Ellington

Performing arts school moves ahead

Instructors from Spain, Colombia and Russia travel to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — It’s time for a cultural pop quiz: Name three international theater hot spots. Two obvious choices would be New York with its Broadway and London with its West End. You’re forgiven if you missed adding Sandpoint, Idaho, to that list.

Searchers recover body from lake

HOPE — Authorities believe a body recovered from Lake Pend Oreille on Thursday is that of Jeremy Robert Heckert, who disappeared after reportedly jumping from a boat on July 10.

Judge affirms Wolf People license suspension

SANDPOINT — A 2nd District Court judge is affirming the one-year suspension of Wolf People’s license to exhibit wolves at its Cocolalla facility.

21st annual Long Bridge Swim hits the water

SANDPOINT — It’s quite a sight to see hundreds of swimmers thrashing in the water at the start of the annual Long Bridge Swim, as current and former college swimmers alike race 1.76 miles to the shore at Dog Beach, with the winners often clocking in around 37 minutes, depending on the conditions.

Vandals criticized for lack of in-state recruiting

MOSCOW — It’s been a rough last couple of weeks for the Idaho Vandals.

Quest expands dealer network

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company continues to expand its dealer network as part of its overall global growth strategy.

Search continues for missing man

HOPE — The search for a Bonner County man who disappeared after reportedly jumping into Lake Pend Oreille earlier this month is resuming.

Woman seeks dismissal of falcon case

COEUR d’ALENE — An attorney representing Patti MacDonald has asked for her misdemeanor conviction to be dismissed.

Pair continue low scores in golf tourney

Both Jack Reeves and Will Reeves continue to post low numbers, qualifying for the upcoming Washington State Junior Golf Tournament with solid showings at the district tournament earlier this week at Palouse Ridge in Pullman.

Fire damages restaurant

PONDERAY — No injuries were reported after a structure fire broke out at the Fiesta Bonita Mexican restaurant on Wednesday night.

Shining a light on North Idaho's waters

Water is central to our lives in America, and nowhere more so than here in North Idaho. Our waterways sustain all aspects of our lives. We rely on them for water to drink, to grow our food, and to sustain our businesses. Clean water is essential to life.

Why are so many finches dying?

We would like to know if anyone besides my wife and I are experiencing the deaths if wild finches. We are losing three to six birds per day. All other birds at our feeders are doing great. Never have we had this problem.

Elmira crossing arms were long time coming

I was just coming home on a recent afternoon and the Elmira crossing arms are working. Kudos to the state, Bonner County and all the parties involves in getting these installed. Unfortunately they were not installed before Nov. 27, 2013, at 2:30 in the afternoon, or before the dozen or so other lives that have been lost at this crossing.

Missing man found

Norling, Bokowy lead Sharks at Long Course meet

SANDPOINT — A host of Sandpoint Sharks set personal records to lead a strong showing by the local swimmers recently at the 2015 Inland Empire Long Course Championships in Spokane.

Idaho Department of Labor welcomes new economist

POST FALLS — The Idaho Department of Labor hired a new regional labor economist for the five northern counties.

Litigation filed in Clark Fork road dispute

SANDPOINT — Another legal front is opening up in an ongoing access dispute northwest of Clark Fork.

Goats killed in 'heinous' attack

COEUR d’ALENE — Three small goats doing weed reduction at a 4-acre water well site in Coeur d’Alene were stabbed in a brutal overnight attack.

IDWR pledges to keep Priest Lake level up

SANDPOINT — The director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources pledged on Tuesday try and keep Priest Lake’s water level at the statutorily mandated elevation.

Watch out for poisons that seem good to eat

Those blue-colored sports drinks make me nervous.

Sheriff's office staff attend Crisis Intervention Training

I am pleased to report that seven deputies from my office and three dispatchers from Bonner County 911 attended and graduated from the seventh Crisis Intervention Training Academy in the first week of March 2015. I am in the midst of planning the eighth CIT Academy.

Sunday accident kills one, injures three

SANDPOINT — One woman was killed and three others were injured in a series of collisions on U.S. Highway at the north end of the Long Bridge on Sunday.

Conservative politics are simply amazing

Conservative politics amazes me.

NASA technology lets brain watch itself work

Neurofeedback regaining lost credibility

SANDPOINT — The brain, as it turns out, is a self-absorbed little machine. Powerful beyond the ability of modern science to measure, it is also terribly predictable when it comes to this one factor: It loves to watch itself at work.

Congress needs to support research

There has been growing recognition of the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease but the funding to find a cure lags dramatically behind what’s necessary.

Magro drives in six runs in tough season-ending loss

Magro drives in six runs in tough season-ending loss to Lewiston

Firefighters douse Sand Creek fire

Despite moisture, fire danger remains

SANDPOINT — Firefighters made quick work of a fire that took hold in the Sand Creek watershed on Friday.

GOP candidates prove inconsistent

Donald Trump takes a shot a John McCain, declaring he was no war hero and most of the Republican candidates, including Jeb Bush, come to McCain’s defense, as does much of the mainstream Republican Party. “How dare he impugn the record of a decorated veteran who served his country in war,” many said.

Skate park to close for maintenance

SANDPOINT — Attention all skateboarders, scooter riders, roller bladers or anyone else who uses the Concrete Lake skate park at Travers Park: Sandpoint Parks and Rec will be closing the popular park this week on Wednesday and Thursday, July 29 and 30, for the annual filling of the cracks and sealing of the surface.

Fatal accident on US 95 Sunday evening

A fatal crash occurred last night at 5:39 p.m. on US Highway 95 at 473 according to the Idaho State Police News blog. According to the blog a vehicle driven by Jacqualyn Decker, of Sagle, was merging onto southbound US 95 from Sandpoint when she drove her vehicle into oncoming lanes to pass other merging vehicles. The Toyota pickup driven by Decker struck the Subaru in the North Bound lanes of travel, driven by Makayla Sundquist of Kootenai. A vehicle driven by Scarlett-Karlac, of Seattle then collided with the Subaru driven by Sundquist from behind. All vehicles came to rest in the middle of the Highway which was blocked for two and a half hours.

Priest Lake levels worry community

PRIEST LAKE — Residents of Priest Lake are concerned their recreation season could be cut short this summer due to lower-than-normal pool elevations caused by severe drought conditions in North Idaho.

Sundquist blast helps lead Sandpoint over Lewiston

MOSCOW — Another solid pitching performance, more great defense and a monster home run added up to another extra inning win for the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers, who exploded for five runs in the eighth inning to beat Lewiston 7-2 on Friday in the second round of the American Legion District A tournament in Moscow.

IDL sues landowner over fill in lake

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Lands is suing a Priest Lake landowner accused of placing fill material on the lake bed and erected three small sea walls without a permit.

Two killed in Highway 95 Friday crash

COLBURN — Two people were killed in a head-on collision with a dump truck on U.S. Highway 95 on Friday.

ITD settles over asbestos violations

PRIEST RIVER — The Idaho Transportation Department has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over federal asbestos violations at a commercial building demolition site.

Additional searching for Heckert pending

SANDPOINT — Adverse conditions on Lake Pend Oreille and a drowning on Lake Coeur d’Alene are slowing efforts to find a Bonner County man who may have drowned near Hope earlier this month.

Jay pleads not guilty in crash case

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County sheriff’s deputy accused of causing a collision that seriously injured two motorcyclists from Priest River is pleading not guilty.

Sandpoint U16 American Legion team headed to state

SANDPOINT — After a phenominal 16-3 regular season full of steller play in non-Legion tournaments throughout the summer, the U16 Dawgs advanced to the American Legion Baseball 2015 Single A State Championships in Walla Walla, Wash. on July 24-30.  

Kummer, Jacobson lead Sandpoint over Cd'A

MOSCOW — Patrick Kummer picked up the win with five solid innings on the mound, and Walker Jacobson pitched the final two innings to earn the save, also  going 3-3 at the plate, leading the Sandpoint American Legion team to a 6-3 win over Coeur d’Alene in the opener of the A district tournament in Moscow on Thursday.

Vegan options are plentiful in U.S.

Have you ever heard this reasoning, “I tried to be vegan but it was hard.”

Arts show blooming this weekend

SANDPOINT — The gardens become the gallery this weekend at the Ponderay Garden Center, as 38 artists representing more than a half dozen mediums take part in the Garden of Artistry invitational fine art show.

Rehkow first-team choice on Sun Belt preseason team

MOSCOW — University of Idaho junior punter Austin Rehkow is the first-team choice as the punter for the Sun Belt’s preseason all-conference team. He is joined in the preseason recognition by two seniors - linebacker Marc Millan and defensive end Quinton Bradley.

Trains would bring nothing but problems

The coal trains rumbling through North Idaho pose a threat both to our safety and environment.  Since the U.S. is using less coal and more clean energy, this coal is bound for Asia — through shipping terminals on the West Coast — where it is polluting cities like Beijing in China.

Suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man accused of shooting another man during a dispute at Bloom Lake last month waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Robbery suspect indicted

PONDERAY — An Alaska man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing Horizon Credit Union on July 7, according to U.S. District Court records.

Trump's arrogance is basis for discharge

For those enthralled by Donald Trump’s  well-heeled arrogance I guess you  now know he is also stupid. To insult any veteran because he happened to get captured is especially insulting when he  has yet to serve his country in any other way than to make him more money.

Bush shameless for taking speaking fee

As a veteran I am appalled that George W. Bush took $100,000 for a speech he gave before a veteran’s charity fundraiser.

Priest Lake impacted by drought conditions

Boaters urged to monitor USGS gauge

By KEITH KINNAIRD

Breastfeeding benefits mother and child alike

I was a teenager when I went to Italy the first time. There, in a centuries-old church, I saw a woman breastfeeding her baby. Right there in front of God and everybody. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen a woman breastfeeding, but, it was the first time I had seen it done in public.

SAR golf tourney raises more than $10,000

Money goes to local seniors and college students

BLANCHARD — Local golfers teed it up for a great cause at the 25th annual Selkirk Association of Realtors Charity Golf Tournament, held recently at StoneRidge Golf Resort, raising more than $10,000 for the Grants and Scholarship Program.

Quest plans expansion

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company has developed plans to expand its Sandpoint factory.

Kaiser takes control at airports

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint and Priest River airports have a new boss.

Mermaids in Lake Pend Oreille? You betcha

SANDPOINT — It’ll be dawn at Buttonhook Bay, on Wednesday when six outstanding athletes will plunge themselves into Lake Pend Oreille with the goal of swimming relay to Sandpoint’s Statue of Liberty before dusk.

Former Bulldog primed for big college soccer season

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint Striker and Sandpoint Bulldog soccer standout Tanner Williams helped run the Art of Finishing Camp at Farmin Stidwell last week, which drew more than 60 area youth for a week-long skills camp.

Efforts to legitimize the corrupt will not work

The effort to legitimize that which is corrupt will not work. It is a lie and only declares war on what is true and just.   The “Supreme” Court’s ruling that sodomite “marriage” is to be recognized by all the states brings to light how perverted and corrupt the courts have become.

Jury convicts Johnson of sexual abuse

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County jury convicted a North Idaho man of sexual abuse of a minor, but deadlocked on three additional counts of lewd and lascivious conduct on Monday.

Will U.S. become another Greece?

An interesting debate last week in Las Vegas at an event called Freedom Fest. One day featured two preeminent economists of our time, Paul Krugman — socialism’s statist, Keynesian Obamanomics (New York Times) — versus Stephen Moore capitalism’s free market, supply-side economics (Wall Street Journal).

What kind of person would steal signs?

All but one of the reserved parking for veterans signs at Home Depot have been stolen.

Search for answers

Cadaver dogs pick up scent in search for man

HOPE — Cadaver-detecting dogs picked up scents in Lake Pend Oreille and the shoreline on Sunday during a search for a Bonner County man who was reported missing.

Friends recall Dean's calm

HOPE — Calm. The lake was calm, the winds were calm, and calm was the word that family, friends, co-workers and fellow members of Hope’s city council used to describe the man at the memorial held for Mayor Joe Dean on Friday.

Beckford faces new charge

SANDPOINT — Another witness tampering charge has been filed against a Bonner County man who is awaiting trial for allegedly killing his wife in Washington state in 1997.

Air crews tackle wildfire

SPIRIT LAKE — Teen brothers Elliott and Riley Hughes couldn’t resist getting a sneak peek of airplanes and a helicopter battling a wildfire near Spirit Lake on Friday.

Miller completes Long Bridge Swim early

Sandpoint native India Miller, a freshman who leaves for college in Hawaii next week, was sad to learn she will miss the annual Long Bridge Swim after completing it for the past seven years.

Injured boy, teen rescued

SAGLE — A 9-year-old boy was seriously injured Friday by a falling rock dislodged from a steep hillside overlooking Lake Pend Oreille at Talache.

Idaho LB on Lombardi Award list

MOSCOW — University of Idaho senior linebacker Marc Millan, the Vandals’ leading tackler for the past two seasons, is among 115 players named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List.

Possible cause identified in blast

NEWPORT, Wash. — Eleven people are recovering from injuries received from an explosion that put an end to operations at the Zodiac Aerospace plant in Newport on Tuesday.

Blowtorch may have sparked fire

SANDPOINT — A blowtorch has emerged as the suspected cause of a recreational vehicle fire that claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl on Tuesday, according to Bonner County Undersheriff David Hale.

City adopts preliminary budget

SANDPOINT — The City Council formally adopted a $31.7 million preliminary 2015-2016 budget at its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

Effects of Social Networking Sites

Nowadays, social media sites have great impact on today’s society both negatively and positively. Social media sites have led to both positive and negative changes to this society. Social networking sites help us to communicate easily and easy to share information. Sometimes social media effect negatively and may cause to dangerous consequences.

County looks to put brakes on 4x4 park

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is moving to shut down an off-road vehicle park it contends is operating without a conditional use permit.

Explosion rips through Zodiac Aerospace plant

NEWPORT, Wash. — An explosion ripped through the Zodiac Aerospace plant in Newport Tuesday night, sending five employees to the hospital and forcing nearby residents to evacuate the area.

Leave pets at home, not in hot vehicles

It is that time of year.

Bry's activism, efforts will be greatly missed

I was shocked and saddened to hear that recently one of Sandpoint’s brightest stars, Laura Bry, had suddenly passed away. This came as a harsh blow to her family and friends — even friends all the way across the country — since she’d touched and improved so many lives of those around her.

Why not charge gas guzzlers more?

In the process of renewing my auto registration, I learned that some wrongheaded politicians in Boise have decided that because I drive an energy efficient hybrid vehicle I need to pay a penality of $75 per year because I am not paying my fair share of the gasoline tax.

Bulldogs scrimmage Canadian squad

In a scrimmage against a team from Edmonton on Wednesday night at Sandpoint High School, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 19-5 lead early against the U17 AAU team from Canada.

RV fire claims toddler's life

SANDPOINT — Bonner County sheriff’s officials say a 2-year-old girl was killed in a fire that consumed a recreational vehicle in the Hoodoo Valley on Tuesday night.

U19 Legion team hosts doubleheader

Patrick Kummer and the U19 Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers host Northern Lakes (a combination of Lakeland and Timberlake teams) in a doubleheader today, with first pitch slated for 5 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

Crews close to containing fires

PRIEST LAKE — Firefighters took advantage of the recent cooler temperatures to gain significant ground on the two main fires burning near Priest Lake.

Yanik wins Schweitzer climb

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint resident Jamey Yanik, a professional cyclist currently living in Boise, defended his title on Saturday at the Rails to Resort Hill Climb up Schweitzer.

Robbery suspect ordered held on $250K bail

SANDPOINT — An Alaska man accused of robbing a Ponderay credit union made an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

WSU's Levora defends Jacey's Race title

SANDPOINT — It was a great race and an exceptionally moving event, as hundreds of runners turned out for Jacey’s Race on Sunday, as the fun run benefited four sick children and their families and both BGH pediatrics and Community Cancer Services this year.

BGH among best critical access hospitals in U.S.

Toot. Toot. Toot. Can you hear the horn blowing? For the second year in a row, Bonner General Health has been recognized in the top 100 of Critical Access Hospitals in the nation. And, this year, (we should have a drum roll here) BGH is number nine, yeah, that’s like in the top ten!

Oldtown home destroyed in Tuesday fire

OLDTOWN — A home on Hoodoo Loop Road was completed destroyed in a fire Tuesday night.

Administrator proposal doesn't make sense

On Wednesday, July 15, 5:30 p.m., the Sandpoint City Council will address the issue of hiring a city administrator. If approved, it will become part of the next budget. I hope you will be there to give input.

Debate on EMS issue should be on its merits

Michael:

Authorities: Fire's cause remains unknown

BAYVIEW — It’s been more than a week, and authorities are still mum on the cause of the Cape Horn Fire, saying only the matter is under investigation.

Man feared drowned

HOPE — Sandpoint resident Jeremy R. Heckert, 38, was reported missing and presumed drowned Friday afternoon after allegedly jumping from a boat without a life vest, according to a Bonner County Sheriff’s Office new release issued Monday afternoon.

Crews gain ground on Priest Lake fires

PRIEST LAKE — Firefighters took advantage of the recent cooler temperatures to gain significant ground on the two main fires burning near Priest Lake.

Area has welcomed firefighting crews

We sincerely thank the people of northern Idaho who have so warmly welcomed our firefighters to Priest Lake. We want the public to be aware that more firefighters and associated resources will be arriving to our area. The public will see considerable firefighting resources moving around the area as our current crews “time out” and new crews come in to replace them.

City announces swim lesson schedule

SANDPOINT — The second session of youth swim lessons is about to start, and new this year, Sandpoint Parks and Rec will be taking early registrations at their office in City Hall (1123 Lake St.).

Taxes at work?

Today I had the privileges of seeing my District 1 taxes at work — two men, one truck, and a tractor with a mower hooked on. The grass and weeds are less than a foot tall, and the mower reaches a maximum of four feet!

Another great Fourth

The Sandpoint Lions Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Papé Machinery for their participation in this years Independence Day celebration. Without the generous gift on a 2015/2016 ski season pass and Papé’s assistance in purchasing a John Deere Gator, the Lions Club would have had difficulty in affording such great gifts to celebrate the birth of our nation.

Churches are next

In my last letter I listed ten government actions which could endanger the (U.S.) Constitution. This letter is about possibly the scariest action yet.

'Red Hot Patriot' explores world of Molly Ivins

One-woman show lights up little theater

SANDPOINT — Theater comes in a variety of flavors, from the big, grand musicals that demand a full stage and large auditorium, to more close-up and personal offerings that call for a smaller venue and fewer seats.

LPOW joins in lawsuit challenge

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper has joined a nationwide coalition of environmental groups in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Industrial Stormwater Permit, according to a news release.

Gun club code change OK'd

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners approved a land use code change Monday that permits gun clubs and shooting ranges within Agricultural/Forestry zones with 20-acre minimums.

Or simply be kind

Everyone must be treated with reverence and respect (“Coyote Horizon,” Allen Steele, p. 157). If that is too complicated just be kind. Thank you.

Rabid bat found at Priest Lake

PRIEST LAKE — A dead bat discovered by a woman walking along the shore of Priest Lake tested positive for rabies on Friday.

Lehman blast powers Sandpoint in championship

SANDPOINT — Tyler Lehman launched a 3-run homer to right center, and also struck out eight batters in five solid innings on the mound, helping lead Sandpoint past Lakeland 14-4 in the District 1 Juniors tournament championship Friday at Pine St. Field.

Bayview fire continues to grow

However, blaze now 50-percent contained

BAYVIEW — The Cape Horn Fire continued to grow by an additional 96 acres Friday and could get worse by this morning as thunderstorms rolled into the region last night.

Governor tours Cape Horn Fire

BAYVIEW — Gov. Butch Otter toured the Cape Horn Fire from the air and on the ground, as some evacuees returned to their homes on Thursday.

Autism training is held

SANDPOINT — An agitated teenager was fatally shot when he allegedly attacked police with a 12-inch kitchen knife after officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance Wednesday.

Gatherers remember Riley, call for changes

SANDPOINT — A group of approximately 30 people gathered Wednesday near the site where Jeanetta Riley was killed by police to keep her memory alive and press for changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Crews make progress on Priest Lake fires

PRIEST LAKE — Firefighters continue to combat the Granite and Blacktail fires by any means necessary and the tactics have helped crews get a better handle on the blazes sparked by lightning last Monday.

Coeur d'Alene makes room for new resort tower

COEUR d’ALENE — Hagadone Hospitality Co. is one step closer to building a tower of guest rooms adjoining The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Bank robbery suspect identified

PONDERAY — The suspect accused of robbing a Horizon Credit Union branch on Tuesday has been identified as Karl E. Erikson, a 32-year-old from Wasilla, Alaska.

Amount of coal, dust at beach catastrophic

Recently I wandered about on the BNSF Railways tracks adjacent to Dog Beach. All the bloviating about coal dust pollution caused by the passage of coal trains through Sandpoint prompted me to go see for myself.

Can anyone explain why program's funding was cut?

Most conservatives are pro-life. Most conservatives are adamantly opposed to abortion.

Man's past resurfaces in investigation

SANDPOINT — The prosecution of a Bonner County man accused of shooting another man during an argument took an unexpected turn during a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Get it correct or don't do it at all

What happens when an idea goes to City Hall? The idea of a city manager versus Carrie’s Doberman, er, administrator can be illustrated easily in recent history.

Bailey's response was less than satisfactory

A friend recently shared an email with me from Commissioner Glen Bailey. My friend had emailed Mr. Bailey some questions and his response is appalling.

Clark Fork receives $20,000 grant for golf course

CLARK FORK — A handful of locals have been putting in steady work to help build a new nine-hole, par 3 golf course in Clark Fork.

Robber strikes Horizon Credit Union

PONDERAY — Horizon Credit Union was robbed on Tuesday morning.

Progress made on Granite Fire

PRIEST LAKE — Firefighters are beginning to get a handle on both the Granite and Bakers Camp fires.

Crews battle Bayview fire

BAYVIEW — Firefighters continued to battle the Cape Horn Fire Tuesday despite warnings that thunderstorms with very little rain are expected to complicate firefighting efforts.

Stockton, Pettit combine on no-hitter

Preston Pettit and Alex Stockton teamed up to throw a no-hitter, leading the Sandpoint Juniors All-Stars to a 3-1 win over Lakeland on Tuesday in the district tournament at Pine St. Field.

Osgood-Schlatter could cause knee pain in athletic teens

“When I was 12 or 13 I first noticed that I couldn’t kneel down directly on my knees. The pain was unbearable. It was constant,” wrote a 38-year-old woman on Medicinenet.com’s website. “I was often crying with the pain and unable to sleep at night. Just below my knees I had these unsightly boney lumps, and still do.

What's so important about your credit score?

Ordeal reads just like a cheap novel

In response to the dispute surrounding the 1903 road — formerly Brush Road also known as the Spring Creek Road and Shadow Valley Lane — I have uncovered a few facts.

Bayview evacuated as Cape Horn fire grows

BAYVIEW — Hundreds have already evacuated the town of Bayview, while several hundred more are waiting — if they leave, they cannot come back until the danger subsides.

Jail visitation hard to navigate, off-putting

I recently wanted to visit a friend who landed himself in jail, and was quite distressed at what I encountered. If this is how visitors are received in jail in Sandpoint I really do wonder how prisoners are treated in jail in counties with a much higher crime rate.

Information sought on food court vandalism

On Sunday, June 28, vandals destroyed the canopy at the Oak Street Food Court.

Man rescued near Scotchman summit

CLARK FORK — A helicopter was used to pluck a hiker who fell ill near the summit of Scotchman Peak on Thursday.

Brasses team up to win Idaho state Coaches of the Year award

SANDPOINT — It’s really a two-for-one deal for Sandpoint with cross country coaches Matt and Angie Brass, as the husband and wife have teamed up for nearly a decade stewarding the SHS cross country coaches.

Pondering the city administrator job

On July 1, the Daily Bee reported on the front page on a plan by the Sandpoint City Council and mayor, to add a tier to our local government. They are considering hiring a city administrator.

Winds push Granite Fire

PRIEST LAKE — Dangerous conditions forced firefighter crews to disengage from the Granite Fire six miles northeast of Nordman on Sunday.

Sponsored: 5 big things that impact your credit score – and how to repair it

What’s so important about your credit score?

Daily Bee turns 50

SANDPOINT — The early years of what is now the Bonner County Daily Bee read like the script to a classic cowboy movie. Lanky stranger moves to town, gets in a brawl or two and finally succeeds by sheer determination, unshakable principles and hardscrabble attitude.

Insufficient evidence in BCSO crash case?

The June 30 Daily Bee article regarding Judge Penny Friedlander finding insufficient evidence to support the misdemeanor offense of inattentive driving against Bonner County Sheriff’s Deputy Phyllis Jay has me totally surprised.

Economy operating without principle

America’s economy operates without principle. If I think of America’s real wealth production, I can see several operating delusions. We spend much on useless/unreal/ faulty science that ignores our unified field system ignorance. Ignorance of this ignorance renders many if not all “research” operations invalid the problem is failure to meet “consideration” requirements.

Crews battle wildland fires

PRIEST LAKE — While firefighters were able to snuff a few of the fires caused by lightning on June 29, they weren’t able to extinguish them all.

Foolish want to keep guns from the public

As a follow-up to my May 19 letter to the editor responding to the misinformation presented by Dr. Adler, a supposed constitutional scholar, who seems to use the echo chamber technique to sell his idea that citizens should not own guns, and who will speak loudly again after the next sad shooting, I recommend that everyone go to www.cnsnews.com/commentary/walter-e-williams/constitutional-ignorance-and-dereliction (dated June 30-2015).

Changes needed in city's boat dock use

I just went online to see the rules for using the loading docks. Fifteen minutes is the time and it is posted at Memorial Field. The problem needs to be addressed and monitored.

Idaho's personal income drops slightly

After four consecutive quarters of growth and increasing by nearly 2 percent between the third and fourth quarters of 2014, Idaho’s personal income showed very little change during the first quarter of 2015 and dropped by a tenth of a percentage point to $62.76 billion.

Grass volleyball tourneys set

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Parks and Rec presents the USA Volleyball/ERVA sanctioned 4-person adult grass volleyball tournament, being held at War Memorial Field on Saturday, July 11.

Woman found not guilty of beating falcon

COEUR d’ALENE — Patti MacDonald is guilty of pursuing a protected bird.

Fire burning near Priest Lake

PRIEST LAKE — A lightning-caused wildland fire has burned about six acres in the rough terrain near Priest Lake.

Racing to help community's children

SANDPOINT — Maybe it’s fate, or destiny, if you prefer — the power or agency that supposedly predetermines and orders the course of events.

Hearing on gun range code change

SANDPOINT — A proposal to allow gun clubs and rifle ranges in Agricultural/Forestry zoning districts appears to be locked and loaded.

EWU coaches hold volleyball camp

The Eastern Washington University volleyball coaching staff was in Sandpoint this week holding a three-day camp for 49 area 7th through 12th graders.

Sandpoint mulls city administrator post

SANDPOINT — The City Council formally considered a new position on the city’s staff at its regular meeting Wednesday evening: city administrator.

High court affirms ruling

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Supreme Court is affirming a Hope man’s conviction for violating a no-contact order in a felony domestic violence case.

Civil, religious unions should be separated

The United States Supreme Court has spoken. Gay marriage is the law of the land. Fine — everyone deserves equal civil rights. Now it is time to deal with the fall out.

Listening to show is productive use of time

Hello, good people of the Great Northwest, and those lucky enough to be visiting. Take a moment every day to look around at the beauty, enjoy your loved ones, smile at a stranger, and take a few minutes every day to relax and give yourself a treat.

Couple being targeted in county road dispute

I just read another letter regarding a purported county road. It seems Ms. Scarbough has opinions about things she knows little. The Deens’ chicken coop and outbuildings are built on skids and completely legal.

Officials urge caution as fire danger heats up

SANDPOINT — Saturday is Independence Day, the Fourth of July, when America ostensibly celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the country’s emancipation from Great Britain.

Aispuro wins fifth Hoopfest title

SANDPOINT — You don’t become a five-time Hoopfest champion without some serious basketball chops.

Hugh Leedy hangs up his stethoscope

SANDPOINT — When he came to town in 1974, Sandpoint had 10 doctors.

Motive in shooting remains elusive

SANDPOINT — What prompted a shooting at Bloom Lake on Sunday remains elusive.

Sandpoint ponders city administrator post

SANDPOINT — The City Council will be considering the merits of creating a new city administrator position at a budget discussion tonight during the council’s regular meeting.

Haden's Heart Fun Run kicks off 4th festivities

CLARK FORK — Get your Fourth of July started in grand fashion while supporting a great cause during the 4th annual Haden’s Heart Fun Run, a scenic 5K run in Clark Fork.

Regulating your core internal temperature key during heat wave

Rosie was white as a ghost and was making absolutely no sense.

Schweitzer announces construction of Summit Lodge

SANDPOINT — The board of directors for Schweitzer Mountain Resort approved plans this week for the construction of a $3.8 million Summit Lodge at the top of the resort’s Great Escape Quad.