BILL BULEY

Coeur d'Alene Fire Department bond survey underway

Gauges support, provides look at possible cost to taxpayers

Grief they are hoping for at least 400 responses over the next three weeks. A presentation of the results is scheduled to be presented to the City Council on Feb. 18.

Here's hoping 'Old Notre Dame will win over all'

At the center of it all, the ringleader, the master of ceremonies, was my father. He wanted people there. The more, the merrier. He wasn’t passionate about Notre Dame.

Coeur d'Alene police chief: Illegal fireworks hard to stop

Cd'A officers issued three citations, 14 warnings for fireworks violations last year

The loud explosions from aerial fireworks on and around the July 4 and Jan. 1 holidays has led some residents to call for the city to do something. They have said fireworks frighten pets, create fire hazards, affect military members with PTSD and in general disturb the peace.

In Coeur d'Alene, 'everybody loves mac and cheese'

Downtown festival sells out again as demand for tickets heats up

The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association Mac & Cheese Festival, in its seventh year, is noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. It will feature more than 20 locally renowned chefs at tasting locations at downtown businesses.

Crowds gather to watch the demolition of Coeur d'Alene's Johnston Building

Crowds gather to watch the demolition of Coeur d'Alene's Johnston Building

People stopped by throughout the day to watch the first early stages of bringing down the 1905 Johnston Building for the coming of the 15-story Sherman Tower, expected to be completed in 2027, by the Hagadone Corp.

Chamber CEO: Membership provides 'unparalleled access' to businesses

Linda Coppess highlights organization's value

In the chamber’s first “Breakfast Connection,” formerly Upbeat Breakfast, Coppess outlined ways for members to “unlock the full potential” of their membership in a 40-minute talk before about 100 people at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Johnston Building in downtown Coeur d'Alene making way for Sherman Tower

Johnston Building in downtown Coeur d'Alene making way for Sherman Tower

Built in 1905, the Johnston Building at Second Street and Lakeside Avenue is one of the oldest structures in downtown Coeur d’Alene. With a view of Lake Coeur d’Alene, it served as the home to scores of professionals in banking, real estate, design and finance.

Coeur d'Alene to talk turkey

Councilors to discuss options for dealing with cluckers

The Coeur d’Alene City Councilor believes it’s time for the city to target turkeys for transport out of town before they multiple to even bigger numbers and make even bigger messes.

North Idaho home buyers remain in waiting

Real estate reps say home sales could pick up this year even as interest rates hold steady

Nicole Huff said the difference could be that buyers are seeing that interest rates aren’t dropping and may not. She believes those looking to buy are willing to give up on low interest rates if it means finding a home that best suits their family today.

Newspaper career started in the streets

They also offered what were called Bonus Bucks. Carriers received two Bonus Bucks each month and if you saved up enough, you could order something from their catalogue. My best prizes were a renaissance chess set, of which I still have a few pieces, and a Kodak Instamatic 126 camera, my first.

Coeur d'Alene council OKs bond survey

Will gauge community support of fire department needs

The bond’s “high-water mark” for use in the survey only is $16.4 million. When proposed in May, the figure could change. It would pay for replacing fire apparatus and expansion and remodeling of fire stations.

Hayden animal shelter still full after 1,448 adoptions in 2024

New wing opening soon

The no-kill shelter marked its first full year in its new, 22,000-square-foot home on Atlas Road. It took in dogs that were abandoned and abused. Puppies and kittens were left in boxes outside its doors. One pit bull was tied up to a post and left in the night. Another dog came in with a face full of porcupine quills.

Coeur d'Alene fire department bond could top $16M

Survey to gauge community support may go out soon

If approved, the survey will launch on Jan. 13. As part of the survey, it is recommended it include a proposed general bond amount that would be needed to replace apparatus and update existing facilities for the future of your Fire Department.

Sweet 16 running shoes not included in decluttering phase

There is one area where I struggle the most when it comes to cleaning house, one area I anguish over each time I try to surrender just a few of them: Running shoes.

North Idaho's drought drowning in wet weather

Snowpack expected to remain solid

Snowpack statewide is 45% of the median peak snowpack that is expected around April 1. As a rule of thumb, on Jan. 1 IDWR expects 40% of the median peak, Feb. 1 60% of the median peak on Feb. 1, 80% on March 1, and 100% of the median peak snowpack on April 1. “So far across the states everybod

Baby, it's cold in Lake Coeur d'Alene

Polar Bear Plungers enjoy annual dip to start the new year

People began arriving around 11 a.m. to stake their spot on the beach on a 32-degree morning. The water was calm, even enticing, and many accepted the invitation. Bennett brought long his usually polar bear clock with the banner that read, “I Can Polar Bear It.” Anoher teddy bear sat in the “Polar Bear Express” wagon.

A snowy slog into the new year

Tesh 5K Fun Run turns out to be exactly that

The field included some in costumes, a few serious runners, seniors holding hands and many with furry friends. And there were families like Ben and Allie Goheen who packed their three sons, Cole, Silas and Wyatt, in two strollers and pushed them along.

Coeur d'Alene councilors, mayor eye new year

Coeur d'Alene city Council members take a look ahead

Coeur d'Alene to snow: Bring it on

City Council approves 'Winter Operation Plan' as it readies for winter storms

The City Council recently approved the city’s new “Winter Operation Plan” that covers mid-November to mid-March. It outlines procedures, priorities, personnel, equipment and how much snow needs to fall before a citywide plow will be ordered.

That's a wrap: Christmas crime down

Package thefts drop off, police say

It's been a surprisingly slow year for seasonal thefts. 2024 was marked by an absence in the usual law enforcement warnings to beware of thieves taking advantage of package deliveries during the Christmas season to swipe parcels as a matter of convenience.

Reindeer games rule in 'Deck the Halls'

Lakes eighth graders claim competition

Eighth graders showed the winning spirit and ruled the holiday event with some Christmas magic. Their reindeer-themed hallway featured students juggling, playing ring toss and cards, while wearing antlers and Santa caps.

Blessed be the givers in Coeur d'Alene

Pastors go undercover as homeless, then offer prayers, cash

Remington, joined by fellow Pastor John Padula, went incognito two days before Christmas, pretending to be homeless. It’s something they’ve done to gauge the human heart and hopefully, brighten someone’s day.

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.