RAY ERKU

Solving transit barriers: New mobile clinic reaches Kootenai, Bonner and Shoshone counties

New mobile clinic reaches Kootenai, Bonner and Shoshone counties

No need to travel. Just reach out and medical service is in your driveway. A specialized mobile wound care service is helping connect patients to treatment without having to visit hospitals in Coeur d’Alene or Spokane.

New Post Falls community celebrates completion of affordable housing project

Miracle on Britton changes lives for first-time homeowners

Windermere Foundation gives back nearly $1.4M to Coeur d’Alene

An emotional affair. That’s what it became for a convention room full of real estate agents on Friday in Coeur d’Alene, as they highlighted how embedded they are in their communities. Locally, Windermere Coeur d'Alene Realty and the Windermere Foundation have given back nearly $1.4 million to the area over the past 32 years.

Increased traffic enforcement to tackle aggressive driving

390 more citations issued:

A surge in citations has emerged as Coeur d’Alene Police have stepped up traffic enforcement across the city. Using traffic enforcement grant funding, officers issued 390 more citations in fiscal year 2026 than typically occur during normal, day-to-day operations, according to Sgt. Jared Reneau, a public information officer with the police department.

Plan surfaces for Cd'A waterfront

City Park dealing with aging infrastructure, damaged concrete, outdated furnishings and more

Waterfront property along Lake Coeur d’Alene annually connects hundreds of thousands of walkers, joggers, bicyclists, boarders, rollerbladers, tourists and everyone else between two major city hubs: downtown and North Idaho College. But infrastructure along what many folks consider one of Idaho’s most valuable pieces of public real estate is aging.

OCT NIBJ: The Golden Rule: Coeur d’Alene business owner underscores the power of giving back

Commission expands plaque program for historical Coeur d’Alene buildings

Commission expands plaque program for historical Coeur d’Alene buildings

Old City Hall. The Masonic Temple. Historic Roosevelt School. The Coeur d’Alene Federal Building. These structures all tell stories of Coeur d’Alene’s past. They are, however, not fully marked with signs detailing their background. The Coeur d’Alene Historic Preservation Commission intends to change this history.

Katie Sayler says goodbye: Library board member signs off after 40 years

Library board member signs off after 40 years

After helping orchestrate library operations for 40 straight years, Sayler, 79, has now reached a final chapter. On Wednesday, she signed off from her position as a longtime Coeur d’Alene Public Library Board of Trustees member.

Shooting investigation continues

Coeur d'Alene Police to determine what events led to Tuesday shooting

Coeur d’Alene Police are trying to determine whether there was malicious intent behind a Tuesday shooting that resulted in two people being injured by one gunshot. “Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m. on September 22,” the police said Wednesday. “The adult male involved in the shooting was initially detained and transported to the Police Department. Following the preliminary investigation, he was released pending further review.”

Two injured in Tuesday shooting

A male suspect accused of shooting and injuring two people in Coeur d’Alene early Tuesday morning was released after being detained. “There’s no further threat,” said Coeur d’Alene Police Officer Joseph Scholten. “Everyone is accounted for.”

Ancillary sales rise with steins at Oktoberfest

Businesses report festival foot traffic resembled ‘peak August numbers’

Consumers nabbed more clothes off the racks. The local tobacco shop sold more cigars. One retailer hosted a beer kegger, of which two kegs were nearly depleted. Oktoberfest, a two-day event that drew nearly 2,000 people to downtown Coeur d’Alene this past weekend, boosted ancillary businesses up and down Sherman Avenue.

Coeur d'Alene veteran navigates rising costs, housing delays

Retiree faces inflation, isolation and limited financial resource

But over the past year, Woller and people like him have been consistently told by IHFA, despite receiving $27.7 million statewide this past fiscal year and North Idaho receiving 28% of it, that there are currently no funds to give.

Coeur d’Alene eyes cameras as restroom vandalism persists

City exploring ways to prevent more damage

City workers were busy this past week mitigating up to $1,750 worth of vandalism inflicted upon a public Coeur d’Alene bathroom. “We had more vandalism again today,” City Parks and Recreation Director Adam Rouse said during a Monday meeting. “One of the restroom facilities where people chose to do some things that are not so fun to clean up.”

Preservation Act overhaul poses ‘huge setback,’ local official says

Preservation Act overhaul poses ‘huge setback,’ local official says

Proposed changes to a federal law requiring public input amid major project planning could pose negative impacts on local cultural heritage, according to Coeur d’Alene Historic Preservation Commission officials.

Coeur d'Alene regulates kratom products

Under 21 prohibited from purchase, product cannot exceed set chemical levels

Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a new ordinance requiring kratom providers within city limits to obtain permitting to sell the product, which is generally used either as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, according to the Mayo Clinic.

More data centers, then more energy resources, needed

Expected influx of tech sector, data centers prompts calls for natural gas, renewables

Bracing for a Pacific Northwest influx of data centers and the tech sector over a short-term period, a power planner is calling for more infrastructural needs to meet future electricity demand.

Fueling frugality: North Idaho consumers, grocers, contractors feeling record diesel costs

North Idaho consumers, grocers, contractors feeling record diesel costs

Trisha Miles pushed a shopping cart full of groceries, a small child leading the way in a toy car, toward her vehicle. It sat in a busy Super 1 Foods parking lot in Hayden on Friday. Diesel prices just hit an all-time high this past week in Idaho, according to motor club AAA. The cost per gallon has now increased from about $3.82 last year to over $6.

Reflections on Sept. 11

Today marks 25th anniversary of American tragedy

Sept. 11, 2001, is forever ingrained in history books as one of America’s greatest tragedies. But Julia Byrum said it’s important to remember tragedies. The young Coeur d’Alene resident wasn’t alive that fateful day. Instead, she learned much of what she knows about it in school.

Diners bite into Longest Table potluck

Hosted by United Way North Idaho, event is region's first

That smells delicious. Flocks of people descended upon City Park in Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday evening for a massive community potluck. Called The Longest Table, host United Way of North Idaho invited everyone to provide and enjoy an array of their favorite dishes in a communal setting.

Local and state educators talk school funding

Top 25 for academic efficiency. Dead last in spending per pupil. This was just one point about Idaho’s education system that local and state educators tackled during a Tuesday morning breakfast at Coeur d’Alene Resort. Tuesday is also, coincidentally, the first day of school.

Region sees increase in drownings, data shows

This year has seen eight boat crashes in Kootenai County

Lakes and rivers in Kootenai and Spokane counties have seen a rise in drownings. According to data gleaned from water rescue teams in Spokane and Kootenai counties, fatal drownings increased from six in 2025 to 11 so far in 2026. Of those drownings, nine bodies were recovered and two are still missing.

Resignations accepted

Dr. Thomas Fletcher named Panhandle Health interim director

Following nearly a two-hour executive session amid the special meeting, Dr. Thomas Fletcher, a Board of Health representative from Bonner County, was named the district’s interim director. Meanwhile, the district has not named new head HR and financial positions.

PHD officials submit resignations

Board of Health hosts special meeting today

Three area health officials seek to resign from their positions. At a special meeting called for Thursday, the Panhandle Health District Board of Health will decide whether to accept the proposed resignations of its district director, human resources specialist and financial officer.

No go on 1% tax hike reduction

City passes $154.83 million budget

No dice for Coeur d’Alene property owners hoping to pay less in taxes. On Tuesday, City Councilmember Christie Wood's proposal to slash 1% from a proposed 7% property tax hike for fiscal year 2027 failed.

Coeur Terre 2 passes

City finds proposal adheres to standards, requirements

Following more than five hours of presentations, public comments and deliberation regarding elements of a project that would turn a large section of western Coeur d’Alene into a major subdivision, city officials passed the Coeur Terre 2 subdivision on Monday evening. The vote passed 5-1, with council member Christie Wood voting against and Mayor Dan Gookin abstaining.

License plate readers spark debate

Coeur d’Alene Police chief addresses concerns over technology

Surveillance concerns are afoot. City officials in Coeur d’Alene were last week publicly questioned on the use of automated license plate reader devices, such as Flock cameras.

New Ironman contract nears finish line

Negotiations between city, organizers slated for Tuesday

Coeur d’Alene City Council, World Triathlon Corporation and North Idaho Sports Commission are slated to finalize a three-year contract on Tuesday to keep half-Ironman contests in the city through 2029.

Fast Five: Judy Gardner

The 3Cs newest former president

Meet Judy Gardner, who just ended as president of the Cancer and Communities Charities organization in Coeur d'Alene.

Empty lot? Fill it with new development

Residential, commercial building proposed for East Sherman Avenue

No, there won’t be any new cafes or wine bars. Instead, it looks like some new retail shops, office suites and apartment units could fill an empty lot near downtown.

Project restores Coeur d’Alene church ‘to physical glory’

Project restores Coeur d’Alene church ‘to physical glory’

St. Luke’s Episcopal is more than just a church. “It’s a living organism that breathes, grows and changes,” said Lisa Nunlist, a St. Luke’s congregation member since 1979. “We always respect its history.”

They go high, city goes low

Effort continues to reduce downtown Coeur d’Alene building height limits

How high a building gets could reach new lows. On Tuesday, members of a working group tasked with reviewing construction policies agreed on a proposal that, if eventually passed by city council, revises building height limits in certain sections of downtown’s core.

SEPT NIBJ: The cure for Idaho’s physician shortage? Medical residency expansion

Kootenai Health is always busy. Over the past 12 months, its primary care clinics served 42,622 patients. The 10 northern counties of Idaho, including locations in Washington and Libby, Montana, have also averaged 275 transfers to Kootenai Health every month.

North Idaho Fairgoers sport shear mullet style at contest

North Idaho Fairgoers sport shear mullet style at contest

Business up front, party in the back. The mullet-style haircut was in full effect Saturday in Coeur d’Alene as North Idaho State fairgoers went head-to-head and hair to hair in a good ol’ fashion best mullet contest.

Panel talks North Idaho housing solutions

There isn’t just one single thing killing housing affordability, according to local developer Noah Stam. “It’s the accumulation of costs, delays, decisions,” he said. “Land is expensive, labor is expensive, materials are expensive, interest is expensive.” In Coeur d’Alene on Thursday, Stam joined a panel of politicians addressing affordable housing issues in North Idaho. Fellow panelists were Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund, Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare and Sen. Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene.

Cd'A favors job holds, vehicle replacement delays

7% property tax increase still on the table

To balance a forecasted budget deficit, Coeur d’Alene city officials on Tuesday approved delaying certain hires and capital requests. They will, however, add a new building inspector and allocate extra funds for an infrastructure project. “This is what is means to live within your means,” Mayor Dan Gookin said.

Appeal submitted against major development

Special hearing set for Aug. 31 on Coeur Terre 2

An abuse of administrative discretion. Violating design and improvement standards. Locking in a structural capacity cliff and unmitigated safety hazards. These are just some accusations listed in an official appeal of the Coeur d’Alene Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to approve a preliminary plat for a new subdivision. Called Coeur Terre 2, the major development includes construction of 284 single-family and 36 multifamily lots on the western edge of the city.

‘Explosion’ ignites Saturday’s house fire calls

Veronica Musall couldn’t tell if she was dreaming. It was 4 a.m. Saturday, and an explosion suddenly woke her up. Her newly wed husband by her side, she decided to look out her bedroom window. “I just saw an orange glow over everything,” she said. “And I just knew immediately something wasn’t right.” There were two fires reported early Saturday morning, according to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Coeur d’Alene group provides over $15,000 in scholarships

Sometimes, all it takes is a loving touch of wisdom and effort. At the Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Club on Thursday, Aug.13, at least five local women were named recipients of $2,000 scholarships. The scholarships come from a local chapter of the Philanthropic Education Organization Sisterhood, an organization of women who provide educational assistance to fellow women worldwide.

Free Wi-Fi improvements made at McEuen Park

Providing free internet access in Coeur d’Alene is like a walk in the park. More specifically, a walk in McEuen Park. The 22.5-acre public space, which has provided Wi-Fi coverage since its $20 million grand reopening in 2014, recently received improvements to its free internet services, making it faster, stronger and more reliable.

Road projects upset some motorists; officials explain why they’re needed

Road projects upset some motorists; officials explain why they’re needed

If you haven’t noticed, it’s construction season in northern Idaho. Whether it’s Interstate 90, neighborhoods in Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls or even the Silver Valley countryside, motorists often struggle to avoid delays, detours or complete road closures marked by orange traffic cones.

In a world of wildfires, logging can improve forest health

In a world of wildfires, logging can improve forest health

Smoke from Spokane wildfires temporarily cleared Tuesday, giving way to a bluebird morning. Greg Mason, surrounded by luscious mountains near Twin Lakes, maneuvered a giant hydraulic clamp to the base of a white fir. Amid a symphony of grinding steel and a plume of kicked-up dust, Mason, who’d been working since 3 a.m., used this tank-like piece of heavy forestry equipment called a feller buncher to rip the large evergreen conifer out of the earth like a toothpick.

Fatal crashes down in Kootenai County

State sees rise in traffic deaths

Fatal crashes over the past three years in Kootenai County are trending downward, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. On Thursday, ITD released its annual statewide crash report for the year 2025. Data from this report show fatal crashes within Kootenai County decreased from 17 in 2023 to 13 in 2025. Total crashes in the county also decreased from 2,294 in 2023 to 2,237 in 2024 before increasing again to 2,329 in 2025.

Widmyer: Using reserves is not ‘permanent solution'

Former mayor troubled by city's budget woes

Pulling from reserves while delaying projects and job positions are only temporary solutions to shoring up millions of dollars in budget shortfalls, according to former Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer. “The problem with that is, that’s not a permanent solution,” Widmyer told the Coeur d’Alene Press last week. “That’s just one-time money. In the budget, you can't fix an ongoing issue with one-time money.”

City greenlights traffic signal project

Aiming to mitigate traffic delays and, more importantly, the risk of danger on the north end, the city’s general services/public works subcommittee on Monday greenlighted an effort to either improve or add traffic signals at multiple intersections along Ramsey Road.

Little outlines state's efforts to help with Spokane wildfires

Little outlines state's efforts to help with Spokane wildfires

Flanked by a collection of Smokey Bear pictures inside the Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache on Friday, Idaho Gov. Brad Little had one simple message for the state of Washington and its current battle with devastating wildfires: “To our neighbors in Washington,” he said, “Idaho stands with you.”

CDA considering deficit reduction plan

Some jobs may not be filled

As Coeur d’Alene stares down nearly a $3.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, city officials spent time Tuesday entertaining ideas on how to soften the blow. Finance Director Katie Ebner pitched an idea that would slash about $1.16 million from the projected shortfall.

City Council says 'No' to data centers

Coeur d’Alene city leaders have a hard message for data centers looking to build too big, too fast within city limits. “The answer is no,” City Councilmember Dan English said.

Air quality expected to improve by weekend

Warm settling above cold is why air quality in the Coeur d’Alene area fluctuates from not so great in the morning to slightly better throughout the daytime, according to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. This trend is expected to continue until Friday, State DEQ Airshed Coordinator Emily Flores said.

Post Falls mayor opposes 'surveillance state'

Says city won't use Flock cameras

Recent public outcry and a recent SCOTUS decision prompted Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund to release a statement condemning governmental mass surveillance and construction of citizen movement databases on Friday.

Building permit fees could rise

It might become more spendy for contractors seeking to build, reconstruct or renovate in Coeur d’Alene. The city is slated to host an Aug. 4 hearing for a proposal to make at least 40 fee increases in multiple departments. One of those proposed increases includes charging more in building permit fees.