Local / Idaho Briefs March 4, 2012
Businesses destroyed by fire
DALTON GARDENS - Two businesses were destroyed in a fire Friday night.
The Helmut Outlet and a Kirby vacuum shop, 5648 N. Government Way, were lost in the blaze that investigators said could be arson.
"One caller reported seeing a person running away from the area just as smoke was seen coming out of the building," according to a press release.
Firefighters responded to the structure fire at 8:20 p.m. When they arrived, the building was fully engulfed.
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department at 446-1300.
Rammell files to run for Dist. 7
Rex Rammell has filed to run against Shannon McMillan, R-Silverton, for Legislative District 7 State Representative, Position A.
"I don't like the way things are going in Idaho and I don't like the way things are going on the federal level either," he said during a phone interview Wednesday while at home in Kooskia.
Rammell ran for the Idaho House in 2002, took on Jim Risch for U.S. Senate in 2008 and ran for governor against Butch Otter in 2010.
"I've picked some pretty tough races," he said. " ... Through the process, I've learned what it would take to be a very good state representative, and I'm looking forward to the opportuniy."
Due to recent redistricting, an area of more than 13,500 square miles spanning from Sandpoint to Riggins is now considered District 7.
Labrador files for re-election bid
BOISE (AP) - Republican U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador has filed paperwork seeking re-election in Idaho's 1st Congressional District.
Labrador said he's proud of what he has accomplished so far but there's much more to be done.
Labrador, a tea party favorite, was elected to Congress in 2010.
He reclaimed Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat for Republicans that year when he ousted Democrat Walt Minnick.
Former NFL player Jimmy Farris plans to run in the 2012 Democratic primary race for the 1st District, which includes western and North Idaho.
Man gets life for killing ex-wife
LEWISTON (AP) - A former Nez Perce County Sheriff's deputy convicted of strangling his ex-wife to death has been sentenced to life in prison.
Joseph A. Thomas Jr. was sentenced Friday in 2nd District Court. He must serve at least 25 years before he's eligible for parole.
The 38-year-old Thomas on Dec. 16 was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 28-year-old Beth Irby-Thomas. Her body was found in May at her Lewiston home with a belt cinched around her neck.
Thomas testified that Irby-Thomas died of self-inflicted autoerotic asphyxia.
Judge Michael Griffin in ordering the sentence noted that a presentence investigation found Thomas' other ex-wives said he was bad-tempered and dangerous.