[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S787-S788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 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

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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.''

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