More reasons for optimism

Aside from last week's statistical review of Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service Properties, we find even more data to support recovery now that the final draft of our statistics has been completed. One encouraging bit of news is that sales of newly constructed homes has increased. This is a welcome sign. In 2011 new construction accounted for 11 percent of our total sales. 2012 showed modest improvement, closing out the year with 14 percent of our total.

Bargains bring backups

Canadian customers could see entry fee as they shop for U.S. goods; northern reps opposed

Tree Festival fundraiser far from a masterpiece

I was 12 when I attended my first Kootenai Health Foundation “Festival of Trees” event at the newly constructed Coeur d’Alene Resort. I returned each year with my family to listen to the local school choirs sing Christmas carols and admire the uniquely decorated trees.

Idaho and Taiwan sign two-year wheat trade agreement

Wheat is one of Idaho’s top crops, and about half is exported to other countries

Sheriff's Blotter

Notable calls for the day

The visit

The long-awaited visit is finally here. Now, what exactly was I supposed to ask the doctor?

Wine and dine for education

POST FALLS — The wine will flow Saturday, March 4 at the Post Falls Education Foundation’s annual Wine, Stein and Dine fundraiser. The event, in its 21st year, raises money for teachers in the Post Falls School District.

REALTY: Pitching plenty of positives

I am a Realtor with the CDAMLS here in North Idaho. I think Mr. Kim Cooper is doing the best he can with the information he has to work with. There is very little for him to use in his articles in today's real estate market that is positive.

Lichen sclerosus an irritating condition

DEAR DR. GOTT: Please provide any information you have concerning lichen sclerosus. I was diagnosed eight years ago and have visited three doctors, who all agree I have it, but I have not had much help from the medications they have prescribed. Evidently not much is known about the cause of the problem or a cure. Mine is definitely getting worse, and I'm searching for help. I read your column and enjoy your helpful comments. Thank you for any assistance you can provide - even hints about where I could research further on my own would be welcome.

VETERANS PRESS: Important message to Vietnam Era veterans

The message below is another notice of the new eligibility available because of the Pact Act. Please read and pass this along to any veterans you know that may qualify. Hello veteran and to each of you supporting the veterans you know… Next week, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs will email two million Vietnam Era veterans with important information about the PACT Act and why now is the time to ensure that veteran you know gets enrolled in VA!

New arrival applauds great service

A former newspaper carrier shares his perspective.

U.S. gas prices spike

Refinery, pipeline problems cited

EDITORIAL: The pill that could preserve your hospital

Trustees will be qualified, not radicalized

Pearl shopping in China isn't for everyone

Capitalism definitely has a place in this communist country

BEIJING - Marilee Wallace wavered, staring at the price on the calculator.

Hold officials responsible for housing crisis

An interesting article was printed on April 8

Varietal emergence

We have often written that trying new varietals and wine produced by new wineries is great fun for us, and the reason we don't turn down the opportunity to try new things with our distributors. It is rare though when we get to see firsthand a new varietal being embraced with enthusiasm by wine consumers. Over recent months we have tried Mourvedre from two different producers, once in our wine club and last week at a wine tasting and both times despite the wines being very different from each other in style they were both wildly popular.

HART: Editor smears character

The undertone of Editor Patrick's personal episode in the Feb. 2 issue would seem to emphasize his long obvious feelings toward Phil Hart. The words, "Character Assassination" come to mind and I question the promiscuous paradigm of thought that is perniciously used to drive the final nails in Mr. Hart's coffin. I will concede that an editor of a newspaper certainly has every right to his opinion, but I question the pretentiousness of his position to divulge that opinion by way of the lead column for the day. Over many years of attempted writing for a number of newspapers, I am sure that on more than one occasion my profound attempts were oftentimes scrutinized by a wary editor whose personal opinions might have run counter-clockwise to mine. At times I met intense public criticism, but never at the hands of a talented editor!

LEGION BASEBALL: Lums fall to Spokane Expos

COEUR d’ALENE — Liam Paddack scored on an error to give Coeur d’Alene a 6-5 lead in the fourth inning, but the visiting Spokane Expos scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to beat the Lumbermen 11-6 in a Legion baseball game on Friday at Thorco Field.

GOP aims at website, hopes to hit law

WASHINGTON - Congressional Republicans are waging war against a hapless website and hoping it leads to the destruction of "Obamacare," the health care program they loathe so fervently.

Everett a secret destination for nerds

Neighborhood of the Week hits the road

Neighborhood of the Week for Aug. 1