Tuesday, October 06, 2026
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BILL BULEY

Staff Writer

Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running.

Recent Stories

Special delivery
September 20, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Special delivery

Deaf, sight-impaired dog in North Idaho finds home 1,200 miles away

Maddie Browne of Colorado Springs, Colo., will be making a five-hour drive to Casper, Wyo., on Swept. 28 to meet CAC volunteer and friend Liz Eck to pick up the pit bull mix.

Financial leaders: Rate cut a positive economic sign
September 19, 2024 1 a.m.

Financial leaders: Rate cut a positive economic sign

The impact of the cut will take time to ripple through the economy. It is expected to lower mortgage rates and loans and could spark more activity in the housing market.

Spokane man honored for saving Cd'A teen
September 18, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Spokane man honored for saving Cd'A teen

Dave Powell credited with taking a risk to help someone

Dave Powell didn’t hesitate. One thought went through his mind: Get out there.

McEvers: 'Look for the good'
September 17, 2024 1:09 a.m.

McEvers: 'Look for the good'

Cd'A's new mayor carries a laid-back, positive surfer vibe into City Hall

This is the same guy that had a skate park dedicated to him in 2021 in Coeur d’Alene. A rock wall bears his name and picture with his quote, “Dude, make it cool.”

Wanted: Coeur d'Alene City Council member
September 14, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Wanted: Coeur d'Alene City Council member

Citizens welcome to seek seat; apply by Sept. 27

The process calls for applications by Sept. 27, to be followed by interviews with councilmembers on Oct. 7 for those who move on to the next round, and a nomination and perhaps a council vote at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Big impact through 'Start Small'
September 14, 2024 1 a.m.

Big impact through 'Start Small'

Daughter returns to Idaho after years in Kenya

A graduate of Lake City High School and Boise State University, Jennie has always been one for challenges and seeing and experiencing new places. She has seen many countries, run many miles (including joining me at Glacier National Park) and met many people. But that’s not what I want to tell you about.

September 13, 2024 1 a.m.

'I can't believe this'

Woman stunned as man hands her $100 bill outside grocery storte

Milligan, with a limited income, said the man could not have known just how badly she needed the money.

Fire marshal: Grease accumulation sparked Wolf Lodge blaze
September 12, 2024 11:25 a.m.

Fire marshal: Grease accumulation sparked Wolf Lodge blaze

The fire was reported to 911 by a passerby at 11:58 am, who happened to be an Idaho deputy fire marshal, the release said.

'It seems like yesterday'
September 12, 2024 1:09 a.m.

'It seems like yesterday'

Annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony attracts small crowd at Fallen Heroes Plaza

About 15 firefighters and a few citizens turned out for remembrance event for the 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. It’s something Coeur d’Alene firefighters have done every year since about 2006.

Tribe councilman outlines action steps to care for Lake Coeur d'Alene
September 11, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Tribe councilman outlines action steps to care for Lake Coeur d'Alene

Caj Matheson says sustainable development key for protecting resources

Caj Matheson outlined a call for action Tuesday to protect Lake Coeur d’Alene. “The first thing we have to do is learn to love it,” said the councilman for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and director of the Tribe's Department of Natural Resources.

City agrees to buy, repair vandalized art
September 11, 2024 1:07 a.m.

City agrees to buy, repair vandalized art

Will no longer insure pieces in ArtCurrents

The General Services Committee on Tuesday recommended the City Council approve buying the artwork for $5,000.

Community rallies around Idaho steakhouse employees after devastating fire
September 8, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Community rallies around Idaho steakhouse employees after devastating fire

Free dinner, care packages being readied at CDA restaurant

Boutz wants to send each Wolf Lodge employee home with a care package that includes gift cards for groceries and gas.

Bloem hopes to 'bring back the good vibes'
September 7, 2024 1:05 a.m.

Bloem hopes to 'bring back the good vibes'

First phase of renovations completed at Templin's on the River

StanCraft, a Hayden-based private family of companies, in partnership with an investor group, announced the acquisition of Templin’s on the River earlier this year.

September 7, 2024 1 a.m.

Of mice and a man

It was a sound I heard several times when we lived on Kauai, where the mice population is quite healthy. They ate holes through walls to gain access.

September 7, 2024 1 a.m.

Kootenai County Housing market remains steady

Home sales up 6%

Real estate is strong in North Idaho

Coeur d'Alene farmers market begins selling beer, wine
September 5, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene farmers market begins selling beer, wine

Quiet start for pilot program that will run through September

Beer and wine were available for the first time at the market after the Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday night approved a resolution for the Downtown Association to try a pilot project allowing possession of open containers of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages.

English elected new Coeur d'Alene council president
September 5, 2024 1:08 a.m.

English elected new Coeur d'Alene council president

McEvers sworn in as mayor

Miller pointed out there was a lot of talk last month about transparency in the process of naming a new councilmember to replace McEvers, which "caused me to pause,” when Gookin nominated English.

'That's just the way he was'
September 5, 2024 1:05 a.m.

'That's just the way he was'

Dwight Bershaw remembered as a man who loved family, community

About 75 turned out for the annual fun run at McEuen Parl described as a “race for rest of us." Put on by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene as a tribute to Bershaw, who died Aug. 20, 2021, at the age of 54.

After the fire: Many stop by Wolf Lodge Steakhouse to offer encouragement
September 4, 2024 1:09 a.m.

After the fire: Many stop by Wolf Lodge Steakhouse to offer encouragement

Many stop by Wolf Lodge Steakhouse to offer encouragement and to help as investigation continues

As word spread of the blaze that destroyed the beloved landmark eight miles east of Coeur d’Alene, people stopped by to take a look and offer encouragement. A few passersby on Frontage Road and Interstate 90 honked horns. A bouqu

Coeur d'Alene council approves University District for NIC
September 4, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene council approves University District for NIC

City Council unanimously agrees to new zoning district

According to a staff report, “The proposed ordinance is in support of the mission of North Idaho College and the partner institutions and provides further guidance and clarity to the allowed uses.”

Fire destroys Wolf Lodge Steakhouse near Coeur d'Alene
September 3, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Fire destroys Wolf Lodge Steakhouse near Coeur d'Alene

Iconic restaurant lost in Labor Day blaze

The call reporting a chimney and attic fire came in about noon. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Chris Way said when the first units arrived about 10 minutes later flames were burning from the back of the building and through the roof.

Servers, cooks devastated after Coeur d'Alene restaurant burns down
September 3, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Servers, cooks devastated after Coeur d'Alene restaurant burns down

Wolf Lodge employees react to loss of the place they loved

There were hugs and tears as employees, joined by friends and customers, huddled together, smoke from the first still rising in the distance more than three hours after the first started.

August 31, 2024 1 a.m.

Grandpa's influence not always good

Case in point. While visiting our daughter, son-in-law and our two grandchildren over the weekend, we decided to go for a bike ride to a nearby shop for dessert. Nothing wrong with that.

Dogs abandoned in Coeur d'Alene home
August 30, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Dogs abandoned in Coeur d'Alene home

Leaking toilet helps two canines survive ordeal, recovering at CAC

Jensen said the dogs were very thin and malnourished when they arrived at the shelter about 10 days ago.

Former Coeur d'Alene police officer, with wife at his side, rebuilds life after near-fatal shooting
August 25, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Former Coeur d'Alene police officer, with wife at his side, rebuilds life after near-fatal shooting

Mike, Carrie Kralicek still smiling after all they've been through

The former Coeur d’Alene police officer celebrated his birthday again on Saturday, this time with a group of friends.

24 miles in 20 hours: Kim Bowler's epic swim across Priest Lake
August 23, 2024 1:07 a.m.

24 miles in 20 hours: Kim Bowler's epic swim across Priest Lake

Liberty Lake woman who conquered Lake CDA swims the length of Priest Lake

The Liberty Lake resident became the first woman to swim the length of Priest Lake and the second overall to do it.

Ride 'em cowboy: Post Falls native balances rodeo, work and family
August 22, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Ride 'em cowboy: Post Falls native balances rodeo, work and family

Father and son share passion for the rodeo life

The stands will be packed for the rodeo that started Wednesday. Tonight is Xtreme Bulls, and then the rodeo continues Friday through Sunday.

Coeur d'Alene council OKs alcohol at farmers market, ignoring police concerns
August 22, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene council OKs alcohol at farmers market, ignoring police concerns

Police chief says city already has a drinking problem

Under the pilot project, beer and wine would be allowed at the market from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Fifth Street between Front and Lakeside avenues.

Idaho sets new rules for bear hunters
August 22, 2024 1:07 a.m.

Idaho sets new rules for bear hunters

Fish and Game says goal is to improve chances of delisting grizzlies

regarding grizzly bears starting Sept. 1 and mandatory bear ID for 2025

Deadlocked City Council fails to appoint former fire chief to vacant seat
August 21, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Deadlocked City Council fails to appoint former fire chief to vacant seat

Mayor Hammond abstains on contentious issue

An earlier vote on a motion by Gookin to table the issue until the Sept 3 meeting failed, also by a 3-3 vote.

In praise of a Coeur d'Alene mayor with 'heart'
August 21, 2024 1:05 a.m.

In praise of a Coeur d'Alene mayor with 'heart'

Appreciation pours out for Jim Hammond during farewell party

Hammond has served as mayor since 2021. He recently resigned effective Aug. 31 to move to Colorado to be near family, including two young grandchildren.

Great start for North Idaho State Fair
August 17, 2024 1:05 a.m.

Great start for North Idaho State Fair

Stunt dogs prove popular on opening day

Flaming bats and alligators are just two of the hundreds of exhibits, attractions, games, rides, food booths, critters and seemingly endless activities that will be going on through Aug. 25.

Homecoming a hit at On Site For Seniors
August 17, 2024 1:01 a.m.

Homecoming a hit at On Site For Seniors

Senior prom fundraiser set for Sept. 14 at CDA Inn

Bill Muck is executive director of On Site For Seniors, said when their clients heard about the prom scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, they said they would love to attend. Since they can’t, a few showed off their moves Friday.

August 17, 2024 1 a.m.

Lillian Lind's card finally finds its way home

I still have the invitation. In it, she wrote, “Your entire family are welcome to the party my son and daughter-in-law are planning I have only 5 months to stay alive. Today, my hairdresser made plans.”

'Fun' times ahead at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds
August 16, 2024 1:09 a.m.

'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.

Dispute arises over filling Coeur d'Alene council post
August 15, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Dispute arises over filling Coeur d'Alene council post

Gookin, Wood, English call for more public involvement with nominations

McEvers said he is considering “some people” he could like considered for the post. Ideally it would be someone whose been around, has institutional knowledge about the city and could step in.

Three fly free in Kootenai County
August 14, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Three fly free in Kootenai County

Birds of Prey Northwest releases eagle, hawk, osprey on the same day

The Veltkamps also set a red-tailed hawk free to fly above a rolling hay field that had just been mowed off Voeller Road near Worley, and then drove to Heyburn State Park to release an osprey.

August 14, 2024 1 a.m.

COVID cases rising in North Idaho

Kootenai Health: 78 tested positive in emergency department in past month

As of August 2023, COVID-19 is only reportable when associated with health care facilities.

Coeur d'Alene's downtown market may add alcohol, but law enforcement has concerns
August 13, 2024 1:07 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene's downtown market may add alcohol, but law enforcement has concerns

Concerns expressed about allowing beer, wine at family-friendly event

According to an association report, the move would boost sales for market vendors and downtown business by attracting more visitors and encouraging longer stays.

Falling tree hits Hauser Lake home
August 13, 2024 1:06 a.m.

Falling tree hits Hauser Lake home

Sudden storm uprooted 120-foot pine Saturday night

She looked next door and saw a tall pine tree in her neighbor’s yard had been ripped out from its roots and crashed through the roof toward a corner of the home.

Fairgrounds ready for 10 days of tradition at the North Idaho State Fair
August 11, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Fairgrounds ready for 10 days of tradition at the North Idaho State Fair

Alexcia Jordan in 10th year of leading North Idaho State Fair that starts Aug. 16

North Idaho State Fair ready to open doors

Congressmen issue call to action in Coeur d'Alene
August 10, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Congressmen issue call to action in Coeur d'Alene

Jordan, Fulcher warn of growing divide in America, call for involvement

The two spoke at Candlelight Christian Fellowship church on Friday night. About 400 people paid $50 each for tickets for the Fulcher fundraiser.

August 10, 2024 1 a.m.

Tent camping in a world of RVs

Fewer and fewer folks, based on my recent stays in Glacier National Park, pitch a tent anymore. They don’t roll out sleeping bags or likely even own one.

Wheelchair Awareness Event coming to downtown
August 9, 2024 1:06 a.m.

Wheelchair Awareness Event coming to downtown

This event is to educate able-bodied people about the difficulties of maneuvering the downtown Sherman corridor during our summertime tourist season in a wheelchair.

Kootenai County median home prices edge up
August 9, 2024 1:05 a.m.

Kootenai County median home prices edge up

Study shows nearly 100,000 people left Idaho in 2022

Housing prices move up

Coeur d'Alene economist: Don't overreact
August 8, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene economist: Don't overreact

John Mitchell says most signs indicate a sound economy

The former chief economist for US Bank has monitored the ups and downs of the financial world for more than five decades. He doesn’t see a market crash in the cards.

Vendor proposal makes waves in Coeur d'Alene
August 8, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Vendor proposal makes waves in Coeur d'Alene

Paddleboards, kayaks could be offered at Atlas Park

Atlas Park is Coeur d’Alene’s newest waterfront park and is already being used by a great number of visitors, according to a staff report.

Coeur d'Alene council spending plan advances
August 7, 2024 1:09 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene council spending plan advances

Mayor emphasizes tax bill may not rise equal to proposed percentage increase

City revenue in the proposed budget includes $28.7 million in property tax revenue, an increase of $1.3 million over the previous year. The increase includes new growth of $225,000 and a 4% increase over taxes levied this fiscal year of $1,063,023 according toa staf report.

Friendship over years and miles
August 6, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Friendship over years and miles

Bond remains strong between CDA councilmember Amy Evans and childhood pen pal

As they grew, and letters flew back and forth, so did their friendship. It has endured for decades. They drifted apart during college, but reconnected about eight years ago via Facebook.

Happy birthday, Mike Kralicek
August 4, 2024 1:08 a.m.

Happy birthday, Mike Kralicek

Community tasked to send cards to former Cd'A officer shot on duty

Kastning said she hopes that Kralicek will receive thousands of birthday cards and let him know his service to the community and what happened has not been forgotten.