Briefs April 6, 2011

Three-vehicle crash hurts drivers

HAYDEN - A three-vehicle crash in Hayden on Tuesday morning injured three drivers and shut down northbound U.S. 95 for 30 minutes.

According to Idaho State Police, Sean Leverich, 27, Coeur d'Alene, was northbound on U.S. 95 at Dakota Avenue at 7:15 a.m. in a 2003 Nissan Altima.

A 2011 Toyota 4Runner driven by Hether Young, 27, Post Falls, pulled onto U.S. 95 from Dakota in front of Leverich. The 4Runner went airborne after the collision and struck a 2010 Toyota Rav4 driven by Sherri Galdi, 43, Hayden, at the stop sign on Dakota.

Young was cited for failure to yield.

The three drivers, who were all wearing seat belts, were treated and released at Kootenai Medical Center.

Fresh Start

seeks volunteers

COEUR d'ALENE -

Interested in doing a good deed for some hungry folks?

Fresh Start needs to hear from you.

The center that helps the homeless at 16th and Sherman could use two volunteer groups to step up and serve breakfast.

There are two Saturday slots filled each month by families or others who buy and serve food for about 50-75 people.

From set up to break down, it takes about an hour and a half, from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m.

A typical breakfast could include eggs, pancakes, ham or sausage, and orange juice. It can be done with as few as five people and cost around $35 a week.

Fresh Start's clients appreciate the meals at the center, where they stop in to warm up, use the washer and dryer, take a shower and make phone calls or use the Internet.

Volunteers are also needed for day shifts at the center. Tasks include talking with visitors and matching them with the right resources.

Anyone interested in helping at Fresh Start by serving a Saturday breakfast or other ways should call Teresa Martinson at 691-0473.

Commissioners to mull amendment

The Kootenai County commissioners will hold a public meeting Thursday morning over a proposed amendment to the county site disturbance law.

The amendment, proposed by the county Building and Planning Department, is intended to clarify construction standards along riverbanks and shorelines.

Besides streamlining ordinance language, the amendment would provide exceptions to development restrictions within buffer zones on shorelines.

Some environmentalists have raised concerns that the exceptions could lead to irresponsible development.

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in the commissioners' chambers in the Kootenai County Administration Building on Government Way.

Sheriff's deputies target aggression

Kootenai County Sheriff's deputies will be conducting emphasis traffic patrols throughout the county starting Thursday through April 18.

They will focus on aggressive drivers to help reduce injury accidents, according to a press release.

Aggressive driving includes speeding, failure to signal, following too close, cutting in and out of traffic, and disregarding signals and other signs.

Nationwide, speeding was a factor in more than a third of all fatal crashes and more than 13,000 lives were lost in such crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Rathdrum parks board has opening

RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Commission is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its volunteer board.

To be eligible, you must live within the area of city impact.

Applications are at Rathdrum City Hall, 8047 Main St., and must be returned by Tuesday at 5 p.m.

For information, call Lance Bridges at 687-2399, ext. 130.