News Briefs

Squadron receives Fosseen Award

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown awarded the Neal Fosseen Award to the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron during an award ceremony here Jan. 26.

The award recognizes military units for community service. The squadron earned the recognition for efforts in feeding, supporting and organizing events for both Spokane and North Idaho.

“This year’s Neal Fosseen award winner is a group that dedicated hours to ensure people and families across the region were fed,” Brown said. “They not only did food drives to collect donations, but volunteered their time to distribute over 11,000 pounds of food to more than 300 families.”

Squadron airmen recorded more than 2,000 volunteer hours affecting 42 organizations last year.

Planning commission terms extended

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Two planning commissioners have hand their terms extended.

During the Jan. 31 City Council meeting, the terms of Planning Commissioners Don Mitchell and Brenda Ponce were extended until Dec. 31, 2028.

Associate City Planner Zachary Becker said the commissioners’ terms expired Jan. 31, 2024. However, both commissioners expressed their desire for an extension, prompting the council’s unanimous decision to grant their request.

Measles outbreak reported in state

VANCOUVER – State health officials are reporting a possible measles outbreak in Wahkiakum and Clark counties.

There are currently eight confirmed measles cases in the state, Department of Health spokesman Mark Johnson.

“All 8 cases were tested and identified in January 2024,” Johnson said, noting all of the cases are in Wahkiakum and Clark counties..

— Cheney Free Press