CRAIG NORTHRUP
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
COVID-19 shuts down Idaho Legislature
A swell of coronavirus cases have delayed proceedings for at least two weeks
Idaho's next initiative could be medical marijuana
SB 1110 would raise the requirements for citizen initiatives like the movement driving Kind Idaho, but a local advocate said she's hopeful the matter will reach Idaho voters.
Little rips $2.8B COVID relief package
But governor also says state can't afford to reject it
The package, part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress, includes nearly $1 billion in relief to schools, childcare and non-profits helping the impoverished.
Library Network hires Colorado librarian as new director
Amy Rodda will replace the retiring John Hartung in May.
Bid to kill August elections fizzles
HB 106 died in the Senate's State Affairs Committee after educators said the late sumnmer elections were school districts' last chances to fine-tune budgets.
Capt. Edmondson retiring from KCSO
The 29-year veteran who ran for Sheriff against Bob Norris in the May primary said, "It's time."
Kootenai Health trustee races close Friday
Six candidates — including two incumbents — have filed for three open seats. Voters will decide May 18.
Four Corners monument gets go-ahead
The Coeur d'Alene city council approved the $75,000 commission for the 24-foot-tall structure Tuesday night.
All Idahoans eligible for vaccine April 26
The plan beats President Biden's call to open eligibility by nearly a week.
House passes Medicaid exclusion on indigent fund
State ranks low in Medicaid coverage analysis
If it clears the Senate, HB 316 will eventually save the state roughly $12 million per year
Price throws hat into Cd'A council ring
Aims for seat held by Kiki Miller
The longtime Coeur d'Alene resident announced her bid for council member Kiki Miller's seat Monday.
Legislators answer to locals at Rathdrum town hall
Saturday's KCRCC event was an opportunity for lawmakers to update their constituents on the session in Boise — and answer for their votes.
County commissioners seeking candidates for health board seat
Commissioner Fillios said the search to fill a seat currently occupied by nurse Jai Nelson isn't an indictment of the board member who has led the charge for mask mandates.
Lawmakers hope "Spring-forward Sunday" will be the last
States are primed to permeate Daylight Saving, and Congress is following suit.
City on the fence about blocking off East Tubbs water access
Fence posts have already been installed on a cherished piece of park property, but the city says it's still weighing its options.
Vaccine demand takes a breather
As more get vaccinated, however, experts predict that demand will creep back up.
White House is history; townhomes headed this way
Developers got the thumbs-up from the Coeur d'Alene Planning Commission Tuesday night.
Apartments get Cd'A approval
Original plans called for a hotel along I-90, but COVID-19's impact on the travel industry sent developers down a different path.
KCRCC files suit against Cd'A schools
The lawsuit accuses the district of viewpoint discrimination and seeks 17,760 in damages.
UFO crosses Harrison skyline
Strange light captures locals' imaginations Saturday evening.
Initiative bill clears House committee, gets ready for full vote
Senate Bill 1110 cleared the State Affairs Committee Monday with a 12-2 vote to send to the House floor with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
Gun sales skyrocket in 2020
Virus, riots and election all helped spur purchases
Locals site election, COVID-19, civil unrest as drivers behind the surge.
KCRCC fails to file lawsuit Friday
Lawyer now says it'll happen Monday
Technical delays pushed back the lawsuit that alleges the district violated a demonstrator's rights on Election Day.
New Idaho vaccine pre-registration tool goes live
The tool, found at covidvaccine.idaho.gov, allows you to pre-register for a provider to call when it's your turn to sign up for a vaccine.
Idaho AG says schools were OK to oust electioneers
The local Republican Central Committee is expected to file a lawsuit in federal court today claiming, among other allegations, viewpoint discrimination.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine reaches North Idaho
First shipment of 2,400 doses will be distributed next week
The first shipment of 2,400 doses will be distributed next week alongside Pfizer and Moderna.
Early childhood education bill fails, but could come back
The nearly $6 million in federal grant money was voted down by slim margin after concerns of "indoctrination" and complains the bill would encourage mothers to join the workforce.
Northern Lakes ringing doorbells for fire help
The new program will help the fire district share information and gather video to help fight fires.
Cd'A exploring legal edges of disorderly conduct laws
The four downtown bars that voluntarily reduced weekend hours in response to increased criminal activity will resume normal operating hours, starting this weekend.
Nearly half of Idaho seniors vaccinated
The news comes as the state expands its vaccine transparency tool and works toward a centralized appointment scheduling system.
Harris: Don't expect flooding after weekend hot streak
Cooler low temperatures and a light snowpack in the lower elevations will likely prevent flooding after expected near-record highs.
Initiative bill passes Senate 26-9
Measure, which critics are calling unconstitutional, now moves to the House
The measure, which critics are calling unconstitutional, now moves to the House.
Capitol Police: Fulcher not under investigation
The Idaho Congressman released a letter from the law enforcement agency that states the alleged January 12 incident is considered closed.
Dalton takes second look at cellular tech
A presentation from a local chapter of an advocacy group gave the city's planning and zoning commission pause Thursday night.
Mayor: Good planning helps Hayden grow right
In the Mayor's State of the City Address, Steve Griffitts said Hayden can look forward to new infrastructure improvements in the year to come.
Cd'A Library to open March 15
Curbside service will remain an option prior to and after the front doors open once again.
Developers eye Wild Waters lot for apartments
A Boise development company had been looking at converting the flattened, empty lot into a hotel.
51 new COVID cases in Kootenai County
While up from Tuesday's 11, health officials say they're encouraged by the lower counts.
AARP Tax Aide program opening March 1
The annual tax assistance and form preparation program is free to low-and-moderate-income taxpayers of all ages.
State: Vaccine doses for Idahoans only
The announcement comes as officials estimate 4,800 doses have gone to people who neither work nor live in Idaho.
Gookin shines in ABC game show
The local author and politician appeared in Tuesday night's episode of ABC's hit, "To Tell The Truth."
Dan Gookin takes center stage tonight on network game show
Cd'A council member will participate in "To Tell The Truth," airing at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Hot spot bars closing early after police update
Mik's, the Beacon, the Moose and the Iron Horse all volunteered to close at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in an attempt to curb a rise in police calls.
Nationwide cold snap could delay local vaccine shipments
If you haven't been told your appointment has been cancelled, assume it's still on, Panhandle Health says.
Panel votes today on Idaho initiatives bill
Senate Bill 1110 would require signatures from all 35 districts.
Growth spurt will mean more park space by 2040
For Coeur d'Alene to keep its per capita park space, it would need to find 185 new acres by 2040.
CdA CDBG moving forward in uncertain 2021
Meals On Wheels with double its budget to keep up with demand.
Weekend activity in downtown district getting rowdy, Cd'A PD says
Police chief Lee White said COVID closures in Washington are sending over a rougher crowd.
Little: Vaccine supply could triple by end of March
The Gov. said he's hopeful the yet-to-be-authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine could accelerate the vaccination process.
Snow day!
The holiday weekend that closed schools coincided with a weather system that gave the area three to four inches of snow.