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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Crime Stoppers offers reward


Atkinson
 (The Spokesman-Review)
The Spokesman-Review

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for finding a probation violator who may have information about an unsolved crime.

Dennis D. Johnson, 49, is wanted for escape from community custody after being put on probation for possession of dangerous drugs, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Reagan. Johnson has a lengthy criminal record including third-degree assault, domestic violence assault, possession of a controlled substance and theft.

Anyone with information regarding Johnson’s whereabouts should call (800) 222-8477. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect a reward but should provide a code name or number.

Sex offender living downtown

Spokane Police want to notify residents in the downtown area that a level 3 sex offender has moved into the area.

William M. Atkinson, 51, was released from prison on Jan. 15 after serving seven years for second-degree assault, said Spokane Police spokeswoman Officer Jennifer DeRuwe. His history includes sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and third-degree rape of a 24-year-old.

Atkinson will be supervised by the Department of Corrections for 12 months, DeRuwe said. Atkinson is not to consume alcohol or be around minors.

YAKIMA

Open bidding for lab dropped

The U.S. Department of Energy canceled its bidding competition Wednesday for the contract to manage Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, citing a provision in a recent spending bill that would allow the current and subsequent contractors to conduct research for private companies.

In 2006, the department announced that for the first time in 41 years it would seek competitive bids for the contract to manage the national science laboratory in Richland. Battelle Memorial Institute, a nonprofit group based in Columbus, Ohio, has managed and operated the south-central Washington laboratory since its inception in 1965.

However, an omnibus spending bill signed by President Bush on Dec. 26 provided that the special-use permit at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory shall continue during the existing contract and any extensions or renewals of the contract, and shall be incorporated into any future contract.

The Energy Department has not yet decided how to proceed toward a new laboratory contract, the department said Wednesday in a statement.