Saturday, October 24, 2026
42.0°F

City closes Ontario St.

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 7 months AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | March 25, 2017 1:00 AM

DOVER — Ontario Street is the latest victim of recent weather conditions as Dover officials closed the road Friday because of weather-related damage.

“Due to recent weather conditions and resulting damage, the city of Dover has closed Ontario Street until necessary repairs can be made,” officials said in a press release.

The closure is expected to remain in place for an undetermined amount of time, city officials said in a press release.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience,” said Mayor Annie Shaha.

Ontario is the latest road in the county to suffer damage as rain, snowmelt and unstable ground conditions are wreaking havoc throughout the region.

East River Road, north of Priest River, was knocked out of commission Wednesday night after a mudslide not only closed the road, but knocked out power in the area overnight. Crews were able to open the road by Thursday afternoon.

A mile or so north of that slide, the road has been closed for about a week and will remain closed indefinitely due to an unstable hillside causing the road to collapse. Along the same area north of Priest River, a mudslide on Peninsula Road near the intersection with Highway 57 closed the road briefly last week, and a mudslide at milepost 2 on Highway 57 blocked traffic for several hours on Sunday.

Also closed in the area is Forest Service Road 305, also known as Bear Paw Road. Talache Beach Road in Sagle has one lane open for local traffic only after a landslide last weekend destroyed a home and threatened several others.

With a heavy amount of rainfall in October and a good winter snowpack now melting rapidly, officials said soil in the county is extremely saturated. As frost comes out and water starts to run, it moves mud and debris.

Bonner County road and bridge crews have been busy repairing road issues, as well as trying to keep some of that debris from plugging up culverts. With more rain in the forecast, officials said they didn’t know when conditions might begin to improve.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.

ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER

Wellness fair puts focus on health
October 24, 2026 1 a.m.

Wellness fair puts focus on health

The Wellness & Connection Fair is bringing together local health and wellness professionals together in Sandpoint for a day of presentations, activities and community resources.

BCSD pays share of ISBT shortfall
October 22, 2026 1 a.m.

BCSD pays share of ISBT shortfall

District opts to make lump sum payment

Boundary County School District paid $217,000 to cover its share of the Idaho School Benefit Trust's $13 million shortfall.

Deadline extended for 'Valor' stories
October 22, 2026 1 a.m.

Deadline extended for 'Valor' stories

The Valor publication is gathering photos, military service details and personal stories from Boundary County veterans and military families. Featured profiles highlight local service members' contributions, achievements and sacrifices across generations.