Suspect Charged in Weekend Shooting

The suspect in the early Sunday morning shooting is Adam Mathis Johnson, 25 years of age of Coeur d’Alene. He is incarcerated at Kootenai County Public Safety Building and has been charged with attempted murder.

The victims are identified as Brandon R. Burgess, 25 years of age of Moses Lake Wa. who is currently in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center and Bradley J. Phillips, 25 years of age of Moses Lake Wa. who sustained a gunshot wound to his knee.

Detectives have interviewed a large number of witnesses that were leaving the downtown bars and were outside when the shooting occurred. Specific statements of a victim, witnesses, and the suspect will not be released.

Detectives were able to determine at least five shots were fired from a 40 caliber hand gun by the suspect.

Detectives were told that the suspect Johnson was tackled by witnesses to the shooting and beaten by members in the crowd of people. He has injuries to his face but was treated at KMC and released. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Coeur d’Alene Police at 769-2320.

Holiday Delays Friday Garbage Pick-up Service by One (1) Day

Due to the Friday, New Year’s Day Holiday, City of Coeur d' Alene garbage pick-up service will be delayed by one day.

If your garbage is normally picked up on Friday, January 1st, it will be picked up on Saturday, January 2nd.

City Hall Closed for New Year’s Holiday

On Friday, January 1, 2010, Coeur d’Alene City Hall will be closed for the New Year’s holiday. Other city offices and facilities will be closed as well. Emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Streets can be made by dialing 9-1-1. Other city facilities have emergency numbers and can be reached if the need arises: Sewer Back-up 769-2241 and Water 755-9729.

City Hall and other city facilities will open Monday, January 4, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. For more information, please call 769-2204.

“Re-Tool Box” Program Seeks Funding for Job Seekers

Ruth Pratt, Executive Director of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation, is seeking funding for a new community outreach program at the Coeur d’Alene Library called “Re-Tool Box.” This project will provide free computer literacy training to help people successfully seek and gain employment. “With the unemployment rate in Kootenai County currently at 11%, the library staff receives many requests for assistance with job-hunting,” said Pratt. “People need training in basic keyboard and internet search skills to help them compete in a reduced job market.”

The goal is to create a program where training will be provided by a partner agency, such as North Idaho College (NIC), with space and computer equipment provided by the library. The Foundation is applying for grants and soliciting private sponsorships to create a “laptop lab” consisting of 20-25 computers and a projector housed in a transportable storage unit. This new equipment will make it possible to schedule group training in any of the existing meeting rooms, thereby avoiding the problems associated with taking the Computer Lab computers out of regular service while these classes are taught.

The Library Foundation Board is also seeking funds to add permanently-mounted projectors in the ceilings of the meeting rooms to make them more tech-friendly for people reserving the rooms.

“More employers are having prospective applicants apply for jobs on-line,” said David Townsend, Communications Coordinator. “People need to know how to use computers just to apply for job in today’s world.”

Currently, the library has 38 internet connections, and there’s more demand than ever from people who are doing their résumés, job searches, and the access provided at the library has been very beneficial.

Christopher Brannon, Information Technical Coordinator, already offers three-to-four workshops a month – on setting up email accounts, surfing the web, a workshop introducing computers, desktop publishing – and the workshops fill up every time.

More news and information about the Coeur d'Alene Public Library is available online at www.cdalibary.org.

Coeur d'Alene Police Investigating Shootings

Coeur d’Alene Police responded to the 200 block of Sherman Avenue early Sunday morning for the report of a fight and shots fired. When officers arrived there were dozens of people in the street and on the sidewalk that had just come out of area bars.

Officers discovered two males had been shot and the male suspect (name withheld at this time) 25 years of age, of Coeur d’Alene, was being held down by witnesses of the shooting.

One male victim in his early 20s (victim’s names withheld at this time) sustained life threatening injuries with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He is currently being treated at Kootenai Medical Center but may be life flighted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The second male victim also in his early 20s sustained a gunshot wound to his knee. He was also transported to KMC. Both victims live in Moses Lake Washington and were visiting relatives in Coeur d’Alene for the Christmas holiday.

Witnesses stated a verbal altercation between the suspect, the victim’s and several other males occurred at the Underground bar earlier in the evening. The suspect left the bar.

At approximately 12:44 am the victim’s and several other males and females left the bar they were at and were walking south on Third Street toward Sherman Avenue. As they rounded the corner onto the 200 blk. of Sherman Ave. they came upon the suspect who was walking east in the 200 block of Sherman Avenue.

Witnesses stated the suspect exchanged words with the victim’s and then pulled a handgun gun and fired several rounds at that group of people. Witnesses quickly overpowered the suspect and pulled him to the ground.

The suspect was also transported to KMC with injuries sustained to his head he received while being detained by witnesses. His injuries are not life threatening. Charges are pending.

The investigation is on-going. Sherman Ave. is currently closed from Second Street to Third Street while detectives process the crime scene. No further information is available at this time.

Kids’ Winter Reading Starts at Cd’A library Jan. 12

When winter weather keeps children inside reading programs can give everyone a break.
Winter programs at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library’s Seagraves Children’s Library, 702 E. Front Ave., begin Tuesday, Jan. 12, and continue through March 19. Each free session includes stories, poems, activities and crafts customized for each age group. Sessions include:
►Book Babies Lap-Sit: For ages birth to 2 years accompanied by a parent or other adult caregiver, Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., and Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m.
►Tales for Twos & Threes: 2-3 year olds, Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m.
►Preschool Storytime: 3-5 year olds, Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., and 1-1:30 p.m.
►LEGO Club: 5-10 year olds, Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. LEGOs provided for a session of creative building.
►Lonely Books Club: 9-12 year olds. Visit the library for a list of overlooked great books. Meets Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.
The fifth annual LEGO-rama will be offered in the Community Room on Saturday, Jan. 16, 1-3 p.m. (The rules have changed so visit the children’s library or the library website for complete rules.)
Children under 6 visiting the library need to be supervised by an adult or a person who is at least 14 even during programs. Children ages 6-9 should be accompanied by someone who is at least 14 who will remain in the building.
Patrons who need accommodations are asked to contact the library staff prior to attending programs.
More information about the Winter Reading programs is available by contacting Youth Services at (208) 769-2315 Ext. 438. Anyone needing accommodations to participate in library activities is asked to contact the staff prior to attending.
News about the library and other city departments is also available on the City of Coeur d’Alene news blog: http://cdacity.blogspot.com/.

Library Computer Workshops Resume in January

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., will offer three free computer workshops in January.
The library’s workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for up to nine participants and preregistration is not required. The free, 90-minute workshops are taught by Christopher Brannon, Information Technology Coordinator in the library’s computer lab on the Terrace Level. Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time.
The upcoming workshops are:
► Introduction to Computers: Monday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is an informative tour in the basics of computers. If you have never touched a computer before, or have worked with computers but have not felt very comfortable with them, this workshop is for you. Basic typing skills are helpful, but not necessary.
► Basics in Excel (Spreadsheets): Monday, Jan. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Have long lists of numbers or information that need taming or calculating? A spreadsheet can help. We'll help you explore and understand the parts of the spreadsheet, basic formulas, basic formatting, and editing.
► Intermediate Excel (Spreadsheets): Monday, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Spreadsheets do much more than crunch numbers. Join us to learn about Excel's database functionality, creating charts and graphs, and creating more effective formulas on the run. Previous spreadsheet experience necessary.
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library offers 38 Internet computers for public use on its upper level along with database computers (providing access to special sites subscribed to by the library) and three study computers in writing/study rooms.
In the Seagrave Children’s Library there are six Internet workstations only for users who are 12 years old or younger. The children’s library also has five computers equipped with games, stories and learning tools that are not Internet linked. A 15-minute Express E-mail computer is available for the use of adults accompanying children in the children’s library.
Users with vision and hearing losses have access to adaptive computers in the Hearing and Vision Loss Center.
Patrons log onto computers directly or by reserving time on reservation stations using their library card numbers and last names. Nonresident library visitors who are 18 or older may use Internet computers by obtaining guest passes at the check out or Research and Information desks. A photo ID is required for guest passes.
Printing services linked to the computers are available for 10 cents a page for black-and-white printing and 20 cents a page for color through a print-release system linked to the library’s photocopier.
Patrons who need accommodations to participate in library programs or services are asked to contact the staff. Information about computer workshops is available by contacting Brannon at 208/769-2315 Ext. 456.
More news and information about the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is available online at http://www.cdalibrary.org/.

Library Closing Early Thursday, Closed for New Year's

For the New Year's holiday, the library will close early, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 31, and will be closed, Friday, Jan. 1. It will open at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, for its regular hours.

More news and information about the library's January programs and other services is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.

Fifth Annual LEGO-rama at Library Jan. 16

Footprint size changed due to popularity of program
COEUR d’ALENE – The fifth annual LEGO-rama will be held Saturday, Jan. 16, 1-3 p.m., in the Community Room at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.
The popularity of the program has resulted in the need to change a few of the rules. The footprint for entries – the amount of space they occupy on the table – has been reduced to 15-by-15 inches, half the previous size.
“We want to make sure that nobody is turned away,” said David Townsend, LEGO Leader for the program, “But at the same time we have limited table space. We also want to assure that entries are based on the quality of design and not just by size.”
This year winners will be determined by a panel of judges. However, a “People Choice Award” will be selected by audience vote with each person receiving one ballot.
One entry per participant can be entered in the contest that is for ages 4 to 13. Entry must be original designs – not a LEGO or compatible brand kit – built by the participant without adult assistance. Judging will be in age groups 4-6, 7-10, and 11-13.
Entries should be built prior to being brought to the library. And can be delivered to the Community Room as early as 12:30 p.m. Judging will be from 1 to 2 p.m.
Anyone age 14 and older may display designs, but these will not be included in judging. Exhibition Category entries are also limit to a 15-by-15 inch footprint.
Complete rules are available in the Seagraves Children’s Library or online at www.cdalibrary.org.
The day’s activities will also include a guest speaker, refreshments and building contests.
LEGO-rama, like all youth programs at the library, is supported by the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
Young builders are also invited to participate each week in LEGO Club. Offered as part of the Winter Reading Programs, the club is for ages 5-8 and meets Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Participants who need accommodations are asked to contact the library staff prior to the program by calling 208/769-2315.More news and information about the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is available online at http://www.cdalibrary.org/.

Robbery Update

Suspect description: The male is described as being about 6’00”, medium build, wearing a well kept brown coat, camouflage gloves, dark colored hoodie style sweatshirt, and his face was covered.

The FBI is currently investigating the robbery this morning at Mountain West Bank. Attached to this post is a surveillance photo of the suspect. (Note: The victim gave her permission to use her photo).

Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call Coeur d’Alene Police at 769-2320.

Robbery Investigation

At about 7 am this morning, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, along with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, responded to a robbery that occurred at 125 Ironwood Drive, Mountain West Bank. An employee coming to work was approached by a male, walking inside the business in an attempt to acquire money from the bank. The male got a small amount of money from the victim then fled the scene.

The male was possibly picked up by an awaiting vehicle. The vehicle is described as a white Cadillac with Montana plates.

The male is described as being about 6’00”, medium build, wearing a well kept brown coat, camouflage gloves, dark colored hoodie style sweatshirt, and his face was covered. A weapon was not displayed, but was presumed he had possession of one.

The FBI along with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department is investigating the incident.

Anyone with additional information on this crime is asked to call Coeur d’Alene Police at 769-2320.

Library will be Closed for Holidays

The library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24 and 25, for Christmas, but will be open for its regular hours, noon to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 26.

For the New Years holiday, the library will close early, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 31, and will be closed, Friday, Jan. 1. It will open at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, for its regular hours.

More news and information about the Coeur d'Alene Public Library is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.

Take the Guesswork out of Ductwork

On New Year’s Day, many cities and counties in north Idaho will be trying to help consumers save money who are purchasing newly built homes, while at the same time providing them with a broader range of comfort. City and county building departments will be working with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors (HVAC) as well as the general contractors with whom homeowners have direct contact. They want your HVAC system and ductwork to be properly sized in your home so that it works more efficiently, saving you money. These savings may not be realized immediately (through lower energy usage each month), but through lower equipment costs experienced over the lifespan of your home. In addition, by properly sizing the equipment and ductwork in your new house, you should reap a “comfort” benefit from better air flow to each room and living area, creating a more even air temperature, both in the winter and summer months.

What’s changed? All of the area jurisdictions affiliated with North Idaho Code Enforcers (NICE) that issue mechanical permits will be implementing some new procedures for seeking compliance with existing Codes as they relate to HVAC beginning January 1, 2010. In a nutshell, what the adopted Codes require is that residential HVAC equipment and duct systems are to be sized according to certain Standards that have been developed and published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Historically, a great deal of the HVAC sizing has been done using “rules of thumb” that were developed several decades ago. For the average home that was built back then, these rules of thumb usually worked. As we all know, residential construction methods have changed and improved a great deal over the last several years. Trends toward larger homes, and improvements such as more energy efficient windows, improved insulation materials and practices, and enhanced methods to decrease outside air infiltration, have generally made the old rules of thumb impractical and inefficient.

The biggest draw back of current construction practices has been the over sizing of the equipment itself. By using the “best guess method” to quickly heat the house, not all of the air in a room is mixed properly, so the equipment cycles on and off frequently. This short cycling can lead to premature wear on the furnace motor and electrical system, which are designed typically for longer run times. In addition, ductwork is sometimes undersized, which creates a build up in pressure at the furnace. This makes the motor work harder trying to push that air through the smaller ductwork system. Air then comes out of the registers at a higher rate, creating noticeable air currents. Both of these issues can lead to an increase in overall system noise.

What can you as a consumer do? Ask questions. If you currently are or will be building a new home, talk to your contractor about the ACCA requirements. You should also contact your local Building Department/Division and ask for more information about the new Code. If you are having an air conditioning system installed in an existing home, you may also want to have your system checked by a qualified technician to make sure that your existing furnace and ductwork is capable of handling the potential extra strain on the system. For more information please contact your local building department.

Seasons Greetings from the Library

Here's a video update of activities at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library produced by Jeff Crowe for CDA-TV. Cable Channel 19 provides live and recorded coverage of public meetings and other useful information for the citizens of Coeur d'Alene. More news and information about the library is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.

Library to Offer Regional History Series

Noted regional historian Robert Singletary will bring a 12-part regional history series to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., beginning Jan. 14.
“North Idaho: Connections to the Past,” will be offered free in the library Community Room at 7 p.m. Topics will range from Native American history through the creation of the Farragut Naval Station.
The series is made possible in part by a grant from the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
Listed as History 505, this series is also good for 3 credits from the University of Idaho. To register for credit, which will require additional course work, call 208/667-2588.
Singletary is an active historian in the region. He wrote a weekly history column for the Coeur d’Alene Press for 10 years and taught history at NIC and Lewis-Clark State College. He also served as a trustee for the Museum of North Idaho and the Idaho State Historical Society. Singletary owns History Unlimited, which specializes in historical tours, lectures and living history performances.
Most recently Singletary has provided a local history course for Lakes Middle School and his presentation kicked off the recent history series sponsored by the Molstead Library at NIC, The Museum of North Idaho and local public libraries.
Using a variety of visual images, artifacts and living history presentations Singletary says he will “bring history alive” by connecting major events and historic movements to the development of towns and counties in North Idaho.
The schedule of the “Connections” series is:
► Jan. 14: The Native American Connection
► Jan. 21: The Lewis and Clark Connection
► Jan. 28: The Fur Trade Connection
► Feb. 3: The Missionary Connection
► Feb 10: The Mullan Road Connection
► Feb 18: The U.S. Army Connection
► March 3: The Gold and Silver Connection
► March 10: The Railroad Connection
► March 18: The Steamboat Connection
► April 8: The Timber Connection
► April 15: The Tourism Connection
► April 29: The Farragut Naval Station Connection.
More news and information about the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.