Stories for December 2012

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Sunday, December 30

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Fundraiser, services set for victims

BLANCHARD — The Blanchard Community Center is hosting a fundraiser to aid the family of an accident victim and the Blanchard Community Church is hosting memorial services for a crime victim next month.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Suspect in ice pick killing awaits hearing

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing for a Priest River man accused of murdering his pregnant wife is set for Jan. 23, 2013.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

City urges due diligence on pipe insurance

SANDPOINT — City staff members are cautioning water and sewer customers to perform due diligence with insurance mailings that have recently dispersed.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Despite local lore, The Lucky Strike hit paydirt

Ten or fifteen years ago, somebody sent me an article from a Sandpoint paper about the “Old Webb Mine,” located above Lightning Creek, northwest of Clark Fork. Webb Canyon there now shares its name.

Author finds answers in questions
December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Author finds answers in questions

SANDPOINT — Everyone takes part in some kind of internal dialog on occasion. Author Allan Bopp turned his into a self-published book that covers topics both sacred and silly.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Bail reduced in child porn case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man accused of possessing child pornography and methamphetamine has been released on reduced bail despite objections from a special prosecutor in the case.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

County bullying lessees

Bullying and threatening is a terrible thing to live with, especially when it is coming from a Bonner County commissioner and his underlings, the Priest River Airport Advisory Board.

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Bear spray should be carried by school staff

While politicians quibble and quarrel about gun control as a solution to mass shootings, let us resolve the problem now! Let us protect our children now!

December 30, 2012 6 a.m.

Congress is over-thinking deficit

Is Congress taking a simple problem, our deficit/debt, and making it complex? Perhaps I’m blissfully ignorant, but I offer this solution:

Saturday, December 29

'Cash for Ash' aims to help student in cancer fight
December 29, 2012 6 a.m.

'Cash for Ash' aims to help student in cancer fight

SANDPOINT — Ashley Halliday is moving steadily into her adult life, but she’s hit a serious speed bump in the road.

December 29, 2012 6 a.m.

BCHA accepting home loan applications

SANDPOINT — Everyone deserves a shot at the American dream, no matter where they currently are in life.

December 29, 2012 6 a.m.

Commission accepts Avista's natural gas plan

Regulators have accepted Avista Utilities’ 20-year natural gas plan, but also are recommending changes in future plans, including a more convenient meeting site for North Idaho stakeholders.

December 29, 2012 6 a.m.

Tough fourth quarter dooms Bulldogs in loss

COEUR d’ALENE — An ice-cold fourth quarter proved too much to overcome, as the Sandpoint boys were outscored 21-0 in the final frame, enabling South Kitsap to blow  open a close game and post a 66-34 win on Friday at the Lake City Invitational.

Friday, December 28

December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

Spayth notches triple-double for Thunder

SANDPOINT — The Kootenai Thunder boys basektball team ran its record to 3-0 recently with a 42-26 home win over the Genesis Prep Academy Jaguars.

Reynolds Auto Sales celebrates new Sagle home
December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

Reynolds Auto Sales celebrates new Sagle home

SAGLE — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently helped Reynolds Auto Sales celebrate its move to its new Sagle location.

December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

Woman dies after being struck by train

SANDPOINT — An Alabama woman died early Thursday morning after she was struck by a southbound train.

December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

County accepts loan to complete courthouse remodel

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners accepted a $600,000 loan offer from Mountain West Bank Tuesday to complete remodeling at the courthouse.

December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

Sandpoint falls to Puyallup in tourney opener

COEUR d’ALENE — The Sandpoint boys basketball team may have lost 68-44 to Puyallup on Thursday, but the consolation prize is a night’s stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

December 28, 2012 6 a.m.

City debates former inn site's status

SANDPOINT — The status of a property acquired during byway negotiations is currently under discussion among city staff and officials.

Thursday, December 27

December 27, 2012 8 p.m.

Snow earns spot on podium at Van Houte Cup

• Shiffrin nabs first World Cup win — Seventeen year-old Mikaela Shiffrin continues to amaze. Last week at Are, Sweden, she won her first World Cup event in Slalom, and moved to the top of the world rankings for the event. Shiffrin is in her third season at the World level and has proven she belongs.

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

Why do some feel it's OK to insult Christians?

Consider for a moment if the Bee’s political cartoon of Dec. 13 had featured the Ayatollah instead of the Pope, using the same words except substituting “#praisebetoAllah” for “#say10hailmarys.” Would the Bee have run it?

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

It's time to embrace freedom of action

Folks, take a step back and gain some perspective.

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

Gun grabbers using tragedy to push laws

President Barack Obama and the gun grabbers will use the shooting in Newtown, Conn., to attempt to push more gun control laws through Congress.

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

Local GOP leadership lacking insight

The recommendation by the local GOP leaders in the central committee is both foolish and life-threatening. The fact that it is also so heartless in its timing makes it seem purposefully hurtful and cruel.

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

City: Group can camp at beach

SANDPOINT — The City Council has cleared the way for a large group of bike riders to camp at City Beach this summer.

December 27, 2012 6 a.m.

Schweitzer reports record snowfall

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer is reporting a record snowpack at the mountain resort.

Wednesday, December 26

December 26, 2012 8 p.m.

IFG adopts angling rule changes

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Fish & Game Commission recently approved new fishing rules, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

December 26, 2012 6 a.m.

North Star League teams ponder 6-man football

COEUR d’ALENE — Just when you thought the “track meet with huddle” style of 8-man football was too quick, things could get a lot more crazy next fall.

December 26, 2012 6 a.m.

Trio jailed on drug charges

PONDERAY — An investigation into a noise complaint at an apartment building early Saturday morning bloomed into a felony drug investigation.

December 26, 2012 6 a.m.

Nelson wins 'Ski Town' title

SANDPOINT — A minor sibling rivalry ended Monday with the sister to the north taking the victory.

Tuesday, December 25

December 25, 2012 8 p.m.

Help needed with real human rights offenders

Congratulations to the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force for the large financial windfall. Since there really are not any pressing human rights offenders threatening our peaceful existence, might I suggest you use some of that money to fight some of the real human rights offenders in Bonner County?

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Council mulls city surveys

SANDPOINT —  The City Council is investigating means to gauge public opinion on police service and other departments using surveys early next year.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Christmas memories warm holiday

SANDPOINT — Presents, by now, have been unwrapped in a frenzy of paper-tearing, ribbon-ripping and tissue-flying madness.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Body that of missing man

PONDERAY — A body found in a wooded area east of U.S. Highway 95 on Dec. 15 has been identified as that of Brendan Earl Carpenter, a Bonner County man who had been missing since May.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Racism existed in area's early days

People of Sandpoint; so you think that Sandpoint didn’t have race problems back in the early days. Guess again.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Apology owed for outrageous insult

This letter concerns the “cartoon” in the Daily Bee on Dec. 13, 2012. The cartoon is ignorant, outrageous and disgusting. How dare you depict the Holy Father as a cartoon character? Especially at Christmastime. Please apologize to the public for this.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Editorial cartoon was beyond shameful

The cartoon you printed in the Dec. 18 paper is so out of line I can’t even image what you where thinking! What the heck is the matter with you printing a cartoon depicting empty backpacks and bullet shells?! Shameful. Words cannot express how angry this makes me.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Sandpoint chamber welcomes new Alpine Shop owners

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Brent and Nicole Eacret as the new owners of the Alpine Shop.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Cartoon's publication showed a lack of common sense

We Americans value the right to speak our minds and we believe in the right of free speech. So if Rob Roberts, editorial cartoonist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, decides to display his ignorance and bias in a particularly insensitive and offensive manner, we afford him that stage. His depiction of the Catholic Pope as a crazed tweeter espousing “15th century views” certainly says more about the cartoonist than about Pope Benedict.

December 25, 2012 6 a.m.

Bulldogs set to face some of the best in the Northwest at LC Invitational

COEUR d’ALENE — The Sandpoint boys basketball team returns to the hardwood on Thursday, playing in the opening game of the Lake City Invitational on Thursday, at 1 p.m. at Lake City.

Sunday, December 23

December 23, 2012 6 a.m.

Court issues warrant in battery case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman accused of committing battery on a city official is wanted on a $5,000 arrest warrant for failing to appear at a court hearing in her case.

December 23, 2012 6 a.m.

American dream is fading from culture

I like to tell my friends from California when they inquire what it’s like living in Idaho versus living in California my answer most always is, “I am a freer man in Idaho.”

December 23, 2012 6 a.m.

Setting the record straight on midwives

I am writing in response to the guest opinion (Dec. 2, Daily Bee) regarding midwives training and experience. As the president of the Idaho Midwifery Council, the state professional organization for midwives, it is my desire to correct some misconceptions and misinformation.

December 23, 2012 6 a.m.

Cartoon featuring pope did not show respect

We were upset to see an irreverent depiction of the pope and of Catholic morality in last Thursday’s Daily Bee editorial section. Ironically, the cartoon appeared days after Human Rights Day. The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force creed includes, among other things, language rejecting intimidation and harassment based on religion. Brenda Hammond, task force president, in a recent guest opinion stated: “We (BCHRTF) believe that our words of respect for the dignity of each individual will also lead to action – and inevitably to a community in which everyone’s strength and contribution is valued and encouraged.” 

December 23, 2012 6 a.m.

Idaho educational funding under the microscope

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first installment of a three-part series examining public school funding in Idaho.

Saturday, December 22

Sandpoint chamber brews up warm welcome for Kokanee Coffee
December 22, 2012 8 p.m.

Sandpoint chamber brews up warm welcome for Kokanee Coffee

SANDPOINT — For years, Jim and Angela Reese pursued two dreams: roasting the perfect cup of coffee and returning to their roots in northern Idaho.

December 22, 2012 6 a.m.

City, Diamond ink parking contract

SANDPOINT — Parking enforcement will return in early January following  council members’ approval of a contract with Diamond Parking Wednesday night.  

December 22, 2012 6 a.m.

Boat crash case heads to trial

SANDPOINT — The case against a Sandpoint man accused of crashing his powerboat into an moored sailboat at Lake Pend Oreille’s Ellisport Bay is going to trial.

December 22, 2012 6 a.m.

Strikers Holiday Soccer Tournament action on tap

SANDPOINT — Area soccer players can get their winter fix at the Strikers 2012 Holiday Soccer Tournament,  on Dec. 27-28 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. 

December 22, 2012 6 a.m.

SPOT records ridership record

SANDPOINT — The Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit bus system sped past another benchmark this month.

Big ideas for new year
December 22, 2012 6 a.m.

Big ideas for new year

SANDPOINT – Two years ago, a community meeting brought a crowd of people to the Panida Theater. After a short preamble by the board of directors, those same people took the stage, supplied with pencils and clipboards, to help plot out the theater’s future.

Friday, December 21

December 21, 2012 6 a.m.

Wrestling Hall of Fame to induct five

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will hold an induction banquet on Saturday, March 23 at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles Lodge.

December 21, 2012 6 a.m.

Deputy foils armed kidnapping

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man is charged with allegedly kidnapping the mother of his child at gunpoint on Tuesday night.

December 21, 2012 6 a.m.

Police seeking robbery suspect

OLDTOWN — Law enforcement authorities are pursuing a woman who attempted to hold up a convenience store last Tuesday.

Thursday, December 20

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

County's GOP calls for arming school staff

SANDPOINT — When it comes to school safety, local Republicans are endorsing the idea that a gun in the right hands can save lives.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Moose Madness in store tonight

The Bulldogs travel north tonight for the 5th annual Moose Madness spirit competition.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Perceived threat prompts lockdown

OLDTOWN — Idaho Hill Elementary was placed in lockdown mode Wednesday after a perceived threat toward a staff member at the school.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Paper needs to learn about the real Catholic Church

I am offended and disappointed that you chose to run the cartoon slandering Pope Benedict XVI in the Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, edition.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Denigrating church, pope wasn't funny

I am disappointed that we as a society have come to the point that publicly denigrating someone’s religion is considered appropriate or acceptable humor.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Waterkeeper versus coal trains - the real story

Anita Perry’s letter to the editor (Dec. 6, Daily Bee) about the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper reminds me that people need to learn the truth about this issue before speaking out.

December 20, 2012 6 a.m.

Irreverent depiction was inappropriate

We were upset to see an irreverent depiction of the pope and of Catholic morality in last Thursday’s Daily Bee editorial section.

Wednesday, December 19

December 19, 2012 6 a.m.

Slides highlight danger lurking in snowpack

SANDPOINT — Back-to-back avalanches at Schweitzer Mountain Resort earlier this month are underscoring dangerous conditions that are present in the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains.

December 19, 2012 6 a.m.

Bulldogs swept by Badgers, Vikings

BONNERS FERRY — Junior captain Lewis Dunton (132 pounds) notched two solid wins, leading the Bulldogs in a pair of dual losses to the Vikings and Badgers on Tuesday night at Bonner Ferry High School.

December 19, 2012 6 a.m.

Feds conducting status review of Selkirk caribou

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced on Tuesday that it is conducting a status review of southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou in light of a petition to have the mammal removed from the Endangered Species Act.

December 19, 2012 6 a.m.

Board wants a spotlight on off-budget reserves

SANDPOINT — An opaque cloud enshrouding a hotly-debated aspect of Bonner County’s finances could be dissipating after more than 20 years.

Stress of the holidays can be overwhelming
December 19, 2012 6 a.m.

Stress of the holidays can be overwhelming

A friend of mine died on Thanksgiving and his wife, along with thousands of other widows, will be spending Christmas without the love of her life.

Tuesday, December 18

December 18, 2012 8 p.m.

#1885 MAASS ESTATE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Hazan wins Mixed Martial Arts title fight

SPOKANE — Sandpoint High School senior Ethan Hazan came out throwing and landing strikes early, stopping Cody Roy by TKO in the second round and claiming the Unified Combat League 145 pound title belt on Saturday night at the Vengeance in the Valley fights at the Spokane School of Boxing.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Cartoon disrespectful to Catholics, pope

Freedom of the press is one thing — but to flaunt a “cartoon” of Pope Benedict XVI, the head of the Catholic Church, in the Dec. 13. 2012, issue, is another and attests to your disrespect and lack of discretion.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Domestic dispute ends with arrest

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was arrested Sunday after allegedly scuffling with a deputy investigating domestic dispute in which death threats were made.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Details scarce after human remains found

PONDERAY — No new details emerged on Monday regarding the discovery of human remains on Saturday afternoon.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Fairgrounds sidewalk is frivolous, unnecessary

Seriously. Why is our local government spending money on something as frivolous and unnecessary as sidewalks and landscaping with reference to upper Boyer? Streetscape? Really?

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

When you're driving, stay off the cellphone

To the driver who was on their cellphone and turning into one-way traffic at Fifth and Church recently: Wake up and pay attention.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Weindl leads Bulldog wrestlers at Tri-State

COEUR d’ALENE — Junior Adam Weindl (170 pounds) won twice and lost twice, leading six Bulldogs at the Tri-State wrestling meet at North Idaho College on Friday and Saturday.

Sandpoint dusts off its snow policy
December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Sandpoint dusts off its snow policy

SANDPOINT — With a newly-fallen blanket of wet, heavy snow coating the city on Monday, officials are reminding residents of Sandpoint’s snow removal policy.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

BGH shop is county's best kept secret

Over the years, I have found if I search long enough I’ll find what I’m looking for in Sandpoint.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Four Bullpups claim district championships

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Middle School wrestlers finished up their regular season recently at home against Post Falls Middle School, as the Bullpups went 28-8 in individual matches in a strong showing.

December 18, 2012 6 a.m.

Editorial cartoon was very offensive

Re: Pope Benedict XVI cartoon.

Sunday, December 16

December 16, 2012 6 a.m.

Man accused of pulling gun during custody exchange

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is pending in a case against a Bonner County man accused of threatening another man with a handgun during a child custody exchange last summer.

December 16, 2012 6 a.m.

Body found in Ponderay

PONDERAY — The remains of a body were located Saturday in a wooded area north of Schweitzer Plaza Drive.

December 16, 2012 6 a.m.

Readers share views on gun control, school schooting

Following Friday’s shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school, the Daily Bee posted a note on its Facebook page encouraging conversation on gun control and recent mass shootings.

TransluSense gears up for production
December 16, 2012 6 a.m.

TransluSense gears up for production

New firm could create 130 jobs at peak

SANDPOINT — The cool factor is undeniable — a sleekly contoured glass keyboard that “traps” colored light inside, making the input device appear to have materialized out of thin air.

Saturday, December 15

Centenarian, family celebrate birthday
December 15, 2012 8 p.m.

Centenarian, family celebrate birthday

SANDPOINT — Hearthstone Village Assisted Living has another centenarian among its residents.

December 15, 2012 6 a.m.

Judgment stands in felony assault case

SANDPOINT — A 1st District judge is rejecting a former Bonner County man’s effort to have a felony conviction wiped from his record.

December 15, 2012 6 a.m.

Doubts surface over drawdown proposal

Basin board, Tribe agree to meet

SANDPOINT — Members of the Pend Oreille Basin Commission expressed hope Thursday that common ground can be reached regarding a Kalispel Tribe of Indians proposal to improve bull trout habitat below Albeni Falls Dam.

December 15, 2012 6 a.m.

West Valley sweeps Sandpoint in doubleheader

SANDPOINT — Freshman Madi Schoening drained two 3-pointers among her team-high nine points, but the shorthanded Bulldogs ran out of gas in the second half against West Valley, falling 41-27 in nonleague girls basketball Friday night at Les Rogers Court.

December 15, 2012 6 a.m.

Gagnon erupts for 21 points in loss

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint junior Jeremiah Gagnon wasted little time making his presence known in his first game of the season, nailing all four of his attempts from 3-point land en route to a game-high 21 points, but West Valley simply had too much depth, downing the Bulldogs 63-45 Friday night in nonleague action at Les Rogers Court.

Friday, December 14

December 14, 2012 8 p.m.

Wampus Cat girls fall to Stillwater

CLARK FORK — Mariah Miller grabbed nine rebounds to go with five steals and four points, but the Clark Fork girls could not match the height and experience of Stillwater Christian, falling 47-10 on Thursday.

December 14, 2012 6 a.m.

Alleged thief waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman accuse of embezzling from her former employer waived her right Wednesday to a preliminary hearing.

December 14, 2012 6 a.m.

Life sentence sought in CA slayings

Suspect’s family maintains he is innocent

SANDPOINT — Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of life without parole against a Cocolalla man implicated in a double homicide in California 17 years ago.

December 14, 2012 6 a.m.

Stillwater takes down Cats in doubleheader

CLARK FORK — Tristin Bristol posted another double-double, scoring 11 points to go with 13 boards, but a tough second quarter proved too much to overcome, as the Wampus Cats fell 61-42 to Stillwater Christian in nonleague boys basketball Thursday night at Clark Fork High School.

December 14, 2012 6 a.m.

SHS sends six to Tri-State

COEUR d’ALENE — A little lighter on returning champions and adding a 15th weight class, the 41st Tri-State Invitational wrestling tournament begins this morning at North Idaho College.

December 14, 2012 6 a.m.

Business fee change OK'd

SANDPOINT — A new business licensing structure approved by the City Council this month will allow more flexibility for short-term businesses.

Thursday, December 13

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

Board approves Providence Park development

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners approved a 39-lot planned unit development adjacent to the city of Kootenai on Wednesday.

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

Did you cast a vote for Santa Claus?

Ho, ho, ho. Did you vote for Santa Claus? The following analogy was so brilliantly made by a national media figure and it’s very true. I felt the need to expand on it.

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

$10 lift tickets benefit charity

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer Mountain Resort is offering $10 lift tickets on Friday to help raise funds for local charities.

Black Bear MMA ready for battle
December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

Black Bear MMA ready for battle

SANDPOINT — One is an amateur, striving to improve upon his 4-0 record in the ever-growing sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

Stop spending money that we don't have

Thanksgiving — a timely tradition where we celebrate family, friends and great food. It’s an opportunity to spend some serious quality time with loved ones, something sadly lacking in this day and age, where traditional family values are slipping away.

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

Costs too great not to make changes

At my recent library presentation on the history of the Kalispel Tribe, I was asked: “Why did the Indians let go of so much of their land?”

December 13, 2012 6 a.m.

LPOSD OKs $7.8M levy proposal

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School Board didn’t need much time to approve a $7.8-million-a-year levy that will be presented to voters in March.

Wednesday, December 12

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Young, Delgado power Bulldogs past Wildcats

SANDPOINT — Cassie Young posted eight points, six rebounds and five assists to lead Sandpoint to a 39-31 win over Kellogg on Tuesday in nonleague girls basketball at Les Rogers Court.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Teen pleads to gun charge

COEUR d’ALENE — A 19-year-old Bonner County man pleaded guilty last week to illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney’s Wendy Olson has announced.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Bone marrow drive Saturday

SANDPOINT — In some cases, saving a person’s life can start with an action as simple as a cheek swab.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Sandpoint ties Riverside in wrestling dual

CHATEROY, Wash. — Mahonri Hunsaker (138 pounds) and Alex Bushell (126) each registered pins to lead Sandpoint to a 36-36 tie with Riverside in a wrestling dual Tuesday night in Chateroy, Wash.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Moose Madness set to invade the region

SANDPOINT — Moose Madness is coming soon to the area, offering a fun evening of entertainment while raising money for Toys for Tots.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Brighten Christmas season with holiday light tour

Happy 12-12-12!

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Chamber hosting 'Tots' drive at holiday luncheon

SANDPOINT — Area residents and businesses are invited to come celebrate the holiday season with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

December 12, 2012 6 a.m.

Miller leads Wampus Cats in defeat

MULLAN — Kami McKinnon had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Tigers past the Wampus Cats in a North Star League game at the Mullan Pavilion.

Tuesday, December 11

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-15-12

11/15/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-22-12

11/22/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

When smart isn't smart after all

Seemingly, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Wood River Valley, etc., are being ensnared by the U.N. Agenda for the 21st Century.

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-11-12

11/11/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-20-12

11/20/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-17-12

11/17/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 698

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-21-12

11/21/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-14-12

11/14/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-13-12

11/13/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-10-12

11/10/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-16-12

11/16/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-12-12

11/12/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

December 11, 2012 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-18-12

11/18/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

DMV celebrates new home in Bonner Mall
December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

DMV celebrates new home in Bonner Mall

PONDERAY — After years of preparation, the DMV has a new home, and everyone involved couldn’t be happier.

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Scam artists face tough crowd

SANDPOINT — Scam artists of several different stripes are still trying to ply their trade in Bonner County, but it doesn’t appear they’re getting one over on too many people.

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Anti-discrimination measure inspires other Idaho cities

SANDPOINT — Even the smallest town can provide an example for the rest of the state.

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Speak out against white supremacists

Silence is acceptance!

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Help keep Panida open for next generation

It must have been magical growing up in Sandpoint in years past! Summers on Lake Pend Oreille, skiing Schweitzer — I’ll bet a lot of you even enjoyed a movie or two at the old Panida Theater.

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Paper's coverage was insensitive

Could you not have waited one day?

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Providence Park hearing Wednesday

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are scheduled to rule on a contested 39-lot subdivision in Kootenai on Wednesday.

December 11, 2012 6 a.m.

Holland and Kearney team up for SBX victory

MONTAFON, Austria — Sandpoint native Nate Holland teamed up with Hagen Kearney (Telluride, Colorado) for an impressive snowboardcross win at the FIS World Cup team race in Montafon, Austria on Saturday, raced the entire way through adverse weather conditions.

Sunday, December 9

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Make your voice count on human rights

Monday, Dec. 10, is Human Rights Day. This year the theme is “My Voice Counts” and the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force invites you to voice your opinion, without shame, threat or fear.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Plow schedules don't make much sense

Every day I drive Highway 95 from Careywood to Sandpoint. Lovely drive most mornings. Lately, I have noticed that since the calendar has changed to fall/winter that the county plows have been out several times. The other morning it was pouring rain, 35 degrees, and the plow was riding the highway. Not quite sure if he was dispensing de-icer, but his presence was there.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

DYW searching for chairperson

SANDPOINT — A long-standing local program is in danger of shutting down if its board is unable to find a new chairperson.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Appointment could have historic aspect

SANDPOINT — Barbara Buchanan will make history if Gov. Butch Otter appoints her to be a 1st District judge.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Staff made adoption a positive experience

I would like to publicly thank and compliment the staff and volunteers of the Panhandle Animal Shelter for the very positive experience I recently had in adopting two cats.

BCHRTF receives $370K donation
December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

BCHRTF receives $370K donation

Group celebrates 20 years by creating endowment fund

SANDPOINT — Hate slithers around in the shadows. Hate slinks up from behind and hides. And when a community has the guts to turn around and stare it down, hate blinks first.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Edwards drains seven 3-pointers in defeat

PENDLETON, Ore. — Sandpoint junior Thomas Edwards had a breakout game offensively, scoring a game-high 22 points to lead Sandpoint in a 62-53 loss to Pasco on Saturday in the third place game of the Pendleton Tournament.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Union demands threaten businesses

According to a Wall Street Journal article (Nov. 18, 2012), the bankruptcy filing of Hostess Twinkies revealed that the company was required to maintain 80 (yes, that is eighty) different health and benefit plans, 40 different pension plans and mandated a $31 million increase in wages, health care and other benefits for 2012 for its 18,000 employees.

December 9, 2012 6 a.m.

Schoening shoots Sandpoint past Pasco

PENDLETON, Ore. — Playing without injured starters Jordan Speelmon and Hailey Olin, freshman Madi Schoening stepped up to fill the scoring void, dropping in a career-high 19 points to go with 11 rebounds and three assists, leading Sandpoint to a 52-21 win over Pasco in the third place game of the Pendleton Tournament on Saturday.

Saturday, December 8

December 8, 2012 8 p.m.

Alleged spree burglar jailed

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was arrested Thursday in connection with a string of burglaries in late summer and early autumn.

December 8, 2012 6 a.m.

Wampus Cats fall to Warriors in overtime

WALLACE — Joey Hazinsky had another impressive game, posting a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and six steals, but a cold-shooting first half and overtime proved the difference, as the Wampus Cats lost 40-32 to Kootenai in the North Star League Tournament opener Friday night in Wallace.

December 8, 2012 6 a.m.

Convicted killer sentenced on weapons charge

COEUR d’ALENE — A North Idaho man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Bonner County was sentenced Monday to 10 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

December 8, 2012 6 a.m.

Panhandle Building Contractors Association honored

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named the Panhandle Building Contractors Association as its November business of the month.

December 8, 2012 6 a.m.

Blackfoot acquisition delays network

SANDPOINT — Local governments will need to wait a little longer before they can make decisions on a proposed public-private fiber optic network.

December 8, 2012 6 a.m.

Olin drops in 22 as Sandpoint falls to Pendleton

PENDLETON, Ore. — Hailey Olin scored a game-high 22 points, including a sharp 6-10 from beyond the arc, but the Bulldogs lost 63-57 to Pendleton in the tournament opener on Friday night at Pendleton High School.

Friday, December 7

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Downtown street concepts OK'd

SANDPOINT — The downtown core now has a blueprint for the future.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Sandpoint council ponders cat ordinance

SANDPOINT — City officials are seeking a direction for the management of overcrowded pets.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Man jailed on lewd charges

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was arrested Monday on allegations that he molested two underage girls in Bonner County in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Badgers defeat Clark Fork, 59-32

CLARK FORK — Joey Hazinsky stuffed the stat sheet with five points, seven boards, four assists and four steals, but Bonners Ferry had too much speed, downing the Wampus Cats 59-32 in nonleague boys basketball Thursday in Clark Fork.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Miller leads Wampus Cats in defeat

CLARK FORK — Mariah Miller posted a team-high 11 points and seven steals, but 3A Bonners Ferry simply had too much depth, as the Badgers jumped out early and cruised to a 56-17 win over the Wampus Cats in nonleague girls basketball Thursday night at Clark Fork High School.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Travers, Weindl register pins against Timberlake

SPIRIT LAKE —  Josh Travers (195 pounds) and Adam Weindl (182) each registered pins for the  Bulldogs, who lost 60-15 to the Tigers in a season-opening dual for both teams at Timberlake High School on Thursday.

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Shopping district helps you 'get your jingle on'

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Shopping District is bringing out the glitz, putting up the lights and extending shopping hours for a convenient, sparkly, hometown holiday shopping season. This year, special sales events include “Get your Jingle on” and “Men’s Night.”

December 7, 2012 6 a.m.

Kalispel pact talks resume

SANDPOINT — The Pend Oreille Basin Commission will resume its discussion Thursday of a proposal to use water from Lake Pend Oreille to aid threatened bull trout downstream of Albeni Falls Dam.

Thursday, December 6

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Discrimination has no place in public education

On Nov. 13, Lake Pend Oreille High School hosted the November school board meeting.

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Waterkeeper proves its views are extreme

We’ve been hearing a lot lately from Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper about how bad coal trains are for us, although everyone seemed to be fine with them before the Gateway Pacific Terminal in Washington was going to be built. Waterkeeper would like to have a special place in hell reserved for it and the trains going to it.

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Area officials must take steps to halt compound

Here is a chance for local politicos to actually do something worthwhile for our community.

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Man jailed on child pornography charges

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was arrested Nov. 28 on felony charges of possessing and sharing child pornography.

Local businessman held on California murder charges
December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Local businessman held on California murder charges

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man was arrested Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a 17-year-old double murder in California.

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

City OKs extension of streetscape work

SANDPOINT — Bonner County officials have until the end of next year to get started on agreed-upon improvements as part of a deal with the city.

December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Alternative schools, staff deserve better

I read in disbelief, the article in Sunday’s Bee about the teacher bonus program. I agree on the need for a bonus program. The exclusion of the alternative schools like Lake Pend Oreille High School because they may not fit the “cookie cutter” standards of most of the schools in Idaho, is wrong. Their student body is made up of students who don’t meet the standards of the other schools.

Youthful Bulldog wrestling team ready for a 'rebuilding year'
December 6, 2012 6 a.m.

Youthful Bulldog wrestling team ready for a 'rebuilding year'

SANDPOINT — Rebuilding is a word no coach in any sport ever wants to use — as its very definition means to repair, restore or change a program that once was among the best — but most coaches no it’s inevitable.

Wednesday, December 5

December 5, 2012 8 p.m.

Bristol records double-double in defeat

CUSICK, Wash. — Tristin Bristol posted a big double-double, but the Clark Fork boys fell 63-51 on the road to Cusick on Tuesday.

December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

Balanced Bulldogs earn doubleheader sweep of Spartans

SANDPOINT — Facing the likes of state powers Coeur d’Alene, Lake City and Post Falls over the years, the Sandpoint girls have seen their share of running clocks in the fourth quarter.

Pediatric residents' program a win-win-win
December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

Pediatric residents' program a win-win-win

What’s better than a doctor choosing to specialize in pediatrics learning in a rural environment while being supervised by experienced pediatricians with a passion for teaching while also serving the needs of our local children? Can’t think of anything?

December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

LPOSD ponders $7.88M levy

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School Board will soon have an levy proposal on the books.

December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

Reservoir breach sparks advisory

SAGLE — The Sagle Valley Water & Sewer District is expected to bring its drinking water reservoir back online this week after a gap in the structure’s roof seam was discovered.

December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

Lego league makes return

SANDPOINT — A host of Lego-slinging engineers will descend upon local schools this weekend.

December 5, 2012 6 a.m.

Burgstahler, Schwartz power Bulldogs past Spartans

SANDPOINT — Matthew Burgstahler led a balanced Bulldog squad with 10 points and eight dimes, and Nathan Schwartz tallied eight points and 11 boards, leading the Bulldogs to a 59-51 win in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Tuesday, December 4

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Pay attention and drive safely

On July 27, the day the Sand Creek Byway was opened, my husband and I were driving home on Highway 95 South. With our left turn signal on, waiting for a break in the oncoming traffic, we were rear-ended. Our car was totaled, and we were bruised and battered. Given that the driver of the pickup didn’t appear to have applied any brakes, we were lucky to walk away from the accident at all.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Councils mull fiber optic networks

SANDPOINT — Agreements on a proposed fiber optic network will have the Sandpoint and Ponderay city councils meeting in joint session Wednesday.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Hometown event honors veterans

More than 300 veterans came by The Kootenai Sub Shoppe for lunch and camaraderie during Veterans Day weekend.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Congress fiddles while Washington, D.C., burns

Citing IRS data, the top 25 percent of earners pay 87 percent of the federal tax bill, while the bottom 50 percent pay 2 percent. So tell me again the wealthy don’t pay their fair share.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Bulldogs host double dip tonight

SANDPOINT — All six Bonner County high school basketball teams will be in action tonight, when the Sandpoint boys and girls host Priest River, and the Clark Fork Wampus Cat boys and girls hit the road for a doubleheader in Cusick.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Giving Tree aids less fortunate

SANDPOINT — The Association of Bonner County Employees has taken on a bear of a Yuletide task.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

FSPW clarifies mine comments

SANDPOINT — The Montana director of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is clarifying his remarks concerning an existing mine in Troy and a proposed one in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.

December 4, 2012 6 a.m.

Gooby honored as top chamber volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Barbara Gooby, as November’s Volunteer of the Month for her service to the community.

Sunday, December 2

December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Unethical hunters should stay home

To the “hunter(s)” who drove a few yards off Highway 95 up a private access road and shot a deer. If you are going to be so lazy as to simply park and step from your vehicle and shoot a deer near several homes, the least you could do is take it with you.

December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Fully investigate birthing options, training

This letter is in response to the front page article in the paper (Daily Bee, Nov. 25) titled “Midwives see growth of birthing options.” We need to expand on some statements, and correct some misconceptions.

December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Charter school boosts scores

SANDPOINT — The Forrest Bird Charter School is moving into the holidays after charting some improved standardized test scores in 2012.

December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Hubbard leads Colville to victory

SANDPOINT — Colville’s Matt Hubbard displayed why he is a highly-touted college basketball recruit, almost single-handedly leading the Indians to a 46-39 win over the Bulldogs in nonleague boys basketball Saturday night at Les Rogers Court.

Williams nets game winner for Bulldog girls
December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Williams nets game winner for Bulldog girls

SANDPOINT — Junior Karlee Williams was 5-5 from the field, including the game-winning basket with 30 seconds left, leading the Bulldogs to a 55-52 win over Colville in nonleague girls basketball Saturday night at Les Rogers Court.

December 2, 2012 6 a.m.

Alternative school sidestepped by bonus program

SANDPOINT — While most local teachers are receiving bonuses as one of the last vestiges of the Students Come First reforms, that’s not the case at the alternative high school.

Saturday, December 1

December 1, 2012 6 a.m.

Charges pending against motorists in fatal crashes

SANDPOINT — Criminal charges are pending against two people involved in separate highway crashes that killed two people.

December 1, 2012 6 a.m.

'Get it' to win chance for free gas, Kindle

SANDPOINT —The Bonner County Daily Bee is combining with local businesses and service providers to launch GetitNorthIdaho.com on Dec. 16.

December 1, 2012 6 a.m.

Dover council sacks its city clerk

DOVER — The City Council fired Clerk Kym Holbert on Thursday.

December 1, 2012 6 a.m.

White supremacist seeks to build compound

SPOKANE (AP) — A disciple of former Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler wants to build a new compound in northern Idaho to act as a gathering place for white supremacists, a development that troubles human rights groups who spent decades battling Butler and his group.

December 1, 2012 6 a.m.

Eight Bulldogs named to 4A All-IEL football team

SANDPOINT — Senior Alex Charvoz was named Defensive Newcomer of the Year, headlining a strong contingent of Sandpoint seniors named to the 2012 All-Inland Empire League football team, as voted on by the league’s coaches.