Information sought on battery suspect

Secret Witness of Kootenai County is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted on suspicion of domestic battery, kidnapping and attempted strangulation.

James Vincent Gitto, 32, was last known to be in Spokane. In April, he allegedly beat, burned and tried to strangle his wife, according to Secret Witness. He then allegedly forced her and their two young children into a car and drove to a wooded area near Cougar Gulch and Highway 95. Gitto tied his wife to a tree, dropped his children off at his wife’s grandmother’s house, and has not been seen since, according to Secret Witness.

Gitto has several tattoos: the word “evil” on the back of his neck, the word “love” on his right knuckles, the word “hate” on his left knuckles, children’s names and footprints on each forearm, a mermaid on his upper right arm and anchors on each side of his neck. He is 5 feet 8 inches and 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Secret Witness is asking anyone with information to call (208) 667-2111 or (866) 667-2111. Callers do not have to give their name to be eligible for a cash reward.

BOISE

Tax break review rejected by panel

A bipartisan proposal to allow a joint legislative committee to review and assess the value of tax exemptions granted during past years was rejected by a Senate committee Wednesday.

“It will take a significant change in the attitude of the Legislature to address this relatively large, historical practice of awarding exemptions to all of our friends,” Sen. Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston, said.

Stegner said the proposal from Sen. Tim Corder, R-Mountain Home, fails to address the entire system.

But Corder said his bill is a step in the right direction because it provides an annual opportunity to talk about the structure of the tax system.

The committee rejected the proposal 6-3.

Fund-raiser will benefit fine arts

The Coeur d’Alene High School commons will become a Renaissance banquet hall Saturday night for a fund-raiser to benefit the fine arts department.

For $15, guests can dine on English cuisine; be entertained by dancers, jugglers, musicians and court jesters; and peruse crafts.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are for sale at the high school, 5530 N. Fourth St., or at Great Harvest Bread Co., 2106 N. Government Way. They will not be sold at the door.

For information, call the school at (208) 667-4507.

– Compiled from staff reports