In brief: Sheriff’s Department seeking employees

Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson is hanging out a “help wanted” sign.

Several positions are open at the Sheriff’s Department, and Watson said he’s having a hard time recruiting candidates. Pay is the No. 1 issue employees leave, and Watson said he suspects it’s the same reason more people aren’t applying for the jobs.

The department has nine detention deputy positions open. Starting pay is $15.97 an hour. Six patrol deputies are needed, at $17.19 an hour to start.

The Sheriff’s Department is training three jail deputies and seven patrol deputies. In all, 25 positions remain unfilled.

Two jail cooks are needed, at a wage of $11.40 an hour, and a maintenance assistant/janitor is needed. Starting pay is $9 an hour.

To apply, contact the Kootenai County Human Resources Department at (208) 446-1640.

– Taryn Brodwater

Free fishing day to be held Saturday

Idaho’s annual free fishing day will be held Saturday. It’s the one day of the year when a fishing license is not required, and the free day also applies to out-of-state residents. Children under 14 never need a fishing license.

In addition to the free fishing, several angling events are planned for Saturday in North Idaho.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department will offer basic fishing instruction and use of fishing rods from 9 a.m. to noon at these locations: Snow Creek Pond in Bonners Ferry, Lucky Friday Pond in Mullan, Calder Pond, Clark Fork Lodge Pond, Steamboat Ponds in Enaville, Post Falls Park Pond, Priest Lake Golf Course, Rathdrum City Park, and Round Lake State Lake Park near Sagle.

In Coeur d’Alene, a fishing event will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course.

Also, a youth fishing derby will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fernan Lake. It’s for children ages 5-16. Register at Fins & Feathers or the day of the derby at the boat ramp.

– James Hagengruber