LEWISTON, Idaho - Students in the Lewis-Clark State College Business Division are offering free assistance to help residents of the Lewiston-Clarkston area with 2012 tax returns.  The college has been offering the service for eight years.

The students are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. They are trained in using material from the IRS, including IRS software, to complete tax forms.  The students went through LCSC Associate Professor Randy Eriksen’s two tax courses prior to this semester.  The students then took part in an IRS clinic and passed an IRS-sponsored exam.

The students are offering tax assistance on Tuesdays through April 15, from 6-9 p.m. in Room 12, located in the basement of the LCSC Administration Building.  The assistance is open to all and students are trained to help with nearly all forms and schedules.  Those seeking help will need to bring copies of their W-2, 1098, and 1099 forms, along with their tax ID number. Walk-ins are welcome or people can call (208) 792-2426 to set up an appointment.

OROFINO, ID - The Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association and U.S. Forest Service have both appealed a citation handed down last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a result of an investigation into the death of a USFS firefighter. 20-year-old Anne Veseth of Moscow was killed on August 12 while fighting the Steep Corner fire near Orofino after trees crashed down around her in what is called a "domino" effect.

U.S. Department of Labor Regional Director of Public Affairs Deanne Amaden says all three agencies will work together "in good faith to reach a settlement." The total proposed penalty is $14,000 in fines for what are considered to be "serious" violations.

CLARKSTON, WA - As of March 18, driver knowledge and skills tests will no longer be offered at the Clarkston Department of Licensing office. According to a news release, Clarkston is one of 11 towns across the state that will stop offering the service as part of a "continued expansion of the program that allows driver training schools and school district driver training programs to conduct driver knowledge and skills testing for new driver license applicants." The other towns are: Forks, Port Townsend, Hoquiam, Ilwaco, Shelton, Goldendale, Oroville, Coulee Dam, Republic, and Colville.