Authorities warn of solicitation calls
People in the area have been getting fraudulent donation requests from somebody acting on the behalf of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, according to department officials.
The phone solicitations seeking money for rescue and other types of equipment for the department are fake and people should not donate, said spokesman Jim Lyon.
Those contacted seeking such contributions are asked to contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department at (208) 446-1300 or Chief Ron Sampert or Samantha Babich of fire and rescue at (208) 676-1839.
Pullman
WSU gets contract to help Afghans
Washington State University has won a $12 million contract from the federal government to help rebuild higher education in Afghanistan.
The five-year contract is from the U.S. Agency for International Development and went to WSU Extension’s Center to Bridge the Digital Divide.
The grant begins with an initial obligation of $3 million this fiscal year.
“The USAID award is evidence of the growing leadership of WSU Extension in connecting with the world and connecting the world to WSU,” said Bill Gillis, center director.
Maria Beebe, director of the center’s global initiatives, will lead the project.
Goals include building a digital library that can be shared with the other 19 universities in Afghanistan; developing an e-learning infrastructure; teaching 21st century skills for college preparation; and English as a second language.
Palm Springs, Calif.
Billings woman Miss Teen USA
An 18-year-old from Billings has been crowned Miss Teen USA 2006.
Katie Blair beat the competition in swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories to claim the crown Tuesday night.
First runner-up was Melissa Lingafelt of North Carolina and second runner-up was Katie Marie Cooper of North Dakota.
Samantha Casey of Virginia was the third runner-up, while Brittany Sharp of Georgia placed fourth.
Blair succeeds Miss Teen USA 2005, Allie LaForce of Ohio.
Her winnings include a scholarship to the New York School of Film and Television, a year of living in Trump Tower, a wardrobe and a Mikimoto tiara.
The competition was telecast on NBC from the Palm Springs Convention Center.