Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 562
SPOKANE COUNTY – Spokane County residents hoping for a snowy Christmas may be disappointed this year. According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Spokane, the area is set to have warmer temperatures and even some rain. “It’s a little far out, but it looks like temperatures will be in the low 40s,” said Daniel Butler, meteorologist with the Weather Service. “We should see some rain in the evening.” While Christmas without snow may feel unusual, Butler said it happens more often than people think. “For Spokan...
FAIRFIELD – A 67-year-old Covington man died in a single-vehicle rollover crash Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, on State Route 27, about one mile north of Fairfield, according to the Washington State Patrol. Charles E. Luttrull was driving southbound when his 2004 GMC pickup left the roadway, rolling multiple times before coming to rest upside down in a nearby field. Luttrull was declared dead at the scene by first responders. A seatbelt was in use at the time of the crash, according to investigators. The cause of the collision i...
Airway Heights Dec. 9 Robert H. Horrigan was arrested for assault in the fourth degree (domestic violence) and malicious mischief in the third degree (domestic violence) on the 1900 block of South Hayford Road. William L. Koplin Jr was arrested for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving while license is suspended and operating a motor vehicle without insurance on the 1400 block of South Garfield Road. Dec. 10 Jack D. Snyder-Ahenakew was arrested for residential burglary, domestic violence, and...
City considers updated code enforcement rules AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City Manager Albert Tripp presented proposed updates to city’s code enforcement regulations during the recent council meeting last Monday. Tripp described the new measures as a “toolbox” for encouraging compliance in residential and commercial areas. The updates aim to provide city staff with a clearer framework for addressing violations, potentially including incentives for property owners to meet municipal standards. The updated regulations would provide...
CHENEY – Sarah Davies, an 8th grade language arts teacher at Cheney Middle School, introduced the “Voices” program to the Cheney School Board on Dec. 11, making clear its focus on student expression. She explained that the program is divided into three sections: “Voices of CMS,” a monthly newsletter (including student-made comics and school lunch reviews); “Voices of Change,” student-led problem-solving initiatives; and “Voices of Excellence,” showcasing student achievements beyond test scores, like a short story or a piece...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) is hosting a fire safety demonstration to show the dangers of dry Christmas trees and teach families how to reduce fire risks during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 160 Christmas tree fires annually, which causes $12 million in property damage and results in at least one death for every 32 incidents. The longer a tree remains in the home, the more likely it is to dry out and b...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City council adopted its 2025 legislative priorities during the Dec. 2 meeting, focusing on public safety, clean water access, and transportation infrastructure improvements. The motion passed unanimously. The city seeks $1.5 million in state capital funding to renovate a portion of its Public Safety Campus to house municipal court and administrative services. The campus, which also serves regional partners such as the Spokane Tribe, Kalispel Tribe, Fairchild Air Force Base, and Cheney Public School D...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The Airway Heights City Council unanimously approved an amendment to its interlocal agreement with the Spokane County Library District during the Dec. 2 meeting, ensuring the long-term development of library facilities within city limits. The amendment addresses several key points, including the conveyance of city-owned property to the library district. The city will transfer 16,025 square feet of land currently under a ground lease agreement, as well as an additional 1,925 square feet from a newly subdivided...
CHENEY – A semi-tanker crash on Interstate 90 claimed the life of a driver last Thursday morning at 8:18 a.m. According to the Washington State Patrol's report, the vehicle slipped on the ice and rolled over prior to catching on fire at milepost 266, five miles west of Cheney. Washington State Department of Transportation closed I-90 in both directions between the Salnave exit (MP 264) and the Four Lakes exit (MP 271) as vehicles took alternate routes through Medical Lake, C...
Santa pictured on his seasonal trip around Airway Heights, near the apartments by Aspen Grove Park, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. He gave out candycanes to all the local kids. Not pictured: the Grinch....
Federal Government Affairs contract approved AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council voted unanimously to enter into a new contract for federal government affairs services with Culton Consulting LLC during its Dec. 2 meeting. This agreement aims to address key priorities in transportation and water infrastructure. Under the agreement, Culton Consulting will provide government relations services, including researching federal funding opportunities, lobbying Congress, and engaging federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of T...
Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Police Department reported the following arrests from Dec. 2 - 5: Dec. 2 Zachary M. Hicks was arrested on South King Street and West 3rd Avenue for driving without an ignition interlock device. Dec. 3 Cheyanne R. Cooper was arrested for third-degree assault on the 13600 block of West 6th Avenue. Dec. 4 Ervin C. Scolnic was arrested for driving under the influence on the 14300 block of West Highway 2. Dec. 5 Zachary M. Hicks was arrested for second-degree assault and two counts of f...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local man is facing multiple charges in connection with a Dec. 4 domestic violence incident. Zachary Mackenzie Hicks, 32, of Airway Heights, was arrested on the 100 block of S. Aspen St. He is being held in the Spokane County Jail on $7,500 bail on charges of second-degree assault (strangulation), two counts of fourth-degree assault-domestic violence and second-degree malicious mischief-domestic violence, records show. Hicks also faces a $25 bond for a separate charge for operating a vehicle without an i...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The Airway Heights City Council adopted the city’s 2025 budget during the Dec. 2 meeting, marking the culmination of months of planning and public hearings. The $66 million budget outlines estimated revenues and proposed expenditures across all city funds, ensuring the municipality’s financial needs are met for the coming fiscal year. The process included public hearings held on Nov. 4 and Nov. 18, giving taxpayers the opportunity to provide input. The final budget was confirmed not to exceed lawful tax l...
MEDICAL LAKE – Medical Lake is nearing its deadline to decide how to use the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as outlined during the Dec. 3 City Council meeting. Finance Director Koss Ronhault broke down the leftover allocations: • $105,738 for downtown beautification • $46,907 for city technology • $106,408 for a kitchen remodel “We went through the process of ‘how to use those funds,’” Ronhault explained, adding that $300,000 remains uncommitted, including interest. Ronhault recommended committing the...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Two people were injured in a head-on collision Thursday morning on U.S. Highway 2, one mile west of the city. The crash occurred around 8:50 a.m. when Richard L. Hall, 50, of Springdale, lost control of his eastbound 1998 Ford Ranger on the icy roadway. The vehicle crossed the two-way left-turn lane and struck a westbound 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Sandra L. Martin, 54, of Airway Heights, head-on in the westbound left lane. Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to Sacred Heart Medical C...
CHENEY – After nearly 34 years of leading Cheney Federal Credit Union, CEO JoAn Sanders has announced her retirement. During her tenure, Sanders has been at the helm of the credit union during many major events, including Y2K, the COVID pandemic, and changes in the economy and regulations. Sanders joined the credit union after working in banking for 12 years. She applied for the position in Cheney, her husband’s hometown, and began what would become a remarkable chapter in her professional life. “It has been my honor to le...
CHENEY – The Cheney High School choirs will perform their Winter Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10, which will explore the theme of “Connections” through music. The event features five choirs performing pieces that reflect connections with the Earth and the holiday season. The program includes a variety of styles, such as jazz, choral classics, and musical theater. Highlights feature “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli, “Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind” by John Rutter, and “Jazz Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” The Ambassador Choir will also...
SPOKANE COUNTY – A tanker truck crash on eastbound I-90 12 miles west of Cheney has left the highway fully blocked. The crash happened around 8:18 a.m. near milepost 266. The tanker rolled over and was engulfed in flames by the time emergency crews arrived. Washington State Patrol (WSP), fire crews, and the Department of Transportation (DOT), and local fire departments responded to the scene. Sgt. C. Bassen and CV1 officer G. Davey are leading the investigation. As of this report, no injuries have been confirmed. I...
Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Police Department reported the following arrests from Nov. 25 - Dec. 1: Nov. 25 Scott Kaminskas was arrested for intimidating a witness and violation of a protection order on the 900 block of North Malvern Road. David J. Quesnell was arrested for assault in the second degree, attempting to elude police vehicles and reckless driving on the 800 block of South Russell St. Nov. 30 Samuel E. Mahan was arrested for assault in the second degree on the 1900 block of South Hayford Road. Dec. 2 Coi D...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Police arrested Jay K. Hoffschneider, 28, on Nov. 22 for driving under the influence (DUI), reckless endangerment, and failing to use an interlock device. The arrest took place near West Betz Road and South Normal Park Road. Hoffschneider has a lengthy criminal record, including a DUI conviction in 2016, multiple theft charges in 2022, and another set of burglary and drug possession charges in 2024. He has also participated in therapeutic and drug court programs but violated their terms on multiple o...
MEDICAL LAKE – The city has adopted its 2025 budget, revealing important changes aimed at improving public safety, parks, and city services. The city plans to increase rates for wastewater and garbage to address funding gaps, while also adding new staff to the recreation and planning departments. At the same time, the city is showing a reduced focus on city beautification and grants. To balance costs, the city will raise utility rates for solid waste and wastewater. Parks investments will include automated bathroom locks, i...
Council introduces $61,000 engineering proposal AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The council considered a $61,000 services agreement supported by a grant from the Department of Ecology for city expansion efforts at the meeting on Monday, Nov. 25. They discussed the need for expansion, with councilman Hank Bynaker stating, “In 2023, we were able to secure a Department of Ecology grant, and this services agreement is for $61,000.” He explained how Airway Heights is under financial strain because the grant is only temporary, and asked the counc...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City leaders are dealing with a $23,000 tax revenue gap that could impact public safety initiatives and community outreach efforts. During last Monday’s city council meeting on Nov. 25, the city council discussed potential ways to avoid cutting certain city programs. City Manager Albert Tripp said he was concerned the gap might lead to potential cuts to engagement programs, which he said are critical to maintaining the city’s investments in community engagement. “We’ve effectively eliminated city engagemen...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The city is working on new housing policies to help more residents become homeowners, due to the Washington state legislatures’s 2023 Missing Middle Bill. Efforts to expand housing options in Airway Heights were discussed during the city council’s Nov. 25 meeting. The bill was passed to address the state’s severe housing shortage, which is intended to give residents options that bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-density apartment buildings, and includes options like duplexes, triplexes, and...
