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September 27
Clinton is coming home today: On September 16, Boundary Ambulance personnel shared an intense call with the community, a call nobody wants to hear come over the radio. They were dispatched for an unresponsive four-year-old boy. While en route, the child stopped breathing, and shortly after suffered cardiac arrest. A South Boundary Fire Protection District firefighter arrived on scene approximately two to three minutes after the child’s heart stopped beating, and without hesitating began life-saving compressions.
September 26
Surplus BFHS drafting tables being given away
The Boundary County School District #101 Board of Trustees has approved giving surplus Bonners Ferry High School drafting tables for free to community members. Anyone interested, should call the high school at (208) 267-3149 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to schedule a pick up.
Staples resigns as mayor: On Friday, September 22, Dick Staples submitted his resignation as Mayor of Bonners Ferry, citing a potential conflict of interest that involves the appointment of his son as manager of Mirror Lake Golf Course at the end of the year when current golf pro Ralph Lotspeich's contract expires and he steps down. Staple's resignation took effect at 5 p.m. that day. City council president Rick Alonzo is acting mayor and set to be appointed Mayor at Tuesday's city council meeting.
September 25
Red Cross in critical need of blood donations: The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as the national blood supply is dwindling after a lack of donations this summer. Hurricane Idalia and other events have strained the supply. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to ensure patients receive critical medical care. The American Red Cross is also calling specifically for platelet donors and type O blood donors.
Branden Durst resigns: After a tumultuous three months since the since the West Bonner County School District appointed him superintendent, Branden Durst, an analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, today tendered his resignation, his end date to be at the discretion of the school board.
Boundary County First Judicial District Court Dispositions
September 21 
LAUNCH grants go live October 3, sign up now for alerts: The application window for the Idaho LAUNCH grants opens October 3, and Idahoans can sign up now at https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch to get notified when high school seniors are able to apply. Idaho LAUNCH is an education and training grant program that was expanded this year to provide graduating high school seniors a one-time opportunity to have 80-percent of their tuition and fees paid for after high school, up to $8,000.  
September 20 
Reading on a rainy morning ...  
 
Students picking and reading books during free time on a rainy morning at Valley View Elementary. Is there anything more beautiful? Give them credit ... trust them.
Bonner County RCC censure attempts against commissioners fail with national news cameras rolling
On Tuesday night at the Bonner County Republican Central Committee meeting, two votes to censure county commissioners failed; Luke Odmodt (left), by a vote of 7 yes, 22 no, and Steven Bradshaw (right), 11 yes to 18 no. The petitions were originally submitted to chair Scott Herndon for their alleged failures "to support the United States and Idaho Constitutions and the Idaho Republican Party Platform.” Read more at https://bonnergop.org/news-2. In addition, Spencer Hutchings was voted off the central committee as treasurer. It was standing room only as well over 100 people showed up. An NBC news crew was in attendance as well, filming a segment on extremism in politics. 
No county general election November 7 ... 
 
Moyie Springs Mayor Steve Economu tendered his resignation at Tuesday's city council meeting due to health issues, and council member Geoff Hollenbeck, left, was sworn in as the city's new mayor. In turn, Hollenbeck swore in Pat Stevens, right, who was in the running for a council seat in the November 7 Boundary County general election. City clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser looks on. With his appointment, there are no contested races to decide in November, hence no county election. 
September 19 
Only one county race to be decided November 5
No write-in candidates filed for the 2023 November 5 Boundary County general election, so the sole county race on the ballot will incumbents Terry Johnson and Deborah Rauth and challenger Pat Stevens running for two seats on the Moyie Springs City Council.  
Bingham County GOP sues Idaho Republican Party: The Bingham County Republican Central Committee’s executive committee has filed a lawsuit against the Idaho Republican Party to block Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon from stepping in to fill county leadership vacancies. The lawsuit appears to represent another example of the divide within the Republican Party between Moon and her allies in state leadership and the longtime establishment wing of the GOP.  
September 18 
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions 
September 17 
A clarion call from 13 presidential centers; save our democracy: In an unprecedented cry of warning, 13 of the 14 U.S. Presidential Centers earlier this month issued a joint statement calling on the nation to reaffirm its embrace on the principals of our democratic republic as enunciated in the founding documents that established our nation's form of governance, that we return to civility and honesty in our governmental discourse, and to restore trust in public service. 
September 16
Quick CPR saves county four-year old: At approximately 8:42 a.m. today, Boundary Ambulance was dispatched for an unresponsive child a distance away from their nearest station. While en route, a dispatcher updated EMS that the child was no longer breathing. South Boundary Fire and Boundary County Sheriff’s deputies were closer and on scene before EMS arrived, and able, with their training and assistance from medics via radio, to initiate high-quality CPR within minutes of the child’s reported arrest.  
End of watch

At 3:09 p.m. today, a Boundary County Sheriff's dispatcher officially sounded 10-42, end of watch, for 30-year South Boundary Fire District Firefighter Wes Portrey, who died of cancer September 9 and whose funeral was held this afternoon. Thank you for your service, sir, your dedication to service and for your fine example.
Last Second Harvest food distribution of season set: Wednesday, October 4, the Boundary County Fairgrounds will be the site for the final free mobile food distribution of the season. Second Harvest and volunteers will distribute at the west end of the fairgrounds from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
September 15
Free car seat check events for Child Passenger Safety Week: A car seat is the most important seat a child will ever sit in. National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 17- 23, is right around the corner and a great time to make sure your child’s car seat fits. The Safe Start Car Seat Team will be in Boundary County Saturday, October 7, at South Boundary Fire Station 1, 20 Stagecoach Road, Naples. Last year in Idaho there were 1,943 crashes involving a child passenger between birth and six years old.
Moyie Springs City Council special meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, city hall.
Get ready for the respiratory virus season: Kids are back at school. Weather is cooling down. And it’s respiratory virus season. This fall and winter, we can expect flu, COVID, and RSV to be circulating along with the usual colds and bugs. Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to match the circulating flu viruses. Typically flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common for that flu season. Since flu viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine is updated to provide the best protection.
Fire weather watch Sunday: The National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a fire weather watch for North Idaho and parts of eastern Washington, in effect Sunday afternoon and evening as a dry cold front pushes across the region, bringing breezy conditions and low relative humidity conducive to quick wildfire starts and spread.
September 14
Boundary County School District 101 board meeting, 5 p.m. Monday, September 18, district office.
September 13
Creston teacher facing multiple sex charges: A teacher from Kootenay River Secondary School in Creston has been arrested for allegations of sexual offences against two students. On September 8, Kianuko Wayne Louie was formally charged with sexual exploitation, sexual assault, criminal harassment, extortion, telecommunications to lure a child under 18, and possessing child pornography under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter endorses open primary ballot initiative: Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter endorsed the open primary ballot initiative today, becoming the highest profile member of a group of more than 100 Republicans who support the initiative. During a press conference this morning at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, leaders of a coalition called Idahoans for Open Primaries announced that Otter and former Idaho First Lady Lori Otter were among a list of 116 Republicans who have signed on to endorse the open primary ballot initiative.  
September 12
IPNF controlled burns to begin: Due to the recent shift in temperatures and precipitation, favorable conditions are forecasted in the coming weeks to provide prescribed burning opportunities across the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Multiple prescribed burning projects are planned this fall, although the exact day of ignitions will depend upon conditions aligning with safe implementation. Prescribed burning is part of each Ranger District’s annual natural resource management program to reduce hazardous fuels, prepare areas for tree planting, and improve wildlife forage.
September 11
Remembering September 11, 2001 ...
Led by the Boundary County Chaplain's Corps and with the dignity and gravity lent by our firefighter's honor guard, a large contingent of Boundary County firefighters and peace officers but few county residents or dignitaries turned out this Patriot's Day, in remembrance of this, the 22nd anniversary of 9/11/01. Pastor Len Pine recounted, moment by moment, the tragic events of that day, of the lives lost as three aircraft were flown by hijackers to their doom; two into the towers of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and one, the last, brought down short of the hijackers' objective near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, by brave passengers who fought back. He recounted those who rushed into the face of danger that day; the police, the firefighters. Those who gave their last full measure that others might live. He recounted, with the repeating toll of a bell, the loss of so many lives, so many heroes.
BCSD 101 will interview sole applicant for vacant board seat
Boundary County School District 101 had only one applicant for the vacant Zone 3 Trustee position, Mike Ferson. He will be interviewed before the next scheduled board meeting on Monday, September 18.
Trump first to file for Idaho GOP 2024 presidential caucus: The Idaho Republican Party is pleased to announce the first filing of a declaration of candidacy with the Idaho Republican Party for the 2024 Presidential Caucus. Former President Donald J. Trump officially submitted his declaration of candidacy to Idaho Republican Party headquarters earlier today, expressing his dedication to addressing the critical issues facing our country and championing the values and principles that Republicans hold dear.
Paving planned between Labrosse Hill and Eisenhower Street: Beginning September 18, crews plan to begin a two-week daytime paving operation on U.S. Highway 95 between Labrosse Road and Eisenhower Street in Bonners Ferry. The most significant impacts are anticipated to be between September 18-28 when the continuous paving work will temporarily affect business and side road access while the asphalt mat is laid and cured in front of driveways. This process typically takes one to two hours and alternate access routes will need to be used during these times.
Radical right's vision for the future outlined in 'The Conservative Promise:' A 920-page manifesto, "Mandate for Leadership 2025; The Conservative Promise," with the stated goal of assembling "an army of aligned, vetted, trained and prepared conservatives prepared to go to work on Day One to deconstruct the Administrative State" offers a clear and troubling look at what "Make America Great" means, and it isn't beholden to current GOP front runner Donald Trump, but any "conservative" Republican elected to the presidency in November, 2024. Comment added
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions
Bump work set on Naples Bridge: Starting on Wednesday, September 13, Idaho Transportation Department crews will begin a one- to two-day repair project on the approaches to the Naples Bridge located along U.S. Highway 95 near milepost 497 in Boundary County. Work is scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day.
September 10
Submariners from USS Idaho to visit North Idaho: The USS Idaho Commissioning Committee will again welcome a contingent of the first U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the under-construction USS Idaho to the Gem State. One sailor, Petty Officer Robert Boscan, hails from Hayden. It is a core mission of the committee to familiarize the sailors with our state and to establish a bond between Idaho’s citizens and the sailors who will take the USS Idaho to sea as a crucial part of our nation’s military strategy.
September 9
Bonners Ferry woman, daughter, killed in Minnesota murder/suicide: Melanie Michele Jansen, 54, a 1987 graduate of Bonners Ferry living in Maple Grove, Minnesota, and her daughter, Hannah Nicole Parmenter, 29, Elk River, Minnesota, were both found dead, each shot multiple times, at a Breezy Point, Minnesota, time share resort at about 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 7. Michael Charles Toner, 59, also of Maple Grove, who'd been in a relationship with Jansen, was also in the room, dead of a single gunshot wound to the head.
September 8
Search for Brackebusch suspended: On Friday, September 8, 2023, Boundary County Sheriff's Office and the Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team made the tough decision to suspend the search for missing 73-year-old Mark Brackebusch, who was reported as missing on August 31 and is believed to have been in the forest since around August 25. On the final day of the search over 60 trained people representing 20 organizations across five counties in three states were organized into 10 teams to search for Brackebusch.
One challenger for November 7 election
Incumbents Rick Alonzo and Val Thompson will run unopposed for Bonners Ferry City Council and Dick Staples unopposed for Bonners Ferry Mayor. The deadline for filing for the November 7 election was 5 p.m. today. 9B News has heard but not verified that no challengers filed for county races, including those for School District 101 Board Zones 3 and 4. In Moyie Springs, there are three candidates vying for two seats; incumbents Terry Johnson and Deborah Rauth and challenger Pat Stevens.
South end access to McArthur Lake Road closed until next fall
Due to construction on the McArthur Lake Highway 95 realignment project, access at the southern McArthur Lake Road approach has been restricted. The temporary left turn lane shift does not safely accommodate turning traffic in this area. Please utilize the northern access for all McArthur Lake Road travel. This access restriction will be in effect until the fall of 2024.
September 7
Senior companion volunteers sought: The Senior Companions Program sponsored by Panhandle Health District is a volunteer program that provides companionship and respite care to the elderly and disabled. The program needs additional volunteers to serve seniors in the five northern counties: Boundary, Bonner, Benewah, Kootenai and Shoshone.
State rolling out payments to Idaho schools: Idahoans will see a lower property tax bill this fall as the State of Idaho picks up the tab for $300 million that would otherwise be covered by your property taxes. More than $106 million in state General Fund dollars started to roll out at the end of August to school districts across Idaho, part of the broader property tax relief plan championed by Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature this year.
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative meeting, 6 p.m. Monday, September 18, county annex
Flags to half staff on Patriot's Day: Monday, September 11, marks the 22-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in suburban Pennsylvania. Patriot Day serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning. All U.S. flags should be lowered to half-staff for the entire day on September 11.
EQIP offers help with management practices: The Boundary Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) would like to inform you of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). We support the combination of agriculture management and environmental quality as compatible goals. Anyone can receive cost free natural resource consultation and applicants to EQIP can potentially receive cost share for completing management practices
Woodward announces senate bid: Jim Woodward, business owner, retired Navy submariner, civic leader and lifelong Idahoan, announced today he is entering the 2024 Republican primary election for the Legislative District 1 senate seat. He is entering the race because Scott Herndon, the first-term incumbent, "reflects neither real Idaho values nor embraces principles held dear by a majority of North Idahoans."
September 6
Open Primary Initiative petitions to be at farmers market: Reclaim Idaho volunteers will be at the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the next two Saturdays, September 9 and 16, providing information about the Open Primary Initiative and gathering signatures to put the measure on the November, 2024, general election ballot. Volunteers need to collect signatures of over 65,000 registered voters from all over Idaho before May 2024 in order to get this initiative onto the ballot.
CANCELLED -- Boundary County School District 101 special board meeting, 4:30 p.m. Monday, September 11, district office -- CANCELLED
'Unity in the Community' festival coming Saturday
A festival celebrating “Unity in Our Community” will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 9, on the lawn of Trinity Lutheran Church, 6784 Cody Street, Bonners Ferry. Everyone in the Boundary community is invited to the festival showcasing several service groups affiliated with Trinity in some way. Organizations such as the Bo Co Backpack program, GROW Community Garden, Pack 114 Scouts, TLC Children's Center, TLC Quilters and several more will have booths providing information and fun activities for the whole family. Free ice cream sundaes, lawn games and arts and crafts will be part of the fun!
September 5
Valley View's new dismissal process didn't work as planned
Today was the first day implementing a new dismissal process at Valley View Elementary. Even with the best laid plans, it was rough. For that, principal Michelle Halter extends her wholehearted apologies for any distress it may have caused sttudents and their family. "We met as a staff after school and made some key changes which will result in a much smoother dismissal tomorrow," she said. "Thank you all for your grace; knowing we are determined to make this process efficient and safe."
Leads exhausted, search for Brackebush continues: Search teams continued looking today for Mark Brackebusch, 73, in the area around the Shorty Peak trailhead in northwest Boundary County. Crews from the Kootenai County Volunteer Search and Rescue team joined Boundary County searchers again today to conduct a search on foot. Today’s main objective was to cover previously searched areas by deploying search teams into areas that were identified by search dog activity yesterday as being higher probability areas.
Four planes, one helicopter, 114 kids: Cali Iacolucci was eight years old in 2012 when she flew for the first time in the Experimental Aircraft Association Bonners Ferry Chapter 757 Young Eagles flight program at the Boundary County Airport and decided she wanted to become a pilot. On Saturday, now a pilot pursuing both her instructors and commercial flight ratings, it was Cali in the pilot's seat, helping take 114 Boundary kids to the sky on their first flight!
September 4
Search for Mark Brackebush in fourth day: Search teams continued their search efforts Sunday for Mark Brackebush, 73, who was reported missing late Thursday night, and whose unoccupied vehicle was later found at the Shorty Peak trailhead in northwest Boundary County. Teams searched the nearby trail systems Sunday and focused primarily on searching the nearby drainages on foot.
9/11 memorial to be held: In honor of those whose lives were lost or permanently impacted on September 11, 2001, the Boundary County Chaplain Corps is proud to sponsor a local commemoration at 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 11, the Boundary County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Representatives of emergency services agencies will be in attendance, and the public is urged to attend as we remember and reflect upon one of the most momentous days in our national history.
Boundary County First Judicial District Court dispositions
September 2
Search for Brackebush goes on: Boundary County Search and Dive Rescue is still leading a search for a missing hiker around Shorty Peak in north Boundary County. Mark Brackebush, 73, has been missing for several days. The search has been centered around the area where his vehicle was located, and the surrounding trails and forest. This morning the search team was expanded to include volunteers from at least four local Boundary County fire districts as well as volunteers from Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Search and Rescue.
September 1
Jared Vernon seriously injured when tire explodes: Jared Vernon, who grew up in Bonners Ferry and is now living in Boise, was airing a tire he put on a rim July 19 when it exploded, launching him about eight feet up in the air, and into the open garage door overhead. After ricocheting off the garage door, he landed about six feet away on a concrete pad. His family is asking the community's help as he overcomes severe injuries.
Search underway for missing hiker: Boundary County Search and Rescue with assistance from Hall Mountain Fire are currently on a search for missing 73-year-old Mark Brackebush in the area of Shorty Peak. He is an avid hiker and has been possibly missing for several days. He was reported missing late last night after a friend checked his residence after he had not been heard from for a few days.
Despite rain, fire still a concern: With hunting seasons opening across the state and the Labor Day weekend on Idaho’s doorstep, officials from the Idaho Department of Lands and the non-profit group Idaho Sportsmen have an important message for outdoor enthusiasts. IDL Director Dustin Miller and Idaho Sportsmen Executive Director Benn Brocksome agree that fire season isn’t over yet, and caution is needed because the fire risk for most of Idaho remains high or very high.
 Weather
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
9B.News
Mike Weland, Publisher
mike@9b.news  

6931 Main St.
P.O. Box 1625
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
(208) 295-1016

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