Shooting range plan gets trial date
A jury trial has been set for December to decide the issue of a proposed shooting range expansion at Farragut State Park.
First District Judge John Mitchell on Tuesday denied a request by a citizens group to prohibit shooting at the range as it is and stop plans for expansion.
Members of the Bayview-based Citizens Against Range Expansion say an expanded rifle range would create a public nuisance. They’ve also raised concerns over the safety of the facility and the proposed expansion.
In his opinion, Mitchell wrote that the timing of CARE’s motion for summary judgment – three months shy of the Dec. 11 trial – is one reason he rejected the motion. Mitchell also said there are disputes over the facts in the case.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which developed the $3.6 million expansion proposal, is happy to see the matter go to trial.
“We’re feeling pretty confident,” said Dave Leptich, manager of the agency’s Farragut Wildlife Management Area. “We still have some things before us, but we’re encouraged by what the judge had to say.”
– Taryn Brodwater
Route of the Hiawatha
Hiawatha trail open through Oct. 1
The historic Route of the Hiawatha bike and hike trail will remain open through Oct. 1.
The 15-mile trail crosses the border from Idaho into Montana and, along the way, takes hikers and bikers through 10 tunnels. The longest tunnel is the 1.7-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel.
There is a fee for using the trail, and those passing through the tunnels must have lights with them. Bicyclists must wear helmets.
Shuttle service along the trail is available Fridays and on the weekends.
For information, visit www.ridethehiawatha.com or call (208) 744-1301.
– Taryn Brodwater
Kootenai County
Spay, neuter vouchers available on Saturday
The Kootenai Humane Society on Saturday will offer low-income Kootenai County residents vouchers to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered.
The vouchers, which cost less than the surgeries normally cost, can be used at any of seven local veterinary offices. Costs vary depending on the species and size of the animals.
The Humane Society then reimburses the veterinarians who accept the vouchers for the balance of the procedure costs. The organization accepts donations to fund the program, Stop Pet Overpopulation Today.
Vouchers are available at the Humane Society’s thrift store, 916 N. Third St., Coeur d’Alene. Recipients must provide proof of their low-income qualification.
– Staff reports
Boise
Governor checks out Web site parody
Idaho Gov. Jim Risch is used to television appearances and seeing his name on the Internet.
But the state’s top dog now has had his first debut of sorts on the YouTube Web site, where somebody spoofed the special session he held this year to increase the sales tax by a penny and give homeowners and others a property tax cut.
The parody shows a cartoon Risch dancing to the music of “For the love of money,” while pennies fly into his hand. In the background, a pair of “fat cats” dance along.
Risch’s senior deputy chief of staff, Brad Hoaglun, watched the cartoon along with Risch. He said Risch wasn’t miffed by the parody, but after watching it he could only comment, “That’s not a very good picture of me. Is that it?”
“This is the first time he’s seen YouTube, so we’re making progress here,” Hoaglun joked. “Parodies are what they are.”
– Associated Press