Regional briefing for Jan. 7

The Olympian, news services • Published January 07, 2009

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Tumwater

Man allegedly tried to steal meat from store

A man accused of trying to shoplift $20 worth of meat from the Tumwater Safeway was in jail Tuesday night, a Tumwater police spokeswoman said.

Store security confronted Zane Case, 29, after he allegedly filled his backpack with meat about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and attempted to leave without paying, Tumwater police detective Jen Kolb said.

Case pushed a store security officer, then fled on foot, Kolb said. Security apprehended Case behind KeyBank after a chase, she added. Tumwater police arrested Case on suspicion of second-degree robbery.

Thurston County

Public can weigh in on schools chief search

North Thurston Public Schools will have the first of three public meetings today to seek comments regarding the selection of the next superintendent.

Current Superintendent Jim Koval will retire at the end of the school year.

People will be asked about the qualities and challenges in the North Thurston district, and the most common answers will be winnowed down to determine the public's priorities.

The three public meetings start at 6:30 p.m. They are:

• Today, River Ridge High School, 350 River Ridge Drive S.E., Lacey.

• Tuesday, North Thurston High School Commons, 600 Sleater-Kinney Road N.E., Lacey.

• Jan. 15, Timberline High School Commons, 6120 Mullen Road S.E., Lacey.

Grays Harbor County

Man gets 25 months for felony DUI

An Olympia man was sentenced to two years and one month in prison in Grays Harbor County for felony driving under the influence, according to The Daily World of Aberdeen.

"It's one thing to have a drinking problem," Judge Mark McCauley told Justin Hartwell, 28. "It's another thing to get into a car and drive."

Court records stated Hartwell was convicted of DUIs five times in the past five years.

"Mr. Hartwell has been unable to control his alcohol addiction due to lack of treatment and setbacks in his personal life," defense records state. "As a result, he is now a convicted felon due to what has up until recently been strictly a misdemeanor offense."

Hartwell pleaded guilty to the felony charge Nov. 17.

The Olympian, news services