In brief: Ex-DMV worker guilty of embezzlement

CALDWELL, Idaho – A former employee of the Canyon County Division of Motor Vehicles accused of embezzling money has pleaded guilty to one count of misuse of public funds.

Shawna Maggard, 50, entered the plea Friday in 3rd District Court.

Her attorney, Charles Crafts, said that as part of a plea deal the state will recommend 30 days in jail for Maggard, five years probation, and restitution and fines.

Police say Maggard took $1,164.75 by altering 23 vehicle registration transactions. Her sentencing is set for July 20.

Rangers searching for missing Cascades hiker

MARBLEMOUNT, Wash. – Rangers are searching for a hiker three days overdue from a backpacking trip in North Cascades National Park.

Park spokeswoman Paula Ogden-Muse said Mark Albrecht, a 22-year-old who recently moved to Everett from Indiana, had a permit to camp in the Cascade Pass area Monday and Tuesday nights. He never called his parents to say he got home safely, and he didn’t show up for work on Thursday.

Rangers found his car Friday evening at a trailhead and began searching first thing Saturday.

Gift shop offers ‘green’ scorecards

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Customers at a gift shop in Yellowstone National Park may use scorecards to help them make environmentally sensitive decisions about what to buy.

The cards are designed to help consumers consider whether to buy a product made in a place with a reputation for environmental disregard, or pay more for one made under conditions considered more environmentally sustainable.

The scorecards are part of a new approach at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel store to connect people to the risk parks face because of climate change and pollution, and to promote sustainable practices.