High school closes for roof repairs

Snow may be to blame for structural problems to the roof at Medical Lake High School.

Classes and all school activities are canceled until Monday while the roof is repaired, school officials said.

Staff members noticed that a support welded to a suspension system for a domed roof over the cafeteria was loose, Superintendent Pam Veltri said. Structural engineers urged administrators to close the building while they repaired the damage.

The domed roof was constructed in 1954, Veltri said.

Post Falls

Store clerk thwarts knife-wielding robber

A convenience store clerk in Post Falls foiled an armed robbery early Wednesday, police said.

A man with a large kitchen knife demanded money from the clerk at the Post Falls Gas Mart, 211 E. Seltice Way, about 1:30 a.m., police said. But the clerk grabbed the telephone as the man tried opening the cash register with his knife, prompting the robber to flee without the cash, according to a news release.

A resident who chased the culprit last saw him running northbound on Frederick Street. The robber was described as in his 20s, 6 feet tall and 150 to 175 pounds with a thin build. He wore a black hood over his face.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective John Mason at (208) 773-3517 or submit tips anonymously at (208) 777-COPS or online at postfallspolice.com.

Cheney

Authorities seek man accused of rape

A man accused of raping a woman in Cheney last month can’t be found, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to his capture.

James H. Wilson, 19, is wanted on suspicion of second-degree rape. He’s lived in Medical Lake but is now a transient, according to a news release. Anyone with information on Wilson’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or submit tips at crimestoppersinlandnorthwest.org.