In brief: SFCC wins orthotics, prosthetics grant

Spokane Falls Community College has been awarded a federal grant of more than $1.4 million to improve education in orthotics and prosthetics.

The U.S. Department of Labor grant announced Wednesday is part of more than $377 million distributed nationwide for workforce training, federal officials said.

SFCC is part of a consortium of five colleges across the country that received $11.4 million to focus on career fields in orthotics and prosthetics, which create tools to help people with physical challenges or loss of a limb.

One of the goals of the project is to build in certificates so students can quickly earn a certificate, perhaps one that is embedded in a program, said Glen Cosby, SFCC dean of humanities, business, professional studies and workforce education. Additionally, college officials want the orthotics and prosthetics programs to dovetail with advanced-degree programs at other colleges.

Police arrest man accused of robbery

A 26-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police say he robbed and beat a janitor with a sharp putty knife at a grocery store.

Christopher T. Lebret appeared in Superior Court on Wednesday on charges of first-degree robbery and second-degree assault for the attack at the Albertsons store on 6520 N. Nevada St. The victim, a 71-year-old janitor, was cleaning and waxing the floors, according to court records.

Lebret grabbed a 3-inch-wide, sharp putty knife from the victim’s back pocket and leapt on his back, slashing him with the tool, according to the documents. The victim showed police officers several deep cuts on his neck and chest.

The victim tried to protect himself but was unable to throw Lebret off, according to the documents.

Lebret fled the store but was surrounded and detained by five Albertsons employees, documents said. He appeared to be drunk, according to records, but the motive for the attack was unknown. Lebret is in Spokane County Jail on $25,000 bond.

Moses Lake victim of fatal shooting ID’d

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting Tuesday night in Moses Lake.

Juan Jesus Garcia, 22, of Moses Lake, was found dead in a convenience store parking lot. A 23-year-old woman and 6-year-old boy were also in the car when Garcia was shot but were not injured, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities continued to search Wednesday for shooting suspect Anthony R. Vasquez, 23.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Vasquez’s whereabouts to call (509) 762-1160 or email tips to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.

Lieutenant governor starts re-election bid

EMMETT, Idaho – Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little launched his re-election campaign Wednesday, quelling speculation that Gov. Butch Otter would step aside and allow his hand-picked running mate a shot at the top job.

“I’m here to support Brad,” Otter declared as he joined more than 100 of Little’s supporters at City Park in Emmett, Little’s hometown, for a combination pancake breakfast and campaign kickoff. Asked if he thinks Little is a future governor, Otter said, “He should be.”

But the 71-year-old GOP governor said he’s set on seeking a third term. “I think we’ve been a great team,” he said. “I think we’ll continue to be a great team for the next four years.”

Little, 59, was appointed lieutenant governor by Otter in 2009 and elected to a full term in the part-time post in 2010.

Little’s announcement kicked off a two-week campaign tour of the state, including stops in Sandpoint on Wednesday evening, Coeur d’Alene this morning, St. Maries at noon and Lewiston this evening.