Craig says report in newspaper is false

Sen. Larry Craig said a Boise newspaper’s latest report on his sex life was “completely false,” and he accused the paper of careless journalism.

“It is unfortunate that the Idaho Statesman has chosen to continue to lower itself to the standards of what can best be described as tabloid journalism,” Craig said in a statement.

“Despite the fact the Idaho Statesman has decided to pursue its own agenda and print these falsehoods without any facts to back them up, I won’t let this paper’s attempt to malign my name stop me from continuing my work to serve the people of Idaho,” he said.

The newspaper reported Sunday that five men say they either had sex with Craig or were targets of sexual advances by the Idaho lawmaker at various times in his political career.

The newspaper identified four men and reported details of the encounters they say involved Craig.

– Associated Press

Kootenai County

Trio gets stranded on tree-cutting trip

A Christmas tree cutting trip went bad for three people in Kootenai County on Sunday when their car went over an embankment and became high-centered on snow.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department Recreation and Safety Section rescued the trio about 2.5 miles east of Fernan Saddle on a U.S. Forest Service road. No one was injured.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Department, the trouble started when the drive line broke and the group’s truck got stuck. They then alerted a friend, who called for help.

Sheriff’s officials say people should be careful driving into the backcountry this time of year, and that they always should make sure they tell someone where they are going and what time they will return.

– Staff report

Spokane

Man in hospital after heater use in camper

A 74-year-old man was in critical condition Monday after using a propane heater to keep warm inside a truck camper.

Fire investigators think the man, believed to be homeless, suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, said Brian Schaeffer, Spokane Fire assistant chief.

Fire crews were called to 3131 E. Sprague about 2:35 p.m. when one of the man’s friends was unable to wake him, Schaeffer said. Firefighters removed the man from his truck, and he was taken to Deaconess Medical Center.

The air inside the truck camper registered a high level of carbon monoxide, Schaeffer said.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner

Coeur d’Alene

Information sought on missing CdA teen

Coeur d’Alene police are looking for a 14-year-old girl who hasn’t been seen since Sunday night.

Krystal Marie Baber is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 105 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes, said police spokeswoman Christie Wood.

Baber was dropped off at Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., about 7 p.m. Sunday, Wood said. The teen planned to take the bus home or call her father for a ride.

Anyone with information on Baber’s whereabouts is asked to call (208) 769-2320.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner