North Idaho counties report increase of sexual assault

As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to keep up.

Gardenia Center to host final service

It will be the end of an era this weekend when the final Sunday service is held at the Gardenia Center. That service will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 12. The news follows the recent sale of the center, which had leased the building from Marilyn Chambers until her passing in November 2021. In March, Gardenia Center officials were notified by her heirs that they planned to put the building up for sale.

The curious case of Banjo Patterson

Law Day mock trial teaches real legal facts

Did "Banjo Patterson" hide drugs in a child's backpack, or was he the victim of bad luck? That was the question Sandpoint High School students had to decide in their roles as jurors in a mock trial as part of Wednesday's Law Day activities.

Faithful come together for a Day of Prayer

"The heart of this year's gathering is to lift up the word and light up the world," Chris Bassett of Harvest Valley Worship Center said at the event organized by Pray 7B. "We're excited that we get this opportunity to pray across the nation."

Candidates facing off at forums

In just over three weeks, voters will head to the polls to decide on a host of county and state legislative races. Do you know who the candidates are? Or where they stand on the issues?

West Bonner sets levy information meetings

West Bonner residents looking for information on the school district's one-year supplemental levy on the May 21 ballot have their pick of informational meetings to attend.

LPOIC sets sail for spring derby fun

If you're looking for a fish tale, look no further. And, if you're looking for fun on the water over the next week, Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club's annual spring derby kicks off today, April 27, and offers plenty of both. The derby runs through May 5.

FBCS students get ready for adventure

Not everyone gets to say they spent the night in jail for a class field trip. Much less one that is potentially haunted. For Forrest Bird Charter School eighth-graders, the Old Montana State Prison is just one item on a packed itinerary for this summer's end-of-the-year five-night, six-full-loaded day field trip to Yellowstone and the surrounding area.

MacAlevy sworn in as new PRPD officer

The city didn't have to go far in finding its latest police officer, Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain joked in introducing Parker MacAlevy to the council Monday. That's because MacAlevy grew up in Priest River, the police chief said in introducing the new officer at a swearing-in ceremony, held at the start of the council meeting.

Media team up to host candidate forums

Events to highlight contested county, legislative races

Bonner County media and the Selkirk Association of Realtors are teaming up to help area voters do just that as the Bonner County Daily Bee, KRFY, Sandpoint Online, and the Sandpoint Reader are hosting a pair of candidate forums at the end of the month.

Woman pleads to lesser charge

Animal cruelty charges have been dropped against a Sandpoint woman accused of hitting her dog. Instead, Lilly Anne Brunner voluntarily pled guilty to a charge of disturbing the peace and surrendered the Belgian Malinois.

McDaniel, Ricks inspire as SHS valedictorian, salutatorian

Above a whiteboard where Sandpoint High School's top two students were being honored is a simple word: Inspire. With a full slate of challenging academic classes, extracurricular activities, and a drive toward excellence, that's just what valedictorian Devin McDaniel and salutatorian Daniel Ricks do — inspire.

'Rebellion' proves to be a lot of fun

'The Fade' series premieres second film

Bottom line: making "The Fade" series is a lot of fun. Sure, the film may take place in a dystopian society several decades in the future, involving a plot to create an army of child drones as part of a twisted effort to create their version of a better world. But filmmaker Tim Bangle and his son Lukas — the driving forces behind The Other Dog Films — said the movies, as well as the next installment, are about much more than that; they are about hope and not giving up.

Judge keeps protection order in place

A North Idaho magistrate judge declined Friday to modify or lift a temporary protection order against Bonner Commissioner Steve Bradshaw after he was ruled to have made several death threats against fellow commissioner Asia Williams last August.

Bill benefits region's water management

Kootenai Basin Adjudication is expected to take five years, cost $3.25 million

Two bills approved by the Idaho Legislature are expected to enhance water management in the state, Idaho Water Resource Board officials said following its March 29 meeting. The first bill, House Bill 687, would allow the Idaho Department of Water Resources to petition a District Court judge to commence a water rights adjudication in North Idaho's Kootenai River Basin.

Input sought on WBCSD superintendent search

A series of community input meetings are planned for next week as the West Bonner County School District launches its search for its next superintendent. Roughly nine meetings will be held Thursday, April 11, ranging from administrative and classified staff to county and city officials. Meetings also are planned with high school students, parents, and community members.

Fundraiser promises plenty of dog-gone fun

Not only does today's raffle, pizza, and beer fundraiser at Powder Hound Pizza's downtown location benefit Schweitzer's avalanche dog program, but a few members of the team will be on-site to lend a hand, make that paw, of support to all of those who stop by. The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

West Bonner levy officially on ballot

The West Bonner school district officially has a $4.65 million levy on the May 21 ballot. Language on the levy was adopted at a special March 18 board meeting following a March 12 meeting that approved moving forward with the levy.

Ballots set for May primary election

With the deadline to withdraw as a candidate in the rearview mirror, the slate of candidates for the May 21 primary election is set. That means the list of candidates who will appear on the May ballot is final, county and state officials said. The primary election — which will be held May 21 — will include races for U.S. representatives, state legislators, judicial offices, and county races.

Eide Bailey: 'No financial improprieties'

West Bonner forensic audit finds no financial misconduct

A long-awaited forensic audit has found no financial misconduct, West Bonner trustees were told by auditing firm Eide Bailey last week. The board approved a motion to review the draft audit, sending any questions to West Bonner board clerk Julie Hinshaw by April 8. Approval of the draft audit report could take place at the board's April 17 meeting after Eide Bailey has a chance to address any board questions.

Anderson named DYW Sandpoint for 2024

There was dancing, interviews and talent galore — and, by the end of the night, a new Sandpoint Distinguished Young Woman. Ada Anderson was named Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint 2024 for the Class of 2025 at Saturday's program at Sandpoint Middle School.

APRIL NIBJ: Shared spaces lower costs, boost success

Shared workspaces aren't a new concept, but they are gaining in popularity as entrepreneurs seek a spot to call their own without making a commitment to a full bricks-and-mortar spot.

'Empty Bowl' fundraiser aims to fill up food bank

Each bowl will nourish more than those stopping by for lunch, they will nourish the community with hope. After a multi-year absence, the Bonner Community Food Bank is again hosting its Empty Bowl fundraiser.

City OKs bid for new security cameras

With current security cameras at City Hall and the police station approaching the end of their lifespan, the Priest River City Council voted Monday to accept a bid that will replace the system. The council voted to accept the low bid of $17,188 from Native American Electric. Bids were also received from Absco Solutions, and Evco Integrated Solutions.

Under new ownership

While Inland Forestry Management sold, little will change

It was 40 or so years ago that Dick Bradetich and Mike Wolcott walked into Bill Love's office at the Idaho Department of Lands in Sandpoint. The pair, Love recounts, wanted to let him know about their new forestry consultation business. Now, Inland Forest Management officials are letting the community know about a new change in the company with the sale of IFM to Georgia-based F&W Forestry Services.

WBCSD to put $4.68M levy on ballot

West Bonner trustees voted 4-1 at a special board meeting Wednesday to put a one-year supplemental levy for just over $4.68 million on the May 21 ballot. Trustees Margy Hall, Troy Reinbold, Ann Yount, and Paul Turco voted to put the levy on the ballot. Voting against was trustee Kathy Nash. Specifics of the ballot language will be discussed at a special meeting on March 18.

DYW Sandpoint readies for local program

The community's Distinguished Young Women welcome local youth to their annual Be Your Best Self workshop. Held Feb. 12, the BYBS workshop is Distinguished Young Women's official outreach program. Participants are encouraged to “be healthy, be involved, be studious, be ambitious and be responsible”, and to reach out to the youth of the community to make a commitment to being their best selves, DYW Sandpoint chair Aundrea Wolf said.

Historic mystery

Divers, museum team up to identify, protect old wreck

It's likely she was deliberately sunk; the rocks piled in the front of the bow attest to that. But her name? Her story? When she operated in the community? Those are among the mysteries the Bonner County Museum hopes to solve, starting that journey with a dive into a recently discovered historic wreck.

NTSB reverses course on plane crash

National Transportation Safety Board officials have revised a ruling that said a Tamarack winglet was at least partially to blame for a fatal 2018 aircraft accident in Indiana.

City to unveil sports center plans

Curious about what the new James E. Russell Sports Center at Travers Park will look like on the inside? A "question and answer" public meeting is being held Wednesday to give the public a sneak peak at the revised court layout of the sports complex.

Work nears on street alignment project

Area residents will have to wait just a touch longer for the start of the highly anticipated Wisconsin Street realignment project. The early spring snows have pushed the start of the project to March 18, Priest River City Clerk Laurel Thomas said.

Panel sends school board bill to House floor

A bill inspired by the confusion that followed West Bonner's successful recall of two of its five board members cleared the State Affairs Committee on Tuesday. The bill, which passed on a 10-3 vote, was heard by the House State Affairs Committee because of its potential impact on state elections. It now heads to the House floor.

Proposed firearms bill draws concern

A firearms bill being heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee would add a level of “nuance” to state statute, according to its author. However, critics dispute Herndon’s contention, saying the bill could jeopardize their property rights allowed under a lease and could put such events as the Festival at Sandpoint at risk.

Trump wins local, state Republican caucuses

As in the rest of Idaho, former President Donald J. Trump won local caucuses in North Idaho as Republicans headed to the polls to nominate the state presidential candidate.

Gun & Horn Show celebrating 41st year

Annual event taking place this weekend

If you love the outdoors, the fairgrounds is where you want to be this weekend with the 41st annual Gun 'n' Horn Show taking center stage. The event kicked off Friday, packing the main exhibit hall at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. A volunteer-run event by the Bonner County Sportsmen Association, the annual event with roughly 160 tables featuring everything from knife and firearm vendors, informational booths, food, and a horn and skull competition.

Bill targets school board recall issues

A bill inspired by the confusion that followed the recall of two West Bonner school board trustees is being rewritten to address concerns of some of the State Affairs committee following a Feb. 21 hearing on the bill. Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, began revising the bill after his original legislation, House Bill 420, was sent to General Orders to ensure the bill does not conflict with other statutes. A bill sent to that committee can be amended on the floor if later brought up for action, or can languish there if it isn't passed into law if the Legislature adjourns before then.

MARCH NIBJ: Workshops help set businesses on path to success

When Brent Baker first thought about holding economic development workshops, his vision was to help businesses in Bonner County be better versions of themselves. Baker, who has lived in the community since 1977, was semi-retired and offering business consultations on a part-time basis. With a career that also includes owning and operating his own construction company, stints in real estate, resort management, ranching, forestry, and investment.

MARCH NIBJ: Training helps Idaho Forest Group chart strong future

Idaho Forest Group's training programs are helping attract new employees and show potential career paths. Among them is IFG's registered apprenticeship program. Apprentices gain training and skills and companies can tap into a source of potential employees.

MARCH NIBJ: Economic development taking a community-centered approach

Economic development groups aren't what they used to be. And that, Pend Oreille Economic Partnership's Brent Baker said is a good thing. Instead of offering discounts, tax breaks, and other incentives to entice businesses, Baker said the new trend is to build from within.

Work on Long Bridge delayed until mid-March

Project will improve driving surface on 2-mile long bridge

Work to improve the Long Bridge's driving surface has been delayed until next month. The work, which was set to start Sunday, Feb. 25, but will now begin in mid-March, Heather McDaniel, ITD public information officer, said.

Parents call on WBCSD to run levy

More than a half-dozen parents and community members appealed to the West Bonner school board Wednesday to consider putting a supplemental levy on the ballot in May. However, not all who addressed the board favored the move, with most critics saying that the district must first get its financial house in order.

NAMI Far North sets sights on new 'Clubhouse'

Facility will provide recovery-based programs in region

To kickstart efforts, a fundraiser for the Sand Creek Clubhouse is planned for Feb. 29 at the Heartwood Center in Sandpoint. The event, which will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., will include refreshments, presentations from a Clubhouse international representative, and a special guest appearance from Evergreen Clubhouse members in Spokane, the next closest facility.

Parade shines as Winter Carnival fun kicks off

Short, sweet, and a whole lot of fun. That sums up Friday's annual Winter Carnival parade. The fan-favorite event attracted hundreds of residents who lined the streets along Church and Oak Streets and Second and Fourth avenues as families and fans of winter turned out on a chilly night to kick off the annual celebration.

Asbestos test results expected Monday

Results of asbestos tests of insulation at Sandpoint Middle School are expected to be completed Monday, Lake Pend Oreille School District officials said Friday.

Local presidential caucus set for March 2

Idaho Republicans will hold a presidential caucus on March 2, rather than a regular presidential primary due to a faux pas during the 2023 legislative session. Last year, legislation was passed that removed the May primary election with the intent of having it moved to March. However, the language to move the primary was not added to the bill, removing the presidential primary election.

BTAA seeks help as dog area nears capacity

Space is getting tight for Better Together Animal Alliance's canine friends. As a result, BTAA officials say they need the community's help.

Nixon honored as 'School Hero'

With the help of the Idaho Lottery, Sandpoint Middle School was able to pay tribute to a "School Hero" late last month. It was, for Jennifer Nixon, a surprising start to the morning. The middle school Life Skills paraprofessional was about to take a quick break when Lottery officials surprised her by walking into her room, led by her son.

Wishlist grant gives PRLHS science program a boost

Priest River Lamanna High School students were facing doing their forensics and biology classwork by hand. Thanks to a $5,144.85 Classroom Wishlist grant from Idaho Lottery, PRLHS students will have all of the supplies they need to do the class right.

Dover gets update on wastewater system

City officials got a glimpse of the future of Dover's wastewater facilities collection system. Brett Converse of JUB Engineers outlined both where the city's system is at and where it needs to go. As part of a status update on the plan, Converse told the council he wanted to give them a look at the methodology he was using to craft the document as well as get their feedback.

Technology helps library, patrons make connections

Libraries are more than just books. And, in reality, have been for a long time. Hubs of information, they connect people with both knowledge and possibilities. In Bonner County, technology is making that happen.