In brief: Police officers get darker uniforms

Coeur d’Alene’s men and women in blue are now wearing a darker shade.

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department rolled out new dark-blue patrol uniforms on Christmas Day.

The uniforms – less expensive and more readily available – replace a lighter blue uniform that officers have worn since the 1960s, Sgt. Christie Wood said.

Those old uniforms will be used by the Police Department’s Explorers, juveniles who help with special events and traffic control at parades.

Wood said the new uniforms, at $164 each, are $50 cheaper than the previous style.

Butte

Snowmobiler killed in avalanche

An avalanche triggered by snowmobilers buried a Utah man under 8 feet of snow, killing him, Beaverhead County officials said.

Ryan D. White, 25, of Bountiful, Utah, died on New Year’s Day, said coroner Ron Briggs.

White and several others were snowmobiling in the Hell Roaring drainage on Mount Jefferson, in the southeast corner of Beaverhead County, when someone in the group triggered the slide at about 3:25 p.m. Monday, Sheriff Jay Hansen said. White was buried under the snow but not wearing a transceiver. Another member of the party was also caught in the slide, estimated at a half-mile wide, but was able to get to the side of the avalanche.

Coeur d’Alene

ISP holding free road safety class

The Idaho State Police will offer a road safety class Jan. 13.

The class will be held at 1 p.m. at the Idaho State Police regional office, 602 W. Prairie Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. It’s free, but there are a limited number of slots and other classes offered this winter have filled quickly.

Troopers will teach drivers about driving in winter conditions, dealing with aggressive and drunken drivers and other issues.

To reserve a place, call (208) 772-6055.

From staff and wire reports