In brief: Storms expected before Labor Day

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for fire danger from thunderstorms across the Eastern Washington and North Idaho today. The storms are expected to reach their peaks this afternoon.

Abundant lightning striking the ground with dry grass and brush could create a dangerous situation, forecasters said.

In addition to the red flag warning for fire danger, the Weather Service also issued a hazardous weather outlook for the general public. The warning and watch were in effect for North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Highs today should reach the upper 80s with gusty winds accompanying any thunderstorms. Steady winds from the south are expected to be between 6 and 13 mph. The chance of precipitation goes from 30 percent today to 40 percent this evening. The risk of thunder showers is 50 percent to 60 percent in North Idaho this evening.

After tonight, the Labor Day weekend is forecast to be perfect for the holiday with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 50s.

WSP stepping up Labor Day efforts

The Washington State Patrol and local authorities will be out in force starting today to look for motorists who are speeding, driving impaired and not wearing seat belts.

The emphasis patrol, an operation that has been in place since 1997, is part of a national Combined Accident Reduction Effort for Labor Day weekend, WSP spokesman Trooper Mark Baker said.

“We are coming to the end of summer, and a lot of people are expected to be out on the roads this holiday weekend,” WSP Chief John R. Batiste said in a release. “Do your part to keep our roads safe – buckle up, use a designated driver and give yourself enough time to get where you are going.”

Last year over Labor Day weekend, the WSP arrested 297 drivers who were under the influence. The WSP also issued 6,289 speeding citations, 634 tickets for people failing to wear seat belts and 53 for those who did not have children properly restrained, Baker said.

Spokane

83-year-old scares away intruder

When an 83-year-old Spokane woman confronted an intruder in her bedroom, she wasn’t considering the consequences.

Fortunately, the man opted to flee instead of harm her, Spokane police said. The man remains at large.

Spokane police Cpl. Jon Strickland wanted to remind the public to call police when you think someone is in your house. Don’t confront them on your own, he said.

The woman was sitting in her living room Wednesday watching television when she heard a knock at the door. She looked out the window and didn’t recognize the man, so she didn’t open the door.

Moments later, she heard someone in her bedroom. She went into the room to check. The man apologized and looked for his quickest escape.

Rewards offered on two suspects

Secret Witness is offering a reward for information that results in the arrest of a woman wanted for stealing a large quantity of goods from the Kmart where she worked and, in a separate case, a man wanted for first-degree robbery.

Jennie Sue Gonzalez, 27, was working at the department store in November 2005 when she used a stolen credit card to purchase numerous items from the store using her employee discount, Spokane County sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Reagan said.

Gonzalez is wanted on a felony warrant for second-degree possession of stolen property, Reagan said. She has multiple convictions for forgery, identity theft and second-degree theft.

The woman is described as 5-foot-8, 150 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.

Secret Witness also is offering a reward for information on Bobby S. Galloway, 20, who is accused of taking a woman’s purse at knifepoint in May, said Reagan. The woman was uninjured.

Galloway is described as black, 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, Reagan said. Galloway has felony convictions for unlawful imprisonment and second-degree assault.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Gonzalez or Galloway is asked to call (509) 327-5111. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect the reward, but they should leave a code name or number.

MALAD, Idaho

Couple will face dogfight charges

Authorities in eastern Idaho say they intend to file dog-fighting charges against a Malad couple after investigators uncovered more than two dozen pit bulls and other evidence during a drug raid.

Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Semrad said detectives on Tuesday found 26 pit bulls, four puppies and blood evidence suggesting that illegal dog fighting had taken place at the property.

The dogs have disappeared, believed to have been taken from the property Tuesday night after a sheriff’s deputy was called away, Semrad said.

Deputies discovered the dogs during a drug investigation at the home of Andy Willard and Tiffany Willard, both 24.