In brief: Three fired over prison killing

MONROE, Wash. – Three corrections officers have been fired for their actions the night their colleague Jayme Biendl was killed in the chapel of the Washington State Reformatory at Monroe.

The complex’s superintendent announced Wednesday that one officer was fired for being outside his assigned zone, another for falsifying a logbook entry indicating the chapel had been cleared of prisoners, and the third for failing to properly inspect and secure the chapel when the prisoner accused in the killing was located. All three also were accused of lying to investigators.

Biendl was strangled on Jan. 29. Inmate Byron Scherf has been charged with murder.

In addition to the three firings, a lieutenant and a sergeant were demoted, and two other officers received reprimands.

CdA wants roads clear of vehicles

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is asking residents to move abandoned or inoperable vehicles off the road to ease passage for emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines and snowplows.

Police are asking the public to report vehicles in the roadway, including parts cars, boats and RVs, that have been parked long term or without moving for more than a day. Compliance will save the owner a minimum towing fee of $125 along with other possible code violations, a news release said.

People should call (208) 769-2320 or email policetips@cdaid.org to report location, description, plate number or details about the vehicles. Residents

Police will follow up on tips from Nov. 7-11, in advance of the city’s fall leaf pickup, the release said. Vehicles in violation will be tagged for 48-hour removal, then towed if they have not been removed in that time.

The department will post updates on Twitter (@CdAPD) throughout the week, said Sgt. Bill Tilson Jr. in an email.

Animal blessing Sunday at temple

Temple Beth Shalom will host a free animal blessing Sunday.

The blessing is a celebration of all animals, but especially pets. Pet owners can bring animals on leashes or in cages at noon to the temple at 1322 E. 30th Ave.

Judaism considers it a blessing that God preserved the world by ensuring animals would survive the Great Flood, according to a temple news release.

In addition to the blessing, attendees will sing animal songs and are encouraged to invite friends. Dog and cat treats will be available and pizza will be served.