ERIC WELCH
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
West Bonner trustees explore district’s future in first post-levy meeting
While the guarantee of levy dollars will fortify the district’s immediate financial standing, trustees noted that unless Idaho’s education funding structure changes, the WBCSD will likely be pursuing a new levy when the current one expires.
Sandpoint planning and zoning commissioners approve Church Street apartment proposal in split decision
The two-building, 88-unit downtown project — brought forth by the developer as “Farmin Flats” — will move forward as long as long as the developer complies with conditions set forth by the commissioners and city staff, which include requirements to designate a dedicated vehicle loading zone at each of the proposed buildings and repave the alleyway south of south of the buildings if city staff deem it necessary.
Fire chief outlines plan forward, challenges ahead after budget expansion proposals fall short
Sagle, Westside and Northside fire districts, which protect the areas immediately to the south, west and north of Sandpoint, each proposed a levy override that would permanently increase their budgets through annual payments made by property owners. All three measures failed to reach 50% support and fell well short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. Armstrong — who heads all three districts — outlined the changes that will result in a public statement Wednesday.
May 2025 election outcome: school levies prevail, fire budget expansions fall short
In a relatively low-profile election with no candidates for elected office on the ballot, Bonner County residents voted in favor of school funding and against fire agency budget expansions across the board.
West Bonner County School District Superintendent describes levy stakes as election draws close
“We believe enough instructional staff have been reduced through attrition to meet this level of funding,” Spacek said, later elaborating that the attrition had come through retirements and the anticipated departure of teachers hired after Aug. 1 who were not guaranteed a position for the upcoming year.
Farmin Stidwell ‘bike bus’ promotes independence, connection
Kerrigan and Hollan were inspired to launch the program after fellow teacher Renee Lorden showed them a video of a similar program in Oregon several months back. After getting the necessary approval, the bus made its debut April 18 — complete with a homemade sign attached to the back of Kerrigan’s bike trailer — and has been steadily gaining riders each Friday since.
Area students dip their toes into water resources at Pend Oreille Water Festival
Bolin noted that the festival helps students become aware of the career opportunities available in natural resources conservation and introduces young learners to one of the area’s many public recreation sites and campgrounds.
Lake Pend Oreille trustees adopt revised student conduct, medical policies
Members of the board voted unanimously in favor of revisions to Policy 3255, Student Conduct Code, that included language that strengthens the district’s disallowance of electronic or digital bullying. The updated policy also includes a reference to the district’s recently-adopted artificial intelligence policy, which specifies that students must cite their use of AI or risk being punished for plagiarism.
Hunter mistakenly shoots, kills grizzly bear in Bonner County
The hunter mistook the young female grizzly for a black bear and immediately self-reported to when they realized their error. An Idaho Fish and Game investigation is ongoing.
Local student rocket teams to represent Idaho in national competition
To qualify for the national finals, the teams had to create a model rocket that could carry two raw eggs to an altitude of 790 feet, remain airborne for at least 41 seconds but no more than 44 seconds, and deploy a parachute to return the payload to the ground safely.