UK govt under fire over virus advice as deaths pass 20,000

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government on Saturday defended the independence of the scientists advising it on the coronavirus after it emerged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s controversial chief aide had attended meetings of the group.

ImagineIF begins new fall programming for kids and teens

These programs offer educational activities and inviting spaces for kids and teens after school.

Scout camp getting some serious upgrades

KOOTENAI COUNTY — Tom Little hopes the happenings around Camp Easton on the east side of Lake Coeur d'Alene squelch any rumors that the 383-acre Boy Scout site will be sold.

Bonner County Calendar - March 5, 2025

A look at the events, activities, and meetings happening around Bonner County, from Sandpoint to Cocolalla, from Priest River to Ponderay, and from Clark Fork to Dover.

Harbor Freight a month away

Business Bits

Numbers, prices and quality are the increasing mainstays of Harbor Freight Tools. The business plans to open a new store in mid-August in the center of Mountain View Shopping Center (behind Texas Roadhouse at the southwest corner of Highway 95 and Neider Avenue).

Six-time World Champion to entertain rodeo fans in Libby

This year’s rodeo is scheduled for Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26.

The Montana Legislature tried, and failed, to define sex

In 2023, the Montana State Legislature passed a bill, signed into law by the governor, that defined sex and sexuality as being either, and only, male or female.

School and Senior Meals

School and Senior Meals: Sept. 25-29

Byrds of a feather

Brothers guide teams to state finals

The Byrd boys started playing soccer because their parents thought they’d get hurt playing football.

Bigfork school board signs off on Swan River cooperative agreement

In an effort to create opportunities for seventh and eighth grade football, track and cross country at Swan River, Bigfork covers the costs to operate those programs with the condition that Swan River allows three members of their staff to coach at Bigfork per year, no more than two a season. Contention was how many days of paid absence Swan River teachers would receive for coaching at Bigfork; a previous draft of the agreement granted eight days but was whittled down to six this year.

In 2024, artificial intelligence was all about putting AI tools to work

Now such generative AI technology is baked into an increasing number of technology services whether we're looking for it or not — for instance, through the AI-generated answers in Google search results or new AI techniques in photo editing tools.

Cancer support group reorganizes

A support group for anyone affected by cancer is reorganizing. Pastor Matthew Connally of Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church will lead the Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group from noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at St. Joseph Medical Center Chapel in Polson.

Weinstein Co. bankruptcy plan headed to a vote by accusers

DOVER, Del. (AP) — The judge presiding over the Weinstein Co. bankruptcy has overruled objections to a disclosure statement outlining a revised plan providing about $35 million for creditors, with roughly half that amount going to women who have accused disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

Festival named chamber's top business for August

SANDPOINT — The Festival at Sandpoint was named Business of the Month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

RZ Feeds opens in Superior

There’s a new feed store in Superior called RZ Feeds. Local owners Pete Ratzlaff and Doug Hutchins opened the doors a few weeks ago and offer a variety of bird and animal feed.

Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities

MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.

Massner carries Northwestern St. over Incarnate Word 70-60

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Trenton Massner posted 12 points and six rebounds as Northwestern State topped Incarnate Word 70-60 on Wednesday night.

Community is known for its strength, resiliency

We are seeing COVID-19 continue to spread in our neighboring states and we now have nine confirmed cases in southern Idaho. Fortunately, there are currently no reported cases in Bonner County. In an effort to do everything within our power to flatten the curve, or slow the spread of this pandemic, it is incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to

Mower racing gaining popularity in Lincoln County

During the past decade the non-traditional motorsport of lawn mower racing has slowly, but steadily, increased in popularity in Lincoln County. Lawn mower races have been featured at the annual Logger Days celebration and as exhibitions at the Millpond MotoX moto-cross competition.

Minority-owned companies waited months for loans, data shows

NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of minority-owned small businesses were at the end of the line in the government’s coronavirus relief program as many struggled to find banks that would accept their applications or were disadvantaged by the terms of the program.