McEUEN: Fits LCDC to a T

It would be hard for me to improve on the letters of support written by Joe Morris and Mary Lou Reed for the conceptual McEuen plan. I will, however, offer some history from the LCDC-Coeur d'Alene Urban Renewal Agency perspective.

Gas prices hold the line

But summer-blend fuel, spring travel demand could push prices higher in coming weeks

Just three states are below the $3 mark today – Mississippi ($2.95), Texas ($2.97), and Missouri ($2.99).

Gas prices inch up

Refinery issues, tight supplies push Idaho back into top 10 most expensive

In Coeur d'Alene, a gallon of regular unleaded was going for about $3.15 to $3.25.

Drivers haunted by gas prices

Slight decline, but fuel costs still high

Fuel fans fright

Out of this world: 555.55-carat black diamond lands in Dubai

Sotheby’s expects the diamond to be sold for at least $6.8 million

Gas still going up

Blame falls on crude oil costs, spring switch to summer-blend fuel

Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $3.60 per gallon

These Idaho conservatives reject 'liberal' moniker, stand up to far right attacks

Editor’s note:

Youth bluegill fishing clinic planned

In The Field

A few years ago, wildlife agencies across the country experienced declines in fishing license sales.

California's record drought hits produce prices

Weather Gems

A looming water storage crisis in California following its driest year overall on record in 2013, has led more than 50 lawmakers in the Golden State to request the declaration of a "STATE DROUGHT EMERGENCY."

Kootenai County tourism remains steady

Area's outdoor resources still garnering visitors

Tourism is floundering in Idaho.

Turkey, Afghanistan and northwestern China now feeling the brunt of Old Man Winter

Weather Gems

The record cold spell in Europe, the worst in some areas since the middle of the 'Little Ice Age' in the 1600s, has pushed off to the southeast into Turkey, Afghan-istan and northwestern China.

Spring

After the short winter days and the long winter storms we always look forward to this time of year, not just for those lengthening days and sunny skies but because of all the great new wines that release in the spring. Wineries typically release their new vintages, new projects and varietals two times per year grouped in the spring and the fall, with the spring release not only getting more press but also seeing far more new wine hitting the market.

Hiking and trail runs

We have so many great trails to hike or run in our area. The list is longer than most people realize. Here are a few of the more common trails and well worth exploring:

Neighborhood of the week: Ranches

When you think of a ranch, what comes to mind? A thousand-acre spread with herds of cattle peacefully grazing in lush green pastures? Thoroughbred horses galloping across rolling plains? If so, you're right. But ranches are all that, and so much more.

Fewer editorials appearing in some Idaho newspapers

Marty Trillhaase of the Lewiston Tribune is part of a dying breed in Idaho — an opinion page editor who produces hard-hitting copy almost daily — and several times on Friday with the “Cheers and Jeers” commentary.

The 'bellwether' continent of Antarctica sees more record sea ice

Weather Gems

This past week, the Antarctic sea icepack hit a 36-year record high in total volume at a whopping 20.11297 million square kilometers in area. This beat the previous record set the year before in 2013 in late Sept-ember of 19.5116 million square kilometers, which topped the 2012 record of 19.4813 million square kilometers. (Seeing a 'trend,' folks?)

ALL ABOARD!

By DEVIN WEEKS

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Crystals for PMS

The word “menstruation” is etymologically related to “moon.”

"There's help out there"

Regional organizations bring awareness to substance abuse

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Prehnite

With its soothing energy and subtle beauty, prehnite may be an easy crystal to overlook.