COEUR d'ALENE, ID — The difference Girl Scouts make in their North Idaho communities hasn't gone unnoticed by Rep. Russ Fulcher.

The Idaho congressman thanked Girl Scouts for their leadership and dedication during his stop in Kootenai County on Thursday.

"I'm so proud of you for making an impact," Fulcher told the girls at his Coeur d'Alene office.

Examples of the achievements Fulcher heard include: Sandpoint High's Caitlyn Smith for completing two projects and 100 hours of service to achieve a Gold Award — which fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts achieve — and Ramsey Elementary's Cassidy Crookham, who sold more than 2,000 boxes of cookies.

Lake City High's Jacquelyne Duncan, who serves on the regional Girl Scout board, said she hadn't met a U.S. congressman until Thursday.

"I'm really glad that I got this experience," said Duncan, who has been a Girl Scout for 12 years.

She said she was thankful for the interest Fulcher showed toward the scouts' hard work.

"I wouldn't be the person I am if it wasn't for Girl Scouts," the senior said. "It has helped me become a leader in band and all my other activities."

Fulcher also announced that he has created a position in his Coeur d'Alene office to improve assistance to local constituents.

Terri Seymour has been hired as the constituent services representative at Fulcher's office at 1250 W. Ironwood Dr., Suite 200.

"Case work has typically been performed at the offices in Boise and Meridian," he said. "North Idahoans have their own challenges, and we want to localize the service."

Fulcher said veterans who are having problems with access to health care, passports, Medicare/Medicaid and leases on federal lands are examples of federal-related issues his office can take on. He said his office is working on about 150 such cases statewide.

Author: Brian Walker

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