Interim director gets top post at YWCA

Thu., April 30, 2009

The YWCA Spokane board of directors has named Trish McFarland as executive director.

McFarland, the organization’s director of development, has served as interim executive director since Feb. 3, according to a statement by board President Deborah Booth.

“We are thrilled to affirm her tremendous leadership skills and abilities and look forward to continued success with Trish at the helm,” Booth said.

McFarland previously served as director of major gifts for Eastern Washington University, director of development for Gonzaga Preparatory School and executive director of the Spokane Ronald McDonald House.

Kevin Graman

Women sentenced for smuggling monkey

A Spokane woman who faked pregnancy to smuggle a rhesus macaque monkey from Thailand into the United States in violation of federal laws has been sentenced to jail, and so has her mother, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Gypsy Lawson, 28, and her mother, 57-year-old Fran Ogren, of Northport, Wash., were sentenced this week to 60 days in jail. Both women will be under court supervision for three years and must pay $4,507 in restitution, said James A. McDevitt, U.S. attorney for Eastern Washington.

The monkey, which is now at a rescue center for abandoned primates, was smuggled into the country in November 2007.

“The callousness and intent these people showed in carrying out their plan was egregious and placed at risk not only wildlife but potentially the health of other passengers on the plane and in their community,” said Paul Chang, a special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These animals are known carriers of viruses and parasites that can be transmitted to humans, although this one tested negative.”

Becky Kramer

Kootenai County

Post Falls man dies in one-car crash

A 33-year-old Post Falls man was killed Wednesday in a one-car crash on the north side of Coeur d’Alene, according to Idaho State Police.

The 5:30 a.m. accident occurred on U.S. Highway 95 just south of Prairie Avenue and slowed traffic through the area.

Jamie A. Neverdahl was driving north on U.S. 95 when his 1999 Pontiac Grand Am crossed the median just south of Wilbur Avenue. The car traveled in the southbound lanes for a few hundred yards and struck several trees before coming to rest on its top, police said. Neverdahl was ejected and died at the scene. It was unclear whether he was wearing a seat belt.

Police are trying to locate the drivers of two vehicles struck by Neverdahl in the southbound lanes. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at (208) 772-8585.

Mike Prager

Animal companions await at adoption fair

Numerous dogs and cats available for adoption will be on display Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pet Adoptathon put on by Kootenai Humane Society and Petco.

The event, at 420 W. Wilbur Ave., Coeur d’Alene, will feature animals from the humane society and regional rescue groups. People will be able to learn about the rescue groups’ efforts and have an opportunity to get sloppy dog kisses at the pet kissing booth.

For more information, contact Judy Busath at (208) 651-7516 or outreach@kootenaihumane society.com.

Alison Boggs

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