Local Briefs June 5, 2012

Free estate planning seminar today

POST FALLS - There will be a free estate planning seminar sponsored by Bell Tower Funeral Home today at 10 a.m. at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave.

Attendees will learn to write an obituary and a financial planner, funeral director, long-term care professional, attorney and Veterans Affairs representative will be available to answer questions.

There will be door prizes.

Judge denies delay for death row inmate

BOISE (AP) - A federal judge has denied the latest request to delay the execution of Idaho death row inmate Richard Leavitt.

The ruling issued Monday was part of a federal lawsuit filed in April by Leavitt and three other death row inmates over Idaho's newest lethal injection procedures. Leavitt, who is scheduled to be put to death next Tuesday, has at least one other appeal pending in federal court.

U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge noted the nearing execution date, narrowing his decision Monday only to Leavitt's claims.

No execution dates have yet been scheduled for the other three plaintiffs - Thomas E. Creech, James H. Hairston, and Gene Stuart. Lodge says those inmates will have additional time to respond to a motion from state officials seeking to dismiss the case.