NEWS BRIEFS

Offices closed for Christmas party 

SANDPOINT – The Bonner County Assessor’s Office, Geographic Information System (GIS), and the Ponderay and Priest River Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closing for a staff Christmas party on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The Assessor’s office, GIS and the Ponderay DMV will be closing at 11:45 a.m. and will reopen at 3 p.m.

The Priest River DMV will be closing at 11:30 a.m. and reopening at 3:30 p.m.

Come hang with Santa Claus

NEWPORT – Santa Claus is coming to Newport Saturday, Dec. 14, starting with Storytime at 12:30 p.m. in the Newport Library. Santa has an Elf Reservation with South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue to pick him up at 1 p.m. and ride through the business areas and surrounding neighborhoods on a SPOFR Fire Engine.

Pictures with Santa will be at the Double Barrel on Washington Avenue from 2-4 p.m. Many businesses are participating in complimentary treats, crafts, contests, and festivities – all free to the public. There will be Christmas caroling at the Newport Christmas tree, sponsored by ProDJ Karaoke, from 1-4 p.m.