News briefs

Ice Age Floods presents ‘The Big Picture’

Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Spokane Chapter, and Eastern Washington University Department of Geology are sponsoring a free public lecture, “The Ice Age Floods in the Pacific Northwest: The Big Picture,” on Friday, April 8, from 7 – 9 p.m. in Science Building Room 137 on EWU’s Cheney campus.

Dr. Gary Ford, president of the Ice Age Floods Institute will discuss aspects of the floods that flowed from western Montana to the Pacific Ocean. Ford will provide the big picture so individuals will have an appreciation for how specific areas fit into the overall floods story. He will touch on some of the human history, as well as the geological history related to the ongoing flood work. 

Ford completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in earth science and a doctorate in soil science from Montana State University. He taught soil science classes at MSU and the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

During 25 years with the Forest Service, he worked as a soil scientist for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest in Coeur d’Alene where he mapped more than a million acres and worked as the regional soils correlator for the Northern Region of the Forest Service.  

Library district holds ‘Food for Fines’ benefit

Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library are celebrating National Library Week, April 10 – 16, with “Food for Fines,” a community food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Fine forgiveness amounts have doubled this year.

Food for Fines works like this: for each donation of a non-perishable food item, library customers can reduce their overdue fines by $2 — maximum, $20 forgiven per library account. The food bank receives the donated food, the customer has forgiven fines — it’s a win-win for all.

Donations benefit the Second Harvest Food Banks and their expanded networks in Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield and Medical Lake.

This is the second year of collaboration for the Spokane County Library District and the Spokane Public Library for the annual Food for Fines event. Last year, the two library systems combined collected over 6,000 pounds of food and absolved over $5,100 in overdue fines.

Studded tires to be removed

OLYMPIA – With spring’s arrival, the Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that studded tires must be removed by the last day in March. 

Under state law, driving with studded tires after Thursday, March 31, is a traffic infraction that could result in a $124 ticket from law enforcement.

In addition, studs can wear down pavement, so removing them promptly helps extend the lifetime of state roadways. Tire removal services can get crowded as the deadline approaches, so please plan accordingly. 

WSDOT will not be extending the studded tire deadline this year, but crews will continue to monitor roads, passes and forecasts and work to clear any late season snow or ice. The Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors. No personal exemptions or waivers are issued.