Good morning, Post Falls.

Hayden Lake — Avondale Dental is partnering with Family Promise of North Idaho — to host a summer drive for kids from June 16 to 20.

They will collect swimsuits, swim diapers, swim towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, pool noodles, water wings, boogie boards, and swim googles at their office on E. Miles Ave to support local families and children in need.

In May, the Post Falls Kiwanis Club held a flamingo fundraiser that raised about $800 from donations of $20 for 12 flamingos, $30 for 24, and $50 for 36 while decorating about two lawns a day—club member RaeAnne Capaul said it was one of their busiest years.

Key Club students helped with the event, which has been held for over a decade and supports scholarships, hats and coats for local children as well as a September golf tournament for additional funds.

A local company invites residents to nominate seniors for a free home exterior painting—submissions are accepted through Aug.

1 with the winner set to have their home painted between Labor Day and Grandparents Day, and nominations can be made at the local Sherwin-Williams or via social media. The contest targets seniors in need of a home makeover and aims to ease the burden of high painting costs.

After a Thursday report revealed that its free monthly pet food pantry was empty, Companions Animal Center on Atlas Road received over 30,000 pounds of pet food and $20,000 in cash donations by Tuesday to feed its 50 dogs and 22 puppies in foster care.

The surge in donations turned a shortage into ample supplies—Vicky Nelson, the CAC development director, said the community's support has kept the shelter going.

On June 1, a Kootenai County Deputy stopped a vehicle on I-90 near 4th Street where Border Patrol confirmed that Daniel Ochoa was in the country illegally and linked to a homicide and other serious charges—his arrest underscored strong interagency cooperation.

Today in Coeur d’Alene, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said rising medication costs and longer jail stays are forcing an increase in jail medical care expenses, with a request for $3.8 million for fiscal year 2026 marking a 4.5% rise over last year — Capt. Jeremy Hyle explained that more inmates, especially those facing felony charges, need hospital care beyond what current contractors can provide.

A judge dropped a defamation lawsuit against Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris because the required bond procedure was not met (the acceptable amount was $500) and the plaintiff is expected to refile the suit early next week.

Feeding America released the Map the Meal Gap report that shows 12.7% of Idahoans and 16% of Idaho children face food insecurity, up from last year’s rates of 11.4% and 14.5% respectively.

The study estimates about 50,000 people in North Idaho and North Central Idaho will struggle to get enough food.

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.

Prairie Fest 2025 with Shane Profitt

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — The Club at Prairie Falls — $20 adults, $10 children — Celebrate the 2nd anniversary of The Club with music, food, and a cornhole tournament for a good cause.