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TEACHER-SUPPORT
Former students support longtime E. Idaho teacher
BLACKFOOT, Idaho (AP) — The dismissal of a longtime biology teacher in eastern Idaho is causing former students to rally to her defense ahead of a public hearing.
The Snake River School District's Board of Trustees plans to hold a due process hearing Friday about a decision not to renew Elaine Asmus' contract for next school year.
Her attorney says Asmus had a disagreement with teacher Laura Gabrylczyk, the wife of district Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk.
Attorney Paul Stark says Laura Gabrylczyk filed a formal complaint that led to the decision not to renew Asmus' contract.
Nathan Hammond took Asmus' Advanced Placement biology class nearly 20 years ago and is using social networking to notify former students.
Hammond says Asmus was a key part of his education that led to his work in genetics research at Stanford University.
District officials declined to comment.
FIREFIGHTER INJURED
Boise firefighter injured at industrial blaze
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Boise firefighter had to be transported to a hospital after sustaining a knee injury while fighting an early morning fire Thursday.
Officials say firefighters responded about 2 a.m. to the fire in southeast Boise at Alsco, an industrial linen company.
Battalion Chief John Peugh says the firefighter injured his knee in the loading dock area that was filled with smoke.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
LEVEE TREES
Coeur d'Alene shade trees on levee can stay
(Information in the following story is from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com)
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says shade trees on flood-control levees along Coeur d'Alene's Rosenberry Drive won't have to be removed after all.
The Spokesman-Review reports Thursday that the agency has decided the trees won't hinder the community's ability to qualify for disaster relief funds.
The levee separates Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River from North Idaho College and the Fort Grounds neighborhood.
City engineer Gordon Dobler says experts examined more than 1,000 trees and identified about 360 as dead or unhealthy.
Dobler says some trees will have to come out but big ponderosas will remain.
ITD-APP
Idaho Transportation Department releases new app
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Transportation Department has released a smartphone application intended to help motorists whether it's a morning commute or drive across the state.
The agency on Tuesday made the 511 app available for iPhone and Android phone users.
The app with a map-based interface shows icons indicating road work or road conditions. Taping the icon provides specific information.
The app also links to traffic cameras set up around the state.
The agency says it budgeted $57,000 to develop the app. An upgrade is planned later this year that will offer text-to-speech technology.
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