NEW THIS MORNING: Saturday, September 7
Sheriff Bob Norris, Pam Wigle and her 7-year-old wire-hair Pointer Griffin, Hedy. Wigle and Hedy were reported missing after she failed to return home from a hike near Fourth of July Pass on Tuesday night.
HAILEY HILL/Press
1. Helicopter aids in locating missing woman near Fourth of July Pass
When 70-year-old Pam Wigle and her dog, Hedy, started their hike on a familiar trail near Fourth of July Pass on Tuesday afternoon, she never could have predicted the drama that would ensue.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Wigle’s panicked husband, Mike, around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday night, his concern growing by the minute as his wife and dog had failed to return from their hike.
Sheriff Bob Norris, several deputies and a donor-funded ABLE1 air support helicopter immediately responded to the call. The situation was deemed “higher risk” due to Wigle’s recent medical ailments.
2. No emergency levies for local school districts
North Idaho's three largest school districts will not pursue emergency levies for the 2024-25 school year.
Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts did not reach the enrollment numbers necessary to qualify. Although the Lakeland Joint School District did qualify, its leaders have opted not to go for emergency levy funding.
Idaho's school boards may request emergency fund levies upon all taxable properties in their districts after certifying needs to county commissioners before the second Monday in September each year.
3. Duncan drops out of North Idaho College race
Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan dropped out of the race for North Idaho College Trustee Zone 5 on Friday, meaning she is now solely running for reelection to her county seat.
“After careful consideration and assessing the many challenges and community needs, my family and close advisors prefer I not divide my attention,” Duncan said in a statement released Friday. “This will allow me to remain squarely focused on my commissioner role serving Kootenai County.”
4. Man charged in Hayden road rage incident
A man is facing a felony charge for allegedly hitting someone with his vehicle during a road rage incident.
Roy L. Vantassel Jr., 45, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with aggravated battery.
The charge stems from Aug. 31, when another driver reportedly did not let Vantassel’s SUV merge in front of him while both were driving north along Government Way in Hayden.
5. Northern Lakes Fire District to host town hall next week
The Northern Lakes Fire District will hold a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The meeting will provide information regarding the upcoming vote on a two-year temporary levy, according to a media release put out by the agency. The levy is "aimed at maintaining the fire district's operational capacity and ensuring continued safety and emergency services," the release said.