Sorted by date Results 76 - 100 of 623
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....
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...
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 – Police arrested David Justin Quesnell, 40, on the 800 block of Russell Street after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase on Nov. 25. Quesnell has been facing accusations of second-degree assault. According to the Airway Heights Police Department, Officer Baker attempted to stop Quesnell for reckless driving. Instead, Quesnell fled, driving dangerously through the area before being apprehended. Authorities allege Quesnell obstructed police during the arrest and also caused property damage in the p...
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...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The city council’s approval of its 2025 budget last Tuesday was overshadowed by sharp exchanges and ongoing tensions between councilman Al Merkel and his colleagues. The budget, which totals $149.6 million across 31 funds, passed with a 6-1 vote, with Merkel casting the lone dissent. The meeting marked the third and final public hearing on the 2025 budget. Finance Director Chelsie Walls highlighted key points, including a General Fund expenditure of $67.7 million, a planned reduction of two full-time emp...
SPOKANE – Spokane County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives have recently partnered up with the U.S. Marshal’s regional Violent Offender Task force in order to locate and arrest Jordan G. Fleming, the suspect in a Nov. 17 shooting at the Big Foot Tavern in north Spokane. Fleming, 30 years old, is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities advise residents to not approach him. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $750 for information that leads to his arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800...
SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley Deputies arrested two men early Monday morning after they were caught stealing tires from a local business on North Fancher Road. The suspects, Hector N. Palomera-Tapia, 40, and Malcolm L. Kaisi, 32, were pushing shopping carts loaded with stolen tires when apprehended. Both men were booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of second-degree burglary and third-degree theft. The incident occurred on Nov. 25, at around 2:40 am. Deputies w...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The Central Valley School Board held a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 to discuss transgender athletes in girls’ sports, drawing a large and vocal crowd. After a lengthy discussion, the board passed a resolution and sent a letter asking the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to reconsider its current policy, which allows athletes to play on teams that match their gender identity. The resolution passed 3-1, with one member abstaining. A similar letter to the WIAA and state law...
SPOKANE VALLEY – MultiCare Valley Hospital has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that rates hospitals for patient safety, announced Kevin Maloney in a newsletter on Nov. 18. Maloney is the media relations manager for MultiCare Health System’s Inland Northwest Region The grade is based on more than 30 safety measures, including the prevention of medical errors, infections, and injuries. Leapfrog rates hospitals with grades from A to F based on their safety protocols and res...
SPOKANE – The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has been recognized for achieving the highest professional standards in law enforcement. Last week the office earned accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) during the group's Fall Conference. The WASPC accreditation process, which spans multiple months, involves a seven-phase review to ensure that agencies meet the association's high standards. These include effective a...
MEDICAL LAKE – Local residents may see big changes to their transit system, according to Karl Otterstrom, the Chief Planning and Development Officer at Spokane Transit Authority At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, Otterstram laid out the STA’s plans to update local bus routes and accessibility. Route 63 had nearly 48,600 rides in the past year, while Paratransit served 2,820 rides in 2023. STA’s Rideshare program includes five groups with 22 riders. Changes are planned for Route 62, which connects State Highway 902 and F...
Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Police Department reported the following arrests from Nov. 18-24: Nov. 18 Precious A. Bigsmoke was arrested on the 800 block of South King Street for criminal mistreatment in the second and third-degree. Nov. 19 Jina Comto was arrested on the 14300 block of West Highway 2 for first degree criminal trespassing and possession of a controlled substance. Nov. 22 Jay K. Hoffschneider was arrested on West Betz Road and South Normal Park Road for driving without an ignition interlock device, r...
CHENEY – Cheney Public Schools is rethinking school meals with local ingredients and international flavors, Nutrition Services leaders shared at the board meeting on Wednesday. “We want kids to recognize where their food comes from,” said Director LJ Klinkenberg. He highlighted the district’s commitment to local sourcing. Grass-fed beef from Cheney-area farms is used in chili and beef stew, while a Farm to School grant is funding lamb gyros. The team is introducing culturally diverse meals like gyros with house-made hummus,...
MEDICAL LAKE – Finance Director Koss Ronhault updated the city council on the third-quarter budget during the Nov. 19 meeting, stressing the city’s need for year-end amendments to the 2024 budget. He explained that while 83% of the city’s funds were reported as spent, the current number would be closer to 85%. General Fund revenues reached 89 of the $2.5 million budget, exceeding expectations by $135,000 due to higher-thang-anticipated sales taxes, permits, and interest income. Expenses stood at 67% used, however, key depar...
ROSALIA – A five-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck, icy conditions, and multiple cars left one person dead and another injured early Saturday, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The accident occurred aroud 7:20 am, on State route 195, about three miles north of Rosalia, near Babb Road. Investigators say a southbound semi-truck lost control on the ice and jackknifed into the northbound lanes. A car heading north collided with the semi, pushing it into two other vehicles in the adjacent lane. Meanwhile, the t...
CHENEY – Cheney Public Schools is moving towards the next phase of their strategic plan to guide to student success beyond academics. Director of Teaching and Learning, Kelly Niccols, presented the plan, which features two programs: Portraits of a Learner (POL) for elementary grades and Portraits of a Graduate (POC) for secondary students. Niccols said that the district is hoping to create a student-centered system which emphasizes skill development and personal growth. “Everything we do is for the benefit of the stu...
CHENEY – The Cheney School board reviewed its 2025 legislative priorities for the first time at the recent board meeting on Wednesday night. The current focuses are state funding for special education and operational costs rather than on transportation. Superintendent Ben Ferney highlighted the district’s collaboration with Washington’s 295 school districts to present a unified request to the legislature. “We need to improve the prototypical model,” said Ferney. He noted that state funding only covers 7% of special education...
