Critic of “North Idaho” usage feels heat

“I have discovered that my viewpoint is NOT going to solve the North Idaho vs. northern Idaho debate any time soon,” wrote Rick Hosmer.

His thumbs-down critique of saying or writing “North Idaho” appeared in today’s Slice column.

“Klundt Hosmer’s digital marketing manager (from Boise and a U of I grad) lit me up this morning about how NORTH Idaho is the ONLY WAY to describe the region of the state north of Grangeville. How dare I think otherwise?

“Grammar be damned, this is about PRIDE! No one in Clearwater, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Latah, Lewis, Benewah, Kootenai, Bonner or Boundary counties want to be associated with ANYONE in Boise and, apparently, the feeling is mutual.

“I fully expect that your NORTH Idaho readers are already massing together to firebomb my house and business. Would it help if they knew that my wife is from Genesee, Idaho?

“It’s been nice knowing you.”