Balanced Bigfork battles past Libby

BIGFORK — Alex Ochs hit two 3-pointers and scored 15 points to lead three Bigfork players in double figures, and the Vikings swamped Libby 58-30 Thursday in Northwest A boys basketball.

Nineteen years ago, Downing earned nickname "Cocaine Fairy"

In August 2006 Downing, then 27, earned the nickname “Cocaine Fairy” after he was busted by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force near Bigfork. When officers arrived, Downing fled out the back door as police went in the front. Downing tore open a half-pound bag of cocaine as he ran, creating a big cloud of cocaine as he ran off into the woods, thus the “fairy” moniker.

Shoshone County man sentenced for threats against lawmaker

A Shoshone County man was placed on probation after threatening a North Idaho lawmaker, though the judge in the case warned that he will be kept on the “tightest of leashes” during the period of his probation.

Suspected shooter’s North Idaho connections emerge

After two firefighters were killed in what police described as an ambush, details about the suspected shooter’s connections to North Idaho are emerging.

No fatalities on Kootenai County waterways in 2024

There were no fatalities on Kootenai County waterways last year, according to the sheriff’s office.

Shoshone patrol deputies to fill gaps in jail staffing

The Shoshone County Commissioners approved a $12,000 transfer from the sheriff's jail budget to sheriff’s patrol overtime budget.

Commissioners approve jail fund transfer

The Shoshone County Commissioners approved a $12,000 transfer from the sheriff's jail budget to sheriff’s patrol overtime budget.

ITD urges caution around snowplows

Each year, the Idaho Department of Transportation (IDT) waits for this moment knowing full well that the chaos tends to get worse before it gets better, largely because people struggle to coexist with the snowplows while they’re out clearing the roads.

Favorite things about the Silver Valley: Old Mission State Park

At the western entrance to the Silver Valley sits the Mission of the Sacred Heart, the crown jewel of Old Mission State Park. While technically sitting in Kootenai County, Silver Valley residents have an attachment to the Mission beyond what most of their neighbors to the west experience. Mary Davis is one such resident.

‘Babes in Canyon’ brings ethereal synth folk to Sandpoint

Celebrate release of band’s first album at The Hive

The band returns to Sandpoint with Camp Bedford and Spokane-based Erin Parkes to celebrate the release of their new album at The Hive this Friday.

Higher ed strong in Idaho, college presidents say

Enrollment continues to grow

The higher education landscape is changing, and even shrinking, nationwide. But not in Idaho.

Shoshone County adopts $16.6M budget

After multiple meetings last week, the Shoshone County Commissioners formally adopted the county’s 2025-26 budget, but not without making some tough decisions.

City nixes paid on-street parking plan

The city has put the brakes on its plan for paid on-street parking after it received overwhelmingly negative feedback during a question-and-answer event with downtown business owners on Monday.

Details of Shoshone County Fire District consolidation explained

With the recent decision by Shoshone County’s two fire districts to consolidate into a single entity, Silver Valley Fire Rescue, many residents have been curious about what the merger will look like when it takes effect next month.

Korn cleared of alleged state criminal law violations

Commissioner Ron Korn announced Tuesday that he has been cleared of claims that he improperly disclosed confidential information related to an emergency moratorium on minor land divisions.

EDITORIAL: Let's chat over coffee

I have met with several people whose opinion and knowledge I value. It’s more important that I listen than talk, so I do. There are always things happening that I don’t know about. This helps me find out. The idea is to hear different viewpoints, get information and build relationships because relationships are the foundation of trust. It's difficult to trust someone you know nothing about.

Higher ed strong in Idaho, college presidents say

Enrollment continues to grow

The higher education landscape is changing, and even shrinking, nationwide. But not in Idaho.

Connie’s Cafe to host fundraiser for Eric Scott

Members of the community are invited to attend a fundraiser for Eric Scott, a long-time server in Sandpoint, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, on Sunday.

BLM releases West Fork Pine Creek Road plan

Rollercoaster stays, historic site preserved

Priest River council moves snowplow request to public hearing

The City Council voted 3-1 to schedule a public hearing at a later date to decide if the city should plow Finley Avenue at its Dec. 2 meeting.