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FATAL CRASH-EASTERN OREGON
2 die in motorhome, pickup collision in eastern Oregon
(Information from: KATU-TV, http://www.katu.com/)
HARPER, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say two drivers were killed when a motorhome towing another vehicle and a pickup truck towing a travel trailer collided in eastern Oregon.
KATU-TV reports 78-year-old Richard Kozol of Medford was driving a Gulfstream motorhome when for an unknown reason it crossed into the westbound lanes on Highway 20 near Harper.
Oregon State Police say Kozol collided with a Ford F-250 pickup towing a travel trailer operated by 72-year-old John Haynes of Palo Cedro, California. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two passengers, one from each vehicle, were taken to a hospital in Boise, Idaho.
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CHILD BEATEN-SENTENCE
Idaho man receives 30 years imprisonment after beating child
(Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com)
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho Falls man has received the maximum sentence after he acknowledged abusing a 1-year-old boy.
The Post Register reported Wednesday that District Judge Bruce Pickett sentenced James Dunkle Jr. to up to 30 years imprisonment.
Authorities say Dunkle called 911 to report his girlfriend's son was struggling to breathe after falling off the bed.
Officials say the boy's injuries included a collapsed lung, broken bones, bleeding in his brain and multiple bruises.
Officials say doctors told the family long-term damage was unknown, but that they did not expect the boy to fully recover.
A defense attorney says Dunkle caused serious harm to the victim and his family, but that he had a limited criminal history and felt regret for his actions.
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NATIONAL PARKS-ELECTRIC BIKES
Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier parks allow e-bikes
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — National Park Service officials say motorized electric bicycles are now allowed in Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier national parks, along with Wyoming's National Elk Refuge.
The joint announcement Thursday follows an order signed late last month by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt allowing the pedal bicycles with electric motors wherever traditional bikes can go in national parks.
The guidelines posted on the Yellowstone , Glacier and Grand Teton websites say e-bikes and traditional bicycles are barred from boardwalks, snow routes and nearly all backcountry trails.
They also are allowed on pathways connecting the National Elk Refuge to Grand Teton National Park.
E-bikes can reach speeds of 28 mph or higher. Outdoor and conservation groups have objected to allowing them in parks without additional study or public notice.
DOLLAR TREE-UNSAFE STORAGE
OSHA: 4 Idaho Dollar Tree stores had unsafe conditions
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal work safety agency has cited four Idaho Dollar Tree stores for allegedly exposing employees to unsafe conditions for poorly stacked boxes and blocked exits.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a prepared statement Wednesday saying the discount variety store company faces nearly $900,000 in proposed penalties. The company has 15 days to respond to the federal agency.
In the citation, OSHA contends that Dollar Tree stores in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa and Meridian were unsafe because of unstable and poorly stacked boxes in the stockroom, along with blocked aisles and exit routes. OSHA inspectors also said falling boxes had injured Dollar Store employees.
A Dollar Tree spokesman could not be reached for comment.
WOLF MEETING
Dozens of people attend virtual meeting on future of wolves
(Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com)
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Dozens of people listened to a virtual meeting involving the future of wolf management in Washington state.
The Spokesman-Review says the 90-minute meeting on Tuesday was the first of three to discuss how wolves will be managed after their numbers grow to the point they are considered recovered .
Three online meetings were scheduled after three in-person meetings were canceled due to threats of violence. The return of wolves to the state earlier this century has produced strong opposition from some ranchers.
Officials for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife say the most common question at the meeting involved the future possibility of a hunting season for wolves. The agency is seeking public input as it starts planning for a time when wolves are no longer listed as endangered.
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RABID CAT
Idaho officials say cat has rabies, first case in decades
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho health officials say a cat has tested positive for rabies for the first time in 27 years.
The Department of Health and Welfare says the cat in Owyhee County was behaving aggressively and bit its owner. It tested positive for a strain of rabies normally associated with bats.
The department's state public health veterinarian Dr. Leslie Tengelsen says in a prepared statement that rabies is fatal virtually 100% of the time. She says the cat was likely exposed to a rabid bat, and that's how it became infected.
Tengelsen says pet owners should vaccinate their dogs, cats, ferrets and horses against the disease.
Ten bats have tested positive for rabies in Idaho this year.
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