The eagles are leaving Lake Coeur d'Alene

BLM count indicates peak population has passed

The annual migration of bald eagles to Lake Coeur d’Alene to feed on spawning kokanee has peaked, said Bureau of Land Management’s Carrie Hugo on Friday, and it was nowhere close to last year’s numbers.

Knolls working holiday magic

Mall owners say 2024 has been a great year

I recall visiting the Silver Lake Mall years ago. It wasn’t great. Empty storefronts. Too quiet. Seemed lifeless. And worst of all, it lacked customers. It seemed headed where many malls have gone before it. And then, David and Barbara Knoll, the owners of Black Sheep Sporting Goods, bought it in 2021. With son Brian acting as general manager, they instilled spirit and life. Added businesses. Filled spaces. And best of all, they attracted customers. Visit the mall today. This Christmas season has been among their best.

Special delivery to Kootenai Health

Coeur d'Alene Police Foundation, Les Schwab convoy arrives with hundreds of toys

Toys are distributed year-round through Andrea’s Closet, a Kootenai Health program. Some gifts will go out to young patients on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some will be distributed throughout the year. A child can select a toy or it can be delivered to their room.

Tubbs Hill gets trailhead improvements

While an interpretative sign sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Audobon Society outlines the benefits of fallen logs and stand snags, another spells out the rules of Tubbs Hill.

A white Christmas? Coeur d'Alene may have to keep dreaming

Forecast calls for rain, temps in the 40s

North Idaho may need a holiday miracle to see a white Christmas this year.

Hearing tonight on Post Falls marina project

Public can comment at CHS

StanCraft, which has been improving Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River since buying it earlier this year, is renovating the marina and wants to add moorage.

Coeur d'Alene to consider emergency plan

Person could be arrested for refusing evacuation order

City Council on Tuesday will review, may adopt, county emergency operations plan

Ron McIntire: 'A great blessing'

Super 1 Foods makes annual CFA donation

"It's a great blessing for us to be able to do it," McIntire said. "We look forward to it every year."

Coeur d'Alene firefighters prep for the real thing

Downtown building marked for demolition being used for training

Firefighters have been practicing drills and scenarios this week and will continue them next week at the structure between First and Second streets on Sherman Avenue. Deruyter called it “invaluable training,” that saves lives.

'Jingle Balls' time at Windermere

Real estate building becomes putting greens to benefit Boots and Socks, Toys for Tots

One hole had a disco theme. Another was lined with wine bottles. The first hole sponsored by Windermere’s Jennifer Smock was lined with snow, with the hole just inside the doorway of a decorated Christmas house. A hole sponsored by Andy's Heating and Cooling saw a green sneaked under a stove.

Coeur d'Alene woman on a mission — accomplished

Evalyn Adams retires as guiding force of Turkeys & More

Adams has been the face of Turkeys & More since she founded it eight years ago and it officially became a nonprofit three years ago. Since then, she estimated it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, benefited thousands of families and been supported by hundreds of volunteers.

A disciple of fishing for men

Jim Grassi's latest book returns to the rod and reel

“More Than a Fisherman: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples” is the Christian outdoorsman’s latest work. He’ll be signing copies from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Sower Bible Bookstore in Coeur d’Alene. It is a return to his angling roots and bid to help men grow in their faith. In his book, he points out that spiritual mentoring or discipleship requires people to become actively involved in their faith.

Kootenai County housing sales rise

Housing partnership seeks input on program for home improvements

If the survey finds there is enough interest, the grant program could provide homeowners with funds for construction or renovations, in exchange for sharing their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time.

Foundation leader cites impact of Idaho nonprofits

Says ICF has big plans for 2025

Next year, the ICT is looking to pass the $200 million mark in terms of grants made in Idaho, It also wants to engage new Idahoans. Burns said about 25% of Idaho residents moved here in the past five years.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe spokespeople: Climate change 'is happening'

Liken situation to Earth having a fever

Aiyana James was joined by Zachery Miller, the tribe’s energy coordinator in talking about economic development, climate change, and “how businesses and communities can adapt and thrive by embracing forward-thinking strategies,” at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s Upbeat Breakfast at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Coeur d'Alene firefighters seek changes to battle high-rise fires

System would provide air through pipes rather than 'bottle brigade'

On average, a firefighter in full personal protective equipment will carry an extra 90 to 100 pounds of gear including hoses, nozzles, and extra SCBA air bottles. “The higher the fire is in the building, the longer it will take firefighters to get to the fire,” the report said.

'Let It Snow' diamonds

Downtown jeweler brings back annual promotion

The annual campaign has proven popular, attracting new and old customers hoping and praying for snow. Twice, the most recent in 2020, it has hit the mark, with more than three-quarters of a million dollars refunded based on purchases from less than $100 to more than $20,000.

Marathon of memories

The Seattle Marathon started near the Space Needle. Nearly everyone, it seemed, had a phone and they were either taking selfies or holding their phone high and capturing the crowd.

Snow a no show down low

Climatologist says it last snowed this little nearly 100 years ago

Harris said it could snow a little this weekend, but he doesn’t expect to see much, but rather, more fog and clouds.

The eagles are out there

But they're staying away from the crowds who come to see them

Eagles seem to be staying away from popular viewing places like Higgens Point or the Mineral Ridge trailhead, which might make folks looking for them think there aren’t many around.

Coeur d'Alene Chamber: 'An investment that matters'

Nick Swayne named Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's Citizen of the Year

Swayne, president of North Idaho, received a standing ovation from the crowd of about 200 people when he was named the chamber’s Citizen of the Year.

Alcohol sales fail taste test at Coeur d'Alene farmers market

Pilot program finds security, fencing costs high, beer, wine revenue flat

An evaluation found the pilot program with open containers was a nice offering but wasn’t the right fit.

Scott Ferguson: 'We can't do this alone'

New director brings energy, passion to role with St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho

Scott Ferguson, who replaces Larry Riley, was previously with Innovia Foundation, where he was the associate director of grants.

And so this is Christmas in Coeur d'Alene

Parade, lighting ceremony attract massive crowd to downtown

A crowd estimated at more than 30,000 attended The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association's 32nd annual parade and The Resorts’ 37th annual lighting ceremony.

'Thankful every day' in Coeur d'Alene

Volunteers, guests enjoy sharing Thanksgiving at The Altar Church

When the dinner line opened at noon, a big crowd was already seated as volunteers came to their tables to take their order.

Last Christmas ... at the Roosevelt Inn

John and Tina Hough hope donations pour for CFA, food bank at final holiday open house

The North Idaho Bed and Breakfast open house is scheduled at the Roosevelt Inn from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 8. There will be music, Tina’s country bean soup, refreshments and a chance to tour the inn, perhaps for the last time.

Counting on Carrie Hugo

Bald eagles continue arriving in North Idaho to feed on spawning kokanee

Hugo follows the same route, starting in the morning on Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, with stops at the Silver Beach Marina, Bennett Bay, Booth Park, Beacon Point, Higgens Point, Blue Creek Bay, Wolf Lodge Bay, the Mineral Ridge boat launch and Beauty Bay.

Turkeys more than good eating

Nonprofit raises spirits with Thanksgiving gift

The organization, joined by many volunteers, handed out turkeys in the cold and rain on Friday to about 800 people via a drive-thru format at Unity Church. About 1,200 more were distributed to food banks and social service agencies around Kootenai County.

Ramsey Road improvements in the works

$1.3M upgrade planned next year for busy arterial

The project is being funded by a $1.2 million Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, and $97,842 in matching city funds.

Two die in Mica Flats house fire

Cause of blaze remains under investigation

Fatal fire in Mica Flats

Jim Brown chosen as guest of honor for Resort Holiday Light Show

The master craftsman and designer was recently selected as guest of honor for the Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show on Friday.

Puppies dumped at Hayden animal shelter

Five found in plastic tote outside doors

Nelson said the puppies were about three months old, weighted about 15 pounds each, and were in good health.

A hug before winter in Coeur d'Alene

Rita Case provides 325 new coats to local kids

For the first time, Case partnered with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to “providing warmth, confidence and hope for children in need."

Operation Christmas joy

Thousands of OCC shoeboxes delivered during National Collection Week

OCC’s National Collection Week started Monday. That’s when churches, organizations, families, individuals and others drop off the distinctive red and green boxes they’ve been filling for months.

Coeur d'Alene looks to protect history

City Council approves demolition permit review process

Burns said the commission and city staff worked on the ordinance for the past several months and called it good for historic preservation, for Coeur d’Alene and for its residents.

Reaching for 'attainable housing' in Kootenai County

Forum highlights challenges, possible solutions, of rising home costs

With the median price of a Kootenai County single-family home at $526,000, most local families are priced out of the market.

Coeur d'Alene animal control seizes four dogs from home

Canines were starving, thirsty, covered in filth; recovering at CAC

All told, there were five dogs, several cats and a few sugar gliders in the home. Two flea-covered kittens were also seized. A family member took the remaining animals.

Dad's grocery store didn't last, but it raised a family

As I recall, he quit his job delivering mail for the Postal Service to go out on his own. He had a wife and six kids and not much money in savings, but he was determined and believed he could do it. It was a simple dream and no one worked harder than my father.

A creature, children connection in Coeur d'Alene

Artwork outside library aims to catch attention of kids

Each year since, the Fleschner Foundation has gifted nonprofits and organizations with money for causes including vision, medical and literacy.

Destination: Idaho

Publisher highlights tourism's importance to state on final day of legislative tour

Schroeder delivered a 30-minute talk on the explosive growth of state’s tourism sector to about 75 legislators and others at the Hagadone Event Center for the Idaho Legislative Tour organized by the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and Idaho Chamber Alliance.

No average (Trader) Joe in Coeur d'Alene

Crowd celebrates opening of national grocer

About 100 people – the first arrived at 5:45 a.m. - waited for the national grocer to open its doors at 8 a.m. With the Lake City High School cranking out loud, high-energy music, the crowd surged forward.

Governor: Trump win benefits Idaho

Little delivers confident keynote speech to legislators

Little said he expects to see reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, which has tied up and stopped projects in the Pacific Northwest

Leaf Fest begins in Coeur d'Alene

Annual collection underway with cool conditions

Crews started early Tuesday in the Fort Grounds neighborhood, and then south of Sherman Avenue, moving west to east. They’ll gradually make their way north, with a goal of wrapping up by early December. If the weather is good, it could be sooner.

Keeping memories alive: Veteran recounts father's service in World War I

Kaczmar, a life member of VFW Post 889, won’t forget. And he doesn’t want anyone to forget those who have served their country, some sacrificing their lives.

Crime down in Coeur d'Alene

Police chief credits officers, task forces, data-driven approach

Part 1 crimes from January to September this year compared to last year are down 13%. Part 1 crimes include aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, and theft. If you go back to 2015, Part 1 crimes are down 63% in Coeur d’Alene.

Kenny Gabriel: 'The luckiness of our lives'

Retired fire chief gives up the good life for the City Council

Gabriel, who served 20 years as fire chief, found himself missing public service. Not the stress, but the interaction with firefighters, staff and citizens.

The many names of grandpa and beyond

Finally, having heard enough, especially because she’s almost always winning in our one-on-one battles, Hadley will proclaim, “Grandpa, you are not Michael Jordan!”

Kootenai County home sales up

Median home price drops in Shoshone County

The CRR reported there were 1,015 active residential listings in Kootenai County as of Nov. 5, a 7% increase from one year ago.

Norris wins big

Four more years for Kootenai County sheriff

Norris said he believes he won handily because he has been active in the community and crime is down in the county by about 15%.

Coeur d'Alene School District levy passes

Lakeland levy fails; Northern Lakes Fire District levy gets strong support

With all 74 Kootenai County precincts reporting Wednesday morning, the Coeur d’Alene School District’s two-year, $25 million-per-year levy that expires June 30 received overwhelming support.