ERIC WELCH
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Statistics show how Sandpoint, Bonner County differ from the nation
With the end of 2024 approaching, the nation is halfway between the 2020 and 2030 censuses. Between the official counts, the U.S. Census Bureau continues to analyze trends on the national and local levels; examining these statistics gives context to issues our communities face.
Donated books arrive for students
After a vote from members to select a beneficiary, Hatley’s program prevailed; in the three years since, Rotary has contributed a total of $257,000 to the program, enabling four grade levels of local students to participate.
District 1 lawmakers visit WBCSD
Sen. Jim Woodward and Rep. Cornel Rasor answered questions and shared goals for the upcoming legislative session at the Dec. 18 West Bonner County School District board meeting.
Sandpoint hotel development gets parking reduction
The project at 56 Bridge Street — which includes a hotel, restaurant, and events space near City Beach — initially required 244 parking spaces under city code. However, developers successfully negotiated to reduce this number to 145 spaces.
Water service appeal hearing to go on
During the hearing, Norman Semanko, an attorney representing the developer, argued that since the development included a proposed looping system of pipes designed to promote fire flow, a new model of the system should have been created and evaluated before the decision to deny service was made.
City impersonated in attempted scam
According to a city press release, the email stated that the developer must pay a $25,000 “appeal fee” for the project. The city of Sandpoint had recently denied an application for water service for the development; at the time of the scam attack, the developer was appealing the denial.
Developer seeks approval for industrial building — ‘Project Bulldog’ facility could change Sandpoint job market
The proposed building — referred to as “Project Bulldog” in planning documents — would be constructed on a vacant 7.57-acre lot at the corner of Great Northern Road and Woodland Drive and feature a 10-space loading canopy area and five dock positions sized for semi-trucks.
BOCC examines EMS progress, staff compensation
“The consequences between the sheriff, fire and EMS — they're all connected,” Glass said. “You really have a crisis here,” he added. “If that service isn't available, then our citizens suffer for it.”
Wheeler resigns, intends to return
Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler announced Sunday he had resigned from his position but intends to return to the role in January 2025.
Santa Sack meets community’s needs
In the spirit of the season, volunteers and city employees dressed as elves, and Mayor Steve Geiger donned the red suit of Santa Claus as residents received gift bags from a festive trolley towed behind a Ponderay Police Department vehicle.