How to make yourself bulletproof from scams

Are seniors “easy marks” or are they just targeted more than other consumers for fraud and scams?

Put America first, say Avista patrons

COEUR d’ALENE — There are 5.3 billion reasons why the Avista-Hydro One sale might go through. However, the voices of Kootenai County residents might negate all of them — if the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s three members heed them.

Hey, buddy: Don't cash that check!

Last week a consumer called me about a high-end Trex bicycle that he had for sale on Craigslist. When it was first listed months ago, a man from Bolivar, Miss., called immediately. The man told the local consumer that it was “exactly” the bicycle he was looking for and asked if he could send him a check for payment, including a generous sum to cover all shipping and insurance costs. The consumer smelled a bicycle-riding rat and declined.

Update: Tax bill hits Senate snag; House will likely vote again Wednesday

UPDATE: Three provisions in the Republican $1.5 trillion tax bill must be changed before the Senate can approve it.

Hang onto these scam-bustin' tips

I’ve been writing this column for just shy of one year. The following rules are my prescription for avoiding most scams. Here are the most valuable lessons we’ve learned together. This section of this column is worth cutting out and taping beside your phone or on your desk.

'Mercenary' donor gets 12 years in campaign finance scheme

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A once high-flying political fundraiser who prosecutors said gave illegal campaign contributions to Joe Biden, Lindsey Graham and a host of other U.S. politicians was sentenced Thursday to 12 years behind bars.

Newborn battles 1 in 391,000 disease

It was just supposed to be a routine exam.

Building a savings cushion in a time of emergency

If you are going to stockpile anything these days, consider liquid savings.

Creative professionals converge in downtown's Rockford Building

Twelve rooms for creative designers are planned for the renovated Rockford Building at 504 E. Lakeside.

Learn these non-verbal communication clues

Pyrotechnic pizzazz

Swan Lake man dazzles Lakeside with innovative display

McAlister's Big 4 Motorsports has new location

Dirtbike and snowbike service and hard parts and gear for all seasons of riding are offered at McAlister’s Big 4 Motorsports opening Monday at 1308 E. Best Ave. (formerly the home of Kootenai Saw and Cycle).

Butte Central crushes C-Falls

BUTTE - Butte Central's Andy Ritter joined close company after his historic day in Bulldog Memorial Stadium.

Local firms told they need to take lead in recovery

Economic news from Main Street Tuesday was dismal.

Today

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls.

Hiro's BBQ opens on Northwest Boulevard

Hiro’s BBQ has opened where Philly Express was at 1500 Northwest Blvd.

Bravettes KO Wolfpack; head to state

It was a moment between teammates.

School privatization reduces choice

In all of the handful of recent guest editorials promoting the use of public funds to pay for private or “alternative” education in Montana (usually authored by someone who stands to make a profit from such proposals), there are several critical facts that are typically hidden from view.

Court Reports

Brian E. Ault, born 1991, charged with infraction exceeding the maximum posted speed limit (1-15 MPH) by BFPD on Jan. 18.

Expansion projects under way for banks, credit union

By KRISTI ALBERTSON