Ellington

Fox is a great source of facts, information

For all of you people who’ve head the Fox News Network being criticized by our President, Hollywood and the other networks, I’d suggest you better check it out for yourself, like we did. I also suggest “Special Report with Brett Blaire” and “The Kelly File”.

BID gains traction in business community

SANDPOINT — Nine months after joining forces, the Sandpoint Business Improvement District and the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce have found their groove. During those months, BID manager Kim Queen spent most of her time getting to know the more than 400 different businesses that fall within the business improvement district.

Show God we care, end sport fishing

It was good to see some people have a soft heart as shown by Dr. Robin Helm’s letter in the Daily Bee about the cruelty that dairy cows suffer and the wish to have this stopped.

Great support exists for Pend Oreille Basin

Recently, the Pend Oreille Basin Commission (often referred to as the “Lakes Commission”) held its largest meeting ever, with well over 150 people in total attendance. This is a great show of support for the Pend Oreille Basin, which includes the Clark Fork River, Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake, Upper Priest Lake, and the Priest River. Our commission is charged with advising the state of Idaho with regard to issues of water quality and water quantity, and those issues have been of particular concern to all of us who enjoy Lake Pend Oreille.

Teen facing adult charges

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County teen is facing adult criminal charges after crashing his overloaded car while allegedly returning from an underage drinking party in the Cabinet Mountains early Thursday morning.

Lake management must include every aspect

Recreation is the economic engine of the entire vicinity.

Joel's hopes to claim burrito honors

SANDPOINT — Is Joel’s Mexican Restaurant the home of the best burrito in America?

BGH staff delivered exceptional care

It has been my privilege to experience firsthand the exceptional emergency care offered by our Bonner General Health emergency room nurses and staff.

Judge declines to block Priest Lake appraisals

SANDPOINT — A 1st District judge declined Friday to grant a preliminary injunction to stop the state from using the latest round of appraisals to set cottage site lease payments at Priest Lake.

Otter vows vigilance on lake levels

Fall elevations are solidified

SANDPOINT — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter seeks to allay concerns that revisions to the 1964 Columbia River Treaty will impact Lake Pend Oreille.

Fire damages local home

SANDPOINT — A structure fire Thursday evening could have been much worse if it weren’t for some well-prepared local residents.

Team Laughing Dog completes Race Across America

SANDPOINT — It started full of gumption in Oceanside, California and ended more than a week later with celebratory beers in Annapolis, Maryland.

Summer Sampler dishes up great food

SANDPOINT — The weather was cool but the food was hot at this year’s Summer Sampler, held Thursday in Farmin Park.

Cascade Rescue gets congressional kudos

SANDPOINT — In recognition of their tremendous efforts and years of success, U.S. Senator Jim Risch recently named Cascade Rescue as the Idaho Small Business of the Day for the first day of National Small Business Week 2014.

Meeting sparks differing calls for caribou protections

SANDPOINT — Some urged the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on Wednesday to roll back protections for southern Selkirk Mountains caribou, while others called for them to be expanded.

Calling all Sandpoint Hoopfest 25 players

SANDPOINT — For one weekend anyway, the streets of Spokane will be transformed into the 3-on-3 street ball Mecca of the United States, as the 25th annual Hoopfest returns for another great year of action.

Percussionaire records put under seal

SANDPOINT — A 1st District Court judge ruled on Thursday that business records pertaining to Percussionaire Corp. should be kept from public view.

Enough of all of the government's lies

That is enough government lies.

Why are officials forcing views on people?

I am writing in response to the Lake Pend Oreille Alliance letter sent to homeowners concerning the lowering of the water level in our “natural” surrounding bodies of water. Just because Obama thinks he has the power to do what he wants, when he wants, with no regard for the Constitution or what is right for the people but fundamentally only for the bottom dollar. Why is this same agenda occurring locally?

Too many signs equal too little common sense

Wow! I’m so grateful the eighth “no parking any time” sign was there because I didn’t see the other seven ones. They are all installed on Highway 2 between mileposts 16 and 17 going east out of Laclede.

Green Monarchs notch win at North Idaho Cup

SANDPOINT — The North Idaho Cup returned to War Memorial Field last Friday, featuring some of the top adult soccer players in Sandpoint. The premier event of the evening featured arch rivals the Green Monarchs of Sandpoint downing the Montana Rapids, of the greater Kalispell and Whitefish areas, 2-0.

District, charter school re-evaluating relationship

SANDPOINT — Forrest M. Bird Charter School and Lake Pend Oreille School District officials are re-evaluating their relationship following proposed changes to the school’s charter.

Violence grows via invisible unified field

America’s massacre problem is homegrown. Violence create violence via the invisible unified field.

Law enforcers scrutinized in 'Nickelback' controversy

COEUR d’ALENE — Dylan Swinford turns 23 today, and it’s safe to say Nickelback won’t be on any birthday party playlists.

Former Percussionaire CEO files counterclaim

Plaintiff seeks to seal exhibit

SANDPOINT — Percussionaire Corporation’s former president and CEO is denying allegations that he orchestrated a mutiny and sought to harm the company and has filed an 11-count counterclaim.

Farber happy to see soccer camp continue success

SANDPOINT — For eight years Sandpoint native Brian Farber hosted a soccer camp for the youth of Sandpoint every summer, so it was tough to hand over the reins of the camp this year.

Liver damage stoppable but it isn't repairable

“I am a 26 year old male. Basically since I was fourteen I’ve been drinking sometimes heavy and sometimes not. Anyway for the last two years I knew something was wrong, I was always sick and I would drink to cover it up so I wouldn’t feel pain,” posted a man named Jose on Medicinenet.com’s website blog about liver disease.

Bulldog Bench names Lyon, Jenkins scholarship winners

Pictured from left to right are Bulldog Bench president Jay VanDenBerg, Hailey Nutt, Kaylee Kiebert, Nathan Schwartz, Jared Presnell, Matthew Burgstahler, Makayla Sundquist and Bulldog Bench treasurer Matt Mire. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)

Search ends in woman's arrest

PONDERAY — A search Tuesday afternoon for a young woman in the Black Rock area near Ponderay ended with her being found safe — but under arrest for outstanding warrants.

Infighting continues among Idaho's GOP

COEUR d’ALENE — Infighting at the state level of the Republican Party continued this week, as two factions called separate meetings of the central committee to determine who will lead the party.

Concern abides over Kalispel river agreement

Corps modeling shows fall releases could help bull trout

DOVER — September releases of Lake Pend Oreille’s water appear to have the ability to influence temperatures in the Pend Oreille River, according to modeling conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Support of veterans is appreciated

Thank you to the Vietnam vets for putting on the Stand Down at the fairgrounds, for their service for our country and to all the others who participated in the Stand Down, including the Boy Scouts.

Kayaker rescued on Priest River

PRIEST RIVER — A recalcitrant kayaker was rescued along the Priest River early Sunday morning after capsizing at Binarch Creek Rapids the previous day, according to Priest Lake Search & Rescue.

No one should be above the law

Not above the law.

Sinking barge leaks fuels

SAGLE — A fuel spill from a sinking barge Sunday afternoon shouldn’t have any long-term impacts, according to emergency response officials.

Work on popular fishing hole set to start

The long awaited restoration of the Gene Day Fishing Pond is about to begin. Phase 1 of the project will begin this month after two years of planning, designing and permitting are finalized.

Corps disputes Pend Oreille Alliance claims

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is disputing Pend Oreille Alliance claims that it is drawing down the level of Lake Pend Oreille by 2 feet in the summer.

Quartet saved pair from drowning

On Saturday, May 31, two local residents almost drowned in Bloom Lake. Our community wishes to thank four people whose quick thinking and bold actions prevented almost certain tragedy.

Lay dentistry has no place in Idaho

I am a licensed veterinarian who currently serves as president of the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine. During my practice, I have seen several horses that have had their mouths damaged, some permanently, by lay “dentists.”

Celebrate learning throughout the summer

Friday, June 20, was Summer Learning Day, an annual milestone designed to help spread awareness about the importance of summer learning.

County seeks to expand agri-tourism, agri-business

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are conducting public hearing Thursday to expand more agri-tourism and agri-business opportunities in Bonner County.

N. Idaho man has cribbage market pegged

ATHOL — Even with the farthest stretch of his imagination, David Oakes never could have envisioned he would be making cribbage boards for a living.

Solar Roadway drive nets $2.2M

SANDPOINT — It’s been a crazy week for Scott and Julie Brusaw of Solar Roadways.

Sandpoint seeks grant

SANDPOINT — An up-to-$50,000 Idaho Gem Grant could open new doors in the effort to improve business development in town.

Company disputes rare earth mining claims

BONNERS FERRY — An Australian company considering the developing of a mine at Hall Mountain is disputing claims that it is planning to mine rare earth elements and thorium

Flood control influencing lake levels

SANDPOINT — Outflow at Albeni Falls Dam are decreasing again, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bulldogs hold their own at Border League camp

SANDPOINT — Sure, it’s not actually football season and not every team is healthy and at full strength, but a solid statement was made by the Sandpoint football team at the Border League Football Camp this week.

Ousted EMS chief seeks damages

SANDPOINT — Bonner County’s ousted EMS chief is seeking $3 million in damages for wrongful termination.

Prospect of Hall Mountain mine stirs concern

Company given permission for exploratory work

BONNERS FERRY — Concern is radiating around a potential plan to develop a rare earth element mine at Hall Mountain.

Haden's Heart Fun Run on tap July 4 in Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — Get a great workout, honor a former Clark Fork student and help a local senior go to college: Not a bad way to start your 4th of July.

Judge: Lawyer can step down

SANDPOINT — A skier accused of slashing scores of the Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s chair lift covers has lost his legal counsel.

Wildflower Day Spa delivers luxurious relaxation

SANDPOINT — Ask most guys whether they’re up for a day at the spa, and chances are you’ll be met with blank stares.

City, BNSF discussing safety, train numbers

Greetings from the city of Sandpoint!

Papers are valuable link to the community

Well, Mr. Huston, thank you for the Tuesday morning chuckle. Wow, a guy who wants to express and share his wisdom in a local paper he doesn’t feel is worth supporting. Thanks — that logic made me smile on a rainy day.

GOP delegates agree: state convention was chaotic

COEUR d’ALENE — No matter which side of the Republican aisle they are on, many of the North Idaho delegates who attended the state GOP convention last week say it was chaotic.

When free speech is outlawed …

When free speech is outlawed, only outlaws will speak freely.

Local papers are best source of local news

R. Huston’s letter (June 17) trashing the Bee and calling newspapers “a relic from the last century” is really sad.

BCSO: Skull appears to be human

SANDPOINT — A portion of a skull discovered in the Hoodoo Valley last week has been ruled out as being that of wildlife.

Memorial Field budget is set

SANDPOINT — With an approximate budget cost of $2.7 million now available, the Friends of Memorial Field are ready to start raising funds for the restoration project.

BGH doctors, staff deserve many thanks

Kudos and thank you to the doctors and all the Bonner General Health personnel that I came in contact with during my recent stay: the ER folks, the surgical staff and everyone else; Cari, Ralph, Bri, Jennifer, Fosha, Alicia, Alethia, Darwin, Nancy, Rosie, Doctor Wheeler (WOW), Doctor Williams and Doctor Gertson. Also, all the nursing assistants and everyone else. This is definitely not a complete list of all the people that cared for me.

P.O.P., Lock & Roll Youth Bicycle Program accepting applications

SANDPOINT — P.O.P., Lock & Roll, a youth program that will provide bicycles, helmets and locks to area children in need, will be accepting applications through July 11.

Lakes board meets Tuesday

DOVER — The Idaho Lakes Commission will be wading through a number of weighty topics when it meets on Tuesday.

Your mother isn't to blame for male pattern baldness

Maybe you just saw a picture of yourself from the back and wondered who that bald man was. Or maybe a friend was walking downstairs behind you and made fun of your donut hole. Maybe this morning you’ll look in the mirror and wonder how your forehead got so big. Whatever your wonderment is it’s probably baldness.

'Now it's about the people I bowl with'

Chapman, Domino hold their own at Tuesday Seniors

SHS grad powers way to acting success

Damen Rodriguez up for role in new ‘Power Rangers’ movie

SANDPOINT — Damen Rodriguez thinks he’s on the cusp of something big — picture giant robot proportions.

Cabinet Mts. have map appeal

Groups team up to help people explore the region

SANDPOINT — Right in time for the 50th anniversary of the national wilderness program, Idaho and Montana residents have a new way to explore the Cabinet Mountains.

Memorial Field tops Sandpoint council agenda

SANDPOINT — The restoration work at Memorial Field is progressing smoothly as council members prepare to examine the latest designs.

All Idaho Club parcels remain on auction block

Developer still seeks to redeem up to 120 parcels

SANDPOINT — All 18 golf holes and all of the undeveloped parcels at the Idaho Club remain in play as the tax auction date draws closer.

Local folks deserve health services, too

So many of us have lost loved ones to cancer — a mother, a father, a friend or a neighbor. My mother’s doctors found cancer twice within a decade. Fortunately because it was caught early by mammogram, it did not take her life. When I read about Planned Parenthood medical staff coming to Sandpoint, I thought: “How many others could be saved by a simple low-cost or free mammogram they would offer?”

'Old white men' founded America

In response to Robert Wright’s thorny letter several days ago, I would remind the author that it was a collection of “old white men” that founded the greatest nation in history. You know, guys like Washington, Jefferson, Madison, etc.

Suspect faces felony charges after manhunt

SANDPOINT — A homeless Washington state man accused of going on an interstate crime spree last week was ordered held Monday in lieu of $60,000 bail.

Sandpoint UPS Store gets warm chamber welcome

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the UPS Store — Sandpoint to the organization.

Papers are a relic from the last century

Why should I subscribe to the Bee? As a local newspaper the Bee is top notch. I’ve never bought a newsprint version of the Bee even thought I’ve lived in Sandpoint for years.

Stand up paddleboard class offered in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Come try out the hottest trend on the water. Action Water Sports (AWS) is now offering a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) class for youth ages 12-18 years-old.

Do you think anything can be done to prevent mass shootings?

Bussey named new EMS chief

Bussey named new EMS chief

Nation's honor required Bergdahl's safe return

Amidst the debate on freeing Idaho’s Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, critics lambasting him, his family and President Barack Obama should ask themselves how would they feel if he had died in captivity with no effort to retrieve him?

Reason needed in coal debate

In spring 2013, Professor Dan Jaffe with the University of Washington/Bothell, and head of the Jaffe Research Group, along with four of his undergraduate students conducted an air quality study at two sites along railroad tracks near Seattle.

Crosswalk is key for pedestrian safety

I would like to thank the city of Sandpoint for the most recent addition to public safety.

Bird takes to skies in Air Race Classic

    SANDPOINT — When Dr. Pamela Riddle Bird takes off from the runway tomorrow morning to compete in the Air Race Classic, her thoughts will turn to the pioneers of aviation who made the flight possible.

Damaged police vehicle leads to manhunt

Male driving truck with ‘I hate people’ on the side sought

SPIRIT LAKE — With the suspect on the verge of colliding with Spirit Lake Police Chief Keith Hutcheson’s patrol car in reverse and firefighters diving off the road behind both vehicles, Hutcheson said it was decision time.

Home-invasion suspect enters Alford plea

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man implicated in a home-invasion robbery that left an Elmira man with a gunshot wound to the face is taking a plea deal.

'There are professional riders and average Joes like us'

Team Laughing Dog once again primed for Race Across America

SANDPOINT — Team Laughing Dog is hoping eight is enough.

Sandpoint to host four-team scrimmage on Monday

SANDPOINT — Last weekend the Sandpoint varsity football team took 10 players, four coaches and a parent to the Northwest elite camp in Seattle, and put up a strong showing. The team included seniors Quinn Pearlstein, Tyler Harris, Josh Suto, Matthew Timothy and Nate Loutzenhiser, and juniors Kyle Perry, Carlos Collado, Ravyn Smith, Wyatt Cox and Jake Timothy.

Tree removal at Stagger Inn

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service announced it will begin removing hazardous trees at the Stagger Inn Campground, the site of a blow-down event that claimed the life of a Sandpoint man.

Skull piece awaiting analysis

SANDPOINT — A portion of a skull that was found earlier this week in the Hoodoo Valley is still awaiting analysis, according to Bonner County sheriff’s officials.

SPOT riding strong as system notes 200K riders

DOVER — For the past three years, local transportation officials have been putting Bonner County residents on the SPOT.

Regalia signs to play in college

Jon Regalia, an All-North Star League lineman, received a football scholarship at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, an NAIA school from the Heart of America Conference.

N. Idaho man hopes to heat up cold case

SANDPOINT — Jim Turpin of Post Falls is still haunted by a murder that occurred when he was only 4 years old.

Kokanee Coffee named top chamber business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Kokanee Coffee as its “Business of the Month” for May.

#2832 ORD 131

CITY OF DOVER

Moose in Sandpoint have lost their charm

The moose wandering in Sandpoint are losing their novelty. I think all of us with cameras have at least 53 photos of these creatures munching their way through ornamental shrubbery, flowers, and young trees. Those with no photos can look through back issues of the Bee. As the two calves mature, they become more dangerous, I suppose. Do they get grumpy if spurned by the opposite sex?

Enjoy the sight, but leave newborn critters alone

A wildlife population explosion takes place around this time every year.

LPOSD approves $30.1M budget

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a $30.1 million budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

'Doc Lewis' named parade grand marshal

SANDPOINT — Given his 50 years living and working in the community, it’s hard to find a local who doesn’t know “Doc Lewis.”

Communism behind our political problems

The force behind most of today’s political problems appears to be communism.

World Cup mania is here

Strikers director of coaching offers insights into soccer tournament

SANDPOINT — Today at 1 p.m. the 2014 World Cup kicks off as hosts Brazil take on Croatia at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo. The tournament will dominate the world’s attention until its climax on July 13, when a world champion will be crowned.

Skull found in western Bonner County

Sheriff’s officials mum on discovery

SANDPOINT — A skull was reportedly found Tuesday in the Hoodoo Valley.

Sandpoint Sasquatch win regional U10 baseball tournament

SANDPOINT — Baseball wins by Sandpoint teams against Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston are few and far between, which is why manager Bob Jacobson was so excited to see the Sandpoint Sasquatch U10 baseball team win the championship at the recent Hayden Summer Baseball Classic.

Local golfers shine at Elks Junior Golf Classic

SANDPOINT — There was a great turnout of local golfers recently at the Fourth Elks Junior Golf Classic, which featured an 18 hole golf scramble. The fundraising tournament benefits the Hook a Kid on Golf program, part of the highly-successful Sandpoint Elks Youth Golf Program.

CWC brand purchased by NYC firm

SANDPOINT — The Coldwater Creek brand may survive after all following its purchase by Sycamore Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm.

POB Trail takes steps toward future growth

SANDPOINT — The vision for the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail is nothing less than grand.

Men's Health Month: How long will you live?

Here’s an interesting piece of worthless information. The life span for both men and women living in Sierra Leone is only 45 years.

Cochran joins Greater Sandpoint Chamber

SANDPOINT — Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials have welcomed holistic chiropractor Dr. Mark William Cochran to the organization.

Percussionaire, former CEO trade legal blows

SANDPOINT — A cloud of litigation is forming around the departure of Percussionaire Corp. president and CEO Dr. Adel Bougatef and both sides are coming out swinging.

Solar Roadways extends fundraising drive

SANDPOINT — Scott and Julie Brusaw, the brains behind the viral sensation Solar Roadways, are completely exhausted — and they couldn’t be happier about it.

Reward for info on BB gun vandals

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is offering a reward for information leading to apprehension and conviction of those responsible for repeated acts of vandalism at the fairgrounds.

Griffitts honored as chamber's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Jan Griffitts as April’s Volunteer of the Month.

Advanced sailing class offered

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and the Sandpoint Sailing Association will be offering an advanced sailing lesson for ages 10 to adult on Monday-Thursday, June 23- 26 from 3-5 p.m.

'Ag Gag' Bill fails to pass the smell test

I get the animal rights concerns voiced by Robin Helm and Bev Hatch.

SHS grads ready to make their mark

SANDPOINT — There’s little doubt that the class of 2014 will leave its mark upon the history of Sandpoint High School.

Moose in the flower garden, oh my!

Most people enjoy the moose that come to visit towns and feel that they are a part of what makes northern Idaho a special place to live.   However, the enjoyment of living with wildlife, especially moose, occasionally comes with some degree of consternation.  

Care of veterans is sorely lacking

Here’s the sad truth about the Veterans Affairs health care scandal that no one talks about.

Healing Garden back in top form for summer

SANDPOINT — You’ll find them wandering quietly around just after sunrise, when the sun pours over the Cabinet Mountains and begins to bathe the pathways in light.

Charting for success

SANDPOINT  — When it comes to the Forrest M. Bird Charter School graduating class of 2014, it’s hard to define “normal.”

Clark Fork High graduates onward, upward

CLARK FORK — As the proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and nowhere was that more evident than Friday at the Clark Fork High School graduation ceremony.

City honors late mayor

SANDPOINT — Late mayor Marsha Ogilvie will always have a place at City Beach with the dedication of the new and improved Snack Shack.

City adopts new sign code

SANDPOINT — Nearly two years of work wrapped up Wednesday following council members’ approval of the reworked city sign code.

Push America raises awareness of disabilities

SANDPOINT — If the bicyclists of Push America’s TransAmerica team ever find their energy waning, they just remember the mission that keeps them pedaling.

Clark Fork Delta work drifting toward fall start

CLARK FORK — A sweeping project to restore the eroding Clark Fork Delta is tracking toward a November starting date, according to the Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

Sagle wins team title at LPOSD track meet

CLARK FORK — Once again, the fastest Lake Pend Oreille School District boys and girls descended on Clark Fork for the annual LPOSD elementary school track meet recently.

LPOHS graduation gets a personal touch

SANDPOINT — It’s safe to say that very few schools out there prominently feature a Bozo Bop Bag in their graduation ceremonies.

Trooper charged with stalking, assault

COEUR d’ALENE — An Idaho State Police trooper already on administrative leave without pay due to criminal charges in two counties now faces three more felony charges.

Waves cause damage on the leeward shore

The continuation of Saturday’s front-page story on possible flooding had an error.

Hillary's campaign would be good for all

During the 20th century, large numbers of women finally put their foot down against male dominance; in the ensuing battle of the sexes, the women fought for and gained many rights: to vote, own property, go to college, drive a car, to cast off their corsets and don hot pants, go bra-less, no-fault divorce, and to take the pill and cohabit with a male.

Developer moves to reclaim Idaho Club lots

Berry seeks Moose Mountain parcels, holes

SANDPOINT — The original developer of the Hidden Lakes golf course is moving to regain ownership of a substantial portion of the Idaho Club before it is put up on the auction block.

Etheric features are what sustain life

The universe spoof science in many ways. It evidently begins with the faulty 1887 ether test that concluded space was void of ether.

Lakers down Libby 10-9 in Legion opener

SANDPOINT — Quinn Pearlstein and Paul Sundquist each tallied three hits, and Bear Youngdahl was solid on the mound, leading the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a come-from-behind 10-9 win over Libby in the American Legion baseball opener Tuesday at War Memorial Field.  

Trooper waives theft hearing

SANDPOINT — A decorated Idaho State Police trooper charged with theft and fraud in Bonner County is waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Robbery accessory sentenced

SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man described as a minor player in a home-invasion robbery and shooting was given a suspended prison term on Tuesday.

Paper needs to think before printing stories

The recent article covering the discovery of the body of Phillip Patterson has moved me to write this letter to the editor. I find it distasteful and disgraceful the article included speculations which were hurtful to the family.

Local firefighters honored

SANDPOINT — Two eastern Bonner County firefighters are being awarded the Idaho Medal of Honor for bravery and heroism above and beyond the call of duty.

Blood clots not uncommon for travelers

“I was just released from the hospital today after suffering from multiple small DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) throughout my left leg and a minor PE (Pulmonary Embolism)” wrote a woman to a website forum that focuses on those issues. “I am 35 years old and otherwise healthy. I was taking a low dose of estrogen birth control pills and had taken two 6-hour flights over two days.”

Stocking sworn in as fire chief

SANDPOINT — Ron Stocking was sworn in as fire chief Monday, ushering in a new chapter for the Sandpoint Fire Department.

KRI announces upgraded amenities

BONNERS FERRY — The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s casino and hotel, the Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa, has upgraded its amenities and added new gaming machines.

Ashby gesture a boost to Sandpoint football

SANDPOINT — Due in part to a generous gesture from Sandpoint resident Claudia Ashby, the Sandpoint football car raffle was a smashing success.

Man killed in Talache crash

SAGLE — A Bonner County man was killed Tuesday after his truck collided with a tree along Talache Road.

Volunteers owed kudos for rebuilding system

Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 in Sagle. We recently discovered that we had lost all power to the fawn barn and would need to re-do the whole system — right down to getting a backhoe to dig a 200-foot trench, installing conduit, and new electrical wire.

Abuse of animals cannot be tolerated

I completely agree with Robin Helm — abuse of animals cannot be tolerated and when witnessed must be reported.

Official pleads not guilty to self-dealing

SANDPOINT — A Laclede Water District board member is pleading not guilty using a public position for personal gain.

Pair of Bulldogs earn All-IEL baseball honors

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint junior infielder Quinn Pearlstein and freshman outfielder Talon Dewey each earned a spot on the All-4A Inland Empire League baseball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Refinery: Two megaload shipments can move via rail

The megaload shipments of oil refinery equipment proposed to be trucked through North Idaho just decreased by two-thirds thanks to trains.

Why the tolerance for incompetent leaders?

Americans have an irrational tolerance of leadership incompetence.

Beach snack shack being renamed to honor Ogilvie

SANDPOINT — The legacy of former Sandpoint mayor Marsha Ogilvie is set to become a part of every beach-goer’s summer fun this Friday.

Why is city looking to repeal ordinance?

What makes the freedoms in this country so great is the ability to challenge our elected officials by creating ordinances by the people through the initiative process, get it on the ballot, and have it voted on and the results are made into law.

Group's possible arrival is overdue

I think Planned Parenthood coming to Sandpoint is long overdue. Not only does Planned Parenthood provide pre-natal and post-natal care and advice to women at a low cost, but it also provides health care options for young mothers. Welcome Planned Parenthood.

CAP sees workplace as bridge out of poverty

Paul Allen grant funds training for employers, employees

SANDPOINT — Drop a stone on the smooth face of a pond and the first ring of water foretells what’s to follow.

Group's arrival would improve health care

If Planned Parenthood were to establish a clinic in Bonner County it would improve the fabric of health care, contrary to Mr. Welch’s recent letter. Ninety percent of the services provided by Planned Parenthood clinics are not abortion services. They include education, contraception, cancer screening, and detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. While some such services may not be in short supply in north Idaho, affordability and accessibility remain issues incompletely addressed by recent health care reform.

Focus on facts instead of on fear-mongering

Mary Wells is wrong to misuse the Daily Bee to make a point. It is far from the point, as she knows, to state that Jeremy Conlin wrote that it is extreme to “… raise the issue of coal dust.” Indeed, the issue of coal dust should be discussed — openly, without exaggeration, distortion, hyperbole or fear mongering. Jeremy used the word extreme, the next to last word in his letter, in reference to the mayor’s statement about a “… trail of coal dust.” Where is the proof?

U.S. soldier freed from captivity in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Obama administration officials said Saturday.

Housing crisis bubble is making a return

Mike Crapo, our dearly beloved Republican U.S. senator, has co-conspired with Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson to “reform” Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by creating a huge housing slush fund titled “The Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2014.”

Why no response to contempt citation?

I became curious about the House of Representatives committee holding Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress. I wondered what happens now. After some research, I found it goes something like this:

Minimum bids set in Idaho Club auction

SANDPOINT — The minimum bid for the Idaho Club golf course and 176 undeveloped lots will be at least $1.7 million, according the Bonner County Treasurer’s Office.