Local Briefs October 1, 2011

| October 1, 2011 9:00 PM

Commissioners delay BNSF talks

The Kootenai County commissioners voted on Thursday to table deliberations on proposed safety improvements to the train refueling station in Hauser.

The commissioners voted 2-0 to continue deliberations about modified permit conditions for the BNSF refueling station at 9 a.m. on Oct. 13, in the board chambers of the county Administration Building.

The officials present on Thursday preferred to wait until Commissioner Dan Green could participate.

"He's been involved up to this point," said Commissioner Jai Nelson.

Green had a conflicting engagement on Thursday morning.

The county has proposed amendments for the refueling station permit that would include more details concerning closure in the event of a leak, and require the railroad to continue funding a staff person at the Department of Environmental Quality's aquifer protection program.

Although the company responded with a lawsuit to earlier proposed amendments, spokespeople have confirmed the railroad approves the new suggestions.

Academy Day in Post Falls today

POST FALLS - Idaho's congressional delegation will host an Academy Day in Post Falls today at the National Guard armory, 5453 E. Seltice Way, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The purpose is to share information with students, parents and counselors about the congressional nomination process for the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

While a congressional nomination is not needed to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, representatives have been invited to share information about the school.

Participants can meet with academy liaisons, cadets and midshipmen and hear about each academy and learn how to apply for a congressional nomination.

The deadline to make application through one of the Idaho Senate offices for the class entering in 2012 is Oct. 31 and through the House offices it is Nov. 30.