Ellington

Vote for excellence with Molander, Lewis

Vote for educational excellence. Vote for Geraldine Lewis and Joel Molander.

Claim alleges unlawful termination

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County employee is seeking damages for wrongful termination.

Vote put Idaho's children at risk

Because of an outrageous notion that somehow, Sharia law would infiltrate our shores, the vote by state Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, against a bill that would collect child support for Idaho children was unconscionable. As John Reuter points out in his recent Inlander column, the law makes it possible for America’s laws to be enforced on its citizens overseas, and not on Americans by other nations.

Bowen breaks school record to lead Wampus Cats

HARRISON FLATS — Brandan Bowen set a school record in winning the 300 hurdles in 41.41, Emily Garman won the 300 hurdles and 200 meters, and Lia Crumpton the 400 to lead the Wampus Cat boys and girls teams to third place finishes during the North Star League District Meet on Tuesday at Kootenai High High School.

Incomplete description lead to decision to cancel film

The Panida Theater’s decision to cancel and reschedule a showing of the movie “Wild Canaries” was about our integrity in this community with regard to our advertising.

Dismissal of asphalt plant review sought

SAGLE — Bonner County is seeking the automatic dismissal of a legal query into the county commission’s denial of a  proposal to make a temporary asphalt batch plant a permanent fixture.

Cancer fight offers little rest for anyone

Bulldog teams shine at Lakeland Relays

RATHDRUM —  Sam Palmer, Carlos Collado and Josh Suto teamed up to win the boys discus, and Janice Aylward, Paige Dumars and Makenzie Tillberg teamed up to win the girls shot put, leading the Bulldogs to a pair of second place team finishes on Tuesday at the Lakeland Relays at Corbit Field.

Trio of players earn spots at ODP soccer camp

SANDPOINT — Three Sandpoint Strikers players have been invited to the summer Region IV Olympic Development Program regional camp at Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore.

Clarity needed in coverage of bill

Partisan progressive prejudices aside — huh? — there appears to be the need for more clarity in the press coverage of Idaho SB 1067. Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, is quoted as saying that Rep. Lynn M. Luker, R-Boise, “…does not speak for Idaho or for me…”

'Ag gag' critics plead their case

BOISE (AP) — Animal rights lawyers are asking a federal judge to strike down an Idaho law aiming to stop people from secretly filming animal abuse in the state’s agricultural facilities.

Friends, family seek memorial for McTevia

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service said agency policy is preventing friends and family from erecting a memorial at the site of a deadly all-terrain vehicle mishap that claimed the lives of two people earlier this month.

Baldree, Holland lead Bulldogs over Hawks

RATHDRUM — Bri Baldree continues to be a workhorse ace for the Bulldogs, striking out 19 batters in two complete game efforts, and Sam Holland hit her first home run of the season, leading the Bulldogs to a doubleheader split with Lakeland on Tuesday in a 4A Inland Empire League softball showdown.

Mixed doubles strong as Bulldogs fall to Bears

SANDPOINT — Patrick Rockwell and Sadie Nitcy notched a hard fought win at No. 1 mixed doubles, and Logan Temple and Caroline Suppiger won easily at No. 2 mixed doubles, as the Bulldogs lost 8-4 to the Bears in a 4A Inland Empire League tennis dual on Tuesday at Travers Park and Lakeview Courts.

Holland powers Bulldogs to doubleheader split with Hawks

SANDPOINT — Malaki Smith and Talon Dewey combined to hold the Hawks to just three runs in the opener, leading the Bulldogs to a doubleheader split in 4A Inland Empire League baseball on Tuesday at sunny War Memorial Field.

Snowbound couple are rescued

NORDMAN — Priest Lake Search & Rescue rescued an elderly couple Saturday night after becoming snowbound and attempting to hike out on foot with only a blanket and no coats.

LPOHS earns applause for improvements

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille High School has been recognized by the Idaho Department of Education for its efforts to improve the educational environment at the alternative school over the last year.

Facts of county road programs outlined

Bonner County Road & Bridge’s dust control and road stabilization program includes 226 miles or 59 percent of county-maintained gravel roads.

Molander is best pick for LPOSD trustee

Joel Molander is an excellent candidate for trustee from Zone 1 of the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Molander is currently serving on the school board, where he is respected by other board members, school staff and administration as well as engaged parents.

Almighty dollar isn't more important than schools

I encourage everyone to take a closer look at what is happening at some of our smaller schools since the levy passed.

Vaccinations key to controlling disease

Fifty years ago, it was common for a child to develop measles or pertussis. Unfortunately, many even died from these serious diseases. The stories are heartbreaking. Today, thanks to advances in public health, many practicing physicians have never seen a case of measles or pertussis in person.

Kummer, Russo lead Bulldogs over Lumberjacks

SANDPOINT — Patrick Kummer tossed a four-hitter, and Jackson Russo ripped four hits on the day, leading the Bulldogs to a 14-4, 7-4 sweep of St. Maries in a nonleague baseball doubleheader on Saturday at War Memorial Field.

Cd'A picked for mental health crisis center

COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho’s second mental health crisis center will be built in Coeur d’Alene, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare confirmed Monday.

Reeves fires 75 to lead Bulldog golfers

HAYDEN — Freshman Jack Reeves posted a season-low 75 to lead a strong showing from the Bulldog boys golfers, who placed third at the Kraus Invitational held Monday at Avondale Golf Club.

Vogel steps down after five-year run at Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — After a solid five year stint, Clark Fork boys head basketball coach Corey Vogel has decided to step down.

Eichardt's turns 21 in style

SANDPOINT — In just a few days, a local landmark will celebrate a milestone birthday. That’s when Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee House turns the ripe, old age of 21.

Charges stand in lewd conduct case

SANDPOINT — A 1st District judge is denying a motion to dismiss lewd conduct charges pending against a Post Falls man, court records show.

Otter approves $95 million transportation measure

BOISE — A $95 million transportation funding measure has been signed by Idaho Gov. Butch Otter.

Supreme Court rules in Priest River woman's labor case

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Supreme Court is affirming the denial of unemployment benefits to a former Thorne Research employee who quit because her job aggravated her bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

Dog adoptions resume at animal shelter

PONDERAY — The Panhandle Animal Shelter is resuming dog adoptions following the confirmed diagnosis of canine distemper in 19 puppies.

Bulldogs dispatch Hawks

RATHDRUM — Spencer Temple and Daniel Durfee won in straight sets, leading the Bulldogs to a 7-2 win over Lakeland in a 4A North tennis dual on Friday at Lakeland High School.

Hellar leaves 'gift' to arts, community

SANDPOINT — Gretchen Hellar held many titles during her long and active life: professor and educator, businesswoman, director, mayor, master gardener, activist, gourmet cook, scholar, visionary, and artist to name a few.

BCHA seeks homebuyers

SANDPOINT — Bonner Community Housing Agency has been busy over the past five years.

No damage after temblors rattle Bonner County

SANDPOINT — Bonner County was unscathed by the series of earthquakes that occurred on Thursday night and early Friday morning.

Dunn to take volleyball talents to Gonzaga

SANDPOINT — It was a tough senior season for Sandpoint volleyball player Hailey Dunn, who had to watch her teammates from the sideline with a torn knee ligament.

City tightens panhandling ordinance

PONDERAY — The City Council passed an ordinance Monday making aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor offense.

Tigers mount comeback to earn sweep of Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — Timberlake rallied in the sixth inning from a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4 over Sandpoint in the nightcap of a nonleague softball doubleheader sweep on Thursday at Sandpoint Middle School.

Polaris buys Timbersled

After sale, company to remain in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — A locally-grown company just got called from the minors up to the big leagues.

Stevens, Dick lead Wampus Cat golfers at The Links

POST FALLS — Senior Wyatt Stevens carded a 95 and brother Wade Stevens a 102, leading the Wampus Cats at the Genesis Prep Invitational at The Links Golf Course in Post Falls on Wednesday.

Quake shakes Bonner County

Magnitude 4.1 trembler rattles area Thursday

SANDPOINT — A magnitude 4.1 earthquake rattled Bonner County on Thursday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Service.

Governance is about more than rhetoric

I’m confused as to what Idaho gains from not passing the child support bill.  Everyone agrees we will lose $16 million. Gov. Butch Otter believes we will also lose another $30 million, and the ability to collect over $200 million in child support payments for about 155,000 children. What did we gain?

Be careful about the items you throw away

On Tuesday, April 14 , I observed a well dressed young man with a decent looking vehicle carefully parked away from the Dumpsters.

Good thing we shut Sharia law down

Sharia law in Idaho, via Albania of all countries. Good thing we shut that down.

Strikers name Mullins new director of coaching

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Strikers is pleased to announce Rick Mullins as the new director of coaching. Mullins succeeds Mike Pellicio, who is taking a similar job with the Spokane Shadow.  

Our legislators are not doing us any favors

Help wanted ad that must have appeared last fall:

Overturned kayakers are rescued

SANDPOINT — Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS rescued two paddlers who overturned their kayaks in the Pend Oreille River on Saturday.

Cope, Icardo pace Cats

CLARK FORK — James Cope and Niko Icardo teamed up to win 8-4 and 8-7 (7-4) in a pair of pro set doubles matches, as the Wampus Cats trekked south to face the Post Falls JV team in nonleague tennis action on Tuesday.

Aerospace partnership benefits NIC, industry

SANDPOINT — For the first time since creating rural outreach centers in places like Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, the North Idaho College Board of Trustees held a formal board meeting at one.

Distemper puts dog adoptions on hold at PAS

PONDERAY — The Panhandle Animal Shelter announced on Wednesday that it is temporarily suspending dog adoptions after a puppy tested positive for canine distemper.

'It looks like we may have found a gem'

Alsager signs to play volleyball at George Fox University

SANDPOINT — There’s an old sports axiom that says you can’t coach height, and it’s especially true in the sport of volleyball.

RSVP program branching out into county

The word is getting out on the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Friendship Corps at the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho. And we are looking to expand our services to Bonner County.

Bulldogs earn doubleheader split with Bears

SANDPOINT — In a testament to the parity in the 4A North this season, Moscow trekked north and earned a 14-3, 23-6 sweep of host Sandpoint in a 4A Inland Empire League doubleheader on Tuesday at Sandpoint Middle School.

LPOIC unveils new division

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club is debuting a new youth division in its annual spring derby, which starts on Saturday.

Hadian: Radical Islam a threat to all

SANDPOINT — Radical Islam is a creeping menace in the world, even in Idaho, and it won’t rest until all are subject to Islamic law, or Shariah law.

Plea resolves sex trafficking case

SANDPOINT — A Priest Lake landowner accused of sex trafficking in North Dakota is pleading guilty to a reduced charge.

Bulldogs display depth in dispatching 5A Trojans

SANDPOINT — Laney Search and Khloe Kyllonen pounded their way to a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 1 doubles, continuing their dominance of North Idaho opponents while leading the Bulldogs to a 9-3 win over 5A Post Falls on Tuesday at sun-soaked Travers Park and Lakeview Courts.

Bears sweep Bulldogs to even season series

SANDPOINT — A pair of strong pitching performances from Malaki Smith and Talon Dewey ultimately led to a doubleheader split with Moscow on Tuesday in a 4A Inland Empire League doubleheader tilt at War Memorial Field.

Bowen, Boudousquie lead Cats

HARRISON FLATS — Geoffry Boudousquie won the 400 and Brandan Bowen the 300 hurdles to lead the Wampus Cats track team at the North Star League Small School Meet at Kootenai High.

What does blood have to do with it?

Often one subject leads to another. Robin Hanson, Bonner General Health Community Development Assistant and I were having a conversation about Cancer Care Services fundraising tea that was held last Saturday.

Governor steps up for Lake Pend Oreille

Well done, Governor.

Molander runs for LPOSD seat

CLARK FORK — Joel Molander has announced he will be seeking a second term as Lake Pend Oreille School District trustee in Zone 5.

Two killed in deadly plunge

BAYVIEW — Two people were killed on Sunday after the all-terrain vehicle plummeted off a cliff at the Bernard Overlook on Lake Pend Oreille.

Bovee named Sandpoint's Distinguished Young Woman

SANDPOINT — Weeks of practice finally came to fruition Saturday evening at the Sandpoint Events Center for nine high school juniors competing in the Distinguished Young Women program.

Both facility, service were state of the art

On Friday, April 10, the Bonner County Republican Central Committee held its annual Lincoln Day banquet. Each year we try to move the banquet around the county to give various parts of the community the opportunity to host the event. This year, we chose a new state-of-the-art facility called the Priest River Events Center.

Young eager to take game to the college level

SANDPOINT — A strong work ethic, high enthusiasm and overall passion for the game will serve Sandpoint senior Trinity Young well at the next level, as the libero/defensive specialist signed a letter of intent on Monday to play volleyball at Saint Martin’s University.

Trust between police, public sadly hidden

Awful police conduct has resulted more than a few deaths of unarmed people. This is a problem with me. With no defense on their part they were gunned down only by being suspect.

Future of Clark Fork, school is at stake

To Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Shawn Woodward, members of the Lake Pend Oreille School Board and the city of Clark Fork:

Bulldog girls post sweep of Vikings in IEL tennis dual win

COEUR d’ALENE — Senior Cassidy Story notched another impressive win, downing Coeur d’Alene’s Lauren Carlsen 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 at No. 1 girls singles, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 9-3 win over the 5A Vikings on Monday in Inland Empire League tennis action at Coeur d’Alene High School.

Crowley sparks Bulldog golfers in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Each week it seems like a different golfer steps up for the Bulldog boys golf team, which finished sixth on Monday during the Lake City Invitational at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Club.

Ignore pagan science and turn back to God

I am a 94-year-old World War II veteran and my heart weeps at all the confusion and conflict in America. So I am going to try to do something real stupid and explain reality in real system terms. Our current understanding of reality is like a starched shirt. It’s been washed and ironed by many people. Yet it’s still all wrinkled and so torn by opinions that it is hard to recognize as a real shirt.

Mild weather likely means more bugs

COEUR d’ALENE — A mild winter and early spring mean people will be swatting, brushing away and sometimes squashing pesky insects sooner this year, making for a longer season.

Cuts at Clark Fork cut heart out of town

Vote for our levy, they said. You have an award-winning school with dedicated teachers and staff in Clark Fork, they proclaimed. So the folks in Clark Fork voted “yes” for their levy.

Hammond lauded for memorial tribute

We write this letter with deep appreciation and enormous thanks to Brenda Hammond, who so beautifully orchestrated the memorial celebration of Gretchen Hellar’s life, held on Saturday, April 11. She did it all with devotion and sensitivity to ensure the multiple facets of Gretchen’s life were well represented.

CF schools, achievements will fight on

Soon after I completed my master’s degree, a friend sent me a job posting. Clark Fork High School was looking for a teacher. I did my research. I wanted to teach in a beautiful area, a school with small class sizes, and a place I could design my own curriculum. But most importantly, I wanted to find a place I could feel like part of a family, where I could say I love my job and mean it. I only applied for this one job - the one I wanted, because I suspected it could accomplish all this (and it did).

Hadian to talk at BCRW meet

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Republican Women, Inc. are hosting the Rev. Shahram Hadian, founding pastor of Truth in Love Christian Fellowship of Chatteroy, Wash. on Tuesday, at the Sandpoint Community Hall.

Martin signs to play hoops at Pierce College

SANDPOINT — Featuring a physical game around the basket and a high hoops IQ, Sandpoint senior Lily Martin is happy to be taking her game to the college level, signing a letter of intent to play basketball next season at Pierce College near Tacoma, Washington.

Child support issue raises eyebrows in NY

RATHDRUM — Taryn Thompson admits that she generally keeps her voice low and seldom shares her political opinions.

Pearlstein leads Sandpoint in shutout of Timberlake

SPIRIT LAKE — Senior Quinn Pearlstein went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs to lead Sandpoint to a 9-0 win over Timberlake in a nonleague baseball game Friday at Timberlake High School.

Ex-BF city employee files lawsuit

BONNERS FERRY — A Bonners Ferry Police department employee has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging a hostile work environment and a pattern of harassment by former and current employees.

Reeves, Wilks lead Bulldog golfers at Lakeland Invitational

POST FALLS — Jack Reeves fired a season-low 76 to break 80 for the first time at the varsity level, and fellow freshman Lake Wilks broke 90 for the first time, turning in the surprise round of the day with an 87, leading the Bulldogs to a ninth-place team finish at the 15 team Lakeland Invitational on Friday at The Links Golf Club.

Poll examines county's beliefs in global warming

SANDPOINT — About 58 percent of Bonner County residents believe global warming is occurring, according to the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication.

Class has SHS students aiming sky high

SANDPOINT — A small group of Sandpoint High School students are aiming high. Sky high in fact.

Kyllonen, Story lead Bulldogs to tie against Timberwolves

COEUR d’ALENE — Khloe Kyllonen won two matches, but unfortunately only one of the wins counted for the shorthanded Bulldogs, who tied 5A Lake City 6-6 in a Inland Empire League tennis dual Thursday at Lake City High School.

Bulldogs post third straight comeback win

Cody Baldree clouts third homer in past two games

SANDPOINT — A little bit of moxie, mixed with some timely hitting, helped the Bulldogs notch their third straight come-from-behind win, downing the Badgers 6-5 on Thursday in nonleague softball action at Sandpoint Middle School.

Congress passes rural funds, Medicare change

COEUR d’ALENE — Congress has passed bipartisan legislation that would restore rural school funding and permanently fix Medicare reimbursements to doctors.

EMS releases annual report

SANDPOINT — Bonner County EMS is marking its 10th anniversary with the release of an annual report highlighting its operations, personnel, budget and service call volumes.

We cannot afford to sell off Idaho's sovereignty

There is a lot of controversy over SB 1067 and child support payments. Below is an explanation of what happened in the Idaho House committee by Rep. Ron Nate.

Pastor: Bill opens door to Sharia law

Malek: Fears aren’t valid

COEUR d’ALENE — A Christian pastor who was formerly Muslim said he convinced a handful of legislators to table a child support bill, possibly costing Idaho $46 million in federal funding.

Bulldogs post strong showing at Sandpoint Invite

SANDPOINT — Kyle Perry (200), Mark Kennaly (400) and Jacob Graham (3,200) each won their races, and Kaleb Merrill (long jump), Tyler Harris (triple jump) and Josh Suto (discus) won their field events, leading the Bulldog track team at the Sandpoint Invitational on Wednesday.

Strikers U17 team claims Stevensville Tournament championship

STEVENSVILLE, Mont. — In the pursuit of dry ground to play soccer, the U17 Sandpoint Strikers girls headed east to Stevensville, Mont., recently, going 3-0 to claim the championship.

Lewis seeks LPOSD seat

SAGLE — Geraldine Lewis has announced her candidacy for the Lake Pend Oreille School Board, seat Zone 4

System isn't broken, it just needs more money

With the GOP once again in control of Congress, there is now a new effort under way to destroy the VA health care system.

Area investors buy former Coldwater Creek campus

KOOTENAI — One of the last — and largest — vestiges of Coldwater Creek has been sold.

With legislators like this, changes needed

Idaho House committee members, including Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, and Shannon McMillan, R-Silverton, have killed a bill that would have kept Idaho’s child-support enforcement system intact.

LPOSD mulls budget cuts

SANDPOINT — A commitment is a commitment, especially if it involves education.

Oliver, Edlund, Holland power Bulldogs to win

MOSCOW — Caiden Oliver, Nick Holland and Caleb Edlund each pounded out three hits, leading Sandpoint to a 7-5 win over Moscow in the opener of a 4A Inland Empire League baseball doubleheader late Monday night in Moscow.

Bulldog boys strong in tennis loss to Bengals

LEWISTON — The Sandpoint boys posted a strong showing, winning both doubles matches and two of the three singles matches, but a couple of tight matches went the wrong way, as the Bulldogs lost 7-5 to Lewiston in a tightly-contested Inland Empire League tennis dual on Tuesday at Lewiston High School.

Don't tiptoe around your foot health

Actress Patrician Heaton said, “My favorite body part? My feet. They’re not pretty, but they get me where I want to go.” And with more than 50 bones, 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons and ligaments, they are a marvel of engineering according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Eve's Leaves honored as chamber's top business

SANDPOINT — Eve’s Leaves has been named the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Month” for April.

Local man finds hope, healing in Guatemala

COEUR d’ALENE — Before he became an American, Brent Reuer lived the hard life.

County calls for public review of BNSF bridge plan

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to require a public review of a proposal to construct a new BNSF Railway bridge across Lake Pend Oreille.

Services at risk after bill fails

COEUR d’ALENE — More than 400,000 Idaho residents will be affected if Idaho refuses to come into compliance with federal child support laws within 60 days.

Warrant issued in laptop theft

BONNERS FERRY — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Bonner County man accused of a brazen theft of a laptop computer from RadioShack earlier this month.

Simple reason for two threshold choirs

This is a response to Joanna Fuchs’ questions as to why the two threshold choirs of Sandpoint don’t combine forces.

Baldree powers Bulldogs to sweep

MOSCOW — Cody Baldree crushed two home runs and drove in six runs, helping lead the Bulldogs to a 16-10 win in the nightcap of a doubleheader sweep over the Bears on Monday in 4A Inland Empire League softball in Moscow.

Pact preserves summer pool on Pend Oreille

SANDPOINT — Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter announced an agreement Monday with federal resource managers that is meant to bring certainty to the summer recreation season on Lake Pend Oreille.

Icardo, Cope lead Wampus Cats to wins

CLARKSTON, Wash. — The No. 1 boys doubles team of Niko Icardo and James Cope teamed up for a strong showing on Saturday, leading the Wampus Cats at a league tennis match in Clarkston, Washington.

We never want to hear BNSF derailment 'show'

Two more trains recently derailed, one in Valley Hills, Texas, and the other near Hudson, Colo.

Just who is looking after the country?

Who is looking after the country?

Top Dogs bring home wrestling championships

SANDPOINT — The spring Top Dog Wrestling program concluded its season with a strong showing at the Jason Crawford Memorial Tournament at the Spokane Convention Center recently.

Shakespeare comes to Sandpoint

Fairgrounds to become medieval playground

SANDPOINT — A little-known historical side note has to do with Sandpoint’s annual invasion of Heron, Mont. Once each summer, local residents would pile into their vehicles and stake their claim to a piece of land, surrounding and outnumbering Heron’s own citizenry.

Judge orders prison time in stabbing case

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man accused of stabbing his father during an argument near Priest River was placed in the Idaho Department of Correction’s retained jurisdiction program on Monday.

Politicians' actions are borderline treason

The U.S. Congress voted on funding for homeland security. The Brian Wilson-style media reported that it was a clean bill. The fact of the matter is that it was not. Contained in the bill was also funding for Barack Obama’s executive order of amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Local shooting needs to be reexamined

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. This Easter morning I read an article in a national publication about my hometown, accompanied by a disturbingly graphic video. Last summer a mentally ill pregnant woman was shot dead by Sandpoint police, and I am appalled. I am angry, I am sad, I am disgusted, and most of all, I am confused.

Don't judge unless you know the whole story

Regarding the recent articles about Brent Stevens, what I would like to ask is this:  Please do not be too quick to pass judgment unless you know the full story.

Bulldogs, Hawks split doubleheader

SANDPOINT — Freshman Bri Baldree was sharp on the mound, and junior sister Cody Baldree provided the run support, helping lead Sandpoint to an 11-0 win over Lakeland in the opener of a 4A Inland Empire League softball doubleheader Saturday at windy Sandpoint Middle School.

Good luck to county on Scotchman plan

I see the county commissioners are recommending Congress designate Scotchman Peaks as a wilderness area.

Local VA facilities' wait times beat national data

But region’s veterans have mixed reviews about recent changes

By BRIAN WALKER

Crowley fires solid 81 to lead Sandpoint golfers

POST FALLS — The Bulldog boys are loaded with great young golf talent, but an unheralded freshman stole the show on Friday at the Post Falls Invitational Golf Tournament at Prairie Falls Golf Course on Friday afternoon.

Story, Jackson net wins as Bulldogs fall to Bears

MOSCOW — It has been nearly two years since the Sandpoint tennis team suffered a loss in a dual, but playing shorthanded at Moscow on Friday, the Bulldogs fell 9-3 in a battle of the two top 4A programs in the region.

UI honors Sandpoint native

SANDPOINT — His 41-page curriculum vitae — a type of academic resume — lists his professional interests as control systems, estimation theory, neural networks — even fuzzy logic.

Judge denies bail reduction request

SANDPOINT — A bail reduction was denied Friday for a Bonner County man awaiting extradition back to California to answer to forgery charges in San Bernardino County.

Sharia law fears sink child support bill

COEUR d’ALENE — After clearing the Senate unanimously, a bill that would have kept Idaho’s child support enforcement system intact has been tabled by a House committee.

Ponderay mulling ban on 'aggressive panhandling'

PONDERAY — The City Council voted Monday to consider an addition to city ordinance to prohibit aggressive panhandling.

Bulldogs post strong showing in Post Falls

SANDPOINT — In a sign that bodes well for the future, personal bests were falling left and right for the Bulldogs on Wednesday at the Post Falls Invitational track and field meet — 24 to be exact.

Conviction is upheld in case

SANDPOINT — The conviction stands against a Bonner County woman who was charged with possessing methamphetamine after being pulled over for not having mud flaps on her pickup truck.

Timberwolves blank Bulldogs

COEUR d’ALENE — Jordan Ross and Stephen Vaudreuil each drove in two runs as Lake City shut out Sandpoint 7-0 in its home opener in a nonleague makeup game.

Trio of Wampus Cats pick up wins at home track meet

CLARK FORK — Senior Brandan Bowen cleared a personal best 10-6 in the pole vault, just missing a couple of attempts at 11 feet, and also clocked a 44.34 to win the 300 hurdles, leading the Wampus Cats at the recent Clark Fork Invitational track meet.

Wilks spells success at regional bee

SANDPOINT — Imagine: you’re 12 years old, on stage under bright lights, standing in front of a microphone that amplifies every word. You’re a competitor in a spelling bee contest, and the judge just gave you the word “acciaccatura” to spell.

Death penalty mulled in case

SANDPOINT — Prosecutors in California are weighing whether to seek the death penalty against a Sandpoint man implicated in the slaying of a 6-year-old boy.

Deal opens doors to nuclear attack on U.S.

The announcement of a sketchy agreement between Obama/Kerry/ and the Iranian government Is the first misstep to the slow slide to a nuclear attack on the U.S.

Family grateful for firefighters, passer-by

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman whose home was damaged in a fire on Tuesday is grateful for the actions of firefighters and a passer-by who alerted her to the blaze.

Balanced Bulldogs down GSL's Mead in tennis season opener

SPOKANE — The depth of the Sandpoint tennis team was on display Wednesday in the season opener, as the Bulldogs downed Greater Spokane League host school Mead 11-9 in a dual played with Washington rules, which doesn’t include mixed doubles.

Imagine achievements if GOP had pitched in

Highlights from FactCheck’s April 2015 update of the statistical record of President Barack Obama’s time in office:

Cd'A Tribe plans challenge of 'instant racing' veto

COEUR d’ALENE — After SB 1011 passed through both chambers of the Legislature, the governor vetoed it — a veto some now believe may be void.

Our privacy is an honorable right

The subject of revealing identities of Washington state-hired employees under investigation has piqued my curiosity. Transparency and honesty ought to be expected from those who are suspect at times of misusing their position. This is not always to be expected so the need for extracting information is understandable.

Freshman Baldree fans 16 in Sandpoint's loss to Priest River

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint freshman pitcher Bri Baldree fanned 16 Spartans in the opener, but the Bulldogs were swept by the Spartans on Wednesday in a nonleague doubleheader at Sandpoint Middle School.

Sometimes change can benefit community

In response to a letter written about the Sagle Senior Thrift Store, I have a few facts that I will share in a moment.

Freshman cards 43 to lead Wampus Cat golfers

PRIEST RIVER — Senior Jeremy MacDonald carded a one-under-par 32 to win boys medalist honors for the host Spartans, who defeated Clark Fork and Cusick in a nonleague season-opener Wednesday at the Ranch Club Golf Course.

Area fire crews already battling wildfires

SANDPOINT — It seems laughable to talk about wildfires after loads of wet snow fell from the sky most of Monday.

Bulldogs fall short in 4-3 loss at Post Falls

POST FALLS — Talon Dewey, Caiden Oliver and Davan Norris each had two hits, but a close play at the plate went against the Bulldogs, who fell 4-3 to the 5A Trojans on Tuesday in nonleague baseball at Post Falls High School.

Don't get distracted and read this while driving

Several years ago I was a passenger in a large van driven by a colleague of mine. She had borrowed the vehicle in order to transport a group of us to and fro Schweitzer Mountain.

Passer-by credited with saving family

SANDPOINT — A passer-by is credited with saving the lives of nine people who were unaware their Cedar Street home was burning on Tuesday morning.

Sagle hitchhiker robbed at gunpoint

SANDPOINT — One man died and another was arrested after allegedly robbing a Sagle man at gunpoint on Saturday night in Okanogan County, Wash., according to a published news report.

Creighton, Reeves pace Bulldog golfers at Moscow

MOSCOW — Jack Reeves shot 82, and Dylan Dufenhorst and Damien Fitzpatrick each carded 97’s, leading the Bulldog boys to a seventh place finish among 13 teams at the Moscow Invitational on Tuesday at the University of Idaho Golf Course.

Project would log old growth timber

The Jasper Mountain timber sale is logging old growth.

Rose to run for LPOSD board

SAMUELS — Kathy Rose has announced her intent to run for the Lake Pend Oreille School Board, according to a press release.

Idaho Gives showcases Idahoans' generosity

It’s fair to say that we live in a fairly conservative state, where the values of independence, freedom, and self-reliance tend to shape public policy. Regardless of where you find yourself on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that government in Idaho at the state and local levels is relatively small compared to many places. Where government services and the social safety net are limited, a vibrant nonprofit sector, like the one we have an Idaho, fills the void, touching most people’s lives in a myriad of ways.

Third-generation Badger wins Bee Final Four Challenge

SANDPOINT — When Sandpoint octogenarian Jim Ramsey submitted his entry for the Bee’s annual Final Four Challenge, with an email handle including the word Badgerbuff, he wrote along with his predictions “as you may have guessed, I am a Badger.”

Massive rethinking of education is necessary

The schools have again used their position inappropriately by using the schools and “kids” to pass these property tax increases.  

Lowrey accused of hunting violations

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman who garnered national acclaim after winning a televised hunting competition is accused of violating hunting laws in North Dakota.

Otter vetoes 'instant racing' ban bill

COEUR d’ALENE — Gov. Butch Otter vetoed a bill on Friday that would have repealed legislation authorizing the use of video historic horse racing machines.

A Must Do In Essay Writing

There are critical areas and facts that you must learn how to deal with in essay writing. You need to get to apply knowledge and skills in this article.

Senate spikes House tax plan

BOISE — The Idaho Senate has spiked a broad tax plan backed by House Republican leadership, claiming the sweeping proposal had insufficient support to survive the chamber.

Legislators working hard, debating issues

It has been a busy last few weeks and bills are moving rapidly through the House and Senate. This makes for long days and evenings studying bills, which is necessary to do in order to make the best decisions possible.

Why don't two choirs combine forces?

The article about the Threshold Choir and the “Voices of the Heart” choir (March 27, Daily Bee) was a joy to read.

High-speed chase ends in man's arrest

SANDPOINT — A Newport man was arrested last Saturday after crashing a stolen pickup truck during a high-speed chase on Highway 41.

Like Goldwater, Cruz won't fare well at polls

Conservative Republicans complain that the party’s nominees for president are not conservative enough. That was the concern about both John McCain and Mitt Romney. Were they not so moderate, they could have beaten Obama, goes the theory.

Workshop for wordsmiths

Creative writing class comes to Heartwood Center

SANDPOINT — Much has been said, over the centuries, about the power of the pen. Strong writing can turn the tide of human events, carry world leaders into office and sway public sentiment.

Railroads need to put brakes on trains' speed

On March 31, BNSF decided to slow all of its oil tank car trains down to 34 miles per hour but only in cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Now isn’t that special.

Kochava is on the move

Company finds new home nearby

SANDPOINT — The good news is Kochava, the local but internationally-recognized mobile analytics company, is growing — very fast. The bad news is they’re moving.

SilverWing plans to appeal to 9th Circuit

SANDPOINT — SilverWing at Sandpoint intends to appeal the denial of its federal claims against Bonner County to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Wampus Cats selected for All-NSL team

CLARK FORK — A trio of Clark Fork High School boys basketball players have been selected to be on the All-North Star League team.

Rep: Careywood post office appeal should carry on

Crapo, county commission support appeal

SANDPOINT — A public representative is urging the Postal Regulatory Commission to reject the U.S. Postal Service’s motion to dismiss an appeal of an order closing the post office in Careywood.

Political party pushes preemptive presidential primary

COEUR d’ALENE — The Legislature has passed a bill that would separate the 2016 presidential primary election from the rest of the primary races in May.

Black Bear shines at nationals

Members of Black Bear recently competed at the Tang Soo Do nationals in Boston, Mass.

County votes to part ways with Selkirk Fire

SANDPOINT — Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS’s informal conversation with Bonner County about acquiring additional reimbursement funds to expand emergency medical services in the Careywood area has been abruptly silenced.

Caribou's changing status

New information reopens comment period

SANDPOINT — A change in protection status of woodland caribou in Canada is prompting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to reopen the comment period on the proposed amended listing of caribou in the U.S.

Mental health center gets Otter's OK

COEUR d’ALENE — Gov. Butch Otter signed legislation Wednesday that would pay for a new mental health crisis center in North Idaho.

Bulldogs hosting Spartans today

The Sandpoint High School baseball team will host Priest River at 3 p.m. today in a makeup baseball game at War Memorial Field.

Common sense prevails on license

Common sense has prevailed on a no-brainer. Know a fella who was born and raised in Bonner County. He joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. Lived in Idaho for most of his adult life and left the state to find work until he retired at 65. Moved back knowing he would have to reestablish residency for six months to vote, etc.

USFS releases final EIS on mine proposal

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service has released a final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision for the proposed Montanore copper and silver mine in northwestern Montana.

Cliff swallows, nests need to be protected

Spring is a beautiful time of year in Sandpoint, and the entire community is eagerly anticipating this season’s weather and wildlife. The environment and wildlife in our area are two of the reasons people enjoy visiting and living here so much.

Early spring shuts down duck derby

The rubber duckies are still in hiding.

Host of Top Dogs wrestlers nab podium spots

SANDPOINT — The Top Dog wrestling program is trying something different this season, adding a five-week spring pilot club that’s part of the Washington Little Guy League.

Aerocet receives TSO approval for floats

PRIEST RIVER — Aerocet, Inc. announced Tuesday it has received FAA approval on the 6650 amphibious aircraft floats to Technical Standard Order TSO-C27 for twin seaplane floats.

State seeks to thwart relief in murder case

SANDPOINT — The state is moving to bring an abrupt end to convicted killer James Matthew Anderson’s effort to win post-conviction relief.

Suppiger elected state student council president

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School District can add another accolade to its list of student accomplishments: president.

Sandpoint moves closer to taking control of streets

SANDPOINT — The conversion of downtown city streets from one-way to two-way traffic moved a little closer to reality last week when the Idaho Transportation Department Board approved a reversion agreement between the city and the state.

No foolin' - there are good reasons to laugh

In 1931, a professor in Hamburg, Germany, by the name of Eugene Lirpa discovered that good health can be catching. He believed that his theory of a “germ of health” was destined to revolutionize old-fashioned methods of rejuvenation.