Shared History

Old friends ... in this week's print Main Street is the story of shared history and a love story of the "Greatest Generation," HERE. Pictured are Pat Giesa, his wife Cheryl, daughter Elli and son John and Pat's darling granddaughter.

The Ides of March

On March 15, 1986 Bert and I said, "I do." So did Mike and Anna Pearce. Today we celebrate our 24th wedding anniversaries. Anna and I counting our blessings to have found a couple of really good guys.

A view from inside the parade

On Saturday, the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association sponsored the 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sherman Avenue. Here's an album of photos I took of spectators from the driver's seat of the Grand Marshal car and photos my husband took from the sidewalk. You just might see a photo of yourself HERE.

Crack of Early

My three days as an early morning radio host concluded today. What a great time I had on the air at KVNI this week. There's an album of photos of the people who appeared on the show or in the studios HERE. Special thanks to Kris Siebers who manned the control panel and kept me pointed in the right direction. Hope the listeners had as much fun as I did, now it's back to the print world!

The Past and the Future

Allen Hildebrant, center, was honored in Nampa by the Post Falls Trojan basketball team after their state championship win. Allen was a member of the back-to-back state championship Post Falls team back in 1963 & 1964, the last time the school had won the title. Quipped Allen this morning on KVNI ... not a single current player or coach had even been born when his Trojan team were the champions.

On the Air ...

Today's line up on KVNI/AM 1080 ... Marc Stewart- Cd'A Tribe, Austin Beal- Mr. CHS, Allen Hildebrant-PFHS '64 Championship team, Chelsea Rosenberger-NI Fair, and County Commissioner Rich Piazza. Photos of my guests in the studio HERE.

Main Street in print

This week's column in the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

KVNI morning show encore

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week I'm filling in again as the host of the KVNI/AM 1080 morning show. Getting up early ... very early to be on the air from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday guests are Jerome Pollos/Coeur d'Alene Press photographer, Don Smith and Barry Feeley from Medicine Man Pharmacy, Phil Cooper/Idaho Fish & Game, Pam Houser/President of the Post Falls Chamber and Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandy Bloem.
In the studio photos of Tuesday's guests HERE.

Glory Days

There's no doubt the players of the State Champion Post Falls Trojan basketball team will remember this experience for a lifetime. The celebratory caravan through town to the high school football field was everything only a small town could make happen in the 18 hours from the time the buzzer sounded in Nampa to the team bus arriving home. More pictures of the big homecoming HERE.

Parade of Champions!

State Champs Welcome Home Post Falls Trojans caravan/parade today in Post Falls. If you're anywhere along Seltice Way between Hwy. 41 and Spokane Street about 4 p.m. you can honk & wave at the team bus as it arrives back from Nampa. The caravan will turn north on Spokane Street to Poleline, then east to the high school football field for a welcome home rally for the community. Coeur d'Alene Press story HERE.

Cheering for the Champs

What are the odds that the Post Falls Trojan boys basketball team would be playing in the title game for the state championship on the same night that the 14th Annual Wine, Stein and Dine fundraiser for the Post Falls Education Foundation was taking place? Superintendant Jerry Keane, in Trojan orange, made sure that the game was live-streamed from Nampa to a big screen in the bleachers of the Greyhound Park. A group of die-hard Trojan fans spent most of the game right there during the event. When Post Falls won their first boys state championship in 46 years, there was much celebration. Among those cheering for the champs (l-r) Skip Hissong, former Supt. Dick Harris, Jan Harris, School Board Chair Donagene Turnbow (in second row) and Jerry Keane. Assistant Supt. Becky Ford isn't pictured but was in the front row cheering, too.

In like a lamb

March is arriving like a lamb this year ... like a lamb wearing sunglasses and driving with the top down as sunshine and temperatures nearing 60 degrees mark the day. I went into my March 2009 photo files and found what a difference a year makes. This photo of a sheep in a snow storm was taken on March 3 a year ago in Post Falls. While we can enjoy this week's unseasonable warm weather, I wouldn't take any bets on winter being over just yet.
Cliff Harris' Coeur d'Alene Press column HERE.

Easy Riders

If you saw more motorcyles than usual on the road today, it was the annual Frosty Buns Run. Several hundred cyclists headed out from Road House and Hot Rod Cafe in Post Falls at noon and traveled to Coeur d'Alene down Sherman Avenue to Chillers, then up to Hayden, over to Rathdrum and ended the day at Curley's in Hauser Lake.

Home of the Cougars

West Ridge Elementary School in Post Falls is the home of the Cougars. And now a 4' X 5' photo mosaic mural by X-Things, composed of 12,000 half inch square "cell photos", celebrates the mascot as well as the students. On Saturday morning school staff, PTO members and donors gathered to dedicate the mural. Ron Lahr, Co-President of the PTO, recognized Tribal Chairman Chief Allan for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's contribution and Rep. Bob Nonini for his efforts in the fundraising, which provided classroom technology. My contribution was through hundreds of photographs of local scenes and people and I was quite impressed with the "thank you" packet that included a handwritten thank-you note from student Cassandra Hostetler. For Principal Mandy Surratt and Supt. Jerry Keane it was a great day. Just one more example of the partnership of business, community and education in Post Falls. Coeur d'Alene Press story HERE.
*inset shows close up of the cougar's nose.

Craftsman needed

The Lake City Senior Center is in the midst of a great makeover project. The community has graciously responded with manpower and materials and even a beautiful piece of art from Art On The Green was donated. The plan is to display it prominently in an alcove area. They need someone to build a glass enclosure for it. The area is about 5'X5' and 2' deep.
If you'd like to assist in this project, call 667-4628 or cdaseniors@yahoo.com.

Record Breaking Winter

In 2007/08 and 2008/09 North Idaho posted record-breaking snowfall levels. This winter we've set a record on the opposite end of the spectrum ... lowest recorded snowfall. An overview of this winter's weather HERE. The photo of my snow-covered front porch wind spinner was taken 2/26/09.

Her idol ...

Tim Urban of Duncanville, Texas recently made the top 24 on Fox’s ninth season of American Idol. NIC student Gabrielle Lewis and the singer maintain a long-distance relationship since she and her family moved to North Idaho in 2008. Tim will appear on tonight's American Idol broadcast. *Tim and Gabrielle at Beauty Bay in December.

Main Street in Print

Print column from the Coeur d'Alene Press is HERE.

Donations for Haiti

Dr. Michael Ettner, an emergency department physician at Kootenai Medical Center, is spearheading a drive to collect crutches, walkers and canes for distribution to Haitians injured in the recent earthquake. Super 1 Foods stores will have collection areas where donations may be delivered.
Dr. Ettner and several other area medical professionals recently returned from treating Haitians who sustained broken bones, burns and crushing injuries in Haiti. In an e-mail from the tiny island nation, “Haiti has become a nation of amputees,” he said.
As soon as a load is collected, thedevices will be trucked free of charge to Miami where a Royal Caribbean cruise ship will ferry them at no cost to a working port in Haiti.

Rick, Rick and Rich

Rick Seward celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday with dozens of family and friends. He's pictured here with County Commissioners Rick Currie and Rich Piazza.

Topless in February

It's been an unordinary winter for us, that's for sure. After 20 years of driving a convertible as my primary transportation year 'round, I do believe that this is the first time I've had the top down this early in the year. Took a spin this afternoon in the sunshine with temps around 50 degrees. The only hint that it's still winter is the snow on Rathdrum Mountain in the background. At Q'emlin Park, Main Street reader Jim Sparr was also enjoying the weather and snapped this photographic proof that summer is a state of mind. *I confess I did have the heater on. :)

Silent Witnesses

The Class of 2010 River City Leadership Academy is working on Silent Witness silhouettes. Kimball Office provided thirty two particle board cut-outs and ACE Hardware donated the paint. The RCLA volunteers are working in the Post Falls Lions Club shop on the project this month. When completed the Post Falls Police Department OASIS program will display the Silent Witnesses to bring awareness to domestic violence. An album of photographs of the project HERE.

True Love

This week's Main Street print column tells the tale of Tracey Brown and Tyler Fouche` and a romantic proposal. Love is found where you least expect it. HERE.

Free Classes at NIC WFTC

Confronting Financial Fear and Worry
Telecommuting -Working from Home
How to Start a Home Based Business
How to Start an Internet Business
Teaching on the Internet
How to Earn a Living Freelancing
The Secret to Dealing With Overload
Women and Money-Taking Charge
These classes and several others are free to anyone currently collecting unemployment compensation. To prove current unemployment status, you must provide us with a copy of your latest UI pay stub dated within 30 days of your request.TO ENROLL 769-3333 or NIC Workforce Training Center HERE.

On to State!

Samuel Paul was named winner of the American Legion Area High School Oratorical contest at American Legion Post 143 on Monday night. Sam will represent Districts 1 and 2 at the state competition on February 27 in Boise. Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin and I were honored to serve as two of the judges. Sam will represent us all well at state!

Cheers!

The Senior Level 5 team from Spotlight Studios North Star in Hayden thrills the crowd during the Lilac City Regionals. Thirty-eight All Star teams from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Canada competed.
Here's how the Spotlight squads finished:
Mini L1- 2nd
Youth L1 – 1st and Grand Champs
Junior L1- 1st
Youth L2- 1st and Grand Champs
Junior L2- 1st
Senior Co-ed L2- 1st
Junior L3- 2nd-
Senior Co-ed L3- 1st
Senior Open L5- 1st and Grand Champs

Birthday Queen!

A special Valentine to Lenore Johnson of Post Falls who celebrated her 103rd birthday on Feb. 11!

Adventures in Living

The Great Idaho Getaway Project , produced by Idaho Tourism, is an adventure-based travel documentary of the ultimate Idaho family vacation. Check it out at the link and then start inviting all of your family and friends to come visit this summer!

Time to Play

Retired from the Worley Highway District after 32 years of service, Ken Zehm is looking forward to spending more time with his 2-year-old grandson Shawn—teaching him how to fish and ride four-wheelers. So upon Ken's retirement in December 2009, the crew at the county all chipped in to have this custom sign made for him.

Stellar Speakers

The American Legion District Oratorical contest was held on Monday at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls. Samuel Paul, representing Post 143, took first place and moves on to the Area Competition next week. Hannah Joy Coad, representing Post 14, received the silver medal for second place. Pictured (l-r) are Chuck Hoard-Post 143 Acting Commander, George Wolf-1st District Commander, Samuel Paul, Hannah Joy Coad and District Oratorical Contest Chairman David Sheridan.

Dance!

This week's Main Street

Print version from the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Along for the ride

The Kootenai Metropoliton Planning Organization has some great new numbers for Citylink ridership in January HERE. Do you ride the bus?

Ruth Sings Judy

Game Time

Matt Behringer stopped by Walmart in Post Falls on Saturday and came across a couple of former NFL players signing autographs and posing for photos ... Ron Fellows - Dallas Cowboys 1981 to 1986 and Dokie Williams -Oakland Raiders 1983 to 1987. Williams played in Super Bowl XVIII.

Watch the birdies!

The Great Backyard Bird Count starts this Friday, February 12, and continues through Monday, February 15. It's easy and fun to participate. Just watch birds for at least 15 minutes at any locaton on one or more days of the count and report the highest number of each species you see together at one tme. For more information and birding tips visit the GBBC website. I've participated the past four or five years and it's amazing the number of species that don't fly south for the winter, including robins. If you get some great photos of local birds, send them along to me and I'll post them here. Have fun!

Extreme Makeover

The ABC show is looking for a deserving Idaho family for their 8th season of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show. Deadline to enter is Feb. 12 so email your story to castingidaho@gmail.com right away. Maybe you'll hear the crowd shout "MOVE THAT BUS!"

The People's House

A few days in Boise this week provided an opportunity to visit the newly-renovated state capitol building. I also ran into quite a few local people doing business during this legislative session. See them HERE.

Three Cheers!

Adam Durflinger graduated from Post Falls High School in 2003, where he cheered for four years. His senior year, the squad placed first in the state championship. He went on to cheer at North Idaho College for two years before making the cheer team at Morehead State University - the winningest cheerleading program in NCAA history.
He has been an assistant coach of the senior team at Spotlight All-Star Cheer Studio in Hayden for two years and has also served as a technical judge at the local level for 7 years and has judged at the state level.
Last week he was selected by the Universal Cheer Association to coach summer camps in several states. Three cheers for Adam!

Main Street

This week's Main Street in print HERE. And here's a photo of Veda Ziegler performing karaoke ... read about her incredible adventure in the link above!

Corbin Park Vision

Rick Thomas and Post Falls Park and Recreation Commissioner Rich Noordam look over the preliminary plans for improvements to Corbin Park during a field trip to the park on Saturday.

Prom Royalty

Marietta Huff and Jim Lewis were voted Queen and King of the Prom at Legacy House Assisted Living on Thursday. Festivities included a scavenger hunt and a dance.

Familiar Face

In my travels this week I crossed paths with former Idaho Governor/former US Senator, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorn and Major Vaughn Ward at Ground Force Manufacturing in Post Falls.

Music is the main course

The Coeur d'Alene Youth Orchestra is holding a fundraiser Friday, January 29 at 7 p.m. at the Cd'A Charter Academy auditorium (off 95 & Kathleen). The Coeur d'Alene Youth Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, and Intermediate String Orchestra will be performing favorite pops and jazz standards while an assortment of desserts are served. $10 includes dessert and coffee.

This Week in Print

Today's Main Street column in the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Read more about the trio of basketball coaches pictured below, military academy nominations, what's happening at the Hot Rod Cafe and which birthday Ida Hawkins is celebrating!

Team Work

Post Falls Park & Rec coaches Chris Curlee, Josh Bartoo and Justin Curtis give their team of first and second graders a pep talk before their first game on Saturday.

Cane Fu ... who knew?

My friend Peggy Santos of Center Target Sports emailed this interesting info on a new class. "As seen on TV, Cane Fu is one of the fastest growing forms of self defense and fitness in the United States. People of all ages and fitness levels can gain tremendous advantage in difficult situations by knowing how to use the cane." I think this just might catch on with the cane-carrying crowd.

Dancing with the Trojans!

Congratulations the the Post Falls High School dance team for taking two trophies home from the Northwest Cheer and Dance Competition on Saturday. Teams from Post Falls, St. Maries, Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint competed in the dance category. The Trojan dancers took first in military style and second in dance. Back row left to right- Alexandra Sipe, Antigone Washington, Sidney Boyle front row (l-r) Britnee Davenport, Amanda Chapple, Meagan Hardy, Katie Sofaly and Meaghan Slaney.
Thanks to dance coach Tammy Roberts for the photo!

Main Street

This week's print Main Street column from the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE.

Crime Stats

Each quarter the Post Falls Police Department receives crime reports based on National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) information supplied by their Records Team. This report is compiled by the Idaho State Police using data provided by the Police Department.
Now the public can access these maps to see what has happened in their neighborhood HERE.

Baby Brothers

Last week’s Birthday Club included the line that Eden Irgens would receive her real birthday present later this week when her son was due to be born. Well, Andrew Russton Irgens (on right) decided that he was ready to make his appearance before his mom’s birthday and arrived Wednesday afternoon. His daddy, Casey and big sister, Riley were happy to welcome Andy, early arrival and all. The next day Jennifer and Mike Alexander added to their family with Jaden Vance (on left in his daddy's hand), who joined big sister, Reagan. Andy and Jaden are both handsome young men, sure to break a few hearts in the years to come.

How warm was it?

Just half-past noon on Monday, the Coldwell Banker sign on Seltice Way and Bay St. in Post Falls read 59 degrees. Blue skies and sunshine and balmy temps on January 18? This time last year we were just starting to get a little relief from the continual and record-breaking snowfall and still had nearly 60 inches of the white stuff on the ground!

Session Man

On Saturday afternoon at CJ's Family Tradition in Rathdrum, old timers took to the stage for a jam session during a fundraiser spaghetti feed for the late Jake Bronson. Danny Dauber on lead guitar did justice to Waylon and Willie and the boys ... and to his friend, Jake.

Celebrating in Post Falls

Governor Butch Otter congratulated Mary Schell at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet on Thursday. Mrs. Schell is a founding member of the Post Falls Historical Society and a 1940 graduate of Post Falls High School. The society was one of several award recipients of the evening. Press story is HERE. Photographs of the banquet HERE. Press editorial HERE.

Main Street

This week's print column in the Coeur d'Alene Press HERE. Read about the Post Falls Chamber banquet with the governor, why NOT to park in the old federal building parking lot in downtown Coeur d'Alene and where to have $5 spagehetti for a great cause on Saturday ...

Under Construction

from North Idaho College's Facebook page: Seiter Hall is closed for renovation. Offices and classrooms (including the Center for Educational Access) have been moved into portable buildings on the former DeArmond Mill property along River Avenue, which has been nicknamed “Seiter Village.” They will be at this location throughout the spring and summer of 2010 while Seiter is remodeled. Map HERE.

Showing up has its rewards

Jill Jurvelin and Debbie Nadeau (on the left and right) won the Attendance Reward for 2009 from the Kootenai Alliance for Children and Families. Kelly Sheffield and Tammy Rubino presented the Starbucks gift cards at the monthly KACF meeting.

Vikings!

The Coeur d’Alene Vikings won the Fight for the Fish on the basketball court and in the stands in the annual matchup with crosstown rivals from Lake City High School. The boys won 53-43 and the girls, 55-41. The trout trophy is awarded to the school with the most spirit during the games. CHS' Elmer Jordan Court held a capacity crowd for the event.

That's a Wrap ...

My three-hour career as a morning radio co-host was big fun. The incredibly early hour call time would be a hurdle in the long-term for sure. Enjoyed my time on KVNI with Kris Siebers, who's on the air afternoons at KHTQ/94.5 and pinch hitting this week on the AM station. We determined this morning that we'd set the bar low and try to achieve that but I think we did a good job considering we'd not met until about 10 minutes before air time. On Monday, the new morning team of Rick and Teresa Lukins can be heard from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on KVNI/AM 1080. Met them this morning after the show and Rick snapped this shot of Kris and me for More Main Street. Thanks Kris and welcome Rick and Teresa!

Bright and Early!

On Thursday, Jan. 7, I'll be sitting in the co-host seat on KVNI/AM1080 for the morning show. Should be an adventure in getting up and being verbal at the crack of really early for this night owl! :)

Incoming

Skip Hissong congratulates fellow Post Falls city councilor Betty Ann Henderson following her first council meeting on Tuesday night.

Boarding in North Idaho

Vicki Isakson displayed postcard perfect style on the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain on the last day of 2009. On New Years weekend she took a tumble into the deep powder at Lookout Pass. Not much snow in town but the area ski resorts are winter wonderlands.

Polar Bears Take The Plunge!

Several hundred enthusiastic and somewhat crazy revelors took the plunge into Lake Coeur d'Alene at Sanders Beach at the stroke of noon on New Years Day in the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Photos of the action HERE.
If you'd like to share a photo of you and your friends at the plunge email to mainstreet@cdapress.com and I'll add them to the album.