Sorted by date Results 201 - 225 of 562
AIRWAY HEIGHTS - Spokane County Investigative Unit detectives arrested a 23-time convicted felon on multiple felony charges June 25. Matthew R. Dobson, 36, was booked into the Spokane County Jail for second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, second-degree, malicious mischief and theft of a motor vehicle. His bond was set at $20,000 by Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner E. Cruz, and he remains in custody, records show. More than $150,000 in stolen property was...
CHENEY — The School Board unanimously approved Resolution 30-23-24 during its June 26 meeting, approving a motion to place a $73 million construction bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. The bond aims to fund the construction and improvement of schools and land acquisition. If approved, the proposed bond funds would be spent on construction of a new elementary school in Airway Heights and the purchase of land for future secondary and elementary schools. Additionally, the bond will cover the acquisition of land for a centralized t...
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE - Base leaders and community members gathered June 20 to honor the victims of a tragic shooting that occurred 30 years ago. The memorial observance remembered the lives lost and those affected by the deadliest mass shooting in Spokane County history. On June 20, 1994, Dean A. Mellberg, a 20-year-old former airman, entered the Fairchild Air Force Base hospital annex armed with a MAK-90 assault rifle. His attack began with the fatal shooting of Major Tho...
SPOKANE VALLEY — At the June 25 City Council meeting, legislative coordinator Virginia Clough and county Emergency Management Planner Mark Conrad presented a report detailing the city’s Continuity of Operations Plan, a component of the interlocal agreement with Spokane County Emergency Management. The agreement, renewed in May 2023, outline city obligations, including appointing an emergency management coordinator, designating representatives to the emergency management policy board and developing and maintaining both a COOP...
SPOKANE VALLEY — Spokane Valley deputies arrested two women June 21 after they allegedly used stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases at several stores in the Valley Mall. Morgan L. Nelson, 38, and Brandy Proia, 41, were booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of second-degree identity theft and second-degree possession of stolen property. The two women were released on their own recognizance the next day by Spokane County Superior Court Judge K. Stewart. Their arrest came after deputies responded to r...
SPOKANE VALLEY - A small plane made an emergency landing on the Horizon Middle School football field on June 23 after experiencing engine failure. The four occupants on board, including the pilot, were uninjured. At approximately 7:40 p.m., Spokane Valley deputies received reports that a Cessna 182 aircraft, about 6 miles southeast of Felts Field, had declared an emergency. The pilot reported engine failure, making it impossible to reach the airport. Spotting the football...
SPOKANE – The county will have to spend $25-$35 million to meet requirements under the Green Buildings Act. During a June 17 meeting, commissioners discussed the law established under House Bill 1257. The discussion followed county Facilities Department employees relaying findings from a recent investment-grade audit. Facilities Director Gil Haubert outlined the audit and the subsequent plan to align the county’s buildings with the act. “Keep in mind that this is kind of the first phase, and by the second phase, they...
SPOKANE - The Washington State Chamber of Commerce announced that it awarded $72.6 million for community decarbonization work in 24 counties on June 17. Spokane County organizations have received a total of $599,700 in funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act, significantly less than other counties such as King and Pierce, which have received $19,883,388 and $9,031,678, respectively. Despite the substantial disparity in funding, Spokane County itself has not actively...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council approved TNT Fireworks’ application to sell fireworks within city limits, despite lingering confusion about the local fireworks ban. City Manager Sonny Weathers clarified the nature of the permit during the council meeting. “There isn’t anything about the sale of fireworks,” Weathers said. “This permit is before retail sale.” Councilman Don Kennedy highlighted the discrepancy between the ban on discharging fireworks and their availability for purchase. “We gladly sell you these fireworks but i...
People brought their dogs to the Disc Dog event at the Founder's Day celebration on June 14. For more on Founders Day....
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — At the June 10 City Council meeting, City Manager Albert Tripp provided an overview of the city’s reserve funds policy and its evolution since 2009. Tripp explained the existing policy, which maintains a cash balance for emergencies, capital expenses, payroll and unanticipated events. “Back in 2009, our budget was $4 million, and now it’s $14 million. We utilize 8% as a planning basis,” Tripp said, noting that the city is currently looking at a reserve range of $1.1 million to $2.1 million, with two month...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The City Council met on June 10 to discuss several important topics, including a detailed financial report presented by Finance Director Stanley Schubert. Schubert reported on the city's financial status for January through May 2024. He noted that the city's year-to-date revenue collection should be about 42% of the budgeted amount. The budgeted revenue for 2024 is $14,303,137, with actual revenue collected from January to May totaling $2,878,246, or 37.4%. Tax revenues include $1,557,010 in property tax a...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — City Planner Heather Trautman present the six-year transportation improvement program to the City Council during its June 10 meeting. As it is required by Washington state law, the program includes maintenance, major reconstruction projects, shared-use paths, and bicycle lanes, with final project decisions made by the City Council. "We integrate our planning, housing, population, and business growth to look at the impact on each of our plans," Trautman said, noting the council's goal to maximize matching f...
SPOKANE – In light of last summer's fires, Spokane County Emergency Management (SCEM) is considering a new fire warning alert system for this year. According to the emergency management team, if a fast-moving fire breaks out in Spokane County, this alert would be broadcast through radio, TV, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radios, and social media, in addition to the usual public alerts and evacuation notices. The goal of the fire warning alert is to give residents more time to prepare and stay informe...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Municipal Courts Judge Angelle Gerl presented the state of the court report for 2024 during the June 10 City Council meeting. Gerl provided an overview of court operations and initiatives for the year, highlighting the therapeutic court’s efforts to address underlying issues behind criminal behavior through treatment and support, while also emphasizing the court’s success in reducing its caseload. Gerl introduced the court team, which included herself and Commissioner Kati Dorman, both hired in 2020, along...
SPOKANE VALLEY - Sen. Mike Padden has been honored with the Statesmanship Legacy Award for his 28-year tenure in the Legislature. The award was presented by Modern Electric Water Co. on Tuesday, June 4, during the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association Energy Summit. Company CEO Joe Morgan praised Padden's dedication to public service. "Sen. Mike Padden's unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for the people of Spokane Valley and the state of Washington have...
SPOKANE - The sun shined brightly on the proud faces of graduates and their families at Medical Lake High School's Class of 2024 graduation ceremony on a beautiful June 6 afternoon. The Gonzaga stadium was adorned with red and white decorations, reflecting the school's colors, as the community gathered to celebrate this significant milestone. The ceremony kicked off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by the school's choir, setting a tone of pride and...
MEDICAL LAKE – After 13 years of service, Feed Medical Lake served its final meals June 10. The not-for-profit organization, which provided free lunches and dinners to the community twice a month, closed its doors due to changes initiated by the hosting church council. “It’s usually not this busy,” said Joanne Williams, the organizer and director of Feed Medical Lake, reflecting on the turnout on the final day. Williams, who has been with the organization since its inception, said Feed Medical Lake began its mission on June 1...
CHENEY – The Eastern Washington University Police Department has received accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The department demonstrated compliance with national best-practice standards to outside, impartial experts to earn accreditation. Fewer than 100 agencies have earned this recognition and Eastern police are the only higher education department in the state to be accredited through the association. “We are extremely proud to have earned our first-ever acc...
MEDICAL LAKE — During the June 4 City Council meeting, City Manager Sonny Weathers presented the draft six-year Transportation Improvement Plan. The plan, required by Revised Code of Washington 35.77.010, is designed to address transportation needs, including roadway, pedestrian and public transit enhancements. Weathers said the transportation plan must align with the city’s comprehensive plan and be adopted by July 1, with the finalized document submitted to the state secretary of transportation within 30 days of ado...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The Police Department has introduced its newest member, Tonks, a specially trained crisis intervention dog. Tonks, a two-year-old golden retriever, has been trained to work alongside the police Crisis Response Team, assisting individuals in heightened emotional states, supporting victims and providing peer support for officers. “Tonks is called a crisis K9, or a crisis intervention K9,” said officer Kayla Franck, Tonks’ handler. “She’ll be assisting with crisis intervention for individuals in heightened...
MALDEN – In the heart of Eastern Washington, amid the rolling hills and golden wheat fields, a unique journey unfolds. The John Wayne Pioneers, Wagons, and Riders Club embarked on a cross-state ride, tracing the footsteps of pioneers and settlers who once carved their path through this rugged terrain. On May 31st, I had the privilege of joining them for a day, capturing the essence of their adventure and the spirit of camaraderie that drives them forward. Leading the charge w...
CHENEY — The Cheney City Council unanimously approved a fiber optic services contract during their meeting on May 28. The contract was awarded to two companies, Fibertel and Zero dB, ensuring redundancy and reliability in the city’s fiber optic maintenance and upgrade efforts. Steve Marx, the Light Department Director, addressed the council regarding the contract. “We had two responsible replies: Fibertel and Zeo dB Communications,” said Marx. “They were both interviewed—we found both of them to be substantially qualified....
CHENEY — Illegal dumping is becoming a growing issue in Cheney. Offenders often dump waste late at night to avoid the cost and inconvenience of proper disposal. Illegal dumping includes leaving junk, garbage, or debris on public property, such as roadsides and streets, or placing it in garbage cans, dumpsters, or other receptacles on someone else’s property, unless the containers are designated for public use. This also covers furniture and household goods placed in yards, planting strips, or public rights-of-way, even if...
