I-90 repaving project begins today

The Idaho Transportation Department starts repaving Interstate 90 this week from the Washington state line through Coeur d’Alene.

The 15-mile, $16 million project will reduce traffic to one lane in areas where and when crews are working. Speeds will be reduced to 55 mph.

To minimize traffic impacts the repaving work will be done from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday to Saturday.

– Amy Cannata

Post Falls

Deck fire spreads, claims two homes

A quick-spreading fire destroyed two homes Sunday in the Montrose subdivision of Post Falls, displacing the families who lived there.

Witnesses told Kootenai County Fire and Rescue the fire started on the upper level back deck at 1140 W. Deschutes about 2:30 p.m. The home’s vinyl siding began melting and fell off the home and onto a shared fence, spreading the fire to 1120 W. Deschutes.

Both families were home at the time, with some family members napping, and managed to escape without injury, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue spokesman Jim Lyon said.

The house at 1140 W. Deschutes was owned by James and Tokiko Cook, who were home with another adult at the time of the fire. Their next door neighbors, Mike and Kim Anderson, were home with their children, ages 2 and 4.

The Andersons were renting the home and were uninsured, Lyon said. Firefighters pulled a pink, stuffed dog from the home for one of their children, but Lyon said little of the family’s belongings are salvageable.

Cause of the fire has not been determined. A third home at 1160 W. Deschutes was slightly damaged.

Lyon said the swift-moving wind was a concern, so the first fire crews on scene went into defense mode and watered down neighboring homes to keep the flames from spreading.

The American Red Cross responded to the fire and is providing temporary shelter, food and clothing to the families.

– Taryn Brodwater

Spokane

Man run over in fight near bar

A 22-year-old man suspected of running over a friend Sunday morning during a fight in the parking lot of a Trent Avenue bar was arrested on felony assault charges, according to Spokane police.

Nathan J. Walker allegedly ran down the unnamed 22-year-old victim after an altercation just after midnight in the parking lot of Sweet Ole Bob’s, 3243 E. Trent., police said.

Witnesses told police that Walker punched the victim and the fight continued after Walker got inside his 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. Walker reportedly drove away while the victim was reaching inside the driver’s side window, dragging the victim for a few feet before he fell.

Police said Walker turned around, then drove at the victim, striking him at a speed of 20 to 30 mph.

Walker reportedly fled but was later arrested by Spokane police. The victim was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment of internal injuries and possible head injuries.

Police said alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

– Taryn Brodwater