May 16--Election officials had to move one of Nez Perce County's polling places Tuesday after a case of dynamite was found nearby.
According to Lewiston police, officers were called to the property at 2415 16th Ave., at around 9:30 a.m. after a salvage contractor working with the owners to clean up the property discovered a large amount of dynamite.
The property is just west of the Lewiston Police Department training center, which was serving as the Precinct 6 polling place until it was evacuated.
"It was one case," Lewiston police Capt. Roger Lanier said. "We're guessing it was about 50 pounds."
The property is owned by Lorraine Mathewson, ex-wife of the late John B. Mathewson, Lanier said.
The explosives were found in an old van that reportedly had been sitting on the property for several years. Lewiston police officers discovered the full case of dynamite in a clearly labeled box that appeared to be in good condition and next to a partially empty 20-pound can of smokeless gunpowder and road flares.
The items were located while going through several old vehicles being prepared for salvage or sale.
Because the Precinct 6 polling place at the training center was apparently within the blast zone, Nez Perce County Clerk-Auditor Patty O. Weeks said she moved the polling place to the Lewiston Community Center at 1424 Main St. She said all precinct operations had transferred to the community center by about 11:20 a.m.
After consultation with the Spokane bomb squad local officers determined the explosives could be left at the site and would not pose a danger to the public because of their condition, and their location in a relatively isolated and contained area.
Still, the police training center was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape until the bomb squad arrived later Tuesday evening to dispose of the dynamite and gunpowder properly. A sign was also placed at the site redirecting voters.
Gary may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2262. Follow him on Twitter @bwgary.
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Gaboury may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2275. Follow him on Twitter @KevinGaboury.
Copyright 2012 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
