Festival board to hire new executive director following DUI arrest

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

Longtime Festival at Sandpoint Executive Director Diana “Dyno” Wahl has been removed from her position by the Festival board of directors following an Aug. 11 arrest on suspicion of drunk driving and resisting arrest.

The board issued a statement Aug. 21 on Wahl’s removal:

“The Festival at Sandpoint board of directors after much deliberation will be hiring a new Executive Director. The Festival Board appreciates Dyno Wahl’s 21-year commitment to The Festival and wishes her well as she moves forward with her career. 

“The board anticipates naming an interim director after the September board meeting and the governance committee will subsequently post the job description. The Festival Board is looking forward to a successful 2020 season and the ongoing community support. 

“A special thanks to the Festival Staff and every Volunteer for a great 2019 season.” 

Wahl, whose attorney filed a not guilty plea on Aug. 14, is due to appear in Bonner County court for a pre-trial conference on Sept. 20 and a jury trial is currently scheduled for Oct. 3, during which she will face misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and resisting or obstructing officers.