Local Digest
Pierce County's indoor-smoking ban may go to high court

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Pierce County's on-again, off-again ban on indoor smoking — off for now — may be decided by the Washington State Supreme Court.

Thursday, the court encouraged the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health to ask the justices to review the merits of the controversial case.

The dispute began in January when the board, citing health concerns, banned smoking in all indoor public places, even though state law allows smoking in restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and casinos.

A business group sued, and the issue has been in and out of court.

Seattle

Ex-school worker pleads guilty to rape

A 25-year-old former computer technician for the Shoreline School District has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of third-degree child rape, as well as one count each of child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Edward Alexander McLean of Shoreline was accused of having sexual relationships with a 14-year-old female student and a 15-year-old male student, and encouraging a 13-year-old male student to photograph them.

McLean faces a sentence of 10 years in prison, according to Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the King County Prosecutor's Office.

Coupeville, Island County
 
Florida man sought after Whidbey slaying

Island County sheriff's deputies are looking for a 51-year-old Florida man in connection with a December slaying on south Whidbey Island.

Sheriff Michael Hawley said investigators want to talk to James Huden, 51, of Punta Gorda, Fla., about the slaying of Russel Douglas, 31, on Dec. 26.

Authorities say Huden is "despondent" and "possibly armed."

Anyone with information about Huden is asked to call 360-679-7319.

Fort Lewis

Guardsman eligible for parole in 20 years

A Washington National Guardsman sentenced to life in prison for attempting to aid al-Qaida will be eligible for parole in 20 years, an Army spokesperson said yesterday.

The sentence against Spc. Ryan G. Anderson was handed down by a military jury at Fort Lewis early yesterday after a four-day court-martial. The sentence must now be approved by the base commander, a process that could take as long as four to six months.

The nine-member jury of commissioned officers also recommended dishonorable discharge. If the sentence is approved, Anderson will serve his time at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Maj. Beth Robbins said.

Anderson can appeal to the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals.

The 27-year-old Lynnwood resident was arrested Feb. 12 in a government sting operation. Secretly taped video evidence showed him meeting with undercover agents he thought were al-Qaida and offering methods of killing U.S. soldiers and destroying Army combat vehicles.

Everett

Man, 29, is charged after beaten man dies

A 29-year-old Everett man has been charged with second-degree murder after a man died from injuries this week after being beaten.

Erik Shreffner was one of several people involved in an Aug. 25 fight near Hewitt Avenue and Broadway in downtown Everett.

Russell Walden, 42, died at an Everett hospital Tuesday from the injuries allegedly inflicted by Shreffner, police said.

An Everett police spokesman said it's unclear why the men were fighting.

Times staff and news services