Ellington

Flowering rush treatment shows promise

SANDPOINT — An effective way to nip flowering rush in the bud may have been discovered.

Suit filed over Shadow Valley

SANDPOINT — The Shadow Valley Camp Retreat proposal is facing a legal challenge if it’s not withdrawn, according to documents filed in 1st District Court.

Phones Plus celebrates store's grand reopening

SANDPOINT — Phones Plus, a Verizon wireless premium retailer, is celebrating the grand reopening of its convenient and remodeled area location — just off the byway exit into town.

Four Bulldogs into semis at state wrestling

POCATELLO — Sandpoint wrestling head coach Mike Randles proved prophetic at the 4A Region 1 championships when he said this about the wrestlers he was taking to state: “Our studs are studs.”

Fish & Game: Politics tainting fee hike plan

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is concerned that a simple hunting and fishing license fee-increase proposal is getting tainted by politics.

Rainbow trout rule wishes cover spectrum

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille anglers are lobbying the Idaho Department of Fish & Game to close the increasingly popular catch-and-release rainbow trout fishery in the Clark Fork and Pack rivers.

24 Hours of Schweitzer canceled

SANDPOINT — After long consideration and pleading with Old Man Winter, organizers announced that 24 Hours of Schweitzer will be postponed until next year.  

P&Z denies retreat permit

SANDPOINT — A controversial proposal to expand a retreat in the Cabinet Mountains was unable to surmount road and access issues on Thursday.

Trio seeking titles at state

SANDPOINT — With the addition of three wild cards, the Bulldogs will have 11 wrestlers competing at the 4A state meet, which begins today at Holt Arena in Pocatello.

Resource center connects those in need with those who can help

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Sandpoint Community Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A princess, a pea and a twist

SANDPOINT — They come from out of town in a red truck and gather up local children.

Maintain a tradition of excellent schools

The Lake Pend Oreille School District is truly something of which our community can be proud. LPOSD schools are recognized across the state of Idaho as exemplary in academics notably by our numerous five-star schools.

School district levy draws questions, support

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School District is asking voters to approve a replacement supplemental levy next month, and district officials and others have been making the rounds stumping for a positive outcome.

Everyone is affected by vote's outcome

As a physician, I have personally consumed thousands of hours of education at a variety of institutions, both public and private. As the mother of two children raised and educated in Sandpoint schools, I have also had the opportunity to evaluate the quality of our local school system at first hand. It is with this background that I read with dismay the letter to the editor written by Ken Myers of the Bonner County Democratic Central Committee. (Daily Bee, Feb. 17)

LPOSD, students deserve our support

I am a volunteer at Hope Elementary School. I did not know small schools like this still existed. Every day I am there, I see the caring these teachers and other staff have for these children. I listen to them and hear the positive interactions they have with each other and the students. They problem solve to try and help each individual child. They are so dedicated to teaching all their students.

Vote 'yes' and pay it forward on levy

Both of us received our schooling in the public schools of Idaho. Our parents and friends and neighbors paid for that through their taxes and supplemental school levies. Our representatives in Boise, some way or other, manage to circumvent the orders of the Supreme Court when it comes to financing our schools.

We have a chance to invest in our future

The upcoming vote on the supplemental levy is an opportunity to invest in the future of the city and community.

'Christian state' proposal bedeviled

COEUR d’ALENE — An attempt to declare Idaho a “Christian state” was nixed by the local Republican Party.

Hawks down Bulldogs in championship

COEUR d’ALENE —Matthew Timothy scored 10 points to lead Sandpoint, but an ice cold first half was too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs season ended with a 38-29 loss to Lakeland on Wednesday night in the 4A Region 1 championship game at North Idaho College.

It's time for Idaho to stop the land grab

For two years, the Idaho Legislature’s Federal Lands Interim Committee has considered how, and whether, Idaho should attempt to wrest control of up to 34 million acres owned by all Americans and now administered by the federal government.

Otter inks broadband funding bill

BOISE — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter on Wednesday signed into law a $3.64 million fast-track funding bill the Legislature quickly approved to pay for continuing operations of the Idaho Education Network, according to a Wednesday news release.

Replacement levy contains zero fat

Unfortunately the state of Idaho does not adequately fund public education. Comparatively, the state of Idaho ranks 49 or 50th in the nation in what the state provides per student for K-12 education.

It's time to show our support for schools

The time has come again for us to show support for local children and schools. This LPOSD replacement levy will be for exactly the same dollar amount as the current levy. However, due to rising district assessed valuation, the levy rate will actually decrease. This levy will fund all curricular and technology materials, all academic and athletic extracurricular activities, and 1/3 of all district staff.

Warriors topple Wampus Cats at district tourney opener

HARRISON FLATS — Morgan Willms had 17 points and four steals, leading the second-seeded Warriors past the third-seeded Wampus Cats 54-30 in the opening round of the 1A Division II District 1 tournament on Tuesday night at Kootenai High School.

Good heart health habits can start at any age

Let’s recap. So far this month we’ve talked about heart attacks and how the symptoms differ in men and women. We’ve talked about angina and how it can be a precursor to more serious heart problems. We haven’t talked about heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems, all of which can be uncomfortable at best and life threatening at worst.

Fish & Game easing up on lake trout netting

PONDERAY — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is downshifting its lake trout suppression efforts on Lake Pend Oreille this year.

Rocket's end captured in giant fireball

A large fireball observed streaking across the sky over North Idaho Monday night was not a meteor. It was burning debris from a Chinese rocket that launched a satellite in December.

Court upholds conviction

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming a felony drug conviction against a Bonner County man who was stopped for having non-compliant wheel covers on his truck.

Mansoor joins Carter Country Farm and Feed

BONNERS FERRY — Carter Country Farm and Feed has announced the appointment of Kevin Mansoor as the general manager of the chain’s Bonners Ferry location.

LPOSD isn't being straight with us

Here we go again.

Senior center seeks support for grant

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. is in a pickle, and they need the community’s help, and fast.

Town hall meetings planned for Saturday

Hello all. First I wanted to let you know I will be back in town on Saturday, Feb. 28, for three town hall meetings. Please come and bring your questions. The meetings are: Bonners Ferry, 9:39 a.m., Providence Church, 6530 Washington St.; Sandpoint, 12:30 p.m., Panhandle Health Building, 326 Marion Ave.; Laclede, 3 p.m., Laclede Community Center, 27 Riley Creek Park Dr.

Vote 'yes' to support our schools, students

On March 10, we will be voting on a school levy for the Lake Pend Oreille School District. I will be voting in favor of the levy and I encourage others to do so.

LPOSD: Broadband switchover a success

SANDPOINT — So far, so good.

Ivie out as Spartans coach

PRIEST RIVER — First year Priest River boys basketball coach Nick Ivie saw his tenure come to an end last week, after a falling out with school administrators and parents.

Ballard, Nelson lead Sharks at junior swim championships

ASOTIN, Oregon — Jacob Ballard and Aiden Nelson each set new meet records to lead the Sandpoint Sharks at the 2015 Inland Empire Junior Championship Swim Meet recently at the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center.

Collado powers Bulldogs past Bears in opener

COEUR d’ALENE — Carlos Collado picked a great time to post his best game of the season, dropping in a season high 16 points to lead Sandpoint to a convincing 50-41 win over Moscow in the opener of the 4A Region 1 boys basketball tournament Monday night at North Idaho College.

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Education tax credit benefits Idaho's schools

It’s widely known that Idaho does not adequately fund public schools. Less known is how individuals and businesses across the state reach into their own pockets to invest in the schools.

We need to support the next generation

We are faced with an opportunity to support and elevate the next generation. We fully understand as members of our community, taxes and levies are something we wish were not necessary. In this case though, it is imperative we continue to support our schools and invest in our children, who will someday transform into our leaders, teachers, and responsible members of our world.

A shot of controversy?

Area pediatricians say vaccines safe, community-minded

SANDPOINT — There is no controversy with the fact that vaccines have saved or improved lives by the millions. Controversy only swirls around those in who forgo vaccinations out of fear and misinformation, say local doctors.

The roads we travel

Drop in federal road funding compounds Idaho’s problems

BOISE — Total highway spending in Idaho has dropped nearly 20 percent in recent years, a dip that has compounded the state’s road funding problems and added urgency for lawmakers seeking a solution.

Levy merely maintains current funding levels

On March 10, citizens of Bonner County have the privilege of voting for the school levy. This is not “new money” for the schools; this merely maintains the present level of funding.

Spokane man sentenced in unlawful entry case

SANDPOINT — A Spokane businessman pleaded guilty Friday to unlawful entry for breaking into a neighbor’s vacation home in Laclede while wearing only a hooded sweatshirt and flip flops.

Spartans fall at state

NAMPA — When Gary Stewart was a student at Priest River High, trips to state tournaments were just a dream.

Fish & Game: Priest Lake siphon no pipe dream

PRIEST RIVER — The Priest River has 40 miles of meandering habitat that boasts complexity and clarity, which makes it perfect for trout species.

LPOSD picks new broadband provider

SANDPOINT — To state that Lake Pend Oreille School District officials have been busy during the past week trying to find a new broadband provider would be an understatement. But their efforts will likely keep district students and staff from losing their Internet connections Monday.

Fourth veterans home gets panel's thumbs up

COEUR d’ALENE — A bill was introduced into the Senate State Affairs Committee on a unanimous vote Friday that would earmark $11 million for a new veterans home in North Idaho if it passes.

Cold third quarter dooms Bulldogs at state

BOISE — Things were looking up for the Sandpoint Bulldogs at the end of the first half.

Badgers bounce Cats Wampus Cats

BONNERS FERRY — Geoffry Boudousquie posted seven points, six rebounds and five swats, Eich Anderson pulled down 10 boards and freshman Bryan Moore had five points and two steals, but Clark Fork was simply outmanned by Badgers, falling 60-20 in non-league action Thursday night at Bonners Ferry High School.

Sandpoint explores funding of railroad quiet zones

SANDPOINT — Despite the fact that trains have been rumbling through the city since the late 19th century, and blowing their horns as they went, some folks are ready for a respite from the noise.

Asian clam treatment set

EAST HOPE — Volunteers are being sought to assist with a project to test the effectiveness of a new Asian clam countermeasure in Ellisport Bay.

Bulldogs down Kavemen in state opener

Sandpoint girls advance to 4A semifinal game

BOISE — When they needed it, the players on the Sandpoint Bulldog girls basketball team stepped up when necessary, much like they’ve done throughout the season.

Claim alleges gender bias at sheriff's office

SANDPOINT — A former records clerk at the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is seeking damages from the county for wrongful termination and discrimination.

SAR announces golf tournament, grant recipients

SANDPOINT — Each year the Selkirk Association of Realtors gives thousands of dollars to local groups in need of funding for their community projects and programs in Bonner and Boundary counties.

Now is the time for the Scotchmans

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have been climbing the path towards Wilderness designation for just over ten years. Now, we believe we have the summit in sight!

LPOSD scrambling before broadband goes dark

SANDPOINT — Students and staff at Lake Pend Oreille School District may find they’ve been cut off from the outside virtual world when the arrive at school on Monday.

Board denies asphalt plant permanency

SAGLE — A temporary asphalt plant that has been operating at a Sagle surface mine intermittently for more than a decade was denied permanent status on Wednesday.

Input sought on tower proposals

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning Department is seeking public comment on proposals to erect wireless communication towers north of Ponderay and Kootenai.

Sandpoint residents need to take back the city

I have been studying the Sandpoint city employee payroll budget. It seems to me in light of the compensation some employees a the top of the ladder receive compared to those in the street department, for instance, that a hard look at existing pay schedules is in order.

Bulldog girls looking to make some noise at state

SANDPOINT — For the first time in nearly two decades, the Bulldog girls take a team to state with realistic aspirations of bringing home a trophy.

Wampus Cats fall short in league clash against Miners

CLARK FORK — Brandan Bowen and Geoffry Boudousquie each had a strong showing as the lone two players honored on Senior Night, but Clark Fork fell short in a 63-54 loss to Wallace in North Star League basketball Tuesday night in Clark Fork.

Japanese firm acquires Quest Aircraft Company

Production, jobs will stay here

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft is being acquired by a Japanese firm with extensive experience in shipbuilding and transportation, the company announced on Tuesday.

Pair honored for aiding deputy

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler honored two citizens Tuesday for coming to the aid of a deputy who was seriously injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer last month.

Kootenai Thunder teams wrap up basketball season

KOOTENAI — The Kootenai Thunder boys varsity team, coached by Joel Aispuro, went into the season ending Mountain Christian League tournament recently seeded No. 5 out of eight teams.

Local firefighters taking steps against cancer

SANDPOINT —  Sixty-five pounds of firefighting gear, a narrow stairwell and 1,311 steps inside a 69-story West Coast skyscraper.

Know the symptoms, treatments for angina

Grandma was around 85 or 86 and still mowing her lawn. This was back in the ’60s and she had a push mower. She also had a neighbor kid who my uncle paid to mow the lawn, but as soon as he was done she re-did it because only she could do it right. You know women like her, or maybe you are one.

Panhandle lags in snowpack totals

SANDPOINT — Shocker.

Officer's response prevented crash

Kudos to the officer rushing late the other night to stop a wrong-way driver on the divided Highway 95 just north of Hayden. Had I not seen his lights in my rear view mirror, I would have continued to pass the truck in the slow lane and would have ended up in a head on with this moron.

Host of Bulldogs garner All-IEL hoops honors

SANDPOINT — In a surprise to nobody, the Bulldog girls basketball team had ample representation on the 4A All Inland Empire League team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Oil, natural gas exploration holds promise

I want to continue a thought that I shared in my last column, and that is the exciting premise of oil and natural gas exploration in Idaho.

Sandpoint team competes at Special Olympics Winter Games

SANDPOINT — A host of athletes from Sandpoint brought home medals recently from the Idaho Special Olympics Winter Games, with the regional meet being held in Mullan, Idaho.

Peaceful neighborhood shouldn't be a resort

I would like to present some facts regarding the Walker Camp.

Local artist passes away

SPOKANE — Mother, friend, artist, devoted Christian, skier, aviator — no matter how one knew her, Dorothy Fowler is remembered as a selfless and inspirational force in the lives of those around her.

Education, not religion should be our focus

In reference to Jacob Jones’ letter to the editor on Feb. 12.

Project would destroy valley as we know it

I would like to respond to the letter to the editor (Daily Bee, Feb. 3) about the proposed Shadow Valley project.

Siphoning project on ILC agenda

DOVER — The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is meeting with the Idaho Lakes Commission Wednesday to discuss using water from Priest Lake to cool the Priest River.

Carnival parade was a great bit of fun

Out of the fog rode, walked, marched and danced clusters of our neighbors all decked out in lights and flashy wigs, costumes and beads. Horns honked. People whooped and waved from the sidewalks. Kids strutted. Participants gave out stickers, light wands and bangles. We cheered one another and, gosh, it was fun. I love this town.

Proposed camp is a resort, not a retreat

In regard to the Planning & Zoning meeting on Jan. 15, 2015, on the Shadow Valley Camp Retreat, I would like to define the word retreat: Safety, refuge. A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, and instruction under a director.

Levy 'yes' vote is investment in future

Congratulations to Principal Perky Smith-Hagadone, the students, teachers, staff and parents of Northside Elementary for ranking in the top 50 elementary schools in the U.S. and the top 10 in Idaho. The Feb. 8 article describes the amount of community involvement at Northside, including out-of-state funding, grants and volunteer hours. Mr. Hughes wrote about the high level of technology used in the school since 2007. Lake Pend Oreille School District can be proud that 11 of 12 schools have a 4- or 5-star rating from the Idaho Department of Education.

Sandpoint musician finding groove in brass band

SANDPOINT — There’s a music-related quip that goes something like this: What’s the definition of a musician? It’s someone who puts a $5,000 instrument into a $500 car to go play a $50 gig.

Keep neighborhood and neighbors safe

A shout out to all our neighbors who live off East Spring Creek Road concerning the Shadow Valley Retreat.

Disaster declared on Gypsy Bay Road

SAGLE — Bonner County commissioners made a local disaster declaration Friday to hasten work to stabilize Gypsy Bay Road and develop an alternate access route in case the road fails.

Majority wisdom is not governing

The resolution of America’s problems using the same political system that caused the problem is almost impossible. We, first of all, need to fix our political system. As is, it is not working. Majority wisdom is not governing.

Proposed retreat would trigger spot zoning

In regards to Shadow Valley Retreat, one of my fears is, that by approving the project, it would set a precedence and trigger a domino effect allowing for an array of problems.

Supporting schools is the right thing to do

When I was growing up, my parents taught me, each in their own way since they were divorced (and rarely agreed on anything), that life’s doors remain open or are closed as a result of your actions. Of course, as a kid, you never really think about that but as you get older and hopefully wiser, it really is true.

Bill seeks to end betting machines

BOISE — A bill seeking to outlaw Idaho’s slot-like betting machines is on its way to the Senate floor despite racetrack representatives’ protests that tracks will close without the machines.

Hawks fly pass Bulldogs in league clash

SANDPOINT — It was a tough way to start the game for Lakeland, as senior starter Jake Ram injured his ankle just 15 seconds into a 4A Inland Empire League showdown Friday night at Sandpoint High School.

Former clerk again seeks case's dismissal

SANDPOINT — Counsel for a former Bonner County clerk charged with suborning perjury in a failed recall election is moving for reconsideration of a motion to dismiss her case.

Alternatives sought for CF schools

SANDPOINT — The recent closure of hot meal programs at Clark Fork Junior and Senior High is only one symptom of efforts by the Lake Pend Oreille School District to keep the rural school afloat for are students.

Jaguars handle short-handed Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — Without the services of senior post Geoffry Boudousquie, who sat out with an injury, Clark Fork had a tough time matching up with Genesis Prep Academy, falling 62-33 in nonleague boys basketball Friday night at Clark Fork High School.

Busy week ahead for legislators

COEUR d’ALENE — Big issues were gaining traction in the Idaho Legislature this past week, and local legislators are expecting the coming week to get busier.

Loutzenhiser brothers to team up at Montana State Northern

SANDPOINT — One will chase quarterbacks, and one hopes to play quarterback, as the brothers Loutzenhiser signed letters of intent this week to play football next season at Montana State University Northern, in Havre, Mont.

Board takes up asphalt plant controversy

SANDPOINT — A controversial proposal to rezone a piece of property in Sagle to pave the way for a permanent asphalt plant operation heads to Bonner County commissioners on Wednesday.

Trial rescheduled in Sackett sex trafficking case

SANDPOINT — A Priest Lake man’s jury trial on sex trafficking charges in North Dakota is being postponed again.

Cold lunches symptom of broader challenges

CLARK FORK — Food: it’s a basic necessity. Go without it, even for a relatively short time, and the human mind tends to shift its focus from the task at hand to fulfilling the body’s need to eat.

Palmer signs to play at Eastern Oregon University

Pictured front row, from left to right: Sam Palmer and Dirk Palmer. Back row: Assistant coach Crosby Tajan, head coach Satini Puailoa and assistant coach Chris Lassen. Palmer will be playing football next season in the Frontier Conference. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)

Officials need to follow moral laws

The best thing that could happen to society is that people stop just “carrying out orders” in the case of law enforcement or “doing what their told” in other cases. Instead, they should do what is morally right even if it subverts higher authorities.

Schoening, Kirscher lead Bulldogs to district title

COEUR d’ALENE — With a fast-paced attack, an attacking defense and a new coaching staff, the Sandpoint High girls basketball team is heading back to the state 4A tournament.

Reports of ski season's demise exaggerated

Perceptions are out of touch with reality at Schweitzer

SANDPOINT — Reports of the death of the ski season on Schweitzer Mountain have been greatly exaggerated.

The facts on tribal gaming

Newspaper articles correctly state the Kootenai Tribe and other Idaho tribal governments are concerned about the proliferation of what are referred to as “historical horse racing machines.” Unfortunately, readers have been subjected to a great deal of misinformation.

Greater Sandpoint Chamber welcomes new member

SANDPOINT – The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce celebrated a new member on Feb. 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for DSB Tax & Consulting Services.

Voting 'yes' on levy is the right thing to do

March is more than “March Madness” and basketball. Our future and continuation of a prosperous school education is on the ballot.

Replacement levy critical to students

Coldwater Creek is no longer in Sandpoint and the kids associated with all the employees that had to leave to find another job, have left too. So the school district needs less money, right? No. The district needs our help more than ever before.

Legality of tribes' gaming machines questioned

COEUR d’ALENE — Four North Idaho legislators are questioning the legality of a large number of gaming machines in tribal casinos in Idaho.

We need to say 'yes' to community's youth

On March 10, we have the opportunity to vote for a replacement levy; our chance to say “yes” to our youth.

Sandpoint council OKs street agreements with ITD

Streets to become two-way in the city

SANDPOINT — Drivers in Sandpoint can look forward to major changes in the downtown area.

Sandpoint, ITD special meeting today

SANDPOINT — The city of Sandpoint and ITD will host a special meeting regarding the Sandpoint street plan today at Sandpoint Community Hall.

County moves levy voting out of schools

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is shifting levy elections out of local schools to provide impartial locations for voters to cast ballots.

Bulldogs and Bears set to battle in championship

SANDPOINT — A district championship and berth at state will be at stake tonight, when the No. 1 seed Bulldogs and No. 2 seed Bears clash in the 4A Region 1 girls basketball championship game at North Idaho College.

Senior warns of Social Security fraud

SAGLE — Willie Chapman of Sagle is urging fellow Social Security recipients to play close attention to the mail they receive from the Social Security Administration.

BCEMS promotes Grande to captain

SANDPOINT — Lisa Grande was collecting her mail at the Spirit Lake post office in 1989 when she glanced over at the community message board and saw a poster.

Norris nails game winner to down T-Wolves

SANDPOINT — If only Davan Norris could play against Lake City every night.

Heart attack symptoms are different in men, women

It’s no surprise. Men and women differ in many ways.

Restrictions imposed on Highway 57

SANDPOINT — Weight and speed restrictions are being added to two more Idaho highways on Wednesday due to premature spring break-up conditions.

Local vaccine exemption rate triples state average

SANDPOINT — News of flu deaths and outbreaks of measles and other diseases for which vaccinations are readily available have been much in the news of late. So how is Bonner County fairing in terms of immunizations and infections?

Man accused of battering EMT

PRIEST RIVER — A Washington state man was arrested Saturday for allegedly throwing a urine-soaked garment into the face of a Bonner County EMS technician.

City, ITD meet to discuss streets plan

SANDPOINT — A special City Council meeting to discuss the approval of two long-sought agreements between the city and the Idaho Transportation Department that will transfer some Sandpoint streets owned by the state to city control.

William 'Bill' Joseph Vanderpool, 24

William “Bill” Joseph Vanderpool passed away on Jan. 10, 2015.

Levy is worthy of community's support

The approaching school levy vote introduces discussion of what we want for our community. An environment that forms our teenagers into productive adults is essential. ALL of Lake Pend Oreille School District’s extracurricular activities are funded by the levy. This includes sports, academic clubs and cultural clubs. Self-discipline, grit and social intelligence are developed through these extracurricular experiences. Not only do these activities help our teens mature, they also keep our teens active and engaged in positive activities.

Sandpoint ripe for council-manager form of government

Let’s face it; running a city, like Sandpoint, can’t be an easy task. Elected officials, many of whom came up through the ranks of council seats, have other responsibilities besides government. In many communities, council members and even the mayor have businesses or commute to jobs in adjacent communities. The one thing that these communities lack is continuity of policy application. Changes in council and the mayors position can also cause a lack of continuity for city employees with regard to accountability, payroll, discipline and promotion.

Commercial venture bad fit for neighborhood

In response to the letter, “Children’s laughter is a welcome addition”:

Tierra Madre keeps things simple, healthy

SANDPOINT — Eating better and supporting the “localvore” movement have gotten a boost thanks to the culinary evolution at Tierra Madre Café & Juicery.

Forest Service addresses Jasper Mountain misconceptions

PRIEST RIVER — The Priest Lake Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest held a meeting Tuesday night at the Priest River Event Center to continue its collaboration with the public on a proposal to address forest health and hazardous health concerns in the Jasper Mountain area.

Northside earns national ranking

SANDPOINT — Northside Elementary has been ranked the 34th best elementary school in the country for its high state assessment test scores in reading, language and math by the online ranking organization The Best Schools.

Bonner County man charged with rape

SANDPOINT — A 20-year-old Bonner County man has been arrested for sending nude pictures to a 15-year-old girl and having sex with her.

Court taking up Bonner County man's appeal

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is slated to take up the case of a Bonner County is serving a life sentence after being convicted of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.

Officials deem found remains human

BAYVIEW — Bones found by a hiker in a forest near Bayview on Wednesday were those of a human, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported on Friday.

Sagle man arrested for lewd conduct in Canyon County

SANDPOINT — A 34-year-old Sagle man was arrested Monday on molestation charges filed in Canyon County.

High school club sponsors Ecuador water well project

SANDPOINT — It’s not about the individual. That’s the mantra of the Sandpoint High School Interact Club, a group of service-oriented students working to help fund construction of a water well in a developing country in another hemisphere.

Hunsaker, Webster, Johnson lead Bulldogs past Bears

MOSCOW — Freshman Hyrum Hunsaker scored a workmanlike 2-0 decision at 138 pounds, helping lead the Bulldogs to a 53-24 win over Moscow in a 4A Inland Empire League wrestling dual Wednesday night at the Bear Den.

Suspect's past comes to light

SANDPOINT — A North Idaho man accused of a brazen home invasion in Sandpoint last fall was convicted of shooting a movie theater manager to death during a failed robbery attempt in the 1980s.

Sandpoint wonders if time is right for city manager

SANDPOINT — The departure of former city planner and community development director Jeremy Grimm has left some council members questioning both the city’s transparency, and its future method of management.

No. 2 ranked Trojans run past Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — Post Falls showed why it’s the No. 2 team in the state, getting to the rim almost at will and sharing the basketball, downing Sandpoint 69-29 on Thursday night in nonleague boys basketball at Les Rogers Court.

Vandals shop local on Signing Day

Two more local players officially joined the Idaho Vandals on Wednesday.

County seeks $1.2M in costs, fees in suit

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is seeking approximately $1.2 million in attorney and expert witness fees from the developers of SilverWing at Sandpoint, according to U.S. District Court records.

Council OKs trail concept

SANDPOINT — The City Council approved a non-binding resolution at it’s regular meeting Wednesday supporting the construction of a proposed ridge-hugging recreational trail in the Selkirk Mountains.

Each of us can make a difference

I would like to respond to the recent letter in the Bee concerning a local family which felt harassed by vegetarians.

Fear mongering is not the answer

• August 2012 — BNSF CEO Rose, 16 additional coal trains

What is driving Barry McHugh?

As a supporter of Ann Dutson-Sater, the former Bonner County clerk charged with the felony of suborning perjury, I have been trying to figure him out.

Enhanced penalties being sought in case

SANDPOINT — The state is seeking enhanced penalties against a North Idaho man implicated in a daytime home-invasion robbery attempt on the city’s southwest side last fall.

IHD appoints Bailey to commission

SANDPOINT — The Independent Highway District at a special Jan. 16 board meeting appointed Schweitzer Mountain resident Mel Bailey to replace former commissioner Rich Lowe.

Schoening pours in 49 to break SHS scoring record

RATHDRUM — Madi Schoening has accomplished some amazing feats on the hardwood this season, but outscoring Lakeland by herself might just be the most impressive to date.

February puts focus on heart health, awareness

Wow, you can’t walk into any grocery store right now and not see an abundance of bright red, beribboned, heart shaped boxes of chocolates! They might be a reminder that Valentine’s Day is just a week and a half away. Or, maybe it’s because February is heart health awareness month. Well, maybe they would be pushing flowers instead of fat laden candy if that were the case.

Concept mulls siphoning Priest Lake water for river

(Editor's note: This story was updated to correct an incorrect date that appeared in an earlier version.)

More rain on way, localized flooding possible

SANDPOINT — Break out the umbrellas and waders. The National Weather Service is predicting warmer, wetter weather and rising snow levels in Bonner County beginning Thursday and into next week.

Leaks cause minor damage at Little Theater

SANDPOINT — It’s getting harder to keep on track with planned renovations at the Panida Theater when the North Idaho elements are trying to break in.

Veterans sought for BLM fire crews

BOISE — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking to hire veterans for its fire management program.

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IFG: Advocacy groups must stop crying wolf

It’s important for state agencies to understand and respect differing points of view. But when a few advocacy groups try to grab headlines by skewing Idaho Fish & Game scientific wolf monitoring data in ways that simply aren’t true, it’s also important to set the record straight.

Economic data doesn't reflect community's hungry

SANDPOINT — Unemployment figures and other official numbers reflect a state economy on the mend. But one local non-profit is experiencing growth in segment of society that reflects the exact opposite.

Thunder make some noise in MCL hoops action

KOOTENAI — Shayne Jensen had three huge games recently, leading the Kootenai Thunder boys to two wins and one loss in Mountain Christian League basketball action.

Tribe cancels Julyamsh celebration

A popular Post Falls summer event has become a casualty of the ongoing debate over the legality of historical horse racing in Idaho.

Community rallies to help Ed Brown

SANDPOINT — Classmates from around the country sent in photos, donations and money — wanting to do what they could to help Ed Brown.

Children's laughter is a welcome addition

In response to the letter to the editor on Tuesday, Jan. 27, I am one of those property owners that bought property from Dave Walker and the easement road goes through my property and my house is right next to the road.  

Wolf shooter rejects plea deal

COEUR d’ALENE — The man who shot a wolf on Rathdrum Mountain turned down a plea deal offered by Kootenai County prosecutors that would have had him pay a $200 fine in exchange for a guilty plea.

Higher education is necessary for U.S.

A Jan. 25 letter in the Daily Bee expressed concern about the potential costs of President Obama’s proposal for free community colleges. The writer presents a huge number for annual costs that was two decimal points inflated, but either way the costs are large. Whatever the actual cost, the large numbers are a measure of the incredible debt load many of our young people are accruing today, a number that is approaching $1.5 trillion.

Mandolin orchestra revives earlier craze

Beginners welcome to join new ensemble

SANDPOINT — Blame it on The Celebrated Spanish Students. From the time that traveling musical troupe came to the U.S. in 1880, packing their tiny instruments in tow, there has been a love affair between America and the mandolin.

Our republic is only as good as our efforts

The 2015 legislative session has begun and things are off and running at full speed. My first three weeks in session have been everything I expected and more. I’m glad that new legislators had training in early December so we were better prepared for the tidal wave of work which awaited us. I have been assigned to three committees and find each interesting and challenging. They are Revenue and Taxation, Judiciary and Rules, and Environment-Energy and Technology.

Hunter facing felony charges for wasting moose meat

SANDPOINT — A Dalton Gardens man is charged with felony offenses for shooting two bull moose near Priest Lake and allowing the meat to go to waste.