About Panhandle Beacon LLC
A locally owned and operated media company dedicated to shining light on the communities of the Idaho Panhandle.
The Parent Company
Panhandle Beacon LLC is the parent company behind a network of five regional community websites serving the five northernmost counties of Idaho — Benewah, Shoshone, Kootenai, Bonner, and Boundary.
Our mission is simple: give every Idaho Panhandle community a trusted, locally focused digital home where residents can stay informed about local politics, find local businesses, attend community events, and engage in civic life.
We believe that strong communities depend on informed citizens. Too often, local news and civic information is scattered, hard to find, or buried under national noise. The Beacon Network exists to change that — one county at a time.
"If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it."
What Each County Site Offers
Every Beacon county site is built on the same platform and includes these core features, tailored to that county's community.
Local Politics
Elections, candidates, officials, proposed policies, and their civic impact on your community.
Business Directory
A curated directory of local services, businesses, skilled trades, and community providers.
Event Calendar
Community events, public meetings, seasonal happenings, and civic notices in one place.
Flea Market
A local classifieds and flea market board for buying, selling, and trading within the community.
Community Forum
Respectful local discussion, community questions, and public conversation among neighbors.
Curated News
Outside headlines selected by Beacon editors with local relevance notes and source links.
The Five Beacon Sites
Each site is independently focused on its county while sharing the same platform, values, and commitment to community.
Benewah Beacon
Benewah County
Our first live site, currently in beta. Serving St. Maries and surrounding Benewah County communities.
Shoshone Beacon
Shoshone County
Planned for the Silver Valley — Kellogg, Wallace, and surrounding communities.
Kootenai Beacon
Kootenai County
Planned for the greater Coeur d'Alene area and Kootenai County.
Bonner Beacon
Bonner County
Planned for Sandpoint, Ponderay, and Bonner County communities.
Boundary Beacon
Boundary County
Planned for Bonners Ferry and Boundary County.