BILL BULEY

Vicky Richardson sets ride record in up and down day at Silverwood

Vicky Richardson sets ride record in up and down day at Silverwood

The 72-year-old rode Panic Plunge 60 times in about five hours on a sunny Saturday, beating her best of 50 times in 2023, which smashed her mark of 40 times in 2021. And she managed the feat with just one bathroom break. “It was a perfect day,” Richardson said.

More Kootenai County houses on the market

Median prices creep up

The median price of a single-family home in the county was $543,366 in May, up 3.5% from a year ago. Through May, 922 single-family homes have sold, an increase of 2.7% from the same time last year. Home were spending, on average 96 days on the market. "The higher price points are experiencing longer days on market than expected for this time of year, while the midrange segment is seeing a modest increase in multiple offer situations, indicating that well-priced homes in that category are still in strong demand," Smock said.

23rd annual Second Harvest fundraiser hits high notes in downtown Coeur d'Alene

23rd annual Second Harvest fundraiser hits high notes in downtown Coeur d'Alene

Musicians played for donations from noon to 1 at eight locations during the fundraiser for Second Harvest food bank. Country, gospel, Scottish and classical filled the air as shoppers walked from store to store.

Coeur d'Alene man creates 320-mile bikepacking Panhandle route

Coeur d'Alene man creates 320-mile bikepacking Panhandle route

On day one, June 21, riders could join the group as far as Fernan Saddle. Funatake said that while researching and scouting the route, she had a “most unusual encounter” when she was hit by an off-road motorcyclist.

Coeur d'Alene commits funds to drug fight

Special attorney will prosecute North Idaho cases

According to a staff report, “the opioid epidemic in general, and the fentanyl epidemic specifically, have affected families, strained law enforcement resources, and left local populations grappling for solutions to combat the pervasive impacts of substance abuse.

Police eye $145K training center

he 60’ by 40’ structure will be on the grounds near the police department headquarters. A shed where salt is stored for the street department will either be renovated or demolished, whichever turns out to be least expensive and most effective.

Coeur d'Alene councilors cool to plan to raise water rates

Call for workshop to review proposed price hikes to help cover $84M in capital improvements

Water Department Director Kyle Marine presented a proposal under which rates would rise to help pay for an eight-year, $84.3 million capital improvement plan.

Crowd cheers for 'Traditional Family Values' at Coeur d'Alene council meeting

Proclamation packs City Council meeting

The proclamation, which runs from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, reads, in part, “Traditional families, consisting of a natural mother and father, children, and extended family, have been a cornerstone of society, fostering security, stability, and values of citizenship."

Donations flood CAC after Press story on pet food shortage

Donations flood CAC after Press story on pet food shortage

The Press reported on Thursday that CAC had to turn people away from its free monthly food pantry as the shelves were empty. For the first time in decades, it had to buy pet food to feed dogs under its roof as donations dried up. But by Tuesday, the famine had turned into a feast.

Lake Coeur d'Alene fishermen rescue man on burning boat

A boat was fully engulfed in flames Saturday at around 9 a.m. near Higgens Point.

Coeur d'Alene may charge more for water

Says rates not sufficient to cover long-term infrastructure replacement costs.

Prior rate studies implemented stepped rate structures to curb irrigation use and promote more efficient practices, but those measures have not effectively reduced consumption.

Adam Schluter back with another season of Monday Night Dinner at his Coeur d'Alene home

Adam Schluter back with another season of Monday Night Dinner at his Coeur d'Alene home

It was the 90th Monday Night Dinner since he began hosting them six years so. They’ll be held every other Monday through October, with the next one on June 9. Come August, Monday Night Dinner will hit 100, which to the Schulter, is “insane to think about.

'Garden Party' time

Deb Castellan loves life in neighborhood named to National Register of Historic Places

Deb Castellan, president of the Garden District board was part of the team that worked on the Garden District’s Historical designation for years. It was a long process of confirming facts, counting buildings, taking pictures, and documenting information.

Houghs reflect after sale of The Roosevelt Inn closes

Houghs reflect after sale of The Roosevelt Inn closes

Blue Fern Development, based in Redmond,Wash., purchased the Roosevelt Inn and surrounding property with plans to build townhouses. It planned to sell the Roosvelt, which it did. That deal has not yet closed and the buyer not publicly named. When the sale of Roosevelt Inn was reported last year by The Press, there was public outcry because initial plans called for the inn’s demolition. Due to public outcry, online petitions, and the city getting involved, it was saved.

Coeur d'Alene animal center's food shelves run dry

Shelter sees rising need, declining donations

CAC has about 50 dogs under its roof and goes through 100 pounds of food per day. It currently has 22 puppies in foster care, which are also fed with shelter food. The pet food pantry, available once a month to prequalified clients, has seen a 20% increase since last year in people needing assistance feeding their pets. There are 75 families registered and 42 of those showed up this month.

Four down, 32 lives to go

Teen, friends rescue abandoned kittens in crate off U.S. 95

Looking back were four tiny kittens, frightened and squished together against the back of the crate. They had been abandoned. Inside was a tiny bit of food and a small dish of water.

Coeur d'Alene councilors sound off during workshop

Juneteenth may be added as a paid holiday

Dan Gookin said he would like to see improved communication, public safety remaining a priority and suggested the city hire another buildiung inspector. “I think we could do more to expedite our service,” he said.

'All we can do is remember'

People urged to honor the sacrifice of those who died for their country on Memorial Day

Across North Idaho, flags fluttered, wreaths were carried forth and Taps played during ceremonies to honor those who served in the military and died for their nation. Young and old stood in silence, in respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. “From the beginning of our nation’s history, America’s patriots have always been at the forefront in defense of freedom and liberty,’ said Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Legler to about 100 people at Veterans Plaza at McEuen Park.

A 'perfect day' greets runners in Coeur d'Alene

Ideal conditions for Coeur d'Alene marathon, half, 10K and 5K on Sunday

They were among about 2,500 runners who competed in one of four stance, the full Coeur d’Alene marathon, half, 10k and 5k on a picture-perfect day with clear skies and temperatures in the 60s and headed higher. The courses included the Sanders Beach neighborhood and the North Idaho Centennial Trail, with all races starting and ending at McEuen Park. The post-race celebration included food, drink, high fives, and lots of race recaps.

Charlie Nipp named grand marshal of Fourth of July parade

Charlie Nipp named grand marshal of Coeur d'Alene's Fourth of July parade

The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is proud to announce that Charlie Nipp, Partner at Parkwood Business Properties, has been named the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Chamber’s American Heroes Parade, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union. The parade will take place on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene, as part of North Idaho’s premier 4th of July celebration.

The pain and joy of the Manitou Incline

Some 250,000 people try this famous incline every year, which starts in the beautiful town of Manitou Springs. It goes up the Rocky Mountain near Pikes Peak. Most make it. Some turn back, likely to try again. The best can reach the top in 30 minutes or so. For normal people, an hour or more.

Moving sale of a lifetime

Museum of North Idaho clearing out old home

Special opportunity for collectors, history buffs, and treasure hunters to own a piece of regional history

DRC approves townhome project in downtown Coeur d'Alene

Blue Fern proposes another development in Coeur d'Alene

The 207 Garden Townhomes would be built on three combined lots on a half-acre of vacant land. There would be nine two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units. There would be 30 parking spaces in garages and surface spaces.

'Tis the season: Flowers and flags go up in downtown Coeur d'Alene

Downtown beautification program could use donations to cover $25K cost

The flower baskets are tended to s days a week for four months by the Downtown Association’s Mmaintenance team.

Jeanne Givens leaves legacy of service

Jeanne Givens leaves legacy of service

Givens attended Whitworth University, where she studied sociology, and Gonzaga University where she received a master's in education. She served on the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force and in 1984 she became the first Native American woman elected to the Idaho House of Representatives, representing the 4th district.

Dustin's great golf adventure

Coeur54 has raised $150K in five years

Before they day is over, they’ll be mentally and physically drained, but feel great knowing they’re benefitting four nonprofits, including Idaho Drug Free Youth, Growing the Stem, Village of Hope and Safe Start. “It’s a ton of fun,” Ainsworth said. This year, Coeur54 has some new sponsors and hopes to raise another $50,000.

Redman, Woodward co-chair housing group

Committee hopes to offer solutions to rising cost of home ownership

Coeur d'Alene City Council Kiki Miller, founder of the Housing Solutions Partnership, said she has been in talks with committee members and hopes to have more discussions "as to what their priorities are in order to support the most successful outcomes."

Funding for tech hub nixed

Project would have created high-paying jobs for region

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program

With age, comes one question: 'How old are you?'

He went on to tell me I shouldn’t be running too much as I was getting older and in fact, another guy our age, a good athlete, had knee surgery and can’t run anymore because he overdid things. “You don’t want to wind up like him,” he said. My friend, once a fine runner, no longer could and instead took up cycling. He looked to have put on quite a few pounds.

Gookin announces mayoral run

Says stronger leadership needed at City Hall

In outlining his priorities. Gookin said he wants to preserve the character of established neighborhoods, support small businesses, and keep the budget under control. He emphasizes respect for the public, steady leadership, and stability in these times of chaos. “Defending established neighborhoods is a campaign promise I’ve made and kept my entire time in office,” Gookin said in the release. “We must defend the look and historic feel of our downtown core, not only to restrict the towers but also to ensure that city requires adequate parking.”

Fifth Street Farmers Market attracts opening-day crowd

Fifth Street Farmers Market attracts opening-day crowd

A rainy start was washed away by sunshine on opening day of the downtown market organized by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association. Organizers use the words “Farm, Fresh and Fun,” to describe the weekly event that runs 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through September. Offerings from about 60 vendors included pottery, jewelry, art, flowers, bread, honey, microgreens, chocolate bars, chili, and hand-dipped corn dogs.

Museum of North Idaho loses $500K federal grant

Would have gone toward phase 2 expansion

But Wednesday, a letter arrived from the NEH that said it was “withdrawing the offer of federal matching funds related to your application,” Moving History Forward. “NEH is repurposing its funding allocations in furtherance of the President’s priorities,” the letter said.

Red wave washes over Resort

15,000 geraniums planted as tradition carries on

In less than two hours, they planted about 15,000 of the hardy flowers in front of The Resort and around companies properties, including the Boardwalk Marina, Hagadone Corp. headquarters, The Resort Golf Course and Hagadone Event center. While the different departments were competing for the “Grand Champion Gardeners” trophy by being the fastest and the best geranium planters, they shared a camaraderie to carry on a decade-old tradition that benefits not just The Resort, but the community.

Past Coeur d'Alene mayors share wisdom

Past Coeur d'Alene mayors share wisdom

A few hundred people attended the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber eventat The Coeur d’Alene Resort. It was billed as a “Legacy and Leadership” as the mayor’s outlined mayoral challenges, accomplishments and what they learned along the way.

Grizzly shot, killed at Priest Lake

Hunter tells Fish and Game it was an accident

A young female grizzly bear was recently mistaken for a black bear by a hunter in the Panhandle Region

Korean War veteran from Hayden looks forward to 92nd birthday

Korean War veteran John Underwood looks forward to 92nd birthday

Underwood was born in Duluth, Minn., and raised in Grand Marias, Minn., on the north shore of Lake Superior. His father worked in border patrol, the family moved a few times before he graduated from high school in Texas and not long after joined the Marines. Soon, he was sent to join the U.S. effort in the Korean War and quickly found himself on the frontlines and patrolling the demilitarized zone.

Towering trees marked for removal in Coeur d'Alene

Towering trees marked for removal in Coeur d'Alene

The towering cottonwoods are on a grass strip in front of a property where the home was gutted by a fire in January 2023. Today, the land is cleared and vacant, waiting for construction of a new home. Nick Goodwin, the city’s urban forester, said the trees are marked for removal. He said as they are abutting private property, they are the property owner’s responsibility.

Coeur d'Alene mall owners find silver lining

Knolls turn vacant Macy's space into what they say is the largest footwear selection in the Northwest

Filling the 50,000-square-foot of space left vacant by the recent closure of Macy’s has been foremost in the minds of owner Dave Knoll and son and general manager Brian Knoll. “We tried to turn that negative into a positive and it has proven to be just that,” said Dave. The store, with a tentative name of Black Sheep Sporting Goods Footwear and Clothing, enjoyed a soft opening last week and is gearing up for an official opening soon.

Dry, warm April raises water supply worries for North Idaho

Report says drought conditions expanded

Idaho basins received only 6 to 75% of their normal precipitation in April. Coupled with warmer than normal temperatures, which accelerated the spring runoff season, 47% of Idaho lands are abnormally dry or are in drought compared to 40% last month.

Man urges city to reduce Atlas Road speed limit to ease traffic noise

Man urges city to reduce Atlas Road speed limit to ease traffic noise

Sims called for the City Council to lower the speed limit on Atlas Road between Prairie and Hanley avenues, a flat, one-mile stretch, to 25 mph from 35 mph with about 100 homes on both sides. He said about 200 adults and children are being adversely affected by “loud and continuous noise from autos.” He turned in a petition with 45 signatures backing him up, and cited studies that show lowering speed limits is the “best and cheapest way to abate noise from autos.”

Kootenai County housing market heating up

Median price, sales, listings all see increase as summer approaches

Jennifer Smock, co-owner and managing broker with Windermere/Coeur d’Alene Realty, said the market is behaving much like it typically does in the spring and summer months. “Buyer interest is increasing as we approach the peak selling season,” she said. “While there is still some hesitation due to interest rates, many consumers who were waiting for rates to drop are beginning to accept the current range as the new normal. This shift in mindset has helped boost market activity during the warmer months.”

Coeur d'Alene City Council tips glass to downtown trolley

Coeur d'Alene City Council tips glass to downtown trolley

According to a city report, all tours will begin and end at the Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, 826 N. 4th Street. The scenic route will include Fourth Street, Garden Avenue and E. Front Avenue, with a brief stop at the carousel, and a historical drive by Fort Sherman. Four other daily tours will be for guests 21 and older only. The route will include visits to Jerimiah Johnson, Crafted Taphouse and The Burger Dock, with each stop lasting 20 to 30 minutes.

Sgt. Greg Moore remembered for giving his life to protect Coeur d'Alene

Sgt. Greg Moore remembered for giving his life to protect Coeur d'Alene

A small crowd lined the sidewalks as the police vehicles made their way to the K27 Forever Memorial at McEuen Park, marked by a waterfall and boulders. About 75 police officers and firefighters, city officials and about 50 residents attended the 30-minute event. Moore’s widow, Lindy, and their daughter Genna sat together in the front.

Running on diamond time

Clark's Jeweler's to receive 'Heart of History' award for care of clock

Preservation Month was established in 2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to promote historic places and heritage tourism and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. This is the 20th anniversary of the national event and the second year that Coeur d’Alene’s Historic Preservation Commission is actively participating with events and community outreach planned throughout the month of May.

Bean there, done that

That, however, is nothing compared to Charles Bean. The Coeur d’Alene attorney is what is known as a perennial, those who have run every Bloomsday. They are rare, fewer than 100. Bean, at 77, remembers well that inaugural year. He was a basketball player, not a runner, and in good shape. He competed on what he called a week’s worth of training.

About 600 attend National Day of Prayer in Coeur d'Alene

About 600 attend National Day of Prayer in Coeur d'Alene

Pastors from different churches took turns reciting scripture and praying for elected leaders, educator, law officers, youth and President Donall Trump. They prayed for the salvation of souls, restoration of biblical foundations and an outpouring of God’s grace.

Coeur d'Alene's Garden District makes history

Listed on National Register of Historic Places

The effort to recognize the neighborhood’s historic significance began when a group of Garden District neighbors approached historian Robert Singletary, then the Chair of the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission, with the idea of placing their neighborhood on the National Register, a press release said.

Coeur d'Alene gathering marks eight worker deaths in 2024

Coeur d'Alene gathering marks eight worker deaths in 2024

It was a somber occasion, marked by the playing of Taps, calls to correct workplace wrongs and a prayer of Dale Broadsword, president of the Idaho Alliance for Retired Americans. “We pray for families, friends, and neighbors who have lost their lives at work,” he said. ‘That your grace and peace be with their loved ones. We pray for those whose lives were lost due to our unjust systems and the circumstances of their work.”

Idaho Gives' kicks off key week for Kootenai County nonprofits

Idaho Gives' kicks off key week for Kootenai County nonprofits

Nearly 20 nonprofits shared their life-changing and life-saving missions at Companions Animal Center for the Idaho Gives awareness event, including Canopy Village, Habitat for Humanity North Idaho, Idaho Trail Association and Mountain States Early Head Start. Idaho Gives is the state’s largest collective giving campaign, taking place April 28 to May 1.

Rising rents raise worries for some at Sun Aire Estates

New owners at Hayden mobile home park will have lot rent of more than $1,000

Sun Aire Estates is a peaceful, quiet senior mobile home park. Trees stand tall and Amercan flags flutter in the wind on wide streets with names like Minnesota and Kentucky. Most homes are well-kept, with tidy lawns and landscape, while some have overgrown brush and grass.