BANDUCCI: ‘An immature person’

A Jan. 26 Coeur d’Alene Press article again exposed Todd Banducci as an immature person. He recently accused a fellow NIC trustee of being asinine, even calling her a “jackass.” He went on to call other trustees “lunatics” just because he couldn’t get his way. Is this guy 12 years old?

OPINION: For the sake of those who need it, we need to save Medicaid

Medicaid was created as a safety net for the truly needy. But forces in Washington, D.C., have warped it into a spending vehicle that is driving state budgets off a cliff, and Idaho is next.

Legals for January, 31 2024

VETERANS PRESS: Area veterans respond: 'How do you rate your VA care?'

Editor's note: Darrel was asked to interview a few veterans that were using VA health care in the Spokane area. The following are some of the results from those interviews.

VETERANS PRESS: North Idaho Resource Directory

A list of the veteran service offices in North Idaho.

VETERANS PRESS: Views from a veteran hospital waiting room

I recently spent some time in the “waiting room” for some lab work at Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., VAMC.

Sheriff's Office Notable Calls

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office published the following notable calls that occurred between Jan. 26 and Jan. 28. The sheriff’s office describes this information as preliminary and subject to revision as investigations continue.

Water damage cleanup underway at Fernan Elementary

After a boiler failure at Fernan Elementary School caused water lines to freeze and burst two weeks ago, approximately one third of the school remains damaged, officials said Monday.

Donald 'Chipper Don' Lee Preston, 85

Donald (Don) Lee Preston, 85, of Kellogg, Idaho passed away on January 21, 2024, at The Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Life is brew-tea-ful

I try to work continually on self-awareness. Knowing what triggers feelings, mood, or a chain of thoughts and, more to the point, consciously controlling my reactions is something anyone can improve lifelong.

MY TURN: Human rights task forces urge legislators to vote no on bills

The Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai and Latah County Human Rights Task Forces in North Idaho, with a combined membership of over 1,500 people, stand united against two dangerous bills currently in the Idaho State Affairs Committee, S 1220 and S 1240.

Most Americans feel they pay too much in taxes, AP-NORC poll finds

The poll found that few U.S. adults have a high level of confidence that the institutions that ultimately use their tax dollars — whether the federal government or local school districts — spend those taxes in the best interest of “people like them.”

Dying thief who stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum gets no prison time

The FBI recovered the shoes in 2018 when someone else tried to claim a reward. Martin wasn’t charged with stealing them until last year.

Enemy drone that killed US troops in Jordan was mistaken for a US drone, preliminary report suggests

Officials said that of the 34 wounded troops, most had cuts, bruises, traumatic brain injuries and similar wounds

Imaginations flourish at Invent Idaho regionals

Nearly 160 students participate, some will head to state contest March 1-2

Nearly 160 students from across North Idaho showed and told about their inventions, creations, gadgets and gizmos at the North Idaho Regional Invent Idaho competition, which was Jan. 19-21 at the Silver Lake Mall.

Engineering a greener future

NIC students build high-tech greenhouse for STEM school

As any local gardener will say, growing plants in North Idaho isn’t easy – especially during the school year. Snow and freezing temperatures can create significant obstacles for instructors trying to teach how to care for flora. In an effort to extend their cultivation curriculum throughout the entire school year, staff members at Fernan STEM Academy sought innovative solutions, leading them to contact the NIC engineering department last spring.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: What shot clock? What new foul rules?

One was the addition of a 35-second shot clock, which will be used at state tournaments this season for the first time. Most schools, particularly the larger schools, are using the shot clock in the regular season and postseason, in preparation. It’s not required during the regular season yet, but …

PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Holmes' double-double lifts St. Maries past Grangeville

St. Maries plays host to Kellogg on Tuesday.

Cd’A School District weighs options to save $6M

Four-day school week among possibilities for addressing projected shortfall

A four-day school week, closing an elementary school, larger class sizes, staff cuts and building budget reductions are among options Coeur d’Alene School District officials will be weighing as they work to right-size a projected $6 million shortfall in the district’s 2025 operating budget.

HUCKLEBERRIES: A new music man and other visionaries

Many wondered whether a popular summer concert series in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden would survive without promoter Chris Guggemos.