Work started Monday on the construction of the 142-slip Post Falls Landing Marina, just 900 feet upstream from Avista Utilities Post Falls dam.

The marina is part of a downtown-style development on a 33-acre former mill site on the Spokane River.

The Idaho Department of Lands issued a permit for the marina in December 2003 even though Avista objected because of safety concerns. Avista decided not to appeal the decision.

The marina is the key component of Spokane developer Harry Green’s plan to create a town center for Post Falls on the former Louisiana-Pacific mill site.

The development includes plans for townhouses, condos, shops and a town square in addition to a boardwalk that follows the river. The marina will include a 1,000-foot dock, convenience store and full-service gas station.

Leasing priority is given to people who buy waterfront condominiums in the development, according to a news release from Green.

The first phase of the project, a 20-unit condo building, is nearly complete.

– Erica Curless

Bonner County

Priest River man may be charged in shooting

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Department is recommending charges against a Priest River property owner who allegedly shot at two fishermen.

Greg Edwards of Priest River and Thomas Duarte of Bonners Ferry were fishing Aug. 15 in a shallow cove about 8 p.m. The men told detectives that Chet Leeson, who owns the property adjacent to the cove, allegedly fired shots in the direction of the fishermen.

After investigating, the Sheriff’s Separtment wants the Bonner County prosecuting attorney to charge Leeson with exhibition of a deadly weapon, a misdemeanor.

In a news release issued Monday, Lt. Gary Johnson reminded Bonner County residents that as a rule, waterfront property below the high water mark is public domain.

– Erica Curless

COEUR d’ALENE

Risch to address legislative summit

Gov. Jim Risch will speak Thursday at North Idaho Chambers’ legislative summit.

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave.

Risch will give the opening address. The cost to attend the opening address is $5 or $30 for the whole day, which includes lunch. Topics discussed at the legislative summit include work-force development, K-12 curriculum, school funding and property rights.

Today is the deadline for registration. Call Lucas Braden at the chamber to register, (208) 415-0109, or register online at www.cdachamber.com.

– Becky Kramer

GU faculty member seeks NIC board spot

A Gonzaga University faculty member who served as North Idaho College’s dean of instruction in the late 1980s has filed to run for the open Board of Trustees position held by vice chairman Denny Hague.

Dennis Conners of Coeur d’Alene is the director of the Leadership Formation Program at Gonzaga’s education school, designed to prepare principals, superintendents and program administrators for school leadership positions. He said he’d like the NIC board to represent a variety of viewpoints.

“It’s a critical time right now for the college,” he said. “I decided that it was important to have a voice in that particular vision and where it goes.”

A 21-year Coeur d’Alene resident, Conners, 58, is married with two grown children. His wife, Barbara, taught adult basic education at NIC until last year.

Conners joins Hayden resident Stan Hess in challenging Hague for the board seat. The election is Nov. 7.

– Meghann M. Cuniff