U.S Rep. Fulcher stops in Sandpoint
Congressman talks spending, land management, Albeni Falls Dam
Chief among the sentiments Fulcher voiced in an April 23 interview with the Daily Bee was enthusiastic support for President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency and the ongoing effort to audit federal programs.
Idaho Fish and Game seeks comments as officials consider spearfishing proposals
Changes proposed for the Panhandle region include permitting spearfishing for the harvest of walleye, lake trout and northern pike in bodies of water including Lake Pend Oreille. IDFG will accept comments through an online form until 11 a.m. April 28.
Developer proposes ‘Farmin Flats’ apartments
Residents condemn lack of parking infrastructure, aesthetic
On March 6, Oz Development, a Lindon, Utah-based builder, submitted a site plan application for Farmin Flats — a proposed four-story mixed-use building at 413 Church St. that would include commercial space and 48 studio or one-bedroom apartments.
PRO: Evolving industries
Dept. of Labor data show hospitality job growth, manufacturing contraction in county
At private businesses across all industries, average quarter one employment in Bonner County rose 30.0% from 2015 to 2024, which essentially mirrors the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate of a 29.8% population increase during the same period.
PRO: Aging up
County’s senior citizen influx outpaces state, nation
Results from the 2019, 2021 and 2023 iterations of the survey show that Bonner County’s rate of population growth was above the national and state average, and its median household income was below average. Additionally, the surveys indicate that Bonner County’s abundant population of seniors is expanding faster than senior populations in the rest of Idaho and the country.
‘I live for the lightbulb moment’ — Award-finalist teacher emphasizes real-world math and the opportunities behind mistakes
Priest River Lamanna High School math teacher Nicole Anderson has a technique to combat “math anxiety” — the sense of dread students feel when they come face-to-face with a number problem that seems overwhelming. Her strategy is simple — show them that messing up isn’t the end of the world, but rather a step toward understanding.
City of Clark Fork recovers $190K of $480K lost in scam attack
In an April 17 open letter to residents, Clark Fork Mayor Russell Schenck had good news to share — almost half of the funds lost in a November 2024 scam attack have been returned to the city.
Sandpoint City Council approves preliminary plan for proposed Ridley Village Court townhome development
The development in question, Ridley Village Court, is proposed to be constructed on a vacant 4.1-acre parcel south of Forrest M. Bird Charter School. The area is in a residential multifamily zone; because the applicant, Affinity Real Estate Management, is suggesting lot dimensions and building setbacks not accounted for in Sandpoint's zoning regulations, they must go through the planned unit development permit process, during which city officials weigh the public benefits the development represents against the waivers and flexibility from the city's zoning standards.
Family trucking operation comes to a close — Wes, Jim Olson look back on a 64-year legacy
Jim has been as involved in the company as anyone throughout his life. He started helping out at the business by working on wheels and rebuilding transmissions at the age of 11 before getting behind the wheel of a timber truck at 17. “Back then you could do that,” Jim said.
Fantasy to reality — Theater enthusiast couple bring ambitions to life with ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
“I'm just the director. I herd the cats. I create schedules. I give some artistic direction,” Connie said. “When people come and they're blown away by the costumes, the sets, props, the lights — that's not me. That’s other people’s creativity come to life.”
West Bonner County School District to consider selling office at Wednesday board meeting
Deliberation surrounding a potential sale has gone on for months. Earlier this year, trustees voted to have the property appraised and sought proposals from movers to determine what it would cost to relocate administrators to the former Priest River Junior High building.
70 local nonprofits unite for ‘Live Give 7B’ drive
“We want to bring focus to nonprofits, thank our businesses for being the backbone of the community and supporting us, drive some local giving, and then celebrate,” explained Dig Chrismer, Innovia Foundation rural engagement manager and Live Give 7B organizer.
Decision extends freeze on USFS Project
Litigation surrounding Bonner County forestry work could go on
The USFS’ Hanna Flats Good Neighbor Authority Project, which the agency has said would reduce insect disease and catastrophic wildfire risk and is planned to include 2,352 acres of timber harvest, prescribed fire and reforestation work, has been challenged in court since 2018 by conservation group Alliance for the Wild Rockies.
Sandpoint Council approves $434K contract for parking lot improvements
In a February City Council meeting, Mayor Jeremy Grimm said the initiative to resurface the lot has been budgeted and put off every year since 2014. When councilors were asked to approve a preliminary design, concerns about traffic efficiency and tree removal caused the officials to be split on the topic, but a tiebreaking vote from Grimm moved the project forward.
LPOSD navigates federal funding uncertainty as budget season approaches
Idaho will continue apportioning funds based on average daily attendance. Since Wallace doesn’t anticipate a significant difference in enrollment next year, he’s expecting a similar amount of money from the state.
Community packs POAC for ‘Second Life’ debut
The monthlong exhibition features paintings, sculptures and other works from eight local creatives who integrate repurposed, upcycled and found materials into their art.
‘Pull Up for Pull-Ups' initiative serves Sandpoint, North Idaho
Throughout April, Coeur d’Alene-based nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho is hosting “Pull up for Pull-Ups” — a series of six drive-through events in which residents can receive packages of both traditional diapers and pull-ups for free.
Rotary to review technical education scholarship applications
Graduates of Sandpoint High School, Clark Fork High, Forrest Bird Charter School, Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High and The Home School Academy are eligible to apply by April 10. Successful applicants typically receive about $3,000.
Forest, shoreline work approaches at Two Rivers Park
Priest River prepares to lay foundation for 38-acre riverfront project
Project organizers have spent the past three years laying the foundation for a park that could one day include a swimming beach, a dog park, athletic fields and other amenities. Once foresters remove hazard trees and cut footpaths on the property this spring, community members will be able to safely access the area for the first time in a century.
USFS proposes wildfire mitigation project
‘Sandpoint South’ initiative would reduce fuels on 8,000 acres of forest service land
The U.S. Forest Service is aiming to address local wildfire risk through ‘Sandpoint South’ — a proposed 2026 initiative to thin approximately 8,334 acres of public forest within a 174,000-acre project area in southern Bonner County.
What’s the ‘State of the Lake?' — Fishery manager: Lake Pend Oreille angling is ‘about the best it’s ever been’
In a comprehensive presentation posted to YouTube on March 21, Dux cited strong ecological diversity, an abundance of trophy-size specimens and a survey showing high angler satisfaction as evidence of an attractive current fishing climate.
Army Corps began Lake Pend Oreille refill March 28
Officials noted that it’s “too early” to determine when Lake Pend Oreille will reach its summer pool, but that they expect to achieve the mark once flood risks have subsided. They added that staff will consider the limitations of Albeni Falls Dam’s current limitations as they navigate the refill.
Students, experts cross paths at Cougar Community Connection
90 local volunteers lend time, create unique opportunities
The event offered students a chance to delve into topics of their choosing for two hour-long sessions. A total of 90 experts and volunteers hosted 17 unique workshops that included an opportunity to interact with local firefighters and their fire engine and an “instrument petting zoo,” where kids could try playing horns, woodwinds and drums.
Stepping up to the plate — Priest Lake Food Bank seeks funds to upgrade facility, meet community’s needs
Home to hundreds of vacation homes and several resorts, Priest Lake receives an influx of visitors each summer. Supporting the seasonal boom are a collection of local food service, recreation and hospitality workers that can find their wages stretched thin by high regional housing costs.
Bang, zap, whoosh! — SHS students stoke youth science intrigue
At one station, high schoolers demonstrated the conservation of angular momentum with a bicycle wheel and a low-friction turntable. Participants stood on the turntable and held the spinning wheel using two handles attached to its hub. When they rotated the wheel left or right, they found their whole body rotating on the turntable in order to compensate for the wheel’s change in angular momentum.
Local firefighters take on 2025 Seattle stairclimb
The crew placed No. 53 out of 270 teams in the 788-vertical-feet challenge. The annual contest requires each participant to raise at least $300 for charity and complete the climb wearing a full set of equipment and using a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Latest Sandpoint parking plan includes six-hour City Beach free period
“That's really the number one thing we've learned through this engagement — people are concerned and anxious about how city residents might be excluded from their public waterfront,” Welker said.
WBCSD debuts homeschool academy plan for upcoming school year
“We have some good things we want to give to the community,” Spacek said. “Not just for kids in the school system, but every kid in the community, and every parent and family who wants to have support in educating their kids.”
City officials, staff discuss potential state legislation, federal changes
Normally, federal money helps support the cost of summer overtime hours aimed at mitigating aggressive driving, seat belt noncompliance and other transportation safety concerns. To sustain some of the services in the coming months, Coon said he plans to utilize payroll money that has been saved due to open staff positions in lieu of a federal grant.
Writers on the Lake contest to feature new categories
Participants will present a five-minute excerpt of an unpublished work for an opportunity to win the $50 first-place or $25 runner-up prize in their age category. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and readings will begin at 9:30.
Student safety summit centers on phones — teachers, law enforcement advocate for responsible tech use
The March 18 student safety summit was attended by dozens of Lake Pend Oreille School District families, and comes after school board trustees approved a revised policy in January that prohibits all students from using cell phones during class and bans their use during passing periods and lunch time in district middle schools and elementary schools.
Planning and Zoning Commission approves proposal to shrink Sandpoint's area of impact
An area of impact is a designated region outside of a city’s boundaries where future growth is anticipated. Sandpoint’s current impact area encompasses 12.3 square miles and stretches more than 3 miles north and 2 miles west of existing city limits.
County commissioners approve $57K contribution toward $880K intersection safety project
With the match put forth, contractors will soon install upgraded 48-inch stop signs with lights that flash when vehicles approach the intersections. The project also funds construction of advance warning signs designed to ensure drivers are aware of an upcoming intersection.
Selkirk chief urges caution in wake of U.S. 95 crashes
“While it is not our role to determine cause or conditions that contribute to traffic accidents, we would urge folks to use more caution on our area highways,” Armstrong stated in a March 16 Facebook post.
USACE, ISDA describe invasive species risks, plans
When it comes to invasive species, “the best, cheapest and most effective policy is always prevention, rather than trying to play catch up,” said ISDA program specialist Ryan Hanna.
WBCSD prepares levy language
Two weeks after West Bonner County School District trustees voted 3-2 to bring a two year, $2.35 million-per-year levy to voters, staff and officials came together to finalize the line items that will appear on the May 20 ballot.
LPOSD proposes AI policy
The language states that students would be allowed to use AI to help them research topics, brainstorm for projects and summarize concepts to aid their understanding. They wouldn’t be allowed to pass AI content off as their own or feed an AI model content that contains personal or sensitive information that should remain private.
Knight racing — locals slide fast, build bonds in Starlight Series
Throughout February, over 120 locals participated in Schweitzer’s medieval-themed Starlight Race Series — a four-week sequence of Friday night contests in which costumed alpine skiers, Telemark skiers and snowboarders compete and socialize on the slopes.
No Man's Land film fest returning to Panida
“None of these stories are new to us. We’re already living it,” organizer Lauren Sanders said. “But they're new to being shown on film and being featured.”
Frame it! — SHS students show development in art exhibit
SHS students typically begin their humanities education by fulfilling a requirement to take an art, music or foreign language course. Those who choose to continue take progressively more advanced electives until they reach the last class. For visual art, that’s the yearlong AP course, in which students can earn college credit and assemble a portfolio of works that can serve as a resume piece for college admissions or independent ventures.
Waterfront hotel development will include private units
The project’s site is considered by many to be among the most valuable pieces of real estate in Sandpoint. Averill Hospitality acquired the property in 2022 and later announced plans to invest upward of $70 million to create a modern destination resort with an events center and two restaurants on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.
Russell Center revenue below projection after three months
“It's been a challenge, for sure, operating this as a business,” Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker said. “The total budgeted revenue for a year was around $240,000. We're on track to do about half of that right now.”
Council weighs in on First Avenue revitalization
The primary objectives of the project, Bush said, were to improve utility infrastructure and pedestrian mobility on First Avenue south of Bridge Street and to reconfigure the intersections of Bridge Street and First Avenue as well as Lake Street and First Avenue.
Schools, library celebrate reading week
Each day of this week, local teachers will coordinate events that brighten schools and cleverly encourage students to read. For “Tie Together for Reading Day,” students wear ties and exchange books with one another. For “Read my Shirt Day,” students wear clothing featuring text and practice deciphering the messages on each other’s garments.
Sandpoint company to add 24 jobs
After receiving a state tax credit, local company Timberline Helicopters will create 24 new jobs and invest $13 million in Sandpoint.
ITD updates U.S. 95 expansion plan
In the new plan, ITD removed a planned underpass at Ivy Drive and Algoma Spur Road and shifted it a quarter mile north to Sagle Road. The department also introduced a quarter-mile-long access road adjacent to U.S. 95 across the highway from Ivy Drive.
‘Reba’ goes to snow school — patrol pup continues a legacy of ski safety
Each winter day, Schweitzer is visited by “powder hounds”: skiers and snowboards on the hunt for fresh snow. A different group of snow searchers can also be found on the slopes; since they walk on four legs instead of two, they probably have a better claim to the name.
Partners debut Sand Creek draft plan
Cities, organizations hope to preserve and enhance waterway
The plan centers on the mile-long section of Sand Creek between Popsicle Bridge and Schweitzer Cutoff Road. The corridor consists of a meandering waterway flanked by wetlands, woods and grassy fields, and is one of the last undeveloped sectors in the Sandpoint area.
Report finds fire engine crashed on ‘extremely slick’ road
A contracted investigator found that while the firefighter driving the truck was at fault for the single-vehicle crash, road conditions in the area were hazardous. The investigator recommended enhancing training and bolstering vehicle inspection compliance in the future.
City lot rehabilitation moves forward
While some Sandpoint City councilors shared a desire to see staff and officials review a parking lot rehabilitation initiative’s preliminary design further before advancement, the council approved a motion to push it forward during a Feb. 19 meeting.