West Bonner County Lines - April 15, 2026

Library hosting sourdough class 

An introductory sourdough bread-making class will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, in Priest River.

The class will focus on an easy method for making sourdough bread without fussy recipes that require measuring in grams or relying on timers and scales.

Participants will also learn creative recipes for using sourdough discard. Taste testing will be included, and attendees will take home sourdough starter for later use. Because of this, class size will be limited.

The class is free and open to ages 14 and older. Contact the library to register.

2026 swim instructors, assistants needed

PRIEST RIVER — The Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association and Long Bridge Swim Association are providing free swim and water safety lessons for the fourth year in a row in July at Springy Point near Sagle, and in August at Riley Creek Recreation Area in Laclede.

A lead swim instructor and assistant swim instructors are needed to support this program. All instructors are paid positions. Instructors are needed on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the weeks of July 27, August 3, 10, and 17, from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. A paid training day will be in mid-July. 

Those interested should know how to swim and help kids feel safe and comfortable in the water. Lifeguard certification is not required. This is a great opportunity for students in the Priest River, Newport, Sagle, and Sandpoint areas. Teens ages 13-17 are encouraged to apply as swim assistants. Training will be provided by Lead Swim Instructors. Without this assistance, these free swim lessons may not be available to the community. Registration for swimming lessons will be open by late April 2026.

For information, email contact information and/or questions to [email protected] by May 1, 2026; or contact Celia Thomas at 208-946-1229.

Newport Renaissance Faire date set

NEWPORT — Hear ye! Hear ye!  Let it be proclaimed throughout the land that the grand Newport Renaissance Faire draweth nigh.  All good folk, humble and noble alike, are invited to partake in this merrie gathering.

On Saturday, May 9, at the appointed hour (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the fields of the Newport Rodeo Grounds shall be transformed into a lively village of olde wherein minstrels make sweet melody, jesters bring forth laughter and performers of great skill dazzle the eye and fill the spirit.  

Area residents are invited to wander among a splendid array of merchants and artisans offering wares both curious and fine trinkets, garments and treasures fit for lord and lady alike.

Feast most heartily, for there will be no shortage of victuals!  Savor delectable fare and quench thy thirst with drinks aplenty (no alcohol).

Attend and bear witness to gallant horses and bouts of combat.  Partake in the knightly experience by donning thy suit of shining armor.

Let it be known:  entry into this grand celebration requireth no coin, for admission is freely granted for all  who wish to partake in mirth.  And yet, should thy purse allow, kind donations are heartily welcomed that such joy and festivity may endure for seasons yet to come.

So bring thy kin and companions to this day of merriment.  Come clad in raiment of the age, if thou art so inclined, and join in the spirit of days long past.

Earth Day ArtWalk event planned

NEWPORT — Saturday, April 25, is the date of the fourth annual Newport Earth Day ArtWalk.  

Booths and entertainment will take place at TJ Kelly Park in Newport.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. at the park, located at Washington Avenue. 

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. at TJ Kelly Park and end at 3 p.m. Artists and artisans will have a variety of artworks for sale.  There will be booths for children's art activities, as well as a community art project.  Enjoy music, dancing performances, and drumming throughout the day. 

The Newport Creative District is a non-profit 501((c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting creativity, economy, and culture across community in Newport, Wash.