Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 7608
A brush fire broke out on the west side of I-90 near Salnave overpass on July 9, leading to traffic restrictions in the westbound lanes at milepost 264, close to SR 902. The cause and exact time of the fire's ignition were unknown and still under investigation. The lane closure began at 5:28 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m. Spokane County Fire Districts 3 and 10 quickly responded to the scene to contain and extinguish the fire. According to the fire district's Facebook page,...
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 – A 59-year-old woman who killed her son and disposed of his remains near Rock Lake was sentenced June 26 in Spokane County Superior Court. Judge Annette Plese sentenced Christine Catelli to 6.5 years in prison. Catelli, who originally faced a second-degree murder charge, pleaded guilty June 20 to first-degree manslaughter in the death of Chase Catelli, 35. The standard sentencing range is 78 to 102 months (6.5 -8.5 years) According to court documents, Catelli shot her son in June 2022 at her boyfriend’s home just of...
SPOKANE — Ratepayers who purchase electricity from Avista may have their power turned off on windy, hot summer days when utility officials deem fire danger high. According to company officials, Avista’s so-called “Public Safety Power Shutoff” plan is in response to summer conditions in Eastern Washington. When high winds are forecast, company employees may increase sensitivity on power lines, officials said. The increased sensitivity could lead to more and prolonged power outages. Officials said ratepayers will be notifie...
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...
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...
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE - Thousands of aviation and military buffs turned out Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23, for SkyFest 2024. The airshow takes place every other year on the flightline of the base just, off U.S. Highway 2. This year's show was dedicated to the A-10 Thunderbolt II - dugged the "Warthog" - as the Air Force retires the tank killer. The A-10 was piloted by Major Lindsay "Mad" Johnson. There were numerous other aircraft in the air and on static display. Others...
CHENEY – The City Council approved four resolutions for the Police Department to improve communications, technological equipment and the evidence collection process during a June 11 meeting at City Hall. “These new resolutions will speed up our process and save the city at least $147,000 a year,” Interim Police Chief Rick Beghtol said. The first resolution pertains to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications level agreement. According to Beghtol, switching to this agreement will give the public greater connectivity to emerg...
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...
CHENEY – A Washington State Patrol trooper cited a hay truck driver June 18 on multiple load violations. The trooper observed a semi-truck carrying the unsecured load of round bales on State Route 904, a state patrol report said. Upon noticing there were no straps securing the load, the trooper issued an out-of-service violation for endangering other people on the roads. The patrol did not release the name of the driver even though it is public under state law. The driver also...
CHENEY - There's a new business in town catering to gamers. Brett and Lucy Atkins and Kristian and Dora Mayen have opened Tinker and Tamp at 1911 First St. They hosted a grand opening Saturday. According to Atkins, gamers filled the store on opening day. The store offer role playing game tables and sell characters and other gaming items along with meta-physical items. The owners decided to do what they love to do, gaming. According to Brett Atkins, they are the first business...
MEDICAL LAKE — The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls from June 21-23: June 21 9:44 a.m. – Prowler check on the 1386 South LeFevre St. 10:42 a.m. – Domestic violence protection order served on the 850 West Maple St. 11:42 a.m. – Medical call on 515 South Silver Lake Avenue. 3:48 p.m. – Traffic stop on North LeFevre St and North Jefferson St. 4:30 p.m. – Traffic stop on South LeFevre St and South Green Gate. 5:01 p.m. – Domestic violence call on 214 South Washington St. June 22 9:45 a.m. – Bur...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Police arrested the following individuals between June 16-24: June 16 Aaron J. Leigh was arrested for violation of a domestic violence protection order on the 14300 block of West Highway 2 June 20 Nichole M. Bentley arrested for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence on the 12500 block of West Highway 2. Risen Jabjulan arrested for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence) on the 1700 block of South Hayford Road. June 21 Justin R. Anderson arrested for first-degree criminal trespass in the 1200 block of S...
CHENEY — The Police Department responded to the following calls from June 17-23: June 17 Approximately $800.00 worth of tools was stolen from a garage on the 400 block of Buena Vista. Gold ring was found and taken into the CPD evidence for safekeeping on the 100 block of West Sixth Street. A two year old was found wondering around alone, neighbors were able to locate the family on the 1000 block of Betz Road. A female and male suspect stole $80.00 in merchandise and fled on the 2700 block of First Street. Crisis on the 300 bl...
CHENEY – The city hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the planned Aquatics Center last Thursday at Hagelin Park. The existing city pool has gone through many repairs and has had many shutdowns with equipment and structural problems. So, voters last year approved a measure to fund a new pool. "This pool was built in 1964 and served the people of Cheney for many years," Mayor Chris Grover said. "It has long gone past its use." The mayor reminisced about the times when he and...
People brought their dogs to the Disc Dog event at the Founder's Day celebration on June 14. For more on Founders Day....
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE –Motorists should be prepared for traffic delays in the area of Fairchild Air Force Base due to SkyFest this weekend. The base will be hosting Skyfest, showcasing several different aircraft. This will impact the area on State Route 2 in the vicinity of Fairchild Air Force Base. According to the Washington State Patrol, travelers should give plenty of time and expect longer than usual delays between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. around the base. The main gate will have access for VIPs, disabled p...
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 AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Police arrested the following indivduals between June 11-16: June 10 Melanie J. Hargrove arrested for third-degree theft-shoplifting in the 10800 block of West Highway 2. June 15 Brendan M. Tachell arrested for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, controlled substance manufacture with intent to deliver, and making a false statement to a public servant on West 21st Avenue near South Lawson Street. John C. Bevins arrested for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence in the 900 block o...
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...
