Afloat on a cardboard boat: Coeur d'Alene middle schoolers race at SafeSplash
It was a trip to the movies by way of the pool Monday as the cardboard boats races began. Students from Woodland Middle School brought their handiwork to SafeSplash Swim School to test how well their boats on the water as well as compete for poolside supremacy.
Black Hawk gets readied in Hayden, Sandpoint for civilian work
A Black Hawk helicopter is currently getting a makeover during its transition from a military vehicle to civilian use in North Idaho. North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing is handling the paint job for the project and Jared Thompson said the project is attracting attention.
Reverse Elevation rallies to victory in Race the Joe!
ST. MARIES — For the second year in a row, Team Reverse Elevation led by Captain Tanner Foelich and won Race the Joe! after pulling away from the fleet. The team hails from Canada and raced to victory over 200 river miles Saturday and Sunday in the international race.
Snakes and STEM the stars of Fernan Academy career night
A surprise was waiting for Aubrey Ahrens as she and her parents pulled up to Fernan STEM Academy on Thursday night. Before she entered the school for a hand-on career night, the fourth grader got to park herself in the hotseat of a small bulldozer to see what it was like. Ahrens got to hold the controls and get a new vantage point for how heavy machinery looked from the driver’s seat.
Celebrating 40 years of friendships at Coeur d'Alene's Specialized Needs Recreation
Tanja Batchelder met new people, shaking hands and exchanging smiles before she got back to her work on the loom. Batchelder said it takes weeks to complete a table runner on the loom, but the work kept her hands busy as she smiled at the hubbub of the celebration and open house taking place around her at Specialized Needs Recreation. "I love SNR and meeting new friends and spending time with them," Batchelder said. "There are baby chicks here, too."
Hayden hosts Arbor Day festival
The City of Hayden holds its festival for Arbor Day a few weeks after the nationally recognized holiday and for 23 years, the celebration gets bigger among local schools. Mayor Alan Davis declared in a proclamation Thursday that “May 15 is Arbor Day in the City of Hayden.”
Students get agricultural education at Farm to Table event
A bushel of wheat has about one million wheat kernels and weighs 60 pounds. One bushel of wheat will yield about 42 pounds of white flour which can then be used to make 62-70 loaves of bread or 42 pounds of pasta. After getting some background on wheat in the grain building at Farm to Table Wednesday, student Ethan Barney had one goal: grind as much of the kernels as he could before the time was up.
Post Falls advances to Phase II of impact fee study
In a unanimous vote last week, the Post Falls City Council approved moving forward with Phase II of an impact fee study.
Wooden boats from 'On Golden Pond' visit Hagadone Marine Group
Wooden boats are a time-honored tradition for their craftsmanship and aesthetic. Two iconic boats from the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond," the Mariah and the Thayer IV have made their way to the Hagadone Marina Group showroom for the summer.
Coeur d'Alene School District to fill board vacancy by July
The Coeur d’Alene School Board accepted the resignation of trustee Allison Anderton at board meeting Monday at the Midtown Meeting Center. The Zone 1 seat has been vacant since April 23 and the board has until July to fill the interim position.
Envirothon team to travel to Canada for international competition
Five students from North Idaho tested their knowledge on aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use and a current environmental issue and are moving on to compete on an international stage. STEM Charter Academy won the state Envirothon competition in Challis for 2025 for the third year running.
'Motherhood takes many shapes and forms'
Mother’s Day had come and gone and Whitney Wonderlich was left wishing and wanting to be a mother with dwindling hopes. “My husband and I had started to try and have kids and we weren’t able to,” she recalled.
After 15 years, One Site for Seniors says farewell
Financial challenges too much for nonprofit to overcome
It was a hard farewell Friday at the One Site for Seniors building as guests, staff and extended “family members” of the agency faced an uncertain future of when they’ll all be in the same room again. The faith-based nonprofit was faced shuttered its door to resolve financial issues and potentially find a new way to return.
Rotary Club gives to EXCEL, which gives to Lakes, Skyway
Rotary Club gives to EXCEL, which gives to Lakes, Skyway
In a cascading wave of giving on Friday, the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club gave $20,000 to the EXCEL Foundation and EXCEL paid it forward by awarding grants of its own to two local schools.
A day of service and songs at veterans home in Post Falls
Long after his Vietnam service ended, Jim Ray is still finding ways to serve.
Post Falls plans $11.7M public works facility
City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve $11.7 million project to design and construct a new public works operations center. “What this lets us do is keep most if not all of the public works and management under one roof so there’s better collaboration between groups,” Public Works Director John Beacham said.
Kootenai County commissioners agree to sign Lakes Highway District lease
Kootenai County Commissioners agreed unanimously Tuesday to sign a lease proposed by Lakes Highway District. “This is an agreement for one year,” Commissioner Leslie Duncan said.
Gov. Little touts public safety policies during Hayden stop
Public safety and drug trafficking across Idaho’s borders was foremost on Governor Brad Little’s mind Monday during a press conference at the StanCraft Jet Center. While trying to crack down on cellphones and drug paraphernalia in the prison system, Little noted a common theme in intercepted drug trafficking communications which made him proud of the state's progress: “Stay over the state line.”
Mustangs laud Post Falls veterans on May Day
The polite charm of Greensferry Elementary School students on a mission worked its magic Thursday on the residents of the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls. “Thank you for your service,” Ada Snook said as she handed a bundle of flowers to Army veteran Ken Siirila.
Kootenai County officials, Lakes Highway District to move forward with one-year Bayview lease
Kootenai County Commissioners and Lakes Highway District Commissioners met Thursday in an attempt to iron out major issues and decide a course of action for the Bayview property owned by the district and previously maintained by the county.
Watching a roadway romance blossom
Bumper to bumper morning traffic on I-90. Cars have drawn to a standstill. The illuminated sign warning “heavy congestion” appeared too close to the traffic to assist much in avoiding it.
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.
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.
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.