America's gas obsession

Driving season begins, as does griping about fuel

Is it safe to buy pet meds online?

Dear PropellerHeads: I'm hoping to save a little money. Is it safe to buy my pet medicines from an online pet pharmacy?

The latest buzz: Coffee saves lives

Lakes to buy defibrillator with drink sales

There's an app for that: Part 1

Destination: Everywhere

Many people will argue that technology is ruining our society. I am not one of those people, especially when it comes to traveling. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about turning off my phone and enjoying the view - sometimes for a few weeks at a time. But technology just allows you to relax and focus on the vacation while handling for you the hassle of getting there. Here are a few of my favorite apps and websites that make the whole process a breeze.

GROCERY TAXES: Legislature needs to make a change

Idaho Grocery Tax Credits are a farce.

Housing strategies, solutions

Solving the housing crisis in North Idaho is not an unattainable goal. It may be a "BHAG" — a "big hairy audacious goal" — but those who are working to accomplish this feat realize it will take collaboration, communication and innovative ways of doing things to arrive at outcomes desirable for the whole community.

Is RAID worth getting?

Dear PropellerHeads: I was customizing a new computer on the Web the other day and they had hard disks with RAID. Is that worth getting?

Auto sales, home prices help buoy economy

Op-Ed: Don’t count on prescription drug reform

What does it take to get a prescription-drug bill to the U.S. Senate floor?

Those who profit should pay for growth

Here's one solution to Kootenai County's growth problem.

100 days later, 100 pounds lighter

Amazing how much things can change in 100 days. Things continue to go great since my laparoscopic "sleeve" procedure from May.

Community Thanks January 16, 2011

OUTLETS: Great place to shop

Cheap money may drive housing

The recent dip in mortgage rates may provide a boost in demand for housing. As of Friday the Idaho Housing and Finance Association website (ihfa.org) showed a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 4.75 percent once again. This is good news for buyers who found themselves in panic when rates ticked up over the past several weeks. With the Fed continuing its bond buying program it looks like rates may stay low for awhile.

Delta hints at frequent flier changes

Era of super-low mortgage rates may be over

NEW YORK - The days of the absurdly low mortgage rate are over.

Briefs

Bernanke: A case for further action

Fed plan for short-term fix brings long-term risks

WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is balancing a short-term fix for the economy with a long-term gamble: His plan to buy Treasury bonds to fight high unemployment and super-low inflation now could ignite inflation later.

Thrift store manager's laptop sold

Mistake led to purchase of computer; woman willing to buy it back

COEUR d'ALENE - Someone got quite a deal at the Women's Center Thrift Store last week.

School meal payments return with higher cost

Cd'A School Board approves prices after federal funding for free lunches ends

After a two-year hiatus from having to pay for school meals, parents in the Coeur d’Alene School District will be paying higher prices for their kids to eat breakfast and lunch at school. The school board approved the price increase Monday during a special meeting. Breakfast for elementary school students will now cost $1.90 and middle and high school students will pay $2.10. The lunch price for elementary school students is now $3.15 and $3.50 for middle and high school students. "If we don't use those prices, we would need to get the difference somehow, but not through our program," Coeur d'Alene School District Director of Nutrition Services Ed Ducar said Wednesday.

Becoming the retiring place

Coeur d'Alene among eight cities highlighted based on location, great real estate deals

Barbara Gilliland admitted she and her husband hadn't been thinking about buying a home when they visited family in Coeur d'Alene last summer.