Local Briefs May 21, 2011
St. Maries levy approved by voters
A two-year, $1.6 million supplemental levy was approved by voters Tuesday in St. Maries.
The levy will support critical needs for students of St. Maries Joint School District No. 41, according to a press release. A 56 percent majority voted to approve the levy.
"We are pleased and extremely grateful that given these tough economic times that our patrons have supported this levy," St. Maries Superintendent Dave Cox said in the release. "We will work hard to maintain quality programs for the students and families we serve."
The estimated cost to property owners is $3.33 per $1,000 of taxable assessed property value, which is equivalent to the existing tax rate, district officials said.
Because the new levy is replacing two expiring levies, it is not expected to increase property taxes.
Five rural schools comprise the St. Maries district, including one 28 miles south in Fernwood, the Up River School, which serves 100 elementary students. High school students in the Avery School District are also served by the St. Maries Joint School District.
Since 2008, the district has lost more than $1.5 million in revenue through state funding cuts and declining enrollment.
Rathdrum street to be closed for mock crash
RATHDRUM - Main Street in Rathdrum between the Lakeland School District bus barn and McDonald's will be closed on Wednesday between 7 and 10 a.m.
The street will be the "scene" of a mock two-vehicle fatal accident involving Lakeland High students.
Rathdrum Police will co-host the mock DUI crash with the school district, the Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council and Northern Lakes Fire District.Other agencies participating include the Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff's Department and Med Star.
The event will give more than 200 Lakeland High seniors a first-hand view of what steps responders have to go through when dealing with a fatal DUI scene.
BIG Raffle deadline is May 31
The deadline to qualify for early entry prizes in the North Idaho College Foundation's 18th annual Really BIG Raffle is approaching.
Those who purchase tickets by May 31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $500 Super 1 Foods Gift Card and a North Idaho Bed and Breakfast Association weekend getaway.
Tickets are $100 and only 5,000 are sold. This fundraiser benefits student and program needs at North Idaho College.
Idaho residents can order by phone at (208) 769-3271 or online at www.nic.edu/rbr. Out-of-state residents can purchase at multiple North Idaho outlets including Super 1 Foods, Stein's Family Foods, Lake City Ford, Trading Company Stores and at the last May open house from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
This year's grand prize home is a large four-bedroom, three-bath located at 6619 Madellaine Drive in Greenstone's Coeur d'Alene Place neighborhood. The home was built to ENERGY STAR requirements by NIC carpentry students and includes special features such as granite kitchen counters, a heat pump, vaulted living room with fireplace, eco-friendly flooring and dark espresso cabinetry and woodwork. Additional prizes include a 20,000 car, 10,000 boat, 3,500 travel package, 2,000 shopping spree and more.
Information: NIC Foundation Office at (208) 769-3271 or www.nic.edu/rbr.
KHS benefit recital scheduled for Monday
Play it one more time for the animals.
Piano teacher Michelle Gutz-Kleng will be collecting donations for the Kootenai Humane Society at a menagerie-themed recital on Monday.
Gutz-Kleng is asking audience members to bring in dog and cat food to the recital, which will feature 25 students performing pieces inspired by animals.
"It's a good family event," the Coeur d'Alene teacher said.
Repertoire at the performance will include "The Bear," "The Dragonfly" and "The Pink Panther."
Gutz-Kleng will play a French piece, "The Little White Donkey."
She hopes to raise at least 200 pounds of dog and cat food, she said, which will be presented to KHS Executive Director Rondi Renaldo after the concert.
The recital is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Coeur d'Alene Church of the Nazarene at 4000 North Fourth Street.
Performers will span all ages and skill levels.
The event is free to the public.
"It's a great way to do some community service from the piano students," Gutz-Kleng said.