BILL BULEY

Branson back to defend title

More than 2,000 runners to compete

COEUR d'ALENE - The last marathon Chandra Branson ran, she won.

A night to 'make magic'

Ballet School of Coeur d'Alene will perform 'Cinderella' Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - Stephen Straub made the trek from Boulder, Colo., to Coeur d'Alene for one reason: The opportunity to be the prince in "Cinderella."

'The Varmint Hunter'

Bud Oakland, 85, clears Montana pastures with keen eye, steady hands

PHILIPSBURG, Mont. - As Bud Oakland navigates his silver Honda CR-V over a bumpy, hilly pasture, a few crows circle overhead. Oakland grins a bit and chuckles. "They recognize my rig," he says. "That's the fact. Here comes the killer."

Vito Barbieri claims Clark's old post

Attorney outdistances three opponents

COEUR d'ALENE - The race to replace Rep. Jim Clark went to Vito Barbieri Tuesday night.

Run of the Hiawatha

Tunnels ‘N’ Trestles Trail Run will have scenery, challenges

COEUR d’ALENE — A few years ago, Corey Haustein began running ultramarathons.

Ace Walden: Man of the people

In Person

Ace Walden has been through this 103 times. The cards, the balloons, the cake, the accolades, and yes, the pictures.

Hope is the word

Annual event unites cancer survivors, supporters

POST FALLS - Kelsi Cruse won't ever forget her 21st birthday. It was then she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. But Friday, the 27-year-old was smiling, laughing and standing strong against the cancer that threatened her life. "I'm feeling wonderful," Cruse said. "Better than ever."

Wolves kill hunting hound

Man upset over loss of pet

COEUR d'ALENE - Jim Johnson won't hunt in the Latour Creek area again.

Laura Little: Summer

IN PERSON

In January, Laura Little landed the role of a lifetime: executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre.

Simply Sweet

Adelines spring show is Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - As Melodie Hays chatted about the Sweet Adelines show set for Saturday, first applause, then laughter, came from a nearby room during rehearsal at Coeur d'Alene Assembly of God Church. "You can hear all the fun we're having," Hays said with a big smile. "Singing is a great outlet."

Living for Isaiah

Single mom battles cancer while caring for 6-year-old son

Three weeks ago, Kasey Chapman had a tumor removed from her head. The 26-year-old makes a circle with the forefinger and thumb on her right hand and holds the same fingers about an inch apart with the other. “It was that big and this deep,” she says, managing a smile. She takes off her knitted cap and reveals a scar that snakes across the top of her scalp, 38 staples.

Their time to shine

More than 5,000 attend Silverwood's 'Night of the Stars'

ATHOL - As a wet, but grinning Anthony Brown walked off the Thunder Canyon ride at Silverwood Theme Park, he shouted out one word.

Prayer rally at Cd'A City Hall

Pastors will lead annual Day of Prayer

COEUR d'ALENE - Paul Van Noy plans to pray on Thursday.

'Coyotes got it'

Trailer park residents fear for safety of pets, children

COEUR d'ALENE - If she could do it her way, Connie Holmes knows how she would handle the coyotes living in a field behind her trailer home.

All wet and smiling

Peak donates pool time, allowing Cd'A Special Olympics swim team to train for summer games

COEUR d'ALENE - Darlene Pennestri smiled with pride as she watched Crystal Teeters practicing the breaststroke Friday.

Luke and Cyndy Griffin: Benchmark of success

Luke Griffin knew as a young man he would one day run his own business. He knew it the day they handed him his schedule when he was a high school sophomore.

Bloomsday cage match

In honor of Bloomsday in Spokane this weekend, and also as a tribute to our former entertainment editor Tyler Wilson who still helps us out, The Press presents - a cage match!

Meet Jekyll - and Hyde, too

Musical begins run at Lake City Playhouse

Mike Hynes is going to have to be good in "Jekyll and Hyde." He's also going to have be evil. So he's been doing some investigating.

A marvelous day to read

Free Comic Book Day celebrated Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - Tim Boal wants to give you a comic book. In fact, he'll give it to you for free between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. All you have to do is stop by his shop at 411 Haycraft and collect your copy of an Ironman, Superman, Green Lantern or other superhero comic books.

Animals 'Fur sale'

Annual auction on Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - This is one list of auction items you won't find very often. Not even in North Idaho. Here is some of what's for bid on Saturday: 21 otters, 11 mountain lions and/or parts; five bobcats; five bear hides and/or skulls; four wolf hides; three whole wolves and 17 wolf skulls. And there's more. Much more.

Howie White: Back from the ashes

ATHOL - On this sunny Tuesday, just like any weekday over the past months, Howie White is spending his hours at the Saddle Up Grill Steakhouse.

'Point man'

Ron Grigsby survives blast in Iraq, wants to help veterans coming home

COEUR d’ALENE — Ron Grigsby didn’t know the man who bought him and his wife and sister drinks the night after an awards ceremony in which he was honored.

Showcase of talent

Local artists put work on display at show and sale

COEUR d'ALENE - Chelsea Cordova is looking forward to this weekend's Spring Artist Showcase, but not because she's in it.

Chris Petersen: Scout's honor

Chris Petersen knows the impact Boy Scouts of America has on those in the program. He's seen it in his own home.

'Sunflower' plants roots on Fourth

Woman has high hopes for decor, flower shop

COEUR d'ALENE - Ask Valorie Cooper what customers will find in her new shop, "Sunflower," this is what she'll tell you:

Dash and dine

Annual school running program attracts 266 kids

HAYDEN - With one mile behind her, and a piece of red licorice in hand, Sophia Pennings decided it was a good time to take a break. The kindergartner at Hayden Meadows Elementary School stood and grinned as she chewed on the candy and caught her breath outside on the field Friday.

Curtain rises on new director

George Green to guide Lake City Playhouse

COEUR d'ALENE - After three weeks on the job as executive artistic director of the Lake City Playhouse, George Green is often asked this question: "How do you feel?" His answer? "I feel great."

Housing market moves ahead

With tax credits and lower prices, Kootenai County sales are up

COEUR d'ALENE - There was something a little different about Tuesday's Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service meeting among agents. It was upbeat as it has been in two years.

Daughter, son-in-law ride to honor father

COEUR d'ALENE - Caleb and Autumn Kristovich are not North Idaho's version of Lance Armstrong on their bicycles.

Greg Washington: Building a legacy

One of Greg Washington's first jobs when he was a teenager was picking up rocks at a construction site in Missoula, Mont.

It changed his life. "I thought that being a builder would be good because that guy got to show up in the air conditioned truck," he said with a laugh. "It appeared better than picking rocks."

Wheels of hope

Cyclists pedal 24 hours in relay to fight cancer

POST FALLS - The red bandana covering Jim Fulton's head was damp with sweat as he steadily pedaled on a stationary bike Friday afternoon. He had already been in motion for two hours and planned to go at least another hour before taking a break at the Peak Health and Wellness fitness center in Post Falls.

'Raise the Roof' and more

Christ the King church marks first remodel in 20 years

COEUR d'ALENE - They raised the roof. And put in more windows. And added a new entrance. And on Saturday, you can check it out. Christ the King Lutheran Church will celebrate its first major construction work in 20 years with an open house on Saturday.

Take a walk on the art

New season of ArtWalk kicks off today in Cd’A

COEUR d'ALENE - It is show No. 111 for the Art Spirit Gallery of Fine Art, and that means this for Steve Gibbs: Crank up the jazz and blues. It's time to patch and paint. Because when an art show ends at the gallery on 415 Sherman, it leaves holes behind in the bare and white wall. "We spot paint," said the Art Spirit owner "You have h

Think happy thoughts

'Peter Pan' proceeds at Playhouse

COEUR d'ALENE - The very life was leaving tiny Tinker Bell after drinking the poison, but there was one way to save her. Fortunately, Peter Pan knew it. She told the audience to clap. Put those hands together, let Tink know you believe, she shouted.

A place to break bread

First Christian Church begins Chaplain's Table to provide breakfasts

COEUR d'ALENE - First Christian Church wants to feed the hungry. So, welcome to the "Chaplain's Table." The Rev. Lauri Clark Strait and the congregation of the Fourth Street church are welcoming the homeless, the needy, actually anyone who needs to eat, to a free breakfast 9-10 a.m. Saturday, and continuing each Saturday.

Hooked on pike

Fishing club gears up for season opener at Hayden Lake

Bob Volz knows where he'll be this Saturday: On Hayden Lake fishing for pike. It's tournament time. "Oh yeah, I'll be there," he says. The Spirit Lake man knows pike. He has been going after them in North Idaho since sportsmen first realized pike were in the chain lake system back in the mid-80s.

Candidates upset by missing signs

COEUR d'ALENE - Kootenai County Commissioner Rich Piazza was driving through Hayden and Dalton Gardens when he noticed something was missing.

Sweet harmony

Lake City singers plan ‘Spring Fling’ on April 10

COEUR d'ALENE - The Lake City Harmonizers aren't picky. They'll sing pretty much anywhere, anytime. Need the national anthem sung? How about a Valentine's Day quartet special delivery? Maybe a concert of old-time favorites?

April Fries Day

Hudson's customers served taters, courtesy of Bonsai Bistro chef

COEUR d'ALENE - As the lunchtime crowd at Hudson's chowed down on burgers and French fries - yes, french fries - Steve Hudson had just one thing to say.

"Who's Julianne Hough?"

That question came from Press reporter David Cole last week when I mentioned she was the granddaughter of Bob Hough, a veteran who lost his World War II medals, and the subject of a Cole feature story.

No 'Pain,' no book

Retired English teachers team up for second novel

COEUR d'ALENE - Susan Schreiber, Yvonne Deitz and Vikki Moormann don't write for money. Heck, they aren't even sure how many copies were sold of their first book, "Murder is Only Skin Deep" that came out in 2006.

Mom of slain man homeless

Barbara Taylor running out of options

HAYDEN - It's a cold and gray Wednesday afternoon and Barbara Taylor is driving her 2001 Dodge Neon in Hayden.

Will Neal: Little League's big man

Will Neal did not play Little League baseball while growing up in southern Idaho. "I was more of a sandlot player than anything else," he said with a smile. "I was pretty much a farm boy, spent a lot of time playing baseball with friends of mine. We played baseball in the street and broke a few windows."

Imbris is back on line

COEUR d'ALENE - Imbris is back on line. The Internet provider suffered a "major circuit outage" Thursday, said owner Jim Fowler, who lives in Eatonville, Wash. "We did have the perfect storm, unfortunately that blew up in our face yesterday," he said Friday.

Where's Imbris?

Worden was one of many Imbris customers who found they didn't have Internet service Thursday. The lights were off at the Imbris office at 610 W. Hubbard in Coeur d'Alene and the doors were locked, with a hand-written note on the glass window that said, "Office closed." It also offered an address to mail payments or a phone number to pay by credit card. That number led to more recordings and full voice mails.

Mozart and who?

'Amadeus' tells story of a brilliant composer and a vindictive, jealous one

COEUR d'ALENE - One would think that "Amadeus" was the story of the brilliant composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. One would be wrong. It's the tale of one Antonio Salieri.

'Giving garage sale' to help pay for headstones

Items will not have prices, people can decide their worth

HAYDEN - Today, like every day, Amanda Mitchell will think of her daughter, Halle Grace Marie. But this day is special. March 25, 2010, would have been Halle's fifth birthday. The baby girl died of a rare genetic disorder on May 28, 2005.

'I didn't believe it'

SUV driver runs up Hayden power pole

HAYDEN - Erika Young was home Tuesday afternoon when she got a call from her friend, January Lane.

John Brumley: You can call him Mr. T-Wolf

Since the doors of Lake City High School opened 16 years ago, the principal's office has belonged to one person: John Brumley.

More than just a truck

Post Falls veteran calls donation a 'godsend'

COEUR d'ALENE - All of his assets were gone.