Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

A Kootenai County resident reportedly killed a young female grizzly bear at Priest Lake drainage on May 9—he said he thought the animal was a black bear—and has been cited for taking a grizzly during closed season—officials are working with the prosecutor's office to consider penalties including a $10,000 fine, a one- to three-year license revocation, and up to six months in jail.

North Idaho College celebrated its largest graduating class in 91 years when 971 students gathered at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on Friday, with NIC President Nick Swayne and Coeur d'Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan commending the graduates—local student Cydney Minas, for example, earned her degree in early childhood education and development amid challenges.

Federal grizzly bear managers announced budget cuts reduced their teams in North Idaho and northeast Washington—shifting two trapping and DNA teams to the larger Cabinet-Yaak recovery zone while only one team covers the Selkirks near the border.

Officials warned that these changes could create gaps in long-term bear recovery as agencies and tribes work to secure future funding.

Coeur d'Alene City Councilor Kiki Miller—founder of the Housing Solutions Partnership—is meeting with members of the Interim Land Use and Housing Study Committee, led by Rep. Jordan Redman and Sen. Ben Toews, to address rising home prices and mortgage costs.

The group met earlier in Boise and will reconvene in Idaho Falls on June 27, Sandpoint on Aug. 14, and Boise on Sept. 26.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Commerce cancelled $48 million in funding for a tech hub in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region because the process was rushed and unfair—officials worry that this move may slow new job creation and hurt plans for an advanced facility near Spokane International Airport. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said Congress should act quickly to secure alternative funds and support local growth—she warned that fixing this decision is key to keeping the region competitive.

Jeanne Givens, a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the first Native American woman elected to the Idaho House of Representatives, died on May 13 in Spokane after a battle with cancer — she also ran for Congress in 1988 and served on the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Evangeline Abraham Longhouse in DeSmet.

Residents in Dalton Gardens said they worry over a rumor that up to 35 houses might be built on Canfield Mountain during a town hall with County Commissioner Leslie Duncan last Thursday night.

City officials noted no county application exists and the Planning and Zoning Commission will negotiate an Area of Impact agreement—set to finish by the end of the year—to address issues such as dark sky rules and road strain from private property work.

Today, Idaho Master Gardener Candace Godwin shared tomato planting tips with local gardeners, advising them to plant after the May 15 frost by burying two-thirds of the stem in well-drained, sunny soil—this method helps form strong adventitious roots.

She also recommended spacing plants 18 to 24 inches apart—ensuring good air flow and reducing disease risk.

Coeur54 will take place on June 3 at 6 a.m. at Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Course—followed by rounds at Avondale Golf Club and Hayden Lake Country Club—as 16 golfers play 54 holes over 13 hours.

New sponsors back the event as it aims to raise $50,000 for nonprofits including Idaho Drug Free Youth, Growing the Stem, Village of Hope and Safe Start.

Coeur d'Alene Marathon, Half, 10K, & 5K

7:00 AM — McEuen Park, Coeur d'Alene — Registration required — Experience breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene while participating in a range of running events.

CDA Marathon

9:30 PM – 11:59 PM — McEuen Park — Registration fees apply — Experience the thrill of running at the CDA Marathon with events for all levels from marathon to 5K.

I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo

11 AM - 3 PM & 7 AM - 3 PM — The Coeur d'Alene Resort — Fees vary — Discover an integrated network of aerospace companies and learn about regional opportunities.

Coeur d'Alene Rock & Gem Show

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Kootenai County Fairgrounds — Admission costs vary — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, and jewelry at this vibrant showcase.

Breaking Barriers

Join our online auction featuring wonderful gift baskets, with all proceeds supporting Love INC of Kootenai County's efforts to assist local families and individuals. Your bids help us provide essential resources, build community, and offer hope—so spread the word and bid generously!

Pressed Flower and Leaf Stationery Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — New Leaf Nursery — All supplies included — Learn to create beautiful notecards and art using fresh flowers and leaves.