Deputy shoots, kills dog after attack

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said one of its deputies shot and killed a dog that attacked him Wednesday evening when he responded to a report of two dogs chasing a woman and a child.

The deputy, whose name wasn’t released, was led by witnesses to an area near Windsong Lane and State Highway 53, east of Rathdrum. He found a Rottweiler and a boxer, and was leading the Rottweiler to his patrol car when the boxer bit him on the leg, Capt. Ben Wolfinger said.

Wolfinger said the deputy used his Taser on the boxer to drive it off, but the dog returned to attack again, according to a press release. The deputy fired a shot from his .45-caliber pistol, missing the boxer but scaring it away, Wolfinger said.

After securing the Rottweiler, the deputy tried to capture the boxer and was again attacked. Wolfinger said the deputy used his Taser again, but the dog kept attacking despite two jolts of high-voltage electricity.

At that point, Wolfinger said, the deputy shot the dog to death.

The deputy involved was treated and released at Kootenai Medical Center for the dog bite.

– John Craig

Coeur d’Alene

Groups to assess city’s housing needs

The city of Coeur d’Alene and the Lake City Development Corporation will assess the community’s long-range housing needs for working families and people who provide critical skills and services to their community.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association and BBC Research and Consulting, a Denver-based firm, will assist in the effort, officials said Wednesday.

“We will leverage our expertise and resources in the areas of housing and economic development in order to create a comprehensive plan for the city,” Mayor Sandi Bloem. “Our community’s sense of place is dependent on quality housing for all.”

The plan will identify the types of housing needed, assess current land use, and consider traffic patterns and financing in hopes of promoting a more economically sustainable city.

– From staff reports

Post Falls

Fire station event offers exhibits, food

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Station No. 1 will host an open house Saturday with safety demonstrations, a 45-foot jumping balloon and free food and drinks.

Held from noon to 3:30 p.m., the open house will follow the annual Post Falls Days parade. Kids can climb on Ladder 111 or try out the firetruck jumping balloon. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit will perform at 2 p.m., and crews will hold a firehouse demonstration at 3 p.m.

Children can practice home exit fire drills in the “smoke house” and put out a pretend fire with a hose. Trucks from Avista and the DARE program will offer exhibitions. And mascots Smokey Bear and Sparky the fire dog will stroll through the crowds.

For more information, call (208) 676-8739.

– JoNel Aleccia