CAROLINE LOBSINGER

Handbags find new homes while helping area youth

Join the Purse Party at Pend d’Oreille Winery in Sandpoint to shop gently used handbags and support North Idaho CASA. Proceeds help provide advocates for abused and neglected children in Bonner and Boundary counties.

An unsung hero and a 'life well lived'

Public invited to honor Hutter's four decades of service

Sandpoint to honor Cpl. Mike Hutter, a beloved officer with 40 years of service. Join the community Friday at The Hive for a celebration of life. Friends, family and law enforcement will share stories of his dedication, humor and compassion.

Measles case confirmed in Boundary County

A measles case has been reported in Boundary County involving a child who is not yet school age, according to officials at Boundary Community Hospital.

A 'Sagebrush Navy'

Idaho's hidden maritime history comes to life

Discover Idaho’s rich naval legacy in “Anchors of Freedom,” a documentary celebrating America250. From WWII training to nuclear innovation, the film explores the Idaho's maritime heritage and impact on the modern U.S. Navy.

Priest Lake drawdown slowed after stakeholder feedback

In the past, lake water was released all at once during the drawdown. However, concerns led to a change in that approach this year. “Idaho Fish and Game has expressed concern that those sudden high flows are harmful to the Priest River fishery and have documented that in the Priest River Basin Plan,” Molly McCahon, executive director of the Lakes Commission, said in an email.

'Anchors of Freedom'

Documentary tells the story of America's Sagebrush Navy

Did you know the U.S. Navy is older than America itself? While Idaho’s maritime history doesn’t date back to the founding of the Continental Navy — the precursor to the U.S. Navy — on Oct. 13, 1775, the state’s naval ties are extensive and have played a key role in national defense.

Nominate North Idaho’s brightest stars

40 Under 40 honors emerging leaders

Nominate North Idaho’s top young professionals for the 2026 40 Under 40. Celebrate leadership, innovation and community impact. Deadline: Jan. 30.

Annual fair teaches safety in bear country

Learn how to stay safe in bear country at the North Idaho Bear Fair. From bear spray training to electric fencing tips, discover how to coexist with wildlife and reduce bear conflicts.

Loud pipes, big hearts

Sandpoint Showdown celebrates motorcycles as it supports nonprofit

The first-ever Sandpoint Showdown filled downtown with over 300 motorcycles, custom rides, and community spirit. Riders from across the West gathered for a three-day celebration featuring bike shows, slow races, raffles, and nonprofit support.

Carousel of Smiles spins closer to completion

Saturday event set at fairgrounds

Experience the magic of the Carousel of Smiles at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. With 30 restored ponies, new LED lights, and stunning local artwork, this historic carousel offers a rare glimpse into Sandpoint’s cultural revival.

Tech glitch snarls bridge traffic during resurfacing work

A malfunction in the Idaho Transportation Department’s automated flagging system caused traffic delays on Sandpoint’s Long Bridge during nighttime resurfacing work.

Athol brush fire prompts evacuations

Multiple wildfires burning across North Idaho, including the Athol brush fire, the Ulm Creek Fire and the Green Rattle Complex.

ITD sets new round of Long Bridge work

ITD begins overnight repairs on Sandpoint’s Long Bridge to improve winter maintenance and reduce traffic delays. Work starts next week.

Containment grows on Sunset Fire

The Sunset Fire in southern Bonner County is 80% contained, prompting lifted evacuations and a transition to local command. Crews continue mop-up operations while the Lightning Creek Fire near Clark Fork remains at 25% containment. Law enforcement maintains checkpoints and open burning is banned in the Selkirk Fire District.

Crews make significant gains on Sunset Fire

Significant gains were made this weekend on the Sunset Fire with crews reaching 32% containment of the 3,230-acre wildfire in southern Bonner County. While the acreage is slightly higher, Northern Rockies Team 5 officials said it does not indicate the fire has grown. Instead, they said the number represents more accurate mapping from overnight infrared flights.

Containment efforts increase on Sunset Fire

Firefighters are battling the 3,208-acre Sunset Fire in Bonner County with 678 personnel and aerial support. Containment efforts continue as crews secure firelines and conduct burnout operations.

Donation drive fills trucks with firefighter supplies

It was a desire to help friends and neighbors — the very people fighting the Sunset and Lightning Creek fires in southern Bonner County — that prompted a local Rotary Club drive for comfort and prepackaged items often in short supply for local fire departments.

Crews hold line on Sunset Fire

The Sunset Fire in southern Bonner County remains at 3,208 acres with 11% containment. Crews are actively working firelines and using aerial support to suppress hotspots. Evacuations remain in place, and structure protection continues near Talache and Lake Pend Oreille.

Crews hold Sunset Fire in check at 3,208 acres

Firefighters continue to battle the Sunset Fire near Sandpoint, Idaho, holding it at 3,208 acres. Crews are reinforcing firelines and using aerial resources to contain the blaze. Evacuations are underway in Bonner County, with support centers open for residents and livestock. Stay informed on fire behavior, weather conditions, and safety updates.

Crews make gains on Sunset Fire

Sunset Fire stabilizes at 3,208 acres with 0% containment in southern Bonner County, Idaho. Nearly 500 firefighters battle the week-old blaze as evacuations remain in effect for multiple neighborhoods. Officials warn fire activity could increase as temperatures rise. Aerial resources and ground crews work to strengthen containment lines around Lake Pend Oreille area.

Hundreds pack Sunset Fire meeting

Sampson: 'We have a tiger by the tail'

Several hundred people packed North Summit's south building, spilling into the entryway and lining the walls before the meeting was moved to the church's sanctuary to accommodate the large crowd. The move which only took several minutes prompted a small moment of levity when Northern Rockies Team 5 Public Information Officer Terina Hill thanked the crowd for making it look easy.

Rains offer brief relief for area fires

Sunset Fire grows to 2,080 acres; containment at 0%

Rainy, cool weather slowed fire growth and allowed crews to make strides on both the Sunset Fire in southern Bonner County and the Lightning Creek Fire across Lake Pend Oreille in the southeastern part of the county, about 9 miles north of Clark Fork.

As Sunset Fire grows, evacuations expand

The Sunset Fire continues to grow as do the number of evacuations associated with the fire, now estimated at 2,702 acres.

Sunset Fire more than doubles in size

More evacuations ordered

More residents in southern Bonner County have been ordered to evacuate due to the growing Sunset Fire northeast of Athol.

Lightning Creek Fire grows to 1,600 acres

A fire in the Lightning Creek drainage has almost tripled in size, reaching 700 acres in the past 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service officials said Sunday afternoon.

Prosecutors: 'You will not be forgotten'

Latah County officials reflect on UI quadruple murder case

A week after Bryan Kohberger, 30, was sentenced to four life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of the four college students, longtime Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Jennings reflected on the case which has filled much of their time for the better part of three years.

Early season wildfire forces evacuation alerts

Home, vehicles possibly lost in fire

The fire, located on Manley Creek Road in the Laclede area, was reported about 2:41 p.m. after a structure fire spread into the surrounding vegetation, according to Selkirk Fire & Rescue officials.

Levanduski, Blanchard lead LPOIC derby

The sun is shining and the region's anglers are catching plenty of both rainbow trout and mackinaw as the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club spring derby wraps up its sixth day.

Man allegedly stabs self, forces Ponderay Walmart closure

An unknown male surrendered peacefully after he allegedly walked into the Ponderay Walmart early Sunday afternoon with a knife and made unspecified threats.

ISP seeking help, video of fatal crash

Idaho State Police is seeking the public's assistance as troopers continue to investigate a fatal crash on Friday, Nov. 22.

Idaho governor talks education funding, property taxes in Priest River

School funding, taxes and the economy dominated concerns as Idaho Gov. Brad Little brought a host of state officials to the North Idaho city as part of his Capital for a Day program. The Capital for a Day programs was designed to give state officials a chance to hear from communities first-hand — and to give residents a chance to speak to those same officials in person.

Idaho department working to protect osprey nest

Nest located in area of Highway 200 construction

Crews working on a highway construction project in the city of Kootenai will be keeping a close eye on a nearby osprey nest, Idaho Transportation Department officials said.

Selkirk: Fire started in building

A Monday fire that destroyed two homes and a pair of outbuildings appears to have started in one of the buildings. The investigation, initially handled by the Idaho Department of Lands, determined the fire originated in one of the structures and spread to the wildland. After the initial investigation, Selkirk Fire became the lead agency.

Sagle fire destroys two homes

Two outbuildings also lost in Monday blaze

Two homes were among a handful of buildings destroyed in a Monday afternoon fire in the Sagle area, according to Selkirk Fire officials.

Competency hearing set in Sandpoint arson case

A competency hearing has been scheduled in the case of a Bonner County woman charged with setting a July 4 arson fire that destroyed the Army Surplus store.

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.