Community Parades & Fireworks

Saturday, July 4
Coeur d'Alene - Parade downtown, 11 a.m., fireworks at dusk/10 p.m.
Post Falls - Fireworks and Concert, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Q'emiln Park
Bayview - Parade 11 a.m., lighted boat parade at dusk, fireworks 10 p.m.
Spirit Lake - Parade 11 a.m. on Maine Street, fireworks at dusk
Harrison - Fireworks at dusk

Train VS Pedestrian

I followed on my scanner what is a train versus pedestrian accident near the intersection of Idaho and Prairie Ave. in Post Falls. Heard the first reports about 9:30 p.m. and the call for the coroner and funeral home about 10:25 p.m. The Post Falls Police, Kootenai County Sheriffs Department and Idaho State Police responded. Confirmation that a woman has been killed in the accident. *Tuesday update: it appears the 45-year-old woman, who was visiting in the area and possibly suicidal, was laying on the tracks when the train passed through. The engineer could not stop in time and she was killed on impact.
In the twenty or so years I've had a scanner, there have been many times I've heard the call for the coroner and the chaplain. I always say a silent prayer for the victims' family and friends who have yet to be told that someone they love has died ... their lives about to be forever changed by an accident or a suicide or a criminal act. It also gives a deeper understanding of what our law enforcement and emergency services personnel deal with in the routine course of their jobs.

Celebrating History

Every year, Preservation Idaho, the Idaho Historic Preservation Council hosts the Orchids Awards, a ceremony designed to celebrate those individuals and organizations which have made a positive contribution to historic preservation. This past Saturday in Nampa, Post Falls student Maddy Baker made history of her own when she became the youngest recipient of the award. Maddy created the Post Falls History Walk which received the Cultural Preservation Award. Maddy's History Walk was nominated for the award by Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin.

Country Moose / City Moose

Just past the place in the Coeur d'Alene River where we met the Weibles fishing, we spotted a handsome young bull moose in a roadside marsh munching away. When he was full he climbed up the hill into tall grass where he laid down for an afternoon nap. More moose pics HERE. But our moose sighting wasn't nearly as exciting as that of people at Independence Point in downtown Coeur d'Alene on Saturday. A young moose seemingly came out of nowhere, across the Coeur d'Alene Resort's front lawn, Independence Point parking lot, brushing past people unloading their cars and across the grassy point towards city beach, within yards of the Mudgey the Moose statue. Tim Turrell was on Sherman Ave. in his '66 Corvair when he saw the commotion. He said the youngster was really spooked by the traffic and people. The moose's Saturday adventure in downtown Coeur d'Alene had a happy ending when Fish and Game officials were able to capture and relocate him.

Living in a Postcard

On Saturday Bert and I took a drive up to check out the floating conditions on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. There were more people fishing than floating, including Bruce and Jennifer Weible of Hayden.

Fashion of the day

Tucked in the back of a closet are some of our family's iconic fashion statements, including a Dale Evans cowgirl shirt and skirt I received for Christmas in 1959. Michael Jackson's death yesterday at age 50 reminded me that our youngest daughter was quite the MJ fan in the early '80s. Sarah, now 32, had a faux red leather "Michael Jackson" jacket, similar to the one he wore in the video for "Bad" in 1983. Her first grade photo is one of our favorites, she's decked out in the red jacket with a matching red beret on her head full of long blonde crimped hair. She and Michael were fashionestas before the word had even been coined.

Motorcycle Cops

The “Cal-Tex Riders,” an organization of retired law enforcement officers paraded through Coeur d’Alene and up Sherman Avenue Thursday morning. The 100+ motorcycles began their procession from the Coeur d'Alene Inn where the group is holding a convention and escorted by the Coeur d'Alene police motorcycle patrol. Doreen Mack, director of sales, hitched a ride with one of the cyclists.

Glory Days

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '64
45th reunion, August 1, 2 http://www.cda64.wordpress.com/
Jill Ross Landback, jlandback@gmail.com, Sue Mills (Clow), asclow89@msn.com or Sheri Mar (Cowart) sherimar46@yahoo.com

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '69 - 40th reunion August 1, Eagles Pavilion, Coeur d'Alene Patricia Richardson pmrichardson24@yahoo.com

Post Falls High School Class of '79 - 30th reunion, July 19, Farragut State ParkRSVP by June 19 Laura (Williams) Harris 208-818-5038 or LauraLinks1@yahoo.com, Kristi (Niles) Asburry 208-687-3625.
I'll keep adding to this post if you have information about your upcoming class reunion to include. Use the comment section below and it will be moved up into this comment box or send an email with details to mainstreet@cdapress.com.

Happy Birthday!

Today Red Hot Mama Mikki Stevens shares a birthday with Megan Hunt Ownbey, Jan Chadderdon Olsen and Joanne Hildebrant.
If you'd like to add your birthday or the birthday of a friend or family member to the Main Street Birthday Club, go to the link on the left rail. I'm getting old and remembering hundreds of birthdays is a challenge without my electronic reminder! :)

Best of the Best

Coeur d'Alene is known amongst Ironman competitors as having the best and most enthusiastic volunteers on the Ironman circuit. Over 3,000 local people volunteer in dozens of capacities over several days. On Tuesday night at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, local businessman and good guy Dave Walker received the 2009 Ironman Volunteer of the Year Award. What an honor!
Dave is pictured with Heather Fuhr, a former professional triathlete who now heads up the VIP team for Ironman.

She Said Yes!

Rob Berger pulled off the near impossible on Sunday, and that’s not a reference to the 14.5 hours he spent on the Ironman course in adverse conditions. In what became an elaborate covert operation, which he’s sure his now-fiance has forgiven, Rob said the 26-mile marathon in the rain, wind and cold was grueling but he kept thinking of what awaited him at the finish line. The crowd went wild when at 9:30 p.m. he crossed the finish line and proposed to a stunned Brittney Salvatore. A medal for him, a diamond for her. I love happy endings! There's much more to this story in the print Coeur d'Alene Press Main Street column HERE.

Big Yellow Bus

The Idaho School Bus Rodeo competition was held late last week in Nampa and the traveling trophy has come all the way up north to the Lakeland School District. Roger Friesen was the overall high point driver, winning the competition. In a District 272 coup, the second place winner is Lakeland SD driver Ginger Bateman. The Lakeland SD bus routes span over 300 square miles and include Rathdrum, Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Athol, Bayview and Hauser Lake. Congratulations!

Go Zags

Matt Santangelo led Gonzaga to the Elite Eight in 1999 and surpassed John Stockton in career assists. One of the all-time great guards at Gonzaga, Matt now serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club in Spokane. He visited Post Falls on Friday to play on the Boys and Girls Club team in the Post Falls Chamber's annual golf tourney. Nice guy.

Bird Whisperer

Yesterday a baby robin fell from its nest in one of our poplar trees and landed in the front yard flower bed. I watched the drama as the mother robin frantically tried to coax the youngster to safety. Unable to fly more than a foot or two at a time the distressed baby was quickly exhausted. The mom flew away as a neighborhood cat zeroed in on the helpless bird. I took a basket and put some leaves and twigs in the bottom, laying it on the ground in front of the baby, who seemed relieved to have some shelter. I brought the basket inside and placed it next to the computer on my desk. The baby took a nap while I worked, occassionally sticking his head up and chirping before falling back asleep. After an hour or so he hopped up on the edge of the basket and looked around, amazingly content in the unfamiliar surroundings. I took him back out to the big tree and placed him on a lower branch, hoping Nature would take its course. Later in the day there was no sign of the baby so I'm choosing to believe he was reunited with his mama and is up in the nest with some incredible stories to tell about his adventure.

For dad ...

The Hauser Lions Club hosted their first Father's Day Pancake Breakfast on Sunday. Over 100 people enjoyed pancakes made by Lion Tom McGee, sausage, eggs and biscuits and gravy served at the Hauser Lake Fire Station.

More Main Street's Cooking!

On Saturday I participated in a bbq cook-off in Spirit Lake on the occassion of Taryn Hecker's new photography studio opening. While worthy competitors such as Jeff Selle dazzled with a number of world-class barbeque dishes, our Main Street North Idaho Beer Balls in huckleberry bbq sauce came away with the first place prize. The winning edge could also have been the dessert Bert whipped up on the grill ... s'mores. It was a great grand opening for the talented Taryn. I've long been a fan of the Ekness family's trademark beer ball sausages and it seems a lot of other folks share my enthusiasm.
*portrait by Taryn Hecker Photography

You're an Ironman!

The sun sets on another fabulous Ironman Coeur d'Alene. The IronFans were out in full force, including the Ogle kids (Dylan, Brock, Macy) cheering for their dad, Bryan on Father's Day. Congratulations to all of the athletes and thank you to the generous volunteers who make it all happen. Highlights of the day on this album of images.

Ironman Visuals

The swim start this morning was great, even a bit of sun on the whitecaps of Lake Coeur d'Alene. On Independence Point dock with fire and sheriff department people and Mayor Bloem and Jonathan Coe of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber was a great vantage point. Former city councilman and Ironman Chris Copstead was watching the action from the dock this year. Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel and his mother, Jeannette were enjoying the brisk morning. Met the family of Dr. Grant Smith of Arizona in some super shirts. See www.grantpatricksmith.com for an interesting bio on one of the athletes. Here's a couple of photos, I'm heading back out through the day and evening and will have an album of photographs posted late tonight.

Ironman Eve

This will be updated daily through Sunday so post info in the comment section and I'll move it to the front page. If you have a photo of your favorite local Ironman competitor, email to mainstreet@cdapress.com. Let everyone know who you know who's competing and include their race number and color of clothing so the spectators can cheer them on along the route! Photo album updated daily also HERE.
*To find info on your favorite athlete, road closure maps and race day timelines go to Ironmancda.com
*Viewing tip! Scott Hough and his sound machine will be set up again on 9th and Pine (east of Coeur d'Alene City Hall) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Hough family, including John and Tina of Roosevelt Inn fame. The music and dancing and enthusiasm will greet runners on their way to the finish line on Sherman Ave. I had a grand time watching the reaction of the athletes to the cheering section. If you're fans of Julianne Hough and Derek Hough, John and Scott are their uncles. The dancing gene is well represented.

*Greg Gervais #969 will be wearing a yellow & blue 2 Wheeler Dealer shirt on Sunday for those on the look out.
*Michael Smith is home to run his first Ironman triathlon. Susan Manley Larsen is a proud mom!
*Dave Shula, son of the NFL's winningest coach Don Shula, is running his first Ironman in Coeur d'Alene. He's staying at the Roosevelt Inn Bed & Breakfast.
*Dave Walker is working the Pro/VIP check-in at the Resort Thursday through Saturday. Sue Walker is the local coordinator of volunteers. Dave will work the Men's Transition area during the day on Sunday and then man the VIP tent in the evening. His stent won't end with the race, though. On Monday he'll be signing people up for Ironman 2010!
*Alan and Dani Wolfe are hosting Francisco Pontano #24, an elite athlete from Spain, who won Ironman Lake Placid and is a top 3 world swimmer. Look for Francisco at the front of the pack on Sunday!
*Bryan Ogle's cheering section will be camped out on 5th and Lakeside, in the Brody Mack parking lot. Makes sense since his wife, Katie is the owner of the store. :)
*CHS Cross Country runners will be manning the aid station at the top of Bennett Bay hill again this year. Word has it their costume theme will involve kilts!
*Greg Gervais #969 trains all year long, good thing he lives on the Spokane River to get the laps in.
*Bryan Ogle #1387 is already an Ironman but sat out last year's race to cheer on his brother-in-law. Bryan's back this year and ready to run. (swim and bike,too!)
*Mic Armon learned to swim so he could compete in Ironman. Wow.
*Amy and Gary Bartoo have rented out their beautiful Best Hills home to two Ironwomen from California for the week. Don't worry about them being homeless, Amy & Co. are staying out at their lake house.
*Rita and Ken Snyder have also rented their home to Ironman athetes. Wonder if they're staying at the lake, too.* Ironman athlete #820 is Lee Rieken, 1992 PFHS grad.
*Rich and Pam Houser are hosting two elite Ironmen from Hungary in their Post Falls home.
*Sue and Mike Hutter are hosting Australia's super woman, Kate Major and her husband, Jeff in their home.
*Former Ironman finisher Matt Fuller knows what it's like to be in the midst of the 112-mile bike leg and need water, powerbars or a bathroom so for the past several years he's provided an unofficial pitstop at his Rimrock Road home on the cycling route ... including a porta potty! He's met some appreciative athletes, that's for sure.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

For 15 years the North Idaho College Foundation has funded scholarships, updated technology and programs at the college through the Really Big Raffle of a new house. There are only 5,000 $100 tickets sold. So if you'd like to own a bit of paradise in North Idaho (just down the road from my house in Post Falls to be exact) make sure to get your ticket right away. This raffle has sold out every year and the drawing will be held on July 8. Take a virtual tour HERE. Or log onto the NIC website HERE.

2008 Highlights from Ironman

A visual reminder of the excitement, inspiration and fun of the day HERE

Happy Birthday!

Tim Shepperd is celebrating his 57th today. Look on the left rail for the link to add your birthday to the club!

Beach and Launch Open

SEE COMMENT SECTION FOR LATEST NEWS ON THE DAM.
The Spokane River boat launch and public swimming beach in Post Falls are open for the summer. Lifeguards are on duty and the parking toll takers are in the booth. As a matter of trivia, the launch and beach are open almost a full month earlier than they were in 2008 when flooding all over the area necessitated leaving the spill gates wide open at the Post Falls dam until July 9!

Adorable alpacas

Just off Mica Bay Road are two alpaca ranches I've driven past many times. But Sunday the creatures in the field were looking a bit different. A lot like a herd of space alien Q-Tips, actually. So I had to get a closer look. Recently sheared with just topknots of alpaca wool, their necks looked really long. They were as curious about me and my camera as I was about them. Now I want one! I promise you'll smile when you see the photos of several more adorable faces HERE.

Tabatha Feels the Love

Tabatha Gass needs special surgery to remove painful Tarlov cysts on her spine. When the community learned of her situation they stepped up. On Saturday a pancake feed and raffles were held and at the end of the day, $3,000 had been raised. Kevin Clement said, "Special thanks to Cat Smith, Hayden Boy Scout Troop 911 and the leaders and firefighters/EMTs of Northern Lakes Fire District for hard work which ensured the success of this event."
I'm always amazed at how generous our communities are when there are people in need. Photos from the pancake feed HERE.

A day at the park

The city park in Rathdrum is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. There's a gazebo, playground, picnic tables and generations-old shade trees. A beautiful little creek runs right through the center. On Saturday it was free fishing day in Idaho - no license required - so families were scattered along the banks with fishing poles. Kids swam, dogs fetched sticks and a wedding took place along with picnics and birthday parties. It was a perfect day at the creek in the park in Small Town, USA.

Pictured is Chad Hammond and his daughter, Olivia, with a rainbow trout she caught. More photos of the day here.

We the People

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." On Friday evening at Q'emiln Park, several hundred citizens came together for a peaceful protest. The We the People Rally was an assembly in the best tradition of America. What's not to love about a community and country where we can stand and pledge allegiance to the flag, say a prayer and enjoy a hot dog on a warm summer evening on the river ...
Photos from the rally here.

Cruisin' at Car d'Lane

The Car d'Lane Cruise is a fun, family event that we enjoy every year. The cars, trucks and even boats, run the gamut of spit-polished perfection to primered wannabees. Even four-legged car fans were riding in style down Sherman Avenue. An album of cruise photos are HERE, see if you spot anyone you know!

Memory Lane

This North Idaho Fun Guide advertisement for what was the biggest tourist draw on the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene is circa 1968. Playland Pier was located where Independence Point is now and featured a ferris wheel at the pier's edge. Templin's motel and restaurant did a bustling business right about where the clock tower now stands. Coeur d'Alene was quite the vacation spot even then.

Mr. Bear Comes to Town

Fresh from the shower about 8 a.m. today I heard that there was a bear in Post Falls, at White Pine Park just a few blocks from my house. So with wet hair I dashed over with my camera to see the drama of the capture unfold on a beautiful sunny morning. Kudos to Idaho Fish & Game, Post Falls Police Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue for safely removing the bear from the tree and returning him to the forest. Photos HERE with captions.

RIP

Received the sad news that former Idaho legislator and well-known local attorney J. Ray Cox passed away in western Washington yesterday. Just three weeks ago J. Ray's wife of 63 years, Frances, was laid to rest. I'm sure the couple is making beautiful music in Heaven as they did on earth.

Home Town Trivia

This international directional sign is right out front one of Coeur d'Alene's iconic businesses in the heart of town. Can you name that business?

Post Falls Loves a Parade!

It wasn't the sunniest of days for a parade but we stayed dry! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate in Idaho's River City. Photographs of the parade HERE. Photos of spectacular spectators are HERE, you might see yourself in the album!
Congratulations to the following award winners:
Spokane Lilac Festival took top honors in the Community Float category and the Post Falls Community Volunteers won for Marching Unit. Lucy Covey's pink and black 1956 Ford Crown Victoria "I Love Lucy" was Best Classic Car. Representing the Central Idaho Rodeo Association, Queen Makiny Davis of Post Falls earned the Equestrian Award. Clowns Bubbles and Pockets won Comedy Award.
Little Caesars Pizza was Best Chamber Member Commercial entry. The Sons of Norway and Dennis Johnson's team of Norwegian Fjord horses took Best Wagon/Hitch.
Parade Committee Choice Award is Dickinson Insurance/Moon Dollars Restaurant.

Celebrate!

Why is Joanne Wilhelm Hildebrant smiling? See photos here from Community 1st Bank's second anniversary parking lot party.

Duckling Rescue

The staff of the North Idaho College Center for New Directions rescued four abandoned baby ducklings behind the Siebert Building on NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus. Their mother was not with them and the ducklings were in danger from crows so the staff brought them inside to safety. A series of emails were exchanged campus wide, and through suggestions from other college employees, the Center for New Directions staff found the ducks a home with a wildlife veterinarian in Otis Orchards, Wash.
*thanks to Stacy Hudson, helping me put the "more" in Main Street!

Reading Wrestlers

North Idaho College head wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb, NIC President Priscilla Bell, NIC wrestler Kamron Jackson, NIC assistant wrestling coach Jeremy Zender, Coeur d’Alene School District Superintendent Hazel Bauman and NIC trainer Randy Boswell gather with first-graders from Sorenson Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities as part of the Shirley Parker Reading Program. The program brings NIC wrestlers and coaching staff into first grade classrooms within the Coeur d’Alene School District to promote reading. NIC has distributed 5,800 books through the program.

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Post Falls Days Parade Line Up

The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Seltice Way between Frederick St. and Idaho St. Here's the numerical line-up:
1. Post Falls American Legion Post 143
2. Marine Corps League - Pappy Boyington Detachment 966
3. Post Falls Community Volunteers giant flag
4. Kootenai County Sheriffs Posse
5. Post Falls VFW 3603
6. US Submarine Veterans
7. DAV Disabled American Veterans
7a. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue w/honor guard
8. Parade Sponsors
8a. Community 1st Bank
8b. Dickinson Insurance
8c. Ground Force Mfg
9. Citizen of the Year, Jerry Keane
10 Calam Shriners mini motorcycles
SEE COMMENT SECTION BELOW FOR REMAINING ENTRIES

School Days

Most high schools in the area have or will hold graduation ceremonies this week. On Monday Kindermagic Kindergarten graduation took place at the Coeur d'Alene Library. Cousins Macy Kate Ogle and Nez Ogle, both 6, enjoyed the occasion as did their parents, Bryan and Kate Ogle and Bryce and Kelli Ogle. How darling are these kids!

Scholars of our roads

On Tuesday May 26, during a meeting of the Hayden City Council, eight members of the Hayden Department of Public Works were recognized and received their State of Idaho "Road Scholar" certification by Bruce Drewes of the Idaho Technology Transfer Center. Kudos to Wade Holecek, Kevin Selzler, Dave Vesser, Jamie Conery, Ron Reno, Bill Davis and Jim Franks. Accepting for the late Jim Franks was his 5-year-old daughter, Josephine. Kevin Clement, former Public Works Director, was also a "Road Scholar" recipient.

Mugshot Gallery

These mugshots from my print column go back to 2003 but I'll scour the hard copy files for some really nerdy ones from the 1990s. Thank goodness they run only the size of a postage stamp! :) Here's the story of the newest headshot.

Parade Time!

Everybody loves a parade and the first parade of the season is Saturday, June 6 in Post Falls! Come spectate at 11 a.m. or participate as an entrant. Forms are available here.

Family Tradition

When Lauren Benedict (L) was installed as Honored Queen of Bethel 7 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters on Saturday night in Hayden Lake, she followed in the footsteps of her mom, Eve Knudtson. Eve was Honored Queen of Bethel 7 in 1980. Junior Princess Alayne Chipman and her mother, Allisa Haakenson also share the royal connection with Allisa having been Bethel 7 royalty in 1987. For more info on Jobs Daughters, a leadership organization for young women ages 10-20, call Melody Small at 687-1279.

Glory Days

Coeur d'Alene High School Class of '69 - 40th reunion August 1, Eagles Pavilion, Coeur d'Alene Patricia Richardson pmrichardson24@yahoo.com

Post Falls High School Class of '79 - 30th reunion, July 19, Farragut State ParkRSVP by June 19 Laura (Williams) Harris 208-818-5038 or LauraLinks1@yahoo.com, Kristi (Niles) Asburry 208-687-3625.
I'll keep adding to this post if you have information about your upcoming class reunion to include. Use the comment section below and it will be moved up into this comment box or send an email with details to mainstreet@cdapress.com.