent ethanol added gets about 4 percent less mileage than straight gasoline. Hmm!

Appeals court upholds rulings in DUI case

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming the denial of motions to suppress and dismiss in a 2004 drunken-driving case against a Sagle man.

Phantom faxer taking toll on resident

It is my opinion that everyone who uses a fax machine should have to go to an expensive learning school and then pay a high license fee to operate their very expensive machine. (This might be something the federal government could harness to pay off the national debt.) Then, if this very smart setup gets my number in their program, maybe I could have their license taken away from them.

Rape trial is back on track

SANDPOINT — Another trial date has been set for a Sagle man accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2009.

Winter Carnival offers frozen fun

SANDPOINT — This year’s Sandpoint Winter Carnival will look altogether different from cold-season celebrations of the past.  The small but stalwart committee behind the event has added yet another major crowd-pleaser to the six-day carnival, scheduled for Jan. 12-17, while at the same time considering an eventual return to some of the folksy roots that made the outdoor spectacle a family favorite.

L&L suspects waive hearings

SANDPOINT — Two men charged separately with lewd and lascivious conduct with minors waived their right Wednesday to preliminary hearings.

Kenneth Leslie Willinger, 68

Kenneth Leslie Willinger, 68, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, in Sagle, Idaho.

Cindy Lou Myers

Cindy Lou Myers was born on June 27, 1950, in Harlan, Iowa ,to Robert and Darlene Saltmarsh.

Sandpoint Nordic Club offers free XC ski lessons

SANDPPOINT — Attention anyone interested in learning a fun new winter activity, or simply a wanting a great winter workout: National Trails Day is Saturday, Jan. 8 and to celebrate, the Sandpoint Nordic Club and Schweitzer Mountain Resort have teamed up to offer free cross country skiing demos and lessons on specifically groomed beginner trails.  

Panida's Little Theater finds home in history-rich building

Recently, I saw a photo of a parade on First Avenue in Sandpoint and in the background I could see the Panida Theater and the Kamloops Bar & Grill. They stood side by side proudly displaying their numbers, 300 and 302 North First Avenue. Though close, the two buildings have experienced some distinct differences over the years. It could be that 302, being 19 years older than 300, explains the difference in lifestyles. At the time the photo was shot, no one would have thought that someday the two would become one.

Museum seeks permit change

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission will entertain requests this month to modify a conditional use permit for the Bird Aviation Museum in Sagle and for a communications tower at Priest Lake.

VanderWals dedicated to medical mission work

SAGLE — While Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal and their four boys might be physically back home in Sagle for a couple months during Swaziland’s rainy season their hearts are still in Africa.