In brief: Four burglary suspects arrested at Kmart
Spokane police arrested four young men early Tuesday in the midst of an alleged plot to break into an East Sprague Avenue Kmart from the roof.
Jose Lemus, 18, and three juvenile suspects were taken into custody after 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Spokane Police Department news release. Two of the alleged burglars were on the roof of the store at 4110 E. Sprague Ave., while the other two grabbed items inside the store after entering via chain from a ceiling air vent, according to court documents.
Spokane firefighters offered assistance with ladders to reach the rooftop suspects, according to police.
The two suspects inside the store were wearing headlamps and masks. They were taken into custody with backpacks containing watches, rings and other jewelry. Display cases were smashed out during the attempt, according to court documents.
Officials estimated the damage to the building as a result of the burglary totaling more than $5,000. The suspects were found in possession of about $2,370 worth of goods belonging to the store.
Investigators say they are looking into the possibility Tuesday’s break-in was tied to a burglary at another Kmart in December.
Silverwood to add new family rides
Silverwood Theme Park north of Coeur d’Alene is expanding again, with more rides for younger children and families.
The park will spend more than $1.2 million to nearly double its family entertainment area with three new rides – a kite glider, a giant puppy ride that barks on command and a spinning family coaster – to open by this summer.
Space for an additional ride – a hot air balloon-themed attraction – will be prepared for a 2015 opening, and the kiddie Ferris wheel will be re-themed and moved to the new area, north of Garfield’s Summer Camp and east of the Butterflyer and Frog Hopper rides. New pathways with seating areas, trees and gardens will be added as well.
Construction is expected to begin in February.
Body found after house fire in Idaho
Firefighters pulled a body from a home Monday near Moyie Springs, Idaho, after putting out an intense fire.
The body may be that of 74-year-old William Kahn, who lived in the home and is missing. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire.
The house fire, just north of Highway 2 and east of Bonners Ferry, was doused by crews from the North Bench Fire Department and other fire departments.
No evidence of foul play has been found.
NIC trustees oppose concealed gun bill
North Idaho College trustees voted Tuesday night to oppose a state bill to allow concealed firearms on Idaho public college campuses under certain circumstances.
The trustees voted 4-1 to oppose the bill sponsored by Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa. The dissenting vote was from Trustee Todd Banducci, president of Falcon Investments & Insurance Inc. in Coeur d’Alene and a major in the Air Force Reserves.
Like most colleges, NIC bans firearms on campus, either concealed or open carry.
The Senate State Affairs Committee, which has rejected similar bills in past years, voted Monday to introduce the legislation. The bill seeks to override campus gun bans for retired law enforcement officers and people who have Idaho’s new enhanced concealed carry permit. That permit requires more rigorous training then the state’s regular concealed weapon permit.
Concealed weapons still would be prohibited in dormitories or residence halls, and in large entertainment venues with seating for 1,000 or more.
NIC officials plan to testify against the bill in Boise.
Dog’s death reminds of trapping season
The death of a Post Falls family’s dog in a trap near the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River has state officials reminding local residents that winter is trapping season.
“We encourage pet owners to recognize that when they’re out and about,” said Chip Corsi, Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s regional supervisor in Coeur d’Alene.
The season for many small furbearers continues through the end of March. Trappers are not required to post notices that they’ve set traps in an area.
Sarah Miller told the Coeur d’Alene Press that her family’s dog was killed during a Sunday afternoon hike in a trap that crushed its throat. Several weeks ago, another family’s dog was killed in a trap near Cougar Gulch.
Some trappers prefer leg-hold traps, because animals caught by accident can be set free, Corsi said. However, others argue that traps that kill instantly are more humane, he said.
Felon arrested after riding stolen bicycle
A prolific felon ended up in jail again Monday night after Spokane police found him riding a stolen bicycle worth an estimated $3,500.
Alexander Stormy, 29, was booked into jail for possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. The bike had been reported stolen from a garage last August, police said.
Spokane police neighborhood conditions officers observed Stormy near the intersection of Second Avenue and Wall Street about 5 p.m. and recognized him from prior arrests. When they approached him about traffic violations, he fled on the bike. Officers arrested him a block away.
Stormy has 16 felony convictions, including for theft, assault, malicious mischief and possession of stolen property.
Free ice fishing event at Idaho lake planned
A free Saturday event at Hauser Lake is aimed at introducing people to ice fishing.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will loan out fishing gear on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Individuals who sign in at the IDFG trailer don’t need fishing licenses. However, all other rules such as size limits and species limits do apply.
Department employees, Cabela’s employees and volunteers will use ice augers to drill holes, and experienced anglers will offer advice for getting started. Kootenai County Parks and Waterways will have the parking lot and restroom facilities ready.
There will be free hot dogs and hot chocolate served starting at noon and continuing while supplies last.
Participants should wear warm clothes, gloves and waterproof boots with traction devices.
UI to celebrate its 125th anniversary
The University of Idaho will celebrate its 125th anniversary Thursday with a birthday bash, including a 12-foot-tall cake and the Vandal marching band.
The event will begin at noon in the Idaho Commons Food Court, 875 S. Line St. in Moscow. It also will be streamed to the UI center in Coeur d’Alene, where cake also will be served.
The University of Idaho was founded Jan. 30, 1889, to fulfill the land-grant university mission, opening the doors of higher education to Idaho residents.
More anniversary celebrations are planned for the summer and fall in Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls. Information: www.uidaho.edu/125years.