Sandpoint's mystery skeleton gets a new home

Little was known about "Bones," the nickname Eagles members bestowed upon the skeleton used in past initiation rituals, a common practice among fraternal organizations. Some rumors suggested that the skeleton was real. Some thought it was fake. Some thought the organization might have acquired it through a former member who was a doctor. Still others wondered if the bones were from a former Chinese resident from Hope.

Meyer to stand trial in arson case

After a delay prompted by a refusal to appear on video, Jennifer Suzanne Meyer was ordered to stand trial on arson charges connected to a fire that destroyed the Army Surplus on July 4. Saying he found the state's request appropriate, Magistrate Judge Luke Hagelberg set a preliminary hearing for July 31 and set bond at $1 million on a charge of first-degree arson. The charge carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Suspect identified in Sandpoint Army Surplus arson fire

Jennifer S. Meyer, 50, was identified as the suspect following a review of multiple hours of video before, after and during the fire at Sandpoint Army Surplus, Coon said. She was then brought in for an interview and was arrested on Tuesday.

Police: Sandpoint Army Surplus fire was arson

$5,000 reward offered in case

The fire that gutted the Army Surplus 1 store in downtown Sandpoint was intentionally set, Sandpoint Police said Monday. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information in the case.

ISP seeks info, video of fatal crash

Idaho State Police is seeking any information or camera footage in connection to a Saturday early evening crash that claimed the lives of two people. Specifically of interest to the agency is any information or video showing a dark blue Ford F-150 pickup truck that was witnessed turning westbound onto Schoolhouse Road from the northbound lane on U.S. 95 around the time of the crash, which happened just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.

As Idaho's new library law goes into effect, questions remain

Seven-year-old Patrice Droesch comfortably sat with her legs folded beneath her, lingering on the pages of Brian Lies’ “Bats at the Library,” a children’s book about bats that have a grand time when they find a window at their local library has been left open one night. Patrice’s mom, Elizabeth Droesch of Coeur d’Alene, sat at a nearby table in the Seagrave Children’s Library at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, researching different titles. “I was just going through all of these and reading reviews and making sure what I choose is appropriate for my kids,” she said. “It takes time.”

West Bonner to close junior high

Elementary schools to remain open

After a marathon, five-hour, often emotional meeting, the West Bonner County School Board voted to keep its three elementary schools open but close its junior high school. The high school would also remain open.

Huzzah! Sandpoint Ren Fair brings medieval England to life

Huzzah! The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire is riding back into town. Set for this weekend, the faire will transport the community and visitors back to the late 1500s, when Elizabeth I was on the throne and ruled over England.

Sandpoint post office reopens after crash

The Sandpoint post office is open for business. Crews quickly responded Saturday night to board up the damaged wall where a car crashed into the building earlier that afternoon and, at 8:30 a.m. Monday, the post office reopened the building to the public.

West Bonner ponders school closures

Community hopes to fund extracurricular programs on its own

Several elementary schools will likely be closed as part of an effort to close a $4.68 million shortfall brought about by the failure of a West Bonner County levy.

Classic rides bring fans to Lost in the '50s

It's hard to tell who had more fun at Saturday's Lost in the '50s car show — those admiring the cars or those who brought their pride and joys to the annual homage to classic cars.

North Idaho counties report increase of sexual assault

As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to keep up.

Under new management

While Inland Forest Management sold, little will change

It was 40 or so years ago that Dick Bradetich and Mike Wolcott walked into Bill Love's office at the Idaho Department of Lands in Sandpoint. The pair, Love recounts, wanted to let him know about their new forestry consultation business. Now, Inland Forest Management officials are letting the community know about a new change in the company with the sale of IFM to Georgia-based F&W Forestry Services.

Historic mystery

Divers, museum team up to identify, protect old wreck

It's likely she was deliberately sunk; the rocks piled in the front of the bow attest to that. But her name? Her story? When she operated in the community? Those are among the mysteries the Bonner County Museum hopes to solve, starting that journey with a dive into a recently discovered historic wreck.

Body found near where monk reported missing

A body was found floating in a pond near where a Newport area monk was reported missing. Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office dispatch said the agency received a call from Sravasti Abbey, saying a resident had seen a body floating in a nearby pond.

Fire academy heads north to train firefighters

While the fire academy has been a staple at North Idaho College's Workforce Training Center for 13 years, the Dec. 12 fire academy graduation marked the first time the course had been held in Bonner County. Firefighters from both Boundary and Bonner County took part, including those volunteering at South Boundary Fire Department.

Festival announces record-breaking year

For the third straight year, the Festival at Sandpoint broke records. Partly due to a capacity increase and partly due to three sold-out performances, Festival officials announced Monday that the annual summer music series broke multiple organizational records. The news was announced as part of the Festival's annual report, which highlighted Festival programs programs from October 2022 to September 2023.

Spacepoint set to launch new observatory

Looking up at the night sky, stars are everywhere — seemingly unlimited in their scope. And, just like those stars, the opportunities in the space industry are as unlimited and full of potential, Spacepoint's Kyle Averill said. That, he said, is part of the reason he launched Spacepoint, a new observatory that is located at the University of Idaho's Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center. Launched in March, Spacepoint — a deliberate play on the new nonprofit's home base — aims to create both interest in, and a pipeline to, all aspects of the space industry.

Compassion: 'The Cure for Hate'

It was the face of his newborn daughter, scrunched together, staring up at him in the delivery room, the first thing she saw. That was the catalyst. However, his journey away from extremist ideology and hate groups such as the Aryan Nations evolved over time, Tony McAleer told a crowd of roughly 100 area residents who attended Sunday's screening of "The Cure for Hate".

'The Cure for Hate'

Former Hayden Lake Aryan Nations member goes on journey of atonement

Among the stops of the documentary, "The Cure For Hate", is a showing today in Sandpoint. The film will be shown today, Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave., Sandpoint. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the film begins at 6 p.m. A question-and-answer session will follow, led by moderator Jim Healey. All are welcome to attend this free event.

West Bonner OKs vacancies in truncated meeting

Shortly before it was scheduled to start, the West Bonner school board meeting was paused for a phone call. Superintendent Branden Durst and trustees Margy Hall and Carlyn Barton then broke from a huddle near the front of the almost-full room and left the cafeteria.

Durst stepping down as West Bonner superintendent

In announcing his resignation Monday, West Bonner Superintendent Branden Durst said he is seeking an "amicable and fair exit." In a letter posted to his account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Durst said he made the decision to resign from the post he's held for just under three months after much thought.

West Bonner trustee skips meeting

As the clock ticked closer to 6 p.m., the murmuring started as West Bonner County School Board trustee Troy Reinbold's seat remained empty. "Is he here?" someone whispered at a table near the middle of the room? "Is he coming?" asked another. Without Reinhold's presence, the remaining board members of Hall and Carlyn Barton did not constitute a quorum and were forced to cancel the meeting.

WBCSD special meeting prompts concern

A special West Bonner school board meeting set for Wednesday is drawing community concerns as well as that of an attorney representing two Bonner County voters granted a restraining order prohibiting the board from making any decisions that bind the board financially or contractually.

Canceled by court order

Injunction prohibits WBCSD from making changes until recall is official

A controversial special West Bonner County School District board meeting was canceled Friday afternoon after a judge granted a restraining order sought by two Bonner County voters. The order prohibits the district from making any changes to the school board or authority granted to Superintendent Branden Durst until the recall of board chair Keith Rutledge and vice chair Susan Brown takes place on Thursday, Sept. 7.

West Bonner forensic audit delayed, nonprofit filing draws concern

Initial results from a forensic audit of the West Bonner County School District have been postponed as the auditing firm waits for additional documentation. To prepare the preliminary report, Waldren said the firm needed all data for the audit period of 2018 to 2023 by Aug. 1. However, as of Aug. 25 — the date Eide Bailly planned to deliver the report — some of the data needed had yet to be given to the firm. Also, a Secretary of State filing listing the district as a non-profit has raised concern that some on the WBCSD board are attempting to convert at least part of the district into a charter school. District officials said that is not the case and is merely an effort to move the audit forward.

Durst: Application requires adoption of minutes

ISDE: State just needs date of declaration of emergency, hire

New West Bonner County School District Superintendent Branden Durst said the delay in submitting his application for provisional certification to lead the school district stems from one thing: he's following Idaho law. "At this time, my application has not been submitted because board minutes have not yet been approved reflecting the board's approval of the emergency declaration," Durst told the Daily Bee in an email. However, Idaho State Department of Education officials said they just need the date the declaration of emergency was approved and the date of Durst's hire.

Embattled trustees say recall about politics, not kids

An upcoming recall is a partisan attempt to oust conservative politicians from office, according to a pair of West Bonner County School District board trustees. The comments are part of written rebuttals submitted to the county clerk's office by WBCSD board chairman Keith Rutledge and vice chair Susan Brown as they prepare for an Aug. 29 recall election. Residents in western Bonner County launched the recall drive in mid-June, following increasingly contentious board meetings after the board mulled selling Priest River Middle School and Branden Durst, a former policy analyst with the Idaho Freedom Foundation, was announced as a superintendent finalist.

Effort to fight Herndon social media ban

Funds being raised to support legal challenge by those blocked by state senator

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover a upcoming legal challenge by those being blocked on social media accounts by District 1 Sen. Scott Herndon. The challenge is expected to be filed in late August, said Alicia Abbott, among those who were blocked by Herndon.

West Bonner trustee recall moves forward

A campaign to recall a pair of West Bonner County School District board trustees will move forward. Enough valid signatures were collected by campaign organizers to get a recall on a ballot Aug. 29.

Sandpoint geese rounded up, euthanized

City officials said move one of last remaining options

Fans of Canada geese that make their home at City Beach say the waterfowl should have been allowed to live in peace. Others say the geese are a nuisance, harassing community members and tourists alike who head to the beach for rest and recreation.

Recall underway to oust West Bonner school trustees

Recall petitions were submitted Tuesday seeking to oust a West Bonner County School District board chairman Keith Rutledge and board vice chairman Susan Brown. Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale said an effort to count the number of valid signatures on each petition has begun. The county clerk expects to complete the count by Friday afternoon.

Scott escorted out of 'volatile’ board meeting

A state legislator was escorted from a contentious West Bonner County School Board meeting to defuse tensions, according to Priest River Police. Held at a packed Priest River Junior High School auditorium, the meeting was scheduled to discuss a contract with Branden Durst, a senior policy analyst with the Idaho Freedom Foundation who was hired June 7 to lead the district.

Faire brings Renaissance to life

Annual event taking place this weekend

The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire features everything from music, magic, dancing and comedy to combat, feasting, and aerial arts. Held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the sixth annual event is being held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Road. A jousting tournament, featuring the Epona Equestrian Team, will take place at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., both days. In addition, faire organizers said there will be performances by mar=gicians, comedy and more.

Durst's selection draws mixed reaction

The selection of Branden Durst as the new West Bonner County School District is drawing mixed reactions — at best. Some applauded the move, saying change is vital to improve the schools and rebuild trust between the community and the district. Others criticized the move, calling it an inherently political vote that makes pawns of the community's children.

Durst selected as new WBCSD superintendent

Saying change was needed to steer a troubled district, the West Bonner County School District voted 3-2 to hire an Idaho Freedom Foundation policy analyst as its new superintendent. The position would be the first school district administrative position for Branden Durst, who was selected over longtime Priest River educator and administrator Susie Luckey.

Duo reigns on last day with a little horsepower

This is one horse tale that will go down in school lore. After all, it isn't every day that students forgo driving their car or taking the bus for a different kind of horsepower — one that comes with four hooves and a tail. But that is exactly what seniors Kelly Whitney and Taylor Peck did, opting to take advantage of an archaic Idaho law that allows students to ride to school.

Schweitzer sale announced Thursday

It was the right opportunity at the right time, Schweitzer officials said in announcing the sale of resort operations assets to Alterra Mountain Company. "With room for growth and plans for future expansion and development, MKM’s decision to exit the mountain resort business puts Schweitzer in a favorable position to begin a new chapter with Alterra at the helm," said Tom Chasse, who will be staying on as Schweitzer's president and CEO. "I’m personally very excited to join a family of world-class destinations with passionate industry leaders who can help guide Schweitzer in becoming the best version of itself."

DNA technology solves 41-year-old mystery

Montana woman identified

Mildred Hubertz was 59 when she went missing in 1968 from St. Ignatius, Mont., a small town 40 miles from Missoula. In November 1982, hunters near Newport, Wash. — just across the North Idaho border and an almost four-hour drive from St. Ignatius — found a partial human skull in a remote wooded area north of the small Pend Oreille County community.

Bonner General Health shutters labor, delivery services

Hospital cites legal and political climate a factor for doctors leaving the state

Soon, women about to give birth in Bonner County will need to drive to Coeur d'Alene or Spokane to have their baby. Friday, Bonner General Health announced the hospital would no longer be offering labor and delivery service at the 25-bed hospital. While it will attempt to provide service through May 19, that will depend on staffing.

Priest River man sentenced for setting wildfires

A Priest River man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison each in connection to a half-dozen wildfires set in western Bonner County in the summer of 2022. Ryan Nathanial Greene, 23, was sentenced earlier this month in connection to the Priest River area wildfires after a plea deal was reached in the case. In the plea deal, Greene entered Alford pleas to six counts of third-degree felony arson. In exchange, the state agreed to dismiss a persistence violator enhancement connected to each of the charges.

'Karma Bums' takes a road trip to Idaho

Portion of new adventure, thriller shot in Porthill

When the pandemic hit, Keon Hedayati had been shopping around a few scripts. But COVID shut everything down and money to shoot films was nowhere to be seen. It was then, the multi-hyphenate director, actor, and writer decided to go on a road trip — one that ended up in Porthill near the Canadian border.

Sandpoint man charged in father's death

A Sandpoint man has been arrested on second-degree murder charges after his elderly father was found deceased at his home in the city on Sunday. Evan John Owens, 26, was charged in connection with the death of his father John Owens, 80, who was discovered by police after family members were unable to reach the man.

Russell sentenced to life for murder

James D. Russell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal slaying of the caretaker of his family's property in Clark Fork. In her ruling, First District Judge Barbara Buchanan said the sentence was the only one possible to protect society — and James D. Russell himself — following the September 2021 murder of David M. Flaget, who worked as a caretaker of the Russell family's property in Clark Fork in September 2021.

IDFG: Familiarity likely behind coyotes' behavior

Unusual coyote behavior in the greater Sandpoint area is likely tied to the animals becoming too comfortable around people, Idaho Fish & Game officials said. In addition to multiple reports of coyote activity as recently as Thursday at Schweitzer, two young coyotes have been seen in the Sandpoint downtown business district during daylight hours.

Coyote makes way into 219

Did you hear the one about the coyote that ran into a Sandpoint bar? No, it's not the opening bit to the latest joke. Instead, it is actually what happened at the 219 Lounge shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Smartwatches lead to flurry of 911 calls on the slopes

Fall detection feature increased number of accidental calls at Sandpoint resort

If you crash on the slopes, did you know your smartwatch may be calling 911? Since a new feature was added to some smartwatches, the Bonner County Sheriff's Office has seen a dramatic increase in 911 calls from folks enjoying the day on the mountain at Schweitzer resort in Sandpoint.

Department of Lands buys 18,000 acres in North Idaho

New endowment land benefits public schools, supports Idaho’s economy and preserves recreation

It was a deal that the Idaho Department of Lands couldn't refuse. When the state had a chance to bid on almost 18,050 acres of timberland spread across the five northern counties, officials didn't hesitate. “Adding an additional 18,000 acres of timberland to the endowment portfolio increases future revenue for the beneficiaries while also supporting Idaho’s broader economy,” IDL director Dustin Miller said. The land included in the bid package was offered as a package deal and offers good quality timberland, Sharla Arledge, IDL public information officer, said. Proceeds from the sale of endowment cottage sites and commercial real estate were used to pay for the properties.

Abandoned dogs prompt investigation

Three taken to Kootenai Humane Society

At least 18 husky-type dogs found abandoned at several locations over the past several weeks have prompted an animal neglect investigation, Bonner County Sheriff's Office officials said Tuesday. BCSO public information officer Capt. Tim Hemphill said the dogs have been found in at least three locations — Spirit Lake, Blanchard and Athol. "Many of them appear to be in very poor condition," he said.

Sandpoint Junction Connector opens to rail traffic

Completed nearly a year ahead of schedule, the Sandpoint Junction Connector bridge across Lake Pend Oreille began seeing traffic on Sunday, railroad officials said in a Monday.