Grant County judge dismisses jury trial request in NCW ranchers case

The briefing

A Grant County judge dismissed a complaint by Wade and Teresa King challenging a $268,000 fine and restoration order issued by the state Department of Ecology regarding allegedly damaged alkali wetlands near Pear Lake. The ranchers, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, sought a jury trial, which the court denied without deciding if the state can force people into a tribunal without one. The legal battle will be appealed to the Court of Appeals.