In brief: Tips sought on moose poached near Cataldo

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking leads in the poaching of two bull moose near Cataldo, Idaho.

The fresh carcasses were discovered within 25 yards of each other in French Gulch near Frost Peak on Oct. 29. The poacher took only the hind quarters of one moose. Officers said both carcasses were field dressed as if the poachers had planned to retrieve more meat.

“This is a waste of valuable wildlife resources,” said Mark Bowen, a Fish and Game officer. “All Idaho residents … have good reason to be outraged by this.” 

Anyone with information on this incident should call Bowen at (208) 660-4655; the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, (208) 769-1414; or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (208) 632-5999. 

Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Becky Kramer

Health board meeting on budget next week

The Spokane Regional Health District’s Board of Health will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday to adopt its 2012 budget.

The meeting will be in the Public Health Center at 1101 W. College Ave.

Revenue declines require the Spokane Regional Health District to reduce spending by decreasing programs, staff or both.

They have proposed several program cuts, including those that help coordinate medical care for children with hearing loss and other special needs such as cleft lip and palate.

The budget proposal is for $21.4 million, about 8.7 percent less than the district had for operations this year.

Staff reports