Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 7474
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Tragedy struck the community last Thursday evening as a deadly house fire engulfed a residence on West Whitetip Avenue. At least one person was killed in the blaze; their identity has yet to be released. Fire Chief Mike Metzger said the fire occurred at approximately 7:03 p.m. April 4. It was promptly reported to authorities by a concerned neighbor who dialed 911, he said.. Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders were met with a blaze that had already taken hold of the structure. Metzger said a s...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – City Council members grappled with a potential tax levy lid lift to bolster public safety initiatives during a meeting Monday, April 8. The proposal to create a new ordinance around a levy lid lift had its first reading, and was approved to be moved forward by unanimous vote to the next session. City Manager Albert Tripp delved into the intricacies of financing options to enhance longterm public safety. His proposal is a tax increase. There are three options for the tax increase: option one is $2.71 per $...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council unanimously agreed April 1 to hire Liz Loomis Public Affairs to help market an August primary election ballot measure to raise funds for a public service tax. The ballot measure is a proposed levy lid lift that can be passed by a simple voter majority. The lift is needed to generate funding for more police officers. City Manager Albert Tripp, addressing the council, highlighted concerns raised by community members regarding under-staffing in law enforcement. “Seventy-six of the community mem...
With a little patience and a high-density filter, Eastern Washington residents were able to catch a glimpse of the Monday, April 8, solar eclipse. In our region, at about 11:35 a.m., the moon covered from 26.1-28.5% of the sun. That glimpse was available between clouds. The partial eclipse here lasted 1 hour 52 minutes; it began here at 10:39 a.m. and ended at 12:31 p.m. While we observed only a glimpse of the eclipse, the moon totally blocked the sun across a 115-mile swath...
MEDICAL LAKE – Owners of properties with “historic” value could face new regulations under an ordinance and agreement approved on first reading by the City Council. Under Ordinance No. 1122, consenting property owners could have their buildings placed on a historic register, managed jointly by the city and Spokane Historical Preservation. Prior to the vote, Spokane Historic Preservation’s Logan Camporeale presented a series of questions and answers regarding the agreement outlined in the ordinance. “Medical Lake and Spoka...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council on April 2 approved on first reading Ordinance No. 1123 addressing right-of-way management. The ordinance is aimed at enhancing the permitting and use requirements for right-of-way projects, and will be brought back for a second reading at an upcoming meeting. City Manager Sonny Weathers initiated the discussion by highlighting the necessity for updated risk management assessments. “Washington state conducted a risk management assessment,” Weathers said. “They noted it was out of date....
Man arrested for eluding police officer CHENEY – Jakob D. Petitto, 30, was apprehended by Cheney police officers on charges of eluding a police officer during a routine traffic stop, possession of a controlled substance, and outstanding warrants from Idaho. The arrest took place in the 700 block of First Street. According to Police Chief Rick Beghtol, Petitto attempted to evade authorities but was successfully apprehended by Officer Sullivan. Notably, following the arrest, law enforcement discovered a firearm in close p...
CHENEY – Residents across Eastern Washington woke up to an unexpected surprise on Friday, April 8, as snow blanketed various parts of the region. According to Steven Van Horn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, the snowfall totals were particularly noteworthy for this time of year. "Rosalia saw an astonishing 4.8 inches of snow, marking a record for April snowfall in the area," Van Horn said. "We've been keeping records on Rosalia's weather since the late 1...
CHENEY – A recount of Cheney precinct 9014 ballots in the Feb. 13 special election remain unchanged following a requested recount. Election Manager Mike McLaughlin confirmed that Spokane County elections officials conducted the recount March 27 of precinct ballots cast for two levies and a bond measure. “No change,” McLaughlin said last week. Sharon Berg, one of the precinct residents who requested the recount, declined to comment on why she was involved. “The newspapers are kind of biased to a certain view,” she said. “I...
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University’s Police Department is gearing up for an assessment by a team of evaluators from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators arriving on April 27. The evaluation will scrutinize all facets of the department, including policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, according to Chief Jewell Day. The objective of this assessment is to ascertain whether the police department aligns with the group’s standards, marking a voluntary initi...
Airway Heights AIRWAY HEIGHTS - The following individuals were arrested from April 2-6. April 2 George A. Knott arrested for third-degree theft (shoplifting) in the 12800 block of West Highway 2. Louina M. Quinata arrested for fourth-degree assault-domestic violence and third-degree malicious mischief in the 10600 block of West 12th Avenue. Douglas J. Farmer arrested for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle and...
CHENEY – Residents are gearing up for a day of community spirit and civic pride as the annual Clean Sweep event approaches Saturday, April 13. From 8:30 a.m. to noon at Veteran’s Memorial Park, the event aims to not only beautify the city, but also foster a sense of togetherness. The agenda is packed with activities designed to make a positive impact on the community. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to fuel up with coffee and refreshments before diving into their assignments. From 9 a.m. to noon, par...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local nanny is being held on $1 million bail after her arrest in the death of a baby boy. Sharon Jeanne Arger, 59, is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of a 4-month-old infant last November. She was arrested March 28. The charge stems from a Nov. 2 call regarding an unconscious infant at a residence where Arger was working as the child’s nanny. Upon arrival, emergency responders initiated lifesaving measures before the infant was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospi...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local man is being held in the Spokane County Jail without bail Tuesday, March 26, after attempting to elude police investigating a vehicle prowl. Douglas J. Farmer, 34, was booked into the ail on charges of attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree assault, first-, second- and third-degree malicious mischief, possession of a controlled substance, vehicle prowling, third-degree theft, and an outstanding Department of Corrections escape from community custody warrant. The incident unfolded a...
Thousands of area youth hit parks on Saturday, March 30, looking for Easter eggs. Pictured, a boy scans the ground in front of him for eggs in Rosalia. For more Easter photos, see Pages A6 and A7....
Cheney Free Press CHENEY – Turnbull National Wildlife Officials are planning low-intensity fires through May to clear dry grass and debris ahead of wildfire season. Officials do not have a set burn schedule, as activity will be dependent on weather conditions. Turnbull officials said residents may see smoke plumes during the burns, but insist the low-intensity fires will be help reduce wildfire risk in the region. “Safety is the No. 1 priority during a prescribed burn,” Turnbull’s Kelly Moroney said. “We will work with fede...
CHENEY – Turnbull National Wildlife Officials are planning low-intensity fires through May to clear dry grass and debris ahead of wildfire season. Officials do not have a set burn schedule, as activity will be dependent on weather conditions. Turnbull officials said residents may see smoke plumes during the burns, but insist the low-intensity fires will be help reduce wildfire risk in the region. “Safety is the No. 1 priority during a prescribed burn,” Turnbull’s Kelly Moroney said. “We will work with federal, state, and coun...
MEDICAL LAKE — During a Tuesday, April 2, meeting, city officials discussed their trip to Olympia during the legislative session and to deliberate on their legislative agenda moving forward. City Administrator Sonny Weathers highlighte the opportunities to procure additional funds, particularly through FEMA assistance. “We have an idea of what’s in front of us,” he said. “There is an opportunity to procure more funds.” FEMA assistance is being sought to help with cleanup of the Gray Fire that devastated the city last August...
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 investiga...
CHENEY – During the March 27 School Board meeting, Cheney schools Finance Director Jenna Larson presented the audit updates for the 2024-25 academic year. The presentation covered various aspects of the financial audits, including the single audit, which encompassed education stabilization and special education funds, as well as the examination of financial statements. One notable highlight from the financial report was the upcoming collection of property taxes in April, a source of revenue for the school district. Larson a...
HARRINGTON - Approximately 165 people packed the Opera House here Tuesday, March 26, for a community meeting about wind turbine projects planned from Edwall to north of Reardan and Davenport. Lincoln County Cattlemen's Association sponsored the meeting moderated by Sue Lani of Edwall. Cattlement's President Matt Schneider said until more facts are gathered, the association doesn't have an official position on the three planned wind turbine projects by Portland-based Triple...
LATAH VALLEY — A man arrested and released following a standoff last week is back in the Spokane County Jail. Cody D. Harris, 38, is being held on $1,500 bail after being arrested for first-degree criminal mischief on Tuesday, March 26. His return to jail came only a day after he was released from the Spokane County Jail following a March 22 incident at a ranch at 7500 S. Farm Road, located between Spokane and Marshall in the Latah Valley area. Harris was initially arrested for residential burglary and third-degree theft a...
CHENEY – City Public Works Director provided details on the contract and funding for the water main improvement project during a recent council meeting. Ableman announced Red Diamond was awarded the contract, having submitted the lowest bid of $480,000 plus tax. He noted that the available budget for the project is approximately $225,000, which will be sourced from either water or American Rescue Plan Act funds. The council unanimously approved of the agreement. “The water main improvement project will address inf...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council on April 1 heard a comprehensive review of the 2024 legislative session. According to City lobbyist Holly Sanabria, Airway Heights requested more aid for wildfire response and $260,000 for replacement of a fire engine, but did not receive funding. “The Legislature has three options: adopt as presented, adopted and modify, take no action and goes to vote,” Sanabria said of the budget request. The Legislature adopted the supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets, as well as in...
CHENEY – The City Council listen to a proposal to transition the local dispatch center to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications during its meeting March 26. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Executive Director Lori Markham pushed the idea. Her agency manages emergency and non-emergency calls, support GIS data services and operates 23 radio sites for emergency responders in the region. “Our IT department takes care of our phone system which is a very highly technical system,” Markham said. “We’re in the process o...
