Current news from local sources, including the Bonner County Daily Bee, The River Journal and the Sandpoint Online Newsroom
September 2
Ponderay to vote on 5% bed tax
Raises funds for roads, recreation
Depth of winter drawdown unclear
Sept. 27 meeting to consider factors
Accused child molester returned
Engelbrecht faces two charges
September 1
Boating fatalities point to risks
'Law of averages is catching up'
Police investigate CdA bomb case
Remains found near fairgrounds
Study finds bigger grizzly numbers
Indicates recovery effort is working
August 31
County to adopt leaner budget
Includes job cuts, no pay raises
Man accused of kicking deputy
DUI suspect charged with felony
Sagle's Fairfax, feds sign plea deal
Was alleged hitman in Steele case
August 29
USPS making strides in business
Post office adapts to changes
Questions remain in house fire
Jacquot is still person of interest
P&Z holds hearings on tower plans
Sites include Blanchard, Clark Fork
August 28
Luke Commission moves forward
Ex-employee faces sentencing
Lake drawdown begins this week
Aids downstream needs, dam work
Mayor: Proactive approach works
Hellar discusses rocky economy
August 27
Hope bridge work will bring detour
Business loop to see improvements
Hearing delayed in cyclist fatality
Newport woman may face trial
Local bartender hailed a hero
Saves choking victim at reception
August 26
Highway funding dilemma debated
Lawmakers mull gas tax, fee hike
Money, camaraderie draw 4-H kids
Local swine program is big success
Region's firms detail hurdles
Minnick visits with businessowners
August 25
Bonner County readies for layoffs
Revenues are down, costs are up
City holds off on hiring consultant
Fiber-optic network effort continues
BPA plans work near Clark Fork
Construction begins in September
August 24
Prosecutors: Steele violated order
Tried to mail birthday card to wife
Bonner County attorney indicted
Vay man's home destroyed in fire
Cocolalla group hosts scientist
Seek input on invasive species
August 22
Schweitzer looks to season ahead
Resort announces improvements
Laughing Dog preparing big move
New location offers more capacity
Hope trio indicted on drug charges
Accused of selling cocaine, marijuana
Programs assist area's seniors
Study: Most want independence
August 21
Highway funding options examined
Task force offers recommendations
Board to visit land swap site
Marina plan draws opposition
Wife charged after husband shot
46-year-old remains in custody
August 20
Goodyear retiring from Sagle Fire
Montana fireman to replace chief
LPOSD sets up volunteer program
Cvitanich: 'Benefits are far reaching'
Dispute arises in Hope subdivision
Man complains enforcement lacking
August 19
P&Z endorses Clagstone Meadows
Is largest PUD in county's history
Field burning starts in area
Close to 600 acres targeted
Female meth dealer sentenced
O'Neil imprisoned for eight years
August 18
Claims against city under review
Four involve April's sewage mishap
Milfoil test project gets under way
Will study herbicides' effectiveness
Causes of crash are released
Couple died in July boat collision
August 17
ISP: Driver said she fell asleep
Crash killed relay race cyclist
Fatal boat crash probe continues
Collision killed one, injured three
Oden Water receives DEQ loan
Used for equipment, water line
August 15
Crash on lake kills Oden Bay man
Boat ran aground at Sourdough Point
Spokane-to-Sandpoint cyclist dies
Race participant struck by vehicle
CWC order keeps local shop busy
Barush hires summertime workers
August 14
Economy hits Idaho tax collections
Bonner County still holding steady
Kidnapping charges added in case
Three people accused in incident
FS seeks comment on land swap
Would add 922 acres to public system
August 13
Clagstone deliberations continue
P&Z action follows lengthy hearings
City revising firearms ordinance
Paintball, air guns come into play
Nonprofit cares for injured animals
Former zookeeper operates AHWF
August 12
Ponderay eyes Field of Dreams
Would provide youth sports venue
City to restart crosswalk work
Reflective stripes paved over
Mediation may resolve case
Brown accused in '07 shooting death
Field's light poles need replacing
Longtime resident ospreys will stay
August 11
Residents' input changes project
City puts paving, sidewalks on hold
Area's BLM land at stake in swap
Company's plan draws praise, concern
Celebrate Life keeps event simple
Proceeds aid those with cancer
August 10
Quest lays off 65 employees
CEO cites weak airline industry
Crapo pays visit to local brewery
Idaho senator backs tax relief bill
Mother says son is recovering
Man nearly drowned at City Beach
August 8
City Beach swimmer hospitalized
Pulled from water, given CPR
Major events hitting City Beach
Cycling tour should spur spending
Roundabout art gets green light
Project estimated to cost $7,000
August 7
Developer eyes affordable housing
Plan would require money from city
Accessible playground funded
Grant awarded for Travers Park
Avista posts $25.5m income
Company: 'Outlook has improved'
August 6
Suspects sought in crime spree
Accused of stealing wallets, cash
Voters strike down fire annexation
Sam Owen district covers Hope area
Documentary tells of tribe's plight
'Idaho's Forgotten War' airs Tuesday
August 5
Festival is 'Party on the Panhandle'
Spokane's Inlander touts iconic event
Fees derail plan for Sandpoint deli
Couple now looking at Ponderay site
Sagle woman pleads guilty in case
Mathews allegedly forged signatures
Naples mill back in operation
34 laid-off workers are rehired
August 4
Craftsman restores Hope church
1909 building now an events venue
Two men sought by Sheriff's Office
Smith, Thompson failed to register
Railfans flock to Sandpoint
Fascinated with town's passing trains
August 3
Trails close during fish restoration
Brook trout leaving Porcupine Lake
Police catch man sought by feds
Violated terms of supervised release
Lieutenant governor mulls funding
Transportation revenue is big task
Mark Linscott is Realtor of Year
Dedication, volunteer work cited
August 1
Charity grants wish for Sagle boy
8-year-old is going crab fishing
Harvest Foods plans Bonners store
Will remodel old Safeway building
Upcoming play spotlights growth
Panida hosts 'Death of a Small Town'
July 31
U.S. Marshals seek Ponderay man
Lemieux failed to appear in court
P&Z denies Talus Rock permit
Issue now goes to Dover council
Rural broadband effort strikes out
Passed over for stimulus grant
July 30
Quest delivers 9 planes to F&W
Company looks to a solid future
Little: Festival's blame misplaced
Says Lakedance didn't heed request
Elderly man's death was accidental
80-year-old wandered from home
BSU president blasts UI culture
Sees no need for Moscow games
July 29
5 roads selected for improvements
Directly benefit Forest Service lands
Preliminary city budget approved
Employees will not receive raises
Steele enters not guilty pleas
Jailhouse call led to new charge
July 28
Motel manager saves guest's life
Gives CPR after man stops breathing
70-year-old keeps getting faster
Bosley wins CdA Ironman age group
Ponderay cheers paving project
Emergency access overlooked
July 27
Lakedance festival leaves town
Cite chamber's lack of support
Businesses allowed one sign each
Council OKs change in ordinance
Sailors race on Lake Pend Oreille
Montana crew emerges triumphant
July 25
Highway 200 traffic shifted
Work focuses on bridge deck
Kootenai celebrates its centennial
Tour offers glimpse into history
Quilts aid breast cancer victims
Women form quilt-making group
July 24
Fluoride dropped from city water
Council votes 4-2 for change
Suspect denies he was driving
Mills charged with felony eluding
Man pleads guilty in motel fire
Was staying at the Quality Inn
July 23
Man charged in high-speed chase
Police probe possible kidnapping
Whooping cough cases on the rise
Health officials urge vaccinations
Clagstone hearing to be continued
Developers need time to respond
July 22
Bank parking lot will close July 30
Puts squeeze on downtown parking
Neighbors speak out on Clagstone
Voice unease over wells, wildlife
Kate McAlister to lead Chamber
Worked at Itron in Spokane
More charges filed against Steele
Attorney set to appear in court
July 21
P&Z holds second day of hearings
Public can speak out on project
Sandpoint Police look to future
Long-range planning underway
Male grizzly moved to Cabinets
Project aims to augment population
July 20
Clagstone hearings begin today
1,200-unit development proposed
Conservancy, company ink deal
Land located north of Bonners Ferry
Police to hold crosswalk program
Begins this month in multiple areas
July 18
Highway 200 traffic to shift
Temporary paving is now in place
Museum honors WASPs for service
Hundreds turn out for celebration
Local attorney prevails in appeal
Court affirms dismissal of case
July 17
Inspection station fines in effect
Motorists with boats required to stop
Fire claims Priest Lake 'shoe tree'
Was landmark since the 1940s
Deadline in place for backflow test
Inspection required for users
July 16
City lacks funds to fix field
Will address Memorial Field safety
Accounts clash in battery case
Shanahan accused of hitting mayor
ITD improving pedestrian facilities
Working on Highways 95 and 2
July 15
Spill bolsters need for runoff plan
Source of contamination unknown
Fire officials watchful of conditions
Cool June allowed brush to thrive
Man jailed on gun assault charge
Shot his father to death in 2004
July 14
Feds OK Garwood-to-Sagle EIS
Allows ITD to move project forward
Juvenile facility goes out to bid
County caps cost at $4 million
Idaho tax hike looking less likely
Otter credits conservative budget
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Link up to local bloggers:
• Seasons at Sandpoint. A snapshot of life in and around Sandpoint.
• Skookum Photography. Ralph Bartholdt's award-winning snapshots of eclectic personalities.
• Curly Haired Vision. Photographer Matt Mills McKnight captures Sandpoint in a whole new light.
• Nelson Boren Art Blog. The artist for Sandpoint's downtown arch project blogs about art, fishing, life.
• Hyperbole and a Half. With 15,000+ Twitter followers and 30,000+ Facebook fans, Sandpoint homegirl Allie Brosh has gone viral.
• Project America Run. Follow Hope's Mike Ehredt as he honors fallen service members.
• Sandpoint Photos. Marie-Dominique Verdier posts her remarkable work.
• Mountain Architect. John Hendricks blogs about projects, trends and more.
• North Idaho Dog Fun. Your resource for "all things dog" in North Idaho.
• The 26-Hour Day. Using public relations and social media to grow your business.
• North Idaho Notes. Teacher and writer Kathleen Mulroy shares life's little lessons.
• From the Panhandle. Cate Huisman provides perspective from Idaho's far north.
• The Self-Reliants. Life on a modern-day homestead in the mountains outside Sandpoint.
• Sandpoint Wellness Council. Alternative practitioners blog on natural health care.
• Sandpoint - Its Places and Its People. With Patty Hutchens.
• Corporate Whoracle. "Single in Sandpoint" columnist riffs on company life.
• The Word on Schweitzer. Wanna talk skiing, riding, snow? This blog's for you.
• Bliss and Chaos. The hectic life of a working mom who doesn't forget to laugh.
• From a Simple Mind. Local great-grandma tosses loose thoughts.
• Huckleberries. Spokesman-Review's David Oliveria.
• Slight Detour. Former SHS English teacher Marianne Love.
• Chamber Chatter. Sandpoint chamber maestras keep readers in the know.
• As The Lake Churns. All about Priest Lake, the land and the people.
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 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.
If you like Sandpoint, you’ll love Sandpoint Magazine. This color glossy magazine has been published twice a year since 1990. Read the current issue and check the Sandpoint Magazine archive – more than 100 stories online.
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.
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)
- Daily Bee: County to use majority of state funding for herbicides (May 10, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Task force puzzled by refusal of bio-controls (April 19, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Panel criticizes use of weevils, bio-controls (April 14, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Task force mulls treatment options (April 11, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Seminar to recruit divers for milfoil dredging (March 31, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Commissioners approve milfoil recommendation (March 14, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Task Force backs herbicides, alternatives (March 8, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Public raps herbicides at hearing (March 7, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Milfoil task force to discuss plan for 2007 (March 1, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Task force mulls alternatives to kill weeds (Feb. 16, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Expert to meet with task force on milfoil (Feb. 13, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Milfoil panel disagreeing on best plan of attack (Feb. 1, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Milfoil panel has 60 days to develop plan (Dec. 13, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Milfoil task force holds first meeting (Dec. 13, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Control program gets critical review (Nov. 10, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Forum examines milfoil treatment (Oct. 1, 2006)
- Daily Bee: County to form milfoil task force (Sept. 24, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Sonar treatments killing milfoil (Sept. 1, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Doubts persist at Denton Slough (Aug. 31, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Milfoil treatments end soon (Aug. 23, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Groups unite against herbicides (Aug. 14, 2006)
- 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
Jamie Packer Centre
The Jamie Packer Centre is a proposed mixed use recreational and residential development that would be sited in downtown Sandpoint at the location of the former Catholic Church on Sixth Avenue, between Oak and Church streets. The center would include an ice arena, volleyball and basketball courts, meeting rooms, housing and a parking structure. Opponents fear the center would change the character of the neighborhood; supporters say it would create an important new public space and contribute to downtown vitality. The Sandpoint City Council approved the zone change and conditional use permit for the center on June 25, 2009, giving it a green light to proceed.
Resource links
News links:
Sand Creek Bypass
Construction is under way for the Sand Creek Bypass. And as the project moves forward, some local opposition continues to brew.
Resource links:
• ITD Sand Creek Bypass – Weekly updates
• NICAN – Opponents of Sand Creek route for 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)
- Daily Bee: State seeks change of venue in bypass lawsuit (Apr. 5, 2008)
- Daily Bee: Bypass right-of-way deal pending with railroad (Feb. 28, 2008)
- Daily Bee: NICAN suing Corps for insufficient bypass review (Jan. 16, 2008)
- Daily Bee: ITD accepts BNSF Railway's right-of-way offer (Dec. 13, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Council approves ITD bypass agreement (Oct. 18, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Corps sets conditions to minimize impact on creek (Sept. 22, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Army Corps issues bypass draft permit (Sept. 22, 2007)
- Daily Bee: ITD claims bypass foe has conflict of interest (Sept. 13, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Decision on bypass permit delayed until September (August 31, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Rep. Eskridge complains bypass delay is costing state (August 19, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Mayor Miller upset after trio votes against park proposal (August 17, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Council rejects park, bike path proposal along bypass (August 16, 2007)
- Daily Bee: ITD to develop park, bike path along bypass route (August 2, 2007)
- Daily Bee: State declines group's request for bypass peer review (July 12, 2007)
- Daily Bee: ITD declines to revisit bypass plan after group's request (May 18, 2007)
- Daily Bee: NICAN files U.S. District Court briefs for bypass lawsuit (April 13, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Army Corps needs more byway analysis (March 21, 2007)
- Daily Bee: Committee approves traffic plan (Dec. 8, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Views compete at hearing (Nov. 21, 2006)
- Daily Bee: ITD says bypass still priority (Nov. 19, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Traffic proposal inches ahead (Nov. 3, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Traffic solution moving forward (Oct. 9, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Bordenave to present traffic plan (Sept. 30, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Tunnel plan gets city hearing (Sept. 29, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Forum seeks traffic solutions (Sept. 28, 2006)
- Sandpoint Online: Conquering Gridlock forum
- Daily Bee: Sandpoint OKs byway easement request (Sept. 22, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Hearing set on bypass project (Sept. 14, 2006)
- Daily Bee: Study affirms bypass predictions (Sept. 4, 2006)
- Spokesman: Newcomer has vision of tunnel (Aug. 19, 2006)
- Daily Bee: ITD misses Byway lawsuit deadline (Aug. 5, 2006)
- River Journal: Mayor dislikes tunnel plan (July 25, 2006)
- Daily Bee: ITD gives tunnel chilly reception (July 22, 2006)
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