Man admits theft from pension plan

A Post Falls businessman pleaded guilty Monday to stealing more than $46,000 from his employees’ pension plan.

James C. Stone, former president of Alpha Health Services, invested and lost the money in a Nigerian scam, according to court records.

Stone, 56, pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him in December. He appeared Monday before U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge to change his plea as part of an agreement with the prosecutor’s office.

Stone agreed to pay restitution to the victims. He also is facing up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled March 27.

Stone founded Alpha Health Services in 1987. The company included seven group homes for developmentally disabled adults. Medicaid paid for their care.

Kootenai County

Democrat wants to keep clerk’s job

Kootenai County’s lone elected Democrat is seeking re-election, touting his experience, people skills and creativity.

County Clerk Dan English said his temperament and professional training make him the best fit for the job, which includes watching the county’s $58 million budget and running elections.

The clerk oversees District Court, the recorder’s office, auditor’s office, county assistance and elections.

English, a Kootenai County native, was appointed in 1995 and has won four elections since. He is a former Coeur d’Alene city councilman and Coeur d’Alene School Board trustee.

He said highlights as county clerk have been increasing voters’ options and doubling the statewide average for absentee voting. Kootenai County was the first in the state to allow people to pay court fines and fees by credit card. It also collected more than $2.5 million in past-due fees and fines by contracting with a collection agency.

Coeur d’Alene

Police seek help finding missing man

Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a Coeur d’Alene business owner who hasn’t been seen since Jan. 20.

Dale F. Nelson, 49, is blond, 6 feet 2 and weighs 220 pounds. He last was seen wearing black pants and a gray T-shirt, driving a red 1999 Honda Civic with dealer license plates. The license plate includes the number 1556.

Anyone who has seen Nelson or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call Coeur d’Alene police at (208) 769-2320 or the Tip Line at (208) 769-2296.