NW today: Candidate disowns ‘path to hell’ fliers
What’s news in the Northwest today:
MOSCOW — Idaho state Senate candidate Gresham Bouma, a Republican, denies sending out religious-leaning mailers in Latah County that urged voters to become true believers or be “struck down.” Bouma’s campaign is offering a $1,000 reward for information on the fliers, which were made to look as if they carried his endorsement and told voters: “You are not a true Christian and you are on the path to hell.” The Latah County prosecutor’s office is also investigating the mailer, which said a vote for Bouma was not enough and urged voters to join Freeze Community Church, which Bouma’s family attends. Pastor Lloyd Knerr says his church has never prayed to “strike down” anyone. Bouma beat nine-term Republican senator Gary Schroeder during the primary and faces Democrat Dan Schmidt in November.
Mom accused of hosting drug party for teen daughter
HAZEL DELL, Wash. — A 44-year-old Hazel Dell woman is accused of hosting a party with drugs and marijuana at her home for her 16-year-old daughter and her friends. Clark County sheriff’s deputies saw minors drinking and smoking pot at the Friday night party at the home. Deputies arrested Donna L. Haag for investigation of charges that included contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 16-year-old and a 24-year-old daughter also were arrested. Deputies detained 32 other people and turned eight minors over to the parents with charges pending in juvenile court.
Spokane man arrested for 110 mph DUI
BOISE — State police say a driver speeding at 110 mph on Interstate 84 in southwestern Idaho has been arrested and faces a charge of driving under the influence. Police says 44-year-old Thomas Lott, of Spokane, was pulled over in the 75 mph speed zone at about 1:30 a.m. Monday and taken into custody. Lott also faces charges of obstructing an officer and driving with a suspended license.
S. Idaho town riles after holiday lights go dark
GOODING, Idaho — The holiday season just didn’t have the same twinkle for the residents of the small southern Idaho town of Gooding last year after their 50-year-old lights were deemed unsafe. The town’s decorations had been hung on street polls since they were first purchased in the 1950s. Gooding Chamber of Commerce President Julie Burton says last year was a wake-up call for residents as the streets went dark during the holiday season and her office fielded several angry phone calls. Burton says a donation from an Idaho-based dairy manufacturer, Glanbia Foods, will help the town replace the lights this year. Gooding public employees will hang the new decorations in November.
Bill Clinton campaigns for Sen. Murray in Everett
EVERETT, Wash. — Former President Bill Clinton campaigns Monday afternoon in Everett for Sen. Patty Murray. She won her first Senate election in 1992 when Clinton took the White House. This is the beginning of a week of big-name appearances for the Democratic senator challenged by Republican Dino Rossi. Vice President Joe Biden campaigns for Murray Tuesday in Vancouver. President Obama returns to Washington to campaign for Murray Thursday in Seattle. He also made a campaign visit for her in August. And next Monday First Lady Michelle Obama plans to campaign for Murray.
$10,000 reward to catch Mukilteo church arsonist
MUKILTEO, Wash. — A $10,000 reward has been offered for information that convicts the person responsible for an arson at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mukilteo. The Daily Herald reports the $1.6 million building was destroyed by Saturday’s two-alarm fire. Federal agents are helping the Snohomish County fire marshal’s office investigate the fire that was started outside a rear door.
Former Arlington man released from Mexico
ARLINGTON, Wash. — The grandson of an Arlington man who was detained in Mexico for 21 months is free and back in the USA. The Daily Herald reports Cary Chrisman Jr. of Yuma, Arizona, was freed Oct. 8 after judges in Baja California cleared him of charges. The 42-year-old Arlington native and 90-year-old Edward Chrisman of Arlington were detained in January of 2009 on a trip from Yuma to a dental appointment in Mexico. They stopped at a convenience store where the younger Chrisman was accused of offering to take pornographic photos of a girl. He says it was a misunderstanding. The older Chrisman also was jailed and released after 65 days.
Norovirus suspected in illnesses at Eugene school
EUGENE, Ore. — Custodians have been disinfecting desks and tables at a Eugene school, trying to turn back a virus that has made dozens of students sick. KVAL-TV reports students were absent or sent home Thursday and Friday from Willagillespie Elementary School with stomach pains and nausea. Zach Manning with Lane County Public Health says officials suspect a norovirus.
Oregon man gets 45 days in jail for road rage
OREGON CITY, Ore. — A Molalla man has been sentenced to 45 days in jail for punching another man after being told to slow down on a rural road. The Oregonian reported that Brian Scott Maloy pleaded guilty in Clackamas County Circuit Court last Friday to assault and reckless endangerment. Charges of strangulation and reckless driving were dropped in the plea agreement. Maloy said he’d argued with his girlfriend and was angry when he drove past Michael Allen, who was helping a neighbor repair a fence last March. Allen raised his hands and told Maloy to drive more slowly because horses had escaped and were on the loose. Prosecutors said Maloy slammed on his brakes, got out and confronted Allen, then punched and choked him. Allen is suing Maloy, seeking $5.5 million in damages.