Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 387
WEST PLAINS — The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a missing 16-year-old girl, Lilly G. Hancock, who is considered a vulnerable juvenile. Lilly was reported missing by her family on July 25, a day after she was seen leaving their home on the West Plains, near I-90 and W. Aero Road, on July 24. Surveillance footage captured her departure, but she left without her medication, extra clothing, or personal items, raising concerns for her safety. Her family has expressed worry, notin...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Airway Heights City Council has accepted a $4,000 grant from Walmart to install security cameras around the Walmart shopping center as of the July 18 meeting. Police chief Brad Richmond presented the request, which was approved with six votes in favor and one abstention....
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Airway Heights City Council has appointed Melanie Kern to the Planning Commission as of the meeting on July 18. Kern, the sole applicant for the position, was recommended for appointment. The motion to approve her appointment passed with six votes in favor and one abstention....
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Airway Heights City Council has approved a $40,950 grant from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WAPTA) at the meeting on July 18. The funds will be used to purchase six new flex cameras and cover 18 months of subscription fees, explained police chief Brad Richmond. The cameras will be shared with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention....
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Airway Heights City Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance C-1031, which proposes opting out of maintaining a public records index, at the July 18 meeting. Mr. Daniel A. Gibbons, city attorney, explained that state law requires cities to keep a records index, but they can opt out if it poses an undue burden. “There are budgetary restrictions,” Mr. Gibbons explained, mentioning that city budgetary funds are not sufficient, and that there are not enough city employees to index all records. The c...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Airway Heights City Council is considering Ordinance C-1032, which would repeal and replace Chapter 2.28 of the municipal code concerning public records. The topic was discussed at the July 15 city council meeting. Tanya Dashiell, assistant clerk treasurer for the city, and Mr. Daniel A. Gibbons, city attorney, presented the ordinance, highlighting the need to modernize the outdated code. The current regulations, created in 2001, last amended in 2007, are “significantly out of date,” according to Dashi...
MEDICAL LAKE – The Foxhole Bar & Grill, a community staple since opening in 2022, has closed its doors. Owner Matthew Sutton announced the closure on the bar's Facebook page on Tuesday, July 16, citing financial difficulties. “Please know that you all have been so very good to us and we love you,” Sutton wrote. “We can't keep it going. I hope someone can come in soon and give this town a bar. We're so very sorry, we tried.” The Foxhole Bar & Grill, located at 114 East Lake Street, played a significant role in the community...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City of Airway Heights will hold an open house to gather community feedback on the Missing Middle Housing Update on July 31 at the Airway Heights Recreation Center. The open house aims to engage residents in the development of new policies, zoning, and development standards required by recent state legislation. In 2023, the Washington Legislature passed Engrossed 2nd Substitute House Bill 1110, which mandates 77 jurisdictions to adopt regulations allowing for middle housing on all lots zoned p...
MEDICAL LAKE – The city council discussed about the issues on the possibility of putting a fireworks ordinance up for a public vote on July 16. City Administrator Sonny Weathers gave an overview of the kinds of restrictions that can be passed and discussed options for potentially proposing a ballot initiative for residents to voice their opinions on the sale and use of fireworks in the city. The presentation was created at the request of Councilman Chad Pritchard, as many concerned residents are apprehensive about the l...
CHENEY – Eastern Washington University (EWU) is embarking on a rebranding initiative aimed at revitalizing its identity amid enrollment challenges and evolving educational landscapes. Spearheaded by President Sheri McMahan, the university is set to adopt the moniker of “the region’s polytechnic,” marking a departure from its traditional image. David Meany, Director of Communications at EWU, explained that the decision to pursue this rebranding stemmed from a directive by the Board of Trustees to differentiate EWU in a compe...
MEDICAL LAKE – The city council addressed public safety concerns at the recent July 16 meeting by considering the implementation of surveillance cameras throughout the city. Councilman Lance Spiers initiated the discussion, proposing the use of cameras to improve service, protect infrastructure, and enhance security. “We need to explore how cameras can help prevent vandalism, harassment, and assault on city-owned property,” said city administrator, Sonny Weathers, who presented the council with various options for camer...
SPOKANE — Spokane County Commissioner Al French stressed the importance of reliable internet access as he heralded the groundbreaking of the Broadlinc project, aimed at enhancing connectivity across underserved communities. “The pandemic underscored that internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” French stated in a recent newsletter. “Communities without reliable connections faced significant challenges accessing essential services such as medical care, education, and community resources.” French, who represent...
CHENEY — Cheney Public Schools is gearing up for another bond campaign set for November, with Superintendent Ben Ferney and Finance Director Jamie Reed outlining their strategies and challenges at the July 17 school board meeting. Zachary Zorrozua and Heather Schlake also unanimously approved to write the pro position and against position, respectively. Superintendent Ferney emphasized the importance of the bond, describing it as a crucial step for the district’s future. “We need this, this is a big one in November,” Ferney...
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – Team Fairchild is conducting an emergency response exercise from July 22 to July 24, aimed at preparing units across the installation for an active threat incident. Personnel and visitors on the base should anticipate the presence of first responders executing emergency response procedures. This includes sirens, fast-moving vehicles, and loud noises originating from the exercise area. Despite these activities, the exercise is not expected to disrupt base services, including medical appointments a...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Selkirk Pharma, Inc. has a new CEO. Colleen Dixon has already resumed the job at 9110 W. Granite St., between Fairchild Air Force Base and Airway Heights. Dixon previously served as vice president of program management. She follows Patrick Haffey, who served as chairman and CEO for the past six years. With more than 30 years of experience, Dixon brings a wealth of expertise in research and development, manufacturing and leadership. “I am honored to lead Selkirk Pharma into the next stage of its evo...
CHENEY – Cheney Public Schools has announced its proposed budget for the 2024-25 academic year, emphasizing transparency, strategic planning, and community engagement in financial decisions. During the June 12 School Board meeting, Finance Director Jamie Reed presented a detailed budget outlining how funds will be allocated to achieve educational goals and serve as a financial blueprint for the district. Reed reported that the expected enrollment for the upcoming year is 5,209 students, with an additional 182 participating R...
CHENEY - Local firefighters contained two brush fires over the last week. One fire broke out at the Salnave Road-Interstate 90 interchange Tuesday night, July 9. The other broke out Wednesday, July 3, off West Jennings Road. At press time, details were not available on the Salnave Road fire. But fire officials reported the West Jennings fire had been contained to about 3 acres. Initially reported as slow-moving, that fire burned about a half-acre before spreading to 3 acres...
CHENEY - The Cheney Depot Society is closing in on its nearly decade-long mission to restore the historic Cheney Depot. According to Depot Society Secretary Susan Beeman, the project's goal is to not only save and restore the depot but also to transform it into a vibrant economic tool for the downtown area. "The mission is to restore the depot so that it can be a centerpiece," Beeman said. "We want to lease it out to a tenant who will turn it into a business, so people will...
REARDAN – One person was killed July 6 when a motorcycle struck a Ford F150 pickup on U.S. Highway 2 east of the city. Christina J. Gernert, 40, of Post Falls, Idaho, was pronounced dead at the scene. Spokane Fire Department officials notified her next of kin. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. According to the Washington State Patrol, she was eastbound on her 2020 Harley-Davidson Flathead motorcycle at 6:50 p.m. at the time of the crash. She attempted to pass another vehicle and hit the westbound pickup d...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Police have released the names of individuals arrested during a June 26 drug bust here. Nine were arrested on outstanding warrants at 591 S. Easy St. Arrestees are: • Tyler J. Holmes (warrant) • Ryan T. Thomas (DOC warrant) • William Orvalla (warrant, refused by SCJ) • Michael D. Ramirez Jr. (warrant, OR-SCJ) • Gessi K. Duvall (warrant, OR-SCJ) • Kaylee B. Stanz (Fugitive Felony, slip; probable cause affidavit needed within 48 hours) • Brooke N. D. Benton (warrant, OR-SCJ) • Tiffany L. D. Croney (two warra...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council reviewed s proposal at last Tuesday’s meeting to install a dual port electric vehicle charger at the local library. The proposal was presented by Amber Williams, the Strategic Project Manager at the Spokane County Library District. She said the initiative is part of an ongoing partnership with Avista, which began in 2021 and has already resulted in EV chargers being installed at five other libraries. The project would see the installation of a dual port AC Level 2 charger in the library’s parki...
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council is reviewing a new regulation aimed at reducing fire hazards by requiring property owners to remove dangerous vegetation and debris. Building Inspector Dave Weisbeck outlined the proposal during a July 2 meeting, explaining that the goal is to mitigate fire risks and improve public health and safety. “It builds on our maintenance code,” Weisbeck explained. “Currently, we treat many issues as nuisances.” The proposed regulation, Title 9 Chapter 9.10.025, requires all property owners and occup...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The council approved park and recreation’s request for $35,000 to buy two boilers at the meeting on Monday. The decision comes after last week’s discussion to replace the broken boiler for $18,000. The council discussed the necessity of replacing the current boiler system with a more efficient and reliable solution. “The estimated cost to replace the boiler for $18,000 was for an identical unit,” Parks and Recreation Director J.C. Kennedy explained. “We’re looking to replace the system with something more eff...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — A June 26 drug raid led to nine arrests. Despite being public record, police have yet to release the names, ages and charges for those arrested. The drug bust followed two suspected overdose deaths, according to police. Officers investigating the overdoses identified a building at 591 S. Easy St. as a site for illegal drug activities, records show. Police executed a search warrant at the address. Arrest warrants were issued warrants for more than 20 individuals on and around the property for various c...
