New year, new you

Another year has flown by and as we approach a new year in 2012, we find ourselves setting goals and making resolutions. More often than not there is the decision to be more fit and healthy; whether it is fitting into those old jeans, running a race, or just spending more time with your kids and grandkids. Typically we equate the physically trim people with optimal health, but we can't be too quick to judge a book by its cover. I hear of numerous athletes who seem to be in top shape but have one health condition after another, or the people who have an unhealthy obsession with how they look physically. The biggest player in our health you can't even see!

PLEDGE: Are you ready for revision?

Sometime between the day Dwight Eisenhower retired and 1980, the leadership of the Republican Party decided the only way to save the United States of America was to destroy our government. That such a decision had been made was explicitly stated by Ronald Reagan during his first Inaugural Address. Reagan made clear that the form of government established by our nation's founders represented what was wrong with America. He said, "Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem." Implicit in that statement is a declaration of war on our representative democracy.

FAITH: Hearts are what count

Mormon? Catholic? Christian?

VETERANS: Have friends indeed

Responding to the letter from Lloyd Rogers concerning the assistance he received from the clerk at SOS Surplus in Post Falls. My condolences to you and your family, Mr. Rogers and may your brother rest in peace. Thank you to both of you for your service to our country! My thanks to the clerk at SOS Surplus who refused your payment and thanks to the vets who paid final respects to your brother.

Bauman: Mending fences in high school sports

Coeur d'Alene school superintendent responds, apologizes for CHS

BAUMAN: Apology - and a pledge

I am saddened that last Friday night's boys' basketball game between Coeur d'Alene High School and Post Fall High School will be remembered for poor judgment by a spirited crowd of students and inadequate adult supervision. I am encouraged, though, by the thoughtful community dialogue of what constitutes good sportsmanship that has emerged over the past few days. 

VOTE: Young families, speak up

My husband and I grew up in the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls area. We traveled and lived back east for three years and then moved to Seattle. We had great adventures but it quickly became time to decide where we would put down roots and raise our family. We wanted to raise our children in the same great community that we had grown up in, so we packed up and moved back to Coeur d’Alene.

SENTENCE: Let it fit real crime

Now let me get this straight: A Mr. Provenzano was found guilty of watching child pornography videos in the privacy of his own home and sentenced to 10 years in prison. According to the Coeur d’Alene Press article Nov. 14, 2013, this man had been doing this for many years. But in all that time he NEVER hurt a child! But, the court deemed him a threat to our children.

LITERACY: Hop on the train

We wanted to say thank you to the Coeur d’Alene Press for running a story about us on Aug. 10. The MONARCH TRAIN is a new nonprofit whose mission is to advance literacy and music education in North Idaho. Our hope is that local businesses will become aware of the work we are doing and will sponsor our mission.

Summer is a busy time for Post Falls Chamber

Oh July … all winter long we dream and wait in anticipation for your arrival and the fun that you bring along with you. Backyard cookouts, fireworks and flags, family time on the lake, and the list goes on …

A moment to praise our seniors

Idaho is keeping seniors and attracting hordes more.

SCHOOLS: Keys to success

Because of my position as a Representative in the Idaho Legislature and member of the House Education Committee, I am often asked, “What is the one thing we can do to improve our educational system in Idaho?” My response to that question is always, “I wish it was as simple as ‘one’ thing.” If we are realistic and honest about the topic, we probably all recognize that our educational system is incredibly complex, with an incalculable number of factors that influence the success of our schools and students. Strong parental involvement, highly talented and influential teachers, and innovative and stimulating curriculum are areas in which most of us agree are important for student success.

U.S.: Negotiate and succeed

In response to Bill McClure’s criticism (Coeur d’Alene Press, Dec. 8) of my article urging America to stop withdrawing from the world’s ongoing affairs. (Dec. 4): On points one, two and four, he substantiates my contention that the U.S. cannot exercise leverage if our country is not a participant in these activities. They may be distasteful as they presently exist, but our absence at any negotiations guarantees they will remain distasteful. We cannot use our formidable power to leverage the issues toward our way if we are not present.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Seeking positive solutions for the future

Hottest year ever, what can be done? This is the title of a Jan. 14 article in the Coeur d’Alene Press. This article states that 2023 shattered annual heat records* and suggests things we can do to protect our environment.

Sherry Wallis: Helping others with the basic gift of food

IN PERSON

Sherry Wallis grew up in a middle class family in which "earning your keep" was instilled.

Note to our readers ... update

At 11:30 p.m. Sunday night, an electrical problem damaged our main publishing system. We elected to publish Monday's newspaper for our readers without Sports. Today's sports coverage can be found on 

Kootenai Electric reports 2,200 without power

Thunderstorms rolling through our area have caused power outages in the southern part of our service territory. More than 2,100 members in the Worley, Rockford Bay and Plummer areas are affected.

Abortion and our civil rights

Abortion is a Crime Against Humanity. In its Selfishness, its indifference to the Rights and Welfare of other people, and for the harm it does to our Moral Values, it is a crime against us all. In many ways Abortion can be compared to another great social evil - the Sin of Slavery. Slavery was an Immoral Institution that weakened the very foundations of our Civil Liberty and it is now universally condemned. And yet, the same arguments that were used to justify Slavery, are now being used to justify Abortion!

US Bank volunteers share vision to Live United

Volunteer Corner

Sherri Schaffer and Rebecca Greer of US Bank set the bar high for the United Way of Kootenai County Employee Giving Fundraising Campaign. For more than half a decade, each has dedicated countless hours annually to bring new awareness and employee engagement to an already generous company-wide campaign. However, it is more than just a pledge they seek, but a culture of understanding and active giving with hearts and hands, as well.

Success Stories: Edwards Smith Construction

From time to time, I'll devote this space to a question and answer session with successful local people who have used the Internet to boost their business.