Sorted by date Results 326 - 350 of 565
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Tragedy struck the community last Thursday evening as a deadly house fire engulfed a residence on West Whitetip Avenue. At least one person was killed in the blaze; their identity has yet to be released. Fire Chief Mike Metzger said the fire occurred at approximately 7:03 p.m. April 4. It was promptly reported to authorities by a concerned neighbor who dialed 911, he said.. Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders were met with a blaze that had already taken hold of the structure. Metzger said a s...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City Council members grappled with a potential tax levy lid lift to bolster public safety initiatives during a meeting Monday, April 8. The proposal to create a new ordinance around a levy lid lift had its first reading, and was approved to be moved forward by unanimous vote to the next session. City Manager Albert Tripp delved into the intricacies of financing options to enhance longterm public safety. His proposal is a tax increase. There are three options for the tax increase: option one is $2.71 per $...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council unanimously agreed April 1 to hire Liz Loomis Public Affairs to help market an August primary election ballot measure to raise funds for a public service tax. The ballot measure is a proposed levy lid lift that can be passed by a simple voter majority. The lift is needed to generate funding for more police officers. City Manager Albert Tripp, addressing the council, highlighted concerns raised by community members regarding under-staffing in law enforcement. “Seventy-six of the community mem...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council on April 2 approved on first reading Ordinance No. 1123 addressing right-of-way management. The ordinance is aimed at enhancing the permitting and use requirements for right-of-way projects, and will be brought back for a second reading at an upcoming meeting. City Manager Sonny Weathers initiated the discussion by highlighting the necessity for updated risk management assessments. “Washington state conducted a risk management assessment,” Weathers said. “They noted it was out of date....
CHENEY – Residents across Eastern Washington woke up to an unexpected surprise on Friday, April 8, as snow blanketed various parts of the region. According to Steven Van Horn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, the snowfall totals were particularly noteworthy for this time of year. "Rosalia saw an astonishing 4.8 inches of snow, marking a record for April snowfall in the area," Van Horn said. "We've been keeping records on Rosalia's weather since the late 1...
CHENEY – A recount of Cheney precinct 9014 ballots in the Feb. 13 special election remain unchanged following a requested recount. Election Manager Mike McLaughlin confirmed that Spokane County elections officials conducted the recount March 27 of precinct ballots cast for two levies and a bond measure. “No change,” McLaughlin said last week. Sharon Berg, one of the precinct residents who requested the recount, declined to comment on why she was involved. “The newspapers are kind of biased to a certain view,” she said. “I...
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University’s Police Department is gearing up for an assessment by a team of evaluators from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators arriving on April 27. The evaluation will scrutinize all facets of the department, including policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, according to Chief Jewell Day. The objective of this assessment is to ascertain whether the police department aligns with the group’s standards, marking a voluntary initi...
CHENEY – Residents are gearing up for a day of community spirit and civic pride as the annual Clean Sweep event approaches Saturday, April 13. From 8:30 a.m. to noon at Veteran’s Memorial Park, the event aims to not only beautify the city, but also foster a sense of togetherness. The agenda is packed with activities designed to make a positive impact on the community. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to fuel up with coffee and refreshments before diving into their assignments. From 9 a.m. to noon, par...
CHENEY – At the March 13 School Board meeting, Jenna Larson took the floor to deliver a comprehensive report on the district’s financial status and enrollment figures. Larson’s insights provided context for future planning. Larson began her report by addressing enrollment figures. “Our numbers are just below what we predicted,” Larson said.. Around 380 students are enrolled in kindergarten, whereas the prediction had been 400, she said.. Conversely, in fifth-grade, there were 400 students enrolled, surpassing the initial p...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – An amendment to the city’s governance manual garnered unanimous support at the March 18 City Council meeting The amendment institutes a procedural update that would impact the voting process when council members are absent. Under the revised guidelines, any council member who is unable to attend a meeting would be automatically recorded as abstaining from voting on agenda items. This measure aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the council’s decision-making process, preventing the absen...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local nanny is being held on $1 million bail after her arrest in the death of a baby boy. Sharon Jeanne Arger, 59, is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of a 4-month-old infant last November. She was arrested March 28. The charge stems from a Nov. 2 call regarding an unconscious infant at a residence where Arger was working as the child’s nanny. Upon arrival, emergency responders initiated lifesaving measures before the infant was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospi...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local man is being held in the Spokane County Jail without bail Tuesday, March 26, after attempting to elude police investigating a vehicle prowl. Douglas J. Farmer, 34, was booked into the ail on charges of attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree assault, first-, second- and third-degree malicious mischief, possession of a controlled substance, vehicle prowling, third-degree theft, and an outstanding Department of Corrections escape from community custody warrant. The incident unfolded a...
MEDICAL LAKE — During a Tuesday, April 2, meeting, city officials discussed their trip to Olympia during the legislative session and to deliberate on their legislative agenda moving forward. City Administrator Sonny Weathers highlighte the opportunities to procure additional funds, particularly through FEMA assistance. “We have an idea of what’s in front of us,” he said. “There is an opportunity to procure more funds.” FEMA assistance is being sought to help with cleanup of the Gray Fire that devastated the city last August...
CHENEY – During the March 27 School Board meeting, Cheney schools Finance Director Jenna Larson presented the audit updates for the 2024-25 academic year. The presentation covered various aspects of the financial audits, including the single audit, which encompassed education stabilization and special education funds, as well as the examination of financial statements. One notable highlight from the financial report was the upcoming collection of property taxes in April, a source of revenue for the school district. Larson a...
CHENEY – City Public Works Director provided details on the contract and funding for the water main improvement project during a recent council meeting. Ableman announced Red Diamond was awarded the contract, having submitted the lowest bid of $480,000 plus tax. He noted that the available budget for the project is approximately $225,000, which will be sourced from either water or American Rescue Plan Act funds. The council unanimously approved of the agreement. “The water main improvement project will address inf...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council on April 1 heard a comprehensive review of the 2024 legislative session. According to City lobbyist Holly Sanabria, Airway Heights requested more aid for wildfire response and $260,000 for replacement of a fire engine, but did not receive funding. “The Legislature has three options: adopt as presented, adopted and modify, take no action and goes to vote,” Sanabria said of the budget request. The Legislature adopted the supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets, as well as in...
CHENEY – The City Council listen to a proposal to transition the local dispatch center to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications during its meeting March 26. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Executive Director Lori Markham pushed the idea. Her agency manages emergency and non-emergency calls, support GIS data services and operates 23 radio sites for emergency responders in the region. “Our IT department takes care of our phone system which is a very highly technical system,” Markham said. “We’re in the process o...
CHENEY – The Police Department is asking the community to participate in a Diaper and Hygiene Product Drive this month. The initiative aims to extend a helping hand to members of the community who utilize the services offered by the Kalispel Tribe Victim Advocacy Services, a resource for victims of various crimes, whether tribal or non-tribal affiliated. It also offers support and assistance to survivors of crime, domestic violence and sexual assault. Police Department officials, in recognizing the significance of this c...
SPOKANE VALLEY – A local woman was arrested March 28 after she allegedly struck a man and then led deputies on a high-speed chase through city streets in a stolen vehicle. Skilah J. Peterson, 22, was eventually apprehended and booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and four counts of hit-and-run. She may also face a further charges in connection with her alleged assault of a man, whom deputies have yet to identify. According to the Spokane C...
SPOKANE VALLEY – A standoff came to a close on March 28, following a domestic violence incident that unfolded at a residence in the 6300 block of N. Regal Road. In an interview with authorities, the victim detailed a harrowing encounter with the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Jesse L. Lane. At approximately 10:06 am, Spokane County Deputies responded to reports of a violent altercation involving a knife. The victim managed to escape the residence during the attack and promptly contacted 911 from a safe location. A...
SPOKANE VALLEY – A wanted violent offender was successfully apprehended Thursday evening. Keantray D. Bryant-Muellner, 27, was the subject of an intensive pursuit stemming from multiple warrants, including escape from community custody, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Bryant-Muellner was arrested and transported to the Spokane County Jail on charges of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, fourth-degree assault-domestic violence and escape from community custody. The...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies are seeking help from the public in finding the burglars who broke into Valley Chapel. The burglary occurred sometime between March 17 and 23, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called to the church, 11703 E. Dishman Mica Road, at about 9:50 a.m. on March 23, when the burglary was discovered. Church officials told deputies the church had been broken into and $5,000 worth of audio equipment and electronics had been stolen, records show. Among the stole...
SPOKANE VALLEY – A routine patrol by a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputy on March 27, took an unexpected turn upon receiving a license-plate alert just before 2 p.m., leading to the arrest of 50-year-old Dawn D. Sherman. She was booked into jail for possession of a stolen vehicle and an outstanding warrant. Spotting a vehicle matching the description provided in the alert parked on the east side of Market Street, near Freya, the deputy suspected it to be stolen or suspicious. Verification of the license plate via rad...
CHENEY — Grab your baskets, kids! With Easter slightly more than a week away, several communities are gearing up for the traditional egg hunts that draw children to area parks in search of eggs, candy and other loot. If they’re lucky, they may even catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny. In advance of the Easter holiday on Sunday, March 31, several hunts are set for Saturday, March 30, around the area. Scheduled events include: Airway Heights – The Airway Heights Parks and Recreation Department hosts its Easter egg hunt at 9...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council discussed public safety issues and emergent budget needs during a March 25 meeting. Police Chief Brad Richmond led a presentation on emergent budget needs, highlighting staffing requirements for the investigative and patrol division of his department. “Our detectives division currently faces staffing challenges, with only three detectives, a lower number than in 2019,” Richmond said. “Despite this, our team of 37 active major crimes investigators is diligently working on cases, with 54% inv...
