Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

Jorja Simon, a high school senior, launched the North Idaho Baby Box Initiative to deliver boxes filled with supplies and support for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

The project was inspired by her trip to Finland and was shaped by community input—she plans to continue helping mothers after high school.

Coeur d'Alene Press reporters honor local firefighters by sharing decades of photos and stories that show their roles in fighting wildfires—attending school events and community parades—to thank them for protecting our community.

The tribute highlights past moments of bravery and ongoing commitment to public safety.

Investigators said that 20-year-old Wess Roley shot and killed two firefighters near Coeur d’Alene on June 29 and wounded another before killing himself—his roommate noted erratic behavior a year ago such as shaving his head and barricading his door—as officials work to find a motive.

Logan Creighton, who has spent nearly 25 years bringing history to life, will portray Patrick Henry at 6 p.m. on July 17 at His Place Church in Post Falls—he will use his skills in traditional crafts to help audiences relive the call for freedom from the American Revolution.

Coeur d’Alene School District announced new leadership staff.

Tyler Morton joined as executive director of finance on May 12 while Eileen Blough, Kathleen Corbeill and Tony Prka will start new roles at Skyway Elementary, Winton Elementary and Coeur d’Alene High School for the 2025—26 school year.

The Central Valley School District has adopted a new balanced calendar that cuts the summer break short by one week so that classes will start on August 27—adding extra breaks during the year.

Superintendent John Parker said the plan, developed with input from a 48-person committee of students, staff, parents, and local business owners, will help address the summer learning slide while improving attendance and well-being.

On Friday, the 23-acre Nettleton Gulch fire near Canfield Mountain was fully contained as crews began demobilizing and repair work—after it was intentionally set by Wess Roley, the suspect in the fatal shooting of two firefighters and the wounding of a third before he died in an exchange with law enforcement.

The Idaho Transportation Department announced summer construction plans for North Idaho that will repair bridges and improve highways—costing $2.4 million on projects like the Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge and the U.S. 95 crossing over Northwest Boulevard—with work continuing until early September. Additional upgrades, including a new Highway 41 interchange, an 8‑mile I‑90 expansion, and improvements at Highway 53 and the Coeur d’Alene River bridges, will finish by late fall or extend into 2026 and beyond.

Paws & Claws Pet Adoption Event

Companions Animal Center & Oxyfresh Worldwide to sponsor an adoption event on Saturday, July 12, 4-7pm at Vantage Point Brewing Company at 208 E Coeur d'Alene Lake Dr. Come find a new furry friend and enter a raffle for $500 Value Prize Giveaway.

Coeur d'Alene Street Fair

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Downtown Coeur d'Alene — Free entry — Explore over 250 vendors showcasing food, fine art, crafts, and much more at a true street fair experience.