In brief: Schools to seek nearly $580,000 more
The Coeur d’Alene School District will seek an additional $579,023 in property tax money this year because of an increase in enrollment, the school board voted Friday. State law allows districts to implement one-year emergency levies if enrollment is higher than the previous year. No public vote is required.
Under the district’s projected levy rate, the cost will be $11.92 for every $200,000 of taxable property value. The 2006-07 emergency levy cost $18.59.
The levy amount is the maximum the district is entitled to under its current enrollment, which, at 10,281 students, is 119 more than last year’s. The increase includes students who live outside the district but attend Coeur d’Alene schools.
–Meghann M. Cuniff
Harrison
Powderhorn builders appeal hearing
Developers of the proposed Powderhorn Ranch golf retreat near Harrison are appealing to the Idaho Supreme Court a recent decision ordering the Kootenai County commission to have another public hearing on the project.
Powderhorn Communities LLC and Heartland LLC, the development companies, filed the appeal Aug. 31. Coeur d’Alene Land Company, which owns part of the property, filed a similar appeal the same day.
In July, 1st District Judge Charles Hosack ruled that the county commission erred and must hold another public hearing. The decision meant that a reconstituted commission would make the final decision on the project, which would open 3,000 acres on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene for three golf courses and more than 1,000 million-dollar homes.
Hosack’s order said the commission failed to have a public hearing before it voted to amend the county’s growth plan to allow for the private luxury golf retreat overlooking Powderhorn Bay.
Two new commissioners, Rich Piazza and Todd Tondee, have taken office since that decision was made. The only remaining commissioner, Chairman Rick Currie, was the lone vote against amending the comprehensive plan.
Neighbors for Responsible Growth, the Kootenai Environmental Alliance and four families living near Powderhorn Bay appealed the commission’s initial decision to amend the growth plan.
– Erica Curless
Coeur d’Alene
Air pistols prompt school lockdown
Ramsey Elementary School was locked down for about 10 minutes Friday after two teens were seen shooting what looked like a rifle near the school.
The weapon turned out to be a soft air pistol, and the school was reopened, police Sgt. Christie Wood said. The boys – Lake City High School students – were skipping class and hanging out at a residence on Atlantic Drive, Wood said.
They weren’t shooting toward the school, but police will recommend charges of discharging a firearm in city limits, Wood said.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Plummer, Idaho
Woman killed in single-car crash
A 31-year-old Plummer, Idaho, woman was killed Friday morning in a one-car crash on Highway 95.
Cira L. Marchitiello was driving on the highway, north of Worley, when she drove her Jeep Grand Cherokee off the road about 6:30 a.m., according to the Idaho State Police.
The Jeep went down a bank and rolled, throwing Marchitiello from the vehicle. She was not wearing a seat belt, police said.
Washington
McDermott knighted by king of Lesotho
Rep. Jim McDermott has new title: Sir.
In recognition of his “tireless efforts in Africa in medical, economic, humanitarian, political and cultural areas,” the 10-term Democratic congressman from Seattle was recently knighted by the king of Lesotho.
“His Majesty Letsie III, by the Grace of God, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Lesotho, is pleased by these presents to appoint Jim McDermott Knight Commander of The Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe” reads the official citation awarded during an Aug. 22 ceremony at the Royal Palace in Maseru, Lesotho, a landlocked country surrounded by the Republic of South Africa.
According to Lesotho government officials, the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe recognizes “distinguished leadership, particularly in the political sphere.”
The knighthood acknowledges McDermott’s leadership on the African Growth and Opportunity Act, also known as AGOA, which has enabled Lesotho to become a top African exporter of apparel to the United States. McDermott co-sponsored the 2000 law, which his office said has helped create 50,000 jobs in Lesotho.
During the ceremony, King Letsie III draped a symbolic ribbon across McDermott as the congressman’s wife, Therese Hansen, and Lesotho officials looked on.
McDermott, who was unaware that he would be knighted during a visit to Lesotho last month, said he was moved by the high honor.
Through AGOA and other laws, the United States has “made a positive difference in Africa and in the lives of countless Africans,” McDermott said.
Coeur d’Alene
Event to focus on substance abuse
A free event to raise awareness of substance abuse problems in the community will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Coeur d’Alene City Park.
Nearly 20 organizations will host information booths at the annual Party in the Park, sponsored by the Christian Community Coalition. Speakers include city and law enforcement officials and four recovering addicts.