In brief: Local Guard members awarded Bronze Stars

Two members of a Spokane-based Air National Guard unit received Bronze Stars this week for their service in Iraq in 2004.

Master Sgt. Henry Stroisch, of Colville, and Tech. Sgt. Michael Frady, of Spokane, received their medals for work during their time in Balad, where they were temporarily assigned to an Army transportation company that became the first unit assigned to security convoys in support of the Iraq War.

Stroisch was cited for his work in setting up a training program for new people arriving at the base in Balad, said Lt. Col. Nancy Reid, spokeswoman for the Washington National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing. Frady set up the computer network for the camp; he also was a gunner on a vehicle that was hit by an IED. He injured his neck, arm and shoulder, and suffered hearing loss, Reid said.

Both served in Iraq in 2004 from early March to early September. They received their medals Sunday at a training session for the 141st, which is stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base.

– Jim Camden

Spokane

Driver arrested in death of teen

Spokane police arrested the driver of a minivan Tuesday who allegedly struck and killed a teenager riding a small motorcycle in north Spokane.

Samuel B. Kaeding Jr. fled the scene of the 10 p.m. crash at Madison Street and Maxwell Avenue, police said, but later called police to say he was involved.

Kaeding was arrested on charges of felony hit-and-run and vehicular homicide. Police said they believe he may have been high on marijuana.

He is accused of hitting Brandon R. Hansen, 18, of Spokane, who was riding a motorized scooter.

Hansen suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at an area hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, police said.

– Staff reports

Boise

Prosecutors seek Duncan trial delay

Federal prosecutors are asking that the trial of Joseph Duncan be postponed from March 20 until July 9.

U.S. Attorney Tom Moss said the family of 10-year-old Shasta Groene, along with school officials and her court-appointed guardian ad litem, believe a July 9 trial date is in the girl’s best interest.

Shasta is described in court documents filed Wednesday as an “essential witness” in the case.

Duncan is facing the federal death penalty for the murder of Shasta’s brother, 9-year-old Dylan Groene, and a multitude of other crimes against the children. He is serving a life sentence in a Boise-area prison for the May 2005 kidnappings and murders of the children’s mother, brother and mother’s fiance.

According to court records, more than 40,000 pages of discovery in the case have been provided to Duncan’s attorneys, including about 8,000 pages delivered to defense attorneys Wednesday. The court papers said Duncan’s attorneys have yet to review the physical evidence in the case, which is being maintained at the FBI office in Boise.

Moss said in court papers filed Wednesday that he would oppose any delay beyond July 9.

– Taryn Brodwater