Billing itself as "the telephone company of the past and the broadband company of the future," Frontier Communications is returning to its home of the past to use for the future at 2115 Government Way (just south of Interstate 90).

They have remodeled the eastern portion of the huge building (about 50,000 square feet) originally constructed for what the 85-year-old company used to be, GTE (General Telephone). GTE later became Verizon and moved to the building they're leaving on Mineral Drive (west of Highway 95 near Hayden). The Government Way building previously was leased by different companies, the most obvious being Empire Airlines.

Frontier's new space will have about 50 employees including the regional headquarters, sales, local operations and the main center for regional Internet traffic.

Chinook restaurant opens at Cd'A Casino

With the menu largely centering around the name, Chinook Steak, Pasta & Spirits restaurant has opened near the new south entry of the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort in Worley.

Highlighting foods of the region, the list includes Inland Northwest Salad, Northwest Elk Stew and wood-fired pizza. The casino now has eight dining establishments. Hours in the new restaurant begin at 5 p.m. The casino opened in 1993. Check www.cdacasino.com.

Appleway Barbershop now open

His old-fashioned barbershop-style haircuts include a straight razor cleanup around the ears and nape of the neck and a vibrating scalp massage for $13. This is with barber Channing at his new Appleway Barbershop at 634 W. Appleway (formerly Appleway Laundrymat).

Originally from Marysville, Wash., Channing graduated from cosmetology school in Spokane, came to North Idaho in 2008 and previously was with Papa's Barbershop. Hours at his new store are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Phone 819-8089.

Hang on for these Tidbits

- Rumors of Cracker Barrel restaurant coming here aren't valid, according to a company spokesperson in Lebanon, Tenn. The 43-year-old company has more than 600 stores in 42 states, with the closest being in Missoula (where most of the local rumors originate).

- The ground being scraped at 1225 Best Ave. is for a new building for Motion Auto Supply. Its original building, originally a small neighborhood grocery store, will be demolished. Motion Auto's home company of Federated Auto Parts has more than 4,000 stores nationwide. Local manager is Ray Theander. Phone 664-4343.

- It's about time to change the name of NIC's Tri-State High School Wrestling Tournament, which has had teams from four states for years.

- Speaking of high schools, it's about time for Lake City to change its Ramsey Road sign from daylight savings time.

- Speaking of time, this weekend Macy's in Silverlake Mall is open 65 straight hours. The main mall hallway will be cordoned from Macy's during the weird hours.

- Holiday hours, of course, are for more bucks. Avoid 0's when not needed for money ($5, not $5.00) and time (5 p.m., not 5:00 p.m.). Add the extra digits only when you need cents or minutes.

- The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

- Merry Christmas, faithful readers!

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at [email protected].