Idaho Briefs December 26, 2012

Liquor sales up 40 percent in Post Falls

SPOKANE - More people appear to be making booze runs across the state line to Idaho since Washington privatized its liquor system.

Business in Idaho stores is booming since Washington closed its state-run stores at the end of May.

Idaho State Liquor division director Jeff Anderson says November sales in Moscow were up 40 percent compared to a year before. Sales are also up 40 percent in Post Falls since July.

The state has opened a new liquor store near the state line to relieve the pressure.

The Washington Department of Revenue says the average price of a bottle of liquor has dropped since the first month of privatization from $25.35 a liter to $24.06 in October.

But that's still up from $21.59 in 2011.

Inspectors to review 2 Salmon school buildings

IDAHO FALLS - A state committee will move forward with inspecting two Salmon schools to determine whether a state fund can be tapped to repair or rebuild the schools.

Salmon School District 291 is looking for new revenue after local voters have rejected seven separate bond levies since 2005.

Superintendent Joey Foote appealed last week to a three member state panel to determine if the district is eligible for the state Public Schools Facilities Cooperative Funding Program.

The state fund has $15.8 million available and was set up to help districts with unsafe school buildings and unable to raise money locally.

The Post Register reports the committee will hire inspectors to review Salmon Middle School and Pioneer Elementary School to determine if conditions place students in an imminent hazard.

- Associated Press