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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: NIC to charge drivers $5 for Fourth of July parking

From Staff And Wire Reports

For the first time, North Idaho College will charge for parking during Fourth of July festivities Saturday.

Parking on the community college campus for major events has always been free, but this year drivers will be charged $5 to park as they enter campus. The fee will help NIC pay for portable restroom rental, custodial costs and security during major events.

A portion of proceeds also will be donated to the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce to help pay for the fireworks show over Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Lots on the north end of campus will not require a parking fee (Lots A, B and C on the map at www.nic.edu/parking).

Only cash will be accepted.

SCRAPS warns pet owners of fireworks’ effect on dogs

Not that they aren’t patriotic, but dogs aren’t big fans of fireworks displays.

Pet owners should leave their dogs at home, away from loud holiday displays this weekend, the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service advises.

A dog’s hearing is 10 times more sensitive than a human’s, and more pets are lost on Independence Day than any other day, SCRAPS said.

The agency also is reminding people never to leave dogs in cars, even with the windows cracked. SCRAPS offers these tips for the holiday:

• Take your dog on a long walk or hike well before the fireworks begin.

• Keep cats in a safe place indoors, such as a bedroom or bathroom, with the door closed.

• Distract your dog during the fireworks. Lead him in obedience behavior to focus on something other than the noise.

• Make sure pets have enough water on hot days.

• Make sure your dog is wearing identification.

One dead in helicopter crash in southeastern Washington

ASOTIN, Wash. – A sheriff in southeastern Washington said one person died in a helicopter crash south of Asotin.

The Lewiston Tribune reported that Asotin County Sheriff John Hilderbrand said the helicopter crash site was found Wednesday afternoon in the area of a wildfire that had been burning in Ayers Gulch in the southeast corner of the state.

Noel Hardin, Asotin County Fire District No. 1 chief, said the crash was unrelated to firefighting activities. The fire has been contained.

Nez Perce County, Idaho, sheriff’s Chief Deputy Scot Gleason said his office received a report of an overdue helicopter earlier Wednesday.

The victim was not immediately identified.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

Falling tree hits, injures woman swimming in pool

SEATTLE – The Seattle Fire Department said a woman in her 60s was hit and injured by the top of a 100-foot-tall tree that fell on her as she swam in a community pool.

The fire department said the accident happened Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters lifted the woman to the pool deck. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with a possible arm fracture and head injury.

She was reported in stable condition.

There were about five other people in the pool. They were unhurt.

Columbia River temperature 71 degrees, hottest since 1950

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Columbia River is the warmest it has been since 1950.

The Seattle Times reported the water temperature in the Lower Columbia River at Bonneville Dam was nearly 71 degrees on Monday.

Not only is that the hottest it’s been in decades, the recent 10-year average temperature on June 28 is 63 degrees.