In brief: Jail escape charge is No. 2 for man

A burglar who escaped from the Benewah County Jail in July escaped again early Tuesday, authorities say, but was back in custody by Tuesday night.

Jesse John Wilkenson, 20, also known as Jesse Brebner, was in custody on charges related to the July 15 escape when he left the jail about 12:15 a.m. A Benewah County dispatcher confirmed he was back in custody, but did not know the circumstances surrounding his capture.

Wilkenson had been sentenced to a 365-day prison treatment program for a burglary conviction but hadn’t been transferred to a state facility because he was awaiting the resolution of his escape charge, which carries up to five years in prison, said Teresa Jones, spokeswoman for the Idaho Department of Corrections.

Benewah County authorities did not notify state prison officials of Wilkenson’s escape in July for several days, but Jones said the department knew of Tuesday’s escape early that day.

Intruders in masks attack resident

A 65-year-old man was assaulted in his home by two masked intruders Monday, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday.

A sheriff’s dog searched the home and surrounding area of Horsehaven Avenue and Greensferry Road but did not find the assailants.

The victim suffered “significant injuries to his head and face” and was transported to Kootenai Medical Center, according to a news release.

Sheriff’s deputies, Post Falls police and Kootenai County Fire/Rescue personnel responded to the area about 9:15 p.m. The victim was inside his home when he discovered the intruders. He escaped to his parents’ home across the street and called 911.

“Due to the victim’s injuries and subsequent treatment at the hospital, deputies were unable to immediately determine what, if anything was stolen,” according to the news release.

The investigation is ongoing.

Lilac directors elect new leader

Next year’s Spokane Lilac Festival has a new president and a new theme.

Directors of the Spokane Lilac Festival elected Hal Patton, 50, as president for the 74th annual Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, which takes place in May.

Patton, who has lived in Spokane since 1996, has been involved in the festival for the past four years. His daughter was elected queen in 2007.

He said he wanted to participate because he believes in the festival’s mission – to honor the military, recognize Spokane’s youth and showcase the region.

He said this year’s theme is “dream and reach for the stars.”

“It’s a twofold theme, in that it is a tribute to our military, who defends our American dream,” he said. “And a challenge to our youth to dream big and work for those dreams.”

Patton is a general manager at Northwest Bedding, but keeps busy with Lilac Festival duties throughout the year. He and other festival officials travel around the northwest and parts of Canada representing the Spokane region in parades.

Intersection slated to reopen

The city of Spokane Valley announced Tuesday that the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road was expected to reopen to full traffic either late Tuesday or sometime today.

As recently as last week the finishing date for the project to install concrete in the intersection was estimated at Sept. 21. Construction began on Aug. 1 and during most of that time drivers couldn’t make east or west turns onto Indiana.

“We have found a way to open up the concrete intersection earlier than planned,” said senior engineer Steve Worley. Crews had planned to install a concrete approach slab next to the Sullivan Bridge made of special, heavy duty concrete that would take 10 days to cure. Worley said the decision was made to use normal concrete for the slab to reduce the length of the closure. “The impacts to the businesses were more important,” he said.

Crews put in curbs and temporary barriers Tuesday and when that is done the intersection will reopen, Worley said.

City warns public of phone scam

Spokane city officials are warning residents of new scam that uses city of Spokane phone numbers.

A person, or persons, is attempting to glean personal bank account information from victims by calling from what appears to be an official city phone number, spokeswoman Marlene Feist said in a news release. Caller ID information has been modified to appear as though the call is coming from the city, the news release said. Many city numbers have a 625 prefix.

No one at the city of Spokane would call a resident to request bank account information, Feist said. Police also reminded the public to never give out such personal information unless they are certain who they are dealing with.

Anyone who receives this type of call is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 or the state attorney general’s office at (509) 458-3509.