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News Bonners Ferry is dedicated to providing news and information of importance to the people of Boundary County, Idaho, when it happens, sometimes as it happens.

Our archives will stay on line as long as News Bonners Ferry does ... accessible to everyone and providing a look back at the news and information that was presented on these pages.
Obituaries
Florence Ellen Cavender, December 3, 1920 ~ January 23, 2017
Richard Earl Eby, December 17, 1934 ~ January 15, 2017
William "Bill" Daniel Fleck, June 29, 1971 ~ January 20, 2017
Jim Garry Irwin, June 27, 1936 ~ January 17, 2017
Clara Lethrud Nelson, November 5, 1923 ~ November 22, 2016
Cynthia Nell "Tyler" Tajan, April 20, 1948 ~ January 9, 2017
Joyce Ellen Johnson, July 4, 1936 ~ January 1, 2017
Elizabeth "Betty" Beck, November 13, 1942 ~ January 2, 2017
Viola Jantz, December 29, 2016
Ramona Mae Holmes Plato, January 15, 1930 ~ December 21, 2016
Social
Sheriff Kramer shares plans with Rotary: On Tuesday, January 24, newly elected Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer visited the Bonners Ferry Rotary to discuss the direction the Sheriff's Office will go under his supervision. First and foremost, Sheriff Kramer said he would like to see the relationship between deputies and the community improve, as well as provide better education and direction for the current deputies.
Siver to serve as district FFA sentinel: Congratulations to Bonners Ferry FFA member Shawna Siver, who was selected today to serve as the 2017/2018 North Idaho District FFA Sentinel.
News from the Restorium: The Community Restorium is a place of activity, festivity and hominess as evidenced with the happenings of events that occurred in December and the new year. Residents celebrated the new year with entertainment provided by the Kootenai Kloggers Square Dancers and lots of food on New Year’s eve. By Elsie Hollenbeck
What's happening at BFHS! Quick notes from or about Mr. Knaggs, Mr. Nix, Ms. Ireland, Mr. Omodt, Ms. Garner, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Depriest and more on what's happening in the halls and classrooms at Bonners Ferry High School!
Two make aviation strides at Northern Air :  Northern Air happy to announce the graduations of Steve Parsons of Sandpoint, who received his IFR rating on January 7, and Jim Woodward of Sagle, who received his Private Pilot's license on January 7 in his Maule airplane.
Western Acrylic owners visit Rotary: Dave and Judi Miller of Western Acrylic, a Sandpoint plastic fabrication business on Highway 95 that's been in operation since 1980, were the speakers at the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday.
Mr. Murray BCSD Employee of the Month: I believe without a doubt that the difference between good and great teachers is that great teachers are always learning. We at Naples Elementary have a school full of great teachers, and I get to recognize one of them. By Principal Lisa Iverson
MacDonald introduces Rotary to IDCIS: On Tuesday, Summer MacDonald, Idaho Department of Labor Bonners Ferry, spoke to the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club about the Idaho Career Information System, the Educate Idaho Network and the North Idaho Education Partnership.
Bonnell to teach history at NIC: Beginning with the Spring 2017 semester, Paul Bonnell, Bonners Ferry, will teach History 112-60, U.S. History After 1876, at North Idaho College. Paul has taught several semesters for North Idaho College over the past decade in both dual-credit and adjunct capacities.
Sports
Deadline near for Future Badger Basketball: Anne Tompkins‎, Boundary County Parks & Rec, has 40 kids signed up for Parks & Rec Basketball with room for almost 130 more to sign up before the February 4 deadline.
BFHS weight room open to eighth grade athletes: Any eighth graders who are planning on playing high school football next year are welcome to come and lift weights after school Monday through Thursday in the high school weight room.
Take that hunter education course before the season starts: Even though Idaho's spring turkey hunting season is months away, now is a great time for beginning hunters to register for and complete a hunter education course.
Time to apply for spring bear hunt nears: Hunters wanting to participate in this spring's controlled hunts for black bear can apply from January 15 through February 15.
IDFG Commission to meet: The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set seasons for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat when it meets January 25 and 26 at Fish and Game headquarters in Boise.
Letters
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo: “As the tax filing season approaches, it is critical that all taxpayers remember to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be IRS and Treasury employees,” warns the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), J. Russell George.
U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador: I have always strongly supported protections for the unborn and I’m happy to report two big wins for the pro-life movement in the first week of the Trump Administration.
Rosanne Smith: January 6 ... January 12 ... January 14 ... January 17. This is how many times I have requested the minutes for Moyie Springs council meetings and "special" meetings held in December 2016. January 21, 2017 ... email inbox still empty ...
U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador: Today is more important than just the inauguration of our 45th president. Today we celebrate a 220-year tradition of the peaceful transfer of power in our great nation.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo: I recently wrote about the need to heed the Social Security Trustee’s warnings and shore up Social Security. Like the requirements for the Social Security Trustees to annually assess the state of the trust funds that support the Social Security program, the Medicare Trustees are also required by law to report to Congress on the state of the Medicare trust funds.
Idaho Representative Heather Scott: Monday kicked off with Governor Otter delivering the annual State of the State address. Idaho’s future is looking bright as it is going into its seventh straight year of economic growth.
U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador: This week I moved to relieve Idaho’s overloaded federal courts by introducing a bill authorizing a third U.S. District judge in the District of Idaho. Since 2015, Idaho has had just one full-time district court judge and the Judicial Conference of the United States has declared a judicial emergency in our state.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo: In its most recent report out in June, the Trustees of the Social Security trust fund provided another warning that Congress must act now to address the shortfalls of the Social Security trust fund.
U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador: The new Republican-controlled Congress convened last week. We’re eager to work with President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office Jan. 20. My agenda has much in common with our new President’s plans and I look forward to a very productive partnership.
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Boundary County Archives ~ January, 2017
News
January 31
Boundary Abstract open in new location: After decades of doing business in the old Creamery building downtown, Boundary Abstract would like to announce their new location, having moved to the top of the South Hill at 6977 South Main on the corner of Madison, just as you turn to go to the pool.
First North Idaho flu-related death of 2017 reported: Panhandle Health District (PHD) is reporting North Idaho’s first influenza-related death for the 2016-17 flu season. An adult woman from Kootenai County died in early January due to complications from an influenza infection.
Boundary County Commission minutes, January 9-10
January 28
County kids shine at annual spelling bee: Bonners Ferry Rotary was proud to sponsor the 2017 Annual District Spelling Bee for Boundary County. Elementary school students in third, fourth and fifth grades went to the Free Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry for the oral competition this morning.
Badger eighth graders show off courtroom prowess: A group of Boundary County Middle School eighth graders and their chaperones boarded a bus early this morning and traveled to the courthouse in Spokane, where they took part in a region-wide mock trial competition.
January 26
Foster charged with attempted murder: Adam Deacon Foster has officially been charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder for his involvement in the January 16 officer involved shooting near Blanchard.
Kuna man nabbed for child porn: Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has announced investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested a Kuna man Wednesday for sexual exploitation of a child.
Stay clear of wintering wildlife: Winter provides great opportunities to view Idaho wildlife against snow covered hillsides. But it is very important to enjoy the view from a distance. Winter can be very stressful for wildlife, especially in winters like this when snow is deep and temperatures are cold. By Mike Demick
January 25
We made it through Semester 1! With finals wrapping up at Bonners Ferry High School, it is a pleasure to say we are putting a cap on Semester 1. By Principal Kevin Dinning
January 24
Suspect in deputy shooting moved to jail: Adam Deacon Foster, 30, was released earlier today from Kootenai Health after being wounded January 16 in a shootout with three Bonner County Sheriff's deputies who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him at his home in Blanchard.
KCSO seeks info on warming hut fire: The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding a suspicious fire. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fire that completely destroyed the Skitwish warming hut off Forest Service Road 202 near Marie Saddle.
Toline appointed to Bonners Ferry City Council: At its January 17 Bonners Ferry City Council meeting, Ken Toline was appointed by Mayor David Sims to fill the city council seat vacated by the resignation of former city councilwoman Connie Wells.
BFHS First Robotics Team 2130 Alpha+ kicks off 11th Season: BFHS FIRST Robotics Team 2130 Alpha+ began its eleventh season at the start of the school year. FIRST Robotics enables students to access cutting edge technology, use sophisticated hardware, and develop strong teamwork skills, while working with a group of skilled mentors. By Rayan Naylor
BCH offers assistance with meds class: Boundary Community Hospital, in affiliation with North Idaho College Vocational Training Program, is registering students for an Assistance with Medications - Combined Oral and Expanded class.
January 23
Meier named to county post: Michael N. Meier was named Boundary County Director of Emergency Management by county commissioners today, taking the place of long-time director Dave Kramer, who is now sheriff.
All Class Reunion Committee not sending mailings: Graduates of Bonners Ferry High School and the current class of 2017 are asked please share and have all classmates you stay in touch with like the Bonners Ferry High School All Class Reunion page on Facebook.
Second deputy home after being shot: Bonner County Deputy Michael Gagnon, 53, went home today from Kootenai Health, one week after being shot three times in a shootout in Blanchard last Monday.
Don't feed: Help keep wildlife wild: As the snow piles up, we get reports from the public that deer and elk have come down from the mountains and are looking hungry. Some think feeding deer and elk will help the animals survive the rough winter months. By Wayne Wakkinen
KCSO offering active shooter class: On January 28, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office will be offering a free 2 1/2 hour Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class at our Volunteer Search & Rescue building for any citizen who would like to attend.
State website gets revamped: Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced Friday that the State of Idaho’s official website, www.idaho.gov, has a fresh, user-friendly new design and significantly improved functionality.
January 21
Washington escapees captured after foot chase: Two Washington State men wanted for escape now face additional charges in Idaho after attempting to flee law enforcement this afternoon in Boundary County.
January 20
Deputy Penn released from hospital: Bonner County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Penn, 30, who was one of two deputies shot on Monday while attempting to serve a warrant on Adam Foster in Blanchard, was released from Kootenai Health earlier today.
Deputy cleared in fatal pedestrian collision: On October 8, 2016, Idaho State Police began an investigation of the fatal crash involving Kootenai County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle driven by Deputy Andrew Nye and a pedestrian, Amber Viuhkola, on U.S. Highway 95 near Miles Road.
USFS seeking hardworking fire personnel: U.S. Forest Service Region 4 is looking for a committed, hardworking, highly skilled workforce to suppress wildfires and work in fuels management on 12 National Forests located in Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah and California.
When it comes to cold, play it safe: The weather outside may be frightful, after all, we live in North Idaho and six months out of the year it’s cold and wet, windy and sometimes miserable. Did you know that the most common cold weather injuries in our area are hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains (sometimes called frost nip) and “trench foot?”  By Stu Willis, MD and Pete Cassidy, RN
Beck's Furniture to close for painting: Beck's Furniture Store, 6443 McCall Street, Bonners Ferry, will be closed January 27-29 as they repaint the mattress section at the north end of the store.
January 19
If you are a parent of one of Janis Tucker's speech students or know of a speech student, please let them know Mrs. Tucker will be at the school tomorrow, Friday, January 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. if they need help or just need time to work on their final speech. The computer lab will be open. Enter through north end of the building.
The 2017 District Spelling Bee has been rescheduled, due to school closures, to Saturday, January 28, at Free Methodist Church. Competition begins at 9 a.m. with third grade and continues through fifth grade.
Time to renew city dog licenses: Bonners Ferry residents who own pet pooches are reminded that with the new year, it's time to get your annual dog licenses. Everyone living within Bonners Ferry city limits who keeps or harbors a dog is required, pursuant to City Code 5-3B-3 to purchase a license tag for each dog.
School board to hold M&O levy workshops: The Boundary County School District #101 board finalized dates and locations for the upcoming Maintenance and Operations Levy workshops during their meeting on Wednesday, January 11.
Pearl Theater to celebrate Robert Burns: Put on your plaid and join us at The Pearl for a glimpse of Old World Scotland at Burns Night at 7 p.m. Saturday! Come on in to share some traditional Shepherd’s pie, Bubbles and Squeeks, Red and Green cake and heartwarming soup as you immerse yourself in the traditions of Scotland.
Busy but fun times at Naples and Mt. Hall! With second quarter coming to its end, it’s a nice time to sit back and reflect on what a great second quarter it was. Mt. Hall and Naples were especially busy. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, as well as all of the excitement that goes into the holiday season. By Principal Lisa Iverson
~ Due to inclement weather, Boundary and Bonner County public schools are closed today. ~
Boundary County Commission minutes, December 26-27
January 18
'Backyard Poultry' coming to NIC Sandpoint: If you are trying to decide what kinds of poultry to raise, check out "Backyard Poultry: Eggs, Meat and Much More!" at 6:30 p.m. each Monday from February 6 through February 20 at North Idaho College at Sandpoint, 102 Euclid Avenue.
~ Due to inclement weather, Boundary County Public Schools are closed today. ~
January 17
Names of those involved in Bonner County shooting released: The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office has identified the Bonner County Sheriff's deputies shot on Monday while attempting to serve a warrant in Blanchard, as well as the name of the suspect.
Areal flood watch issued: The National Weather Service has issued an areal flood watch for North Idaho and northeast Washington, in effect from Wednesday morning through late Thursday night.
Attendance vital to student performance: Are you looking for a New Year’s Resolution that will help your children succeed? I have an easy plan. The business of education is to help people make informed decisions. The only way to do this is to teach the facts, increase communication and share knowledge. Superintendent's Scoop by Gary Pflueger
Idaho to receive $7.48 million in settlement with Moody's: Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced on Friday that a nearly $864 million settlement has been reached with Moody’s Corporation, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Moody’s Analytics, Inc., by the U.S. Department of Justice, 21 states and the District of Columbia.
Otter takes steps to protect state computer networks: Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed an executive order Monday enacting the recommendations of his Cybersecurity Task Force. They include appointing a “Director of Information Security” to lead efforts to detect, identify and thwart hacks on the State of Idaho’s computer networks.
January 16
Storm warning issued for snow, sleet, ice: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for snow, freezing rain and sleet in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Thursday. The winter storm watch issued Sunday is no longer in effect.
Two Bonner County deputies shot: An investigation is underway after two Bonner County Sheriff's deputies were shot while attempting to serve a warrant on Mountain View Road in Blanchard shortly before 11:30 a.m. today. At a press conference this afternoon, a Kootenai County deputy told reporters that both deputies and the suspect, all of whom were transported to Kootenai Health, are expected to survive. Both deputies, he said, were shot three times. As yet no names are being released, nor is the condition of the suspect.
BCH orthopedic clinic expands: The Orthopedic Clinic at Boundary Community Hospital is expanding. Mike Schicker, DO, from North Idaho Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Ponderay will have specialist clinic hours on Friday mornings starting this month.
Emergency responders train for river spill: On Saturday, January 14, several first responders from local fire departments, Boundary County Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office and Kootenai Tribal Police came together to train with Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad personnel on spill containment on the Kootenai and Moyie Rivers.
Stay safe from scam tax calls: The Boundary County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone that it's income tax time again, and with that comes the telephone scams by people representing themselves as being with the IRS or State Tax Commission.
Bonners Ferry City Council minutes, December 20
January 15
Frozen rain, sleet expected: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for North Idaho and northeast Washington for freezing rain from this evening through Wednesday morning.
January 13
Capturing wolverines with pixels and wire brushes: The forest floor has a thick blanket of snow topped by a layer of bone-chilling air that’s so still a creaking tree sounds like an airhorn. It appears all animals have abandoned the forest for warmer climes, but biologist Diane Evans Mack’s remote cameras tell a different story. A handful of hardy animals roam Idaho’s snowy, mountainous forests, and among them are wolverines.
North Idaho elk study in its fourth year: Fish and Game biologists in Idaho’s Panhandle region have started the fourth year of a comprehensive elk mortality study. Working with a private helicopter contractor, biologists have been in the field capturing and collaring elk since January 8.
January 12
Warm up coming next week, flooding possible: A change in the weather pattern next week will bring above freezing temperatures to much of the region and the potential for significant rainfall to far eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle.
Scott stripped of committee assignments: Idaho District 1A Representative Heather Scott was stripped of all legislative committee assignments on the House floor today, disciplined under rules that forbid members from disparaging colleagues or the legislative body as a whole.
Weed program applications available: The Boundary County Weed Department has applications for the 2017 Neighborhood Co-op Weed Program at the U of I Extension Office in Bonners Ferry.
Rob Gust-CJ Erickson scholarships offered: The Rob Gust-CJ Erickson School Scholarship will be awarded to two graduating seniors of Bonners Ferry High School pursuing higher education through the attendance of an accredited vocational program.
January 11
Rockey getting back to his inimitable self: According to his sister, Teresa Becker, Rockey Burkholder is doing much better today. His speech, she posted on Facebook, is much more coherent and structured, his appetite is great and he's continually trying to set up the female and male nurses with each other, complimenting all the ladies.
Award winning team to create local snow sculpture: Boundary County friends and families are invited to join Lee Harris, captain of the Bonners Ferry international snow sculpting team, as she and her team create an original snow sculpture in our very own back yard!
Tonight's full moon mimics path of July sun: Tonight – January 11, 2017 – the moon will appear bright and full in the sky from around the world. It’ll look full tomorrow night, too, because, in fact, the moon appears full for a couple of nights around its fullest phase. By Bruce McClure, EarthSky
ISP Road Safe class offered: The Idaho State Police will be holding a Road Safe Class for the 2016/2017 winter driving season from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 28.
January 10
Expect chilly temps tonight: The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for North Idaho in effect from midnight tonight through 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Work to begin on Naples Bridge: Structural repairs will be made to the Naples Bridge on Deep Creek Loop, just south of the Naples Store, beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, and continue from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until work is completed by February 10.
Good citizenship shines at BCMS: It is unbelievable that this semester is almost over. One half a year almost completed? Where does the time go? I know where a lot of it went. It went to helping our community, competing, participating in various events and generally being great people and citizens.
Digging out ...
Mike Ashby photo
Kids got an extra day of vacation and city, county and state crews spent much of the day Monday digging out after another load of snow fell across the region overnight Sunday. And while we should see a bit of sun Wednesday through Friday, it's likely we'll see more snow over the weekend and into next week, and rain is likely on Wednesday, January 18, followed by a freezing rain/snow mix.
Hiring event Wednesday in Post Falls: More than 20 employers are slated for the monthly hiring event at the Idaho Department of Labor Post Falls office, N600 Thornton Street. The event runs from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, January 11.
Scott, Nate work at Growing Freedom for Idaho: The Idaho Legislature will have the opportunity to support a strong agenda for Growing Freedom in Idaho during the 2017 Legislative Session. The agenda, driven by citizen input and geared toward cultivating greater personal freedoms for Idahoans, was released last week by Representatives Heather Scott and Ronald Nate.
With cold weather, be CO smart: In wake of the persistent winter weather, Panhandle Health District is reminding North Idaho residents to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Idaho second quarter wages up from last year: Idaho’s private sector average weekly wage grew by $30 between the second quarters of 2015 and 2016 to $743.
Idaho population growth strongest since 2008: Idaho’s population grew by 1.8 percent between mid-2015 and mid-2016, the third strongest increase of all states and 1.1 percentage point ahead of the national growth rate.
Boundary County Commission minutes, December 19-20
Boundary County Commission minutes, December 5-6
Moyie Spring City Council minutes, December 7
January 9
4-H meeting cancelled
The Roadrunners 4-H club meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to weather conditions and and school closure. If you have any questions please call club leader Rona Fields at 267-7292.
Birders enjoy successful 117th Audubon bird count: On Wednesday, December 28, 12 birders (bird watchers) from as far away as Boise wandered a 7 ½ mile radius from downtown Bonners Ferry to join in the 117th Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
Former astronaut awarded state's highest honor: Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today presented the highest civilian honor the State of Idaho bestows to Idaho educator and former astronaut Barbara Morgan.
Risch to head Committee on Small Business: As the new session gets underway U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) has been named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
January 8
County icon needs community's prayers: At about 11 a.m. today, Rockey Burkholder, 68, was found on the floor of his Bonners Ferry home, unconscious and in dire condition, but breathing, by his sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Dr. Marty Becker. While Marty took steps to stabilize Rockey, Teresa called 911. Updated 2 p.m. January 9.
January 5
Fit and Fall Proof session to begin: The Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center, 6635 Lincoln Street, will begin the winter session of the 12-week “Fit and Fall Proof Class” beginning Monday, January 9.
Crapo sworn in, joins Senate Judiciary Committee: Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, flanked by Senator Jim Risch, took the oath of office January 3 and was sworn into office to begin his next term.
IDFG ready to feed big game if needed: Big game animals are congregating at low elevations, including near towns and homes after December snow and some frigid temperatures blanketed much of Idaho. Some people are concerned about animals surviving through winter, but so far, Fish and Game has only started emergency feeding in Eastern Idaho.
January 4
Coronal hole could result in spectacular light show: Thanks to a huge coronal hole over the sun which is facing directly at Earth, there's a good chance of geomagnetic storms over the earth's north pole, which could be a boon to those who wander out tonight and tomorrow night and look at the northern sky; odds are good that you'll see one of nature's most spectacular light shows; the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Martin Luther King Jr. to be honored: A celebration of art, music and film to commemorate Martin Luther King and his message of equality, respect, hope and nonviolence for all citizens will be held at The Pearl Theater at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 14.
Happy Tails Bed & Biscuit staying open: Happy Tails Bed & Biscuit will be staying open through spring, providing a warm and inviting home for your dog while you're away.
January 2
Bitter cold temps on the way: The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for bitter cold, in effect from 11 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Tuesday.
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