Stories for January 2013

• World Cup Update — Lindsey Vonn won the second Giant Slalom of her career at Maribou, Slovenia last week. Julia Mancuso placed 8th and Mikaela Shiffrin 13th. Shiffrin was also 8th in Slalom the following day and is proving to be a consistent scorer in the tech events.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

Vacation rental rules may change

SANDPOINT — In an effort to clamp down on illegal housing operations, city officials are seeking a smarter way to handle vacation rentals.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

City: Some businesses mistakenly charge local option tax

SANDPOINT — The local option tax may have failed to pass last November, but that’s reportedly not stopping some local businesses.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

Liquor store opens up in new location

PONDERAY — State liquor authorities hope to see better financial returns after moving a local liquor store.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

Decrease speed limit to make driving safer

The 45 mph speed limit recently imposed on Highway 95 in Sagle has made that congested stretch of highway much safer.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

We have lost sense of personal responsibility

Whenever some terrible tragedy like Columbine or Sandy Hook happens, certain people begin hollering about gun control. It’s not uncontrolled guns that are killing people, it’s people with no control who are killing people.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

Vets must stay vigilant to protect our country

With all the attention the United States Constitution is getting these days, I am reminded by a U.S. Air Force master sergeant that more than 22 million veterans have taken an oath to defend our Constitution.

January 31, 2013 6 a.m.

Carpet One welcomes aboard new employees

PONDERAY — Carpet One administrators have hired new individuals and promoted others to meet positive business projections for this year head-on.

January 30, 2013 6 a.m.

Balanced Bulldogs bounce Hawks in playoff opener

SANDPOINT — A quick start and balanced scoring were two big keys in Sandpoint’s 56-47 win over Lakeland in the 4A Region 1 girls basketball tournament opener on Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

January 30, 2013 6 a.m.

Fire destroys Blanchard building

BLANCHARD — A fire destroyed the production building of a furniture-making business between Spirit Lake and Blanchard on Tuesday.

January 30, 2013 6 a.m.

Vogel, Heigis lead Cats to win

CLARK FORK — Senior Tessa Vogel had 15 points and three assists to lead the Wampus Cats past the Warriors in a North Star League game on Tuesday night at Clark Fork High School.

January 30, 2013 6 a.m.

Labrador talks immigration options

COEUR d’ALENE — The U.S. hasn’t for the past two decades enforced the immigration laws already on the books, Congressman Raul Labrador complained.

January 30, 2013 6 a.m.

Spayth leads Thunder boys to pair of wins

SANDPOINT — The Kootenai Thunder boys team, led by head coach Joel Aispuro and assistant Mike Prophet, traveled to Pullman to down the Eagles 54-42 recently in Mountain Christian League action.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Trio lead Cats to wild win

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork’s wild 69-68 overtime win over Lakeside on Saturday featured a buzzer beater in regulation, a pressurized game-winning free throw with no time on the clock and a school record for long range bombs.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Let's resolve problems amicably, move forward

The county commission’s stated mission is “to identify and clarify the needs of the people, and ensure the county responds to those needs.” The former commissioners seem to have disregarded this mission by hindering any attempts at business growth or new economic development.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldog girls tip off district tourney tonight

SANDPOINT — The long and arduous road to state will begin tonight for the Sandpoint girls basketball team, which hosts Lakeland in the opener of the 4A Region 1 basketball tournament at Les Rogers Court.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Two arrested in Hydra burglary

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Police may have picked up a two-for-one special at the Hydra Steakhouse.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Evans Bros. nets honors

SANDPOINT — The number of local businesses earning national-scale honors keeps growing.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Hearing nears on LPOW petition

Group seeks to add biological controls to law

SANDPOINT — Oral arguments on Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper’s effort to compel the state to embrace the use of biological controls in combating Eurasian milfoil are set for Wednesday in Lewiston.

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Freemasons made holidays wonderful

Dear members of the Sandpoint Freemasons, Lakeside Lodge No. 342,

January 29, 2013 6 a.m.

Universe's center constantly shifting

I want to express my thanks to Jason Benell for his Jan. 6 letter. The point was that Christians are the privileged class and they should be grateful for their special status.

January 27, 2013 6 a.m.

Lewis to speak on how Ice Age floods shaped region

SANDPOINT — Before Google Earth, before satellite images provided almost perpetual coverage of the planet, geographers had little in the way of overhead views of the work with. The pictures that did exist were the exclusive purview of the military, jealousy protected and seen as a distinct tactical advantage.

January 27, 2013 6 a.m.

Dismissal sought in wrongful termination suit

SANDPOINT — Attorneys in a wrongful termination suit filed by a former Bonner County sheriff’s deputy who was fired after his son was accidentally jolted by a Taser are moving to dismiss the case.

January 27, 2013 6 a.m.

Pill theft suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man accused of squirreling away thousands of pills from a local pharmacy waived his right Wednesday to a preliminary hearing.

January 27, 2013 6 a.m.

Idaho records may shed light on deadly Montana crash

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man charged with causing a deadly highway crash in southwestern Montana was apparently experiencing mental health crises in the months leading up to the collision.

January 26, 2013 6 a.m.

Proceedings slowed in deadly crash case

SANDPOINT — Attorneys are pumping the brakes in the case against a Texas man accused of causing a deadly pileup on at Cocolalla flats last year.

January 26, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldogs co-Inland Empire League champions

MOSCOW — While it was a solid league win for the Sandpoint girls basketball team on Friday night, unfortunately, they still fell six points short in the regular season finale.

January 26, 2013 6 a.m.

Prison ordered in burglary case

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who sought refuge in a Sandpoint condominium after being caught red-handed burglarizing a nearby home was ordered Monday to serve up to five years in prison.

January 26, 2013 6 a.m.

Bypass picks up accolade

SANDPOINT — The Sand Creek Byway has another accolade for its trophy case.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

Litven earns No. 1 ranking

SANDPOINT — It was a stellar summer of play for local tennis enthusiast Tish Litven, who lost just twice in sanctioned tournament play, becoming the No. 1 ranked Pacific Northwest female tennis player in the 45-50 year-old division.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

Spayth notches another triple-double for Thunder

SANDPOINT — Kootenai Thunder senior post Andrew Spayth continues to dominate down low in the Mountain Christian League, scoring 30 points to go with 17 rebounds and 10 blocks in the Thunder’s recent 58-40 win over Pullman Christian School.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

Priest Lake trout population to be scrutinized

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is conducting a comprehensive study of lake trout in Priest Lake to help guide the development of a long-term management plan for the lake’s sport fishery.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

Deadline nears for judicial applicants

SANDPOINT — Applications are being sought to fill a vacancy on the magistrate court bench in Bonner County.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

Bolin honored as chamber's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Gail Bolin, native plant and environmental science expert, as December’s Volunteer of the Month.

January 25, 2013 6 a.m.

NIC, LCSC eye 4-year program

SANDPOINT — It’s only a matter of time until a full college education is available locally.

January 24, 2013 8 p.m.

Man's kindness, character spark regional award

SANDPOINT — Everyone who knows Shane Parson also knows the spark of his personality — and now, so does Walmart’s regional management.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

Intoxicated defendant arrested in court

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was arrested Tuesday after showing up to his sentencing in a felony domestic case late, under the influence of alcohol and unprepared for the hearing.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

Will sheriff pledge to protect our children?

On Jan. 17, Sheriff Daryl Wheeler issued a strongly-worded statement vowing to uphold the Second Amendment rights of the citizens of Bonner County.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

Knapp pleads not guilty in crash case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman accused of leaving the scene of a deadly highway crash involving a fallen motorcyclist is pleading not guilty.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

It is time to recognize realities of hope, change

If you are curious about the future of our country; if you believe that stories about the Great Depression are boring; if the stuff about the “Greatest Generation” is nauseous; please accept my apologies on behalf of us who believe they are not just the stuff of legends but the core of our culture.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

Thunder girls finish busy stretch of games

SANDPOINT — The Kootenai Thunder girls basketball team lost 42-18 recently to the North Idaho Christian School Royals in Mountain Christian League hoops at the Hub in Liberty Lake.

January 24, 2013 6 a.m.

Search goes on for non-existent link

We live on an earth where there are a multitude of different species.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

McNelly claims Clearwater Classic championship

LEWISTON — Sandpoint wrestler Tanner McNelly continued an impressive sophomore campaign, overcoming an error-prone semi-final win at 113 pounds to claim his first Clearwater Classic, leading a solid showing by the Bulldog wrestling team last weekend at Lewis-Clark State College.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

Cusick downs Clark Fork in home doubleheader

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork jumped out to an early lead after the first quarter, but could not hold off the pressure of Cusick, falling 45-32 in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Clark Fork High School.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

Wait-and-see often successful with ear infections

The baby got fussy. That’s all the new mom noticed. He just wasn’t himself, if he really had a sense of self at six months of age.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

Sandpoint Lions named top chamber business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sandpoint Lions Club as December’s Business of the Month.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

Hearing is postponed in PR killings

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing in a Priest River double homicide is being postponed again.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

Murder suspect extradited to CA to face charges

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man has been extradited to California to face first-degree murder charges that date back to 1995.

January 23, 2013 6 a.m.

LPOSD begins levy programs

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Shawn Woodward has been honing his levy presentations over the past few weeks.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Students' exhibit celebrates human rights

On Thursday, Jan. 17, the Art for Human Rights Exhibit opened at the Redtail Gallery on Oak and Sixth. On display is artwork by high school and middle school students with human rights themes.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

If politicos ran today, how many would win?

I wonder …

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldog girls blown out by No. 5 Bengals

LEWISTON — It was one of those games both the coaches and players would just as soon forget, as the Bulldogs shot just 4-16 field goals for the entire game, struggling offensively in a 57-16 loss to the Bengals in nonleague girls basketball Monday night at Lewiston High School.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Hundreds amass in defense of Second Amendment

COEUR d’ALENE — Hundreds amassed at a Second Amendment rally on Saturday, many hefting signs blazoning their stance on potential federal gun regulation.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Numbers speak highly of Verby's tenure

SANDPOINT — Idaho Supreme Court statistics reflect favorably upon Judge Steve Verby’s tenure on the 1st District bench.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Gagnon goes off in Bulldog loss

LEWISTON — Sandpoint junior Jeremiah Gagnon erupted for a season-high 28 points, but the Bengals were able to hit the game-winning free throw with less than a second on the clock to defeat the Bulldogs 58-57 in nonleague boys basketball Monday night in Lewiston.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Did Jefferson have access to crystal ball?

I’d like you to consider three quotes attributed to Thomas Jefferson, our third president. Mr. Jefferson, in my humble opinion, had more brainpower than all 535 current members of the 113th Congress put together. His accomplishments are astounding.

January 22, 2013 6 a.m.

Curtailing amendment would devastate U.S.

To our federal, state, and local representatives,

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Run extended for street performers

SANDPOINT — Jugglers, musicians and other street performers are free to show off for another six months — as long as it’s OK with the neighbors.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Lewis to speak on how Ice Age floods shaped region

SANDPOINT — Before Google Earth, before satellite images provided almost perpetual coverage of the planet, geographers had little in the way of overhead views of the work with. The pictures that did exist were the exclusive purview of the military, jealousy protected and seen as a distinct tactical advantage.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Ancient art finds modern platform

Larry Keith launches collected works of poetry in print, online

SANDPOINT — If there is a subtext that weaves its way through the more than three decades that Lawrence E. Keith has been writing poetry, it might be the thread of longing for real and lasting communication.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Is arming teachers a good idea or over-reaction?

No movement in region to go that route to enhance school safety

While the idea of arming teachers, as a means to increase school safety, is catching on in some areas, there’s no such momentum in Kootenai County.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Coon would make excellent SPD chief

What a bright ray of hope for the city of Sandpoint. I attended the city gathering at the Sandpoint City Council conference room last night, listening to interim Chief Corey Coon present himself to the attendees, and explain his concepts and plans for the future of Sandpoint policing. He is an advocate of community policing, a concept I am very aware of, as I was a liaison between the citizens of NE Seattle and the Seattle Police Department, for a number of years. The idea of citizens and the police working in concert with one another to eliminate problems within the community, works very well, and Corey is a person who believes in this idea.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Committees responsible for reviewing rules

Committee review of agency proposed rules and agency budget hearings have been the main activity of the Legislature in the second week of the legislative session.

January 20, 2013 6 a.m.

Residents to observe sancity of human life

Re: Excerpts from Sunday, Jan. 12, letters to the editor from Jane Fritz and Robin Helm.

January 19, 2013 8 p.m.

Flu yet to hit region hard

SANDPOINT — While many parts of the nation are being ravaged by a particularly nasty flu season, the Panhandle is still in good shape.

January 19, 2013 6 a.m.

Chamber welcomes Monarch Mountain Coffee

SANDPOINT — Same great coffee, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The only difference? There are new owners at Monarch Mountain Coffee.

January 19, 2013 6 a.m.

Gun proposal draws supporters, critics

POST FALLS — Some local residents are up in arms over the federal government’s proposal to curb gun violence.

January 19, 2013 6 a.m.

Plea hearing scheduled in Smith murder case

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man charged with murder is scheduled to enter a plea next month in 1st District Court.

January 19, 2013 6 a.m.

Jensen goes off for 30 in Thunder win

SANDPOINT — Kootenai Thunder senior Taylor Jensen had the hot hand offensively, pouring in a game-high 30 points to lead the Thunder to a 71-53 win over House of Lord in Priest River recently.

January 18, 2013 8 p.m.

Schoening sparkles as Bulldogs down Hawks

RATHDRUM — Freshman Madi Schoening continues to fill it up offensively, dropping in a career-high 25 points to lead Sandpoint to a 56-49 win over Lakeland in 4A Inland Empire League girls basketball Thursday night in Rathdrum.

January 18, 2013 6 a.m.

Bus system drives forward

SANDPOINT — A pair of planned bus routes won’t bring cities like Boise and Spokane any closer, but they’ll certainly be a lot more accessible.

January 18, 2013 6 a.m.

'Threatened' lynx trapped, shot

Man said he thought he was killing a bobcat

COEUR d’ALENE — Lynx are rare in North Idaho.

January 18, 2013 6 a.m.

Sheriff pledges to protect Second Amendment

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler is letting the public know where he stands as the debate over gun control rages in Washington, D.C.

January 18, 2013 6 a.m.

Pagano signs to play at North Idaho College

SANDPOINT — She’s been a mainstay in the Sandpoint soccer attack since her freshman year, and now she’ll take her high-level soccer chops to the college level, as senior Meghan Pagano signed a letter of intent to play women’s soccer next fall at North Idaho College.

January 18, 2013 6 a.m.

Miller, Vogel shoot Cats past Knights

CLARK FORK — Things are starting to click offensively for the Wampus Cats, who got 21 points apiece from Mariah Miller and Tessa Vogel to beat Lakeside 51-49 in North Star League girls basketball Thursday night at Clark Fork High School.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

Dentists participate in 'Give Kids a Smile'

The month of February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time for highlighting the importance of good oral health for children. Each year during this time, Idaho dental professionals gear up for “Give Kids A Smile” — a volunteer program that provides free dental care to uninsured and underserved families that cannot otherwise afford care.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

Police forum attracts big crowd, ideas

SANDPOINT — If residents attending Wednesday’s forum had their way, there would be nothing interim about Corey Coon’s status as police chief.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

Coroner says autopsy budget is under strain

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Coroner Kitt Rose warned commissioners on Tuesday that her autopsy budget is in danger of being prematurely expended to an unusual number of deaths recently.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

County is bastion of traditional values, faith

Oh, the joy! We have so much to celebrate in North Idaho, made even more joyous by the refreshing and uplifting message of transported Iowan young Jason Benell in his Jan. 6 letter to the editor in the Bee.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

Smith wins amateur MMA title in Kamiah

KAMIAH — It was a banner day for Black Bear MMA at the recent Rise of the Warrior fights in Kamiah, as the Sandpoint-based squad went 3-0 and claimed the Best Team Award and Corner Man of the Night Award.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

True beliefs of group, letter writer exposed

Jason Benell, who is on the board of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, wrote in his letter to the editor that Christians basically do not have a right to complain about offensive editorial cartoons because they are a privileged majority.

January 17, 2013 6 a.m.

Board OKs new Priest Lake cabin lease template

BOISE — Idaho land board commissioners approved a new lease template Tuesday that includes a 4-percent annual cost-of-living increase cap for cottage site rentals on state land at Priest Lake.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Speelmon sparks Bulldogs on Senior Night

SANDPOINT — Jordan Speelmon picked the perfect time to have her best game of the season, as the lone senior dished out seven assists to go with four points, leading Sandpoint to a 44-38 win over Timberlake during Senior Night at Les Rogers Court on Tuesday.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Schweitzer announces village expansion

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer Mountain Resort has announced that it will add 20 new residences to its signature residential property the White Pine Lodge.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Kiebert, Miller lead Wampus Cats in defeat

CLARK FORK — Lyndsie Kiebert scored 10 points to lead Clark Fork, which fell 34-30 to Selkirk on Tuesday night.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Family grateful for support after fire destroys home

SANDPOINT — A local family is blown away the support they’ve received since losing their home in a November fire.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Upcoming health series focuses on wellness

A new study released on Monday and reported by WebMD revealed that young and middle aged women who eat blueberries and strawberries regularly may help lower their risk of a heart attack later.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Buchanan appointed 1st District judge

Appointment has historical aspect

SANDPOINT — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter appointed Barbara Buchanan on Tuesday to be 1st District judge in Bonner County.

January 16, 2013 6 a.m.

Teens charged following home-invasion assault

SANDPOINT — Two Bonner County teens have been implicated in a home-invasion battery that occurred earlier this month.

January 15, 2013 8 p.m.

Elimination of tax is poor fiscal policy

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is proposing to do away with the personal property tax on business property. The tax raises $141 million annually for local government. It only applies to big businesses. But those big businesses are represented by one of Idaho’ most powerful lobbyists — Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. The major argument coming from business is that the tax “prevents them from growing their businesses and hiring more workers” according to a report from Associated Press. What a disingenuous rationale.

January 15, 2013 10 a.m.

Report: Buchanan named 1st District judge

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Magistrate Court Judge Barbara Buchanan has reportedly been appointed to the 1st District Court bench by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Arts forum kicking off

SANDPOINT — Local artists are aiming to capture the creative spark that generates when similar minds meet.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Gun control laws simply don't work

Since the Newtown school shooting, the anti-gun crowd has been pushing for more gun control laws “to prevent crime and violence.” There have been gun control laws in effect since the 1920s and they didn’t prevent the recent shootings. Laws are usually enforced after the fact. The shooting in Newtown was committed with stolen weapons and gun laws didn’t prevent it.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Education is a powerful tool against intolerance

The human rights issues that we experience on a daily basis are vast in quantity: religious discrimination, religious hatred, religious misunderstanding.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Sex abuse trial delayed

SANDPOINT — A felony sex case pending against a former Bonner County couple appears to be expanding as plea negotiations get under way.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Chamber hosting 'employment law' workshop

SANDPOINT — Stay away from employment mistakes and start 2013 off on the right track at the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s January Chamber Academy with Keller “Kelly” Allen, noted employment law attorney.

January 15, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldogs finish 9th at River City Duals

POST FALLS — Sandpoint went 4-1, including an undefeated day on Saturday, to win the Silver bracket and finish tied for 9th at the River City Duals in Post Falls last weekend, capping a busy week.

January 13, 2013 8 p.m.

Legislators get to work as session begins

The opening gavel of the Idaho State Legislature’s session came down on Monday, Jan. 7, and the 105 citizen legislators began their annual meeting to conduct the work of the people of the state. The session typically runs until the end of March.

January 13, 2013 6 a.m.

Display of bear is profoundly arrogant

The Jan. 6 Daily Bee included a picture of a 9-foot-tall Alaskan bear that is mounted and displayed at Panhandle State Bank. I was deeply saddened by the bear’s unnecessary death. To kill for sport is simply wrong. To display a murdered bear is profoundly arrogant.

January 13, 2013 6 a.m.

Mico brings yoga to tough guys

Chronic pain led to teaching path

SANDPOINT — Rugby took out the knees, years of working on concrete floors finished off the hips and back. By the time he was in his 40s, Peter Mico had what he calls “a whole litany of things” wrong with his body.

January 13, 2013 6 a.m.

IMCB shares to trade on NASDAQ

SANDPOINT — Intermountain Community Bancorp shares are set to be traded on one of the world’s largest markets.

January 13, 2013 6 a.m.

Fish and Game feels strain from lost revenues

COEUR d’ALENE — Even though revenues are way down in recent years, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game won’t be coming forward with a legislative package this current session to raise prices for hunters and anglers.

January 13, 2013 6 a.m.

What message does bear's display convey?

The photo titled “A Gentled Giant” in the recent Bonner County Daily Bee Sunday paper of a stuffed 9-foot brown bear killed in Alaska was shocking to me beyond its euphemistic headline.

January 12, 2013 8 p.m.

TransluSense wins big at CES

SANDPOINT — Local tech company TransluSense proved it could go toe-to-toe with the big boys at this week’s 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

January 12, 2013 6 a.m.

Future bright for trio at Berta's Boutique and Salon

SANDPOINT — The new year is looking bright for three stylists and cosmetic technicians at Berta’s Boutique and Salon.

January 12, 2013 6 a.m.

Community invited to talk with Coon

SANDPOINT — A sparse City Council agenda will be augmented Wednesday with an informal meet-and-greet introducing the public to interim police chief Corey Coon.

January 12, 2013 6 a.m.

Businessman convicted of income tax evasion

WASHINGTON – A Coeur d’Alene jury convicted Michael George Fitzpatrick, 51, of Hope of two counts of income tax evasion after a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns.

January 12, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldogs sweep Badgers at Moose Madness

BONNERS FERRY — It speaks volumes about the much-improved Sandpoint girls basketball team that they took care of business on the night before the biggest game of their season to date.

January 11, 2013 6 a.m.

Local man charged in deadly Montana crash

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man is facing felony charges in Montana for allegedly speeding the wrong way down Interstate 90 and colliding head-on with another motorist.

January 11, 2013 6 a.m.

Sandpoint wrestlers open against Capital, Kamiakin

POST FALLS — The tourney hosts will be out to defend their title when Post Falls High hosts the 16th annual River City Duals wrestling tournament today and Saturday at The Arena.

January 11, 2013 6 a.m.

Arraignment reset in bomb hoax case

SANDPOINT — A Bonners Ferry woman accused of orchestrating a bomb hoax in order to stall her sentencing in a felony drug case is scheduled to be arraigned this summer.

January 11, 2013 6 a.m.

Panhandle's cup runneth over

Snowpack, water supply off to promising start

SANDPOINT — The Panhandle has received nearly half of its normal annual precipitation in the first three months of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s water year.

January 10, 2013 7:09 p.m.

Wampus Cats swept by Stillwater Christian

KALISPELL, Mont. — Axel Anderson had a breakout game with a season-high 14 points to lead Clark Fork, but Stillwater Christian simply had too much offense, as the Wampus Cats fell 64-34 on Thursday in nonleague boys basketball in Montana.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Boating law faces constitutional challenge

SANDPOINT — The constitutionality of Idaho’s negligent operation of a vessel law is being challenged by counsel for a Seattle man accused of crashing his motorboat into a cabin cruiser at Priest Lake.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Locals France, Smith win Cougar Gulch XC races

SANDPOINT — A host of Sandpoint cross country skiers fared well at the Cougar Gulch XC ski race at Schweitzer on Saturday.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Law demands spending control, transparency

A Newport, Wash., newspaper recently published an article entitled, “Commissioner seeks answers on reserve funds.” The article discussed some of the controversy surrounding Bonner County reserve funds but failed to address the impact on individual taxpayers.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

After all, it's just the taxpayers' money

As 2012 drew to a close, the American people were worried about the “financial cliff” we were about to fall off, thanks to our federal government.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Elect officials who care about American people

This “fiscal cliff” is not about what is good for American citizens, it is nothing but a war between those idiot politicos on Capitol Hill. The Republicans versus the Democrats and we, the public, who put them there in the first place, suffer.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Easement deal protects trails

SANDPOINT — Bicyclists and hikers will be able to enjoy the popular Sherwood Forest trails for a long time to come thanks to a new conservation easement.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Everyone entitled to donate as they wish

In a recent guest opinion, Dan McDonald attacked a basic tenet of the American legal system in that a person has the right to pass her estate, through the will process, to whom she chooses. There are laws to guarantee this procedure.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Spayth notches another triple double for Thunder

SANDPOINT — Andrew Spayth continues to dominate in the paint, scoring 20 points to go with 14 boards and 10 blocks, as the Kootenai Thunder boys lost 68-48 to the Logos Knights recently in Mountain Christian League action.

January 10, 2013 6 a.m.

Hearing reset in child porn case

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is being reset for a Sandpoint man accused of possessing and sharing child pornography.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

Woman dies in mobile home fire

PRIEST RIVER — Authorities say an elderly woman died in a mobile home fire in Priest River Monday night.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

Host of first period pins propel hungry Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — Brent Buchmiller (126 pounds) and Tanner McNelly (113) set the tone early with solid first period pins, leading Sandpoint to a 46-34 win over Priest River in a wrestling dual on Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

Wildcats tame Bulldog boys

KELLOGG — Garret Wendt scored a game-high 22 points to lead Kellogg past Sandpoint in a nonleague game at Andrews Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

Snowmobile outing nearly turns deadly

SANDPOINT — A casual snowmobile ride in the woods of Hoodoo Valley turned into a nearly deadly ordeal for a Washington state couple.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

LPOSD examines school safety

KOOTENAI — No sensible option is off the table when it comes to safety in Lake Pend Oreille School District.

January 9, 2013 6 a.m.

Wurm leads Wampus Cats to key league win

CLARK FORK — Annie Wurm posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and a defensive adjustment helped the Wampus Cats dominate the second half en route to a 41-33 win over Mullan in a North Star League tilt Tuesday night in Clark Fork.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Bulldogs shine at Cheney; host Spartans tonight

SANDPOINT — Adam Weindl (170 pounds) and Tanner McNelly (113) each went 3-1 on the day, advancing to the finals to lead Sandpoint on Saturday at the Cheney Invitational.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Accused embezzler enters guilty plea

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman charged with embezzling from her former employer over a three-year period pleaded guilty Monday to grand theft.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Lewd conduct suspect pleads guilty

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man accused of molesting two girls pleaded guilty Monday to a slightly amended charge of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Keough: Local option tax idea intriguing

SANDPOINT — Local authorities could someday have a larger hand in paying the bills based on a vision outlined Monday by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Without justice, U.S. will become history

This time of year the new government agents are sworn in to office and the old ones reconvene to do their jobs.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Questions raised about alleged stolen bicycles

I am Mike Finnerty, a single parent of two. I was born, raised, and part of a fifth-generation family in Sandpoint.

January 8, 2013 6 a.m.

Depot needs to be used, not locked up

An open and functioning train station might have prevented the death of the woman who was killed by a train on Dec. 27.

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-18-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-19-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-06-12

12/06/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-13-12

12/13/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-01-12

12/01/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-02-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-10-12

12/10/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-24-12

11/24/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-08-12

12/08/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-23-12

11/23/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-20-12

12/20/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 806

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-12-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-17-12

12/17/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-26-12

11/26/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-15-12

12/15/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-28-12

11/28/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 698

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-16-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-03-12

12/03/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-04-12

12/04/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 632

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-09-12

12/09/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-14-12

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

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-25-12

11/25/12 Bonner County Sheriff 726

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-30-12

11/30/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 765

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 11-29-12

11/29/12 Bonner County 9-1-1 764

January 7, 2013 8 p.m.

News of Record 12-07-12

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

January 6, 2013 6 a.m.

Director rolls out acting classes

SANDPOINT – The man’s theatrical background reads like an actor/director’s dream resume. He’s written and directed for productions Off-Broadway in New York. The JQ Studio in Miami bears his initials and the same metropolitan locale has been the home of his sold-out musical theatre camps for the past year. Earlier in his career, he served as director of the university theatre company at the National Pedagogical University in Bogota, Colombia.

January 6, 2013 6 a.m.

Guns in schools idea warrants consideration

The Gunters’ expressions of disdain and belittlement toward the Republican central committee is harmful toward anyone truly trying to turn the tide of violence and unmindful of the real world in which we live.

January 6, 2013 6 a.m.

Reaction to cartoon exposes privilege

It is very striking about this Pope cartoon and the response it has evoked. The response is a baring of the Christian privilege many fail to recognize. Every day people of other faiths or no faiths are marginalized in favor of Christian mythology. Then, one cartoon in one paper dares show the flaws in a particular sect of Christianity and suddenly they are “under attack.”

January 6, 2013 6 a.m.