Voters went to the polls to decide the future of their communities and dealt with historic storms in the latter half of 2025. Here are some stories that captured the headlines of the final two months of the year.

November 

R. Cowell sentenced to 22 years 

In a courtroom filled with over 25 people, a well-known Naples man who pleaded guilty to lewd conduct was sentenced to serve 22 years in prison for the crimes. 

Richard Cowell III was sentenced to serve a total of 22 years in prison — 17 years determinate and five years indeterminate — for felony charges of criminal conspiracy and lewd conduct with a minor under 16.   

Before handing down the 22-year sentence from the bench, District Judge Susie Jensen commended Cowell for pleading guilty to the crimes and not dragging the victims through a jury trial.   

Cowell’s wife, Katherine Cowell, is still scheduled for a jury trial Dec. 8 for two counts of lewd conduct with a minor for allegedly conspiring with her husband to sexually abuse a minor, the same act that Richard was sentenced for.   

The pair was arrested Feb. 5, 2025, at their Naples home, which doubled as an unlicensed child daycare. During a joint preliminary hearing March 17, the alleged victims testified they were coerced into sexual relations with the couple as minors. 

Mayor breaks council tie to amend city’s non-discrimination ordinance 

Emotions ran high at Wednesday’s City Council meeting where Mayor Jeremy Grimm broke a 3-3 tie to amend the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. 

The amendments were brought by Grimm, who said he thought the city’s current ordinance from 2011 extended the city’s legal authority. The new ordinance removes any city specific definitions, instead deferring to state and federal law on the matter of discrimination.  

Councilors Joel Aispuro, Rick Howarth and Justin Dick voted in favor while Council President Deb Ruehle, councilors Pam Duquette and Kyle Schreiber voted against the amendments.  

Grimm stated in his memorandum to the council that the amendments would prevent the risk of litigation against the city. During the meeting, Zachary Jones, the city’s legal counsel, said there was not a lot of liability with the former ordinance as it was fairly deferential to state and federal law. 

Sandpoint, Ponderay ballot measures pass by overwhelming margin 

With four ballot measures across the county, voters took to the polls to make their voices heard on distinct city issues Tuesday. 

Those in Sandpoint and Ponderay made their opinions loud and clear by passing the city’s measures by significant margins, 89% and 77% respectfully. In Sandpoint, 1,749 people voted in favor of the city’s $130 million wastewater treatment bond, which will help fund a complete renovation of the plant. 

In Ponderay, 122 residents overwhelmingly approved a 1% local option tax that will be in place for 10 years and fund city projects like the Field of Dreams and lakeshore access. The city will put $500,000 of the revenue toward road infrastructure and create a $2 million endowment for the Field of Dreams. 

December 

Historical flooding sparks concerns with residents 

Historical flooding around North Idaho and Montana has triggered a county-wide flooding state of emergency in Bonner County due to various roads being washed out. 

Extreme weather conditions resulting in snowmelt, heavy rain and flooding caused the closure of East Spring Creek Road and Lightning Creek Road. Other roads were also affected by the extreme weather, including Johnson Creek Road and Trestle Creek Road.    

Floodplains surrounding East Spring Creek experienced water levels between two and 10 feet of water, one effected resident told The Daily Bee. 

P&Z recommends STR code change to council 

The Planning and Zoning commission recommended the changes to the city’s short-term rental ordinance to the City Council in a reluctant, but unanimous vote. 

After over an hour of discussion, public comment and deliberation, the commission sat silent for a full minute waiting for a motion to recommend the change to City Council. Commissioner Reid Weber said the state law seems black and white, and that he felt like the city’s hands were tied. 

The changes to the STR code include removing the citywide 35-unit cap on non-owner occupied STRs in residential zones as well as increasing regulations around parking and occupancy. City Planner Bill Dean said those two aspects where the only two staff could hone in on to strengthen the city's regulations. 

Residents pitch their vision for RV Park at workshop 

Over 40 residents crowded into the community room at the James E. Russell Sports Center to share their vision of the City Beach RV Park on Saturday.  

Throughout the 90-minute workshop, residents worked their way through questions and eventually pitched their group’s designs for the land. Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker said the workshop prompted good and respectful discussion, but no consensus was formed at the end of it. 

The results of the survey and workshop are set to be discussed at the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Jan. 14, 2026.