Local Briefs September 8, 2011
Rathdrum man arrested on heroin charge
RATHDRUM - A 26-year-old Rathdrum man is being held at the Kootenai County Jail for allegedly trafficking heroin.
Brian Measel was being held Wednesday on a $35,600 bond on charges of trafficking and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was arrested on Saturday in Rathdrum after an off-duty police officer saw a driver who appeared to be intoxicated headed east on Highway 53 at 10:55 p.m.
"The off-duty officer saw the car swerving, which prompted the call to dispatch," said Rathdrum Police Chief Kevin Fuhr.
The vehicle was later seen parking on Fourth Street in Rathdrum, Measel was contacted by a Rathdrum Police officer.
When Measel opened the glove compartment to obtain his driving documents, the officer saw a hypodermic needle.
Measel, the only occupant in the vehicle, was detained and the officer searched the vehicle. Two needles, paraphernalia and a small amount of heroin were found.
Dike Road committee sought
COEUR d'ALENE - No disputing the city's stance on this one.
The Coeur d'Alene City Council is looking to establish a citizen-comprised ad hoc committee to officially dispute the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers order to remove trees on the levee that runs along Rosenberry Drive.
The decision to form that committee, which could include up to 10 people, will go before the council Sept. 20.
The committee's goal would be to refute the federal department's ruling that trees and vegetation along Rosenberry Drive, also known as Dike Road, pose a danger in the surrounding 100-year flood plain.
It's the latest step the city and citizens have taken against the order since the federal department announced it this summer.
Parks Foundation plans to expand
The Panhandle Parks Foundation is extending its reach.
The organization announced it is expanding to help Boundary, Bonner, Benewah Shoshone, and Kootenai counties acquire and preserve parks and open space.
Parks, it says, are important.
"Taking Fido for a walk at Central Bark, playing on the tire swing at Sherman Park, BMX bike riding at Cherry Hill and splashing at with the kids at Blue Grass Park are just a few fun things to do at our 29 parks in Coeur d'Alene," according to a press release.
Panhandle Parks Foundation offers services from managing park fundraising, receiving tax-deductible contributions on an organization's behalf, working with cities, and providing a conduit for matching grant opportunities. It can also assist with estate planning and gifting.
"The Panhandle Park Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthy and vibrant communities by facilitating acquisition, support and preservation of parks, open space and recreational facilities in North Idaho," the release said.
The foundation is accepting park projects from the community.
Information: www.panhandleparksfoundation.org or contact Kim Stearns at 651-6271.