Criticism of library contents continues

While some area Republicans continue to push for certain materials to be removed from area libraries, staff maintain that libraries must include books on all topics — including those that some deem controversial or objectionable. “The library can’t discriminate,” said CLN Director Amy Rodda. “We have books on all viewpoints.” At a meeting of the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans on Thursday, Marianna Cochran led a presentation about what she called “toxic” books available to children and teens through the Community Library Network.

Medical marijuana law intro'd in Idaho Legislature

Medical marijuana legislation was introduced in the Idaho House today, where Rep. Tom Trail, R-Moscow, introduced HB 370 as a personal bill. He proposed similar legislation last year; it got an informational hearing from the House Health & Welfare Committee, but didn't proceed. HB 370 would permit patients with debilitating medical conditions to be dispensed up to 2 ounces of marijuana every 28 days; they'd have to get it from state-authorized "alternative treatment centers."/Betsy Russell, Spokesman-Review blogs, Eye on Boise

Wilhelm to run for third term on Post Falls Council

Believes knowledge of land-use topics is a valuable asset

POST FALLS - Linda Wilhelm said she plans to seek a third term on the Post Falls City Council during the Nov. 5 election.

William Allen 'Bill' Erickson, 82

William Allen “Bill” Erickson, 82, of Mullan, passed away June 22, 2013, at Hospice in Silverton.

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho to host workshops

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho... Serving the needs of adults 60-plus years of age; for more than four decades.

TRAGEDY: Focus more on parenting

Re: The recent shooting tragedy in Connecticut. A lot has been said about the current gun situation in America, but that is really just the low hanging fruit — the easy way for people to throw blame around at a controversial topic. However, note that nothing much has been said pertaining to the indictment on society that this and other mass shootings actually indicate. Not so much the violence on TV or video games, but more to the core: modern parenting, teaching and medicine.

DAR contest seeks parks and technology essays

HILLARY: Opposition unmasked

Has anyone with a modicum of intelligence wondered why the emails from the Hillary Clinton’s campaign staff are being leaked like a broken sieve, while Donald Trump’s tax returns and HIS emails are safe and sound? Why the FBI director (an obvious GOP operative) who soundly chastised Hillary for her handling of her emails is now re-opening an investigation into her emails again? Why Benghazi is suddenly back in the news and a hot topic once again, even though millions of dollars of taxpayers money was spent on GOP hearings, ad nauseam? Why Donald Trump, an obnoxious, obscene and obsolete example of mankind, and a product of obsessive obstructionism by the GOP, is the favored of Wikileaks via Russia (who is determined to interfere in our election)?

ARREST: Own up to the mistake

I watched a daytime talk show and one of the top stories was the arrest of a 9-year-old for stealing a pack of gum in Idaho. OK, that sounds like a good topic for discussion and the hosts started going back and forth with their thoughts. I turned the TV off before I heard any of the details. Later I read the article on the cover of The Press.

TRAIL: Let's get it done

The Kootenai County Commissioners will meet on Jan. 17 to discuss and vote on a proposal by the Idaho Department of Transportation that would ensure long-term maintenance on the pedestrian and bicycle trail along Highway 95 to the Bonner County line. I attended the Dec. 7 commission meeting on this subject and was mystified that the two commissioners present were not in violent agreement on this proposal. This seemed like a no-brainer topic to me that the commission would easily agree on.

WALKOUT: For positive change

When it comes to what Stan Olson said on the topic of school protests, I would like to say I completely agree and think this is a positive thing to see.

SCHOOLS: Levies aren't luxuries

School levies are a hot topic in our community. As adults, we pay taxes, plain and simple. If I must pay taxes, I am happy that part of those dollars go toward supporting schools, our next generation, and our grossly underpaid teachers.

Emerge panel discussion Saturday at HREI

Emerge will host a panel discussion at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Human Rights Education Institute, 414 West Fort Grounds Drive, Coeur d'Alene.

INCIVILITY: There is a cure

Are you tired of increased polarization, “othering,” name calling and lack of civil discourse?

Women in the Woods field day opportunity

Hands on training for forestland owners

Reader's questions

OPINION: Open letter to Idaho GOP chair Dorothy Moon

There is no Resolution, nor is there any statement in the Idaho State Republican Platform opposing the U.S. Constitution Article V. In fact, the 2016/2020 Platform of the National Republican Party in the Government Reform section calls for a Constitutional “Balanced Budget Amendment.”

Idaho: Gem of civility Entire Legislature earns state award

COEUR d’ALENE — The National Institute for Civil Discourse has dubbed Idaho America’s most civil state in the union.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — HOLLY CARLING: IBS and IBD — turn off the faucet!

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD — which primarily consists of colitis and Crohn’s disease) continue to rise. There are an estimated 1.6 million people in the U.S. that have IBD according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders states that 10 to 15% of people worldwide have IBS, with 25% of them classified as severe. Females make up 60 to 65% of sufferers, with 47 to 55% of those previously having had a hysterectomy or ovarian surgery.

Those crazy cravings

It is said that everyone has an addiction of some sort, but some are more costly than others. It can be costly to health, home, personal, family and work life. An addiction not commonly thought of is sugar. The holidays always bring with it abundance of sugar, and with it cravings that can be out of control. Stress during this time of year worsens all cravings - cravings for sugar, tobacco, drugs, alcohol and others.