Rathdrum Star Closes Doors

Tom Burnett lived up to a dare to start a weekly newspaper in Rathdrum more than seven years ago. “I wanted to start a newspaper, so I did,” said Burnett, who was dabbling in selling real estate at the time. “I borrowed $5,000 to buy computers and programs and I ran the newspaper out of my bedroom for the first couple months because I didn’t have an office.” Wednesday marked the final publication of the Rathdrum Star, a free newspaper mailed to about 10,100 homes in Rathdrum, Hauser, Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes Village and Blanchard. The newspaper published a front-page photo of the Star’s office window painting of a cigar-smoking reporter tapping away at a typewriter with “Sorry; We’re closed” written over the picture. Burnett, who turns 70 in January, said the publication has ended due to his retirement/ David Cole , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here. (2004 SR file photo of Tom Burnett)

Question: Does your old hometown newspaper still exist?