'Community conversations' to tackle youth mental health crisis

'Breaking the Silence' issues a call to action

Across the nation, young people are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis — and the Coeur d’Alene community is not immune. In response, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber will host a vital Community Conversations event titled “Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Mental Health” on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, North Idaho College.

City looks to tighten short-term rental regs, but will not require owner occupancy

The city of Columbia Falls will have a more robust way to regulate short-term rentals in the next year, but stopped short of requiring owner-occupancy of the property as the city’s planning commission had recommended.

See receives award for Pulaski Tunnel/Trail work

WALLACE — From numerous books and journals to even a recent humorous appearance on Comedy Central’s TV show, ”Drunk History,” the name of local-legend Edward C. “Big Ed” Pulaski continues to carry on.

Virus cases top 500 in Louisiana, new testing sites open

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Additional testing centers for the new coronavirus ran out of the day's supply of tests within hours of opening Friday in New Orleans, one of the nation's hot spots for the virus.

Now you see it, now you don't

By CHANSE WATSON

US surgeon general: US cases are where Italy was 2 weeks ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. surgeon general said Monday that the number of

Green-box monitor has 'the greatest job'

A labor of love

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then to Dennis Kelleher the new Bigfork green-box garbage collection site is Buckingham Palace and he’s king of the castle.

Scorching heat keeps grip on Southwest US as records tumble and more triple digits forecast

The National Weather Service in Phoenix, where the new record high of 113 F (45 C) on Thursday leap-frogged the old mark of 111 F (44 C) set in 2016, called the conditions “dangerously hot.”

The Latest: California has guidelines for church reopenings

The Latest on the

Tornadoes hit Tennessee, killing at least 19 people

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tornadoes ripped across Tennessee early Tuesday, shredding at least 40 buildings and killing at least 19 people. One of the twisters caused severe damage across downtown Nashville, destroying the stained glass in a historic church and leaving hundreds of people homeless.

Holiday wines

While Thanksgiving has pretty much one traditional meal and is focused on one day, the Christmas and New Year holidays bring many meal favorites spanning a number of days. The wine choices similarly are multiplied too. So without wasting too much column space here are some recommendations for the most common meals.

Wine allergies

It has happened to all of us: We are drinking some wine we really like, and doing so in moderation but before we know it our sinuses get congested, or we wake up the next morning with a bad headache. These symptoms may be the result of an allergy to something in the wine, but more likely it is caused by an allergic reaction to something in the winemaking process.

What to do with wine ratings

Ninety-four or 89. The Wine Advocate versus The Wine Spectator, or Wine Press Northwest? Wine of the year, winery of the year, winemaker of the year It all can make your head spin trying to keep up with ratings, awards and commentary when all you want to do is pick a bottle you can be proud to serve at your dinner party this weekend or for that matter one you will like after a hard Wednesday with grilled burgers.

The Cabernet article

The statistics still show that Cabernet and Chardonnay are the two most purchased and consumed varietals domestically. As we mentioned last week, covering all of the great Chardonnay in one article is challenging, and similarly with Cabernet - that task is daunting. The varietal grows well in Washington state and in Idaho, and some of the wines produced from California-grown Cabernet are the toast of the world.

One stone at a time

We just returned from Walla Walla and an extraordinary wine tour that we put together as an auction lot fundraiser for Hospice of North Idaho. We will have a second article next week about the entire trip but this week, we wanted to report on some of the wonderful conversations we had with old friends in wine country - the kind of chats you can only have over casual dinner or in the barrel room tasting, when we are out of our everyday element.

Hearing it firsthand

Tasting wine - whether it is at the winery, a wine tasting, or a winemaker dinner held locally - is always the best way to buy wine. You try it, you like it and you buy it - or you try it, think "not so much" and decide not to buy it. The important thing is that you actually have the chance to evaluate the wine for yourself to guide your buying decisions.

Crop news and other updates from wine country

As we approach veraison and the half way point in the 2017 wine grape growing season it seems like a good time for an update on the crop. Also there is much news from the wine countries of the Western US that potentially affects all of us as wine consumers so it is a good time to cover those items too.

Quick study teaches himself to make tactical knives

Steven Kelly is in a cult... a cult of knive lovers that is.

Asia Today: Most of 51 new SKorea cases linked to door sales

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea on Saturday reported 51 new cases of COVID-19, mostly in the densely populated capital region, as authorities scramble to stem transmissions among low-income workers who can’t afford to stay home.

County officials prepare plan for life after pandemic restrictions

Lincoln County’s top elected officials were ready and waiting for Gov. Steve Bullock to give the word that restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic were lifting.