Jury selected for murder trial
The trial of a Hayden man accused of running over and killing a woman on New Year’s Day will continue today with opening remarks from the defense and prosecution.
A jury was selected Tuesday afternoon in the case of Jonathan Wade Ellington, 41, charged with second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery after allegedly killing Vonette Larsen with his Chevy Blazer.
Kootenai County Deputy Prosecutor Art Verharen and Deputy Public Defender Anne Taylor questioned prospective jurors on their familiarity with the case and guns and their personal experiences of incidents with other drivers.
Some said they believe Ellington should take the stand in his own defense after Taylor asked them to explain their feelings about the possibility of the defendant not testifying.
– Sam Taylor
Post Falls
Hastert stumps for candidate
U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert stopped in Post Falls on Tuesday morning to stump for Bill Sali, the Republican candidate for Idaho’s 1st District congressional seat.
“This is not a seat that I would say is in vital jeopardy, but it’s a seat that’s got a new member running,” Hastert said after a private fundraising breakfast at the Red Lion Templin’s Resort. “I want to make sure we do everything we can to make sure his first race is a secure race.”
Between 120 and 140 people paid $35 each to attend the breakfast, according to Sali’s campaign, and about 30 shelled out $100 each to get their photo taken with Hastert, an Illinois Republican now in his fourth term as speaker.
The breakfast was closed to the media.
Sali faces Democrat Larry Grant in the race for the congressional seat held by C.L. “Butch” Otter, the Republican candidate for governor.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Coeur d’Alene
Partnership plan for schools OK’d
The Coeur d’Alene School Board unanimously adopted a plan Tuesday that outlines criteria for the creation of a professional-technical education partnership among the three Kootenai County school districts and North Idaho College.
District representatives have been meeting regularly with NIC officials to talk about the future of professional-technical education in the county and plan for the future.
The vision statement outlines their goals, focusing on the need for a strong partnership to prevent duplication of programs, make sure the needs of the community are met and plan for program growth.
Board Chairman Vern Newby said the statement was drafted in anticipation of the professional-technical center NIC is hoping to build on the Rathdrum Prairie.
“The intent is to work toward a partnership on a professional-technical schooling system,” he said.
The Post Falls School Board will vote whether to adopt the same statement next month, Superintendent Jerry Keane said.
– Meghann M. Cuniff