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East Idaho's response to pandemic inspirational, courageous
The coronavirus pandemic has certainly created a new normal here in East Idaho.Many businesses have closed because of the outbreak while others have scaled back hours and laid off employees.Students from kindergartners to college seniors are conducting their studies via online courses because the virus has made attending in-person classes too dangerous.East Idaho has over a dozen confirmed coronavirus cases and who knows how many other local residents have contracted COVID-19 without knowing it yet.Still, one only has to peruse the latest reports from the national media to see that other places in the U.S. and abroad are much worse off than East Idaho.But that can be cold comfort if you're a local resident who's out of work, had their hours cut or heaven forbid is feeling under the weather.Make no mistake about it, the coronavirus is here and is having an impact on all aspects of our lives, from making sure we all stay at least 6 feet apart to creating economic challenges for our business community the likes of which we've never seen.The Idaho State Journal is not immune from the coronavirus' effects. Many of our employees are working from home and we've all had our hours reduced because of the harsh economic effects of the virus on the local economy.On some days our newspaper will have less pages and that translates to less news stories.With the high school and Idaho State University sports seasons suspended due to the virus, readers will see a marked decrease in local sports coverage simply because there aren't any games to cover.We've also stopped running our daily calendar and Weekender sections because every East Idaho event that we typically promote and cover has been canceled. Our online calendar is still available to submit and research area activities.All that being said, the Journal like every other news organization on the planet is extremely busy covering this pandemic and its deep impact on all of our lives.Every day brings new developments about the virus. Some of the stories are about COVID-19's spread in Idaho with new cases being reported daily. Sadly the virus has already resulted in some deaths in our state.While those stories stand as a stark reminder of the virus' potential to inflict harm, we're covering a lot of inspirational stories too.East Idahoans have a unique ability to rise above adversity and there is proof of that everywhere, from Dr. Naeem Rahim's $10,000 donation to the Idaho Foodbank to Barrie's Ski and Sports giving away 5,000 pounds of potatoes to the local church community acting as the hands and feet of God in helping our region make it through this crisis.We're extremely proud to say that in the face of this deadly pandemic there are examples of local people stepping up and making a positive difference literally all around us.Such courage, selflessness and generosity in response to the deadliest pandemic since the Spanish Flu of 1918 exemplify who we are here in East Idaho.Despite any reductions experienced at the Idaho State Journal, we promise everyone who calls East Idaho home that we will continue to tell the story of how our region not just survived the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 but persevered and overcame.We, like the community we serve, are not going to let the virus win.Please continue to provide us with your own stories of perseverance and hope amid this pandemic.You have our word that we'll be there to cover your news just like we have for the past 130 years.Ian H. Fennell is the editor of the Idaho State Journal. He can be reached at editor@journalnet.com.
My Turn: A lesson on masks and rights
Only One Absolute Right We
Muslim agenda requires a response
This article is submitted as a proposition for review and consideration by all persons of voting age who take the time to read it.
Time to get in sync
There has been a lot of propaganda leading up to this date. Most of us have heard the rumors and a few have seen the movie (a 2009 science fiction disaster film staring John Cusack). Many people believe that 2012 will be a non-event like Y2K.
Expectations exceeded in housing market
Last month we reported that our Year to Date (YTD) sales appeared to be approaching those not seen since 2007. Preliminary sales figures for the month of November put our YTD sales well in excess of that year. In Coeur d'Alene our number of single family homes shows an increase of 33 percent over our 2012 performance and nearly 300 sales ahead of 2007 at the same time.
People for Person
Subscribers may already know after Wednesday's article in this paper, but to us and the folks in East Coeur d'Alene, a new playground at Person Field is a big deal. Since 1945 when the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors was first established, our communities have grown accustomed to involvement from our members. Our frequent donations to various groups have undoubtedly made a difference but largely our donations are used up in short order and gone, even if not forgotten.
On the move
It is hard to believe it, but the dinner party will be open 12 years this year! To think of how Coeur d’Alene has changed and how the wine industry has grown in North Idaho in that time is truly remarkable. For Mary and I, we have always felt embraced by the community and we feel incredibly grateful for the support. We will forever be pleased we chose this community to open our small shop.
OPINION: Americans can honor veterans by doing their democracy homework
Every year on Nov. 11, Americans gather at Veterans Day observations to honor and thank America’s veterans for their service to the country. It is certainly right and proper that they do so, but is that the extent of what our countrymen must do to show appreciation for those who put their lives at risk to serve the nation? As one of those veterans, I submit it is the very least of what they are obliged to do.
VIRUS: Yes, this is war
VIRUS: Yes, this is war
POLITICS: Key is compromise
As I read the recent political news a word is frequently used that portends difficult days ahead. I refer to the word ADAMANT. Our democracy depends upon those who we elect to represent us to find compromise in order to make decisions that move our nation forward economically and morally. As our Founding Fathers discovered, compromise is often difficult to achieve, but must be accomplished if we are to continue to be the world's leading democracy. However, we hear that Nancy Pelosi is adamant about Social Security, John Boehner is adamant about taxes, the Tea Party is adamant about deficits, and on and on. The result is political brinkmanship, anger and bitterness fill the air, and in the end we all lose.
FLAP: Apology graciously accepted
In her recent letter to the editor, Helen Mitchell wrote that John Kracht owes an apology to the Lake City Harmonizers. On the Friday following the cabaret I, along with other members of our chapter, went to Post Falls High School and presented Mr. Kracht and his choir with a check for $1,000, plus an additional $231 that was collected from donations at the door. Mr. Kracht then handed us a gracious, well-written apology which we have accepted. Mr. Kracht agrees that his personal comments at the cabaret were made in the excitement of the moment, but should not have been said. Obviously, Mr. Kracht's comments do not necessarily reflect the Harmonizers' opinions. This unfortunate situation has not lessened our desire to continue to raise funds for vocal music programs in our area schools. It is our hope that the community will overlook minor indiscretions like Mr. Kracht's, and continue to join us in supporting the arts in our schools.
SHORELINES: Stand up and protect them
The March 14th article, "Protecting our Shorelines," that appeared in The Press is an example of a prime oxymoron, almost humorous with its headline. But it is no laughing matter when laws and ordinances to protect our lands and waters try to be circumvented by creative developers and their representatives to allow their projects to go forward.
PROTEST: Stand up, not down
The Oct. 10 Press Editorial tells us to "resist temptation" by ignoring "the money-motivated martyrs" of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. Anne Way states that we need to support our troops. C.Rose quotes Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
ELECTION: Military got short end
We replaced Minnick with Labrador. We did that because he was not true to the voters and his promises. We must now keep a close eye on Larbrador that he follows through to listen to our voices.
AMADOR: Respect for all
In my line of work I have the opportunity to interact and work with people across this community and they bring with them all manners of political leanings and opinions. While the presidential election has certainly helped create an image of a very polarized country, I can attest that there are good, responsible and caring individuals in both parties. Luckily for the people of Coeur d’Alene and District 4, one of those good, responsible and caring individuals happens to call our community home. Paul Amador, the Republican candidate for House Seat 4B is a person who our community should be proud to send to Boise as our State Representative. Paul brings years of experience in education, but more importantly he brings an attitude of respect for all viewpoints and a passion for improving Idaho. Voting is probably our most fundamental right in our American form of governance, I encourage you to exercise your right to vote on Nov. 8. I encourage you to vote for Paul Amador for House Seat 4B.
VOTE: Three who deserve support
This past summer, a group of citizens stood up to the local politicians and pushed to have our voices heard via the Recall Movement. These people were not intimidated nor did they back down to name calling and idle threats. They walked the neighborhoods informing you and collecting over 5,000 signatures in an attempt to return our local government to all of us.
LANDS: Idaho best to manage
I would like to both commend and encourage all Idaho state, county and local officials who are spearheading the move to win back managing control over federally owned public lands within our state. There are many reasons why it behooves “we the people” to support this movement wholeheartedly:
BIBLE: Try it; you might like it
I get saddened every day when I read the news and see the rapidly decaying society we live in. Our nation has turned its back on God and so has this world. We live in an age where morality is relative. We live in an age when tolerance and acceptance are lauded as the greatest virtues. The seriousness of our condition was evidenced this past week when our own state allowed a Hindu to say a “prayer” at the opening of the legislative session.
POPPIES: 'Tis the season
Memorial Day is Monday, May 28. We are asking you to remember and honor those members of the Armed Forces who have given their lives defending our country, our veterans who have honorably served and those currently serving in our military.
GUNS: Safety must come first
When I was young, the adults in my community agreed that protecting the lives of our children and families was more important than pretty much anything. Adults sacrificed their wants to protect the well-being of our families. Adults didn’t look to blame other folks. They took responsibility, “did what had to be done” and fixed the problem. Us kids, we were the foolish ones who made excuses and avoided our responsibilities.