Plants, books, bikes at monthly Natural Connections

The Sandpoint Library is continuing its monthly hands-on series, Natural Connections, in May with a full-day plant swap as well as multiple other presentations to prepare the community for spring activities.

New fair board member approved

A new Bonner County Fair Board member was approved Tuesday at the commissioners’ regular business meeting.

Lions set Fourth of July parade theme

This year, the Sandpoint Lions Club — which hosts the city’s annual Fourth of July parade — is paying homage to Sandpoint’s roots with its theme for the upcoming festivities.

Closed burn season starts Friday

Closed burning season starts Friday in North Idaho.

Multiple plant sales happening in preparation for gardening season

Spring has sprung and residents throughout the county are getting their gardens ready for the last of the cold to leave so planting can begin.

Passport fairs coming to North Idaho

U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson as well as U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, are hosting seven passport fairs to be held throughout the state from May 29 to June 1, the first of which will be held in Sandpoint.

BOCC extends construction project lease

A lease extension for a construction project at the Sandpoint Airport was approved Tuesday by Bonner County commissioners following lengthy discussion on how long the extension should be. Kodiak Aircraft Company senior advisor Dave Schuck spoke with commissioners about the potential lease extension, which would provide MacGyver Aviation with roughly three more months to complete construction on Lot 32 at the airport.

Commissioners deny Cocolalla wedding venue CUP appeal

Despite overwhelming public opposition, a conditional use permit for a Cocolalla-based wedding venue was approved last month by Bonner County commissioners.

Idaho Gives raises over $4 million

Idahoans raised over $4 million in just four days in support of local small businesses and nonprofits across the state during the week of Idaho Gives.

BCEMS, Sam Owen ink agreement

A Bonner County EMS paramedic will now be stationed with the Sam Owen Fire District after the board of county commissioners approved a sublease and use agreement at Tuesday’s meeting.

Albeni Falls Dam spillway operations changing after defect found

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that the Albeni Falls Dam spillways will be modified after metal defects were detected on one of the gates.

Growth, community highlight county forum

Eight candidates are seeking two Bonner County Commissioner seats this year and five of them spoke Monday during a county candidate forum on what their goals are if elected.

Unopposed Engelhardt shares views with voters

During Monday’s candidate forum, hosted by local media and the Selkirk Association of Realtors, Engelhardt — who became the assessor roughly 10 months ago when the county’s previous assessor, Grant Dorman, stepped down for medical reasons — thanked the community for trusting him with the position and said he hopes to continue his work in the county for some time to come.

Pair trade visions of sheriff's office

Roughly 150 Bonner County residents packed into the Sandpoint High School auditorium Monday night to hear what candidates for county races had to say. Candidates running for the District 1 and District 3 commissioners’ seats as well as for sheriff’s office answered a plethora of questions from audience members about issues in the community. The two sheriff candidates — incumbent Daryl Wheeler and current Bonner County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw — both said they identify themselves as being constitutional sheriffs but seemed not to agree whether the other shared that sentiment.

Road and Bridge bids approved

Two Bonner County Road and Bridge bids were approved Tuesday at the Bonner County commissioners’ meeting.

Women take to the woods in annual field day

Men in beards and flannel, move over — women are headed into the forest for the second annual Women in the Woods Field Day in Sandpoint May 10.

Another short BOCC meeting

Another relatively short agenda is on the Bonner County commissioners’ radar this week.

Williams announces May chat lineup

Bonner County Commissioner Asia Williams has announced her May commissioner chat lineup.

ITD: U.S. 95 plans in brainstorming stages

Possible options raising concerns

Despite rumors circulating of a new freeway being built through multiple Sagle family farms and properties, Idaho Transportation Department public information officer Heather McDaniel said those ideas are many years away from developing, if they happen at all.

Bonner County proclaimed 'hidden heroes county'

Bonner County has been declared a “hidden heroes county” after a proclamation was approved at the commissioners’ Tuesday morning business meeting.

Bike park critics plan appeal, launch GoFundMe campaign

Multiple Bonner County residents plan to appeal a decision by the hearing examiner approving a conditional use permit for the proposed Panhandle Bike Ranch.

FSPW hopes area is 'kept wild forever'

The past year has been big for everyone, and the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is no exception.

Schweitzer sets sights on expanding fun on the hill

This winter’s lack of snowpack has proven difficult for ski resorts across the nation, with many having to close months earlier than expected because of such little precipitation. Despite the season’s many challenges, Schweitzer officials said the resort persevered through it all and didn’t close its metaphorical doors even a day sooner than it usually does.

Election rules, security measures detailed

During Commissioner Asia Williams’s weekly commissioner chat, Bonner County Clerk Mike Rosedale answered numerous questions regarding election season and how voting is handled in the county.

Panhandle Bike Ranch CUP approved

The Bonner County hearing examiner has approved a conditional use permit for the applicants of the Panhandle Bike Ranch following a few days of deliberation after a nearly four-hour public hearing last Wednesday.

Hearing pending for Bowman's trespass appeal

A hearing regarding Dave Bowman’s appeal of a trespass notice he received in January barring him from county property is in the process of being scheduled following an undisclosed oversight by county employees.

ICL looking for summer water quality stewards

Water levels on Lake Pend Oreille began rising April 1 — the first indication that winter is over and summer is on its way.

Clark Fork High hosts first Career Fair

Clark Fork High School held its first annual Career Fair for middle and high school students Friday, and attendees said they were impressed with the turnout.

ICL celebrates wins before Earth Day

As the Idaho Conservation League gears up for this year’s Earth Day events, director Jennifer Ekstrom said the organization has a lot to celebrate.

No decision on proposed bike park

The Bonner County hearing examiner chose to not make a decision Wednesday regarding a conditional use permit application for the Panhandle Bike Ranch, which will be located off of Five Lakes Estates Road in Sagle.

Arguments arise over public comment at BOCC meeting

Bonner County Commissioner Asia Williams was approved to put her commissioner report back on the agenda last week, but problems have already arisen from doing so.

Short agenda for BOCC this week

With no individual commissioner items on the Bonner County commissioners’ meeting agenda this Tuesday, another relatively short meeting is expected.

Tips for safe bicycling this summer

Sunshine has returned to the Idaho Panhandle, and with the warmer temperatures, there are more bicycles on the road — and the potential for more accidents involving them.

Cramer's trespass appeal approved

Bonner County resident Rick Cramer’s appeal has been approved by the board of county commissioners following a notice that he was trespassed from all county property in January.

Williams again allowed to give commissioner reports

Bonner County Commissioner Asia Williams will once again be allowed to present her commissioner report during regular business meetings following a vote from the board Tuesday.

Reduce wildfire risks this summer

Temperatures are rising and before we know it, North Idaho will be in the midst of fire season — more commonly known as summer.

Half of Bonner County roads to be painted this year

Half of Bonner County’s roads are getting a new paint job this year following the approval of a work bid by the Bonner County commissioners.

Bradshaw responds to protection order at BOCC meeting

The Bonner County commissioners’ meeting got off to an irregular start Tuesday when Commissioner Steve Bradshaw gave an unprompted speech before the order of agenda was approved.

Fun facts for foraging fungi

Morel season nearing in North Idaho

Morel season is almost here and with the weather warming up, the U.S. Forest Service is offering residents in the Idaho Panhandle helpful tips for finding the highly-sought after seasonal treasures.

Burroughs seeking commissioner election

Bonner County resident James Burroughs is seeking the Bonner County District 1 commissioner seat, running against two other Republican candidates in the May primaries.

Bill prompts BOCC concern, discussion

A claims and demand batch were the only items on Tuesday’s Bonner County commissioners’ meeting agenda this week, which resulted in a fairly concise discussion. That, however, did not mean it was without disagreement among the trio.

Public hearing for proposed bike park April 17

A public hearing date has been set for the proposed 170-acre bike park outside Sagle that is dividing many in the community.

BOCC eyes short meeting

Bonner County will see an extremely short commissioners’ meeting this Tuesday, with only one item on the agenda aside from the consent agenda and executive sessions.

Lake levels to rise April 1

This is no April Fool’s joke — Lake Pend Oreille’s water levels will begin to go up April 1.

Records request lawsuit being settled by county

A recently filed lawsuit against Bonner County is on the brink of settlement after staff realized there had been a misunderstanding regarding the recipient of a public records request.

BonFire contract approved by BOCC

A contract between Bonner County and The Mountain View Company was approved by county commissioners Tuesday to cover work cleaning up wildfire hazards throughout the county.

Road and Bridge Dept. getting new equipment

The Bonner County Road and Bridge Department received approval Tuesday to purchase multiple new vehicles to ensure the county’s roads stay well maintained year round.

Library to host spring garden workshop

The East Bonner County Library is continuing to educate the community with its monthly Natural Connections events, teaching attendees all about different ways to be self-sufficient.

Quiet BOCC meeting disrupted by state rep. candidate

A relatively quiet meeting was disrupted when resident and state representative candidate Spencer Hutchings walked to the front of the room while others were giving public comments, demanding to be allowed to speak.

Leadership class aims to help NAMI chapter

Fundraising for new Sand Creek Clubhouse begins April 1

Leadership Sandpoint, a Greater Sandpoint Chamber program, is supporting the local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness for their annual fundraising projects in an effort to support the launch of the new Sand Creek Clubhouse.