Post Falls to explore finance program
C-PACE facilitates long-term loans for new construction projects
Post Falls City Council made a unanimous vote this week to explore the C-PACE financial program. Currently, Coeur d’Alene was the first city in the state to have adopted the program, which facilitates longer-term loans of 20 or 30 years for new construction projects to incorporate energy-efficient designs or upgrades like new roofing or HVAC improvements to existing commercial buildings.
'Catastrophic failure' avoided in Dudley
Culvert repair diverts flood
With precipitation in the forecast for the next few days, Ben Weymouth, the director of highways for East Side Highway District, said repairs were completed just in time to rectify the River Road culvert failure in Dudley. Rainfall and early spring runoff in Fourth of July Creek led to a partial collapse of culverts and damaged the floodgates beneath River Road near Dudley.
Public dock access issue may be resolved before boating season
Boating season is right around the corner, though a resolution may not be far off concerning the docks and restrooms through Lakes Highway District and previously maintained by Kootenai County through the Department of Parks and Waterways. The sites at Bayview Fifth and Lakeside, the Spirit Lake Nautical Loop and the Twin Lakes Par 3 have been called into question after the county terminated the launch lease on Jan. 6.
Post Falls council adopts housing assessment
A citywide housing needs assessment was adopted unanimously at the City Council meeting Tuesday after a discussion about the future of housing in Post Falls.
CEO wants Kootenai Health to be 'anchor institution' in Post Falls
Kootenai Health is focused on the future of Post Falls when considering the population projection numbers in the next 20 years. At a Connect4Lunch event Tuesday through the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Kootenai Health CEO Jamie Smith stressed the importance of future facilities such as the recently announced Prairie Medical Campus.
Empty Bowls, but full hearts: Fundraiser helps Post Falls children stay fed
This year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser is all about warming the heart by helping keep children fed through the Children’s Weekend Backpack program over a beautifully crafted bowl of soup. Program coordinator Mel Larson said that the backpack program means that kids aren’t going hungry on the weekends when they are away from school.
Lake City High School students hone art skills to advertise clubs
Art teacher Cynthia Chapman never knew just how many clubs and sports teams existed at Lake City High School until her students began an art and advertising project this February.
Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb
Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb
Dylan Browning’s Silver Valley roots go deep. After getting a job at Northern Lakes Fire Protection District last year, he still volunteers as a firefighter in Shoshone County. Joined by fellow North Idaho firefighters on Sunday, he put his body through its paces as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stair Climb on Sunday in Seattle.
Kellogg tries to revitalize uptown, find new home for library
What community hubs or businesses would you like to see grow in uptown Kellogg? During a virtual presentation through Rural Minds on Wednesday, Paige Olsen of the Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation spoke of some pending projects and visions for uptown Kellogg. Concerns over “dying buildings” left vacant as their infrastructure deteriorates has been a major concern for Olsen since she became executive director three years ago.
Post Falls firefighter looks back on 40-year career
Four decades ago, the fire department in Post Falls was located where City Hall’s parking lot is now, Dan Ryan recalled. Ryan, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue’s deputy chief of support services, is hanging up his firefighter turnouts for the final time March 31.
Growing boat traffic's impact on Spokane River to be studied
When it comes to traffic on the Spokane River, Susan Stiger of Bay Watchers has a question for Kootenai County officials: “Is there a way to responsibly and fairly put some guidelines in?”
Post Falls to improve section of Centennial Trail
City will add a cycle track
Post Falls officials voted to improve a section of the Centennial Trail between 2nd and 3rd Avenue at Ross Point this week. The project will cost about $22,000 from multimodal impact fees for the city to turn a single bicycle lane into a cycle track.
Post Falls woman is '100 and fabulous'
"100 and fabulous” read the text on Bea Degnan's sash. For her birthday bash, Degnan was surprised by family, friends and even an a cappella group to serenade her as she ushered in the milestone. For Degnan, however, she still feels the same age as when she married her husband, Bud Degnan, all those years ago.
Post Falls weighs changes to annual parade
Speaking at the City Council meeting Tuesday, Kerri Thoreson recalled past Post Falls parade processions where the route would be mapped out on a napkin.
Post Falls ambassadors fear proposed change threatens parade
Post Falls ambassadors fear proposed change threatens parade
The Post Falls Community Ambassadors have raised objections to a new ordinance being discussed by city officials concerning the Post Fall parade during the City Council meeting Tuesday, March 4.
Post Falls community comes together to laud leaders
Calling the list of 38 community members and groups nominated an “overwhelming” offering of Post Falls excellence, Chamber President and CEO Christina Petit welcomed everyone Wednesday to the Community Recognition Reception. The height of the festivities at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn were accompanied by the much anticipated announcement of the Citizen of the Year Award, which went to Rick Rasmussen.
New test vineyard planned in Post Falls
New test vineyard planned in Post Falls
Where once grew alfalfa on the prairie, Keelan and Cara Dickson and Jim Beck are hoping to instead cultivate rows of grape vines. Both families have deep roots in Post Falls farming history, but they’re hoping to find varietals that can grow well within the prairie soil to start a new agricultural chapter for their families.
ITD debuts vehicle for minor roadway emergencies
Traffic has a history of screeching to a halt on I-90 when a vehicle runs out of gas or has a dead battery. With North Idaho's new Incident Response Vehicle, Idaho Transportation Department officials are hoping to quickly handle roadway issues and keep traffic moving.
SH 41/I-90 Interchange construction to begin in March
City engineer Rob Palus alerted city officials earlier this week that as of Monday, March 3, construction work is expected to begin on the State Highway 41 and I-90 Interchange.
Post Falls Baptist Church expands to fit flock's needs
“A church family has grown close in friendship and faith.” That’s one of the central tenants that spurred on Post Falls Baptist Church to expand its footprint with a new sanctuary. The new church building on North Spokane Street can hold up to 425 people compared to 130 in the previous iteration of the church sanctuary.
Rent takes toll on Post Falls seniors
HomeShare could be part of solution
Senior renters are feeling in the financial crunch in Post Falls, according to data from the 2023 Five-year estimates in the American Community Survey. The survey, compiled from U.S. Census information found that two thirds of Post Falls senior renters are cost-burdened. In a resent Post Falls housing assessment presentation at the end of January, only 49% of respondents have a cost-burden less than 30%.
Marina decision handed down in favor of Templin's expansion
The final order in the Idaho Bureau of Lands administrative decision was issued on Valentine’s Day in favor of the expansion of Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the Spokane River. Sheryl Scofield, one of the citizens who filed to begin the hearing process, was not in love with the decision, calling the final order “a great loss for the people of Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Kootenai County.”
Post Falls annexes county land along Zorros Road
The City Council approved two annexations along Zorros Road on Tuesday for properties at Early Dawn Avenue as well as Poleline Avenue.
Kimball, Wilhelm reappointed to Post Falls Planning Commission despite Council disagreement
After two of the three planning and zoning commission reappointments were put on hold earlier this month for the next City Council meeting, Ray Kimball and Bobby Wilhelm’s status once again came up in front of the council Tuesday night.
Shoshone medical equipment will help NIC students train for careers
Shoshone medical equipment will help NIC students train for careers
North Idaho College received a gift from Shoshone Medical Center this week. Shoshone Medical CEO Paul Lewis said the hospital has been working for a while on how to donate their old portable x-ray machine to NIC's radiography technology program.
Love finds a way
From a Sadie Hawkins dance to reconnection
Vickie and Larry Tanner originally broke up because of his car. The couple went to a Sadie Hawkins dance together in 1975 at Coeur d’Alene High School and went steady for a year. Larry remembers their instant connection.
Fate of public docks uncertain after Kootenai County pulls support
Commissioners say move aims to curb costs
The Lakes Highway District (LHD) was left scrambling last week when they were told by the Parks and Waterways Department that Kootenai County is discontinuing its public dock and restroom services at the Bayview 5th and Lakeside, Spirit Lake Nautical Loop and the Twin Lakes Par 3 boat launches.
Hayden breaks ground on new Ramsey Road extension
A groundbreaking ceremony for the $14 million Ramsey Road Extension Project celebrated the start to the construction phase Monday by the Hayden Public Works Facility. The project became a target traffic goal almost 15 years ago and is primarily funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
Post Falls moves forward with police access ordinance
Police Chief Greg McLean recently appealed to the City Council to support an ordinance concerning police access in demanding or exigent circumstances. The ordinance passed unanimously. "Time is life," McLean said.
Post Falls adds employee protections
Some employees say they have been threatened
An ordinance request asking to prohibit disruption or obstruction of city government operations and offices was brought back to City Council this week after initially being presented in November.
Save the trees: Developer, residents in Post Falls come to agreement
Post Falls City Council voted to annex a location from Kootenai County in order to bring the 4.89-acre Killdeer Avenue lot into the city footprint. The property was located in a county island South of Killdeer Avenue between Greensferry and Cecil roads.
Haug announces Post Falls mayoral bid
Platform includes smaller government, reducing city budget
Scot Haug announced his candidacy for Post Falls Mayor and advocated for smaller government and less red tape for businesses on Thursday at Knudtsen Chevrolet. “I have been dedicated to our community for over 30 years from patrol officer to police chief,” Haug said.
Boat Expo making waves
Pontoon to be given away in Feb. 15 drawing
Deborah and John Fast moved to North Idaho seeking a lifestyle they saw fading away in their community in Washington state. “We love the more rugged lifestyle here,” Deborah Fast said of their recent move to Bayview. “We always wanted to live in a harbor town and this came up and we’re just deliriously happy.”
Residents plan Post Falls marina meeting to share concerns
Residents against the marina expansion at Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the Spokane River are holding a meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at Post Falls Library room one, 821 N Spokane St, Post Falls.
Bay Watchers: Lake Coeur d'Alene is warming
Higher temperatures reported
COEUR d’ALENE — During the Bay Watchers annual meeting Meg Wolf of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute and Craig Cooper of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality presented updates on the water quality and data methods in the works for monitoring Coeur d'Alene Lake. The presentation at the Harbor Center Coeur d’Alene went over data patterns at 11 monitoring sites collected by citizen scientists at Arrow Point, Beauty Bay, Blue Creek Bay, Cave Bay, Everwell Bay, Leaning Pine Point, Moscow Bay and Steamboat Point.
North Idaho firefighters return home after California deployment
Firefighters welcomed after firefighting in L.A. County
Tyler Turrell was covered in big hugs by his sons Doxon, Summit and Brixton Tuesday outside the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District station in Hayden. The family had a joyful reunion after a two-week deployment to help firefighting efforts in Los Angeles County.
Report: To make ends meet, Post Falls residents need to earn $27 an hour
79% of respondents identified house prices as a major issue.
Literary Souls: Book lovers turn to a new chapter
POST FALLS — Stephanie Seher can’t help but notice how her regular customers like to drive trends at Literary Souls, her used bookstore. Gnomes populate many of the shelves and Seher said she’s had to hide her collection of solar movement decorations since they became too big of a trend for visitors coming to the shop to bestow.
Eldora Brown reflects on 100 years of life, cards and cross-stitch
Eldora Brown reflects on 100 years of life, cards, and cross-stitch
Eldora Brown counts her 100 years of life through cards and cross-stitch.
New truck adds fuel to fighting food insecurity
Betty (White) the truck joins 3rd Avenue Marketplace team
POST FALLS — How do you have a party for a truck? Staff at the 3rd Avenue Marketplace know the answer.
CLN board advances adults-only library rooms
Plass to patrons: 'If you see something, say something'
Community Library Network board members recently moved ahead with creating adults-only rooms in CLN libraries in Kootenai County. So far, CLN has received 17 requests for relocation of material and no requests for reconsideration of materials since the harmful materials law went effect July 1, 2024, according to Library Director Martin Walters.
'Trump Train' celebrates Trump's inauguration in Coeur d'Alene
On President Donald Trump’s inauguration day, local fans organized a show of support after the ceremony. Terri Seymour said she watched a broadcast of the full ceremony before quickly leaving to drive around the area along with other supporters with, gathering up banners and decorations along the way to adorn their vehicles.
All aboard! Brunner Road railway crossing project funded
Lakes Highway District recently announced a $14.5 million award from USDOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to eliminate a railway crossing on Brunner Road. The BNSF Railroad crossing project will construct a roundabout, the second alternative outlined in the project pitch to FRA. Brunner Road is a rural east/west major collector road.
Plew picked to fill Post Falls council seat
Mayor Ron Jacobson and city councilors interviewed Aaron Plew, Patrick O'Halloran, Annette Nolting, and Julie Hensley in a conference room at city hall, eventually unanimously confirming Aaron Plew to fill council seat two Thursday after the name was put forth by Jacobson. A full room of residents were present to observe the interviews and additional chairs had to be added as additional constituents arrived.
Post Falls Bridal Tour turns 10
Wedding vendors will be at three locations on Saturday
In 2010, Vickie and Larry Tanner tied the knot and got married on a crisp fall day in November at the Trailhead in Post Falls. As the ceremony progressed, snow began to fall, framing their ceremony with soft fluffy flakes. Vickie Tanner said she and her husband had reconnected three decades after high school and stumbled onto the venue as an option through her work as a city employee for Post Falls Parks and Recreation Department.
Post Falls council sets strict rules for filling vacant seats
Rules exclude past candidates
City councilors communicated very specific stipulations to Mayor Ron Jacobson about the kind of candidates desired wanted to fill Josh Walker’s council seat.
Idaho Gov. Little visits Hayden to talk 'Keeping Promises' plan
Governor Brad Little's laid out his vision for education policy Monday during a press conference at the StanCraft Jet Center as part of his "Keeping promises" plan for 2025.
'Make us an offer': Heated exchange marks Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board meeting
A meeting to mediate the dissolution of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board was steeped in tension Friday in Hayden City Council chambers.
North Idaho fire crews deploy to California wildfires
At 6 a.m. Thursday, first responders from fire departments spanning North Idaho assembled their fire engines to begin the two-day trek to relieve fire crews battling the fires in Los Angeles County.
Residents turn out in opposition of marina expansion in Post Falls
At the top of the City Council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Ron Jacobson addressed the residents hoping to make public comments about an issue regarding the proposed expansion of Marina 33 at the former Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River.