By Katie Banning
Mike Weland. You once told me, “Katie, I love that we can disagree on so many things and still be friends.” That statement has stuck with me for a lot of years as our relationship has grown into what it is now. He has given me 9B news. His baby. His love. I am honored to receive such a gift. He chose me, with all of our differences in thought and faith, to take the helm of this ship that is 9B News.
I have never been a news reporter before, nor have I been a writer by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love Bonners Ferry. I love what this town and people have done for my family, my kids, my husband. I love that we felt a pull so hard that the force was not unlike the wind on the plains of Wyoming, to stay when our life was seemingly coming unwound, to stay; stay in Bonners Ferry where we would learn the love and acceptance of a community that we would soon call home.
Over the last month or so, there has been quite a bit of talk about changes at 9B News. I, along with my husband Jesse and daughter Piper have begun the process of taking over. Mike has graciously and without hesitation handed the baton over and we couldn’t be more excited.
Mike is still very much involved and while you will be seeing less of his writing and more of ours, we hope that this gives you a renewed excitement and trust in the news. Mike will still be on the scanner and will pop on as much as he can to give updates and report breaking news.
We want to follow with Mike’s dream to give accurate and timely news to the citizens of Boundary County. If you have news that you feel worthy of telling, please feel free to message or email. We are not interested in gossip and very much want to give accurate information, so please know that to the best of our ability and in a timely manner, know that we have looked in to both sides and reported as such.
We are so grateful to this community and to Mike for the opportunity to be the mouthpiece for the place we call home – Bonners Ferry.
Hopefully now we can get unbiased news and not have to see Mikes, Soros paid , editorials. It’s nice to have the news source that Mike created, without his injected opinions.
Anonymous…………
It’s easy to sit in the depths of anonymity and take shots at Mike. I’ve known Mike since he came here and though I don’t agree with him on everything he ever wrote I will say he says what he’s thinking and doesn’t sugar coat his thoughts. He’s an asset to the community. his comments and editorials have inspired people to look at things in a different light.
Anonymous troll go back to where you came from…………….
Bruce Whittaker
Naples
Thank you! I totally appreciate that about Mike. We look forward to many years reporting for Boundary County! – Katie
Maybe you can investigate the child sexual abuse accusations against Mr Weland by his former step daughter…
Hi there Anonymous. I am not an investigator or law enforcement. I’m going to be reporting news and facts to the best of my ability. It was brought up months ago and it’s something that law enforcement should be working on if the alleged victim came forward and went to the police. It’s not a Facebook or news issue until there’s a case or arrest. If a complaint has been filed and record comes out, it will be covered. However, if you have concerns, I recommend that you go through the proper channels and if you find that I’ve missed something newsworthy, please let me know. Thank you! Katie
Mike, Well I’ll be damned. I never thought I would see this day. I’m so glad you have someone you trust to turn 9B News over to. Welcome to retirement, Les Vetter
<3 - Katie
Wow! This is such a valuable resource, and I’ve been so please to get to know Mike over the past few years. I worried about what would eventually become of 9B news. I should have known. Congratulations Mike, and welcome to the Bannings!
Thank you! We are excited to be here! – Katie
I moved away almost 20 years ago. I moved back recently and it turns out I’ve actually seen Mike several times without knowing who he was. Thank You! And congratulations to you Katie.
Thank you very much! – Katie
Hi Katie,
Congratulations, I wish the very best to you and Jesse.
And thank you for the kindness you showed to Howard over the years.
Mary Ann
Ah heck. Will miss you too at the helm. Never have I followed a news source so closely. ” I just want to be the town crier of hometown news” . You have done that well! Now maybe we can visit! Sharon and Trevor