Hearing in killing postponed third time

For the third time, the preliminary hearing for accused killer Lawrence Banderob has been postponed.

Banderob’s defense attorneys requested and were granted a continuance. The hearing, which was set for today, is expected to be rescheduled for May, the Benewah County prosecutor’s office said Tuesday.

The 37-year-old St. Maries, Idaho, man is accused of binding and beating 76-year-old Miriam Waltch in early February before killing her and setting fire to her home.

Authorities have said the woman, who lived alone near St. Maries, may also have been raped.

Banderob could face the death penalty if convicted in the slaying.

– Taryn Brodwater

Kootenai County

Unsafe driving targeted near schools

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday that deputies will be stepping up patrols in school zones, targeting speeding and reckless drivers.

The department said in a press release that tickets also will be issued to people who park in crosswalks or walkways near schools.

Fines for speeding in school zones range from $62 to $118, and reckless driving is punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and a year in jail. Parking in a pedestrian walkway could result in a $62 fine, the department said.

– Taryn Brodwater

Rathdrum

First veterans plate to be given Saturday

A Rathdrum Marine and Army veteran is the first to receive Idaho’s new veterans motorcycle license plate.

Steven Cardoza, who is serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army Reserves, will receive license plate No. 1.

Aloma Cardoza, his wife, will accept the plate in his honor Saturday at a 1 p.m. ceremony in the Hayden City Park.

Steven Cardoza, 50, kick-started the idea for the special motorcycle plate to honor veterans.

Former Sen. Kent Bailey, R-Hayden, lobbied to get the legislation passed last year and will make the presentation.

Bailey will affix the plate to Steven Cardoza’s 2003 Harley-Davidson, painted blood-red to honor the Marine Corps.

Aloma Cardoza said her husband will rev up the bike as soon as he returns in June.

For more information on the ceremony, call (208) 664-4322.

– Staff reports

Coeur d’Alene

$30,000 donated for new library

Three Coeur d’Alene businesses have donated $30,000 toward construction of the city’s new library, officials announced.

Avista Utilities contributed $5,000 to the $7.2 million project, local employees of Washington Trust Bank donated $10,000 to sponsor a “knowledge nook,” and Wells Fargo Bank donated $15,000 toward the purchase of a “help yourself” checkout station.

Construction is expected to begin this spring, said Ruth Pratt, director of the library foundation.

– Staff reports