Kootenai County mayors win red kettle challenge

COEUR d'ALENE - The Inland Northwest's community leaders have made it clear as a bell that they are happy to give back this holiday season.

During the fourth annual Salvation Army Mayors Day Red Kettle Challenge on Saturday, Mayors Steve Widmyer of Coeur d'Alene, Vic Holmes of Rathdrum, Dick Jurvelin of Fernan and retired Mayor Sandi Bloem of Coeur d'Alene collected a whopping $21,032 in their two red kettles at the Coeur d'Alene Fred Meyer. This included almost $19,000 in personal checks and more than $2,000 in cash and coin. An official total is expected to be reported Tuesday.

The Kootenai County mayors were in competition with Spokane Mayor David Condon, who spent the day with a team of volunteers at the Thor Street Fred Meyer and collected $1,158.95.

"An excellent total for just one day," said Christy Markham, development director of the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene.

All donations collected in Kootenai and Spokane counties will benefit Salvation Army outreach programs in their respective counties, helping families in need this Christmas and throughout the year.