NIC instructor won’t face abuse charges

Felony abuse charges against a North Idaho College instructor were dropped Wednesday.

Kootenai County Prosecutor Bill Douglas said a Idaho Department of Health and Welfare report regarding child abuse allegations against Cheri Corley Zao “creates a reasonable doubt.”

Zao was accused of abusing her now-16-year-old adopted daughter. She pleaded not guilty, and her attorney said Tuesday that the allegations were “unfounded.”

Douglas’ decision came just days after a related child protection case brought against Zao by the Department of Health and Welfare was dismissed.

– Taryn Brodwater

Five men suspected of burglary attempt

Five Post Falls men were arrested on suspicion of burglary Tuesday night after allegedly trying to break into a gas station while a police officer was parked nearby.

Officer Jason Dewitt was parked on Mullan Avenue when he heard an alarm sounding at the Post Falls Cenex at 312 Mullan Ave.

Dewitt saw five men run from behind the business to an apartment across the street, according to a press release.

“I think the alarm probably scared them off,” Lt. Greg McLean said Wednesday. Officers found a door to the business kicked open and an empty duffel bag.

Arrested on felony burglary charges were Mark Sharp, 18; Joel Wulff, 18; Jessie Torres, 18; Christopher Hamn, 18; and Justin Noel, 21.

Bail was set at $20,000 for each suspect, except for Sharp, who is being held on $25,000 bail.

– Taryn Brodwater

All area campsites completely booked

If the family plans to hit the woods this Labor Day weekend, you better already have reservations at campgrounds in Idaho and Washington state parks.

There are no state campsites available in North Idaho or Eastern Washington. That means popular parks such as Farragut, Priest Lake, Riverside and Mount Spokane are full.

Labor Day is one of the most popular camping weekends, said Jennifer Wernex of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in a press release Wednesday.

“Sites fill up quickly, with most families reserving campsites a month or two in advance,” she said.

There are a handful of state parks in Central and Southern Idaho that had spaces available as of Wednesday afternoon, including Dworshak, near Orofino.

It’s the same story in Washington. Osoyoos Lake, just north of Oroville and near the Canadian border, is the only Washington state park with campsites still available.

— Erica Curless