MUNICIPAL MERGER

POST d’ALENE — Weary of taxpayer whining, officials from Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene merged their cities last night in a special meeting that will lead to more conservative spending and big refunds for citizens.

Post d’Alene was born.

The merger, which became effective immediately, had been discussed secretly for at least two weeks, The Press has learned. The first sign on I-90 welcoming visitors from the west was erected late last night.

“While there will be some sacrifice, like, in terms of individual cities’ pride and identity, this merger is actually pretty awesome, dude,” said Woody Thoreson, a member of the Post d’Alene City Council.

Jerry Handelman, superintendent of Post d’Alene School District 2713, said he’s excited to see what kind of football team the former Post Falls, Lake City and Coeur d’Alene high schools will field this fall.

“With the best players from all three teams suiting up as the Post d’Alene Trowolviks, we should win state easily,” he said. “I’m not sure where everybody’s going to study, but if we’re kicking booty on the gridiron, maybe nobody will care.”

Officials from both cities agreed to sell their city halls immediately, reduce staff by 87 percent and relocate to the old rest stop on I-90 between the communities.

“It doesn’t smell great and there are some pretty nasty stains on the bathroom walls, but with a little elbow grease and smiles on our faces it should become a cozy HQ that’s equally accessible to all,” said Post d’Alene Mayor Ron Widmyer.

With the building sales and elimination of redundant services and personnel, the merger is expected to save $667 million, officials said. For a combined Post d’Alene population of 61,231 people, that works out to refunds of $10,893.17 for every man, woman and child. Residents may pick up their refund checks between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. today at

See REFUND, A9