Ellington

Apartments cleared for occupancy

SANDPOINT — After several delays, Milltown Apartments is set to open.

The Recordist injects vitality into blockbuster films, games

SANDPOINT – Frank Bry hears things. It’s his job, actually. Where most of us might detect a twig breaking underfoot — if we notice it at all – Bry’s ears snap to attention, fully alert to the myriad ways a twig can be broken and how it might sound from dozens of different angles.

Health care reform deserves support

I am on Medicare (at $104 per month) and pay extra from a private insurer for a Medicare Supplement Plan, Type F (at $180 a month). What a blessing! I recently had the misfortune of a blood clot in my lung and then, immediately following, pneumonia after a simple operation. I did not worry about huge medical costs that could bankrupt my wife and me — unlike the 600,000 U.S. citizens that have been driven to bankruptcy by medical bills each year, even people who had health insurance.

Bonner County tobacco policy resurfacing

SANDPOINT — If you’re looking to be hired by Bonner County in 2014, you may want to consider kicking tobacco as a New Year’s resolution.

Fired prosecutor gets rehired

Stone’s lawsuit against Kootenai Co. dismissed

COEUR d’ALENE — Former Kootenai County deputy prosecutor Kenneth Stone was rehired this month after he was terminated on March 25, 2011.

Children's intro to self defense classes offered

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Taekwondo, located at 218 Main St., is offering introduction to taekwondo, karate, and self-defense classes to any and all kids ages 5 -12 years-old.

Library display honors resident's legacy

SANDPOINT — Right in time for the holidays, a charming display of nutcrackers is honoring the legacy of a beloved community member.

Plea entered in gun case

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man accused of drawing a pistol during a confrontation in Priest River has pleaded to a drastically reduced charge of disturbing the peace.

Dog program promotes justice with compassion

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Prosecutor’s Office is adopting a program designed to help soothe the jangled nerves of children and other vulnerable witnesses who are called to testify in court proceedings.

Local taekwondo students pass belt test

Sandpoint Taekwondo held its December belt test recently, with a number of students demonstrating the requisite mastery required to advance.

Deicing additive getting ITD test

Efficacy of adding corrosion inhibitor planned in county

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Transportation Department is testing the efficacy of adding corrosion inhibitor to its deicer mix in Bonner County this winter.

Court impaneling grand jury

SANDPOINT — A grand jury is being impaneled next month, according to 1st District Court records.

Stabbing suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Post Falls man accused of attempting to stab his estranged wife to death is waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Recall petition gets approved

SANDPOINT — A recall drive against Lake Pend Oreille School Board Chairman Steve Youngdahl has been authorized by the county.

We are no longer the land of the free

Day by day, our freedoms are being eroded.

Board adopts Second Amendment resolution

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday calling on the governor and state lawmakers enhance protections for the right to bear arms.

Winter racing action heats up

• Miller remains best US hope — Bode Miller completed a big week of speed racing at Val d’Isere, establishing himself — in case anyone had forgotten — as the best speed skier on the US Ski Team. He posted finishes of 9th in Super G and 5th in Downhill, continuing his powerful return after two injury-ridden seasons. The Val Gardenia course was bumpy and icy, but Miller made it look like a cruise to lunch break.

Ice fishing offers the cure to cabin fever

The 2012-2013 winter was a huge disappointment for ice anglers in the Idaho Panhandle. Good ice was hard to find most of the winter, with only a few days suitable for ice fishing.

Probation is extended in embezzlement

SANDPOINT — Probation for a Ponderay woman convicted of embezzling from her former employer has been extended for two years to foster compliance with a restitution order, court records show.

Cross country skiing class on tap

SANDPOINT — If you’ve ever wanted to learn the basics of cross country skiing, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation is offering an introduction to XC Skiing course for adults and youth 12 years-old and up.

Here's to a happy and healthy holiday season

All of us at Bonner General Hospital wish you the happiest of holidays and, although we’re here for your health, we certainly hope that we won’t be seeing you today.

Sandpoint, nonprofits ink agreements

SANDPOINT — Some popular local organizations have finalized arrangements with the city in preparation for the new year.

Is the universe nothing more than a hologram?

The journal “Nature” on Dec. 10, 2013, published the findings by Japanese scientist Yoshifumi Hyakutake that help to bring together Einstein’s theory of general relativity and the theory of quantum mechanics, the two main theories describing our universe.

Thoughts on safety, wisdom of sharrows

I live on a county road. My property borders the road and the bordering corners are marked with an iron fence post, painted green.

Bunty moving for dismissal of case

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man’s effort to have murder and robbery charges against him dismissed is under way in California, court records show.

High bids stall Selkirk Interpretive Loop Center

SANDPOINT — Overbidding contractors have stalled the construction of the Selkirk Interpretive Loop Center.

Christmas Day dinner planned

SANDPOINT — For the folks at Bonner Gospel Mission, there’s no confusion over the reason for Christmas celebration.

Where is proof that armed staff data is wrong?

This is an open letter to the Bokowys and Aitkins

Travers leads Bulldog wrestlers at Tri-State

COEUR d’ALENE — Sandpoint senior Josh Travers went 4-2 to finish seventh place at 220 pounds, one of eight Bulldog wrestlers in action at Tri-State this weekend at North Idaho College.

Merry Christmas and a peace-filled new year

Merry Christmas and a peace-filled new year to all. Earth’s gift this year is a Pope who is not only a brilliant politician, he also seems to possess a Jesus heart and mission. What a refreshing development. As I child, I was inspired by a splendid film; I believe it was titled, “The Shoes of the Fisherman”. It portrayed a Pope of the people following a path I believe Jesus would have tread. I posses no religious belief, yet, Jesus is a hero to me.

Lake study leaves citizens high and dry

The University of Idaho and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently shared the results of their two-year study on kokanee survival and concluded that higher winter pool levels on Lake Pend Oreille did not enhance kokanee survival rates.

Kalispel elder shares tales of respect

Pilot school program fills the gap in history books

SANDPOINT — It was the first thing you noticed, even before getting all the way into the room — the smell of wood smoke and tanned hides permeating the air. The earthy scents came from the ornate ceremonial regalia lining tables and walls on one side of the building.

Are we being narcissistic?

It seems a bizarre twist when those promoting tolerance seem to now be the least tolerant.

Negligent boating law capsizes in Panhandle

SANDPOINT — A ruling in the 1st Judicial District that Idaho’s negligent boating law is unconstitutionally vague is now final.

Judge orders mediation in seat-slash case

SANDPOINT — A five-day jury trial in 1st District Court has been set in a civil suit accusing a part-time resident of slashing scores of chair lift seat covers at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Schoening drops 25 points on Badgers

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint sophomore shooting guard Madi Schoening missed just two shots all night, pouring in 25 points to lead the Bulldogs to a 51-17 dispatching of the Badgers on Friday night before more than 1,600 fans taking in the Moose Madness festivities at Les Rogers Court.

Developer files $2 million suit

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint developer is suing the states of Idaho and California, and various public and private individuals for alleged constitutional rights violations.

City, market ink '14 agreement

SANDPOINT — With another successful year behind them, the brains behind the Farmers Market hope to continue their success in 2014.

Strong first half propels Bulldogs past Badgers

SANDPOINT — Jeremiah Gagnon scored 21 points, and the Bulldogs rode a strong first half to a 68-50 win over the Badgers in the nightcap of Moose Madness on Friday night at Les Rogers Court.

Councilwoman pleads guilty to DUI charge

SANDPOINT — City Councilwoman Jamie Brunner pleaded guilty Friday to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Bulldogs best Badgers, earn B Cup trophy

SANDPOINT — Five Bulldog wrestlers registered pins, leading the Bulldogs to a 45-30 win over Bonners Ferry on Thursday night in a nonleague wrestling dual at Les Rogers Court.

Shooting death ruled a suicide

SANDPOINT — A Clark Fork man’s shooting death last fall is being ruled a suicide.

Cold second quarter dooms Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — It was a tale of two quarters for the Wampus Cats in the first half of a 43-28 loss to Mullan on Thursday in North Star League girls basketball at Clark Fork High School.

Highway district agrees to turn over tax revenue

City’s lawsuit will continue

SANDPOINT — The Independent Highway District has agreed to turn over tax revenue it collected in Sandpoint while the district fends off a lawsuit filed by the city, court records show.

City expands dog parks

SANDPOINT — Local dog-lovers now have more places than ever to spend a little quality time with man’s best friend.

Moose Madness wrestling dual tonight

While not officially part of the Moose Madness Spirit Competition, tonight’s wrestling dual between Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry will certainly serve as a kickoff to the competitive festivities between the rival North Idaho schools.

Christmas tree hunts endangered in Idaho

An important event for my family is the annual Christmas tree hunt. Up in Idaho’s Panhandle, it can mean a day-trip as far as you can get down a logging road or a short walk beyond your backyard. A handsaw, a cheerful attitude and a small herd of kids post-holing behind you create precious, lifelong memories. These memories would not be possible without our public lands.

Prison ordered in gunshot cases

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was given consecutive prison terms Tuesday for opening fire on people in separate incidents north of Priest River last summer.

Funding blockage could shutter Priest outhouses

SANDPOINT — Federal budget cuts and staff reductions are threatening the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to service more than 20 campsite outhouses at Priest Lake.

Who's telling truth and who's spinning it?

I read with interest Tom Bokowy’s letter, approvingly describing a fifth-grade Revolutionary War debate in which students, thanks to Common Core, don’t just memorize names and dates but examine each other’s sources, interpret facts, and thus engage in critical thinking.

Chamber welcomes Lover's Getaway/Spiritual Retreat

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the Lover’s Getaway/Spiritual Retreat, a private residence which serves as a vacation rental.

Metabolism issues can be caused by Graves' disease

Your thyroid is a two-inch long butterfly-shaped gland in your neck right above your collarbone. It’s one of the endocrine glands that make hormones. The thyroid controls the rate of many activities of your body including how fast you burn calories, your body temperature, your nervous system functions and how fast your heart beats. You know, your metabolism.

Landowners seek down-zoning near Kootenai

Hearing set for Jan. 9

KOOTENAI — Landowners east of town are asking the Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission to return approximately 515 acres to rural residential and agricultural zoning.

Schoening, Olin shoot Bulldogs past Tigers

SANDPOINT — Hailey Olin left her usual ink on the stat page, tallying 17 points to go with five boards and five dimes to lead the Bulldogs to a 54-46 win over Timberlake in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Youngdahl recall still in the works

SANDPOINT — Following a controversial proposal to arm school staff, a group of local parents is planning to proceed with a recall of trustee chairman Steve Youngdahl.

Kootenai students rally to help others

SANDPOINT — Never underestimate a Kootenai Elementary student when their classmates’ well-being is on the line.

Research issues to learn the true facts

Recently, there were a few letters to the editor expressing outrage at some relatively recent events. One, by Carol Abbott, mentioned “taking our country back” and how “they (Congress) want to pass this law and then exempt themselves from it.”

District, city team up on Safe Routes program grant

SANDPOINT — Thanks to a nearly-six-figure grant and some collaboration between public institutions, local students will soon be safer than ever heading to school.

Council faces busy agenda

SANDPOINT — The last regularly-scheduled council meeting of the year should keep members busy before they break for the holidays.

Alsager, Crosby lead Thunder boys to wins

KOOTENAI — T.J. Alsager scored a team-high 15 points to lead the Kootenai Thunder boys basketball team to a 39-34 win over the Pullman Christian School Eagles to tip off the season recently.  

Let's work together to implement recommendations

More than three months ago, 31 educational stakeholders completed months of work based on years of discussion and research.

Randles first, Travers third at IE tourney

SPOKANE — Freshman Casey Randles went 4-0 en route to the 152 pound championship, and senior Josh Travers (220) went 4-1 to finish third, leading the Bulldog wrestling team to a 10th place finish among 21 teams on Saturday at the Inland Empire League Tournament at Central Valley High School.

Where have traditional Christmas songs gone?

Did anyone who attended last year’s Christmas program at Sagle Elementary happen to notice anything different from previous years? I noticed not one class sang “Frosty the Snowman” or “Jingle Bells”. No fa la la la las rang out. No happy little faces warned the crowd with “Silent Night”.

Administration is full of deception and lies

President Obama promised his would be the most accountable, transparent administration; he would lower our health insurance premiums by $2,500 a year, we could keep our doctors and our health plans if we wanted; he promised to create jobs, lower the unemployment rate, balance the budget by the end of his first term, promised he would go through the budget with a fine toothed comb eliminating all waste; promised to unite the country and stop all of the rancor between the parties. There has been zero responsibility and accountability from Benghazi to the IRS and especially concerning the Non-affordable Health Care Act.

Court rejects appeal in lewd conduct case

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is rejecting an Athol man’s claim that a biased juror factored into his conviction on three counts of lewd conduct with a minor.

Conlan remembered with laughs, love

SANDPOINT — One measure of a man is the way in which people say his name. If they feel that the last name alone carries enough weight, all the better as a benchmark of his impact on those around him.

Standards will lead to increased learning

As an educator, parent, and community member, I am proud of the recent success of the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Our schools, staff, and students continue to perform at a high level and we enjoy a tremendous amount of community support. I am confident this will continue as we move forward as a state and school district with more rigorous standards for student learning.

Studies: Higher winter pools don't aid kokanee

SANDPOINT — The proposition that a higher winter pool on Lake Pend Oreille enhances kokanee survival has gone belly-up.

Revolutionary War debate impressive

I had the opportunity to attend the Washington Elementary fifth-grade debate on the merits of Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. The fifth-grade students were split into teams to debate the facts and argue which rider was more important. I was so impressed with how passionate the students were about why they chose a particular rider and how well they knew the facts of the case. They worked as teams to cross examine the other students to make their case and highlight the strengths of their particular point of view.

Despite adversity, there is much to be grateful for

Life has been throwing curve balls at me and apparently I have not learned to duck.

Luna praises CFHS five-star status

CLARK FORK — Tom Luna had some high praise for Clark Fork High School teachers and students Friday.

Friends: Ebbett was dedicated to community

SANDPOINT — When it comes to making an impact on a community, Marian Louise Ebbett has few equals.

Steele claims malpractice by his lawyers

BOISE (AP) — A northern Idaho attorney convicted in an unsuccessful murder-for-hire scheme has filed a malpractice lawsuit aimed at the lawyers who represented him in his federal trial.

Miners down Wampus Cats at NSL Tournament

PLUMMER — A cold shooting first quarter proved costly, as the Wampus Cats dug an early hole en route to a 63-45 loss to Wallace in the opener of the North Star League Tournament on Friday night at Lakeside High School.

Sandpoint boys and girls swept by West Valley

SPOKANE — Hailey Olin posted a double-double, but a slow start proved too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs fell 56-45 to West Valley in nonleague girls basketball Friday night in Spokane.

Teen sentenced for marina heist

SANDPOINT — One of two Sandpoint teens implicated in boat burglaries at Sandpoint Marina was ordered Tuesday to serve at least 16 days in juvenile detention, but refused to implicate alleged accomplices in the heists.

Gagnon buries buzzer beater in Bulldog win

SPIRIT LAKE — Senior Jeremiah Gagnon continued the hot start to the season, hitting a left-handed runner for the game winner with three seconds left, lifting Sandpoint to a 55-54 win over Timberlake in nonleague boys basketball on Thursday night.

LPOSD ponders Memorial Field proposal

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School Board is expected to decide next month whether or not to approve a resolution of support for the Memorial Field restoration.

SHS highlights achievements

SANDPOINT — Numbers show Sandpoint High School is one of the highest-performing Idaho high schools in its size category, according to school representatives.

Schoening's 15 points lead Bulldogs past Wildcats

KELLOGG — Madi Schoening scored a team-high 15 points and dished out five assists, leading a balanced effort as the Sandpoint girls downed Kellogg in a 53-31 win in nonleague girls hoops on Thursday at Kellogg High School.

Tea party, not Obama to blame for shutdown

Mr. Corn is incorrect in inferring in a recent letter that President Barack Obama engineered the government shutdown. In fact it was Congress, namely the House of Representatives, that was at fault.

Judge rejects IHD bid to end city's lawsuit

Finds no merit in district claims that agreement is unlawful

SANDPOINT — A 1st District Court judge shot down Independent Highway District arguments to withhold revenue from the city this week.

Wolf hunting not appropriate near homes, trails

As I was cross country skiing uphill behind our house for the first time this winter I was reminded of an almost tragic encounter of one of my dogs with a wolf trap. Being within the first month of trapping season I would like to issue some warnings and suggestions based on this experience.

Warrant issued for embezzler

SANDPOINT — A bench warrant was issued last Thursday for a Kootenai woman convicted of defrauding her former employer in 2007.

Priest River woman reported missing

SANDPOINT — The  Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing Priest River woman.

2013-14 competition schedule announced

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If they could, GOP would cut VA budget

John Corn (in his response to my letter where I said that the “GOP/tea party is no friend of the veteran”) wrote: “One also has to wonder where Lee Santa gets the idea that the Republicans cut the VA budget “significantly.” I never said that.

Cusick sweeps Clark Fork

CUSICK, Wash. — Ben Bahr had his best game as a varsity player, scoring a team-high nine points to go with seven rebounds, but Clark Fork was simply outmatched, falling 77-27 to Cusick in nonleague boys hoops on Tuesday night.

Woman sentenced for Yoke's thefts

SANDPOINT — A former Yoke’s Fresh Market bookkeeper accused of stealing from the grocery store pleaded guilty last week to a reduced theft charge and was ordered to serve five days in jail.

While common, hiatal hernias not always inherited

The conversation started with a discussion about what time we were going to eat dinner.

GuestHouse Lodge celebrates hotel's new look

PONDERAY — After years of hard work, the GuestHouse Lodge is ready to show off its new look.

Plan offers hope in MonoMAC fight

SANDPOINT — The next few months will be decisive for the Pollard family.

Woman convicted of leaving scene of deadly crash

Knapp faces up to five years in prison

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County jury convicted a Sandpoint woman Tuesday of leaving the scene of a deadly crash on Highway 200 last year.

Bulldog wrestlers earn sweep on opening night

SANDPOINT — Mahonri Hunsaker (138 pounds), Lewis Dunton (145), Casey Randles (160), Jacob Williams (170) and Josh Travers (220) each won twice to lead the Bulldogs to a sweep of Timberlake and Riverside in a season opening double dual on Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Parking lot improvements being eyed

SANDPOINT — City plans for the downtown parking lot have cooled off over the past several months, but a potential grant could put the project back in the spotlight.

Standards will lead to poor performance

How ironic the Bee headline “Local schools honored for excellence” (Nov. 14, 2013) when the Lake Pend Oreille School District has embraced Common Core State Standards for 2014-2015 year, now called Idaho State Standards. The district’s success story leaves us wondering why it would move headlong into a set of standards which weren’t even written when Idaho signed on to them.

Chamber honors Mire as November's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has selected Matt Mire as November’s volunteer of the month.

Why are some scared by free speech, debate?

I am surprised and shocked at the recall efforts of Steve Youngdahl, Lake Pend Oreille School Board chairman.

Filibusters encourage political compromise

The Democrat senators have broken the rules, by a simple majority vote, to change the rules to discontinue the 200-plus year old Senate rule of filibustering and eliminate the two-thirds rule regarding advise and consent.

Senior leaders, talented freshmen lead Bulldog wrestlers

SANDPOINT — Normally when three freshman come into a varsity program and are instantly among the top wrestlers, it isn’t necessarily a great sign.

Knapp watched crash scene from afar

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman accused of leaving the scene of a deadly traffic accident spent the night alone near the scene within view of her abandoned pickup and a fallen motorcyclist, according to Idaho State Police.

City explores arts center

SANDPOINT — City employees aim to expand the community’s arts-friendly reputation with preliminary plans for a unifying arts center.  

Ahrens announces run for Senate

SANDPOINT — Local Republicans have a new contender for the Idaho State Senate with Danielle Ahrens’ recent declaration of candidacy.

Connectivity is focus of 'Explore Sandpoint'

SANDPOINT — Surrounded, as it is, by a burgeoning network of bike and walking paths, the City of Sandpoint has stepped forward with its contribution to the regional trail system.

Basin commission meets Friday

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is slated to brief the Pend Oreille Basin Commission Friday on its effort to find a new benchmark to guide winter pool recommendations for Lake Pend Oreille.

Trial date set in city's suit

SANDPOINT — A March trial date has been set in the city’s lawsuit to force the Independent Highway District to honor an agreement to turn over the tax revenue it collects within the city limits.

Former Bulldog earns All-Frontier Conference honors

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint football standout A.J. Smith ended his four-year career at the University of Montana Western with a selection to the All-Frontier Conference first team recently.

Cold forces PAS to dip into reserves

SANDPOINT — It’s no easy task to keep the Panhandle Animal Shelter dogs and cats warm during the winter — especially one this cold.

Knapp trial set to start Monday

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman’s trial for allegedly leaving the scene of a highway crash that killed an off-duty law officer could start on Monday.

Food bank honored as month's top business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has honored the Bonner Community Food Center as its business of the month for November.

Icy roads send drivers sliding

SANDPOINT — Local drivers would do well to take it easy on the roads with the winter season now in full swing, according to local law enforcement.

Video visitation debuts at Bonner County Jail

SANDPOINT — Video visitation is replacing traditional inmate visitation at the Bonner County Jail.

Clark Fork sets sights on state tournament

CLARK FORK — There are a lot of questions surrounding the Clark Fork boys basketball team as they tip off the 2013-14 season on Saturday.

Mixed use plan sent back to drawing board

SANDPOINT — It’s back to the drawing board for the city’s mixed use residential zone proposal.

Aitken appointed to City Council

SANDPOINT — The City Council lineup for 2014 has been solidified after a pair of council actions Wednesday.

If it's good for goose, it's good for gander

Will somebody please explain to me why our elected officials feel that they have the right to implement laws that effect the entire country and they think that they can opt out. Case in point, Obamacare.

Third suspect arrested in cold case killings

SANDPOINT — A third person has been arrested in connection with a double homicide in California that has ensnared a Cocolalla man.

Holland Brothers preparing for huge SBX season

SANDPOINT — The 2014 Winter Olympic games are on tap two months from now in Sochi, Russia, making the next eight weeks of action crucial to many athletes around the world.

Women served U.S. during World War I

I read in a recent Dear Abby that there were no women in the service before World War II. That is not true.

Why was honor given to men and not God?

I feel the urgent need to comment on a recent article in the Daily Bee about two men who won the Nobel Prize for helping explain how matter formed after a “big bang,” etc. What good does “smashing atoms” do and how could you ever get order out of a chaotic “big bang?”

Shutdown proves the need for term limits

The government shutdown was the most disturbing, discouraging and disgusting thing that our U.S. government officials have ever done.

Recovery often blooms through healing gardens

The boy appeared to be around 7 years old, maybe he was 8 years old but certainly not any older than that and he was with a woman who was most likely his grandmother.

Grants support worker training programs

NIC among institutions receiving grants under initiative

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Department of Labor, with the support of the Department of Commerce, has awarded $1.8 million in special worker training grants to North Idaho College, Boise State University and Idaho State University under a new initiative that leverages industry support to enhance the skills of Idaho workers.

Gagnon scores 22 in blowout win

PRIEST RIVER — Jeremiah Gagnon scored a game-high 22 points on the way to a 70-29 blowout win over Priest River in both teams season-opener Tuesday night.

Suspect in gun incidents pleads guilty

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of aggravated assault stemming from separate armed confrontations north of Priest River last summer.

Possible Milltown Apartments opening date nears

SANDPOINT — U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel following long delays in the opening of Milltown Apartments.

Schweitzer celebrates 50 years

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer Mountain Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.

Olin, Gagnon power Bulldogs to sweep of Spartans

PRIEST RIVER — Hailey Olin scored 16 points to go along with six rebounds and five steals for the visiting Sandpoint Bulldogs, who stole a 50-40 nonleague win over Priest River Tuesday night.

Alsager steps down as Sandpoint volleyball coach

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head volleyball coach Karen Alsager stepped down on Monday, ending a highly-successful nine-year tenure stewarding one of the top athletic programs in the state.

Aitken selected for council post

SANDPOINT — Former City Council candidate Bill Aitken may be gaining a seat on the council after all.  

Issue is one of corporate greed

I agree that people should be able to make informed food choices through labeling, but the costs of compliance for GMO labeling will be a disaster for the small farmer. Imagine the costs to our local and regional farmers who have to pay for lab tests and inspections required for compliance with labeling laws. The corporate farmer need only bide their time while their competition — small independent farmers — fade away from the costs associated with testing.

Panida shines bright on anniversary

‘Sandpoint’s pride’ still going strong at 86

SANDPOINT — She doesn’t just look good for 86, she looks fabulous. Sure, the lady has had a bit of work done, but the Panida Theater’s elegance shows through with the same, vibrant beauty she displayed at her coming out party on Nov. 22, 1927.

Letter filled with errors of fact and conclusion

Lee Santa’s recent letter suffered from errors of fact and conclusions. The GOP/tea party not only did not engineer the government shutdown, neither has any capability to do so.

Neighbors, EMS crews owed many thanks

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the neighbors on the east side of Bottle Bay who helped me after my fall on Aug. 6 this summer.

Greyghost, Plue top derby results

SANDPOINT — Wind Greyghost and Scott Plue claimed top honors in the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual fall derby, the club has announced.

Bulldogs 'going with more of a run-and-gun style'

SANDPOINT — The names and faces will look familiar, as a host of seniors with starting varsity experience return to lead the Bulldog boys onto the hardwood this season.

CalendarofEvents-Ash

County opposes wilderness plans

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are urging the U.S. Forest Service not to designate any more lands as wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle and Kootenai national forests.

Face-to-face visits are key for inmates

Face-to-face visits

Residents should be thankful for nature

During the holiday season we give thanks for those things which make our lives better. Often, these are the simple things that bring us comfort or joy, uplift us and make us better people or bring us together as family and as community.

Ponderay trails could define future

(Editors note: This is the third in a series of articles about how local communities have embraced the concept of a connected system of bike and walking paths for both alternative transportation and recreation.)

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that must be stopped

It is unacceptable that there is a cancer for which the relative five-year survival rate is still in the single digits at just six percent, particularly when you consider that the overall five-year relative survival for all cancers is now 68 percent.  

SFD and EMS use mustaches to promote men's health

SANDPOINT — Local firefighters and emergency workers are changing up their look — and hopefully, it will save a few lives down the road.