In brief: Traffic stop nets handgun, drugs

Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies found a stolen handgun and nearly a third of an ounce of suspected methamphetamine after they pulled over a swerving, slow-moving sedan Tuesday afternoon on state Highway 53 near Rathdrum.

Robert M. Putnam, a 53-year-old drywall worker from Rathdrum, was arrested after the traffic stop on felony charges of possessing stolen property and possession of drugs with intent to deliver. Also arrested was Jason E. Francisco, 30, of Hauser Lake, who was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Both remained in jail Wednesday afternoon on $50,000 bonds.

The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Kirstine A. Bence, of Rathdrum, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and an invalid driver’s license, according to sheriff’s records.

Among the items found in the vehicle were a .25-caliber pistol listed as stolen from Bonner County, five mobile phones, a digital scale, assorted hypodermic needles, an ashtray covered with a white, crystalline substance and six baggies of suspected methamphetamine. The deputies also found a notebook with a page heading of “pay/owes,” under which was listed dollar amounts and dates.

Bence later told officers she was dating Putnam and had seen him sell methamphetamine on at least a dozen occasions this year, including $20 worth to an unknown Coeur d’Alene man Monday night, according to sheriff’s records.

License offices will open later

The two Kootenai County vehicle license offices are opening a half-hour later on Wednesdays starting March 21.

On Wednesdays, the offices in Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene will open at 8:30 a.m. This will give the staff time to train and update procedures.

All other days, the offices will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

For more information, call (208) 446-1580.

Training to delay building inspections

The Kootenai County Building Department won’t perform morning inspections March 22 because the staff is in training.

Inspections will resume at noon. The department will remain open the entire day.

For more information, call (208) 446-1070.

Post Falls

McGuire Road closing for repairs

The city of Post Falls will close nearly a half-mile stretch of McGuire Road for street repair and sewer and water work.

The closure is effective 24 hours a day from Monday until Aug. 1, though city officials say they hope the road can reopen sooner.

McGuire will be closed from Seltice Way to Poleline Road, but access will be provided for local homes and businesses. The city is directing northbound traffic to use Chase or Corbin roads. The northbound lane of McGuire Road is being rebuilt with curbs and sidewalks, city officials said.

Compiled from staff reports