News Briefs

Patrol identifies fatal crash victim

DEEP CREEK – The Washington State Patrol has identified a motorcyclist killed in a crash here Sept. 17 on U.S. Highway 2.

Dashani M. Broomfield, 21, of Ford, was eastbound on his YZFR6 when he struck a 2006 Ford Expedition at the Brooks Road intersection.

The Expedition was driven by Kayleigh J. Roop, 18, of St. Maries, Idaho, the patrol said. She was marking a turn onto Brooks Road when she was struck.

Broomfield’s speed was listed as the cause of the crash by the patrol. Neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor.

Names of pedestrian, driver released

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Washington State Patrol has released the name of a woman killed Aug. 15 when she was hit by a car on U.S. Highway 2.

Crystal M. Shults, 38, of Spokane, was killed when she was struck while walking eastbound in a travel lane of the highway, then suddenly turned north and crossed into the westbound lanes.

Shults was pronounced dead at the scene; the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office completed next-of-kin notifications.

She was struck by a 2019 Toyota Highlander driven by Ethan A. Schwartz, 18, of Medical lake. Neither he nor his 15-year-old passenger, Dylan T. Schwartz of Medical Lake, was injured.

Both were wearing seat belts at the of the incident, the patrol said.

The cause of the incident was listed as a pedestrian violation, but it is still unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved, the patrol said.

Shirk appointed Eastern trustee

OLYMPIA – The state Department of Revenue director has been named to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees.

Drew Shirk was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee last week.

A Wenatchee native, Shirk graduated from University of Washington and earned his master’s degree in public administration at Eastern.

Shirk oversees 1,500 revenue employees managing 60 categories of taxes that support key state services, including education, health care, social services, corrections, public safety, and natural resource conservation. His career spans nearly three decades.

He brings experience in public policy, tax administration, revenue strategy and stakeholder engagement to his new role, the Governor’s Office reported.

Shirk also previously served as executive director of legislative affairs for Inslee and most recently served as senior assistant director for tax policy.

Council approves six-year improvement plan

MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council unanimously approved Resolution 24-705, the six-year capital improvement plan during a meeting Tuesday, Sept 17.

The plan will guide funding and development for city projects through 2025, including transportation improvements and park upgrades. City Manager Sonny Weathers outlined the plan, noting funding sources have been identified and that some projects may be delayed if funding does not materialize.

“We don’t want to put an overwhelming strain on our citizens,” Weathers said.

In other business, the council also unanimously approved Resolution 24-706, amending its existing agreement with Executech MITS for IT support.

The amendment ensures that the city will continue to receive technology services for day-to-day operations.