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March 31
United Methodist to bless and dedicate 'The Gift:' Shortly before his passing, Mark Truesdell gifted three vintage plaster reliefs to the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church. He wished for them to be installed on the lounge wall in the church. The antique plaster relics, survivors of a church fire on the east coast, were originally part of fourteen Stations of the Cross. Mark, born and raised in Bonners Ferry, as an adult lived a travel filled eclectic life, collecting and creating art.
Boundary County Commissioners agenda, week of April 3 
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, April 17, Boundary County Annex 
British Columbia extends hours at Rykert's border crossing: Please be advised of the change in hours at the Rykerts/Porthill Border Crossing, British Columbia, effective April 1. The new hours are: Heading South (into the USA): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ... Heading North (into Canada): 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Please plan your travels accordingly and note that the hours may be subject to change.
March 30
House fire near MP 499, Highway 95
Little signs bill allowing students to attend schools out of district: Idaho parents have even more school choice options on top of a long list of education alternatives in the State of Idaho after Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1125 into law this week. Senate Bill 1125 allows parents to send their child to any public school in Idaho regardless of where they live. Comment added
Idaho delegation lauds new hours at Porthill POE: U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher celebrated the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s decision to extend hours for the Porthill Port of Entry. CBP’s announcement comes after Risch, Crapo, and Fulcher wrote Executive Assistant Commissioner Pete Flores encouraging CBP to extend hours at Porthill as a part of the pilot program that would evaluate traffic flow.
Distinguished Young Women bringing you a Jurassic Quest: This year's Distinguished Young Women program takes place on Saturday, April 29, at the Becker Auditorium, and this year's outstanding group of participants is working hard to transport their audience to the wonderful world of yesteryear as they set out on a "Jurassic Quest." Without further ado, here are the first three of this year's participants ...
Bonner County sex offender may have had more 'pen pals:' On March 23, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office was notified that registered sex offender David Anthony Stewart, 68, Sagle, had attended the performance of “Mama Mia” at Sandpoint High School on Friday, March 17, which is a violation of Idaho Code 18-8329, Prohibited Access to Children. During the investigation it was learned Stewart was planning to attend another presentation of “Mama Mia” on March 25.
March 29
Senate overrides property tax veto: The Senate finished off a rare — and resounding — veto override Wednesday, and a far-reaching property tax overhaul is now on the books. On a 28-7 party-line vote, the Senate upheld House Bill 292 — which promises $355 million in immediate property tax relief, but has huge implications for public schools. The law earmarks $100 million that schools must spend on property tax relief, perhaps by paying down existing bonds or levies. But the law also eliminates the standalone March election.
Bonners Ferry City Council to take comment on new comp plan: The Bonners Ferry City Council will hold public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, to accept public comment and consider the repeal and replacement of its current comprehensive plan and future land use map and to replace them with a new plan and map recommended by the city planning and zoning commission March 1.
Comment sought on Kaniksu OSV project: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests has issued their Environmental Assessment for the planned Kaniksu OSV (Over-Snow Vehicle) Use Designation Project. The public will have the next 30 days to submit official comments regarding the project. The goal is to designate OSV trails across the North Idaho Panhandle in accordance with the Travel Management Rule in a balanced approach to protecting wildlife and culturally sensitive areas.
March 28
Boundary County Commission minutes, week of March 20
Festival of Hearts raises $34,000: The Fry Healthcare Foundation is thrilled to announce the incredible success of their recent Festival of Hearts Dinner Gala. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the community, the event raised a total of $34,000 to support critical medical equipment in the Emergency Department and the newly expanded Med/Surg floor rooms. The community's support has been instrumental in the hospital's ability to adjust to the growing community's needs without sacrificing other services provided.
Flags to half-staff for Nashville shooting victims: As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds.
Record number of requests to ban books in 2022: The American Library Association (ALA) last week released new data documenting 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 challenges reported in 2021.
March 27
Risch co-introduces act to identify trafficked women seeking abortions: U.S Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) introduced the Stopping Traffickers and Their Accomplices Act to require abortion providers to file a report with the National Human Trafficking Hotline if there is reasonable suspicion to believe a woman is a victim of human trafficking.
Porthill Port of Entry to extend hours: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that it will begin a 120-day temporary expansion of hours at four northern border ports of entry (POE), including the Porthill POE, on April 1. The other locations are the Maida, Northgate and Sherwood POEs in North Dakota. Corrected
Little vetoes property tax relief bill: Governor Little vetoed House Bill 292 today, the so-called “property tax relief” bill passed by the legislature last week. Little said House Bill 292 presents significant impacts on election dates, public defense funding, online sales tax collections, local government sales tax distributions, and funding for transportation, and it jeopardizes bonding for critical infrastructure projects.
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions
March 25
Cemetery caretaker recreating lost records: The caretaker of the Paradise Valley Cemetery is in the process of recreating all the records for the cemetery that were destroyed. There are many unmarked graves and many with information that cannot be read. If you or anyone in your family has knowledge of plot ownership or if one of your loved ones is buried in the Paradise Valley Cemetery and does not have a marker, please e-mail the caretaker at paradisevalleycemetery@gmail.com. Once accurate, new records are created, a listing of the cemetery occupants will be posted on-site for the public.
Work underway to repair and improve Highway 95 wildlife crossings: The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Idaho Fish and Game and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative recently announced a joint project to improve traffic safety and protect wildlife by repairing existing highway fencing and extending it by about a mile near wildlife underpasses on U.S. 95 north of Bonners Ferry.
March 24
Moseley files tort against sheriff, prosecutor: Claiming that his reputation as an honest, law-abiding citizen of Boundary County has been destroyed and that his name has been tarnished in the community, Copeland Precinct Republican Central Committeeman Mark Moseley on Wednesday filed a tort claim against the Boundary County Sheriff's Office and the prosecutor's office. He is seeking $550,000 for alleged violations of his constitutional rights by filing false charges against him over an incident November 9 at his Curless Road home.
Second Harvest food truck here April 7: The Second Harvest mobile food truck will be in Bonners Ferry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 7, at the west end of the Boundary County Fairgrounds. This will be the second truck of seven that are planned for this year. The March truck served 265 families with around 14,000 pounds of free food.
Boundary County School District 101 executive council meeting, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, district office
Boundary County Commission minutes, week of March 13
Boundary County Commission minutes, week of February 13
March 23
Challis escapee may be coming through North Idaho: On March 21, the Custer County judicial system granted Steven Pierson, 40, a medical furlough to receive medical treatment at Steele Memorial Medical Center in Salmon, Idaho. Pierson was expected back at the Custer County Jail at 9:30 p.m. but failed to return. It's expected he's on his way to a family member's home in eastern Washington, to a friend’s house in Hamilton, Montana, or to another family member's home in Missouri.
Trump hasn't been arrested, let alone roughed up: Realistic pictures depicting former president Donald J. Trump being manhandled by police as he's being taken into custody have been circulating on the internet since shortly after Trump speculated that he'd be indicted in New York last Tuesday. They are computer-generated fakes. Trump has not been indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg nor any other of several agencies conducting criminal investigations on the former guy.
VVES kindergartner asks support on his very first fundraiser: Noah Arthur Fletcher is a hard working and ambitious six-year-old kindergartener at Valley View Elementary, and he's working hard to help his classroom and school and to win prizes in his first ever effort at managing his very own fundraiser! UPDATE: 11:17 a.m. March 24: Noah won his LED Galaxy Chair, and now he's just 86 points away from the grand prize: all the prizes he's already won plus a PlayStation 5!!
March 21
Idaho voter rolls being reviewed: The State of Idaho is taking action to ensure the accuracy and integrity of its voter rolls. County elections offices throughout the State of Idaho recently completed a biennial review and maintenance of the voter registration system. A total of 74,332 voters statewide were removed from the system due to inactivity, change of address, or who were otherwise determined to be ineligible to vote.
March 20
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions
March 19
Little signs bill to improve broadband: Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1129 into law today, adding another $125 million to improve broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part of his “Idaho First” plan. Another $100 million is nearing legislative approval as part of the Idaho Department of Commerce appropriation budget, for a total of $225 million in new funding for broadband expansion in Idaho.
May 16 ballot set: A three-question slate has been set for the May 16 election in Boundary County: Incumbent Boundary County Library Trustee Zone 3 Aaron B.C. Bohachek is being challenged by Lewis Clark for a six year term, incumbent Boundary County Library Trustee Zone 5 William "Lee" Colson will face Mary-Esther Wilson for a two year term and for Bonners Ferry voters, the question of approving or denying the City Local Option Non-Property Tax.
March 18
BCRCC mum on meeting with state GOP chair Dorothy Moon: Idaho State Republican Chair Dorothy Moon made an eight hour drive to Bonners Ferry Friday for a meeting in response to issues raised at the March 6 Boundary County Republican Central Committee meeting, but she refused this morning to speak of it beyond saying she only made suggestions, contending it was a private meeting even though it involved an elected official. Updated
March 17
Bonner General closing obstetrics department: Several calls and attempts to reach a busy public relations office at Bonner General Health, Sandpoint, have so far proven fruitless, but a call to their OB/GYN department did confirm that staff was told yesterday that the obstetrics department would be closing. OB nurses and doctors were told they would have their jobs until May. Updated 3:15 p.m. ... Comment added
March 16
Travis Stolley announces bid for sheriff: Born and raised in Bonners Ferry, Travis Stolley joined the United States Marine Corp soon after graduating Bonners Ferry High School 2005, serving nearly nine years before receiving an honorable discharge and returning home. It wasn't long before he was once again in uniform, this time Bonners Ferry Police Department blue. Now, with sheriff Dave Kramer planning to retire, Stolley has announced his bid to continue serving Boundary County as sheriff in 2024, running as a Republican.
Boundary County School District 101 board meeting, 6 p.m. Monday, March 20, District Office
KVRI Forestry Subcommittee meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, county annex building
Billy Tuttle in critical condition: On Friday, March 10, Billy Tuttle went to the emergency room at Boundary Community Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a ruptured colon and transferred to Bonners General Hospital in Sandpoint. The initial surgery seemed to be successful until the following day when he became combative and delirious and had to be sedated. After two days with no improvement and no diagnosis, it was decided that he needed to be transferred and on Monday March 13, he was transferred to a hospital in Missoula.
March 15
Trees in power lines knock power out: About 725 Northern Light customer in an area from the North Hill to Camp Nine Road are without power due to trees on power lines. Crews are en route.
Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter has been busy: It's been a whirlwind of activity of late for the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter, and it's not over yet as they are partnering with Boundary County Farm Bureau and inviting anyone and everyone to enjoy a free pancake breakfast to celebrate National Ag week from 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Bonners Ferry High School Ag Shop!
Native people hard hit by scammers: Scammers and dishonest businesses can target people in unique ways, so it’s important to understand how communities are affected — and at times, differently affected — by consumer protection issues. A new FTC report focuses on the agency's recent efforts to identify frauds, scams, and bad business practices that impact American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
March 14 
LEVY PASSES: BCSD 101 M&O Levy results 
Two sentenced to prison for possession of stolen vehicles: A Naples man and a Bonners Ferry man will each spend time in prison after being convicted in separate cases of grand theft by possession of stolen property, both vehicles; one a Bonner County work truck and the other a Honda four wheeler offered for sale on Facebook. 
Lifelong county resident needs help after bad fall: In November, lifelong Bonners Ferry resident Edwina Owens, 74, stepped off a curb and fell, hitting her right shoulder and head, shredding her rotator cuff. Apparently something during surgery triggered the chronic autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis, which causes a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles, leaving her unable to swallow or speak understandably. There is no cure, and Edwina will suffer symptoms for the rest of her life. 
Don’t test your luck this St. Patrick’s Day, plan for a sober ride home: As St. Patrick’s Day nears, the Bonners Ferry Police Department reminds those celebrating to make plans for a sober ride home. March 16 – 19 we are joining law enforcement agencies statewide to increase patrols for impaired driving. This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday and that means more parties throughout the weekend. 
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions 
March 13 
Boundary County Commission minutes, March 6 
Boundary County Commission minutes, February 27 
March 12
Wild time at this month's BCRCC meeting: Monday evening, March 6, was atypical for Boundary County Republican Central Committee chair and expectant father Caleb Davis, who oversaw one of the most contentious BCRCC meetings ever, and did so while his wife, Madelyn, was in labor. After the meeting, he drove home, picked up Madelyn and they drove to Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene. On Tuesday morning, their son, Atticus, was born. Video added
March 11
Rex Theater owner set to lose properties: On December 27, 2022, Featherston Law Firm, Sandpoint, recorded Notice of Trustee's Sale on three Bonners Ferry properties; the building housing Northern Treasures and the lower floor of the building that once held Huckleberry Treasures, both in downtown Bonners Ferry, and a residential structure at 6629 Comanche Street on the Northside near Boundary Community Hospital. But on March 2, 2023, the registered agent of three different business entities listed as owners appeared on a prestigious Realty podcast touting her many contributions to the town she grew up in. Comment added
March 10
Boundary County Commission agenda, week of March 13
March 9
First responders to train at BFHS Sunday: Boundary County first responders will be conducting a training exercise at the Bonners Ferry High School from 8 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12. The training activity will involve simulated live gunfire, multiple emergency vehicles and over 40 first responders. The public is asked to please avoid the area around the high school on Sunday, including the school parking lots and access roads.
School District 101 special board meeting, 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, district office, 7188 Oak Street
Women reaching women in forestry: We imagine foresters as bearded men in flannel. That’s changing. More professional women than ever work to sustain and protect our natural resources. Now they want to inspire women to be more active in managing family owned forests. Women landowners are playing an increasingly important role in forest management decisions but they are consistently in the minority at forestry education events in Idaho.
Crapo, Risch propose getting back to building the wall: U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Solving the Border Crisis Act. This bill would secure the southern border by resuming construction of the border wall, strengthening management and enforcement capacities and upholding the rule of law.
Winter snow advisory issued: The National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a winter weather advisory for snow in North Idaho and northeast Washington, in effect from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday. Motorists should prepare for winter driving conditions for the Friday morning commute.
March 8
Services for Phil Batt set for Friday morning: Former Idaho Governor Phil Batt's body will be transferred to the Idaho capitol in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Idaho Army National Guard Band will perform honors and, weather permitting, there will be a flyover by the Idaho Air National Guard. Governor Brad Little will lead the Capitol service, with remarks by former governors Butch Otter and Dirk Kempthorne and U.S. Senator Jim Risch.
Risch helps reintroduce Future Logging Careers Act: On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) helped a bipartisan group of legislators reintroduced the Future Logging Careers Act, which would allow teenage members of logging families to gain experience in the logging trade under parental supervision so they may carry on the family business. The Future Logging Careers Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in certain mechanized logging operations under parental supervision.
March 7
'The Play That Goes Wrong' earns $2,466 for Shriners: With community support, this crazy bunch of kids raised $2,466 for the Shriners Childrens Hospital. Thank you to everyone who came to their show! A very special thanks to our local Shriners Club, Randy Peterson owner of Peterson Farm, Second Chance Thrift Store, The Pearl Theater, Patrick Atkins owner of Bones INC, Ryan Peterson, and all the parents who raised these awesome humans.
Congratulations, Rafael Droz!
Attorney Rafael Droz, formerly of Wilson Law Firm in Bonners Ferry, has accepted a position in the Idaho Attorney General's Office!
Senate votes to repeal ban on parading with firearms: The Republican supermajority in the Idaho Senate passed a bill Monday that repeals a state law banning groups of people from parading in public with firearms in any Idaho city or town. Passing the bill would also remove Idaho’s prohibition on private militias, one Democratic senator who voted against the bill said. But Senator Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, said Senate Bill 1056 is necessary to support the freedoms expressed in the First Amendment and Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative Board meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, Boundary County Annex
March 6
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions
Work underway on I-90/SH-41 interchange in Post Falls: The second season of construction will resume this month at the I-90 and State Highway 41 Interchange, which is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. Work this spring will primarily cause nighttime closures on I-90 and SH-41 as weather allows. Nighttime lane closures on I-90 will begin tonight, and in late March SH-41 will be closed for several nights as construction of a temporary bridge on I-90 over the highway progresses.
Idaho CDL drivers can soon renew license online: The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles will soon expand online license renewals, thanks to the passage of House Bill 9. Consistent with Governor Little’s Red Tape Reduction Act, the legislation allows people to renew an Idaho Commercial Driver’s License online if eligible, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers. The DMV will begin implementing online CDL renewals on July 1.
March 4
Flags to half staff to honor Phil Batt's passing: Governor Brad Little ordered the immediate lowering of U.S. and State of Idaho flags to honor former Governor Phil Batt, who passed away peacefully at his home today on his 96th birthday. Flags will be lowered at all state buildings and facilities immediately and will remain lowered until his day of interment, which will be announced at a later date.
Young lady found on Stephens Street looking lost: Anyone looking for this sweet girl? She was found at about 5:30 this morning on Stephens Stret near Valley View, barking at houses and looking lost. She's not wearing a tag and appears to still be a puppy. If you belong to her or know who does, message Samantha or call (208) 295-1016.
March 3
Local family loses unborn son after Bonner County crash: Shaylynn Richards, Bonners Ferry, was a few weeks shy of her due date February 28 when a pick up lost control on Highway 95 in front of North 40 in Ponderay, crossed the center line and hit her vehicle head on. Shay was rushed to Bonner General Hospital and Kayven Chase was brought into the world by an emergency C-section, but his injuries were too great, and he died later that morning.
New art display graces museum portrait hall: On Wednesday, March 1, the Boundary County Museum hosted fourth graders from Mt. Hall, Naples and Valley View Schools. The occasion was to celebrate March 4 - Idaho Day. This year's theme for Idaho Day was "We the People, Serving Idaho." With a bit of community pride, the theme was changed to "We the People, Serving Boundary County, Idaho." They left behind a wonderful collection of art, now on display in Portrait Hall.
Bonner County man gets 10 years for arson: Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) collaboration with the Idaho State Fire Marshall’s Office and law enforcement on arson fires last summer which resulted in a Bonner County man receiving 10 years in prison. Ryan Nathaniel Greene was sentenced for six counts of arson III for burning forestland on both state and federal lands.
Legal notice: Notice of election: Notice is hereby given that the following locations are designated as polling sites for the Election to be held March 14, 2023 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, County of Boundary ...
March 2
Boundary County Commission agenda, week of March 6
March 1
It's National Ag Month and BSCD is getting a Little Free Library: March is National Agriculture Month! It’s a time to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that farmers put into feeding the world. It’s also a time to learn more about agriculture and the important role it plays in our lives, especially here in Boundary County. Idaho agriculture is diverse, abundant, and rooted in our history. According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho has nearly 25,000 farms and ranches which produce more than 185 different commodities.
Idaho senate nixes using endowment money for school facilities: Conservative senators killed a bill Wednesday to use $61 million in annual endowment money to replace and repair school buildings. The 5-4 Senate Education Committee vote effectively derails the one proposal that came from a House-Senate working group, which spent the fall studying the state’s facilities backlog. It also means the 2023 Legislature might not address the state of Idaho’s school buildings — an issue that has gone largely unanswered for decades. By Kevin Richert, IdahoEdNrews
Labrador joins AGs in defense of Kentucky wedding photographer: Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador today joined a coalition of 21 states, led by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in filing an amicus brief before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit supporting the religious liberty and free speech rights of a Louisville wedding photographer to decline to take photographs in a wedding that would go against her religious beliefs.
Dam! Boundary County holds one of Idaho's most mysterious places: KIDO Talk Radio, Boise, ran a piece today on their website, "The Fascinating True Story About This 'Abandoned' Idaho School," just one of Idaho's ten most mysterious places hiding in plain sight. One of those places is in Boundary County.
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Bonners Ferry, Idaho
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