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Thomas Clouse

Tom Clouse is a reporter for The Spokesman-Review in the Local news department. He covers the Spokane County beat.

How to contact Tom

Email: tomc@spokesman.com
Phone: 509-459-5495
Fax: 509-459-5482

Recent stories by Tom

Partying polar-style

January 2, 2010 in City on Page B1 It’s an annual event for the brave, weak of mind or strong of drink. The Polar Bear Plunge can even combine all of those factors, as hundreds gathered Friday at …
Two badly burned in north Spokane RV fire

January 1, 2010 in City Two people were badly burned this evening inside a recreation vehicle parked behind a north Spokane home.
County balks at case transfer

October 31, 2009 in City on Page A1 The death penalty case against Christopher H. Devlin has turned into a disagreement over who should pay for his costly trial. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jerome Leveque has twice … 2
Candidates’ home addresses become issue in judicial race

October 20, 2009 in City on Page A1 The single contested race for Spokane Municipal Court judge has somehow morphed into a battle of addresses rather than qualifications for the job. Judge Tracy Staab, who was appointed 10 … 3
Comments by jurors at case’s heart

October 14, 2009 in City on Page A1 Three state appellate judges were asked Tuesday to reinstate a verdict that was favorable to a local doctor after five jurors in the original malpractice trial reportedly made derogatory comments …
Zehm inquiry continuing

September 17, 2009 in City on Page A1 More Spokane police officers could face criminal charges over the city’s handling of the fatal confrontation with unarmed janitor Otto Zehm, with newly filed court documents indicating a federal probe … 26
Feds unhappy with city attorney

September 13, 2009 in City on Page B1 Federal prosecutors have grown increasingly critical of what they describe as questionable behavior by the Spokane Police Department’s chief legal adviser, who reportedly used his position to provide “traditionally confidential” … 7
Officer cleared by jury

September 11, 2009 in City on Page A5 A decorated, 15-year veteran of the Spokane Police Department was acquitted by a jury of charges that he kicked a handcuffed suspect in the face. But Officer Rob Boothe, one … 5
Police trial wraps up today

September 10, 2009 in City on Page A5 A trial is expected to conclude today that involves a criminal charge and disagreement within the ranks of the Spokane Police Department. A jury is being asked to convict Officer … 2
Sex offender’s fate rests with jury

August 26, 2009 in City on Page A7 Shawn Dale Botner’s adult life has been one of continual clashes with law enforcement. The convicted sex offender, who twice attacked victims in women’s bathrooms, now awaits a jury’s decision …
Thompson supporters raise cash

August 25, 2009 in City on Page A1 Friends of Otto Zehm wore small blue buttons that read “Otto” in support of the mentally ill janitor, after he died in 2006 following a struggle with Spokane police. Now … 17
Speedier justice

August 22, 2009 in City on Page A1 A college student charged with felony theft recently stood before Superior Court Judge Maryann Moreno and asked to be enrolled into a diversion program. She was accused of shoplifting in …
Robber cites OxyContin addiction

August 21, 2009 in City on Page A5 A 24-year-old man told a judge Thursday that his life changed quickly and dramatically: He went from living with his girlfriend and their 7-year-old daughter to putting a knife to … 1
Jury hears case for committing sex offender

August 13, 2009 in City on Page A5 A Spokane jury got its first glimpse Wednesday of the past sex crimes and current violent sexual fantasies that persuaded state officials to try to keep Shawn Dale Botner in … 2
Man acquitted of murder based on plea of insanity

August 12, 2009 in City on Page A6 In a rare court proceeding, a Spokane man was acquitted Tuesday of stabbing his cousin to death last year. But that acquittal may require Adrian Wayne Ellenwood to remain in …
Man pleads not guilty in animal cruelty case

August 11, 2009 in City on Page A6 A Cheney man pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of animal cruelty after a witness reported seeing him throw a beagle into a kennel. According to a police report, … 4
Two more public pools open next week

August 8, 2009 in City on Page B1 Two more of Spokane’s six public swimming pools are scheduled to open Wednesday, giving kids 15 days to splash and dunk their friends before the school year starts. City officials …
Guilty plea in child rape case

August 7, 2009 in City on Page A7 The former security supervisor for The Spokesman-Review pleaded guilty Thursday to three sexual assault charges that could keep him in prison for life. Robert J. Robel, 61, pleaded guilty to …
River scare stalls traffic

August 6, 2009 in City on Page A6 Emergency personnel responded in force Wednesday morning onto and under the Monroe Street Bridge after someone riding the Riverfront Park Skyride reported seeing a bicycle next to the Spokane River. …
When a lift’s a letdown

August 5, 2009 in City on Page A1 The federal government’s “cash for clunkers” program could end up hurting some local small businesses by driving down the price of scrap and parts and making it harder for low-income … 3