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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Free toys handed out by libraries recalled

The Spokesman-Review

Toys handed out at local libraries and to every student at Fernan and Atlas elementary schools have been recalled because of possible dangerously high lead content.

Plastic, bendable dog and cat figurines distributed as part of local libraries’ summer reading programs may contain more lead in their paint than what federal regulations allow.

A recent batch of the toys, manufactured in China and distributed to libraries nationwide, showed high levels of lead.

That doesn’t mean the toys previously distributed are dangerous, but “better be safe than sorry,” said Karen Yother, children and youth services librarian at the Hayden Library.

The library gave the toys to students in its summer reading program as well as to every student at Fernan and Atlas, Yother said.

Other libraries that distributed the toys include Athol, Harrison, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, St. Maries and the Bookmobile, but not Coeur d’Alene.

Parents are asked to return the toys to their local library for proper disposal.

Meghann M. Cuniff

BOZEMAN

Wolves monitored after calf injured

State and federal wildlife officials are monitoring wolf activity in Alaska Basin near the Montana-Idaho border after a calf was found injured by a wolf there earlier this month.

Officials with the Idaho Fish and Game Department on Friday confirmed the presence of one or two wolf packs that could have been responsible.

State wildlife officials investigated wolf reports in the nearby Raynolds Pass and Cliff Lakes area last spring, but no wolf packs were found.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and USDA Wildlife Services will scout the area, on the east end of the Centennial Valley.

If they find persistent wolf activity, they will set traps in an attempt to capture, collar and release a wolf.

The radio collar will help FWP track the animal to determine if it is a lone wolf, a member of a new Montana pack or a member of a “border pack” shared with Idaho.

Associated Press

Coeur d’Alene

Deadline Aug. 31 in NIC trustee race

Anyone looking to run for a seat on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees has until Aug. 31 to declare candidacy.

Board Vice Chairman Denny Hauge’s six-year term ends this year. He is seeking re-election, but no others have filed.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Kootenai County.

Those interested can fill out a declaration of candidacy at the county election office or with election clerk Rolly Jurgons, NIC’s vice president for administrative services.

Meghann M. Cuniff