Buy it or lose it:

Hunters must buy 2021 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

Leftover tags will be sold first-come, first-served beginning Aug. 25

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — GEORGE BALLING: What I did on my summer vacation

When I got this assignment in elementary school I always dreaded it. But after just returning from a week off, I felt excited to write this column. Mary and I are very grateful to get a week away. We spent our week off at a friend’s lake cabin on Hayden Lake. We had family visit a couple of days and had dinner with dear friends who have a home on the lake. It was a wonderful time, very relaxing and we did enjoy some great wine. Here is the rundown of some of the standouts. Some of the wine we enjoyed were vintage bottlings from our private stash, while others are store favorites. I have omitted prices from this column altogether, since some of these are unlikely to be found. Stop by the shop or send along an email if you would like more details including prices.

Record drought saps California honey output

LOS BANOS, Calif. (AP) - California's record drought hasn't been sweet to honeybees, and it's creating a sticky situation for beekeepers and honey buyers.

U.S. drillers scrambling to thwart OPEC threat

Bond projects underway in Cd'A School District

COEUR d’ALENE — In March 2017, 77 percent of Coeur d’Alene School District voters approved a $35.5 million bond measure. The district is well underway with bidding out, awarding bids, and breaking ground on the projects, district spokesman Scott Maben said Wednesday.

Your health insurance isn't some commodity

Over the past several years, healthcare and health insurance have gained attention as families across Idaho navigate the new waters of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and an exchange-based marketplace. This fall, many people will renew their focus on healthcare coverage and the 2015 open enrollment period when people can again shop for insurance plans.

LANDS: Keep them public

In last week’s Idaho Statesman, Rocky Barker writes of a huge land purchase of 172,000 acres by a private company listed as D.F. Development, LLC of Cisco, Texas. Rocky Barker researched the company and found Robert Early is the chief financial officer for the Wilks Brothers, founders of Frac-Tech Services.

Silverwood raises more than $38K for local food banks

Silverwood collected $38,363 that will support local food banks, including Athol Food Bank, Post Falls Food Bank, Second Harvest in Spokane, Community Action Partnership in Coeur d’Alene and Bonner Community Food Bank.

CYT to present 'A Christmas Story'

Christian Youth Theater will present A Christmas Story opening Nov. 10 through 19 at the Midge and Pepper Smock Family Theater at the The Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene.

Jobless benefits extended

BOISE (AP) - Senators passed extended unemployment benefits for thousands of jobless Idaho workers, over objections of conservative lawmakers who called this a "hand-out, not a hand-up."

Senate approves public schools budget

BOISE (AP) — The Idaho Senate approved a public schools budget for 2013 that bumps up the minimum teacher salary and funds new education reforms, including merit pay bonuses and laptops.

Committee hears instant horse racing testimony

BOISE (AP) - The legality over Idaho's contentious slot-like machines -known as instant horse racing terminals- sparked lengthy pleas on Wednesday from ranchers, horse breeders and jockeys arguing that removing the machines would cue the end to their industry.

Avoid scams on social media networks

Facebook and other popular social medial platforms certainly have a huge incentive, including ad revenue, to create a safe digital space for us to hang out in. But it’s exactly this safe, casual atmosphere that makes these sites a hunting ground for digital crooks as well.

State board approves boost for cabin rents

BOISE (AP) - The Idaho Land Board voted Tuesday to boost the rent paid on hundreds of state-owned cabin lots on the shores of Payette and Priest lakes, properties that generate millions of dollars for public schools each year.

Wall Street woes continue to mount

NEW YORK (AP) - Almost four years after the financial crisis, Wall Street still can't get it right.

North Idaho Wine Rodeo 2011

As summer arrives and the plans start to fall into place for the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo, the judges, coordinators, distributors, and wineries get ready to start on the North Idaho Wine Rodeo commercial wine competition. Like last year we are receiving entries from all over the world spanning most every varietal category and retail price point. With about half of the entries still to be cataloged we have reviewed over 135 entries. Again this year the largest category looks to be red blends with over 27 entered already!

Homeless a familiar face

Local. That describes the vast majority of North Idaho's homeless population. For some reason, that would surprise many.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Our poor abused thyroid

A gland of remarkable adaptability, the thyroid gland absorbs a great deal of “punishment” with our lifestyles today.

Vicks for hemorrhoids?

DEAR DR. GOTT: Seven or eight years ago, you suggested using Vicks VapoRub for relief of the discomfort associated with anal hemorrhoids. It has worked really well for me. I have used both the Vicks and store-brand equivalents. I have no more pain from my two hemorrhoids but now wonder if I should keep using the product or have the hemorrhoids removed. I am a 67-year-old male.

Suspect in the slayings of 4 Idaho college students wants news cameras out of the courtroom

Second District Judge John Judge is expected to hear arguments over camera access today