Truck hit after evading train gate

A 54-year-old Athol woman wasn’t injured when her car was hit by a train Monday evening, but she was ticketed for stopping on a railroad track.

Mary K. Matteson tried to go around the safety gates at a crossing in Rathdrum as a train approached, according to Idaho State Police. When she realized she couldn’t make it across, she tried to turn around and her 1999 GMC truck became stuck in the gravel, according to an ISP news release. She ran away, and the truck was hit by a southbound BNSF Railway Co. train.

Vergobbi retiring as commissioner

Shoshone County Commissioner Jim Vergobbi is retiring after 15 years, saying he wants to spend more time with family.

Vergobbi, 75, said he doesn’t like the word “retire” because he plans to remain active in the community.

The Democrat was first elected in 1985 and served six years. He returned in 1997 and has been in office since.

Candidates have until Friday to file for Vergobbi’s open seat.

Democrat Commissioner Jon Cantamessa’s seat also is on the ballot and he plans to seek re-election.

Harriman, Larsen running for House

Democrats Lyndon Harriman and David Larsen are again seeking seats in the Idaho House to represent District 5, which includes most of Post Falls.

Harriman, a Canfield Middle School teacher, is running against Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls. Harriman lost to Henderson in the 2004 general election but is trying again, advocating education, higher-paying jobs and protection of the environment.

Harriman said he also is concerned about Idaho’s property tax situation. He said there are too many exemptions and that the state shouldn’t tax groceries.

Larsen, a retired math teacher, is running against Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Post Falls, to whom he lost the 2004 general election race.

Larsen wants affordable health care, education and quality jobs. He doesn’t support the sale of Idaho’s public lands and wants to fix the state’s tax system.

Boise

Andrus endorses Grant candidacy

Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus endorsed Larry Grant of Fruitland to be North Idaho’s next congressman on Tuesday, saying Washington, D.C., needs a “clean sweep.”

“More than 60 percent of the American people disagree with the … way we’re going,” Andrus said. “It is in fact time for change in America, and one of the changes can take place right here in the 1st Congressional District of Idaho.”

Andrus, like Grant, is a Democrat. Grant, a former vice president of Micron Technology, faces Coeur d’Alene businessman Cecil Kelly in the Democratic primary in May. Six candidates are vying for the Republican nomination, as current Rep. Butch Otter leaves the 1st District seat to run for governor.