Local Briefs November 17, 2011

Explosion being investigated

Police are investigating an explosive device that went off around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, waking neighbors and leaving burn marks in the area it was discovered.

A resident called police after hearing a loud boom and seeing a flash of light near the southeast corner of Mullan and Front. He said he looked out the window, but did not see anyone.

Police found a device on the grass about 20 feet off the road. The investigating officers reported it seemed to be made of a 24-ounce aluminum can, duct tape and a rope. There was black residue inside the can that looked like gun powder.

There was a small burn mark in the grass about 10 feet from where the device was found.

Copper wiring thief sentenced

A man who pleaded guilty to felony burglary charges on May 5, 2010, was handed a unified seven year sentence - two years fixed - for his involvement in stealing upward of $200,000 worth of copper wiring from the Star Mine.

Mark Miller pled guilty to the burglary as part of a deal that saw his trespassing charge dropped in exchange for his testimony against Jason Puckett, who was the ringleader in the copper stealing operation.

Miller now faces up to one year of incarceration before going before Judge Fred Gibler again to determine if he is a candidate for probation.

Free dinner at Post Falls Legion

POST FALLS - There will be a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone in need on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at the Post Falls American Legion, 1138 E. Poleline Ave.

Money donations are being accepted to help defray the costs to the Legion. Donations can be dropped off at the Legion from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or sent to the Legion at Box 725, Post Falls, 83854.