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Fewer Idaho Homeless

Fewer Idaho Homeless

The number of Idaho residents classified as homeless has declined since last year. A survey released last week shows that there are 1,781 homeless people in the state.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association tracks the homeless population to determine how best to use federal funding and services. The association reported a 9.5 percent decline in homeless residents over last year. Idaho received $4.21 million in federal aid to help the homeless, but funding for 2013 will not be know until this summer.

The eastern counties in the state had the lowest number of homeless. The agency counted only 191 homeless in the counties of Lemhi, Custer, Butte, Clark, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, Fremont and Bonneville.

Idaho Spring Job Fair

Idaho Spring Job Fair

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting their Spring Job Fair tomorrow in Post Falls. Over 40 employers are confirmed to be there and are ready to hire in the next 60-90 days.

There are two job fairs a year, one in the spring and another in the fall. Frank Garcia of the Department of Labor says the goal of the job fair is to connect job seekers with employers that have current openings. Employers are from around North Idaho as well as some from the Spokane area. 

The event will be held at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, April 17th. Make sure to dress for an interview and bring your resume. 

Real Life Ministries, 1866 North Cecil Road, Post Falls, Id.

Employers attending include:

Idaho Among Lowest For Health Insurance

Idaho Among Lowest For Health Insurance

A new study has been released regarding companies that offer health insurance to employees. The news isn't good for Idaho. The state ranks among the lowest in the country.

A report released last week states that only 43 percent of Idaho companies provide their workers with health insurance. That makes it the fourth lowest nationally. Other states in the region, Montana and Wyoming, rank lower. It is, however, an improvement from last year's score of 41 percent.

The numbers get worse. Among small businesses with 50 employees or less, Idaho ranks second lowest with 28 percent of them offering health insurance. For companies that offer insurance for employee family members, the employees pay 31 percent of their premiums on average. This is the third highest employee contribution requirement in the nation.

The report was published by the University of Minnesota's State Health access Data Assistance Center. 

Spokane-Style Beer is Federally Approved

Spokane-Style Beer is Federally Approved

No-Li Brewhouse has been crafting beer in the Northwest since 1993. Their branding pays homage to their love of Spokane and the region. Now, No-Li has put Spokane on the map as a major force in the world of craft brews. Earlier this week No-Li announced that they have gotten federal approval for a new style of craft beer. Spokane-Style.

 

What makes a beer Spokane-Style? Well, first off it must be brewed and packaged in Spokane. But the origin of the beer goes beyond that. To be classified as Spokane-Style all the ingredients must come from within 300 miles of the city. Naturally, all of No-Li beers fall under the category of Spokane-Style.

 

No-Li attributes its close to home ingredients for driving its demand in other areas of the country. Whole Foods carries it in Washington D.C. and the largest liquor stores in Colorado have started selling the brand as well. No-Li is on tap both at Safeco Field and Century Link Field in Seattle.

 

North Idaho dispatchers allege hostile work environment

A former dispatcher and a current dispatcher at the Bonner County 911 Center in northern Idaho have filed legal notices announcing their intention to file lawsuits against the county for what they contend is a hostile work environment.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports in a story published Thursday that former dispatcher Kellie Brownell and current senior dispatcher Diana Elsfelder filed the tort claims seeking $250,000 each.

Brownell says she approached county commissioners about the work environment with the result being the situation became worse.

Brownell and Elsfelder say they were subjected to disparaging remarks, segregated from other dispatchers, had their work shifts altered and training opportunities reduced.

County officials declined to comment.

Dispatchers allege hostile work environment

A former dispatcher and a current dispatcher at the Bonner County 911 Center in northern Idaho have filed legal notices announcing their intention to file lawsuits against the county for what they contend is a hostile work environment.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports in a story published Thursday that former dispatcher Kellie Brownell and current senior dispatcher Diana Elsfelder filed the tort claims seeking $250,000 each.

Brownell says she approached county commissioners about the work environment with the result being the situation became worse.

Brownell and Elsfelder say they were subjected to disparaging remarks, segregated from other dispatchers, had their work shifts altered and training opportunities reduced.

County officials declined to comment.

Schweitzer Extends Ski Season

Schweitzer Extends Ski Season

 

Sandpoint, ID - Schweitzer Mountain Resort has announced the extension of the ski season one extra week, with the new closing date falling on Sunday, March 14. A combination of excellent snow and weather conditions has prompted the resort to offer this extra week of operation.

 

“This year conditions came together perfectly for us to operate for an additional week,” said Schweitzer President and CEO Tom Chasse. “We’re thrilled to offer this extended season to our guests.”

 

Even though the season has been prolonged, Tropical Daze, Schweitzer’s annual spring celebration, will stay on its original dates of Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Events for the weekend include the Rubber Ducky Derby, pond skimming in the village, the ever popular Downhill Dummy Derby on lower JR run, live music and a boom box party in Taps Lounge, family friendly pirate themed activities throughout the village and much more.

 

“Tropical Daze is a great way to celebrate the change in weather and welcome in spring skiing,” Chasse said.