Local briefs February 3, 2011

House unsafe on unstable ground

Kootenai County has tagged a home on South Regatta Way as unsafe and ordered it to be vacated, on account of unstable ground around the structure.

There appears to be soil movement and settling of the structure, according to information released by the Building and Planning Department on Wednesday.

The homeowner had contacted the department staff, who visited the site on Tuesday.

Inspections resulted in an order posted on the home declaring it unsafe.

The order also requires the owner to have a geotechnical analysis conducted of the site, and a structural analysis of the home, which sits above South Silver Beach Road.

The county is trying to contact area property owners to make them aware of the site's conditions.

Electrical service has been disconnected from the structure.

The Building and Planning Department is in contact with the property owner to monitor progress on the situation, and is working with outside agencies to address possible concerns.

The county did not provide the address of the affected home on Wednesday.

Exchange program seeks host homes

Host family homes are needed in North Idaho by the ASSE International Exchange Student Program for the 2011-2012 school year.

Students are from various countries around the world, including China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand. Students arrive in September and will remain with their host family until June of 2012.

ASSE is also seeking students interested in participating in the programs abroad.

If you are interested in becoming a host family or have children interested in studying in a foreign country, contact Dave or Kathleen Lankford, ASSE-North Idaho representatives, at [email protected] or 773-2376. Information: www.asse.com.