No reimbursement for beach groups

Two groups that argued that a portion of Coeur d’Alene’s Sanders Beach is public were denied nearly $288,000 in court costs and attorney fees this week by a district judge.

Coeur d’Alene’s request for $3,546 in court costs also was rejected.

District Court Judge James Judd ruled Wednesday that the Sanders Beach Preservation Association only represented local residents near the beach and not the entire public so it isn’t entitled to $84,300 in legal fees. The costs stem from a lawsuit to determine whether the beach between 11th and 15th streets is public or private by establishing the high-water mark.

Judd set the high-water mark at 2,130 feet in September. The homeowners along Sanders Beach have appealed the decision to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Greg and Shana Crimp, the only Sanders Beach Property owners to argue that a portion of the beach is public, also were denied $203,900 in court costs.

The Sanders Beach Association and the Crimps are expected to appeal the decision.

– Erica Curless

Ex-pilot to run against Keough

A former U.S. Air Force pilot and journalist is vying against state Sen. Shawn Keough, rallying for more Democrats in the Idaho Legislature to spark debate and openness.

Jim Ramsey, who has lived in Bonner County for 10 years, said he believes in open meetings and will work for middle- and low-income Idahoans by focusing on the property tax problem, affordable health care and a minimum wage increase in addition to education and economic opportunities.

“I believe there should be more than just one party in Idaho in order to provide debate on important issues that affect the lives of our citizens,” Ramsey wrote in a press release.

District 1 includes Boundary County and northern Bonner County.

Ramsey serves as a precinct committeeman and a state committeeman for the Bonner County Democratic Central Committee. He was an elected delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

– Staff reports

Details sought in office burglary

Secret Witness of Kootenai County is looking for information about a burglary at Hecla Mining Co.

The group is offering a cash reward for tips that lead to the arrest of whoever stole items from safety deposit boxes sometime between Dec. 28 and Jan. 9.

The stolen items include a 1-ounce Hecla Mining commemorative medallion and a 1,000-ounce silver bar.

Secret Witness is asking anyone with information to call them at 667-2111 or (888) 667-2111. Callers do not have to use their own name to be eligible for the reward.

Teen dating talk set for parents

Planned Parenthood of the Inland Northwest will offer a 90-minute program for parents to talk about concerns they have as their sons and daughters become interested in romantic relationships.

“Romance is in the Air: Information for Parents about Teen Dating” will be held March 11 at Harding Family Center, 411 N. 15th St., Coeur d’Alene. The free program will begin at 2 p.m.

Parents will also discuss how to communicate values and set boundaries for teen dating.

The class is open to parents or guardians of teenage youths. Light refreshments will be provided.

To reserve a seat, call (208) 762-8099, Ext. 103, or (509) 241-4203.

– Staff reports