Highway 2 repair to wrap up today
The Idaho Transportation Department is expected to reopen U.S. Highway 2 near Sandpoint this morning.
Heavy rains washed out culverts under the highway just west of Sandpoint last week, causing the roadway to buckle and prompting its closure. That forced many drivers to take a one-hour detour.
Crews finished repaving and striping the highway there Wednesday afternoon and were installing guardrails late in the day.
Police think one man is burglarizing cars
The Post Falls Police Department has a few clues, and they’re hoping residents can provide more.
On Tuesday, 11 cars were burglarized. The same shaped footprint was found near those cars, leading police to believe one person is responsible. Because the print is large, police suspect the person is a man. Victims reported smelling smoke in their cars afterward, leading police to believe the burglar is a smoker.
The burglaries occurred in areas along the Spokane River, spanning about five to six miles. Items taken from the cars – stereos, CD players, change, wallets – are valued at a total of $1,500, said Lt. Scot Haug.
In all the cases, the cars were unlocked, prompting the Police Department to remind people to secure their vehicles.
“That would go a long ways in helping us prevent future crimes,” Haug said.
Haug also asked people not to hesitate to report suspicious activity, even if it turns out to be nothing.
If you have any information about these burglaries, call police at (208) 773-3517 or write in an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.
McDermott endorsed for fish, game board
Boise
Tony McDermott of Sagle won unanimous support from the state Senate on Wednesday, confirming his appointment to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.
McDermott takes the seat formerly held by Nancy Hadley of Sandpoint, who served two terms on the commission.
A real estate agent and retired military officer, McDermott drew accolades from North Idaho senators including Sens. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle; John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene; and Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint.
St. Joe River to get navigation upgrade
Navigational aids for boaters will soon be improved and updated along a busy section of the St. Joe River. A recent decision by the Coeur d’Alene tribal council to contribute $47,000 toward the project means the work is expected to begin this summer, according to a statement issued by the tribe.
The project calls for removing dilapidated pilings and installing U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigational aids, signage and lighting in a section of the river nine miles west of St. Maries, Idaho. The area is near the river’s confluence with Lake Coeur d’Alene and is used by anglers, pleasure cruisers and tour boats.
Additionally, the funding will pay for improved signs along a refurbished railroad bridge near Chatcolet, now used by cyclists on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.