Local news coverage for Spokane and the Inland Northwest

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Fire danger upgraded in Spokane County amid dry, hot conditions

July 30, 2014 Officials warn intense heat and dry conditions will make areas of the Inland Northwest highly susceptible to fire danger through the weekend.
Common Core textbooks arrive at Spokane elementary schools

July 30, 2014 on Page A1 New textbooks are arriving at elementary schools in Spokane County’s largest district, launching widespread adoption of the Common Core curriculum. Common Core is a set of national standards in language … 53
Spokane police combating car theft with Club lock giveaways

July 30, 2014 on Page A1 Spokane police have given away about a hundred steering wheel locks to drivers who own the most-stolen cars in a city notorious for auto theft. The program has been “extremely … 14
Accuracy watch

July 30, 2014 on Page A2 For 07-30-2014
Developer’s ex-wife Kimberly Jeffreys sentenced in fraud case

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 The criminal saga of a Spokane developer, his ex-wife and his girlfriend ended Tuesday when a U.S. District Court judge sentenced Kimberly Jeffreys to 90 days of home confinement. The … 3
Shawn Vestal: Pause on STA Plaza redo revealing

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 As the downtown business illuminati attempt to derail eight years’ worth of planning for improved bus service in Spokane, they insist that it’s not because they don’t like poor people. … 30
Man pleads guilty to murder of woman, sentenced to life in prison

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 A 33-year-old man will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated murder Tuesday. Juan Sifuentez pleaded guilty to robbery, kidnapping and murder charges in … 1
Boat fire injures man, grandson at Bayview marina

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 A boat on Lake Pend Oreille burst into flames at a Bayview marina Tuesday afternoon, burning a man and boy on board. The victims jumped into the lake at MacDonald’s … 1
Photo: Worked-up thirst

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 Enduring heat: MDM Construction pipe layer Kameron Freiday takes a drink from a hose while working in the heat Tuesday in Coeur d’Alene. Temperatures in the 90s are forecast to … 1
Jim Kershner’s this day in history

July 30, 2014 on Page A5 From our archives, 100 years ago Dr. H.S. Clemmer took out a 10-year lease on a new theater being built by August Paulsen on the southwest corner of Sprague Avenue …
Jewish federation calls for NRA lobbyist to resign over remarks

July 30, 2014 on Page A6 A suggestion by a National Rifle Association spokesman that Jews should oppose gun control because of what happened in Nazi Germany has added new ammunition to the debate over two … 19
Idaho records

July 30, 2014 on Page A6 For 07-30-2014
Washington records

July 30, 2014 on Page A6 Spokane County Marriage licenses
Passengers stranded when Seattle ferry loses power

July 30, 2014 on Page A6 SEATTLE – A Washington state ferry lost power on the ferry system’s busiest route Tuesday, stranding hundreds of passengers in the Puget Sound until the vessel could be towed to …
Plan to hire wolf hunter suspended in Idaho

July 30, 2014 on Page A6 BOISE – Idaho Fish and Game officials say they’re suspending a plan to use a hired hunter to kill wolves in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, until …
Barry Peterson isn’t Idaho GOP chairman, court rules

July 30, 2014 on Page A7 TWIN FALLS, Idaho – A judge rejected a bid Tuesday from embattled former Idaho GOP Chairman Barry Peterson to hold onto his leadership position within the state’s dominant political party. …
In brief: South Hill brush fire contained, under investigation

July 30, 2014 on Page A8 Crews remained on scene of a 7-acre brush fire Tuesday, a day after flames threatened a dozen homes in a quiet South Hill neighborhood overlooking the Hangman Valley. Firefighters completely …
Attorney general’s office urges lower Avista electric rates

July 30, 2014 on Page A10 Avista Utilities should lower base rates for its Washington electric customers instead of trying to collect more money, the state attorney general’s office said this month. The office, which described … 2
Man found dead near North Idaho College identified

July 29, 2014 The body of a man found on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene by North Idaho College on July 19 has been identified as Daniel E. Moreno, 40.
Kimberly Jeffreys sentenced to home detention in fraud case

July 29, 2014 Kimberly Jeffreys, ex-wife of imprisoned developer Greg Jeffreys, will not step foot in a federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud earlier this year, a judge ruled Tuesday. 8
Idaho suspends plan for hired wolf hunter

July 29, 2014 BOISE — Idaho Fish and Game officials say they’re suspending a plan to use a hired hunter to kill wolves in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness until … 32
Man pleads guilty to murder in March slaying

July 29, 2014 Juan Sifuentez will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree aggravated murder in the beating and stabbing death of Latanya Chapin, 51, earlier this … 5
Ex-tourism agency leader questions Grand Hotel Spokane’s ‘demand generator’ potential

July 29, 2014 on Page A1 The former president of Spokane’s tourism promotion agency says the new Walt Worthy hotel downtown lacks the brand-name recognition needed to attract significant new bookings for conventions and meetings. Harry … 64
Spokane voters to decide on polishing Riverfront Park, fixing streets

July 29, 2014 on Page A1 There was little controversy at Monday’s Spokane City Council meeting, where discussion centered on two big tax measures: to revitalize Riverfront Park and continue funding for street maintenance. Voters may … 84
Heat’s on: Many turn to area waters to keep their cool

July 29, 2014 on Page A1 The inflatable raft was piled high with everything two friends could possibly need for an afternoon at the Spokane River. Towels. Snacks and drinks. A folding chair, an umbrella. More … 1
Doug Clark: ‘Wheels 4 Meals’ shows Etzel’s Edsel has heart

July 29, 2014 on Page A5 Q – What do you call a two-time loser? A – A guy driving an Edsel with a Nixon sticker on the bumper. 1
Health care exchange glitches a mystery, official says

July 29, 2014 on Page A5 OLYMPIA – Thousands of customers of Washington’s health care exchange have problems with the new medical insurance they’ve purchased this year, problems the state agency hopes to have fixed by … 114
Driver gets 78 months for vehicular homicide

July 29, 2014 on Page A5 If Priest Lake native Scott Moore were alive today, he’d be tending asparagus in his railroad-tie-bordered garden, his wife, Darcie Humphrey Moore, said Monday. “It takes three seasons to grow … 25
Fire below High Drive spurs neighbors, fire crews, aircraft into action

July 29, 2014 on Page A5 Sharon Anderson looked out the window of her South Hill home Monday afternoon to see a plume of smoke rising from the woods just beyond her deck. “I yelled ‘Fire!’ … 11
Jim Kershner’s this day in history

July 29, 2014 on Page A5 From our archives, 100 years ago The Nazarenes were holding a camp meeting in a tent near Pacific Avenue and Pittsburg Street and the preacher could be heard shouting from …