Idaho Voices

For 11-07-2010

BOISE – Here’s why it’s not surprising that all four constitutional amendments on this year’s Idaho ballot passed, and passed fairly easily: That’s our history. All 11 previous constitutional amendments that have appeared on Idaho’s ballot since 1998 have won approval from Idaho voters, including complex measures dealing with endowment investment reform. Even when amendments are complicated and difficult to understand, Idaho voters tend to support them.

In this, a year of severe downsizing in Idaho state government, it was gratifying to learn that at Farragut State Park, not all was gloom and doom. First, the park lost one full-time position. Then, since Farragut is probably the most profitable park in the system, park manager Randall Butt was given a half-time position for Farragut and a half-time position for his other park, Coeur d’Alene Parkway, which is the 5-mile long strip along old Highway 10, east of Coeur d’Alene.

Now that local Republicans have chased the last Democrat from the Kootenai County Courthouse – County Clerk Dan English – it’ll be interesting to see if they can get their own house in order. First on the agenda of the Ron Paul/Rally Right wing is to send State Committeeman Matt Roetter packing, for supporting write-in Howard Griffiths over favorite son/tax dodger Rep. Phil Hart of Athol.

SPIRIT LAKE – Today, the community is invited to a chili feed, cook-off and fun along Maine Street to benefit the Spirit Lake Food Bank. Beginning at 1 p.m., chili lovers can stop by Terry’s Cafe to have their fill until 3 p.m. The feed and cook-off continue at Jo’s Hole, from 4 to 8 p.m. and a live music jam session will be held at the Linger Longer, from 4 to 8 p.m.

With more room inside, more parking outside and a central location, the Idaho Department of Labor this past week opened its new facility at 600 N. Thornton Ave., north of Interstate 90 and west of Highway 41 in Post Falls. The staff of 48 employees will celebrate its open house with the public at 1 p.m. Tuesday with tours, refreshments and a welcome from Roger Madsen, Idaho labor director.

Today “Aladdin” (Musical) – 3 p.m., Kroc Center Performing Arts Theater, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene, (208) 667-1865.

It was a secret she kept for 13 terrifying years as she lived in constant fear. There was the fright of revealing her secret and then there was the terror that came each night when she went to bed knowing what was about to happen. For Cocolalla, Idaho, resident Jackie Charlebois, 31, the sexual abuse started when she was 3. And the person who violated her was the one man she should have been able to trust more than anyone – her father.

More than three decades ago as a group of families were gathered on the beach in Sandpoint for some fun and relaxation, the women began talking about the needs of the community and what could be done to provide more for their children, the schools, and the place that they call home. And it wasn’t long before they were taking matters into their own hands. Now, 31 years later, Sandpoint’s Community Assistance League is still alive and stronger than ever. The nonprofit organization raises funds, researches, plans and develops programs that benefit the entire community.

Killing time 20 minutes waiting for Ding How’s 4 p.m. dinner time opening, we wandered past the fanciest and emptiest Pizza Hut we’d ever seen, past the hollow corpse of a failed smoothie shop, past a group of bored Korean girls mindlessly snacking and gossiping inside a dead nail salon, and finally decided that the state liquor store seemed like the most appealing place to loiter in front of.

Filings from Sept. 28-Oct. 4. Chapter 7 (liquidation petitions)

Coeur d’Alene

Catholic Daughters Court No. 1447 – Meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the St. Thomas Center, 406 N. 10th St., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-9022. Celebrate Recovery classes – Meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m. at Real Life Ministries, 1866 Cecil Road, Post Falls. Contact Pat at (208) 777-7325, Ext. 219, or Terry at ext. 107.

Grayson is a great big puppy at heart. He loves to play and really can be quite goofy. He’s a typical Lab – happy, happy, happy – and still not convinced he’s not a puppy any more! Grayson can be picky about his playmates and may require a couple of meetings to be fully comfortable. But, once he’s given a canine companion the green light, it’s all good. Grayson is participating in the “pawsitive” works training program.

Seniors at Post Falls High School are raising funds for their graduation party and inviting the community to a spaghetti feed and auction at the school on Saturday. The dinner and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. A live auction will begin at 8 p.m.

For 10-31-2010