Ellington

Solutions will follow a respectful conversation

I am constantly amazed by the richness of our community, both its environment and the people who inhabit this environment. Differing opinions can immediately give way to a common effort to help those in need. Opposite perspectives can join forces to make an impact in caring for a sick neighbor, a terminally ill child, a family who is homeless and much more.  

Fire forces residents from homes

Allowed to return after crews halt wildfire’s spread

SANDPOINT — Several dozen residents in the Squaw Valley area near Priest Lake were evacuated Saturday after winds fanned the Tower Fire, pushing the 18,478-acre fire toward their homes.

Campaign needs to clarify foreign policy

The current political campaign needs to clarify our foreign policy. Since World War II, we appear to be in an expensive losing game of fear of using our military power.

Ancient pilgrimage teaches generosity

SANDPOINT — There are two things you never want to lose on this pilgrimage — the map that leads you to the next temple and the logbook that gets stamped to show you’ve been there.

Was Idaho a state in the Civil War?

I’ve read several publications and their coverage of Idaho Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, and her now infamous photo posing with the Confederate flag. I’ve also read comments from both sides of the political spectrum — some saying she has the right to display the flag, some arguing that it’s racist, etc.

High schools go high tech

SANDPOINT — All high school students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District will be using a Chromebook this year, purchased by the district with levy funds.

Student takes second in I Cubed challenge

SAGLE — A Forrest M. Bird Charter School student was the runner-up in the 2015 I Cubed Challenge, a national student invention competition.

NWS: Winds could fan Panhandle wildfires

SANDPOINT — Wildfire managers across the region are bracing for forecasted high winds this weekend.

City's blocked sewer line prompts concerns

PONDERAY — Residents in Ponderay are voicing concern over the S & W Motel sewer leaking and blocked up, causing for a smell and health concerns.

'Not every kid gets to do this'

Christian Niemela withstands the pressure put on by Michael Jordan

SANDPOINT — Did you hear the story about the kid from Sandpoint who was called out by the biggest sports icon on the planet to shoot one pressurized free throw in front of a nearly full arena?

Wal-Mart bids farewell to (some) arms

COEUR d’ALENE — Fewer people are going to Wal-Mart for AR-15 rifles and other semi-automatic weapons, prompting the retailer to stop selling the products entirely.

Area fires slow growing

However, Tower Fire gains near Priest Lake

SANDPOINT — The Parker Ridge Fire and the Clark Fork Complex fires had little movement overnight, officials said.

Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports is expanding

Ponderay – Geoff Smith, owner of Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports has had a busy summer. The largest seller of ATV’s, UTV’s, and watercraft in Bonner County is expanding his showroom. The new building boasts 4,000 square feet of first-class showroom and with it comes an expanded product line. In addition to Polaris, Crest Pontoon Boats, Larson Boats, Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo, Lewis is adding Beta Motorcycles and Alumacraft boats.

New owners take over stove shop

Cliff and Dana McDermeit recently took over the Mountain Stove and Spa .

Why is Festival still at War Memorial Field?

Why is the Festival at Sandpoint still at War Memorial Field? In 1993 , to settle a lawsuit, The Festival at Sandpoint and the city of Sandpoint made an agreement with the area residents that the last year The Festival at Sandpoint would be held at War Memorial Field would be 1995. What happened to the agreement?

Sandpoint to kick off season in Kibbie Dome

SANDPOINT — There was good news, bad news, and then more good news for the Sandpoint football team recently.

Man who was shot is sought

PRIEST RIVER — Authorities are still attempting to make contact with a man who reportedly suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday night near Priest River.

Fire destroys couple's home

PRIEST RIVER — An elderly couple lost their home and narrowly avoided injury after a fire started with a vehicle in the driveway and quickly engulfed the entire residence Tuesday night near Priest River.

Toxic coal trains cause for concern in area

I am concerned about the excessive coal and oil trains pushing their way through the Idaho panhandle.  Big business is sending more fuel to Asia with little care for the health of locals.  They get more profits, and we get – without any choice – more noise, more toxic coal dust, more waits at railroad crossings, and more chances for a catastrophic oil spill.

Slight gains made on area fires

SANDPOINT — The wildfires burning in the state have remained ”persistent” with no end in sight for containment on many of them. The hot, dry weather has been a cause of concern, and rain and thunderstorms are anticipated over the weekend.

Congress should support nuclear deal

After extended efforts by US diplomats, together with nuclear experts of five countries including our closest European allies, Britain and  France, with the International Atomic Energy Agency, we have gained valuable tools for unprecedented verification and 15 years of inspection measures  that cut off all paths to a nuclear weapon in Iran.  

Charges dismissed in three-way sex case

Air quality is an ongoing concern

“It would be a beautiful day if it weren’t for the smoke,” my neighbor said last Wednesday when we met while out walking. “Even the dogs are coughing!”

Evacuation readiness urged

Residents near Clark Fork Complex Fire advised to be ready

CLARK FORK — A precautionary pre-evacuation notice was issued Tuesday due to continuing wildfire activity on the Clark Fork Complex fires.

Parker Ridge Fire remains unchanged

BONNERS FERRY — There was no change overnight in the Parker Ridge Fire, where it remained at 6,222 acres, Dan Scaife, liaison officer said.

Motorist dies after collision with UP train

ELMIRA — A motorist was fatally injured Tuesday in a collision with a Union Pacific Railroad train at an at-grade crossing.

Petal Talk named top chamber business

SANDPOINT — Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials have selected Petal Talk as its August business of the month.

Alpine Motors holds on to win at Thursday Night League

SANDPOINT — Alpine Motors held on to secure a one point win and claim the second half championship at the final Thursday Night League at the Elks.

Math adds up to 590 series at Friday Seniors

SANDPOINT — Alice Math, whom Friday Seniors coordinator Leona Crabb described as “a 91 years young sweetheart, threw a 236 game and a 590 series. With a normal average of 71, the hot run was one of the many great stories that take place every week at Seniors Bowling.

Soldiers arrive at fire lines

PRIEST RIVER — More than 200 U.S. Army soldiers arrived at the scene of the Tower Fire on Monday, according to Bonner and  Pend Oreille county sheriff’s officials.

Are you ready for back to school 2015?

The days are getting shorter and summer activities are winding down. School supply lists are appearing in stores and your in-boxes. Kids are (hopefully) finishing their summer reading lists. Back to School time is just around the corner, though it may feel like Memorial Day was just a couple of weeks ago.

Heather Scott is a good politician

Heather Scott is a good politician. Her highest qualification is that she’s a great self-promoter. On top of that, she’s essentially anti-government. I say that because she rarely misses an opportunity to criticize, challenge or undermine government.

Wildfires hold over weekend

SANDPOINT — More than 70 wildfires are burning in the state of Idaho, and hazardous winds and dry lightning are creating hazardous conditions all over Idaho.

Possible shooting reported

PRIEST RIVER — Deputies from the Priest River Police Department and Bonner County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at Old Priest River Road and Jachetta Cutoff Road around 6 p.m. Monday.

Manslaughter suspect pleads not guilty

SANDPOINT — A Rathdrum man accused of causing a deadly crash on a forest road pleaded not guilty on Friday.

Progress made on Tower Fire

PRIEST RIVER — Firefighters made progress Saturday on containing the Tower wildfire near Priest Lake, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office reported on Saturday.

Price takes journey with new work

SANDPOINT — Which came first, the dancer or the artist? Hard to say in the studio of artist Kelly Price, where the lines blur completely.

CF wildfires holding, for now

CLARK FORK — More than 300 residents from the Clark Fork area showed concern over the Clark Fork Complex fires during the wildfire meeting Thursday, burning in the mountains that surround the town. Fires across the border in Montana are also leaving smoky conditions for residents.

County hopes for best, braces for worst

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners declared a local disaster emergency Friday as firefighters grappled with the Tower and Clark Fork Complex wildfires.

Bonner P&Z OKs mill's expansion

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a permit Thursday enabling the expansion of the Alpine Cedar sawmill.

Evacuation notices issued

Warnings to keep people ‘ahead of the game’

SANDPOINT — The weather patterns are causing concern for area fires, with evacuation notices served to areas on the Parker Ridge and Tower fires.

Evacuation warning issued for Priest Lake

PRIEST LAKE — The Priest Lake area is all under Level 1 evacuation notice as strong winds continue to push the Tower Fire east and north.

Officers in fatal shooting are identified

SANDPOINT — The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the officers involved in the shooting death of Casey George Alarcon.

Shooting suspect pleads not guilty

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man accused of shooting another man during an alcohol-fueled dispute at Bloom Lake pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Signage, enforcement uneven at City Beach

Dear city of Sandpoint,

Great Northwest bike tour on tap soon in Newport

NEWPORT— The annual Great Northwest Fall Bike Tour is set for Sept. 6. It is a bike ride for everyone and is open to cyclists of all ages and levels.

Area wildfires keeping fire crews busy

SANDPOINT — No rest for the weary, as area firefighters are working late into the morning hours to fight the multiple fires in northern Idaho.

Iran arms agreement is worthy of support

Critics of our successful negotiations (along with our European allies) concluding a verifiable nuclear agreement with Iran have yet to offer a viable alternative. This agreement will halt development of an atomic weapon for the next decade and prevent our involvement in yet another Middle East war.

City administrator OK'd

SANDPOINT – A city administrator will be hired for Sandpoint following the approval of the budget Wednesday evening.

Reeves brothers claim pair of state golf titles

RUPERT — After younger brother Will Reeves fired rounds of 75 and 74 to win the boys 13-year-old division, the pressure was squarely on the shoulders of older brother Jack, who had yet to tee off for his second round at the state tournament.

Shopping for a doctor who 'fits'

When out and about, I’m often asked which local doctor I would recommend. Instead of naming a name, I’ll usually go into my spiel on how to choose a healthcare professional. I’ll talk about the difference between a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy and nurse practitioner.

All the fairground's a stage

Shakespeare play, medieval village set for Friday

SANDPOINT — Don’t put that festival chair, blanket and picnic basket away just yet. The Festival at Sandpoint may be a wrap for the season, but this Friday, Shakespeare comes to town — and he’s bringing his friends.

Portland trio extends Sandpoint community values to Portland

SANDPOINT — Lyf Gildersleeve is one week away from the end of a huge crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 for his business.

Corps outlines drawdown plans

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin drafting Lake Pend Oreille on Sept. 21.

Parker Ridge firelines holding

SANDPOINT — Crews held the Parker Ridge Fire to about 6,147 acres Monday night. The blaze is still 0 percent contained.

Additional layer is of questionable need

At a fairly well attended City Council meeting in July, five citizens spoke out in well-reasoned arguments against the creation of an expensive, powerful city administrator position which would report only to the mayor and council. No one spoke in favor of it. But the city is moving forward on it.

'Best direction for the city'

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint City Council is debating whether to hire a city administrator, a position Mayor Carrie Logan said would benefit the city. 

SMS sports registration starts after Labor Day

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Middle School would like to remind all parents and students that the fall sports seasons will officially start when school begins after Labor Day.

City doesn't need an administrator

In his editorial on the proposed Sandpoint city administrator position, Jim McKiernan voices his support based on a remarkably undiscerning analysis of city officials’ talking points, with only a “pretty please, let us in on the hiring process” caveat. We expect better from a publisher.

Community steps up to help fight fires

SANDPOINT — The community is banding together to help battle several fires across the area, with the help ranging from thank you to community dinner for fire crews to grabbing the tractor to help move dirt.

Arsonist strikes again in PF

HAYDEN — Chet and Judy Wolniakowski were doing everything they could to prepare for the worst on Thursday night as the work of an arsonist approached their Hayden home.

Sandpoint doesn't need city administrator

When the subject of a city administrator was discussed by the Sandpoint City Council in July their claim was perfectly clear: an amount would be reduced from the budget of each department that would fund the expense of this new position. The justification was that the administrator would bring an increased efficiency that would result in an across-the-board cost savings so that each department’s overall budget would be cost-neutral.

Janet Brooks Wilfert, 61

Janet Brooks Wilfert, 61, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Region could set a record on fire suppression

COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho may set fire-suppression records this year, with firefighters already dropping 860,000 gallons of retardant on wildfires.

Author, illustrator finally meet face-to-face

SANDPOINT – Artistic collaboration can be a dicey business in the best of circumstances. For nearly five months, one local writer and his Japanese illustrator counterpart have been stretching the boundaries of creative teamwork as they traded snippets of text and sketches via Skype and e-mail between Sandpoint and Tokyo.

City doesn't care what residents really want

It seems that we are going to have a city administrator with a $100,000-plus salary shoved down our throats, like it or not. No “real” input from the people such as a vote.

Crews keep Parker Ridge Fire from advancing

BONNERS FERRY — Amazing work by firefighters kept the Parker Ridge Fire from advancing past the Farm to Market Road near Porthill after it jumped the Kootenai River and forced the evacuation of homes in the area.

Administrator process needs public input

This is the second editorial on the prospects of Sandpoint hiring a city administrator. I totally agree that it’s a good idea simply because it creates continuity between elected officials as they enter office and leave office. It’s the one person who will have the responsibility to make sure that policy and procedure is implemented for the city and a person who can keep budget requests in line with the goals of a council and mayor. It’s time.

B & B golf scramble on tap

SANDPOINT — Pay homage to a couple of longtime Elks members, while helping raise money to improve the course, by teeing it up at the Sandpoint Elks 6th Annual B & B Memorial Scramble on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m.

Parker Ridge Fire forces evacuations

BONNERS FERRY – Mandatory evacuations are being ordered for residents near the Parker Ridge Fire in Boundary County.

Angels gear up for backpack program

SANDPOINT — The Angels Over Sandpoint are preparing for their 13th annual Back to School event providing backpacks and school supplies to children in Bonner County.

Fire gets 'Not Creative' name

COEUR d’ALENE — It was bound to happen — after naming 56 wildfires in North Idaho over the past few days, fire officials struggled to name number 57.

Calling all Wampus Cats

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork head coach Brian Arthun is inviting anyone interested to turn out for the 2015 football team, helping to ensure the team gets to play this season.

Parker Ridge fire growing

BONNERS FERRY – Fire crews are working to contain the Parker Ridge Fire.

Birds of Prey rescues raptors

ST. MARIES — The soft brown feathers on the chest of B.B. the bald eagle heaved with his breath Thursday morning as handlers placed a hood on him.

City to discuss administrator position

SANDPOINT – Whether or not to hire a city administrator — a hot topic at the July 22 council meeting — could be decided as soon as the Sandpoint City Council approves a proposed $31.7 million budget.

More options to save Medicare

Republican Sen. Mike Crapo’s guest opinion (Bonner County Bee, Aug. 6) indicates that Medicare funding is about exhausted, and that there are only two options to save it - reduce benefits and increase borrowing.

'Silent crossings' should be considered

It is my understanding that it is the Federal Railway Administration that requires locomotive engineers to warn the world that they are approaching a grade crossing by sounding a horn. The signal is two longs and a short followed by another long while in the crossing. Each blast is supposed to be no longer than 15 seconds. If the crossing is occupied by a train on an adjacent track the signal still has to be made.

Man killed in shooting identified

SANDPOINT — Police have identified the Sandpoint man killed in officer-involved shooting Tuesday as Casey George Alarcon, 34.

Sandpoint Junior All-Star team represents Idaho at Western Regionals

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Sandpoint Junior All-Star team represented Idaho at the recent Western Region All-Star Tournament in Vancouver, Wash.

Work resumes at Zodiac Aerospace

NEWPORT, Wash — Over 100 employees went back to work at the Zodiac Aerospace facility in Newport last Monday, only three weeks after a massive explosion put an abrupt end to operations at the plant.

Wildland fires expected to get worse, costlier

COEUR d’ALENE — Wildland fires are rampant this year in North Idaho, and if two University of Idaho professors are right, things are only going to get worse and more expensive.

Bonner General announces grand opening date

SANDPOINT — Bonner General Health will hold a grand opening celebration for its new Health Services Building later this month.

Man dies in officer-involved shooting

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man was killed in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday afternoon.

Area fall sports teams hit the practice fields

SANDPOINT — Area football and soccer players began practice on Monday, as the 2015 fall sports season is officially under way in Sandpoint.

County files counterclaim in access dispute

SANDPOINT — Bonner County filed a counterclaim against a couple accused of encroaching on a public right of way northwest of Clark Fork.

Senior citizen obesity counseling proven effective but under-used

A little over a year ago I wrote about the Medicare funded weight-loss counseling program called Intensive Behavior Therapy.

N. Idaho may get new area code

COEUR d’ALENE — The days of a single area code for Idaho are coming to an end, but who is allowed to continue using 208 has yet to be decided.

Soccer referee clinic set for Saturday

Do you like soccer?

It is time to kick Diamond to the curb

I live downtown so I walk most of the time and don’t need to find a place to park a car. I’ve noticed though, that the lot assigned for public parking is sparsely used, except when there is a downtown event such as Lost in the ’50s.

Worker files age-discrimination claim

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man is seeking damages from Loy Clark Pipeline Co. for age discrimination.

Diving accident victim identified

SANDPOINT — The name of a Spokane man who was killed in a Saturday diving accident at Kilroy Bay has been released.

Keough to lead budget committee

BOISE (AP) — Republican state Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint has been appointed to co-chair Idaho’s powerful budget-setting committee.

Vet should keep guns, get medical benefits

I see from the Aug. 7 Daily Bee that conservative politicians again used a veteran’s circumstances to stage a news event to further their agenda.

Swing to the left has left us divided, entitled

Think about it. You’re born a communist. You are totally taken care of by your parents (basically your government). Then as you grow in to your teens, you become more independent and expect a little more freedom socially and economically (you have developed in to a socialist). 

CCS makes cancer journey easier

Non-profit to expand volunteer team

SANDPOINT — All around us, there are people who find the meaning of life by staring death full in the face.

Parker Ridge wildfire grows

PORTHILL — The Parker Ridge fire continues to grow at a moderate rate with the number of acres burned now up to 401.

Man killed in diving accident

HOPE — The body of a Spokane man who jumped off the cliffs at Kilroy Bay early Saturday afternoon and failed to resurface has been found.

Magistrates must defy feds, stop abortion

Thursday in Priest River, Idaho Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler and dozens of other people gathered to rally around veteran John Arnold, who because of a medical condition, was subject to confiscation of his firearms by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

Weather aids 3 Sisters fire

Cooler temperatures Thursday allowed firefighters to make progress in battling the 3 Sisters wildfire burning two miles northwest of Bayview in Bonner County.

Pact to remove home in floodway gets OK'd

SANDPOINT — Bonner County will soon be no longer in Dutch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over a home that was illegally constructed in a floodway.

Sandpoint Junior All-Stars fall to Oregon

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- A slow start proved costly for the Sandpoint Junior All-Star team, which lost 17-4 to Oregon in the second round of pool play at the Western Regional All-Star Tournament Friday morning in Vancouver.

Parker Ridge fire grows

BONNERS FERRY — A wildfire continues to creep downslope into the Parker Creek area about seven miles southwest of Porthill in northern Boundary County.

City revisits downtown parking

SANDPOINT — The song remains the same, but perhaps the final verse hasn’t been written, yet.

Vet fights for gun rights

100 protesters gather at home in show of support

PRIEST RIVER — More than 100 protesters gathered Thursday around a local veteran’s home over fears the Department of Veterans Affairs was attempting to take the man’s firearms.

Sandpoint falls in Little League regionals opener

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Sandpoint Little League Junior All-Star team went toe-to-toe with one of the top 13-14-year-old Little League teams in the country for five innings before things went south in a 11-1 seven-inning loss to Nogales, the Arizona state champions, in the opener of the Junior Little League Western Regionals on Thursday in Vancouver.

Hankey cases headed for dismissal

SANDPOINT — The state is moving to dismiss two more lewd conduct cases because a witness recanted her testimony in a related case.

Local pass belt tests

Sandpoint Taekwondo held a belt test recently, with students demonstrating the mastery to advance to the next belt color.

Anniversary should serve as call to action

By SEN. MIKE CRAPO

Bayview fire grows in size

BAYVIEW —  The Three Sisters Fire grew to approximately 250 acres Wednesday and multiple fire agencies will continue fighting the wildfire today.

Avista files annual price adjustment

COEUR d’ALENE — Avista has made two annual rate adjustment filings with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that could result in a modest electric decrease effective Oct. 1.

Hearing eyed in crossing closure plan

SAGLE — Bonner County commissioners plan to hold a public hearing as plans progress to close the at-grade railroad crossing on Heath Lake Road.

Woman accused of kidnapping, battery

LACLEDE — A Sandpoint woman was arrested Tuesday for allegedly kidnapping a 6-year-old girl and attacking two others at the Riley Creek Recreation Area.

Why doesn't ACLU stand up for unborn?

On Monday, August 3, United States District Judge Lynn Winmill struck down Idaho’s Ag-Gag bill. In his ruling, the judge stated that “The effect of the statute will be to suppress speech by investigators and whistle blowers concerning topics of great public importance”. The judge noted in his ruling that undercover journalism contributes to public discourse in matters including family planning. One of the plaintiffs in the suit was Idaho’s branch of the ACLU.

Cornhole serves up competitive fun

SANDPOINT — Putting the leisure in leisure sports, a new niche sport called cornhole is quickly gaining traction in Sandpoint, with three upcoming tournaments on tap — along with your favorite adult beverage.

Bonner County Rodeo turning pro

SANDPOINT — Listen up cowboys and cowgirls: The Bonner County Rodeo will feature the top regional professionals this weekend, as the event is partnering for the first time with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as part of the Columbia River Circuit on Aug. 7-8 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

Fun run/walk good for your heart in many ways

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” This quote from Confucius fits perfectly with today’s subject because we’re going to talk about going to Saturday’s Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk.

Hearing set in off-road park dispute

SANDPOINT — A 1st District Court judge has denied motions for a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction meant to idle an off-road vehicle park that’s operating without a permit.

Chamber hooks up 7BTV as newest member

SANDPOINT —The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed 7BTV as its newest member.

Crews battle new Bayview fire

BAYVIEW —  Multiple firefighting agencies are battling a wildfire that began north of Bayview on Tuesday afternoon.

And the mudslinging continues ad nauseam

Bob Wynhausen’s letter published in the Bee recently was right to criticize Donald Trump for his remarks about John McCain’s military record.

Programs celebrate 50th anniversary

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law as an amendment to the Social Security Act. Most people who will become eligible for Medicare this year were in high school when this legislation was authorized. Today’s seniors were young adults busy with their lives and families.

Optimism running high as Vandals report to practice

MOSCOW — Idaho football coach Paul Petrino has seen a lot of growth in the Vandals since he took over the program in December 2012 and with it comes a large dose of optimism.

Legendary inventor passes away

SAGLE — At 8, he met Henry Ford at a party hosted by his father; as a teen, he visited with Orville Wright at the 1937 Cleveland Air Show.

DEQ issues air quality warning

Smoky skies stem from Washington fires

OEUR d’ALENE — While there have been a couple of small fires in North Idaho over the weekend, fire officials say the smoky skies are from larger fires in Washington.

Schust to speak at chamber

SANDPOINT — Doug Schust, chief operating officer of Hagadone Digital will be the featured speaker at next week’s chamber meeting.

Heath Lake crossing set to close

SAGLE — Bonner County plans to work with the Idaho Transportation Department and BNSF Railway to close the at-grade railroad crossing on Heath Lake Road.

Keep to facts on coal and oil trains

Coal trains with radioactivity? Heavy metals in coal dust? Is this straight out of the bible of the Keepers of the Waters? Missoula, Mont., wondered about coal dumping off from loaded cars passing through town and did the sensible thing: a study by the Public Health Department. Note the study was not paid for by the rail companies nor by the greenies. (Missoula City-County Health Department, McCrone Group, Chicago, June 2012). Very few coal and dust containments were found near and next to the tracks; that was the end of that study and worries. The worst pollutants were wood burning and vehicles.

What constitutes a crime these days?

As a concerned citizen of Bonner County, I feel a responsibility to report an injustice committed and a lack of respect at the historic Oden Community Hall several weeks ago. A large group of people (you know who you are) forced open the lock on a shutter, opened the window and entered the building. They then unlocked the back door from inside and let the remainder of their group into the building. After which, they proceeded to enjoy the “criminal” use of the facility. All vehicles were out-of-state licenses — as residents of Bonner County are we expected to tolerate this kind of activity?

Deputy involved in crash pleads

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County sheriff’s deputy who was critically injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer earlier this year has pleaded guilty to an infraction, according to court documents.

Beat-boxer pushes limits of music

SANDPOINT — Call it what you want, but when Davey Mullen takes the stage, it's obvious that a full-blown musician is in the house.

Why is Obama ignoring Islamic extremists?

What’s going on when a 24-year-old U.S. Muslim citizen takes a rifle, goes to a U.S. military recruitment center and opens fire? He kills four Marines, and wounds two. He then flees in his car and later, local police confront him and he wounds one officer before he is killed.

Crews battle Cocolalla wildland fire

COCOLALLA — A wildland fire burned several acres Saturday and briefly threatened several homes in the area before crews brought it under control.

Habitat for Humanity golf tournament on tap

PRIEST LAKE — Get ready to tee it up for a great cause, as the Priest Lake Golf Course plays host to the third annual Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament on Friday, Aug. 21 with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

Avista seeking utility fee increases

COEUR d’ALENE — Avista filed a request last month for permission to raise rates on electricity and natural gas to generate $31.8 million for infrastructure repairs.

Fire sparked by cigarette

PONDERAY — A carelessly discarded cigarette has been pinpointed as the cause of a fire that damaged the Fiesta Bonita Mexican restaurant on Wednesday.

Hearing pending in eluding case

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is pending for a Sandpoint man accused of leading Idaho State Police on a high-speed chase that ended with him crashing on U.S. Highway 95 in Sagle.