A spring without garage sales

Spring usually brings with it blooming flowers, rising temperatures — and garage sales.

While the flowers and warmer days are here, garage sales are not. And they won’t be for some time.

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management recently pointed to garage sales as an example of an activity that is affected by Gov. Brad Little’s statewide stay-at-home order.

“Because garage sales are not classified as essential businesses, residents should continue to follow the guidelines set forth by Gov. Little’s office,” a press release said.

People are complying with that request.

The Press classifieds at this time of the year usually list scores of garage sales as people clear out the old stuff to make way for new stuff. But Wednesday’s classified section had none.

And on craigslist, there was only one listing for a North Idaho garage offering vintage baseball cards, sporting goods and construction equipment, but it clearly stated it was “By appointment only until a later date.”

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management added that while garage sales are out, activities such as walking, hiking, running and biking are still permitted, “though residents must maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people.”

“Day trips near the home are permitted. However, if a trailhead is congested, residents are advised to find another trail or go during non-peak hours,” the release said.