Ellington

Howley closing in on record swim

Twenty-six miles down, six more to go.

IDL is silent on future PL auctions

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Lands announced on Tuesday that 62 state lease lots at Priest Lake were going up for auction next month.

Sharks fare well at Inland Empire swim meet

SANDPOINT — Demonstrating that they’re among the fastest youth swimmers in the Northwest, Payton Bokowy and Emily Deitz each won events at the 2014 Inland Empire Long Course Championships recently at the Wenatchee City Pool.

Alliance calls on state, feds to protect lake

Petition calls on officials to protect summer pool level

SANDPOINT — A new alliance in Sandpoint is circulating a petition calling on Idaho’s governor and congressional delegation to do more to protect Lake Pend Oreille’s summer pool level.

Remember Jeanetta with love, empathy

Our local police acted out shamefully, fearfully, hastily and violently, in giving Jeanetta Marie Riley an early death. Aren’t they paid through their training to detain people? Haven’t they learned how to detain men with guns? Don’t they have Tasers and stun guns? Couldn’t they have wounded Jeanetta instead of murdered her?

Deputy, officer bring abrupt end to chase

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County sheriff’s deputy and a Ponderay Police officer brought an abrupt end to a high-speed chase before it could reach Sandpoint’s tourist-clotted streets on Sunday morning.

CRTR is water grab of epic proportions

Time could be running out for North Idaho and Inland Northwest residents whose lives and livelihoods involve Lake Pend Oreille. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration have designs on the lake’s waters and water levels and they’ve been very quiet about why.

Pair burned in boat explosion

BAYVIEW — An Idaho Falls man and his 8-year-old grandson were severely burned Tuesday afternoon when the boat they were in exploded in Bayview on Lake Pend Oreille.

EWU football practices start Thursday

CHENEY — EWU and former Sandpoint standout Cody Hecker, a senior running back, are about to get busy.

Howley set to swim entire length of lake

SANDPOINT — Which is to be believed, Google Earth or a local who has lived for 50 plus years in Sandpoint?

Your children's achy joints may not be growing pains

We tend to think about arthritis as something that affects old people. I know. I wake up just about every morning attributing my achy joints to my advanced years. But, the fact of the matter is that children can and do get arthritis so it’s important to learn the warning signs.

First slug of Priest Lake lots set for auction

62 lots will be on block

SANDPOINT — More than 60 state lease lots at Priest Lake will be up for auction next month, the Idaho Department of Lands has announced.

Woman sipped beer after arrest

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman accused of battering law officers and people inside the Panida Theater Friday managed to slip her handcuffs and crack a beer en route to the jail.

Man jailed for mill thefts

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was arrested Sunday in connection with a rip-off at the Ceda-Pine Veneer mill in Samuels.

Sandpoint Lions thank community for support

The members of the Sandpoint Lions Club want to thank the people of our community who devoted time and money to this year’s Independence Day celebration. All of the day’s activities, including the children’s parade and the grand parade during the morning, and the kid’s games, ice cream, music and fireworks at City Beach are paid for by the folks who buy Lions raffle tickets and by donations the club receives.

What a difference a border makes

If you live in Post Falls and drive six miles into Washington you have just crossed the Great Divide. What an incredibly different political environment. You have left Idaho, in which the governor and all elected state officials, both U.S. senators and both congressmen are Republicans; the state legislature is GOP-controlled, and marijuana sales and gay marriage are illegal.

American politics is simply bonkers

Not only does America have a political party that is impervious to all entreaties for compromise, it also has a Supreme Court largely in league with Ayn Rand’s rejected ideas.

LPOW monitoring water quality

SANDPOINT — There hasn’t been much time for Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper associates to take it easy this summer.

Lakers third at Legion A district tournament

SANDPOINT — Two seventh inning rallies spurred the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a pair of come-from-behind wins over Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, earning third place as the Lakers went 2-2 at the American Legion District Tournament at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.

Cemetery chronicles Sandpoint history

SANDPOINT — The moss-covered gravestone of John Thomas Early, who died in 1917 at the age of 29, lies tumbled on its back, pointing due south like some giant, marble compass needle.

Account aids local youngster

SANDPOINT — It’s been a tough go for Keldon Ridley in his first few days of life.

Trials reset in grand jury's molestation cases

SANDPOINT — Jury trials have been reset for eight people indicted by a Bonner County grand jury for molesting children.

County still reeling from severe storms

SANDPOINT — Bonner County residents are still picking up the pieces and some are still without power following Wednesday’s severe thunderstorm.

Clydesdales trot into town for visit

SANDPOINT — It’s hard to know just how huge a Clydesdale horse is until you’re face-to-nose with one.

Kayaking skills class announced

SANDPOINT — An introduction to Lake Kayaking Skills is being offered on Wednesday, July 30 for and and all students 14 years-old and up. Beginners or those seeking a refresher course are welcome.

West Nile virus detected in North Idaho

BONNERS FERRY — Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Boundary County.

CBS, IMCB announce banks' merger

SANDPOINT — Panhandle State Bank officials anticipate a new era of growth following the merger of its parent company, Intermountain Community Bancorp, with Columbia Banking System.

Second session of youth swim lessons offered

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Parks and Recreation swim lessons are designed to teach sound swimming skills to students of all abilities, with a special emphasis on water safety.

Power remains out for some in region

SANDPOINT — More than 24 hours after a windstorm whipped through the region, thousands of residents were still without power Thursday evening.

Appeal denied in meth, theft case

SANDPOINT — An Oldtown wrecking yard operator accused of possessing methamphetamine and stolen vehicles has lost his appeal.

Dover moving forward with city business

Dover continues to move ahead with city business. With Mayor Anne Shaha’s April appointment of longtime Dover resident Rowdy MacDonald, all City Council seats are filled. MacDonald brings roads expertise from his work with the Bonner County Road and Bridge Department. He joins Council President Bill Strand, Councilman Neal Hewitt and Councilwoman Diane Brockway.

Pair's assistance saved our boat trip

There is hope at Beyond Hope, and his name is Rick. My wife and I had launched our boat at the Sandpoint City Beach Park and driven across the lake to Ivano’s del Lago, where we had lunch.

Show disappointing; police did great job

Kudos to the man who saved the two drowning girls on the Fourth of July at City Beach. The girl lifeguard took her good old time responding; the man held the two girls above water until she got there, saving their lives.

Final session of youth tennis lessons fast approaching

SANDPOINT — The last chance for area youth to learn the game of tennis is fast approaching. Registration for the 2014 Youth Tennis final session (listed below) is underway, so register now to guarantee your spot.

60 degrees too hot for pets to be in cars

Cracking the windows does not help it doesn’t prevent the temperature in the car from rising. Leaving pets inside a closed car, or even one with all the windows rolled down, is dangerous, deadly, and illegal.

LPOSD holds board election

SANDPOINT — No big changes are in the works for the Lake Pend Oreille School Board as it reconstitutes for another school year.

Storm downs trees, darkens region

NORTH IDAHO — Strong thunderstorms which moved through North Idaho Wednesday afternoon produced numerous downed trees and power outages.

Sandpoint council OKs plan to split fire chief's time

SANDPOINT — Following a council vote Wednesday, Sandpoint Fire Chief Ron Stocking’s time will be split between the Sagle Fire District and Sandpoint Fire Department.

Tips sought in LPO hit-and-run

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a hit-and-run collision on Lake Pend Oreille on Thursday.

Re-hearings set in Coolin slaying

SANDPOINT — Evidentiary and suppression hearings are set in the case of a former Bonner County man convicted of shooting Leslie Carlton Breaw to death at Priest Lake in 2007.

SFD chief to split time with Sagle Fire

Move could lay groundwork for merger of two departments

SANDPOINT — A proposed agreement between the city and Sagle Fire District to split Sandpoint Fire Chief Ron Stocking’s time could lay the groundwork for a merger down the road.  

Keep your cool to prevent heat-related illnesses

“I was stupid! It was 94 degrees, the water was like glass, and I wanted to go kayaking. I kayaked for three hours and felt great until I stood up! Everything went spinning. I got cold, felt as though I needed to vomit and couldn’t think straight.” The 55-plus year old woman who wrote this for MedicineNet.com didn’t explain why she thought she was stupid.

Local tennis players fine-tune their game at academy

More than 20 kids took part in the annual Sandpoint Tennis Academy, put on by Sandpoint Hight School head tennis coach Kent Anderson.

Pettit, Connolly lead Sandpoint to dramatic win

SANDPOINT — Preston Pettit spun a complete game two hitter, and Sandpoint once again came from behind to win, downing West Valley of Eagle 2-1 on Saturday to earn the Idaho Juniors All-Star state championship at War Memorial Field.

Wait for northbound traffic may be long

A few rambling thoughts:

Teen doesn't enter plea in murder case

COEUR d’ALENE — Eldon Samuel III, a 15-year-old accused of murdering his father and brother in March, did not enter a plea at his arraignment hearing in Kootenai County District Court Monday.

Aerospace program helps students soar

SANDPOINT — It’s not every day you hear of high school students working over summer break to pay for classes.

How are large trucks going to navigate city?

Dear Sandpoint City Council and Mayor Carrie Logan:

Council approves Sandpoint BID

SANDPOINT — Council members authorized the Sandpoint Business Improvement District last week for another year of operation under Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.  

Street plan promises nothing but problems

We agree there are many future traffic flow congestion problems that will not only displease our tourist customers but also our business taxpayers.

Birth control readily available after ruling

I have to write — cannot let propaganda ruin my morning coffee

Where is concern for the mentally ill?

Let me preface my comments by stating I wasn’t there. My question is, am I the only one that wonders what has happened to a society that is no longer concerned about the mentally ill and the treatment of them. Have they become less than human in our eyes?

Endangered Species Act out of control

Endangered Species Act out of control

Mythweaver, Kalispel celebrate 25 years of work

SANDPOINT — The Kalispel Tribe has traveled a long road to reclaim its North Idaho heritage.

Quilter takes time to create fabric florals

SANDPOINT — When it comes to creating colorful works of quilt art, Leslie Schubarth takes her own, sweet time.

Family thanks local officials

SANDPOINT — The victim in a lewd and lascivious conduct case expressed gratitude Thursday for authorities’ help in gaining a conviction.

What's your favorite way to beat the heat?

Reeves wins youth golf tournament in Canada

SANDPOINT — Incoming Sandpoint freshman Jack Reeves started off the Washington and Idaho Junior Golf tournament season in strong form recently, winning the Johnny Busyck Golf Tournament held at Creston Golf Club in Creston, B.C. 

Man rescues intoxicated Sand Creek swimmer

SANDPOINT — A Good Samaritan is being credited with saving the life of an intoxicated man who tried to swim across Sand Creek on Friday evening.

Developer files federal lawsuit against Hope

HOPE — A developer filed a federal lawsuit against the city Wednesday for refusing to grant a conditional-use permit to redevelop the site of Murphy’s Lounge into four duplex housing units.

Sandpoint rallies for comeback win

T.J. Davis laid down a perfect bunt, and Jacob Cometto, slid home for the winning run, as the Sandpoint Stampede scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to notch a 3-2 win over West Valley of Eagle in the Juniors All-Star State championship opener on Friday at War Memorial Field.

DEQ warns of poor air quality

SANDPOINT — Summer vacations are taking a smoky turn with wildfires in Washington and Canada contributing to poor local air quality.

Horvath found guilty of murder

SANDPOINT — A jury in North Dakota convicted a former Sandpoint man of murder and a host of other charges on Wednesday.

Monarchs top Sturgeons

SANDPOINT — On Tuesday night on the hills above the Kootenai River, Sandpoint’s Green Monarchs sent their reserve squad north to Bonners Ferry for a friendly soccer match, in preparation for this weekend’s Julyfest tournament in Kimberley, B.C.

Woman shot by police was 'erratic, aggressive'

SANDPOINT — The woman who was killed in an armed confrontation with Sandpoint Police on July 8 was brought to Bonner General Health by her husband because he said she was exhibiting “erratic” and “aggressive” behavior, according to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

Fires' smoke clouds skies

COEUR d’ALENE — The smoky air Thursday arrived from wildland fires in Washington state and Canada, said Ralph Paul, airshed coordinator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Rowers make history on the Pend Oreille

PRIEST RIVER — History was made last Sunday when the Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association launched the Arthur Ericsson a Vespoli 8 for a five-mile row upriver to its summer home at Riley Creek Campground.   

Before getting tests, check with your doctor

Last week, a flier from Lifeline screening appeared in the paper encouraging screening for carotid blockage and other vascular diseases. It should be absolutely clear that this was an advertisement from a company trying to make money. It was not medical advice.

Sandpoint OKs downtown street changes

SANDPOINT — The City Council approved a plan Wednesday to convert Fifth Avenue to two-way operation between Cedar and Pine streets.

Wheeler: Suspect started PF gun battle

SANDPOINT — An Arizona man wounded in a shoot-out with law enforcement in Post Falls last month was heavily armed and attempted to draw first blood, Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Community key to strong rural towns

SANDPOINT — When it comes to developing strong and vital rural towns, community is the key.

We need to learn from Kansas' bad choices

In 2004, Thomas Frank wrote “What’s the Matter with Kansas”, a book that explored the rise of populist anti-elite conservatism in his home state. Now we know the answer.

Ruling doesn't deny women birth control

In response to Karl Eastlund’s misleading letter, the Supreme Court’s decision on June 30, 2014, did not deny women access to birth control due to the fact that the company in question was not objecting to some 16 other contraceptive choices under the health plan for their employees and were not at issue.

City debates traffic plan

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint City Council meeting 5:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall will be key to determining the future of local transportation.

Cd'A had top score for state crisis center

COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho won, yet lost.

Don't scratch, take itch out of mosquito bites instead

Oh no. A puffy, white bump just appeared on your leg and it itches to beat the band. Well, it could also be a hard itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps, or small blisters instead of hard bumps, or dark spots that look like bruises, but whatever, it’s probably a mosquito bite or several of them.

BCSO releases names in officer-involved shooting

Incident remains hotly debated by public

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office identified on Tuesday the Sandpoint Police officers involved in the shooting death outside Bonner General Health on July 8.

Bulldogs take 33 players to OSU soccer camp

SANDPOINT — The future is perpetually bright for Sandpoint soccer, as the Bulldogs took 33 boys soccer players to the Oregon State University Advanced Team Residential Camp last week in Corvallis.

A paralyzed Congress forced Obama's action

Recent letters here have urged impeachment of the president and have defended the “do-nothing” House of Representatives. (Wait, they have accomplished something — shutting down our government, which hurt us all.)

Proposed plan makes city hard to navigate

Sandpoint residents: Take a few minutes. Go online. Look at the map on the city’s web page of the city’s proposed traffic plan changes.

Lions deserves kudos for thanks, fireworks

I felt really disillusioned by the letter from Dan Christians (Sunday, July 13; Daily Bee) criticizing the short fireworks display presented by the Lion’s Club on the Fourth of July. My-oh-my! Every Fourth, I watch the fireworks from the deck of Arlo’s Ristorante and enjoy the show and my dinner companions. Every year the Lion’s Club presents its show to the community as a gift. It gathers funds throughout the year to bring this benefit to this community on this momentous and traditional national event. To criticize the efforts this fine organization undertakes must come from someone who perhaps does not volunteer or donate to such worthwhile causes.

Weme set to play at next level

LANGLEY, British Columbia — Trinity Western University women’s soccer coach Graham Roxburgh added a key piece to the Spartans’ puzzle recently, as the five-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport national champion bench boss officially announced the addition of Sandpoint midfielder Emma Weme.

Lewd conduct trial starts Monday

SANDPOINT — Jurors began hearing Monday the case against a Bonner County man accused of lewd and lascivious conduct with a preteen girl.

Appeal denied in court case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who was given several chances to get his life squared away after a felony domestic violence conviction lost his appeal for a lesser sentence.

Officials: Geography, population justify crisis center

Cost steep to send patients elsewhere

Summer bird feeding requires precautions

Bird feeding is an enormously popular activity. That does not come as a surprise to many people, as we all have friends and neighbors who are fascinated by watching and identifying the birds that come to their feeders.

Fireworks show was less than inspirational

Local Sandpoint business suffered through the doldrums of spring, and the repercussions of Coldwater Creek’s bankruptcy. There is a local entrepreneur who is purchasing eating and drinking establishments,  and a few local high-end Realtors who are marketing to new vacation home buyers and retirees, they must be benefitting from the turmoil. The parade on the Fourth of July was the best I have seen in 20 years, I was a little disappointed that no festivities were planned for Farmin Park, i.e. bands, hot dogs, etc. I would have thought that local Republican or Democrats running for office this year could have used it as a staging area?

Panida receives $30K in grants

SANDPOINT — Between several grant acquisitions and the imminent launch of a new website, it’s been a good few weeks for the Panida Theater.

Few mental health options available here

Motorists can expect delays on Highway 200

KOOTENAI — Motorists should expect delays in their travels on Highway 200 for the next couple of months.

Panhandle Escrow wins SAR golf tournament

SANDPOINT — The 2014 Annual Selkirk Association of Realtors Charity Golf Tournament was a great success recently at Priest Lake Golf Course.

Agencies mull image issues

COEUR d’ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Police Department may be taking the heat this week, but a string of officer-involved shootings in the past couple of years has many law enforcement agencies concerned about their eroding public image.

Nonprofit training offers leadership tips

SANDPOINT — It’s unlikely local nonprofit staffers have experienced a seminar like Idaho Panhandle Nonprofit Leadership Retreat.

Reed drops hole-in-one

SANDPOINT — It took more than a half century of smacking golf balls around the links, but Sandpoint golfer Luke Reed finally got to experience the euphoria of making a hole-in-one.

Sandpoint officials pushing for new traffic plan

SANDPOINT — The city unveiled a conceptual plan Friday to reconfigure downtown traffic patterns as part of its quest to gain control of streets that serve as highway routes.

The murder of Jeanetta and other issues

July 12, 2014

Temple drops third hole-in-one in three years

SANDPOINT — Once? OK, you got lucky.

Woman killed in officer-involved shooting identified

SANDPOINT — Bonner County sheriff’s officials identified the woman who was shot and killed by police on Tuesday as Jeanetta Marie Riley.

Jacey's Race helping local youngsters

SANDPOINT — This year’s Jacey’s Race beneficiaries may seem like a diverse bunch, but they have at least one thing in common: They’re all troopers.

USFS grilled over Hall Mt. mine proposal

BONNERS FERRY — A short-notice meeting on July 1 was well-attended by Hall Mountain residents worried about the ramifications of an exploratory drilling project by MMG Limited, an investment holding company based in Hong Kong and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Board member resignation resolves case

LACLEDE — A Laclede Water District board member accused of corruption resigned his position on Wednesday and acknowledged that hiring his stepson as a facility operator was contrary to state law.

Shooting victim identified

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Sheriff's officials have identified the woman killed Tuesday in an officer-involved shooting as Jeanetta Marie Maddox-Riley.

Volunteer ombudsmen looking out for seniors

It was unclear in Shirley Martin Bush’s letter (July 1, Daily Bee) on what kind of facility for the aged she was referring to. The events described were obviously upsetting to her. As ombudsmen, we advocate for residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Her concerns are of interest to us. Ombudsmen observe the environment, visit residents and problem solve for them. Our main concerns are resident rights, quality of care and quality of life.

Sandpoint starts budget process

SANDPOINT — City officials don’t foresee any major changes to staffing and benefits in the coming budget year aside from some changes to health care policy.

Am I pleased with Obama? Yes, I am

I was on the Bonner County Democrats’ float in Sandpoint’s Fourth of July parade. We were generally well-received. However, at one point, some parade watchers gave us a thumbs down. I gave them thumbs up and a “Happy Fourth.” One then shouted “Are you pleased with President Obama?” I responded yes!” Here’s why.

Congress must protect access to birth control

On Monday, June 30, the Supreme Court ruled against American women and families — giving bosses the right to discriminate against women and deny their employees access to birth control coverage. This ruling establishes a dangerous new precedent that private, for-profit corporations can interfere with access or refuse to provide legally mandated coverage to basic preventive care for their employees, based on nothing other than the owners’ personal beliefs.

Sandpoint Ultimate League action heats up

The Sandpoint Ultimate League, sponsored by Pend d’Oreille Winery and Purcell Mountain Construction, plays every Monday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Great Northern Field (5-7 p.m. later in the fall).

Knife-wielding woman shot, killed by police

Identity of woman withheld Wednesday

SANDPOINT — A 35-year-old woman armed with a knife was shot and killed by police outside Bonner General Health on Tuesday night.

Individual is shot by police

SANDPOINT — An individual was reported shot late Tuesday night near Bonner General Health in Sandpoint.

Horvath trial starts today

SANDPOINT — A former Sandpoint man’s murder trial in North Dakota is set to start today.

For most, mosquito bites just a bothersome nuisance

It can be an innocuous tiny red spot or an insidious virus infection. But, for most of us it’s just a mosquito bite with effects that range from no reaction to a red, swollen, mega-itchy and sore blemish.

Valiant hoping for a new era at Idaho Club

SANDPOINT — Valiant LLC  plans to finish development of the Idaho Club and intends to allow for public play of its Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course.

Sandblast Beach Volleyball Tournament set to serve it up

SANDPOINT — Enjoy the sport of volleyball in one of the best possible settings, on the sand and under the sun at Sandpoint’s beautiful City Beach.

Woman killed in police-involved shooting

City seeks downtown amenities

SANDPOINT — The downtown could be sporting some new benches and other amenities if the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency partners with the city on funding.

Bulk of Idaho Club off the auction block

SANDPOINT — The majority of the Idaho Club is no longer on the auction block, according to Bonner County Treasurer Cheryl Piehl.

An important tool for elk recovery in Panhandle

There is an urgent need to change Idaho’s wolf trapping regulations so that a longer interval is permitted between the checking of a trapper’s snares. Presently that interval is 72 hours or three days. It needs to be expanded to 15 days. That one small change to the regulations could increase the efficiency for those trappers who utilize snares in taking wolves which, in turn, is so important in achieving a more favorable balance between wolves and our ungulate herds of elk, moose and deer. Some states have no snare check requirement (Montana and Alaska) and the only Canadian province requiring one is British Columbia with a 14-day interval.

Harry Truman, where are you?

What’s with all of the in-fighting with the Republicans, starting with the Speaker of the House in Washington?

Rosholt scores UFC 43 win

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Former Sandpoint state wrestling champion Jared Rosholt used a dominant wrestling attack to get past the dangerous Soa Palelei recently in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 43 at Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

Ex-dispatcher claims race, age discrimination

SANDPOINT — A former 911 dispatcher filed a charge of discrimination Monday against Bonner County.

Saying 'no' is simply part of Congress' job

Liberal arguments that Republicans in Congress won’t do more of what their president wants is a legitimate partisan sentiment. The left, however, has overplayed this excuse for their inaction. Their belief that the Congress is derelict in not rolling over for the president is just poor civics.

Freedom Tree finds new voice as harp guitar

Veterans’ tribute instrument bears an iconic image

SANDPOINT — Images of freedom come in all shapes and sizes. There are the sweeping gestures, such as flag-lined boulevards and fireworks that bespeak it at the national scale. And there are the smaller, more intimate deeds that embrace it on a personal level.

Small-claims action grows

SANDPOINT — A small-claims suit against a Cocolalla business appears to be expanding into much costlier litigation.

Wildlife-related recreation packs economic punch

There is a new radio commercial that I really like.

SHS, French students team up to honor D-Day vets

SANDPOINT — It’s sometimes amazing to see how a few simple actions can ripple out to all corners of the earth.

Otter: North Idaho has bright future

SANDPOINT — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter sees good things ahead for North Idaho when it comes to industry, education and lake management.

Entrapment alleged in case

SANDPOINT — Counsel for a Washington state man accused arranging a sexual liaison with a fictitious underage girl in Bonner County is moving to have the case against his client dismissed.

City, county collaborate on new park

SANDPOINT — City and county officials are collaborating on a new park to give northern residents a little more fun in their lives.

Paddle with finesse: Women on the water

Paddle with finesse: Women on the water

Idaho Club auction nears

SANDPOINT — The deadline to register for the auction of Idaho Club parcels is looming.

Area rallies to help teen

SANDPOINT — Since being diagnosed with a rare genetic disease in 2009, Drake Haskins has undergone 11 brain surgeries.

A layman's take on U.S. World Cup soccer

SANDPOINT — There’s an old joke that circulates among the sports media that goes something along these lines: Soccer is the sport of the future in the U.S., and it always will be.

Charter school receives $300K grant

SANDPOINT — A $317,515 grant from the Idaho State Department of Education is set to transform the Forrest M. Bird Charter School’s technology department.

Fourth of July fun easy to find in community

SANDPOINT — No matter where you are in the county, it’s easy to find Fourth of July fun this Friday.

Where is line between phony and obvious?

The Obama administration and his gullible followers in the Democrat Party want us to believe that the many scandals resulting from Obama’s supposed “leadership” are nothing more than “phony scandals.” Lois Lerner’s missing e-mails are supposedly a “phony scandal.” Benghazi is supposedly a “phony scandal.” Fast and Furious was supposedly a “phony scandal.” And on and on.

U of I digs into clam research on Lake Pend Oreille

SANDPOINT — University of Idaho researchers are conducting surveying to determine the extent of the Asian clam population in Lake Pend Oreille.

Introduction to lake kayaking class offered

SANDPOINT — If you’ve ever wanted to learn the relaxing and lifetime activity of kayaking on the lake, now is the time to act.

Idaho's forests play big role in our quality of life

Making up approximately 39 percent of Idaho’s land, forests have an important role in our quality of life and economy in Idaho. Environmentally, our forests are central to air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and they are resources for recreation. Economically, they support communities through wood and paper products jobs and recreation dollars. We must ensure that federal forest policy keeps up with this sector, and the enacted Farm Bill makes progress.

Volunteer daisies are nothing but weeds

Are pretty white daisies volunteering in your garden and yard? Unless you bought them, they are Oxeye Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), an official noxious weed in Idaho. They grow from seeds (2,000-4,000 per plant) and from spreading roots. You can check them out online.

Crash victim is identified

COOLIN — Idaho State Police have identified the motorcyclist who was killed on Eastshore Road on Monday as Steven R. Pitts of Oldtown.

PAS, Baxter's teaming up to help critters

PONDERAY — You can’t beat what Baxter’s on Cedar and the Panhandle Animal Shelter have cooking today.

Residents, nonprofit team up to rescue injured eagle

Eagle on the mend at Birds of Prey NW

SANDPOINT — Raptor biologist Jane Fink is fond of saying that it takes a neighborhood to save an eagle.

'Radical Rick' makes science cool

SANDPOINT — Everyone knows science is useful, but blow up a few balloons in a spectacular fireball and it suddenly becomes cool.

Drive safely out there this holiday weekend

One hundred years ago (you may have read this in yesterday’s paper) a gentleman from Sandpoint purchased a new Studebaker in Spokane. The man drove the car all the way home, but the sales rep came along for the ride “in case his services were needed for first aid to the injured.”

Adult tennis lessons on tap

SANDPOINT — Whether a beginner or veteran player, it’s never too late to improve your tennis game.

American Young appears on 'Bachelorette'

SANDPOINT — It’s no easy matter to plan the perfect date, but the people behind ABC’s popular reality show “The Bachelorette” know a thing or two.

The good, bad and ugly of aquatic invasives

DOVER — There is an ample amount of good news about the control of aquatic invasive species in the Pend Oreille basin, but its marbled with some streaks of bad and the downright ugly.

Are you driving in a mobile mouse house?

If your car is running funny or smells a little off, you may be driving a mouse house. When you open the hood and see chewed insulation, you are a landlord. They like to nest in the engine’s air cleaner or in the heater ducts.

Highway crashes climbed in 2013

SANDPOINT — The number of motor vehicle crashes in Bonner County climbed in 2013, according to the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety annual report.

You never know who's digging in your trash

I have seen some rather grubby old men, physically, in the Dumpster over the years.

Who's monitoring the care of our seniors?

Because the elderly in this country are a substantial source of income, for some it was inevitable that the corporate world would become involved. That has proven not a good thing, primarily due to corporate priorities, the quarterly report and loopholes.