Cenex Creates A Stir In Potlatch

When a new business comes to the tiny town of Potlatch and employs 13 people, folks there get excited.

And Cenex’s major commodities of farm and home supplies, hardware and fuel fit well into this rural community of 817 people.

The new 5,500-square-foot facility, to open later this month, will include a farm and home hardware store in one end and a convenience store (with pizzas and subs) in the other. It will offer three grades of Cenex fuel and diesel.

The farmer-owned cooperative out of Pullman will be managed by Bob Sannan . The Pullman Cenex has a similar store, fuel service and well service.

Combining fast food companies into a single location will double the products of Arby’s in Post Falls as it adds a Taco John’s into its 3,600-square-foot store at 1500 E. Seltice Way, near the Ross Point Road intersection.

The Mexican food menu and six or seven new employees will boost the total to nearly 30 employees at the 74-seat restaurant. Randy Knight, who owns the business with his wife, Mary, said the building was constructed oversized with this addition in mind. He envisions doing the same in other locations.

Originally from Great Falls, Mont., Knight came to North Idaho 25 years ago and built the Post Falls Arby’s in 1995 after selling his insurance business in Coeur d’Alene to Randy Haddock. The existing dining room has expansion possibilities, if needed, Knight said. Customers can order from either menu at the counter or drive-through window. The Taco John’s selections should be ready by late August.

Softubs, which are portable plug-in spas, are featured at the Earin Aquatics Pools & Spas outlet in the J.C. Penney court at Silver Lake Mall, Coeur d’Alene.

Used indoors or out, the spas come in three models and 20 colors with capacities of two to six people. They weigh about 65 pounds unfilled. They hold 140 to 300 gallons of water and have four to six jets.

The 500-square-foot space, formerly occupied by Miracles, also features spa and deck accessories, pool chemicals and accessories, saunas and massage beds. Owner Mike Earin has four employees.

A fourth-generation Coeur d’Alene resident, Earin has owned his main store at 5624 Government Way for many years. He is a coach with the Coeur d’Alene School District.

A 6,000-square-foot office building is planned for a half acre on the northwest corner of Government Way and Davidson Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

Construction can start within 30 days after a major tenant is signed, said Dan Schreiber, who will manage the project for his father, David Schreiber. The property has 120 feet on Government Way.

Dan Schreiber is an agent with Prudential Acuff Northwest Real Estate. Phone 667-8406.

Tidbits:

Murray’s Sprag Pole Tavern and Restaurant reported an increase in business after the caption of a photo in a feature about neighboring Thompson Pass reported that the Thompson Falls Dam was in Murray. The picturesque 88-year-old dam, however, is still in Montana. Meanwhile, the Sprag Pole is adding on to its kitchen to help accommodate the increase in business since the new road was built. This friendly place and the attached Walt’s Historical Museum are worth a visit.

Rumors persist about a Dillards in the Silver Lake Mall. Mall managers say they’re not aware of the move. However, the Emporium company is a major owner of Lamonts, and both stores definitely don’t need to be in the same location.

Callahan & Associates law firm has moved from The Spokesman-Review Building to 1103 Best Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. Attorney Kimmer Callahan originally was with the former Prohaska Law Firm and later Callahan & Prohaska. The Sandpoint office has been merged into the Coeur d’Alene office.