In brief: Seven dead deer, elk likely shot from road

Seven deer and elk whose carcasses were found on Beaver Slide Road east of Kamiah, Idaho, were likely shot illegally from the road, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Since late October, the carcasses have been discovered along a 1  1/2-mile stretch of the road. No meat was taken.

  “We’ve investigated poaching activity in this area in the past, but nothing to this extent,” said Fish and Game Officer Roger Westfall.  “There is no excuse for these senseless crimes – it’s outrageous.” 

  In late October, two whitetail does were discovered about a week apart in a field at milepost 6.  On Nov. 5, officers investigated a cow elk left in the same field. The next day, concerned hunters reported a dead buck on the hill across the canyon. A week later, a small whitetail buck was discovered at milepost 6.5.  Two more elk were discovered Saturday in a field at milepost 5.5.

Anyone observing suspicious activity in the area should call (800) 632-5999.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. 

Becky Kramer

Geddes won’t seek Senate’s top post

BOISE – Longtime Idaho Senate President Pro-Tem Bob Geddes has decided against seeking another term in the Senate’s top leadership post, and his decision already has prompted two other senators to explore their options.

Within hours of Geddes’ announcement Monday, Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, and Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, indicated they’d run for the position. House and Senate leadership elections take place during the Idaho Legislature’s organizational session, which starts Dec. 1.

Geddes, R-Soda Springs, an environmental engineer, has been the state Senate’s top leader for the past 10 years – the longest anyone in the state’s history has held the post. He’ll still serve in the Senate, having just been elected to his ninth term.

Betsy Z. Russell

State recycling rate steady at 45 percent

OLYMPIA – State officials say Washington’s recycling rate in 2009 remained level at 45 percent.

The statewide goal is 50 percent. The national average in 2008 was 33 percent.

Department of Ecology officials estimate that recycling materials instead of sending them to landfills helped the state avoided emitting 2.8 million tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in 2009.

Associated Press