Second controlled hunt draw results are online

Results for the second controlled hunt drawing now are available on the Internet.

'My Funny Valentine' performance Feb. 13 at JACC

The silly side of love and life will be featured in song Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls.

REFORM: Online or out of line?

Public school chief Tom Luna's plan for education reform has me worried, not only for the obvious near term negative impacts, but for the long term implications the requirement of online courses carries.

Heart of Business: Shop local

For those who like to shop local, farmers markets are at the "way local" end of the spectrum and shopping online at Amazon is at the other end, said Dave Cavanaugh, local businessman and Heart of Business member.

The time is right to buy or sell

This week's news of rising interest rates should get the attention of those contemplating a change in their housing status. These last three weeks we have seen a modest rise in interest rates among the nation's lenders. Fannie Mae reports that last week's typical 30-year loan rate was 4.46 percent, up from 4.17 percent last month. Although this rate increase is modest, less than half a percent, the cost of housing has risen accordingly.

Good news this week

We are not sure the area's unemployed would agree, but apparently the recession is over. Yep, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recession officially ended in June of 2009.

Hunters can get certified before fall

Beginning hunters interested in hunting in Idaho this fall who have not taken a required hunter education or a bow hunter education course may complete an online course in time to receive their certification, buy a license, and hunt this fall.

Good news for housing market

First-time buyers help boost home sales across the country

WASHINGTON - Americans are buying more homes in every region of the country, the latest indication that the housing market could be on the mend.

Shell's $70 billion takeover could herald wave of mergers

LONDON - Oil and gas company Shell has agreed to buy British rival BG Group for $69.7 billion, in a deal that may signal a new wave of mega-mergers as the energy industry tries to adapt to lower prices.

Area under scam assault with false arrest calls

I’ve had more than 40 calls this week from consumers who have received calls — some robo calls and some in person — from individuals claiming to be from various agencies of the federal government. These people are attempting to scare the daylights out of you, causing you to panic and allowing them to get money from you in any form they can.

Holiday spending 'record' not as good as it looks

Holiday spending reached the highest level on record last year, but that news isn't as good as it sounds.

Interest up in homes and loans

Although home loan interest rates rose slightly last week, it appears that today's home prices still offer some of the best buys in history. According to the National Association of Home Builders today's homes are affordable to nearly 76 percent of average wage earners. But with the current level of scrutiny of prospective homeowners by lenders, ownership can be elusive.

Last chance to view Really BIG Raffle house

Less than 900 tickets remain for the chance to win this year's $250,000 grand prize home through the 20th annual North Idaho College Really BIG Raffle.

Midwest restaurant chain tries pay-what-you-want experiment

Get out your wallet

Craze for coveted craft brews creates black market

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Fancy a pint of Pliny the Elder or Heady Topper double India pale ales, but can't find it in your neighborhood? Get out your wallet.

Gratitude for a gadget and medical professionals

In December Cheryl Freeman and her husband, Kenny, came down with a "bug." Cheryl was feeling sick for several days when her friend, Dianna Haug dropped off a "care package" of chicken noodle soup, over-the-counter medications and an oximeter. Cheryl is convinced the finger pulse oximeter saved her life.

Era of super-low mortgage rates may be over

NEW YORK - The days of the absurdly low mortgage rate are over.

Wal-Mart profit falls on pay raises

Time is not on your side

If you are a homeowner in distress, time is running out for an emergency home loan. As reported on Friday, these programs made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are for folks who are in jeopardy of losing their homes to foreclosure.

No local lobster handy? Get a lobster roll fix with shrimp

My dad, a native New Englander, is a huge fan of lobster rolls, those heavily-buttered hot dog buns stuffed with chunks of mayonnaise-rich lobster and maybe a little celery for crunch.