State Briefs October 16, 2011

Eminent domain suggested for airport growth

HAILEY - A Blaine County commissioner said he's willing to use eminent domain to acquire land needed for a possible expansion of a central Idaho airport in Hailey that serves the resort area of Ketchum and Sun Valley.

In the memo to airport Manager Rick Baird, Commissioner Larry Schoen wrote of "my willingness and preparedness to proceed to the assertion of eminent domain and acquisition by condemnation of any lands that could be determined to be necessary for expansion of Friedman Memorial Airport."

But Hailey City Councilman Fritz Haemmerle said that it's a rogue memo without authorization from the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority, a group of local officials who would decide whether to attempt to use eminent domain.

Deputy injured in car chase, shooting

IDAHO FALLS - Authorities in eastern Idaho said a Bonneville County sheriff's deputy has been injured after law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with a man fleeing in a vehicle but who crashed in Idaho Falls.

Bonneville County Sheriff Paul Wilde said Deputy Nick Contreras was injured Friday evening by debris from gunfire that entered his patrol vehicle, and that his left knee was injured as he escaped the vehicle.

Wilde on Saturday said Contreras was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released.

The man who authorities said shot at police was also injured and taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Vandalism releases mercury

BOISE - Federal officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals who authorities say caused mercury to escape into the soil by damaging an old mercury milling site south of Homedale in southwestern Idaho.

Hazardous materials specialist Carrie Wontorcik of the Bureau of Land Management said the agency is asking people to stay away from the site due to possible health hazards from the escaped mercury. Workers are trying to determine how much mercury escaped.

Officials in a statement on Friday said a fence is being built around the area and signs are being put up warning of structural hazards at the site.

- The Associated Press