News Digest:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 10:08 AM PDT
GOOD AFTERNOON
IDAHO
Officials look to text messages to thwart crime
BOISE (AP) — Boise Area Crime Stoppers is setting up a system that will receive anonymous text message tips in an attempt to get younger people to report crimes.
‘‘For us, to capture the ability to communicate with younger folks is vitally important,’’ Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson told the Idaho Statesman.
But he added that people of all ages are doing more with cell phones and could also report crimes with text messages.
Jan Van Houten of Crime Stoppers is program coordinator for the project. She said it should launch in the next two to three months.
‘‘Everyone out there is texting,’’ Van Houten said. ‘‘That’s why we need to be a part of it.’’
Battle begins in E. Idaho over land use law
DRIGGS (AP) — Disagreements in eastern Idaho’s Teton County among residents with different visions of how growth should take place will likely develop into a full showdown in August when commissioners decide on a plan intended to overhaul the current strategy.
On one side are those who fear the area is becoming overdeveloped, reducing the quality of life and straining existing infrastructure.
On the other side are those who say limiting growth goes against private property rights and could harm the county’s economy.
See more of this story on Page A3.
OREGON
First wolf pack in Oregon confirmed in a century in Union County
LA GRANDE (AP)— Oregon has its first wolf pack since the predator was wiped out by bounty hunting a century ago.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf coordinator Russ Morgan heard them howling under a bright moon in the predawn hours Friday in northern Union County. He said there were at least two adults and two pups.
Individual wolves from Idaho have been swimming the Snake River and crossing into northeastern Oregon at least since 1999. But this is the first confirmation of wolves breeding in the state.
