In brief: McMorris Rodgers keeping GOP post

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers was re-elected the House Republican Conference chairwoman Thursday by GOP members who decided to retain all their top leaders for the upcoming Congress.

House Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Majority Whip Steve Scalise were also re-elected. The conference chairmanship is considered the No. 4 position in leadership.

McMorris Rodgers won re-election last week to a sixth term with about 60 percent of the vote. Her Democratic opponent, Joe Pakootas, unsuccessfully challenged her leadership position as a sign that she was more in touch with Washington, D.C., than the voters of her Eastern Washington district. McMorris Rodgers countered that it gave her “a place at the table” to raise local and regional issues when legislation was being discussed.

Utilities want waiver on customer contact

Idaho’s three major electric utilities are asking state regulators for a waiver from a regulation that requires them to try to make face-to-face contact with a customer to collect payment or terminate electric service. 

Avista Utilities, Idaho Power Co. and Rocky Mountain Power say advances in metering, communication and electronic payments negate the need for face-to-face visits. They claim a waiver from the regulation will reduce operating costs for customers and increase the safety of utility employees without sacrificing customer service.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission staff will conduct a public workshop on the waiver request on Nov. 21 in Boise. Those who cannot attend can join by phone: (888) 706-6468. The participant code is 4435939.

The commission also will take written comment on the proposal through Dec. 10 at www.puc.idaho.gov or by mail: P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720.

No injuries reported after fire at duplex

A fire in Spokane Valley caused significant damage to a duplex on Thursday.

The fire was reported at 12720 E. Broadway Ave. just before noon Thursday. The first crews on scene found smoke and flames coming out of a broken window, Spokane Valley Fire Capt. Jeff Bordwell said.

One firefighter was able to partially knock down the flames from outside. “He grabbed the line and put it out through the window,” Bordwell said.

Firefighters initially were told that no one was inside, but after a few minutes a woman said her husband and 2-year-old son might be inside, Bordwell said. Firefighters searched the home but found no one. It was later determined that the man had left the scene with his son before crews arrived, Bordwell said.

The fire started in a bedroom and the cause is under investigation. The three adults and three children living in half of the duplex are being assisted by the Red Cross.

The other side of the duplex is vacant. Damage is estimated at $20,000 to $30,000.

More time granted in Glacier killing case

MISSOULA – Federal prosecutors have been granted more time to file a response to a Kalispell woman’s lengthy appeal of her conviction for killing her new husband by pushing him off a cliff in Glacier National Park.

Jordan Graham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the July 7, 2013, death of Lee Johnson, before closing arguments during her December 2013 trial.

The appeal asks that Graham’s conviction be overturned and she be tried for manslaughter.