On Saturday morning, I joined a handful of spectators on a brisk day at Coeur d'Alene's City Beach to cheer on the Special Olympians who were plunging for a purpose. What fun it was. But then again I wasn't one who jumped into that cold water! Big shout outs to those who did, Brandon Clearwater, Jacob Watkins, Chad Schaff, Dennis Brinkman and Mark Soltman.

The Coeur d'Alene Chapter of Special Olympics raised $600 for their efforts.

Kudos to the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation. Their inaugural Cowboy Ball set for Friday sold out almost two weeks before the event. I see and attend a lot of events in the area and selling 500 advance tickets is a goal not often achieved.

The spring flooding is beginning and is likely to get a bit worse before it gets better but in the glass is half full vein, this is the optimum time to view the powerful beauty of the falls at the Post Falls Dam. With the gates wide open, it's an awesome sight from the accessible viewing platform at Falls Park, just off Spokane Street at 4th Avenue. Make it a point to enjoy the photogenic scenery.

Seems no one I know became a millionaire in the recent Mega Millions frenzy. The closest to being a big winner in my circles would be Mike O'Brien. He said he had the first four numbers right and just about keeled over while checking them. Mike ended up with $150, which is $152 more than we won with our two dollar investment.

Facebook LOL of the Week: Dustin Ainsworth on Tuesday - "If the birds outside my window this morning are telling the truth then I'm going to meet a fairy princess today."

Sincere thank you to those who voted in the North Idaho Business Journal's Best of North Idaho. Receiving Best Local Writer recognition is definitely a team award. Without so many incredible people doing wonderful things in our communities I wouldn't have all of the stories to tell in Main Street.

Happy Birthday today to Dennis Euler, Kathryn Eachon (84!), Laura Keck, Keith Hanlon, Marshall Meeks, Toni Hackwith, Pappy Butler, Ann Fox, Nancy Gurno and Nicholas Kane. On April 5 Sharon Stevenson, Kelli Hawkins, Sharon Wagner, Gail Osterson and John Negaard share the celebration. Friday birthdays belong to Caitlin Hodl, Tyler Bush and Jeff Cox. On Saturday Carrie Gridley, Toni Kirsch, James George, Melaine Collins, Mary Epstein and Eli Gonzales are all another year older. Sharing April 8 Easter Day birthdays are Amy Bartoo, Lee Periman (75!), Greg Prado, Kevin Kram, Veldon Lee, Pat Hughes and Shanna Riske. Starting the week by blowing out the candles will be Nicole Medlock, Marvin Erickson, Carol Graham, Tom Messina, Joan Nowoj-Phelps, Carol Graham, Caleb Peck, Zach Doty and Jodi McKenzie. On Tuesday wish a happy birthday to Patrick Jacobs, Sharon Finnerty, Sandra Borg, Nancy Benjamin, Dianna Scott and Kathryn Rosia (60!).

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI).