Benewah County Sheriff Bob Kirts greeted lawmakers after the House Judiciary Committee meeting today, introducing himself, shaking hands, and apologizing for not testifying during a tense hearing on HB 500, the tribal law enforcement legislation, last week. Kirts said after the meeting, "I was there in the '80s - actually I started this program of deputizing these guys, and I got in trouble then, now I get in trouble for not doing it. So what the hell."

Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, said, "It's always good to talk - I don't have a problem with people talking and trying to get together. I think it's probably a good thing on both sides if we can get together and hammer out a real deal." Harwood said with all the fuss over the possible legislation, "it's going to take a little healing."

Kirts said, "It's an agreement. We'll see if it works out, and go from there. I took a lot of abuse over this." Kirts, who drove 350 miles today to represent the county at the brief meeting at which the legislation was withdrawn, was asked by reporters if he's happy with the deal the tribe and county reached yesterday. "From what I can see right now, yes," he replied.