O'Brien serving in Crapo's office

A former Coeur d'Alene resident is one of four interns serving in the Washington, D.C., office of Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo for the spring semester.

Carrie O'Brien graduated from the University of Idaho in December, majoring in international studies, Spanish and philosophy. After her internship, Carrie would like to work for an international nonprofit organization and continue her travels abroad.

"Students interested in politics, public service and public relations can gain indispensible experience by serving an internship in a Congressional office," Crapo said.

Wells Fargo helps with funding

COEUR d'ALENE - United Way of Kootenai County announced Tuesday that Wells Fargo has come forward as an early lead funder in establishing the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline with a gift of $22,000.

"Wells Fargo is pleased to invest in this important community initiative to address a critical need in our state," said Leise Razzeto, Northern Idaho Community Banking President for Wells Fargo.

Idaho's suicide rate is the fourth highest in the nation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults in Idaho.

Idaho is the only state in the country without a nationally certified suicide prevention hotline.

Volunteer advocates, along with public and private sector partners throughout Idaho, including other local United Ways, have been working to establish a sustainable statewide hotline since the previous hotline closed in 2007.

Sali mulls another election bid

BOISE (AP) - As former state and U.S. Rep. Bill Sali considers another run for elected office, he's also seeking the Legislature's assistance in promoting a nonprofit foundation created by him and his wife.

The former Republican lawmaker on Wednesday asked the House Transportation Committee to help create an "In God We Trust" license plate, with proceeds benefiting the American Heritage Foundation.

He and his wife, Terry, founded it last month.

The committee agreed to vet Sali's plan - to use license-plate proceeds to promote discussion about America's founding and qualities he thinks exemplify proper citizenship.

He's also considering a primary run for the House, which he departed in 2006 for Congress.

His Kuna district has an open seat, and Sali says he has fond memories of public service that beckon him back.