Kerri Thoreson
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It took a village to achieve his dream
I first met Nathan Smalley in October 2017, when I was invited to make welcome remarks for the groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho’s 42nd house, this one in Post Falls. It was a brisk but sunny a…
Special Memorial Day visitors at ceremony
Butterflies are beautiful ... joyful to watch float and flutter on the breeze. Their symbolism in many cultures is one of rebirth, resurrection and transformation. On Monday morning during the Memorial Day remembra…
Remember the reasons for the holiday
As we head into the first three-day weekend of the upcoming summer season, it’s good to remember why Memorial Day is observed. In 1868, it was known as Decoration Day, a day to decorate the graves of Civil War sold…
Filling out parade entry forms 101
Parade season is gearing up, and every year I intend to give suggestions to those who will fill out the parade applications/entry forms. My perspective comes from years of organizing parades, announcing parades and…
Package 'enjoys' tour of the Northwest
Stephanie Smith’s tale of a package’s most excellent adventure is one for the record books. After placing the order her package left Phoenix on April 27, first stopping in Portland. Before it arrived on the Smith’s…
May birthdays, motorcycles and Kentucky Derby picks
May already? It comes as no surprise to longtime readers or people who know me that May is my favorite month. What’s not to love about turning the corner on a soggy spring, planting flowers and seeing those first b…
Prom-goers feel the kindness of strangers
It’s the little things, and not so little things, that bring a smile and the awareness that there’s much good to celebrate in our communities and world. Jane Hamons, who owns Embers by the Lake in Hauser Lake with …
Local celebs dance for performing arts benefit
Two years ago I declared there were two things I knew I’d never do: jump out of a perfectly good airplane or become a professional dancer. I’ve stayed true to my word. 2016’s debut of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s…
From a mother's heart lives are saved
In November 2006 Tom and Cyndie Johnson were on holiday with their daughters, Desiree and Aubree, and son, Jordan. There in the hotel room, while peacefully sleeping, 15-year-old Jordan experienced sudden cardiac a…
Made-up words make little sense to readers
Over the decades readers have asked how I come up with the stories to tell in a weekly column. My response is always whatever amuses, inspires or annoys me in any given week. Thankfully, there’s not very much that …
Farewell to a world-class storyteller
A couple of years ago Ric Clarke called and invited me to coffee. He wanted to “pick my brain” to make a list of local long timers to feature in the profile series he’d be writing for the Press. Our coffee visit at…
Centennial birthdays, breaking records and saving a life
Jessie Jordahl will celebrate her centennial birthday on Monday, March 26. She and her late husband, Orland, were married for 73 years before he passed away. The couple have four children, 12 grandchildren and 15 g…
Finding lasting love along the way
Tomorrow Bert and I celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Through the years I’ve shared how Bert married me and my three daughters in a giant leap of faith back in 1986. We’ve both been blessed by the union, as h…
Honoring one of the really good guys
Bob Hubof is a hometown guy who’s had a big impact in our community. Bob grew up in Post Falls, graduating from PFHS in 1968. After graduating from the University of Idaho he began his 35-year teaching career at Se…
The red carpet then and now
Five years ago this week, I wrote about a local Oscar connection. As I’m heading to La La Land this weekend with Dianne Ansbaugh for People Magazine’s Red Carpet Experience, it’s fitting to take this red carpet wal…