It’s easy these days to get overwhelmed with worries and bad news, Selkirk Association of Realtors officials said.

“Forest fires raging out of control, national politics, climate change, the resurgent COVID-19 virus and so on; it all seems like there’s nothing we, as individuals, can do about any of it,” they said in a press release. :So, what a relief to be able to talk about good news at the local level, about something we as a community actually can affect.”

The Selkirk Association of Realtors distributed checks on Aug. 5 to a wide range of deserving organizations and to high-achieving students looking to further their education. The money was raised through the annual golf tournament at The Idaho Club — over $26,000 from Realtors, title companies, and other groups affiliated with the real estate business in North Idaho. These events are largely run by dedicated volunteers and do such great work in the community, SAR officials said.

The following students received scholarships: Taylor Sadewic, Bailey Kohler, Shane Curtis, Soncirey Mitchell, Rachel Myer, Hannah Hurst, Madi Schoening, Mikayla Schoening and Sage Saccomanno.

The following organizations received grants: Kaniksu Land Trust, Kootenai Elementary, Helping Hands Healing Hearts, Sandpoint Teen Center, Bonner Partners in Care Clinic, Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, UCAN (Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs), Community Cancer Center, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Bonners Ferry Rotary, Boundary County 4-H, Selle Valley Carden School, Sandpoint High School and Bonner Homeless Transitions.