STUDENT: Press demeans families

I had to take exception to your Jan. 10 article by Devin Weeks of a counselor giving advice to an 11-year-old on the transgender topic without the parents/guardians input or being notified of such conversations.

LEVY: Why confidence lacking

Does anyone remember when the Coeur d'Alene School Board announced it was going to hold monthly "public chats" while at the same time eliminating citizens' three minutes of open comment at their monthly board meetings? The Press' Nov. 3, 2010, article announced, "The district plans to hold similar open dialogue meetings every few weeks for at least six months..." Well, "chats" were held in November and December. The main topic of discussion at the chats was the upcoming $26 million Special Levy. (I did learn that the district failed to budget for basic school supplies like pencils and paper, which teachers have to pay for out of their own pockets - outrageous!)

SENIORS: Funding issues are critical

The Post Falls Senior Activities and Event Center wishes to thank EVERYONE who came out on Sept. 6 for the public hearing at the Kootenai County Commissioners meeting regarding the 2012 budget with funding cuts included. With a room filled to capacity and outside, this issue and those of the Sheriff's Department and others were very important to all that attended. Even those that spoke on other topics ended their statements with support continuing funding the Meals on Wheels program.

Author to speak to Humanities Council

COEUR d'ALENE - Freedom of speech is the main topic best-selling crime fiction writer Sara Paretsky will touch on when she speaks Oct. 15 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

One stop to gather information

Idaho Indicators website offers county and reservation statistics

MOSCOW - A new website aims to make it easier to find and analyze state and federal data for Idaho's counties and American Indian reservations.

This race talk isn't controversial

The timing wasn't right.

The perfect pout

Love your lips this summer by adding volume. You can safely and effectively achieve a plumper pout without looking "injected" by using injectable filler products such as Perlane and Restylane Silk. The treatment itself is done in office and takes about 30 minutes and includes time to numb using a topical anesthetic. The best part is that the results can be seen immediately!

Talking about education

Cd'A schools, nonprofit to present 'State of the District'

The Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership will present a State of the District community event in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene School District from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 in the Community Room of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

Time to reach out to other cultures

Imagine my shock, that after a lifetime of admiration for the principles on which America was founded, proudly serving the U.S. military during Operation Iraqi Freedom, being kidnapped, tortured and left for dead because of this service, receiving commendations for my faithful service and eventually, permission to immigrate to this great country, there are people in my beloved community who shout at me to go back to my homeland, that I am unwelcome here.

GOP: Take the offensive

I did not attend the Republican dinner at The Resort but I heard about it. Mike Baker, retired CIA agent and a brilliant analyst, was the guest speaker and was well received. He spoke about patriotism and other like topics that were red meat to his audience. Then Mike went in a strange direction: He encouraged his listeners to be sure to listen to the other side, don’t become like them, but we have to know what they think and most importantly what they think of us.

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.

Local essay winners recognized by DAR

COEUR d’ALENE — The Lt. George Farragut Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored two local students as DAR essay contest winners.

DART group to sponsor public info forums

The "Role & Responsibilities of an NIC Trustee," the first in a series of On Point public forums, sponsored by a group of community-minded residents who call themselves DART, is set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Family Harding Center, 411 N. 15th St.

Zala Medical: Taking you from average to awesome

Zala Medical wants to take you from average to awesome - rejuvenating your natural beauty with an array of treatments designed to eliminate the signs of aging without making you look overdone.

Listeria bacteria kill 3

Kansas hospital patients die of ice cream-related illness

DALLAS - The deaths of three people who developed a foodborne illness linked to some Blue Bell ice cream products have prompted the Texas icon's first product recall in its 108-year history.

They'll do the Monster mash

'Mangy mutt' indeed

KHS caring for dog with severe case of mange

Forestry shortcourse scheduled in Post Falls

forestry works

Preparing your food animals to beat the cold

When the weather dips into cold and freezing temperatures, especially at night, humans stay cozy by turning on heaters and pulling out extra blankets.

Protecting your poultry from bird flu

With winter approaching, birds are migrating south to escape the cold and take advantage of more abundant food sources.