Chamber of Commerce breaks ground today
The Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce breaks ground today on a $2.5 million office building downtown: a pavilion-style structure across from Independence Point.
The 10 a.m. ceremony marks the beginning of construction on the building, which is part marketing tool and part office space.
“We’ve long wanted to be a front door for the community,” said Jonathan Coe, the chamber’s general manager.
The building will house a 1,700-square-foot visitor center, with views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, along with offices for the chamber, Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, Lake City Development Corp. and the non-profit Arts and Cultural Alliance.
The 11,500-square-foot structure will replace rented chamber offices in midtown.
Coe is projecting a “ballpark” completion date of April 1.
Chamber members raised $630,000 in cash contributions for the project, which allowed the chamber to arrange financing. Other chamber members are donating in-kind items, such as construction materials and furnishings, Coe said.
– Becky Kramer
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Guard boosts bonus to $20,000 for some
The Idaho National Guard has increased its enlistment bonus from $6,000 to $20,000 for recruits who choose one of the 30 most-needed jobs, such as infantry, military police or cannon crew.
“With marginal benefits, we might attract 20 people a month,” said Sgt. Matt Wood, who handles recruiting and retention for Idaho Falls. “With (the current) benefits, we might attract 50 people and be picky. It’s really important to me that we find those good, quality people.”
Half of the bonus is paid once a recruit finishes basic and job training. The rest is paid after three years.
Wood said the bonus is meant to attract high school juniors and seniors looking at college. Besides the signing bonus, the guard will pay a recruit’s tuition, $550 to $850 a month during school, and not deploy a recruit during the first two years of college if the recruit is attending classes full time.
The bonus is meant to help the Idaho National Guard reach a goal of 125 percent strength.
“Numbers is what it is essentially all about,” Spc. Charles Prudent said. – Associated Press
Spokane
Funeral service set for Jim West
Flags at city of Spokane facilities will fly at half-staff through Friday when the funeral service for former Mayor Jim West is held.
The service has been scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. at Life Center Church, 1202 N. Government Way in Spokane, with the Rev. Lonnie Mitchell officiating. Other details are still being worked out by family members and friends.
West’s family has asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to one of three organizations: The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; University of Washington Foundation-Oncology Support Fund, P.O. Box 358240, Seattle, WA 98195-8240; Richard Allen Enterprise Fund, 645 S. Richard Allen Court, Spokane, WA 99202.
West died early Saturday at University Medical Center in Seattle of complications arising from surgery to remove cancer from his liver. In 2003, West was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, which had spread to his liver.
– Staff reports