North Idaho Briefs December 27, 2012

Spokane Valley man injured in I-90 crash

POST FALLS - A 75-year-old Spokane Valley man was injured in a crash on Interstate 90 at Post Falls on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Idaho State Police, Donald R. Cochrane was eastbound at milepost 2 at 3:23 p.m. when the 2012 Mazda he was driving left the roadway in the median.

The vehicle hit the concrete retaining wall between the bridges and slid down an embankment, coming to a rest against the barriers on Pleasantview Road.

Cochrane, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to Kootenai Medical Center. He was listed in fair condition Wednesday night.

Crapo returns to Washington, mum on DUI

BOISE (AP) - U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho is headed back to Washington, D.C., to participate in negotiations over averting the so-called fiscal cliff and doesn't plan to immediately provide details about what led to his arrest early Sunday on suspicion of drunken driving.

The Republican lawmaker's spokesman in Boise, Lindsay Nothern, said Crapo was traveling Wednesday after spending Christmas with family in Idaho Falls.

The three-term senator is accused of registering a 0.11 percent blood-alcohol level on a breath test after running a red light in Alexandria, Va., where the legal limit is 0.08.

Nothern says Crapo plans to eventually provide more information about his arrest. He provided no timeframe but indicated it could be several days.

Crapo, who is 61, faces a Jan. 4 court hearing.

Kindley named National Deputy Chief of Staff

Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kirk Kindley of Post Falls was appointed as National Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Idaho.

Larry A. Polzin, National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, cited Kindley's years of leadership and dedication as the reason for the appointment.

Kindley is treasurer for Fort Sherman Chapter No. 9.

Robert Hunt, chapter Adjutant and past state commander, said Kindley is "a compassionate and caring man."

"Kirk Kindley is an unsung hero of our chapter. He has over the years quietly and behind the scenes done everything from re-filling propane to repairing computers for veterans in need," Hunt said.

Rathdrum parks commissioner sought

RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Commission has an opening for a volunteer commissioner.

The deadline to apply for the four-year seat is Jan. 4 at 5 p.m. Applicants must live within the city limits of Rathdrum.

The seat was formerly held by Karen Holmes, who decided to not seek re-appointment. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor.

Applications are available at City Hall. For more information, call Lance Bridges at 687-2399.