Local Briefs April 21, 2011

Crime Stoppers starts anti-graffiti program

Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest has started a new anti-graffiti program.

Crimestoppers will pay a reward for information about graffiti that leads to an arrest.

Historically police detectives have had the option of submitting each case individually and requesting a reward. Due to the nature of many cases being related and the volume of incidents, the local Crimestoppers Board of Directors in Idaho and Washington agreed to a standing reward, according to a press release.

"Graffiti is the most overlooked type of crime by law enforcement due to other serious crimes, but it is the first on citizens' minds when they talk to law enforcement," said Eric Walker, the Graffiti Abatement Coordinator for Spokane County Sheriff's Department. "This will be a great tool in solving these types of crimes."

Crimestoppers relies on donations from individuals and businesses to pay rewards. No tax dollars fund Crimestoppers, and the board of directors are volunteers from the community.

Anyone with information on graffiti crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 667-2111 or toll free at (866) 667-2111. Callers are asked to use a code name or number and do not have to use their own name to be eligible for a reward.

Hecla moves toward Basin settlement

Hecla Mining Company is coming along with the final terms of settlement over Coeur d'Alene Basin environmental litigation.

Negotiations with the federal government, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the State of Idaho have made significant progress, Hecla reported in a press release this week.

The parties' settlement terms, including previously announced financial terms, will be included in a Consent Degree.

The parties reported to U.S. District Court in Boise that additional time is needed to finalize the decree and for the plaintiffs' management to approve the complete settlement terms.

If the terms are completed and approved by the parties, the Consent Decree will be lodged with the court. This will follow with a public comment period of 30 days, after which the federal government will evaluate and respond to comments, and then seek court approval.

If the court enters the Consent Decree, Hecla would make payments including $102 million in cash and $55.5 million in cash or Hecla stock.

The mining company would also pay $9.5 million in proceeds from series 3 warrants.

Hecla hopes the settlement will be completed and effective no later than the third quarter.