Community Corner
🌱 What Sandpoint’s $130 million wastewater plant overhaul means for you.
Make time for Ladies Night Kick-off at Barrel 33! — Barrel 33 Sandpoint (new) on the Sandpoint Patch calendar
What's up Sandpoint! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What Sandpoint’s $130 million wastewater plant overhaul means for you.
- Sandpoint community quietly loses a longtime federal judge and neighbor
- Sandpoint community remembers the life of Norma Jean Syth
Also on today's calendar: Felt Ornament & Sip with Wooly Mama and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Sandpointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Sandpointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Cloudy, with a high of 51 and low of 37 degrees.
- Friday: Remaining cloudy, temps: high: 46, low: 42.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 48 and low of 37 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. The next infrastructure wave isn't roads, it's treatment plants (smartwatermagazine.com) — Sandpoint voters have approved a $130 million bond to completely replace the city’s aging wastewater treatment plant, with construction expected to start in late 2026. The project will modernize core treatment processes, add UV disinfection, upgrade controls and electrical systems, and tighten nutrient removal to better protect local waterways for decades. 
2. U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands Mourns Passing of Senior Judge Alex R. Munson (mvariety.com) — Sandpoint was home in retirement to Senior Judge Alex R. Munson, who died here on Dec. 5 after a distinguished four-decade judicial career across Micronesia and the Pacific. Local readers may be surprised to learn this nationally respected federal judge chose Sandpoint for his later years, remaining active in the courts until fully retiring in 2025.
3. Norma Jean Syth, 89 (bonnercountydailybee.com) — Longtime Sandpoint resident Norma Jean Syth, who helped raise multiple generations of family and was active in local life, has passed away at 89. A celebration of her life will be held Dec. 13 at the family farm on Rapid Lightning Road in Sandpoint, and friends are invited to share memories online.
4. PREP BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Howard corrals big-time double-double in Wampus Cats' first win of season (bonnercountydailybee.com) — Sandpoint High’s undefeated Lady Bulldogs pushed their record to 5-0 with a 58–48 home win over Timberlake, fueled by Jordyn Tomco’s 22 points and a huge third quarter. The roundup also highlights strong performances by Clark Fork and Kootenai Thunder boys and girls teams in recent regional matchups.
5. Idaho partners with U.S. Forest Service with goal to double timber sales (chronline.com) — State and federal officials are targeting forested areas around Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene for increased logging and fuel reduction as part of a renewed Idaho–U.S. Forest Service stewardship deal. The plan aims to roughly double timber sales to cut wildfire risk, fund habitat and recreation projects, and lean on partnerships despite recent Forest Service staffing turmoil and concerns about reduced public input in environmental reviews.
📸 Around Sandpoint
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Sandpoint
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Ladies Night Kick-off at Barrel 33! — Barrel 33 Sandpoint (new)
Barrel 33, 100 N 1st Ave, Sandpoint
3:00 pm
Friday December 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Chamber Coffee & Connect - Hosted by Evans Brothers Coffee
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce , 1202 Fifth Ave. , Sandpoint
8:30 am - Felt Ornament & Sip with Wooly Mama
Barrel 33 , 100 N 1st Ave , Sandpoint
5:00 pm - Live Music with Wiebe Jammin’
Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room , 301 Cedar St STE 101 , Sandpoint
5:00 pm - 4th Annual Production of the Nutcracker Ballet
Panida Theatre Inc , 300 N 1st Ave , Sandpoint
7:00 pm - Natural Connections December
The Library - Sandpoint Branch , 1407 Cedar St , Sandpoint
10:00 am - Sandpoint SantaCon
Matchwood Brewing Company , 513 Oak St , Sandpoint
4:00 pm - Live Music with Philosopher's Daughter — Barrel 33 Sandpoint (new)
Barrel 33 , 100 N 1st Ave , Sandpoint
5:30 pm
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
📣 Sandpoint Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Chamber Holiday Luncheon - Sponsored by Panhandle Electric LLC
Marigold Bistro , 414 Church St, 1st floor conference room (inside Umpqua Bank) , Sandpoint
12:00 pm - Cancer Support Group meetings
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce , 1205 Highway 2 Suite 101 B , Sandpoint
2:00 pm - Artist Reception for Jenny and Christian Benoit
Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room , 301 Cedar St STE 101 , Sandpoint
5:00 pm - Christmas Murder Mystery- Polar Express Edition
Barrel 33 , 100 N 1st Ave , Sandpoint
6:00 pm
Thursday December 11
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Sandpoint PatchAM possible:
- A Drop In The Potion — (208) 500-1867
Natural Wellness Meets Everyday & 1st Response Preparedness
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Flop was LOST on November 24, 2025 in Ponderay, ID 83852 near Ponderay city hall Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Whiskey Jack Rd) - 💫 Mobile Dog Grooming Services 💫
Serving Bonner County
The Paw Spa and Massage brings loving and professional pet care right to your doorstep—making pet care convenient and stress-free! Additional… (Nextdoor Schweitzer/Boyer)
- Litehouse Inc posted a job opening for Material Handler II (Forklift) - 1st in Sandpoint. Apply here.
- North County Electric LLC posted a job opening for Electrician Apprentice in Sandpoint. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sandpoint here.
Ok Sandpoint! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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