NIC’s enrollment rises by 206 students

Thu., Sept. 11, 2008

North Idaho College posted a 4.4 percent enrollment jump for fall 2008, with an increase of 206 students over last year.

Enrollment in fall 2007 was 4,650; this year it is 4,856, according to a news release. More students are attending the college full time; those numbers are up 4.5 percent to 3,405 students this year.

The college also experienced growth in its dual-credit program that gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to enroll in NIC classes for both high school and college credit.

In addition, the college experienced a surge in enrollment in classes offered online. NIC increased Internet offerings to meet demand and saw a 12 percent increase in registrations this year.

Applications to NIC also were up, with an increased availability of scholarship money likely helping bring new students in, said NIC Foundation Executive Director Rayelle Anderson.

The foundation provided 116 new scholarships for the 2007-’08 school year, accounting for more than $470,000, she said, adding that those figures will likely increase again in the coming year.

Alison Boggs

Hayden

Hayden Canyon project wins annexation

After denying the annexation twice before, the Hayden City Council on Tuesday approved annexing the 615-acre Hayden Canyon property.

The project proposed for the land would add 1,800 homes to the city in one subdivision. It has been controversial, with many neighboring Hayden and Kootenai County residents objecting to suburban development in what is now a largely rural area.

Council members rejected annexing Hayden Canyon in July, but they had a change of heart after considering that the project could have still gone forward under Kootenai County control, rather than city control.

Developer Hayden Canyon LLC will now have to submit development plans to the city for approval.

Amy Cannata

Spokane

Altamont Street exit reopens to traffic

The Altamont Street exit from Interstate 90 is open for business today.

The exit has been closed because of road construction on Third Avenue, including work on Crestline and other cross streets in the area between Third and Fifth avenues.

The work on Third Avenue between Magnolia and Ray streets is nearly complete, but drivers can expect some lane restrictions along Third Avenue as crews finish up the last details.

The entire project is expected to be completed by early October. It is one of the projects funded by the city of Spokane’s 10-year street bond; the final tab is $930,000.

Staff reports

Post Falls

FBI investigating alleged hate crime

The FBI is investigating an alleged hate crime in North Idaho in which a teen says she was targeted by racial epithets and punched in the face.

Rai Franklin, an African-American 15-year-old from Post Falls, said she woke up Monday morning to dogs barking outside her family’s home.

Two men outside apparently threw eggs at Franklin’s parents’ car and left fliers telling black people they didn’t belong in the community. Franklin says she grabbed one of the men, who struck her in the eye before fleeing.

Associated Press

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