In brief: Otter takes oath in private despite media requests
Gov.-elect C.L. “Butch” Otter took his oath of office in a brief, private ceremony Thursday, spokesman Jon Hanian said Friday. The ceremony was witnessed by Secretary of State Ben Ysursa and Deputy Secretary of State Miren Artiach.
According to the Idaho Constitution, Otter, a Republican, won’t officially be the 32nd governor of the state until Jan. 1.
Thursday’s ceremony occurred “about five minutes” after members of Otter’s staff called Ysursa’s office about noon requesting that the oath be administered as soon as possible, Artiach said.
There were no members of the general public or media at the swearing-in ceremony.
The Associated Press and other Idaho news organizations had requested to be present at the oath-taking after Otter said he planned to keep the ceremony private because he didn’t want to detract from a public event planned for Jan. 5.
Hanian said he did not know why Otter opted to take the oath Thursday instead of Jan. 1, as had originally been planned. He said it wasn’t done to be secretive.
“The implication that somehow there is skulduggery afoot or that there is something less-than-above-board taking place is wholly without merit,” he said.
Associated Press
Coeur d’Alene
New Year’s Day brings Polar Bear Plunge, fun run
Some will celebrate the new year by jumping into a cold lake. Others will run. The chilly Polar Bear Plunge and the Hangover Handicap Fun Run are among the events planned for Monday’s New Year celebrations.
North Idaho ski resorts have parties planned for Sunday night. Silver Mountain Resort near Kellogg plans a parade and fireworks, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint will host its own New Year’s Eve celebration.
“Polar Bear Plunge – The Sanders Beach tradition continues as people from take a plunge in the icy waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to help welcome the New Year. Monday at noon (arrive at 11:30 a.m.), Sanders Beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Free.
“Hangover Handicap Fun Run – Five-mile run benefits TESH Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities. Monday, 9:30 a.m. Register day of race, 8:45-9:20 a.m. in cul-de-sac behind Michael D’s restaurant, off Lake Coeur d’Alene Drive at the east end of Sherman Avenue. Cost: $20 with a shirt, $10 without. (208) 765-5105.
From staff reports
Post Falls
Police investigate report of missing woman
Post Falls police are investigating the report of a missing woman, Lorrie Ann Timmins, 34. Her husband told police he last saw her about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at their home at 706 E. Mullan Ave.
Timmins was thought to be in bed, her husband said, but she was gone when he checked on her.
She is 5 feet 4 inches tall, 155 pounds with shoulder-length brown hair. Timmins has eight to 10 piercings in each ear, gold rings on most fingers and tattoos on her neck, shoulder, chest and back. She last was seen wearing a purple pajama top, and she may have had white sneakers on, according to a police description.
Timmins has a medical condition and can become confused if she doesn’t take medications, police said.
Anyone who has seen Timmins or knows where she is can call the police at (208) 773-3517 or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com/tip.htm.
– From staff reports