Our four children and their academic calendars have guided me through time in four-year blocks. For example: “Charley was a sophomore when that happened, he’s been out two years, so it must have been four years ago.” That’s how I remembered my friend’s situation while visiting at a recent high school game. It’s been four years since the man lost his longtime job, sold his house at a loss and then had to pay tax on the mortgage amount forgiven by the bank. The net amount forgiven, $15,000, showed up as taxable income on the homeowner’s tax return.

More than three decades ago as a group of families were gathered on the beach in Sandpoint for some fun and relaxation, the women began talking about the needs of the community and what could be done to provide more for their children, the schools, and the place that they call home. And it wasn’t long before they were taking matters into their own hands. Now, 31 years later, Sandpoint’s Community Assistance League is still alive and stronger than ever. The nonprofit organization raises funds, researches, plans and develops programs that benefit the entire community.

Spokane County residents seeking help paying heating bills should encounter fewer hassles and less frustration this winter, according to SNAP, the agency that administers that service. In recent years SNAP waited until later in the year before letting low-income residents call to schedule interviews for assistance. It also accepted those applicant calls just two days a week.

Spokane County residents seeking help paying heating bills should encounter fewer hassles and less frustration this winter, according to SNAP, the agency that administers that service.

Project Beauty Share will have a toilet paper drive on Sept. 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to benefit Anna Ogden Hall, Our Place Community Ministries, Our Sister’s Closet, Hope House, Transitions and Catholic Charities of Spokane’s St. Margaret’s Shelter and Childbirth and Parenting Assistance program. While the household item is a necessity, it is not covered by food stamps and is one of the most requested, yet least donated items to local shelters.

A woman convicted of rendering criminal assistance in the shooting deaths of four Lakewood, Wash., police officers was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $3.4 million in permanent rental assistance vouchers Thursday for 580 homeless veterans in the Northwest.

With temperatures dropping into the low 30s, SNAP still has nearly $400,000 in energy assistance funds available for Spokane County residents having difficulty paying heating bills.

The Spokane Neighborhood Action Program will take energy assistance calls for one more Saturday before spring, the agency announced this week.

Homeless people in North Idaho can find medical care, employment opportunities, transportation assistance, food, clothing, showers and other services today at “Project Homeless Connect.” Hosted by the Region 1 Coalition for the Homeless, the free on-site resources and referrals are provided by volunteers, businesses and social service providers. The Homeless Connect will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Idaho National Guard Armory, 5453 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls. The armory is on the City Link bus route, which provides free transportation.