They'll go down in history

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Hall of Fame welcomed three more worthy and deserving members when the 2018 inductees were announced Friday evening.

Prominent and successful businessman Jerry Jaeger, longtime Coeur d'Alene City Council member Ron Edinger and the sovereign Coeur d’Alene Tribe were inducted into the hall of fame during the 21st annual Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet, held at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.

Each inductee has many accomplishments of which to be proud.

Jaeger, former longtime president of Hagadone Hospitality, has been a leader in Idaho of promoting and serving the tourist industry, reaching across the United States and the globe. The hospitality division is one of North Idaho's largest employers, with 1,850 employees during the peak season.

Jaeger has served on many boards and contributed to numerous charitable organizational efforts through the years. He has worked with KCTFHR secretary Tony Stewart for years to recruit conventions featuring conferees/delegates of great diversity to visit North Idaho and provide a meaningful counter to the unfair image that had been fostered by what is now the former Aryan Nations. Those conference guests returned to their homes with the true story of Idahoans.

When Jaeger was called upon to assist the KCTFHR's efforts to adopt Coeur d'Alene's anti-discrimination ordinance in 2013, he was immediately on board and was very effective in his support.

Jaeger said when he received the news about being inducted into the hall of fame, he stopped the board meeting he was attending to let out a yelp of joy.

"I couldn't help myself," a jovial Jaeger said Friday. "It's a very nice honor. I know people like Duane Hagadone and Jack Simplot are already in the hall of fame, so I'm proud of the company I’m joining this evening with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Ron Edinger."

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe employs nearly 1,800 individuals, making it the second-largest employer in North Idaho.

The Tribe consistently gives back to its community. Economically, it has an annual $330 million impact on the region each year, and contributes an annual $13 million in state, county and local government taxes. In 1992, the Tribe volunteered to give 5 percent of gaming revenue to the state to support education. Through this program, more than $21 million has gone hack to schools, school districts, universities, colleges and nonprofits.

The Tribe's work with KCTFHR has been solid since the Task Force formed 37 years ago. The Tribal Council has worked with KCTFHR to promote and support human rights while combating bigotry, prejudice and discrimination.

"Being a part of this organization has been so fulfilling to the Tribe," said public relations director Jennifer Fletcher. "Any kind of recognition is not what we strive for, but nonetheless we are completely and totally honored by this award. We’re going to receive it with grace and dignity and we hope to continue our fabulous relationship (with KCTFHR) through the years."

Edinger earns his place in the hall of fame after serving the city of Coeur d'Alene for nearly five decades.

He was first elected to Coeur d'Alene City Council in 1969 and served four years on the council. He was elected mayor in 1973 and served for four years, returning to a city council seat in 1979 and has been re-elected ever since.

When Edinger was mayor, Coeur d'Alene purchased Tubbs Hill and the Idaho Water company, Independence Point was developed and recreational programs were greatly expanded. Edinger was also instrumental in preserving Person Field, located at the corner of 15th Street and Garden Avenue, as a public space when development loomed over the property.

In 2013, as chair of the City General Service Committee, Edinger led the committee's positive recommendation of the passage of the anti-discrimination ordinance, banning discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation. It was approved by the council in June 2013.

"I just want to say it's a great honor that I've been selected to be in the Idaho Hall of Fame," Edinger said. "I thank the people of Coeur d'Alene for their continued support over the years, and also my family and my wife, Nancy, who has been a great supporter. I just want to say 'thank you' to everybody."