Good morning, Post Falls.

Charlie Nipp, a partner at Parkwood Business Properties, was named grand marshal of the Chamber’s American Heroes Parade presented by Idaho Central Credit Union and will lead the parade along Sherman Avenue on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. He expressed humility about the honor as he recalls his lifelong community involvement.

A Coeur d’Alene man, Shane Gregory Park, was sentenced May 13 by District Judge Ross Pittman to a unified 15-year prison term for battery, aggravated assault, attempted strangulation and possession of controlled substances—crimes committed against his partner between August 2023 and January 2024 after he fled to Mexico and was later extradited back to Idaho following a missed court appearance and a guilty plea on February 20.

Local law enforcement in Kootenai County is stepping up road and water patrols this Memorial Day weekend to curb impaired driving and reduce the rise in fatal crashes from last summer — officers advise drivers to use designated drivers for safe travel.

Silverwood Theme Park celebrated the 50th birthday of its iconic Corkscrew on Wednesday evening by inviting guests who share its May 21 birthday—including some from Florida—to enjoy exclusive ride time, commemorative gifts, season passes, cupcakes and live entertainment by The Engineer. The coaster first opened in 1975 at Knott’s Berry Farm and was moved to the park in 1990—marking a milestone in roller coaster history.

The Old Kootenai County Jail Museum in Rathdrum will open for its summer season on May 31 and June 1 — it will be open from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from June through August.

Memorial Day ceremonies will be held on May 26 across Kootenai and Shoshone counties to honor those who served.

In Post Falls, a ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery—presented by the city and American Legion Post No. 143—will recognize local veterans.

After losing her 3-year-old son to Krabbe disease, Anjee Wavrick has turned her grief into a push for mandatory newborn screening in Idaho.

Her family partners with KrabbeConnect and will host Connor’s Kure for Krabbe (Aug 23) at The Coeur d’Alene Resort to raise awareness and funds for research.

In North Idaho, Heritage Health is breaking down barriers to mental health care for families by offering local resources that help overcome stigma and transportation challenges — its centers in Kellogg, Coeur d'Alene, and St. Maries support children, teens, and adults in need.

New housing developments and apartment complexes have begun across North Idaho as more people move into Kootenai County for its outdoor lifestyle and political appeal.

Local realtors note that 697 single-family homes have been sold since January — with 16,000 new residents in five years and a median price of $528,000 — yet the supply remains too low for the growing demand.

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.

Grad Night - Open Wheel Sprints

4-10 p.m. — MØDE Stadium Stateline Speedway — Free for graduates — Celebrate graduation with high-speed racing and community festivities.