North Idaho Briefs May 20, 2011

Food drive nets 14,259 pounds

As usual, the call for help went out and the community responded.

The National Association of Letter Carriers food drive on Saturday brought in 14,259 pounds of food for the Community Action Partnership Food Bank.

"It was awesome," said Carolyn Shewfelt, manager of the Community Action Partnership Food Bank.

The donations will help meet a rising demand for assistance from the food bank at the Industrial Park. The food bank is serving nearly 9,500 people per month, and it is giving out more food than it is taking in.

Donations of cash and food are still needed. They can be dropped off at 4942 E. Industrial Ave.

Info: 664-8757

Enforcement of seat belts increases

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department will be participating in seat belt emphasis patrols starting Monday through June 7.

Deputies will be conducting patrols throughout the county, focusing on moving violations and enforcing seat belt requirements to help reduce injury accidents.

According to a press release, seat belts, when used by passenger vehicle occupants 5 and older, saved an estimated 13,250 lives in 2008, more than 75,000 lives from 2004 through 2008, and 255,115 lives from 1975 through 2008.

The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $10.