Thursday, January 9
Idaho House begins session with legislation on same-sex marriage, Boise State volleyball
Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, was the first to introduce her memorial to the committee. The memorial pushes to restore the authority of defining marriage to the states and urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.
SHS to create JROTC program
Sandpoint High School has been awarded the ability to create a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in 2025-2'6, one of a few schools nationally awarded this distinction. JROTC is one of the country’s largest citizenship and character development programs for young people. It’s considered an elective class, meaning students choose to take it as part of their course load. There is no military obligation, and the program is not a military preparation class. JROTC will not limit students from participating in extracurricular sports, band, student government or any other club.
Arrogance, greed are dangerous traits for politicians
Richard Nixon was reelected to the United States presidency in a landslide victory in 1972.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 9, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Kohberger trial needs to move forward
I don’t know about you but I am sick and tired of hearing about this murderer Bryan Kohberger. He brutally murdered four college students, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin by breaking in and stabbing them to death at their off-campus home in Moscow Idaho, while they slept in November 2022.
Kid Weather - Jan. 9, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Residents express concern over rink noise
Several city residents appealed to the Ponderay City Council on Monday for assistance with noise control at the new ice rink on Kootenai Cutoff Road.
EMS to ‘extricate’ from county
Medical services to move away from existing structure
Going forward, the EMS organization will become more independent from county leadership and services.
Best Shot - Jan. 9, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
Committee introduces bill to make it harder to pass voter initiatives
Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, said that he and the other Democrat on the committee, Rep. Brooke Green, usually opt to vote to introduce bills “out of respect for the legislative process,” but it doesn’t mean they support the content of the legislation.
POAC classes offer diverse techniques, media
Pend Oreille Arts Council continues to offer a wide variety of adult art classes for burgeoning artists, and those who professionally utilize the arts. These upcoming classes and workshops are held at the Joyce Dillon Studio located at the rear of the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., in Sandpoint. I think you’ll agree with me when I say that there is something for everyone interested in learning more about making art.
The privatization of City Beach is the wrong decision
As Republicans, we believe in free market capitalism, private entrepreneurship, and private property rights. Still, we also believe in the inalienable collective property rights citizens have in commonly held communal recreational property.
Bonner County History - Jan. 9, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Legals for January, 9 2025
Wednesday, January 8
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Priest River comes from behind to beat Newport
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Priest River comes from behind to beat Newport
WRESTLING RANKINGS: Tyler jumps to No. 1 spot; Becker, Wood enter rankings
WRESTLING RANKINGS: Tyler jumps to No. 1 spot; Becker, Wood enter rankings
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 8, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Lakeland to discuss financial emergency today
Trustees of Lakeland Joint School District's board will discuss steps for declaring a financial emergency during a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Lakeland Middle School gym, 15601 N. State Highway 41, Rathdrum.
Deanna Mae Alley
Deanna Mae Alley, 85, passed away on December 26, 2024.
Idaho legislators prepare to set state budgets
Two of the state’s largest budgets, the Idaho public schools and Medicaid budgets, will be set in March
Idaho legislators, who will soon begin setting the next year’s state budget, conducted their first meeting of the new legislative session Tuesday in Boise.
Joseph Louis Kemp, 78
Joseph Louis Kemp, 78, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
Nearby help saved college senior's life
Until Jio Rodriguez was wheeled into the operating room for open-heart surgery last Valentine's Day, he'd never seen his brother Brian Rodriguez cry.
Is it a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV?
With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, now comes the season for coughing, sneezing, aching and wheezing. Yes, folks, it’s virus season here in Bonner County. And, I don’t know about you, but just about everyone I know is currently suffering from a virus of some sort.
Communications, coordination and World War I
Military Tales celebrates the country's military, and its servicemen and women and their service.
'Dropbox' screening highlights hope, community
The Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene is hosting a special screening of "The Dropbox" on Saturday, Jan. 18. The showing will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene.
Best Shot - Jan. 8, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
ITD opens traffic safety grants
The Idaho Office of Highway Safety is accepting grant applications for fiscal year 2026.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jorden Tyler, Sandpoint Boys Wrestling
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jorden Tyler, Sandpoint Boys Wrestling
Panida lobby project taking center stage
Saturday open house seeks input on possible options
To that end, the Panida is hosting an open house on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an exhibit of various plans for lobby improvements. Panida board members will be on hand to provide details and context for the different plans, which range from a no-changes option to plans that would augment the lobby space with access to the theater's currently vacant northern retail space; or further, with a pass-through to the adjacent Little Theater.
BOCC examines roads, waterways
Bonner County commissioners voted to approve a road standards waiver and a grant application in a Tuesday business meeting centered on roads and waterways.
The gift of joy and abundant life
The best thing to write in January is joy. Because it's often a joyless month for we shivering, light-deprived northerners. I think the Florida grands had an inkling. Yesterday I received a “Book of Blessings,” filled with inspiring photos and quotes. One chapter is devoted to joy.
Kid Weather - Jan. 8, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Legals for January, 8 2025
Tuesday, January 7
PREP BASKETBALL: Priest River boys fend off Timberlake
PREP BASKETBALL: Priest River fends off Timberlake
GIRLS BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL: Three teams take over respective classifications
GIRLS BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL: Middleton, Rockland, Oakley take over respective classifications
Gov. Little opens Idaho's legislative session with State of the State
School choice, an investment in the state’s natural resources and expanded efforts to address the state’s housing needs were some of the key issues highlighted in Monday’s opening of the legislative session.
Little proposes $50 million for private school expenses
Idaho Gov. Brad Little kicked off the state’s 2025 legislative session Monday by proposing new tax cuts, increased funding for public schools and spending taxpayer dollars on tuition at private schools.
We need more public servants like Dan Chadwick
When I learned of Dan Chadwick’s handling of a truancy case in Payette County, not long after I took office as Attorney General in 1983, I was greatly impressed.
Little calls for funding for public schools, tax cuts and investments in wildfire fighting
Gov. Brad Little outlines budget, policy priorities in annual State of the State address
Kid Weather - Jan. 7, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Idaho launches new camping reservation system
The system, known as Idaho Time, includes a fluctuating price model in which reservation costs at state campsites may drop for low-demand dates and rise when demand is high. The platform also provides additional content about facilities, features, options and availability.
10-year-old rescued near Clark Fork
A 10-year-old girl was found safe and uninjured Friday after being reported missing earlier in the day.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 7, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Farmin Stidwell students aid BGH patients
There is nothing greater than receiving heartfelt gifts from children during the holidays, something Bonner General Health officials learned first-hand recently after Farmin-Stidwell fifth graders selected the Sandpoint hospital for a community service project.
Friday Senior Bowlers — Jan. 3, 2025
Friday Senior Bowlers — Jan. 3, 2025
Best Shot - Jan. 7, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
Housekeeping tops BOCC agenda
The final meeting before new Bonner County officials officially take office on Monday, Jan. 13, includes a slate of housekeeping items.
Bonner County History - Jan. 7, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Pair honored as chamber's top volunteers
Alyse Ehrmantrout and Cherie Coldwell were honored recently as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce's December volunteers of the month.
Legals for January, 7 2025
Monday, January 6
PREP BASKETBALL: Sandpoint boys use big third quarter to down Priest River
PREP BASKETBALL: Sandpoint boys use big third quarter to down Priest River
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Pluid helps Snow College to 12th win of season
COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Four area LCSC athletes receive academic honors
Sunday, January 5
Strengthening our national defense
At the Republican National Convention in 1980, President Ronald Reagan said, “We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.”
EMS, arson and park dominate year's news
From a financial crisis enveloping Bonner County EMS to at least one defective gate at Albeni Falls Dam to an arson fire that destroyed the Sandpoint Army Surplus store, 2024 had no shortage of news.
Speakers, participants wanted for North Idaho Women and Their Money Conference
Speakers, participants wanted for North Idaho Women and Their Money Conference
From homemakers to breadwinners and from high school seniors to senior citizens, women who work or reside in North Idaho are invited to increase their financial confidence and fiscal management skills during a free conference coming up in June.
Bonner County History - Jan. 5, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
BOCC declines to act on resignation
Two of the county's three commissioners abstained from voting on a measure to act on Bonner County Sheriff Darryl Wheeler's resignation, effectively ending the motion.
North Idaho's drought drowning in wet weather
Snowpack expected to remain solid
Snowpack statewide is 45% of the median peak snowpack that is expected around April 1. As a rule of thumb, on Jan. 1 IDWR expects 40% of the median peak, Feb. 1 60% of the median peak on Feb. 1, 80% on March 1, and 100% of the median peak snowpack on April 1. “So far across the states everybod
Republicans to focus on school vouchers, DEI, immigration as Idaho Legislature returns
Idaho lawmakers are preparing to head back to the Capitol for the upcoming legislative session next week, and this year, you can expect to see proposals reflecting a Legislature that has shifted even further to the right.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 5, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Saturday, January 4
PREP WRESTLING: Sandpoint's Tyler defeats three defending state champions in consecutive order to take home Rollie Lane gold
PREP WRESTLING: Sandpoint's Tyler defeats three defending state champions in a row to take home Rollie Lane gold
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sandpoint falls to Skyline in final game of East Idaho Shootout
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sandpoint falls to Skyline in final game of East Idaho Shootout
Idaho courts seek major pay raise to address judicial shortage
Pay is currently 48th lowest in the nation
BOISE — Idaho's judiciary is requesting a significant overhaul of judicial compensation, including a 30% pay increase, as the state grapples with recruiting and retaining judges.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 4, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Court rules on exemptions in drag defamation case
The Post Falls drag performer who won a defamation lawsuit against a local blogger may soon begin collecting the $1.1 million judgement.
CFHS students get hands-on start on the future
Job shadowing program connects students, area businesses
On most Fridays, Clark Fork High School upperclassmen are spread across North Idaho at more than a dozen workplaces, cutting rock at Stutzke's Stone or feeding Clydesdale horses at Parnell Ranch or servicing hydroelectric turbines with Avista Utilities.
Man charged in fatal crash granted house arrest
The man accused of causing the November crash on US95 that killed five-year-old Amelia Carollo has been granted house arrest.
A snowy slog into the new year
Tesh 5K Fun Run turns out to be exactly that
The field included some in costumes, a few serious runners, seniors holding hands and many with furry friends. And there were families like Ben and Allie Goheen who packed their three sons, Cole, Silas and Wyatt, in two strollers and pushed them along.
Legals for January, 4 2025
Friday, January 3
PREP BASKETBALL: Thunder boys roll past Christian Heritage for fourth straight win
PREP BASKETBALL: Thunder boys roll past Christian Heritage for fourth straight win
PREP WRESTLING: Five Bulldogs reach quarterfinals, Sandpoint girls fourth out of 81 after day one of Rollie Lane
Sandpoint, which resumes action today at roughly 9 a.m. MST, is currently fourth out of 81 teams with 78 points, trailing Eagle High by just one point and Reed of Sparks, Nev. by just 5.5.
ACLU files emergency motion with Idaho Supreme Court over public defense reform
Idaho’s new public defense system is “headed for a disaster” unless the Idaho Supreme Court intervenes, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho said in new court filings.
Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity mourns Carter's death
SANDPOINT — Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and joins observances around the world to remember his life of service. He and Rosalynn Carter have served as Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteers over the 35 years they helped to build affordable housing with the organization.
Corey Michael Cook, 27
Corey Michael Cook, 27, passed away December 6, 2024.
ICF announces grant awards
A trio of Bonner County organizations were among those that recently received grant funding from the Idaho Community Foundation.
Pope brings Holy Year and prayers for better future to Rome prison
Pope Francis is bringing his Holy Year to Rome's main prison. Francis traveled to Rebibbia prison Thursday on a frigid morning. He knocked on the door to the chapel and walked across the threshold. It was reenacting the gesture he performed at St. Peter's Basilica two nights earlier on Christmas Eve. The opening of the Basilica's Holy Door officially kicked off the Jubilee year.
Kid Weather - Jan. 3, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Snowboarder's death ruled accidental
The death of a California man who died Monday at Schweitzer has been ruled an accident, according to Bonner County Coroner Robert Beers.
Marshall Tapp, 82
Marshall Morris Tapp, 82, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Best Shot - Jan. 3, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 3, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Churches welcome all to worship in faith
Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith and worship.
NIC Workforce Training expands to Sandpoint
Programs tackle demands for skilled health care workers, commercial truck drivers
The North Idaho College Workforce Training Center is bringing training programs closer to home for residents of Bonner and Boundary counties.
Special Olympics plunge on Feb. 8
We encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs to join us by forming teams to raise funds for this worthy cause. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or prefer to support from the sidelines, your participation will make a difference!
Gary Pinkerton, 81
Gary Norris Pinkerton passed away on December 22, 2024.
Solange Bloom, 91
Solange Jacqueline Frechette Bloom, 91, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The beauty of a child's heart
Bonner County pastors share messages of faith and hope.
Legals for January, 3 2025
Thursday, January 2
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sandpoint struggles in loss to Shelley
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sandpoint struggles offensively in loss to Shelley
LOCAL NOTES: Priest River’s Stewart coaches Columbia Basin Volleyball to 27-6 season
LOCAL NOTES: Priest River’s Stewart coaches Columbia Basin Volleyball to 27-6 season
Financial emergency, reduced levy could be reality for Lakeland
Although no votes were cast during Monday's four-hour special meeting of the Lakeland School Board, trustees appear to be leaning toward rerunning a supplemental levy election for a lower amount in May.
Best Shot - Jan. 2, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
Bonner County History - Jan. 2, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Plungers jump into 2025
Annual event proves fun way to kickstart the new year
In all, 309 people braved the cool temperatures, cloudy skies and scattered snow to jump into Lake Pend Oreille to kick off the new year with a plunge into its freezing waters. Another 300 or so people — warmly dressed in thick winter coats, boots and gloves — cheered from the nearby shoreline of Sandpoint City Beach.
Snowboarder reported missing, dies
A California man has died after being reported missing at Schweitzer early Monday afternoon.
Idahoans should be alarmed by the scarcity of trial court candidates
Very few well-qualified lawyers have applied for Idaho district court positions in recent years. District courts handle trials of felony cases, as well as all types of civil cases affecting the lives and property of individuals and businesses. Putting these disputes in the hands of judges without substantial experience is risky business.
House fails to reauthorize school funding bill
Idaho will miss out on millions in funding from the Secure Rural Schools bill, which passed the Senate but failed to garner Republican support to pass the House
Schools in the western United States — including in more than 30 counties in Idaho — will receive less federal funding in 2025 after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to reauthorize a 24-year-old bill that typically pays up to $80 million a year for schools and roads in Oregon along with wildfire prevention and conservation work.
Bonner County News of Record Combined - Jan. 2, 2025
Bonner County News of Record Combined - Jan. 2, 2025
Kid Weather - Jan. 2, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 2, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Selkirk Fire hosting coffee klatch
The community is invited to join Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong at the Blue Heron Cafe on Saturday to learn more about the fire district's upcoming levy
Fire destroys Athol shop
An exploding battery may have contributed to a Tuesday fire that destroyed an Athol area shop.
Legals for January, 2 2025
Wednesday, January 1
Best Shot - Jan. 1, 2025
Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.
Idaho exceeds 2 million residents
Idaho’s fast-growing population has grown slower in recent years, but Western state still among fastest growing states
Idaho’s population is now over 2 million at 2,001,619. In a wrap-up of the 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Idaho Department of Labor released a breakdown of what those totals mean for trends for the rest of the state.
Festival of Trees raises $29K for hospital district
The 2024 Festival of Trees returned to Newport in mid-December, transforming the Ponderosa Room at Newport Community Hospital, and raising over $29,000 for Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation programs.
Kohberger defense maintains push to toss lead evidence
Ahead of an upcoming January court date, Bryan Kohberger’s attorneys made their final written arguments for excluding key pieces of evidence from the Idaho murder suspect’s trial next summer.
Arrest made in connection to fatal crash
An arrest has been made in connection with a November crash on US 95 that resulted in a fatality.
'Tots' drive falls short of goal
While close, the final total for the Sandpoint Lions' Toys for Tots drive has fallen short of its $75,000 target.
Firefighters extinguish locomotive blaze
Firefighters responded to the intersection of Diagonal Road and Massif for a report of a BNSF locomotive on fire. Engine 61 arrived to find fire coming from the engine compartment of the locomotive. Crews were able to extinguish the fire in just over an hour, according to the Timberlake Fire Protection District.
Make the coming year about forgiveness
In the new year 2025, I am going to forgive. Forgive what? Forgive whatever comes up — forgive what has already happened.
FDA says decongestant in many cold medicines doesn't work. So what does?
Changes are coming to the cold and cough aisle of your local pharmacy: U.S. officials are moving to phase out the leading decongestant found in hundreds of over-the-counter medicines, concluding that it doesn't actually relieve nasal congestion.
Bonner County News of Record - Dec. 20, 2024
Bonner County News of Record - Dec. 20, 2024
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Brecken Mire, Sandpoint Girls Basketball
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Brecken Mire, Sandpoint Girls Basketball
SEAL's action are a profile in courage
Military Tales celebrates the country's military, and its servicemen and women and their service.
Kid Weather - Jan. 1, 2025
Today's weather forecast as drawn by Bonner County's talented young artists.
Bonner County Calendar - Jan. 1, 2025
A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.
Dry January isn’t a weather prediction
Dry January has nothing to do with expected precipitation. It’s the annual campaign, started in 2013 in the UK, that challenges moderate drinkers to give up alcohol for the thirty-one days of January.
