Man charged in ax killings of wife and her daughter

A 52-year-old Pierce County man has been charged with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder in the ax slayings of his estranged wife and her daughter.

Pierce County prosecutors say Charles Walter Nettlebeck staged the attack Friday night at their home near Orting.

Court papers say 52-year-old Barbara Jo Nettlebeck and 33-year-old Bretta Joan Hawkins were hit in the head with an ax. Barbara Nettlebeck’s spine was severed. Barbara Nettlebeck had filed for divorce from her husband, whom she accused of being abusive.

Spokane

Ecology writes cleanup plan for tainted City Parcel ground

The Washington Department of Ecology has crafted a cleanup plan for toxic materials at the former City Parcel building and grounds at 708 N. Cook St.

Transformer repair took place at the site until 1980, when it became the site of a parcel delivery service. PCBs have been found in the building’s dry wells, drain lines and an underground storage tank. The first foot of soil is contaminated, though the groundwater hasn’t been affected, according to Ecology staff.

PCBs were used as coolants and lubricants until they were banned in 1977.

The cleanup focuses on removing the contaminated soil, tank, drains and dry wells. Through a 2007 consent decree, three individuals – Richard Boyce, Jerry Overton and Paul Gisselberg – agreed to pay $270,000 toward the work.

Public comments on the plan will be accepted through March 31. They should be sent to Teresita Bala, 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane WA 99205, or tbal461@ecy.wa.gov.

boise

Bill would require officials to disclose financial ties

Idaho could end its distinction as one of just a few states with no financial disclosure requirements for its legislators or state officials, under legislation introduced Monday.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, and Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly, D-Boise, would require legislative or statewide candidates or office holders to disclose their employers, their sources of gross income over $10,000, their real estate owned in Idaho other than personal residence, and their other financial interests in Idaho valued at $5,000 or more. Actual values or income amounts wouldn’t have to be reported. The Senate State Affairs Committee agreed to introduce the bill Monday. It will return to the panel for a hearing.

Coeur d’alene

Water Department seeks outdoor faucet samples

The Coeur d’Alene Water Department is looking for 50 to 60 customers who will let staff members take monthly water quality samples at their homes or businesses.

Ideal sample points would be outside faucets without vacuum breakers. Clear access to the faucet would also be needed.

The Water Department must take 42 coliform bacteria samples per month from around the city’s system.

Test results will be posted on the city Web site, at www.cdaid.org. To volunteer, or for more information, e-mail Dion Holton at dholton@cdaid.org or call him at (208) 769-2210.

Stevens county

Sales tax public hearing moves to bigger venue

A public hearing tonight on a Stevens County proposal to implement a tax has been moved from the county courthouse to ensure adequate seating.

County commissioners will now take testimony on a one-tenth of a percent sales tax for mental health and chemical dependency programs at 7 p.m. at the county Ag & Trade Center, 317 W. Astor Ave., in Colville.

Another hearing, also at 7 p.m., will take place Monday at Lakeside Middle School, 6169 Highway 291, near Suncrest.

From staff and wire reports