Local Briefs June 4, 2011
Really BIG Raffle will include $25,000 prize
Northwest ENERGY STAR will provide an extra draw at the North Idaho College Foundation Really BIG Raffle open houses in June.
As part of the ENERGY STAR "Welcome Home" campaign, those in attendance at the June 5 and June 12 open houses will have the chance to complete a survey on the features of the raffle house and enter to win $25,000.
As an ENERGY STAR home, this year's raffle house is loaded with special features including a high efficiency heat pump, granite kitchen counters and eco-friendly flooring.
"The NIC carpentry students who build this house have worked incredibly hard this year to make this home a great example of energy efficiency and sustainability and they deserve the recognition," said Kristen McFadden, NIC Really BIG Raffle event coordinator.
The $250,000 home is at 6619 Madellaine Drive in the Coeur d'Alene Place neighborhood. The final two open houses will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays June 5 and June 12. Really BIG Raffle tickets will be sold at the open houses and ticket-holders can enter in for a chance to win a free ticket at each event.
Tickets are $100 each and only 5,000 will be sold before the July 13 drawing.
In addition to the open houses, tickets can be purchased at various North Idaho businesses including Super 1 Foods, Trading Company Stores, Steins Family Foods and can also be ordered online at www.nic.edu/rbr.
A fundraiser for North Idaho College, all raffle proceeds support student and program needs.
Information: (208) 769-3271 or www.nic.edu/rbr.
Students to study politics
COEUR d'ALENE - American Legion Post 149 in Athol will be sending five high school students to Boise to be trained in the ways of politics.
Students will take part in the daily government activities from June 12-18.
Two students, Brandon Bentley, and Cody Conway, are from Timberlake High School, and three, Eric Cooper, Bob Malloy and Stoney Mallory, are from Lakeland High School.
"The kids will do everything from voting on mock bills and forming a mock city, county and state government," said Arthur Hoener, a member of the American Legion post 149.
The American Legion Post in Athol has sent students to the "Gem Boys State" for more than a decade, he said.
The post, along with other community businesses, covers most of the $600 cost per student, but the students are asked to contribute $25.
"This is something that is very good for these kids, and the community should be proud of them," Hoener said.
Greyhound fundraiser today at fairgrounds
COEUR d'ALENE - Their racing days behind them, greyhounds in need of homes will be in the Lake City today.
Greyhound Pets of America Greater Northwest will have its annual picnic and fundraiser at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About 100 members of the nonprofit, most owners of greyhounds from racing tracks and breed farms all across the United States, are expected to be in town.
"We do greyhound rescue," said Hayden resident Martha Frohboese, GPA Greater NW member since 1987 and greyhound owner.
Some greyhounds available will be available for adoption at the gathering. Frohboese said they make great pets, but potential owners must have a fenced yard as the fast-moving canines need room to run.
GPA Greater NW is dedicated to placing retired racing greyhounds into homes through out the greater Northwest and Western Canada. The primary focus of the volunteer organization "is the care and placement of all greyhounds, regardless of age, colors or even in some cases medical needs into the right loving forever homes."
Two share Soroptimist award
COEUR d'ALENE -Soroptimist International of Coeur d'Alene recently presented awards to honor education and volunteer efforts in the community.
The Ruby Award recognizes women who help other women and girls in our community.There was a tie between Betty Magnus of the Women's Center and Beth Barclay of ICARE. Each was awarded $250 for the charity of their choice.
The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women ages 14 to 17 for their local volunteer efforts. This years' winner, Hailey Smith with the KMC Volunteer Program, received $150.
Joy Ball received $1,000 and the Women's Opportunity Award that goes to a female head of household enrolled in career education.
Selene Mende received $750 and the Professional Technical Award that goes to a female student enrolled in a program providing a license, certificate or degree in her chosen field.
Missing man found dead
COEUR d'ALENE -The body of a Coeur d'Alene man reported missing last month was found Thursday.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department said the body of Brent Vandemark, 34, was found about a half-mile west of Bunco Trailhead, southeast of Athol.
Investigators said he died of a self-inflicted injury.
The reporting party was in the area hunting for shed antlers when he came across the body lying in a tree line just off the roadway, a press release said.
Vandemark had been reported missing on May 24 to the Coeur d'Alene Police Department.