Attorney announces run for district judge

Coeur d’Alene attorney Rami Amaro announced Saturday she’s challenging Judge John Mitchell in the Kootenai County race for district judge.

Amaro, 37, said she’s running on the platform of judicial accountability, judicial economy and judicial conservativeness.

She said judges need to quit rushing cases through, but also that cases also shouldn’t linger in the courts for years and years. Amaro said judges need to be efficient and not allow frivolous motions that prevent cases from being tried “in a timely manner.”

“I’ve wanted to be a judge for my whole career,” said Amaro, who said she has 10 years experience. “I’ve been practicing long enough that I feel comfortable I’ll be competent.”

– Taryn Brodwater

Thousands expected at annual kids race

Calling all children who want to dispel the stereotypical image of overweight, video-gaming couch potatoes.

The 21st running of the America’s Kids Run is set for April 22 at Joe Albi Stadium. Race organizers are anticipating more than 3,000 kids, ages 5 through 12, to participate in the run that is part of the Bloomsday celebration.

Middle school students will kick off the event at 8:30 a.m. with a timed two-mile race. A wheelchair race will follow. Runners ages 5 through 12 will participate in an untimed race beginning at 9:15 a.m. The distances are a half-mile (ages 5-6), mile (ages 7-8) and two miles (ages 9-12).

Entry forms can be picked up at various schools, or participants can register online at www.americaskidsrun.org. The fee is $5 and entry forms must be postmarked no later than April 14. Late registration costs $10.

Race packets must be picked up on April 21 at the Spokane Convention Ag/Trade Center between 3 and 8 p.m. Packets will include the official race number and pre-run instructions. Much like the Bloomsday race tradition, runners must wear their number and complete the race to get a T-shirt.

This year’s Bloomsday is May 7.

– Hilary Kraus

MISSOULA

USFS reports snags in online cabin rental

The new online system for people wishing to reserve use of U.S. Forest Service cabins has a few problems that need to be resolved, the agency said.

The Forest Service’s Northern Region, which includes northeastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana, recently put its cabin rental system in the hands of a national booking service. Before the switch, people wanting to spend a night at a cabin or fire lookout called local Forest Service offices for reservations.

Joni Packard, regional National Recreation Reservation coordinator, said there have been a few glitches. Maps do not show every cabin or lookout for rent in Montana, for example. Packard said maps are being improved and eventually the public will be able to view online photographs of cabins and lookouts.

In the Northern Region, the reservation system had 120 sites to list. Some of the people working at call centers are just now becoming familiar with the sites, Packard said.

She said that when people have problems resulting from a “real innocent error,” they can call the nearest Forest Service district office to explain the circumstances and request a refund.

To visit the National Recreation Reservation Service, go to www.reserveusa.com.

– Associated Press