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.
Arkoosh ready to take on Labrador
Democratic candidate believes politics have no place in office of attorney general
Tom Arkoosh believes politics have no place in the office of attorney general. "Once you take the oath, it’s a nonpartisan position. The law is the law," Arkoosh said Friday during an interview with The Press. "The job of the attorney general is the objective application of the rule of law for things that matter to the people of Idaho," he said. "My opponent sees the office differently."
'We're surrounded by fires'
Air quality advisory in effect as wildfires emit unhealthy smoke through Panhandle
Air quality is "unhealthy" in North Idaho. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday morning to notify residents in the five northern counties of the degraded air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
Empowering Parents grant program goes live
Gov. Little speaks at Cd'A Charter Academy ahead of initiative launch
A new statewide program to support families' educational needs for K-12 students launched Thursday. Empowering Parents was crafted to provide eligible families with grant funds for use toward education services and devices as students continue to recover from learning loss caused by pandemic disruptions.
Vietnam War Memorial Moving Wall coming to area
Half-sized memorial replica will be in Liberty Lake Sept. 15-19
A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be in Liberty Lake Sept. 15-19. The half-size replica, known as the Moving Wall, has toured all 50 states and beyond since 1984. The stop in Liberty Lake is the only stop it will make in the West this year.
Kittens barely escape certain death: Companions Animal Center now caring for abandoned felines
Officials from Companions Animal Center (formerly Kootenai Humane Society) are seeking information about a person who illegally abandoned sick kittens at the shelter the night of Tuesday, Aug. 23. More abandoned and injured kittens have been taken in by the no-kill, nonprofit shelter.
Get to know NIC's new president
Swayne brings military background, wealth of leadership experience
Nick Swayne is the new president of North Idaho College. He brings with him 26 years of military experience and a wealth of leadership experience.
Panhandle Health discontinues Home Health services
Staffing shortages cited as reason for closing 55-year-old program
On Thursday, Panhandle Health District announced it is phasing out its Home Health program, which provides individualized care for those convalescing at home after surgery or other medical challenges that no longer require hospitalization. "This was an incredibly difficult decision for the health district to make,” Panhandle Health District Director Don Duffy said in a news release.
Wood receives NIC trustee emeritus status
Board votes 3-2 in favor; board conduct policy also adopted by 3-2 vote
Former North Idaho College Trustee Christie Wood was granted trustee emeritus status by a 3-2 vote Monday during a long and contentious meeting of the board. Vice Chair John Goedde made the motion, which was seconded by Secretary/Treasurer Pete Broschet. Board Chair David Wold also voted in favor. Trustees Todd Banducci and Greg McKenzie cast the dissenting votes.
Governor helps break ground at Post Falls interchange site
Construction at Highway 41, I-90 expected through summer 2025
The first earth has been broken on the new interchange project at Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 in Post Falls. To help celebrate the occasion was Gov. Brad Little, who rocked sunglasses on a sunny Tuesday afternoon as he and other project leaders dug spades into the ground and let the dirt fly.
Ownership, not rentals
Hayden Planning and Zoning OKs project that requires local worker housing
Hayden Planning and Zoning OKs project that requires local worker housing
Riding on the wind
Dogsmile Adventures provides sailing therapeutic experiences for all
Dogsmile Adventures provides sailing therapeutic experiences for all
Metal detection wands in schools?
Lakeland starts discussion; Post Falls to hold safety seminar Monday
Lakeland starts discussion; Post Falls to hold safety seminar Monday
Something to celebrate
Marimn Health Coeur Center a safe, fun space for youth, community members
Marimn Health Coeur Center a safe, fun space for youth, community members
Communication station
Amateur Radio Field Day begins at 11 a.m. today, goes through 11 a.m. Sunday
Amateur Radio Field Day begins at 11 a.m. today, goes through 11 a.m. Sunday
Yearbook fallout
Cd'A schools issues 50 refunds for controversial Canfield yearbook
Cd'A schools issues 50 refunds for controversial Canfield yearbook
Don't be fooled by rain — fire season is coming
Gov. Little visits Coeur d'Alene Interagency Fire Cache
Gov. Little visits Coeur d'Alene Interagency Fire Cache
Two NIC trustees walk out of presidential interview
Banducci, McKenzie abruptly leave meeting while interviewing presidential candidate
Banducci, McKenize abruptly leave meeting while interviewing presidential candidate