Coeur d’Alene has a new newspaper in town. 

The writer, editor, designer and publisher of the “Downtown Bugle” is Henry Mark Suitter. 

It's not all fluff. In the first edition, a headline reads, "C.D.A. IMPACT: POPULATION."

"This small town is growing fast. Good or bad?" he wrote. "Well, more people are polluting for example, and too many people are driving cars."

Next up, he plans to tackle the “phony cougar sign” warning of a cougar sighting at Tubbs Hill. Like any good journalist, he’s skeptical and questions what he reads and hears. 

“I kind of want to write about that,” he said. “We don’t think it’s real. Anybody could have just printed that up.” 

Henry Suittor is just getting started as he delves into downtown Coeur d’Alene happenings. His reporting promises to be fair, accurate and honest. 

Henry Suittor is 9. 

The son of Jesse and Sarah Suitter launched the free Downtown Bugle a few weeks ago. It is delivered free to family, friends and neighbors, and is gaining distribution points. 

Starting a newspaper, he said, “seemed cool and I like to read books about newspaper. I like to read newspapers.” 

His parents, who bought him the new computer about a month ago he used to create the Downtown Bugle, are impressed. 

“I’ve been really proud of him,” Jesse Suitter said. “He's been working really hard on it.” 

Henry comes up with his story ideas and decides on the two-page layout. His parents act as advisers and proofreaders. 

The pages include photos and Fun Facts like, "Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son was married in Coeur d’Alene on Sept. 6, 2025.” 

There are jokes: “Q: Why was the pony sad?” A. He was a little horse.” 

He also offers tributes. 

“Let’s give a thank you to a couple that have served this community for decades; Norman and his wife. Norman, also known as the stick, marble, or seashell man hides seashells and marbles for kids and goes out of his way to do so. His wife has a big role; she picks up all kinds of garbage on Tubbs Hill, so let’s say thank you and be like them, not like the ones who litter.” 

And he does a little commentary:

"Gas or diesel-powered cars are leading to the greenhouse gas effect. If you drive an electric model don't think you're any better; electric models' batteries aren't nature friendly. More people, more cars. WARNING: do not use if not necessary."

This isn't all fun. It's a business. While the Downtown Bugle is advertising free, Henry is considering a change there.

“I might start getting some advertisers,” he said.

Henry, creative and independent at a young age, is a self-made boy.

He mows lawns, makes and sells cookies and bookmarks, and has even sold old toys. 

And now, he owns and operates a newspaper with a focus on downtown Coeur d'Alene that he hopes to publish weekly. 

His father believes if Henry’s venture proves successful, it would only benefit other publications like The Press.

“I think it’s going to promote newspapers all around, help the next resurgence of newspapers," he said. 

Henry would like to be a journalist, or a newspaper owner, when he grows up. 

“It’s a pretty good hobby,” he said. “I like to tell people stuff that I know. I like to share information.” 

Read all about it in the next Downtown Bugle.