Tourism talk scheduled today

COEUR d'ALENE - Did you know that Idaho overnight visitors statewide spent more than $1.8 billion in 2008, and in Kootenai County alone, recreation and tourism employs nearly 14 percent of the work force.

To support this growing sector of the region's economy, University of Idaho, Coeur d'Alene is featuring experts with insights into business, marketing and leadership development within the industry. The next presentation will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. today at the UI Harbor Center, 1031 N. Academic Way.

Rick Steltenpohl, executive director of the Spokane Hoopfest, will be presenting on how he helped create a world-class tourist event in the Inland Northwest.

The Spokane Hoopfest which was started in 1990, now attracts more than 27,000 players annually from around the world to Spokane. Under the guidance of Steltenpohl, Hoopfest has become the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world and an event that has captivated this region.

This presentation is free to the public. Info: Paul Amador at pamador@uidaho.edu or 292-2536.

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Panhandle Health District offers extended hours

Panhandle Health District's Reproductive Health clinic in Hayden will extend its appointment hours to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, April 16. The office starts appointments at 8:15 a.m.

The two extra hours of appointments will enable people who are unable to schedule an office visit earlier than 4 p.m. to arrange an appointment in the early evening hours for reproductive health concerns such as birth control, sexually transmitted disease concerns, screenings for breast and cervical cancer and more.

"Our goal is to get people in for the services they need," says DeNene Banger, PHD's Family Planning program manager. "If that means extending our hours, then that's what we'll do."

PHD's Reproductive Health/Family Planning mission is to provide people with the medical and educational services they need to plan the size of their family and the spacing of their children. PHD's staff also provides physical exams, breast health information, pap smears, if needed, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, pregnancy tests, birth control and referrals for mammograms.

Most services are provided on a sliding fee scale.

For a Reproductive Health appointment or to ask about other PHD services, call (208) 415-5270.