Ellington

Farm-to-fork meal is a 'wheel' success

SANDPOINT — The joy of cooking and good, healthy food is yet another ingredient in community vitality for local economic advocates.

Back-in parking is dangerous

Is it just me or can anyone give me a good reason why the parking on Fifth Avenue between Main and Cedar in downtown Sandpoint is back-in diagonal parking? I understand this is a very short block, but I witnessed a lady with kids in her rig backing in to park when a car was turning left off of Cedar almost hit her. The guy rolled down his window and yelled at her and gave her the one-finger salute.

Youngdahl named new LPODS board chairman

SANDPOINT — A few changes are in store for the Lake Pend Oreille School District as the next school year approaches.

Sandpoint Builders relocates to downtown

“When one door closes another door opens,” Alexander Graham Bell said, and such was the case for Sandpoint Builders when they lost their lease on the Pine Street building they’ve occupied for the last dozen years.

Sandpoint fall sports season ready to get under way

SANDPOINT — The calendar will turn to August tomorrow, which means the 2012 fall sports season is right around the corner.

Vicious letters are pushing own agenda

It is rather disgusting to see those vicious letters attacking Marie Scott and other dedicated county employees.

Please stop the illegal killing of animals

For all of you who feel the need to shoot at everything that happens to walk by your property or have the audacity to walk on your property, just stop it!

Obama ignorant of basic economics

We are becoming painfully aware that our president is ignorant of some of the most basic economic principles.

Young philanthropist earns scholarship

SANDPOINT — Every now and then, one good deed goes a long way.

Complacency won't keep our lake safe

Those of us who live and recreate in Sandpoint understand why Rand McNally recently chose our town as the “most beautiful small town in America.” We might have mixed feelings about this recognition, but our town is undeniably beautiful, and it is because of Lake Pend Oreille.

News of Record 7-19-12

07/19/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

News of Record 7-22-12

07/22/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

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07/23/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

News of Record 7-15-12

07/15/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

News of Record 7-17-12

07/17/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

Armed qualified citizens is the answer

TV news anchors should refrain from referring to the semi-automatic rifle referenced in the Colorado tragedy as an “assault rifle?” An assault rifle is a true military firearm capable of full-auto fire, such as military configured M16A1, A2, AC-556, AK-47 and other true military weaponry. Unfortunately, that sort of misinformation is normal in the media.

News of Record 7-21-12

07/21/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

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07/18/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 667

News of Record 7-16-12

07/16/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

News of Record 7-20-12

07/20/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

Woman is charged in abuse case

SANDPOINT — The wife of a Coeur d’Alene man charged with multiple child sex abuse charges has been arrested for allegedly permitting the misconduct.

Adjust timers for summertime traffic

With the busy summer beach season upon us, can someone explain why heading west on Pine Street to turn north on First Avenue the light only stays green for about 30 to 40 seconds while traffic backs up two to three blocks.

Obama wants to limit Medicare Advantage

Seniors like your Medicare Advantage Plan? Obama hates it!

Teens discover family connection

SANDPOINT — All the clues were there, but it took a trip to Sandpoint to put the pieces together.

LBS invites everyone to come swim across the lake

SANDPOINT — When construction of the original Long Bridge began in 1908 the intent was to create a crossing for Model T Fords and the horse and buggy from Sagle into Sandpoint.

Fearless Volleyball Camp back for another year

SANDPOINT — A host of longtime local volleyball coaches will be putting on the three-day Fearless Volleyball Camp for any and all youth players from entering fifth grade through 12th grade.

Teenager drowns in Boundary County

MOYIE SPRINGS — A 16-year-old girl drowned Thursday at the confluence of the Moyie and Kootenai rivers in Boundry County.

Opening turns into impromptu parade

SANDPOINT — The southern end of town turned into the scene of an impromptu parade 8:30 a.m. Friday when cars started moving across the newly-opened Sand Creek Byway.

A new era in transportation

SANDPOINT — The long-awaited and hotly-debated Sand Creek Byway opened Friday ahead of schedule and without a hitch on Friday morning to hoots, hollers and honks.

Breakfast set to fund tourney trip

With the community’s help, Abraham Collett hopes to attend the IBO World Archery Tournament in Seven Springs, Pa., next month.

Reagan Republicans raise money to protect name usage

COEUR d’ALENE — The Kootenai County Reagan Republicans say they have retained an attorney and have begun raising money to prepare for a legal fight to protect their brand name.

Sandpoint postmaster stamps an end to career

SANDPOINT —The United States Postal Service has been good to Sandpoint Postmaster Linda Oldridge since she began her career in September of 1977.

Byway opening has makings of a 'remember when' day

Look around.

Sand Creek Byway: From abstract to reality

SANDPOINT — Motorists are scheduled to be turned loose on the Sand Creek Byway starting at 8:30 a.m. today.

Drivers, bicyclists both need to follow rules

I don’t know what good this will do, but if it educates one driver, it will be worth it.

Eliminating guns won't end violence

Inevitably gun control is certain to be a major topic of discussion in light of the shooting in Aurora, Colo.

Why does bridge look so shabby?

I was driving back north from Hayden and coming over the Long Bridge into Sandpoint. This bridge is the gateway to Sandpoint and is disgraceful looking, the road needs to be swept and the road barriers need to be painted.

Courthouse saga hashed

SANDPOINT — A formal public hearing to consider a plan to obtain judicial approval of courthouse funding options morphed into a less formal rumor-control session on Wednesday.

US 95 bypass to open Friday

SANDPOINT — The clock is ticking down for the planned opening of the long-awaited Sand Creek Byway on Friday.

Eliminating guns is not the answer

The tragic massacre at the Colorado theater rocked the country. Helpless patrons were held in the grip of panic and confusion as the senseless slaughter played out.

Motorcyclist dies in hit-and-run crash

CLARK FORK — A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger was injured Tuesday night after they were thrown from their bike and then struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene, according to Idaho State Police.

Hearing today on courthouse funding

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are hosting a public hearing tonight on a backstop plan to pay for the last of the renovations to the courthouse.

Food intolerance can make your life miserable

This is a big subject for this amount of space since three out of four of us have an intolerance to one food or another. Add to that the number of possible symptoms and the combination can make a math whiz cross-eyed.

Big changes at old church

SANDPOINT — Big changes are happening at the old Catholic church building.

Board 'acknowledges' BCSO pay increases

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners declined on a split vote Tuesday to block raises to 15 sheriff’s employees, a move that is rankling other elected officials.

News of Record 7-10-12

07/10/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

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07/11/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 667

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07/03/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

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07/04/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

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06/27/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 782

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06/26/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

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07/13/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 667

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07/05/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 698

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06/22/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

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06/23/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 676

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07/02/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

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07/09/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 635

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07/07/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

News of Record 6-21-12

06/21/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 635

Newspaper heading down a slippery slope

The article about county workplace morale in a recent Bonner County Daily Bee cited anonymous sources, didn’t verify cheap shot accusations, and uttered a disclaimer about having been pressured into giving a small group of mouthy malcontents a voice!

News of Record 6-20-12

06/20/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

News of Record 7-12-12

07/12/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 667

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07/14/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 667

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06/24/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

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07/01/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

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06/25/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 781

News of Record 6-29-12

06/29/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 783

News of Record 7-8-12

07/08/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

Anonymous workers need to stop whining

I wish to address the small group of cowardly “anonymous” county employees, who trashed our elected commissioners, Daily Bee July 7, 2012.

Wealthiest should be able to help soldiers

We hear a lot from the far right and tea party groups about the deplorable federal budget deficit and how we must cut back on essential programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to “balance” the budget. But why don’t we hear anything about what caused this deficit?

Competency question resurfaces

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County murder suspect’s capacity to assist in his own defense is being questioned again.

City OKs reduced fee increases

SANDPOINT — The desire to attract businesses to Sandpoint while still keeping up revenues led council members to lower some proposed fees Wednesday.

It's nice to have official with moxie

Contrary to the complaints of Bonner County Clerk Marie Scott and her loyal faction of well-fed, “decades-old” public employees, I think Mike Nielsen is doing exactly what we elected him to do. He is serving the public and protecting the taxpayers’ money in a forthright, innovative and effective manner.

Folks stepped up, made sprinklers possible

A few weeks ago I wrote a letter to the editor asking for monetary assistance to fund the installation of a sprinkler system for the infield grass of the ball field.

Landowner challenges Sagle LID

SAGLE — A landowner is challenging his inclusion in a Local Improvement District imposed by the Sagle Valley Water & Sewer District.

President should be brought up on charges

My fellow Bonner County citizens, check out the following excerpts from “Fast and Furious is not a D.C. Law Firm,” by brilliant constitutional law attorney Ann Coulter (7-11-12,Townhall Daily).

Motorcycle trek puts new spin on Boge family's summer fun

SANDPOINT — Let’s get one thing straight here — Michael Boge has an iron butt. So does his wife, Anavel, and his daughter, Laura. They proved it beyond the shadow of a doubt by riding a total of 11,814 miles over 23 straight days on a motorcycle trek that took them from Key West, Fla., to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and back again.

Scott responsible for excessive spending

The commissioners who represent us and the voters need to hold Marie Scott accountable. Who knows if we are a bankrupt municipality. Too much money is being spent on the courthouse remodel at a time when excess money is at a premium. 

Thrasher pleads on gun charges

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman implicated in the murder of a Hope man pleaded guilty to an unrelated federal firearms theft charge on Wednesday.

Downtown looks great thanks to Wallace

Wow! Lloyd Wallace must have read my mind when he made those suggestions regarding downtown Sandpoint (Sunday, July 15) i.e. First Avenue closed to traffic for several blocks, ending at Cedar Street (preferably bricked); walk along Sand Creek; low dam on Sand Creek so it will be beautiful year round.

Crashes drop on highway

SANDPOINT — Crashes on state and federal highways in Bonner County declined for the third year in a row in 2011.

Important road should be maintained

On Friday, July 13, while riding our ATVs up Baldy Mountain Road, a friend and I discovered a section of the road washed out and blocked by concrete jersey barriers. When we sought help from local resident Alan Andrews, he kindly explained that the road was blocked as a matter of public safety and lawsuit avoidance, since the residents could not afford to repair it and neither the county nor the state has so far taken any action to do so.

Will you make a special trip just to drive on the Byway once it's open?

Storm turns out the lights

SANDPOINT — Many Bonner County residents found themselves wondering who turned out the lights Friday afternoon.

Season features five (or so) games to look forward to

By MARK NELKE

Sand Creek Byway set to open July 27

SANDPOINT — The wait will soon be over.

Falling tree kills man

COOLIN — A man was killed and a woman was seriously injured Friday when a large tree toppled onto their pickup truck during the fierce windstorm that raked Priest Lake.

'Curve' gets a green light

SANDPOINT — The U.S. 2 “Curve” extension will soon be a reality.

Tuma named to Coldwell Banker's Diamond Society

SANDPOINT — C.J. Tuma of Bonners Ferry, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, has earned membership in the company’s International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the TOP 8 percent of all sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system. Tuma also received honors as a top producer in the region.

Sagle Fire seeks new contract

SANDPOINT — The tectonic plates that compose the landscape of emergency medical services in Bonner County are moving.

Suit filed over sidewalk fall

SANDPOINT — An Arizona woman who was injured in a fall on a Sandpoint sidewalk is suing the city and the Idaho Transportation Department for negligence.

Schuette, Pfeifer lead winners for 2012 Jacey's Race

Jacey’s Race 2012 was a huge success, with 828 runners registering.

Shortfall worrisome, not overwhelming

We found out last week that the city of Sandpoint has an expected budget shortfall of about $400,000. Good to know, but certainly no disaster in these difficult times, with cities declaring bankruptcy, or, in case of Scranton, Pa., cutting all its workers to minimum wage.

Sandpoint OKs budget cuts

SANDPOINT — The City Council faced some painful decisions Wednesday night as they approved a round of cuts before passing the next year’s preliminary budget.

Shelter filled with care, compassion

I’m confused by the July 1 guest opinion of Patty Earnest and Dave Ross.

Derailment offers us cautionary warning

The train that recently derailed in Mesa, Wash., and spilled 31 cars of coal from the Powder River Basin is an indication of what’s to come if giant coal companies are successful in shipping massive amounts of coal through our backyards for export to Asia.

Randles, Weindl lead SHS wrestlers at camp

SANDPOINT — Casey Randles went 8-0, and Adam Weindl and Jonathnn McCormick each went 8-2 to lead the emerging Bulldog wrestling team to a 6-2 record at the Wildcat Wrestling Camp at Columbia High School in Nampa.

Construction method helped delay opening

After watching the construction of the south approach of the Sand Creek byway for month after month I am not at all surprised that it developed cracks. The method of construction did not seem sensible.

Candidate is political pandering personified

Jim Farris is entering the political process with deliberate deception.

Deputy pay raises rankle other officials

SANDPOINT — Bonner County’s hopes of giving employees a 4-percent raise are fading fast as commissioners pore over spending plans for the coming fiscal year.

County sticking with Wells Fargo

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is staying the course with its health insurance plan and broker, despite the objections of the Association of Bonner County Employees and one county commissioner.

Yunek hopes to kickstart music career

SANDPOINT — Fifteen years worth of music is ready to get the album it deserves — that is, if an experiment in crowd-funding is successful.

Food allergies are nothing to sneeze at

The kids are off to camp or over at the neighbors. They’re out bike riding or splashing at the beach with their friends. Unfortunately they may be spending a little more time indoors because of the thundershowers. Whatever the case, their snacking isn’t as well supervised as usual. Time to have a serious talk about food allergies.

County mulls worker benefits

SANDPOINT — Bonner County employee contributions to their health insurance benefits are expected to increase by approximately 20 percent.

Sharks raising money for LBS swim lessons

SANDPOINT — Members of the Sandpoint Sharks swim team are at ease in the water, able to execute advanced techniques like the butterfly, backstroke and breaststrokes.

Mystic Farm wins Toyota contest

SAGLE — Thanks to the support of locals and other helpful individuals around the country, Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue has a new set of wheels.

#1547 BUDGET

PUBLIC NOTICE

Criminal charge filed over wolf escape

SANDPOINT — The founder of Wolf People has been charged with a misdemeanor for failing to advise authorities that one of her animals had escaped last year.

Come, let us reason together

Bonner County has a history of making very poor real estate decisions. These decisions have been made at the expense of the Bonner County employees for as long as I have lived here.

Flooding could cost region's farmers millions

BONNERS FERRY — Way above average rainfall in June is going to cost farmers in the Kootenai River valley  — located between Bonners Ferry and the U.S.-Canadian border  — millions of dollars in lost crops, farmers said Friday.

Motorists, bicyclists need to share road

To the male driver in the silver compact who drove less than 2 feet from me (and another cyclist) on Bottle Bay Road near the Lignite railroad crossing: Thanks for the tips on where a bicyclist should be riding.

Man dies in tractor rollover accident

SAGLE — A Bonner County man was killed after overturning his tractor while mowing grass on Monday morning.

Know the facts about PAS, shelter volunteers

Before discontinuing any donations to the Panhandle Animal Shelter, there are some facts the public should know.

Fearless Volleyball Camp returns for another year

SANDPOINT — A host of longtime local volleyball coaches will be putting on the three-day Fearless Volleyball Camp for any and all youth players from entering fifth grade through 12th grade.

Future teachers train for classroom

-Photo by DAVID GUNTER

Trial ordered for accused burglar

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial for allegedly being caught red-handed burglarizing a home and attempting to take a firearm.

Felony domestic suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Priest River man was bound over Wednesday to stand trial for allegedly breaking a woman’s jaw and attempting to strangle her during a domestic dispute.

EWU and former Bulldog load schedule with Pac 12 teams

CHENEY — Former Sandpoint football standout Cody Hecker and the Eastern Washington Eagles football program recently added a couple of Football Bowl Subdivision opponents to the schedule, continuing a trend of playing bigger schools out of conference.

Classic Boat Festival sails into Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — The Classic Boat Show will draw people from all over the Northwest to the Sandpoint boardwalk today.

Fugitive inmate turns himself in

BOISE (AP) — A state prison inmate who walked away from a job site in Nampa is back in custody after turning himself in to authorities in Coeur d’Alene.

City budget could bring layoffs, cuts in service

SANDPOINT — The City Council will be grappling with some difficult decisions as it brings equilibrium to the city’s $39 million budget.

Clark Fork residents voice opposition to sewer study

CLARK FORK — Council president Russ Schenck promised a short meeting, but a long discussion ensued regarding the city accepting funding for a sewer feasibility study from USDA Rural Development and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Rally for the Cure is big winner

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Elks Women’s Golf Association held its annual tournament to raise funds for cancer research, with more than 40 local golfers teeing it up last weekend for a great cause. A whopping $840 was raised and all participants were winners in fight against breast cancer.

ITD seeks dismissal of wrongful death lawsuit

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Transportation Department is arguing for the dismissal of a wrongful death suit filed by the father of a pedestrian who was killed in a crosswalk.

Road project to kick into high gear

PONDERAY — Construction workers in Ponderay Triangle are becoming a more frequent sight as the Sandpoint-to-Kootenai Cutoff construction project progresses.

Legislators represented community very well

We have just returned from our Republican party state convention in Twin Falls. As always, it was very interesting to watch and be a part of the delegation and seeing our governmental process in action.

Flooding still a concern in Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — Flooding has not been this bad since before the Libby Dam was built in 1974.

Local records ace at Elks Monday golf league

SANDPOINT — Local golfer Kevin Monahan dropped his second career hole-in-one to highlight the action at the Elks Monday Mixed Golf League on July 9.

Remember and keep the Sabbath holy

I have a short word for Jacob Farley and his recent letter of concern that our state and nation need to get back to God’s ways. Many will agree with this and also that God depends on His church leaders to teach these ways.

County employees say morale is at all-time low

SANDPOINT — Morale is down like four flat tires, according to a number of Bonner County employees.

Community's support made event possible

The committee for the Class of 2012’s Grad Night party would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community for the support it gave us for this year’s end of year celebration for the area’s graduating seniors.

Presidential election is critically important

Ave Caesar

Mystic Farm needs help to win truck

SANDPOINT — Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue has the chance to win a free set of wheels, but the organization needs help from residents.

Crash injures motorcyclist

LACLEDE — A motorcyclist was injured Sunday after a motorist pulled out in front on him on U.S. Highway 2.

Trial date set in Carlson slaying

SANDPOINT — A trial date has been firmed up for the accused killer of a former Bonner County resident in California.

Don't be in the dark on sun allergy information

“Whenever I go out in the sun I get hives,” wrote a woman to an Internet health forum. “I get itchy red spots like sun poisoning, mostly on my arms and back of my neck. My eyes become bloodshot, really bloodshot. It’s like the whole white of my eye is filled with bright red lines, and they burn really badly.

Registration deadline for Long Bridge Swim nears

SANDPOINT — More than 350 swimmers from the western U.S. and Canada have already signed up to “take the challenge and take the plunge,” as the 18th annual Long Bridge Swim is fast approaching.

What did Jesus say? God loves everyone

Let me address that Bible thumper from Sagle. The only thing he got right was that he is politically incorrect and extremely hateful.

Wednesday night mountain bike ride series returns

SANDPOINT — Attention all mountain bike enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening: The popular Bonner General Hospital Wednesday Night Ride Series returns for another year of racing at Farragut State Park.

'The Music Man' is packed with talent

‘The Music Man’ is packed with talent

Chamber reopens visitors center

SANDPOINT — Associates of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce have a new view to enjoy.

Community invited to attend annual show

To all area residents:

New council schedule starts in city

SANDPOINT — For the first time in recent years, the Administrative and Public Works committees didn’t meet in the first week of the month.

Supreme Court steals Stolen Valor Act

The Supreme Court has disallowed the “Stolen Valor Act” because the chief justices claim it violates freedom of speech, the First Amendment. Therefore non-veterans can claim to be veterans and wear all kinds of medals, including the Medal of Honor, even though it’s all lies (because they’re not really hurting anyone).

Firm leases mining site

Shoshone Silver/Gold Mining Company executed an option to lease agreement with Black Mountain Resources Limited on July, 3, according to a company press release Monday.

Chain Lakes Harrison Area Home

A Waterfront Retreat on Coeur d'Alene Lake. Remodeled Log Home with 477' of Grass to Water's edge on 3.49 acres. 3bd 2ba with open floor plan. Screened in porch overlooking the water views and Lawn. Dock/Boat Slip right outside your door. Rails to Trails biking behind property with miles of paved trails. Boat to 6 resturants within 15 mins and Cda in 30 mins. Room for a Shop/Boat Storage.

'Music Man' is great fun, entertainment

Let’s take a break from the political recriminations and salute Sandpoint.

Slow it down, keep it safe on the lake

Here we are again. Finally, sunny weather, and out come the knuckleheads with their boats and personal watercrafts without a clue as to the boating rules. I would like to thank the Bonner County Sheriff’s Marine Division for being there when you need them.

PAS offers safe haven to area's animals

The Panhandle Animal Shelter is proud to serve our community by providing a haven for the lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals of Bonner County. Last year, 1,400 dogs and cats entered through our doors and we helped 1,383 find new homes or their “lost” families.

Why are community's Hawthorn trees dying?

As I walk around Sandpoint I have noticed how many, many of our Hawthorn trees seem to be dying. I looked online and they may have “fire blight.” As it is a shame to lose so many beautiful trees. Perhaps our tree expert Mr. Drinkard could look at them and find a solution to save them.

Accused molester denied reduced bail

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint facing trial on two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child was denied reduced bail on Thursday.

Deadly crash still being investigated

SANDPOINT — A chain-reaction crash on U.S. Highway 95 crash that killed an Oregon truck driver nearly six months ago remains under investigation, according to Idaho State Police.

Trial set for August in murder of Moravia woman

BONNERS FERRY — The second-degree murder trial of suspect John August Funkhouser has been set for Aug. 27.

Why is state keeping ISP trooper on staff?

I’ve recently heard that the not-so-famous super trooper and moose poacher Jeff Jayne has been relocated down to the Boise area to protect and harass.

Rafter's body recovered at Chipmunk Rapids

SANDPOINT — The body of a rafter who went missing on Fourth of July was recovered Friday from the Priest River.

Chamber celebrates Leadership Sandpoint graduation

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce invites area residents and businesses to its July general membership luncheon to celebrate the 2010-2012 Leadership Sandpoint graduating class.

SVBC team downs New York at Junior Olympics

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Behind some power hitting from Hannah Neumann and Hailey Olin, the Sandpoint Volleyball Club U16 team finally notched a win at the Junior Olympics on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

PAS received foundation grant

SANDPOINT —The residents over at Panhandle Animal Shelter have new cause to wag their tails with the nonprofit’s acquisition of an Idaho Community Foundation grant.

Money growing in region's trees

North Idaho officials are lauding a bill, just rolled out by Idaho’s first district representative, which aims to provide local government agencies with millions by harvesting federally owned timber.

Rafter goes missing on Priest River

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man is feared drowned after his raft overturned on the runoff-swollen Priest River on Wednesday afternoon.

Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail wins grant

SANDPOINT — The Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail are another $30,000 closer to their goal.

Team Laughing Dog conquers Race Across America

Endures thunder, lightning, rain, wind and plenty of heat to finish 3,000 mile race

SANDPOINT — Climbing hills on a bike is tough. So is riding into the teeth of a 40 mph wind. Ditto for cycling round-the-clock for more than a week straight.

Luby Bay boat crash injures three

PRIEST LAKE — Three people were injured late Wednesday after a speedboat crashed broadside into a cabin cruiser at Luby Bay.

Wolves still under fire

COEUR d’ALENE — The 2011-12 wolf hunting seasons in Idaho ended Saturday.

SVBC team drops first two at Junior Olympics

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Squaring off against two of the top U16 volleyball teams in the nation, the Sandpoint Volleyball Club U16 team lost its first two matches on Wednesday during the first day of pool play at the Junior Olympics in Columbus, Ohio.

Concert seeks to rock out cancer

SANDPOINT — Positivity and goodwill can go a long way when it comes to  overcoming life’s most serious obstacles — even cancer.

Marie Scott's actions were insubordinate

“Three cheers for Scott”? At best Clerk Scott’s using the four-letter “F” word of refusal to her supervisors was unprofessional. Clerk Scott is from the Democrat party, much of which is made up of labor.

BF to be wired with fiber optic

BONNERS FERRY — The future of Bonners Ferry is looking bright. The kind of bright that comes from fiber optic cable.

PAS, volunteers dedicated to helping animals

This letter is in regards to the letter written about the Panhandle Animal Shelter. I have only volunteered there for about 115 hours due to being in high school. I do have information about the things going on at the animal shelter, however.

Animal shelter has great staff, volunteers

I must write you after reading Sunday’s letter to the editor concerning the Panhandle Animal Shelter. There’s a lot of things I don’t know about the running of the shelter, but I will tell you what I DO know.

Teen charged with video voyeurism

SANDPOINT — An 18-year-old Sandpoint man was arrested Monday for allegedly using a mobile phone to capture images of a woman inside a restroom stall and then wielding a skateboard as a weapon when he was confronted.

SVBC U16 team tips off at Junior Olympics today

SANDPOINT — This much has already been established: The Sandpoint Volleyball Club U16 team is among the top 48 teams in the nation, earning one of the coveted spots to the Junior Olympics, which start today in Columbus, Ohio.

Caution urged to ensure Fourth fun

SANDPOINT — Plenty of good times are in store for local Independence Day celebrators — but between fireworks and plentiful drinks, it’s worth taking care to ensure they end well.

Be careful to avoid an ER-filled holiday

On July 4, 2009, I broke my leg. We were on our way to watch the Hope fireworks because trees block the view from my deck. We were neither in a hurry nor had we been drinking.

Crash snarls bridge traffic

Traffic slowed to a crawl early Tuesday afternoon on the Long Bridge after a four-car pile-up impeded fellow drivers.

Join the independent conservative party

The Democrats say we are right wing Republicans;

Obama's presidency is filled with excuses

History — In 1997, Asian economy imploded, DOW lost 7.2 percent of worth in single day, American economy unscathed. GDP grew 4.5 percent. In 1998, it grew again by 4.5 percent. In 1999, grew 4.9 percent and unemployment was at 4.2 percent.

Where does Obama think jobs come from?

President Barack Obama’s knock on free enterprise is that it is driven by profit.

City finally paying attention to danger

“Bonners Ferry will flood!” This was a statement by the city administrator and his assistant during their slide show at the June 19, 2012 Bonners Ferry City Council meeting. They went on to state Libby Dam will NOT be able to control a major flood incident due to the other demands on Libby Dam i.e. power, EPA, endangered species and Canadians.

Plea talks in murder case

SANDPOINT — Plea negotiations remain under way for two alleged accomplices in the first-degree murder of Michael Wyatt Smith.

Idaho high court reinstates drug case

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Supreme Court is reinstating a felony drug case against a Montana man who was involved in an unintentional traffic stop by Idaho State Police.

Crushers claim state softball championship

SANDPOINT — The words Sandpoint, softball and state champion are not often uttered in the same sentence, but thanks to a dedicated group of local players, they are now.

Constant hydroseeding is a waste of money

Highway projects near and about are in full swing. With a certain amazement I’ve witnessed a curiosity that still confounds me. The hydroseeding that occurs regularly on turned soil from these projects seems out of place. More often than not, as with the bypass project, hydro-seeding has been applied to mounds of dirt that are obviously going to be leveled again as with the current project on Highway 95 and Schweitzer Cutoff Road.

BAYFEST brings world of theatre to area

Summer program hosts students from U.K., Canada, U.S.

SANDPOINT — With Independence Day just around the corner, some might find it unnerving to learn that the British are coming — again. They come in peace — to act, not to attack — as the British-American Youth Festival Theatre (BAYFEST) returns to Sandpoint after a 12-year hiatus.

City approves timber sale

SANDPOINT — The city is getting more from its portions of the Little Sand Creek Watershed than control over a valuable water supply.

Region's communities see populations stabilize

SANDPOINT — The cities of Bonner and Boundary counties were largely held in stasis over the year, either gaining or losing very small numbers of residents.

CAL's grant helping keep families safe

Recently, Community Assistance League of Sandpoint awarded Priest River Ministries-Advocates for Women with a generous grant. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to CAL for the grant and helping us serve women whose lives have been plagued by domestic violence.