News Digest:
Thursday, September 11, 2008 11:16 AM PDT
GOOD AFTERNOON
IDAHO
Parents file tort claim in wake of son’s death
POCATELLO (AP) — The parents of an eastern Idaho boy who died after being hit by a jet ski in July are seeking $5 million in damages from an outdoor recreation program affiliated with Idaho State University.
Brent and Margo Heer, whose 13-year-old son Erik Simnitt died during the accident at the American Falls Reservoir, have filed a $5 million tort claim against the university’s Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group.
E. Idaho tribe cleared to manage water
POCATELLO (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency has given the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in eastern Idaho authority to set and manage water quality standards on tribal rivers and reservoirs.
The decision announced last week allows the tribes to develop their own water quality standards in compliance with the federal Clean Water Act, much in the same way states have latitude to draft water quality rules.
It also gives the tribes authority to issue water quality certifications and permits in cases when there is a federal discharge of pollution on reservation waters.
OREGON
Portland State to get $25M from brokerage fortune
PORTLAND (AP) — The foundation of an Oregonian who made his fortune on Wall Street plans to donate $25 million to Portland State University.
President Wim Wiewel (vim vee-vehl) said Wednesday the grant from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation is the largest in the school’s history.
Ore. tweaks new
driver’s license
requirements
SALEM (AP) — Oregon’s transportation commissioners are making some changes in the state’s new driver licensing law after receiving hundreds of citizen complaints.
The law took effect July 1.
Officials say the new requirements inadvertently created problems for people who have married multiple times, used nicknames or been adopted.
