Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
IDAHO EARTHQUAKES
6 more earthquakes near Challis in central Idaho
CHALLIS, Idaho (AP) — Six more earthquakes have occurred near the central Idaho town of Challis.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the temblors started at about 1 p.m. Monday and ranged from 2.5 to 4.6 in magnitude.
Three of the quakes took place within a 40-minute span starting at about 9:12 p.m. Monday.
The quakes ranged from 6 to 15 miles northwest of Challis in lightly populated Custer County.
The quakes near Challis follow a 4.9-magnitude shaking on Sunday and a 4.1-magnitude quake on Thursday.
LEWISTON-SMOKING BAN
N. Idaho council approves voluntary smoking ban
(Information in the following story is from: Lewiston Tribune, http://www.lmtribune.com)
LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — The Lewiston City Council has approved a voluntary ban on smoking in some public outdoor spaces.
The Lewiston Tribune reports the council voted 5-2 on Monday to approve the ordinance.
Lewiston Parks and Recreation Director Tim Barker says the city's health department will pay for signs asking people to use tobacco away from crowded areas.
Councilor Bob Blakey says there's a problem with people using tobacco in places where people gather.
Councilors who voted against the ordinance say a voluntary ban with no penalties for violators is pointless.
DBSI-SECURITIES FRAUD
SW Idaho company officials convicted of fraud
(Information in the following story is from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com)
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal jury has convicted four officials with a failed southwest Idaho property management company of fraud after they misled investors.
The Idaho Statesman reports the jury deliberated three days before returning the guilty verdicts Monday in the trial involving failed real estate company DBSI of Meridian.
Company President Douglas Swenson was found guilty of 44 counts of security fraud and 34 counts of wire fraud.
Company secretaries Jeremy Swenson and David Swenson, sons of Douglas Swenson, were convicted of 44 counts of security fraud.
Company attorney Mark Ellison was also convicted of 44 counts of security fraud.
U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill did not set a sentencing date.
More than 22,000 claims have been filed with the bankruptcy trustee seeking to recover more than $102 billion.
YELLOWSTONE ELK
Yellowstone elk count marred by weather
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife officials say the annual count of a major elk herd that migrates between Yellowstone National Park and Montana was unable to be completed this year.
But scientists from the park and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks say a related study suggests the population size remains similar to the 3,915 elk counted in 2013.
Officials said Monday that weather problems prevented completion of the Northern Yellowstone Elk Herd survey when it was attempted in February.
The herd peaked at about 20,000 animals in 1992. That was just a few years before gray wolves were reintroduced to the Yellowstone area from Canada after being absent from the region for decades.
Also taking a toll on elk have been hunters, other predators including bears and harsh winters.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
