News Briefs

More area roads closed due to flooding, washouts

Spokane County Public Works Department officials have announced the closure of several West Plains roads caused by heavy rains and rapid snow melt. Some roads had been closed earlier this month due to similar conditions, but subsequently reopened.

As of Tuesday, Graham Road west of Cheney from Salnave Road to the dead end was closed due to 3–4 feet of water over the roadway. Betz Road east of State Route 904 in Cheney to Andrus Road was also closed because of deep water over the roadway and areas of washout.

West of Cheney and north of SR 904, Ritchey Road from Cameron to Baker roads was closed, as was Cameron Road from Ritchey to Culver Road.

Up to an inch of rain was forecast for Tuesday, the lastest update before press time, raising the water level in several creeks and streams to flood stage.

Schlotter named national social worker of the year

The Washington Association of School Social Workers (WASSW) announced March 13 that Cheney School District assistant principal Catheleen Schlotter has been selected as the School Social Worker Association of America’s (SSWAA), School Social Worker of the Year for 2017. Schlotter will be honored at the SSWAA national conference in San Diego, Calif. on March 24.

Schlotter was also recognized as the WASSW School Social Worker of the Year in October 2016. The School Social Worker of the Year award is given to an individual who is recognized by their peers, colleagues and supervisors as making outstanding contributions ranging from direct practice to state and national leadership.

Schlotter is an assistant principal and reengagement and intervention specialist at Snowdon Elementary. She is a former WASSW board member as well as an adjunct professor at Eastern Washington University.

Water damage claims sought

Greater Spokane Emergency Management is conducting a preliminary damage assessment from Spokane County residents and businesses. If you suffered damage or loss due to the winter weather snow melt, flooding and/or other water damage to your primary residence, property, personal property or business please contact the GSEM office.

Some residents may be covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Businesses affected may also be insured against these losses. Emergency management officials encourage owners to contact their insurance company or agent regarding damage.

Damage assessment forms can be found online at http://www.gsem.us. Damage assessment information does not guarantee funding or assistance and only will be used to determine if Spokane County qualifies for disaster aid by meeting local, state and federal guidelines.

For more information please reference the “Frequently Asked Questions” on the Greater Spokane Emergency Management homepage referenced above.

State Fire Marshal urges checking of alarm batteries

The change to daylight savings is a good opportunity for residents to test and replace, if necessary, the batteries in their properly installed smoke and other home alarms.

In a news release, Washington state Fire Marshal Charles Duffy noted to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. No matter what kind of battery your smoke alarms have — 9-volt, long lasting, or non-replaceable — they all must be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly. Replace any alarms that fail testing, and replace all smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.

In 2016, 27 percent of fire deaths in Washington occurred in homes where no smoke alarms were present, or the alarms were not working. Making sure that the smoke alarms in your home are operational is a critical component when building your fire escape plan.

Warnings from smoke alarms can provide critical extra seconds people need to get out of their homes safely. For more information about fire safety, please visit the State Fire Marshal website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars.