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

In brief: Meth found after fatal crash

From Staff Reports

Detectives investigating a car crash that killed a teenager in south Spokane last weekend found methamphetamine in the vehicle in which the victim was riding, according to newly filed court documents.

Jacoby Bryant, 19, died early Feb. 14 when the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am she was riding in collided with a 2005 BMW in what police believe was a race between the vehicles on southbound Hatch Road near 54th Avenue.

Spokane County sheriff’s detectives found meth in a purse in the Grand Am, and the car’s driver, Brooke A. Reese, 18, told police she’d had four shots of vodka that night, according to a search warrant filed in District Court.

Reese told investigators she was driving “too fast” when she tried to make a left turn on 54th Avenue and collided with a tree after being struck by the BMW about 2:24 a.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Reese was treated and released from a local hospital. Neither the BMW’s driver, 18-year-old Taylor D. Marean, nor passenger Ryan Perrizo, 19, was injured.

Detectives are investigating the three for possible vehicular homicide charges.

Reward offered for suspect

A man conned his way into an elderly Spokane couple’s home last weekend and stole a wallet. Now Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for tips that identify him.

The couple, both in their late 80s, allowed the man into their home in the 8100 block of East Upriver Drive Sunday after he told them he was a window washer, Crime Stoppers announced Friday.

The culprit grabbed the elderly man’s wallet and fled the home.

A witness reported an elderly couple chasing an old red minivan with Montana license plate 541770 and said the man was crying. The couple told police the man drove away in a red station wagon with license plates from an unknown state and a number similar to 5147110.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or submit tips online at www.crimestoppersinland northwest.org.

Lawmakers plan town halls

With the Washington legislative session about two-thirds gone, some legislators are using the time this weekend or next week to check in with voters.

In the Spokane area, legislators from the 6th District have scheduled town hall meetings today, while House members in the 4th District are doing one by phone conference on Tuesday.

Democratic Sen. Chris Marr and Rep. John Driscoll have two meetings today: 10 a.m. at Northwood Middle School, 13120 N. Pittsburgh; and 2 p.m. at Hamblen Elementary, 2121 E. Thurston.

Republican Rep. Kevin Parker also has two meetings: 9 a.m. at Ridgeview Elementary, 5610 N. Maple; and 11 a.m. at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First.

Republican Reps. Larry Crouse and Matt Shea have a telephone town hall starting at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday. To participate, dial in close to that time at (877) 229-8493, and use a PIN of 15550.

EWU seeks scholarship help

Eastern Washington University is launching a scholarship campaign in light of rising tuition costs and possible cuts to financial aid.

According to Eastern officials, at this time cuts to financial aid could impact more than 3,000 Eastern students, especially middle- to low-income students who officials say may be forced out without financial aid.

Due to the state budget crisis, public universities’ tuition increased by more than 14 percent this year, and will increase by the same amount next year, officials said.

The We Need You campaign includes solicitations to donors, and videos by students urging supporters to give money to the university’s scholarship fund.

Learn more at www.ewu.edu/needsyou.

Get help with financial aid form

Idaho students and families seeking assistance with financial aid for college should plan on attending the Go On Idaho! FAFSA day today.

The Free Application for Student Aid is required for students enrolling in college, and who are seeking tuition assistance, including student loans.

The Go On Idaho! event will be held at more than 20 sites through the state, including in Coeur d’Alene, where students can get assistance from high school guidance counselors, college and university financial aid directors, and state education officials.

For a complete list of sites and times, visit www.findyourpath.idaho.gov/events-calendar/ 2010-02-20.

State to discuss Lake Pend Oreille

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host a “state of the lake” meeting for Lake Pend Oreille on Feb. 27.

The session runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ponderay Events Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way. Discussion topics include updates on kokanee and bull trout populations, lake trout netting programs and control of invasive species.

For more information, call (208) 769-1414.