In brief: IRS refund stolen from purse
If you cash a big check in a public place, be discreet about where you put the money. That’s the reminder from the Spokane Police Department following the theft of $4,500 from a woman’s purse at the Safeway store at 1616 Northwest Blvd. in north Spokane.
According to police, a woman cashed her IRS refund, placed the entire amount in her open purse, and then began shopping. Three people approached her, and one of the three bumped into her.
The victim soon noticed and police were called to the store. They arrested Charles W. Knight, 46, and a juvenile who handed over $800 to the officers. Another $1,500 was discovered inside the juvenile’s clothing as she was being booked into detention. Knight and the juvenile were charged with first-degree theft.
The third suspect is still missing, along with the rest of the $4,500.
Anyone with information is asked to call (509) 242-8477.
Cats, bird killed in house fire
Two cats and a bird died in an early morning fire Sunday at a home in north Spokane.
The four residents of the home at 4108 W. Sanson Ave. made it safely out, but the home suffered extensive damage. Twenty-six firefighters battled the blaze. The Red Cross is helping the displaced residents.
In a Spokane Fire Department news release, residents were reminded to check the batteries in their smoke detectors. The smoke detectors in the burned house did not have batteries.
Coeur d’Alene
Library nominated for national medal
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is in the running for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, announced the nomination Saturday, citing the library’s free and innovative services, including sign language classes for babies and annual Lego competitions.
Nominees are judged on their creative approaches to public service and unique efforts with community outreach. Libraries and museums that win the distinction receive $10,000 and a trip to the October awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Lewiston
State extends timber harvest
Idaho officials have voted to allow timber companies more time to complete logging on parcels of state land due to dismal market conditions.
The Idaho Land Board voted last week to give sawmills an extra year to complete logging operations.
Lumber prices have fallen with the poor housing market and lack of construction nationwide.
In North Idaho, many mills have cut production and laid off workers.
The extension covers most state timber sales set to expire before June 2010.
State officials declined a request from timber companies to forgo charging 6 percent interest on uncut timber sales.
Post Falls
Fire districts consider merger
The second- and third-largest fire and medical emergency agencies in Kootenai County might merge.
The Kootenai County Fire and Rescue covers 115 square miles and serves about 45,000 residents.
Northern Lakes Fire and Rescue covers about 106 square miles and serves 35,000 people.
Officials say combining the two agencies could reduce response times and provide better service to residents.