Dog caused stove fire trying to get food

Tuesday started out an ordinary day for Jessica Thomassen. She dropped off her four-year-old son at her mother’s place. She and her dog, Harley, were home in her apartment for a couple of hours before she went to work at her business, Faded and Confused Barber Shop.

'It’s a big deal': Nursing shortage affects increasing demand in North Idaho

Growing population, not enough instructors, retirements affect nursing numbers

The 2024 nursing workforce report is out and in Idaho, even with gains in the number of graduates statewide, there just doesn’t seem to be enough nurses to keep pace with the need, according to the Idaho Nursing Center. Cyndy Donato of Kootenai Health said, “Idaho's nursing landscape faces challenges due to a growing population and increasing retirements.”

Avista: Cause of crane accident still unknown

Operator of crane that fell over recovering from arm surgeries.

During the Post Falls City Council meeting on election night, Avista Utilities gave an update on additional details from the crane failure on Oct. 29 as well as a timeline for the reopening of Falls Park.

IV fluid shortage impacts felt in North Idaho

Medical supply chains disrupted during Hurricane Helene in late September are still sending out waves through health care agencies across the country and in North Idaho. Hospitals in Kootenai County are working to conserve their store of IV fluids after Baxter International factory in North Carolina was flooded. The factory is one of the biggest IV fluid suppliers in the country, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Avista: Danger was minimal with dam mishap

Emergency plan requires 'abundance of caution'

The day after a crane failure at the Post Falls Dam, officials at the National Weather Service and Avista Utilities reflected on how the emergency action plan works. Charlotte Dewey, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS, said that the dam is one of about 20 different dams in their area of responsibility in the event of an emergency.

Crane crashes into Post Falls Dam, prompting alert

A crane crash at the 118-year-old Post Falls Dam sparked emergency flash flood warnings and the closure of the nearby park Tuesday morning, as officials assessed potential damage to the critical infrastructure.

Trustees debate adult-only areas at Pinehurst Community Library Network meeting

During a heated board meeting of the Community Library Network Thursday, two members of the public were ejected after making repeated exclamations over the discussion between trustees over the future of library cards for minors and the possibility of creating an adults-only access area of the library.

Caregivers sought for veteran medical foster program

Instead of being in a nursing home or rehabilitation center, veterans in North Idaho may soon get the option to stay in a caregiver home. Regional Veterans Affairs officials are looking to start a North Idaho medical foster care program, the first of its kind in the area.

CLN layoffs impact staff across North Idaho

Staff layoffs were confirmed Tuesday morning within the Community Library Network. In total, 13 part-time staff members were informed their final day of employment would be Sept. 24.

Area veteran seeks to raise funds for Honor Flights

Having served stateside as his two brothers served abroad in the Vietnam War, Joe Deacon spoke to the Rotary Club Friday about his experiences during the trip of a lifetime on an Honor Flight from Spokane to Washington, D.C.

Driver identified after fatal crash, vehicle fire

After a fatal crash and vehicle fire Thursday night in Big Creek, law enforcement found themselves with a mystery on their hands when it came to the identity of the deceased man found in the vehicle. Around 9 p.m. Friday, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office announced they had identified the deceased driver as Eric Rodriguez, approximately 25 years old. His next of kin have been notified of his passing.

Medicare Part D changes may cause higher premiums, fewer market options

Changes to Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage are on the way. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, new policies were rolled out this year and more changes will be spread out over the next two years.

Gold Star families remember fallen sons

Nicholas Newby, Wyatt Goldsmith died in combat just days apart

Friday was National Poppy Day, a prelude to Memorial Day and among the Rotarians and guests in attendance, the small red flowers could be spotted around the room as colorful reminders to honor the fallen.

Students present on environment at Youth Water Summit

Students took turns presenting their water-focused research projects at Tuesday's Youth Water Summit.

North Idaho counties report increase of sexual assault

As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to keep up.

'We need to seek the next remedy'

New Idaho group seeks abortion rights, aims to change reproductive health laws

A new statewide coalition called Idahoans United for Women and Families aims to advocate for access for full reproductive health care for all Idahoans and is currently exploring a citizens' ballot initiative after they said two legislative sessions have passed without addressing compounding issues regarding Idaho’s abortion bans.

40 Under 40

NIBJ publisher lauds the area's best and brightest young people

“You’re the future of North Idaho,” Coeur d'Alene Press publisher Clint Schroeder said to the North Idaho Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 cohort.

Veteran honored for radio operator work on his 100th birthday

On his 100th birthday, surrounded by family and friends, Robert Douglas Gwin still was clutching the folded American flag he had been given earlier that afternoon by the Kootenai County honor guard. As his family came person by person to greet him and wish him a happy birthday, he pointed out a patch on his uniform from his Army Signal Corps days. “I sewed that myself,” he said.

Book pulled at N, Idaho middle school

Results in heated special meeting

During a special meeting of the school board for Lakeland Joint School District, a heated debate about whether interactions between board chair Michelle Thompson and assistant superintendent Lynn Paslay constituted collaboration or individual direction after the pulling of “The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle” from three sixth grade ELA classes.

Report: Alzheimer's projected to rise in Idaho

A new 2024 Alzheimer’s and dementia report from the Alzheimer's association shows there are only eight geriatricians in the state. Only one of those doctors is based in North Idaho.

To build a fire

Boy Scouts attend the Klondike Derby at Camp Easton

'It's a loss'

BSU in-person social work program to end this spring

Cd'A's BSU in-person social work program to end this spring

A small, special force of firefighters

When wildfires strike, there isn’t time to ponder who makes up the firefighting force on the frontlines of the blaze.