Couer d'Alene woman's potholder collection is filled with history, joy
Retired educator's collection of over 500 potholders is filled with history, joy
Watching Ginger Wright go through her collection of at least 500 potholders is as much fun as watching little ones open presents on Christmas morning. "Look at this one, isn't it fun?" she said while going through storage tubs in her basement Friday afternoon. She picked up an intricately textured and colorfully crocheted flower potholder. "It's just wild," she said. "I just love this one."
FAST FIVE Terri Johnson celebrates people of all abilities
Meet Terri Johnson, CEO of Chrysalis. Terri has been working in nonprofit management as well as with children and adults with developmental disabilities for almost 26 years.
Lakeland trustees under pressure for levy answers
A lot was said, but not much was accomplished Wednesday evening during a special meeting of the Lakeland School Board that turned adversarial at times.
Lake City High seniors combine financial literacy, philanthropy for annual Give Back Project
Lake City High seniors combine financial literacy, philanthropy for annual Give Back Project
The Christmas spirit was alive and well Wednesday morning as Lake City High School seniors took over the Hayden Walmart for a festive adventure in financial literacy and philanthropy.
PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: 'Wounded healer' overcomes painful past to serve others
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them. Tragedy and trauma enveloped Shawn Sansaver in the wake of his 16-year-old daughter's death on New Year's Day nearly 18 years ago. Lyndsy Marie Sansaver went to a dance but never made it home. She was killed by a drunk driver. “She was pronounced dead instantly,” Sansaver said in a Youtube video shared by Heritage Health.
Spud-tastic children's book characters come to life at parades, community events
Spud-tastic children's book characters come to life at parades, community events
The tubular tuber characters created by local author Rhonda Newton have only grown in their a-peel.
FAST FIVE Manifest your best life with Cari Hoffman
Meet Cari Hoffman, who owns a crystal shop named Clarity Center, which is stocked with high-frequency healing tools like crystals, essential oils, teas and other items that can assist in your healing journey.
Divaz' last dance
Final day for local performance group will be Dec. 31
The first parade when members of the Blazen Divaz danced and sashayed along Sherman Avenue with props and costumes adorned with festive lights, they became instant celebrities. "I heard so many people say, 'Oh my gosh, it’s almost like Disneyland!'" longtime Blazen Diva Jean Slagel said Thursday. "That’s the thought in my mind." Colorful costumes, innovative illuminations, creative dance routines and smiles from ear to ear have all been staples of the Blazen Divaz performance group, which has brought joy to the community since it was founded in 2009. The Divaz have danced their final dance. During a meeting Wednesday evening, CEO John Parmann and President Karen Conlon announced to members the final day of the Blazen Divaz will be Dec. 31. “We’re retiring the organization,” Conlon said.
Tesh donates blankets to Lake City High for All for AWL campaign
Tesh donates blankets to Lake City High for All for AWL campaign
The smiles immediately turned on as about 20 Lake City High School students poured into the Tesh, Inc. lunchroom Tuesday morning. Fast friends were made as Tesh clients and students introduced themselves and high-fived. Some communicated in sign language as Tesh clients enthusiastically handed the students over 100 bundled up blankets they had been collecting to assist with Lake City's annual All for AWL blanket drive. "We're helping people out," Tesh client Tammy Netzer said and when people don't have a home they're living in a shelter, and they need a blanket."
Lakeland school board to explore budget cut options
School Board to explore budget cut options
Repurposing an elementary school, a four-day school week, a modified workday schedule and re-running the supplemental levy ballot measure for a lower amount are among options Lakeland School Board trustees will examine in the wake of the levy's failure at the polls in November.
University of Idaho elementary education students present projects during annual fair
University of Idaho elementary education students present projects during annual fair
From pennies to plants and from crystals to chromatography, University of Idaho elementary education students presented a colorful spectrum of projects Tuesday during a science fair in the DeArmond Building at North Idaho College.
'Nutcracker' will waltz onto Schuler stage Dec. 21
'Nutcracker' will waltz onto Schuler stage Dec. 21
What begins with a broken toy unfolds into a fantastical production of music, movement and magic in "The Nutcracker," a 19th century tale that has evolved into a Christmas staple around the world. "It’s special – it brings to life magic, and you can see that throughout every character,” said Brandon Holder, 19, who plays the titular Nutcracker in the upcoming production presented by Dance Theatre Northwest in collaboration with the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene.
Post Falls American Legion offering free Christmas trees for veterans
A small stand of Christmas trees arrived Monday morning at Post Falls American Legion Post 143, ready to spruce up living rooms and help make the holidays merry and bright for those who have served their country. The free trees are being offered first come, first served to local veterans and American Legion members in need. "It's just adding to our list of services for our veteran community," Post 143 Adjutant Tim Shaw said Monday. "We're constantly looking for different things we can do, if it's small, big, impactful."
Lakeland student shares experience abroad
Lakeland student shares experience abroad
Switzerland is known for its majestic views, cheeses, chocolates, watches and a flag that some have punnily observed is "a big plus." Puns aside, Lakeland High School junior Gallus experienced a taste of what this European nation has to offer when she participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange through the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club and visited Switzerland from July to August. "I always wanted to travel," she said Tuesday. "There's not a lot to do in North Idaho."
Kootenai Health Foundation's 2024 Festival of Trees to benefit women, babies
Kootenai Health Foundation's 2024 Festival of Trees to benefit women, babies
Early Friday morning, Nicole Jacklin was waiting in a Black Friday line with her daughter to grab specific and highly sought after items. "Taylor Swift released 'The Anthology' album on vinyl (Friday) morning at 6 a.m. as well as her 'Eras Tour' book. She released it only at Target," Jacklin said. "My daughter and I stood at 5:30 and we were the first ones in the door. We went and got both of them — the vinyl had sold out but I ran into a guy who had five and he gave me two, so I got one for myself."
Funding source denies grant application over technicality
Funding source denies grant application over technicality
Downtown Coeur d'Alene arts nonprofit Emerge has launched a crowdfunding campaign after being denied grant money this budget season due to an application technicality. "We did feel we really did need to put it out there to the community and let them know we're struggling right now," Emerge Executive Director Jeni Hegsted said Thursday.
FAST FIVE The musical Family Shotwell
Meet the Shotwell Family — Jenny, Dalton, Clark and Skye — who are residents of Dalton Gardens. If you were to visit their house at any given time, you would very likely be subjected to a bombardment of live music from somewhere in the house. Between Jenny’s daily vocal and piano lessons, preparation for music at church each Sunday, the frequent tickling of the keys by both Clark and Skye on one of their pianos and the thunderous drumming of Dalton out in their workshop, music is almost a constant presence in their lives.
Venture Academy students complete Eat Smart Idaho unit
Venture Academy students complete Eat Smart Idaho unit
White chicken chili, energy bites, hummus, water infused with strawberries and jalapeños (yes, jalapeños!). When it comes to culinary creativity, the world is Venture Academy students' oyster.
Press Christmas for All celebrates accomplishments of Paul Myers
He's a proud girl dad. He's a University of Idaho student with a gleaming 3.93 GPA. He's just a few semesters from graduating and a couple tests away from becoming certified as a teacher. And in just one more appointment, he'll have completed the laser removal process to free him of tattoos that are a reminder of a rough life he is happy he left behind. Paul Myers, 41, of Coeur d'Alene, has much to look forward as he continues to work hard toward a bright future for himself, his wife-to-be and his little girls. "Things are going really well," Myers said Thursday. "Just cruising along."
FAST FIVE Brana Cully: A pingpong queen who loves helping others
Meet Brana Cully, development assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Third Avenue Marketplace in Post Falls, a nonprofit that works to enrich the lives of Kootenai County residents through food assistance, nutrition education and access to community services.
'Sound of Christmas' opens Friday, Nov. 29 at Coeur d'Alene Resort
'Sound of Christmas' opens Friday, Nov. 29 at Coeur d'Alene Resort
The Christmas lights are beginning to be strung, the stockings on the hearth are festively hung and the Shotwell family is gathering 'round the piano to perfect their parts in The Coeur d'Alene Resort's holiday show.
Artcast inducts Travolta as Five Timer, celebrates 150 episodes
Artcast inducts Travolta as Five Timer, celebrates 150 episodes
Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Danny DeVito, Justin Timberlake, Drew Barrymore. These Hollywood A-Listers are among the celebrated elite who have received Five Timers Club jackets for hosting "Saturday Night Live" at least five times in the show's 50 seasons. In Coeur d'Alene, the Ali and Callie Artcast, hosted by Ali Shute and Callie Cabe, just celebrated its 150th episode and inducted the podcast's first Five Timer — Ellen Travolta.
Lakes Math teacher receives 'Oscar of Teaching' Milken Educator Award, $25K prize
Lakes Math teacher receives 'Oscar of Teaching' Milken Educator Award, $25K prize
Lakes Middle School eighth grade and Advanced Learning Program math teacher Marcus Ross has won a Milken Educator Award, a prestigious national honor that recognizes exceptional teachers for their dedication to excellence in teaching. Along with being awarded an honor that is considered the "Oscar of Teaching," Ross received an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. The surprise announcement was made Wednesday morning in the Lakes gym, where district, municipal and state dignitaries joined Lakes students and staff in celebrating Ross. "I'm shocked and I'm honored and still trying to think of words," Ross said with a laugh. "It's very much an honor."
Lakes math teacher Marcus Ross wins Milken Educator Award
Lakes Middle School eighth grade and Advanced Learning Program math teacher Marcus Ross has won a Milken Educator Award, a prestigious national honor that recognizes exceptional teachers for their dedication to excellence in teaching. Along with being awarded an honor that is considered the "Oscar of Teaching," Ross received an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. The surprise announcement was made this morning in the Lakes gym, where district, municipal and state dignitaries joined Lakes students and staff in celebrating Ross. "I'm shocked and I'm honored and still trying to think of words," Ross said with a laugh. "It's very much an honor."
Hayden Lake's Manis led FBI case that inspired 'The Order' film
Hayden Lake's Manis led FBI case that inspired 'The Order' film
Death and danger were closer than FBI Special Agent Wayne Manis knew when he was embroiled in a 36-hour standoff with the leader of a white supremacist domestic terrorist group on Whidbey Island, Wash. in early December 1984. “During the first raid, I took about 10 or 12 rounds within inches of my head," Manis said. "I knew it was close. I heard it hit the wall, but I didn’t know until later that the cedar shavings fell on top of my cap. I saw those later.”
Thanksgiving meals to be offered throughout Kootenai County
Thanksgiving meals to be offered throughout Kootenai County
Roasted turkey isn't on the menu next to the Burger Dock's Old Tin Can, Veggie Tale or Sunrise burgers. But during a special holiday event this month, the Harvest Burger will all the flavor of Thanksgiving that can be packed between two toasted buns — rosemary and sage aioli, cheddar, orange zest cranberry sauce and spring mix with a house-pressed beef patty. Sweet potato fries and a seasonal pie milkshake complete the package for an unconventional spin on a longstanding American tradition. "We put our twist on it," Burger Dock co-owner Claire Anderson said Thursday.
New Vision High students explore adaptive sports with Paralympic champs
New Vision High School students gained a new perspective Wednesday afternoon during an exercise in empathy and Paralympic spirit.
Lakeland School Board denies mental health contracts
No discussion, no reasoning given for rejecting cost-free services; trustee declines to comment
Lakeland School Board trustees voted 3-2 Wednesday night to not approve memorandums of understanding with two mental health agencies that would have expanded counseling services for students at no cost to the district.
Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates Birds of Prey, Bardenay
Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates Birds of Prey, Bardenay
For once, Janie Veltkamp set down the magnificent educational birds and permitted herself to be celebrated. "It's a rare thing — we don't usually brag about our volunteer work, but it's important that people understand that volunteering can still change the world today. Volunteering changed my life," said Veltkamp, who is the founding director of the Birds of Prey Northwest nonprofit. "We like to remind the kids that volunteering isn't about working for no money. It can change your life sometimes to volunteer."
FAST FIVE Nick Shriner keeps it real in real estate
Meet Nick Shriner, who is originally from the scenic landscapes of Wyoming — yes, it’s a real state — and made his way to Coeur d’Alene in 2010. After playing soccer at the local college, Nick diversified his professional expertise, diving into beverage sales, hospitality and exploring the remote parts of Idaho as a wildland firefighter before ultimately finding his calling in real estate.
Community to Lakeland School Board: Rerun levy for less
A majority of those who spoke Thursday night during a regular meeting of the Lakeland School Board implored trustees to rerun the Lakeland Joint School District's supplemental levy measure for a lower amount.
Library board debates age limits for unsupervised children
Nominations are being accepted through the end of day Friday for the vacancy on the Community Library Network's board of trustees. The vacancy occurred Oct. 22 when Trustee Karen Campbell announced her resignation from the board because of an address change that is not in the library network's district, which encompasses Post Falls, Hayden, Athol, Rathdrum, Harrison, Spirit Lake and Pinehurst.
DAR members deliver handmade toys to Companions Animal Center
DAR members deliver handmade toys to Companions Animal Center
An adorable, adoptable 3-year-old brindle pit bull-corgi mix named Chaos greeted friends from the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter with friendly canine kisses Friday afternoon. The ladies stopped by Companions Animal Center to deliver 120 handmade fleece dog toys DAR members made for Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, annually recognized the first full week of November to honor shelter animals and the humans who care for them. And according to Chaos, the gifts were much appreciated.
FAST FIVE Jim Culpepper: Celebrating veterans 365 days a year
Meet Jim Culpepper, Vietnam veteran and commander of the Post Falls American Legion Post 143.
Lakeland School Board grapples with $9.52M levy failure, no plans for recount
Trustees to hold more frequent meetings; next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Many Lakeland Joint School District families and staff members are disappointed, frustrated and angry the supplemental levy so narrowly failed at the polls Tuesday. “We’re just really concerned about where our kids’ education will go and the support the teachers will have to ensure the kids can do their best,” said Erin Bullock of Rathdrum, who has two kids in the district and one in preschool. “Education without stress of big classes, lack of resources, that’s where our concern is.” A special Thursday evening meeting of the Lakeland School Board that lasted 35 minutes and was punctuated by long stretches of complete silence did not seem to offer much reassurance.
Post Falls students unlock their future at career planning event
Eighth graders explore industries at career planning event
Literal light bulbs were lighting up Wednesday morning as Canfield Middle School eighth grader Devon Flores toyed with an electrical panel, aided by Western States Caterpillar technician-in-training Brady Rapp. Rapp demonstrated how to illuminate the bulbs, then encouraged Devon to do the same after the wires were unplugged and rearranged. "It seems like the kids have genuine interest, and even the ones that walk up and just want candy, you can teach them something new," said Rapp, who was one of about 45 vendors participating in the Post Falls Chamber's inaugural Unlock Your Future North Idaho career planning event at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
Upcoming 'Newsies' lead, CYT colleagues share Big Apple experiences
Upcoming 'Newsies' lead, CYT colleagues share Big Apple experiences
A late 1890s newsboy strike inspired the 1992 movie musical "Newsies." The live production version made its Broadway debut in 2012 in New York City, where more than a century earlier the striking newsboys bent newspaper tycoons Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst into a compromise after disrupting newspaper circulation for several days until the moguls agreed to buy back unsold newspapers. An increase in newspaper prices during the Spanish-American War was offset by an increase in sales; when Pulitzer and Hearst failed to return The New York World and New York Journal to pre-war prices after the war ended, the newspaper boys revolted. CYT North Idaho will bring this beloved true story-based musical to the Midge and Pepper Smock Family Theatre stage Nov. 15-24
Lakeland concession stand, restroom project complete
A long-awaited concessions and restroom facility has been completed in the Lakeland Joint School District. Nearly two years in the making, a permanent concession stand with a heated restroom has been constructed on the north side of the Lakeland Rotary Soccer Fields, replacing portable bathrooms that would become unbearably hot on warm days and had no running water.
Voters will decide future of school funding Tuesday
Voters will decide future of school funding Tuesday
Compound sentences may be tricky, but part of Shana Hostetler’s job is to help her fourth graders learn all about them. That was the lesson Friday afternoon at Betty Kiefer Elementary School as she encouraged her students to read out loud and pinpoint the precise position to place punctuation. Hostetler has taught in the Lakeland Joint School District for 25 of the 27 years she has been an educator. “We are doing great things in our schools,” she said, stepping out of her classroom for a moment.
FAST FIVE Mickael Stevens: 'Sometimes we just need to laugh'
Meet Mickael Stevens, a local resident, business owner and family man.
Heritage Health celebrates graduates of inaugural nurse practitioner residency program
Heritage Health celebrates graduates of inaugural nurse practitioner residency program
Heritage Health has a reason to celebrate. Four reasons, to be exact. The first graduates of the health care provider's inaugural post-graduate residency training program for nurse practitioners were honored Wednesday evening during a ceremony at the Innovation Den in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Kimberly Ashmore, Leah Furman, Annie Owen and Angela Blake received diplomas, flowers and words of praise from their peers and loved ones for the achievement of this professional milestone and the path they have helped pave for Heritage Health.
At an old Coeur d'Alene tavern, some of the regulars were ghosts
A large black crow swooped from the roof of the Fort Ground Grill onto River Road, then flew into the ochre foliage of a nearby tree as a magpie cackled among the rustling leaves, setting an eerie mood. Although the historic 1907 building has been quiet for a couple years, its resident spirits may still be making themselves known the way former employees remember. “I definitely think there’s spirits here, I really do," said Diane Beck, who worked at the Fort Ground Grill from 2016 until it closed in 2022.
Hayden's longest-serving employee reflects on 38-year career
Hayden's longest-serving employee reflects on 38-year career; celebration Thursday at City Hall
As the first snowstorm blankets the city of Hayden this season, Wade Holecek plans to be somewhere warm and indoors, peacefully watching the flakes swirl to the earth. He won't be making 3 a.m. phone calls, pulling on his boots and getting the plows ready. He won't have to strategize with crews to clear the roads before the morning rush. Hayden's superintendent of operations and public works won't be worrying about any of that because after 38 years with the city, Holecek is retiring Thursday.
Students explore Día de los Muertos at Human Rights Education Institute
Students explore Día de los Muertos at Human Rights Education Institute
It was a lively Day of the Dead discovery day Tuesday as students from the secular Spark! Co-op North Idaho explored Día de los Muertos at the Human Rights Education Institute. Spark! students dressed in costume as they enjoyed cultural lessons about Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, which is a Mexican holiday when families come together to honor the souls of their deceased loved ones and celebrate them with food, drink and offerings.
David Brooks gives North Idaho Distinguished Lecture
805 people were in attendance
A bright light shined on the humanities Thursday evening as David Brooks addressed the largest crowd to ever attend the Idaho Humanities Council’s North Idaho Distinguished Lecture and Dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Presenting Coeur d'Alene's first poet laureate: Jennifer Passaro
Coeur d'Alene has created a poet laureate program.
Former Borah School faces the future
Meeting space, church services, day care among options
The former Borah Elementary School isn't sitting vacant following its closure this spring.
Women's Gift Alliance celebrates 20 years of community impact
Avista's next CEO gives keynote speech
The first women to break cultural and corporate barriers have made it possible for more women to follow in their successful footsteps. This sentiment was at the heart of the speech delivered by Avista's first female CEO Heather Rosentrater, the keynote speaker of the Women's Gift Alliance's 20th anniversary celebration at the Hagadone Event Center. "You are the ones kicking down those doors so that others can walk through," Rosentrater said Tuesday evening, addressing the many Women's Gift Alliance members in room. "I'm excited tonight to just be a part of this."
Coeur d'Alene School District takes first step for potential sale of district office
Appraisal of Northwood Center Court building good for one year
The Coeur d'Alene School District has taken the first step toward the potential sale of its district office. Deputy Superintendent of Operations Seth Deniston presented an appraisal of the building during an executive session of the Coeur d'Alene School Board in September, which trustees voted to accept. “It’s the recommendation of our administration that you accept that appraisal and that we continue to keep an eye on the commercial real estate market," Deniston said during the Oct. 14 school board meeting. He said the district is keeping its eyes open for a different office, partly due to location.
Coeur d'Alene middle schoolers conquer cardboard boat challenge
The secret to staying afloat in a cardboard boat is duct tape. A lot of it. "We went through like nine rolls of duct tape," Woodland Middle School student Ryon Young said Monday evening. "But we patched up all the tiny seals and cracks and everything. I think that helped a lot."