In brief: Alfalfa sprouts may be salmonella source

Alfalfa sprouts grown in North Idaho may be to blame for an outbreak of salmonella in the Inland Northwest, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said Friday.

Idaho public health officials are investigating 19 cases of salmonella reported in Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana linked to alfalfa sprouts grown at Evergreen Produce in Moyie Springs, Idaho.

Six of those infected with the salmonella bacteria reported eating sprouts from the North Idaho grower. Health officials advise people to avoid Evergreen sprouts until the investigation is complete. Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and develop between one and five days after eating contaminated food.

Check stations set up for invasive species

Aquatic Invasive Species check stations will be set up this weekend in several locations in Eastern Washington, the state Fish and Wildlife Department said.

These are mandatory stops for anyone on the road with watercraft of any kind, said Madonna Luers, department spokeswoman.

The check stations will be signed and open from 8 a.m. through at least 3 p.m. as follows:

• Today, on U.S. Highway 2 just north of Spokane (near Chattaroy transfer station).

• Today, on Lake Roosevelt, at National Park Service boat launch sites, including Kettle Falls.

• Sunday, on Snake River boat launch sites, including Clarkston.

The agency has a webpage for more information:  wdfw.wa.gov/ais/.

North Idaho has five boat inspection sites open through Sept. 9.

The state Agriculture Department is operating the sites 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Fourth of July Pass, Huetter rest stop, Garwood, Old Town and Samuels.

Driver, 80, killed in Highway 54 crash

An 80-year-old Athol woman was killed Friday when her car hit a tree on state Highway 54, the Idaho State Police reported.

Melvina E. Cameron was westbound on the highway near Howard Road in Athol about 4:40 p.m. when her 2000 Buick Century left the road, hit a tree and overturned.

Cameron was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car, the ISP said.

Child rapist ordered to receive treatment

A Seattle man was sentenced to a treatment alternative for first-degree rape of a child and first-degree child molestation.

James E. Norby, 67, pleaded guilty after accosting two girls in February while visiting a family that lives in north Spokane County.

Superior Court Judge Maryann Moreno sentenced Norby to the state’s sex offender sentencing alternative, which will include three years of treatment.

If Norby, who has no prior felony convictions, fails to comply, he could be sent to prison for life, said his attorney, David Miller.