2009 Boat Show has class

Get more bang for your buck by multitasking at the Spokane National Boat Show, which opens Friday and runs through Feb. 8 at Spokane Interstate Fair and Expo Center.

The eight-hour America’s Boating Course, which satisfies Washington’s mandatory boater education requirements, will be offered twice during the show in two-hour segments on Feb. 2-5. An afternoon and an evening class will be taught on those dates by the Spokane Sail & Power Squadron. Cost: $40 or $30 for youths under 18.

Preregister to get free admission to the boat show.

Contact: Jim Roeber, 328-6165 or Kevin Bourne, (208) 875-0673.

Rich Landers

OUTDOOR RETAILERS

Sierra Trading Post announces layoffs

Sierra Trading Post, an outdoor clothing and gear retailer based in Cheyenne, Wyo., has announced layoffs affecting nearly 10 percent of its 830-person work force.

Company president Keith Richardson said in a release that the layoffs come amid the worst retail climate in generations. Richardson says retail sales plummeted in the fourth quarter of 2008.

He says it’s the first time the company has laid off anyone in 23 years of business.

Associated Press

NATIONAL FORESTS

Trail-maker cited

A 59-year-old Livingston, Mont., man faces federal charges for destruction of property after a mile-long trail was built in the Gallatin National Forest.

Francis L. McLain allegedly caused $1,000 in damages.

Associated Press

WINTER SPORTS

Avalanches take toll

Two snowmobilers killed in Montana avalanches last week brought the total to 15 U.S. avalanche fatalities this season, plus 16 in Canada.

Snowmobilers account for 20 of the 31 deaths so far in North America. Skiers and boarders total eight, climbers one, hikers one.

Venita Johnson, 85, of Rockford, is among the statistics. She was killed Dec. 28 by an avalanche of snow from her roof.

Rich Landers