In brief: ‘Kettle Falls 5’ marijuana case delayed

The controversial federal trial of a marijuana growing co-operative calling themselves the “Kettle Falls 5” has been delayed so that defense attorneys can review new evidence obtained by prosecutors.

U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle granted a continuance of the trial last week. The case, brought by federal prosecutors against five Stevens County residents who say they were legally growing marijuana on property in rural Stevens County to treat medical conditions, could have far-reaching implications for the state’s budding pot industry.

The defendants face several criminal counts that carry mandatory sentences of 10 years in prison. A new trial date has not been set as attorneys review electronic materials they say prosecutors made available to them earlier this month.

The trial had been scheduled to begin Monday.

Authorities seek enticement suspect

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man they say attempted to entice a young child outside a home in Post Falls on Tuesday afternoon.

The child’s grandmother told authorities she witnessed a man, described as in his 50s with short gray hair and a gray beard or unshaven face, attempt to lure the 6-year-old by asking for help locating lost kittens around 4 p.m.

The grandmother said the man then followed the child in his car, described as a black, older-model compact passenger car with a “bad muffler or modified exhaust,” according to a news release.

Authorities responded to the address in a neighborhood just east of Ross Point Road and south of Seltice Way shortly after 5 p.m. but could not find the suspect.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to share any information they have on the incident by calling (208) 446-1300.

Two injured in I-90 rollover crash

A 5-year-old boy from Spokane Valley was injured in a rollover crash just west of Ritzville on Interstate 90 after 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Washington State Patrol reported.

The boy and 33-year-old Timothy Jorden of Longview, Washington, were about 5 miles from Ritzville on the highway when the 1993 Honda sedan Jorden was driving left the roadway and rolled, according to a news release from the WSP. Jorden and the boy were both wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, which occurred after Jorden fell asleep at the wheel, according to the WSP.

Jorden was airlifted from the scene to Deaconess Hospital.

The boy, who was not identified by the WSP, was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center via ambulance.

Fatal helicopter crash cause unknown

WENATCHEE – One man is dead following the crash of a helicopter that was involved in agricultural work in Wenatchee.

Allen Kenitzer of the Federal Aviation Administration in Renton said the crash occurred on Wednesday for unknown reasons.

He said the helicopter was a Bell 206A Jet Ranger.

Chelan County Undersheriff John Wisemore said the lone occupant of the helicopter was a male pilot who died.

His name was not immediately released.

Wisemore said the helicopter was involved in agricultural work when it crashed.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.