Costa Rica is a country of near endless green, dense jungles, incredible biodiversity, volcanoes, white sand beaches; a perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up some vitamin D. While thousands come here for these reasons, each year a group of Sandpoint students make the flight down for a far more intense visit. “I’m actually surprised we get anyone to sign-up!” laughed Perky Smith-Hagadone. Perky is the principal at Northside Elementary. Along with friend and recently retir

Imagine the impact of a holiday tradition that begins on your birthdate and carries on through family generations to follow. A priceless Christmas tradition began more than 50 years ago at Bonner General Health and continues to touch the lives of Sandpoint community members. During the month of December, all newborn babies at BGH receive a hand-knitted hat and a red flannel stocking—a stocking large enough that it can easily provide a warm ride home for a newborn baby. BGH Au

“God has done so many amazing things for us.” It is inspiring to witness the incredible people in the community who give of themselves selflessly to impact others in a positive way; devoting countless hours to help improve the lives of those in our community. And one such organization that works toward its mission every hour of every day is Priest River Ministries - Advocates for Women—which strives to do all it can for the betterment of women who have endured, and are contin

When Lissa DeFreitas was 19 years old, her grandmother died. She was convinced, she said, that there was something beyond death. It fascinated her then and has ever since: in her various volunteer roles in hospice care, as a social worker, as a spiritual care volunteer at Bonner General Health Community Hospice in Sandpoint, and now in her latest role there—as the volunteer and bereavement coordinator. She has held the post for six years. “This is like a dream job,” DeFreitas

Sandpoint has a colossal amount of educated craft beer drinkers, and what better way to expand on their knowledge than to have extraordinary breweries in the area to learn from. One, in particular, Laughing Dog Brewing, has proven their abilities to create beers that are both tasteful to their customers and also obtain the “wow” factor to win national awards. This year, Laughing Dog took their talents once again to the North American Brewers Association International Beer Awa

After years of infertility, infant loss and a very complicated pregnancy, Amanda Liddle gave birth to her daughter Faith—a blessing to Amanda and her husband Ian. Now 4 years old, Faith is a very active and happy child who loves to climb on anything you can imagine and loves to watch “Signing Time”—a show that teaches American Sign Language to young children. “Faith is minimally verbal,” said Amanda, adding that they have high hopes that one day Faith will be able to communic