In brief: UI reports theft of laptops

More computers have been stolen from the University of Idaho, but police say the latest theft involves laptops that contain no sensitive information.

The seven laptops belonging to the math department are worth about $6,300 and were reported missing Saturday. Police say they were used mainly for instruction.

Last November, three desktop computers containing personal information on more than 330,000 employees, students, alumni and donors were stolen from the school.

That case remains under investigation by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and the school has been notifying individuals whose personal information might have been taken.

Boise

Air pollution fees could go up

Panhandle corporations that receive Title V air pollution permits from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality may see an increase in fees following rule changes passed by the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee on Wednesday.

Gas Transmission Northwest in Athol and Sandpoint, Potlatch Corp. in St. Maries and Stimson Lumber in Priest River are among the companies authorized to emit air pollutants under federal laws overseen by the DEQ, according to the department.

The $400,000 total yearly increase, supported by the four largest Title V companies because it will help pay for a streamlined permitting process, is needed to retain state oversight of the program after a surplus fund ran dry, said Martin Bauer, administrator of the DEQ’s Air Quality Division.

Spokane

Smuggling suspect is union manager

A man accused of being a Canadian drug smuggler has been identified as Perley E. Holmes, business manager for the Ironworkers union Local 97 in Victoria, B.C.

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested 50-year-old Holmes on Friday near Chesaw, Wash., officials said. He was found crouching under bushes near two large backpacks that contained about 136 pounds of cocaine.

The Canadian resident is being held in Spokane County Jail, according to the facility’s roster.

Holmes has been the business manager at the union, part of an international group, for almost nine years, said David Beatty, president of Local 97.

An audit was immediately ordered and is expected to be completed this week.

“We certainly want to make sure this union is squeaky clean and not involved with any wrongdoing,” Beatty said.

As business manager, Holmes traveled to the states frequently, Beatty said, but no trips on behalf of the union were planned the week Holmes was arrested.

Holmes resides in Bridesville, B.C., about four hours from Spokane.

Beatty was shocked to hear of Holmes’ arrest.

“It’s completely out of character – flabbergasting,” Beatty said.

From staff and wire reports