Shining light of love in sad times

The esteem with which our communities hold our public safety/first responders is never more evident than in times of tragedy. The men and women who put on a uniform every day and interact with the public in mostly positive ways are always there. We sleep well knowing they’ve dedicated their lives to protecting us from the bad guys. They do good deeds and perform acts of kindness. They see the best and the worst of humanity on any given day and continue to serve.

They also have families who love them, friends within the department and in their “other” life. This week the outpouring of respect shown at the untimely passing of Post Falls Police Officer Nick McDaniel while he routinely patrolled the streets of his adopted town warms the heart, even the hearts that are broken.

To the loved ones of Officer McDaniel, here and in Hawaii, our sincere sympathy for your enormous loss. We mourn alongside you all. E ho'omaha me ka maluhia.

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To support directly the family of Officer McDaniel, the Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation, 501(C)(3) is accepting donations on their behalf. 100% of all donations go to the family. info@KCPFMF.org

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If the weather forecasters are correct, we’re waking up this morning to the first snowfall of the season. Even old-timers are likely to make rookie mistakes today. FYI: 4-wheel drive does not give you stopping ability on icy/slick roads. Simply slowing down in your travels is the best bet. Allow yourself plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B. Don’t tailgate or pass unnecessarily.

A good winter tip I learned from driving during my time in North Dakota: Keep your gas tank topped off as the weather turns colder in the coming months.

Oh, and don’t take out your frustration on snowplow drivers this winter. They’re good guys doing a thankless job.

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Happy Birthday today to Damon Darakjy, Jack Price, Mary Foeller, Kyley Greer (30!) and Kathryn Arrand. Tomorrow, Gail McGaughey, Shweta Bangaloree Green, Scott Peterson, Wanda Corcoran (60!), Linda Jones and Brock Prince celebrate the anniversary of their birth. On Friday, Barb Smalley, Cade Coffey, Trinity Newman, Brenda Willoughby, Anthony Beckstead, David Cole, Jen Butler, Deirdre Eldredge, Deeann Zahn and Aidyn Dugger enjoy their birthday cake. Melanie Simpson, Terri Gervais, Laura McNeil, Jenni Gibson, Jill Swoboda, Jonathan Mueller, Tracie Olin Smith, Kathleen Clancy, Bernadette Oaks, Heather Montee, Dale Fitch, Jamie Oliver and Ashley Gerzina blow out the candles Saturday. On Sunday, Sandy Patano, Jerry Baltzell, Mark Symons, Kara McCollum, Bill Guy, Amanda Krier, Mary Ransdell, Dave Clark and Shawn Duncan are celebrating. Rainey Coffin, Lori Dahlke, John Kelly, Lori Jurado, Vivian Stadley, Brad Oliver, Kay Mills and Derek McGee mark their big day Monday. Halloween birthdays for Kathy Prosser, RaeAnne Capaul, Amber Copeland, Rob Moser, Jabet Wheeler, Tyler Engelbrecht, Kevin Grady, Linda Haughton, Jaks Fowler and Susan Johnson.

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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.