Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency raises concerns over new legislation
Urban Renewal Agency Commissioner Len Crosby flagged House bill 436 as a potential issue for The Urban Renewal Agency during a recent meeting. The impacts to the financial power of urban renewal districts were a top concern for commissioners. “This could potentially reduce our potential tax increment in an existing district by 18-20%,” Crosby said.
May Day expected to deliver sunshine
Rain lacking as temps expected to rise into 70s today, Friday, next week
North Idaho needs rain. Cloudy skies are in the forecast for the Bloomsday Race, but Climatologist Cliff Harris is holding out hope that rain is on its way to the area.
Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Store looks for new location
.The ideal fit would be a large building with room for sales areas and sorting the incoming items. “Our goal is not to be the night shining star as the newest and most glamorous thing, we want a place where people feel comfortable and it’s accessible,” Ladwig said.
Idaho struggles to increase providers for Alzheimer’s patients
Idaho struggles to increase providers for Alzheimer’s patients
In a new report, The Alzheimer’s Association noted that more than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and in Idaho, the number of caregivers has reached 73,000 for Alzheimer’s patients. Jordan Hunter of the regional Alzheimer's Association called the new 2025 facts and figures report on Alzheimer’s “the tip of the iceberg.”
Student leaders step up at River City Middle School
Student leaders step up at River City Middle School
Students started the day picking up trash while walking to the Boys and Girls Club. For River City Middle School students in the new Titan leadership team, this month’s theme has been all about empathy.
Dispute over Bayview dock may end with property transfer
A document to transfer the Bayview property from Lakes Highway District to Kootenai County was issued from the highway board to county commissioners Wednesday. If signed, the document would give the property to the county at no cost to them, allowing them to proceed with pursuing an Idaho Department of Lands permit to install a new dock.
Post Falls councilors weigh future of urban renewal district
City councilors are weighing whether Pleasant View Road Urban Renewal District should continue to exist, as the project has struggled since its creation in 2021 when the original developer failed to deliver on large-scale development plans.
Enchanted garden to sprout at Skyway Elementary
Art inspired by nature became a celebration on Earth Day as a collaboration between elementary students and high schoolers in Coeur d'Alene. Dinosaurs, mushrooms, fairy houses and even a Spider-Man sculpture were some of the artworks created to populate the soon-to-be Enchanted Garden at Skyway Elementary School.
Post Falls man inducted into hall of fame for military service, veteran advocacy
Post Falls man inducted into hall of fame for military service, veteran advocacy
Wilson joined the Army and became an infantryman overseas because he was upset at how people treated solider fighting in the Vietnam War upon their return to this country. After he was wounded, he worked at getting stronger and had to travel far on crutches in order to get physical training.
Rathdrum police chief announces retirement
After 33 years working in law enforcement, Police Chief Tomi McLean has announced her retirement. In a news release from the City of Rathdrum, Chief McLean was commended for serving the North Idaho community with “unwavering commitment” as a “beacon of dedication and service.”
Parks projects in Post Falls on hold
Federal AmeriCorps cuts have local impact
City Administrator Shelly Enderud announced at the City Council meeting Tuesday that an AmeriCorps grant to send 10 individuals to Post Falls to assist in a project at Black Bay Park was put on hold by the federal government.
Post Falls City Council votes to deny Briner annexation
Citing proximity to a commercial area, City Council voted to deny the Briner annexation Tuesday night. The Briner annexation covers a 4.630-acre parcel of land owned by Chris Briner by Poleline Avenue and Maguire Road. Gordon Dobler of Dobler Engineering on behalf of Briner and said a single family R1 zoning designation use made the most sense for the land use.
Post Falls construction student to compete nationally
As his former teacher, Gretchen Bell has always had one hope for Mikey Chase Braden, “to see him thrive.” When Braden first arrived as a student at Woodland Middle School, he was reeling from a lot of complicated transitions: going through the foster care system, moving from the state he grew up in and adjusting to a new life with his grandparents in Post Falls.
Post Falls students to perform 'Pride and Prejudice'
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Trip to Greece inspires Coeur d'Alene students
"Meno sto Coeur d’Alene" is Greek for “I live in Coeur d’Alene.” A group of 31 students from Coeur d’Alene School District recently got to test out new words in Greek and expand their cultural horizons with a whirlwind trip through Greece.
Area of impact outcomes could affect future development
Cities plan boundaries for development due to new legislation
North Idaho cities are scrambling toward a deadline at the end of the year to ensure that areas of impact are confirmed by Kootenai County commissioners.
Empty Bowls sets new fundraising record to feed Post Falls youth
This year's Empty Bowls set a fundraising record of about $9,000 to fight food insecurity for kids, 3rd Avenue Marketplace Executive Director Leslie Orth said Monday.
Post Falls businesses, chamber give back to educators
Post Falls businesses, chamber give back to educators
It all came together Tuesday morning as contributions by almost 40 businesses surprised educators in the Post Falls School District. About 25 volunteers for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce had assembled packages for educators to demonstrate how much they matter to their community.
Quilt of Valor moves veteran to tears
Duaine Johnson was overcome with emotions Monday morning as he was given a Quilt of Valor for his 20 years as part of the Air Force. The words didn’t come quickly, so he doffed his Korea veteran hat to the quilters and audience applauding for him instead. “It means more than I can say, Johnson said. “It brings tears to my eyes.”
Family Promise of North Idaho hosts national CEO
Family Promise of North Idaho recently received a visit from the organization’s national CEO, Cheryl Schuch, to work on community-building and build up local infrastructure. The group operates locally out of the bottom floor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to assist families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.
Egg hunts, other spring fun to be found around North Idaho
Egg hunts, other spring fun to be found around North Idaho
Colorful eggs abound as Post Falls city staff prepare for a Q’emiln Park egg extravaganza.
Lakes Highway District raises legal concerns about permit for Bayview docks
Lakes Highway District hit pause on the ongoing docks process earlier this week after concerns over a request from Kootenai County officials to become solely responsible for maintaining for the dock at Bayview after it is installed. Eric Shanley, director of highways for Lakes Highway District said he is hopeful talks will continue, but the ask for sole responsibility on the Idaho Department of Lands permit was something that legally his highway board feels is on shaky ground.
Post Falls council approves 47-unit project
PAHA praises developer’s commitment to create starter homes
After a mix of comments from community members during a public hearing Tuesday night, Post Falls City Council members unanimously voted to add the Steckman Annexation as a medium-density R2 zone, principal uses of which are single-family houses and duplexes, according to Post Falls zoning codes.
Seeds of creativity to be planted at Skyway Elementary School
When student Jerren Bailey and Lake City High School art teacher Dawn Myers went to hang a banner Bailey had created for the Skyway Elementary garden it was clear the winter had been rough on the garden. "Their garden needs some love and care," Bailey said.
Reversal: Post Falls students pitch the jobs they want
Eye contact, a firm handshake and confident conversation. Seniors pitched their passion for future careers such as firefighting, teaching software engineering and social work to community volunteers Wednesday at the reverse job fair.
Nurse, family hope for healing after brain tumor removed
As a nurse, Coeur d’Alene resident Rachel Cieply-Peters has spent 10 years of her career tending to vulnerable patients. She’s impacted hundreds of families and saved newborns through her work at the Neonatal ICU and Pediatric Cardiology centers.
Moody's upgrades North Idaho College's bond rating
Moody's Ratings has upgraded North Idaho College’s outlook to stable from negative and announced Baa1 issuer and revenue bond ratings for the college. The report from Moody’s noted that NIC had $8 million in total debt outstanding as of June 30. NIC President Nick Swayne said he is encouraged to see news of the fiscal policies of the new board have already spread beyond North Idaho.
Let's make a deal
Mountain View students walk through car buyer simulation
“Excuse me sir, that’s my truck,” student Alek Jackson said to his friend who moved closer to the Hummer as he made his way back to the vehicle he had just “bought” from Dave Smith Motors. Jackson and other students at Mountain View Alternative High School got to walk through the motions of buying either a Corvette, Hummer or a Ram Laramie during a sales simulation Tuesday morning.
Rock climbing in Post Falls parks aims higher
City gains partnership with Spokane Mountaineers
The climbing areas of Post Falls Community Forest and Q’emiln Park emerged largely unscathed after the Parkway Fire scorched the area Aug. 4, 2023. The trees and foliage shielding climbers from the hot sun, however, did not fare as well. The Post Falls Parks Department said that the climbing routes are turning over a new leaf by working on creating a partnership with the Spokane Mountaineers.
Keeping the spark of Coeur d'Alene language alight
American Indian Heritage Week underway at NIC
Coeur d’Alene tribal member and language expert Cheffrey Sailto delivered his opening message twice, in two languages. “It’s really important for me when I speak, I speak Coeur d’Alene first, English second,” Sailto said.
3rd Avenue Marketplace announces Holbrook as next executive director
The 3rd Avenue Marketplace announced Tuesday that Executive Director Leslie Orth is retiring after a decade expanding the organization's community impact. Charlene Holbrook, the current board of director chairperson, has been appointed as the new executive director. The leadership transition will go into effect June 2.
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.