Good morning, Post Falls.

Jim Ray — a Vietnam veteran and VFW Post 1435 member from Spokane Valley — performed live music Thursday at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls with bandmate Norman Wilson as part of the national VFW Day of Service.

They played mostly western songs from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and invited residents to join in.

Just over a year ago, Real Life Ministries lost Pastor Gene Jacobs, and today the Silver Valley church & community launched Jacobs’ Well, raising and surpassing a $2,500 goal to build a water well in India or Africa to honor his legacy.

Pastor Kevin Kessler and the Hoffmans are expanding outreach by adding mental health support programs to help those in need.

A Coeur d'Alene man—20-year-old Dexter Ray Lumen Tondu—will remain in custody after District Judge John Cafferty ruled on May 1 that Tondu must complete the full five-year sentence given on June 18, 2024 for sexual assault and video voyeurism on January 2, 2024, with parole eligibility after four years.

At the western entrance to the Silver Valley, the Mission of the Sacred Heart sits at Old Mission State Park as a historic landmark treasured by local residents.

Built in 1853 and restored with modern updates—such as an elevator and fire suppression system—the site continues to attract visitors who value its deep ties to the area’s past and present.

Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene is hosting its annual Student Spring Showcase where local college students from North Idaho College display artwork in The Alcove near Interstate 90 and North 5th Street— the exhibit will run Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until June 1.

At the Idaho State Forestry Contest held at Farragut State Park, Lake City High School junior Ava Stone used a small measuring tape and clinometer to check tree measurements on Thursday morning—she said the contest made her feel more connected with nature.

Over 220 students joined the contest that offers cash prizes and college scholarships for future studies in natural resources.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris will host a community conversation at Candlelight Christian Fellowship at 6 p.m. on May 15—focusing on scams, substance abuse, and social media risks for kids—and will offer tips to keep children safe online.

Kootenai Health and Kootenai Outpatient Imaging opened new women's imaging centers in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls to help detect breast cancer early—each center has a 3D mammogram unit, a DEXA bone density scanner and a special ultrasound machine for women's exams.

Coeur d'Alene Rock & Gem Show

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Kootenai County Fairgrounds — Admission fee may apply — Discover stunning gems, minerals, and jewelry at this vibrant showcase.