Despite years of controversy and legal action, the Sand Creek Byway construction commenced in 2008 and was finished and opened to the public July 27, 2012.

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A 48-year-old pedestrian, Mark E. Carter, died on Dec. 25, 2006, seven hours after being struck by a vehicle on Fifth Avenue as he was walking in the Poplar Street crosswalk. The death shocked the community and prompted a flurry of concerns over the safety of pedestrians in Sandpoint, particularly on Fifth Avenue and Highway 2. Since then the city of Sandpoint has held meetings to hear public concerns, and the Public Works Committee is considering implementing measures, such as placing medians on Fifth Avenue, to make streets safer for pedestrians. Meantime, Newman Asa Samples, 31, of Sagle has been charged with vehicular manslaughter at the misdemeanor level in the death of Carter; he pled not guilty on Jan. 19, 2007, and is scheduled to go to trial in March. Links:

Field burning is an annual rite of autumn in northern Idaho Aug. 16 when bluegrass farmers on the Rathdrum Prairie burn thousands of acres. Farmers say field burning is essential but, combined with smoke from wildfires, the burning often creates polluted skies around Sandpoint that opponents contend jeopardize the public health. For the first time ever, the practice has been banned, marking a victory for the local group Safe Air For Everyone. Links:

SHS football lost to the Bishop Kelly Knights 24-28 in the first round of state playoffs Nov. 3 at Barlow Stadium. The Knights prevailed after a controversial trick play in which the quarterback handed off  the ball to the left guard, who feigned then ran for a touchdown. The play was challenged as illegal by Sandpoint, but upheld by the state rules interpreter.
In a case in Boundary County that roused strong opinions, a 21-year-old man was sentenced for causing a 17-year-old girl to be burned in a campfire after allegedly uttering the epithet, 'Jews burn.' Magistrate Judge Debra Heise drew criticism for her 20-day sentence for what many say is a hate crime, but others said was inaccurately reported in the media. Links:

Idaho voters went to the polls Nov. 7 for the Idaho General Election to decide races for county commission, state legislature, governor and other offices. To see who won and check candidates and issues, go to the North Idaho Election Central.