CHLOE COCHRAN
Recent Stories
Former LPO paraprofessional arrested, sexual abuse
A former Sandpoint resident and Lake Pend Oreille School District employee was arrested earlier this month on allegations of sexual abuse.
Westside Fire seeks two-year temporary levy
The Westside Fire District is again asking voters to approve a two-year, temporary levy to support staffing levels.
Ayla Day, celebrating a furry friend of the community
‘She was our best friend; we just want to honor her’
The loyalty of a furry friend is something many people in their early adult life come to rely on.
Kiley receives 30 years for manslaughter
Nine months after killing his grandfather, a Bonner County man was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison for the crime, with mental health being a significant factor in the crime.
ITD clarifies Sandpoint Byway speed limit
The speed limit on the Sandpoint Byway remains at 45 miles per hour, despite a recent sign installation that suggests the limit has been raised to 55 miles per hour, Idaho Transportation Department officials said Wednesday.
SEPT NIBJ: Awareness and prevention: Empowering everyone to play a role in suicide prevention
In rural North Idaho communities, access to necessary medical and behavioral health services can be limited by geographic isolation, minimal infrastructure and low population density. These barriers can make it more difficult for health care professionals to provide consistent care to those living with a mental health challenge.
Spirit Lake man held on $500,000 bail
A Spirit Lake man arrested Aug. 5 is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next week on severe allegations of sexual abuse of two children.
Man’s life saved by borrowed life jacket
A Kootenai County man is alive, thanks to a borrowed life jacket, after running into large waves and high winds on Lake Pend Oreille late last week.
Caldon pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
A man charged in connection with a fatal boat crash last September pled guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement.
Elk man arrested on allegations of attempted arson
An arson arrest was made last Saturday in Elk, Wash., after a concerned citizen called 911 with a report that someone was possibly starting a grass fire.
Youth dies in Sunday boating accident
GoFundMe page supports Long family in loss of 7-year-old boy
Relatives have created a GoFundMe page for the family of a 7-year-old boy who died after a houseboat capsized during an Aug. 2 boating incident.
AG Labrador announces July recall list
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador recently announced 39 July product recalls that may pose household safety risks, including several items intended for infants and toddlers.
Zoning commission again recommends approval of Yoman Bluffs
As part of a seven-and-a-half-hour hearing, the Bonner County zoning commission has again recommended approval for a proposed subdivision off Sherwood Beach Road after the file was remanded back to zoning commissioners.
Group seeks to recall Ruehle, Grimm
Sandpoint residents have taken the first step in an effort to recall Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm and Sandpoint council president Deb Ruehle over a controversial decision to implement paid parking in downtown Sandpoint. Certified petitioners were advised Friday, July 24, that they could begin efforts to recall Grimm and Ruehle from their elected positions within the city, according to a letter approved by Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale.
AUG NIBJ: Leading through silent, resilient strength
For Janine Shepard, trust in God is all she needs when facing a task of uncertainty.
JULY NIBJ: Changes to roadways help with evolving tourism
Those who are familiar with the unique roadways of North Idaho know that traffic impacts continually climb as newcomers and old-timers alike travel to explore all the "Gem State” has to offer.
Former Idahoan sentenced for fraud scheme participation
A former Idaho resident who was named as a money mule in a fraud scheme was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for the crime.
County delays decision on Cocolalla wedding venue, August setting
In a debate on land use designations, the Bonner County commissioners have postponed a decision on a remanded conditional use permit for a wedding venue in Cocolalla until Aug. 26 to allow the board time to review and consider all information brought forth during the lengthy hearing.
ITD announces permanent restriction of left turns at U.S. 95 and Lakeshore Drive
The Idaho Transportation Department is ending left turns from Lakeshore Drive onto U.S. 95 at the south end of the Long Bridge.
Siver slated for prelim hearing
A Boundary County man accused of firing at law enforcement during a possible domestic violence investigation and then fleeing the scene across county lines is set for a preliminary hearing Friday, May 29, for two charges of aggravated assault.
JUNE NIBJ: A helping hand through the Idaho homebuying process
One of the first major milestones of adulthood is often purchasing a first home.
Cowell sentenced maximum for child sex abuse
A Boundary County woman guilty of sexually abusing two minors has been given an underlying life sentence for the crimes.
Spartans take historic Model Ts for a spin
‘Have you ever driven a manual? Well, forget that — this is totally different’
Students in Matt Hansen’s industrial maintenance class received a unique opportunity Monday to celebrate the completion of a restored 1923 Ford Model T — by learning how to drive one from the Inland Empire Model T Club.
Bowen recognized as ITD engineer of the year
Last week, Bowen planned to arrive early to her meeting in Coeur d’Alene to celebrate an unknown coworker who was awarded an Idaho Transportation Department award.
Split vote denies 1,153-acre zone change request
Bonner County commissioners denied a land use file for a 1,153-acre zone change for a property in Hope after commissioners shared differing opinions during a May 7 land use hearing on how to interpret county code.
Mary Hutter selected to receive new roof
SkyRight Roofing & Gutter honors service of former Sandpoint, Ponderay officer
There was no coincidence that the day Mary Hutter received a free roof from SkyRight Roofing and Gutter was also her late husband's 64th birthday.
Airports approved for storage building rebid
The Priest River airport got permission to rebid construction of a snow removal equipment storage building at the site after adding the item back onto the county’s business meeting agenda following an April decision by the board not to vote on the matter.
Local 'thrillusionist’ family headlines Silverwood
When he stole his brother’s magic kit at age 4, David DaVinci didn’t realize that it would take him and his family across the world, win him accolades, or even lead him to a passion for full-time parrot training.
County warns residents after nonprofit receives fake invoice
Bonner County officials warned residents about increasingly sophisticated scam attempts during a recent business meeting after a local nonprofit reported receiving a fraudulent invoice for nearly $8,000.
MAY NIBJ: Idaho’s small business trend continues to see growth
The United States was founded on principles of free enterprise — the idea that individuals have the freedom to own and operate businesses in the private sector.
Guzzi forfeits county clerk candidacy
SANDPOINT — In an unforeseen turn of events, Bonner County clerk candidate JoAnne Guzzi has resigned from the race, citing similarities between her candidacy and component Roger Rudd as the main reason.
LPOIC 2026 spring derby nears
Leave your bananas at home this weekend as area anglers will be casting for cash prizes at the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club spring derby.
Faith panel supports separation of church and state
The separation of church and state is a foundational principle in the United States, and faith leaders from around North Idaho recently joined the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force to discuss the issue.
Zoning commission to hear request for nature-based school
The Bonner County Zoning Commission is projected to decide on a conditional use permit for a nature-based private school in Sandpoint at its April 9 zoning commission hearing.
County backs Priest Lake EMT grant request
Bonner County commissioners approved a variety of agenda items during Tuesday’s business meeting, including an endorsement letter to support a grant application for Priest Lake EMT.
Selkirk Fire to consider needs assessment results, recommendations
Low call volume is the only reason Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS hasn’t seen a bad outcome when responding to emergencies, according to Chief Tim Nowak of EMSllc.
APRIL NIBJ: Side hustles rise as workers seek stability, control
The entrepreneurial spirit. It's not something that can be caught — or even wished into existence. It’s something built through persistence and initiative.
Coolin planned development denied, subdivision continued
In a combined land use hearing for a connected planned unit development and subdivision hearing, Bonner County commissioners moved to unanimously deny the PUD while continuing the subdivision, citing compliance concerns with Bonner County Revised Code.
Kiley to enter plea on murder charges
Jeremiah Kiley is scheduled for arraignment after waiving a preliminary hearing in the death of his grandfather, Joseph Reyes.
Spirit Lake preliminary plat approved
The Bonner County Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a Spirit Lake subdivision’s preliminary plat.
Ambulance district nears full separation from county
“We’re in a really good spot as an ambulance district,” Chief Jeff Lindsey said to the Bonner County commissioners during the Bonner County Ambulance District’s first March meeting.
MARCH NIBJ: Equipping employees for a better tomorrow: Connecting education to employer demand
Whether entering the workforce or pivoting careers, Idaho’s rapidly evolving job market has placed greater emphasis on training programs to prepare workers for in-demand industries.
IRS warns of romance scams
The IRS Criminal Investigations is warning the public of increased romance scams amid Valentine’s Day.
County resolves Bauer lawsuit
During Bonner County’s Tuesday business meeting, Commissioner Asia Williams announced Bonner County’s settlement with former legal counsel Dustin Scott Bauer for $1.5 million.
Cowell found guilty in lewd conduct case
A jury found a Naples woman guilty of sexually abusing two children under the age of 16 following four hours of deliberation after the trial wrapped up in two days instead of the anticipated week.
FEB NIBJ: Contributing to the local economy through flight
A genuine, full-service aviation home in Coeur d’Alene
An aerospace jack-of-all-trades is exactly what North Idaho gained when Coeur d’Alene Aviation entered the local aviation scene.
Drug court testing contract approved, LBFJC receives donation
To improve court efficiency and support victims of crime, Bonner County commissioners approved a new Drug Court testing contract and authorized the acceptance of a donation to a local family justice center.
ISP brings awareness to human trafficking
Idaho State Police has partnered with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to raise awareness of human trafficking along Idaho’s transportation corridors during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
A journey beyond the dryer
A local author’s whimsical take on self-discovery
A local author is bringing lost socks — and big emotions — to life in a new children’s book. Sockland: The Journey Beyond the Dryer blends playful storytelling with a deeper message about courage and change.
Noxious Weeds gives annual report
In its annual report presented Monday, Jan. 5, the Bonner County Noxious Weed Department outlined the status of several noxious weed types while reporting on areas where treatments have been maintained.