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AP-US-SUSPICIOUS-DEATH-MISSING-KIDS
Parents of 2 missing Idaho children issue statement
REXBURG, Idaho (AP) — The parents named as persons of interest in their children's disappearance in Idaho issued a statement Monday through an attorney, saying they love their son and daughter and look forward to addressing allegations. Rexburg police say 7-year-old Joshua Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan have not been seen since September. Authorities say Chad and Lori Daybell never reported the kids missing, have repeatedly lied about where the children are and aren't cooperating with the investigation. Lori and Chad got married shortly after his first wife was found dead at home in October. Her body has been exhumed and Rexburg police say the death could be related to the disappearance of the children, but didn't elaborate.
SKIJORING CANCELED
Warm temps, lack of snow cancels Montana skijoring event
KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — Warm temperatures and a lack of snow in the Kalispell area has led to the cancellation of a planned skijoring competition this weekend. Organizers of Skijoring at Rebecca Farm announced Sunday that the events scheduled for Dec. 28-29 have been canceled and would not be rescheduled. Last year's planned event was postponed to March 2019, also due to a lack of snow. Then, the first day of competition was canceled due to severe cold. Skijoring is a winter sport where skiers are pulled by horses through a course and over jumps. Skijoring America lists eight other competitions this season, including five more in Montana and one each in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.
FOREST PLAN-EXTRA TIME REQUEST
Environmentalists request more time on Idaho forest plan
LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Environmental groups have written a letter to the U.S. Forest Service requesting more time for public comment on plans for Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The Lewiston Tribune reports the coalition of a dozen groups sent a letter to the agency asking for a 90-day extension due to interruptions caused by the holiday season. The letter says the Dec. 20 release of the draft forest plan revision and environmental impact statement effectively removes about two weeks from the 90-day comment period. The groups say the public is unlikely to be able to reach the forest service during holiday break periods.
BC-HATE CRIME-STABBING
Oregon man accused of hate-crime stabbing appears in court
ONTARIO, Ore. (AP) — A man accused of stabbing another man in a racist attack at an Oregon truck stop has made an initial court appearance. Malheur County Circuit Court records show 29-year-old Nolan Levi Strauss appeared Monday on charges of attempted second-degree murder, assault, bias crime and unlawful use of a weapon. His case has been referred to a grand jury. Ontario police say Strauss, a commercial truck driver from Nebraska, attacked Ronnell Hughes, a 48-year-old black man, and stabbed him several times in the neck at an Arby's Restaurant on Saturday morning.
SAGE GROUSE LAWSUIT-IDAHO
Environmental groups aim to intervene in sage grouse lawsuit
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two environmental groups concerned the Trump administration won't defend an Obama administration-era policy on sage grouse protections are seeking to intervene in a lawsuit filed by Idaho ranchers. The 2015 policy included last-minute restrictions in key sage grouse habitat intended to prevent the bird from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. The ranchers sued in 2018, aiming for more grazing rights. The National Audubon Society and The Wilderness Society filed documents to defend the policy, saying they are important to the public interest.
LAWMAKER REPLACEMENT
Idaho governor appoints new House lawmaker for Boise area
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Republican Gov. Brad Little has appointed Democrat Lauren Necochea to fill an Idaho House of Representatives seat. Necochea was one of three possibilities and the top choice the Democratic Legislative Committee for District 19 submitted last week to fill the vacancy representing an area in Boise. Necochea directs the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy and Idaho Voices for Children. Necochea replaces Mat Erpelding, the former Democratic House minority leader who resigned to take a job with the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Ilana Rubel is replacing Erpelding as House minority leader.
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