Ellington

Winter storms back into North Idaho

SANDPOINT — Bonner County absorbed another icy punch from Old Man Winter on Wednesday, and the blow was too much for some North Idaho infrastructure.

Skiing out of bounds only leads to trouble

I am a 16-year-old student at the high school, and I love to ski at Schweitzer. Last week, I had a situation that was dangerous and scary.

Priest River defeats Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Senior Jaden Barrett scored 12 of his team-high 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Spartans held off the Vikings late Tuesday at Christianson Gymnasium.

Hyde resigns DSBA post

SANDPOINT — After three years on the job, Kathleen Hyde is bidding her position as the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association manager a fond farewell, effective Feb. 1

Quest Aircraft fending off lawsuits

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Co. is fighting a lawsuit filed by a Canadian charter service which claims the company failed to build a plane to its specifications.

Face-to-face friends better than Facebook

My mom is better known for talking about her horse than making profound statements. However, last year she told me that one of the most important things to her in her life then (she was 75) was to have my 5-year-old daughter. Adeline, remember her name when she is gone.

Anderson deserves praise for his stand

Recently I called Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, to tell him that I was proud of him for taking a public stand on the Legislature’s need to have some meaningful ethics review for Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol.

New Year's traditions vary throughout world

Being a person who has constant curiosity, I decided to do some research on the New Year holiday. If you are curious as well, the following information is provided for your review.

Spartan boys lose to Timberwolves

COEUR d’ALENE — Brady Smith and Mark Smyly scored 15 points apiece as the Timberwolves defeated the Spartans 78-63 in the Holiday Inn Express Invitational Wednesday at Christianson Gymnasium.

Why we love Sandpoint

Despite delays, bus system still in gear

DOVER — Despite delays, work to establish a bus system between Dover, Sandpoint, Ponderay and Kootenai is still in gear.

Make health screenings one of your resolutions

As you’re making your New Year’s resolutions for 2011, resolve to take care of your health by putting health screenings at the top.

Attack suspect's hearing postponed

COEUR d’ALENE — The man police say bludgeoned a Bayview woman to death with a hammer and put two other people in the hospital with it appeared briefly in court Tuesday.

Gaylen C. Beers

Retired SMS Gaylen C. Beers was born March 22, 1928. A loving husband and father, he entered into rest on Dec. 25, 2010.

Patrick M. Connett, 94

A graveside service for Patrick M. Connett, 94, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at noon at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Sandpoint, Idaho. A luncheon will follow the service at the L.atter-day Saints stake center at 602 Schweitzer Cutoff Road in Sandpoint.

Kopiecki moves practice to new location

SANDPOINT — Ilani Kopiecki understands that sometimes a subtle touch works better than brute force.

Badgers take down Wampus Cats in tourney opener

SPIRIT LAKE — Brocklynn Thornton scored 10 points in defeat to lead Clark Fork, which played up in classification and fell 48-33 to Bonners Ferry in the opening game of the inaugural Miller’s Harvest Foods tournament at Timberlake High School on Tuesday.

DUI suspect tracked through woods

SANDPOINT — An Upper Pack River man was apprehended on suspicion of drunken driving after a game of cat and mouse with law enforcement on Monday night.

It's high time Kramer makes NFL Hall of Fame

SANDPOINT — In a television interview not too long ago, former Sandpoint High School, University of Idaho and Green Bay Packer football legend Jerry Kramer answered a question about why he isn’t in the NFL pro football Hall of Fame this way: “I feel like if I have to do some politik’n and pullin’ strings and doin’ those kind of things to get in, maybe I don’t deserve to be in and maybe I don’t need to.”

NICE puts brakes on rural service

SANDPOINT — Local transportation officials are scrambling to restore services after North Idaho Community Express announced the cancellation of its rural presence.

Jim Frank named Litehouse CEO, president

SANDPOINT — Litehouse, Inc., has a new president and chief executive officer.

Fire sweeps through Cocolalla home

COCOLALLA — A Bonner County couple managed to escape a structure fire that consumed their home on Saturday morning, but they lost their pets, possessions and Christmas gifts in the blaze.

Sentencing set in embezzlement case

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman accused of ripping off the founders of a humanitarian relief organization while they were working abroad is scheduled to be sentenced in Coeur d’Alene on Thursday.

Isobel Victoria Benda

Isobel Victoria Benda passed away Dec. 23, 2010, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

County weighs in on timber sale litigation

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County commission is throwing its support behind the U.S. Forest Service’s appeal of a federal court ruling which is hindering logging in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Peace on Earth, goodwill to men

As a matter of clarification regarding my letter of Dec. 19, I neither stated nor implied that Christmas does not hold special significance for Christians. And rightfully it should — just as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other celebrations that take place this time of year have a special meaning for those who observe them.

Charges reduced in gun incident

SANDPOINT — Charges have been reduced against a Washington state man accused of pointing a handgun at two people during a brawl outside an Oldtown tavern last year.

Keepsake for community's sake

‘Scrapbook’ nears break-even goal

SANDPOINT — Five years and a couple thousand books into the process, photographer Tina Friedman now finds herself just a small stack shy of breaking even on a photo-filled coffee table book project she began in January 2006.

Wildlife feeding plan deserves support

Bonner County is a wonderful place to live. Longtime residents and newcomers agree that the allure is the beauty and natural world that we find so appealing. Part of that natural world is wildlife.

Do you admire and respect the president?

Suppose you knew someone who told a lie whenever he thought it was to his advantage. And let’s suppose you also knew a second person who saw him doing this and looked up to the liar for his ability to lie like he does, tricking others to get his way. Would this person who admired the liar be someone you admire?

The spirit of Christmases past filled with happy memories

Today is Christmas and I would give anything to recapture the feeling I had at Christmas while sitting in our living room with no electricity and a tree that was decorated with strings of cranberries and popcorn. A candle on the table, a kerosene lamp on the mantle, and the glow of a wood fire filled the room with a quite glow of wonder and joy. But the thing I remember the most is just being with my dad, my mother, and my little brother.

County likely up in Census count

SANDPOINT — The precise numbers won’t be available until next year, but Bonner County likely contributed to the population boost that made Idaho one of the nation’s fastest growing states.

Priest finds a home at St. Joseph's

SANDPOINT — Before he arrived in the U.S., Catholic priest John Gadhungu’s impression of American culture was largely shaped by television.

Probe into deadly shooting continuing

SANDPOINT — The investigation into the shooting death of Erik David Foust is deepening, setting the stage for a day-long preliminary hearing next month.

Southside Elementary nominated for Blue Ribbon Award

COCOLALLA — If Southside Elementary School maintains its level of academic achievement, the staff will be proudly displaying a blue ribbon next year.

Melvin Glenn Martin, 83

Melvin Glenn Martin, 83, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010.

Sandpoint Nordic Club offers free XC ski lessons

SANDPPOINT — National Trails Day is Saturday, Jan. 8 and to celebrate, the Sandpoint Nordic Club and Schweitzer Mountain Resort have teamed up to offer free cross country skiing demos and lessons on specifically groomed beginner trails.  

Report charts man's descent into paranoia

SANDPOINT — Court documents in Bonner County indicate Larry Ward Cragun became increasingly paranoid prior to going on a hammer-wielding rampage in Bayview which left one person dead and three others injured.

Rise of social media affects jury instructions

SANDPOINT — The advent of social media is bringing new instructions to jurors in Idaho.

Sandpoint wrestlers fall to Post Falls, East Valley

POST FALLS — Freshman Jerad Fowler (103 pounds) registered two pins to lead the Sandpoint wrestling team, which fell 71-10 to Post Falls and 42-36 to East Valley in a tri-match Wednesday afternoon at Post Falls High School.

Charter school receives $100,000 grant

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Charter School anticipates unwrapping a particularly nice gift this week — a $100,000 check from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation.

Thieves strike Filling Station

CLARK FORK — The Filling Station youth center is smarting after somebody broke in over the weekend and made off an assortment of electronics, computers and other property.

Disrespect of tradition is not appropriate

As I entered the Bank of America in Newport, Va., the other day, I noticed they did not have a Christmas tree on display. A few ribbons and ornaments were randomly placed around the bank. I asked, “Where’s your Christmas tree?” She replied, “We have to decorate the way the corporate office dictates. We cannot have a tree as it may offend someone.”

State's class warfare was started by Otter

In fall 2009, a Democratic member of the Idaho House, Shirley Ringo, of Moscow, proposed a 5 percent temporary, targeted tax increase on people with taxable income above $50,000, to raise $45 million a year, for two years, toward the budget shortfall. It never got off the ground and Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter responded that he was against it saying, “Those who are successful ought to be celebrated and rewarded … I resist the effort to start class warfare.”

Wampus Cats fall on road to Spartans

PRIEST RIVER — Holly Hirst and Liz Halcro each scored 12 points to help lead the Spartans to a 59-22 non-league win over Clark Fork Wednesday.

County, city seek waterways grants

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is pinning its hopes to $65,505 in Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation grant funding to improve boater facilities at Priest Lake and to install mooring buoys on Lake Pend Oreille.

Add your 2011 sticker in your window today

Several weeks ago, each Bonner County property owner received two vehicle window stickers that identify them as being eligible to use our county’s waste disposal sites.

Idaho's 3Q income growth among nation's best

Total personal income in Idaho last summer rose for the fifth straight quarter, growing just over 1 percent from the second quarter to an annualized $50.6 billion. It was the eighth fastest growth rate in the nation.

Darryl Gene Snyder, 53

Darryl Gene Snyder, 53, passed away on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Former Sandpoint High School students playing sports in college

FOOTBALL

Tree tips keep Christmas merry and safe

Most of us don’t realize that our Christmas customs, songs, images of Santa, pine trees and glass ornaments migrated to us from Germany. It’s interesting how these traditions really got started.

Harvey Huffman, 93

Harvey Huffman, 93, passed away on Dec. 3, 2010. in Poway, Calif.

Jury acquits man of battery

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County acquitted a former East Hope councilman accused of punching the town’s 78-year-old mayor in the chest.

Psoriasis impacts many people in U.S.

Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. In simplest terms, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by rough, flaky skin and severe dry patches, with symptoms often worsening in harsh winter climates. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that bleed and itch. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Monday fire damages Careywood residence

CAREYWOOD — No injuries were reported following a multiple-alarm structure fire at 529 Crosswhite Road early Monday morning, the Sagle Fire District reported.

Murder charge added in Bayview attack

Police reports indicate that 31-year-old Bayview resident Larry W. Cragun allegedly entered his next-door neighbors’ mobile home with both a large kitchen knife and hammer, aiming for and landing multiple blows to their heads.

E. Hope battery trial resumes

SANDPOINT — The trial of a former East Hope Councilman accused of punching Mayor Jacob Both began Monday with the state calling eyewitnesses to the confrontation outside City Hall.

Pagan origin claims commit genetic fallacy

Due to past experience, I was amused by the “tolerance” speech in Jack DeBaun’s letter about Christmas. (Daily Bee, Dec. 19).

Help PSNI and lower total taxable income

It’s that time of year again. As the end of the year approaches, please consider a donation to Panhandle Special Needs. Inc. and take advantage of the Idaho tax credit. Your donations improve the lives of people with disabilities and donations are eligible for the Idaho tax credit. All donations are tax deductible.

Quick work stops sewer leak

SANDPOINT — Quick response from city workers stopped a sewage leak that could otherwise have put serious damper on local Christmas spirit.

DMV, license offices need to stay in PR

Dear Jerry Clemons:

James Norman 'Jim' Anspach, 68

James Norman “Jim” Anspach, 68, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at his Garfield Bay home in Sagle, Idaho, attended by his family, after a valiant fight with cancer for three years.

McMahon drops in 16 as Wampus Cats lose by one

CLARK FORK — Junior Claire McMahon exploded for a season-high 16 points to go with eight rebounds, but the big night wasn’t enough, as Clark Fork fell 54-53 to Wallace in North Star League girls basketball action in Clark Fork late Saturday night.

Bayview attack leaves 1 dead, 3 injured

Motivation for attack remains unclear

BAYVIEW — A 31-year-old Bayview man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly beating four people in Bayview with a hammer, sending three people to Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, where one later died.

Williams named to high school All-American team

SANDPOINT — Having already earned plenty of state and regional recognition for his soccer exploits, Sandpoint senior Tanner Williams recently received an award that jumps  straight to the top of his burgeoning resume — selection on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America 2010 Boys All-American Soccer Team.

Blame belongs to us, not God

I am writing in response to a letter by William R. Ouimet, “Lord, we need help here in this world.”

'Tots' drive contributions continue

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Toys for Tots fund drive is edging closer to its goal with less than a week left before Christmas.

Socialists are to thank for conservatives' awakening

I want to thank Bob Wynhausen, and his fellow socialists locally and nationally, for their contribution to the rise of the tea party movement, and the success of the conservative party elections on Nov. 2.

Quashing dissent: A big, happy compliant family

True meaning is what each chooses it to be

Our ancient ancestors recognized that this is a special time of year when the sun begins its triumphal resurgence. This season of the Winter Solstice has been celebrated throughout history as a period of renewal and hope for the future.

Experts see bright spots in job scene

SANDPOINT — “Now is the winter of our discontent.” Make that, continued discontent.

Priest River girls notch first win of season

NEWPORT, Wash. — Liz Halcro scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Spartans to their first win of the season, a 42-36 victory over Riverside to start the Holiday Tournament in Newport.

Culvert failure forces road's closure

SANDPOINT — Pine Street west of Travers Park was closed on Friday after a culvert failed and caused part of an embankment to erode into Chuck Slough.

Belgarde, Csizmar, Fowler lead Bulldogs

COEUR d’ALENE — Sandpoint senior Garret Belgarde, one of a small handful of past champions competing, registered two pins to lead a host of Bulldog wrestlers posting wins on the first day of the prestigious Tri-State Tournament at North Idaho College.

City boosts mill's power bill

BONNERS FERRY — While the city has sent Idaho Forest Group a bill for $130,000 after retroactively changing its power rates for industrial customers, it doesn’t plan to shut off electricity to the mill if it doesn’t pay by the Dec. 20 due date.

Trial set in battery case

EAST HOPE — A former councilman accused of slugging the mayor over a dispute involving a newspaper delivery tube is scheduled to be tried this month.

Teddy Roosevelt's visit attracted plenty of attention,hoopla

Folks, I have been thinking about some of the old buildings in Sandpoint that I would have liked to have visited before they vanished. Places like the old Farmin School, the Humbird Mill and Store, and especially the Rink Opera House that stood near the intersection of Church Street and Third Avenue. I’ve been told it never did have the singing type of opera but it did have some pretty uptown visitors. If you can take a minute I would like to tell you about one such person.

Wampus Cats fall to Knights

PLUMMER — Lakeside had the fast break in full gear, running past Clark Fork 79-50 in North Star League boys basketball action in Plummer.

Vivian Ethel Jacobson, 96

Vivian Ethel Jacobson, 96, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Slow start costly as Cats fall to Panthers

CLARK FORK — The good news was that the Wampus Cats out-scored the Panthers 31-16 in the final three quarters in nonleague girls basketball action Thursday night in Clark Fork.

Rebounding leads Bulldogs past Lumberjacks

SANDPOINT — Jackson Olin and Cole Fuhrman combined for 40 points, and Mike Lewis was big off the bench, as the Bulldog boys notched a 65-55 win over St. Maries in nonleague action Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Person rescued at Sunnyside

SANDPOINT — A landowner at Sunnyside rescued a person who became trapped on a detached piece of ice in Lake Pend Oreille on Thursday evening, Northside Fire District officials said.

Juvenile lockup financing squared away

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners have locked up the final slug of financing needed to construct a $4.6 million juvenile detention center.

Kirscher comes through in clutch for Bulldogs

St. MARIES — With the game on the line late in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs went to their go-to player and Maggie Kirscher responded, scoring four big points on the blocks to lead Sandpoint to a 33-29 road win over St. Maries in nonleague girls basketball Thursday night.

Fairfax to be sentenced in February

COEUR d’ALENE — Sentencing scheduled Thursday for Sagle resident Larry Fairfax, the hitman turned FBI informant, was continued to early February.

Belgarde, Fowler and DeAragon notch pins apeice

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint’s Garret Belgarde (125 pounds), Mike Fowler (152) and Lily DeAragon (112) each registered two pins, and Justin Pepperdine (189) picked up two wins as the Bulldogs split duals with St. Maries and Priest River in home-opening wrestling action Wednesday night at Les Rogers Court.

We need to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

Every year as Christmas approaches, we seem to get farther and farther away from the true meaning of Christmas. We see banners, newspaper headlines, television all proclaiming “happy holidays.” Is that all Christmas is to us?

Community donations help local library

Correction: It has been pointed out to me that I made errors in the information I submitted to the Daily Bee for an article which ran Nov. 19, 2010 on the Idaho tax credit for donations to public libraries. I gave outdated information!.

District sets levy vote date

LPOSD backs Memorial Field project

KOOTENAI — The supplemental levy was the biggest item on the Lake Pend Oreille School Board’s plate Tuesday night, but it wasn’t the only issue covered during the meeting.

How hard is it to keep your sidewalk clear?

I am so glad I paid $2,000-plus for a sidewalk in this “walking town.” Isn’t it a law to keep your sidewalk clear, let alone an attempt to shovel?

Plea reached in embezzlement case

SANDPOINT — A plea agreement has been negotiated in the case of a former Bonner County employee accused of embezzling funds from the University of Idaho extension office.

Help Habitat provide homes to deserving families

Dear Habitat friends,

CWC theft case postponed

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing the case of a former Coldwater Creek employee accused of making more than $260,000 in unauthorized charges on a company credit card was postponed on Wednesday.

Carmen Darlene (Broadfoot) Norstog, 63

Our beloved Carmen Darlene (Broadfoot) Norstog, 63, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, in Sagle, Idaho.

Spartan JV downs Cats

PRIEST RIVER — Dalton Soemmer scored 13 to lead three Spartans in double-figures, as the Priest River JV team beat Clark Fork 51-29 in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night in Priest River.

Clogged culverts flood neighborhood

KOOTENAI — A neighborhood’s living conditions transformed from “White Christmas” to “Water World” this week thanks to a failing culvert system.

District OKs $13.6 million levy vote

KOOTENAI -- After months of discussion, the Lake Pend Oreille School Board voted for an increased supplemetal levy of more than $13.6 million Tuesday.

Wildcat boys take down Bulldogs

KELLOGG — Sandpoint jumped out to an early 13-2 lead, but it was all Kellogg from there, as the Wildcats downed the Bulldogs 74-63 in nonleauge boys basketball action Tuesday night at Kellogg High School.

Combative patient flees in ambulance

Suspect arrested after crash, foot pursuit on Baldy

SANDPOINT — A man was arrested Monday night after inexplicably scuffling with Bonner County EMS personnel, commandeering an ambulance despite being shocked by a deputy’s Tazer and crashing the vehicle.

Frederick L. Yanik Sr., 76

Frederick L. Yanik Sr., 76, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010.

Robert E. 'Bob' Wood, 89

Robert E. “Bob” Wood, 89, passed away in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010.

Thoughts on coping with loss during the holidays

During the holidays, many people are dealing with loss and are often caught in a dilemma between the need to grieve and the pressure to get into the spirit of the season. Holidays or not, if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, it’s important to find ways to take care of yourself.  These thoughts may be helpful:

Wood gasifier may offer help with rising fuel costs

Last week I was at the Co-Op buying some dog food and ran into a bunch of local boys talking about the rising fuel costs. Everyone was concerned because of the increase in fuel and food costs and some heavily suggested we were heading for a massive depression. I guess the average age of each male member was somewhere around 50. 

Staunch defense propels Bulldogs past Wildcats

KELLOGG — The Bulldog girls got off to a lightning-quick start Tuesday night in a nonleague road basketball game in Kellogg, grabbing a 16-0 lead after one quarter and cruising to a 39-27 win over the Wildcats.

LPOSD to vote on levy amount today

KOOTENAI — Weeks of workshops and meetings culminate tonight when the Lake Pend Oreille School Board meets to vote on a final total for the supplemental levy.

Thanks to friendship, Hart is bullet-proof

Now tell me again, how is it that Idaho Rep. Phil Hart is bullet-proof? He has been brought up on ethics charges, only to be assigned to the same ethics panel that saw nothing wrong with what he did last time.

Thief steals truck, but little else

SANDPOINT — Walt Burt has lived on the same property for 84 years and had a long-standing practice of leaving his 1987 Ford Ranger pickup truck in his driveway overnight.

Man arrested after chase

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man was arrested Saturday on several of felony charges after unsuccessfully trying to outrun a pursuing Bonner County Sheriff’s deputy.

Legacy of violence is nothing to be proud of

I am horrified by the current reports of child abuse in the Coeur d’Alene area. I sincerely hope you are, too. All day, every day, we are hit with a barrage of hate-filled attacks on the president, those who hold different religious beliefs, those from another country, anyone who appears to be “different.”

Sandpoint Shark swimmers end the year with a strong kick

COEUR d’ALENE — A host of Sandpoint Sharks notched top finishes at the Jingle Bell Splash last weekend at the Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene, the final youth swim meet of the year.

Why are Rangel, Hart treated differently?

When I look at what happened in Washington, D.C., to Rep. Charles Rangel, I see a lot of parallels to our own state Rep. Phil Hart. Rangel did not pay his taxes.

Window artist paints holiday fun

Larson ties town together with winter scenes

SANDPOINT — She paints like she sings, in flowing lines that turn Sandpoint into her canvas and her song each holiday season.

Add the library to your holiday gift list

As we are thinking about giving during this holiday season, perhaps one of the most valuable gifts we could give is a donation to our East Bonner County Library.

God is not our cosmic bellboy

I was shocked at reading William R. Ouimet’s letter (12/9/10), and surprised at the Bee for printing it; it borders on blasphemy.

Court affirms suppression in drug case

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is upholding a lower court’s order to suppress evidence in a drug case against a Montana man.

Here's to a merry Christmas, everyone

No preaching. No highly-dramatic, over-the-top pontificating. Just simple facts.

Former deputy claims he was railroaded

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County Sheriff’s deputy whose son was accidentally shocked by his Taser is seeking more than $500,000 in damages for wrongful termination.

Ethics panel hearing set

Time for another round.

Wreath Farm creates circles of green, circles of love

Professional landscapers Travis and Julie Smith know how critical it is to promote local Idaho products as well as provide jobs in their community.

Andrews named to All-Frontier Conference first team

SANDPOINT — Proving that persistence and hard work will eventually get rewarded, former Sandpoint football player Will Andrews was honored this week with a selection on the All-Frontier Conference football team.

Case takes bizarre turn

Defense claims defendant is withholding evidence

SANDPOINT — A rape and drug case pending against a Bonner County man is taking a bizarre turn with allegations that the defendant is withholding exculpatory evidence from his own legal counsel.

Sunset puts Sandpoint on the radar

SANDPOINT — Many local residents consider their town a hidden treasure, but the secret might be out thanks to Sunset magazine.

Wampus Cat boys fall to Panthers

CLARK FORK — A slow start offensively proved costly, as Clark Fork dug an early hole and fell 47-31 to 2A Coeur d’Alene Charter in nonleague boys basketball action Friday night at Clark Fork High School.

Lockey scores big pin in win

RATHDRUM — Sophomore Matt Lockey moved up a weight class to score a surprising win, one of eight Bulldog wrestlers to win by pin in a convincing 57-20 win over Timberlake in a season opener Thursday night at Timberlake High School.

Sandpoint buildings harken back to community's beginning

(This year marks the 100th birthday of two well known buildings in Sandpoint — the  Old Power House building and the old City Hall on Main and Second Avenue. It is fitting that we pay them a visit and congratulate them for still being “alive and kicking” in a time when “progress” often means down with the old and up with the new.)

Hazel Marie Copley

Hazel Marie Copley passed away on Nov. 30, 2010, in Hot Springs, Mont.

KRFY ready to hit airwaves

SANDPOINT — Local residents will be acquiring a voice of their own early next year — and it’s going to be commercial-free.

Carrier accused of burglarizing Daily Bee

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly breaking into the Bonner County Daily Bee office and stealing money.

Deputy helps rescue duck hunter

SANDPOINT — An off-duty Bonner County Sheriff’s marine deputy was at the right place at the right time on Saturday.

Roger Lee Grossman, 67

Roger Lee Grossman, 67, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, in Clark Fork, Idaho. Services will take place next spring in Fort Benton, Mont.

Caroline Lovell Vincent, 95

Caroline Lovell Vincent, 95, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Six Top Dogs win titles

RATHDRUM — Twenty Top Dog wrestlers concluded their fall season on Saturday by collecting medals at the North Idaho Wrestling League’s Panhandle Championships, which drew nearly 500 wrestlers from across North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Lorraine Tortessi Reilich

Lorraine Tortessi Reilich, also known as “Rock Rock,” passed away from lung cancer on Nov. 20, 2010.

Former county employee charged with felony theft

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County employee is accused of exploiting his knowledge of payment procedures and weak password protection to swipe fuel using a county expense account at a Priest River filling station.

Fire departments holding food drive

SANDPOINT — Bonner County fire districts are planning a public service double-whammy this weekend, seeking both supplies for the food bank and volunteers for the department.

Belgarde, Csizmar to lead young Bulldog wrestlers

By ERIC PLUMMER

Fiber-optic project sets spring date

SANDPOINT — The road to the broadband Internet superhighway in Bonner County appears clear for the projected North Shore Fiber Optic Alliance ground-breaking in spring.

Frontier promises personal touch to Internet service

SANDPOINT —  Is your VCR is still flashing 12:00 and you’re leery of joining others happily cruising the Internet because you don’t know how to get started?

Lord, we need help here in this world

I witnessed

The most important story of the year is …

From elections where challengers, for the most part, dominated, to the economy and jobless rates hitting double digits to more personal stories, graduations, weddings or a new baby, it has been a year packed with news.

Jackson leads Cats to win in opener

St. REGIS, Mont. — Senior guard D.J. Jackson scored a game-high 10 points and grabbed three steals, and helped lead a balanced offense as the Wampus Cats downed St. Regis 34-25 in nonleague boys basketball action Tuesday in Montana.

Police: Twins kept isolated

COEUR d’ALENE — Two nearly 2-year-old twin girls appeared to be held in near constant isolation in a bedroom with bruises, burns and cuts that were infected, police reports revealed Tuesday.

Curtis Mitchell Fournier, 21

Curtis Mitchell Fournier, 21, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, near Sandpoint, Idaho.

Quest Aircraft furloughs employees

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Co. will furlough all except a handful of the airplane manufacturer’s 120 employees for three weeks beginning next Tuesday.

Crystal clear instructions keep dishes safe

Jeanne and Aunt Dolly called me last week and asked me to re-run my article on holiday crystal cleaning; so for those of you how have heirloom crystal I hope this helps and hopefully your crystal will last as long as ours has:

Thunder girls notch first win of season

SANDPOINT — Kathryn Blair scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds, leading the Kootenai Thunder girls to a 35-31 win over the Pullman Christian School Eagles in Pullman on Saturday, their first win of the season.

Creations hosting fundraiser at Cedar St. Bridge

“In no other place in America would this place have any vacancies,” said local resident Shery Meekings of Sandpoint’s Cedar Street Bridge.

Kirscher posts double-double in defeat

SANDPOINT —  Maggie Kirscher had a huge game for Sandpoint, but it wasn’t enough in a 41-26 loss to Lakeland in a 4A North girls basketball game Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Think safety with holiday gifts for youngsters

The Christmas holidays are quickly approaching and the shopping season is already in full swing. 

Grow house suspects appear in court

SANDPOINT — Two people connected to a $9 million indoor growing operation made initial court appearances on Monday.

Bulldogs tangle with Badgers

The Bulldogs claimed a 56-37 victory against rival Bonners Ferry when the boys basketball teams hit the hardwood Monday.

Why does compromise involve doing wrong?

Why does compromise so often entail doing the wrong thing?

Unattended stove sparks structure fire

SANDPOINT — A woman who left her stove unattended while cooking caused a structure fire at the Oak Street Apartments on Monday morning.

Mom accused of child abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — A 26-year-old Coeur d’Alene woman was arrested Sunday on two counts of felony injury to a child after police found her two children living in filthy, unhealthy conditions in Coeur d’Alene.

Jack C. Ross, 85

Jack C. Ross, 85, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho, with his family in attendance.

Legalization does not make abortion right

I just wanted to say “thank you” to Marty Stitsel for his letter on Tuesday, Nov. 30, in the Bee concerning the absurdity of outlawing abortion. It has totally changed my view. Now I see that, even though abortion is wrong, it’s going to happen anyway so we might as well just make it safe.

Panhandle State Bank shines as a 2010 Brightest Star

BOISE — Extraordinary volunteer service from throughout Idaho was recognized recently as Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter hosted the 9th annual Governor’s Brightest Star Awards Ceremony at Boise State University.

Now is the time to address our debt

Now is the time for leaders to stand up and address our burgeoning national debt.  Idaho has such a leader in Sen. Mike Crapo, who has made the bold step to support the current proposal by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.  The measure seeks the first comprehensive pathway to a fiscally responsible future for America. Is it perfect? No. Is it incredibly important for securing our children’s and grandchildren’s economic and peaceful well-being? Absolutely!

CFHS senior gathers gifts for troops

Class project snowballs into mass show of support

CLARK FORK — It’s tough enough to be stationed overseas during the holidays, but infinitely harder when Christmas rolls around and there’s no package with your name on it.

Natural trees don't cause holiday fires

It’s that time of year again. We’ll all probably see the local TV news team do a Christmas tree fire story. It’ll show a dramatic image of a tree burning and the reporter will say with consternation, “If you get a real Christmas tree this could happen to you … blah, blah, blah.”

Former resident recalls a Sandpoint Christmas

My husband and I lived in Sandpoint from 2001 to 2004 and made many friends.

African adventures inspire pair

Editor’s note: This is the third of three stories about a local initiative, Feel the Hunger Day, to raise awareness of world hunger.

Man pleads to robbery

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who stuck up payday loan office last month waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday and pleaded guilty to robbery.

Humble bequest adds up for charities

SANDPOINT — A local woman lived her twilight years in solitude, but in death, she’ll impact more people than anyone will ever realize.

Steven James Hosier, 64

Steven James Hosier, 64, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at his home.

New waste site approved

PRIEST RIVER — The proposed Peninsula Valley waste collection site is a go after it was approved by a unanimous vote of approval of the Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission during a public hearing Tuesday night in Priest River.

Appeals court affirms sentences

SANDPOINT — Idaho’s Court of Appeals is affirming the prison sentences imposed against two Bonner County men, one of whom repeatedly molested a young girl and another who possessed child pornography.

Ideal Health offers dieters help in losing weight

SANDPOINT — Just in time for the slippery roads — and for that matter, holiday snack binges — Coeur d’Alene-based Ideal Health weight loss clinic has opened up a Sandpoint satellite office.

Documentary gets animated in telling of Disney's cinematic glory

Folks, today we have the opportunity to experience another “Visit with Erik” at the Panida Little Theater. Cinematographer Erik Daarstad has chosen to show the delightful “Frank and Ollie.” The film will be of interest to anyone junior high and high school age. If you grew up with the Disney characters you will not want to miss it. It is entertainment at its best and it answers the oft asked question, “How did they do that?”

Revenge Tournament on tap for women's volleyball league

SANDPOINT — The Wireless Works went 39-6 to claim the A-1 regular season championship in the Sandpoint City Rec women’s volleyball league. Selle Valley Bright Beginnings won the A-2 division, Lake Country Orthopedic won the A-3 and The Dilly Dippers the A-4 regular season.

Cats claim win over Panthers

COEUR d’ALENE — Sophomore Dimi Kailang scored 14 points, none bigger than the two free throws she made with 12 seconds left to help lead Clark Fork to a 39-36 win over 2A Coeur d’Alene Charter in nonleague girls basketball action Thursday night at Holy Family Catholic School.

City debates energy ideas

SANDPOINT — Increase energy efficiency or lose grant money — that was the challenge the administrative committee faced at Thursday’s meeting.

Girder work continues on Dover Bridge

DOVER — Girders will be the focus of wintertime work on the new U.S. Highway 2 bridge.

Vandal seniors hoping to end on a high note

There are some fifth-year seniors, like quarterback Nathan Enderle and safety Shiloh Keo, who were there when Robb Akey took over the Idaho football program in 2007, that opted to stay when it would have been easy to bail.

Locals witness need for 'Feel the Hunger Day'

Editor’s note: This is the second of three stories about a local initiative, Feel the Hunger Day, to raise awareness of world hunger.

Holiday indoor soccer tourney returns

SANDPOINT — Attention area soccer fans: The Adult and Youth Holiday Soccer Tournaments are returning to Sandpoint for the fifth year on Dec. 27-28.

SWSD nets $850K loan

SAGLE — Southside Water and Sewer District’s expansion plans are in the bag with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s award of an $850,000 no-interest loan on Monday. 

Where did contrail really come from?

Did I miss the explanation, am I the only one curious about the mystery missile launch off of the west coast? It sure was covered up fast, one little blurb “Oh it was just a jet contrail.” No real explanation from our government.

Veterans thank community for support

My name is Ross Jackman. I am the commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter No. 15, in Sandpoint. We meet  the third Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall on the corner of Division and Pine, Sandpoint, ID.

Account set up to help youth, family

SANDPOINT — Small acts of holiday generosity could add up to a big difference for the McCoy family.

There is plenty to ponder in community

Just a few ramblin’ thoughts:

Renovations force change of venue

SANDPOINT — First District Judge Steve Verby’s cases will be heard at Sandpoint City Hall this month because of extensive renovations to Bonner County’s 110-year-old courthouse.

Sandpoint AAU team off to 3-0 start

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint boys combined 5th/6th grade AAU basketball team, called the Sandpoint Dogs, has started the club season winning their first three games in the Post Falls/River City Competitive League.

So you want to be a kicker?

I wouldn’t wish the stress of being a place kicker on anyone, a feeling reaffirmed when Boise State’s Kyle Brotzman missed two chip shots the other night in an overtime loss to Nevada — as crushing a defeat as a team from the Gem State has ever known.

Olin sparks Bulldogs to season-opening victory

SANDPOINT — A long range shooting barrage by Sandpoint’s Jackson Olin and Cole Fuhrman keyed a 19-0 third quarter run, leading the Bulldogs to a convincing 58-29 season-opening win over Timberlake in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Snow, ice can be a dam nuisance

Hi folks, winter has arrived early. Snow is falling and the nightly temperatures are well below freezing. With snow and freezing temperatures comes ice damming. Every year ice damming causes tens of thousands of dollars in property damage around Bonner and Boundary counties. In this week’s article I thought I would briefly discuss ice damming, its causes and a course of action to help relieve the problem.

Nelson Redding

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2010, Nelson Redding passed away at his home in Laclede, Idaho.

Burglars afoot in Kootenai

KOOTENAI — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to secure their cars and trucks following a spate of vehicle burglaries over the weekend.

BGH Auxiliary's Parade of Trees now on display

The Bonner General Hospital auxiliary volunteers are a vital part of our community hospital and play an important role in the lives of our patients. While our physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals provide medical care and treatment, the auxiliary volunteers promote the health and welfare of our patients by providing those special touches that make the hospital stay a little more pleasant. Whether they’re delivering cards or gifts, bringing the morning newspaper to a patient’s room or simply asking how they can make a patient or family member more comfortable, these volunteers are truly amazing.

Dover City Council declines Talus Rock permit

DOVER — The City Council voted unanimously on Monday to deny an after-the-fact permit for Talus Rock, a resort retreat which drew strong objections from neighboring landowners.

NWS holding Skywarn class

SANDPOINT — Locals with dreams of storm-chasing and a drive for public service have a rare opportunity in the National Weather Service’s Dec. 7 weather-spotting classes.

Rust opens practice to help addicts achieve sobriety

SANDPOINT — When Robert Rust set up his first medical practice at Bonners Ferry in 1971, he was a Vietnam veteran with a young family.