News Briefs

Travelers shoud arrive earlier for flights

Spokane International Airport officials are asking passengers to arrive 90 minutes prior to their scheduled boarding time due to new nonstop destinations and growth in available seats. In addition, the airlines are predicting a record high spring travel season.

In a March 16 news release, airport officials said that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has responded by opening the passenger security screening checkpoints 30 minutes earlier at 4 a.m. from 4:30 a.m. to accommodate the increase in passenger demand. TSA is also paying overtime to ensure staffing levels at the airport’s two peak times (5 a.m. – 7 a.m.  and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.). 

TSA PreCheck enrollees are still being processed through the TSA PreCheck lane, however, given the significant increase in demand, the lines beyond the ticket document check stations will be integrated lines in order to achieve maximum throughput at peak hours. TSA PreCheck enrollees can still leave on their shoes and light jackets but will need to submit all electronics larger than smart phone as well as liquid, gels and lotions for screening.  

The airport is working with the TSA to expedite the installation of one additional screening lane at the A/B and C terminals and the TSA has agreed to provide the corresponding equipment and staffing. The goal is to have the new lanes operational by June 1. 

Travelers are requested to arrive a minimum of 90 minutes ahead of their scheduled boarding time in order to allow for the increased time that it is taking to complete the screening process.

Airway Heights judge runs for District Court seat

Airway Heights Municipal Court Judge Jennifer Fassbender announced in a March 16 news release that she will file for the open Spokane County District Court Position 5 vacated by the recent retirement of Judge Gregory Tripp. In the release, Fastbender claimed Tripp has encouraged her to run for this position and has already offered his endorsement for her candidacy.

Fassbender has served as Municipal Court judge for the Airway Heights since 2009. In addition, she is a pro-tem (part-time) judge in Spokane County District Court, Spokane Municipal Court, Lincoln County District Court and Pend Oreille County District Court when needed.

Fassbender has been rated as “Exceptionally Well-Qualified” for District Court by the Spokane County Bar Association in October 2016. For the past 16 years, Fassbender has been an attorney with the Cooney Law Offices, P.S.

Hill retiring after three decades with SCRAPS

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services had announced that long-time regional director Nancy Hill is retiring after 32 years with the agency. In a March 19 email, Hill said current shelter operations manager Lindsey Soffes will be promoted to regional director on March 23.  

Before becoming the regional director for SCRAPS in 1995, Hill previously worked as an animal protection officer. Under her leadership, SCRAPS has evolved from a much smaller, localized shelter to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service it is today, handling roughly 10,000 pets each year.

Hill championed the regional model, helped secure a new 30,000 square foot facility and over saw the extensive remodeling. During her last days at SCRAPS, she facilitated the opening of an in-house clinic and a low-cost vaccination clinic for the public.

In a March 19 news release, agency officials said Hill sat on several national boards including the National Animal Control Association, and continues to embrace new life-saving ideas such as “Trap, Neuter and Release” in addition to fostering to help increase the shelter’s live release rate.