Sorted by date Results 51 - 75 of 623
CHENEY – A new bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, seeks to boost public safety by increasing the number of police officers across Washington. Holy's proposal, Senate Bill 5060, asks for $100 million to create a grant program, to help local and tribal governments hire police officers. The funding would come from the state general fund. "Crime is a growing problem in our state," said Holy. "Washington ranks among the worst states in several categories, including m...
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 COUNTY – Spokane County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives are investigating a shooting tied to a vehicle theft on Dec. 13. At around 8:40 p.m., deputies responded to a reported stolen Jeep near West Charles Road and North Dover Road. The armed Jeep owner began chasing the suspect in another vehicle. Minutes later, gunshots were reported near West Four Mount Road, east of North Landt Farms Lane. The owner told deputies he shot at the suspect, who abandoned the Jeep in a ditch. Blood was found inside the vehicle, but...
CHENEY – The Cheney School Board unanimously approved a two-year administrative agreement on Dec. 11 that will provide salary increases and benefits aimed at retaining and attracting top leadership. The agreement, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, includes an average 6.1% pay increase in the first year and 7% in the second year. Contracts starting this past July will also see retroactive adjustments, resulting in year-end payouts. “This agreement keeps us competitive with comparable districts like East Val...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Area 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 Spokane, 67%...
OLYMPIA – A new bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, seeks to boost public safety by increasing the number of police officers across Washington. Holy's proposal, Senate Bill 5060, asks for $100 million to create a grant program, to help local and tribal governments hire police officers. The funding would come from the state general fund. "Crime is a growing problem in our state," said Holy. "Washington ranks among the worst states in several categories, including m...
SPOKANE – A Spokane Valley woman has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for illegally distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Shannon Ray Ault, 38, was sentenced on Dec. 17 by U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke. In addition to her prison sentence of 10 years, Ault will serve five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Ault was caught in February of this year when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted a “controlled buy” of two pounds of methamphetamine. The o...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Councilman Al Merkel advocated for a greater share of cannabis tax revenue for Spokane Valley during the special 2025 legislative preparation session of the council meeting this Tuesday evening. Under current law, only 5% of statewide cannabis tax revenue is distributed to cities and counties. Spokane Valley supports increasing the local portion to 20%. “We join other communities in supporting a 20% increase in direct distribution to cities and counties,” Merkel announced. He clarified, stating, “We’r...
Local teen reported missing SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff's Office are asking the public to assist in locating 14-year-old Lydia S. Decker. Decker is a runaway that has been deemed at-risk due to her mental health history and behavior. Decker's family reported her missing and expressed concerns about her safety. They mentioned that she has a history of crisis treatment, threats of self-harm, and assaultive behavior. A...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Councilwoman Laura Padden presented Spokane Valley’s request to clarify document recording fee distribution at the Dec. 17 meeting. These fees support housing and homelessness programs, with a portion returned to cities and counties. “30% of that revenue is then returned back to the county, where the fees are generated,” said Padden. “Unless a city within that area takes on the responsibility for the housing and homeless programs within their boundaries.” Padden explained that a 2023 legislative change crea...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Councilman Ben Wick stressed the need for improvements at the Barker Road/Interstate 90 interchange during the Dec. 17 special legislative agenda council meeting. The city is asking for $1 million in state funding for design work. Wick noted the significant congestion at the interchange, especially during rush hour. “There’s tremendous growth in residential and commercial areas, and traffic is often at a dead standstill,” he said. He noted that regional factors like Liberty Lake and the other neighbo...
SPOKANE COUNTY – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department received a grant valued at $19,647 to improve officer safety, officials announced in a press release on Dec. 16. The grant, awarded by the Spirit of Blue Foundation, provides 131 Guardian Angel Elite Series LED safety lights. These high-powered, hands-free lights offer 360-degree visibility and can be seen from over five miles away. According to officials, these lights will make deputies and K9s safer, particularly in rural, low...
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...
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...
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 – 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...
