Briefs

Speakers sought for WoodsTalk

COEUR d'ALENE - WoodsTalk 2014 is seeking speakers, demonstrations and vendors to participate in its eighth annual music and art festival July 19 and 20 in Coeur d'Alene.

The event is put on by Unity Spiritual Center of North Idaho and will feature a new "living green" theme this year as well as a focus on art and music. It will provide a variety of family-oriented activities, such as face painting, dancing and food, as well as educational opportunities for community members to share tips and information about living more sustainable lifestyles and "going green."

WoodsTalk has expanded from a one-day event to a two-day festival. Booth space is still available. Those interested in participating can call Unity at 664-1125 or visit www.unitycanter.org.

Central Idaho city may annex part of ranch

BELLEVUE (AP) - The family of a Utah billionaire is asking the central Idaho city of Bellevue to annex 227 acres of its 700-acre Flying Hat Ranch north of the city.

The Bellevue City Council on Monday unanimously supported the request by the family of Spencer Eccles, the Idaho Mountain Express reports.

The family didn't offer details to the council about the Eccles' plan for what are now irrigated fields between Bellevue and Hailey, an area located about 15 miles south of the resort areas of Ketchum and Sun Valley.

Attorney J. Evan Robertson of Twin Falls is working for the family as the ranch's agent "to execute and pursue on its behalf, any and all documents, petitions, or applications required or necessary to complete the voluntary annexation by the city of Bellevue."

Robertson didn't attend the meeting, but family liaison Marc Reinemann did. "This is huge for Bellevue," he told city officials.