Sorted by date Results 401 - 425 of 565
MEDICAL LAKE – City revenues were much higher at the end of 2023 than expected. City Finance Direcotr Koss Ronhalt presented a fourth-quarter budget report for 2023 during the Feb. 6 City Council meeting. “We’ve concluded the year on a positive note,” Ronhalt said. “Revenues surpassed expectations by $300,000, while operating expenditures remained approximately $1.2 million lower, primarily due to the negotiated Police contract.” The report highlighted achievements in financial management, with all departments maintaining...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council delved into the prospect of partnering with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office to identify and safeguard historical assets in the city during a Feb. 6 meeting. Logan Camporeale, a specialist with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office, outlined the potential advantages of such a collaboration. Camporeale underscored the importance of preserving Medical Lake’s historical resources, emphasizing how it fosters a sense of belonging and community pride, maximizes existing assets, sho...
CHENEY – In a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the future landscape of the city, officials from the Planning Commission and City Council convened Feb. 6 to delve into the intricacies of the Cheney Land Quantity Needs Analysis. Aren Murcar, Project Manager at SCJ Alliance, a civil engineering company, led the presentation, emphasizing the significance of the session as “a high-level meeting.” The discussion primarily revolved around housing needs, buildable lands and economic opportunities in the city and its urban...
MEDICAL LAKE – City officials are considering a contract with Cintas Corp. to provide supplies for maintenance operations. According to City Administrator Sonny Weathers, maintenance crews are overwhelmed. He brought up the subject during a recent City Council meeting. “All these things that happen with our maintenance crew and our wastewater treatment plant employees where supplies and clothing items and rags and all these things that are constant,” he said, noting the company specializes in providing supplies. “We’r...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council greenlit the expansion of the Police Department’s K9 units during a meeting Feb. 12. Officer Kayla Franck advocated for the initiation of a Crisis K9 program, while Chief Brad Richmond presented the case for the continuation of the Narcotics K9 Program. Franck’s proposal centered around the establishment of a Crisis K9 Program, aimed at enhancing community engagement and mental health support. “One key aspect,” Franck noted, “is that a dog gets people talking.” Leveraging the bond between...
CHENEY – The City Council unanimously approved two labor agreements after rejecting the original proposals twice due to concerns about including the Juneteenth holiday. Initially, the council opted to remove Juneteenth in favor of preserving two floating holidays for employees. However, the council ultimately decided to include it and instructed City Manager Mark Schuller to return to the union for renegotiation. Under the revised agreements, city employees now have the option to regain a floating holiday through p...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – In the early hours of Feb. 18, Johnny Kevin Kieffer, 30, found himself in handcuffs, facing charges of possession with intent to distribute, following a swift arrest by local law enforcement. The events unfolded during a routine patrol at the All Seasons Motel, where police officer Bryant Baker noticed a vehicle sporting a broken window, records show. Running the license plate number revealed the car as stolen. In the course of canvassing the motel’s rooms for leads, the officer chanced upon drug par...
CHENEY — The City Council on Feb. 13 unanimously approved installation of a $300,000 aluminum reservoir lid for the city’s in-ground water reservoir. Public Works Director Todd Ableman told the council the lid was necessary as part of water system upgrades for the tank located between North Ninth and 10th Streets, south of Oakland Street. “We need to get going with the reservoir,” he said. Other upgrades discussed included specifications regarding reservoir walls, with an emphasis on an 8-inch requirement. Additio...
CHENEY – Residents and officials were presented with plans for the proposed Cheney Aquatic Center during the Feb. 13 City Council meeting. City Public Works Director Todd Ableman took the stage to detail the project's timeline, design features and other considerations. The Cheney Aquatic Center is poised to become a centerpiece of recreational activity in the area, he said, outlining a comprehensive timeline that highlights milestones in the development: • December: Sch...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a potential shooting in the 4900 block of East Upriver Drive on February 11. An anonymous caller relayed that an altercation had erupted in the parking lot, culminating in someone discharging a firearm toward a vehicle before fleeing the scene. Through thorough investigation and witness testimonies, authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Billy R. Olson. Initial findings suggest that Ols...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) Detectives took steps in pursuing justice as they secured a warrant for the arrest of Gregory C. Boris, a 42-year-old Level-2 Registered Sex Offender implicated in a violent sexual assault on February 5. Boris, residing in Kennewick, was apprehended in the Tri-Cities based on the warrant and subsequently transferred to Spokane County Jail. The incident unfolded on February 5 around 11:20 pm when Spokane Valley Deputies responded to r...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The pedestrian who was the victim of a hit-and-run on January 24 has passed away in the hospital due to the severe injuries sustained, says Spokane Valley Deputies. Authorities are seeking to elevate the charges against the suspect, 64-year-old John R. Townshend, from hit-and-run causing injury to hit-and-run causing death. Townshend remains in custody at the Spokane County Jail under the initial charge of causing injury, with a bond set at $25,000. A...
MEDICAL LAKE — As communities continue to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Lake Food Bank Association is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and volunteers with the introduction of a new drive-through facility. Association Secretary Vickie Kennedy said the purpose is rooted in addressing needs exacerbated by the pandemic and related shutdowns. “Prior to the pandemic, people could park out...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – One man was killed and another arrested after an 8:41 p.m. shooting Sunday night, Feb. 4, in the 1700 block of South Campbell Street. Wyatt Walker, 28, died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Devine D. Bullard, 30, was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail in the shooting, records show. At press time, he was being held without bail on five counts of first-degree assault. He was expected to be in court for his first appearance on Tuesday. P...
CHENEY - Recent revelations about PFAS contamination in Spokane County have sparked growing concerns among residents and authorities alike. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to various health disorders, including cancer, prompting calls for action and heightened awareness. The issue first came to light due to the use of PFAS in the 1970s, initially believed to be non-toxic. However, suspicions about its toxicity arose later, leading to increased...
MEDICAL LAKE – The Medical Lake School Board recently appointed student representatives in a move aimed at enhancing student engagement and amplifying student voices within the district. At a Jan. 23 meeting, Ashley Heppler, Trinity Shull, Chuks Okembo and Gabby Ornelas were selected to serve as student representatives for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. The selection process involved an application and interview process. Prospective candidates had to submit a...
CHENEY – The Department of Design at Eastern Washington University has acquired a risograph and is expanding its palette with an array of spot colors. Now, the university is rolling out a residency program aimed at inviting resident designers to utilize this innovative machine, said Ginelle Hustrulid from Eastern's Design Department. A risograph is a digital screen printing device. Hustrulid emphasized the value of this initiative, stating, "What better way to showcase a r...
SPOKANE VALLEY – In a recent city council session, the spotlight was on a potential initiative to beef up the police force by as many as 31 officers over the next four years. Erik Lamb, deputy city manager, Chief Dave Ellis, and Morgan Koudelka, the administrative analyst, led the discussion, revisiting the proposals laid out by the Matrix consulting group back in November. Lamb emphasized the gravity of the decision, asserting, “This is one of the most crucial matters reg...
SPOKANE VALLEY – At the February 6 Spokane Valley City Council Meeting, discussions revolved around Ordinance 24-001, proposing adjustments to the planning commission meeting schedule. The amendment aims to scale back the monthly meetings from twelve to nine months per year, garnering unanimous approval. Tony Beatty, the senior deputy city attorney, shed light on the rationale behind the amendment. He cited the lack of substantial material for review in January and February d...
SPOKANE VALLEY – In a session of the Spokane Valley City Council on February 6, 2024, Chief Dave Ellis presented an extensive plan outlining the recruitment and retention initiatives for the Spokane Valley Deputies. Against the backdrop of community concerns and evolving law enforcement dynamics, the council delved into a multifaceted strategy aimed at bolstering the city’s police force. Erik Lamb, the deputy city manager, initiated the discussion by highlighting the col...
SPOKANE VALLEY – During the recent city council session on January 30, Spokane Valley delved into discussions regarding the contract with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s office. Larry Haskell, the county prosecutor, took the floor, shedding light on crucial details about the office’s current state and potential contractual matters. Haskell outlined the jurisdiction of the District Court, emphasizing its role in handling traffic infractions, misdemeanors, gross misde...
CHENEY – As the Cheney School District gears up for three measures on the Feb. 13 ballot, including two levies and a bond, officials are grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by inflation and property value assessments. During the Jan. 24 School Board meeting Finance Director Jamie Reed delivered a sobering presentation highlighting the district’s financial state. Reed emphasized the need to address the district’s fund balance, currently sitting at 7%, with hopes...
CHENEY – In a unanimous Jan. 23 decision, the City Council approved Resolution F-222, an interlocal agreement with Spokane County on sustainable commuting practices. LeAnn Yamamoto, county Transportation Planning Manager, highlighted the importance of the updated intergovernmental agreement. “We have an intergovernmental agreement that’s been updated,” she said. The focus of the agreement is working with businesses to encourage carpooling and public transportation. Under t...
In a recent city council meeting held on January 23, Spokane Valley deliberated on its approval of an application for a grant under the 2024 City Safety Program (CSP), which passed unanimously. Spearheaded by Adam Jackson, the city’s Utility Engineering Manager, and his assistant engineer, Dan Baker, the discussion centered on identifying critical safety projects aimed at mitigating traffic accidents and enhancing road safety across the city. The 2024 CSP funding, recurring b...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The city witnessed a charged city council meeting on January 30, marked by the nomination of four new members to the planning commission. Despite concerns raised by Councilman Al Merkel about the nomination process, the motion passed with a 5-2 vote, igniting intense debate among council members and prompting public comments. Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg announced the nominations of John Robertson and Justin Weatherman for terms extending from January 1, 2...
