Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

Eight recruits from Northern Lakes Fire Protection District took part in a live burn exercise today in Hayden — a final test after 10 weeks of training that stressed rapid gear-up and safe rescue techniques ahead of graduation.

The exercise provided a realistic setting to prepare recruits for real emergencies.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, featuring Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement, will carry the Flame of Hope at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 along the North Idaho Centennial Trail in Post Falls, starting between Grassland and Vandal near the Police substation (1717 E.

Polston Ave.).

Local author Courtney Davis will sell her new book Having the Demon's Baby at It’s a Love Story’s Meet Cute Market in Hayden on May 17 and at Page 42 Bookstore’s Smut and Sip Market in Spokane on May 23 (open access).

Davis published 14 novels with Prince Publishing.

On Monday, the EXCEL Foundation awarded $25K grants to Lakes Middle School and Lake City High School.

Lakes will buy a new xTool MetalFab system for its woodshop and Lake City will build a media studio for digital projects.

High school senior Gracelyn Schmalz of Christian Center School reflects on her 12-year education journey as she nears graduation—she shares 12 key lessons learned from being homeschooled to attending a Christian school that emphasize hard work and respect.

Residents addressed the Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday about proposals to increase elk tags in areas 14-1 and 14-2 and concerns over wolves displacing elk, which have led to crop and fence damage.

Officials say the changes aim to help farmers while preserving long-standing hunting traditions.

Researchers from the University of Idaho and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game examined DNA from horn samples (1897 to 2017) and identified six unique groups of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Idaho.

The study (using specimens from the Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center) may help guide conservation efforts.

Starting May 10, residents outside city limits must get a burn permit for outdoor burning to follow state law and reduce wildfire risks — permits are free and available online or at local offices.

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety is launching the statewide 2026 Click It or Ticket campaign on Monday and will run through May 31—offering increased patrols in rural areas to boost seat belt use.

Officials say buckling up cuts fatality risk by 50%.

In April, Kootenai County’s median price for a single-family home reached $544,900 with 724 homes sold early this year, while Shoshone and Benewah counties reported prices of $327,000 and $330,000 & agents expect a solid market ahead as mortgage rates remain above 6%.

Scott Chapple from Post Falls won the adult rainbow division at the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club Spring Derby when he caught a 24.3-pound trout near Bayview at 8:30 a.m—earning him $5,000.

He said he will return in the fall derby.

History Hour with Jeff Snell

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Coeur d'Alene Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the captivating history of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office with Detective Jeff Snell.

The I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo

8 AM – 5 PM — The Coeur d'Alene Resort — Entry fee varies — Attend to connect with industry leaders and explore aerospace innovations.