PHARMACIES: PBMs are killing independent owners

As a local pharmacist, it was refreshing for me to see an article in The Press about the challenges facing pharmacies today. Low insurance reimbursement does not affect only rural pharmacies, however, but is leading to the demise of all independently owned pharmacies. Contrary to what Greg Lopes would want you to believe, PBMs are definitely and primarily responsible for the closure of many pharmacies. Not only, as the article pointed out, are 25% of claims paid below cost, but many more pay mere pennies above the cost of the drug. After adding the direct cost of the vial, lid and label, easily 50% of claims are paid at or below cost.

Coeur d'Alene council to consider $2.4 million water project

Will install new water transmission main in Thomas Lane.

Harvey Horton Ekins, 83

Harvey H. Ekins was born May 21, 1941, in New Rochelle, N.Y., and died June 4, 2024, at the Life Care Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His father was a newspaper reporter and foreign correspondent Herbert Roslyn (HR) “Bud” Ekins and his mother was Ted Catherine (Lowrance) Ekins. In 1950, his father bought the Goldthwaite Eagle Texas newspaper and Harv lived in Texas several years until the family returned to New York.

OPINION: Future graduates, have hope for a more perfect union

All over the country, people are emerging from high schools, colleges, and universities carrying a freshly minted degree.

Harold Dean Murray, 62

Harold Dean Murray, 62, passed away on March 13th, 2024. Dean was born on June 7, 1961, in Ellensburg, WA, to Madelyn Kay Murray and Robert “Bob” Murray. He was the second of four children and spent most of his youth in the Tri-Cities.

Cars, cruising and stories to tell

Cars are coming to downtown Coeur d'Alene by the hundreds. Thousands of enthusiasts will enjoy Car d'Lane's Friday night cruise on Sherman Avenue, the Saturday car show and Silver Auction's live auction at Independence Point.

Foal health: Managing neonatal maladjustment syndrome

Although rare, neonatal maladjustment syndrome can be a challenging and potentially serious condition for foals as they struggle to adapt to life outside the womb due to neurological abnormalities present during or shortly after birth.

Sholeh: Our ongoing 4-wheel love affair

Americans are obsessed with their vehicles. With Car d'Lane approaching, here's a look at why.

Shoshone County hosting free weed spray events

The Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board has three free spray days they hope the public takes advantage of in the coming weeks.

Marion Keating, 93

Marion L. Keating, age 93, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully at the Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene on April 26, 2024.

Sheriff's office looks to grow in remodeled Kootenai North building

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office aims to complete its move to the Kootenai North facility in Hayden by summer’s end.

William H. Boekel, 87

William Howard Boekel of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2024, due to heart complications.

Credit card delinquencies are rising. Here's what to do if you're at risk

Both Lynch and McClary urge borrowers to reach out directly to credit card companies to negotiate interest rates, fees, and long-term payment plans, noting that it's in the companies' best interests if you pay before the debt goes into collections.

Wyoming pass landslide brings mountain-sized headache to commuting tourist town workers

Each day, thousands make — or used to make — the half-hour-plus drive over Teton Pass from more affordable communities in eastern Idaho. Commuters are now looking at at least another hour of driving and possibly two through a different route into Wyoming.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office proposes $50 million budget

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a proposed budget for fiscal year 2025.

Moon Pass expected to reopen in July

A rockslide that blocked the road over Moon Pass has been cleared and crews expect to have the roadway opened early next month, according to Shoshone County Planning and Zoning Director Jessica Stutzke.

Belly Up

When things go south in a beautiful place, you just roll with it

The first fish broke the line and that was the end of the fishing. I knew the leader was beyond repair at that point and I didn’t have another one.

Primary in Montana will lock in GOP challenger to 3-term US Sen. Jon Tester

Donald Trump’s name will appear on the ballot Tuesday for the first time since his conviction on felony crimes, as a handful of states hold the last Republican presidential primary contests of 2024.

Post Falls City Hall remodel gets pushed back

A project to remodel city hall in Post Falls was pushed to this year after more changes were added to the slate. The total cost is estimated at about $1.2 million.

Legals for June, 14 2024