More Main Street

Finishing strong

2011-06-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Over 2,000 athletes, more than 3,000 volunteers, 10,000+ spectators ... 2.4 mile swim in a 57 degree Lake Coeur d'Alene, 112-mile cycle leg through Hayden Lake and a 26.2 mile marathon around Lake Coeur d'Alene on a sunny Sunday = Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2011. Images from start to finish HERE.

Pirates of the Coeur d'Alenes

2011-06-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

We set sail on the high seas (aka Lake Coeur d’Alene) with the Pirates of the Coeur d’Alenes Monday night and had a great time. The local actors in the roles of Captain Calico Jack (Alex Carey), Mad Molly (Trigger Weddle), Ignacia (Jessi Little) and Paisley Percival (Cory Williamson) put on a show that delighted people of all ages. Info on cruise times and days at 765-4000 or HERE. Pictured, Ignacia and Captain Calico Jack with the ruby treasure.

Paddles away

2011-06-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Paddleboarders all in a row on Lake Coeur d'Alene, across from the city beach. Come Sunday thousands of Ironman competitors will start their journey there.

Lawn Mower Drags

2011-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

A fun Father's Day tradition takes place on Maine Street (yes, as in the state) in Spirit Lake every year. It's a small town celebration of horse power and testosterone. If you've never been, you're missing out on a decidedly North Idaho experience. Time trials start at 11 a.m. and the event runs until 4 p.m. More info HERE.

Nice ride!

2011-06-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

A featured car at the Car d'Lane show on Saturday is a 1939 Cadillac LaSalle “C-Hawke” concept convertible. I saw the car on June 4 during the Post Falls Days car show and visited with the proud owner ... recently retired Kootenai County Undersheriff Tad Leach. Looks like Tad will have plenty to keep him occupied in retirement.

O'er the Land of the Free ...

2011-06-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

On Flag Day the Submarine Veterans of Farragut posted new flags over the Idaho Department of Labor building in Post Falls, joining American Legion Post 143 in the ceremonies. IDL staffer Andrea Rue, on right, sang the National Anthem, beautifully.

That's what friends are for ...

2011-06-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Jake Medlock, center, is a hometown guy. He and his wife, Nicole, were dealt a blow when their 2-year-old daughter, Sophie was diagnosed with leukemia in May. As the medical bills mount so does the support from the Post Falls community. On Monday, Pizza Hut came onboard with a special promotion with 20% of sales for the day going to the Sophie Medlock fund. Estimations are that the day's sales are double an average Monday for the restaurant. Pizza Hut was filled with friends and neighbors, including Kelly and Shauna Moore and Amber and John Blanchette.

AAH CHOO!

2011-06-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year and for allergy sufferers, it's not fun. At White Pine Park in Post Falls the basketball courts are awash with pollen. Weather.com has a link for tracking the pollen levels in our communities HERE.

Fair Food

2011-06-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

There's still several weeks until the North Idaho Fair rolls around but here's a sneak peek at one of the new menu items for 2011. Ekness Catering, a perennial fair favorite food booth, debuted a fried bologna sandwich at Post Falls Days. Nice compliment to their North Idaho Beer Balls. So you can add this to the list of things to try, along with deep fried twinkies & meatballs, elephant ears and the like.

People Watching Pooches

2011-06-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

This pair of retrievers enjoyed a great view of the people coming to Q'emiln Park for the final day of Post Falls Days on Sunday.

Sunday Mystery

2011-06-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon we saw a banner being towed through the skies over Post Falls, towards Coeur d'Alene. I imagined it carried a fun message, like a wedding proposal. Took a photo and when enlarged was disappointed to find it was just the GEICO gecko.

Feat of Strength

2011-06-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

William Dean, Kylee Krahenbuhl, Adam Durflinger and Jamie Helm, members of the Spokane Shock's new stunt team, get in some practice on Saturday in Post Falls. On the Rathdrum Prairie the quartet were silouetted in the sunset.

Remembering

2011-05-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

At Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, Nick Farina
of the Young Marines of North Idaho rang the
bell as the name of each veteran who passed away this year
was read.

Memorial Day dawned sunny and warm with ceremonies throughout the county well-attended. I attended three ... at the Third St. Bell with VFW Post 889, at Evergreen Cemetery with American Legion Post 143 and at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens with the Marine Corps League, Pappy Boyington Detachment 966. There's an album of photos HERE that celebrate the people and patriotism of our communites. Sincere thank you to the veterans who volunteer to organize and participate in the ceremonies that educate and remind us all of their contributions.

Soggy weekend on tap

2011-05-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

The waters of Coeur d'Alene Lake and rivers in north Idaho have been on the rise, as evidenced by this photograph on Blackwell Island near the Cedars Floating Restaurant shows. A story about the flooding HERE from the Coeur d'Alene Press and an album of photographs I took in the Coeur d'Alene area on Thursday evening HERE.

Where's the Beach?

2011-05-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

The visual of the flooding up river from Lake Coeur d'Alene is apparent with this Monday morning view of city beach. The water is nearly to the lifeguard stands with debris washing ashore. The several steps at Independence Point are mostly submerged.

Until They All Come Home

2011-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

When the package of bracelets arrived on my doorstep in 2009,
I was overcome with the emotion of seeing the names of real
soldiers, real families who still waited and the reality of their
lives on hold ... until their sons, brothers, husbands
would finally come home.
Photo: Kerri Thoreson

In 2009 Main Street readers supported the National League of POW/MIA Families by ordering the iconic silver bracelets which debuted in 1970. Paul Coy of Post Falls contacted me then about replacing one he'd worn for decades that bore the name of Sgt. Donnie Shue. Sgt. Shue had been missing in combat in Vietnam since 1969.
Sgt. Shue came home on April 29, 2011. His story is in this week's Main Street HERE.

All Elections are Special

2011-05-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today a "special" election is being held for highway district commissioners and school board trustees. With new election consolidation laws in effect the process is slightly different than in years past. Citizens will vote at their regular polling precincts but not all will have elections in their specific zone or district. The Kootenai County election website HERE can answer your questions on candidates and polling places. To talk to an election staffer call 446-1651.
VOTE!

The End of Innocence

2011-05-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

One year after the murders, this modest Wolf Lodge home belied the
horror that was visited about the family who lived there. It's since
been torn down.

It was six years ago today that the Groene and McKenzie families, and our community, discovered that pure evil exists. With the murder of Brenda Groene, her middle school-age son, Slade and finance` Mark McKenzie and the kidnapping of her two youngest children, Dylan and Shasta, our collective hearts were broken. The rejoicing for Shasta's return was tempered by the discovery of her brother's body. Unimaginable. For the column I wrote back in 2005, click HERE.

Love Birds

2011-05-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Elmer Currie takes his sweetheart of seven decades for a twirl on the dance floor at the Lake City Senior Center on Saturday. Elmer and Bernie mark their 70th wedding anniversary today. More about their celebration in Main Street HERE.

Main Street Birthday Club

2011-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Add your birthday to the Main Street Birthday Club at the link HERE. I'll include your birthday in the Coeur d'Alene Press Main Street on Wednesdays and daily on KVNI AM1080!

Sunshine on the way

2011-05-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a wet spring in North Idaho but on Monday evening on I-90 westbound into Post Falls, the sun broke through the clouds while raindrops fell. Sunshine is in our future for a few days at least.

Celebrating Youth!

2011-05-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Emily Danforth received recognition on Thursday evening for writing a grant for an anti-smoking campaign which she's presented to a number of groups. Congratulations to Emily and all of the incredible young people in our community.
A list of Mayor's Youth Awards recipients in the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Close Shave at the County

2011-05-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kootenai County Assessor Mike McDowell and Residential Appraiser Manager Darin Krier (both pictured) took one for the team Tuesday morning, following through with the pledge to shave their heads, mustaches and beard if $1,500 was raised for a good cause. When Gary Logsdon took an early retirement as a residential appraiser due to a medical condition, with months until disability pay kicks in, his friends and co-workers set out to raise some financial cushion for him. McDowell and Krier raised $1,600 and earlier this month, Deputy Assessor Rich Houser raised $1,045 and received a buzz cut.

Main Street column from Coeur d'Alene Press HERE. More photos from the head shaving festivities HERE.

Finally!

2011-04-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Before noon on April 24, Easter Sunday, we finally saw temperatures above the 60 degree mark! 2011 has been record-setting in the latest day in April that the temperature cracked 60.

Wordless Weather Report

2011-04-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

On this 21st day of April, no words are needed to describe the weather ...

Undersheriff's Last Day Prank

2011-04-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Longtime Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson is a legendary prankster so retiring Undersheriff Tad Leach planned a payback for his last day. Tad (on right) arranged to have a forklift place Rocky's Durango on top of two ammo bunkers in the Sheriff's Dept. yard on Wednesday afternoon. Rocky was a good sport and applauded the prank. The last prank he played on Tad? Shrinkwrapping the Undersheriff's desk ...

Buzz Cut

2011-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Kootenai County's Chief Deputy Assessor Rich Houser (left) was shorn for a friend on Tuesday morning. Longtime county appraiser Gary Logsdon has taken an early retirement for health reasons and Rich inspired county staffers to contribute to a going away fund for Logsdon, to the tune of over $1,000! Read this week's Main Street column HERE for more of the story and to discover who else in the Assessor's office is likely to be sporting a buzz cut in the coming days ....

April Showers

2011-04-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

In the course of an hour on Monday there was snow, hail, thunder and lightning. Then the sun came out and within minutes the accumulation on the roof melted, sending a stream of rainwater down from the gutters to the rain chain. Only in North Idaho!

Chilly Dash

2011-04-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Runners await the start of the Spring Dash at McEuen Field on Sunday morning. Temperatures were at the freezing mark, which didn't deter over 1,400 participants. Winners of the Team Challenge Spirit Cup were the Red Hot Mamas and Garwood Elementary School won Silverwood passes for all 29 team members for the School Challenge. The annual event benefits the programs of United Way of Kootenai County.
Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem, Post Falls City Councilor Kerri Thoreson and UI Women's Soccer Head Coach Peter Showler judged the Team Challenge Cup competition.

Art Manley Award

2011-04-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Jerry and Diane Shriner were congratulated by former Vermont governor Howard Dean upon receiving the prestigious Art Manley Award at the annual North Idaho Democracy Luncheon. The Shriners were recognized for their service to the Democrat Party in Kootenai County. The event took place at the Coeur d'Alene Casino on Saturday with Dean as the keynote speaker.

Across the Pond

2011-04-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote about my recent adventure to London with my daughter Sarah in the last Main Street column in the Coeur d'Alene Press. An album of photos from our travels ...HERE.

Spring has sprung

2011-04-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Buttercups make their first appearance of the season along the Centennial Trail.

Top dogs and their people

2011-03-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Post Falls Police Department's inaugural Leashes and Laces Fun Run on Sunday at the Greyhound Park drew over 140 runners, many with their 4-legged companions. The crowd also enjoyed Koda's K-9 demo with Officer Frank Bowne and Officer Jason Hunt. Photos from the event HERE.

The Art of the Interview

2011-03-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Post Falls High School senior Alyssa Scalise is interviewed about her career choice during the Reverse Job Fair on Wednesday. The Post Falls Chamber-sponsored event brings together high school students with members of the business community to provide practical experience in the art of the interview. Over $5,000 in scholarships were presented to the winning interviewees. See more about the event with photos and the names of the scholarship recipients HERE.

Frosty Buns

2011-03-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the first day of Spring on Sunday, over 500 motorcyclists took their first ride of the year for the annual Frosty Buns Run. The procession made quite a sight on Sherman Avenue just after noon. The group started at Roadhouse Cycles in Post Falls, through Coeur d'Alene to Rathdrum and Athol. A little stinging rain and sleet was described as "invigorating" by a rider. :)

Only 7898 kilometers from here

2011-03-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

In the market place in front of the Herborn, Germany Mayorhouse a new distance sign featuring Post Falls has been added. Herborn is Post Falls' Associate City and the birthplace of town founder Frederick Post.
Erwin and Kathi Gabriel of Herborn shared this photograph.

National Champs!

2011-03-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Lady Cardinals from North Idaho College brought home the first-ever National Champion for women's basketball this weekend. On Sunday the team and coaches were met by a large, enthusiastic group of friends, fans and family to welcome them home. More photos from the homecoming HERE.

Autographed memory

2011-03-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

An autographed poster from the original Grease! movie, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, was the door prize at Saturday night's Grease Sing-A-Long event at North Idaho College. Over 1,000 people, many in costume, enjoyed the sing-a-long and an appearance by Ellen Travolta.
The proceeds benefit the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater.

Birthday Boy

2011-03-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin was feted on the occassion of his 75th birthday on Friday with a reception at City Hall. A beautiful engraved knife from Buck Knives' own Chuck Buck was presented to the mayor.

Rainy days

2011-03-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

The forecasts call for rain and then some more rain. But our weather glass is half full when the promise of green grass can be seen now that the snow has melted.

Sweet Slumber

2011-03-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Chris LaVoie had an idea for a new product and took it from an idea to reality, all locally. His Slumber Mitt travel pillow is just about the most comfortable I've experienced.
Read more about Chris and his invention in Main Street HERE.

St. Thomas Centennial Celebration

2011-03-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

The steeple of St. Thomas Church in Coeur d'Alene as viewed from Tubbs Hill.

On Sunday, March 6, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, on 9th and Indiana Ave., will commemorate the first Mass service which was held at the church on March 5, 1911. The iconic parish was established in 1890, the same year as Idaho's statehood. Coeur d'Alene's first Catholic school was started in 1903 and closed in 1971. Following the mass service this Sunday a brunch will be held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, with speakers including Ellen Jaegar and former Coeur d'Alene mayors, Don Johnston and John McHugh sharing their memories of St. Thomas Church.

Robins react to snow

2011-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

The flock of robins returned to my yard on the first day of March. They've gone from bewilderment at the snowfall to cranky. Kind of like the rest of us. :)

February's final act

2011-02-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

The last day of February is a vision of white caps on Lake Coeur d'Alene as high winds whip the falling snow near the boardwalk on the north shore. There seems to be little chance that March will come in like a lamb tomorrow.

RIP Senator McClure

2011-02-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

Jim McClure served Idaho for 24 years in Congress and the US Senate. He passed away over the weekend at age 86. In September 2008, he was a guest at the Women in Red Luncheon where we enjoyed a brief visit as he signed copies of his latest book. What a gentleman and a true public servant.
Associated Press story HERE.

Brrrrrr.

2011-02-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is my view on Friday morning. North Idaho is waking up to single digit temps. Weather story from the Press HERE.

Robins of Winter

2011-02-24T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Arctic chill and accompanying snow storm brought about 20 robins to seek shelter in the trees and shrubs around our Post Falls home on Thursday. The sight of the birds made me wistful for springtime. More photos of our red-breasted visitors HERE.

Cheer for North Idaho!

2011-02-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

The North Idaho College Cheerleading Squad performed during halftime of the Post Falls/Lake City boys basketball tournament in The Arena at Post Falls.
The high-flying talented team heads off to California for the National Cheer Competition this weekend. Go Cardinals!

Viking Wrestler Not Pinned by Injury

2011-02-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

E.G. Lunceford gives a thumbs up from his KMC hospital bed, with fellow CHS wrestlers Drew Moreno, Johnny Peregrina, Colin Comack, Jake Graham, Garret Demers, and Steve Price by his side. *Photo courtesy of Bob Siegwarth

Coeur d'Alene High School wrestler, E.G. Lunceford suffered a broken neck during a match over the weekend. Story HERE from this week's Main Street column.

Sweet Start to Valentine's Day

2011-02-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association's annual Chocolate Walk on Friday night was a sell-out success! Had a great time with fellow judges Susan DuBois and Marilee Wallace. Photos HERE.

Lion of the Year

2011-02-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

Post Falls Lions President Paul Wagner (on left) presented Bert Thoreson with the 2010 Lion of the Year Award.
For me, Bert's Husband of the Year every year!

Groundhog Day, Idaho style

2011-02-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Marty Marmot, Punxsutawney Phil's Idaho cousin, didn't see his shadow today so it looks like an early spring!

Cold's coming

2011-01-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

Blue skies were visible beyond Hauser Lake on Sunday as the temperatures began to drop. Looks like February could see a return to winter.

Teacher Tribute

2011-01-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

On Saturday seniors on the Post Falls Trojan varsity basketball team honored a teacher who's had the biggest impact on them during their high school years. Pictured left to right: Damon Gonzales, Stephanie Zoldak, Kyle English, Rebecca Hasz, Connor Hill, Jessica Ohman, Matt Lickfold and Ann Rosenbaum.

Top Donor

2011-01-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

Rich Anstine set an impressive record with his 300th donation of platelets at the Inland Northwest Blood Center in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday afternoon. Rich's story is in this week's Main Street column HERE. And for more photos of the occassion, click the link HERE.

Handy Man

2011-01-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

In front of Albertson's at Ironwood, a man sought shelter from the rain. I was intrigued by his mode of transportation ... a bicycle and two tagalong trailers filled to the brim. In chatting, Nathaniel said he rides around looking for odd jobs and this time of year he comes prepared with a snow shovel and a cell phone ... 208-304-3871.

Off roading

2011-01-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

When the snows came on Wednesday it made for slippery conditions. This Lakeland school bus ended up in the swale in front of Post Falls High School midday. No one was injured in the slide off. But when the rains came overnight and the roads became a sheet of ice, school in Lakeland, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene was cancelled for the day.

In the bag

2011-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Koda, the Post Falls Police Department's K9 "officer" provided a drug sniffing demonstration during the River City Leadership Academy's public safety Discovery Day on Wednesday. Koda's handler, Officer Frank Bowne, planted decoy drugs in one of several purses. It didn't take long for Koda to alert to the right purse.

The Apprentice and Me

2011-01-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Back in December I had the pleasure of meeting Clint Robertson, who'd just been seen by millions during Season 10 of Donald Trump's The Apprentice. This week Clint joined me in the KVNI studios for an interview that will air on Monday, January 10 at 7 a.m.
Clint and Sandy Robertson have lived in Post Falls for the past year and are counting their blessings as well as the job offers that are coming in droves since Clint finished in the final two of the reality show.
Clint will be the keynote speaker at the Post Falls Chamber's annual recognition banquet on January 27 if you'd like to meet him, too!
I'll share some fun "Clint" stories in my Main Street column on Wed., Jan. 12.

Main Street January 5, 2011

2011-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

This week's Main Street print column ... HERE.

Winter falls

2011-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Water rushing over the Post Falls Dam was far warmer than the single-digit air temps, creating a steamy mist and coating the canyon walls with ice. Combined with the late afternoon sun, the view from the overlook platform at Falls Park was sensational.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

For decades adverturous souls have celebrated the first day of the new year by plunging into Lake Coeur d'Alene at Sanders Beach. Robert Cliff makes quite a splash at the stroke of noon. It was sunny and cold on January 1, 2011 but air temperatures around 15 degrees and water temps just above freezing didn't keep several hundred people from taking the plunge. Photos of the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge HERE.

Farewell 2010!

2010-12-31T10:37:00.000-08:00

The beautiful 25' wide wreath that each year adorns the side of the Coeur d'Alene Resort is hand-crafted by Connie O'Neal of Hauser Lake. As we say goodbye to another year, we remember the great things that have come our way and look forward to the promise of a new beginning.

2011 Birthdays

2010-12-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to add your birthday to the Main Street Birthday Club for 2011! Click on the photo of the cake/balloons at the top right side of this page and you'll find the link.

A Christmas Eve Journey

2010-12-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Wishing Main Street readers and listeners the merriest of Christmases.
You all bless my life in so many ways.

The audio version of my traditional Christmas Eve column is HERE.

Cake Mix Cookies

2010-12-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

This holiday season my baking has been very limited because I've made some lifestyle/diet changes. But sometimes you need to break out a platter of Christmas cookies for guests. Simple recipe I've been using for years, especially when my daughters were in school is this Cake Mix Cookie trick.
Use one box of any flavor cake mix and combine with 2 eggs and 1/3 cup oil. Stir until it turns to dough texture. Shape into 2-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a sugared drinking glass. Bake 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Can be frosted or not. Your choice. The cookies shown here I made with Red Velvet flavor cake mix for a festive look.

Sunny snow

2010-12-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

A late afternoon sunbreak illuminates the snow-covered peak of Rathdrum Mountain. At nearly 5,000 ft. elevation, the mountain stands sentry over the farmland on the north side of the Rathdrum Prairie.

Pile driver

2010-12-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

A worker helps position a log piling for the pile driving crane. The new pilings were installed at the Independence Point public dock on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Thursday morning.

Traffic

2010-12-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday evening, westbound commuter traffic on I-90 was backed up for hours and miles through Post Falls following a fatal accident.
Story HERE.

Lake Tower panorama

2010-12-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Don Sausser shared another fabulous view from his penthouse apartment overlooking the Coeur d'Alene Resort and Lake Coeur d'Alene. Thanks Don!

Eagles are here!

2010-12-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

The North Idaho winter version of stopping to smell the roses is watching the bald eagles during their several week migration that brings them to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This year the eagles are slower to arrive but by Christmas there should be anywhere from 80 to 100 or so making their visit. Viewing tip for families is to drive out Lake Coeur d'Alene Drive to Higgin's Point. Along the way keep your eyes open to the trees alongside the road (this photo of a young eagle was taken from my car on the side of the road) and you'll often see clusters of people with their cameras pointed in the direction of a sighted bird. At Higgin's Point there's a large parking lot, trails and an information kiosk. Very family friendly. The eagles are most active first thing in the morning and just before dusk, although I've seen eagles feeding mid-day. Just like fishing, patience is a good trait, some days you'll see dozens of eagles and others maybe just a few. But even one bald eagle soaring majestically and swooping down to catch a fish is something not everyone will ever get to experience! A photo album from my Sunday morning hour out at Higgin's Point is HERE.

Jammie Time!

2010-12-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

The River City Leadership Academy Class of 2011 hosted a holiday Pajama Party on Dec. 3 to benefit the Post Falls Police Department's OASIS program. Donated pajamas will be given to children who are being sheltered due to domestic violence. RCLA members pictured (l-r) Pat Knight, Cindy Jordan, Anne Hagman, Shelly Enderud, Nellie Armstrong, Jame` Davis, Tami Martinez and Sherry Wallis.

Morning has broken ...

2010-12-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

The morning sun breaking through the clouds illuminates the surface fog on the water along the Centennial Trail on Lake Coeur d'Alene Drive.

Death Spiral

2010-12-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

When over 100 bald eagles come to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene this month on their annual migration south, this is what will keep them here. Kokanee salmon spawn in huge numbers before dying. It's during their last thoes, that the spiraling movement attracts the attention of eagles. By the first week of January the supply of salmon decreases and the eagles head south. I shot this photograph at Higgen's Point on Friday morning.

Scooping snow

2010-12-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Record snowfall in November became a slushy mess on local roads the first two days of December. But the respite from snow gave Coeur d'Alene city crews a chance to remove the berms from Sherman Avenue on Friday. Here the trucks make their way east at 9th Street.

Lighting up the weekend!

2010-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Holiday D'Lites Parade

Friday is WinterFest in Post Falls with a tree lighting, caroles, cider & cookies and a visit from Santa. 6-8 p.m. in the City Hall rotunda. Mid-Town Coeur d'Alene businesses will light up 4th Street, between Indiana and Foster Aveue, in unison at 6 p.m. on Friday night to kick off the season.

Two big small town celebrations on Saturday. Hayden's 5th annual Holiday Tree Lighting starts with the lighted parade at 5 p.m. on Government Way from Hayden Avenue to Honeysuckle. The tree lighting follows at Hayden City Park. Rathdrum's Holiday D'Lites runs from 2 to 6 p.m. with family activities taking place on Main Street and a lighted parade to top off the celebration.

Let it snow!

2010-12-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, over 33 inches of snow had fallen for the month, besting 1973's record of 31.6 inches.
While it was definately a white Thanksgiving, the jury's out on whether this will guarantee a white Christmas. But the ski resorts are singing a happy tune for sure!
November weather story HERE. A visual of my patio with snowfall from November 23 through 30, 2010, HERE.

This week's Main Street

2010-12-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

in print in the Coeur d'Alene Press 12/1/10 HERE.

The Magic of the Festival

2010-11-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

Cousins Ava Yates and Libby Morrisroe peer into a "chicken coop" playhouse with real chicks under warming lights at the Festival of Trees. Story about this years festival HERE.

Saturday sledding

2010-11-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

Big snowflakes were falling as kids took to the Boyd Avenue sledding hill in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday. Read about the November snow record and predictions HERE.

Brrrrrrr

2010-11-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Gulls fly over the foggy lake at Independence Point in Coeur d'Alene on Wednesday morning. Arctic cold overnight temperatures reached double-digits below zero. The bitter cold is expected to last through Thanksgiving weekend in North Idaho. Weather story from Press HERE.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

2010-11-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Coeur d'Alene is dressed for the holiday in snow and lights. The official kick-off begins the day after Thanksgiving with the Holiday in Lights Parade and the official lighting ceremony at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, which includes the biggest and best fireworks show of the year! Press story HERE.

There goes Hilde ...

2010-11-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

In November 2009 Hilde attended the dedication of her namesake park in Post Falls.

Hilde and I were members of a very special club, in fact, the only two members. We shared the dubious distinction of being the only two women who have ever run for the office of Post Falls mayor, both being roundly defeated. It was a little shared inside joke ... our special club that had no meetings or bylaws or dues. Hilde's sometimes gruff demeanor belied a big heart for the community she loved. Ms. Kellogg made an impact in Post Falls and the Idaho legislature through the years, blazing trails in this community that made the journey possible for those of us who’ve come after. The quality of life we all enjoy is due in no small part to those citizens who served in the 1970s and 1980s and had the vision of what Post Falls could and would become. Hilde left the world a better place for having lived a wonderful life of service.

Rest in Peace ... Hilde Kellogg ~ Oct. 17, 1918 to Nov. 22, 2010

A Flash of Fur

2010-11-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

When I let Annie out to play in the backyard snow on Monday she had no interest in posing for a photo. It was more fun for her to race around the yard in and under the snow.

Good neighbor

2010-11-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Winter weather might bring out the worst in drivers but it definately brings out the best in neighbors. Our Powderhorn St. neighbor, Harley Bush, is always at the ready to remove my driveway berm after the city snowplows clear the street.

Cross country cross walk

2010-11-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

On the first snowy day of the season a young woman finds the best way to get around downtown Coeur d'Alene is via a pair of cross-country skis.

Loading Leaves

2010-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

The dance of the front-end loaders during Coeur d'Alene's Leaf Fest was enhanced on Tuesday morning following an overnight storm with high winds. Even more leaves were blown from the trees, just in time to be scooped up on city streets.

Symbolic sunset

2010-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Idaho Veneer's log yard is silhouetted by the setting sun in Post Falls. The 57-year-old business is the last vestige of the community's mill town beginnings.

Their ship came in ...

2010-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Just got off the phone with Dr. Cyndie Hammond after she texted me about an hour ago. Seems Cyndie and Senator Jim Hammond have had quite an adventure this week as two of 4,500 passengers stranded aboard the Carnival Splendor. Cyndie tells me that they had about 12 hours of their cruise underway when the ship lost power about 200 miles south of San Diego on the way to the Mexican Rivera on Sunday.
She and Jim were in a cab on the way to a hotel about noon when we spoke. The pair seemed giddy with delight to be on dry land, although Cyndie had to laugh about the traffic ... "It's Veterans Day in a military town and we're stuck in a parade." She said she's never seen as many television satellite trucks as there were when the passengers debarked, finally, in San Diego. After a week with no hot meals I asked what she and Jim were going to have for lunch and she said pizza, but Jim quickly stated his preference ... a steak! They agreed that a hot shower took priority over lunch.
Cyndie said the cruise line has been wonderful and praised the cruise director. She was grateful their cabin had a window and wasn't one of the inside cabins, at least there was a view. The Hammonds will stay in San Diego for two days, courtesy of Carnival, before heading home. For their troubles this week the passengers will receive full reimbursement for expenses as well as tickets for another Carnival cruise. Cyndie said they'll take some time before deciding which cruise to take again.

For all who served

2010-11-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day is the time to honor the citizens throughout our nation's history who have selflessly served to protect our freedom.
10 a.m.: Program at Hayden City Hall Veterans Park
11 a.m.: Program at the Warrior Veterans Memorial (pictured), trailhead of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, Plummer with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe
11 a.m.: Third Street Bell program at the Third Street docks Veterans Park in Coeur d'Alene.

At most area cemeteries the gravesites of veterans are marked by flags. Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on north Government Way is displaying the gravesite flags as well as the moving Avenue of Flags. The dozens of full size flags are loaned by the families of late veterans, after having draped the caskets of their loved ones. Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 of the Marine Corps League oversees the flag displays at the site.

Breaking Records with Betty!

2010-11-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

When I interviewed Betty Owens today on the eve of her 103rd birthday, she officially became the oldest guest ever on KVNI. She's the most senior member of Main Street Birthday Club and made her first-ever appearance on live radio. She's a great gal and has a great friend in Don Sausser, who accompanied her to the studios this morning. This photo by Don Sausser, additional photos from Betty's radio debut HERE.

Shopping Cart Dash

2010-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Relish Cooking Expo supermarket dash was a lot of fun on Tuesday morning at Super 1 Foods in Post Falls. Jeff Conroy-St. Vincent dePaul, Al Williams-NIC, (with famous television chef Jon Ashton,) KCSD Major Ben Wolfinger and I competed to see who could locate all of the ingredients for different recipes first. Ben, who does a lot of cooking evidently, beat us by a mile. I prefer to think of Jeff, Al and I ending up in a three-way tie for second place. I found it difficult to just grab products off the shelf without comparing prices!
The North Idaho Relish Cooking Expo will take place on December 2 at the Greyhound Park Events Center. More photos from the Supermarket Dash HERE. Story from the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Leaf Fest!

2010-11-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 8 marks the start of the city of Coeur d'Alene's annual leaf pick-up program. Some tips to help with the process: • Rake leaves and pine needles about one foot away from the gutter or curb line to allow for water drainage. • Don't bag the leaves or mix branches or other debris in the piles. • Crews and equipment are limited, so leaves will be picked up only once. Please don't put leaves in the street after city crews have completed your area. Do not include bagged leaves, branches, rubble, or refuse.
Due to weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and unforeseen circumstances, city crews are unable to provide a precise schedule of when leaf pick-up will take place. Pick-up will start south of Sherman Avenue and move north. Completion is expected by Wednesday, Nov. 24.
*I took this photo in November 2009. It's fun to watch the crews make short work of tons of leaves on the streets!

The latest fashion

2010-11-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Kootenai County Undersheriff Tad Leach and Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Wayne Longo surprised the audience at the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center's Fall Fashion Show by taking a uniformed turn on the runway. The annual event raises money for the NIVPC (formerly known as the Women's Center) and was held at the Coeur d'Alene Inn on Saturday.

Flag waving fall

2010-11-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

This beautiful sight greeted me a few blocks from my Post Falls polling place on election day. What's not to love about Old Glory and the stunning colors of our north Idaho autumn.

Madison in the morning

2010-11-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Madison Leonard of Hayden earned the title of Coeur d'Alene Jr. Miss, and went on to become Idaho's Jr. Miss. Last summer she wowed the judges in Mobile, Ala., to become America's Jr. Miss. I last saw Madison when she made her homecoming appearance in the Fourth of July parade before heading off to Pepperdine.

Madison is back home this week to support the delegates participating in the Idaho Jr. Miss Scholarship Program, Thursday through Saturday at North Idaho College. I enjoyed interviewing her this morning on KVNI, she's a real role model for young women.
This week's Main Street column from the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Where to go ...

2010-11-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Find your polling place and see results as they're posted after the polls close at 8 p.m. HERE.

Watch the results with your friends and neighbors this evening:
Republicans will be at GOP Headquarters, 411 W. Haycraft
Democrats are gathering at Cricket's in downtown Coeur d'Alene
Non-Partisan Election Night event with the Post Falls Community Volunteers at American Legion Post 143, Poleline & Syringa
Live local election night coverage:
cdapress.com
KVNI AM 1080 or kvni.com
Huckleberries spokesman.com

Election Day!

2010-11-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

We're all battle weary of election ads, robo-calls etc. but it's important to remember that there's an election that is dependant upon all of us to to do our part. What a privilege we have in this country to disagree and debate and cast a ballot without fear for our lives. Let's do our forefathers proud and show up at the polls. VOTE!

Million!

2010-10-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 29 the 1,000,000th knife in 2010 came off the production line in the Post Falls manufacturing plant of Buck Knives!
Coeur d'Alene Press business story HERE.

Iconic Outdoor Idaho

2010-10-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

This photograph I shot last week, just past Fernan Lake, received honorable mention for October from Idaho Public Television's Outdoor Idaho. Don't you just love where we live?