Briefs

• Eagle watching cruises begin on Lake Cd'A

Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises has launched its annual eagle-watching cruises.

The cruises depart on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22, and every day from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The two-hour cruise leaves the dock at 1 p.m.

"It's an awe-inspiring sight to see these birds in the wild, especially from a comfort of a heated cruise boat," said Capt. Carl Fus, head of Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises.

The experience makes an ideal educational adventure for schools or other groups, Fus said.

Every year, hundreds of American bald eagles visit Lake Coeur d'Alene on their annual migration. In December and January, the birds congregate at the lake's northern end near Wolf Lodge Bay to feed on fish.

Their primary meal is the kokanee salmon, a landlocked sockeye that thrives in the lake and its tributaries. As salmon spawn and reach the end of their life cycle, they become an ideal food for the eagles.

Tickets are $22.75 for adults, $20.75 for ages 55 and older, and $14.75 for children 6-12. Ages 5 and younger cruise free.

Purchase tickets at cdacruises.com or call (208) 664-7268.

• Idaho Press-Tribune editor takes Nampa job

NAMPA (AP) - The managing editor of the Idaho Press-Tribune is leaving the newspaper after three decades to become the new spokeswoman for the city of Nampa.

The Idaho Press-Tribune announced Vickie Holbrook's move Friday.

Holbrook, 57, started as a cub reporter at the southwestern Idaho newspaper 34 years ago, working her way up the ranks until she was named managing editor in 1996.

She starts the public information job on Jan. 6, under incoming mayor Bob Henry.

Press-Tribune Publisher Matt Davison said Holbrook was an exceptional editor who will be missed by staffers. He said Holbrook has already resigned from the newspaper's editorial board and recused herself from any content or editorial discussions involving the city of Nampa to prevent any conflict of interest.