THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: Pitching and weather — it's state softball time in North Idaho

As it turns out, making it a three-day tournament had more to do with the weather than with pitching. “The schedule was tight and when there were weather issues, there wasn’t flexibility,” said Mike Federico, assistant director of the Idaho High School Activities Association. “That was the main reason.”

'Slammed' on opening day

Crowds come out for farmers markets and it's not even summer

Hundreds turned out for the first day of the Fifth Street Farmers Market.

From farm to table: Fifth graders experience agriculture at Kootenai County Fairgrounds

Smiles and laughter abounded Wednesday morning as human kids met goat kids.

ELECTION: Pick Lisa for Precinct 411

I am honored to endorse my friend Lisa Carlson Aitken for Precinct Committee Captain for Precinct 411. A Coeur d’Alene native and product of Coeur d’Alene schools, she is also raising her children and grandchildren in this community.

ELECTION: Morrisroe a proven leader

Precinct 312 Committeeman Greg McKenzie is one of the three incompetent and divisive NIC trustees who was “rated and vetted” by the KCRCC. His campaign flyer says nothing about him other than his allegiance to the MAGA agenda. He offers no personal information about himself. He does NOT mention that he is an NIC Trustee or any other community service or local roots or family ties.

ELECTION: Aitken will unite, not divide

This is an endorsement for Lisa Aitken, Committeeman for Precinct 411.

ELECTION: Compare campaigns; vote Wagner

David Oliveria had an excellent letter to the editor in the Coeur d’Alene Press on May 9 concerning candidates for precinct chair in his precinct. Following his example, I advocate a vote for Paul Wagner, Precinct Chair for 511.

ELECTION: Lifetime Cd’Aers endorse Patzer

As lifelong residents of Coeur d’Alene, we are grateful to the people of our community who tirelessly and selflessly give their time and energy to make Coeur d’Alene a better place for all generations. One of these dedicated volunteers is Dave Patzer, and today we ask you to vote for Dave Patzer for precinct chair in precinct No. 205.

ELECTION: Vote for Hayes and Aitken

We have lived in Coeur d’Alene for over 12 years and value the gorgeous natural resources, the warm, friendly community, and the semi-rural style of living that fosters independence.

ELECTION: Duncan won’t get this vote

No endorsement for Commissioner Leslie Duncan for the following reasons: Commissioner Duncan proposed and led the vote that lifted the long-standing ban against boats making excessive wakes on the Spokane River. Through Duncan’s leadership, those families recreating on the Spokane River have less protection than anywhere else in the county.

PATZER: Precinct lucky to have him

I have known Dave and his family for a significant number of years and I hold him in very high esteem. Dave is first and foremost a good family man and a good business man and problem solver. Dave has lived in Coeur d’Alene his whole life except for his years at college and his years in the United States Navy. As a Navy Officer and Naval Aviator Dave flew the P3-Orion as a PPC (Patrol Plane Commander).

ELECTION: Let’s get back to normal

Until recently I paid no attention to Precinct Committeemen. That was before the turmoil on the NIC Board, whose meetings I have been attending. That’s when I came to understand their importance; while I was paying no attention the zealots took over. I’m back in the game now and I hope you are too. It’s time to return to normal.

ELECTION: Don’t ignore the 50+

Across this great state of ours, Idahoans are considering who to vote for in the upcoming primary election on May 21; and the candidates are doing everything they can to try to earn those votes. One fact should be top of mind: voters 50 years and older decide elections, and candidates who ignore this powerful segment of the electorate do so at their own peril. Voters 50 plus are the majority in every election. In fact, in 2022, 64% of the electorate in Idaho was 50 and older.

MY TURN: A CLN trustee's view from the inside

New trustee explains issues and challenges.

Coeur d'Alene council to decide if public can comment at Marriott appeal hearing

Planning Commission: DRC made correct call on hotel

The hotel would have 131 rooms, 130 parking spaces, three stories of underground parking, a fitness center, a rooftop bar and an outdoor patio.

ELECTION: Support slate of proven leaders

As the May 21 primary election approaches, I urge all citizens to exercise their right to vote and participate in shaping the future of our community. One crucial way to do this is by casting your ballot for your precinct committee person.

Miniature poodle named Sage wins Westminster Kennel Club dog show

Sage bested six other finalists to take best in show

STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS: Unfinished business ... Lake City, the 2023 state 5A runner-up, has eyes on program's first title since 2016

Lake City (19-5) has since won five straight games, and nine of the last 10, including a 9-1 win over Coeur d’Alene in the regional championship game on May 7 to advance to state. The Timberwolves open state at the College of Idaho’s Wolfe Field in Caldwell on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. PDT against Coeur d'Alene (17-10), which advanced by winning a play-in game against Capital High of Boise.

Red for the season

About 34,000 geraniums planted at Resort, surrounding Hagadone properties

It was a red-flower day at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday.

Fernan STEM Academy turns 30

During the first year of Fernan Elementary, painted ceramic tiles were added by students and teachers to make the building their own. Three decades later, the tiles remain.