Repurposing for People: Turning underused spaces into local worker housing

Across many cities, a familiar sight greets us: empty storefronts lining deserted streets and vast expanses of asphalt dedicated to parking. While these spaces once served a purpose, changing economic realities and consumer habits have left them underutilized. But what if these very areas could be transformed into something our communities desperately need: housing for local workers?

MAIL: Keep postage rates low

It is very sad that the rates on first class postage goes up, and we get junk mail all the time and throw it in the trash. Just think who will pay the price.

FIREWORKS: Lack of enforcement should be covered

Regarding Kathy Ishoo’s letter concerning illegal fireworks laws not being enforced. I (and others) wrote similar letters last year. Nothing has changed. In fact my neighbors say it was worse. I purposefully fled to Canada to give our dog a respite from the noise. I wrote Sheriff Norris a letter after last year’s debacle and did not get a response. In fairness to him he probably would still be responding to last year’s inquires. Talked to a few deputies and officers over the year and all they can say is “we do what we can.”

FAIRGROUNDS: Keep them where they are

Dear Commissioner Brooks, I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed relocation of our local fairgrounds. As an event owner who brings approximately 4,500 attendees to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds annually, I have witnessed firsthand the significant positive impact this location has on our local economy, particularly for hotels, restaurants and other small businesses.

Hospice of North Idaho receives $30K donation

Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty provides support

Robert Brickett, vice-president of Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, said they were honored to contribute to Hospice of North Idaho and support the exceptional care they provide.

Focus of 'Homeless to Harvard' to speak at women's luncheon

Murray's life story was adapted into a Lifetime Television movie, "Homeless to Harvard,"

FAST FIVE Josh Christensen: Marketing maestro

Meet Josh Christensen, a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Genius Gourmet's marketing strategy.

The Exhausted Dad: The final bike rider

Fun fact: Almost 65% of all commercials depicting parenthood feature images of a parent teaching a kid how to ride a bike.

How to grow more food over a longer time with succession planting

If you are new to gardening, you may think the gardening season begins in May when you plant your summer crops and ends just after Labor Day once those crops have finished producing.

MY TURN: Good intention, but ordinance dangerous

On July 2, the Coeur d’Alene City Council passed a new hate crime ordinance. Honorable intention, dangerous law.

Movers & Shakers

HMH Engineering, a locally owned civil engineering firm established in 2011, announces the addition of a new Marketing Department, spearheaded by Greta Gissel as marketing director, with Alyssa Blank as our graphic designer.

Fire danger 'High'

Hot, dry conditions increase potential for wildfires

The area is still considered to be in a drought, below-average snowpack in surrounding mountains is melting rapidly, hot, dry conditions are the immediate forecast, and the 90-day outlook is calling for above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation.

Coeur d'Alene man charged under law aimed at AI-generated child sexual abuse material

A Coeur d’Alene man is the first to be charged under Idaho’s new law aimed at AI-generated of child sexual abuse.

US Forest Service pilot hikes to safety after helicopter crash near central Idaho wildfire

The Forest Service and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident

World population is projected to grow from 8.2 billion to a peak of 10.3 billion in 2080s, UN says

John Wilmoth, head of the U.N. Population Division which prepared the report, said the probability that the world’s population will peak within the current century is quite high – about 80%.

For at least a decade Quinault Nation has tried to escape the rising Pacific. Time is running out

Taholah is expected to see a sea level rise of 1 to 2.6 feet by the year 2100, according to a 2018 Washington Coastal Resilience Project report.

West Virginia, Idaho asking Supreme Court to review rulings allowing transgender athletes to compete

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said Thursday activists working against the law are “pushing a radical social agenda that sidelines women and girls in their own sports.”

Introducing: Canopy Village

Children's Village announces name change, $1 million donation from Idaho Housing and Finance Association

A chorus of popping champagne corks sang beneath a large white canopy as two big announcements were made Thursday during the Children's Village Annual Event.

Pickleball tourney underway at Cherry Hill

Parker Subaru partners with Inland Northwest Pickleball Club

The name change must still be approved by the Coeur d'Alene City Council. The city signed a memorandum of understanding with the pickleball club for use and care of the courts

"A story of 1,000 heroes"

Wallace leadership praises new festival

City leadership expressed their support for the upcoming Wallace Music Fest during their monthly council meeting on Wednesday night.