Keep your estate plan simple(ish)

It may seem obvious that when planning for what should happen after your death, more detail is better. Indeed, the problems I see with many estate plans have to do with ignoring some aspect of planning that should be addressed. However, the opposite problem is also possible. Let’s take a look...

Local kids place at Invention Convention nationals

Winners hail from Lakeland, Bryan, Hayden Meadows

North Idaho's young inventors earned a place on the national stage at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, held June 5-7 at the Henry Ford museum complex in Dearborn, Mich.

LEGION BASEBALL: Lums fall in Church tourney; Northern Lakes wins on walk-off

Coeur d'Alene and Northern Lakes wrap up tournament play today.

Northwest Notes: June 13, 2024

Kastens, a Coeur d'Alene High product, joins the Wildcat staff after having served most recently as an assistant football coach and the offensive line coach for William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. where he spent the previous two seasons. He earned the title of Assistant Football Coach on February 20, 2022, after his first season with the Cardinals.

Judge could soon set trial date for man charged in killings of 4 University of Idaho students

So far, 2nd District Judge John Judge has not set a trial date, noting that the case is particularly complicated in part because prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if there is a conviction.

Unanimous Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion medication

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was part of the majority to overturn Roe, wrote for the court on Thursday that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions."

Local violinist wins at international competition

Altenbach's 'Jester's Waltz' to be performed in Vienna

A celebrated violinist who serves as a faculty member at the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene has even more reason to celebrate. Richard Altenbach, an A-list Hollywood recording musician, won second prize in the International Golden Key Piano Composition Competition for his composition, "The Jester’s Waltz." He will travel to Vienna in July to receive his diploma and winner’s medal and to hear his piece performed by Anna Leyerer, a renowned virtuoso concert pianist, at the World Composers’ Recital.

Taking it to the streets of Coeur d'Alene

Musicians volunteer to play this week for Second Harvest

Hitt was one of about 10 musicians who took up posts in downtown Coeur d’Alene for Second Harvest food bank.

President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, is convicted of all 3 felonies in federal gun trial

Hunter Biden left the courthouse holding hands with the first lady and his wife. They did not speak to reporters, got into waiting SUVs and drove off.

THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: A chance to make another splash — Rising Coeur d'Alene High senior Rohlinger competes at Nike Nationals before taking missionary trip to Guatemala with mom

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” Linda Rohlinger said. “Kyle worked so hard to get to a national stage. Then we’ll fly out for another experience that could be life altering. It’s just been fun to experience it all with him. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

'Beauty' leaves her mark

Bald eagle became an international ambassador with Birds of Prey Northwest

Veltkamp led a multi-specialty team that engineered a 3-D printed beak for Beauty, and she provided care for the eagle for nearly 20 years, as she couldn’t feed herself and was unable to survive any longer in the wild.

Princess of Wales says she's making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment, will attend a public event

The announcement is a significant milestone, but does not mark a return to full-time public duties for Kate

Fast Five Kevin Croffoot: A father's heart of fire and faith

Meet Kevin Croffoot, a battalion chief with 32 years in the fire service, which began in the beginning with Hayden Fire and continued after consolidation becoming Northern Lakes Fire Protection District.

Favorite things about the Silver Valley: Elmer's Fountain

The Silver Valley is full of special places. Many of them are front and center in the community, but some of them are hidden in plain sight. One of the more unique spots is Elmer’s Fountain.

Reported birth of rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone park fulfills Lakota prophecy

Erin Braaten of Kalispell took several photos of the calf shortly after it was born on June 4 in the Lamar Valley in the northeastern corner of the park.

HUCKLEBERRIES: Keeping us on our toes

Valleda Woodhall's life from stage to turf to fashion

Valleda Woodhall learned to golf and didn’t quit the stage, after all.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: Another year of musical chairs — or musical football fields — as local high school football schedules come together

For North Idaho teams, putting together a high school football schedule in the first year of a two-year cycle is always difficult. “Yes, it was the most difficult in the 22 years I’ve been here,” Post Falls athletic director Craig Christensen said. “I thought those (previous years) were difficult, but they weren’t, compared to this.”

Coeur d'Alene man turns derelict cars into works of art

Ken Murren has been restoring classics since he was a teenager

Murren expects to have a 1972 Chevrolet Blazer in Car d’Lane, which begins tonight with a classic car parade, and continues Saturday with a show. Both are in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: The heart of the matter — The story of Dan Christ's heart transplant, and the Coeur d'Alene man's message of hope to others

"I can’t say enough about organ donation,” he said. “I’m alive today, because somebody checked the box. That person is a lifesaver, because especially in my case, if that heart hadn’t worked, my condition was getting so bad, we just don’t know when the next heart would come available. “So I can’t say enough about the donor’s family, and how grateful I am to them.”

Kootenai first responders, school staff practice active shooter scenario

The scene unfolding at Timberlake High School was a simulated mass shooting, designed to give first responders, school staff and community members a chance to practice what to do in a realistic emergency scenario.