Ellington

Local hoops season comes to an end

SANDPOINT — A lot of cool stuff happened in 1982.

Panida board dismisses executive director

SANDPOINT — The Panida Theater is once again without an executive director following the dismissal of Barry Bonifas.

Daily Bee named top chamber business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bonner County Daily Bee as January’s Business of the Month.

Man pleads guilty to attempted murder

SANDPOINT — A Post Falls man accused stabbing his estranged wife near Priest Lake pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted murder.

Colleges: Campus gun bill will hike security costs

COEUR d’ALENE — College and university leaders throughout Idaho say state lawmakers’ push to allow concealed weapons on college campuses will require schools to upgrade their security measures, and the cost will likely be felt by taxpayers and students.

Waiting for the shoe to drop on prices

We read the letter about propane prices and were waiting for the hammer to fall.

Whistleblower trial under way

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County jury is expected to hear closing remarks Friday in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former heavy equipment foreman on the Sand Creek Byway project.

Facts show wolves to blame for low elk numbers

This is provided in response to my friend Larry Book’s letter blaming the Idaho Department of Fish & Game for the lack of elk.

Sandpoint Special Olympians primed for state competition

SANDPOINT — A host of athletes from the Sandpoint Special Olympics team had strong showings recently at the Regional Winter Games in Kellogg, with eight now focusing on the state  meet starting Saturday in Sun Valley.

The right to vote - our privilege in U.S.

I would like to share with all Idahoans my experience both learned and in some cases beaten into my head by the college of hard knocks. First there is much debate about term limits and excessive longevity.

Sandpoint Nordic Club competes in Junior Qualifier

SANDPOINT — Several Sandpoint Nordic Club skiers competed in the Junior National Qualifier race recently at Mt. Spokane.

Quip was insulting to SHS grads, educators

After reading the Feb. 8 edition of the Daily Bee, I turned my attention to the Spokesman-Review for that day. Sitting at the top of the newspaper was Paul Turner’s “The Slice” article which I began reading. I quickly came across the comments of one Susan Bates-Harbuck who drives a bookmobile, I assume for the Bonner County Library District.

Logging accident victim identified

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County man who was killed Tuesday in a logging accident north of Kootenai has been identified as Kenneth Frank Schwartz, 63.

Pair of Wampus Cats garner All-NSL honors

CLARK FORK — Senior co-captains Lyndsie Kiebert and Annie Wurm gave Clark Fork two players on the All-North Star League girls basketball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Trials set in lewd cases

SANDPOINT — Three Boundary County residents pleaded not guilty to repeatedly molesting up to a half-dozen children while living in Bonner County.

Travers leads strong group of Bulldogs at state

SANDPOINT — Boasting a sterling 37-5 record, senior Josh Travers (220 pounds) will lead a small but talented group of seven Bulldog wrestlers at the state tournament, which starts Friday at the Idaho Center in Nampa.

Pair accused of fuel thefts

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Police arrested two Spokane men early Monday morning in connection with a string of fuel thefts at Gas & Go.

Man killed in logging mishap

SANDPOINT — A man was killed Tuesday in an apparent logging accident north of Kootenai.

Traumatic grief workshop open to whole community

Johnny scaled the fence at the railroad yard and attempted to jump onto a moving boxcar. He failed and the community mourned. Judy and Mike were driving up into the hills to be alone. She was snug up against him without a seat belt on. Mike took a curve too fast and the community mourned. Barry was curious about a pistol his father kept in a display case. He took it out, it fired and the community mourned.

Throw 'em out and let's get on with America

The GOP today is a party obsessed with hostility; well … not all of it, just most of it, their far-right Taliban wing, AKA tea party wackos. Hate infests their bodies and their souls — down to the marrow in their bones.

Party affiliation deadline nears

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Clerk’s Office is reminding voters that they have until March 14 to resolve any second thoughts about their political party affiliation.

Idaho needs to follow Washington's decision

Recently, the Washington Department of Ecology announced it will include the impacts of train traffic in its evaluation of a proposed coal export terminal in Longview, Wash.

Hawks bury Bulldogs in district opener

COEUR d’ALENE — Lakeland High coaches had a message for their players before the game — then the Hawks delivered a resounding statement on the court.

Idaho budget writers rescue IEN

BOISE — The financially troubled Idaho Education Network broadband program got a $6.6 million bailout Monday from state budget writers.

Wampus Cats' season ends

SPIRIT LAKE — Already playing without two of its top big men in Tristin Bristol and Nick Oas, the Wampus Cats lost another in pre-game warm up, when Eich Anderson sustained a concussion after taking an inadvertent elbow.

Court upholds CDL suspension

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is upholding the suspension of a Sagle man’s commercial driver’s license because of a drunken-driving arrest in 2009.

Armed populace can't be subdued by tyrants

Wise words from an old man …

Magazine should have noted food sales tax

While reading an article in the Thursday, Feb. 13, Daily Bee, I wondered why the “Where to Retire” magazine was not told about our 6-percent sales tax on all food products. That has a horrific impact on people with fixed incomes.

Legislature should act like a business

Republicans frequently tout the notion of running government like a business.

Campus gun plan raises troubling questions

This week, Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, announced that he will not seek another term in the Idaho House of Representatives.

The real credit belongs to Steve Youngdahl

I read the article by Cameron Rasmusson, “District boosts school security” and wanted to make sure that credit is given to where credit is due. I applaud Superintendent Shawn Woodward and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler for taking the first steps to making our local children safer while they attend school.

Cigar box guitars unlock musical aspirations

Local builder fills empty containers with huge sound

SANDPOINT — People come to music from a number of paths. Sometimes, they arrive after being told not to bother coming at all.

Mascot issues concern state's tribal leaders

BOISE — Idaho tribal leaders on Friday — including Kootenai Tribe council member Gary Aitken Jr. — expressed concerns about the offensive nature some sports mascots represent to Indian tribes.

Fish & Game to blame for the lack of elk

I read Mike Muscha’s editorial with interest since I have lived in Idaho for 38 years and been a longtime elk hunter and member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Council backs plan to study milfoil, weevils

SANDPOINT — A resolution of support from the Sandpoint City Council could be a valuable tool in helping Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper achieve its goals.

Sandpoint officer receives CIT honors

SANDPOINT — For one Bonner County resident, law enforcement training in mental health was literally the difference between life and death.

Priest River girls fall to Filer in 3A state semis

MIDDLETON — The Lady Spartans held a 25-24 lead early in the third quarter of Friday’s 3A girl’s state semifinals, but the top ranked Filer Wildcats caught fire and went on a 20-7 run the rest of the way to take a 44-32 win.

Bulldogs lose heartbreaker on buzzer beater

MERIDIAN — The Sandpoint Bulldog girls basketball team achieved a lot of goals during the season.

Jury trial slated in whistleblower suit

SANDPOINT — A jury trial is slated to start Monday in the case of a former Parsons RCI employee who claims he was fired for reporting safety violations and sexual harassment during construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass.

Idaho Legislature mulls tax incentive bill

BOISE — State tax incentive legislation — introduced Friday — that borrows a page from Utah’s economic development playbook would make Idaho more economically competitive with the Beehive State, a North Idaho legislator said.

Deputy rescues woman in river

NEWPORT — A 60-year-old woman who fell through the ice on the Pend Oreille River on Thursday was rescued, according to sheriff’s officials.

Cold shooting costs Bulldog girls at state opener

MERIDIAN — The good news for the Sandpoint girls from the 4A state tournament opener on Thursday at Mountain View High School was jumping out to a 12-9 lead over Pocatello early in the second quarter.

Interest rate legislation clears Senate committee

BOISE — Prejudgment interest rates allowed in state code could be dropped to 7.5 percent from the current 12 percent if a bill currently under consideration at the Legislature gets amended and becomes law.

Summers leads Spartans past Fruitland in state opener

MIDDLETON — Katlyn Summers scored 13 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to help the Priest River Lady Spartans take a 56-34 win over Fruitland to start the 3A state tournament on Thursday.

TU scouts for passage, habitat projects

SANDPOINT — The Panhandle chapter of Trout Unlimited is casting for projects that will improve passage or habitat for cold-water fish species in Bonner County.

Axia Home Loans opens Ponderay branch office

Axia Home Loans, a division of Axia Financial LLC, has opened a branch office of the residential home mortgage banking company in the community.

Memorial Field design fine-tuned

SANDPOINT — The new Memorial Field grandstands have a design foundation following a Wednesday workshop.

Young artists are so talented and creative

I always enjoy the children’s drawings on the weather page of the Daily Bee. They are so talented and creative. Thanks for publishing them, and thanks to the young artists.

Fragoso joins City Council

SANDPOINT — With the appointment of Deb Fragoso to the Sandpoint City Council, the big table is finally at max capacity.

The truth will set each one of us free

This is in response to Mr. Joseph Wythe’s recent letter titled, “A lesson from the life of Jesus Christ”

BCSSAR sets record straight on service

I would like to set the record straight as to the relationship between the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office and Bonner County Sheriff Search & Rescue. The sheriff is telling people that the BCSSAR unit has “quit” volunteering their services to the sheriff office, and when asked why he replies “ask them.”

We must return to God's standards

This time of year we are inundated with cries of human rights. The “gays” line up to march and proclaim their “pride” as a human right. There is no such thing as human rights.

Deitz, Bokowy lead Sharks at IES Championships

SANDPOINT — Emily Deitz won the overall high point award for her age group, and Payton Bokowy broke the meet record in the 200 fly, leading a strong showing by the Sandpoint Sharks at the IES Junior Swimming Championships in Spokane.

Snedden seeks 1A GOP nod

SANDPOINT — Attorney and former city councilman Stephen Snedden announced his candidacy Wednesday for the Idaho House of Representatives’ District 1A seat.

Olin leads Bulldog girls in quest for state trophy

SANDPOINT — Playing on Saturday at state was the goal to begin the season, and it remains the goal now, as the Bulldog girls open the 4A state tournament against Pocatello on Thursday.

Anderson announces retirement

SANDPOINT — State Rep. Eric Anderson is retiring from public office, but plans to remain on the front lines of repelling the scourge of invasive mussels.

Keenan honored as 'Best Manager in America'

LEWISTON — Kevin Keenan, general sales manager at IdaVend Broadcasting, Inland Northwest Broadcasting and KRPL Inc., was recognized by RadioInk magazine, a leading broadcast industry trade publication.

Knapp spared custodial term

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman convicted of leaving the scene of a deadly crash was spared further incarceration on Tuesday.

Miners take down Wampus Cats

WALLACE — It was a tough night for Clark Fork, which lost its best player to injury in a 77-23 loss to Wallace in North Star League boys hoops on Tuesday night.

Crapo: Adopt amendment on rules review

BOISE — U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo on Tuesday urged state senators to pass a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening the Idaho Legislature’s legal ability to review — and sometimes reject — state agency rules.

JV boys wrap up season

SANDPOINT — Troy Oliver Mitton scored 15 points on 6 of 9 shooting, including three 3-pointers, as the Bulldogs scored 40 second half points before falling short 65-63 to Coeur d’Alene in JV boys basketball action recently.

Thunder girls fall short at MCL tournament

KOOTENAI — At the Mountain Christian League tournament recently, the Kootenai Thunder girls lost 46-17 to the North Idaho Christian School Royals in the first round.

Gun laws are the real danger in America

Gun laws are the danger.

Questions on traffic lines, turning lanes

Why can’t both left lanes, north and south, at Larch, make their turn at the same time?

Memorial Field planning session set

SANDPOINT — A Memorial Field planning session will open Wednesday’s City Council meeting.

RMEF leads effort for state wolf management

A recent editorial by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation life member Mike Muscha caught my attention. Mike talked about his love for elk, hunting and its future in Idaho because of the growing wolf population. He also called on RMEF to “step up to the plate” and “take action.”

24 Hours of Schweitzer returns on March 21-22

SANDPOINT —  Registration is now open for the sixth annual 24 Hours of Schweitzer, the all-day, all-night fundraiser held in honor of seven-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint and others suffering from the rare, fatal disease cystinosis. This year’s theme is “Cowboy UP for a Cure”.

Knapp slated for sentencing

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman convicted of leaving the scene of a deadly collision on Highway 200 is scheduled to be sentenced today in 1st District Court.

Bulldogs dominate 4A All-Inland Empire League team

SANDPOINT — Senior Hailey Olin was named Most Valuable Player, and head coach Bill Bender Coach of the Year, highlighting a strong Sandpoint contingent on the 4A All-Inland Empire League girls basketball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Didn't you know that debate isn't allowed?

In the Jan. 24 edition of the Bee … regarding school safety, Idaho Superintendent of Public Schools Tom Luna told state budget writers, “We never want to look back and ask ‘Could we have done more, or should we have done more?’ ”

Trial ordered in felony battery

SANDPOINT — A Priest River man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial for kicking another man in the face and breaking his jaw during a bar brawl last October.

Director dreams of performing arts 'laboratory'

SANDPOINT — Acting has moved center stage in the local arts scene, as stage plays, independent film projects and a new wave of original scripts provide more chances for people to ply that craft.

Logan appoints Fragoso to council

SANDPOINT — Mayor Carrie Logan has appointed Deb Fragoso to her vacant council seat.  

Phillips seeking GOP nomination

SANDPOINT — Former Bonner County Commissioner Marcia Phillips is seeking the Republican nomination for the District 1 seat on the board.

Bulldogs fall to Hawks in final league game Hawks

RATHDRUM — Lakeland outscored Sandpoint by 11 points in the second half, earning a 57-52 win over Sandpoint in 4A Inland Empire League boys basketball action Friday night at Lakeland High School.

Levora signs with track power Washington State

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint senior Sam Levora, one of the top distance runners in the state of Idaho for the past three years, signed a letter of intent to run track and cross country at Pac-12 power Washington State next year.

Input sought on South Hill highway options

By LAURA ROADY

Bus color gets name change

By CAMERON RASMUSSON

Public shares views on state's budget

BOISE — State budget writers on Friday listened to what 44 Idaho citizens had to say on budget matters.

Summit looks at future of mobile ads

SANDPOINT — With the first Kochava Mobile Summit a success, the foundation is set for an annual event that will bring industry power-players to Sandpoint each year.

Snowbound riders rescued

COOLIN — Priest Lake Search & Rescue extricated seven snowmobile riders who became snowbound in the Selkirk Mountains.

Travers, Randles lead Bulldogs in 4A IEL duals

RATHDRUM — Josh Travers scored a big win at heavyweight and Casey Randles jumped up two weight classes to pick up a pair of wins at 170 pounds, as the Bulldogs beat Moscow 40-30 and lost to Lakeland 39-33 in a 4A Inland Empire League double dual on Wednesday night in Rathdrum.

Holland questing for gold in third Winter Olympics

SANDPOINT — When snowboarding first burst upon the scene in the early 1980s, a young Nate Holland was shredding the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain, part of the first generation to start surfing the mountains.

Warriors down Wampus Cats in district championship game

COEUR d’ALENE — A cold shooting first half proved too much to overcome, as Clark Fork lost 41-30 to Kootenia in the 1A Division II championship game on Wednesday night at Lake City High School.

Simple test may just save your child's life

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect. In the United States, about 40,000 infants are born with a heart defect each year. CHDs account for nearly 30 percent of infant deaths due to birth defects.

Campus gun carry bill clears committee

BOISE — Riding roughshod over the objections of Idaho’s eight colleges and universities — and the State Board of Education — a state Senate committee Wednesday approved NRA-backed legislation creating exceptions for carrying firearms on college campuses.

Elmira crossing upgrade sought

SANDPOINT — Idaho Transportation Department officials in the Panhandle and Boise are slated to huddle today to identify federal funding to improve safety at the Elmira Road railroad crossing, the site of a fatal collision last fall.

States call for coal train EIS

SANDPOINT — Local environmental groups are celebrating decisions in Washington and Oregon calling for rigorous environmental studies on coal exports.

It's time to sign up for a health care plan

It’s now required by law that nearly all people to have a qualified health care plan this year. With the first deadline expected on March 31, the second open enrollment period will begin in November — a time when small businesses will join the process with a separate exchange called SHOP after a yearlong delay.

Bulldogs off to state

COEUR d’ALENE — After a 10 year hiatus the Bulldogs are finally heading back to state, earning their trip with a 63-47 win over Lakeland on Wednesday night in the 4A Region 1 girls basketball championship game at North Idaho College.

Term limits needed in the United States

There are strong arguments for term limits at both the state and national level. Over time, many of our career politicians get embedded with special interest groups for both political and financial reasons.

SPOT finds route funding

SANDPOINT — The Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit bus system won’t be cutting back Sandpoint service after all.

Knights run wild over Wampus Cats on Senior Night

CLARK FORK — Doug Schatz poured in 29 points, leading Lakeside to a convincing 96-33 win over the Wampus Cats on Tuesday night in North Star League boys basketball at Clark Fork High School.

Love may be the recipe for good health

On his 50th wedding anniversary, Les was asked if it really seemed like it had been 50 years since he’d married the love of his life. He thought for a minute before he responded, “No, not at all. It seems a lot longer!”

Court upholds case's dismissal

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming the dismissal of a lewd conduct case against a former Sandpoint man.

Greater Sandpoint Chamber honors Sweet Lou's

SANDPOINT — Sweet Lou’s was recently recognized by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Gagnon continues scoring spree in loss to Lake City

SANDPOINT — Jeremiah Gagnon once again torched the nets, dropping in 28 points to lead Sandpoint, which fell 77-68 to Lake City on Senior Night Tuesday at Les Rogers Court.

Wurm, Kiebert lead Clark Fork into championship

KELLOGG — With their team’s season hanging in the balance, seniors Lyndsie Kiebert and Annie Wurm stepped up with big games to lead Clark Fork to a 48-38 win over Mullan in the opener of the 1A Division II girls basketball tournament on Tuesday night at Kellogg High School.

Bill would solidify rules review effort

Legislation would create constitutional amendment

BOISE — While one North Idaho lawmaker questioned why it shouldn’t receive a public hearing, four legislators from the region voted on Monday in favor of legislation to create an Idaho constitutional amendment to solidify the Legislature’s oversight of state agency rules.

Fish & Game offers 'Project Wild' workshop

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled two “Project Wild” workshops in northern Idaho for teachers and youth leaders.

Clark Fork High stages career day

SANDPOINT — Clark Fork High School students got a taste of several possible futures Friday on a career day.

Balukoff makes run for governor's office

SANDPOINT — Fresh from announcing his state governor candidacy in early December, A.J. Balukoff kicked off a statewide listening tour with a visit to Sandpoint last week.

Foster families sorely needed in Panhandle

SANDPOINT — There is a pressing need for foster and adoptive parents in Bonner and Boundary counties, according the Idaho Child Welfare Research & Training Center.

Price hikes are gouging consumers

Ahhhhh … price gouging in North Idaho.

Land exchange and boating bills on the table

The pace is picking up at the State Capitol as many issues are now being discussed and debated. I would like to update you on a couple that I have been working on that are particularly important to our area.

Woman gave her life for the good of others

As I look across the street and see the American flag flying at half-mast at the home of Afton Marie Thornton Ponce’s uncle and grandmother Thornton, I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to her husband and two sons. Although Afton was only 28, she was doing what she wanted; so much good in such a short time.

Reconstitution needed to solve our problems

America is in the same situation that Captain Sully had with double engine failure. Both political parties are useless. Getting them to work together is no solution. We need to reconstitute, not should we. We must find our Hudson River. We have lost our engines.

Beatles' Sullivan show still inspires

SANDPOINT — Fifty years ago to the day, one television appearance changed the direction of popular music and set a new course for an entire generation of young musicians.

Officers find stolen guns

By KEITH KINNAIRD

How closely do you follow the Olympics?

Gagnon goes off, but Bulldogs fall to Trojans

POST FALLS — Senior Jeremiah Gagnon had the hot hand from long range, draining six 3-pointers as part of his game-high 28 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Bulldogs lost 67-54 to Post Falls in nonleague boys basketball Thursday night at the Arena.

Pair sign to play soccer at Northwest College

SANDPOINT — They’ve been sharing the soccer pitch for years, and on Friday Sandpoint standouts Zach Couch and Jeremiah Gagnon ensured they’ll be playing together for a couple more, signing letters of intent to play soccer at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo.

Tax committee gives initial nod to rural broadband bill

BOISE — The House tax committee on Friday gave introductory approval to a cable telecommunications industry-backed measure that would provide state income tax credits to individuals and small businesses to help build broadband services.

City tweaks ordinances

SANDPOINT — A trio of ordinances passed this week by the City Council tweak guidelines for sidewalk demonstrations, open container laws and committee fundraising.

Bonner County Fair's trophy case expands

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Fair cleaned up at the recent International Association of Fairs & Expos awards banquet in Las Vegas.

Wampus Cats nearly hand Miners first league loss

WALLACE — Callie Potter scored 14 points and Lyndsie Kiebert added 12 points and three steals to lead Clark Fork, which played its best game of the season in a 43-40 loss to league-leading Wallace in North Star League girls hoops on Thursday at Wallace High School.

Bill seeks to halt some EPA rules

BOISE — State legislation to reject some EPA regulations was unanimously introduced in the House State Affairs Committee Thursday after Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, expressed uneasiness about it.

Rognstad named council president

SANDPOINT — Following the appointment of Carrie Logan to the office of mayor, Councilman Shelby Rognstad has stepped in to replace her as council president.

Bills would codify discrimination in Idaho

We fully support the U.S. and Idaho constitutions' guarantee of religious freedom for one to freely believe and worship as he or she chooses. But we oppose any law that permits one’s use of his or her religious beliefs in the public arena to harm or discriminate against persons that happen to hold different beliefs.

Details sought on proposed speed limit hike

BOISE — Sen. Bob Nonini said he wants more information on a bill introduced Tuesday which would let the Idaho Transportation Board raise freeway speed limits to 80 miles per hour while accelerating top-out levels to 70 mph on state highways.

Is propane's cost a case of price gouging?

Ahhhhh … price gouging in North Idaho. Who else out there has checked on the prices locally for propane … Sock it to em while they’re down. How special.

Frigid temps settle in around area

SANDPOINT — Be sure to have your winter coat, gloves and hat handy for the next few days, because cold weather in North Idaho is here to stay until next week.  

Woman charged with witness tampering

SANDPOINT — A Priest River woman has been indicted for allegedly taking a witness in a pending lewd conduct case out of the area to keep him from testifying.

Science ignorant of faith's achievements

It may be useful, now and then, to pull up out of the babble zone and review our understanding of the American democracy.

Thank you for Afton's service

As I look across the street and see the American flag flying at half-mast at the home of Afton Marie Thornton Ponce’s uncle and grandmother Thornton, I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to her husband and two sons.

Thunder boys notch pair of solid MCL wins

KOOTENAI — The Kootenai Thunder boys notched a pair of big wins recently, building momentum for the season-ending Mountain Christian League tournament, which starts today at the Oaks Academy in the Spokane Valley.

LPOSD cancels school Thursday

District program in running for prize

SANDPOINT — A few quick clicks from county residents could be worth $10,000 for local special needs educators.

Local youth cross country skiers tearing up area's Nordic trails

SANDPOINT — Local 10 year-old Hattie Larson crossed the finish line of her first-ever 5K cross country ski race at Schweitzer recently and collapsed on her back from exhaustion. She wasn’t alone.

Mysophobia can help prevent colds and flu

I am not mysophobic. What? Well, I was going to use the term germaphobic, but spell check didn’t like it.

Keough boat bill looks to sink loophole

BOISE — A bill by Sen. Shawn Keough that seeks to remodel the Idaho Safe Boating Act in regard to the term “grossly negligent operation,” gained introductory approval Monday from a Senate committee.

Sagle Fire: Layoff was fiscal decision

SAGLE — The Sagle Fire District is insisting the decision to lay off its chief was strictly a fiscal decision designed to sustain its level of service.

Badger boys and girls power past Wampus Cats

BONNERS FERRY — First the good news: The Clark Fork boys basketball team shot more than 50 percent from the field.

School canceled Wednesday

Sagle Fire lays off its chief

SAGLE — Sagle Fire District Chief Robert Webber was laid off on Monday.

Double standard in place regarding Iran

The western nations are using a double standard with regard to nuclear weapons in Iran. If the United States, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, North Korea and especially Israel have nuclear weapons, why shouldn’t Iran?

NIC reiterates opposition to gun bill

BOISE— North Idaho College President Joe Dunlap on Monday reiterated NIC’s opposition to state legislation to create new exemptions for carrying guns on Idaho’s college and university campuses.

IDEQ evaluating ammonium nitrate spill

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is evaluating whether a deadly crash that spilled ammonium nitrate will have an effect on surface and groundwater.

Seahawks ready to start work on Super Bowl defense

NEW YORK (AP) — Less than 12 hours after winning the Super Bowl, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll already was talking about getting started on next season.

Free speech OK only if you don't offend me?

We were Sagle residents from 2003-2012 and I still read the Bee every day.

Kids always watching what we say and do

Adeline, Warren (my dog) and I arrived with a minute to spare at Washington elementary one recent morning and Warren immediately ran onto the playground and went to a corner closest to the kids and me and “thoroughly” relieved himself. I deliberately turned my head away from him, as if this action might convince the 50 - 100 kids who were yelling, pointing at him and laughing to do the same. For a moment I thought of getting frustrated with my dog but then my rational side took over and I just started laughing along with everyone else, except my daughter. She was acting as if she did not know Warren or me and was impressively convincing.

Meesh & Mia scores Super Bowl TD

SANDPOINT — No matter which way today’s Super Bowl game tilts, Elizabeth Turley is bound to come out on top. As president of a local company called Meesh & Mia, she comes out a winner either way.

Council serves to protect state's sovereignty

In my last article I stated that in the governor’s budget recommendation he asked that 1 million dollars be transferred to the Constitutional Defense Fund. As a result several Daily Bee readers in the comment section associated with the article asked why Idaho had this fund and what it was used for. Given that interest I thought a discussion of the fund would be of interest.

Input sought on district priorities

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District officials are requesting community input to help determine school priorities.

Teachers really do help students achieve goals

I was so excited and proud to see one of my former students, Danae Rokstad, on the front page as a Seattle Sea Gals cheerleader. It is so nice to see dreams come alive for someone who has worked so hard. It makes me realize that what we do as teachers can help a young person achieve their dreams. So to all the teachers, I say thank you for giving your students something to build on. Congratulations, Danae … I am so proud of you.

Core standards just a bad idea for everyone

Many things to ask which did not get attention.

Questions, unease pile up amid death investigation

SANDPOINT — Unease is welling for a Sandpoint man whose son was found shot to death in Boundary County last fall.

Free throws, teamwork fuel Wampus Cat win

MULLAN — Brandan Bowen scored 15 points to lead the Wampus Cats past the Tigers in a North Star League game on Thursday night at the Mullan Pavilion.

Friends rally to rebuild sheep shelter

DOVER — Serena Carlson still remembers when Gail Curless drove almost 80 miles from Dover to the Spokane Fairgrounds to help her in a competitive riding event.

Bulldog girls claim 4A IEL title

SANDPOINT — Hailey Olin totaled 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals as the Sandpoint High girls basketball team won its first outright league title since 1996, beating the Moscow Bears 48-38 on Friday night at Les Rogers Court to capture the 4A Inland Empire League title.

Schools update board on goals

SANDPOINT — Hope and Washington elementary schools have similar goals and similar tools to achieve them, according to recent reports to Lake Pend Oreille School trustees.