MY TURN: Don't let ego, pride and control interfere with the mission

What are three things that hinder or destroy an organization or relationship? Answer: ego, pride and control. Nothing distorts a group’s mission more than a member placing their ego above the mission. A person’s identity can get tangled up in the purpose and it’s hard to separate the two.

Kootenai County to authorize Panhandle Health District to enforce aquifer chemical rules

Kootenai County commissioners will consider authorizing Panhandle Health District to enforce rules about how businesses located over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer handle chemicals.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — A Taste of South Africa: Exploring the unique wines of the rainbow nation

South African wines are top of mind after our thrilling South Africa edition of the monthly pop-up dinners this past Friday. We were swept away by the exciting history and flavors of these remarkable wines and can't wait to share some of the standout bottles we discovered (available for a limited time in the shop). Let's dive into the captivating world of South African wines!

OPINION: Dorothy Moon is fueling efforts to detoxify Idaho’s Republican Party

Dorothy Moon held onto her position as boss of the extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party at the GOP convention in Coeur d’Alene on June 15. Mary Souza challenged Moon for the chairmanship in hopes of bringing more moderation to the party but failed on a vote of 376-228. A tremendous effort had been made by reasonable Republicans to win a majority of precinct committee positions in this year’s closed GOP primary. The objective was to vote the extremists out and change the direction of the party. Despite creditable success in some areas of the state, the reformers did not get their majority. They will in the next election, if they keep at it.

Canal pipe breaks, threatening a northern Montana irrigation project and drinking water

The break comes a month before a $100 million replacement project on the headgates was expected to begin and during the peak irrigation season.

Cd’A Summer Shootout getting big — 84 teams expected in town for basketball tourney running Friday through Sunday

“A lot of them are turning it into a vacation,” he said of the visiting teams and their families. “I think they are seeing this more of an event.”

FAST FIVE Stu Cabe reminds us to be nice to each other

Meet Stu Cabe, founder of The Ovation Company, a Coeur d'Alene-based school resource organization focusing on positive school climate and improved student achievement. Stu has been a professional presenter and trainer for over two decades. He travels North America to work with students and teachers to help build strong school communities and improve campus culture and climate. The Ovation Company's motto: Stand up for what is good. Info: ovationcompany.com

Blackfeet Nation resumes enforcement of Chief Mountain closure

The closure affects the one-mile radius from the base of Chief Mountain and is in effect for everyone except Blackfeet people who use the area for cultural and spiritual practices.

Juneteenth honored in Coeur d’Alene

Speaker says people can change for the better

When Kitara Johnson-Jones arrived at the Human Rights Education Institute in downtown Coeur d’Alene and saw the “Love Lives Here” sign out front, she felt excited.