CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history.
I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks.
I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies.
Recent Stories
Kootenai River Basin water adjudication process begins
Boundary County residents are working through the Kootenai River Basin water adjudication process, filing claims to document and protect existing water rights as Idaho officials help property owners navigate requirements and deadlines.
IFG's Laclede mill marks 50 years of growth, grit and innovation
Forestry program proves an early hit at Priest River Lamanna High School
A new forestry pathway at Priest River Lamanna High School is preparing students for careers in forestry, logging and natural resources through hands-on training, industry certifications, dual-credit opportunities and workforce partnerships. Early enrollment shows strong student interest.
Board votes to put levy on ballot
Priest Lake wetlands case remanded to district court
Idaho Supreme Court rules against developer of proposed subdivision
The Idaho Supreme Court has reaffirmed that land division applications tied to a proposed 35-lot development in the Coolin Wetlands are subject to judicial review. The decision sends the case back to district court for further proceedings and awards costs on appeal to the petitioners.
Sandpoint embraces its monarch moment at festival
Butterfly releases, native milkweed and pollinator education highlighted Sandpoint's Monarch & Friends Festival as residents celebrated the city's Monarch City designation and learned about efforts to restore monarch habitat.
Phoenix is flying again
Young osprey released after being injured during eagle attack
Council allows couple to keep rescued ducks
The Priest River City Council voted 2-1 to allow a local couple to keep seven rescued drake ducks despite city code restrictions on poultry. The exemption is limited to the current flock and applies specifically to the couple.
Council allows couple to keep rescued ducks
The Priest River City Council voted 2-1 to allow a local couple to keep seven rescued drake ducks despite city code restrictions on poultry. The exemption is limited to the current flock and applies specifically to the couple.
Crews boost lines ahead of winds
Fire crews continue working on the Upper Smith Fire northwest of Bonners Ferry as strong winds and low humidity create challenging conditions. The wildfire has burned 2,194 acres and is 10-12% contained.
Fire crews making steady progress
Firefighters continue containment efforts on the Upper Smith Fire near Bonners Ferry as a red flag warning raises concerns about dangerous fire weather. The
Lifetime in the woods earns Wylie 'Bull of the Woods' honors
Firefighters keeping Upper Smith Fire in check
The Upper Smith Fire remains 15% contained after firefighters quickly secured a section that crossed a primary control line. Evacuations remain in effect in the Westside and Smith Creek areas as crews continue suppression efforts.
Upper Smith Fire triggers evacuations
The Upper Smith Fire has prompted Go-status evacuations for the Westside and Smith Creek zones in Boundary County. The wildfire has burned approximately 1,573 acres as firefighters continue containment efforts and work to protect homes and infrastructure.
Evacuations likely on Upper Smith Fire
Officials say some residents near the Upper Smith Fire may be asked to evacuate in the coming days as firefighters continue containment and firing operations.
Crews gain ground on Upper Smith Fire
Turner Fire reaches 100% containment, return to local control
Containment on the Upper Smith Fire increased to 15% as the Turner Fire reached 100% containment and is returning to local control.
Turner Fire nears full containment
Northern Rockies crews shift resources to Upper Smith Fire
Authorities investigating fatal shooting
Bonner County authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Kootenai that left a 50-year-old man dead. Investigators say the shooting occurred during an alleged confrontation inside a residence. The Bonner County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case, and no arrests have been made.
Storms pose threat to area wildfires
Turner Fire reaches 67% containment, Upper Smith at 0% containment
Firefighters gain ground on Turner Fire
Effort continues on Upper Smith Fire
Containment of the Turner Fire has reached 43% following intensive firefighting efforts near Copeland while a full suppression effort continues on the Upper Smith Fire near Porthill.
Crews battling Upper Smith Fire
Fire managers provided residents with an update on the Upper Smith Fire, which has grown to 449 acres in northern Boundary County. Officials say more than 130 firefighters, aviation resources and heavy equipment are assigned to the incident.
Crews battle Upper Smith Fire
The Upper Smith Fire west of Porthill has grown to about 449 acres with no containment reported. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue suppression efforts in difficult terrain, while road and trail closures remain in place.
Classic wooden boats set to sail into Sandpoint
The annual Wood on the Water boat show brings dozens of antique and classic wooden boats to the Sandpoint City Boardwalk, along with a boat parade, family activities and events celebrating boating history.
Get ready before an emergency strikes
Getting ready is half the battle — at least when it comes to fire preparedness.
Be prepared with a wildfire evacuation checklist
Be prepared with a wildfire evacuation checklist
Block Watch programs deter crimes, boost safety
Neighbors in Bonner County are working together through Community Force and neighborhood watch groups to deter crime and build stronger communities
Sandpoint Lions announce Fourth fun
'A love letter to Clark Fork'
Highway 200 mural celebrates community, region's history
Created by Claire Green, the mural was a multi-year process during which the local artist poured her heart into the project. It meant overcoming several obstacles — the building's corrugated metal would distort the mural, necessitating panels for a flatter canvas, and the right mix of paint was needed to stand up to the region's winter.
White resigns as Panida executive director
The Panida Theater is again searching for leadership after Executive Director Heather White resigned effective Friday, June 12.
Panida Theater cleared to reopen
Electrical concerns briefly shuttered historic theater
Panida Theater has reopened following inspections that cleared the historic venue after electrical safety concerns prompted a temporary shutdown.
Sandpoint Library bid awarded to Dardan Enterprises
Dardan Enterprises has been selected for the $2.27 million project, which will add meeting rooms, study areas and an expanded learning space. The project marks the second major addition to the library since 2000.
Cruisin’ back in time with Lost in the ’50s
Chrome, classics and Chubby Checker headline the weekend
Classic cars, live music and nostalgia return as Lost in the ’50s takes over Sandpoint. The weekend features a parade, downtown car show, street dance and concerts, with Chubby Checker headlining at the fairgrounds.
MAY NIBJ: Small businesses are the heart of North Idaho
MAY NIBJ: By the numbers: Small businesses drive Idaho’s workforce
Healing Garden blooms under volunteers' care, love
Nearly two dozen people turn out to get garden ready for the season
Volunteers came together Saturday to refresh the Healing Garden for spring, clearing, cleaning and restoring a space designed for reflection and remembrance.
Moment of help sparks collaboration
Kiwanis, Creations team up to help community's youth
What began as help during the Sunset Fire has grown into a lasting partnership between Sandpoint Kiwanis Club and Creations. An $8,000 donation supports expanded Lego STEM programming and a new elevated play net, increasing opportunities for youth at the Cedar Street Bridge.
Education dominates at Sandpoint legislative town hall
Education led the discussion at Sandpoint’s legislative town hall as leaders reviewed reading gains, expanding CTE programs, school budget concerns, virtual learning oversight, and AI guidance.
Northside Fire seeking $1.38M levy
Northside Fire District is asking voters to consider a two-year levy to maintain current staffing and operations.
Annual PRLHS Spartan Fishing Tournament set
Prize for angler who catches the biggest fish at each of three lakes
'Something special': MickDuff's toasts two decades in Sandpoint
MickDuff’s celebrates two decades in Sandpoint, highlighting its growth from a small family brewpub to a community fixture.
Sandpoint warns of invoice scam attempt
Latest attempt target Planning Division customers
A renewed scam is circulating in Sandpoint, with fraudulent emails seeking payments tied to development applications.
Arts groups seek clarity on Panida access
Board: No policy changes are planned
Concerns over possible access changes at the Panida Theater drew dozens of community arts groups to a recent board meeting, prompting discussion about the theater’s future use, maintenance needs and nonprofit access. Board members said no policy changes are planned as groups emphasized the venue’s community role.
Liberty Lake to lead scam investigation
Liberty Lake investigators are reviewing a web-based scheme that led to the wrongful transfer of $330,000 in Newport city funds.
Newport loses $330K in fraudulent web scheme
Newport officials report a $330,000 loss after a fraudulent online scheme led to the wrongful transfer of city funds.
Fire destroys Elmira shop building
A shop in Elmira was destroyed in a Wednesday fire as Northside firefighters battled heavy snow, ice and steep access.
Winter Farmers Market brings community together
Event quickly becomes a community cornerstone
The winter edition of the Sandpoint Farmers Market brings local growers, artisans and bakers together at the Sandpoint Library.
Event puts focus on corridor's safety needs
Open house looks at U.S. 95 from Sandpoint to Canada
State transportation and law enforcement agencies are reviewing safety needs along the U.S. 95 corridor from Ponderay to the Canadian border.
FEB NIBJ: Innovation thriving in North Idaho
JAN NIBJ: Plumbco looks ahead to bright 2026
LPOIC fall derby underway
Join the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual Thanksgiving Derby, Nov. 22-30. Big prizes, rainbow trout, and Mackinaw await anglers in this 70-year tradition. Register now and compete for cash awards, daily prizes, and bragging rights on Idaho’s largest lake.