New sawmill to open

EMMETT (AP) - A new sawmill expected to employ 50 people in Gem County in western Idaho is opening in Emmett.

Texas, Oklahoma set all-time heat records this summer

Weather Gems

As we predicted would be the case in a recent 'Gems' article, the state of Texas endured the hottest June through August in our nation's recorded weather history for the entire country.

What is an 'applied climatologist?'

Weather Gems

By popular request, I'm updating a 'GEMS' article that I wrote in March of 2009 on the science of climatology. Here goes, folks. Now you'll know just what AGONY I go through in making my long-range forecasts sometimes six months or more in advance, especially in regards to the winter and summer season outlooks and the annual North Idaho Fair and Rodeo forecasts.

Is Your Boat Ready for Winter?

The Bay Watcher citizen lake science program is coming to an end

Prop 1 Stands on Questionable Grounds and Questionable Messages

I have had the privilege of serving the people of this great state for 12 years. From the Capitol in Boise to the halls of Congress in Washington, I can spot a bad deal for the Gem State from a mile away. That is why I am voting “no” on Proposition 1 this November and you should too.

OUR GEM: Protecting cutthroat trout in some lake bays

For those who love viewing wildlife, the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene can be a great vantage point in the spring for catching migratory tundra swans that are making a pit stop on their migration northward to their breeding grounds in Alaska.

PEARL: Event at Lakes a gem

The Pearl Harbor remembrance at Lakes Middle School this week was a demonstration of what is right about the 15th Street landmark. Students and staff teamed up to research history, gathering stories from old-timers and survivors, filming interviews of aging veterans and turning out an outstanding program in their gym. Exhibits of endless memorabilia was nicely displayed around the room.

HARRIS: He's gone over the edge

OK Coeur d’Alene Press, I’m just wondering why you continue to print that Nut Case Cliff Harris. Now it is CHEMTRAILS in the sky? He belongs in a mental institution.

Idaho Realtors endorse Brad Little

Idaho Realtors have announced their endorsement of Lt. Gov. Brad Little for governor, citing his “Idaho Grown Jobs” plan for economic growth.

CAMPAIGN: Lamenting all the lies

I am fed up with all the smear and outright lies being propagated by the current KCRCC and its minions in our beautiful North Idaho! The latest being a large ad placed in the Coeur d’Alene Press paid for by one Monica Mohn.

It's either 'feast or famine' in North Idaho's snowfall records

Weather Gems

Every November, I update Coeur d'Alene's all-time snowfall records since 1895. It list the 10 snowiest winters and the 10 most 'open' winters that had the least amounts of the white stuff in the past 119 years.

ADVERTISING: Crystals for decision making

Do you find yourself stuck and worried about deciding something important in life?

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Crystals for decision making

Do you find yourself stuck and worried about deciding something important in life?

Survey illustrates Idaho health-care woes

BOISE - The creation of a state-based health insurance exchange is shaping up to be one of the most hotly debated issues in the upcoming Idaho Legislative session. But according to a new AARP Idaho survey of registered voters released this morning, there's little debate among Gem Staters on the issue. Many of those surveyed report difficulty paying for their health insurance and overwhelmingly support the creation of a state-based exchange that could get them a better deal and more options on rising insurance premiums.

ITD offers to help clear local vehicle registration backlog

State agency takes on burden of local backlogs

Becki Gaddum: Loving to volunteer in Spirit Lake

IN PERSON

Becki Gaddum learned early on that helping others needs to be a way of life.

OPINION: Jannus, Inc. is a jewel in the Gem State’s nonprofit service crown

Many Idahoans might not know the name, Jannus, Inc., but they may be familiar with some of the outstanding work this remarkable social service nonprofit has performed during its 50 years of serving in the Gem State. It operates a broad range of programs that serve practically every segment of our society — veterans, pre-schoolers, refugees, seniors, the distressed, K-12 students, you name it.

Yes, Virginia, there is 'climate change' ... the earth is cooling off!

Weather Gems

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global temperatures have cooled, not warmed, since the late 1990s, particularly since our 'sun went silent' in 2007 and sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean regions declined from previous levels a decade ago.

McEUEN: A lot of fun as it is

McEuen Park seemed extra nice this Memorial Day for those of us who spent part of our day there. The weather could have been a little nicer, but that didn’t stop a large number of people from enjoying the park area.

GOODMAN: On the child's side

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Here’s to you, Mrs. Carol Goodman! When SD No. 271 neglected to re-enroll my second-grader, and their administration refused to answer my questions or help me understand why, you answered my prayers. You went above and beyond to make sure my child had a school to attend (even though we were out of district) and went one step further and made sure he had bus service!