NIC, CCS may work together on programs

North Idaho College could collaborate with Community Colleges of Spokane to train North Idaho students in the growing fields of cardiovascular technology and aviation mechanics, NIC President Priscilla Bell told Idaho lawmakers Wednesday.

“They’re very close to us and they have some programs we need,” she said. “Job growth in those areas is explosive. We have no programs in North Idaho.”

Starting programs from scratch would cost “hundreds and hundreds of thousands,” she said, while collaboration would cost Idaho $115,000 next year.

But joining forces is not among the items included in Gov. Butch Otter’s proposed $3 billion budget. Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said funding will be hard to find.

“The governor’s budget is a very tight budget,” Cameron said.

Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, said employers are demanding programs from the Coeur d’Alene college and “we need to look at any opportunity to provide those programs.”

Spokane

Items by water heater blamed for house fire

Combustibles stacked too close to a water heater caused the explosion that sparked a Spokane house fire Tuesday, a fire investigator has determined.

Fire crews responded just after 10 a.m. Tuesday to 5727 N. Calispel St. where the rear of the home was on fire. The homeowners were away at the time.

The investigation centered on the water heater, Battalion Chief Bruce Moline said.

“These combustibles soon ignited and then the flames burned through the regulator next to the water tank, which allowed a larger amount of gas to escape and ignite,” Moline said. “When the gas ignited, it created an explosion, which pushed out the exterior wall.”

Two of the 22 firefighters who responded suffered minor injuries: a foot injury and a leg injury, Moline said.

The home is owned by Vicki Green, who owns Knight’s Diner at 2909 N. Market St. Moline said Green and her husband will be staying with friends while their home is repaired.

Grant County

Electrical malfunction cited in deadly blaze

An electrical malfunction is being blamed for a fire that killed a woman Tuesday morning at her Grant County home, firefighters said Wednesday.

Vera Claussen, 78, was found dead near her bedroom door after Grant County firefighters were able to go inside the house at 19528 Braeburn Drive NW, south of Soap Lake.

“The exact cause of the fire has not been determined, but a heat lamp, an outdoor pet heat pad and an electrical circuit including a switch and outlets were all within the origin area,” said John Turley, a Grant County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy. “The fire is believed to be the result of failure of one of these devices and accidental in nature.”

Grant County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters went to the home about 12:31 a.m. on Tuesday, and found it engulfed in flames fueled by wind, officials said.

Firefighters didn’t find Claussen until after the blaze was doused.

Claussen was known for her leadership roles with the Grant County Public Utility District, American Public Power and Washington Public Power Supply System.

Whitman County

Public’s help sought in school burglary

The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s help in solving a weekend burglary at the K-12 school in Colton.

“A large sum of money” was taken from the school office sometime over the weekend, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office. The money was proceeds from a Friday night basketball game. No other items were taken in the burglary. Investigators believe the school was entered through an unlocked window on the lower level.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (509) 397-6266.