Ellington

Turn the volume down and save your hearing

This morning I woke up to the sound of power tools. So, first I’ll complain that my neighbor got up especially early (must have been the sunshine) and then I’ll whine about the incessant noise the chain saw was making.

Mountain lion poacher enters plea

SANDPOINT — A Boundary County man pleaded guilty Monday to aiding and abetting the poaching of Idaho mountain lion.

Bowen, Lowry lead Wampus Cats at Kootenai

HARRISON FLATS — Brandan Bowen won the 300 hurdles and finished second in the high jump and pole vault, leading the Clark Fork track team on Tuesday at the North Star League Meet at Kootenai High School.

USFS addresses regional concerns

COEUR d’ALENE — The U.S. Forest Service gave its new process for addressing objections from the public its first test in Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday.

Tribute honors Ogilvie's legacy

SANDPOINT — It’s fitting that a woman known for uniting people to a common cause should be enshrined in the records of the United States.

Bulldog boys and girls second at Lakeland Relays

RATHDRUM — Jake Rookey, Raven Smith and Tyler Harris teamed up to win both the long jump and triple jump events at the Lakeland Relays on Tuesday.

Bulldogs blank Hawks in rain-shortened tennis dual

SANDPOINT — Micah Buckmiller beat Mason Upton 6-0, 6-2 at No. 1 boys singles, leading Sandpoint to a 5-0, rain-shortened win over Lakeland in a 4A Inland Empire League tennis dual on Monday at Travers Park and Lakeview Park.

Dixon will create smaller government

Many people are wondering if we are pleased with the same old way of doing things and whether our elected representatives are mere rubber stamps for some out-of-county operation.

Forum connects former CWC workers, dreams

SANDPOINT — While Coldwater Creek’s closure changes the community forever, it also creates fresh hope for what it could become.  

Office's move makes voting much easier

I was delighted to see, when I took my absentee ballot to the elections office, that it is now on the first floor of the Bonner County Administration Building. Walk in the front door and turn to your left and it’s right there. Easy access for all. Kudos to Ms. Dutson-Sater for her foresight.

Governor brings capital north to Bonners Ferry

With a loud whistle, Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter called Boundary County residents and representatives to order Friday, April 25 for Boundary County’s “Capital for a Day.”

Is bylaw change really necessary?

I just received my Northern Lights, Inc. annual meeting notice with four proposed bylaw changes. A portion of Article IV, section 4.02(d), caught my attention because evidently the board of directors believe that a former NLI employee should have a “five-year transition period” before they can serves on the board. A transition period from what?

Stagger Inn still closed

SANDPOINT — A trio of popular forest destinations near Upper Priest Lake remain closed until further notice due to hazardous conditions, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Now, it's the rocks and view that are to die for

Idaho Transportation Department cut the trees along Highway 200 for the driving public safety and improve the view of the lake.

County needs Phillip's perspective in office

When election season came around years ago, Gov. Cecil Andrus would say, “crazy season begins.” Boy was he right, the claims that candidates make are often absurd and outright falsehoods.

Levora sets another SHS record in the 800

SANDPOINT — Another meet, another Sandpoint track record goes down, as Sam Levora clocked a 1:57.57 to win the 800 on Saturday in Coeur d’Alene, breaking Preston Martin’s time of 1:58.3, set in 1995.

Make Dixon the new face of Republicans

Sage Dixon is a devoted family man who, like many fathers and husbands in North Idaho, will stand up tall to provide, protect and support his family.

Phillips' statement was irresponsible

At the Clark Fork forum, Marcia Phillips made irresponsible and ignorant statements regarding SilverWing’s litigation. This Southern California developer filed a lawsuit against Bonner County alleging the county took their property.

Sudick has leadership to manage county

Todd Sudick will be my choice for District  2  commissioner.

Monument should stay in Farmin Park

I visited Farmin Park Thursday, March 13, curious about the Ten Commandments monument hullabaloo. I sought out the people/organization(s) who lodged the complaint, and surprise!, they were nowhere to be seen. They were in Madison, Wis. “They” are the Freedom From Religion Foundation, headquartered in Madison. All the people attending this rally were, as far as I could tell, in opposition to the FFRF.

Daycare owner charged with endangerment

SANDPOINT — The owner of a Sandpoint daycare facility was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of driving under the influence with four children in his vehicle in Pend Oreille County, Wash.

SHS students bolster human rights infrastructure

SANDPOINT — The human rights movement has driven its taproot even deeper into Bonner County, thanks to a group of high school students who have stepped up to take a stand.

Art comes to life at library talk

SANDPOINT — Like any other form of communication, art has its own language — and when you learn it, it can open up entirely new worlds.

Do you think a roundabout at Schweitzer Cutoff Road and Boyer Avenue is the best traffic control solution?

Cat shooting worries neighbors

SANDPOINT — Following a second neighborhood cat shooting in less than a year, Superior Street residents are worried about their pets as well as their own safety.   

Chamber women's group changes name

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business Committee is excited to announce a new name and organization make up for their committee.

Sandpoint building gets state honors

SANDPOINT — According to state organization Preservation Idaho, the Sandpoint Business and Events Center is a stand-out combination of history and function.  

Search sisters lead Bulldogs past Trojans

SANDPOINT — Sisters Kennedy and Laney Search lost just five games combined to win in straight sets at No. 1 and No. 2 girls singles, leading Sandpoint to a 7-5 win over Post Falls on Friday at Travers Park and Lakeview Courts.

Roos named new SHS volleyball head coach

SANDPOINT — The new Sandpoint volleyball coach is well versed in the rich and decorated history of the program, looking to continue a tradition that she helped build more than 20 years ago.

Bears sweep Bulldogs in home doubleheaders

SANDPOINT — Morgan Bluemer and Breanna Buchmiller each had three hits, but Moscow simply put up too many crooked numbers, beating Sandpoint 13-3 and 17-4 in a 4A Inland Empire League doubleheader on Friday at Sandpoint Middle School.

NY company buys Lead-Lok

Sandpoint firm not leaving, move opens up expansion

SANDPOINT — Lead-Lok officials see greater heights and more local jobs in the future following its acquisition by New York-based company Graphic Controls.

'Challenging yourself and meeting that challenge'

Four back surgeries and two shoulder surgeries don’t slow down local runner

SANDPOINT — When Sandpoint’s Kathaleen Parks crosses the finish line on Sunday during the nine-mile portion of the Big Sur Marathon in California, a handful of titanium rods and screws will as well.

Nonprofits join forces with state campaign

SANDPOINT — More than a dozen local nonprofits are joining forces Thursday, May 1 for Idaho Gives, a day-long campaign to galvanize statewide generosity and goodwill.

Candidates emphasize contrasts

SANDPOINT — Candidates seeking elected office at the state and county level played up their contrasts with their challengers during a Bonner County Farm Bureau forum at Northside Elementary School on Wednesday.

Sandpoint pursuing grant for proposed roundabout

SANDPOINT — Following clearance from council members Wednesday, city staff are pursuing a federal grant to fund improvements at Schweitzer Cutoff Road.

The whole truth and nothing but …

Sandpoint Mayor Carrie Logan gave a well reasoned, temperate explanation for her concerns regarding the potential increase in coal train traffic — until she dictated that “… coal trains leave a trail of coal dust in their wake …” Several examinations of coal train dust “wakes” have concluded that most coal dust is lost at the point of origin, the mines (freedomworks.org — coal train fight continued) and that quite often what is referred to as coal dust, which is black, is dirt which is brown, or coke, which is not shipped to Asia. Mayor Logan also knows that since June 2012, BNSF has sprayed a surfactant over its coal shipments to further reduce the potential for dust.

Engel leads Bulldog JV at IEL track championships

SANDPOINT — Colton Engel, Dan Steifel, Erik Suhr and Raven Smith teamed up to win the boys 4x100 relay, leading Sandpoint at the Inland Empire League JV track and field championships on Tuesday at Coeur d’Alene High School.

Obama's success lies in supporters' gullibility

In a letter to the Bee on April 15, James Ramsey lauded the “many and varied successes of Obama.” He swooned that “not the least of these” successes is Obamacare. But I disagree. The greatest success of Obama has been his mastery over the gullible, vacant, and blissfully uninformed populace, somewhere around 53 percent at last reckoning, though gratefully declining.

Please hurry up and open new restaurant

Oh no, McDonald’s is gone but those in charge say a better one is coming. As the first fast food drive-in to come to Sandpoint, along with a friendly Kmart, taken out by Walmart. Progress? Yes, but tell that to the kids.

City revises leak penalties

SANDPOINT — City officials agree that an accidental water leak shouldn’t break the bank for responsible homeowners.   

Bill distorts country's checks and balances

A congressional bill titled “the Authorization for the Use of Military Force” was Passed three days after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. That bill gives the president sweeping authority to “use all necessary and appropriate force” against any nation, organization, or person involved in those attacks.

Hersheys track and field meet returns to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Get ready to run as fast as possible, and jump and throw as far as possible, as Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, the Sandpoint High School track and field team and the Bulldog cross country team are proud to present the 2014 Hershey’s Track and Field Meet.

Beer gardens get Farmin Park test

SANDPOINT — Beer and wine gardens in Farmin Park could become a useful new tool for nonprofit fundraising — if all goes well during the testing phase, that is.

Remembering Pat Tillman, the football player

SANDPOINT — When I think of Pat Tillman, most of the reflection is on him as a football player and highly unique individual.

Fish & Game mulls kokanee harvest increase

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is trawling for public comment on a proposal to increase the harvest limit for Lake Pend Oreille kokanee.

Prison ordered in meth case

SANDPOINT — A former Sandpoint woman ensnared in a child pornography investigation involving her husband will have to spend up to a year in prison for possessing methamphetamine.

#2526 SUMMONS

Summons for service by publication

Shooter in home-invasion robbery pleads guilty

Cleveland faces up to 15 years in prison

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint teen who shot an Elmira man in the face following a home-invasion robbery pleaded guilty to attempted murder on Monday.

Levora, Woodwards shine at Pasco meet

SANDPOINT — Two Sandpoint track records fell on Saturday, and another two seem in imminent danger, as four Bulldog distance runners had strong meets at the prestigious 110 team Pasco Invitational on Saturday, which featured more than 1,500 athletes.

Man is arrested in sex sting

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly arranging a sexual tryst with an underage Bonner County girl and sending her an explicit photo.

Grateful suspect pleads not guilty

SANDPOINT — A jury trial is set for a Washington state woman who allegedly led Idaho State Police on a drunken high-speed chase earlier this year.

Torrid Toenjes cards 77 to lead Bulldog golfers

HAYDEN — Freshman Max Toenjes fired his second consecutive round in the 70’s, shooting a 77 to lead the Bulldog golfers on Monday at the Coeur d’Alene Invite, played at the difficult Avondale Golf Course.

#2499 COBOTT 266990

Notice of Trustee's Sale

Ancient rite finds new groove in dance class

Drummers set tone for group improvisation

SANDPOINT — Drums and hand percussion lay down a groove as steady as the heartbeat of Mother Earth, while a didgeridoo sweeps around it all in a low-frequency ebb and flow as powerful as the breath of life.

How about working to fill empty stores?

It is refreshing to see the politicos in Sandpoint working on something to help keep Sandpoint’s “small town character” but a new sign ordinance? Come on. How about working on a way to fill up the many vacant business locations that currently are in Sandpoint by offering merchants something that is a plus and a new stricter sign ordinance limiting their exposure is certainly not going to do that.

Help needed to keep meal program going

We again need to ask your help to continue to supply 1,000 meals to home-ridden seniors and to 600 a month to other seniors who rely on our daily meals.

Tearing up streets is a waste of money

I think that the city could find a lot better use for the hundreds of thousands of dollars they’re putting into redoing Third and Fourth avenues. Tearing up perfectly nice smooth good asphalt.

City sets sights on adding to its watershed

SANDPOINT — After several successful years managing the Little Sand Creek Watershed, the city has an this year’s plan in place for the valuable resource.

More transparency needed in WBCSD

The levy numbers are still not adding up. The West Bonner County School District is not telling you everything.

It's time to stop being fooled by WBCSD levy

In 2008, when the economy went south, funding was cut by the state, because of lack of funds.

Burglary inquiry leads police to wanted suspect

SPIRIT LAKE — A home burglary investigation and a pair of wet pajama pants led a Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputy to a suspect wanted by law enforcement authorities in two counties.

Field design taking shape

Gateway idea offers way to recognize major donors

SANDPOINT — Brick by brick, the Memorial Field restoration design is taking shape.

Holland, Calvert lead Bulldogs past Tigers

SANDPOINT — Lucinda Calvert went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs and two doubles, and Sam Holland hit a towering game-winning home run to lead Sandpoint to a come from behind 10-9 win over Timberlake in nonleague softball on Friday at Sandpoint Middle School.

Pistol-whipping suspect caught

PRIEST LAKE — The Coeur d’Alene man accused of using a handgun to beat and injure several partygoers last weekend was captured by law enforcement officers Wednesday at a residence near Priest Lake.

Candidate faces tax liens

COEUR d’ALENE — County Assessor candidate Larry Spencer has $448,709 worth of federal tax liens filed against him in Bonner County.

Sundquist to play soccer at Skagit Valley College

SANDPOINT — After posting 15 shutouts in the past two seasons and helping lead her team to a state soccer championship as a senior, Sandpoint’s Makayla Sundquist will be taking her game to the next level, signing a letter of intent on Thursday to play soccer next season at Skagit Valley College.  

BCSD mulls changes to drug policy

BONNERS FERRY —  After a string of drug busts at Bonners Ferry schools, parents  and administrators are looking to toughen up school policies concerning drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Fun adds up at Math Olympiad

SANDPOINT — With team names like Algebreak You and Pi Powers, local elementary school students clearly meant business at the annual fifth- and sixth-grade Math Olympiad.

County may be path of least resistance for megaloads

SANDPOINT — State highways in Bonner County appear to be the path of least resistance for three massive pieces of oil refinery equipment destined for Montana.

Toenjes fires a 74 for Bulldogs in Pullman

PULLMAN — Freshman Max Toenjes continues to drop strokes, carding a season-low 74 to lead Sandpoint to an eighth place finish among 28 teams on Thursday at the Palouse Ridge Invitational in Pullman.

Edstrom leads Wampus Cats against Post Falls

SANDPOINT — Sophomore Jacob Edstrom won three pro set doubles matches to lead Clark Fork on Tuesday against the Post Falls JV at Lakeview Park in Sandpoint.

Thoughts on election, ITD tree cutting

Thanks to the Bee for publishing my letter Sunday, April 13. In regards to my comment about Commissioner Glen Bailey’s campaign. The headline was wrong. My comment was not an endorsement for his campaign.

Low turnout could end with scary results

After attending the April 9 candidate forum at Sandpoint High School, I am encouraged and scared. The experience kept me awake last night, composing this plea to my fellow citizens. Please vote in the May 20 primary.

Candidate's statement on signs is misleading

I noticed that Glen Bailey’s sign for commissioner say “re-elect.” He was appointed to office not elected to office.

Sundquist goes deep, but Bulldogs swept by Bears

MOSCOW — Makayla Sundquist hit a two run home run and Morgan Bluemer was hot at the plate, but it was another tough 4A North doubleheader for Sandpoint on Tuesday night, as the Bulldogs fell 25-2 and 19-9 to the Bears in 4A Inland Empire League softball action in Moscow.

USFS sets prescribed burns

SANDPOINT — If you saw smoke around the forests of southern Bonner County last week, don’t worry: it was all part of a U.S. Forest Service controlled burn.

Winter Ridge announces Earth Day grant recipient

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper is the recipient of 5 percent of the proceeds from all sales at Winter Ridge Natural Foods Market this Earth Day.

Heigis wins 200 to lead Wampus Cats at Kootenai Invitational

HARRISON FLATS — Alicia  Heigis won the 200, and Brennan Brooks cleared a season-best 12-6 to finish second in the pole vault, leading the Clark Fork track team on Tuesday at a North Star League meet at Kootenai High School.

Keough, Eskridge are best picks for region

Based on the fundamental reasoning behind implementing term limits for our state and national legislators, the concept seems sound. The argument against imposing such limits is Sen. Shawn Keough.

Local skiers and boarders compete at Nationals

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — Several local skiers and snowboarders fared well at the recent USASA Snowboard and Ski Nationals at Copper Mountain, Colorado.

Woman arrested after missing trial

SANDPOINT — A Coeur d’Alene woman accused of trafficking methamphetamine was arrested Monday after failing to appear at her trial in 1st District Court.

Is Lincoln's party of, by and for the people?

The question is not who will win the mid-terms but whether Mr. Lincoln’s government — the one of, by, and for the people — will surrender to plutocracy. Let’s take a look at a couple of extreme but possible mid-term outcomes.

City ponders jobs stimulus plan

SANDPOINT —  In the wake of Coldwater Creek’s bankruptcy, city officials are taking action bring more jobs into town.

Durfee, Temple lead SHS to 6-6 tie with Lewiston

POST FALLS — After falling 10-2 in the first dual between arguably the two top tennis teams in North Idaho, Sandpoint closed the gap considerably against Lewiston, playing to a 6-6 tie in a tennis dual on Tuesday at Post Falls High School.

Surgery is almost always certain for hernia repairs

The email said that he was going into the hospital for surgery. That’s always a scary news bulletin, especially since it was from my brother who lives in England. Not an easy journey for me to rush to his side, but fortunately, he followed with “for a small hernia.”

Pact preserves angler access

SANDPOINT — A popular stretch of the Little Salmon River will be accessible for the spring salmon season thanks to an agreement with a Bonner County man who owns land in Riggins.

Legislators: Session short but productive

SANDPOINT — The 2014 Idaho legislative session was short but productive, introducing a wide range of issues for debate among lawmakers.

Real estate has volatile ride in year's 1Q

The first quarter of 2014 has started out with some volatile movement in volume and prices in some areas and steady progress in other areas of North Idaho. At right is a table of the number of homes sold in the three northern counties by quarter for the last three quarters and a comparison of those sales numbers with the corresponding quarter one year earlier.

ITD explains scenic byway tree removal

SANDPOINT — The removal of trees and brush along Highway 200 between Pack River Flats and Trestle Creek was done to improve safety, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Bears sweep Bulldogs in 4A North doubleheader

MOSCOW — Chase Rodriguez threw a seven-hitter in the opener, but the Bulldogs could not get the bats going, falling 5-0 and 15-5 to the Bears in a 4A Inland Empire League doubleheader on Tuesday in Moscow.

Bulldogs blank Hawks in tennis home opener

SANDPOINT — There was no sibling rivalry on Monday as the Sandpoint tennis team made its home debut with a 12-0 sweep of Lakeland in 4A Inland Empire League tennis action at Travers Park and Lakeview Park.

Robolo leads Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — Javier Robolo went 2-0 in singles and won his only doubles match, leading the Clark Fork tennis team on Saturday at a four-team meet in Lewiston.

Litehouse buys CWC building

Sandpoint company announces acquisition Monday

SANDPOINT — Litehouse Foods announced plans Monday to purchase a portion of the Coldwater Creek headquarters campus.

Solar panel efficiency depends on slopes

Placing solar panels in the road is a fun and fanciful idea, but a ludicrous idea. Any grant money spent to further the idea would be a tremendous waste of our tax dollars.

Anglers, Diamond Cup make up

COEUR d’ALENE — The Lake Coeur d’Alene Anglers Association and Diamond Cup hydroplane race organizers have made up.

Obama's successes are many and varied

Several letters here recently were critical of President

Thoughts on religion by Founding Fathers

Personally, I don’t much care about the Ten Commandments monument brouhaha. These days, being a U.S. citizen requires being able to ignore lots of “stuff.” I do care about ignorance, though. Those who believe “America was established as a Christian nation” and that it “was founded on Christian principles” may find the following quotes by a few of our Founding Fathers interesting and educational:

Think before you vote for more corporatists

As those megaloads of oil refinery equipment bulldoze their way through our communities, it may be a good time to think before you vote more corporatists into our Congress and legislature.

Dufenhorst drops in eagle to lead Bulldog golfers

COEUR d’ALENE — Freshman Max Toenjes shot an 80 for his lowest varsity round, but it was Dylan Dufenhorst who hit the shot of the day, leading the Sandpoint golf team to a sixth place finish on Monday at the Lake City Invitational at Coeur d’Alene Public.

Absentee voting starts

SANDPOINT — In-person absentee voting for the May 20 primary election is under way at the Bonner County Clerk’s Elections Office.

Increased rail traffic risks outweigh benefits

Our community of Sandpoint was founded on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille thanks, in part, to the railroads. The railroads hauled white pine back east, brought many of our early settlers here, and kept them supplied and connected with the rest of America .

Plan moves forward for charter elementary

SANDPOINT — If a small but impassioned group of board members gets its way, a charter elementary school could be joining the educational options currently offered to local charter school students in middle and high school grades.

Bulldogs and Bears tie 6-6

MOSCOW — Playing shorthanded and with a handful of first time varsity players, the Sandpoint tennis team did well to earn a 6-6 tie with Moscow on Thursday in a 4A Inland Empire League tennis dual in Moscow.

Rosholt leaving the country for UFC fight

ABU DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Former Sandpoint state wrestling champion and Texas resident Jared Rosholt had never traveled further than Las Vegas for the first 10 professional bouts of his mixed martial arts career.

Loss of Sandpoint company goes beyond financial hit

SANDPOINT — News of Coldwater Creek’s bankruptcy is a loss that goes beyond dollars and cents.  

Appeals court upholds sentence

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming the prison sentence imposed against a Sandpoint man who pleaded guilty to fondling and attempting to kiss a 10-year-old girl while swimming at Lake Pend Oreille’s Talache Landing.

Les Schwab receives chamber honors

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Les Schwab Tire Center as its business of the month for March.

Toenjes fires 82 to lead Bulldogs

POST FALLS — Freshman Max Toenjes had his best showing of the year, shooting an 82 to lead the Bulldog golfers on Tuesday at the Post Falls Invitational at Highlands Golf Course.

Coldwater Creek files for bankruptcy

Coldwater Creek announced Friday that the company and all of its subsidiaries have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Bulldogs post strong showing at home meet

SANDPOINT — Nikole Alamillo won the shot and discus, Sam Levora doubled up in the 1,600 and 400 and Mikhaela Woodward won the 3,200 and 1,600 to lead the Bulldogs on Tuesday at the Sandpoint Invitational.

Murder charges dismissed in Bunty case

SANDPOINT — Murder and robbery charges against a Cocolalla man implicated in a cold-case homicide in California were dismissed on Thursday.

CWC's future could be decided today

SANDPOINT — Coldwater Creek employees expect to receive news today about the company’s future, according to several inside sources.

Calvert, Bluemer power Bulldogs past Trojans

POST FALLS — Morgan Bluemer went 2 for 3 with a triple, a run scored and three RBIs, leading the Bulldogs past the Trojans 4-4 on Thursday in nonleague softball at Post Falls High School.

Bombing suspect waives preliminary hearing

BONNERS FERRY — Pipe bombing suspect Allen Stafford, aka Allen Avery, appeared in front of Judge Justin Julian and waived his preliminary hearing April 4.

Diamond Cup organizers look south to Boise for funds

COEUR d’ALENE — Doug Miller, president of Diamond Cup, says the hydroplane races aren’t just a Coeur d’Alene event.

Randles earns third All-American honors

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint freshman wrestler Casey Randles finished second recently at USA Wrestling’s Folkstyle Nationals  at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Wampus Cats host NSL meet

CLARK FORK — Sophomore Leslie Kiebert won the 200 meters and freshman Emily Garman won the 100 hurdles to lead the Wampus Cat girls team on Tuesday as Clark Fork hosted a North Star League track meet.

Week celebrates libraries' contributions

This year’s National Library Week celebration is April 13-19, a time to publicize all the contributions libraries, librarians, library workers and volunteers make to their communities. All of us involved with the East Bonner County Library District invite you to visit the Sandpoint and Clark Fork libraries or the bookmobile and make use of the many services available to you.

Taliban wants to end Christianity, symbols

In his guest opinion in the March 30 edition of the Bee, Doug Kimball compares Christianity with the Taliban.

Bulldog boys strong in 8-4 tennis win over Vikings

COEUR d’ALENE — Led by a sweep in boys singles, the Sandpoint tennis team took down Coeur d’Alene 8-4 in a dual on Wednesday at Coeur d’Alene High School.

Bonners Ferry men indicted in ATM thefts

SANDPOINT — Two former Bonners Ferry men were indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Boise for a string of bank heists and firing on pursuing law officers.

Austerity won't lead to American prosperity

Congressman Raul Labrador participated in last year’s government shutdown. Enacting many of his views would lead to far greater disasters. Examples:

Letter only serves to foment hate, violence

Doug Kimball’s guest opinion (March 30, Daily Bee) is so hateful that it doesn’t warrant publication in any media not intending to foment hate and violence. Apparently, the Daily Bee has no standards.

LPOSD cuts outweigh new expenses

SANDPOINT — Cuts outweigh additional expenses in Lake Pend Oreille School District superintendent Shawn Woodward’s early budget proposal to the school board.   

Shippy leads Lake City past Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Brittany Gay hit a three-run homer to highlight an 11-run outburst in the second inning of the first game, and the host Timberwolves went on to sweep the Bulldogs 19-1 and 15-0 in a nonleague doubleheader on Tuesday at Sandpoint Middle School.

Drug raid nets eight arrests

BONNERS FERRY — More than a half-dozen people were arrested on various charges after a Monday afternoon drug raid at several Bonners Ferry locations.

Faude leads Bulldog golfers with an 82 in Moscow

MOSCOW — Noah Faude fired a career-low 82, leading the Bulldog golfers to their best finish in years on Tuesday at the Moscow Invitational at the University of Idaho Course.

A toast to your good health - or maybe not

Let’s lift our glasses and say, “To your health!” And, for 83 percent of men and 92 percent of women who will never be alcohol dependent, it may be true. But, it may not be. We all know the obvious problems that regularly over indulging in alcohol may cause, but I was surprised recently when I read the following story.

Timberwolves tame Bulldogs in twin doubleheaders

SANDPOINT — Dominic Conigliaro had a strong day at the mound and at the plate for Lake City, tossing a two-hitter and smacking five hits and scoring five runs to lead the Timberwolves to a 12-1 and 8-4 sweep of Sandpoint in nonleague baseball on Tuesday at sun-soaked War Memorial Field.

Guilty plea in robbery case

SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man implicated in a home-invasion robbery in Elmira last month pleaded guilty Monday to an amended charge of being an after-the-fact accessory to the crime.

Be a part of democracy, attend forum

Sprinters, pole vaulters to lead Wampus Cats track team

CLARK FORK — More than 30 athletes turned out to compete for the Clark Fork track team in 2014, a stellar number for a 1A school.

Human opinions are the deadliest disease

If I had to vote as to the most deadly disease facing humanity, I would nominate “human opinion.”

Where is government of and for the people?

There is a pattern developing that is becoming very troubling for the politics of this country.

Idaho asks judge to toss ag bill lawsuit

BOISE (AP) — Attorneys for Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter are asking a federal judge to toss a lawsuit challenging a new law that makes it illegal to secretly film animal abuse at agricultural facilities.

City tweaks sign code

SANDPOINT — After a bevy of new tweaks, City Council members are ready to send revised sign code changes back before the public.

Coldwater Creek bankruptcy filing expected soon

SANDPOINT — Uncertainty is rising and stock prices are falling at Coldwater Creek as business reporters and insiders are predicting the company will soon file for bankruptcy.

Bulldogs fall in Montana

LIBBY, Mont. — Playing shorthanded, Sandpoint was forced to juggle its lineup, falling 16-1 to the reigning Montana class A state champion Frenchtown, and 13-2 to host Libby in a nonleague softball doubleheader on Saturday in Montana.

Laws don't say you can't opt out of testing

Nationalized education, Common Core State Standards was presented to states as the “future of education” …one size fits all. Schools, at last, will tell you they can turn out a college or career ready product for the marketplace. Not exactly as presented, say seven out of 10 teachers in a recent national survey.

Forcing purchase is slavery, not freedom

To force people to buy a product against their will is not freedom, but slavery.

Finalists picked for SFD chief

SANDPOINT — The search for the right individual to replace Robert Tyler as Sandpoint fire chief has been narrowed down to six candidates.

Issue already decided by the Supreme Court

Doug Kimball cannot complain about the generous guest opinion space given him to vent his “free speech” on March 30. He publicly revealed his utter lack of knowledge of U.S. Supreme Court decisions on identical Ten Commandment monument issues as well as abject ignorance of the tenants of both Christian beliefs and Taliban practices. If Doug were to exercise the sins he promotes in “Taliban” countries, he would soon realize the difference.

Amtrak changes train schedules

SANDPOINT — Train travelers, adjust your schedules: Amtrak will be switching up its time tables later this month.

Taxing districts must become voluntary

Tax payments are forced by penalty under laws. Incarceration, forfeiture of personal property, confiscation of private assets and liens. Present day government taxes and regulates light years beyond what King George ever thought possible. Tax on food, durable goods, telephone, cell phone, fuel, excise taxes, federal, state, county, city, government education and the list goes on. All in the name of services rendered, provided for the collective good.

Woolf is best person for controller's post

The state controller’s office may not be the juiciest race on the ballot for the May primary election, but people should know that it is one of the most important offices in state government. The state controller is the chief fiscal officer for the state of Idaho, a $6 billion enterprise, and is charge of paying all the state’s obligations, serves on the board of examiners and land board, and processes payroll for the state’s employees, while also operating the state’s primary data center.

Ten Commandments should stay in park

1. Obamacare is awful.

Idaho Club faces tax deeding over unpaid debts

Course, parcels could be sold at auction

SANDPOINT — The developers of the exclusive Idaho Club have until May 21 to settle tax debts in Bonner County or face losing the club at auction.

Vandals prepare for first spring football scrimmage

MOSCOW — The University of Idaho Vandals are months away from a football game but the competition begins Saturday in their first scrimmage of the spring, set for 10 a.m. at the Kibbie Dome.

Couple killed in plane crash

SANDPOINT — A couple with strong ties to Bonner County was killed Tuesday in a plane crash in the mountains of Central America.

Permit granted for mud bog, crawl

NAPLES  — The North Idaho Mud and Crawl has gained a permit allowing the event to be held May 30-June 1 in the Highland flats area outside Naples.

Bellyfit classes offered

SANDPOINT — Join Bellyfit Master Trainer, Kelly Emerson, for her Bellyfit class beginning Tuesday, April 8. Bellyfit is a safe, fun, effective, holistic fitness system for women that combines elements of Bhangra, African and Belly dance, meditation, core focused Pilates and Yoga.

Big snowpack increases region's flood risk

SANDPOINT — Elevated snowpack in watersheds above Lake Pend Oreille has the potential to cause flooding around the lake and downstream of Albeni Falls Dam, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bunty trial postponed

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man’s murder trial in California is being postponed.

Foster mother seeks to regain custody

RATHDRUM — Dee Dee’s things are as she left them.

Mayor should take a stand for freedom

An open letter to Sandpoint Mayor Carrie Logan:

Lengthy legal saga bound for appeal phase

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman entangled in a lengthy legal struggle with authorities in Bonner County was convicted Wednesday of possessing a marijuana pipe.

Country was founded on biblical principles

City officials have said they’re investigating alternative locations for the monument in Sandpoint’s Farmin Park after receiving a letter in November from the Freedom From Religion Foundation asking the monument be removed.

Why wasn't firefighter given a shot at post?

Not long ago the city of Sandpoint promoted one of its existing police officers to the position of chief of police. A good move to promote someone with local knowledge and experience.

City driving to get roadway test grant

SANDPOINT — The completion of the Solar Roadways parking lot could lay the foundation for a similarly tech-equipped roadway in Sandpoint.

Monument should stay in its rightful nest

The Eagles have flown high, as have many other local groups and individuals. They have once again shown their net worth to the community by working diligently to keep the Ten Commandments that they donated in its rightful nest.

Problem solved: Give the land to the Eagles

I’m not a religious person but I do believe we should follow the Constitution. The separation of church and state is not in the Constitution.

Sandpoint earns glowing audit

SANDPOINT — It was a diverse City Council meeting Wednesday as members received an audit report and heard requests for utility bill relief.

Free sailing improvement workshops on tap

SANDPOINT — Once again, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association are teaming up to offer free Saturday Sailing Workshops.

Keep monument safe; give park to Eagles

To resolve the city problem with the Ten Commandments I would suggest the city explore ways to donate, or sell, the monument back to the Eagles — along with a 20-foot by 20-foot piece of ground. It would then be private property.

This election, be nice and respectful to all

I am a lifelong resident of northern Idaho. Over the years I have been involved in many organizations. Currently, I am Republican party precinct committeeman for the Naples precinct in Boundary County and chairman of the Republican Party Central Committee for legislative District 1.

PAFE updating chamber on schools, education

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce invites area residents and businesses to its April 10 general membership luncheon.

Future bright for DayBreak Center

SANDPOINT — Sunny times are ahead for the DayBreak Center.

Locals fare well at Northwest Regionals

Sandpoint swimmers Emily Deitz and Payton Bokowy, both 14,  recently traveled with coach Mike Brosnahan to Federal Way, Wash., for the Northwest Age Group Regional meet at the Weyerhauser King County Aquatic Center.

Constitution party ballot to be issued

SANDPOINT — A third ballot will be available to Bonner and Boundary county voters when they head to the polls for the May 20 primary election.

Ounce of (eye) prevention better the consequences

Caution: Today’s article may cause excessive blinking. That’s because we’re going to look at eye injuries and how to avoid them (best case), or what to do if they happen, (could be really serious). And, if you’re like me, talking about your eyes causes squinting, eye closures and blinking.

Internet 404: Access not found

Crash shuts down Internet service for many in region

COEUR d’ALENE — An Internet outage occurred for several hours on Tuesday after a fiber optic line was cut near Stateline.

We can't improve upon monument

Our Ten Commandments monument in Farmin Park is sure getting attention, even on the TV news. While hundreds of people rally in its defense, I dare say only a few actually use all 10 of them for a guide in their lives. I am here speaking not only of those gathered in the protest but of all professed Christians in general.

Why doesn't Snedden go to tea party meetings?

Stephen Snedden introduced himself at the Bonner County Republican Women’s meeting as a candidate for state representative and talked about his priorities as a legislator.

Just who do we want to control our lands?

Sorry for the confusion — I am all for Idahoans controlling their own public lands for the betterment of all its citizens. But what entities are we talking about, big business that want to exploit our land for short term profit or fourth-generation Idahoans, such as me, who want to protect, preserve and manage the public lands for the long term.

Businesses team up to make area greener

SANDPOINT — Thanks to Koch’s Recycling, a group of local businesses are banding together to make Sandpoint a little greener.

Megaload foes meet Wednesday

SANDPOINT — A group opposed to megaloads rolling through Idaho is hosting a meeting at the library on Wednesday.

Variances sought at Priest Lake

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission is taking up the saga of the large home on the small lot at Priest Lake’s Sherwood Beach on Thursday.

Our government is against the people

Why do we continue to reelect governors and legislators who enact laws that the majority of citizens have indicated they do not want? Consider.

Vandals open practice 'light years ahead' of last year

MOSCOW — When you have players who have been in a system for 12 months and you add an influx of talent, you have a football practice that is light years different than it was about 365 days ago.

Monument offers good advice for all

Regarding the 10 Commandments at Farmin Park