Idaho Voices

Radios used to be the only diversion for folks taking a drive. They would ease back in their big, comfortable seat and listen to the latest crooner; their attention on the road. By the time drivers began installing eight-track tapes, their attention had already begun to waver. Today’s drivers have so many electronic gadgets, that it seems like paying attention to the road is merely one of the distractions.

Today Preschool Storytime - For children 3-5 years old. 11 a.m. library locations include Cheney, 610 First St. 893-8280; Moran Prairie, 6004 S. Regal St. 893-8340; North Spokane, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. 893-8350. 10:30 a.m. library locations include South, 3324 S. Perry St. 444-5385; Shadle, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. 444-5390.

Jerry Keane, the school superintendent of Post Falls School District, has had quite a year. Last Thursday, Keane was named Post Falls’ Citizen of the Year at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Inaugural Banquet.

Thanks go out to all who helped We are overwhelmed with gratitude and our only way to express it is “thank you to all.”

Demo Congressman Walt Minnick has been at the top of almost every political pontificator’s list as being vulnerable for defeat in a 2010. Now, Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza puts the Idaho congressman at the top of the list of vulnerable gubernatorial wannabes. Cillizza, of The Fix blog, says that the Democrats virtually have no chance of holding the governor’s seat in (drum roll, puh-leez) Wyoming. Quoth Cillizza: “Don’t be fooled by the election of Rep. Walt Minnick (D) last November. Wyoming is still rock-ribbed Republican country and without term-limited Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D) on the ticket, this is going to be an almost impossible hold for Democrats. Minnick gets some mention as a possible candidate but he seems likely to revel in the House majority for the next two years. Beyond Minnick there is virtually no Democratic bench in the state.” Serephin of the 43rd State Blues blog had some fun at Cillizza’s expense before the blogger corrected his post: “Google Maps can save you from future embarrassments. Please note that Wyoming is that rectangular state to the lower right of Idaho, the state shaped vaguely like a pork chop whose borders were apparently designed by a surveyor on a two-month bender.” Swing and miss

Thursday COUNTRY JAM SESSION – 8 p.m., Crickets, 424 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, 765-1990.

Last week’s report from Boise revealed a $3 million sewer plant for Farragut State Park would be cut from the budget. More recent information has come to light through Randall Butt, park manager, and his able second in command, Keith Jones.

Spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one at the “Sweethearts Ball.” The Greyhound Park and Events Center, at 5100 W. Riverbend Ave., will present the Big Band sounds of Tuxedo Junction on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The romantic evening includes hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar.

Spirit Lake’s Youth Equipped for Success will host a free Sweetheart’s Breakfast and Open House on Valentine’s Day at its new building at Third and Maine in downtown Spirit Lake, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is a thank-you from the members of the center, who have received help and support from the community with repairs and renovations, furnishings and other donations and put in countless volunteer hours to provide a safe place for the youth.

Before her untimely death a few years ago, Jimmy Wu’s was the Bette Davis of Seattle Chinese restaurants. She was sagging but legendary, tipsy and chain smoking, beloved equally by great-great uncles, drag queens and those into noir. Their tiny Jade Pagoda Lounge was home to one of the most unusual jukeboxes on Capitol Hill, filled with obscure disco hits, noisy local punk and vintage country. Red bulbs were plugged in every light fixture, making for a dark, surreal atmosphere that, after a few hours, created a form of eyestrain that would cause vampiric howls upon return to normal daylight.

Filings from Jan. 7-15 Chapter 7 (liquidation petitions)

Coeur d’Alene

Today “A Night at the Movies 2” Family Concert – Coeur d’Alene Symphony performance at 7:30 p.m. at North Idaho College’s Schuler Auditorium, 1000 W. Garden Ave. Up to age 17 admitted free with paid adult ticket. $15/adults, $12/seniors. 765-3833.

Although the Oscars are still several weeks away, this Friday, the red carpet will be rolled out at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater in honor of several local businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed to the Sandpoint community over the past year. The first annual Chamber Choice Awards, hosted by KXLY’s Rick and Teresa Lukens, will recognize more than 70 nominees for their role in making Sandpoint a great place to live, work and vacation.