WATERSPORTS – North Idaho College is offering a free opportunity to try out paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and catamarans – and awarding scholarships, too – at the school’s annual beach party.

The event is open to the public, but especially attractive to current or prospective NIC students, since there will be drawings for $5,000 in scholarships at 6:30 p.m.

Games with prizes are planned throughout the event. The first 300 guests will be treated to a free barbecue.

What: North Idaho College Cecil’s Summer Splash

When: Thursday, 4-7 p.m.

Where: NIC campus beach – Hnya’(pqi’nn Beach – on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Info: (208) 769-5958.

Idaho proposes sage grouse season

HUNTING – The Idaho Fish and Game Department is seeking comments on two options for the 2016 sage-grouse season. Option 1 is the same as the season offered in 2015.

An option would re-open Elmore County east and south of U.S. Highway 20 and north of Interstate 84. This area has been closed since 2012 because of local wildfire impacts and low population numbers, but recent surveys indicate numbers have improved and that these birds are connected to the larger population to the east.

The remainder of Elmore County, including north and west of U.S. Highway 20, would remain closed.

Statewide, the proposed seven-day season would be Sept. 17-23, with a one-bird daily limit within sage-grouse range, except in designated closed areas.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider season proposals and comments during an Aug. 8 meeting in Boise.