News Briefs

SPOKANE – The Spokane County Library District has announced Beanstack’s 5th Annual Winter Reading Challenge, “Read for a Better World.”

A press release from the district said, “A New Year’s resolution of reading more can make a better you. Even reading for just 20 minutes a day can reduce stress levels, improve your memory, and help us all be more empathetic.”

The library invites readers to sign up through links on their website, and those participants can also track their reading through the Beanstack Tracker app for mobile devices.

The challenge is open to readers of all ages, and people can read whatever books they want.

The press release also states, “During January, you’ll have access to selected eBooks from Lerner Publishing, available exclusively through the #WinterRead2022 challenge. That means you will have instant access with no holds, wait times, or borrowing limits.”

Participating schools and libraries can win prizes such as book collections, signed books, and virtual author visits from Lerner Publishing.

CHENEY - On December 31, drivers in Cheney needed to use caution when crossing the railroad tracks along the intersection of Betz Road and Highway 904.

A section of the metal rail had dislodged and was sticking up into the road causing a traffic hazard, and had the potential to significantly damage a passing vehicle.

A definitive reasoning was not immediately known, although officials said two possible reasons could have caused the damage. Either the material was worn down, and the cold temperatures caused it to break. A plow blade could have also clipped the track at some point and lifted it out of the road.

Police managed traffic while crews worked to fix the track for several hours.

MEDICAL LAKE – The Medical Lake Kiwanis is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year and will be accepting candidates until February 7.

The group asks the community to nominate seniors who have “greatly contributed of themselves to the good of others, and for the submissions to be done in writing.

The winning honoree will be announced during the groups Senior Valentine Dinner on February 12. The dinner will be a drive thru event to adhere to COVID protocol, and participants will pick up meals behind the Fishin Hole Saloon.

For more information contact Daniel Dorshorst at (509) 995-1099

SPOKANE – The North 40 Outfitters store in West Spokane will be offering an archery league, and is one of five participating stores. Other participating stores are in Couer d’Alene and Lewiston Idaho, and West Geat Falls and Havre Montana.

Interested people can sign up at the archery shop counter of participating stores for $80, and that covers a six-month range card and targets for league competitions.

Four people are allowed per team, and shooters will compete in a Vegas 3 spot round each week.

The first-place team will receive $100 North 40 gift card for the entire team. Second place team with receive $50 gift cards for each team member, and the third-place team will get $25 gift cards.

CHENEY – Lenny’s Classic Restaurant had to close on Friday January 7 as a result of storm damage to the building.

Upon arriving on site, staff members walked into a flooded kitchen. The high winds caused some roof damage and several leaks had to be fixed before the restaurant could re-open.

Restaurant staff said the facility was able re-open within a couple days