SANDPOINT — The premier episode of a new, locally produced radio program called “Community Character Hour” will be aired Monday morning.

The program will be produced by local station KRFY 88.5 in partnership with the Bonner County Historical Society and the city of Sandpoint’s Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation office. The program will air live at 8 a.m. the fourth Monday of the month. The latest show will be re-broadcast at the same time the second Monday of each month. 

“The Community Character Hour will focus on the people, places and events that make modern life in our part of the world unique, and examine them through a historical lens,” Jack Peterson of KRFY, said. “The first episode … will tackle the sometimes thorny subject of city planning. We'll aim to follow the development of the lumber camp that grew up on the east side of Sand Creek as it evolved into the modern day city of Sandpoint to the west, introducing listeners to some of the prominent citizens of the early 20th century who determined what much of our built environment would look like until today.”

Hosts and guests will also explore the origins of city planning as a practice, from the ancient world to the first comprehensive city plan in the United States. 

“It will be a jam-packed hour of interesting information about our area and place in the world,” Peterson said. “Future programs will focus on one subject at a time, from local public art to the shifting economic role of Lake Pend O'reille in our area.”

The show will be hosted by Hannah Combs, executive director of the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, and Heather Upton, the city of Sandpoint’s Arts and Historic Preservation officer. 

For those who are unable to listen live, each show will be made available as a recording on KRFY's website.

Information: krfy.org