Local licenses and tags to be temporarily unavailable

Residents are encouraged to buy these items before or after Dec. 1

Winemaking talent

Over the past five plus years we have had the honor and privilege to work with some of the most talented winemakers from many of the North American Appellations. We have done tastings and winemaker dinners with these creative geniuses from Oregon, Idaho, Washington state, and many of the growing areas of California. During that time we have had winemakers up for repeat appearances only a handful of times, and this coming week we will be welcoming back not only one of the true winemaking talents from Walla Walla but also one of the most generous and genuinely nice people in the wine business.

Housing stimulus produces desired result

The news is out. Housing sales are up across the country. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of recent home sales are due to the tax credit incentives offered to new and even to existing homeowners. The true test of housing recovery then will be after the credits expire this coming Friday, April 30.

Stinger Welding gets $17 million for new Libby plant

Expansion means 100-plus jobs

LIBBY, Mont. - Stinger Welding will get $17 million to complete its new fabrication plant in Libby, the Montana Community Development Corporation said.

Judging completed - on to the tasting

This past week the four judges for the North Idaho Wine Rodeo, Eric Cook, Jill Kausen, Chris Cates and I completed the evaluation of over 200 entries to this year's competition. As always with this event and frankly any blind tasting or judging of wines, some familiar faces as well as some newcomers emerged from the fray. There were surprises and predictability at the same time and all in all we tasted some fabulous wines from appellations in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and many growing areas here in the United States.

Local Multiple Listing Service best option

Over the past 10 years we Realtors have found more and more opportunities to expose your listing to prospective buyers. Craigslist now is commonly used and many of you who desire to sell your own property use this service as well.

COMMUNISM: Scary shadows remain

Over the years I’ve seen many references to socialism and communism in letters to the editor with pejorative intent.

How many votes can a million bucks buy?

Someone on the Coeur d’Alene City Council may end up getting an unexpected — and perhaps unwanted — Christmas bonus this year.

Yes, Cd'A has acted responsibly

A regular online Press troll recently asked another contributor with respect to the Coeur d'Alene Mayor and council members, "do you understand the meaning of accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility?" After some contemplation and a refreshing beverage, this seemed like a challenge worth closer examination, but rather than slugging it out in cyberspace in an endless self-righteous tug-of-war, what a great question to ponder in a My Turn column to Mike Patrick.

Please read this first before using Craigslist

Craigslist is quickly jumping to the top of the list as a hideout for cheats, liars and scammers. Be hyper-aware if you’re using Craigslist. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re buying or selling.

Collectors group seeks rare coins

Cathie Haas was toting a lot of hope at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn on Thursday.

Sweet success

Chocolatier Fannie May back after bankruptcy

CHICAGO - A half-dozen years ago iconic chocolatier Fannie May, loved by Chicago candy devotees who passed down their affections for mint meltaways, caramels and vanilla buttercreams from generation to generation, was all but finished.

Don't gamble on this initiative

Cowboys and Indians no longer wield Winchesters or bows and arrows.

Sky's the limit on credit card interest

Credit card debt is one of the worst kinds of debt to have. Interest rates can be astronomical. It used to be that the “thumb breakers” on the street corner were the only ones loaning money and charging outrageous interest rates. The U.S. had laws against usury. No more. The laws were repealed in 1978.

Buffett: Stocks, homes are fairly cheap now

OMAHA, Neb. - Billionaire Warren Buffett said Monday that stocks remain relatively cheap compared to other investments as the economy continues to improve. He also said that the company he heads is prepared to replace him whenever the need arises.

The proper role of government

What should be done by government and what should be done by private enterprise? The Founding Fathers wrestled with this question. Our Declaration of Independence articulates that our Rights “are endowed by (our) Creator” and “That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men.” The preamble of The Constitution tells us its purpose is to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty.” These, therefore are the reasons our government should be focused on these tasks.

Support Local Gems initiative on Friday

Support Local Gems initiative on Friday

Anheuser-Busch, Miller companies eye global merger

LONDON (AP) - The makers of Budweiser aren't satisfied with being the king of beers. They want an empire.

Rathdrum wants to hear from residents

RATHDRUM — Rathdrum officials want to know what citizens think the city’s next park should look like. They also want to hear from residents interested in updating its comprehensive plan.

EDITORIAL: Let's build bridges, one unit at a time

Press encourages Hayden City Council to give The Bridge a green light.