Post Falls marina project draws opposition
Some object to lights, additional slips
Residents living near showed up Wednesday night alongside their neighbors to publicly oppose Marina 33 expansion as part of the Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River property.
The future of Post Falls housing: What changes do residents want?
Post Falls has set out to determine how housing needs are being met within the city through a housing survey.
Post Falls wastewater treatment turns to tinsel talk
Post Falls discusses new processes
How do you turn a water treatment talk into a holiday-themed metaphor? Post Falls utilities manager Craig Borrenpohl came prepared to the Tuesday city council meeting as he explained how the city is adding tertiary treatments for wastewater at their facility during the updates and expansion.
High flying: Post Falls woman breaks frisbee record at 99
The perception may be that after a certain age, you’ve reached most of your milestones. Lorna Daniels is proof that you can achieve your goals at any age.
Bundled by gratitude: Local veterans honored with Quilts of Valor
Herman Shoopman couldn’t contain his reaction to seeing his quilt of valor, covering his face in excitement and emotion, when Kathy Whetstine presented it to him Monday morning.
Santa learns CPR
Hands of Hope aims to save lives
Santa Claus is getting hands-on this holiday season to try and save lives. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue helped teach CPR to about 4,000 people last year, but they’re hoping to make the skill less intimidating by partnering with Northwest Specialty Hospital and Post Falls ER and Hospital to host holiday drop-in training sessions.
Breaking ground on a miracle
Residents will begin to move into Miracle on Britton homes next year
Garrett Kreitz and Caitie Kreitz have been looking for a home within their price range since they moved to North Idaho in 2019. Earlier this year, they applied for one of the Miracle on Britton homes and were pleasantly surprised by the news that they had been selected to become homeowners.
Season of giving extends to blood donations
While the worst of the winter weather holds off, donors are encouraged to take advantage of the clear driving conditions and donate blood to replenish the supply.
Post Falls subdivisions dominate to-do list for planning and zoning meeting
Subdivisions are the focus of the Post Falls planning and zoning commission slated for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night in council chambers. The Landmark Place subdivision reasoned decision will be addressed after residents highlighted concerns about traffic in relation to the subdivision.
Winterfest wows in Post Falls
Kids and adults of all ages got into the spirit of the season Friday during Winterfest at Post Falls City Hall. Wearing a holiday light necklace and fluffy winter hat, 8-year-old Arrow Babowicz said watching bonfires the fires was her favorite part of the experience so far.
Stogies and Stories opens in Post Falls
When owners Chris Johnson, Jim Fox and Mike Oertel were designing Stogies and Stories: Cigars, Spirits and Friends, the tone they set out to create was a place patrons can unwind in an inclusive atmosphere. “Relaxing is the main thing,” Oertel said. “We wanted to make it more open and friendly for everyone.”
Post Falls council wrestles with fine print of facility repairs
During a presentation about the biofilter improvements and updates to the solids hopper at the Post Falls water reclamation facility Tuesday night, the discussion turned to the bid process for public works projects.
Giving Tuesday brings in $28,000 for Rathdrum, Post Falls charities
Over the month of December, vehicles sold at Knudtsen Chevrolet racked up money for local charities.
Post Falls eyes solution for parking along narrow road
A traffic study presentation turned tense during a City Council meeting Tuesday night over parking enforcement.
Rathdrum Mountain Trail will soon be more accessible to visually impaired
Hikers with visual impairments will be able to better navigate the trail on Rathdrum Mountain this spring thanks to a new app being installed by the parks and recreation department.
After disagreements with Hayden Lake, Hayden and county seek to dissolve sewer board
Arguments over growth spark move
The city of Hayden and Kootenai County issued a request to dissolve the joint powers agreement with partners of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board.
Mobile food bank coming to Post Falls
The Post Falls Ambassadors are hoping to provide families in need between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with a mobile food bank.
Black Friday fever
Black Friday shopping culture has evolved in recent years to encompass more than just the day after Thanksgiving, but for many, the in-store rush remains a mainstay of the shopping season. About 131.7 million are expected to shop on Black Friday, with about 65% planning to shop in stores, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics consumer research firm.
Time for change: Clocktower coming to Post Falls
A roundabout at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Idaho Road is getting a brand-new feature in 2025. A clocktower costing about $117,000 to design, create and install was commissioned by A and A Construction to couple the practical with the artistic and add a little more interest to the roadway.
Former FEMA lots near Bumblebee Bridge cause headaches for Shoshone County
Public comments over the future of two former FEMA lots have continued in the weeks following an Oct. 8 Board of County Commissioners meeting giving an update of the clean up near the Bumblebee Bridge.
102 years of fun
Hayden woman celebrates another birthday
Having just celebrated her 102nd birthday, Betty Reed sets a clear example of her secret to longevity: keep moving.
Post Falls considers ordinance to protect snowplow drivers
Says threats have been made
City Council decided Tuesday to table a discussion concerning a hearing about an ordinance involving the harassment or obstruction of Post Falls employees. The ordinance would cover all city employees and allow the city to file misdemeanor charges for “harassment, abuse, or using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference or obstacle.”
New trustee selected for Community Library Network board
Only two Community Library Network trustee candidates were nominated Thursday to potentially replace former Trustee Karen Campbell's open seat, Tony Ambrosetti and Michelle Lippert.
Second Post Falls council seat becomes vacant
Mayor concerned about experience of city's elected leaders
City Councilor Josh Walker has formally submitted his resignation, according to a press release from Post Falls city officials. Walker’s resignation goes into effect Saturday, Nov. 30. He has served as the City Councilor for seat two since January 2022 and his term ended 2025.
Post Falls mayor delivers State of the City address
Jacobson highlights changing cityscape
“The city has over $500 million dollars in assets, but the most important asset we have is our people,” Mayor Ron Jacobson said to a packed room during his State of the City address Tuesday at Prairie Falls Golf Club.
Former Hayden cafe may be demolished as early as this winter
The Owl Café building may be demolished as early as this winter. As the Hayden Urban Renewal Agency discussed steps needed to safely remove the exterior sign, HURA Executive Director Melissa Cleveland said if a contractor of salvage team can be secured as soon as the neon sign is down, demolition of the former Owl Café building as early as in the new few months.
Return of the Turkey Trot, Wallace Elks Thanksgiving Day dinner
Michael Hoffman has one message for folks in the Silver Valley this Thanksgiving Day: “Do the Turkey Trot with us!” Inspired by other runs to fight hunger, the money and food donations raised through the informal race will benefit the Wallace Food Bank.
Post Falls police want keyless access to residential buildings
Post Falls officials are considering an ordinance to potentially grant greater access and enhance police access to areas within multi-family, multi-tenant, or gated communities.
Hoo will miss the Owl Café building?
The former Owl Café building may be demolished in the near future. New Preservation Commissioner Bill Brizee, reported back to the Hayden Historic Preservation Commission about what he learned about the plans for the Owl Café Thursday at Hayden City Council Chambers after the October HURA meeting. The building is currently owned by Hayden Urban Renewal Agency.
Post Falls projects 71,000 residents, 3,000 visitor capacity by 2035
As Post Falls expands in population size, city officials are looking at population and city visitation numbers such as hotels, motels or RV parks while examining current impact fees. Post Falls anticipates the city's service area population will increase from 45,420 residents in 2024 to 53,406 in 2025. By 2035, the population size is estimated to be about 71,635.
Post Falls commission approves development despite traffic concerns
The Landmark Place Subdivision was unanimously approved to move forward to a future City Council meeting despite public comments on Tuesday. New Commissioner Chris Schreiber joined in his first meeting since being appointed to the position last week and came armed with questions for city officials.
'Don't try this alone'
Speakers to caregivers: Build teams up before burnout
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and dementia must often juggle multiple roles, from guardian and nurse to cook and home repair specialist, according to presentations at Friday's Alzheimer's Association conference at North Idaho College.
Mom in the military
Daughter remembers mother's Army service
Linda Fetherolf wants people remember the women who served during WWII this Veterans Day. Fetherolf always thinks of a photo she treasures of her mother, Marie Auer joining up with the military at the age of 18, “wanting to show the American woman who was in the Army.”
Worker with autism finds family at Del Taco
Mitch Loisel marks 10 years on the job
Mitch Loisel always looks forward to going to work. He tells his mother, Kelley Loisel, "I have a lot of work to do tomorrow," the day before scheduled shifts as a lobby attendant at Del Taco.
Dog caused stove fire in Post Falls trying to get food
Tuesday started out an ordinary day for Jessica Thomassen. She dropped off her four-year-old son at her mother’s place. She and her dog, Harley, were home in her apartment for a couple of hours before she went to work at her business, Faded and Confused Barber Shop.
'It’s a big deal': Nursing shortage affects increasing demand in North Idaho
Growing population, not enough instructors, retirements affect nursing numbers
The 2024 nursing workforce report is out and in Idaho, even with gains in the number of graduates statewide, there just doesn’t seem to be enough nurses to keep pace with the need, according to the Idaho Nursing Center. Cyndy Donato of Kootenai Health said, “Idaho's nursing landscape faces challenges due to a growing population and increasing retirements.”
Avista: Cause of Post Falls Dam crane accident still unknown
Operator of crane that fell over recovering from arm surgeries.
During the Post Falls City Council meeting on election night, Avista Utilities gave an update on additional details from the crane failure on Oct. 29 as well as a timeline for the reopening of Falls Park.
Voters turn out for Timberlake, Northern Lakes fire district levies
'This was a big day'
Timberlake Fire Chief Brandon Hermenet didn’t get any sleep last night as the votes for the fire district’s permanent levy were counted. He wasn’t overly concerned the levy to add firefighters to the district would fail, but the anxiety of waiting kept him up.
Some citizens oppose Post Falls subdivision
Public comments were heated Tuesday night during a public hearing to appeal the decision concerning the North Place East Subdivision.
Kootenai County bus stops range from 'gold standard' to basic signs: What's next?
Along the Citylink routes in Kootenai County, some stops are merely sign posts. Others are wooden or metal structures to shelter under while waiting for the bus. Citylink program manager Chad Ingle said since the stops fall within different jurisdictions in Coeur d'Alene, Dalton Gardens, Hayden, Huetter and Post Falls, the Kootenai County transit program collaborates with the cities on any improvements to bus stop locations.
High schooler inspires River City Middle School students
River City Middle School students have hit upon a solution to boost school spirit: with the creation of their own thrift store, Titan Thrift. Inspired by Lake City High School student Scout Brown, the middle schoolers are mirroring Brown's idea for the Lake City Thrift Store.
Avista: Danger was minimal with dam mishap
Emergency plan requires 'abundance of caution'
The day after a crane failure at the Post Falls Dam, officials at the National Weather Service and Avista Utilities reflected on how the emergency action plan works. Charlotte Dewey, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS, said that the dam is one of about 20 different dams in their area of responsibility in the event of an emergency.
IV fluid shortage impacts felt in North Idaho
Medical supply chains disrupted during Hurricane Helene in late September are still sending out waves through health care agencies across the country and in North Idaho. Hospitals in Kootenai County are working to conserve their store of IV fluids after Baxter International factory in North Carolina was flooded. The factory is one of the biggest IV fluid suppliers in the country, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Crane crashes into Post Falls Dam, prompting alert
A crane crash at the 118-year-old Post Falls Dam sparked emergency flash flood warnings and the closure of the nearby park Tuesday morning, as officials assessed potential damage to the critical infrastructure.
Kootenai County turkey drives aim to feed thousands this Thanksgiving
Give Hunger the Bird and Turkeys & More fight food insecurity
It began with a literal boatload of birds. Give Hunger the Bird, a fundraiser for 3rd Avenue Marketplace, comes from humble origins. Over a decade ago, StanCraft Marine Center owner Robb Bloem dreamed it up as a way to have fun and collect some frozen turkeys for the community ahead of Thanksgiving.
Alzheimer’s Association, Idaho Caregivers Alliance receive $60,000
UnitedHealthcare provides funding towards caregivers
UnitedHealthcare has donated $30,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association and $30,000 to Idaho Caregiver Alliance in an effort to support caregivers in Idaho. The Alliance estimates one out of four people in Idaho is a caregiver, with many hours of unpaid labor each week.
PEAK reaches higher
Pickleball courts, saunas add to new facility in Post Falls
The growth of Post Falls and the growth of pickleball are tied together in Gary Retter’s mind. During the open house on Thursday for the new Fennecus Road facility in Post Falls, Retter sees his role as one of the owners and the PEAK Health and Wellness Center managing partner to make sure the business evolves alongside the expanding population size.
Kootenai Health women's imaging center revamped
Radiologist: 'It really adds to our arsenal for screening'
Kootenai Health is adding a facility in Coeur d’Alene and upgrading the existing Women’s Imaging Center in Post Falls beginning in 2025.
Duck hunting ruffles feathers for Thompson Lake residents after regulations lifted
When Norris Warner purchased his property on Thompson Lake in 1999, he was drawn in by the quiet of the lake and the surrounding wildlife preserve. Up until now, there hasn’t been hunting in the area, but all of that changed recently. “About three weeks ago, I woke up to gunshots, which is really weird,” Warner said.
Police: After fleeing officer, man crashes into Kellogg patrol vehicle
A Colorado man was arrested after giving a false name to law enforcement and fleeing, damaging a police vehicle as well as other property before being apprehended.