Last modified: Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:48 AM PDT News Digest: GOOD AFTERNOON IDAHO Death for man who kidnapped, murdered Idaho boy BOISE (AP) — A longtime sex offender was sentenced to death Wednesday for the 2005 kidnapping, torture and murder of a 9-year-old northern Idaho boy after federal jurors who watched video of some of the brutality deliberated just three hours. The jurors’ recommendation was binding on U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge, who thanked them, dismissed them and then sentenced Joseph Edward Duncan III. Court: Sandpoint highway bypass can go forward SEATTLE (AP) — A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the construction of a controversial U.S. 95 bypass in the resort town of Sandpoint, Idaho. A three judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced its decision Wednesday, just two days after hearing arguments in the case. A group of environmental and community activists had asked the judges to reinstate their challenge of the $98 million project, claiming the new Sand Creek Bypass on U.S. 95 would blight the town’s scenic waterfront and destroy the creek that flows through town. Work begins on eastern Idaho work-release center IDAHO FALLS  (AP) — Construction has begun on a work-release center that’s part of a pilot drug treatment project. Officials broke ground Tuesday on the 48,000-square-foot center, part of the Wood Pilot Project in which judges can move drug offenders through a system that includes jail, work release, halfway houses and outpatient treatment. Supporters said the project will offer drug offenders the treatment they need to avoid relapsing into addiction and returning to prison. The project is the only one in Idaho but could be replicated in other counties if it is a success, officials said. ‘‘We’re all going to benefit from this cooperation,’’ said Debbie Field, director of the Idaho Office of Drug Policy. ‘‘This is a very unique collaborative model,’’ said Brent Reinke, director of the Idaho Department of Correction.