4 motorcyclists still in hospitals

Four Spokane-area residents remained hospitalized Monday for injuries suffered in a crash last week on a Wyoming highway while returning from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Rosemarie Harris, of Colbert, was in critical condition at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, hospital officials said. Her husband, Billy Harris, was in stable condition at Washakie Medical Center in Worland, Wyo.

Edward Harris, believed to be a Spokane resident, was also in stable condition at Washakie Medical Center, spokesman Guy Charles said. His wife, Gloria Harris, was treated and released but remained at the medical center while her husband recovered.

The four were returning from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota when they were involved in the Thursday crash on U.S. Highway 16, which is the main route from Buffalo, Wyo., to Worland.

Stephani Bush, a 38-year-old Coeur d’Alene woman, was killed on her way to Sturgis on Aug. 4 when a motorcycle she was on hit a fawn on a highway in Hamilton, Mont.

Wyoming State Patrol Lt. Dave Gluyas said the crash occurred about 11:40 a.m. when a pickup in front of a pack of motorcyclists stopped to make a turn. The first two motorcyclists behind the truck, each with trailers attached and driven by the two Harris men with the women as passengers, slowed, Gluyas said. The second motorcyclist crashed into the trailer of the first, which caused all four passengers to be ejected from the bikes.

The truck didn’t stop, and the driver hasn’t been located, Gluyas said.

All four motorcyclists were wearing helmets, Gluyas said.

Spokane

Woman sought in robbery

Secret Witness is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a woman who robbed an 87-year-old Hillyard woman’s home July 25.

The robber is described as in her late 20s or early 30s, said Spokane Police Department spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee. She is about 5 feet tall and heavyset with blond hair.

The victim answered her door about 6 a.m. July 25, Lee said. The robber forced her way in, knocking down the resident.

The robber grabbed a small amount of money from the woman’s purse and fled from the area of Queen Avenue and Cook Street in a light-colored midsize “boxy” sedan with tinted windows, Lee said.

Police ask anyone with information about the robbery to call (509) 327-5111. Tipsters do not have to give their names to collect the cash reward, but they should leave a code name or number.

Reward offered for tip on man

Secret Witness is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of a 19-year-old man wanted for robbery and assault.

The warrant for John Paul Gullingsrud carries a $100,000 bond, said Spokane Police Department spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee. Gullingsrud is accused of robbing and stabbing a man at a skate park at Fourth Avenue and McClellan Street on July 19.

Police ask anyone with information regarding Gullingsrud’s whereabouts to call (509) 327-5111. Callers do not have to give their names to collect the reward but should use a code name or number.

St. Maries

Death penalty possible in killing

Prosecutors are still not sure whether they will seek the death penalty if a Benewah County man is found guilty of the February killing of a 76-year-old woman north of St. Maries.

More information, including analysis of rape kit DNA samples that has not been completed, is crucial to decide whether the death penalty will be sought for Lawrence Banderob, said Benewah County Prosecutor Douglas Payne.

Banderob has pleaded not guilty to binding, beating and killing Miriam “Micky” Waltch the evening of Feb. 4.

Payne filed paperwork last week regarding his intent to seek the death penalty in the case, but he said it was a formality to “keep the option open.”

“I filed a notice of intent, which is required by law to be filed within 30 days of the defendant’s plea,” Payne said. “It doesn’t mean it will be, but it means it can be (sought). It’s still a legal possibility.”

Coeur d’Alene

Marijuana bust yields 45 plants

A 49-year-old Coeur d’Alene man was arrested Sunday after the Coeur d’Alene Police Joint Agency Task Force found an estimated $165,000 of marijuana at his home.

Mark D. Beavers was arrested after a warrant was served on his home at 847 22nd St. based on a tip from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to police.

Investigators seized 45 marijuana plants in a large greenhouse and 25 pounds of dried marijuana inside the house. More plants were found in a smaller grow area in the basement.

The entire house was used for the drying and packaging process, said Sgt. Christie Wood, and labels on some of the marijuana stated in part, “Brought to you by the bud where quality is number one.”