Get Sandpoint and northern Idaho news and information from our town’s leading sources. Featuring news links from the Bonner County Daily Bee, The River Journal, other media and the Sandpoint Online Newsroom. Check the archives of Sandpoint Magazine, read features from local columnists, and more.

Current news from local sources, including the Bonner County Daily Bee, The River Journal and the Sandpoint Online Newsroom

May 18
Council rejects herbicides for milfoil
 Waterkeeper to help mitigate weeds
County relaxes land use standard
 Eases impervious surface regulations
Sandpiper Shores action dismissed
 Association missed filing deadline

May 17
County voters oust Rich, Rasor
 Broadsword, Kelly looking ahead
Legislative candidates size up races
 Keough: It was a 'troubling campaign'
Headliners: Loggins, Counting Crows
 Festival announces music lineup

May 16
Keough, Eskridge win election
 Incumbents fend off challengers
Prison ordered in shooting case
 Clark Fork teen fired gun at car
Broadsword, Kelly win primary
 Wheeler victorious over Fry, Winkler

May 15
Deputies: DUI suspect fled scene
 Injured teen left behind in truck
Conservatives, moderates lock horns
 Hacker's complaints reviewed locally
Waterkeeper offers $10k for cleanup
 Would help pay for milfoil treatment

May 13
Committeeman: Letters violate law
 Hacker claims alleged conspiracy
Pioneer parachutist to be honored
 Simbro placed first in championships
Burglary suspect waives hearing
 Richardson subdued by councilman

May 12
State races endure PAC warfare
 Keough unsure about Avista's motive
Bonners Ferry mulls truck route
 City officials aim to meet with ITD
Input sought for downtown streets
 SERA Architects show off ideas

May 10
Woodward named superintendent
 Expected to take over on July 1
Cary Kelly leads in fundraising
 Looking to unseat Lewis Rich
Avista aims to unseat incumbents
 Wants Keough, Eskridge replaced

May 9
Sheriff candidate holds cross lighting
 Winkler is member of Ku Klux Klan
Repairs push back byway opening
 ITD now aiming for Fourth of July
Numbers low for party affiliation
 Closed primary requires declaration

May 8
SHS students create mosaic mural
 Art project unveiled in entry hall
Pro-business groups fund incumbents
 Keough, Eskridge net at least $5k each
May 12 becomes town's Train Day
 Ogilvie makes official declaration

May 6
Man pleads not guilty to manslaughter
 Motorcyclist killed in 2011 collision
Ancient church finds modern appeal
 Bonners Ferry Orthodox church grows
Idaho farmers: We need immigrants
 Vent frustration over visa program

May 5
Board names superintendent finalist
 Woodward will visit area this week
Teen receives 15-year sentence
 Martin attacked woman in Hope
Legislative hopefuls spar at forum
 Square off at St. Joseph's Church

May 4
SPOT in the running for ITD grants
 Director confident of approval
Input sought on Main Street facelift
 Project won't begin until Curve is done
Victim testifies in teen's hearing
 Recommends maximum punishment

May 3
Ex-paramedics file civil rights suit
 Trio say free speech was violated
Public to meet with LPOSD hopefuls
 Three aiming for superintendent post
Dismissal granted in moonwalk case
 Alleged victim didn't want to testify

May 2
Area slowly climbing out of recession
 Bonner County income rose 1.7 percent
Longtime banker Tom Harvill retires
 AmericanWest holds open house Friday
Suspect faces another lewd charge
 Patterson accused of molesting minor

May 1
Work on tap for Cocolalla Loop Road
 Repair project to cost about $510k
Grads find job market a challenge
 NIC expert says some still struggling
Two men killed in confrontation
 Fight broke out at campground

April 29
Panida preps for digital conversion
 Film technology to cost around $70k
Sentencing set for 17-year-old
 Martin attacked woman in Hope
Goggle pioneer Smith dies at 78
 Was featured at the Bird Museum

April 28
ITD devises plan to address cracks
 Embankment settled more than planned
Trial ordered in alleged DUI crash
 Gatlin to be arraigned on felony charge
Sandpoint native's son makes majors
 Hagadone pitches for Cleveland Indians

April 27
Councilman nabs suspected burglar
 Schuck grabs gun, sits on teen
Spillway gates raised at Albeni Falls
 Lake Pend Oreille level going up
City tests water treatment plant
 May be ready for service by summer

April 26
ITD mulls funding for the Curve
 Decision likely to be made in June
Suppression motion pending in case
 Drug operation found during search
Waterfront code change hearing set
 Would implement single standard

April 25
Guilty verdicts stand in shootout
 Larson threatened two with pistol
Man charged in 'moonwalk' case
 Allegedly ordered dance move at gunpoint
City's incubator boosts businesses
 Offers space at below-market price

April 24
Juvenile detention center completed
 27-bed facility set to open in May
City sees little benefit to coal trains
 Council OKs environmental request
Idaho's texting ban begins July 1
 Offenders can expect to pay $85

April 23
Juvenile detention center completed
 27-bed facility set to open in May
City sees little benefit to coal trains
 Council OKs environmental request
Idaho's texting ban begins July 1
 Offenders can expect to pay $85

April 22
City OKs eliminating subcommittees
 Members favor 2 meetings per month
Ed Board eyes lofty college goal
 Aims to double completion numbers
Fundraiser 'jails' business leaders
 Jail & Bail held at new youth facility

April 21
Candidates square off at forum
 Waldrup, Hull take on Marshall
Inmate seeks $2 million after slipping
 Claims he now suffers chronic pain
Garlin gets new legal counsel
 Charged with accessory to murder

April 20
Settlement causing cracks in bypass
 ITD admits it sunk more than expected
Mediation ordered in Hopkins case
 Accused embezzler disputes restitution
Council delays voting on milfoil
 Will reconsider herbicide use at marina

April 19
Rich stands by misquote claims
 Involves article in The Inlander
Murder suspect pleads not guilty
 Thrasher's trial set to start in July
BF annexation challenge endures
 City had moved to dismiss petition

April 18
County finances OK, but not perfect
 Audit notes significant deficiencies
Novelist visits with LPOHS students
 Trueman speaks of perseverance
Milfoil treatment battle heats up
 Council mulls use of herbicides

April 17
Agency: 5 acres infested with clams
 Concentrated near Hope boat ramp
County sued by environmental group
 Seek disclosure of communications
Structure fire destroys home
 Owners away when fire broke out

April 15
Asian clams discovered in Hope
 Dive teams to gauge situation
Democratic Caucus elects delegates
 Will attend Boise convention in June
Grace discusses conservation work
 Executive director of local land trust

April 14
P&Z OKs waterfront code change
 Commissioners will have final say
Clark Fork/Hope Senior Center abuzz
 Remodeling creates new energy
Roadtrip Nation inspires students
 Representatives include SHS grad

April 12
Portland firm to guide street plan
 City OKs contract for $197,994
Web-based business run by students
 Bonner County Cut-Outs a big hit
P&Z mulls waterfront code change
 Would ease standards in county

April 11
Lights! Camera! Ospreys go live
 Webcam gives peek into raptors' nest
Trail lands $75,000 Equinox grant
 Group works to secure waterfront
WPOFD battles structure fires
 Flames engulf single-wide home

April 10
24 Hours of Schweitzer sets record
 Ski relay fundraiser raises $150,000
Mental exam ordered for suspect
 Thrasher charged in teen's murder
Sandpoint Reader comes to an end
 Founders recall paper's 7-year run

April 8
County hopefuls debate at forum
 Jordan criticizes Sheriff Wheeler
Professionals form creative group
 7B Productions gathers local talent
Local film wins at Texas festival
 Stephen Byrum directed 'The Victor'

April 7
Sandpoint receives flawless audit
 Council praises city treasurer, staff
Family grateful for support after fire
 Fundraisers, donations aid Ridgwells
Deadline coming up for restitution
 Woman allegedly embezzled $46,000

April 6
Cocolalla Bridge stability under scrutiny
 Bridge's failure would strand 260 homes
Blankenship charged with lewd conduct
 Allegedly molested girls in '80s and '90s
City's admin committee may fold
 Suggests semi-monthly council meetings

April 5
County unable to help in road washout
 Residents seek help for new bridge
City changes snow shoveling rules
 Remove code detailing enforcement
Rasor seeks re-election to board
 Faces Broadsword in May 15 primary

April 4
County added to disaster declaration
 Can be used to acquire relief funding
24 Hours of Schweitzer raises $150k
 130 partake in ski relay for cystinosis
Athol legislator facing pressure
 Hart refused to pay income tax

April 3
Road damage may exceed $1 million
 Rasor declares state of emergency
Trial ordered for Austin Thrasher
 Charged with first-degree murder
Council mulls bi-monthly meetings
 Subcommittee to take up issue

April 1
Trail derails after track washes out
 14 railcars involved in incident
Copley named top IPTA teacher
 Third Farmin recipient since '06
Aircraft mechanic faces another suit
 Cripe accused of overcharging man

Link up to local bloggers:

• All things home. Maintenance tips, green building, home loans ... Selle Valley Construction shares housing know-how.

• Historic house reno. Follow along as Dortmund Builders restore the historic Tanner/Nesbitt home in Sandpoint.

• Northwest Photographic Adventures. Tamara Porath snaps photos while living life to its fullest potential every day.

• Talus Rock. Sandpoint's Pedersen family writes of people, happenings and revelations at their donation-based, Tuscan styled retreat overlooking town.
• Hyperbole and a Half. With 93,000+ Twitter followers and 288,000+ Facebook fans, Sandpoint homegirl and humorist Allie Brosh has gone viral.
• Slight Detour. Sandpoint native and former SHS English teacher Marianne Love writes daily about life around here.
• Thudbits. Sandpoint's John Corn moderates political news and commentary from a conservative perspective.
• Alternative Horsemanship. Philosophies, training theories and humor with Samantha Harvey.
• Brian's Bike Buzz. He rides bikes, dreams about bikes, and blogs about biking in Sandpoint and afield.
• Eye on Boise. Betsy Z. Russell covers Idaho news from The Spokesman-Review's bureau in Boise.
• North Idaho Realty. Ralph's interactive blog offers photography, commentary, maps and more.
• Writing North Idaho. A web retreat for writers in the North Idaho Panhandle.
• Seasons at Sandpoint. A snapshot of life in and around Sandpoint.
• Skookum Photography. Ralph Bartholdt's award-winning writing and snapshots of eclectic personalities.
• Curly Haired Vision. Photographer Matt Mills McKnight captures Sandpoint, and the world, in a whole new light.
• Nelson Boren Art Blog. The artist for Sandpoint's downtown arch project blogs about art, fishing, life.
• Mountain Architect. John Hendricks blogs about projects, trends and more.
• North Idaho Dog Fun. Your resource for "all things dog" in North Idaho.
• Sandpoint Wellness Council. Alternative practitioners blog on natural health care.
• Corporate Whoracle. "Single in Sandpoint" columnist riffs on company life.
• The Word on Schweitzer. Wanna talk skiing, riding, snow? This blog's for you.
• From a Simple Mind. Local great-grandma tosses loose thoughts.
• Huckleberries. Spokesman-Review's David Oliveria puts his finger on pulse of current regional news and happenings.
• Slight Detour. Sandpoint native and former SHS English teacher Marianne Love writes daily about life around here.
• Chamber Chatter. Sandpoint chamber keeps readers in the know on Chamber and business happenings.
• As The Lake Churns. All about Priest Lake, the land and the people and happenings.

Get an eyeful of Sandpoint at this photo diary, updated a few times weekly. If you're a shutterbug, enter your own shots for fame and prizes. Click to see the digital album.

Schweitzer is 'Sandpoint's secret'
Bellingham Herald says Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a 'Sandpoint secret,' and has something for everybody in a March 11, 2012 article.

Sandpoint a 'prettiest winter town'
Travel & Leisure magazine ranks Sandpoint among the nation's dozen "prettiest winter towns" in a March 2, 2012 feature.

Schweitzer an 'underrated' resort
CNN/Travel in a Feb. 24, 2012 feature lists Schweitzer Mountain Resort as one of 7 Underrated Ski Resorts, noting that it's unlikely you'll wait more than five minutes in the lift line.

A 'Best Old House Town'
Our town's many vintage residential homes caught the eye of This Old House, who in February 2012 named Sandpoint a "Best Old House Neighborhood 2012." Read about it at This Old House.

'No. 1 Ski Town in USA'
That's what Rand McNally called Sandpoint when it named the country's "Top Seven Ski Towns" in a January 17, 2012 roundup of the best mountain towns. Sandpoint won the top rating over the likes of Lake Tahoe, Park City, Mammoth and Jackson. Go read the Rand McNally story.

'Most Beautiful Town in USA'
So say USA Today and Rand McNally, who sent traveling teams to towns around the nation to determine the five best small towns in America. Sandpoint grabbed "Most Beautiful Town" honors from among an initial 600+ nominees. Read the July 21, 2011 USA Today story or check the Best of the Road page.

A memorable travel destination
Canadian lifestyle website SweetMama.com ranks Sandpoint as one of their 15 Destinations for Memorable Family Travel in their June 13, 2011 posting.

Under the radar ski town
Sandpoint's small-town charm and great skiing win it accolades as "most under the radar ski town" in Sunset Magazine's "Top 10 Best Ski Destinations in the West."

A subtle beauty all its own
Sandpoint's autumn color defies the idea that fall foliage is something you only find in the eastern United States, written up in the Detroit Free Press on Oct. 10, 2010, "Colors of the West - Subtle Idaho mountain foliage has a beauty all its own."

We're a railroading attraction
Sandpoint's famous as "The Funnel" for railroads in the northern tier states, as USA Today writes in its Aug. 4, 2010 story "Idaho town draws railfans from around world."

Seven reasons to visit Sandpoint
County Living Magazine says Sandpoint is a "small town we love," and counts out seven reasons why in the June 2010 issue. Click to view a pdf (1.32 MB).

Who says you can't have it all?
Sandpoint's a good destination for second home buyers, says USA Today in its April 16, 2010 story, "Having it all in Sandpoint."

Sandpoint's got some sparkle
"A true gem in this Gem State," declares American Cowboy Magazine in a March 2010 ranking of "The greatest places to live in the West.".

Add to your winter bucket list
"Sandpoint, Idaho, may not be on your winter bucket list - but it should be," says Big Sky Journal in their December 2009 article "Sandpoint Winter Carnival provides perfect haven".

Leading the transition movement
N.Y. Times writes in-depth article on the Sandpoint Transition Initiative in their story "The End is Near! (Yay!)" (registration required) published in April 2009.

An abundance of trout
Fly Rod + Reel named Sandpoint a Top 10 Trout Town in March 2009.

A 'Top 10 Dream Town'
Sunset Magazine calls Sandpoint a "four-season outdoorsy resort that's also a real town with a strong community spirit." Click to see the September 2008 Top 10 Dream Towns list.

We're a 'market to watch'
Mountain Living Magazine says Sandpoint is one of 5 "mountain markets to watch." Click to see its September 2008 market appraisal, What Market Slump? (pdf format)

An 'idyllic adventure haven'
National Geographic Adventure Magazine touts the local character of "quiet Sandpoint," while newcomers rave about the town's strong sense of community. Click to read the August 2008 story Idaho's Last Stand.

Now we're top 10 for retirement
U.S. News & World Report names Sandpoint one of the nation's top 10 retirement spots "that offer delightful surroundings and amenities but still are easy on the wallet." Click to read the June 3, 2007 cover story, or check the Sandpoint profile titled "Lakeside living that's far from the crowds."

A top-15 travel destination
"I was smitten with this lakefront town from the moment I saw it," says USA Today travel writer Laura Bly in naming Sandpoint a top U.S. destination. Read the entire May 25, 2007 story: Summer Vacations: 15 unforgettable trips.

We've got the goods in fall
The New York Times features Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille in a guide for "leaf lovers" published Oct. 6, 2006. Click to read the full story: Fall Foliage; Bright Leaves, Big Country.

Click for more National Press

Be an informed voter. The Election Central page provides a voter’s handbook for upcoming elections, with links to information about the candidates and issues voters will see on the ballot come election day.

Sand Creek Bypass

Construction is nearly finished for the Sand Creek Bypass.
Resource links:
• ITD Sand Creek Bypass – Weekly updates
• Aerial Photos – Photographer Jerry Luther captures monthly snapshots of progress on the Sand Creek Bypass; photos are posted on CallJerry.biz/SandCreek 
• NICAN – Opponents of Sand Creek Bypass
News links:

• Daily Bee: NICAN ends challenge to bypass (June 27, 2009)
• Daily Bee: Judge denies motion filed by NICAN (April 22, 2009)
• Daily Bee: Sletager seeks damages from ITD, others (Jan. 16, 2009)
• Daily Bee: Marina owner files new court papers against ITD (Nov. 21, 2008)
• Daily Bee: First shovelfuls of dirt moved at groundbreaking (Oct. 30, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD to celebrate bypass groundbreaking with ceremony (Oct. 22, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD outlines complexities involved with project (Sept. 19, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD confirms total bypass cost tops $144 million (Sept. 18, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Appeals court lifts bypass injunction; ITD moving forward (August 28, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Marina owner plans to take fight to state supreme court (August 16, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Injunction sets stage for August court hearing (July 11, 2008)
• Daily Bee: 9th Circuit issues stay against Sand Creek Bypass (July 10, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD board rapped bypass proposal during June meeting (July 9, 2008)
• Daily Bee: NICAN seeks delay in injunction from appeals court (July 9, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Judge rejects Sletager's attempt to halt bypass permit (July 5, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD board approves bid for bypass (June 20, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD ponders $98.5 million bid for bypass (June 4, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Bypass lawsuit venue moved to Idaho (Apr. 24, 2008)
• Daily Bee: ITD will put out request for bypass bids on April 22 (Apr. 9, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Bypass permit rekindles litigation by developer (Apr. 8, 2008)

Milfoil herbicides
Bonner County has used herbicides to fight Eurasian milfoil infestations in some 3,000 acres of Lake Pend Oreille. The herbicides, Sonar PR, Renovate and Navigate (and a similar chemical DMA 4), contain Fluridone, Triclopyr and 2,4-D, respectively. Although the county contends all the herbicides are safe, opponents contend nonchemical methods would be safer. Bonner County subsequently formed the Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force; members continue to consider how to fight the noxious weed without herbicides. Links:

• Daily Bee: Commissioners accept $652,000 to fight milfoil (March 21, 2009) 
• Daily Bee: County sets schedule for area milfoil treatments (June 17, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Herbicide applications anchor 2008 milfoil plan (Mar. 23, 2008)
• Daily Bee: More herbicides planned for 2008 lake treatment (Jan. 16, 2008)
• Daily Bee: Off-season herbicide testing nears approval (Oct. 31, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: Winter herbicide testing proposed on lake (Oct. 28, 2007)
• Daily Bee: State proposes 2,4-D reprise to treat milfoil (Oct. 24, 2007)
• Daily Bee: Final application of restricted herbicide Renovate to begin (Aug. 3, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: More than 200 PEL protesters march on herbicides (July 24, 2007)
• Daily Bee: Clean Lakes to start next round of herbicides with Renovate (July 20, 2007)
• Daily Bee: Clean Lakes finishes first round of Sonar and moves to Renovate (July 11, 2007)
• Daily Bee: County announces lake herbicide treatment schedule (July 7, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: Herbicide applications set to begin in several areas around lake (July 4, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: Fabric barriers installed at Windbag Marina to to suffocate milfoil (July 1, 2007)
• Daily Bee: Cocolalla Lake readied for application of 2,4-D herbicides (July 1, 2007)
• Daily Bee: County to seek more funding after survey finds more milfoil (June 27, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: County announces lake herbicide application schedule (June 21, 2007)
• Daily Bee: Lake herbicide contract awarded to Clean Lakes Inc. of CDA (June 13, 2007) 
• Daily Bee: Lake milfoil surveying to happen before and after treatment (June 3, 2007)  
• See all Task Force e-mail archive
• Join the List Serve for Task Force e-mail
• See info on Sonar, Renovate or 2,4-D
• See AquaTechnex project page
• Learn about Eurasian milfoil in Idaho
• Join the Fray: Check the Community Issues Forum to read or post opinions