Flood situation is worsening
A flood warning for the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry has been extended until Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
By 11 a.m. Saturday, the Kootenai River was more than a foot above the flood stage of 64 feet, and just before 10 p.m. Boundary County Incident Commander Bob Graham reported that the situation was worsening.
Graham said a dike built three weeks ago two miles east of Bonners Ferry was beginning to fail, and the county’s entire road and bridge crew was working to repair it. Several roads were flooded.
“It’s going to be a long night and a long day tomorrow,” he said.
Large releases from Libby Dam in Montana are expected to continue through today, when the Kootenai River is expected to crest at nearly 66.5 feet sometime in the afternoon.
The river likely won’t fall below flood stage until Tuesday, according to the NWS’s flood statement posted at noon Saturday on its Web site, www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/.
IDAHO FALLS
Court to consider Boy Scouts appeal
The state’s highest court will consider a lawsuit filed against a local Boy Scouts organization over a child-molesting camp counselor.
Benjamin and Adam Steed brought the suit against the Grand Teton Council, contending the organization should be held accountable for the actions of Brad Stowell, a former camp leader.
Stowell pleaded guilty seven years ago to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Sixth District Judge Ronald Bush ruled in January that the group could be held liable, but the Grand Teton Council appealed and the Idaho Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case.
PORTLAND
Guard rescues injured climbers
Two climbers were rescued Saturday by a National Guard helicopter crew after they were injured in a 500-foot fall near the top of Mount Hood.
Aaron Dunlop, 31, of Newberg, and Jeremy Hawkins, 32, of Tigard, were in fair condition at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, officials said.
A third climber in the party, Brad Wood, about 30, of Tigard, walked off the 11,240-foot mountain.
Compiled from staff and wire reports