Huckleberries: 11 mph Too Fast = $85

A funny thing happened to Christa Hazel, of Coeur d’Alene, while she was taking her kids to school Wednesday. The new Bryan School PTA veep got popped by CPD Blue Pat Sullivan for speeding 11 mph over the limit at 11th and Harrison (not a school zone). At which point she had to pick between an $85 ticket that would go on her record and hike her vehicle insurance rates, or a $75 ticket, plus three-hour traffic school, that wouldn’t affect her insurance. She was told to choose on the spot, with a busload of children passing by with their little faces pressed against the windows, waving. Christa picked Door No. 2, the traffic school taught by Officer Nick Knoll. The traffic school, Christa told Huckleberries, provides insight into situations handled by police patrols. Among Christa’s traffic schoolmates was her best friend, Angie Phillips. Who was cited for going 11 mph too fast, too. (Aside: Christa and Angie once attended a NASCAR-type racing school for a week.) The worst part of Christa’s experience? Her children begged her not to tell hubby Joel about the ticket until they returned from school to witness the spectacle/ DFO , Hucks Online. More here.

Weekend SR columns:

• Statesman editor takes helm of ‘Idaho Reports’ /Betsy Russell
• Smart Bombs: They’re no Ronald Reagan /Gary Crooks
• First to respond are first to remember /Doug Clark
• WSU’s progress breeds confidence, excitement /John Blanchette
• Chelan hawk migration lures research, festival /Rich Landers
• At home, abroad Hansen quick to loan a hand /Cindy Hval

Question: Have you ever attended traffic school to prevent a speeding ticket from going on your record?