In brief: FAA approves tribe’s design plans

The Spokane Tribe moved another step closer to building a casino, resort, and retail and cultural facilities on the West Plains with federal approval of its design plans for property near the Spokane International Airport and Fairchild Air Force Base.

The Federal Aviation Administration determined the highest structure envisioned on the site would not pose a hazard to air navigation.

The tribe previously announced agreements with Spokane County not to oppose its bid to develop 145 acres of tribal land, which would be annexed by Airway Heights.

The tribe’s plan to build what would be the second off-reservation casino on the West Plains still must clear several regulatory hurdles, including approval by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Kootenai County adds DUI patrols

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office will look for people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol when they conduct an impaired driving emphasis starting Friday.

Kootenai County deputies will be conducting emphasis patrols at various locations around the county through Nov. 30.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, more than 41 percent of Idaho’s 96 highway fatalities last year were the result of impaired driving crashes.

The city of Coeur d’Alene is shutting off the traffic signal at Fifth Street and Sherman Avenue starting this week after stop signs are installed on Fifth.

A review of cross traffic by the city’s engineering department shows the signal is not warranted. Sixth Street and Sherman, which has stop signs, showed traffic patterns similar to those at Fifth and Sherman, with very few accidents.

The signal is also more than 20 years old and runs on a predetermined time that does not respond to actual traffic volumes, making it inefficient, the city said. Removing the traffic signal will improve traffic flow on Sherman Avenue and improve service to the side streets without compromising safety, officials said in a news release.

For more information, call (208) 769-2216.

Office considers storm damage aid

The Spokane City-County Emergency Management office wants to hear from anyone who suffered property damage or economic loss in recent windstorms.

The office will compile reports of damage to businesses and primary residences to determine whether state or federal disaster assistance may be available.

To make a report, call Gerry Bozarth at (509) 477-7613.

Truckload of salmon overturns

One lane of Interstate 90 was blocked Wednesday morning at the Fishtrap Lake exit when a semitruck with a load of frozen salmon overturned, spilling its load.

Cases of fish were scattered around the scene following the 2:45 a.m. accident, according to Washington state troopers.

The trailer ruptured in the accident, which occurred 23 miles southwest of Spokane.

The roadway was cleared shortly after 9:30 a.m.