A job fair held at the Post Falls National Guard Armory Wednesday had a simple goal: Put local veterans in the same room with 40 local businesses to help them find jobs.

For all they've been through and the training they've received, veterans like Chad Salter can handle a job fair.

"You're at ease because you know, the people are here to help you,"Salter said of the 'Hiring Our Heroes' event.

Salter is from Colville and served six years in the Army, then later worked for the Spokane VA Medical Center for two years. Now, two weeks away from finishing his Masters in business, Salter is on the job hunt again.

"We're easy to train. You think about a veteran, they're hard chargers. They're there early in the morning, they're there late at night," Salter said.

The introductions made at the job fair were provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce event 'Hiring Our Heroes.'According to the program, since March 2011 it's helped more than 100,000 military veterans and their spouses get hired across the country.

The scenic and historical Hiawatha bike trail opens for the summer on May 25th. This 15 mile stretch of abandoned railroad is considered the “Crown Jewel” all rail-to-trail bike projects in the country.

The last train passed over the Milwaukee Railroad rails in 1980. The old rail way was converted into packed gravel trails that are an easy ride for every one including children and seniors. Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Bitterroot Mountains while riding down the 1.6 percent grade.

Hiawatha is operated by the Lookout Pass Ski Area under special permit use of the U.S. Forest. Lookout offers bike rentals, as well a shuttle to take you back to the top of the trail head once you reach the end. It takes about two and a half hours to complete the ride going at a leisurely pace.

Schools across Idaho have been awarded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants so that they can provide healthy snack options throughout the day. A total of 113 schools were awarded the grant including 20 schools in 10 districts in North Idaho.

“The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a voluntary program that many schools across Idaho have used not only to provide more nutritious options, but also as a creative way to teach Idaho students about history, geography, writing or other critical subjects,” said Tom Luna, Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The program is part of a federal initiative by U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer schools a wider variety of produce. Schools are reimbursed for providing fresh produce to all students during the school day, but it has to be at a time outside of the normal lunch hour.