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News Bonners Ferry Archives ~ March, 2011

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March 31, 2011
Bonners Ferry native to be honored for WWII service: World War II veteran Jim Stone said he was humbled when a letter arrived announcing he will soon receive the French Legion of Honor, the highest decoration bestowed by France. Like any other Bonners Ferry boy, he didn't think he deserved it.

Verifying the Facts: Local Chamber likes local jobs: After the president of the US Chamber of Commerce made the statement on national news that it was a good idea to send US jobs overseas, many local people and their business were concerned that this Chamber agreed. It doesn't.

Deadline for property tax relief programs near: Assessor David Ryals would like to remind Boundary County property owners that the April 15 filing deadline is fast approaching for certain property tax relief programs.

IPNF Seeks Campground Host Volunteers: The Bonners Ferry Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is seeking responsible volunteers to work as campground host at the historic Snyder Guard Station near the Moyie River in Boundary County. The District began accepting applications for the Snyder Guard Station host position beginning on Monday, March 14, 2011 and plans to select volunteers by May 10, 2011.

March 29, 2011
Branson crowned Distinguished Young Woman: After months of hard work and a gala evening, Kayla Branson was crowned Bonners Ferry High School's 2011 Distinguished Young Woman Saturday evening.

Severe burns send local man to Harbor View: A 26-year old Bonners Ferry man suffered severe burns Saturday while trying to light a warming barrel while doing some work at what used to be Wohali's Wrecking Yard south of Naples.

School trustee defends Evergreen closure: One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to help make was the closing of Evergreen school.  I went there when I was a child from grades 1 to 4. My children also went there. My son missed out on his fifth grade year with the closure.
Woman who died in Hayden accident from Bonners Ferry: A 34-year old woman killed after accidentally driving into Hayden Lake March 17 was a 1995 graduate of Bonners Ferry High School and a former employee at the Kootenai River Inn before moving to Hayden.

Habitat for Humanity looking for land: Boundary County Habitat for Humanity is seeking donated building lots or parcels of land that can be divided into building lots in the City of Bonners Ferry to help local citizens who couldn't otherwise afford it live the dream of home ownership.

County unemployment rate creeps up: According to the Idaho Department of Labor, half of Idaho’s 44 counties posted higher seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in February, up from 20 recording higher rates in January. Boundary County is among them.
Study shows Panhandle Health where to improve health: A study out of the University of Wisconsin that ranks Idaho’s counties according to factors that determine health shows that Kootenai County residents live long and prosper compared to much of the state and, in particular, to residents of Shoshone County.
Court records and sheriff's log
March 24, 2011
'Music Man' extravaganza coming Sunday: Seventy-six trombones and the big parade are making their way to Bonners Ferry from New York City Saturday with the Broadway tour of "The Music Man!" as it's going to take a day to set the stage for the Sunday showing. The Bonners Ferry Friends of the Arts have been working non-stop all season to make this show possible, and if you miss it on the hometown stage, you're going to have to pay big bucks and drive a long way for a second chance.

School board candidate makes introduction: Paul Shelton, a candidate for the Zone 4 position on the Boundary County School District 101 Board of Trustees, introduces himself to the people who'll be voting May 17.

Salmonella scare prompts cantaloupe recall: Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is recalling approximately 60,000 cantaloupes that were distributed at Costco warehouse stores because of possible Salmonella contamination. There are currently no confirmed Idaho cases linked to the outbreak, although the product was distributed in the state.
March 22, 2011
Alonzo-Alt becomes an Airman: Derrick Alonzo-Alt, a 2010 graduate of Bonners Ferry High School, this week earned the right to the title of Air Force Airman, graduating near the top of his basic training class at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

BNSF rail line reopens after spill: After two days of around-the-clock work, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line reopened this morning after a derailment Sunday afternoon just past the Leonia Bridge in Montana shut down traffic.
March 21, 2011
Both School Board seats contested: On the same day an election will be held to give a thumbs up or down to a two year, $2.8-million Boundary County School District Maintenance and Operations levy, voters will also have the opportunity to decide two school board positions that will be on the ballot.

BNSF grain train derails in Lincoln County: A report of a train derailment in Boundary County Sunday afternoon actually occured about three miles east of the Montana State line, but because the call came in to our local sheriffs dispatch, local emergency personnel responded.

Otter, guests greeted by peaceful protest: When Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Senator Mike Crapo and U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador arrived in Bonners Ferry Saturday morning for a Republican celebration, they weren't merely welcomed by the glad-hand crowd. Instead, they had to pass a line of picketers on their way to the Kootenai River Inn.

 

Court record and Sheriff's Log
March 18, 2011
Public hearing set on county zoning ordinance: After years of often contentious work, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday approved taking a proposed zoning and subdivision ordinance to public hearing, slating a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the main courtroom at the Boundary County Courthouse.

P&Z approves 'gravel pit:' The Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission held a marathon public hearing Thursday evening over a proposed "gravel pit" on District 2 Road and recommended approval of the zone map amendment it would require. In the end, despite strong opposition, they unanimously approved both, subject to conditions and final approval by county commissioners.
March 15, 2011
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN according to law and requisite action by the Board of Trustees of Boundary School District No. 101, Boundary County, Idaho, that a special replacement supplemental levy election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.

Local liquor store to open this Sunday: Boundary County Commissioners on Monday approved a resolution to allow off-premise liquor sales at the state liquor store in Bonners Ferry, but as early as this morning, it looked like putting that resolution into effect would take months. Not now.

Commissioners see long spring breakup: County Commissioners on Monday released a letter on the severity of this spring season , and with most county roads closed to hauling, promised strict enforcement of the closures.

Commissioners OK Sunday liquor sales: County commissioners on Monday voted two to one to allow the Bonners Ferry State Liquor Store to open on Sunday, a move expected to raise an extra $3,000 in liquor sales per week and bring in added revenue for the county.

Court records and sheriffs log
March 12, 2011
Spring break-up upon us: With warming temperatures, spring break up is here, and nearly all roads in Boundary County are now closed to hauling until further notice.
North Idaho State Highway 3 renamed: On March 10, Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Senator John Goedde and other North Idaho legislators gathered in Boise for the signing of Senate Bill 1050, designating Idaho State Highway 3, a 117-mile north-south route connecting U.S. 12 near Spalding with I-90 near Rose Lake, as the North Idaho Medal of Honor Highway.

Callie's Niche celebrating 10 years: April will mark the 10th anniversary of Callie's Niche, 6429 Bonner Street in downtown Bonners Ferry, and owner Callie Gahr is going to make it special as a way to express her thanks for everyone for being there and supporting her business.

Chamber Visitor Center seeks volunteers: Ask not what the Visitor Center can do for you, but what you can do for "your" Visitor Center!

March 25 a School Snow Day: In order to preserve summer vacation, Boundary County School District 101 students will be attending class on Friday, March 25, to make up for days missed to snow this winter.
March 10, 2011
You can spend your whole life hunting ... Life-long Boundary County resident Rick Dinning has spent countless hours stalking the woods and forests of North Idaho in search of big game, but he's wondering if it was time well spent.

Special City Council meeting March 10: The Bonners Ferry City Council will hold a special meeting at 4:45 p.m. to approve a liquor license for Marios.

Family who lost home to fire need help: A family whose home was seriously damaged by fire on Brown Creek Road Saturday morning are currently staying at a Bonners Ferry motel thanks to the local Red Cross as they try to put their lives back together.

Youth program director sought: Boundary County Parks & Rec is seeking a youth program director to oversee the county's summer youth recreational program.

School Trustee election set: An election will be held May 10 for two school board positions, and those interested in running have until March 18 to file declaration of candidacy petitions to have your names on the ballot.

March 8, 2011
School M&O levy fails: The $1.4-million School District 101 Maintenance and Operations levy fell by a margin of 158 votes today with 2,128 voters going to the polls, with 1,143 voting no to 985 voting yes.

Bonners Ferry to welcome 'The Pearl Theater:' The votes are in, and the little community theater on Ash Street will have a name. The contest posted in the Bonners Ferry Herald two weeks ago garnered over 30 entries for possible names for the theater.

Local man gets year at Cottonwood for DUI: Jose G. Luna, 40, Bonners Ferry, will serve a 365-day rider in the Idaho Department of Corrections facility in Cottonwood after pleading guilty felony DUI.
March 7, 2011
New county Parks & Rec Board seated: Boundary County Commissioners met today with their newly re-formed Parks and Recreation Board, discussing issues and answering questions on the duties the volunteers are tasked with.

McNally anwswers critics on pit proposal: Facing growing and vocal opposition to a proposal to have a 56.9 acre parcel at the far end of District 2 Road rezoned to allow consideration of a conditional use permit to establish a gravel pit, applicant Kevin McNally is concerned that terminology might be getting in the way of what he sees as an eminently sensible idea.

Shayen sentenced for store scuffle: Irene Shayen, 55, Bonners Ferry, will spend at least another year of incarceration in addition to the 145 days she’s already spent in jail after getting into a fight with two Bonners Ferry Police Officers after she and her daughter, Andrea Shayen, 33, were asked to leave a local store September 18, 2010, after attempting to pull off a scam.

Court Records and Sheriff's Log

McNally anwswers critics on pit proposal: Facing growing and vocal opposition to a proposal to have a 56.9 acre parcel at the far end of District 2 Road rezoned to allow consideration of a conditional use permit to establish a gravel pit, applicant Kevin McNally is concerned that terminology might be getting in the way of what he sees as an eminently sensible idea.
March 6, 2011
Labradoodles need homes: Pawsitive Works has some very special "dandy-doodles" looking for forever homes, beautiful mutts who've not only proven that they're great dogs, but who became that way, in part, by teaching that love given is love returned.
Spokane String Quartet wows small audience: A small but appreciative audience turned out Sunday afternoon for a virtuoso performance by the Spokane String Quartet, a group of international reknown brought to the stage at the Becker Auditorium by the Bonners Ferry Friends of the Arts.

Peguin Plungers raise more than $5,000: Initial reports yesterday on this site regarding the 2011 Penguin Plunge were wrong. Instead of the 50 reported brave souls jumping into the water, there were only 40.

 

March 5, 2011
A one horse town without a hitching post: There are a number of people in Boundary County, younger folks, mainly, who complain that there's nothing to do here. Back in the day, they'd have called it a one horse town. Not Wayne Nishek. New comments added!

Balmy day for a penguin plunge: With the sun breaking through, an ambient air temperature of a balmy 39-degrees Fahrenheit and fresh snow just beginning to melt on the banks of the river, more than 50 brave and intrepid souls boldly leapt off the Deep Creek boat launch at noon today for a chilly dip into the icy Kootenai.

Fire destroys Brown Creek Home: A family who'd only moved in last year lost their Brown Creek Road home to fire this morning. The family was away on a snowmobiling trip and no one was at home when the fire broke out.
March 4, 2011
Gloria WhiteQuiet but colorful local figure dies: Gloria White, a 40-year resident of Boundary County who built a log cabin on land she owned on Katka Mountain, died February 23 at the age of 69. And that might be off by a year.

Winter weather advisory issued: The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the North Idaho Panhandle, including Boundary County, beginning at 4 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Saturday.
March 1, 2011
Students ask for ‘yes’ vote: It’s not unusual to see students and athletes at Ron and Evelyn Smith’s house evenings and weekends. There’s usually a get together of some kind, team barbecues, meetings, a whole gamut of reasons to gather. But on Saturday morning, three students showed up at the house early for a more serious reason, to urge people to get out and vote “Yes” on the School District 101 Maintenance and Operations levy.

Court Records and Sheriff's Log

Mutter loses motion for reduced sentence: A convicted forger currently serving two to four years in prison was denied a Rule 35 motion for a reduced sentence Monday, with County Prosecutor Jack Douglas and Judge Ben Simpson both agreeing that the reason presented for the request by defense attorney Michael Waldrup were insufficient.

Locals gather to saved Medicaid: More than 50 people gathered in the frigid cold on the morning of Saturday, February 19, joining similar rallies statewide to send the Idaho legislature the same message – don’t cut Medicaid.

Moir denied Rule 35 relief: Robert Moir, 66, Bonners Ferry, was denied his Rule 35 motion for relief Monday, Feb. 28, after he was sentenced Sept. 27, 2010, for his ninth DUI conviction since 1973.

 

Smith facing sentencing for probation violations: Brandon Smith, 24, Boundary County, could face up to seven years in prison and a fine on a 2008 conviction for possession of methamphetamine after pleading guilty to violating terms of his probation.

 

Voters to decide on school M&O levy March 8: Voters will go to the polls from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, to decide whether or not to continue a two-year, $1.4-million Boundary County School District 101 supplemental maintenance and operations levy that has been in existence for 25 years.
February 28, 2011

Stacy BrownLocal officer leads first MPO class
On February 4, 15 probation officers from around the state graduated from the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy’s first misdemeanor probation officers training course. It was led by Stacy Brown, Boundary County’s chief probation officer, who was elected class president by her classmates.

Be ready for flooding: Boundary County Commissioners are sending letters to several property owners along the upper Moyie River in and near Eastport to encourage them to prepare for potential flooding.

Wasden Issues Report on Idaho Mortgage Foreclosures: Attorney General Lawrence Wasden recently  released the "Attorney General’s Report on the Idaho Housing Crisis and How Stakeholders Can Facilitate Cooperative Solutions.”

Crapo Moves to Block Internet Regulation Power Grab: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must be stopped in trying to implement rulemaking that could affect Americans’ access to the Internet and stifle innovations that have made the Internet a world-wide base for information and technology.

Energy Information Guide Unveiled In Idaho: Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced last month that the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance (ISEA) has completed work on the Idaho Energy Primer, an educational booklet designed to provide information on the sources, production, distribution and use of energy in the state to help Idaho citizens and businesses make informed decisions about our energy future.

Flood Mapping Flaws Bring Broad Response: Problems with the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts federal flood mapping have resulted in a broad-based, bipartisan call for change that straddles state and federal jurisdictions.

Obituaries

Jennifer Gonzalez, February 8, 1977 ~ March 17, 2011
Evelyn Joy Williams, July 30, 1944 ~ March 21, 2011
Florence Payne, February 20, 1921 ~ March 21, 2011
Frieda Irene Grove, December 30, 1928, March 20, 2011
Gerald Bennett Bruce, October 1, 1927 ~ March 20, 2011
Eugene E. “Gene” Neumayer, December 28, 1928 ~ March 14, 2011
Harold Keith Dirks, January 26, 1924 ~ March 14, 2011
Richard Lee Krogh, September 20, 1933 ~ March 13, 2011
Eileen Mara Zwinger, July 20, 1926 ~ March 11, 2011
Carol Jean Sayer, December 25, 1940 ~ March 11, 2011
Ronald J. Hughes, March 26, 1934 ~ March 10, 2011
Dr. Roger Harold John, October 23, 1944 ~ March 9, 2011
Richard B. "Dick" Washington, January 16, 1917 ~ March 3, 2011
Gloria Ann White, October, 1941 ~ February 23, 2011
Mary Louise Neumeyer, March 23, 1916 ~ February 28, 2011
George Robert Counts, December 19, 1929 - February 27, 2011
James A. McClure, December 26, 1924 ~ February 26, 2011
Sherri Ann Carter, October 5, 1956 ~ February 17, 2011

Social

Branson - Robins Lindsay Branson and her beau, Joe Robins, were wed Saturday, April 9, at Mt. Hall Community Church.
Mills - Gladney wed: Ashley Lauren Mills and Cody Jack Gladney, the grandson of Faye Gladney, Bonners Ferry, were married Saturday, Aug. 28, at Briscoe Manor in Richmond, Texas.
Derrick Alonzo-AltAlonzo-Alt advancing in the Air Force: Derrick Alonzo-Alt, a 2010 graduate of Bonners Ferry High School, is nearing the end of a rigorous 8 ½ weeks of Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Kids invited to enter art: The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Idaho Boating Program “Wear It” Poster Contest.

Sports

Badger wrestlers finish second at State: Badger coach Conrad Garner took 16 wrestlers to the state A3 competition in Nampa, and as always, the Badgers fought well, coming away with eight medals and second place overall behind the Snake River Panthers.

Letters

Pam Copeland: Parks & Rec board has dreams.

Tim Bertling: Is this a retirement community?

Carolyn Testa: In response to You can spend your whole life hunting

Lori Otter: Whether you have been at the head of the classroom or in a desk on the other end, you know the importance of quality teaching. It makes all the difference.
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