News Briefs

Cheney police plan medicine take-back event for April 13

CHENEY – Police have partnered with a local store to provide an avenue to get unused prescription drugs out off homes.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, residents may bring unused medications to the parking lot of the Cheney Bi-Mart, 2221 First St.

There, police and other first responders will collect the unused or outdated pharmaceuticals for proper disposal.

Participants will receive a fee lock box or pouch.

Airway Heights council OKs hiring another investigator

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council on April 1 unanimously approved hiring a new full-time investigator from first-responder funds.

During the meeting, Police Chief Brad Richmond elaborated on the need for additional staff, noting his department currently has three detectives, fewer than in 2019. He highlighted the significant workload each detective faces, with cases averaging 120 hours per case.

There are now two additional cases to a total of 39 cases, of which “54% are rape, child molestation and child torture,” Richmond said, noting another detective could be hired using the “availability of mental health first-responder funds.”

“We need new officers to address the staffing delta and allocate resources for mental health first responders,” he said. “We’re asking for you to approve that so we can move forward.”

Public safety building fund introduced in Airway Heights

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council introduced Ordinance C-1027, aimed at creating a new capital projects Fund, during a meeting last week.

City Finance Director Stanley Schubert explained the importance of the creating the “Public Safety Building Purchase and Remodel Fund, 2023.”

“We will be setting forth the source of money expended,” he said. “An ordinance of Airway Heights as the designation of a service fund for public safety building purchase.”

The money for the fund will be drawn from “two funds that follow the law and funds available, capital projects fund, service fund which comes from collected taxes,” Schubert said.

If approved, the ordinance will enable the city to allocate resources specifically for the acquisition and renovation of a facility to house public safety services.

Council approves another U.S. Highway 2 roundabout

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council approved three ordinances relating to right-of-way dedications and construction projects to enhance the city’s transportation network during its April 1 meeting.

All three ordinances passed with five votes and one abstention.

One of the key agenda items, the right-of-way agreement for the Lyons Road and U.S. Highway 2 roundabout (southeast corner), involved negotiations with GPI, LLC and the Kalispel Tribe. Similarly, the right-of-way deed for Lyons Road and the U.S. 2 Roundabout (southwest corner), involving JR Enterprises and the tribe, was also up for discussion.

During the meeting, planner Heather Trautman provided insights into the technical aspects of the projects.

“These will be designated as part of Craig Road,” Trautman said.

Council approves 2024 wages

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – In a unanimous decision, the City Council passed Ordinance C-1029, setting positions, salaries, and compensation for staff..

The ordinance, ensures equitable compensation and aligns position with the operational needs, city official said after the April 1 approval..