Briefs March 2, 2010

Election challenge hearing is today

COEUR d'ALENE - A hearing considering the motion for protective order, as well as the motion to dismiss the election challenge lawsuit, will begin at 1:30 p.m. today at the Kootenai County Courthouse.

Both were originally scheduled to begin later today, but were moved up on the judge's schedule last week.

Both motions pertain to City Council Seat 2 challenger Jim Brannon's civil suit challenging the city's November general election.

Brannon alleges that inadmissible ballots were counted in his five vote loss to incumbent Mike Kennedy.

Kootenai County filed a motion for a protective order on dozens of documents Brannon requested the county turn over, including absentee ballots.

Town hall meeting set for Saturday

The city of Coeur d'Alene, in partnership with the Panhandle Coalition, will be holding a town hall meeting from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday in the Community Room of the public library, 702 E. Front Ave.

North Idaho Sens. John Goedde and Jim Hammond, and Reps. George Sayler, Frank Henderson, and Bob Nonini will be available to answer questions about this year's legislative session. Other legislators have been invited as well.

Everyone is welcome and the event will be broadcast on Coeur d'Alene TV Channel 19.

Information: 769-2204

St. Vincent de Paul receives $5K grant

COEUR d'ALENE - The St. Vincent de Paul H.E.L.P. Center, located in the former Coeur d'Alene Library Building, received a $5,000 donation from the Avista Foundation.

The city and other nonprofits work to bring vital services together in one place to help some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community, said Jeff Conroy, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul. "The services we're able to provide help others to help themselves. This fits well with Coeur d'Alene's 10-year plan to end homelessness."

Patty Shea, Avista's regional business manager for the Coeur d'Alene area, said there is an increasing need for assistance in the community.

"As a community partner, we're pleased to be able to help support such a worthy organization provide services to help residents meet basic needs and work toward financial stability," she said.