Cold stocks

I wondered when I read in the paper a few weeks ago that Coldwater Creek's earnings had taken an unexpected dive during the third quarter. This morning, I learned that the situation was even worse: 50 weeks of free fall. So, we all shared in the big announcement, which hit Huckleberries Online about 5 p.m. yesterday: the University of Idaho Sandpoint campus plans have been put on hold.

After reading both papers this morning, I'd say the picture doesn't exactly look rosy right now where Wild Rose Foundation is concerned. Another article stated that the planned construction for an animal shelter/hospital is being delayed also because of wording in Friends of the Shelter bylaws.

Though the sun will be shining today, I call it a dark day for our community. All stories report that there are hopes that the tide will turn, but for now, the hopes and dreams of locals being able to stay home while attending college will have to wait.

I can't even imagine the gravity of disappointment for all concerned in the process, but I'm glad a decision came before Sandpoint became another UniversityPlace-gate as Boise saw a few years ago with all the university lost when that satellite project went sour.

I've read for years that Dennis Pence is a hard-driving, ambitious man who wants things done yesterday. I'm sure that intense personal pride in having the foresight and means to make a significant difference goes along with that profile also. This could not have been easy, but I applaud him for considering all the entities involved and their futures in making what had to be one of the more difficult decisions of his life.

The sun will shine today in Bonner County, and it will shine again on this concept. That we have to wait is not novel for folks in Sandpoint. Look how long we've awaited the Bypass/Byway. Life will go on, and what's meant to be here in this community will happen. For now, we can be glad that the hard decisions saving certain dark days ahead, have been made, and for now, all that's lost is a little piece of the dream.