In brief: Idaho boy, 3, dies of heat exposure while trapped in car

A 3-year-old boy died Thursday of apparent heat exposure in Spirit Lake, Idaho, while trapped inside a car with two dogs.

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death. Capt. Ror Lakewold said the parents aren’t suspected of foul play but may be charged with negligence.

The boy was playing with his dogs while his mother and her boyfriend slept inside, a news release from the sheriff’s office said.

The child got into the vehicle, closing the door behind him. The boy was found by his mother, who attempted lifesaving efforts. Both dogs also died in the hot car, authorities said.

Jan Null, a certified consulting meteorologist for Golden Gate Weather Services, said the car could have reached nearly 130 degrees.

The case is still under investigation.

Eli Francovich

Symphony, Fox director to step down

Brenda Nienhouse, executive director of the Spokane Symphony and Fox Theater, announced she will step down from the position she has held for a decade.

“I’m proud of what’s been accomplished,” Nienhouse said in a news release Friday. “I am confident that the symphony and the Fox will continue to be a vital force in this community.”

Nienhouse was hired as executive director in 2005 and helped oversee the renovation of the theater in 2007.

Nienhouse will become executive director of the Newport Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island, the release said. A management committee will run day-to-day operations of the theater and the symphony until a replacement is hired.

Nathan Weinbender

Man arrested on child rape, porn charges

Spokane police have arrested a man for first-degree child rape, producing child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Randall M. Peterson, 37, is believed to be the perpetrator in several graphic videos and pictures showing him raping and molesting a toddler. Three videos, along with 34 pictures, were on an SD card that was turned over to detectives Monday, according to court documents.

The woman who turned in the card told police Peterson had promised to give the card to her but wanted to “wipe it” first, but she took it anyway because he was busy.

The videos and pictures were taken over several hours on one day in December, and Peterson’s face is visible in some, court documents say.

The victim’s mother said she had let Peterson baby-sit her daughter once in December.

The department is asking anyone with information to call (509) 456-2233.

Nina Culver