Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

Nikki Longwell (president and co-founder of Village of Hope CDA) leads a nonprofit that supports local foster families, and a fundraiser is planned for Oct.

9 to help prevent children from entering foster care.

Forty-two participants and mentors from the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's NEXT GEN program graduated on Thursday at the chamber building, and board president Amy Warker praised the six-month initiative—she announced a 10-month follow-up program set to start in September.

At a Friday luncheon at Hayden Lake Country Club, the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation awarded $23,000 in scholarships to 14 local students, supporting their higher education goals+ambitions.

The awards honor the students’ work at the fair and rodeo.

Coeur d'Alene Public Schools retired Chuck Keisel this month after 7 1/2 years as its first safety officer; the program has since grown to four officers, strengthening student trust.

The former Air Force master sergeant plans to enjoy retirement while staying connected with school activities.

At a listening session last Thursday in Coeur d'Alene, local educators and Superintendent Shon Hocker discussed Idaho’s K-12 funding challenges, noting the district’s reliance on supplemental levies—used for full-day kindergarten and key staffing—and urged a funding formula that meets today’s educational needs.

NIC received a $299,951 grant from the Federal Highway Administration to offer a five-week heavy equipment training course at its Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum, which ended this week with 19 students earning key certifications— the program will resume in spring for new trainees.

Rick Rasmussen, a Coeur d'Alene native, has grown Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls since 2014—expanding its staff from 80 to over 900—and focused on compassionate care in every patient encounter.

Coeur d'Alene Master Gardener Candace Godwin shares tips for summer gardening, advising local gardeners to water in the morning and use mulch and shade cloths to help plants withstand the heat.

She recommends checking soil moisture (using a meter or finger) to conserve water and support growth.

The Kroc Center is hosting the Around Tubbs Hill Swim – a United States Masters race for swimmers 18 and older – on July 18 at 8 a.m. Competitors will enter along the west side of Tubbs Hill and finish at Little Sanders Beach, with 92 swimmers registered out of a 125-person cap.

Wild West Family Fest

1-7 p.m. — Kootenai County Fairgrounds — Free activities — Experience a day of horse activities, BBQ, and live western music for the whole family.

CDA Brew Fest 2026

2-7 p.m. — McEuen Park — Craft brew celebration — Sample the finest local craft brews from North Idaho with an exclusive partnership with Idaho Brewers United.

Auction and Gala: Midsummer Night’s Dream

Come enjoy a beautiful summer evening supporting Lake City Playhouse! Witness mural unveiling, enjoy delicious dinner, and appreciate some musical performances from local theater standouts while supporting the playhouse and their vision to provide an educational center for the performing arts!

Nate Fate & The Buckley Storms Concert

6-10 p.m. — Black Lodge — $10 — Experience an evening of energetic alternative rock and indie folk from local bands in downtown CDA.

Coeur d’Alene Art Auction: Fine Western & American Art

3:00 p.m. — The Coeur d'Alene Art Auction — Admission varied — Experience outstanding works by renowned Western and American artists in a prestigious auction setting.

Thrive with 365 Regional Conference

8 a.m. — The Coeur d'Alene Resort — Registration fee applicable — Level up your real estate skills and network with industry professionals in a stunning North Idaho location.