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November, 2022 |
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News |
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November 30 |
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Boundary County gas
prices highest in North Idaho: According to AAA,
Boundary County has the highest average gas price in the Idaho
Panhandle at $4.36 per gallon, but not the highest in the state.
That distinction goes to Blaine County, where the average price is
$4.60 per gallon. |
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Backcountry
avalanche watch in effect: The Idaho Panhandle
Avalanche Center, Sandpoint, has issued a backcountry avalanche
watch above 5,000 feet for Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone
Counties, in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday. |
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November 29 |
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Representing ... Giving voice ... Being heard |
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| Gary Aitken Jr. (right), vice-chair of the
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, is in Washington, D.C. for
discussions on transboundary mining so as to protect local
interests and the health of the Kootenai River. He will
also participate in the White House tribal nations summit.
He met today with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb
Haaland in her office during a welcoming reception at the
Department of Interior. |
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Winter storm warning issued
The National
Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a winter storm warning for
North Idaho and northeast Washington, in effect from 10 p.m. today
to 10 a.m. Thursday.
Eight- to 16-inches of snow is expected. |
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Boundary County
First Judicial District Court dispositions |
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November 28 |
 ICONIC
construction training program seeks operators: The
Idaho Transportation Department’s workforce development program
ICONIC, Idaho Career Opportunities - Next In Construction, is
seeking the next batch of construction operators to take part in a
month-long training in Lewiston this spring. Heavy equipment
operators, cement masons, carpenters, truck drivers and mechanics
are some of the main skills taught during the course. |
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November 26 |
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Snow expected overnight:
Heavy snow and high winds are expected overnight in Boundary,
Bonner and part of Kootenai County, prompting the National Weather
Service, Spokane, to issue a winter weather advisory, in effect
from 10 p.m. today to 11 a.m. Monday. A winter weather advisory
for three to five inches of snow is also in effect in the
Kootenai/Cabinet Region. |
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November 25 |
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Care-N-Share
deadline near: Care-N-Share applications are
available at Panhandle Health Clinic and EL Internet Northwest.
The deadline is December 3. If you are in need of help with gifts
for your kids for Christmas please get your application in soon. |
 RCMP
seeking Kingsgate man: The British Columbia RCMP
Southeast District Major Crime Unit is seeking public assistance
in locating Michael Mawley, who is a person of interest in a
suspicious death investigation. Human remains were located after a
suspicious fire on Saturday, November 19, in the community of
Kingsgate at the Mawley family residence. |
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Boundary County second
highest voter turnout in state: Idaho Secretary of
State Lawerence Denney, along with the other members of Idaho’s
State Board of Canvassers, Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf,
and Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, conducted and certified
the official state canvass for the 2022 General Election. |
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Boundary
County Commission agenda, week of November 28 |
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November 23 |
 Three
Mile crew ready for Thanksgiving: While no one has
kept count, Chuck Quillen and his crew at Three Mile Cafe are
geared up and ready for a busy day tomorrow, which must be close
to their 40th annual free Thanksgiving dinner, open to all who
stop in between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. no matter if you're a long time
regular or just passing by, rich or poor. It's a Boundary County
tradition and Chuck's way of expressing his gratitude to his
customers and the community. |
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November 22 |
 On
Giving Tuesday, give to GROW: You’ve heard of Black
Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday but do you know
about Giving Tuesday? On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, we
are encouraged to support causes in our local communities and
beyond. On this year’s Giving Tuesday, November 29, GROW!,
Boundary County’s nonprofit that manages its community garden, is
asking for help to pay for ongoing operating expenses. |
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November 21 |
 Rail
bridge over Lake Pend Oreille opens early: Grain,
lumber, groceries, holiday gifts, and other goods started
traveling across the newly constructed BNSF rail bridge over Lake
Pend Oreille on Sunday. The Sandpoint Junction Connector bridge is
opening nearly a year ahead of schedule. The completed bridge is
4,873 feet in length, comprised of 49 spans, 224 precast concrete
girders and six-pile bents totaling approximately 55,000 feet of
36-inch pipe pile. |
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Snow expected Tuesday:
The National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a winter weather
advisory for an area that includes Boundary County, in effect from
3 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday. From two to five inches
of snow is expected. |
 IPNF
Christmas tree permits available: The U.S. Forest
Service will once again offer a great way to create holiday
memories and enjoy the National Forests while finding this year’s
holiday tree for your home! Permits are available for purchase at
offices across north Idaho or online. Permits cost $5 each and
allow the permit holder to cut one Christmas tree. Three tree
permits are allowed per household. |
 Cost
of Thanksgiving dinner up significantly: The average
cost for a traditional American Thanksgiving feast for 10 people
is up 20-percent this year compared with last year. That’s
according to American Farm Bureau Federation’s 37th annual cost
survey of traditional items found on a Thanksgiving Day dinner
table. That represents the highest year-over-year increase in the
cost of the meal in the survey’s history. |
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Boundary County First
Judicial District Court dispositions |
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Boundary
County School Distric 101 Board meeting, 6 p.m. Monday, November
28 |
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November 18 |
 U
of I reaches out to those grieving: The Vandal Family
is mourning the loss of students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle,
Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves less than a week ago. Our
hearts are broken for them and for their families, whose grief is
unimaginable. Many Vandals have reached out to express their
shock, sorrow and concern for the safety of our students who
choose to remain on campus at this time. By Amy Lientz,
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations |
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Stagnant air advisory
issued: The National Weather Service, Spokane, has
issued an air stagnation advisory for North Idaho and northeastern
Washington, in effect until 3 p.m. Monday, November 21. Light
winds and little vertical mixing is expected to resu4lt in
stagnant air that could cause issues for those with rerspiratory
problems. Cold and very dry air over the region will promote
strong overnight inversions with poor mixing each afternoon. |
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November 17 |
 Library
board opens search for new director: The Boundary
County Library Board has once again launched its search for a
director, and is accepting applications for either a permanent
director to take over management or an interim director to hold
the fort until a qualified applicant can be found. The
announcements come after years of stability and accomplishment
disrupted last year by a time of turbulence and acrimony. |
 Merritt
named SBFPD's new chief: South Boundary Fire
Protection District is proud to introduce Allen Merritt as its new
fire chief. Allen has lived in North Idaho for 16 years and in
Naples for eight years. Shortly after moving here, he volunteered
at SBFPD, and in the last seven years has continued his fire
education and training, and recently was selected to hold the
Captain position. |
 14th
annual Turkey Trot coming up Thanksgiving: Bonners
Ferry is looking forward to another fun, family-friendly, and free
Turkey Trot 5k/10k fun run this year on Thanksgiving morning
Thursday, November 24. The run is, as always, free, with no
registration required. Pets are welcome, too! |
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November 16 |
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Boundary
County Commission agenda, week of November 21 |
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Boundary
County Commission minutes, week of October 31 |
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November 15 |
 Teresa
Rae on Critchfield's transition committee:
Superintendent-elect Debbie Critchfield has announced her
transition committee, which includes Boundary County School
District 101 Trustee Teresa Rae and Lake Pend Oreille School
District Superintendent Becky Meyer, Sandpoint. This committee
will assist the superintendent-elect in staffing and organization
of the State Department Education. |
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November 14 |
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Bonner County
Fairgrounds investigation underway: A criminal
investigation regarding the potential misuse of public funds is
ongoing at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. This issue was brought
to light by a fair employee and members of the fair board. As a
result of allegations made to Bonner County Prosecutor Louis
Marshall against fair director Darcey Smith, who passed away
October 31. |
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Boundary County First
Judicial District Court dispositions |
 Family
loses home, pets, as winter sets in: On November 6,
Brian Fife received a phone call from a Boundary County Sheriff's
dispatcher that his home was on fire and that the fire department
was on scene. He was attending church in Bonners Ferry at the time
and rushed home to find firefighters working to put out the
flames. The home and its contents were a complete loss, but
Brian’s first concern was for the pets that had been left inside. |
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Thank you, chief! |
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| Friends, family, and fire personnel past and
present gathered Saturday evening to show their respect
and appreciation for the many years of leadership, hard
work and dedication of our South Boundary Fire Chief Tony
Rorhwasser. While his departure leaves some very large
boots to fill, the people he served are happy for him to
have the opportunity to pursue other interests. Chief
Rorhwasser has been a fixture in the Naples community for
nearly three decades and he will be greatly missed. Thank
you, Chief, for all you have done, not only for the
department, but for the entire Naples community. |
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Four U of I students found
dead: At about 11:58 a.m. Sunday, November 13, Moscow
Police responded to a call on King Road for an unconscious
individual. Upon arrival, officers discovered four individuals who
were deceased, now identified as Ethan Chapin, 20, Conway,
Washington, Madison Mogen, 21, Coeur d’Alene, Xana Kernodle, 20,
Avondale, Arizona, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Rathdrum. |
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November 10 |
 Panhandle
Health offer tips on avoiding RSV: As hospitals and
healthcare organizations around other parts of the nation are
reporting maxed out hospital capacity and overrun emergency
departments due to RSV, the panhandle area of north Idaho can
thankfully report that is not the case here. Yet. That makes now a
perfect time to take precautions and know how you can prevent
becoming ill. |
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Boundary
County Commission agenda, week of November 14 |
 Staying
busy at Mt. Hall Elementary: Welcome to November! Mt.
Hall School is abuzz with students learning, taking assessments,
learning robotics, and preparing for performances. We have been
working hard with the guidance and help of Mrs. Carpenter to honor
our nation’s Veterans today. We have invited all veterans to the
gym to watch a performance and to let us say “Thank you!” By
Principal Kylee Guthrie |
 IDFG
to monitor for chronic wasting disease in the Panhandle:
Idaho Fish and Game staff will be collecting samples from deer at
hunter check stations across the Panhandle over two weekends in
November as part of a statewide surveillance program for chronic
wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease was detected for the
first time in Idaho in 2021 after more than 20 years of proactive
surveillance and testing; the first detections were in Unit 14,
which is located south of Grangeville. |
 Some
tips for winter driving: It is no surprise at this
point; winter has arrived on area roads. For those who are new to
driving on winter roads, we would like to offer some pointers to
make your travels safer for you and the other drivers who share
the road with you. The main takeaway for snow and ice covered
roads if very simple, slow down, keep more distance between you
and the vehicle in front of you, allow more distance for stopping
and have proper tires on your vehicle. By Sheriff Dave Kramer |
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Boundary
County Commission minutes, week of October 24 |
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Boundary
County Commission minutes, week of October 17 |
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November 9 |
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Herndon prevails in
Senate race: While early returns in Bonner County had
write-in challenger Steve Johnson ahead of Scott Herndon in the
Bonner County race for the District 1 Idaho Senate seat, the final
tally posted this morning comfortably sends Herndon to Boise with
a 57-percfent margin, 9,825 to 7,409. |
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November 8 |
 Herndon
not faring well in Bonner County: In the early count
in Bonner County, District 1 Senate candidate Scott Herndon is
being repudiated by write-in candidate Steven Johnson, 2,779 to
1,722. Absentee and early results only are expected to be tallied
in Bonner County tonight. It could be 8 a.m. or later before the
final ballots are tallied. |
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Naples man injured
in collision with train: The Idaho State Police are
investigating a vehicle vs. train collision that occurred at
approximately 5:53 p.m. today near US 95 at Samuels Road in Bonner
County. A white 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV was traveling westbound
on Samuels Road when it was struck by a train. The SUV was
occupied by a 62-year-old male driver from Naples, who was not
named. |
 Bertling
pulls it off, retains commission seat: Boundary
County voters did a rare thing in the 2022 mid-terms, electing a
candidate defeated in the primary who ran in the general as an
Independents write-in. In the May 17 primary, challenger Steve
Fioravanti defeated incumbent Republican Tim Bertling for the
District 2 seat on the Boundary County Board of Commissioners by
79 votes. Today, Bertling gained the upper hand to retain his seat
by 198 votes, 2,598 to 2,400. John White, also an Independent,
garnered 148 votes. |
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Boundary County
2022 General Election Results |
 Wise
move saves man from scam: An elderly gentleman
stopped by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office today after he had
almost been the victim of a telephone scam. The caller had
indicated that he was a public defender from back east
representing his grandson, who had been arrested. The caller said
that he needed $20,000 immediately to help keep his grandson out
of trouble. By Sheriff Dave Kramer |
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November 7 |
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Moyie Springs City Council Meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 9 |
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Boundary County First
Judicial District Court dispositions |
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Kootenai
Valley Resource Initiative meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, November 21 |
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November 6 |
 Heavy
snow, wind expected Monday: The National Weather
Service, Spokane, has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow
and high winds, in effect from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Total snow
accumulations of four to 10 inches pushed by winds gusting to 35
miles per hour are expected across Boundary and Bonner County and
north Kootenai County. |
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November 3 |
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A refresher on
Boundary County P&Z: With a contentious midterm
election cycle nearing its end and Boundary County planning and
zoning having been raised as an issue, it might not be a bad time
to offer the community a refresher, a look at the introduction to
the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, first
drafted in 1997 and included with each revision of the ordinance
since, including the one in effect now. |
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Winter storm watch
upgraded: The winter storm watch issued Wednesday by
the Spokane office of the National Weather Service has been
upgraded to a winter storm warning for heavy snow, in effect from
8 p.m. today until 11 a.m. Friday. From one to four inches of snow
are expected in the valleys, with up to five inches in colder
valley pockets, and as much as 10-inches could fall at higher
elevations. |
 High
wind watch issued for region: The National Weather
Service, Spokane, has issued a high wind watch for an area
including Boundary County, in effect from Friday afternoon through
Saturday morning. Sustained southwest winds of 20 to 35 miles per
hour are expected, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour possible. |
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Boundary
County Commission agenda, week of November 7 |
 It's
time to test smoke and CO detectors: With the chill
of winter setting in, the end of daylight saving time is a perfect
time to not only move clocks back an hour but also to test each of
your home and office smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
Smoke and CO alarms save lives, but only if they are working
properly, and testing only takes a few minutes. It's also a good
time to run through your emergency evacuation plans as well. |
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November 2 |
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Winter
storm watch issued: The National Weather Service,
Spokane, has issued a winter storm watch for an area including
Boundary County for possibly heavy snow, in effect from Thursday
evening through Friday afternoon. One to four inches of snow is
expected in the valleys with up to ten inches possible in the
mountains. |
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Twenty Mile Creek Water
receives DEQ funding: Twenty Mile Creek Water
Association, Inc. in Boundary County was awarded $45,000 from the
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to prepare a drinking
water planning study to evaluate the current drinking water system
and identify needed improvements. |
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Initial steps taken to
address city budget dilemma: The Bonners Ferry City
Council met Tuesday evening and opened discussion on how to
address a $350,000-plus budget shortfall predicated by a 2017
Idaho Supreme Court ruling, and while no clear-cut solutions
emerged, the meeting was positive and a foundation laid for
progress, both in the short and long term. |
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November 1 |
 South
Boundary Fire looking to replace a legend: South
Boundary Fire is looking to hire a new fire chief and they have
had a posting listed for a few weeks now, but response has been
light, perhaps for obvious reasons. It's a tough job, the
requirements and demands are many. And it's unlikely that anyone
will have an easy time filling the shoes of the department's
founding chief, Tony Rohrwasser, a kind and amicable man who had
the rare ability to ... well, take a look at the picture for
yourself. |
 Being
a dispatcher both challenging and rewarding: Being a
sheriff’s office emergency communications officer, or dispatcher,
handling 911 calls, dispatching for all the first responders in
Boundary County, including law enforcement, fire and ambulance, is
both a challenging and rewarding career. The calls can range from
barking dog complaints to crimes in progress to someone
contemplating suicide. Our community should be very thankful for
the professionalism and care shown by the communications officers
that we have serving. |
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Winter is nipping at our
heels: The National Weather Service, Spokane, has
issued a special weather statement as a significant storm system
moves into the area Thursday and into next Monday. One possible
impact comes from strong and potentially damaging winds. These are
forecast to accompany a cold front passage Friday evening into
Saturday. There is still some uncertainty regarding severity of
the winds, but gusts over 40 miles per hour are possible. |
Idaho
Apprenticeship Week just ahead: November 14-20 is
National Apprenticeship Week and marks the celebration of a proven
and time-honored career pathway. Right now, 236 Idaho businesses
sponsor apprenticeships, with more than 1,800 participating
Idahoans getting paid on the job. Like many Americans, Idahoans
have seen sharp increases in housing costs while the consumer
price index has risen 8.2-percent in just one year. Facing these
circumstances, Idaho’s workforce needs competitive job
opportunities now more than ever, and the state’s employers need
the labor.
Jonathan
Snyder wins Mystery Mason Award: Each year a Master
Mason is chosen to be the Mystery Mason for the year. It is his
responsibility to seek out an individual that stands out within
the Bonners Ferry Community. He will spend his time throughout the
year looking for individuals to be awarded the yearly Mystery
Mason Award. This year's recipient of the Mystery Mason Award was
Jonathan Snyder.
Pyette
quilt lifts veteran's spirit: Few would question the
notion that few things in the world are as comforting as a
hand-made quilt, and Margaret Pyette has long been bringing such
comfort to a very deserving group of people. Each year, she
chooses two Boundary County veterans, then crafts her amazingly
beautiful hand-made quilts, lovingly personalized, to be ready to
give during the Veterans Day service. This year, her kind gift did
more than bring comfort.
Local
smallbore shooters shine in NRA sectional: In the
spring of 2022, members of the Kootenai Valley Rifle Club shot in
the NRA Sectional rifle match at their home range. They compete
with .22 caliber rifles, single shot, at a distance of 50 feet
indoors. A sectional match is one in which a shooter obtains their
national ranking. Matches are held across the United States, the
scores are sent into the NRA then combined with others to see how
everyone did. After months of waiting the results are in.
Radical
right looking the wrong way in laying blame: Despite
what those of the righteous far right proclaim, the most egregious
offenders of grooming and abuse aren't the marginalized so easily
blamed, but the upright stalwarts we tend to hold in esteem; those
we respect and tend to believe over the pleas of the abused. The
pious, the wealthy ... the powerful. By Mike Weland
More
than the vote count will be decided Tuesday:
Tuesday's election will tell us far more than vote counts and who
will be selected to positions of public service and trust. It will
also tell us if there is to be a future for democracy in our
nation. Not by the vote, but by the reaction in the days following
by both candidates and voters for whom the vote didn't go as well
as expected, those who, when asked if they'll accept the results
of their election, insist without a trace of shame, "I’m going to
win the election, and I will accept that result.” By Mike
Weland
Festival
of Trees is back: The Fry Healthcare Foundation is
excited to announce the return of the Festival of Trees. It's a
little different this year than in years past; each department
participated by decorating a tree, and they were able to pick
their theme and items to accompany their tree. Whichever
department wins by highest bid will receive $1,000 from FHF
towards equipment needed in their department.
Moyie
Springs gearing up for first Village Christmas Craft Fair:
The City of Moyie Springs will have its first Craft Fair from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, December 2, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, at Moyie Springs City Hall, complete with
door prizes, goodie gift bags (while supply last), Polaroid
pictures by the Christmas tree and complimentary coffee, hot cider
and hot chocolate. On Saturday, there will be Christmas crafts for
your children to make while you are checking out the vendors'
crafts.
Shook
Twins bringing back a Thanksgiving tradition: The
Shook Twins will return home to Sandpoint to continue a
Thanksgiving tradition interrupted by the pandemic, playing for
their Bonners Ferry fans and friends at the Pearl Theater at 7
p.m. Friday, November 25, and they're bringing along special guest
John Craigie as well.
'Annie'
coming to BFHS this week: We have all seen the
classic movie "Annie," whether with your children or as one
yourself. Now is your chance to relive the memories in a new and
unique way. With an impressive set, superb actors and live music,
this take on the age-old tale will have you laughing and crying in
the same scene. Performances will be held at Becker Auditorium at
Bonners Ferry High school at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Dedication,
open house set at new Post Falls state veterans home:
The newest Idaho State Veterans Home, at 590 S. Pleasant View
Road, Post Falls, will be dedicated with a ceremony at 2 p.m.
Friday, November 11. The ceremony had been scheduled to take place
outside, but due to the current weather conditions will be moved
indoors. There will be a limited capacity of 170. Admittance will
begin at 1:40 p.m. and is on a first come basis. 
78th
annual Bonners Ferry FFA Banquet Saturday: The
Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter continues its 74 year tradition with
their Annual FFA Harvest Auction being held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday,
November 12, at Bonners Ferry High School. A complimentary dinner
will be served at 5:30 p.m.
Jeremy
Michael 'J.M.' Gross was born on September 15, 1988,
at Bonners General Hospital. He passed away on November 19, 2022
at his home in Moyie Springs. Memorial Services will be held at 11
a.m. Saturday, December 10, at Bridgeway Assembly of God, 66027
Highway 2, Bonners Ferry, with a luncheon to follow.
Sock
Yoshida, 96, recently of Moyie Springs, died
peacefully Thursday evening, November 24, 2022, at the Boundary
County Restorium. The family is following Sock’s wishes to be
buried with his wife and will be holding his cremated remains to
take back to California in the spring for a service there.
Denise
Yvonne Overton, 52, Spokane, passed away after a
medical emergency while serving time on a drug conviction in the
Boundary County Jail on October 28, 2022. A memorial service is
being planned for the spring of 2023. 
Robert Hugh Stoddard, 72, passed away at his
Bonners Ferry home November 12, 2022. Robert was born on April 27,
1950, in Pocatello, the son of Jack and Marie Stevens Stoddard.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at the LDS
Church, 6568 Alderson Lane, Bonners Ferry, and at 3 p.m. Tuesday,
November 29, at the LDS Church, 1835 Highland Drive Prosser,
Washington.
Robert
"Bob" Lamar Bridges, Bonners Ferry, passed away on
November 9, 2022, with his loving wife of 42 years, Amy
(Liebhauser) Bridges, by his side. His final care was provided by
the amazing staff of Auburn Crest Hospice Care and their two
compassionate home health care workers. Bob was born July 24,
1936, in Nashville, Georgia, to Grace and Russell Bridges. 
Delores Riekena
passed away at the Bonners Ferry Hospital on October 26, 2022,
with her husband, Rick, by her side. A memorial service will begin
at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 12, at United Methodist Church, 6568
Lincoln Street, Bonners Ferry. Private interment will be in
Grandview Cemetery.