Ellington

Community binds together to help family

SANDPOINT — A house fire might have displaced a local family last week, but community members aim to ensure their homelessness doesn’t last long.

'New Indians' tells story of fifth generation

Folks, I know you want to get out in all this beautiful spring weather we are having but I have a suggestion for you.

Record rains soak Bonner County

SANDPOINT — Residents annoyed by the constant rain throughout the week now have record-setting numbers to back up their complaints.

Sand Creek Salon set to open doors

Last summer, Melissa Petersen and Darcy Chambers got together with Kristy Reif of Sand Creek Salon to open their esthetics business.

Roads take a pummeling

SANDPOINT — The soggy weather dousing the region continues to wreak havoc on Bonner County roads.

Adult softball leagues forming

SANDPOINT — Another fun and exciting season of Sandpoint Parks and Rec adult softball is on the way.

Historic jackpot prompts daydreams

SANDPOINT — What would you do with half a billion dollars?

Improved Bulldogs looking for better things in 2012

SANDPOINT — Featuring a solid one-two punch at the top of the pitching rotation and an offense that figures to be much improved from last season, the Bulldogs open the 2012 season looking for a bit of redemption.

Bypass construction nears end

Dedication ceremony to be held May 31

SANDPOINT — A May 31 dedication ceremony is set for the Sand Creek Byway.

Event showcases region's businesses

SANDPOINT — Do you want to learn more about the region’s products and services?

Convicted felons can seek office

SANDPOINT — A felony conviction is not necessarily an impediment to seeking elected office in Idaho.

Three strikes should end political career

Lewie Rich’s pants must be on fire. At the Tea Party forum on March 15, he was asked if he had ever given himself a pay raise while in office. He flatly stated, “No.”

County does not have a healthy workplace

We have one elected official serving as a commissioner who asserts his self-perceived power through aggressive, negative actions intended to offend, degrade, intimidate and humiliate. He uses these tactics toward employees, department heads and his fellow elected officials. He does so with the blessing of a second commissioner who either rubber stamps his actions, or takes no opposing action to prevent it.

Bulldogs hoping to 'occupy second base' this season

SANDPOINT — While Occupy Wall Street may be all the rage in New York City lately, there will be a decidedly different kind of occupation in Sandpoint this spring, as the Bulldog baseball team hopes to employ head coach Chris Young’s prime philosophy this season.

Donations keep community radio station on the air

SANDPOINT — Thanks to contributions from the local business community, 88.5 KRFY Panhandle Community Radio is staying on the air.

Walmart honored as chamber's top business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Ponderay Walmart as the March’s Business of the Month.

Defense wants convictions nullified

SANDPOINT — The defense counsel for a Bonner County man convicted of aggravated assault is asking a judge to set aside the jury’s verdict and enter a judgment of acquittal.

Freedom of conscience has been taken from us

Why would this administration refuse us freedom of conscience in not participating in any way in the destruction of human life?

Ray retiring from library Friday

SANDPOINT — Acquisitions librarian Gloria Ray has seen quite a few changes come to the Sandpoint library in her almost 27 years of work.

Pair now face federal charges in break-in

SANDPOINT — State charges are being dismissed against two people accused of burglarizing a Ponderay pawn shop last December.

BGH workshop offers information on diabetes

The girls were all slumber party age-appropriate, whatever that was, and the junk food was scattered all about. A very pretty blond girl was labeled a picky eater until she whipped out her glucose meter and pricked her finger. The other children were wide-eyed as she calmly took out a syringe and shot herself in the hip.

Bruce let go as SHS girls basketball coach

SANDPOINT — After what he described as building the program up from pretty much rock bottom, former Sandpoint head girls basketball coach Lance Bruce was shocked last month when he was let go after his fourth season guiding the program.

Local women teaming up for 24 Hours of Schweitzer

SANDPOINT — Last year 120 skiers and snowboarders carved out more than 9,500 runs during 24 Hours of Schweitzer, with a team called “The Wolf Pack” completing 441 runs to win the four-person team title.

Cvitanich picked for Olympia post

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School District will soon require a new superintendent.

Bypass trespassers face prosecution

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint and Ponderay police are stepping up enforcement of trespassing on the Sand Creek Byway.

Bonner County treasurer speaks out

Approximately three months ago, my parents’ health started declining. I informed Bonner County Clerk Marie Scott and Commissioner Cornel Rasor numerous times that I would only be doing the necessities of my job. Each time they agreed that my family should be my number one priority.

Purse's return made little girl very happy

This is to the absolutely wonderful person who turned in the pink “princess” purse on Saturday, March 17, to the Bonner Mall Cinemas. We were almost home on Saturday night after taking our two grandchildren to see Lorax when our granddaughter announced, “I think my purse is still at the movies.”

Three Top Dogs make podium at Montana Open

SANDPOINT — Top Dog wrestlers Josh Travers, Casey Randles and Scout Nash each advanced to the podium at the 2012 Montana Open recently. This year’s record field included more than 1,200 athletes from across the Western United States.

Help sought to teach music to students

This letter is to ask the community of Sandpoint for some much-needed help in defraying the costs of overhead at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, whose home is located in the old fire station at 110 Main St. The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, a 501(c)3 non-profit school offers instruction specifically in the art of classical music, voice, opera and drama. Taught by some of the most talented instructors that Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties have to offer, the school currently gives lessons using a variety of instruments to more than 100 students of all ages.

Support of candidate could prompt recall

We in the Cleveland, Ohio, area have heard the distasteful news that you in Bonner County, Idaho, are harboring and promoting a racist for county elected official. This news is all over the Internet and will soon make national headlines.

No injuries in plane crash

COOLIN — A 20-year-old pilot and his passenger escaped injury Sunday after crashing while landing at Priest Lake’s Cavanaugh Bay airstrip.

Molestation suspect jailed

SANDPOINT — A North Idaho man who evaded arrest on child molestation charges has turned up in a Los Angeles County jail.

Fire ends in marijuana indictment

COEUR d’ALENE — Around 4 p.m. on June 30, 2010, a neighbor called authorities after hearing an explosion at a rural residence in the Deep Creek area about seven miles south of Bonners Ferry.

Where is outrage over leftists' comments?

In response to Mr. Len Golding suggesting Rush should be taken off the air because of his remarks about that promiscuous college student who wants the taxpayers to subsidize her promiscuity. I suggest you look up what the leftist commentator Ed Schultz called Laura Ingraham, and what Bill Maher said about Sarah Palin’s daughter. Where is your outrage regarding these folks?!

Community support keeps KRFY on the air

At the board meeting on Friday, March 2, the board of directors for 88.5 KRFY passed the following motion: “The Board of Directors of 88.5 KRFY (Panhandle Community Radio) has determined that it is feasible to continue broadcasting into the foreseeable future due to support from the community, businesses, and volunteers stepping forward.”

Pair appeals animal cruelty convictions

KALISPELL — A local couple convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals last September — following the rescue of 116 cats from their snowbound trailers — are appealing their conviction to the Montana Supreme Court.

Recycler bottles recipe for success

SANDPOINT — Take a big idea, add a healthy pinch of passion, stir in community awareness and you have the recipe for Terra Cressey’s overnight success story at GlassRoots Recycling.

Fund roads, education instead of habitat fight

Our elected county commissioners have taken it upon themselves to use $10,000 of our county tax money to complain about the proposed federal protection of the woodland caribou on federal land, and evidently to also use the county legal counsel’s time (more county money) in pursuit of this effort. They have complained there are too many wolves and now too few caribou to warrant protection. I suppose if we kill enough wolves then there will also be too few wolves to protect as well.

Wishing Star goes on hiatus

SANDPOINT — The local chapter of Wishing Star is going on hiatus while it restructures, according to Audrey Reid.

Legislators' work continues after session's end

The 2012 legislative session is expected to adjourn on March 28 or March 29. The Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee finished most of its budget work about two weeks ago, which signaled the beginning of the end of legislative activity. This last week the House and Senate managed to address most of the remaining proposed legislation and the opportunity for any additional proposed legislation to get considered is pretty remote.

Track meet postponed

For the third time this season, the Bulldog track team had their season opener postponed, as today’s Bonners Ferry Invitational was canceled.

Family, friends help centenarian celebrate birthday

KOOTENAI — Irene Wolff has done a lot of living in her time.

'Old Farmin' held a special place in community's heart

By BOB GUNTER

BGH moves for dismissal of lawsuit

SANDPOINT — Bonner General Hospital is asking a district judge to flush a malpractice lawsuit filed by a Bonner County man who claims he was imprisoned and subjected to unnecessary medical tests after seeking treatment for constipation.

Judge balks at theft case sentence

SANDPOINT — A 90-day jail sentence for stealing over a quarter million dollars failed to add up in the mind of 1st District Judge Steve Verby on Friday.

Sandpoint Elks driving forward with Youth Golf Program

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks has made some impressive strides toward a fully-functional, kid-ready Youth Golf Program for the young people in Bonner County.

Luttmann hits the road for private sector

SANDPOINT — Ryan Luttmann is resigning as Bonner County’s Road & Bridge director to take a job in the private sector.

Sodorffs closing therapy business

SANDPOINT — After almost 40 years of helping patients, Steve and Patricia Sodorff are shutting down Bonner Physical Therapy.

Region's stores announce 'Tour de Thrift'

SANDPOINT — March 31 marks an unprecedented shopping experience for local thrift stores and their customers alike.

Jacquot may be taking plea deal

SANDPOINT — A plea agreement has reportedly been reached in the case of a Bonner County attorney accused of molesting a teenage girl.

Officials cheer Sackett ruling

SANDPOINT — Local, state and federal elected officials are cheering Mike and Chantell Sackett’s victory at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Quest, Northrop Grumman ink teaming agreement

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company, manufacturer of the Kodiak, has signed a teaming agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation to develop the “Air Claw” — a special mission demonstrator — based on the Kodiak airframe.

Habitat is small price to pay to protect caribou

I am writing to voice my opinion about the new U.S. Forest Service management plans regarding the Idaho panhandle national forests. I read the letters in our local publications and their authors disdain for any regulation that might restrict their ability to go anywhere they want to, be it a snowmobile or some other motorized machine, because it would be harmful to caribou or some other animal.

Legislation is simply bad policy, government

I read with disgust the comments by State Senator Chuck Widner regarding women’s health. I was very disturbed at how cavalier Mr. Widner approaches the subjects of rape and abortion. Regardless how anyone feels about abortion, this comment and plan personifies how too much of the leadership in Idaho does not respect women and does not respect the medical profession.

Anderson lacks facts on environmental issues

Rep. Eric Anderson did a good job in describing the problem of an overzealous federal government seeking to “manage,” i.e. lock up hundreds of thousands of acres in the name of protecting a so-called “threatened” or “endangered” species. However, he fell far shot in describing the solution.

Socialists must stop their class warfare

It seems that what has gone around has finally come around. In the 1950s, a U.S. senator and the news media went insanely overboard on the supposed Marxists and socialists in our society. Now the shoe is on the other foot. The Marxists and socialists are in charge and, along with the help of the media, are going after the conservatives in our society with the passion that is reminiscent of the 1950s. When anyone badmouths the president, they can be reported on a government website and on the tax exempt website, Media Matters. It’s claimed to have a hit list containing the Fox News staff and supporters.

Lanes still available for Jr. Tackle bowling fundraiser

SANDPOINT — Lanes are still available for anyone wanting to participate in a fun night of bowling to help the local youth football players.

Supreme Court sides with Sacketts

Unanimous decision allows PL couple their day in court.

WASHINGTON, DC — In a historic and unprecedented decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has sided with a Priest Lake couple in a property rights case, ruling that they have the right to go court and challenge an Environmental Protection Agency order that blocked construction of their new home and threatened draconian fines of as much as $75,000 a day.  

FWS extends caribou comment period

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is extending the comment period on a proposal to designate critical habitat for woodland caribou in the Panhandle and eastern Washington.

Four Top Dogs earn first place medals

SANDPOINT — Top Dog wrestlers Matt Lockey, Adam Weindl, Scout Nash and Casey Randles combined for a 14-2 record at Saturday’s Top Dog Challenge Freestyle Wrestling Tournament at Sandpoint Middle School.

Super heroes wanted for 24 Hours of Schweitzer

SANDPOINT — Tickets for the “24 Hours of Schweitzer” auction and awards dinner are still available, with more than 125 auction items and prizes on tap for one of the leading cystinosis fundraisers in the country.

County roads are drying out

SANDPOINT — After county commissioners declared a state of emergency last week, local roads are beginning to improve.

Advance heath care planning means do it now

A former co-worker was walking out of the bank when struck by a bicyclist. She hit her head on the sidewalk. Hard. She spent the next two weeks in a drug-induced coma, was mostly unconscious and hospitalized for several months and then stayed the better part of the next year in a rehabilitation facility.

Group seeks end to homelessness

SANDPOINT — In Bonner County, the divide between the financially comfortable and the desperate is growing.

Kudos to county for caribou delisting effort

The decision by the Board of County Commissioners to petition U.S. Fish & Wildlife for the delisting of the woodland caribou is simply brilliant. I applaud their judgment, and I hope that many will contribute to this worthwhile legal fight.

Sentence stands in Holt slaying

SANDPOINT — A 1st District judge affirmed on Monday the sentence he imposed against a Sagle man who was convicted of shooting Elvin “Eli” Holt to death in 2008.

Cvitanich is finalist for Olympia post

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich could be moving westward if a Wednesday meeting goes well.

STCU's Ponderay branch to offer full services

PONDERAY — Saying the credit union is confident of a strong future in Bonner County, STCU has announced it will expand to full services at the branch it opened three years ago in Ponderay.

Precedent calls for a smaller habitat

According to published estimates, there are about 46 caribou in North Idaho. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are proposing that these fabled caribou be given exclusive access to 375,562 acres of public and private land in North Idaho.

Program gets kids geared up to play

SANDPOINT — Last year it was seeing a local 11 year-old boy who was very athletic but could not afford the necessary gear to play organized sports.

Barack Obama should study Bush's humility

Barak Obama should study Bush’s humility. His incessant lecturing of the American people for their downfalls and trumpeting his own triumphs is more than I can endure. The chest pounding for the killing of Bin Laden seems neverending.

Currie, Presnell lead much-improved Bulldog golfers

LEWISTON — David Currie fired an 87 and Jared Presnell a 91 to lead the Sandpoint boys golf team at the Lewiston Invitational, held at Bryden Canyon Golf Club on Monday.

Sheriff candidate has white supremacist ties

SANDPOINT — An outspoken white supremacist who’s running for Bonner County sheriff contends his views on race will not color his approach to the office if elected.

Discord endures among Bonner County officials

Sounds like the Clerk, Marie Scott has something to hide.  Bob, at least I've heard Neilson on your radio talk show answering questions from the public.  I've never heard M. Scott do the same.  The best way to sanitize something is to air it out and shine light on it.

Deputy attains flight credentials

SANDPOINT — A crucial element to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Air Asset Division has fallen into place.

Hull running for prosecutor

SANDPOINT — Former Bonner County Prosecutor Tevis Hull is seeking re-election to the post.

Don't believe Fox News hype on Israel

In a recent letter, despite what foxnews.com reported, Israel is not planning to launch a pre-emptive strike against Iran without notifying the U.S.

Rains battering county roads

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Road & Bridge crews scrambled Friday to keep roads open in the wake of unrelenting rainstorms this week.

Baldy offered little help in achieving dream garden

It is that time of year when people start dreaming of starting a garden. Some will lovingly caress the packets of seed just purchased hoping to impart to said seed the desire to grow to a lustrous adulthood. Some will visit their mail-order shrine consisting of little cups of dirt in which a seed has been poked to await the light generated by an artificial sun. No matter what method is used, present is an undying hope that this year will be better than last year.

SHS names Knowles new AD

SANDPOINT — Boasting experience as both a coach and administrator, Kris Knowles was named the new assistant principal for student activities at Sandpoint High School this week, officially taking over the position currently held by Tom Albertson in the fall of 2012.

Holland finishes 3rd in final SBX World Cup rankings

VALMALENCO, Italy — Nate Holland finished 20th in the final snowboardcross World Cup race of the season on Friday in Italy, ending the season in the third spot of the overall points race.

Crews battle house fire

SANDPOINT — Although property damage was extensive, a local house remained standing Friday afternoon after catching on fire.

The Choice offers high-quality footwear

SANDPOINT — Fans of Athlete’s Choice won’t need to walk far to find the rebranded and refocused version of the store.

Young Bulldog track team eager to make mark

SANDPOINT — With more than 90 athletes out, including a strong nucleus of underclassmen, Sandpoint track head coach Dave DeMers has high hopes for a promising season.

Jury convicts man in shooting case

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was convicted Thursday of two counts of aggravated assault stemming from a gunfight in which he was shot.

Prison ordered in meth case

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine was ordered to serve up to four years in prison last Friday.

Pat Holland claims 9th in Italian World Cup

VALMALENCO, Italy — Sandpoint native Pat Holland returned from injury to post a solid 9th place finish among 65 riders on Wednesday during an FIS Snowboardcross World Cup race in Italy, one of his best showings of the season.

Radio show needs to be cancelled

Who does Rush Limbaugh think he is by insulting that young women and all women for that matter? Some of his advertisers have cancelled their advertising with him, which is a good start.

Choose to do more by being more

Recently I submitted a letter to the editor titled Hope Defines Us: So Persist. It is not often in life that we really feel that we have made an impact, but I am thankful for your outpouring of support in response to this message. America is not a cliché, it is real because of people like you.

Sharks shine at Shamrock Shake Up swim meet

SPOKANE — A host of Sandpoint Sharks posted top five finishes last weekend at the Shamrock Shake Up swim meet at Whitworth University in Spokane.

Past, future covered but the present is not

Dear leader declared recently that gas and oil are fuels of the past, after previously declaring pond scum to be our future. Now knowing this, I gratefully bypassed filling up this morning only to later discover that though the past and future were covered, the present is not.

Shooting suspect says he only returned fire

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who was shot during a gunfight in the Pack River Valley last year contends he only returned fire after being struck in the chest.

SPOT sets new ridership record

SANDPOINT — The good numbers just keep on coming for the Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit system management.

Inquiry into fatal shooting continues

POST FALLS — Investigators in Monday’s officer-involved shooting that killed a wanted Coeur d’Alene man after a vehicle chase into Hayden are compiling details of the case to give to the county Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to determine whether the gunfire was justified under law.

Showcase highlights local businesses

SANDPOINT— Looking to promote your business?

City debates parking options

SANDPOINT — In the journey toward a bustling downtown, parking revisions are the next issue on city official’s plates.

Find out the facts to deal with your hair loss

For some, it’s just a little hair left in the brush or in the sink. For others, it’s looking in the mirror and seeing more forehead than before. Hair loss, because it changes your appearance, can be intimidating.

County seeks de-listing of woodland caribou

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is contracting with the Pacific Legal Foundation to petition the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to remove the southern Selkirk Mountain woodland caribou from the federal endangered species list.

Trio to play in state All-Star game

COEUR d’ALENE — The best boys and girls basketball players in Idaho will be coming together for a fun night of hoops, as the Gem State is divided into half for a night.

America must have a middle class to survive

We need the 1 percent and the big corporations, they are essential to our economy a mom-and-pop business will not build the next 747 or the next generation computer and these entrepreneurs that build these companies deserve to be very wealthy but we also need a middle class to have the resources to buy their products.

Local cagers compete in district All-Star game

MULLAN — Post Falls senior Marcus Colbert scored 21 points and was named MVP as the West boys beat the East 103-94 in the 26th annual District 1 All-Star basketball game in front of a capacity crowd at the Mullan Pavilion late Friday night.

Crowd responsive to Ron Paul's ideas

Ron Paul’s address at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Monday, March 5, revealed to me many aspects of human nature of the people surrounding me as I sat in the audience. That very idea intrigued me almost more than the politico show.

Motorist dies in rollover

CLARK FORK — A Clark Fork man was killed after being thrown from his pickup truck in a crash on Sunday morning south of town.

Benjamin Netanyahu is no fool

Check out excerpts from the following headline:

Currie leads Sandpoint golfers in season opener

CLARKSTON, Wash. — Sophomore David Currie fired a 91 to lead the Sandpoint boys golf team during the season opener on Monday at the Clarkston Invitational at the Clarkston Country Club.

Celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouts

SANDPOINT — Girl Scouts of America may have turned 100 years old on Monday, but the organization is still as timeless as ever.

Pend d'Oreille Winery earns chamber honors

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named the Pend d’Oreille Winery as February’s Business of the Month.

Shooting trial gets under way

SANDPOINT — A former Upper Pack River resident testified on Monday that she expected to die as her former boyfriend strangled her with one hand while holding a pistol to her face with the other.

Who will you vote for in May's primary elections?

Education budget is promising development

On Monday, March 5, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, the Legislature’s budget committee of which Sen. Joyce Broadsword, Rep. George Eskridge, and I are members, set the largest portion of the Idaho’s budget — public education — for the next fiscal year. This budget will go into effect July 1, 2012, and includes the 2012-2013 school year.

New transportation head takes wheel

LPOSD buses cover 3,500 miles a day

SANDPOINT — When Bill Wright retires at the end of this month as transportation manager for the Lake Pend Oreille School District, he will leave a big pair of shoes to fill. On days when the wind howls and the snow blows sideways in blinding sheets of white, they will feel especially large.

Shooting suspect pleads guilty

SANDPOINT — A young Bonner County man accused of firing a shotgun blast at an occupied vehicle last year pleaded guilty Thursday through an agreement with the prosecution.

Road project builds toward construction's start

SANDPOINT — Those interested in the Sandpoint-to-Kootenai Cutoff  project will find plenty of food for thought — along with food for the belly — at an upcoming meeting.

We need to return to train limit

My former neighbor Jim Wolfe, who was in his late 80s when he passed away a couple of years ago, was born and raised on our street where he lived all of his life told me that way back years ago the politicos of Bonner County passed a law that would only allow 15 trains a day to come through Bonner County.

Use a scalpel, not a saw, to cut government

I recently attended a Ron Paul rally and it was an interesting event to be sure. However, there was one particular message he repeated over and over again that has me a bit troubled.

Legislative races taking shape

SANDPOINT — Contested primary races are forming in most of the contests for legislative seats in Boise.

Young Bulldog golfers tee off season on Monday

SANDPOINT — Youth will be served for the Sandpoint golf team in 2012, as a team full of underclassmen will try and drive, putt and chip their way to a state berth.

P&Z to debate tourist homes

SANDPOINT — The tricky trouble with tourist homes and resort city taxes is bouncing to yet another governing city body.

Mighty nice ice house helped hook lots of fish

Berkley named to All-North Star League team

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork senior Stillman Berkley was a leader in every sense of the word for the Wampus Cat boys basketball team this season, and this week he was awarded with a spot on the All-North Star League team, as voted on by the league’s coaches.

Sagle Flea Market shuttering stalls

SAGLE — The sun is setting on the Sagle Flea Market after 34 years.

Abuse trial is postponed

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man’s trial on allegations that he hog-tied a 12-year-old with Asperger syndrome is being moved to this summer.

City tweaks 'buy local' policy

SANDPOINT — After some legal drafting by City Attorney Scot Campbell, municipal department heads are on their way to more flexibility with purchases.

Farber earns second most votes on All-PASL team

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint, North Idaho College, Oregon State and Portland Timbers soccer standout Brian Farber was named to the first team of the All-Professional Arena Soccer League team this week after another stellar indoor season.

Great Sandpoint Chairlift Pitch finalists announced

SANDPOINT — In the midst of an epic ski season in Northern Idaho’s Panhandle, seven entrepreneurs will take an unforgettable ride on March 15, 2012 – they’ll be pitching their business plans and ideas for a chance to win awards and accolades in the world’s only chairlift pitch contest for entrepreneurs. The Great Sandpoint Chairlift Pitch Contest today announced their seven finalists for their dynamic twist on the old school “elevator pitch” contest.

Paul wins Bonner, but Romney takes Idaho

SANDPOINT — Libertarian war horse Ron Paul edged Rick Santorum by a 68-vote margin at the Bonner County Republican party’s Super Tuesday caucus, but former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney took Idaho.

Idaho should fund schools, not tax cuts

Honorable Sens. Shawn Keough and Joyce Broadsword and Reps. George Eskridge and Eric Anderson

Webber, Navarro to play offensive line at next level

SANDPOINT — Bulldog football players Tyler Navarro and R.J. Webber each fulfilled a childhood dream on Wednesday, when the pair signed letters of intent to play football at Mayville State University next season.

Our Nazi government taking away our rights

While we were distracted by the Republican circus in Iowa or celebrating the New Year, President Barack Obama was busily signing the infamous National Defense Authorization Act, which had passed both the House and the Senate by huge majorities of both Republicans and Democrats.

Hearing delayed in murder case

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is on hold for a man accused of raping and murdering Dalene Carlson, a former Bonner County resident.

Council's meetings both open, diverse

I wonder why Mr. Santa feels that it is necessary to send wrong information to the paper? The Property Rights Council meetings are not closed and the ones that I have attended have had all sorts of folks from various political positions present. If we all can find and attend these meetings, what is so hard about this for Mr. Santa?

City honored for old neighborhoods

SANDPOINT — Chalk up another round of winning publicity for the lakeside town.

The many faces of Facebook all need watching

How many faces are there to Facebook? One billion of us worldwide have Facebook accounts, and 7.5 million of those are under the age of 13, which by the way is a Facebook rule no/no. It begs the question, what other facades does this leading social network giant have lurking in the shadows?

Local WOW honorees on display in mayor's office

SANDPOINT — Dozens of the region’s most influential women now have a place of honor in the mayor’s office.

Host of locals to play in hoops all-star game

MULLAN — A host of Sandpoint and Clark Fork senior boys and girls basketball players will take to the hardwood one more time this year, as rosters have been announced for the annual District 1 boys and girls All-Star games on Friday at the Mullan Pavilion.

Experts offer business insights

SANDPOINT — Regional experts will offer their insights on economic development as well as ways to strengthen and create partnerships between the business community and the University of Idaho.

Discord endures among officials

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners and two other elected officials appear to be on the brink of legal warfare.

Studies prove colonoscopies save lives

When three people told me that I should have and write about having a colonoscopy, I thought, even if it was a double dog dare, that I didn’t need to do it despite knowing that it’s recommended for everyone over the age of 50.

Olin, Schwartz garner All-IEL basketball honors

SANDPOINT — Seniors Ryan Schwartz and Jackson Olin were a potent one-two scoring punch for the Bulldogs this season, and on Monday the pair was recognized with a selection on the 4A All-Inland Empire League team, as voted on by the league’s coaches.

Were forum groups truly non-partisan?

I found Keith Kinnaird’s article instructive about the positions put forward at the “Coal Hard Truth” forum Thursday, March 1.

Candidate tours Quest

SANDPOINT — Before heading for his rally at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, presidential candidate Ron Paul got a taste of local manufacturing at Quest Aircraft.

Accessories in murder case enter pleas

SANDPOINT — Two accessories in a Bonner County homicide pleaded not guilty on Monday.

All governments need to be ethical, open

I’m writing in regard to Corey Greve’s letter in the Feb. 26 paper. Mr. Greve mentions that Shelby Rognstad, the owner of Common Knowledge bookstore was on the Planning and Zoning committee while a major change in the future of his bookstore’s usage was being considered.. Many neighbors appealed this change. This is one of the latest potential “conflict of interest” decisions the Sandpoint Council had to consider.

State policy leaves much to be desired

I hate to sound resigned, but I guess we have to expect the kind of public policy we are getting from the Idaho Legislature.

Vote out Obama in November

Excerpts from:

Coffelt passes torch to grandson

Career includes 45 years as funeral director, county coroner

SANDPOINT — Over the course of 45 years in business, Dale Coffelt has grown close to the community he serves. He has seen children grow into grandparents and watched as one generation gave way to the next.

Defense seeks to limit evidence

SANDPOINT — The defense is moving to exclude evidence as a trial nears for a Bonner County man accused of opening fire on his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend in the Pack River Valley last year.

Soldiers were relentless in search for Lincoln's assassin

Crop rotations and companions enhance garden's health

Today our column continues its ongoing primer for creating an organic vegetable garden. As mentioned previously, for best results crop rotation is recommended. In earlier columns, we have pointed out the efficacy of beneficial insect-luring flowers, both edible and ornamental, planted among your veggie crops for extra protection and the bonus of beauty. When rotating your veggie crops, leave the perennial flowers in place, since their benefits remain regardless of what you have planted.

LPOHS, charter school lay out improvement plans

SANDPOINT — Local schools are on their way to make met national standards after forming school improvement teams.

'Cancerous' intervention isn't helping the caribou

We listened to the “management plan” for 46 woodland caribou and we are reminded of the management of Priest Lake cutthroat fisheries and the management of kokanee fisheries of Lake Pend Oreille and how those turned out.

Pasta saves the day for quick, easy, savory suppers

What’s your favorite spaghetti dish? Old-fashioned tomato-sauced meatballs in the garlicky, rosemary-fragranced Italian style? Or perhaps just simple mac and cheese, or a layered veggie lasagna?

Local governments must prepare coming national fiscal woes

On Feb. 22, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo visited the Idaho Legislature, speaking to both the Senate and House about the problem of the United States’ $15.4 trillion national debt. He said, “Every day, by somewhere between noon and 4 o’clock, the federal government has borrowed the entire amount of money that it takes to run the state of Idaho for a year.”

'Coal Hard Truth' forum paints grimy picture

SANDPOINT — Bonner County has nothing to gain and everything to lose if coal train traffic is allowed to dramatically increase in the Panhandle.

Animal cruelty bill lacks bite

A legislative bill to make animal cruelty a felony includes language that would reduce dog fighting from a felony to a misdemeanor crime, a North Idaho activist pointed out this week.

Benefit set to aid Bev Mitton

SANDPOINT — A patch of black ice changed Bev Mitton’s life for the worse in November.

Gralow places 12th at Big 10 Championships

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint swimmer Paulina Gralow wrapped up her junior campaign at the University of Wisconsin with a 12th place finish in the 100 breaststroke and a 14th place finish in the 200 breaststroke at the Big 10 Championships recently.

Bootleggers found a niche in area during Prohibition

(It was on Sept. 30, 2000, that Erik Daarstad and I met with Bob Selle in his home to interview him for the “Sandpoint Centennial” movie. Bob relived the excitement of his life experiences and his words reflected his enthusiasm. In his way of speaking, them became ‘em, because often became ‘cause, and anything to be emphasized was done with a “yeah.” Today, Bob shares, in his own words, about the days of Prohibition and bootlegging in Sandpoint. Notice that he starts telling about the “other kids” but near the end he becomes an active player in the booze adventure. Bob Selle died on Sept. 1, 2004, at the age of 88.)

Resentencing is postponed

SANDPOINT — Re-sentencing in a Bonner County man’s murder case is being postponed due to a shift in defense counsel.

Thornton named league MVP; four Cats honored

CLARK FORK — After dominating the North Star League this season, it came as little surprise when four Wampus Cat girls were named to the all-league basketball team announced recently, as voted on by the league’s coaches.

Ron Paul plans Sandpoint visit

SANDPOINT — The race for the Republican presidential nomination will make its way to Bonner County next week with a visit by candidate Ron Paul.

Presidential candidate making campaign interesting

Compromise reached on store's hours

SANDPOINT — Council members hope tea house and book store Common Knowledge will coexist peacefully with its neighbors with a decision reducing the intensity of its operations.  

Birds of a feather flock together

Here are some of Obama’s anti-American influential associations.

Key Club gives to meal program

SANDPOINT — High school Key Club members’ work at Super 1 is going to help keep seniors fed this year.

An idea whose time has come

As I understand it, the three Bonner County commissioners are paid by the taxpayers $56,000 each. Here’s an idea that’s worth considering, let’s have five commissioners and pay them with the same money that the three are now getting. That would work out to $33,600 each per year — more than the vast majority in Bonner County make.

Politics, free cookies and good conversation

I am a member of the local Sandpoint Patriots. We have a meeting (usually) every third Thursday of the month in the Panhandle Health Building at 322 Marion in Sandpoint. I would like to offer an invitation to anyone interested in attending. This invitation is for all political parties.

Bonner County Republicans caucusing Tuesday

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Republicans are caucusing on Tuesday to determine nominations for president of the United States.

Hepperly, Warriors season ends

DILLON, Mont. — Former Sandpoint basketball and soccer player Chris Hepperly scored two points to go with an assist and a rebound in limited minutes, as the Lewis-Clark State College men’s basketball team lost to Montana Western 78-56 in the Frontier Conference playoff opener on Tuesday night.

County honors claim for seized Cherokee

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who purchased a sport utility vehicle that was later seized as evidence in a murder investigation is being compensated for his loss of the rig.