In brief: Timber funds attached to war spending bill

Northwest members of Congress are maneuvering to extend payments to financially strapped schools and counties near national forests for at least a year.

Four U.S. House members from Oregon announced Thursday they had placed a one-year extension to the payments on the supplemental spending bill that will pay for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

That bill is likely to pass Congress but faces a veto threat from President Bush if it includes a requirement to withdraw troops from Iraq next year.

Rep. Bill Sali and and Sen. Larry Craig, both Republicans from Idaho, also are pushing for a one-year extension. Craig introduced an extension in the Senate while he and other senators could work on a more comprehensive solution. Craig said he planned to attach the extension to “any legislation being considered by the Senate.”

The payments were established in 2000 as a way to help school districts and counties that had seen dramatic drops in revenue from timber sales in the national forests.

– Jim Camden

Spokane

Agreement signed for river cleanup

About 50 people turned out Wednesday for the signing of an intergovernmental agreement to clean up the Spokane River with improved sewage treatment.

Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession said it was “a great day for environmentally sensitive people.” Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard called the signing a “momentous occasion” that will promote economic development as well as cleaner water.

“This is the beginning of something good,” according to Stevens County Commissioner Tony Delgado, who attended on behalf of constituents he said now have “certain fears” about swimming and fishing in Lake Spokane.

Spokane County Commissioner Todd Mielke said the key is reduction of phosphorus in the river by the governments that discharge treated effluent into the river: Spokane County and the cities of Spokane and Liberty Lake.

Mielke said county officials hope the new sewage treatment plant they plan to construct will increase rates no more than $10 a month.

– John Craig

Boise

Duncan’s attorneys seek 18-month delay

Attorneys for convicted killer Joseph Duncan are asking for a year and a half delay to prepare for trial.

Thursday’s request by Duncan’s attorneys comes a day after a request by federal prosecutors to delay the trial, currently set for March 20, until July 9. Duncan’s attorneys are asking the trial be set for Aug. 18, 2008, so they have more time to investigate and review evidence in the case.

Duncan is facing the death penalty for crimes he allegedly committed against Dylan and Shasta Groene – including the murder of 9-year-old Dylan. Investigators say Duncan kidnapped the children from their home near Coeur d’Alene in May 2005 after he killed their mother, 13-year-old brother and mother’s fiancé.

Duncan’s attorney, Mark A. Larranaga, said that forcing the trial to go as scheduled would violate Duncan’s constitutional rights.

– Taryn Brodwater