In brief: Commission delays pawn shop decision

Spokane County commissioners on Tuesday delayed a vote on a proposal creating stricter rules for pawn shops.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office hopes to require pawn shops to take pictures or thumbprints of all people who pawn merchandise.

Commissioner Phil Harris said the proposal was flawed, in part, because it was not clear that it affected only pawn shops in unincorporated Spokane County.

The board voted unanimously to hold another public hearing on the matter after county attorneys rewrite the portions commissioners said were flawed.

Investigators say the regulations would help them get evidence when someone is caught pawning stolen goods, but some pawn shop owners say the rules would violate customer privacy and be of little use to police.

– Jonathan Brunt

Library district to seek levy vote

The Spokane County Library District board of trustees moved Tuesday to ask voters to keep the maintenance and operations levy at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Rising property values have meant more property tax revenue going to the district, which, without a vote, would cause the assessment rate to decrease to 44 cents per $1,000 because of state tax laws.

That amounts to a $985,000 difference, which board members said they would like to use to expand library branch hours, increase materials purchases, improve Internet service and create a reserve fund.

At its regular meeting Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to ask county officials to place the measure on the Sept. 19 primary ballot.

– Peter Barnes

Kooskia, Idaho

Motorcyclist dies in crash with semi

A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday and his passenger was injured in a crash near Kooskia, Idaho, that involved two drivers from Minnesota.

The Idaho State Police said 62-year-old Gary G. Dagostino, of Blaine, Minn., died when his 2002 Honda crashed into a semitruck driven by 45-year-old Rodger E. Deitchler, of Ponsford, Minn.

Dagostino’s passenger, 63-year-old Marion V. Dagostino, was taken to Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino, Idaho, with unspecified injuries.

Her condition was not immediately available.

Deitchler and his passenger, 49-year-old Jesusa O. Burnaman, were not injured.

Police said Dagostino failed to negotiate a turn on U.S. Highway 12, about two miles east of Kooskia, and slammed into the eastbound truck.

Gary and Marion Dagostino were wearing helmets, police said.

– John Craig