Attend the Mayor’s Youth Awards, hosted by the Post Falls Mayor’s Youth Commission to see which youth residing in Post Falls are recognized for their outstanding involvement in the community. Being recognized for a variety of things from heroism to community service, these youth are an integral part of the Post Falls community.
Event information:
Thursday, May 17
6 p.m.
Q’emiln Park Pavilion
12201 West Parkway Drive, Post Falls, Idaho
By: Keith
Most things you buy won’t last forever.
Think about it: When you purchase a new pair of shoes, there are only so many steps you can take before the soles wear out. New cars only run well for a certain amount of time before they need repairs. Sporting equipment, like basketballs, tennis rackets or golf clubs, can be used many times but will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
What about paper money? Does paper money ever wear out? Can you still use an 85-year-old $5 bill to buy an ice cream cone?
Yes, paper money does wear out.
According to the Federal Reserve (the central banking system of the United States), the average lifespan of a $1 bill is 4.8 years and a $100 bill is expected to last for 17.9 years. Bills of smaller denominations tend to wear our faster because they’re passed around more frequently. Paper money is fairly durable because it’s made by using a blend of 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen. It’s a good thing it isn’t actually made of paper because it would wear out even faster.
Yes, you can use an old bill to make a purchase today.
The only thing that makes a paper bill unusable is its physical condition. So go ahead and spend that old $5 bill to buy an ice cream cone. As long as it’s still in good shape, you can use it. If you ever run across a bill that you think might be worn out, you can simply ask a teller at a credit union (like STCU) or a bank. If the teller confirms that it is worn out they can help you exchange it for a better one.
Worn-out money is shredded and sometimes recycled. It can be used as a form of insulation, as fuel pellets, and in the production of countertops. Ford Motor Company has even taken interest and is experimenting to make car parts with it. Cool!
By: Janessa
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re ready to finally play outside after a long winter cooped up inside. Spring is finally here!
And so is spring cleaning, that annual ritual most families do when the weather starts to get warmer.
Spring cleaning isn’t all fun, but if you do it with your family you might find yourself having a blast. 
Your parents probably have a bunch of projects in mind, so you might start by asking them what they need help with. Maybe you can get the whole family involved by making it a competition — whoever gets their chores done first gets a prize.
Even though you’re young, there is a lot around the house you can help with. You can take the cushions off the couch and vacuum it out. You might find some spare change for your Money Jar!
Do you have any clothes that you’ve outgrown? You can make a bag of these and donate them to a place like Goodwill, who will resell them to support their charitable work, or maybe you can hand them down to a younger family member. You can also donate any toys you have outgrown.
In the yard, you can enjoy the nice weather while doing chores by picking up any sticks or raking up pine needles that might have
fallen before the grass gets mowed for the first time.
Cleaning isn’t always fun, but by helping your family with spring cleaning, your home will be ready for the exciting summer months that are just around the corner, and your parents will appreciate your willingness to help.
By: Robyn
When I was in school, I had two favorite words: spring and break (put them together and it gets even better). I would trudge through the school days following winter break and long for that week in April when I didn’t have to worry about lunch money or getting the best seat on the bus.
Fortunately, you won’t have to wait much longer. Spring break is just around the corner.
Unfortunately, spring arrived with a little surprise this year. Snow and rain!
But don’t let these wacky weather patterns dampen your spring break spirit. It may not be time for water balloon fights and slip-n-slides, but you don’t have to be trapped inside either.
Here are a few of my favorite — an inexpensive! — ways to beat the rainy-day-blues activities.
Plan out a picnic: If the weather won’t let you outdoors, bring the outdoors inside. Spread out a tablecloth in the living room, invite your parents and your siblings and turn up some summery tunes. Pack some snacks from the pantry like PB&J, sliced apples, veggie sticks and juice boxes, and you won’t even notice you’re indoors.
Bust out a book: No, I’m not talking about the homework your teacher gave you over break (although you shouldn’t ignore your homework.) Find a book you can’t put down and see how many pages you can read in 10 minutes. Or an hour. Or a day! Check out a book from your local library and it won’t cost you a dime.
Fling up a fort: Anyone up for a little adventure? This one might require some help and parental permission, but if mom and dad are OK with it, throw some sheets and blankets up over the couch and build your own little getaway. You can have a fun vacation without leaving the house!
Plot out your pennies: If spring break is here, that means summer is just around the corner. With all that free time you’ll soon have, you’ll be able to do lots of cool things. Want to go to Silverwood or the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture? Start planning ahead and save up for the big day. Asking for extra chores around the house or setting up your own lemonade stand could earn you the extra cash you need to have all the fun you want this summer.
Don’t let the snow and rain stop you from celebrating your spring break in style. Create your own fun on your own time and your own dime.
But don’t forget to do your homework!
