In brief: Nonprofit agency loses data in overnight theft of computers

Three laptops and two computers containing irreplaceable data belonging to a small nonprofit agency were stolen overnight Thursday as the group prepared for its largest annual fundraiser.

Charity donors pay for a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene and buy auction items for the benefit of CenterPointe, a United Way-funded group that offers social and recreational activities for people with disabilities.

The computers contained information about reservations and the auction items, said Spike Cunningham, executive director.

The cruise, planned for today, will go on as scheduled.

“Checkout (of the auction items) won’t be easy,” Cunningham said. “We will be using paper and pencil.”

The theft in the 1400 block of North Washington Street occurred Thursday night or early Friday, Cunningham said. Someone had a key.

“We do have insurance,” Cunningham said. “All of our equipment needed to be replaced anyway. It’s the data that’s irreplaceable,” including submitted grant information, donor lists, United Way applications, e-mail and mailing addresses, benefactor information and promotional material.

From now on, “we are going to make sure we back up the data,” Cunningham said.

Tips sought in elk poaching

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information about the poaching of a cow elk, whose fresh carcass was found Sunday in the East Fork of the Hayden Creek drainage.

The elk was shot below the right eye, said Idaho Conservation Officer Rick Bogar. The poacher shot the cow out of season and took the front and hindquarters and the saddle cuts.

Anyone with information about the poaching can contact Bogar at Idaho Fish and Game, (208) 769-1414; or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (208) 632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward.

Forest cabins to get upgrades

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests have received $844,000 in federal stimulus funds to upgrade water systems at historic cabins.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the cabins during the 1930s as part of their work in North Idaho.

Many of the cabins are available for rent but need new septic and drinking water systems.

Part of the money will be used for a new access road in the Emerald Creek Garnet Area west of Clarkia, where visitors can pan for rare star garnets. The Forest Service plans to open a new area for the public to dig and pan for garnets.