Grooming begins on U.S. forest service trails

COEUR d'ALENE - Snow groomers in Kootenai County installed barricades at National Forest trailheads Monday.

Once the barricades are in place, only snowmobiles and authorized off-highway vehicles will be allowed on the trail. According to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, users of the groomed trails must also purchase and display their current registration and Groomer's Sticker.

"Violations of this ordinance constitute a misdemeanor," the press release states.

Crews began grooming the trails today and the press release urges trail users to not pass a groomer on a trail in either direction.

"Instead wait for the groomer operator to see you and they will stop and let you by in a safe place," the release states.

Dropped shotgun discharges, hits and injures boy

CASTLEFORD (AP) - Authorities in south-central Idaho have determined that the shooting of an 11-year-old boy was an accident.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office reported the boy was struck in the upper thigh on Friday by a shotgun blast while trapping bobcats with his father.

Police said the father slipped, dropping a 20-gauge shotgun that discharged.

Police said Kyle Alberti of Twin Falls used his shirt as a tourniquet and carried the boy to a nearby home where residents called 911.

The boy was flown to a Boise hospital. His condition hasn't been released.