Briefs Sept. 23, 2011

Cd'A seeks artists to design public pieces

COEUR d'ALENE - The city of Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission is seeking artists to design public art pieces for three vehicular round-a-bouts in the Education Corridor on the North Idaho College campus.

The pieces should enhance the new entrance into the historic Fort Grounds neighborhood, including the satellite campuses of the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College and the city's wastewater treatment plant.

"The goal is for the art pieces to embody the area's diverse and rich history, vibrant present, and bright future," according to a press release.

Information packets are available at City Hall, 710 E. Mullan Ave., or online at www.cdaid.org. Artist proposals are due by Nov. 24. Info: Steve Anthony, [email protected].

Cd'A woman drowns in Montana river

A Coeur d'Alene woman drowned Wednesday when her inflatible kayak collapsed on the North Fork River in Montana.

Shawna Thomas, 51, was with her husband when the kayak became stuck about 1 p.m. between two root balls of trees hanging out over a tight bend in the river four miles south of Polebridge.

The back end of the kayak was caught and the force of the water twisted the front of the kayak around one of the root balls, causing it to roll over and also bend, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office reported.

Thomas was caught in the partially collapsed vessel while her husband was washed out. He was not injured and tried repeatedly to free the kayak, then went to the North Fork Road to flag down help.

Rescuers freed the kayak and found Thomas inside.

Investigators said Thomas and her husband had kayaking experience and were properly equipped and trained for the river and conditions.

"The hazard was difficult to see until they had come around the corner at which time there was little time to react," according to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office. "This was an unlikely accident which would have been difficult to anticipate or avoid."