This is the first part in a series of stories on the top news of 2019.

By CIENNA ROGET

Contributing writer

SANDPOINT — The past year saw everything from tragedy to triumph.

From the death of a toddler in a January house fire to the loss of five businesses when a fire ripped at the heart of a historic section of downtown Sandpoint, the year saw a lot of changes. Below are the highlights of what happened in Bonner County during 2019. Other notable stories included the relocation of geese from City Beach, the 70th anniversary celebration of Bonner General Health and the selection of Sandpoint High School principal Tom Albertson as the new Lake Pend Oreille School District superintendent after Shawn Woodward accepted a job in Washington state.

Top stories in 2019 include:

January

Two-year-old boy dies in early morning house fire. His father, James Hyder, and his girlfriend escape out of the second story window. A preliminary investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal has determined Saturday’s fatal house fire was accidental and an initial autopsy report also was released Monday and showed that Andre Hyder, 2, died from smoke inhalation as a result of the fire.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan sentenced a Washington state man to life in prison for stabbing a cab driver to death and watching the man bleed out without rendering or summoning aid. Jacob Corban Coleman will have to serve 40 years of the sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

Bulldog Bench raises $25,000 for new weight room equipment including 12 weight racks and 4 glute-ham machines. Over 100 businesses and individuals participated in the fundraising efforts.

Structure fire destroys Cycle Haus motorcycle shop. There were no injuries, however, most of the building and its contents were destroyed, with damage between $200,000 to $250,000.

February

An aging water system and continued growth in the area has prompted city officials to initiate a water system master planning effort. With the last plan dating back to 2006, prior to the construction of the water treatment plant on Lake Pend Oreille in 2012, city engineer Dan Tadic said it is time to take another look at the system.

Fabian Rebeterano is identified as the suspect in the murder of Blas Salvadore Alonzo “Duke” Dias, who was shot and killed at the Meandering Moose apartments in 2018.