Calm before autumn storm

This holiday weekend breather is much more than a nod to the important role private-sector unions once played in America.

It's the last chance you've got to catch your breath before a dynamic autumn unfolds.

For most public school kids, the 2011-2012 academic year begins Tuesday.

One week from today, our nation will shelve its bitter differences for at least a few hours and unite in remembrance of 9/11/01.

And on Friday, an important deadline looms. That's when all city council and fire district candidates must file their paperwork in preparation for this fall's Nov. 8 elections.

Eight mayoral positions in Kootenai County are open: Hayden, Rathdrum, Athol, Dalton Gardens, Fernan Village, Hayden Lake, Huetter and Worley. Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem and Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin aren't on the hot seat this time around, but several of their cities' council members are. We anticipate some of the most rigorous and potentially contentious campaigning in some areas as voters sort out who best represents their beliefs on issues like employee pay raises, public projects and demonstrating overall managerial competence.

Fall also represents a fundraiser-intensive season for several great local nonprofits. The Press will help promote their important causes and ask you to vote with your checkbooks on the ones that matter most to you.

But this weekend is supposed to be about relaxation, not taxation. So get out with the kids and thrash about in the lake; ride the Centennial Trail or hike Tubbs Hill; play in the back yard and exercise your god-given right to barbecue to your stomach's delight.

Or don't. It's Labor Day weekend, so if you just want to stay planted on the couch, that sounds pretty good, too.