NEW TODAY: Saturday, September 28

1. Contract negotiations continue in Coeur d'Alene School District

More negotiating is ahead for teams representing the Coeur d'Alene School District and Coeur d'Alene Education Association following a more than two-hour Friday meeting.

This was the third session and the first since the start of the 2024-25 school year. The first two bargaining sessions were held this spring.

A few items gained unanimous approval from both teams, including providing proper compensation for teaching and coaching experience and offering 12 weeks of maternity leave for new moms. Without paid maternity leave, new mothers have to use paid sick leave and take salary hits once the sick days run out.

2. Coeur d'Alene surgeon pleads not guilty to voyeurism

The case of an orthopedic surgeon accused of hiding a camera in a staff bathroom at his medical office is headed for trial early next year.

Spencer Greendyke, 68, pleaded not guilty Friday morning to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child by preparation of sexually exploitative material and eight counts of video voyeurism, all felonies. 

A five-day trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2025. 

3. Fun to be found at Athol Fall Farmers Festival

The community of Athol said goodbye to summer — and hello to fall — at the Athol Fall Farmers Festival on Friday.  

“I heard that this one was the last market of the season, so I thought, we have to go!” said Julia Holman, who brought her family to Friday’s festival. “I even got the kids out of school early.” 

More than a dozen local vendors could be found at Athol City Park, many of whom sold seasonal goods along with their usual farmers market fare.

4. Post Falls Chamber of Commerce celebrates 60 years of service

 1964 was a busy year. The original "Mary Poppins" film topped the U.S. box office. Unfrosted Pop-Tarts debuted in grocery stores. And in North Idaho, the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce was incorporated.

Seright's Ace Hardware is the chamber's longest-standing member. 

Early meetings were hosted at the Post Cafe before the organization had its own building.

These tidbits set the scene for the chamber's 60th-anniversary celebration Wednesday at Alt's Copperhouse.

5. Construction on Highway 53 near Hauser to begin in October

The Idaho Transportation Department announced Thursday it will begin construction of an interchange at State Highway 53 and Pleasant View Road in early October.

The project will enhance safety in this highly traveled corridor by ultimately eliminating three railroad/vehicle crossings, streamlining access to Highway 53 and increasing capacity on key routes.