MONDAY, DEC. 28, 2015
What would it take to make 2016 your best year? 5
It’s probably something we recognize only when looking back on our lives. But just imagine. What if you could see it coming? What would it take for you to consider 2016 your best year ever? Meet the love of your life? See your career take off? Watch your child rally from a life-threatening illness and fearlessly move on? Overcome addiction?
Quotable Mike Allen: Repubs cats, Dems dogs 6
Out going Spokane city councilman Mike Allen said in today's paper, "Republicans are cats. They’re independent. Leave us alone. Let us do our stuff. Dogs are always there, wanting attention and needing something."
Monday Wild Card 12.28.15 4
This is the Christmas Leftovers Wild Card. Plenty o' stories you may have missed during the holidays and maybe a cat photo or...forty. Comments are enabled now through Thursday morning. DFO, of course, is taking the REST OF THE YEAR off.
All I want for Christmas is a tax break 9
In a letter to the Cda Press, Monte Hillman writes, "I hope the state of Idaho and local cities and counties can cut taxes on many items to lessen the burdens on Idaho residents. One thing I’ve seen in another state I lived in, tax breaks that saved its citizens large amounts of money paid on taxes. That state reduced their taxes by allowing only one public school district per county."
Snowblower stolen 1
The Post Falls PD FB page notes: Victim called in and advised someone had stolen his snow blower left in front of his garage. A report was taken. Which reminded me of a previous super snowy winter when we returned from Christmas Eve celebrations to discover all 3 of our snow shovels had been stolen.
Target offers gift card exchange 1
So, your mother got you an REI gift card when you really wanted a Victoria's Secret card? Have no fear. Target is here. The retailer began a gift card trade-in program in most of its stores last month.
Climate Change, Booming Potato Chip Market Threaten Idaho Potato Harvest 1
Apparently, the chips are not down, they're up, which isn't necessarily a good thing for Idaho potato farmers as you can read below. So far this week I've had mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes and tots. I've done my part for the industry, have you?
Are you a man or a maven? 2
This just in: a man can be a maven. I didn't know this until I was followed by a guy on Twitter who describes himself as a real estate maven. I always thought that term described a powerful, knowlegable woman, but nope! It just means a person who knows a lot about something.
In windstorm aftermath, arborists suggest evaluations before removing trees
Just when you thought your trees were safe. Last week's heavy snowfall caused even more trees to topple throughout North Idaho. The windstorm and its aftermath has many of us nervously eyeing our trees, but arborists urge caution before removing more trees. Have you lost any trees since November 17?
‘Force Awakens’ becomes fastest movie to $1 billion 7
My youngest bought he and his brothers tix to this movie for Christmas and they saw it on opening night. We're all going on New Year's Eve, so NO SPOILERS but... have you seen "The Force Awakens" yet?
Thor, the Christmas Cat 7
Oh, come on. You know he's ADORABLE! Thor handled the Christmas chaos by huffing catnip and stealing bits of ham. How did your pet/s survive the holiday excitement?
KCSO offers active shooter incidents response courses 1
Is this something that interests you? They’re preparing everyone for the unthinkable — a group of terrorists or a madman shooting at civilians in a crowded public place. Over the last few months, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has hosted several Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, or ALERRT, sessions for law enforcement personnel from throughout the region. Now the sheriff’s office is offering to teach community members how to respond to active shooter incidents.
Idaho considers powdered alcohol ban 2
Am I the only one who's never heard of powdered alcohol? Now that an Arizona company has developed and is preparing to market a form of powdered alcohol, including a “Powderita” that touts, “Just add water for an instant cocktail,” Idaho’s state Liquor Division is proposing legislation to ban the product in the Gem State.
What are you listening to? 7
My son gave me Adele's latest CD "25" for Christmas. And there went my plans to listen to Christmas music only until January 1st! I'm really enjoying it.
Idaho flashes red
LEWISTON – Idaho officials say changing the rear lights on snowplows from flashing yellow to flashing red has resulted in fewer mishaps by motorists approaching the road-clearing machines from behind. “Too many people were ignoring the flashing yellows and running right up to the snowplows,” Idaho Transportation Department spokesman Reed Hollinshead told the Lewiston Tribune. “Flashing red definitely gets a driver’s attention.”
REAL ID a real issue in Idaho 15
COEUR d’ALENE — Despite the fact that Idaho is out of compliance with the national REAL ID Act of 2005, Idahoans will still be able to fly commercially and enter federal facilities in 2016. “We were granted an extension until Oct. 10 of 2016,” said Reed Hollinshead, a spokesman for the Idaho Transportation Department.
RIP Meadowlark Lemon 6
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Meadowlark Lemon, the "clown prince" of basketball's barnstorming Harlem Globetrotters, whose blend of hook shots and humor brought joy to millions of fans around the world, has died. He was 83.
Comments are now enabled 2
Was told to start posting at 8 AM and comments would be enabled. Evidently, they were supposed to automatically come back on this morning, but technical difficulties have ensued. Thanks for your patience!
EOB: Dissidents in Idaho GOP want to ‘denounce’ Otter for forming PAC 3
Bonneville County’s Republican Central Committee has voted to “denounce” Idaho Gov. Butch Otter for forming a PAC to raise funds and donate to Idaho campaigns, according to the Idaho Falls Post Register.
Cougs win, storms strands fans and players 2
How 'bout those Cougars? A fun 20-14 win over Miami in the Sun Bowl-- except there was no sun to be found-- only storms that stranded players and fans alike.
A cold Christmas for many 2
She's lived in North Idaho for 22 years, but Garwood resident Pam Brown doesn't remember ever being without power on Christmas. This year, she and her husband had no electricity for four days leading up to the holiday, until their power was restored Christmas evening.
Christmas Carol Stroll
Christmas lasted for one more day Saturday as people filled the pews of three downtown churches to sing Christmas hymns. The second annual “Christmas Carol Walk” hosted by the Spokane Chapter of the American Guild of Organists attracted more than 100 people. What's your favorite Christmas Carol/hymn/song?
D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.