USPS seeing major increase in change of address fraud

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems announced Tuesday a major increase in change of address fraud has caught the attention of the United States Postal Service and federal lawmakers. According to the announcement, data shows that change of address fraud and other types of identity theft numbers are up 167% from 2021 to 2022. The announcement said that the United States Postal Inspector’s office stated that seniors are the most likely targets and lawmakers are now asking USPS to tighten the identity verification process.

Columbia Falls event celebrates recreation

The Flow to Snow Party is a fundraising and friend-raising event hosted in partnership with Logan Health, Flathead Avalanche, Flathead Rivers Alliance and the Montana Kayak Academy.

Liz Cheney to speak on democracy, rule of law at UM

MISSOULA – Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as the top Republican on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, will present the 2023 Mansfield Lecture at the University of Montana.

AARP ID. Kicks off Medicare Open Enrollment

For the state’s roughly 323,000 Medicare beneficiaries, October 15 is an important day. It is Medicare’s annual open-enrollment period and the only time of the year people can alter their plans. With many changes taking place in the program this year, Idahoans could find different options in price, coverage and plans.

Vigil will light up Idaho today

Event is in remembrance of students killed Nov. 13 in Moscow

A statewide candlelight vigil will take place today to honor the memory of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, all University of Idaho students who died Nov. 13.

Jamie Lynn Ekness, 54

Jamie Lynn (Balbi) Ekness, 54, of Post Falls, Idaho passed away November 30, 2022 with her family by her side. Jamie was born on February 9, 1968 in Butte, Montana to Dave and Jean (Morris) Balbi.

Marlyn Dale Bruninga, 71

On December 15, 2022, Marlyn Dale Bruninga took her final breath and stepped into her eternal life 71 years after taking her first breath on April 20, 1951 in Ogden, Utah.

Keith E. Wylie, 59

We lost our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, stepdad, papa, brother, and uncle Keith Eugene Wylie. He was born December 30, 1962 and passed away November 17, 2022.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeking mentors

Volunteers are needed to serve as a “Big” for youth “Littles” between the ages of 6 and 17.

Bonnie Stone, 97

Bonnie Stone passed away December 13, 2022 at home in Coeur d’Alene. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

James W. Long

James W. Long

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 25 years

OTHELLO - The 2023 theme of the annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival will be ‘Silver Anniversary, Celebrating Our Annual Visitors’ and will be held March 24-26. In the announcement made on Jan. 6 by the festival, online registration for the event opens on Feb. 6 and will be available on the website...

Michael 'Mike' Sonny Taylor, 87

Michael “Mike” Sonny Taylor, 87, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away November 18, 2022 at the Mountain Valley of Cascadia of Kellogg. He was born December 11, 1934 in Ellensburg, Washington; Mike was the son of Alman and Rose (Smith) Taylor.

Forest Christmas tree permits now available

The U.S. Forest Service is once again offering a way to create holiday memories and enjoy the National Forests while finding a Christmas tree for your home. Christmas tree cutting permits are available for purchase at offices across North Idaho or online through www.recreation.gov.

Florence Morrison, 92

Florence passed away peacefully November 14, 2022 surrounded with love, just days after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Brenna Fulks rejoins Mission West team

Brenna Fulks has rejoined Mission West Community Development Partners (previously Lake County Community Development Corporation) as its Community Focused Economic Development Director.

Hank Williams Jr. to headline UTBS next year

Under The Big Sky returns for the fourth time to Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish on July 14-16, 2023, presenting a diverse blend of the leading edge names in alternative and outlaw country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and rock music.

Mary K. Zimmerman

Mary K. Zimmerman

"Traditions of Christmas" celebrates 10 years at Kroc

Held from Dec. 9-22, with six matinee and eight evening shows, Co-Producer with TOCNW Productions Beth Taylor explains that Traditions of Christmas features a cast of 45 people and over 400 costumes.

Velma Ruth Farlin, 106

Velma passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Sept. 19, 2022.