In brief: Women’s Shelter calendar for sale

“Women Warriors and Unsung Heroes,” a 2007 calendar benefiting the Women’s Shelter, is on sale for $12.

The 12-month calendar features pictures and biographies of women who work and volunteer for local nonprofits. Featured nonprofits include Anchor House, the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation, Children’s Village, Excel Foundation, and Idaho Drug Free Youth.

All proceeds benefit the Women’s Shelter, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The calendar is on sale at Camera Corral, 515 Sherman Ave.; Shabby to Chic Shoppe, 806 N. Fourth St.; Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave.; Bella Rose Café, 213 Sherman Ave.; Christmas on the Lake, 517 Sherman Ave.; Simple Pleasures, 221 Sherman Ave.; The Zoo, 210 Sherman Ave.; Possibilities on Sherman, 211 1/2 Sherman Ave.; and Paris Flea Market, 823 N. Fourth St. For more information, contact organizer Roxana Dunteman, (208) 664-1333.

– Becky Kramer

Extra chance given to pay property tax

The Kootenai County treasurer’s office will open its doors 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today to give property owners another opportunity to pay their tax bills.

Several thousand Kootenai County homeowners received their bills about a week later than scheduled because of a computer glitch. Most of the 80,000 tax bills went out Nov. 27, but one group was delayed.

By law, property taxes must be paid by Dec. 20.

The treasurer’s office and marriage license office will be the only county offices open today. Use the Government Way or Garden Street entries. The lower level door by the parking lot will not be open.

– Staff reports

MERIDIAN, Idaho

State senator becomes Sali’s state director

Three-term state Sen. Gerry Sweet, R-Meridian, has resigned his legislative seat to become the new state director for U.S. Rep.-elect Bill Sali, R-Idaho, who will be sworn into office as the state’s new 1st District congressman on Jan. 4.

Gov. Jim Risch announced Friday he had received Sweet’s resignation late Thursday afternoon as the senator representing District 20, the Meridian area of Ada County.

“I want to thank Senator Sweet for his service to Idaho in the state Senate,” Risch said in a statement. “He represented his district very well and has made the decision to continue serving Idaho in a different capacity.”

The Republican Legislative District Committee will now meet to decide on three nominees whose names will be submitted to Risch within 15 days. Risch then has another 15 days to appoint Sweet’s replacement from the list of nominees.

Sweet will oversee Sali’s state district offices in Boise, Caldwell, Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene. Sali also announced Friday he has hired Rob Schwarzwalder to oversee his Capitol Hill office and hired Boise attorney Lisa Tanner as his Washington, D.C., staff legislative director.

“I am thrilled that these three people have agreed to come on board,” Sali said in a statement. “They are committed to serving the people of our state and nation and bring the outstanding experience to their respective tasks.”

– Associated Press