Writing coaches needs volunteers for writing assessment workshop

Writing Coaches is conducting a research project that will assess the effectiveness of coaching on students’ writing outcomes.

Happy birthday, Mary Ceccoli

100-year-old shares lifetime of memories as a USO dancer

At 100 years old, Mary Ceccoli’s memory is still remarkably sharp.

Education News - Feb. 20, 2025

Academic honors, awards and school news celebrating students from Boundary County.

Local film to screen at Panida Theater

In honor of Sandpoint Winter Carnival, Panida Theater will be showing a film that highlights Sandpoint’s history from its prehistoric days to its centennial anniversary.

Education Government + Politics Private education tax credit bill heads to Idaho governor

The Idaho Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a plan to spend $50 million on refundable tax credits for private education expenses, sending House Bill 93 to the governor.

Ruth Lyn Kelly, 87

Ruth Lyn Kelly of Coeur d’Alene died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter Karen Swanstrom in Post Falls on February 17. She was 87. Ruth was born in 1937 to Dr. Frederick and Gwendolyn Volk of Attica, N.Y.

Legals for February, 20 2025

Ailport crime likened to driving bomb into a house

A Pablo man was sentenced in District Court in Polson Feb. 13 to the Montana State Prison for 110 years for intentionally driving his truck into his neighbor’s house.

Who will pay for Sen. Hertz’s reform of TIF districts?

Tax increment financing (TIF) is a policy driver that incentivizes private developers to develop in areas they would not otherwise develop, e.g., 100-year-old vacant blighted structures full of contaminants on rural Main Streets.

SB 225 would make Montana more affordable for renters

Montana families, workers, and seniors are being priced out of their own communities. Rising home prices, skyrocketing rents, and a shrinking supply of affordable housing are forcing too many Montanans to leave the state they love.

Youth Sports Feb. 19, 2025

Scores, news, photos from local youth sports teams, leagues, etc.

Anti-life

People rely on the rMNA vaccines developed for Covid 19. Both Moderna and Pfizer clinics produce these vaccines.

OPINION: The private and religious school subsidy bill is a taxpayer boondoggle

House Bill 93, which passed the Idaho House of Representatives on Feb. 7, would exempt most families who take advantage of the $5,000 per student tax credit from paying any state income tax whatsoever. If their tax liability is less than the $5,000 subsidy, the state is required to send them a payment to make up the difference. In the words of the bill, “If the credit exceeds the tax imposed by [the income tax], the excess credit amount shall be refunded to the taxpayer.” So, they get out of paying any income tax and get a bonus payment to boot. That fits nicely into the category of having their cake and eating it too.

St. Patrick's Day Parade set for March 15

The theme is "Luck of the Irish!" Parade entries including dancers, leprechauns, marching bands, floats, a costumed Guinness character and Irish wolf hounds will stroll down Sherman Avenue.

Dianna Lynn Giddeon, 77

Dianna Lynn Giddeon, 77, of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on the evening of Feb. 5, 2025.

Snow much fun

20 inches has fallen in February already

Snow keeps coming down, with more on the way, says Cliff Harris

Legals for February, 18 2025

Legals for February, 18 2025

Car exchange program keeps families on the road

Car exchange program keeps families on the road

Transportation is a critical need for low-income individuals and families in Kootenai County, but many people lack the resources to buy a reliable vehicle.

Robert Gauthier, 75

Robert Leroy Gauthier, 75 of Ronan, passed away surrounded by his family on Feb. 8, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. At Bob’s request, a memorial service will be held later in the spring and has been scheduled for May 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Salish Kootenai College, Joe McDonald Center.