Study: Shingles vaccine may help fight dementia

A vaccination to prevent horribly painful shingles may offer an extra benefit: New research suggests it might lower the risk of dementia, too. There have long been hints that certain viruses increase risk for later-in-life dementia, including the virus that causes chickenpox. That virus never leaves the body, hiding in nerves to erupt later when the immune system wanes from illness or age — what's called shingles. The new study tracked seniors in Wales and found shingles vaccination cut their risk of developing dementia over the next seven years by 20%.

Levy is in WBCSD students' best interests

Here we are in April and a levy for West Bonner School District will be voted on May 20.

Bonner General earns ADA recognition

The American Diabetes Association has recognized Bonner General Health through the organization's Education Recognition Program. The diabetes self-management education and support service was originally recognized in June 2021.

Passing WBCSD levy is critical for community, students

In May, we have the privilege to vote on the new levy. So, No. 1 is to get out and vote. It's critical. Passing the levy is critical. I have said before to get out and check the facts before you decide which way you're going to vote.

PSNI’s Cardboard Recycling checks all the boxes

When Panhandle Special Needs, Inc. took over the recycling cardboard business, management quickly realized that the benefits would check all the boxes (pun intended) for achieving their mission to help disabled adults while providing necessary services to the community.

Work as city's arts, historic preservation officer was a gift

I am deeply grateful for the two-and-a-half years I spent serving as Sandpoint’s first Art and Historic Preservation officer.

Levy needed to give students the education they deserve

It’s time once again that the citizens and children of West Bonner County School District are asking voters to approve a levy. If the levy does not pass then they will have to close two of the three elementary schools, making class sizes larger.

BGH needs help healing the Healing Garden

It’s finally feeling like spring. And you and I both know what that means. It’s time to put away the wooly mittens and get out our gardening gloves. Here’s the dirt. Bonner General Health’s Healing Garden (just north of the hospital) is in need of volunteers to clean up the mess Mother Nature made this winter.

Congress needs to step up and do its job

“I won’t touch the VA or Social Security.” Do you remember that quote from Donald Trump during his campaign? Liar, liar, pants on fire!

Reject politicians, groups who fuel cultural divisions

Imagine if our legislature endorsed one state religion funded by our taxes, and only members of that faith could vote, buy land, find employment or protection under the law; and the only schools available were of that faith or private tutors for the wealthy.

Legals for April, 10 2025

Idaho Child Tax Credit set to expire this year

Since 2018, Idaho taxpayers have received a $205 tax credit for each child under 17

Climate crisis claims not backed by scientists

In his letter of March 25, Jack DeBaun says “Use of the word ‘crisis’ isn't alarmist, ideologically-motivated rhetoric.” But, as evidenced by the agencies he quoted, that is a false statement.

Rae, Lucas ink college commitments

Rae, Lucas ink college commitments

Hearing could set rules for evidence in Kohberger trial

Prosecutors and attorneys for a man charged in the killings of four University of Idaho students in 2022 began arguing some of the final ground rules they want for Bryan Kohberger's trial in a Wednesday morning hearing.

LOCAL NOTES: Hall helping Wolverines succeed on mat and in classroom

LOCAL NOTES: Hall helping Wolverines succeed on mat and in classroom

Wall Street's euphoria sends US soaring as most tariffs paused

U.S. stocks soared to one of their best days in history on a euphoric Wall Street after President Donald Trump said he would back off on most of his tariffs temporarily. The S&P 500 soared 9.5% Wednesday, though it's still below where it was when Trump announced his sweeping set of tariffs last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average flew nearly 3,000 points higher, and the Nasdaq composite jumped

Volunteers help Healing Garden bloom

Community key to keeping garden a peaceful oasis

Among the roughly half-dozen volunteers getting Bonner General Health's Healing Garden ready for the season was Sharon McCormick, dressed warmly against the chilly spring morning.

Momentous hearings await ahead of Kohberger trial

More than 170 legal filings with considerable implications for trial in the University of Idaho student homicides case are set to near their resolution as defendant Bryan Kohberger returns to the courtroom Wednesday.

Isaac, birthdays and having $50 faith

I am calling it the “Isaac incident.” One of the grands who moved from Spokane Valley to Kentucky last year was turning 13. I sent a card with a $50 bill a week before his March 4 birthday. It didn't arrive. I kept checking in. Still no card. I inquired at the post office and, of course, their first words were, “Never send cash in the mail.”