'Sound of Christmas' opens Friday, Nov. 29 at Coeur d'Alene Resort
'Sound of Christmas' opens Friday, Nov. 29 at Coeur d'Alene Resort
The Christmas lights are beginning to be strung, the stockings on the hearth are festively hung and the Shotwell family is gathering 'round the piano to perfect their parts in The Coeur d'Alene Resort's holiday show.
Community to Lakeland School Board: Rerun levy for less
A majority of those who spoke Thursday night during a regular meeting of the Lakeland School Board implored trustees to rerun the Lakeland Joint School District's supplemental levy measure for a lower amount.
Board grapples with $9.52M levy failure, no plans for recount
Trustees to hold more frequent meetings; next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Many Lakeland Joint School District families and staff members are disappointed, frustrated and angry the supplemental levy so narrowly failed at the polls Tuesday. “We’re just really concerned about where our kids’ education will go and the support the teachers will have to ensure the kids can do their best,” said Erin Bullock of Rathdrum, who has two kids in the district and one in preschool. “Education without stress of big classes, lack of resources, that’s where our concern is.” A special Thursday evening meeting of the Lakeland School Board that lasted 35 minutes and was punctuated by long stretches of complete silence did not seem to offer much reassurance.
At an old tavern, some ghostly regulars visited
A large black crow swooped from the roof of the Fort Ground Grill onto River Road, then flew into the ochre foliage of a nearby tree as a magpie cackled among the rustling leaves, setting an eerie mood. Although the historic 1907 building has been quiet for a couple years, its resident spirits may still be making themselves known the way former employees remember. “I definitely think there’s spirits here, I really do," said Diane Beck, who worked at the Fort Ground Grill from 2016 until it closed in 2022.
David Brooks gives North Idaho Distinguished Lecture
805 people were in attendance
A bright light shined on the humanities Thursday evening as David Brooks addressed the largest crowd to ever attend the Idaho Humanities Council’s North Idaho Distinguished Lecture and Dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Theme park donates over $38,256 to local food banks
Theme park donates over $38,256 to local food banks
It's been a Silverwood Theme Park tradition for at least 15 years. A portion of ticket sales from Community Appreciation Weekends in September are collected and distributed to area food banks, which in turn help community members who are struggling to make ends meet. This year, Silverwood and its guests raised more than $38,256 to support the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Athol and Bonner Community food banks as well as Second Harvest, which serves 280 independent agencies across the Inland Northwest.
Panel tackles Proposition 1 at N. Idaho forum
Panelists discuss open primaries, ranked-choice voting initiative
A concern about ranked-choice voting is that it splits the number of votes from the majority party and paves the way to victory for minority candidates. Luke Mayville recently had this discussion with someone who asked if that's what happened in the 1992 presidential election when Bill Clinton won with 42% of the vote because Ross Perot ran against George H.W. Bush, splitting the conservative vote. "The answer to that is if they had had ranked-choice voting, it would have solved that problem," he said.
Welcome to Scare School: As Silverwood becomes Scarywood, actors hone their spooky skills
From pop scares to creative costuming, Scarywood delivers harrowing Halloween experiences
A spooktastic Halloween experience calls for an eerie, bone-chilling atmosphere, ghastly ghouls lurking in dark corners, haunted attractions that turn the blood cold and well-timed, well-planned jump scares that send the unwitting running for their lives.
Economist: Strong labor market propping up economy
The Federal Reserve is expected to begin announcing rate cuts today for the first time in five years. “This is a really big deal because interest rates have been abnormally high by our recent standards,” said Sam Wolkenhauer, the Idaho Department of Labor's North Idaho economist.
CLN removes 'diversity, equity, inclusion' language from website
Board lifts hiring freeze to replace business manager who resigned in July
Trustees of the Community Library Network unanimously voted to remove the words "diversity, equity and inclusion" from the network's website Thursday during a meeting at the Hayden Library. “I believe that this is incongruent with the CLN’s personnel manual," Vice Chair Tom Hanley said, reading from a prepared statement.
Property owner withdraws controversial Spirit Lake sandbar project
Community members show up to oppose dredging
Overwhelming community opposition to the potential removal of the sandbar at Spirit Lake's Brickel Creek has stopped the project in its tracks.
Sex discrimination complaints filed against Cd'A School District
Sandpoint man alleges females do not receive equal athletic participation opportunities
A Sandpoint resident has filed two complaints with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, one of which will be investigated.
'Children's School and Library Protection Act' goes into effect Monday
'Children's School and Library Protection Act' goes into effect Monday
Seven-year-old Patrice Droesch comfortably sat with her legs folded beneath her, lingering on the pages of Brian Lies’ “Bats at the Library,” a children’s book about bats that have a grand time when they find a window at their local library has been left open one night. Patrice’s mom, Elizabeth Droesch of Coeur d’Alene, sat at a nearby table in the Seagrave Children’s Library at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, researching different titles. “I was just going through all of these and reading reviews and making sure what I choose is appropriate for my kids,” she said. “It takes time.”
Educators participate in i-STEM Institutes at NIC
Teachers love to teach, but they also love to learn. Nearly 100 educators from across North Idaho and other parts of the state participated in four days of i-STEM Institutes at North Idaho College this week. They deepened their knowledge and enhanced their science, technology, engineering and mathematics practices through projects and principles they can bring to their classrooms this fall.
In North Idaho, skilled workers are in demand
Creating the next generation of trade workers proves challenging
The demand for skilled labor in North Idaho is high. Some of the highest projected employment growth in the region is driven by occupations in health care, construction, personal care and services and transportation and material moving. These occupations made up 35% of total job postings in North Idaho over the last year while accounting for 25-30% of regional employment, according to Lisa Grigg, Idaho Department of Labor economist for north-central Idaho.
Therapy dog brings joy, comfort to Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls
One of the most loved and hardest-working employees at the Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls is also the smallest, the cutest and the fluffiest. Flash is his name, and brightening everyone's day is his game.
North Idaho College graduates celebrate commencement
School spirit was tangible Friday morning as North Idaho College's 2024 graduates celebrated one of the biggest moments in their academic journeys. That spirit was on full display with Hunter Johnston, who has performed as NIC's mascot, Cecil Cardinal, since April 2023. He made his way across the commencement stage wearing his fuzzy Cardinal red gloves and oversized plush bird feet. “I’m feeling good, I finally have a summer off. No summer classes,” said Johnston, who graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School with honors in 2021 and received a dual degree in chemistry and general studies from NIC.
Nearly 200 Idaho students compete in Idaho State Forestry Contest
Wearing her Careywood Eager Beavers 4-H Club T-shirt and with a blue clipboard in hand, Timberlake High School freshman Lily Fry carefully observed a branch of a deciduous tree, taking note of its different characteristics. “I think it’s going pretty good,” she said Thursday morning as she participated in the 41st annual Idaho State Forestry Contest at Farragut State Park.
Little touts support for education during successful legislative session
Governor holds press conference at KTEC
It wasn't without some pain and teeth gnashing, but Gov. Brad Little is feeling good about how the 2024 legislative session adjourned sine die April 10. “I’m proud to say that this year, what I proposed to the Idaho Legislature, literally we got about 99% of what we wanted done,” Little said Wednesday afternoon.
Critchfield: 'We're hopeful'
Public school budget should be ready soon, says state superintendent
Reverting to average daily attendance-based funding from the enrollment-based funding formula used during COVID-19 years has left many Idaho school districts feeling a financial pinch. “Money was left on the table, and we knew that last year,” Idaho State Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield said Friday during a visit to The Press office.
CLN drops Juneteenth holiday
Action criticized as racist
The Community Library Network will no longer observe Juneteenth, the state and federally recognized holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States.
Governor meets with area high school students
Idaho LAUNCH program, education priorities among topics discussed
School safety, funding for higher education, improving Idaho's public school facilities. While these are important matters for taxpayers, Gov. Brad Little sat down Thursday morning at Post Falls High School with those who are impacted by these issues on a daily basis — the students.
LAUNCHing into bright futures
Applications for LAUNCH grants surpass expectations
It is ideal for Idaho to always have jobs available for Idaho kids. This produces a positive business climate and a labor force that can fuel that positive business climate, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke said. Idaho LAUNCH grants, which pay for 80% or up to $8,000 of post-high school training and education over two years, are on their way to helping the Gem State and its students align on that trajectory. “This is just the next step in getting our kids well educated so they can be well positioned for life,” Bedke said. Bedke and Gov. Brad Little held a press conference Thursday at the StanCraft Jet Center in Hayden to share the news that applications for Idaho's LAUNCH program catapulted beyond expectations as 12,588 high school seniors across Idaho submitted or started applications for the grants as of Dec. 28.
'Today wasn't a guarantee'
Physical therapist back to work after heart transplant
Matt Hankes' second daughter had just entered the world when he began waiting for another important delivery: A new heart.
Patriotic patchwork
Quilts of Valor honors Idaho Veterans Home residents
The warmth provided by a Quilt of Valor is a special kind of comfort. "It's not a 'heat' warm, it's a 'being honored' warm. I'm not sure how you describe that," Frank Quattrocchi said after being wrapped in his new quilt.
Rare 'ring of fire' eclipse event Saturday
A rare "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse will form overhead Saturday morning. Although North Idaho isn't directly in the path of annularity, those who look to the skies with proper eclipse-viewing glasses should be in for a celestial treat.
Prescribed burns in Montana felt in North Idaho
Ash, wildfire smoke experienced throughout region
The ash and wildfire smoke North Idaho experienced the past couple days is from prescribed burns in the Kootenai National Forest.
Another record year for Idaho tourism
Idaho Travel Council awards $2 million for marketing to North Idaho tourism nonprofits
From showcasing area waterfalls and native mushrooms to invitations for rock climbing and snowshoeing adventures, area travel and tourism promotors have once again been rewarded for their work drawing visitors to North Idaho. The Idaho Travel Council announced Wednesday it granted nearly $2 million to tourism nonprofits in North Idaho to market their cities, towns and regions as travel destinations.
Library Network hires two attorneys, fires one
Trustees spar during contentious special meeting
The Community Library Network hired two attorneys and fired one all in one day.
Library network to retain Boyles Law Firm
Community Library Network trustees voted 2-1 Thursday to retain the Boyles Law Firm as the network's legal counsel.
Idaho aids Texas in fight against fentanyl
Two states known for their fierce independence are among those coming together to fight a common enemy — fentanyl.
Little miracle
Family with love for fostering, adoption welcomes unexpected new addition
Ashlee Aurora has been a mom for more than 12 years. However, it wasn't until April 24 that she gave birth to her first child. "This is a new stage for us," Aurora, 33, said Thursday, her new son Waylon in her arms.
Fledgling foresters head into the woods
Nearly 350 student participate in Idaho State Forestry Contest
Future foresters, firefighters, engineers and more took to the woods Thursday to explore silviculture and expand their knowledge of all things arboreous. Using Farragut State Park as their classroom, nearly 350 students from across the Gem State participated in the 40th Annual Idaho State Forestry Contest.
Risch: Title 42 expiration will open immigration floodgates
As one of several lawmakers who just introduced legislation to stop the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch is firm in his stance on immigration and enforcement at the southern border.
Little discusses legislative session
Overall, Gov. Brad Little said he was happy with how the 2023 Legislative session transpired, despite inevitable discomforts. "It was even a little more painful this year because a lot of the big bills, they waited until the very end," he said Monday during a visit to the Coeur d'Alene Press office.
Confederate flag pulled from American Legion display
Post Falls American Legion Post 143 removed a Confederate flag from its display of historical American battle flags in response to outcry on social media.
Transgender bathroom bill advances in Boise
Coeur d'Alene situation points to possible need for legislation
The Idaho Senate on March 9 passed Senate Bill 1100 in a 28-7 vote. The proposed bill passed out of the House Education Committee on Wednesday morning to soon be heard on the House floor. The bill establishes additional provisions requiring separate school restrooms, changing facilities, sleeping accommodations and use of dressing and locker rooms based on students' sexes assigned at birth. Schools will also need to provide additional accommodations for students who are unwilling or unable to use facilities designed for their biological sexes.
Police called to heated PF library board meeting
Police were called Thursday to the Post Falls Library during a powder keg of a public comment period at the start of the Community Library Network's board meeting.
Bedke: Good times in Idaho
Lieutenant governor shares updates, insight during North Idaho visit
Financially, Idaho is doing just fine. Knowing this, fourth-generation Idaho cattle rancher and Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke remembers the words of his grandfather: "It's not going to be the bad times that put the ranch out of business, it's going to be the good times that put the ranch out of business."
Help us celebrate the community's best and brightest under 40
Nominations open now through Feb. 20
We all know young professionals who are making positive impacts in their communities and workplaces. Celebrate those high-producing, inspiring and dedicated individuals by nominating them in the North Idaho Business Journal’s inaugural 40 Under 40 awards recognition program.
United Way invests $150K in North Idaho
Nonprofit announces Community Care Fund grants
From day camps and school programs to infant safety and senior nutrition, the $150,000 United Way of North Idaho has awarded through its Community Care Fund program touches a large swath of society. "I am really excited for a couple reasons, and really happy with this year," said United Way of North Idaho Community Impact Director Keri Cederquist.
Push it real good: Outhouse races in Spirit Lake today
Community members will compete to be No. 1
When you gotta go, sometimes you have to push. Pushing, gliding and an abundance of belly laughs are in store for those who visit Spirit Lake from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today as Spirit Lake Parks and Recreation hosts the Winterfest Outhouse Races.
Genesis Prep mom wins truck
Annual raffle rakes in nearly $50K for schools
Each year for the past three years, Chelsea Greilach has bought raffle tickets to try her luck in a multi-school car giveaway. In December, it was just her luck — she won a black 2023 Nissan Frontier truck.
Much more than socks
Area woman delivers gifts, encouragement to those struggling with mental health
It was a rough year in 2019. Just before Christmas, Post Falls mom Shantelle Avery found herself hospitalized with severe depression.
Barriers to betterment
Money, insurance, stigma create hurdles for those seeking detox services
A journey of 1,000 miles doesn't begin until the first step is taken. That first step might be the hardest step someone grappling with substance abuse will ever take, especially when the journey is sure to be difficult as it leads to sobriety — a seemingly unattainable destination for those under the weight of addiction.
Snowflakes, sleds and shovels: Storm drops more than 12 inches in North Idaho
Storm drops more than 12 inches in North Idaho
Climatologist Cliff Harris measured 12.7 inches of snow at his Player Drive home by 4 p.m. That was the second-most for a single day in November, with the record still at 16 inches set Nov. 19, 1963.
Snow tire slam
First snow of season sends masses to seek winter tires
It's just been a few days since the last jack-o-lantern candles have been blown out, and Old Man Winter made his first appearance. Friday morning snowfall meant tire and auto shops were packed with customers seeking to exchange their summer treads for winter studs.
Lakeland schools locked down Monday
Spirit Lake Police take minor into custody after mental health threat
Spirit Lake Elementary, Timberlake Middle and Timberlake High schools were placed in a safety hold early Monday morning as Spirit Lake Police searched for an armed teenager.
Library policy under a microscope
Two motions to amend draft policy language fail during special meeting
Two motions to amend draft language regarding a material selection policy were shot down Monday during a special meeting of the Community Library Network Board of Trustees.
Helping students become great doctors
Cd'A man's family has donated $14M to U of I for medical program scholarships
A building on the University of Idaho's Moscow campus has been named in honor of a Coeur d'Alene family that has provided immense support for medical students through the years.