In brief: Battelle fined for violations at INL

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The U.S. Department of Energy has fined Battelle Energy Alliance $412,500 for violations that occurred at the Idaho National Laboratory.

The DOE notified Battelle of the penalty Thursday. Battelle is contracted to run the research and lab facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls.

The DOE cited violations of quality assurance requirements and occupational radiation protection.

Laboratory spokesman Ethan Huffman told the Post-Register there is no plan to appeal the decision.

18-year term given for attack with saw

EVERETT – A Washington state woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for trying to decapitate her sleeping husband with an electric saw.

Superior Court Judge Eric Lucas supported the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation for 44-year-old Renee Bishop-McKean, of Everett. She was convicted last month of attempted first-degree murder.

The judge said Thursday it was clear to him that the woman made an attempt on her husband’s life. The Daily Herald reported that Lucas also said he was convinced Bishop-McKean suffered from either a “mental disturbance” or “some kind of brain injury.”

Prosecutors said the noise of the saw woke the victim last Oct. 14 and he fought off his wife. Jurors were told the woman also hit her husband with a hatchet and a mallet. He suffered cuts and scrapes.

Judge to step down; he sent racist email

HELENA – A judge who forwarded a racist joke involving President Barack Obama plans to step down next year as the chief federal judge for Montana.

U.S. Courts spokeswoman Karen Redmond said Thursday U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull of Billings will take senior status on March 18.

That means Cebull will vacate his position as chief judge for the state and allow the president to appoint a replacement. Cebull will take a reduced caseload and keep a staff.

Redmond says she cannot comment on whether the move is related to the email. The judge did not return a call seeking comment.

Cebull asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in March to review his conduct after he was criticized for the email that included a joke about bestiality and Obama’s mother.