In brief: Open enrollment for health insurance

Parents can buy individual health insurance plans for their children or enroll them under their own individual health insurance plans during an open-enrollment period that begins today and runs through April 30.

Insurers may not deny coverage to children with pre-existing health conditions, according to Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

The open enrollment period is the first in the state since federal health reform was passed. There will be two per year.

The insurance commission has set up a consumer hot line at (800) 562-6900 to help answer questions and field complaints.

John Stucke

Anonymous donor helps taco stand owner

A Coeur d’Alene man donated $1,500 to the owner of a taco stand hit last month by vandals and subjected recently to picketing by white supremacists.

Ignacio Sanabria, owner of Tacos Los Panchos, 2102 N. Fourth St., said he is grateful for the donation from the man, who requested anonymity. He said he also appreciates the continuing community support he has received since white supremacists began picketing his and other Mexican food stands several weeks ago.

The vandalism occurred late on Feb. 10 or early the next morning.

Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest has offered a reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call (208) 667-2111 or toll free at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers do not have to use their own name to be eligible for a reward.

Alison Boggs

Traffic stop yields meth, semi-automatic

A pistol-packing St. Maries woman was arrested Sunday in Spokane Valley after an officer found methamphetamine in her car during a traffic stop, police said Monday.

Brenna Ann Haynes, 21, told Officer Juan Rodriguez her driver’s license might be suspended and that she had a syringe and baggie of drugs in her pocket when she was stopped for failing to use her turn signal near Sprague Avenue and McDonald Road. Rodriguez determined she was correct on both accounts, Sgt. Dave Reagan said.

Rodriguez arrested the woman on meth and gun charges after determining she didn’t have a concealed weapon permit.

In addition to the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 13 bullets, a second magazine with 13 bullets also was located on the back seat, as well as a marijuana pipe, digital scale and MSM, a horse supplement commonly used to cut methamphetamine, Reagan said.

Meghann M. Cuniff