Idaho residents Julie Kirk and Joshua Freedman have changed their plans for this summer. The scenery will be equally spectacular, the weather a bit warmer, but an entirely new challenge. News that the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the sponsors of the Yukon 1000 across the Canadian wilderness to cancel this year’s event, which compelled the couple to seek out another challenge. So, instead of making their way across the Great North this summer, Joshua and Julie will be paddling

Like every element of normal life, the shelter-in-place order for residents of Washington state to prevent the spread of COVID-19 impacted the mission of a local nonprofit group that was organized to provide a safe haven for veterans and their families to stay while the soldier receives treatment at the medical facility at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In compliance with guidance and restrictions ordered by the Department of Defense, the national offices of Fisher House in Rockvi

It was the late 1970s. Larry Steckman was a wrestler for Bonners Ferry High School, and his to-be wife, Shelly Barton, was a wrestling cheerleader at the same school. Seventy miles away, family friend Conrad Garner was wrestling for rival Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Idaho. It was the beginning of a lifelong love of wrestling for both men—and also the seed for something bigger. Larry, Shelly and Conrad would all go on to use wrestling as a means to create positive change

With the number of small and boutique breweries rising faster than the head on a stout porter, craft beermakers in Washington have opened the tap to new customers in an increasingly thirsty market. According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB), production almost doubled in terms of barrels per year at many breweries on the western side of the mountains over the past decade. For example, demand at Pike Brewing Company in Seattle jumped from 17,401 to almost 43

Shae has been a regular at the Spokane Shriners Hospital since she was a baby. It started with a one-week stint when she was 1 year old to address the scoliosis that was apparent in her spine. From then on, it was check-up appointments every six to 12 months—up until this visit, which could be as long as three months and a week. “I planned it to the day,” said Shae, now 14 years old. “It depends how fast my body stretches.” The top and bottom of her spine are straight, but th

If you’ve meandered through one of the many car shows of the Northwest, you’ve probably seen some pretty cool rides. It’s a great way to get up close to a piece of history. The common vehicles featured in most of these shows are mid ‘50s to late ‘70s American-made automobiles. Some shows have rules as to how old the car must be to be shown, what condition it is in or where it was made. While these shows can be a lot of fun, especially for those who grew up driving one of thes

When a person goes to college and gets a degree, they typically learn a great deal about their chosen field, hoping to find a good job, make a lot of money and live the perfect dream life. For one Spokane, Washington, woman though, going from point A to point B has already happened in her 30-some years, but with a fascinating, and life-changing, twist. Kumiko Love, an accredited financial counselor and the creator of The Budget Mom, was raised on a farm in Chewelah, Washingto

To brew beer you need four key ingredients: water, yeast, malt and hops. Clean water makes for a crisp beverage, and yeast is used to convert sugars into alcohol. Malt is where the color and flavor profile comes from, and hops add to the aroma and bitterness. A stroll down any grocery store aisle and you’ll find such a wide range of choices that it’s hard to fathom they all come from the same four basic ingredients. If you’ve tipped back a Bud Light, Goose Island IPA, Elysian

Thomas A. Bushnell’s passion for helping people and solving problems started at an early age in third grade, while strategizing for a mock trial. Today, Tom is owner and attorney at law at Bushnell Law, which opened its doors in Bonners Ferry in March of 2017. Since day one, Tom and his firm have been dedicated to being efficient and personable to each client who walks through their doors. “We emphasize performing in a timely fashion so we can supply our clients with quality

Are first Impressions important? You bet your pocketbook they are! You only get one chance to make a great impression. When you decide to sell your home, it is no longer your private family abode but rather a “new listing” to be showcased to the most scrutinizing homebuyers and their real estate agents. Here are some simple, cost-effective tips to assist you in making the greatest impact on potential buyers while achieving top dollar for your home. 1. Stuff, stuff and more st