NEW THIS MORNING: Friday, Aug. 23

1. Library trustees cut music service, approve budget at Post Falls meeting 

The Community Library Network's $7.9 million fiscal year 2025 budget was unanimously approved by trustees Thursday evening following a few 11th-hour attempts to make changes.

Trustees also went into executive session and upon returning to the public meeting unanimously voted to end the network's hiring freeze. 

Trustee Tim Plass proposed reducing a 3% staff salary increase to 2.5% and creating a new line item in the budget for "staffing flexibility" or "library hour flexibility." Chair Rachelle Ottosen reminded him Interim Library Director Lindsey Miller-Escarfuller had explained in a previous discussion that change would be complicated. 

2. Rick Durbin announces candidacy for North Idaho College trustee Zone 3 

Rick Durbin, local business owner and graduate of North Idaho College, has announced his candidacy for North Idaho College trustee for Zone 3.  

Durbin said he is stepping forward to bring leadership and stability to the NIC board of trustees during a critical time for the college. 

“I’m passionate about education and have been considering running for the past year because of the ongoing turmoil within the board and the serious concerns about NIC’s accreditation,” he said in a press release. “The board needs strong leadership, focused on teamwork, serving students, faculty, and the community, to ensure that NIC’s legacy continues for years to come.” 

3. Wish comes true: After cancer diagnosis, Post Falls girl receives horse 

Kinsley, 8, of Post Falls, has always loved horses and dreamed of participating in 4-H with a horse of her own. She recently had a riding lesson with a horse named Tucker, not knowing that Make-A-Wish Idaho was working behind the scenes to make Tucker hers. 

"It really feels like the whole community was involved in this wish," said Janie Best, CEO and president of Make-A-Wish Idaho. "So many wonderful things happened."