Bulletin column - Feb. 25. 2010

These reports are from the previous four issues of the Daily Bulletin in Colfax. They are reprinted here for the benefit of Gazette readers who reside outside of Colfax. Some accounts have been updated.

Tank cut to rescue victim

Fire district volunteers, deputies and a MedStar helicopter crew were involved in the evacuation of man who was caught in an auger at the BNP Lentil Plant just north of Farmington Tuesday morning. Colfax Lt. Scott Kruse said a special saw from the Rosalia Rescue truck was used to cut a hole in the side of the grain tank to evacuate the victim.

Five of the volunteers went into the elevator to treat the victim who was going into shock. The victim’s left foot was severed in the accident.

Crews blocked off a landing zone for the helicopter which arrived at the scene at about 10:30 a.m. Kruse said the rescue evacuation through the side of the tank continued another 15 to 20 minutes before the victim could be loaded onto the helicopter and flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Garfield, Farmington and Oakesdale volunteers also responded to the scene.

Early morning accident

Jennifer L. Nolasco, 20, Oak Harbor, was unhurt early Sunday morning when she lost control of a 2005 Ford Escape and rolled into the ditch on Highway 195 north of Pullman. According to the Washington State Patrol report, she was driving southbound on Highway 195 at 6:30 a.m. when the Ford drifted onto the shoulder of the highway. She over corrected and the car went across the highway and rolled on its top in the northbound ditch about three miles north of Pullman.

Lawrence waives attorney

Lewis Lawrence,Feb. 18, waived his right to be represented by an attorney when he goes to trial on three charges of attempted murder. Lawrence’s court-appointed attorneys were placed on standby to “consult and confer” in the upcoming trial.

Lawrence, 21, was charged last March 18 after his arrest on the attempted murder charges which stem from a March 16, 2009, report in which he was alleged to have stuck a shotgun through the door of a Pullman apartment and fired. One of the three occupants of the apartment allegedly sustained minor wounds and was treated at Pullman Regional Hospital.

Lawrence’s trial has been delayed for several months while he underwent a mental evaluation and later court-ordered treatment. Plans for the trial advanced after he was determined to be competent to undergo trial.

Last week’s decision by Lawrence came after Judge David Frazier read a six-page advisory to the defendant. The judge told him of the seriousness of the charges against him and cautioned him that he would not be entitled to any special consideration while representing himself during the trial.

The judge told Lawrence that a disagreement between him and his defense attorneys over trial tactics did not entitle him to have another attorney appointed.

Friday, Lawrence, who remains in jail, was brought to the court where he was presented records, reports and a computer disk which is evidence of the state’s case that has been prepared against him. The material was presented by Prosecutor Denis Tracy.

Tracy advised the court that Lawrence would be provided computer equipment which would allow him to study the material which was on the CD disk. Lawrence was provided the material as part of the discovery process under which the defense learns details of the state’s evidence in the case.

Teen sentenced to 30 days

Jesse Brebner, 18, was sentenced to 30 days in jail Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of delivery of a controlled substance. He was ordered to also pay $4,300 in fines and fees.

Brebner’s defense attorney said he also faces a lengthy sentence in Idaho.

He told the court he intends to get a GED degree while serving time in Idaho. At one time, he said he had planned to apply for training to become a peace officer.

Cigarette smokes up car

A Colfax fire engine was called to Rosauers Sunday at 1:59 p.m. by a report of smoke coming from a car. Fire Chief Ralph Walter responded with a fire engine and other volunteers responded with their own vehicles.

The smoke was found to be coming from a cardboard box inside the vehicle. The driver apparently had placed a cigarette, which he believed to be extinguished, in the box. He went into the store and discovered the car was full of smoke when he came out. The box was removed from the vehicle.