JULY NIBJ: Panhandle Timber Defense works to protect against wildfires

Kyle Wacholz, through his company Panhandle Timber Defense, is working to mitigate the economic risks posed by catastrophic wildfires in the Idaho Panhandle region.

JULY NIBJ: Scholarships help drive economy, communities forward

What turns the economic gears of a small community? Many will answer “supporting small businesses” or “attending community events,” however investing in the next generation may be one of the most effective ways to keep money local

Bonner County History - June 23, 2024

Bonner County Historical Society and Museum shares interesting stories of the community's people, places, and events.

$1M earmarked for North Idaho forests

Goal is to reduce wildfire risk as weather warms up

The funds will also expand road repairs to improve watershed conditions and provide access for wildfire management and implementation of project activities.

In North Idaho, skilled workers are in demand

Creating the next generation of trade workers proves challenging

The demand for skilled labor in North Idaho is high. Some of the highest projected employment growth in the region is driven by occupations in health care, construction, personal care and services and transportation and material moving. These occupations made up 35% of total job postings in North Idaho over the last year while accounting for 25-30% of regional employment, according to Lisa Grigg, Idaho Department of Labor economist for north-central Idaho.

Bonner County Calendar - June 20, 2024

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.

Best Shot - June 20, 2024

Great photos shared by the many talented photographers in the community.

Area cities taking part in academy

A trio of Bonner County cities are taking part in the Community Health Academy, a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program for mayors and city officials that helps them learn and understand the city’s important role in building healthy communities.

PAFE received Idaho Future Fund grant

A Bonner County nonprofit has received a $3,000 grant in support of a Lake Pend Oreille School District reading program. The Idaho Community Foundation announced Tuesday that the Panhandle Alliance for Education Inc. was awarded the grant to support the Ready to Read program, which benefits first-grade students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Durst sues West Bonner over termination

Branden Durst has officially filed a lawsuit against the West Bonner County School District, alleging he was fired without cause The lawsuit alleges both breach of contract and failure by the district to act in good faith. In the alleged breach of contract, Durst is seeking a minimum of $100,000 — the amount he should have received had he been allowed to fulfill his contract, but with the amount to be set at trial. In the alleged breach of good faith, Durst is seeking an amount to be determined at trial.

Bonner County History - June 20, 2024

Bonner County Historical Society and Museum shares interesting stories of the community's people, places, and events.

Barbara Joan Helbach, 95

Barbara Joan Helbach passed away on December 25, 2023.

Marking the price of freedom

On the western side of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands a blue wall, called the Freedom Wall.

RINO, RIP: It's time to end the name-calling

I first registered Republican to support former state senator Shawn Keough. I liked more (not all) of her values better than her Tea Party challenger's. Some called me a hypocrite – a RINO (Republican in Name Only.)

101 Women, Sandpoint announces BHT grant award

Bonner Homeless Transitions is the most recent recipient of a $10,000 grant from 101 Women, Sandpoint. Bonner Homeless Transitions provides housing and program management services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence in Bonner County. Their goal is to help individuals and families who are homeless, in danger of becoming homeless, or who lack adequate housing reach self-sufficiency and independent living in a safe and supportive environment.

Legals for June, 20 2024

LEGION BASEBALL: 19U Lakers power past Prairie Falls

North Idaho (7-3) will travel to Libby for the Libby Big Bucks Tournament set to be held June 21-23 at Lee Gehring Field.

Hunter mistakenly shoots, kills grizzly

Hunter told Fish and Game he thought it was a black bear

After identifying the bear at the scene as a grizzly, the hunter contacted Idaho Fish and Game and has cooperated with the investigation.

TRAVEL BASEBALL: Sandpoint Sasquatch 16U wins CDA’s Memorial Day Invite

On the first day of the tournament, the Sasquatch started things off with a 16-1 win over the CDA Lumbermen 16U.

Smokey Bear celebrates poster contest winners

Smokey Bear had a busy June, visiting several schools in the West Bonner School District as students wrapped up the school year. Among the schools visited were Priest Lake, Priest River, and Idaho Hill elementary schools, as well as House of the Lord Christian Academy near Oldtown.