Bonner County History - May 17, 2026

Brought to you by the

Bonner County Historical

Society and Museum

611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864

208-263-2344

50 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

and Sandpoint Bee

May 17, 1976 – MARIJUANA SEIZED AT SHS 

Police received a call Tuesday from two women who had seen a red van in the SHS student parking lot most of the day, with something at times passed out its windows to students. Acting on the tip, Police Chief Sterling found the van with five persons inside and a group of students standing about 100 yards away. Approaching the van, Sterling detected the odor of marijuana. When he asked the boys in the van to give him all their marijuana, the driver and another youth turned over two baggies. When asked if he had been selling marijuana, the driver replied that he sold one bag for $10; Sterling asked if there was more in the van, the driver handed over four more bags. Four of the youths were SHS students; the driver was not. The marijuana has been sent to the forensic laboratory in Coeur d’Alene for testing.  

•••

SERVICE NEWS 

Daniel J. Smith, son of Mrs. Virginia Smith of Sandpoint, and Walter E. Williams of Airport Way, Sandpoint, graduated from recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Both were SHS students who joined the Corps in Dec. 1975. 

Coast Guard Chief Radioman Rodney R. Christian, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Christian of Hope, who joined the Coast Guard in Jan. 1960, has returned to Alameda, Calif. after a two-month patrol aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Rush. On patrol, the Rush aided two American fishing boats battered by high winds and heavy seas off the Aleutian Islands.  

75 Years Ago

Sandpoint News-Bulletin

May 17, 1951 – PARTY HAPPY AFFAIR 

A group of little folks gathered at the William Fournier home for Sharyl Lynn’s fourth birthday, playing games as Grandmother Messmore took pictures. Guests were Jay Fournier, Loretta and Diana Maum, Marie Johnson, Julie Clark, Jannice Lee and Delar Jay Messmore, Douglas and Dayton Fournier, Mrs. Bud Fournier, Mrs. W. Francis, Mrs. Vera Fournier, Mrs. Dorothy Maum, Mrs. E.J. Messmore and Mrs. F.D. Messmore. 

•••

WEINER ROAST ENJOYED 

Friends gathered at the Don Samuelson home for Donna Jean Samuelson’s ninth birthday. After games, a wiener roast was enjoyed. Individual pink and white cakes and ice cream were served. Guests were Kent Pietsch, Garry Hohn, Hailey King,  Laurin Evenson, Kent Dean, Marilyn Breinich, Sally Miller, Janice Yager, Esther Pennington and Ellen Boling.  

•••

NINTH BIRTHDAY HONORED 

Mrs. Helen TeSelle had a dinner for Gary’s ninth birthday. Later, Gary and his friends, Jacob Nelson, Douglas Foth, Harley King, George Pentland, Jan Wendle and Donald Chandler, went to the Panida.

•••

FARM CHANGES HANDS 

The Blaine B. Marks family, including six young children, will soon take possession of their new 80-acre farm near Kootenai.  

For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.