Groat steps down in surprise move

SANDPOINT — Surprising his fellow council members, Sandpoint Councilman Andy Groat resigned without warning at the start of Wednesday’s council meeting.

After announcing his decision, Groat asked the council to reconsider the project. Many on the council were left in tears by Groat’s dedication to considering the feelings of those he represented.

In resigning, Groat, who opted against running for reelection on Nov. 7, said the fact that the trees slated to be cut down were memorial trees contributed to his decision.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.