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

In brief: Man, 49, killed in crash on SR 21

A man died on state Highway 21 in Ferry County on Friday night after another driver crossed the centerline and struck his car.

Arthur M. Voges, 49, of Malo, Wash., was declared dead at the scene of the crash near milepost 179, about five miles north of Malo.

John H. Clifford, 66, of Malo, faces a vehicular homicide charge for the crash. Washington State Patrol officers said Clifford’s 1993 Isuzu Rodeo crossed the centerline about 9:20 p.m., hitting Voges’ car.

Clifford, who was taken to Ferry County Public Hospital, was driving under the influence, according to the WSP.

Voges’ wife was also taken to the hospital. Linda Voges, 62, was a passenger in Voges’ 1999 Plymouth Neon. She was treated for a cracked rib and released.

Clifford’s condition was not available Saturday.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Gas fireplace starts fire in wall

A gas fireplace sparked a small blaze in a wall at a north Spokane home Saturday morning.

The owner of the home at 8410 Palm Place turned off the fireplace and called the Spokane Fire Department after smelling wood smoke about 10:45 a.m.

Fire crews quickly doused the fire and checked interior walls with a thermal imaging camera before leaving, according to the Fire Department.

Fire officials credited the homeowner’s “quick thinking” for saving the home from more severe damage.

“Although this fire does not appear to be caused by improper use or poor maintenance, the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind residents to check their heating devices for proper operation and maintenance as we enter the heating season,” a news release said.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Social Security office to relocate

The Spokane Social Security office opens Oct. 19 at a new location.

The new office, 714 N. Iron Bridge Way, Suite 100, will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. It provides Social Security services for residents of Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Lincoln and Adams counties. It is in the new Iron Bridge Office Park, a few blocks east of Trent and Hamilton. Turn north onto Perry Street from Trent Avenue, and the office is at the end of the street. It can also be reached by Spokane Transit bus 29.

The old location, 811 E. Sprague Ave., Suite A, will remain open through Oct. 16.

Social Security can be reached at (800) 772-1213 or on the Web at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Staff report