'Best' voting now underway
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | June 25, 2026 1:00 AM
BONNERS FERRY — Who is the best?
Deciding who is the county's best in a host of categories is now in the community's hands as finalists have been selected and voting is underway in the Best of Boundary County 2026.
Polls opened for final voting Monday, June 22, and close Friday, July 17. The winners of each category will be announced in the Bonners Ferry Herald's Best of Boundary County 2026 publication in August.
The annual publication is a chance for residents to recognize and show support for the community's outstanding local businesses, Kari Packer, Hagadone News Network regional ad director, said.
"This is our opportunity to recognize their excellence," she added.
The Best of Boundary County platform enables the Bonners Ferry Herald to monitor unfair voting participation. It also ensures the contest results "100% reflect the voice of the community," she added.
The Herald is honored and excited to sponsor the Best of 2026 and looks forward to sharing the results with the community at the end of August, Packer said.
This year, categories include everything from best auto dealer, best auto mechanic and best auto body shop to best bar food, best sit down restaurant and best burger. There are also categories for best family spot, best breakfast (as well as best lunch and best dinner), best steak, best coffee house and coffee stand and best pizza.
Community members are also being asked to vote for the community's best accountant, carpet cleaner, construction company, real estate agency and agent, home builder and lawn care service. Residents also have a chance to sound off on who is the best new business, best charitable event, best volunteer, best educator, best non-profit and best church as well as a host of others.
In total, there are 205 categories covering a wide range of categories. The winners of each category will be announced in the Bonners Ferry Herald's Best of Boundary County 2026 publication in August.
To vote, go online to bit.ly/3Ss0ovd.
During voting, the community can log onto the platform and select their favorite businesses in each category. Only one ballot can be cast in each category.
"Our role is to be a vehicle for the community's voice," Packer said. "The platform enables us to monitor unfair voting participation. The contest results should 100% reflect the voice of the community."
Information: bit.ly/3Ss0ovd
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