In brief: Wolf tags for sale to licensed hunters

Idaho Department of Fish and Game has started selling wolf tags – $11.50 for resident hunters and $186 for out-of-state hunters.

Tags are available at license vendors and Fish and Game offices.

A valid 2011 Idaho hunting license is required to buy a tag.

On Thursday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the rule that removed wolves in the Rocky Mountains from the Endangered Species List, with the exception of Wyoming’s wolf population.

Gray wolves in Idaho are now under state management and considered a big game animal.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set seasons, rules and limits later in the summer.

For more information, visit http://fishandgame. idaho.gov/.

Becky Kramer

Stabbing victim in serious condition

One man was hospitalized and another arrested in connection with a stabbing early Thursday outside the Top Hat Tavern on Spokane’s North Side.

Bobby Galloway, 23, was booked into Spokane County Jail on a charge of first-degree assault, Spokane police said.

The victim, 30, had gone to the Top Hat for a drink when he received a phone call asking him to go outside to meet the caller just before 1:30 a.m.

A confrontation led to the stabbing after the victim reportedly took a swing at the assailant, witnesses reported. Galloway was stopped by police a short distance from the tavern after witnesses described him and his vehicle.

The victim was reported in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane police said.

Mike Prager

Out-of-bounds skiers face fines in new law

OLYMPIA – Skiing or snowboarding in areas that are marked as dangerous and closed to the public could result in misdemeanor charges under a law signed Thursday.

Gov. Chris Gregoire approved Senate Bill 5186, which allows for charges to be leveled against skiers and boarders who ignore signs and deliberately venture into closed, dangerous areas. If caught and cited, they could face a fine as high as $1,000.

Supporters said stronger enforcement was needed to prevent skiers from venturing into dangerous areas, becoming lost or injured, and risking the lives of rescuers who are sent in to get them. Opponents successfully argued that the violation should not be classified as second-degree trespass.

The law will be in effect before the start of the 2011-’12 ski season.

Jim Camden