The secret is to stand around and let the residents do the work. For the second year in a row, Mayor Sandi Bloem and company will take on Spokane big wigs in a Salvation Army bell ringing showdown.Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Bloem will be in front of Fred Meyer for the day-long competition that raises money for the nonprofit's Red Kettle Campaign to scholarships and programs in time for the holidays. It's Lake City versus the Lilac City, and last year Coeur d'Alene whipped its western neighbor by raising roughly $5,200 to Spokane's $1,200. What's the secret? Letting the locals take over/Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Are you planning to visit Coeur d'Alene Fred Meyer Saturday to drop a buck in Sandi Bloem's Salvation Army bucket and help her beat her Spokane challengers?