Ellington

Idaho Child Tax Credit set to expire this year

Since 2018, Idaho taxpayers have received a $205 tax credit for each child under 17

Idaho Child Tax Credit set to expire this year

Since 2018, Idaho taxpayers have received a $205 tax credit for each child under 17

Momentous evidentiary hearings await Bryan Kohberger ahead of Idaho student murder trial

More than 170 legal filings with considerable implications for trial in the University of Idaho student homicides case are set to near their resolution as defendant Bryan Kohberger returns to the courtroom Wednesday.

Scholarships for child care are drying up. Now families are paying the price

For parents who need to work but can't afford the steep cost of child care, federally funded scholarships can be a lifeline. Delivered through state child care assistance programs, the scholarships can mean the difference between a parent working full time — or not at all.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Zags were so far, and yet so close

IF YOU had no skin in this title game other than wanting to see what brand of basketball the riches of NIL can buy these days, it was a thriller. The collectives who fund the sport’s best teams — note that all four No. 1 seeds made it to San Antonio — get their money’s worth. More than anything Monday night, you got to see big, strong athletes who leave politeness in the dressing room. This game was just short of violence. There were times when it looked like the YMCA on Saturday afternoon, complete with bloody noses and no referees. Maybe they should have played, “Make it, take it.”

North Idaho 14-day weather forecast

North Idaho 14-day weather forecast

Shooters gonna shoot

Silver Valley boy to compete at Elks Hoops Shoot National Competition

Bridger Heyn is a unique kid. He doesn’t play video games, he doesn’t watch a ton of TV, and he isn’t glued to a cell phone or tablet. He plays basketball, like, a lot of basketball. Something that is pretty easy to recognize from the second he walks into any gym.

Silver Valley Youth Sports

The Kellogg Wildcat 6th grade girls team recently won the Missoula Roundball Tournament, capturing their second title in three years.

PREP GOLF: Coleman, Kellogg boys win at Pinehurst tourney

Johnny Stovern shot 81, Easton Towne 84 for Kellogg, which won the team title by 21 strokes over Priest River.

Coeur d'Alene High recipient of Douglas fir that went to space

Coeur d'Alene High recipient of Douglas fir that went to space

Some trees become matchsticks, musical instruments or furniture. Others are turned into paper and used to make books filled with extraordinary tales of adventure. A few select trees become space travelers and have exciting stories of their own. One such NASA Moon Tree was planted Monday afternoon at Coeur d'Alene High School.

Passion drives Pinehurst Golf Course improvements

Volunteers make their mark

For 97 years, the Pinehurst Gold Course has been a popular stop for casual linksters, but the course’s staff and club members are hoping that a few upgrades can make the experience even better.

One person charged, another released following domestic incident in Kellogg

A Kellogg woman has been charged with aggravated battery with traumatic injury following a strange incident last Friday night.

NIC SOFTBALL: Cardinals swept by first-place CSI

Megan Nelson had three hits on the day for NIC (15-19, 7-13 SWAC), which won the series opener before dropping the final three games.

Chip Shots April 8, 2025

Scores, news, etc., from local golf courses, leagues.

Two men charged with child enticement after sting

Police arrested two men who prosecutors said were caught in a sting operation after allegedly they allegedly exchanged inappropriate messages with an undercover police officer posing as a teen girl.

Solid snowpack raises water supply outlook

April could still bring some cooler weather that slows down the snowpack melt rate, but right now, it looks like winter has ended and spring has officially arrived in Idaho," the report said.

MY TURN: Tom Hanley My Turn misleading

In a My Turn column published on March 7, Community Library Network (CLN) Trustee Tom Hanley attempted to oversimplify the ongoing conflict between the Cooperative Information Network (soon to be rebranded as Inland Northwest Libraries, or INL) and the CLN. He framed the debate as a false choice between those who "protect children" and those who do not. This misleading narrative, a classic Straw Man fallacy, is designed to distract from the real issue: the CLN’s unilateral attempt to seize control of the INL and impose its extreme ideological agenda on an entire network of libraries that serve both Idaho and Washington.

David Dean Cates, 63

David Dean Cates was born May 3, 1961, and died October 16, 2024. He grew up in Coeur d’Alene, where he worked with his parents, David and Pat Cates, at their 76 Service Station and Ace Hardware Store in North Spokane.

Shoshone County jail bookings

Arrests and jail bookings for the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

Which superhero hits home runs? Batman

Kaylee Peterson slates town hall on Sunday in Coeur d'Alene

Peterson is an Idaho native and working-class mom who ran for Congress in 2022 and 2024. “People are hungry for leadership that listens and offers solutions,” Peterson said in a press release. “Our current congressman isn’t showing up, so we’re bringing an extra chair—one we’re keeping open until someone is willing to sit down and listen to the people.

Alliance: Court win for Idaho grizzlies

Says roads pose imminent threat to habitat

In the case, the court order found the challenged government action “Hanna Flats” to violate federal law. The government’s own management plan for the area limits road construction in the area to protect grizzly bears, because roads in grizzly habitat are the primary threat to this species. The court found that the government had been violating the road construction limit for many years, and was continuing to violate it with this new action.

Legals for April, 8 2025

Stocks end modestly lower after reeling from Trump's latest threats to escalate his tariff fight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 349 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%. The Dow was earlier down as many as 1,700 points following even worse losses worldwide on worries that Trump’s tariffs could torpedo the global economy. It then surged to a gain after a rumor circulated that Trump may pause his tariffs. But the White House quickly called that fake news, and Trump then threatened to raise tariffs further on China.

Mega Millions tickets rise to $5, but the lottery promises more giant jackpots

The biggest change is the ticket price hike from $2 to $5. Lottery officials expect that jump to increase revenue from the twice-weekly game, enabling them to improve the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million. The higher ticket price also means the jackpot can start at $50 million, rather than the previous $20 million, and that the grand prize is expected to grow more quickly. Each time there isn’t a big winner, the jackpot will jump by a larger amount. Officials expect it will more frequently top the $1 billion threshold that draws extra attention — and bigger sales.

American YouTuber who left a Diet Coke can for a reclusive tribe on an island is arrested in India

Visitors are banned from traveling within 3 miles (5 kilometres) of the island, whose population has been isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years. The inhabitants use spears and bows and arrows to hunt the animals that roam the small, heavily forested island. Deeply suspicious of outsiders, they attack anyone who lands onto their beaches.

Swollen rivers are flooding towns in the US South after a prolonged deluge of rain

Cities ordered evacuations and rescue crews in inflatable boats checked on residents in Kentucky and Tennessee, while utilities shut off power and gas in a region stretching from Texas to Ohio. Floodwaters forced the closure of the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, close to the banks of the swollen Kentucky River near downtown Frankfort.

Who's who in Lori Vallow Daybell's trial in Arizona?

Vallow Daybell, 51, a beautician by trade and mother of three, has been married five times. She married her high school sweetheart when she was 19. It ended quickly, but she married again in her early 20s and had a son. With her third husband, Joseph Ryan, she had a daughter. That ended after a few years, and Ryan later died in his home of a suspected heart attack.

Coeur d’Alene police seek suspect in possible child enticement

Coeur d’Alene police are seeking a man who they said is a possible child enticement suspect.

Monday TV/Radio highlights

Television, radio and streaming highlights for Monday, April 7

RMEF funds projects in Shoshone, Kootenai counties

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its vast array of partners have supplied $4,197,169 to improve wildlife habitat throughout Idaho.

Egg hunts, other spring fun to be found around North Idaho

Egg hunts, other spring fun to be found around North Idaho

Colorful eggs abound as Post Falls city staff prepare for a Q’emiln Park egg extravaganza.

North Idaho College student's design to represent festival at Sandpoint

Gracie Duncan’s poster entry for The Festival at Sandpoint sailed to the top.

New tornado outbreaks in the Midwest

Tornado and severe weather season in the central U.S. have ramped up this spring. Last week was especially tough as at least 50 twisters were reported from the Deep South northeastward into Michigan.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

My housekeeping style

Pottery competition April 11 at Emerge

Emerge will host its fifth annual Ceramic Throwdown and Cup Frenzy from 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 11.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: ‘I just feel very grateful’ — Jim Winger’s road to the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame includes a bus ride, some chances taken, a perfect season ... and a supportive wife

"When we first got married, I wasn’t sure that’s where we were headed,” Teri recalled of the coach/wife of a coach lifestyle. “But when he got the Legion job, and he got the job at Coeur d’Alene ... OK, that’s where we’re headed ... which was fine, because I had been a sports fanatic forever. I was fully invested in that.” “It’s worked out great.”

PREP TRACK AND FIELD: Zack Cervi-Skinner finishes runner-up in 2-mile at Oregon Relays

Cervi-Skinner, who signed with Wake Forest in December, finished in 9 minutes, 1.26 seconds. Viking senior Max Cervi-Skinner, who also signed with Wake Forest, was third in 9:01.35. Max Billett of Shorewood High in Shoreline, Wash., won in 8:59.55.

NIC SOFTBALL: Larney delivers walk-off in opener for Cardinals against rival CSI

The teams play another doubleheader today at Lake City High starting at 11 a.m.

PREP BASEBALL: Sandpoint, Post Falls split

Post Falls hosts Coeur d'Alene in a doubleheader on Tuesday.

Hundreds join 'Hands Off' protest in Coeur d'Alene

Much like the several hundred other protestors that lined U.S. 95 near Appleway Avenue on Saturday, Duane Nansel had several concerns in mind about the Trump administration.

Life at Station 2 in Coeur d'Alene comes with challenges

Rebuild of 1992 structure part of bond going to voters

The $16.4 million, 10-year bond will go to voters May 20. Funds will go to replace an aging fleet and equipment and remodel or rebuild three stations. Tom Greif said all of these things are “directly impacting our ability to provide high-quality emergency medical and fire services.” He said firefighters will provide the community with details on how the bond money will be spent "in order to meet our current needs and prepare for the future."

Pastor Tim Remington says faith remains strong after shooting nine years ago

Pastor Tim Remington signs new book, says faith remains strong after shooting nine years ago

On Saturday, Currie met Remington for the first time as he signed copies of “Gun Shot Witness: The Tim Remington Story,” by Amy Joy Hess at the Sower Bible Book Store. He wondered how Remington could have survived and decided it had to be “spiritual interventino.” Since then, Currie said he’s admired Remington from afar and finally, up close as he and his wife bought copies of Gun Shot Witness, which Remington signed.

Lakeside CrossFit now open in downtown Coeur d'Alene

For Sharon Anderson, CrossFit is as much about competition as it is about longevity and functional fitness.

HUCKLEBERRIES: Candy and chaos

The late George Cecil compared the 1975 “Rabbit Riot” at City Park to his day’s pell-mell Vietnamese evacuation of Da Nang.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

I told a computer joke on a Sunday

EDITORIAL: Stop playing games with critical infrastructure

The ongoing saga regarding the public docks in Kootenai County represents a troubling example of how critical public infrastructure can become entangled in bureaucratic squabbles and budget politics. What may appear on spreadsheets as simple line items are, in reality, vital access points that connect communities and sustain local economies.

OPINION: Idaho Fish and Game must evolve for the future of wildlife conservation

The challenges of modern wildlife conservation are far more complex than anything managers faced when the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) was created by a citizens’ initiative in 1938.

Roy Diteman, 91

Roy R. Diteman passed into the open arms of Jesus on the first day of Spring 2025. Roy was born to Lorna (Fish) Diteman and Curtis H. Diteman on Jan. 17, 1934.

OUR GEM: April stewardship opportunities

While April 20 marks Earth Day, the mission of The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative encourages us all to practice stewardship every day. Here are some ways to get involved this April and contribute to the care of our Earth.

Get your team to their own Final Four

To me, there is no greater sporting event than the NCAA Final Four for both men's and women's basketball. I've been to many Final Fours, and you can't beat the excitement. They call it March Madness for a reason. I'm still hoping to fill out a perfect bracket one of these days!

Milestone Announcement

See who's celebrating!

Housing prices rising

According the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors latest report, the median price of a single-family home in Kootenai County through March was $546,035, an 8% increase from a year ago.

At least 16 dead in flooding and tornadoes as storms slash from Texas to Ohio

Day after day of heavy rains have pounded the central U.S., rapidly swelling waterways and prompting a series of flash flood emergencies in from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service said dozens of locations in multiple states were expected to reach major flood stage, with extensive flooding of structures, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure possible.

Protesters tee off against Trump and Musk in 'Hands Off!' rallies across the US

Crowds of people angry about the way President Donald Trump is running the country marched and rallied in scores of American cities Saturday in the biggest day of demonstrations yet by an opposition movement trying to regain its momentum after the shock of the Republican’s first weeks in office.

U of Idaho student hung ‘Trump train’ flag on apartment wall. What landlord did

A University of Idaho junior says a flag his mother sent him as a joke ended up costing him his housing.

Trump administration rolls back forest protections in bid to ramp up logging

President Donald Trump's administration acted to roll back environmental safeguards around future logging projects on more than half of U.S. national forests under an emergency designation announced Friday that cites dangers from wildfires.

THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Whitcomb's work makes his Division I dream a reality

“I really like the coaching staff,” Whitcomb said. “It’s at a really high elevation (5,846 feet), but it really feels like home. I just like how they operate and showed interest in me. Since Day 1, they showed they wanted me down there. I wanted to get to the next level, and it’s kind of like a dream come true.”

Northwest Notes April 5, 2025

The 6-foot-11 Rowbury was a senior at Meridian High when the Warriors defeated Lake City 68-54 in the 2021 state 5A championship game. Rowbury scored 13 points. Former Lake City star Kolton Mitchell, who just completed his redshirt freshman season at Idaho, played in that title game as a sophomore for the Timberwolves, leading his team with 15 points.

PREP TRACK AND FIELD: Locals compete in Oregon Relays in Eugene

The event concludes today in Eugene.

HeatPraxia reopens at new location a year after devastating flood

HeatPraxia reopens at new location a year after devastating flood

When Heather Gallegos got the call about some flooding at HeatPraxia, her sauna and cold plunge studio, she assumed there was a problem with the cold plunge tubs.

Idaho Legislature ends 2025 session

Idaho state lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session Friday, after spending much of the day awaiting amendments to a bill that prohibits businesses and schools from requiring “medical interventions.”

Hayden Longshots top trap team at 2025 Winter League shoot off

Hayden Longshots top trap team at 2025 Winter League shoot off

Winning is no long shot for a team of young shooting enthusiasts.

Angler surveys to take place on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Idaho Fish and Game will begin conducting angler surveys, also known as creel surveys, on Coeur d’Alene Lake and its chain lakes in the coming months.

Budget gardening hacks: Grow more for less with these simple tips

Given increasing food costs, cultivating a garden, especially a vegetable garden, is an excellent way to guarantee that your family has fresh and nutritious food while helping to reduce grocery expenses.

Eugene 'Gene' Soper, 94

Eugene R. Soper passed away on March 22, 2025.

MY TURN: The pros and cons of a Citylink joint powers agreement

“The issue is people look at me because I cast the deciding vote and so, therefore, I’m either the good guy or the bad guy”- BOCC chair Bruce Mattare.

FAST FIVE Jeff Harris' path to sweet success

Meet Jeff Harris, founder of Bombshell Sweets in Hayden. Success often follows an unexpected path, and for Jeff, the road to founding Bombshell Sweets — now a leading name in gourmet cotton candy — was anything but conventional.

School and Senior Meals

School and Senior Meals: 10-14

‘Death of a Unicorn’ a ‘Jurassic’ riff with occasional laughs

Rich people run the world, and in movies anyway, the rich people often do so with evil intent.

Live opera on Sunday at Harding Center

The event will feature announcing a full mainstage opera production coming in the Fall of 2026, and will introduce the director for that show, internationally recognized performer, director and producer Stephen Gordon. There will be opportunity to meet him and hear about all our plans, informally meet the new board, four of whom are from North Idaho, and to share questions and answers as the board begins rebuilding lost personal connections with the fans, supporters and artists who brought it into being.

Spring craft fairs

Spring craft fairs

The Exhausted Dad: First in fun and last in math

Out of six people in my house, I rank last in math.

Colleen Jean Carter, 65

Colleen Jean Carter passed away at home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

The worst part about parallel parking

Legals for April, 5 2025

Coeur d’Alene surgeon gets 40-year prison sentence for voyeurism

An orthopedic surgeon who pleaded guilty to secretly recording women and girls in the bathroom of his medical office will spend decades in prison.

$600K grant targets Tubbs Hill

Large-scale project to reduce forest fuel in planning stages

The city of Coeur d’Alene said Friday, in collaboration with the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management team and the Idaho Department of Lands, it landed the federal grant for fuel mitigation work.

Dow plunges 2,000 as sell-off for markets slams into a scarier gear following Trump's tariffs

The sell-off for financial markets worldwide is slamming into a higher, scarier gear on Friday.

A church in England opens its doors to pro wrestling in a bid to attract converts

Church attendance in the U.K. has been declining for decades, and the 2021 census found that less than half of people in England and Wales now consider themselves Christian. Those who say they have no religion rose from 25% to 37% in a decade. That has led churches to get creative in order to survive.

Trump says he's giving TikTok another 75 days to find a US buyer

President Donald Trump on Friday said is signing an executive order to keep TikTok running in the U.S. for another 75 days to give his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.

Idaho Gov. Little signs bill blocking unauthorized immigrants from public services

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law a bill to prevent unauthorized immigrants in Idaho from accessing publicly funded assistance.

ALL-IDAHO BOYS, GIRLS BASKETBALL: Vikings’ Colvin named 6A girls Player of the Year

Strawn, Williams, Bateman, Miller, Charley, Wolfe also earn first-team all-Idaho honors

Strawn, Williams, Bateman, Miller, Charley, Wolfe also earn first-team all-Idaho honors

NIC men's soccer team puts on clinic in Worley

NIC soccer holds clinic in Worley

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Don't worry — M's are off to their usual start

Well, the pitching is great. And baseball is crazy.

PREP BASEBALL: Lumberjacks drop two against Kendrick

St. Maries (2-8) travels to Potlatch on Tuesday for a single game at 6 p.m.

NIC WOMEN'S GOLF: Cardinals wrap up play at Cowgirl Classic in Arizona

NIC will compete in the Bobcat Desert Classic, hosted by Montana State, starting Monday at The Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Ariz.

Coeur d'Alene man says speeding drivers have him on edge

Cd'A resident says speeding drivers in neighborhood have him fearing for children

What has rattled him is the traffic zipping by north and south outside his home. While it’s a 25-mph street, Korver guesses the average speed of most vehicles traveling between Harrison and Locust avenues is about 40 mph. “It’s a straight shot. They don’t have to slow down for anything,” Korver said. “I’m not going to put up with that. I can’t. It's too important to me.” With no speed limit or stop signs, and no crosswalks, Korver worries the situation will only get worse unless the city steps in.

Man pleads not guilty to Post Falls murder

A man accused of fatally shooting his ex’s boyfriend has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.

Weekend TV/Radio highlights

Television, radio and streaming highlights for upcoming weekend.

Nonprofit founder honored with Hometown Hero award

Tess Reasor wears many hats. She serves as a mobile crisis responder for Benchmark Human Services, is the Region 1 Representative on the Idaho State Behavioral Health Planning Council, and founded 208 Recovery North, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in recovery from substance abuse and behavioral health disorders.

Shoshone County officials worry over federal funds for schools, public works

Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke met with the Shoshone County Commissioners to discuss the potential impacts if the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 is not passed.

Lakes Highway District raises legal concerns about permit for Bayview docks

Lakes Highway District hit pause on the ongoing docks process earlier this week after concerns over a request from Kootenai County officials to become solely responsible for maintaining for the dock at Bayview after it is installed. Eric Shanley, director of highways for Lakes Highway District said he is hopeful talks will continue, but the ask for sole responsibility on the Idaho Department of Lands permit was something that legally his highway board feels is on shaky ground.

MOUNTAINEERS: Climbing areas in good hands

MOUNTAINEERS: Climbing areas in good hands

PROTEST: Article shouldn’t have run on front page

PROTEST: Article shouldn’t have run on front page

SIDEWALKS: Not everyone will be happy

SIDEWALKS: Not everyone will be happy

TOWN HALL: Didn’t address the real issues

TOWN HALL: Didn’t address the real issues

'Strut Your Stuff'

New art exhibit opens today at the JACC

Art enthusiasts and community members alike are invited to celebrate the rich tapestry of Inland Northwest places with the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center at 5 tonight during the opening reception of the "Strut Your Stuff" art exhibit.

EDITORIAL: Sidewalk rule creates needless burden on homeowners

Coeur d'Alene's proposed amendments to the municipal sidewalk code, while well-intentioned, represent an ill-conceived approach that would place undue financial burdens on homeowners while potentially creating a patchwork of disconnected concrete paths throughout certain neighborhoods.

NIC, library events scheduled for April 10, 11

NIC, library events scheduled for April 10, 11

North Idaho College will host book readings with published authors next week as part of Eastern Washington University’s annual literary Get Lit! Festival.

Shannon Kay Bening, 70

Shannon Kay Bening, 70, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025.

Robert 'Bob' Earl Launhardt, 92

Robert “Bob” Earl Launhardt, 92, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on November 1, 2024, at Mountain Valley of Cascadia, Kellogg, Idaho. Robert was born on December 1, 1931, in Collinsville, Ill.,

Idaho's anti-DEI bill heads to the governor's desk

A bill placing sweeping prohibitions on DEI in public higher education institutions passed the House on Thursday and will go to the governor for consideration.

Shoshone County jail bookings

Arrests and jail bookings for Shoshone County Sheriff's Office.

Hayden Cinema movie times

Hayden Cinema movie times

Daniel Shultz, 79

Daniel G. Shultz, 79, of Thompson Falls, Mont., passed away at his home on March 5, 2025. Born on July 18, 1946,

Man charged with sexual abuse after bus incident

A grand jury has indicted a man accused of sharing a sexually explicit message with a child at a bus station.

Gary Eugene Fuller, 88

Gary Eugene Fuller, 88, of Osburn, Idaho, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at his Osburn home surrounded by his family on March 29, 2025. Gary was born on January 31, 1937, in Townsend, Wisconsin, a son of the late George and Dorothy (Zingler) Fuller.

KEA's 'Green Summit' is Saturday

It offers a half-day workshop aimed at exploring the local current environmental status and discovering actionable solutions.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

Almost 6 million Americans currently are not working

Spokane Street project in Post Falls resumes Monday

Construction on the Spokane Street rehabilitation project picks up again Monday, April 7.

Bridge work set to begin in Kellogg

Traffic in Kellogg is going to be a little different this year as work begins on the Bunker Ave. Bridge.

OPINION: Standing up for the rule of law

The rule of law is the foundation of western civilization. More than 800 years ago, Englishmen forced the tyrannical King John to sign a document respecting their natural rights, including the right to a trial by jury. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our Founding Fathers declared independence from another tyrannical king, standing on the truth that no ruler or parliament is above the law.

Tickets now on sale for Make It Pink Gala

Tickets are now on sale for the Make It Pink Gala that will be held June 13 at the Hagadone Event Center.

Legals for April, 4 2025

Biden appointee added to prosecution in Bryan Kohberger’s Idaho student murder trial

A former U.S. attorney for Idaho has joined the team prosecuting Idaho college student homicide defendant Bryan Kohberger.

Biden appointee added to prosecution in Kohberger case

Hurwit also declined a previous request from the Statesman about Idaho’s new law that will make a firing squad the state’s lead execution method starting next year. “I’m unable to engage on that case or that issue,” Hurwit said in a text message last month after he departed the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Idaho bill to allow ivermectin sales over the counter passes Senate

Typically, U.S. FDA decides when drugs should be over-the-counter. But Idaho Republican legislative leaders want to do it themselves.

Dr. Sky Blue, who works with ivermectin in his practice as infectious disease doctor in Idaho, told the Idaho Capital Sun that the bill is part of a broader trend to promote unproven medical remedies and disregard their risks — over more proven treatments.

Dow drops 1,600 as US stocks lead worldwide sell-off after Trump’s tariffs cause a COVID-like shock

The U.S. stock market buckled Thursday, and a level of shock unseen in years tore through financial markets worldwide on worries about the damage President Donald Trump 's newest set of tariffs could do to economies across continents, including his own.

Snatched pets and livestock deaths blamed on wolves raise alarms in rural New Mexico

“This is an immediate health and safety hazard to individuals and property,” Catron County commissioners said in a recent news release. “Please be aware of your surroundings when outdoors at all times. Maintain constant supervision of children and pets. Alert our elderly citizens to take appropriate precautions.”

Kohberger’s team: Autism should negate Idaho death penalty. Experts say it’s a stretch

Attorneys for Moscow murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, in their latest attempt to avoid capital punishment for their client if he is convicted, have asked the judge to consider setting a new legal precedent in Idaho regarding how autism is classified in death penalty cases.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: About this built-in break on the high school sports calendar ...

But the concept of a one-week stoppage during a high school sports season still seems a little weird, even though it’s been this way for years. You practice for a few weeks, play a few games ... then shut it down for a week. Then you gear up for the home stretch, the final six weeks of the spring season, then it’s on to summer vacation. Could you imagine a one-week break during the middle of the fall or winter high school sports seasons?

NIC ROUNDUP: Cardinal women's golf competes in Arizona

NIC softball to play College of Southern Idaho at Lake City High on Saturday and Sunday.

AT COLLEGE: April 3, 2025

Updates on area athletes at the next level.

‘All options’ on table for Citylink’s future

Kootenai County commissioners are weighing “all options” for the future of Citylink and putting pressure on city leaders to reconsider an agreement to shoulder more responsibility for public transit services that they turned down last year.

Museum of North Idaho's $500K grant in jeopardy

Could 'dramatically' delay phase 2 expansion of MNI's new home

Thurman received an email from the National Humanities Alliance this week that said the Department of Government Efficiency was targeting the NEH “with the aim of substantially reducing its staff, cutting the agency’s grant program and rescinding grants that have already been awarded.” “These actions have the potential to devastate the agency and, of course, the humanities community that relies on these government funds,” read the letter from Cecily Hill, deputy direct of the National Humanities Alliance,

Young singer shares experience performing national anthem at area sporting events

Young singer shares experience performing national anthem at area sporting events

A young local vocalist is continuing to pursue her singing dreams. Lake City High School freshman Jordynn Walker, 15, has been having a blast singing at Gonzaga University's soccer, volleyball, baseball and basketball games. She performed the national anthem Saturday at the Women's NCAA Super Regional March Madness game before Oklahoma played UConn in the Spokane Arena.

Bowling scores: April 3, 2025

Scores from area leagues.

Tick tock... it's tick season

Mild winter could mean more parasites

The arrival of Spring marks the beginning of tick season in North Idaho, which may be worse than previous years following a mild winter.

Northwest Notes April 3, 2025

The All-Star game will take place on Friday at 1:30 p.m. PDT at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.

Post Falls council approves 47-unit project

PAHA praises developer’s commitment to create starter homes

After a mix of comments from community members during a public hearing Tuesday night, Post Falls City Council members unanimously voted to add the Steckman Annexation as a medium-density R2 zone, principal uses of which are single-family houses and duplexes, according to Post Falls zoning codes.

Seeds of creativity to be planted at Skyway Elementary School

When student Jerren Bailey and Lake City High School art teacher Dawn Myers went to hang a banner Bailey had created for the Skyway Elementary garden it was clear the winter had been rough on the garden. "Their garden needs some love and care," Bailey said.

Openings available for 2025 Idaho Master Forest Stewards training

Openings are available for 2025 Idaho Master Forest Stewards training.

'Sid,' the Energy Dragon, lives by the wastewater plant

Unveiling slated April 24

“Sid The Green Energy Dragon visually represents this process, incorporating an open flame into its whimsical design to symbolize the transformation of waste into energy," the release said.

Horse riding through Leisure Park 40 years ago

Hayden resident Virginia Grove used to enjoy riding her horse around town, including through neighborhoods that were once fields and meadows.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

If Carmen Sandiego and Where's Waldo

House passes Medicaid budget, heads to governor

The budgeted items include funding to do surveys required by the federal government, for a contract for actuaries to forecast costs, the population adjustment, and costs related to the passage of House Bill 345 — which among many reforms, required the move of the entire program to a contract with a third-party managed care organization.

Glacier National Park's Sun Road advanced reservations easier to get than one might think

The earlier morning hour slot — from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.— as one might expect, are going much faster. But in early July, it doesn’t get dark until well after 10 p.m. in Glacier, so even starting out at 1 p.m. gives a party plenty of daylight to enjoy the park.

Remington book signing on Saturday

Pastor survived being shot six times in 2016

Pastor Tim Remington, who survived being shot six times on March 16, 2016, will be signing copies of, "Gun Shot Witness: The Tim Remington Story," from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sower Bible Bookstore, 1234 W. Appleway Ave.

Senate passes higher ed budgets including $4 million cut to BSU, UI

Both of the Senate Democrats who serve on JFAC spoke in reluctant support of the bill, while bemoaning the cuts to the state’s two largest universities. JFAC has repeatedly questioned university presidents, especially of UI and Boise State, about positions, courses and programs related to DEI, and has included language in budget bills that prohibit funds from going toward them.

Idaho watercraft inspection stations open for season

Boat owners must stop for mandatory checks

Idaho law requires all out-of-state watercraft to be inspected and decontaminated at a watercraft inspection station prior to launch.

Spirit Lake Police seeking public's help in locating child's stolen bike

The Spirit Lake Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a bike that was stolen from an eleven-year-old over the weekend.

House panel advances bill on parental rights

Could be terminated if parent is convicted of abusing a minor

Scott said that judges would be enabled to consider these situations in termination decisions, but that it wasn’t a “must.” “This is a ‘may,’” Scott said. “This doesn’t mean that they automatically will get their parental rights terminated, but it will allow the judge to take that into consideration.”

Budget writers try again on Tax Commission budget

Cut $100 from school choice tax credit implementation

There was little discussion at the budget-setting meeting Wednesday, other than some confusion by members over the difference between the new budget and the one that died on the Senate floor. The only change was a $100 reduction in the amount of money toward the seven new employees. JFAC voted 16-2 to approve the new budget. It will now go to the House and Senate floors.

Fish and Game relocates cow, calf from University of Idaho

The pair had become increasingly habituated to the easy living conditions on campus, raising concerns about their safety and potential conflicts with students, faculty, and local residents. To prevent any risk to the animals or the public, Fish and Game staff carefully tranquilized and transported the moose to a remote location where they can thrive in a more natural environment.

Legals for April, 3 2025

Trump announces sweeping new tariffs to promote US manufacturing, risking inflation and trade wars

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries and higher tariff rates on dozens of nations that run trade surpluses with the United States, threatening to upend much of the architecture of the global economy and trigger broader trade wars.

Montana's anti-transgender bathroom restrictions are on hold under a judge's order

A judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Montana law that restricts transgender people's use of bathrooms in public buildings.

Idaho House passes budget for new statewide public defense system

The Idaho House of Representatives approved more than $32 million in additional funding for the new statewide public defense system on Tuesday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.

Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65

Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65.

Buchanan transferring to Iowa State

"For starters it’s the program that coach TJ has built; I know I’m going to a program that’s going to have a chance to compete for something big," Buchanan said. "The next thing was just their plan for me, they want to use me how I want to play, and their player development is at a high level. But in the end it came down to the little things that coach TJ and their staff have shown me and told me. It’s going to be a perfect fit for me and I’m excited to be a Cyclone."

NIC GOLF: Cardinals compete in Seattle U tourney

NIC competes in the Bethany College Classic next Monday and Tuesday at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas, the site of this year’s NJCAA Tournament May 13-16.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Portal not helping grow good games

Somehow, some way, we have to restore that season of ineligibility. Or the current chaos will get worse.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Connor Judson, Coeur d'Alene High School

Coeur d'Alene High School senior tennis player Connor Judson is this week's Knudtsen Chevrolet Press Athlete of the Week.

Youth Sports April 2, 2025

Scores, news, photos from local youth sports teams, leagues, etc.

Inland Empire PGA results: April 2, 2025

Results from Monday's and Tuesday's matches.

Northwest Notes April 2, 2025

Andrew Cristall of the Spokane Chiefs was given a one-game suspension by the Western Hockey League after receiving a major penalty for cross checking and a game misconduct on Sunday at Vancouver, in Game 2 of a first-round series in the WHL playoffs.

High school honors April 2, 2025

High school athletes earning honors.

Idaho Senate approves Medicaid budget

The Idaho Senate on Monday approved the budget for Medicaid — the state's largest budget and a major hurdle to clear before lawmakers may adjourn for the year.

Hundreds come out for food, diapers, pull-ups in Coeur d'Alene

Hundreds come out for food, diapers, pull-ups

Potatoes, onions, apples, corn on the corn and ground beef were among the 16,000 pounds of food offerings, as were bags of dog and cat food. Andy Caster, Second Harvest volunteers, said he’s seen a rising need among people just for the basics so they have enough to eat.

Sidewalk rule changes at a standstill

Council calls for more specific language in code changes to protect property owners

The amendments would require developers/owners to construct sidewalks "regardless of the distance to the nearest sidewalk or any other exemption." Currently, if the nearest sidewalk is 450 feet or more from the property being improved, the property owner is not required to build a sidewalk, the report said.

Marie Widmyer celebrates 30 years of Marie's Boutique

It’s a rare and lucky thing for a person to find their passion at a young age. Marie Widmyer was one of those people.

Kootenai County officials talk discretionary spending

Kootenai County commissioners may examine how discretionary funds for bonuses or employee appreciation efforts are allocated during the fiscal year 2026 budget season.

OPINION: A living petition

Marching in the streets has a long history in American Democracy.

Lakeland High School announces fall 2024 honor roll

Lakeland High School has announced its fall 2024 honor roll

Dorothy 'Elaine' Brownsberger, 89

Dorothy "Elaine" Brownsberger was born April 14,1935 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, Canada. She grew up and went to school in Olds, Alberta.

EDIT: Let's end the practice of requiring written questions

In the old days, and it’s still this way at some meetings, people wishing to ask questions raised their hands. Several volunteers with microphones would be posted throughout the room and carry one to a person with their hand up. Depending on how many hands were up, you would eventually get your turn to ask a question. Simple and fair.

Rathdrum police officers receive Life Saving Awards

Rathdrum police officers receive Life Saving Awards

Officers Scott Kennedy Jr. and Kenneth Short with the Rathdrum Police Department know what it means to answer the call of duty.

KCRCC EVENT: Not a town hall

KCRCC EVENT: Not a town hall

GROWTH: Amount of construction is distressing

GROWTH: Amount of construction is distressing

CONSTITUTION: Reason over religion

CONSTITUTION: Reason over religion

MUSK: Employees kept accountable

MUSK: Employees kept accountable

CHURCHES: Follow in footsteps of Founding Fathers

CHURCHES: Follow in footsteps of Founding Fathers

PROTESTS: What is the goal of being disruptive?

PROTESTS: What is the goal of being disruptive?

CHEMTRAILS: A simple explanation

CHEMTRAILS: A simple explanation

Historic club celebrates libraries, past and future

Earlier this year, a Main Street reader emailed asking if I’d be interested in speaking at a monthly meeting of the Coeur d’Alene Womans Club.

Belva Eleanor Pangallo, 93

Belva Eleanor Pangallo, 93, passed from this life on March 25, 2025, while resting peacefully and is now in the presence of her savor, Jesus Christ. Born to Ira and Lora Ward on November 12, 1931,

Today's Ghastly Groaner

My snoring doesn't wake my wife

Lake City students to participate in state Youth in Government conference

Lake City students to participate in state Youth in Government conference

Future voters are learning the procedural ropes for when they get to have a say in what happens in their world.

OPINION: Free speech at the KCRCC? Not so much.

The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) met last Tuesday. I was there as the Precinct Committeeman for Precinct 407, which includes most of Coeur d’Alene. Many folks may know there was a recent Legislative Town Hall meeting that erupted in shouting, unruly behavior, and the physical removal of a loud, disruptive woman.

OPINION: Donald Trump channels a kindred spirit, Dick the Butcher

There has been a bit of discussion over the years as to what William Shakespeare’s character, Dick the Butcher, meant when he said: “The first thing we do is, let’s kill all the lawyers.”

Idaho Senate passed further DEI limitations in higher education

The Senate in a lengthy evening debate Monday passed sweeping bans on DEI in required courses, hiring, admissions and training in Idaho public higher education institutions.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Joy over stress: A new path

Stress is pretty much universal. It’s how we respond to stress that affects our lives. We get to choose how to respond, vacillating on the spectrum between misery and joy. Simple, isn’t it? If it were so, we wouldn’t need an article or a class on how to help us lean more towards the joy end of the spectrum, no matter how challenging life is.

Protest slated for Saturday in Coeur d'Alene

A local protest of the police of President Donald Trump is scheduled 11 a.m. to 5 p.,. Saturday at the intersection of U.S. 95 and Appleway Avenue.

William 'Tom' Thomas Richards, 88

Tom Richards passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 22, 2025, in Palm Springs, California. Tom and his identical twin brother John were born on March 17, 1937, in Spokane, Washington, to John Smith and Ruth (Triplett) Richards.

Legals for April, 2 2025

UPDATE: Missing 16-year-old has been located, CDAPD says

16-year-old Annalise Vonberndt has been located after reportedly running away from Children's Village Monday afternoon, according to a social media post from the Coeur d'Alene Police Department.

CDA River Ranger District office in Fernan temporarily closed

The Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District office in Fernan is temporarily closed due to a broken water line, according to a social media post from Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

‘Recreation nightmare’ in Idaho? Forest Service job cuts could be a literal mess

On a summer day, thousands of people will drive along popular highways through Idaho’s national forests. Hundreds will float along river rapids, pitch tents at campsites or hike from a trailhead. And they’ll pass — and likely use — the vault toilets the dot the highway routes, campgrounds and day use sites.

On the heels of a dry winter, firefighters around the US brace for wildfire risks

From the southwestern U.S. to Minnesota, Iowa and even parts of New Jersey, it seemed that winter never materialized.

New Jersey Sen. Booker presses his marathon speech against Trump's agenda past 18 hours and counting

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker held the Senate floor with a marathon speech that lasted all night and into Tuesday afternoon in a feat of endurance to show Democrats’ objections to President Donald Trump’s sweeping actions.

Idaho Legislature approves ban on SNAP coverage for candy, soda

Supporters see the bill as an important health step. Critics, including business industry, say definitions are unworkably broad.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Here to make sense of M's telecasts — in any language

Look, I truly enjoy answering baseball questions, so send me an email and I promise to answer.

Silver Valley Sports: March 24-30

Spring sports get busy!

Idaho governor praises new immigration enforcement law, despite temporary block on enforcement

Gov. Brad Little on Monday touted Idaho’s new immigration law, which has been temporarily blocked from being enforced by a federal judge.

'The end of an era' with Tom Richards' passing

Tom Richards leaves legacy of generosity, caring for community

Tom Richards passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 22, 2025, in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 88. The Coeur d’Alene High School graduate built a name for himself by building up his hometown and those around him, said his son. Tom and his identical twin brother John were born on March 17, 1937, in Spokane, to John Smith and Ruth (Triplett) Richards. Raised in Hayden Lake, Tom Richards graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics and earned his master’s in business Administration from Harvard.

Surfin' Cd'A: Wave generators to be installed in Lake Coeur d'Alene

In an emergency meeting Monday, the City Council approved an ambitious $12.5 million project to install industrial wave generators in Lake Coeur d'Alene, creating what officials have dubbed the "North Idaho Surf Experience."

Shoshone sheriff creates new medical staff position

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is hiring for a position they officially created last week after meeting with the county commissioners.

Daughters of the American Revolution to host rummage sale Friday-Saturday

Members of the Lt. George Farragut Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Hayden Lake Eagles, 1520 W. Wyoming Ave., Hayden.

Northwest Notes April 1, 2025

News on the Spokane Chiefs.

Senate kills Idaho State Tax Commission budget because of added costs for school choice tax credit program

The Idaho Senate on Monday killed the budget for the Idaho State Tax Commission, which included $675,000 to implement a school choice tax credit program approved by the Legislature this year.

'Thrift Store That Builds Homes' expands

ReStore Manager Teresa Roberts said the new space will allow The ReStore to sell more furniture and clothing. Three dressing rooms were built and makeshift shelving throughout the store has been replaced by new shelving from a retailer that went out of business.

Chip Shots April 1, 2025

Scores, news, etc., from local golf courses, leagues, etc.

Stanley Carl Taylor, 78

Stanley “Stan” Carl Taylor, 78, a long-time resident of Wallace, Idaho, passed away on March 22, 2025

THE DIRT: EPA conducting waterfowl survey

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with wildlife management staff from State, Federal, and Tribal organizations, is conducting a study to develop tools for monitoring waterfowl health and exposure to lead contamination in the Lower Coeur d’Alene River Basin.

Today's Ghastly Groaner

I'm not aging like fine wine.

Legals for April, 1 2025