Markers indicate seasonal flu on rise in Panhandle

The Panhandle Health District, 8500 N. Atlas Road in Hayden, has reported that school absentee rates and medical office visits indicate seasonal flu is on the rise in Idaho.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported lab tests taken in five northern counties recently showed 53 percent of the cases were Type A and 47 percent were Type B. Hospital labs have conducted 456 tests to date; results in 68 of those tests, or 15 percent, were positive for the flu virus.

Absentee rates at a middle school in Benewah County ranged from 15 percent to 18 percent. The typical absentee rate is 6 percent. Boundary County school absentee rates hovered in the 10 percent to 11 percent range. Kootenai County schools have reported no increases in absentee rates.

For more information, call Cynthia Taggart at (208) 415-5108.

Coeur d’Alene

Lavender Guild plans swap, sale

The Northwest Lavender Guild is organizing a Gardener’s Swap and Sale on April 18 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event, perfect for gardeners, includes new and used garden items, herbs, vegetable starts, garden art, wreaths, garden crafts, and more. Master Gardeners will conduct demonstrations and will be on hand to answer questions. Drawings for gift certificates will be held. To be entered into the drawings, bring nonperishable donations for area food banks.

For more information, call Cindy dePaulis at (208) 687-2274 or e-mail ldepaulis@my180.net, or call Kelly McSheehy at (208) 687-2274 or e-mail mcsheehy@aol.com.

Harrison

Toastmasters contest Saturday

The Toastmasters annual spring speech contest will be Saturday at the Red Horse Mountain Ranch, 11077 E. Blue Lake Road in Harrison, from noon to 3 p.m.

The afternoon competition will include a gourmet luncheon.

The cost for the luncheon is $20.

Reservations for the event are requested but not required.

For details and more information, call (208) 882-1349.

Coeur d’Alene

Phyllis Stephens to speak Saturday

Phyllis Stephens will be speaking on Creating a Garden Attractive to Birds Saturday at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road in Coeur d’Alene at 6:30 p.m.

The program is open to the public, and a $5 donation per person is suggested.

The event is sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society.

For more information, call Eula Hickman (208) 661-3228.