NW briefs

Otter appoints Idaho Falls lawmaker to tax commission

BOISE - Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has appointed Republican Rep. Janet Trujillo of Idaho Falls to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Otter made the surprise announcement Wednesday at the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho's annual conference. Otter joked he was informing the audience at the same time he was alerting Trujillo of her new appointment.

Trujillo recently faced scrutiny after accepting an extra $6,400 to cover the cost of living in a separate residence during the 2017 legislative session in Boise, even though she is married to House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, who lives roughly 20 miles away from the Statehouse. Moyle receives a smaller per diem during the session.

According to legislative rules, Trujillo didn't violate the system, but the situation has sparked renewed interest in possible changes.

State considers third gender option on birth certificates

SEATTLE - Washington health officials took public comment on a proposal to allow a third gender option on birth certificates in the state.

Local news media reported officials heard from supporters and critics during the Tuesday hearing on the proposal that could go into effect by February if approved.

State officials are considering adding the non-binary option gender X to certificates. Currently the state only allows male or female on the documents.

Supporters said the third option would alleviate confusion and frustration and create an atmosphere of better understanding.

Critics said the third gender option could have unintended consequences, like making state statistics unreliable.

Park's 106-year-old cedar tree illegally cut down near Darrington, Wash.

DARRINGTON, Wash. - Officials say a 106-year-old cedar tree was illegally cut down northeast of Seattle near Darrington during the weekend.

The Daily Herald reported Wednesday that the tree previously stood in Squire Creek Park just west of town.

Snohomish County Parks and Recreation officials said someone who appeared to have little experience felling trees cut it down between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

After it was cut, the tree fell on other trees and became perched over a road that leads through a campground, causing safety concerns.

Park rangers and maintenance workers were called to take down the tree.

Coroner: 2-year-old killed in fire died of smoke inhalation

TWIN FALLS - A 2-year-old girl killed in a motorhome fire in Twin Falls died of smoke inhalation.

The Twin Falls County coroner said Tuesday that Cassandra Luckey was napping in the motorhome when it caught fire Monday afternoon.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office told The Times-News the mother stepped out of the RV to go into the house next door just minutes before the RV caught fire.

The parents of the child and a 4-year-old sister had been living in the RV that was parked next to a house with family members.

Officials said the family moved to south central Idaho from Texas about two months ago, after losing everything in Hurricane Harvey.

First two flu-related deaths this season reported in Flathead County

KALISPELL, Mont. - Two Flathead County residents older than the age of 65 have died because of complications from influenza.

The state Department of Public Health and Human Services said the deaths reported by the Flathead City-County Health Department on Wednesday are the first two flu-related deaths reported in the state this season.

Last year, the flu contributed to 56 deaths in Montana.

Vaccines are especially recommended for people ages 65 or older, young children and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Man who killed Boise State student gets life in prison

BOISE - A 62-year-old man who killed an 18-year-old Boise State University student and dumped her body in a creek has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Bruce Marchant received the sentence Wednesday in 4th District Court after prosecutors argued Marchant will be dangerous for the rest of his life.

Marchant in September pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in a deal with prosecutors who agreed to drop rape and kidnapping charges.

Boise State University student Sierra Bush was reported missing in September 2016. Her body was found south of Idaho City, about 40 miles northwest of Boise, the following month.

The Boise county coroner said Bush died from asphyxiation.

Marchant was arrested in New York City in December 2016 and extradited to Idaho in April.

Associated Press