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

In brief: Early morning blaze claims $795,000 home

From Staff And Wire Reports

A $795,000 home for sale in Cheney was destroyed this morning after a fire ignited in the garage.

A mother and son inside the home “were lucky they got out,” said Bruce Holloway, Spokane County Fire District 3 chief. The woman and boy were unhurt.

The cause of the blaze remained under investigation, officials said. However, the fire was not considered suspicious.

About 5 a.m., the woman heard noises coming from the garage. She thought it was an intruder and called 911, Holloway said. While on the phone, she saw smoke and reported the fire.

The flames quickly spread into the attic and throughout the house, Holloway said.

The home is located on 10 acres at 9318 S. Spotted Road.

Man shows handgun in robbery of woman

A pistol-wielding man stole a woman’s zebra-striped purse and cell phone early Friday as she returned to her Spokane Valley apartment.

The robber was described as 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-5 and skinny, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Reagan. The man wore a black shirt, baggy pants and a black baseball cap.

Shortly after midnight, the woman was returning home to the River Rock Apartments in the 12700 block of East Shannon when the man approached, Reagan said. “He pointed the black handgun in her direction and demanded her purse.”

The man fled toward a 7-Eleven Store on Pines at Marietta, Reagan said.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Fire in apartment leaves two homeless

Two people were left homeless Friday after their northeast Spokane apartment was damaged by fire.

Spokane firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 1847 E. Marshall Ave. about 4:15 p.m. When crews arrived, smoke and flames were seen coming from an upper-floor apartment.

The residents of the apartment were not home at the time of the fire, which did significant damage to the unit, officials said. The two adults were being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Hood River beats deadline, squeaks out gas tax

PORTLAND – Hood River city voters have approved one of Oregon’s new local gasoline taxes.

Elections officials said Friday the referendum tally was 812-809. The narrow margin requires a recount, which is scheduled Tuesday.

The vote in the Columbia Gorge town was tied at 806 after an initial tally Sept. 15.

The Legislature has declared a moratorium on higher local taxes – starting Monday.