Survey launches growth plan rewrite
A two-question public survey, which launches the rewrite of the county’s growth plan, is available online.
The survey, at www.co.kootenai.id.us, is aimed at resident involvement in the update of the county’s comprehensive plan. The county also plans to run the survey this month in newspapers and send it to about 5,000 landowners who don’t actually live in Kootenai County, said county planner Mark Mussman.
The essay-type questions ask what four things residents value most about life in Kootenai County and what four words or phrases would describe an ideal Kootenai County in 10 years. The county is paying Kezziah Watkins, a Colorado consulting firm, $82,000 to help generate public participation.
Once the surveys are complete, the county wants residents to host meetings in their homes, businesses and churches with friends and neighbors. The county will use the comments to help write provisions of the comprehensive plan. After the draft is finished, the public will have another chance to comment.
A final document is expected by August 2007. For more information, call the planning department at (208) 446-1070.
– Erica Curless
Post Falls
Weather looking good for community picnic
The recent streak of good weather means good conditions for the 16th annual Post Falls Community Picnic, from 6 to 9 p.m. today.
Last year more than 800 people came to Q’emiln Park to enjoy an evening of eating and entertainment.
This edition of the picnic will include The Kelly Hughes Band playing for the crowd. Those attending may bring their own food or purchase meals. Post Falls American Legion Post 143 members will sell $5 raffle tickets for a Chrysler Sebring convertible. The winner will be announced Sept. 29 at the Oktoberfest celebration.
For more information, call the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce at (208) 773-5016 or City Hall at (208) 773-3511.
– Sam Taylor
Moscow, Idaho
Four still hospitalized a day after fatal crash
A girl and three boys from Wendell, Idaho, remained hospitalized Wednesday, a day after their aunt was killed in a head-on crash.
Viola Kinnaman, 31, of Worley, died in the collision near Moscow.
According to Idaho State Police, Kinnaman’s 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier was northbound on U.S. 95 when 19-year-old Troy D. Gartner of Genesee, Idaho, fell asleep at the wheel of a southbound vehicle.
Gartner’s Kia Spectra hit Kinnaman’s car, sending it over an embankment, where it overturned.
Gartner was treated at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow and released.
All passengers in Kinnamen’s car were wearing seat belts, police said.
Benjamin Dodge, 15, who suffered internal injuries, was listed in critical condition Wednesday at a Spokane hospital. Jonathon Dodge, 7, suffered head injuries and was listed in serious condition in Spokane.
Cody Stafford, 15, and Gabrielle Dodge, 14, were reported in stable condition at Gritman Medical Center.
ISP are investigating the crash. No citations have been issued.
– Taryn Brodwater