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Boundary County Archives ~ March, 2012
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March 31
March precipitation records shattered: Not that many weeks ago, locals expressed concern about the mild winter and low snow pack, fearing it bode ill for a dry summer and increased fire risk. But Mother Nature had a trick up her sleeve, bringing late snow fall and heavy, soaking March rains that have shattered precipitation records all across the Inland Northwest.
Idaho Guard travels far to provide medical care: Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, assisted with medically treating more than 5,000 Cambodian citizens in a joint Medical Civic Action Program during the Angkor Sentinel 2012 exercise here, March 13 to 23.
March 30
Public meetings set on Caribou Habitat: Boundary County Commissioners will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School for everyone concerned about a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to set aside more than 600 square miles of North Idaho and eastern Washington as critical habitat for the Woodland Caribou.
Tests should cause no anxiety, principal says: Spring Break is here! This marks the final quarter of the school year. For the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, we will start the ISAT testing within a week after the return to school.
Flooding expected to worsen over the weekend: Boundary County Emergency Management incident commander Bob Graham was out early this morning, checking various areas around the county for flooding. Shortly after 8 a.m., he closed a portion of Deep Creek Loop just north of the Welco Mill to small cars, though larger cars, pickups and trucks can still make it through the approximately nine inches of water over the roadway. As the weekend progresses, the situation is likely to get worse. News Bonners Ferry will continue posting information as it develops, updating this site, issuing email alerts, and through updates on the News Bonners Ferry Facebook page.
March 29
A lot going on at the Boundary County Museum: Much has been happening throughout the winter months at the Boundary County Museum. As a result of past and recent grants, and a good deal of volunteers’ labor of love, many changes are taking place.
Idaho personal income jumps $2.7-billion in 2011: Despite a comparatively sluggish fourth quarter, Idaho’s personal income grew faster than the nation’s in 2011, jumping over $2.7 billion to a record $52.8 billion.
California man injured in county crash: A 31-year-old California man was transported to Kootenai Medical Center Wednesday evening after a single vehicle crash on U.S. 95 about 10 miles north of Three Mile.
School district settles sidewalk claims: On March 27, 2012, the Boundary County School District successfully settled its claims against Walker Construction and Longwell & Trapp Architects relating to the arbitration dispute over the construction of the sidewalks at the Bonners Ferry High School.
New requirements for extended unemployment: Unemployed Idaho workers moving to extended benefits face new eligibility requirements under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 passed by Congress a month ago.
County Commission minutes, March 19-20
March 27
NWS warns of potential for floods, slides: The National Weather Service today issued warnings that atmospheric models from north central Idaho through northwest Montana Friday through Saturday bode ill for flooding, slides.
Commissioners deny Estates at Copeland Landing: Despite pursuasive arguments by applicant James Fox that development was going to happen and that his proposal for a clustered development of 30 lots along the Kootenai River at the Copeland Bridge was the best way for the county to attain its goal of retaining its prized agricultural lands, county commissioners today agreed with the Planning and Zoning Commission and unanimously denied a request to develop the Estates at Copeland Landing Subdivision.
ITD agrees to exclude portions of scenic by-way: After seeing the negative impact scenic byway status on a portion of U.S. 95 had on county businesses, county commissioners in October requested that the Idaho Transportation Department remove that portion from the Wild Horse Trail State Scenic Byway, and earlier this month, ITD agreed.
March 26
Idaho solider killed in Afghanistan: The Department of Defense today announced the death of Army Sergeant Daniel J. Brown, 27, Jerome, Idaho, killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
Northern Air training Quest Aircraft pilots: Despite the wet weather March has brought us, student pilots have been working hard towards earning their pilot certificates. With the addition of the Piper Comanche to the fleet, Northern Air can now train Commercial Pilots and Certified Flight Instructors and on March 9th, Kenny Stidham of Bonners Ferry earned his Flight Instructor certification.
You don't have to be absent to vote absentee: The ballots for the May 15 Boundary County Primary Election are expected to be at the county clerk’s office on Wednesday, and those wishing to vote by absentee ballot can cast their vote at their convenience after that date.
Court dispositions and sheriff's log
March 25
Updated Routine traffic stop leads to big heroin bust: A routine traffic stop Sunday morning, March 18, resulted in two arrests in what's being called the largest heroin bust ever not only in Boundary County, but in the state of Idaho.
Timberland Wood has wide market: If you’re ever in Branson, Missouri, stop in at the Big Cedar Lodge at the Top of the Rock golf course. You will find a marvelous green on which to shoot a few rounds of golf and while there you can check out the handiwork of Timberland Wood Products of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Focus on local campaign ... Please! I leave the self-exiled tenure in my chemo and radiation cave just long enough to make an open plea to you; the people your Uncle Bud loves in our Boundary County; forget the national level campaign and focus your research and thoughts on our local government.
Super 1 accepting applications: The Bonners Ferry Job Service has announced that Super 1 Foods will begin accepting application for employment on Monday.
Four local kids compete in Regional Spelling Bee: After 40 rounds, Eighth-grade Woodland Middle School student Sarah-Jessica Sedy, Coeur d'Alene, was named the winner of the North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee March 17, competing against 44 other students in grades four through eight.
Idaho unemployment rate continues to drop: Idaho employers increased payrolls slightly in February, driving the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate down a tenth of a point to 8 percent, the seventh straight monthly decline and the lowest rate since September 2009.
March 21
Marine Corps deny local Medal of Honor: Nearly 10 months after Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador gave the thumbs-up and forwarded a nomination to finally recognize a local hero with this nation’s highest military honor, the U.S. Marine Corps did what the man who made the nomination expected … they punted.
Alts visit D.C. with Idaho Farm Bureau: In early March, John and Linda Alt joined 23 other Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members on an Ag Ambassador tour to Washington, D.C. Each of the five districts of Farm Bureau in Idaho was represented as well as the state president, some state board members and other Farm Bureau employees and families. Here's Linda's story of a great trip!
Commissioners approve Ambulance Service District: About 40 people gathered in the main courtroom at the Boundary County Courthouse Tuesday evening as county commissioners re-convened public hearing to consider the formation of a county-wide ambulance taxing district, which, by a vote of two to one, was approved.
Crapo, Risch comment on Sackett case: In Sackett vs. EPA, the court ruled in favor of Mike and Chantell Sackett of Priest Lake, asserting that landowners may bring a civil lawsuit challenging a federal government order under the Clean Water Act.
County commissioners minutes, March 12-13
County commissioners minutes, March 5-6
Court dispositions and sheriff's log
March 17
Spring equinox nigh ... so why's it still snowing? More then 4,500 years ago, tribes, hamlets, villages and cities across the northern hemisphere were preparing celebrations in recognition of the Vernal Equinox. For some it marked the beginning of a new year, the impending planting season or the return of their Gods' favor.
Moyie Springs City Council minutes, February 8
Valley View Elementary student council minutes
Add to the spring to-do list; test wells: Private wells provide drinking water for more people in northern Idaho than any other source, but few check to make certain the water is healthy. Panhandle Health District encourages well owners to test their wells for contaminants as well as good construction.
March 15
County P&Z says 'no' to subdivisons, rezone: In the course of a four-hour meeting tonight, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward to county commissioners recommendations of disapproval on two clustered subdivision applications along the banks of the Kootenai River as well as a proposal by the county to rezone several areas along the Moyie River from agriculture/forestry to suburban.
March 12
Beautiful new dining hall needs a new name: The Boundary County Fairgrounds Dining Hall has served this county well for years, but it looks a lot better now, thanks in large part to Roy Krohmer and the Friends of the Fair ... and it deserves a new name more fitting a facility of such import.
Final local primary slate filled: The last of the local candidates for political offices who will appear on the Boundary County ballot for the May 15 primary election filed Friday, and the only unchallenged two unchallenged local seats are for Republican precinct committeeman of the newly-merged Bonners Ferry/Kootenai Precinct and for county prosecutor.
Ron Paul sweeps local GOP caucus: With more turnout than many more populous counties, Boundary County Republicans flocked to the Bonners Ferry High School Tuesday, March 6, to take part in the first ever Republican caucus, and Ron Paul proved the overwhelming candidate of choice.
Input sought on Twentymile Creek proposal: Public input is being sought as the Idaho Panhandle National Forests proposes a project in the Twentymile Creek area on National Forest System lands within the Bonner Ferry Ranger District.
Beware calls from Microsoft: There`s a phone scam that`s going through Boudary County right now. Beware someone claiming to be from Microsoft calling and saying that they have detected malware on your computer.
Court dispositions and sheriff's log
County Commissioners minutes, February 27-28
 
March 11
Friend drowned in the Moyie River: John Thole on Saturday morning did what he loved to do on his days off; drive his dogs down to Bare Ass Beach for a run and a walk along the Moyie. When he didn't come home as usual, his wife, Yolanda, went looking, and found his truck parked in its usual spot, his two dogs inside.
Rotary scholarships available: Each year Bonners Ferry Rotary Club presents more than a dozen scholarships to local students. These scholarships are available to graduating seniors whether from Bonners Ferry High, Riverside High, or home schooled students as well as to students already in college.
Steinem to appear at U of I: Gloria Steinem, writer, lecturer, editor and feminist activist, will visit the University of Idaho October 4 and 5, 2012, in honor of the Women’s Center’s 40th anniversary.
March 8
Moyie River rezone proposal draws concern: A proposal to rezone a number of properties along the Moyie River from agriculture/forestry to suburban that's going to be heard at a Boundary County Planning and Zoning hearing next week has sparked considerable comment and concern, but for most, it's not going to mean much of anything.
Sasquatch killer sentenced: The man who admitted to slaying the Good Grief Sasquatch, of dismembering the styrofoam body and trying to hide the evidence deep in the snowy woods, has pleaded guilty to his heinous crime, and been sentenced by a judge of good standing.
Court dispositions and sheriff's log
March 4
Ron Paul visiting North Idaho: Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul, today campaigning in Alaska, will make a campaign stop in Sandpoint on Monday, March 5.
Aaron Wages solos: It’s pretty quiet around the airport on snowy days like we've been having, but despite the cold and snow, this February has one of been the busiest on record for Northern Air.
County seeking P&Z member: Boundary County Commissioners are seeking letters of interest from those interested in filling a four year term on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission. To qualify, those interested must reside within Boundary County and have lived here for at least two years.
Scammers still seeking to grab your cash: Never before in human history as information been shared more freely or become more readily available than today, and never before have those who avail themselves of this boon been more vulnerable to those who would abuse it ... the scammers who want to slip a finger into your pocket to take from you the money you've earned and to which they have no right.
Labrador announces re-election bid: Congressman Raúl Labrador officially declared his candidacy for re-election for Idaho's First Congressional District on Monday.
Court dispositions and sheriffs log
County Commission minutes, February 20
County Commission minutes, February 13
Idaho employment better than expected: Revised employment figures for 2010 and 2011 indicate the recession was not as hard on Idaho workers as originally estimated, and new January 2012 unemployment estimates reinforce the state’s continued economic improvement.
March 3
Braving a raw, cold day, Penguin Plungers lined up at the starting gate in spite of a blustery and spiteful day.
Penguin Plunge a fun, frigid affair! By whatever quirk of chance, March 3 dawned chilly, the thermometer stuck in the upper 30s, with brief squalls of rain pushed by a stiff wind that cut right through. Perfect day for penguins, maybe, but a little less than prime for Penguin Plungers!
Obituaries
Dorothy Ninneman Roth, November 23, 1923 ~ March 28, 2012
Ronald G. Maggi, September 2, 1935 ~ March 23, 2012
Alma Julie Blackhurst, June 16, 1925 ~ March 16, 2012
John Robert Thole, October 26, 1966 ~ March 10, 2012
E.C. 'Chris' Falwell, October 9, 1920 ~ March 5, 2012
Donna Catharine Utter, February 10, 1942 ~ February 20, 2012
Roger L. Guthrie, August 29, 1930 ~ February 20, 2012
John “Roger” Lee Abeyta, November 29, 1950 ~ February 11, 2012
Social
Alicia Hedrick talks of Costa Rica adventure: Alicia Hedrick, the oldest daughter of Will and Tammy Hedrick, Bonners Ferry, is in her junior year at Northwest Nazarene University with a double major in secondary education and biology. Last week she spoke in local classrooms and to the Rotary Club about her research last summer in Costa Rica.
Rotary names Students of the Month: Auby Basler and Zach Ray-Olson were recognized as Bonners Ferry Rotary Students of the Month for March, 2012.
New members for Delta Kappa Gamma: Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International is proud to welcome two new members: Susan Stagliano and Gloria Bauer.
Curves 14th annual food drive underway: Recognizing that the need for donations is greater than ever at local food banks across the nation, Curves International kicked off the 2012 Curves Food Drive on March 1 with a challenge to all Curves Clubs to meet or exceed last year’s donations. 
Sports
Little League thanks a new patron: Thanks to the generosity of Marc Brinkmeyer, owner of Riley Creek Lumber, Boundary County Little League now has an indoor facility to practice in ... meaning they won't be held hostage to weather anymore as they ready to face their "banana belt" competitors from down south.
Badgerette Dance Team second at state: The Bonners Ferry Badgerette Dance team and their coach, Melanie Schriner, made their first ever trip to a state competition, and danced their way to a second place finish in two categories.
GIRLS softball sign-ups on tap: Apparently, too many parents are not recognizing that Little League isn't just a boy's game ... and they seem to question when their talented young daughters want to sign up.
Badger cheerleaders shine! The Bonners Ferry Badger Cheerleaders traveled to Lake City High School to compete in districts, and not only earned a berth at state, but walked away champions in show cheer, sideline cheer and stunting.
Letters
Raymond Harris: An open letter to the President: Now that you have politicized the Travon Martin case, I want to know what the Department of Justice is doing about the threats to George Zimmerman’s life.
Mike Weland: I had an interesting email exchange yesterday that might explain why so many local people and organizations are loathe to share with me the news I need to fulfill my dream and the reason I started this journal; to bring back to this community a media dedicated to providing local and timely news coverage.
City of Moyie responds to letter on vacancies: This is in response to an article published on this website March 4, 2012, and subsequent issue of the Bonners Ferry Herald entitled “Moyie Council Vacancies a Strange Creature."  The author of the referenced article was clearly not conversant with the facts of the matter she references in that article.
Raul Labrador: On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, I was thrilled to learn that the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in favor of my constituents, Mike and Chantell Sackett of Priest Lake. Their case, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, garnered national attention as this Idaho family fought an overreach by the federal government that is sadly far too common.
Rebecca Huseby: Just a quick note to let you know that Jeff Ennis is running for Sheriff of Boundary County. We have known Jeff ever since he and Sandy moved here, and he is the same dedicated, strong man of integrity and leadership now that he was then.
Dave Kramer: This is a thanks to the community and all of the participants, sponsors and helpers that helped make the third annual Penguin Plunge to benefit Idaho Special Olympic Athletes a success.
Leah Meister: Thank you to family, friends, the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church and Nazarene Church congregations and the Bonners Ferry Community for your compassion, visits, food, calls, cards, gifts, flowers, firewood, and paying your respects by coming to Derrick’s memorial service and in other ways.
Rosanne Smith: Council vacancies in Moyie are a strange creature with laws and rules of their own it seems.
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