Library-given toys may have high lead levels

Children are being asked to return bendable animal toys offered as summer reading incentives because they may contain high levels of lead.

Libraries in Reardan, Colfax and Ritzville are among nearly two dozen statewide that purchased more than 3,000 rubbery toys shaped like dogs and cats. Two of the 4-inch toys were tested by the Indiana Department of Health and found to contain as much as four times the maximum safety limit for lead.

Sheri Miller, youth services manager at the Whitman County Library in Colfax, estimated the library distributed between 70 and 100 of the toys as summer reading prizes.

“They can exchange it for another toy the kids can choose,” said Miller, who bought nearly 160 toys.

The toys also were distributed at eight libraries in North Idaho and at Fernan and Athol elementary schools, officials said.

The toys could be dangerous if children put them in their mouths. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, according to Juliet VanEenwyk, epidemiologist for noninfectious conditions for the state health department.

– JoNel Aleccia

Spokane County

Helicopter, plane help contain fire

A wildland fire swelled to 15 acres and threatened eight homes south of Spokane on Tuesday before firefighters contained the blaze.

About 50 firefighters, one plane and one helicopter were called in to battle the fire, which broke out around 2 p.m. near East Smythe Road, off Highway 195, Department of Natural Resources spokesman Len Broderson said.

No structures were damaged, and there were no mandatory evacuations, he said.

A light wind blowing to the northeast started several smaller fires outside of the main blaze, including one fire that started half a mile away, he said. Firefighters worked to contain those hot spots and draw a fire line around the main body.

Officials didn’t know what caused the fire.

– Jared Paben

Economic director back from Army duty

Spokane County’s economic development director is back on the job.

Erik Skaggs, an Army reservist, returned to work last week after being deployed to the Middle East and Africa for 120 days.

Skaggs was off the county payroll and did not receive county benefits while away. The deployment was Skaggs’ second since becoming economic development director in 2004.

While away, Skaggs’ duties were absorbed by County Operations Director Gerry Gemmill and development assistance coordinator Stephen Harris.

– Jonathan Brunt