Recognizing Sandpoint, Idaho as a Sunset Magazine, Best Small Town

RECOGNIZING SANDPOINT, IDAHO AS A SUNSET MAGAZINE "BEST SMALL TOWN"

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, Idaho is known as the Gem State. I rise today to recognize a diamond among our community gems that has gained the attention of Sunset magazine. Every year, Sunset selects a group of neighborhoods, cities, and towns which readers have nominated as "best places to live." I am proud to say that Sandpoint, ID, a small community in the panhandle has earned the distinction of "Best Small Town" in January 2004.

Sandpoint sits tucked away in the Selkirk Mountain Range, approximately 50 miles south of the Canadian border. It borders Lake Pend Oreille, the largest freshwater lake in Idaho, and is 9 miles from the well-known ski resort, Schweitzer Basin. Sandpoint is a diverse community of about 7,500 people who have occupations ranging from retail businessperson, logger, doctor, attorney, vintner, millworker, herbalist, teacher, and builder. Tourism, timber, and a thriving arts community call attention to the complexity and wonderful character of Sandpoint.

This honor bestowed by the readers of Sunset magazine indicates the efforts Sandpoint residents have made to work together to create a warm, inviting community which upholds values of family and prioritizes preservation of the incredible natural beauty that surrounds this precious gem of Idaho. I commend the community and its leaders for their continuing commitment to making Sandpoint "the best."