ReTool sessions, computer workshops offered

COEUR d'ALENE - ReTool Box, computer literacy help sessions, return to the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front. Ave., in September.

Sessions are designed to assist individuals who have no previous experience with computers and who want to learn to improve job or communication skills.

The free sessions are led by volunteers from the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation. To reserve a spot contact the foundation at 208-769-2380.

September sessions will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room and include:

• Sept. 13: Basic Computer Operations 1

• Sept. 15: Basic Computer Operations 2

• Sept. 20: Online Searches/Applications

• Sept. 22: Resumes/Saving Documents

ReTool Box sessions are taught using the library's portable laptop lab purchased through a major grant from the Women's Gift Alliance with additional support from the Idaho Community Foundation and Waste Management of Idaho.

For computer users with more experience free computer workshops - separate from the ReTool Box sessions - will be taught by Information Technology Coordinator Christopher Brannon.

• Basic Excel - Microsoft spreadsheet software will be taught at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 19.

• Intermediate Excel - will be offered Sept. 26 at 5;30 p.m.

Workshops are offered in the library's Gozzer Room on a first-come basis to up to nine participants. No registration is required. Participants should plan to arrive 15 minutes before session begin. Typing skills and previous experience with computers are recommended

Vehicular homicide case dismissed

KELLOGG - A vehicular homicide case against a Vancouver truck driver was dismissed without prejudice last week.

That means Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Val Siegel can refile charges at a later date.

Yuriy V. Kushniruk, 30, was driving a tractor-trailer Jan. 6 east of Wallace on Interstate 90 when he reportedly lost control of his vehicle. According to court documents, he was driving too fast for conditions, crossed the cement median and struck 27-year-old Kate E. Cummings's car.

The Missoula woman died Jan. 14 of injuries she sustained in the accident. Her 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son survived the crash.

Siegel said that at the time of the crash, the trucking company Kushniruk was employed cooperated with details regarding the crash.

Saber rattling at airport intensifies

SANDPOINT - The developers of a fly-in housing project on the west side of Sandpoint Airport are threatening litigation unless Bonner County or the Federal Aviation Administration buys out all or part of the development.

Since 2006, SilverWing at Sandpoint have poured millions into developing the 18-acre site, improving its access to the airport runway and marketing the project. Two years later, the FAA declared that the airport was no longer in compliance because the county allowed SilverWing through-the-fence access to a residential development. The FAA also objected to midfield access points on the runway.

SilverWing has been leaning on the county to resolve the noncompliance status, which is having a chilling effect on sales of the project's 44-lots. Meanwhile, SilverWing and other west-side landowners said county officials have threatened to cut off their access to the airport.

Man dies in BASE jumping accident

TWIN FALLS (AP) - Authorities said a 38-year-old Alabama man has died in a BASE jumping accident in southern Idaho.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office said the man's parachute only partially deployed early Saturday when he was BASE jumping off a bridge. The sheriff's office said boaters were able to pull the man from the Snake River minutes after his fall and performed CPR but could not revive him.

The man, who authorities had not identified late Saturday, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Caldwell airplane crash kills 2

CALDWELL (AP) - Authorities said two people were killed when a small airplane crashed on takeoff in Caldwell.

Caldwell Industrial Airport manager Rob Oates said that both passengers were killed when the homemade aircraft crashed Sunday morning.

He identified the airplane as a Kitfox, a popular single-engine airplane kit assembled by owners. The Federal Aviation Administration classifies such airplanes as experimental in nature.

Oates said FAA investigators were on the scene Sunday and an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board was expected as well.

Officials said details on the passengers were not being released until after relatives are notified.

BLM mulls climbing ban at popular area

POCATELLO (AP) - Federal land managers are considering a plan that would close down several popular climbing areas in eastern Idaho in an effort to protect cultural and historic values.

The Bureau of Land Management is in the process of drafting a land use amendment that would impact climbs near Massacre Rocks State Park.

The agency will hold public hearings on the plan later this month in Burley and Pocatello.

BLM Field Office Manager Mike Courtney said proposal is aimed at preventing future damage occurring to some archaeological and cultural resources near the base of the popular climbs.

The proposal is causing frustration for some climbing enthusiasts.

Climber Chris Barnes said that Massacre Rocks offers some of the best basalt rock climbing in the nation.