3Cs to give away record $135K to local charities
A successful anniversary fashion show, support from local businesses and the generosity of Cancer and Community Charities members are factors that have led to the largest giveaway in the nonprofit's history. The 3Cs announced Tuesday it has broken its fundraising record and will give away a hefty $135,000 to local charities during its Appreciation Lunch next month.
Eight North Idaho grads receive $1,500 scholarships from Philanthropic Educational Organization
A local chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization nonprofit has awarded $1,500 scholarships to eight 2024 high school graduates to support them in their academic journeys as they head to college this fall.
Knudtsen Automotive Group to celebrate Foothills grand opening
Ribbon cutting ceremonies set for 5 p.m. Thursday
Expanding Knudtsen Chevrolet has long been a goal of the Knudtsen family. “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do, to grow the organization and to serve more people,” President Eve Knudtsen said Wednesday. As Knudtsen Chevrolet has evolved into Knudtsen Automotive Group, those efforts have come to fruition. A celebration will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday as the Knudtsen Auto Group marks the grand opening of of Knudtsen Foothills Mazda, Knudtsen Foothills Lincoln and Knudtsen-ABRA Auto Body at 202 E. North Foothills Drive, Spokane.
Tree, fencing, wires torched in Coeur d'Alene blaze
Good Samaritan calls in grass fire; more hot weather ahead
Fencing was torched, a tree was burned and telephone and internet wires were melting Wednesday by the time someone alerted Diane Ross about the fire happening in the far corner of her backyard.
FAST FIVE Abby Light: 'Art makes life better'
Meet Abby Light, local artist, director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance and current vice chair of the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission.
Film starring actress from Coeur d'Alene playing at Hayden Cinema
'Disciples in the Moonlight' runs through Wednesday
Micah Lynn Hanson was raised on North Idaho values as she grew up in Coeur d'Alene's French Gulch. Homeschooled K-12, the now 33-year-old actress who plays a lead role in the new film "Disciples in the Moonlight" was always painfully shy. "I loved watching people. I would make up their life stories in my head," Hanson said Thursday in a phone call with The Press.
'Conspiracy of Artists' opens July 27
Pop-up art gallery to be on display at the JACC through Dec. 31
A group of ravens is sometimes called a "conspiracy." A group of artists? Yes, conspiracy works in that capacity, too. "It started out as a Facebook group to bring local artists together," organizer and lead artistic conspirator Keith Harrop said Thursday. "They were very fragmented. It seemed like we all knew each other but we didn't know each other collectively. I thought wouldn’t it be great if we could all get on the same page."
Kids to support Make-A-Wish Idaho, honor loved one Saturday during Lemonade Day
Lemonade stands will be out in force Saturday for Lemonade Day, a national event during which several Kootenai County youngsters will explore entrepreneurship and develop leadership skills. Two local little ones will also make a foray into the world of philanthropy while celebrating the memory of a sister and friend gone too soon.
Coeur d'Alene student overcomes injury, illness to run international event
An incoming Coeur d'Alene High School senior had to get over being severely under the weather as she participated in a track meet Down Under only seven months after her second knee surgery. "I ended up getting sick two days before the track meet with a gastrointestinal stomach bug that was going throughout the team," Maricela "Mari" Nelson, 17, said Tuesday.
Hayden 9-year-old a contestant in USA Mullet Championships
Hayden 9-year-old a contestant in USA Mullet Championships
Crazy in the front, party in the back. That's not just Sawyer Libby's hair style — it's his personal philosophy. “I feel like the mullet is like a big part of my whole life,” Sawyer said Monday. The Hayden 9-year-old is a contestant in the USA Mullet Championship, a contest celebrating the most epic hairdos across the country.
ITD seeking public input on upcoming projects
Window to provide comment closes July 31
The Idaho Transportation Department wants to hear from North Idaho residents regarding proposed projects on the horizon.
Lakeland grad contributes talents to Disney success
Heuett worked as layout supervisor on 'Inside Out 2,' the highest-grossing Pixar film
The animated film "Inside Out 2" has become Pixar's highest-grossing movie of all time, recently passing the $1.25 billion mark globally after being released in June. Lakeland High School graduate Ryan Heuett had a hand in that success.
FAST FIVE Josh Christensen: Marketing maestro
Meet Josh Christensen, a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Genius Gourmet's marketing strategy.
Introducing: Canopy Village
Children's Village announces name change, $1 million donation from Idaho Housing and Finance Association
A chorus of popping champagne corks sang beneath a large white canopy as two big announcements were made Thursday during the Children's Village Annual Event.
Timberlake grad to release final film in independent trilogy
'ODD or EVEN III: Deadly Dice' to premiere July 31 at Hayden Cinema
It's been six years since 2018 Timberlake High School graduate and independent filmmaker Taylor Riley released the first in his "Odd or Even" movie franchise. The finale to the series, "Odd or Even III: Deadly Dice," will premiere at 7 and 9:30 p.m. July 31 at Hayden Cinema.
Friends share memories of Coeur d'Alene's Barb Smalley
The world becomes a little smaller when certain people leave it. Barb Smalley, who was 67 when she died July 5 after a fierce fight with cancer, was one of those people.
North Idaho College Foundation's Really BIG Raffle is tonight
North Idaho College Foundation's Really BIG Raffle will be online at 7 p.m.
The North Idaho College Foundation's biggest event of the year is happening at 7 tonight. One lucky ticket holder will win a new house in the 31st annual Really BIG Raffle, which will again be a livestreamed virtual event. This year's grand prize is a newly built 2,338-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 1909 W. Moselle Drive. The Coeur d'Alene home is valued at $563,000.
FAST FIVE Silverwood's Allen Croswhite designs the world
Meet Allen Croswhite, who has worked at Silverwood Theme Park for more than 10 years, creating many aesthetically beautiful, playful and exciting pieces for the park in that time.
Summer concerts to return to Riverstone
Nu Jack City, Son of Brad to open concert series Thursday
Prepare for summer to start rocking: Riverstone Summer Concerts return Thursday evening.
Community members show support during Library Day of Action
Events held across Kootenai County as House Bill 710 becomes law
One of Michelle Krewson's fondest memories of the library is walking with her children just a couple blocks from home to the old Coeur d'Alene Public Library on Harrison Avenue. She wasn't able to learn typing in high school due to a broken arm, so the library was where she learned her way around a keyboard. She taught herself how to type on the Mickey Mouse computer in the kids' section while her kids played and pored over books. “We’ve been frequenting the library forever and ever," she said. "We love it.”
As Idaho's new library law goes into effect, questions remain
Seven-year-old Patrice Droesch comfortably sat with her legs folded beneath her, lingering on the pages of Brian Lies’ “Bats at the Library,” a children’s book about bats that have a grand time when they find a window at their local library has been left open one night. Patrice’s mom, Elizabeth Droesch of Coeur d’Alene, sat at a nearby table in the Seagrave Children’s Library at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, researching different titles. “I was just going through all of these and reading reviews and making sure what I choose is appropriate for my kids,” she said. “It takes time.”
Fair Foundation awards $21K in scholarships to students from Kootenai, Shoshone counties
Fair Foundation awards $21K in scholarships to Kootenai, Shoshone students
Before they registered for classes and cracked their college textbooks, many North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation Scholarship winners raised livestock, worked concessions, beautified the grounds and otherwise contributed their talents to the North Idaho State Fair.
FAST FIVE Briana Francis is piecing together the perfect Fourth of July Parade
Introducing Briana Francis, a dynamic 26-year-old who is rapidly advancing in her role as program coordinator at the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.
CLN board appoints new trustee
Karen Campbell selected over Ron Hartman
The Community Library Network board appointed and swore in a new trustee during Thursday's special meeting. Karen Campbell of Hayden was selected in a 3-1 vote to fill the board vacancy left by longtime board member Katie Blank, who resigned June 16. Campbell was chosen over one other nominee, Ron Hartman of Kootenai County.
First application deadline for 'Miracle on Britton' homes closes July 15
Homeownership opportunities to benefit local middle-income workers; final deadline Oct. 1
The vision to provide homeownership opportunities for local middle-income workers is beginning to take shape. The first application window for "Miracle on Britton" homes closes July 15. Construction on 28 homes, which will be built on Britton Road off Greensferry Road in Post Falls and priced from $290,000-$399,000, is expected to begin early this fall.
Community Library Network trustees to present board vacancy nominations today
Special meeting at Post Falls Library begins at 2 p.m.
Trustees of the Community Library Network will present nominations today to fill the board vacancy left after former trustee Katie Blank resigned June 16.
Let's hear it for the 'losers'
Hayden TOPS weight loss support group celebrates 60 years
In the world of the Taking Off Pounds Sensibly weight loss support group, "losers" have the most to gain. "This is the only club that celebrates losers," said Hayden TOPS chapter secretary Liz Fox, who has been a TOPS member off and on since 1980 and active 10 years with the Hayden club.
Coeur d'Alene Garden Tour is July 7
Coeur d'Alene Garden Tour is July 7
Brilliant blue delphiniums towering over a shady green lawn, deep purple clematis climbing toward the sky, refreshing water features, colorful yard art and a bouquet of botanical delights are awaiting those who go on the Coeur d'Alene Garden Club's 2024 Garden Tour.
Coeur d'Alene School Board adopts budgets, begins levy talks
Next meetings are July 8, Aug. 12
Trustees of the Coeur d'Alene School Board adopted budgets and began talks of the next supplemental levy election Monday during a budget adoption and board workshop. The amended $109,247,177 2023-2024 budget and proposed $107,274,030 2024-2025 budget were both unanimously adopted. The discussion then led to when the Coeur d'Alene School District should hold its next levy election and for what amount.
Women's Gift Alliance gives $100K to 2024 grant recipients
Lake City Playhouse, St. Vincent de Paul, Kootenai County Search and Rescue awarded $30K each
It's a banner year for members of the Women's Gift Alliance, who pitched in to grant $100,000 to five area nonprofits during a Thursday evening celebration in the Community Services Building at Hospice of North Idaho. Through its pooled grant program, the alliance awarded $30,000 to Lake City Playhouse, Kootenai County Volunteer Search and Rescue and St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, as well as $5,000 each in finalist awards to Charity Reimagined and Shared Harvest Community Garden.
Lakeland schools honor two 2024 MVPs
Sescilla wins Hawaii trip; Mathews awarded $2K
After a performance this spring, Lakeland High School choir and band teacher Mark Sescilla was taken aback by the volume of people who showed up for a reception thrown by his colleague.
Educators participate in i-STEM Institutes at North Idaho College
Educators participate in i-STEM Institutes at NIC
Teachers love to teach, but they also love to learn. Nearly 100 educators from across North Idaho and other parts of the state participated in four days of i-STEM Institutes at North Idaho College this week. They deepened their knowledge and enhanced their science, technology, engineering and mathematics practices through projects and principles they can bring to their classrooms this fall.
FAST FIVE Stu Cabe reminds us to be nice to each other
Meet Stu Cabe, founder of The Ovation Company, a Coeur d'Alene-based school resource organization focusing on positive school climate and improved student achievement. Stu has been a professional presenter and trainer for over two decades. He travels North America to work with students and teachers to help build strong school communities and improve campus culture and climate. The Ovation Company's motto: Stand up for what is good. Info: ovationcompany.com
River City Leadership Academy celebrates Class of 2024
Post Falls Chamber program has graduated nearly 300 people since 2009
Why live in a good community when you can make it a great one? Or, even better, why not strive to make it the best? That's the goal of the River City Leadership Academy, which celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2024 Tuesday during the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Connect4Lunch at the Prairie Falls Golf Club.
Longtime Community Library Network trustee resigns
Katie Blank served library district for over 30 years
Katie Blank, a longtime Community Library Network trustee, has resigned from the board. Blank served on the library board for more than 30 years and as chair for more than 10 of those years. She submitted her resignation Sunday. "Recently some very challenging health concerns have been brought to my attention," Blank said in the resignation letter. "This has caused me to look carefully at the priorities in my life. I am realizing that it is no longer sustainable for me to serve on this board. It is negatively affecting my health. It is negatively affecting our livelihood. It is negatively affecting my relationships with my family and friends."
Community Library Network Board installs officers, approves policies
Ottosen remains chair, Hanley remains vice chair
Trustees of the Community Library Network were in sync Monday as they unanimously approved policies and installed officers for the coming year during their annual meeting, held at the Harrison Library.
In North Idaho, skilled workers are in demand
Creating the next generation of trade workers proves challenging
The demand for skilled labor in North Idaho is high. Some of the highest projected employment growth in the region is driven by occupations in health care, construction, personal care and services and transportation and material moving. These occupations made up 35% of total job postings in North Idaho over the last year while accounting for 25-30% of regional employment, according to Lisa Grigg, Idaho Department of Labor economist for north-central Idaho.
Lake City High teacher retires after 30 years
Son, former students celebrate 'favorite teacher' Scott Jacobson
It took some time to sink in before Scott Jacobson could really articulate what it felt like to be retired. "Everybody's been asking me the the last two, three weeks, 'How's it feel to be retired?' but there's been so much paper work and tidying up and everything," he said Wednesday.
Coeur d'Alene High grad wins new car at Knudtsen Chevrolet giveaway
Ferra: 'I'm a Chevy girl through and through'
Her name might be Mercedes, but now she's cruising in a brand new Chevy. Coeur d'Alene High School 2024 graduate Mercedes Ferra, 18, won a 2025 Chevy Trax SUV at Knudtsen Chevrolet's 85th Anniversary Party, held Thursday evening at the Post Falls dealership. "I just cried," Ferra said Friday. "I was so very excited."
Fast Five Kevin Croffoot: A father's heart of fire and faith
Meet Kevin Croffoot, a battalion chief with 32 years in the fire service, which began in the beginning with Hayden Fire and continued after consolidation becoming Northern Lakes Fire Protection District.
North Idaho STEM Charter students wrap electrical boxes in original art
NI STEM Charter students wrap electrical boxes in original art
Six graphic design students from North Idaho STEM Charter Academy wrapped up the school year by wrapping up electrical boxes in their original art.
Local violinist wins at international competition
Altenbach's 'Jester's Waltz' to be performed in Vienna
A celebrated violinist who serves as a faculty member at the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene has even more reason to celebrate. Richard Altenbach, an A-list Hollywood recording musician, won second prize in the International Golden Key Piano Composition Competition for his composition, "The Jester’s Waltz." He will travel to Vienna in July to receive his diploma and winner’s medal and to hear his piece performed by Anna Leyerer, a renowned virtuoso concert pianist, at the World Composers’ Recital.
Braver Lens to present 'Canine Bridge' Saturday at ArtWalk
Dog-centered project aims to build human connections
Organizers of a dog-centric photography project are hoping to build human connections. Presented by Braver Lens, a part of the Braver Angels national nonprofit, the pop-up "Canine Bridge" photo exhibit will be on display during a special ArtWalk from 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot between Magpie and the Art Spirit Gallery.
Local kids place at Invention Convention nationals
Winners hail from Lakeland, Bryan, Hayden Meadows
North Idaho's young inventors earned a place on the national stage at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, held June 5-7 at the Henry Ford museum complex in Dearborn, Mich.
Coeur d'Alene School District balances operating budget
Surplus of $1.65 million projected for next year
Much belt-tightening and reduction of expenditures have been put into place to balance what would have been a $6 million 2025 fiscal year budget shortfall in the Coeur d'Alene School District. Director of Finance Shannon Johnston provided a comprehensive overview of the district's finances Monday evening during a budget hearing, held at Midtown Meeting Center in Coeur d'Alene. “Next year, we are projecting a $1.65 million surplus," Johnston said. "Negotiations have not occurred yet, and that’s why you’re going to see a surplus. We have not settled on anything."
Post Falls Boys and Girls Club to host open house Wednesday
Community members welcome to see completed $1.7 million expansion
The expansion is complete, the loose ends are tied and the Boys and Girls Club's Jordan Johnson Clubhouse in Post Falls is now is ready to welcome visitors to see what's new. “Last summer we had our program at Seltice Elementary School, so everybody is really excited about operating the very first summer in the expanded clubhouse,” Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County Executive Director Mark Kuhnhausen said Thursday during a tour of the club.
Venture High School teams with Eat Smart Idaho
Students showcase culinary skills during exhibit night
Venture High School and Eat Smart Idaho teamed up throughout the school year to ensure students head into summer with a fresh perspective on eating right.
Post Falls Lions Club celebrates 60 years
New members, officers sworn in during Post Falls Lions anniversary event
With shining pins, well-worn aprons, rolled-up sleeves and an abundance of love for their community, members of the Post Falls Lions Club have been living that club motto for 60 years.
FAST FIVE Stephenie Kimener: Life is better in the country
Meet Stephenie Kimener of Long Mountain Meadows. She is a doting wife to Brian and mother to five wonderful children: Christopher, Timothy, Josephine, Benjamin and Gabriel. She is a self-proclaimed mediocre housewife who runs two businesses and homeschools her children. She prefers to be outside with her family and animals while neglecting her household duties, which she admits her husband is way better at doing anyways. She and her husband feel as though they have found their own little slice of heaven at the base of Long Mountain where the valley opens up to several waterways and meadows. She loves her highland cows, horses, dogs and various other farm animals. She gives God all the glory for the many blessings in her life.
East Sherman Food Trucks breaks ground
New street eats court expected to open as early as September
The east side of Sherman Avenue is about to become a whole lot tastier.