North Idaho Federated Republican Women

This would not have happened without the leadership and determination of President Nick Swayne, Trustees Zimmerman, Corkill, Knudtsen, Havercroft, and Durbin, Christa Hazel & Save NIC. Thank you for standing strong for our college and fighting to keep it going for generations to come!

NIC employees celebrate accreditation win!

COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho College endured.

That was the refrain Wednesday, when more than 150 NIC employees gathered in the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room of the Edminster Student Union Building on campus to celebrate the college returning to good standing with its accreditor.

“We made it,” said NIC President Nick Swayne, who dished up lunch for employees alongside members of his cabinet. “We survived.”

Last month’s decision came three years after NIC received a show-cause sanction from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities due to governance problems and decisions made by a former majority bloc on the board of trustees.

For employees, the gathering was a chance to decompress after years of turmoil and uncertainty about NIC’s future.

“I almost called it a minor miracle, but it’s closer to a major one,” said Joe Jacoby, division chair of communications and fine arts at NIC.

He recalled the moment in February when NWCCU Senior Vice President Ed Harri announced that NIC had resolved the governance issues and was once again in compliance with all accreditation standards and requirements.

“All of a sudden, I realized how much of a weight it had been,” he said. “It was moving to think of how we had been through all this. Many times, we thought we wouldn’t make it. Now we just get to work and do our jobs.”

Jamie Berube, a senior administrative assistant in Advising Services, said she was ecstatic to learn that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities lifted the sanctions and is glad to celebrate with her colleagues this week.

“We’ve worked so hard,” she said. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster.”

With the crisis over, Berube said NIC employees can focus on serving students without the threat of accreditation loss hanging over them.

“I think there are so many good things ahead,” she said. “It’s easy to follow a leader like Dr. Swayne and his team.”

For his part, Swayne praised NIC’s employees, who he said remained dedicated to the college and its mission throughout the accreditation saga. He said it was amazing to celebrate with so many employees Wednesday.

“This is by far the largest turnout we’ve had (for an employee event),” he said.

Looking back on the past three years, Jacoby said what stands out to him is the resiliency of NIC staff and leadership.

“I don’t know if people realize how close we were to going away,” Jacoby said. “I’m so grateful for the support of the community and to be part of a community that values education as much as Coeur d’Alene does.”

🔗 https://cdapress.com/news/2026/mar/05/nic-employees-celebrate-accreditation-win/

Today, after decades of hard work, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the state of Idaho announced a historic water rights agreement.

This agreement delivers certainty for water users and lasting protection for Coeur d’Alene Lake and everyone who depends on it.

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a man who believed in faith, freedom, and the power of character over color. The National Federation of Republican Women celebrates Dr. King’s enduring message. Let’s keep building the America he dreamed of.

✍️ 𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫

The America 250 Membership Challenge invites NFRW clubs to retain, recruit, and renew—honoring the legacy of 1776 while building for the future.

🏛 Patriot Keepers Guild
🏛 Liberty Builders Brigade
🏛 Signers Circle

Let’s grow together. Learn more at nfrw.org/drl-membership

🇺🇸 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟕𝟕𝟔

Here’s a little spotlight on two fantastic women in our organization. Tarie and Mary are members of North Idaho Federated Republican Women, and they consistently show up with heart, hard work, and a commitment to building community. Their leadership and involvement remind us what strong, engaged women can accomplish together.

Congratulations to Tarie & Mary! At the last meeting, NIC Trustees unanimously selected Tarie Zimmerman, as the new board chair. Mary Havercroft was unanimously voted in as the new vice-chair.

Havercroft is a retired teacher and principal who spent the majority of her career in the Lakeland Joint School District in Rathdrum. She was elected in 2024.

Zimmerman is a financial advisor who has lived in Coeur d’Alene since 2012. She replaces Brad Corkill as chair. Both Corkill and Zimmerman were elected in November 2022. Seats 1 (Zimmerman) and Seat 2 (Corkill) are up for re-election in November 2026.

This is available on livestream. The link is below.

The Idahoans for Openness in Government (IDOG) Government Transparency Series continues with another session on Dec. 17! It’s free, public & livestreamed. Join us! 📍 Lincoln Auditorium http://idahoptv.org/insession | RSVP: http://openidaho.org

Idaho Public Education Coalition – Imagine Excellence in Idaho Public Schools Idaho Public Education Coalition WHAT WE’ll DO​ A Serious Discussion About the Future of Public Education in Idaho. The Idaho Education Coalition has been started to help facilitate long-term change in Public Education. There is an increasing frustration being voiced by students, parents, and bu...

🍂 November Update from North Idaho Federated Republican Women 🍂

No NIFRW meeting this month — we’re giving everyone a chance to catch their breath after the election marathon (and maybe enjoy a well-deserved slice of pie 🥧).

We’ll be back on December 4th, ready to trade campaign stories and a little holiday cheer! 🎄

In the meantime, don’t miss this special event:

📅 Reception for Phil McGrane & Debbie Critchfield
🕡 Tuesday, November 12 | 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Shore Room, Coeur d’Alene Resort
🥂 Light appetizers & no-host bar
💌 RSVP: [email protected] | 208-918-0502

Come meet two outstanding statewide leaders and enjoy a great evening of Idaho hospitality! 🇺🇸

North Idaho Federated Republican Women October Luncheon

📅 Thursday, October 2, 2025
📍 Season’s of Coeur d’Alene
🕦 Doors Open: 11:30 AM | Program: Noon

Join us for an engaging luncheon where you’ll:
• Meet candidates from Coeur d’Alene and Hayden
• Hear their priorities and short remarks
• Participate in audience Q&A
• Connect one-on-one with candidates and members

Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed and involved in our local elections.

👉 RSVP today: [email protected]