OPINION PAGE: Two responses

No. 1. Excellent editorial piece on the amazing foresight of local elected officials through the years as it pertained to property near and dear to the hearts of the citizenry. And now the subject of the possible relocation/sale of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is in play. I commend Commissioner Bill Brooks on his support for a long-term lease for the Fairgrounds allowing it to remain in its current location. I am sad that this is the last term for Commissioner Brooks who in my opinion has always put the citizens of our county first and foremost in his decisions as Commissioner.

RANKED CHOICE VOTING: Too confusing

Simple and straightforward describes our current ballot system. As the voter, we check the box next to the name of the person we support, votes are counted and the person with the most votes wins. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is anything but simple and straightforward. Due to the complexity, it is impossible to fully describe RCV in this limited space (I would encourage everyone to take the time to go online and try to understand the process). On the very confusing RCV ballot, you rank the candidates in the order of your preference. Then the real behind the scenes CALCULATIONS begin. Recounts cannot be done by hand, but must be run through the same computer calculation system. It’s been described as a runoff election. Ultimately, your vote may not even count. How does that sound?

OLYMPICS: Great example to the world

What a wonderful two+ weeks where all the athletes of the world joined together in Paris for the Olympics. Such a welcomed experience watching these young people.

Northwest Notes Aug. 17, 2024

Idaho broadcaster King named voice of WSU and date set for Kraziness in the Kennel

City leaders, locals try to navigate downtown Coeur d'Alene in wheelchairs

City leaders and local advocates joined wheelchair users for a different kind of stroll along Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d’Alene Friday.

Lakeland Joint School District to float $9.52M levy in November

Arnold shares details at Rathdrum Chamber luncheon

The Lakeland Joint School District will ask its constituents to vote on a $9.52 million-per-year, two-year supplemental levy ballot measure at the polls Nov. 5. Superintendent Lisa Arnold, speaking Thursday at a Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce luncheon, said that was her recommendation to the Lakeland School Board.

Fabulous philanthropy

3Cs distributes whopping $135K to Kootenai County nonprofits

From senior citizens and infant safety to food programs and mental health, Cancer and Community Charities members bestowed their full support Friday as they gifted $135,000 to 31 local nonprofits and charitable causes during their annual 3Cs Appreciation Lunch.

MY TURN: Regan out of new material

Like Donald Trump, Mr. Regan appears to be running out of new material. His Opinion of Aug. 9 is the same old, boring, negative propaganda, threats and disinformation.

FAST FIVE Serena Caples: Lovin' the fair life

Meet Serena Caples, a wife, mother, small business owner and the development director for the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation.

The Exhausted Dad: Doubling the dorky teenagers

As a parent to a teenager for about two months now, I want to commend myself for the calm and level-headed leadership in the house. At least so far, living with an unpredictable 13-year-old resembles living with an unpredictable 12-year-old.

Susan Lynn Murphy, 76

A force of nature known for her infectious energy and boundless love, Susan Lynn Murphy, 76, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, surrounded by family.

Legals for August, 17 2024

The collapse of an iconic arch in Utah has some wondering if other famous arches are also at risk

When the geological formation formally named “Double Arch” crumbled last Thursday at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it served as a sad reminder to many that arches are not guaranteed to stand forever. All arches have a lifespan, which scientists are trying to avoid shortening — or extending.

'Fun' times ahead at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds

North Idaho State Fair opens today for 10-day run

Kids having a good time is a centerpiece of the North Idaho State Fair, which is having its grand opening ceremony at 4 p.m. today at the main gate.

Community Library Network removes 'diversity, equity, inclusion' language from website

Board lifts hiring freeze to replace business manager who resigned in July

Trustees of the Community Library Network unanimously voted to remove the words "diversity, equity and inclusion" from the network's website Thursday during a meeting at the Hayden Library. “I believe that this is incongruent with the CLN’s personnel manual," Vice Chair Tom Hanley said, reading from a prepared statement.

Kellogg school district ramps up for four-day pilot program

The first bell of the school year hasn’t quite rung yet, but Kellogg School District is getting ready to take on the pilot four-day school week on Sept. 3 on the first day of school.

OPINION: Risch: Don’t trust Harris with foreign policy

Vice President Kamala Harris may be the Democratic Party’s brightest star at the moment, but the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee says he’s not impressed with her resume when it comes to foreign policy.

Hear the stories behind the hits at Sunset to Summer

Nashville singer-songwriters to take McEuen Park stage Aug. 29

Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, LoCash, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band, Dustin Lynch and Ashley McBryde are big names in music. Behind the big names are singer-songwriters who help craft the hits, and they're coming to Coeur d'Alene to share those behind-the-scenes stories Aug. 29 during the inaugural Sunset to Summer concert, presented in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association and the Listening Room from Nashville.

ART INSIGHTS: Hidden costs the viewer or consumer may not be aware of

"Why’s it so pricey? This artist sure thinks a lot of his work!" Well… he may just make a few dollars an hour. Yes, we keep our day jobs! Great Renaissance masters had wealthy benefactors, such as the church or a ruling family. They had to produce under command and duress.

Therapeutic horse riding brings joy in Rathdrum

Summer program brings campers into the saddle with equine program

After hanging up his riding helmet, Mark Poncato’s heart was still with Rodeo the horse, as his fellows at Camp Chrysalis took their turns at activities in the barn at Harmony Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center. “I love him,” Poncato said.