In brief: Jail bond vote falls short a third time

JEROME, Idaho – Officials in Southern Idaho’s Jerome County are trying to figure out what to do after voters for a third time rejected a plan to replace the 35-year-old county jail that authorities say can no longer pass some inspections.

The initiative failed to get the 66.6 percent supermajority it needed among voters, instead receiving 59.4 percent.

The current jail opened in 1975 with 34 beds and was renovated following a federal lawsuit that forced improvements.

The jail averages about 65 inmates daily. A new facility would have 165 beds, with about 100 used for Jerome County inmates and the rest leased to other counties with overcrowded jails.

The current Jerome County Jail falls short of National Fire and Life Safety standards, the American Disabilities Act and the minimum standards for inspection from the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association.

Woman walking dog attacked by bear

GIG HARBOR, Wash. – Authorities say a Gig Harbor woman was attacked by a black bear Sunday morning while she was walking her dog.

The woman was walking in a wooded area with her unleashed dog when the bear appeared, the News Tribune of Tacoma reported. The dog chased the bear, and he woman went to retrieve the dog. She got between the dog and the bear, and the bear attacked.

Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said the woman had severe bite wounds on her arm and bite marks on her back. The dog survived.

Capt. Dan Brinson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said the bear will be trapped and euthanized.