Local Briefs May 2, 2010
Coeur d'Alene man arrested for alleged rape
COEUR d'ALENE - A 40-year-old Coeur d'Alene man was arrested Saturday for the alleged rape and battery of an acquaintance, Coeur d'Alene Police said.
The incident reportedly happened at a residence near Fruitland Lane and Clady Lane, police said.
Thomas Dickerson, 40, was booked into the Kootenai County Public Safety Building. Police said he was arrested for rape and battery with the intent to commit a serious felony.
The alleged victim was treated and released from Kootenai Medical Center. Officers spoke with the alleged victim and processed the scene Saturday. The investigation is ongoing.
Police said Dickerson hit the woman in the face, strangled her, and raped her, then left the residence. Dickerson was spotted driving in the area and was stopped by a detective, police said.
Hosack to preside over election challenge lawsuit
COEUR d'ALENE - First District Judge Charles Hosack has been assigned to preside over the election challenge lawsuit.
The order was issued by Chief Justice Daniel Eismann of the Idaho Supreme Court.
Earlier, 1st District Judge Benjamin Simpson removed himself from the suit.
Dangerous camouflaged man taken into custody
A male subject who ran from a traffic stop on Saturday on U.S. 95 south of Culdesac was later taken into custody by Nezperce County deputies with help from Idaho State Police.
Police were warning drivers not to pick up anybody who was walking on U.S. 95 between mileposts 275 to 295.
The man was dressed in all camouflage clothing and possibly had a knife.
State police said the man was considered armed and dangerous.
Minnick hosts hearing on farm bill
NAMPA (AP) - Congressional lawmakers held a hearing in Nampa to gather input for a rewrite of the federal farm bill. Saturday's hearing was being hosted by Idaho Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick, a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
The panel has scheduled a series of public hearings across the country as it begins drafting a farm spending package that covers a range of programs, from subsidy payments and farm credit to food stamps. The current $284 billion bill was approved in 2008 and is set to expire in September 2012. The committee will hear testimony from at least 10 Idaho farmers.