Intersection to get flashing yellow light

Coeur d’Alene plans to install a flashing yellow signal at the intersection of Atlas Road and Kathleen Avenue.

The yellow signal is the same as a yield sign. It means that drivers can make a left turn but still must yield.

The left-turn flashing yellow signal will be used in conjunction with a green arrow. The green arrow means that a driver has permission to turn left. Then the signal will flash yellow, meaning drivers can still turn left, but they must now yield to oncoming traffic.

Installation will be complete by October.

The city is using the yellow flashing signal as part of a nationwide testing phase.

So far, results show that it’s more effective than the green signal, according to a press release issued Friday by the city. The system also is used extensively in Oregon.

For more information, call City Engineer Gordon Dobler at (208) 769-2216.

– Erica Curless

Domestic violence grant awarded tribe

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo has announced a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s domestic violence prevention and intervention program.

“This is welcome news for Native American women and children in Benewah and Kootenai County and the surrounding areas,” said Crapo. “Native American women experience significantly higher rates of violence than other population subgroups.”

“Moneys like this grant are much-needed, and the return cannot be measured in dollars,” he said. “I’m pleased to support this successful program and congratulate the tribe on its efforts to obtain this grant.”

Coeur d’Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan said, “This grant will help ensure there is an advocate available to victims of violence.”

The grant is from the Department of Justice’s STOP Violence Against Indian Women Discretionary Grant Program.

– Staff reports

Kootenai County

United Way sets $550,000 as goal

The United Way of Kootenai County hopes to raise $550,000 in this fall’s campaign. The organization will launch its campaign Tuesday with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Inn and Wednesday with a breakfast at 7 a.m. at Templin’s Inn in Post Falls.

Campaign Chairman LaDonna Beaumont said she is confident the organization will reach its goal based on support shown previously by residents and businesses in the county. The funds raised will be allocated in early spring to 27 local nonprofit agencies.

For tickets or more information, call (208) 667-1212 or (208) 667-8112.

– Staff reports

REXBURG, Idaho

Big enrollment challenges BYU-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho officials are scrambling to make room for about 2,000 more students than they anticipated.

More than 13,500 students enrolled at the school this year, about 1,200 more than the previous enrollment record. The growth required officials to open Rigby Hall, traditionally an all-male dorm, to women for the first time.

Enrollment at the university has been climbing since 2001, when the facility began its transition from a two-year school called Ricks College to the four-year BYU-Idaho.

Usually only about 65 percent of the high school students accepted to BYU-Idaho decide to enroll, said Roy Huff of BYU-Idaho’s academic administration department.

This year, most of those accepted enrolled, Huff said.

– Associated Press