Ellington

Kinderhaven establishes ICF agency fund

COEUR d’ALENE – The board of Kinderhaven, a Sandpoint shelter for children, recently established an agency fund at ICF that will provide income to Kinderhaven forever.

Holland claims gold medal No. 6 at X Games

SANDPOINT — Flashing arguably the best form of his career, Sandpoint native Nate Holland cemented his stranglehold on the Winter X Games, claiming his sixth gold medal in the Men’s Snowboarder X on Saturday.

Economic developers to ID priorities

SANDPOINT — In some cases, the best way to solve multiple problems in a community is to tackle the underlying source.

Owner is searching for missing dog

On Sunday, Jan. 22, driving back from Bonners Ferry about 9 a.m., I hit an area of black ice in the Elmira area, around McArthur Lake, and my car went out of control and careened across the road and eventually hit a tree.

Let's keep talking but let's keep it civil

I’m new to Idaho as of November of last year having moved here recently from Des Moines, Iowa, with my wife. I have to say I’m very happy to be here in Sandpoint and get to meet the many nice people here and I look forward to a great future here both socially and businesswise.

Appeals court orders review

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County resident who claims he was chiseled out of his inheritance while imprisoned on federal drug and money laundering charges has convinced the Idaho Court of Appeals to order further review of the estate.

Five Questions

Murphy enjoys outdoors, coaching hockey

We have lost sight of the bigger picture

I don’t get it. First we need a mediator so the county commissioners can talk to each other and now we need separate counsel so they can talk with other elected officials. Sounds like my tax dollars are being wasted because we have lost sight of the bigger picture.

Bulldog girls ready to make noise at districts

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head coach Lance Bruce is hoping the old sports axiom that it’s tough to beat a team three times in a row holds true tonight, as the Bulldog girls tip off the 4A Region 1 girls basketball tournament at Lakeland.

Readers should seek new details for debate

Bob Wynhausen’s lengthy spin about part of “The Price of Civilization”, by Jeffrey Sachs, slants only a few of the points in the book. He does not provide the sources of the polls — and there are many that are unscientific with a purposeful bias — nor the professional leaning of Mr. Sachs.

All our Marines deserve our respect

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton commented how disgusted she was with the Marines who peed on a dead Taliban, agreeing with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta that it was “… despicable.”

Angels Over Sandpoint offers a fresh start

SANDPOINT – Whether they’re starting up a new program or building on the popularity of an existing one, the Angels Over Sandpoint have a knack for plowing money back into the community they love.

Public input sought in Ponderay circulation study

PONDERAY — The face of Ponderay could be changing by an upcoming highway widening.

Legislators discussing revenue and taxes

It is the second week of the legislative session and issues are coming to the forefront rapidly. I would like to address two of these in this week’s column.

Ron Paul needed for real change in U.S.

People, wake up. How far do you want to fall. This country cannot take four more years with Obama.

Wampus Cats lose to Wallace

WALLACE — Casey McKinnon had 13 points and eight rebounds to lead the Miners past the Wampus Cats in a North Star League game.

CF council proposes water rate hikes

CLARK FORK — The City Council is proposing a rate increase in water rates for the first time in five years.

Another mistrial declared in sex abuse case

SANDPOINT — Another mistrial has been declared in the case of a Bonner County attorney accused of molesting an underage girl, according U.S. District Court documents.

Last-minute shot lifts Dogs to win

SANDPOINT — Ryan Schwartz hit a shot in the lane with 3.8 seconds left to lift the host Bulldogs past the Hawks in Inland Empire League play.

Puailoa eyed as SHS coach

SANDPOINT — After high school football coach Mike Mitchell resigned from his position last year, a selection committee has been searching for a replacement.

O'Hare selected as IDEA's district employee of the year

SANDPOINT — Linda O’Hare, district administrator for the Bonner County Soil and Water Conservation District, has been named the Idaho Association of Conservation Districts’ district employee of the year at the state conference in mid-November.

Hawks press SHS to claim 47-33 victory

SANDPOINT — Cieana Close scored a team-high 12 points to lead the Hawks past the Bulldogs in a 4A Inland Empire League game at Les Rogers Court.

Prelim set in murder case

SANDPOINT — A two-day preliminary hearing is set for a 26-year-old man accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering a former Bonner County woman in California.

Northwest Autobody earns chamber honors

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Northwest Autobody and Towing as the January’s Business of the Month.

Carson ready to 'bring a title home to Sandpoint'

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint wrestler Lukas “The Sandman” Carson faces the biggest challenge of his Mixed Martial Arts career on Saturday night when he fights for the Northwest Fighting 145 pound title belt during the Spokane Showdown Cage Fights in Spokane

Motel arsonist's sentence stands

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is upholding the sentence against a mentally ill Louisiana man who set fire to a Fifth Avenue motel in 2009.

Grant sought for Coolin boat launch

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are moving ahead with a project to improve public access at Priest Lake.

Wildlife corridor project gets funding

NAPLES — The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation is awarding a $99,000 grant to fund a project aimed at curbing vehicle-versus-wildlife collisions on U.S. Highway 95.

Alternative forms of energy not necessary

I totally agree with Pam Stout that we do not need alternative sources of energy. We already have unlimited natural sources in wind, solar, and water. Thus there is no need for limited, unsustainable alternative sources such as coal, oil, and nuclear.

Farber leading Sockers during undefeated season

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Sandpoint native Brian Farber is playing a big role in the San Diego Sockers undefeated season, using his speed and quickness to make an impact in the Professional Arena Soccer League.

We are defined by our hope, persistence

My life has not been easy. Like many of you (and the majority of those who came before us), my beginnings were not promising, but the opportunity to undertake a journey toward hope was there. That is the magnitude of freedom: the ability to act with hope and achieve through faith. I welcome the opportunity to share my fight with you in the hope that perhaps in the triumphs of my struggle you will find hope in your own.

Appeals court nixes convicted killer's petition

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is rejecting convicted killer Darryl Robin Kuehl’s second attempt at obtaining post-conviction relief.

Don't turn county into a 'caribou zoo'

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials concede that woodland caribou are simply in a period of decline and all efforts to re-introduce them here have failed.

Justices nix GOP leaders' redistricting lawsuit

BOISE (AP) — The Idaho Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by state Republican leaders seeking to boot two redistricting commissioners, freeing the panel to reconvene without threat of interruption by a bitter internal GOP dispute.

Residents blast caribou habitat plan

COOLIN — With more than 375,000 acres of land seemingly “up for grabs” upon the designation of critical habitat for caribou in the southern Selkirk Mountains — nearly 200 citizens turned out to show their concerns at Tuesday’s coordination meeting between Bonner County commissioners and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officials.

Group raises $40K for trail

SANDPOINT — The Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail are off to a good start.

Thunder sweep Panthers

KOOTENAI — The Kootenai Thunder girls edged the House of the Lord Christian Academy Panthers 39-37 recently in Priest River, despite missing three players during recent Mountain Christian League action.

Warm up, be smart when it's time to shovel

It started out to be such a perfect winter! Snow on the mountain and not a flake in town. Oh sure, there are a lot of flakes in town, but not of the cold fluffy stick-to-the-ground variety. Now it looks like the winter weather is going to continue for the better part of the month.

Wampus Cats split North Star League doubleheader with Knights

PLUMMER — The North Star League girls game was tied at halftime, then the visiting Wampus Cats outscored the Knights 34-10 in a decisive second half to clinch a tie for the North Star League title.

Sandpoint eyes vision for downtown streets

SANDPOINT — Elected officials will soon be getting a clearer vision of everything city-controlled downtown streets could be.

Patriots or Giants? Time to take the Super Bowl Challenge

What a couple of great conference championships last Sunday, hard-hitting and packed with plenty of drama. Hopefully the football fans out there were paying attention, and are now ready to enter the Daily Bee’s 6th annual Super Bowl Challenge and a chance to win $50 in cash.

Education and the roots of citizenship

In accordance with state law, each school day the Pledge of Allegiance is performed at Sandpoint High School. This daily recitation highlights an important duty and challenge that we — teachers, parents, and concerned citizens — must perform. We are charged with handing down a legacy of civic knowledge, participation, and virtue to the next generation.

ISP probing deadly crash

SANDPOINT — Idaho State Police is continuing its investigation into a chain-reaction collision on U.S. Highway 95 that killed one man and injured two others on Saturday morning

Clark Fork girls upended by Superior

CLARK FORK — Brocklynn Thornton posted 11 points, 10 rebounds and six steals to lead Clark Fork, which fell 70-47 to Superior of Montana in nonleague girls basketball Monday night in Clark Fork.

Is abortion first-degree premeditated murder?

In response to Mr. Gilbert Barbee’s letter (Jan. 19) in which he argues that abortion is simply murder:  If abortion is murder, then it’s cold-blooded aggravated 1st degree premeditated murder.

Lockey, Allen, Pepperdine third at Lewiston tournament

LEWISTON — Relying on the competitive edge of their upper weight classes, the Bulldog wrestling team finished fifth among 12 teams at last weekend’s Clearwater Classic in Lewiston.

We need to vote out Obama in 2012

Condensed from “It Does Matter.”

IMCB inks $47.3M capital agreement

SANDPOINT — Panhandle State Bank is back on track to raise capital for the community after renegotiating the terms of a failed April deal.

Why isn't the county keeping roads clear?

Once again the county feels it’s only required to plow two-thirds of our road. If it wasn’t for Dave DeMeres and Rob Burboy our neighbors we would never be able to get out of our house.

Mayor's wife avoids jail in DUI case

SANDPOINT — The wife of Oldtown’s mayor pleaded guilty Thursday to driving under the influence.

Jamming key to students' learning

Rhythm Works promotes group playing

SANDPOINT — Cole McAvoy taught for more than nine years from a studio in his home before the light finally came on. It took an encounter with a student to spark the revelation that he was not a drum teacher, he was a band teacher.

'Tolerance' had a good run

It has served its purpose and should be removed. Hopefully, the bronze plaques with the tolerance message will be permanently displayed.

By cooperating, we can achieve goals

We, the undersigned, would like to see our community avoid a polarized tug of war, in how we respond to the recently released Draft Forest Plan. The conflict approach, where various interests promote their respective visions and view each other as opponents, is an approach that promises more gridlock than solutions.

One killed in six-vehicle crash

U.S. 95 blocked for 10 hours

COCOLALLA — One person was killed and several others injured after a multi-vehicle accident Saturday morning on U.S. 95 near Cocolalla Creek which closed that portion of the highway for more than 10 hours

Why is our system so badly broken?

After reading the news article, and reviewing the many comments regarding what appears to be a multitude of misunderstandings and underlying fears I have to ask, is our system so broken? The exchange of new ideas and improvements to our system of governing happens when a new elected official takes office. Perhaps not all are readily acceptable, but certainly, if presented in a clear and concise manner, should at least be given fair and thoughtful consideration. It is such a shame when we have to resort to outside assistance, be it legal or otherwise, to resolve either a misunderstanding or fear of threat. Pettiness is a child’s game and Bonner County is to great to ruin by such nonsense

Bonner County economy slowly improving

SANDPOINT — Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to beating a recession.

Driver killed in multi-car crash

COCOLALLA — One person was killed and several others injured after a multi-vehicle accident Saturday morning on U.S. 95 near Cocolalla Creek which closed that portion of the highway for more than 10 hours

Bulldog JV girls down Spartans

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint girls JV team exacted revenge with a 45-23 win over Priest River on Thursday, showing huge improvement after falling 28-20 earlier in the season.

Bail reduction is denied in shooting case

SANDPOINT — Bail stands for a Bonner County teen accused of unleashing a shotgun blast on a carload of people last month.

Prison ordered in drug-related assault case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who was accused of holding an ex-girlfriend against her will and beating her during a heroin-related drug deal has been ordered to spend up to 11 years in prison.

Documentary offers look at soldiers' lives

When I saw in the Daily Bee that cinematographer Erik Daarstad had chosen his film, “Fighting for Life,” to screen at the Panida’s Little Theater on this Saturday, I recalled a phone call I received a few years ago.

King of the hills

Sandpoint named top ski town

SANDPOINT — Rand McNally just can’t get enough of Sandpoint.

Five Bulldogs advance to semis at Clearwater Classic

LEWISTON — Five Bulldog wrestlers advanced in to the semi-finals after the first day of the Clearwater Classic wrestling tournament on Friday at Lewiston High School.

Man sought by NIVCTF

SANDPOINT — The North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force is seeking information leading to the whereabouts of an accused child molester who managed to give authorities the slip last month.

Artist urges removal of sculpture

SANDPOINT — The artist who created the “Tolerance” sculpture at the Bonner County Courthouse is recommending its removal.

Olin, Couch carry Bulldogs past Spartans

PRIEST RIVER — Trailing six heading into the fourth quarter, the Sandpoint Bulldogs used a 25-13 run in the final period to take a nonleague win over Priest River on Thursday.

Bulldogs take down No. 3 Spartan girls in OT

PRIEST RIVER — Hailey Olin hit a three-point shot with just seven seconds left to send the game into overtime for the Bulldog girls, who went on a 9-2 run in the extra period to beat Priest River44-37 on Thursday night.

Maynard scores 16 to lead Thunder to win

KOOTENAI — The Kootenai Thunder boys played lost 51-33 to the Grace Academy Warriors on Tuesday in Mountain Christian League basketball. Taylor Jensen led the Thunder in defeat with 18 points, Tucker Davis added six, Joel Crosby three and Shayne Jensen, Sam Silberman and Johnny Soderberg scored two apiece.

Fair access road solution sought

SANDPOINT — Residents overwhelmingly urged Bonner County commissioners on Thursday to ask the city of Sandpoint to waive a right-of-way requirement that would cut through the fairgrounds or sheriff’s complex

Sandpoint welcomes new officials

SANDPOINT — For the first time in years, sentimentality outweighed pragmatic reasoning at a city council meeting.

Life Flight to open base here

SANDPOINT — An Oregon-based nonprofit air medical transport service announced plans Tuesday to establish a base in Sandpoint.

Millions murdered under law's auspices

I am a partisan. I have firm beliefs and hold some principles sacred that I do not wish to compromise. Others feel differently.

Elks ready to tee up new youth golf program

SANDPOINT — The youth golf scene in Sandpoint is about to get a serious boost as the Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is making significant strides toward a summer youth golf program.

Without support, caribou plan is a lost cause

The recent proposal presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate 375,562 acres of critical habitat for Southern Selkirk Mountain Caribou in North Idaho and Northeastern Washington has generated consternation and a great deal of controversy. Defenders of Wildlife, Selkirk Conservation Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the USFWS to designate critical habitat for the species and, according to a 2009 court-ordered settlement agreement, the service must designate critical habitat with a final rule by Nov. 20, 2012. The public’s concern about losing access to federal property for recreation to benefit this endangered species is real and must be dealt with in a transparent, straightforward manner.

Blanchard structure fire claims two lives

BLANCHARD — Two people were killed early Wednesday morning after a blaze overran a southwestern Bonner County home.

Prevention key to good health

SANDPOINT — No matter the area of life, it’s always better to avoid problems than to fix them.

Big second half propels Lake City past Sandpoint

COEUR d’ALENE — Maggie Kirscher scored 12 of her team-high 16 points in the first half to lead Sandpoint, but Lake City dominated the third quarter en route to a 48-27 win in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Lake City High School.

Former Sandpoint resident aiming for X Games gold

SANDPOINT — As a youth growing up in Sandpoint, Brandon Adam spent a lot of time shredding the slopes of Schweitzer on a snowboard.

Take quick action at the first signs of CO poisoning

It’s colorless and odorless and at its worst will kill you or leave you brain dead. And, the scariest part is we’re exposed to it all the time. Carbon monoxide (CO) is found in combustion fumes like our vehicle’s exhaust, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, wood and gas burning ranges and even your heating system

Kelly resigns because of Hatch Act

SANDPOINT — The supervisor of the Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol resigned Tuesday to avoid being in conflict with a federal law regulating public employees involved in partisan elections.

County hosting forum on disputed access route

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are hosting a town hall-style meeting Thursday to rally support for a waiver from a city requirement for a public right of way through the sheriff’s complex or fairgrounds.

Local businesses weigh in on legislation

SANDPOINT — According to local business owners, proposed legislation requiring an ID for coin or jewelry sales could have a wide range of impact.

Trapped family escapes serious injury in fire

PONDERAY — A family of five and a Chihuahua escaped serious injury after being trapped inside their apartment by a fire burning outside their door on Sunday night.

Ahrens, Stout declare candidacy

SANDPOINT — The Republican nomination for the regional legislative seats will be hard-won this year.

Pot grower faces sentencing

SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man convicted of cultivating marijuana on conservancy land near Northside Elementary School is to set to be sentenced on Tuesday in 1st District Court.

Clark Fork falls to Bonners Ferry, 42-33

BONNERS FERRY — Brocklynn Thornton scored 14 points, and the Wampus Cat girls built a double-digit lead at one point, before eventually falling 42-33 to Bonners Ferry in nonleague girls basketball on Tuesday at Bonners Ferry High School.

Meeting set for caribou habitat coordination

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are meeting with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officials on Jan. 24 to discuss the designation of critical habitat for caribou in the southern Selkirk Mountains.

Tyee steams to life thanks to Markham

(Today, I want to tell you a story about a steamboat that refused to go away.

Clark Fork falls on the road against Stillwater Christian

KALISPELL, Mont. — Tessa Vogel scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but a tough first half proved to much to overcome, as the Wampus Cats fell 50-40 to Stillwater Christian Friday night in nonleague girls basketball in Kalispell.

Panel: Health care changes coming soon

SANDPOINT — Local business owners will be changing the way they offer health care options to their employees within the next few years

Suspect pleads not guilty in shooting case

SANDPOINT — A five-day jury trial is set in the case of a Bonner County teen accused of shooting at a car containing five people last month.

Becker to retire from Dover council

DOVER — Maggie Becker has seen some big changes in her 33 years on the Dover City Council.

Defensive breakdowns cost boys

SANDPOINT — Warren Joiner scored 28 points to lead the Lumberjacks, and defensive miscues proved costly for Sandpoint, as the Bulldog boys fell 72-61 to St. Maries in nonleague basketball Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Sandpiper petition dismissal sought

SANDPOINT — Opponents of a housing development expansion at Priest Lake are fighting the proposed dismissal of a petition for judicial review aimed at overturning Bonner County’s approval of the project.

Ponderay forms parks committee

PONDERAY — With the help of a few volunteers, big things could be in store for recreation in Ponderay.

Kirscher, defense propel Bulldog girls to win

ST. MARIES — Senior Maggie Kirscher stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, five steals and three assists to lead the Bulldogs past the Lumberjacks in a nonleague girls basketball game Thursday night in St. Maries.

Lucky Friday closure could mean 300 out of work

COEUR d’ALENE — Hecla Mining Co. said Wednesday that 185 of its workers, possibly more, are out of work after the primary access shaft in and out of the Lucky Friday mine was ordered closed.

Americans have more in common than not

Reading this page and its online counterpart, it’s easy to get the impression that we are a very divided country. And in many ways we are. But, surprisingly, we share more common ground than I suspected.

What is true source of writer's complaints?

One must wonder how Val Thornton’s thinking can actually retain logical integrity. In her letter (Jan. 5, Daily Bee), she offers no real solution to the gap between the wealthy and the not-so-wealthy that “plagues” this country.

Percussionaire gains new CEO

SAGLE — Aviator and inventor Forrest Bird’s medical respirators are an inspiration to Dr. Adel Bougatef.

FEMA funding not an option

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is ineligible for federal grant assistance to purchase, relocate or elevate a home that was allegedly constructed in a floodway.

Officials insist on conflict counsel

SANDPOINT — Several elected officials are insisting on being represented by independent legal counsel when disputes arise with members of the Bonner County commission

Jensen, Tupper post big games for Thunder

KOOTENAI — Taylor Jensen posted a double-double to lead the Kootenai Thunder boys basketball team to a 52-39 win over Christian Heritage in Mountain Christian League action in Edwall, Wash.

Bulldog girls fall to No. 1 ranked Vikings

COEUR d’ALENE — The visiting Bulldogs took a 4-3 lead, but the Vikings outscored them 18-2 the rest of the quarter and pulled away for a 70-31 win in a  nonleague game at Elmer Jordan Court on Tuesday night.

Author shares inspirations with LPOHS students

SANDPOINT — To discover your inner storyteller, all you have to do is examine your own life.

Arrests made in burglary of Pawn Now

PONDERAY —  Three people have been arrested on local charges in connection with last month’s burglary of Pawn Now.

Vikings shut down Bulldog boys

COEUR d’ALENE — Devon Loy hit four of his five 3-pointers in the first half on the way to a game-high 19 points and Coeur d’Alene, ranked No. 4 in 5A, routed 4A Sandpoint 72-21 in nonleague play Tuesday night at Elmer Jordan Court.

Bulldogs fall to Rams on Senior Night

SANDPOINT — Justin Pepperdine (182 pounds), Josh Allen (160) and Peyton Dillon (120) celebrated Senior night with convincing wins, but it wasn’t enough as Riverside earned a 46-28 win in a nonleague wrestling dual Tuesday night at Sandpoint High School.

Legislators: Good things may be ahead for area, ID

SANDPOINT — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s vision for Idaho could bring good things to Bonner County, local legislators said Monday

Idaho may be red, but Sandpoint is diverse

Jan. 6 was the religious high holiday for Eastern Christians. I mark the end of the season as I enjoy my feast Jan. 6. I hope everyone had a good season, however you chose to celebrate it.

Sandpoint Gun Club competes in local trap shoots

SANDPOINT — Five men with shotguns were lined up on Sunday morning at the Sandpoint Gun Club in Sagle, competing in the 94th Annual Spokesman Review Trap Shoot.

Family 'looking up' after emergency grant

I ran across this on the Veterans of Foreign Wars website and wanted to share it so that veterans and others are aware of what VFW does.

EPA criticized over dealings with homeowners

WASHINGTON (AP) — Several conservative members of the Supreme Court criticized the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday for heavy-handed enforcement of rules affecting homeowners after the government told an Idaho couple they can’t challenge an order declaring their future home site a “protected wetlands.”

Otter backs tax cut in speech

BOISE (AP) — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter laid out his plan for boosting Idaho’s economy with his State of the State address Monday, suggesting up to $60 million in tax cuts and a pay raise for state workers and teachers.

Should city look anew at building heights?

At the Dec. 29, 2011, special council meeting, an ordinance that changes our residential codes was passed by council.

Guitar builder hears echoes of area's past

SANDPOINT — Tucked away in one corner of an historic Sandpoint granary building is an old, wooden door. Step through it, and you are vaulted back into, not one, but two important chapters of the city’s history.

Letter writer showed trapping ignorance

As a responsible and ethical trapper, I feel obligated to correct the false information that was recently publish in a letter by John Ruther on trapping. His first point states “Trappers don’t care if animals are tortured” which is completely and absolutely not true. Trappers care greatly for the well being of the animals they trap, to such an extent that specialized traps are now in use in modern fur trapping. Many trap jaws are offset, double jawed, laminated, and even coated in rubber to ensure animals are not maimed.

Writer's response was just hilarious

A reply to Chris Allen:

Prison is ordered in meth case

SANDPOINT — A southwestern Bonner County man is receiving a four-year prison sentence for cooking methamphetamine.

Why doesn't anyone proofread the paper?

Does anyone proofread the Daily Bee before it goes to print?

Obama poisoned political, business climates

Participation in the labor force is the lowest in 30 years, yet we are told that the job market is improving. The road blocks put in place by Obama’s regime are all still effectively blocking a normal recovery.

Snowpack is below average

SANDPOINT — Snowpack levels are below average throughout the state, the Natural Resource Conservation Service reports.

Winter lake operations under way

SANDPOINT — Flexible winter power operations are now a fact of life on Lake Pend Oreille.

Exam highlights failures of modern telephones

(Recently my grandson, Everett, accompanied me to get my eyes checked. I noticed through doctor-induced blurred eyes that he was talking on his cellphone with a foreclosure smile on his face.

Bulldogs fall to Hawks in double-overtime battle

RATHDRUM — Jackson Olin scored 16 points, and Trevor Litzell hit two clutch free throws to force the first overtime, but it simply wasn’t going to be the Bulldogs’ night.

Komanec, Vogel lead Wampus Cats over Warriors

CLARK FORK — Celeste Komanec did an excellent job running the show at point guard, dishing 11 assists to go with eight points as Clark Fork dispatched Kootenai on Friday night in North Star League action in Clark Fork.

P&Z OKs affordable housing replat plan

SANDPOINT — The Planning Commission kept busy for several hours carving up lots Tuesday night.

Hawks notch 4A North win over Bulldogs

RATHDRUM — Kacie Derby had 11 points and eight rebounds as Lakeland battled past Sandpoint 49-41 in 4A Inland Empire League girls basketball action Thursday night at Hawk Court.

Hope-Sagle land trade finalized

SANDPOINT — More than 900 acres of elk and moose wintering range in the Cabinet Mountains have been permanently secured for wildlife habitat and public access.

Teen pleads guilty in Hope battery

SANDPOINT — A teenage runaway from Denver pleaded guilty Thursday to beating and attempting to rob a Bonner County woman last summer.

Badgers power past Bulldogs in nonleague dual

SANDPOINT — Bonners Ferry won seven matches by pin to earn a 60-27 win over Sandpoint in a wrestling dual Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Badgers run wild over Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — Zack Klein scored a team-high 14 points, but it wasn’t enough as 1A Clark Fork was outmatched by 3A Bonners Ferry in a 65-27 loss in nonleague boys basketball Thursday night in Clark Fork.

Opportunity means an even playing field

This is in response to Bruce Johnson, who could not understand my support of the 99 percent and the Occupy movement.

Forest plan is released

It encompasses protecting endangered species, and keeping terrain hardy enough to sustain the licks of a wild fire.

Chamber welcomes Sandpoint Dental Comestics Family Dentistry

SANDPOINT — Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials recently welcomed Sandpoint Dental Cosmetics Family Dentistry to the organization.

Bulldogs down Lumberjacks; on road at Lakeland tonight

ST. MARIES — Jackson Olin scored a team-high 19 points to lead Sandpoint to a 64-54 win over St. Maries in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at St. Maries High School.

Show should be named 'Trash Talk'

“Meet the Press” this Christmas on NBC, with far left Demo-bunny David Gregory spinning his usual anti-Newt Gingrich, anti-Republican, and anti-Tea Party garbage right out of the DNC playbook.

Pawn shop burglary probed

PONDERAY — Federal and local authorities are investigating a pawn shop burglary in which guns, jewelry and other valuables were taken.

New park sets a precedent in city

This sets a precedent. Now we can change City Beach into a dog park and beer garden. I am a Hickory Street resident with a dog.

Lowell sentenced in Ponzi scheme

COEUR d’ALENE — A former successful Bonner County real estate agent was sentenced on Wednesday in federal court to three years in prison for a Ponzi scheme that ripped off North Idaho investors for $2.2 million.

Tupper goes off in Thunder defeat

HAYDEN — Christine Tupper poured in 32 points in defeat as the Kootenai Thunder lost 59-40 to North Idaho Christian in a Mountain Christian League game at North Idaho Christian School.

Eenie, meenie, miney, mo, which provider do I pick?

Last week’s article on the importance of annual physicals sparked a little feedback from those of you who have all kinds of good intentions, but don’t have a healthcare provider. So the question of the day is, how do I choose one?

Lowell faces sentencing for Ponzi scheme

SANDPOINT — The Piano Man is scheduled to face the music today

Kelly seeks GOP nod

SANDPOINT — A contested race is developing for the Republican nomination for the District 3 seat on the Bonner County Commission.

Catching up with Sandpoint and WSU basketball great Gary Elliot

SANDPOINT — It’s pretty tough to argue against Gary Elliot when it comes to naming the best boys basketball player to ever come out of Sandpoint High School.

New Year's Day brings bundles of joy

SANDPOINT — Bonner General Hospital staff deliver hundreds of babies a year, but they don’t always greet a new life on the first of the year.

Unholy alliances lead to economic catastrophe

1981, the year deficits grew faster than GDP (ability to pay), politicians bought into Reagonomics.

Idaho growth slows in 2011

SANDPOINT — Although 2011 saw Idaho’s population growth slow to a crawl, Bonner County wasn’t dragging it down.

City OKs residential zoning rules

SANDPOINT — In a final hurrah for the current body of elected officials, the City Council passed new residential zoning guidelines Thursday night.

Skiinh/snowboarding lessons on tap in January

SANDPOINT — January is National Learn a Snowsport Month and Schweitzer Mountain Resort is getting involved. For first time skiers and boarders Schweitzer is offering a $39 beginner lesson package that includes rentals, lesson and a beginner lift ticket. This deal is valid anytime during January, and is a great way to get involved with the life-long sports of skiing or snowboarding.

Rain hampers Priest Lake trail grooming

SANDPOINT — Bonner County snowmobile trail groomers won’t start tending routes at Priest Lake unless there’s at least 18 inches of snow on the ground at Coolin.

Trappers will soon be in evolutionary past

Trappers don’t care if animals are tortured and maimed and terrorized for who knows how long before they are “mercifully “ bludgeoned or suffocated or shot.

Area's 'gas cartel' is at it once again

The Sandpoint area gasoline cartel is doing it again. Gasoline has always had a 10 cent difference between grades. For the past several months all of the area stations have been extending the amount between regular, mid and supreme grades.

On Vikings, Vandals, Broncos and that dastardly BCS

Happy New Year sports fans, and here’s hoping 2012 treats you well. Since Mark Nelke is on vacation, I'm pinch hitting in his usual Sunday column space.

Logan reaching out to city residents

In an effort to add another dimension to my communication with the citizens of Sandpoint and in addition to phone and email contacts, I will, starting in January, be at the Tango Cafe inside the Panhandle State Bank building the first Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. to meet and talk with citizens regarding the affairs of the city.

Meesh & Mia making national waves

SANDPOINT — For one local start-up business, 2011 turned out to be the launch pad for what has become a hot, national clothing concept.

Ordinance offers hope, broadens our humanity

To those of you who are offended by the new antidiscrimination ordinance adding sexual orientation and gender expression the list of protections provided to Sandpoint citizens, please remember that prior to its enactment, there was an open hearing and discussion in the Daily Bee.

2011's wild ride includes controversy, successes

SANDPOINT — From ongoing work on the bypass to county officials’ decision to challenge Fish & Wildlife’s decision on caribou habitat, it’s been a wild ride from start to finish in 2011.

Enough already of the caribou guilt trip

Recent letters and articles surrounding the new “caribou guilt” legislation amount to nothing more than the same, tired mantra we have heard from groups like the Selkirk Conservation Alliance for years: “The poor caribou! How can we be so cruel?” And then the wailing and gnashing of teeth that comes with it.

We can't force caribou to stay in the Selkirks

Mr. Smith, thank you for your words of wisdom, and although it is very apparent they are sincerely meant, your facts in the matter seem a bit confused.

City OKs watershed purchase

SANDPOINT — City officials aim to ensure the quality of the local water supply with the purchase of a key watershed on Schweitzer Mountain.